Stonetop Campaign Log
An ongoing writeup of our Stonetop TTRPG Campaign. This page is player-friendly and doesn’t contain and spoilers. It’s a great example of what stories can come from a Stonetop Campaign.
If you want a peek behind the GM curtain, you can read my notes here.
Dramatis Personae
Taliesyn (he/him), The Seeker
Status: About to Embark (deciding which book(s) to bring with him)
Instinct: Curiosity. Appearance: inkstained fingers
Grew up in Stonetop. Desperate to solve its mysteries (Stone Glyphs, Forest Folk, Ruined Tower, Old Wall, etc). Has three mysterious arcana, and is always looking for more. Also wants books, especially about the Markers.
Latest Theory: The Stone is a tool/battery/thing for a massive underground complex. He just has to dig deep enough...
Little Owl (he/him), The Blessed
Status: About to Embark (secretly tagging along)
Instinct: Preservation. Appearance: shaggy kid
Sent to Stonetop to solve the mysteries and guide the lost. Absolutely does not want to be here...but is determined to impress the order of Danu. Buys pottery from Rachel that he doesn't need (soft on her). Loves to take shrooms with Zavia.
Latest Mentor: Stridelong, but Stridelong hasn't really figured that out yet.
Madoc (she/her), The Would-Be Hero
Status: About to Embark (after being cajoled into it)
Instinct: Optimism. Appearance: big smile
Grew up in Stonetop. Parents are stoneworkers. Unfulfilled, feels called to something greater...but what? Jeb is a supportive lover. Best friends with Rachel.
Latest Drink: Enjoyed an anniversary blend of Jeb's whiskey before heading out.
Zavia (she/they), The Lightbringer
Status: About to Embark (almost out of shrooms)
Instinct: Praise. Appearance: older, wiser, and often wandering afield
Came into Stonetop a while ago and keeps coming back. A wise counselor to any who endure her ramblings. Lover of Sorsha (it's not complicated). Has been seeking the Water of Eternal Flame since she first saw it.
Latest Gossip: Zavia and Ethel are trying to set up Little Owl and Rachel, with limited success. Maybe Railan is a better match??
Railan (he/him), The Marshall
Status: About to Embark (it's like herding cats)
Instinct: Honor. Appearance: the scars are almost handsome
His Grandfather led the first militia, and his father was the first Marshall. He is determined to leave his own legacy. His biggest obstacles are his contentions first officer (Aaron), his mischeivious rival (Betrys), and his well-meaning mother (Ethel).
Latest Recruit: An attempt to bring Stridelong into his militia crew.
Stridelong (he/him), The Ranger
Status: About to Embark (may wander off at any moment)
Instinct: Stewardship. Appearance: almost dirty, unkempt, but a quiet wisdom
Came from the frozen mountains and found peace among the warm forest. His heart is also thawing out as he gets to know the people of Stonetop. Little Owl and Railan both try to spend time with him, and he can't quite understand why.
Latest Awkward Interaction: Accidentally waking up Railan's mother in the middle of the night (are they...no. Surely not!).
Stonetop NPCs
- Jeb The Publican (he/him). Madoc’s lover. Jag’s older brother. Won’t tell anyone the secret to his whiskey (not even Madoc!).
- Jag The Tanner (he/him). Stridelong’s closest friend (whatever that means). Sees Madoc as an older sister. Never wanted to be Tanner, jealous of Jeb.
- Sorsha The Smith (they/them). Zavia’s lover. Has two twin kids that will hopefully take over the smithy when she retires soon.
- Garrett The Potter (he/they). A master of his craft, his work is renowned. His daughter Rachel does not have the gift, and he is getting old…
- Kiera The Midwife (she/her). Lost her husband during a mission that Railan led. She has forgiven him, even if Railan hasn’t forgiven himself. Often seeks advice from Zavia and Betrys.
- Mady The Stoneworker (she/her). Madoc’s mother. Kind, clever, loyal, and never doubted Madoc’s potential.
- Docer The Other Stoneworker (he/him). Madoc’s father. Hardworking, strong, and just wants Madoc to be happy, potential or no.
- Daub The Houndmaster (they/them). Want to know how Stridelong can hide from his dogs.
