#1. Of Monasteries and Mystery, Of spiders and spells.

In the city of Nozelma, in the country of Droam in the year 994 `

August 5th 994VA

Ella Ves, A middle aged human women in brilliant blue wizard robes meets with the Mayor of Nozemla, he explaining how the small village of Krosk has reported a monster, loosing sheep and how a man, he asks her to solve it. Ella Ves introduces our four characters to each other. Drausend, a wood elf druidic man of the forest. Delhouin Markestrain a high elf who poses as human and a wizard of divination. Lilith an orange tiefling women whos beast companion, a small leopard named plop. Ayla, a human women and cleric of The Blood of Vol. Given the mission, a final test to gain entry to Strixhaven in the fall are to investigate this issue in Krosk. But few details are given and it seems some intention hiding of the truth.

Setting outwards from Nozemla they traverse the wooded path during the overcast day, making conversation and stopping for a lunch, where Lilith takes a smoke break. Further along they hear signs and run into a wolf, but a tactful use of animal friendship leads to no harm. They were told of a monetary of Vol that could offer shelter for the night. They go to it, meeting Brother Pavel, a basic dinner and then some observe a small evening ceremony, its unique to those unfamiliar but Ayla pays her respects, participating in the rite of communal blood. They sleep for the night, Drausend sleeps outside and hears parts of a late night conversation “the count” a figure being mentioned. Waking the next morning they journey to Krosk and find themselves at the night time, the Village Elder, Radovian Mazur had his granddaughter go missing a few hours ago, quickly they pick up the trail and head deeper into the untamed woods. Finding signs of webbing they discover the den, and the giant spider within! Lilith uses speak with animals to communicate with the spider, it is mad and hungry, a fight breaks out, Delhouin flinging bolts of flame, Drausend attacking with a sword, Lilith using a short bow to shoot out while talking to the spider. Ayla distracting with lights and sounds to move the spiders attention. Drausend strikes the final blow, inside the cave they find the still living granddaughter, Lucia and rescue her, also finding the far less alive corpse of Constable Marek. Returning to the village they are given thanks and they travel back to the monastery, feeling as if there is more to discover.

Back to the monastery their presence welcome if a bit unexpected, Lilith remembering Brother Ivan catching her fancy. Dinner is had and so too is service, Lilith invites Ivan, rather plainly for romantic intention, taken a back and started, but he invites her to the woods, she goes along with it. late at night, in the woods of the monastery the two embrace, but a rouse as Ivan bites her neck with vampiric malice! Screaming and in reaction taking her sword and slaying Brother Ivan. The group quickly gathers and leaves, Brother Pavel catches them on their way out and speaks harsh words, that they will keep this all very quiet and make it not a problem. Late at night but determined to get to safety they walk back to Nozemla through the night fog, and make it back safe for morning. Reporting their success, and their discovery to Ella she is satisfied, and says she will tell the needed authorities.

The group now done with last task as entry into Strikhaven takes the day of rest, what will await them is unknown.