Campaign Overview
| System | D&D 5e |
|---|---|
| Campaign | Forgotten Realms Remembered |
| Level Range | 1 – 13 |
| Current Level | 3 |
| Setting | Homebrewed Forgotten Realms — Sword Coast, Faerun |
| Themes | Noblebright, Arcanopunk, Crystalcore, light cosmic horror |
| Player Death | Possible but unlikely in any given session. A PC may only benefit from a given resurrection spell once per tier (e.g., Revivify can save a PC once, not twice; Resurrection can save a PC once, not twice; etc.). |
| Party Name | Litany |
Campaign Summary (Arc 1: Candlekeep, First Steps)
Litany, a party of four adventurers, earned renown on the Sword Coast after dismantling Nine Fingers Keene's racket in Baldur's Gate and taking ownership of the Elfsong Tavern. Their reputation drew a summons from Keates Latimer, the ambitious 1st of 8 Great Readers of Candlekeep, to investigate the disappearance of Professor Fistandia, an archmage at Candlekeep University.
Candlekeep
Candlekeep is transforming from an insular fortress-library into a modern city, driven by the university and arcano-technology. Keeper of Tomes Vera Washington is instituting democratic reforms and running in the city's first election against Keates. Keates is a savvy Coast2Coast (social media) user; Vera is earnest but struggles with the new tech. The Avowed serve as the military order, led in part by the trusted Capt. Kale Linton.
The Fistandia Investigation
Litany found a magical book in Fistandia's office containing a permanent Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion (entry word: "Serendipity"). Inside, devils had broken in and subdued her. The party learned she was arrested on orders from Primus, god of Law, for crimes relating to time travel. Through a chain of contacts, they met the archdevil Lascivious, who offered a deal: kill Little One, an ogre who owns the Hearth and House of Rest in Candlekeep, and Lascivious would secure Fistandia's bail. Orianna agreed, staking her soul as collateral.
The Loophole
Little One turned out to be innocent, manipulated by Lascivious. The party contracted Shauvra, a cleric of Oghma, to Revivify him immediately after the kill. The contract was technically satisfied. Lascivious vowed revenge. Litany owes Shauvra two favors. Little One is unaware of the danger to his soul and has created a smoothie called the "Litany Sunrise" in their honor. Fistandia is on bail (no magic), living in the book Litany carries. Trial pending.
The Cultists
Litany rescued Marcus Wendell, son of a Vera Washington supporter, from cultist kidnappers marked by a tattoo of a moving mouth with tentacles beneath a crescent moon. A note read: "Find the Wendell boy, capture him, wait for instructions." Keates may be involved. Vera told the party to keep digging.
Session 5
Litany discovered the Arcane Internet and Coast2Coast, created multiple accounts (including Ben's "alt Keates" troll account), and escorted Marcus into the Cloakwood to visit the witch Lily for a charisma potion. Whether Lily gave him a real potion or a placebo is unknown. Marcus was left with Lily and her partner Jontu (Amelia's estranged brother), showing romantic interest in Jontu. Reinforced by 2LT Jim Basil of the Avowed, an eager young officer with a surprisingly violent streak, Litany moved on a cultist cave lair that is corrupting the surrounding forest. Two guards eliminated. The party stands at the cave entrance.
Themes & Setting
Noblebright
Despite challenges and dangers, there is an underlying theme of optimism. Good outweighs evil in the world, but evil exists and can pose meaningful threats. Heroes are heroic not just because of their abilities, but also because of their virtues. Villains, while formidable, can often be redeemed or might even serve a greater purpose. Expect high heroism, moral and ethical dilemmas, acts of self-sacrifice, and moments of triumph over darkness.
Arcanopunk
The world is developing a blend of magic and technology. Magic powers trains, illuminates cities, enables communication, and more. The world has a fusion of Victorian, steampunk, and cyberpunk elements suffused with a magical essence. Devices and constructs powered by crystal energy or inscribed with magical runes are commonplace. "Hackers" exist — individuals skilled at manipulating or breaking the magical codes that drive society.
Crystalcore
Crystals play a fundamental role in technology and magical practices. Specially cut crystals can focus the magic of the weave in more precise and controlled ways than a magic user can alone. Crystal-based technology ranges from basic tools and weapons to transportation, communication, healthcare, and energy production.
The Forgotten Realms
The world of Toril is on the cusp of entering a new age of arcano-technology and democratic governance. While this is great for the common folk, entrenched institutions and powerful people are not happy with the democratization of the world and the empowering of the people through technology.
Inspiration: She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
The Netflix animated series influences the campaign's tone. Princess Adora / She-Ra and her fellow princesses represent noblebright forces of good. The blend of magic and technology on Etheria reflects the arcanopunk vibe. Crystals — especially runestones and the Heart of Etheria — echo the crystalcore theme.