- Betrys The Priestess of Tor (she/her). Sees Zavia as a threat to her influence. Wants to raise her own militia (Railan is too defensive). This village should be a light on a hill, spreading truth; not just hiding in its walls.
- Aaron The Militia Officer (he/him). Railan isn’t as good as his father was, but he could be if he just took some advice!
- Ethel (she/her). Railan’s mother (and roomate). She loves to gossip and play matchmaker (when anyone will let her). Also wants to be a mentor and guide to Madoc.
- Bronwin (he/him). Seven year old child. Wants a wooden sword so he can FINALLY join the militia!
- Emmet (they/them). Cares for Taliesyn, but is concerned about his research. Is part of the militia.
- Gretchen (she/her). One of Railan's crew. Lost her sister to the Hillfolk years ago, and still seeks justice/vengence.
Outsider NPCs
- Kiln Leader of Lower Green Moon (she/her). Curious about farming and living off the land. Her Second does not agree. Friendly with Zavia.
Adventure Log
Session 1
Although this first session was mostly establishing characters and relationships, we still did explore the first adventure hook.
Today is a big day. Not only have the snows finally melted, but the annual Caravan is coming to town! The wagons are always bursting with treasures from all around the region: masterwork weapons and tools, fine cloth, strange furs, tasty foods, magical artifacts, colorful toys, and most importantly: news. The whole town is abuzz with expectation.
- Taliesyn wants to purchase some rare books or scrolls. Maybe a little arcana if he can afford it.
- Little Owl is hoping to some new seeds to expand his garden.
- Madoc wants a map and some news of the outside world.
- Zavia is almost out of shrooms…and she might travel with the caravan for a while.
- Railan needs a shield for one of his men, and maybe a steel spear.
- Longstride doesn’t really want anything, but maybe he can sell his furs to help the village.
After a day or two, the excitment begins to sour. Bronwin really really wants a sword, and he makes it everyone’s problem. After another a week tensions are high. Kiera was counting on some medicinal herbs for one of her patients. The whole town grumbles. Still no caravan.
When Stridelong can’t sleep he wanders the woods (if he could he’d wander them in his sleep too). Thus he was the first to notice the distant fire on the dark horizon. He ran back to town, shook his head at the sleeping sentries, and went straight to Railan’s house. After sharing the news, Railan grabbed Stridelong and took him to help rally the town. Others were awakened, plans were made, and in the morning a massive town meeting was held.
“The signal fire of the Hillfolk was lit last night.” says Railan to the crown. “You can still see the smoke! I am asking for volunteers to travel with me and meet with them.”
“So you leave the village defenseless!” accuses Betrys. Railan rolls his eyes.
“I’m leaving Aaron and the rest of the militia here to watch the town. I’m hoping for 4-5 other people who will travel with me and Stridelong to represent Stonetop.” Railan looks expectantly out on the crowd. Stridelong slowly registers that what Railan said, and decides he will tag along for now.
“You should go.” whispers Jag as he nudges Madoc in the ribs. “Get out of here and see beyond the Old Wall.” She looks to Jeb who gives a comforting smile and nods. She raises her hand.
Zavia also raises her hand, feeling the itch to wander once again. Better to wander with a group when she can. She’ll have to tell Taliesyn as well, since he’s probably lost in some dusty tome. That boy will never learn anything that isn’t written down (which is most things, honestly). It will do him good to get out.
Little Owl watches, but doesn’t volunteer. Someone will just tell him to stay here, so why announce it? Better to sneak along until it’s too later to turn back. Maybe he’ll tell Stridelong, just to start up a conversation. First time for everything.
The group prepares to embark on short and no doubt uneventful journey to the Titan’s Bones.
Session 2
First each player played through their letters.
- Taliesyn was up late trying to unlock the secrets of a Large Wooden Jar (arcana). His friend, Emmet, came into the room unexpectedly and was deeply concerned by what they saw. Taliesyn left without addressing it; hopefully it just kind of resolves itself?
- After Madoc agreed to go on the journey to Titan Bones, Ethel approached her with excitement. “I just know you will finally fulfill the prophecies and reach your true potential!” she exclaimed, as Madoc smiled politely, not betraying her annoyance. After more polite nods, Ethel finally left, but Madoc knows she’ll be back with more “guidance”.
