Shadows and Silk in the Pagoda

Continuing from the aftermath of the previous session, Cole Umburi had just apprehended a fleeing kobold when a new presence entered the scene—an enigmatic Edgewatch officer identifying himself only as a Fetchling magus. He displayed an unrelenting curiosity and questioned the heroes about every minute detail of their investigation.

From the northern end of the vast, partially deconstructed hall, the group noticed a kobold skulking behind a red archway. The area was solemn and ceremonial, with a red gate-arch adorned with three bronze bells and scattered floor cushions. Sticky webs crisscrossed the room, making the environment perilous. As some of the heroes approached from a hallway to the west, they discovered a grim sight: four kobold corpses riddled with arrows in a room that resembled some kind of drainage chamber with sandy wooden gutters and narrow connecting pipes.

As Cole and Arrem advanced toward the hidden kobold, a giant spider suddenly descended from the ceiling. The heroes sprang into battle, fending off the creature’s attacks while dodging the kobold’s arrows. Cole, attempting to gain a height advantage, became ensnared in sticky webs on the dais, making him vulnerable. Despite the setback, the party ultimately slew both spider and kobold.

In a curious turn, the Fetchling officer made physical contact with the kobold corpses and experienced a psychic vision. The vision revealed a cruel and powerful kobold named Rekarek, whom the magus identified as the murderer of the fallen.

Pushing onward, the heroes investigated a chamber to the south. Cole triggered an explosive statue trap upon entering, suffering serious injury. Inside, they found additional kobold corpses. As they began examining the remains, monstrous insects erupted from the bodies. Demonstrating quick thinking, Arrem slammed the door shut, sealing the insects inside and avoiding further conflict.

The session concluded with the party cautiously ascending a stairway to the east. Peering into the next chamber, they glimpsed two kobold warriors and a formidable kobold battle leader—the very image of Rekarek from the Fetchling’s earlier vision.