Player Characters
Orianna Karthen
Cleric 3 (Life Domain) • Orc • Emerald Enclave Caretaker
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 (-2) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 16 (+3) | 20 (+5) | 16 (+3) |
AC: 15 • HP: 21 • Speed: 30 ft. • Spell Save DC: 15 • Spell Attack: +7
Key Features: Thaumaturge (+5 Arcana/Religion), Disciple of Life, Preserve Life, Channel Divinity 2/LR, Adrenaline Rush, Relentless Endurance, Darkvision 120 ft.
Cantrips: Guidance, Toll the Dead, Resistance, Light
Notable Spells: Cure Wounds, Bless, Aid, Lesser Restoration, Speak with Animals
Equipment: Shield, Chain Shirt, Mace, Holy Symbol, 157 GP
Notes: Made the deal with Lascivious — her soul was at stake if Litany failed to kill Little One within a week. Led the resurrection loophole scheme. Created a Coast2Coast account (not her real persona).
Saturn
Cleric 3 (Life Domain) • Halfling • Sage • Neutral Good
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 (-1) | 12 (+1) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 11 (+0) |
AC: 15 • HP: 24 • Speed: 30 ft. • Spell Save DC: 12 • Spell Attack: +4
Key Features: Thaumaturge (+2 Arcana/Religion), Disciple of Life, Preserve Life, Channel Divinity 2/LR, Brave, Halfling Nimbleness, Luck, Naturally Stealthy
Cantrip: Sacred Flame
Notable Spells: Cure Wounds, Bless, Aid, Lesser Restoration
Equipment: Bag of Holding, Dagger +1, Cast-Off Studded Leather, Shield, Mace, Holy Water, 17 GP
Languages: Common, Common Sign Language, Draconic, Goblin
Notes: The party's researcher. Created an earnest Coast2Coast account under his real name; appears enamored with social media.
Kain
Monk 3 (Way of the Open Hand) • Dwarf • Knight of the Gauntlet
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 (+3) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
AC: 16 • HP: 27 • Speed: 40 ft. • Focus Points: 3/SR
Key Features: Martial Arts (1d6), Flurry of Blows (Addle/Push/Topple), Patient Defense, Step of the Wind, Uncanny Metabolism, Deflect Attacks (1d10+6), Darkvision 120 ft., Poison Resistance, Stonecunning (Tremorsense 60 ft.)
Equipment: Spear, Manacles, Smith's Tools, Cartographer's Tools, Herbalism Kit, Bullseye Lantern, Oil (x5), 144 GP
Languages: Common, Dwarvish, Orc
Notes: Purchased a map of the Cloakwood from the Erudite Outfitter marking the cultist lair. A punisher of evildoers by background — the cultist kidnapping is in his lane.
Benjamin Alden Wooten
Wizard 3 (School of Divination) • Human • Hermit • Lawful Neutral • Age 17
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 12 (+1) |
AC: 11 • HP: 20 • Speed: 30 ft. • Spell Save DC: 12 • Spell Attack: +4 • Initiative: +3 (Alert)
Key Features: Portent (2d20/LR), Divination Savant, Arcane Recovery, Ritual Adept, Alert, Healer (Battle Medic), Resourceful, Skillful, Versatile
Cantrips: Acid Splash, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion
1st Level (4 slots): Thunderwave, Grease, Shield, False Life, Burning Hands, Charm Person, Comprehend Languages [R]
2nd Level (2 slots): Scorching Ray, Hold Person, Misty Step, Shatter, Mind Spike
Equipment: Quarterstaff (x2), Dagger (x2), Herbalism Kit, "P" Autobiography (unexamined), Light as Feather Stiff as a Board scroll (Level 7), Spell Scroll (Level 2) x3, 521 GP
Notes: Created an "alt Keates" Coast2Coast account to support and/or troll the First Reader. Used Minor Illusion and Mage Hand creatively at the cave lair. Wealthiest party member. The "P" Autobiography and Level 7 scroll remain unused.
Session Log
Arc 1: Candlekeep, First Steps
Sessions 1–2
- Litany made their name in Baldur's Gate by driving out Nine Fingers Keene's protection and gambling racket. They protected the Elfsong Tavern; the owner, Alan Alyth, sold it to them and retired. This gave the group renown across the southern Sword Coast.
- Received a summons from Keates Latimer, 1st of 8 Great Readers of Candlekeep, to journey there and get details from Capt. Kale Linton of the Avowed (leader of the elite Emerald Gate Brigade).