- Little Owl desperately wants to go to Titan Bones, but knows he’ll be rejected as “too young” or “too inexperienced”. Instead he decides to follow behind secretly and join them when it’s too late to turn back. Unfortunately he stumbles across young Bronwin who has the same plan. Little Owl barely manages to convince Bronwin to stay after a long discussion. So long, in fact, that Little Owl falls behind and has to leave behind his pack and equipment to catch up with the group!
- Zavia spends a lovely evening with Sorsha. As Zavia leaves to pack, she sees that the forge is still lit. Sorsha forbid Zavia from touching the forge, so Zavia just sits and enjoys the warm glow of the embers. Helior grants her a vision: A dark glowing ember beneath the Ruined Tower. Zavia snaps out of the vision and rushes off to pack and leave with the group, the forge still alight.
- Railan is approached by one of his best militia: Gretchen. Gretchen lost her sister to the Hillfolk a few years back, and insists on going with Railan to meet them. Both to protect her friends and to hopefully get more information about her sister’s demise. Railan allows her to come along, but some in the village see this as poor leadership from a man easily swayed.
- Stridelong’s letter will be addressed mid-journey.
The group departs late the next morning. Taliesyn, Madoc, Little Owl, Stridelong, Zavia, Railan, and Gretchen leave amidst a flurry of “goodbye”s and “good luck”s. The town’s two draft horses, Glitter and Hoof, take up the rear, pulling a wagon with a light load. The Maker’s Roads offer some protection, as well as a direct path to Titan Bones.
After a few hours of travel, they approach The Crossroads. A common place to travelers to rest, worship, and trade (and be haunted by the ghosts of the Makers, if you listen to the old folks). There is a dark-cloaked person sitting cross legged on a red mat in front of the shrine to Aratis (The God of Order). A thin curl of smoke drifts up from the shrine, growing thicker as the group approaches.
Zavia hangs back, convinced they are being followed. She quickly spots Little Owl among the Gwead (thick flatland grasses). Little Owl is hardly embarrased, and Zavia can’t help but smile that her young friend has joined this impromptu adventure. She makes a mental note to keep an eye on him.
The rest of the group has been observing the strange worshipper in front of the smoking shrine. The smoke bursts into a small fire, and the shrine begind to char and burn. Zavia counsels that this could be a form of worship, and there’s little danger of the flame spreading among the Gwead. Little Owl adds that none of them worship Aratis, one of the least popular gods in Stonetop. The group moves on, as the flames grow higher and the strange worshipper starts to laugh maniacally. It’s probably fine.
As darkness falls, the group approaches the base of Titan Bones. They camp for the evening. Railan and Gretchen set a watch, since Gretchen hasn’t taken a break all day and Railan is worries about her. Eventually she does relent to sleep, and Railan realizes he hasn’t seen Stridelong in a while.
Railan walks the perimeter, alert for any sound. There’s a rustling noise, a loud grunt, and the sound of flesh hitting stone. He runs to the source, and see Stridelong has fallen into a steep stone crater. Ringed by Gwead, anyone might have fallen in, but Railans suspects the rolling Beznpol is the culprit (a horse-sized Pangolin/Badger creature famous for curling into a highly mobile ball and running down prey).
Stridelong has a pained look on his face, both from embarrassment and from a sprained ankle. Railan jumps down into the crater, and quickly tosses one of his rations on the other side of the crater. The Beznpol rolls after it, and Railan has enough time to help Stridelong out of danger. The two hobble back to camp, and Stridelong says he’ll remain here and keep watch to make sure no one tries to flank them up the hill. He had expected to get more grief about his mistake, but the others just accept the situation and wish him well.
He and Little Owl remind the group of three things to remember when dealing with the Hillfolk:
- Hillfolk consider mining and farming heretical. The ground and stone are sacred.
- Do not walk backwards in front of them. It’s rude.
- They show friendship by pressing foreheads together. They do this with their horses as well.
- They will kill your sister and never admit it.
That last one was from Gretchen, and Railan gently puts a hand on her shoulder. “We will ask about your sister. Politely. Please be patient.” Gretchen nods, unconvincingly.
With Stridelong staying behind to rest, the group heads up the hill to the Titan Bones bonfire. A tall Hillfolk woman awaits them, flanked by a shorter angry-looking man.
