Session 03: The Crate Journey

Hidden Passengers and the Journey to the Infernal Warehouse

Session Notes Created: 2025-09-01
session, ashford, valmir, dragonborn, warehouse, infernal, ghouls, neldan

The party discovered two captives in crates - a halfling named Valmir and a brass dragonborn who
quickly escaped. After fighting swarms of rats and hiding in the crates for hours, they were
transported to a dockside warehouse where they encountered infernal forces. The session ended
mid-battle with Nibbles unleashing an Ankylosaurus against the infernal ghouls.

Session Details

Session Number: 3

In-Game Date: Day 2-3 of the Festival to Lyssaria, Campaign Year 1

Duration: 4 hours

Primary Location: Ashford Alleyway and Dockside Warehouse

Party Members

Present

Major Events

Discovery of the Captives

The party discovered two beings trapped in crates in the alleyway - Valmir, a halfling,
and a brass dragonborn. The dragonborn immediately blew fire at Nibbles upon being freed,
then promptly ran away while the party was distracted with conversation, leaving behind
the halfling Valmir.

Securing Valmir

Jester got Neldan to take Valmir to a safer location while the party continued their
investigation of the alleyway. This ensured the rescued halfling would be protected
while they dealt with the remaining threats.

The Other Crates

The party opened the remaining two crates in the alley. One was completely empty, but
the other poured out with a dangerous swarm of rats that immediately attacked the party.

Rat Swarm Battle

The party engaged in combat with the swarm of rats that had been contained in one of
the crates. After successfully defeating the vermin, they decided to use the now-empty
crates for their own purposes.

The Long Wait

Hoping that whatever creatures had been using these crates would return to collect them,
the party hid inside the crates for hours on end. After a long rest and approximately
15 hours of patient waiting, their gamble paid off when the crates began to shift and
move, taking the party along for the ride.

The Crate Journey

The party experienced about a half hour journey while hidden in the crates, being
transported by carriage to an unknown destination. They remained hidden and quiet
throughout the trip, unsure of what awaited them.

Arrival at the Warehouse

The crates were lifted off the carriage and dropped in what turned out to be a dockside
warehouse. The party could hear infernal tongue being spoken just outside their hiding
spots, confirming they had found a major hub of the dark activity plaguing Ashford.

Warehouse Reconnaissance

When the voices trailed off, Nibbles carefully cracked the lid of his crate to survey
their surroundings, confirming they were indeed in a warehouse and assessing the tactical
situation before making their next move.

Discovery and Battle Begins

The infernal ghouls returned to the warehouse and noticed a presence that shouldn't be
there. Realizing they had been discovered, Nibbles decided to take immediate action and
let loose an Ankylosaurus, beginning what would become a major confrontation.

NPCs Encountered

New NPCs

Valmir

Halfling who was found trapped in one of the crates, rescued by the party

Status: alive - taken to safety by Neldan

Brass Dragonborn

Fire-breathing dragonborn found in a crate who attacked Nibbles then fled

Status: unknown - escaped

Returning NPCs

Neldan

Helped secure Valmir's safety by taking him to a safer location

Locations Visited

Alleyway Crate Site

Where the party discovered the captives and fought the rat swarm before hiding in the crates

Unknown Carriage Route

The journey route taken while hidden in the crates, lasting approximately 30 minutes

Dockside Warehouse

The final destination - an infernal stronghold where the party was transported and discovered

Combat Encounters

Enemies: Swarm of rats from the crates

Outcome: Victory

Notable Moments: Rats poured out when the crate was opened

Enemies: Infernal ghouls in the warehouse (ongoing)

Outcome: Battle in progress

Notable Moments: Nibbles summoned an Ankylosaurus to begin the fight, Hank is up next in initiative

Treasure & Rewards

Plot Developments

Party Decisions

Free both captives from the crates

Consequences: Rescued Valmir but the dragonborn attacked and escaped

Send Valmir to safety with Neldan rather than keep him with the party

Consequences: Ensured civilian safety while maintaining tactical flexibility

Hide in the crates and wait for pickup

Consequences: Successfully infiltrated the enemy transportation network and discovered their warehouse

Begin combat immediately when discovered

Consequences: Initiated what appears to be a major confrontation at the enemy stronghold

Session Chronicle

Ashford Tribune - Late Night Special Edition

*Heroes Infiltrate Infernal Stronghold in Daring Crate Operation*

In what may be the most audacious investigation yet, the mysterious heroes protecting our
festival have uncovered and infiltrated what appears to be a major stronghold of the dark
forces threatening Ashford.

The breakthrough came when the adventurers discovered captives being held in crates in a
back alley. Among the rescued was a halfling citizen, though witnesses report a second
captive - described as a brass dragonborn - attacked the rescuers with fire breath before
fleeing into the night.

With the assistance of beloved local Neldan, the halfling was taken to safety while the
heroes made a remarkable tactical decision. Rather than pursue the escaped captive, they
chose to hide themselves in the very crates used by their enemies, waiting patiently for
the transportation network to reveal itself.

After nearly fifteen hours of patient surveillance, their gamble paid off spectacularly.
The heroes were transported by the enemy's own network to what sources describe as a
dockside warehouse serving as a base of operations for the infernal forces.

Upon arrival, the adventurers found themselves in the heart of enemy territory, with
creatures speaking in infernal tongue conducting unknown business. When their presence
was detected, the heroes immediately engaged, with reports suggesting the summoning of
powerful magical creatures to aid in the battle.

As this edition goes to print, the confrontation at the warehouse is believed to be
ongoing. The location of this facility and the scope of the operation it represents
suggests the threat to Ashford is far greater than initially believed.

Harbor authorities are coordinating with local guards to secure the surrounding area,
though they stress that civilians should avoid the docks until the situation is resolved.

The courage and ingenuity displayed by these unknown champions continues to astound the
people of Ashford. Their willingness to infiltrate enemy strongholds using the enemies'
own methods demonstrates both tactical brilliance and unwavering dedication to our city's
protection.

Updates on this developing situation will be provided as information becomes available.

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Session 03: The Crate Journey 2025-09-01