- Investigated the disappearance of Professor Fistandia. Found a magical book in her office containing a permanent Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion (entry word: "Serendipity"). Explored the mansion in a pocket of astral space. Discovered high-level devils had broken in, fought Fistandia, and kidnapped her. Met homunculi (Cumen and Corriander), fae dragons (Kenzie and Chloe), and a book elemental. Found and killed an imp named Archie, who warned he'd return to life in Baator.
Sessions 3–4
- Learned Fistandia was "arrested" on orders from Primus (god of Law), who directed Asmodeus to hold her for crimes relating to time travel and interdimensional actions. Discovered this through the Erudite Outfitter shopkeeper (an acolyte of Asmodeus) and a broker who arranged a meeting with the archdevil Lascivious.
- Met Lascivious in The Eighth City Services building (a skyscraper in Baator). The Deal: Orianna agreed to kill Little One within a week (Lascivious claimed he'd done bad things) in exchange for Fistandia's bail. Fistandia was released, abjured from using magic, and retreated into her mansion-book. Litany carries the book.
- Told Keates they found out what happened to Fistandia, but withheld details about the bail. The party is suspicious of Keates after finding Fistandia's notes implicating him. Keates publicly praised Litany at the Festival of Remembrance and declared them "open for adventuring" — the party believes this was to keep them busy.
- Discovered Little One was actually good (manipulated by Lascivious). Contracted Shauvra, a cleric of Oghma, to Revivify him after the kill. The loophole worked — Lascivious was outsmarted and vowed revenge. Litany owes Shauvra two favors.
- Rescued Marcus Wendell from cultist kidnappers. Found a note: "Find the Wendell boy, capture him, wait for instructions." Cultists bore a tattoo of a moving mouth surrounded by crawling tentacles beneath a crescent moon. Identity unknown.
- Met with Vera Washington about Keates's possible involvement in the kidnapping. She was skeptical but wants the party to keep investigating.
- Connected with Amelia (Avowed member) whose brother Jontu lives in the Cloakwood with Lily the witch.
Session 5
- Delivered Jontu's note to Amelia — he disapproves of Candlekeep's direction and doesn't like that she's an Avowed. Amelia hopes to reconcile.
- Discovered Coast2Coast, a social media platform (like Twitter) on the Arcane Internet spanning the Sword Coast. Based on industrialization of the Message spell. Accessed through crystal-based comms devices (arcanotech smartphones with Minor Illusion screens). Keates is a savvy user; Vera is not. The party created accounts: Ben made an "alt Keates" troll account, Saturn made an earnest account under his real name, Orianna created a non-real-persona account, and they made a group Litany account.
- Sought reinforcements from Capt. Kale for the trip to Lily's hut. He provided 2LT Jim Basil — green but capable, very formal, eager to please.
- Visited Lily in the Cloakwood. She revealed an empowered fey form (elongated arms, claws, eerily attractive). The party tried to signal they wanted a placebo for Marcus's charisma potion — unclear if she complied. Marcus drank it and started acting differently. Lily warned about cultists nearby (two weeks) and corrupted animals/plants near their lair. Left Marcus with Lily and Jontu (Marcus shows romantic interest in Jontu; Lily mentioned she's polyamorous).
- Found the cultist lair (cave). Jim scouted — found two guards and a tripwire. Ben used Minor Illusion (aberrant cricket sound) and Mage Hand (snapped branch) to lure guards into a tree; they fell and Jim slit their throats. Jim seemed to enjoy it more than expected.
NPCs
Candlekeep — Political
Keates Latimer — 1st of 8 Great Readers; candidate for Keeper of Tomes
Summoned Litany to Candlekeep. Publicly praised them at the Festival of Remembrance. Fistandia's notes imply he may be involved in dark dealings. Savvy Coast2Coast user. The party is suspicious but has not confronted him directly.
Vera Washington — Keeper of Tomes (incumbent); candidate for Keeper of Tomes
Instituting democratic reform in Candlekeep. Running in the city's first election against Keates. Skeptical of Litany's claims about Keates but wants them to keep investigating. Earnest but unsavvy with new campaign technology.
Capt. Kale Linton — Leader of the Emerald Gate Brigade (Avowed)
Briefed Litany on the Fistandia mission. Trusted by the party. Professional soldier. Provided 2LT Jim Basil as reinforcement.
2LT Jim Basil — Officer in the Avowed
Green but capable. Formal, eager to please, selfless. Scouted the cultist cave and helped eliminate guards. May enjoy violence more than his demeanor suggests.