“I am Kiln, leader of the Lower Green Moon band. We welcome conversation with Thundertop.” Kiln explains how their band was hunting a thunderdrake when they came across the remains of a Merchant caravan. The traders had been struck by lightning, and much of their good were charred and broken. “We scavanged what we could, gave the bodies a sky burial, and lit the bonfire to negotiate a burial price.”
The Stonetop citizens look at one another for a few moments, and Madoc takes the opportunity to step forward.
“We greet you. This caravan was indeed heading for Stonetop with supplies we desperately needed. What is a a fair burial price?”
Kiln looks confused. “That is for the family to determine. We decided you are the closest thing to family these merchants have around here. The price should reflect the appreciation and generosity of the family.”
The PCs step away to discuss amongst themselves. But Zavia takes a moment to look into Kiln’s eyes, and something passes between them: a strange understanding.
“This is a chance to show our generosity” says Madoc. “We could gain allies if we give them a big payout.”
“But we need those supplies,” argues Little Owl. “It’s all our stuff anyway. And who knows if they kept more than they said?”
“I need to examine the supplies, make an inventory, and see if there are any arcana.” insists Taliesyn.
Railan steps in front of Gretchen’s fierce glare, quietly urging her to breathe. Madoc, Little Owl, and Taliesyn go to investigate the supplies while Zavia walks up to Kiln.
“May we speak privately, Kiln?” Zavia asks, motioning to a clearing. They walk over to talk quietly together while the shorter Hillfolk man stares at them. Little Owl notices them quickly touch their foreheads together, but no one else catches it.
The PCs come back together and share what they learned. Zavia’s revelation is the hardest to believe.
“They want to move into Stonetop?” asks Gretchen incredulously. Zavia shakes her head, explaining that Kiln wants to learn more about what life is like in Stonetop; specifically what it’s like to farm the land and live in one place. “She is sick of seeing her people starve and wander through the winters.” Railan idly says, “See Gretchen? They are no different than–” and starts as he sees Gretchen approach the shorter man.
“Careful”, warns Zavia, “That is Kiln’s second, who does not agree with Kiln. He sees us as enemies, and he is a spirit-talker.” Railan quickly walks up to the start of an argument between Gretchen and Kiln’s Second.
The Second is smugly crossing his arms and says he doesn’t anything about her sister. “Not all Hillfolk are the same, Thundertop”, he sneers.
“Oh, so you are the only ones who DON’T murder innocent people?” Gretchen snarls back. “I wonder if the caravan would agree with you. OH RIGHT, they’re dead!”
“I’ll admit murder looms in my mind right now, Thundertop. Go back to your holes in the ground.” Gretchen takes a step forward, but Railan finally arrives and steps in between them. They shout a few more threats before Railan can force Gretchen back down the path. Negotiations breakdown.
The PCs take what they think is fair:
- Two large boxes marked for Gordin’s Delve
- Herbs and Poultices for Kiera’s patients
- Charred cedar sticks in a small box
- A bleached book (Arcana)
- A wooden spiky ring (Arcana)
- Pouches of seeds, some new and strange
- Gold bracelets and jewelry
- Buttons, needles, and thread
- A finely carved wooden toy sword
They leave the Hillfolk a very generous gift of:
- 2 Supplies
- A large jar of honey
- A steel spearhead
- Salt and spices
Attempts at further conversation die down. Kiln gathers her people. As she walks past Zavia she locks eyes, and nods slowly before turning down the mountain with her band. Railan notes that it isn’t the WORST Hillfolk meeting they’ve had…but it could have been a lot better. Gretchen does not speak for the entire return journey.
Next week we will play through the return to Stonetop, jump into Summer, and see how things have changed since then!
Session 3
The heroes of Stonetop return triumphant! The trip back was uneventful, only slightly haunted by the smoking husk that was once a shrine to Aratis. The supplies were a welcome gift to the people of Stonetop. While most were out planting the spring harvest, there was still a crowd of excited folk to help load the supplies into the barn. Each member of the group picks out some of the special items to deliver personally.
Railan took the herbs out to the fields, looking for Keira. He spotted her carrying a large pot of water and hurried to catch up.
“Kiera!” he called out, and she turned to look his way.
