Campaign Compendium

Party Members

Aluni

Spunky Gnome artificer alchemist. In combat, she brews and flings acid concoctions and other potions when she's not shooting her trusty crossbow. She has an intense curiosity about how things work and immediately wants to disassemble any interesting items, magical or otherwise, she encounters. She is nearing her exile radius limit and has a troubled history with others from her home territory, including Fenwick Cogspinner. She carries a magical wagon that can be stored in her pocket and has exceptional ability to spot traps and dangerous mechanisms.

Artemys

A ranger with auburn hair and pale green eyes who moves like someone trained for war but carries herself like nobility. She wears a moon pendant matching Flynt's and belongs to the Order of the Moon Goddess, sharing deep history with Flynt. Sent by Aristandros to track "the creature" that destroyed a settlement and is now moving with purpose across the Spine. She is accompanied by her massive wolf companion Luna.

Flynt

A male human Ranger from the Vozhk tribe. Uses hand crossbows and a flaming scimitar called Celtadon that previously belonged to a tiefling named Faustus. He bears scars that tell stories of hard experience and has the thousand-yard stare of someone who has seen too much but keeps going. He wears a moon pendant and belongs to the Order of the Moon Goddess, which is dangerous to admit in Primus's empire. He is developing romantic feelings for Zarael and has complicated history with Artemys. His tracking and survival skills can track avian signs and other wilderness threats.

Kenna

Zarael's pseudodragon familiar. A small draconic creature capable of flight reconnaissance and sharing sight with her bonded warlock. She serves as the party's aerial scout, providing valuable intelligence about terrain and threats ahead, and can project visual images to communicate complex information to others.

Luna

Artemys's massive wolf companion. Recognizes Flynt as a friend from their shared history.

Noctis

A Tiefling Monk and current apprentice of the Shadow Line. He wields the Umbral Fang which has the ability to disappear and reappear in his hand, and follows the teachings of his master Kael, living by the principle "They burn out. We endure." He is tracking a Firestormer (burnout) across the region who recently passed through Kleesaddle and has left distinctive burned handprints on skulls marking avian territory borders. He can scout using the Shroud for stealth reconnaissance and create zones of magical darkness to disadvantage enemies. His combat style emphasizes battlefield mobility, using enemies' momentum against them and striking from shadow teleportation.

Roth

A determined male human Oathsworn (Paladin) from the Vozhk tribe. Focuses on defense and protection, using his shield as a weapon while emanating a protective aura that shields nearby allies from harm. There's an old light radiating from him that predates Primus's influence, and he has a habit of poking people to verify they're real. He literally died and came back at some point, and can become possessed by Bortos, a violent spirit he can summon using a glowy magic orb. His divine sense can detect otherworldly energy, which causes him physical discomfort when near Zarael's shadow magic, and he can sense aberrant corruption spreading through corrupted regions.

Zarael

Sassy female Shadowkin (Drow) elf Warlock. Her powers all center around darkness and summoning living shadows that move with eager hunger and wrap around enemies like living tentacles. The shadows cling to her in a way that seems both familiar and twisted to those who understand shadow magic, suggesting her connection to shadow magic is older and more dangerous than typical warlock abilities. She is developing romantic feelings for Flynt and has a pseudodragon familiar named Kenna that can share sight with her for reconnaissance. She shows recognition of the corruption affecting the forests, reacting with familiarity mixed with revulsion as if she's encountered similar darkness before. She can detect magical tripwires and wards, use prestidigitation for practical magic, teleport using misty step, and transform into a "form of dread" that manifests shadows pouring from her mouth, eyes, and ears while radiating aberrant energy. Avian tribes recognize her shadow magic as connected to the corruption spreading through the Hostile Forest.

NPCs

Aemon Kor

A tall half-elf apothecary with yellow eyes who sells herbs in Kleesaddle. A member of the Order of the Moon Goddess alongside Artemys and Flynt, he knows the territory around the hostile forests leading to Hot Bog but shows nervousness about being drawn into dangerous missions. He has knowledge of avian territorial magic and their use of druidic wards, and can shapeshift into wolf form while conjuring a pack of spectral wolves.

Aristandros

A quasi-divine druid who sent Artemys to investigate corruption and dark energy infestations. He has been studying some kind of rot that may be connected to the shadow wolves and other supernatural threats.

Aroc Beastbrother

An avian warrior who serves as champion for the tribe in the Hostile Forest. He fights with longbow and shield while accompanied by a snow leopard and trained raptor, demonstrating professional beast mastery skills in ritual combat.