Candlekeep — The Hearth and Others
Little One — Ogre; proprietor of the Hearth and House of Rest
Wears a Circlet of Intellect. Good-natured, naive. Sells exotic smoothies from Chultan fruit. Killed and resurrected by Litany to satisfy Lascivious's deal. Unaware of danger to his soul. Created the "Litany Sunrise" smoothie. Was manipulated by Lascivious.
Trun Dreamdew — Little One's assistant
Roguish, good-natured. Skims a little off the till but genuinely loves Little One.
Fistandia — Archmage; professor at Candlekeep University
Helped fend off the Red Wizards of Thay 10 years ago. Arrested by devils on orders from Primus for interdimensional crimes. On bail (abjured from magic). Lives in her mansion-book (entry word: "Serendipity"). Litany carries the book. Trial pending.
Matreus — Fistandia's assistant
Never showed up. Missing and unaccounted for since the start of the campaign.
Amelia — Member of the Avowed; Jontu's sister
Doesn't want the Avowed to know about Jontu. Received his note via Litany. Hopes to reconcile.
Shauvra — Cleric of Oghma
Performed Revivify on Little One. Litany owes her two favors (uncalled).
Erudite Outfitter Shopkeeper — Acolyte of Asmodeus
Connected Litany to a broker who arranged the Lascivious meeting. Also where Kain purchased his Cloakwood map.
The Cloakwood
Lily — Archmage; witch; elven woman with a fey form
One of the three archmages who defended Candlekeep from the Red Wizards of Thay 10 years ago (see Deep Lore). Lives in a hut in the Cloakwood. Fey form: elongated arms, claws, eerily attractive visage. Gave Marcus a potion (placebo status unknown). Warned the party about cultists. Polyamorous. Healer/herbalist type. Took in Jontu.
Jontu — Amelia's brother
Living in the Cloakwood with Lily. Disapproves of Candlekeep's direction. Marcus displays romantic interest in him.
Marcus Wendell — Son of a wealthy Vera Washington supporter
Rescued from cultists by Litany. Has social anxiety, wants genuine friends. Drank a charisma potion from Lily (effect unclear). Shows interest in Jontu. Currently with Lily and Jontu.
James — Wendell family butler
Met Litany at the manor when Marcus was returned. Protective of Marcus.
Baator / Infernal
Lascivious — Archdevil
Loves irresistible deals. Arranged Fistandia's bail in exchange for Little One's death. Operates from The Eighth City Services building in Baator. Outsmarted by the resurrection loophole. Vowed revenge. Originally manipulated Little One.
Archie — Imp
Found hiding in Fistandia's mansion. Killed by Litany. Said he'd return to life in Baator on the River Styx.
Fistandia's Mansion (inside the book)
Cumen and Corriander — Homunculi
Cute. Reside in the mansion.
Kenzie and Chloe — Fae dragons
Reside in the mansion.
Book Elemental
Helped the party once they proved they weren't enemies.
Frozen High-Level Devils
Remain in the mansion, frozen by Fistandia's magic. Left where found. Will eventually thaw.
The Cultists (Unknown Organization)
Identity: Unknown. Marked by a tattoo of a moving mouth surrounded by crawling tentacles beneath a crescent moon.
Activity: Kidnapped Marcus Wendell. Note found: "Find the Wendell boy, capture him, wait for instructions." Appeared in the Cloakwood about two weeks ago. Their lair (a cave) is corrupting nearby animals and plants. Two guards eliminated at the cave entrance as of Session 5. Boss/handler unknown.
Deep Lore
The Defense of Candlekeep (10 Years Ago)
Ten years before the start of the campaign, the Red Wizards of Thay launched an assault on Candlekeep. Three archmages — Fistandia, Lily, and a third mage specializing in holy magic (identity unknown) — worked together to raise a magical shield around the city. The shield held long enough for Candlekeep's forces to organize and repel the Red Wizards. This event cemented Fistandia's reputation at the university and is part of Lily's history, though she has since withdrawn to the Cloakwood.
Party Loot (Session 5)
| Item | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| Party fund (Marcus rescue) | 1,500 GP |
| Diamond | 300 GP |
| Sapphire rings (x3, magical, unidentified) | 200 GP each |
Outstanding Commitments
- Meet with Vera Washington about Keates and the kidnapping (initiated)
- Two uncalled favors owed to Shauvra (cleric of Oghma)
- Little One's soul — uncertain whether the resurrection loophole truly satisfied the infernal contract
- Lascivious has vowed revenge
- Frozen devils in Fistandia's mansion will eventually thaw
- Fistandia's trial before Primus is pending
- Matreus is still missing
- Cultist lair — infiltration in progress (two guards down, cave entrance cleared)
- Tell Amelia that Jontu is okay (complete)
- Help Marcus with a trip to visit Lily in the Cloakwood (complete)