“Oh, so glad you made it back safely, Railan. I assume from your smile that things went well?”
“Yes!” he said triumphantly and held up the bag of herbs. “I know you were waiting on these herbs for–” She shoved the large pot into his hands and snagged the bag, rifling through it with a practiced eye.
She sighed with relief, “Yes, it’s all here. Thank you Railan.” She takes a few step towards the village and turns to look back at him. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for the village. And everything you did. We’re lucky to have you protecting us. Thank you.” And Railan can finally accept a little of the forgiveness in her tone. As she walks away, he feels lighter, despite carrying the heavy water pot.
Madoc made sure to stop by her parents place and reassure them that she made it home safe and sound. Her mother never doubted, but her father is relieved. She endures their familiar chiding and mentions she needs to help unload the rest of the supplies. As she heads to the cart she bumps into Taliesyn looking even more anxious than usual.
“You’re heading to the cart, Madoc? Can you grab that bleached book and drop it off at my house? I have something I need to take care of first.” And runs off without waiting for confirmation. Madoc shrugs and continues to the barn. After some time searching, she can’t find the book at all. Assuming someone else delivered it to Taliesyn, she grabs what she came for: buttons, needles, and thread for Jag.
Madoc fiddles with the buttons as she heads towards Jag’s house. She can hear him cursing and muttering to himself; probably stuck with another piece of leather that he couldn’t quite figure out.
“Delivery!!” Madoc cries as she barges inside. Jag jumps and drops the discolored piece of hide.
“Don’t DO that!” he responds instinctivly. And then runs up to give her a hug, grateful she made it back safely, and just as eager to say, “I told you it would be a good trip!” They chit-chat for a bit, and he starts to put the buttons and needles in a special box.
“Have you seen Jeb yet?” He asks, slyly. She shakes her head, and he says, “Let him stew for a bit. He never let on that he was worried, but I could tell. It’s good for him to worry a little.”
“Oh, but not you?” She teases as she steps back into the main square. She comes to find Jeb napping on a hammock near his still. Keeping quiet, she snuggles up next to him, and they both enjoy each other’s peace.
Little Owl is assaulted by an angry Bronwin. “You big jerk! You left me behind! And now you get first pick of all the good stuff!” He whines. Luckily Little Owl had tucked the wooden sword inside his waistband earlier.
“Oh, you mean first pick of something like this?” He says as he draws the sword and waves it around. Bronwin’s eyes grow large, and his face scrunches up in jealousy. Little Owl flourishes the sword a few more times until Bronwin’s anger turns to tears. He pitches a fit, crying and sputtering. Little Owl is flabbergasted, and quickly offers the sword to difuse the situation.
“I was just holding it for you, Bronwin. I’m sorry! Please, take it!” And shoves the hilt towards the boy. With a final sniffle Bronwin holds the sword, handling it with care and awe. He swallows a lump in his throat and triumphantly holds the little weapon high above his head. Soon Little Owl is backing away from the wild swings of the aspiring soldier.
“STOP!” cries a gruff voice from atop the Ringwall. Aaron climbs down, looking disapprovingly at Little Owl and Bronwin both. “If you’re going to swing that thing, you should at least have the right stance” he commands with a smirk. “Let me show you.” The three spend a few hours “training” until Bronwin is called home for dinner. “If you ever wanted to learn a little swordplay, let me know, Little Owl. One day you’ll be a grown owl who might have need of a sharp beak.” Little Owl walks away, considering.
Stridelong finds a thoughful Little Owl relaxing on the edge of town as the sun sets. “Come, Little Owl, let’s see if we can get these strange seeds to sprout.” Little Owl hardly has time to object before Stridelong starts speed-walking to the edge of town. Little Owl hasn’t seen Stridelong’s cabin before, but it’s surprisingly cozy. Warm animal skins, bits of stone and shell hanging from the ceiling, and a few plants in pots. Through the back, Stridelong begins to clear out space in his garden. “During the day, this corner gets lots of sun.”
“Uhmmm…” Little Owl starts nervously, “Actually these are mushroom spores. They need a dark, damp place to grow.” Stridelong gives him a blank stare, and Little Owl worries he said the wrong thing.