Avian War Leader

A female avian with the bearing of command who leads the tribe controlling territory along the river crossing in the Hostile Forest. She enforces avian law regarding trespassers but shows pragmatic flexibility in negotiations, accepting the return of their stolen egg as payment for safe passage while still demanding honor combat to satisfy territorial laws.

Black-Patched Avian Warrior

A female avian warrior with an eye patch who serves as champion for the tribe in the Hostile Forest. She demonstrates professional respect for worthy opponents and claimed Roth as her personal opponent in ritual combat.

Bortos

A violent spirit that Roth can summon using his glowy magic orb. Described as a serial killer, Bortos can possess Roth and dramatically change his personality and fighting style, making him coldly violent and efficient.

Faustus

A tiefling who previously owned the flaming scimitar Celtadon before Flynt acquired it. His current fate or whereabouts are unknown.

Fenwick Cogspinner

A gnome regular at the Rolling Oak Inn from Aluni's home territory. Has bad history with Aluni and reacts to her presence with open hostility, carrying a knife and making threatening gestures.

Gregor

A dwarf who possessed tracking abilities and could follow the party using a magic pendant. He was killed along with his companions in a violent confrontation at the Rolling Oak Inn over the rescued avian egg.

Gret Cliffstalker

An avian warrior who serves as champion for the tribe in the Hostile Forest. He moves through the trees with exceptional stealth, fighting with blowgun and bandolier of glowing green poison darts.

Kael Umbris

Noctis's master in the Shadow Line. Taught him the principle "They burn out. We endure."

Kevart Drakha

A historical figure whose name was claimed by the rebel leader who killed Sant Lunaria two thousand years ago. The true identity and significance of the original Kevart Drakha remains unclear.

Melkoth

A powerful druid operating in the forests between Kleesaddle and Hot Bog who has apparently lost control and is corrupting the entire region. His aberrant influence spreads ambient wrongness throughout the forest, affecting local creatures and creating dangerous conditions for travelers.

Movruk

A young avian warrior barely past adolescence who carries two tomahawks and has not yet earned a clan name or title. He shows desperate hunger to prove himself while receiving no respect from other avians, fighting with untrained rage rather than discipline. His inexperience makes him vulnerable to tactical maneuvers that exploit his lack of battlefield awareness.

Orloff

A dead tribal shaman that the party can conjure using a glowy magic orb. He knew of Cinderhold from two hundred years ago and went to village elders seeking aid but was turned away. He recognizes Roth as a returned sun god.

Oscar

Dwarven barkeeper of the Rolling Oak Inn in Kleesaddle. Known to Aluni from her home territory and familiar with trouble that seems to follow her around.

Primus Solerian

God-Emperor of Soleria, First of Men, Bringer of Morning. Originally human, now deity with domains of Light and Life. Created as the first human by the old gods, he led alliances against the Viatori and Infernal Draconics, then declared war on the Pantheon after finding his wife murdered by Zhoellek. Used the sword Sunset to slay the gods and created the sunshrines to replace the fallen sun, ruling all creation for thousands of years while gifting fractions of his power to his closest supporters to become Sants. He forbids the worship of the old gods to prevent them from gaining enough power to return.

Sant Annouria of the Endless Book

Half-Elf Sant, Patron of Artists and Scholars with Arcane and Knowledge domains. The most brilliant mage of her generation, trained by Zhoellek before betraying him for Primus during the Sunset War. Resides at the Intellectum as Head Scholar, devoted to studying science and magic for public good while refusing to create weapons or engage in politics except concerning education.

Sant Galadius of the Broken Sun

Sant of unknown species, Patron of Athletes and Soldiers with Tempest and War domains. Has olive green skin and protruding tusks, likely warped by proximity to the Well of the Old Gods. Personally leads the Knights of the Broken Sun in patrolling the Burning Wastes and surrounding regions, seeking threats from adherents of older faiths. He grants honorable deaths to knights who have gone mad from their exposure to the Old Gods' taint. Sant Galadius personally visited and turned to ash those who helped Orloff two hundred years ago. Cinderhold's refusal to aid Orloff likely saved them from this fate.

Sant Ilenian of the Worn Boots

Elven Sant, Patron of Musicians and Travelers with Trickery and Twilight domains. His past contributions to Primus remain mysterious, but he's known as the Sant most people would want to share an ale with. Spends most of his time traveling incognito, rarely staying anywhere more than a few days, and makes impromptu visits to music schools across the empire.

