### **Session Journal: 01/27/2025** ### **Discussing the Hags with Victor** The party continued their conversation with Victor Vallakovich, delving deeper into the nature of the hags and their connection to the Onyx Heartstone. Determined to uncover more information, they resolved to investigate the refugee camp, where an unknown figure had been seen haunting the Ethereal Plane. ### **Barracks Stop and Acquiring Equipment** On their way to the camp, the party visited an old barracks they had previously learned about. Given permission to take 400 gold worth of supplies, they carefully selected items to aid in their journey: - Silvered weapons, including daggers, scimitars, and crossbow bolts. - An intriguing bag, seemingly mundane at first, but with an interior far larger than its exterior—allowing them to store far more than it appeared capable of holding. ### **Arriving at the Refugee Camp** Upon arrival, the party noted an improvement in morale among the refugees, albeit with lingering exhaustion. It seemed Lady Wachter had kept her promise to provide for them. Despite this, a darker issue loomed beneath the surface. ### **Uncovering the Truth about Morgantha** Through interactions with **Emeric and Magda**, the party discovered that several refugees had become addicted to an unknown substance, provided by a woman named **Morgantha**. They immediately recognized this name as belonging to the mysterious woman they had encountered at the windmill on their way to Vallaki. Seeking more information, they met **Frank and Nyanka**, uncovering a harrowing truth: - **Franz** was afflicted with a sudden and severe wasting disease. - He revealed that he had lost someone dear to him and began purchasing **Dream Pastries** from Morgantha, which allowed him to relive memories of his loved one while he slept. - Once his money ran out, Morgantha refused to sell him more. - Desperate, Franz accepted a horrifying deal—trading his two children in exchange for more Dream Pastries. - As his children were taken, their cries shattered his resolve, but it was too late—Morgantha put him to sleep before he could stop her. ### **A Cryptic Warning** Since that night, Franz had been tormented by nightmares, including visions of an old crone pressing a **black onyx stone** to his forehead. His condition worsened, and he begged **Nala** to help him recover his children. As Nala left his tent, Franz uttered a final cryptic message: > "The heart of the windmill... three black hearts, beating as one. The gnarled arm—it holds the key." ### **A Mysterious Message** As the party deliberated their next steps, **Yanki** received an unexpected magical message: > "Did you find her? Come to the attic, I have a plan." With new leads and rising urgency, the party prepared to uncover the truth behind Morgantha and the dark forces at play. They now realize they must hurry—the ritual must be performed before the end of the next full moon, which is **tonight**.