“I know just the place”, says Stridelong, and sets out again as Little Owl struggles to keep up. They arrive at a little cave on the edge of the river, just big enough for a person to crawl into. “Is this sufficient?” ask Stridelong. Soon they’ve built the perfect fungal garden. Over the next few weeks Little Owl will grow more accustomed to Stridelong’s awkwardness, and Stridelong will grow to rely on Little Owl’s intuitive understanding of nature.
Over the next few days the town is abuzz with debate about the two big boxes from (or for) Gordin’s Delve. Sorsha is determined to open the boxes and make use of whatever supplies they contain, and many in the town agree with her. “They don’t even know it’s missing! And we could make use of those tools.” Docer quietly agrees, as does Madoc. Railan is the main objector, insisting that they return the property to Gordin’s Delve unmolested. Even Betrys agrees, insisting that the boxes cannot be good for Stonetop.
There is much debate, but the most surprising voice is Mady’s objections. “Gordin’s Delve is dangerous. It traps you and wraps you. We don’t want to mess with them any more than we already have. Return the boxes and close this chapter.”
Eventually the town agrees to open both boxes and then decide what to do with the contents. The smaller box contains a miscellany of tools, supplies, some maker glass, and bits of ore; all things Sorsha could use to benefit the town. The large box contains several stamped gold bars and some sealed letters. Mady grows pale, and pleads that they close up the boxes and return them. After a few panicked breaths she explains that the letters and bars are stamped with the seal of Odo Thriceborn, one of the most dangerous bosses in Gordin’s Delve. “Ever since Mutra the Teeth was lost, Thriceborn has grown to fill the power vacuum. He killed his 3 oldest children when they didn’t measure up. Cut their throats himself.”
That sobers any excitement that Stonetoppers had about free supplies. Sorsh is over-ridden, and the town agrees to package up the boxes and return them during their summer trade trip.
At this point in the game we jumped ahead a few months to the start of Summer. We played through a montage of scenes:
- Little Owl and Stridelong tending to their fungal garden. The harvest is large, yielding several strange and useful mushrooms!
- Stridelong comes across a strange rivertrader named Carmichael. His boat was overturned and grounded, but Stridelong helped him back into the water. In return he promised to bring Stonetop some of his wares on the return journey. Stridelong is celebrated for representing the village so well and building a new connection. He is slowly accepting Stonetop’s warmth and friendship.
- As the summer trade trip to Gordin’s Delve approaches, Mady forbids Madoc from going. “I know you want to help, and you want to be with Jeb and the others but…Gordin’s Delve is a bad place. You will not fulfill your potential there.” Madoc refuses, insisting that she is ready for the world, and needs to do this for herself and her village. “I just hope you live to regret it as much as I have” retorts Mady. Even Docer’s steady strength cannot calm the tension between his wife and his daughter.
- Railan notices Gretchen missing training sessions and skipping shifts. He approaches her gently, insisting that she is free to do as she wishes. Gretchen is reluctant to explain herself, but eventually spits out, “I worry you value your own honor over the good of the village. Not just with the Gordin’s Delve boxes, but with everything. Especially the murderous Hillfolk. We won’t be safe unless we take action!” Railan lets her go, but keeps an eye on her. Betrys is also keeping an eye on Gretchen.
- Railan is struggling to train a new recruit: Harry. Handsome and strong, Harry is surprisingly uncoordinated and slow-learning. Aaron recommends letting him go, but Railan pairs Harry with Emmet and hopes they can grow together.
- Madoc finishes crafting a new barrel for Jeb’s distillary, much to Jeb (and the entire town’s) delight. He lets slip that they could both stay in Stonetop while the others make the trade trip. “It’s always a massive drain; let’s stay behind and prep the next batch of whiskey together.” Madoc insists she can’t stay, and Jeb swallows his own preferences to show his support. But he still feels let down.
- Stridelong makes a regular game out of hiding from Daub’s prized hunting dogs. But this time their noses are too much for Stridelong. Daub glows with pride, and lets his ego show a little too much. In fact his dogs are up most nights barking and howling, drawing complaints from the older villagers.
- Taliesyn works with Zavia to uncover the secrets of the spiky wooden ring. They also share a growing concern about whoever took the Bleached Book.
Next Session we will set out for Gordin’s Delve to trade and return the two boxes!