Sant Lunaria of the Benevolent Moon

Originally human Sant, Patron of Healers and Caretakers with Nature and Peace domains. The only deceased Sant, killed two thousand years ago while single-handedly delaying a rebellion led by someone claiming to be Kevart Drakha reborn. Her followers believe she may one day be reborn through enough prayers and good deeds done in her name.

Sant Marcus of the Sunwall

Half-Elf Sant, Patron of Craftsmen and Lawmen with Forge and Order domains. Known as the Right Hand of the Emperor and the empire's de facto ruler, trusted above all others by Primus. A renowned military leader and swordsman who operated from the Sunwall fortress, coordinating forces through magical communication while rarely leaving his base. Recently deceased. The timing of his death coincides suspiciously with Firestormer movement across the Spine.

Sant Negata of the Dancing Blade

Elven Sant, Patron of Dancers and Executioners with Death and Grave domains. Her past as either an assassin or dancer remains unclear, but she made it possible for Primus to land the killing blow against Zhoellek. Depicted as a hooded figure whose face brings death to those who see it, she allegedly trains the world's deadliest assassins in secret underground academies.

Sira Listens to Wind

An avian warrior with beautiful white feathers who serves as champion for the tribe in the Hostile Forest. She wields storm magic and carries a staff crackling with ice magic, demonstrating powerful druidic abilities as a storm witch. She is Tovor's sister and described as "far less merciful" in combat.

Swanger

Someone who recommended the Rolling Oak Inn to the party as a good place to stay in Kleesaddle.

Tirana Mountain Ember

An avian shaman who serves as translator and magical practitioner for the tribe in the Hostile Forest. She carries a staff that produces flames when planted on the ground and can cast protection from evil and good, recognizing aberrant magic as a threat. She possesses powerful magic including daylight spells that can banish darkness magic and can summon wildfire spirits - creatures of living flame that hunt specific targets on the battlefield.

The Exalted Jet

A figure associated with Primus's people who employs the party for missions. The party works for them out of necessity but maintains distrust of their motives and methods.

Tovor

A one-eyed avian warrior who serves as champion for the tribe in the Hostile Forest. She wears throwing knives like jewelry and demonstrates professional respect for worthy opponents, focusing exclusively on them during combat encounters. Her fighting style emphasizes ranged precision with thrown weapons and dual scimitar combat while maintaining tactical distance from melee combatants.

Zavrak Dwarfsbane

A six-and-a-half-foot avian warrior covered in war paint who serves as champion for the tribe in the Hostile Forest. He wields thunder magic and an enormous axe, representing a mountain of muscle and battlefield experience that makes him a primary threat in ritual combat. His storm powers can create thunder and lightning attacks that affect multiple opponents simultaneously.

Zhoellek

The sun god who murdered Primus's wife, sparking the Sunset War. He was slain by Primus using the sword Sunset at the ruined city that bore his name, causing the original sun to fall from the sky and crash into the earth. His death created the Burning Wastes and the ongoing firestorm that rages there.

Locations

Avian Combat Arenas

Two ritual fighting grounds within the avian semi-permanent settlement - stone circles on a hilltop and wilderness terrain in the forest. The arenas are bound by ancient magic that prevents participants from leaving until they have bled on the soil, but contain restorative magic that prevents permanent death during honor combat.

Avian Semi-Permanent Settlement

A tribal encampment built around ancient ruins deep in Hostile Forest territory, used by the avian tribe for extended stays. The settlement features stone combat arenas and serves as a center for conducting honor duels and other tribal business under the watch of dozens of warriors.

Avian Territory

Regions within the Hostile Forest marked by stakes topped with human and orc skulls as warning totems and protected by magical tripwires and alarm spells. Multiple tribes with different hunting patterns control various sections, making passage dangerous and unpredictable for travelers. The tribes use druidic magic for territorial protection and enforce laws requiring honor combat from trespassers.

Burning Wastes

Western wastelands also known as the Land of the Broken Sun, where the ruined city of Zhoellek lies. When the sun god was slain, the sun fell from the sky and crashed here, creating a great storm of fire that still rages thousands of years later. The largest pieces of sun debris called sunshards are scattered throughout this region, providing light and heat to Vozhk communities who use them as substitutes for sunshrines.

Cinderhold

A village that was approached by Orloff two hundred years ago seeking aid but refused him. This refusal likely saved the village from Sant Galadius's attention, as those who did help ended up being personally visited and left as ash.

Dwarven Holds

Mountain fortifications inhabited by dwarves who maintain long-standing business relationships with Vozhk tribes. They provide expert construction services for fortifications and hold all outsiders in equal contempt.

Hostile Forest

An eighty-mile stretch of corrupted woodland between Kleesaddle and Hot Bog infested with orcs, multiple avian tribes with different hunting cycles, and ambient aberrant corruption spread by Melkoth. The forest is marked by skull totems at avian territory borders, protected by magical alarm systems, and features darker, heavier atmosphere where predatory presences watch travelers. A river with a trapped bridge crossing runs through avian territory.

Hot Bog

A town north of Kleesaddle. The Firestormer being tracked by Noctis was last seen heading in this direction after asking for directions at the Rolling Oak Inn.

Keep of the Broken Sun

The garrison where Knights of the Broken Sun who have gone mad from exposure to the Old Gods return. Here Sant Galadius grants them honorable deaths in single combat as a final act of mercy.

Kleesaddle

A settlement located in the steeps, accessible by a nine-hour hike through forested terrain. The town contains at least two inns - the Rolling Oak Inn and the Switchback Rest - and serves as a waypoint for travelers crossing the region.

Nocturne

The realm or region where the Church of Primus holds influence and where diverse populations of tieflings and dragonborn live. Society here struggles with prejudice despite official policies of equality, with many believing these races resulted from an evil curse during the Second War. This is the world that Primus has defended multiple times and now rules over.

Rolling Oak Inn (The Rolling Poke)

A well-built tavern in Kleesaddle featuring dwarven stonework and good ale. Run by Oscar the dwarf barkeeper, it's considered one of the better establishments in the area where travelers can actually relax, though trouble seems to find patrons there regularly. Recently the site of a violent confrontation between the party and a group of dwarven trackers.

Soleri Territories

Regions inhabited by the Soleri people, who rely on sunshrines for their power. They are viewed by the Vozhk as weaklings despite their military strength, and rarely venture outside cities into frontier areas.

Switchback Rest

A tavern in Kleesaddle where Artemys went to meet a contact. It serves as a meeting place for those conducting business away from the main inn.

The Intellectum

The empire's most prestigious institute of learning where Sant Annouria resides in a private tower. She serves as Head Scholar but has recently cloistered herself to focus on her studies.

The Spine

A geographical barrier that Firestormers must cross to reach certain territories. Recent crossings are considered unusual and potentially significant.

The Sunwall

A fortress where Sant Marcus maintained his base of operations, coordinating the empire's military forces through magical communication. He rarely left this stronghold except to visit his sister every 100 years.

Vozhk Territories

Tribal lands inhabited by the Vozhk people, who are among the least educated but most accepting peoples of Nocturne. These frontier regions face threats from orc raids and harsh worldstorms, leading to pragmatic acceptance of all races who can contribute to survival.

Well of the Old Gods

Located at the center of the firestorm in the ruined city of Zhoellek. This is where the lingering energy of the slain gods' final moments swirls in a maelstrom of chaotic power. The old gods lack the power to reform but can still touch the world from this place, making it both dangerous and significant to the Knights of the Broken Sun.

Zhoellek (Ruined City)

The ruined city where Primus defeated the sun god of the same name. Located at the center of the Burning Wastes, this is where the sun made earthfall after being slain. The impact scattered sun debris across the continent and created the ongoing firestorm.

Active Quests

Pursue the Firestormer

Noctis is tracking a burnout who has left distinctive burned handprints on skull totems marking avian territory borders and is moving toward Hot Bog through the Hostile Forest.

Complete the honor duels

The party must complete ritual combat against the remaining avian champions in the forest arena, including the storm witch Sira Listens to Wind.

Investigate the creature

Artemys is tracking a dangerous entity that destroyed a settlement and is now moving with purpose across the Spine, sent by Aristandros to investigate this threat and related corruption.

Resolved Quests

Eliminate the tracking dwarves

The dwarven trackers led by Gregor who pursued the party for the rescued avian egg were killed in battle at the Rolling Oak Inn, ending their pursuit.

Return the stolen avian egg

The party successfully returned the rescued egg to its rightful avian tribe, earning safe passage through their territory in exchange.

Complete the first honor duel arena

The party defeated the first group of avian champions in the stone circle arena, earning respect from the tribe and the right to continue to the second arena.