Rhodicut
Traveler's Log
The gang decided it was time to leave the Traveler's Lodge. Chadicles attempted to drive the van, but he ended up crashing it into the side of the motel. When Anise stepped out of the van to survey the damage, she discovered that the motel appeared to be entirely abandoned, as if nobody had been there for twenty years—like the Traveler's Lodge had never even existed. A theory floated around among the group that it had something to do with the checkout time of 11 a.m. No magic resided anywhere on the property, except for the room behind the check-in counter, from which strange, unidentifiable dark magic emanated.
Spooked, they decided to travel onward. They eventually came across the first location on the pamphlet: a tourist-trap oddities shop called Paranormology. The owner, a goblin named Melvin, welcomed them with open arms and gave them a tour of the shop. It seemed that the only real artifacts, aside from a collection of items from a 1920s train crash, were a haunted teddy bear. They told Melvin about their encounters with the cryptid that had run alongside their van. This made Melvin very excited, and they decided to do a stakeout in hopes that the cryptid would show up once more.
Melvin,
Owner of Paranormology
Traveler's Log
Melvin went back inside of the shop to retrieve some special mushrooms... but when he didn't return, Walker and a few others decided to go looking for him. He was being held captive by the haunted teddy! Walker attempted to reunite his teddy with it... but it only seemed to aggravate the situation. Walker stepped back and ended up spilling a potion that exploded on everyone and... made everyone super tiny.
Art by Ethan
Traveler's Log
The group fought the bear, and succeeded. Apparently it had a flesh-body underneath it's plush exterior. Cool, cool. Super normal. Walker's Bear was non antagonistic and happily stayed with Walker. Throughout the fight many group members chose to drink the unlabeled potions on the table. Luca chose one that caused him (and the player) to have to speak in rhyme. That was a horrible decision on the DM's part and will likely never happen again unless the DM feels like causing herself misery.
With the fight over, Melvin rejoined the group and allowed each member to take something from the shop as payment. He also asked a favor of the group- he wanted them to deliver a care package to his kid, which is evidently at the Monastery. Apparently, the kid got sick and went to the Monastery for some alternative medicine (Melvin doesn't trust chemical medicine.) While there the kid decided to convert to Neoism. Apparently the Stevie (the kid) hasn't written Melvin back in quite some time due to them wanting to "focus on their new faith" or something like that.
Art by Christian
Art by Annabelle
Traveler's Log
Anyways, after all that was said and done, the group continued on the stakeout for the creature that had been stalking them on their journey thus far. Melvin said it reminded him of a Rhodicut legend- the Night Hound. The legend goes: "If a man shall meet the Black Dog once it shall be for joy: and it twice, it shall be for sorrow: and the third time he shall die."
You all grew nervous, as many of you looked the "Night Hound" in the eye once before. What would happen if you saw it again? You didn't have to wonder for long though, because it appeared! You got a look at it through the car mirror in hopes that it would nullify the effects of whatever magical spell it can theoretically place on you. The creature came within 10 feet of you all, which was enough to convince everybody that they should retreat inside the van.
Traveler's Log
The group grew nervous, as many of them had looked the "Night Hound" in the eye once before. What would happen if they saw it again? They didn't have to wonder for long though, because it appeared! They got a look at it through the car mirror in hopes that it would nullify the effects of whatever magical spell it could theoretically place on them. The creature came within 10 feet of the group, which was enough to convince everybody that they should retreat inside the van.
Traveler's Log
While inside, the bear belonging to Walker struck up a sort of telepathic communication with Rex and Crackle. The bear started saying some nonsense about an evil wizard, and how Crackle smelled like them. The bear mentioned to Crackle and Rex that the three of them were similar. They were all made. The bear was made of thread and fabric... but Crackle and Rex were stitched with vein, arteries, and bones. The bear even proved to Crackle and Rex that they were "made" by showing them the identical scars they had on their stomachs.
The bear said that Rex was exempt from creation via the "evil wizard" but that Rex was still made.
Art by Ethan
Traveler's Log
Eventually the group decided it was time to pack up and leave. They drove along the highway until a pleasant, well-cared for wooden sign advertising “Saint Audri’s monastery and farms” directed you down a dirt back road. Soon, the trees on either side of the road gave way to rolling fields of corn and wheat. A large wooden rollercoaster adorned with sprinkler systems snaked just above the fields. Neo-icons hung off of bean vines, which acted as fences. They noticed small, simple houses and shrines decorating the fields.
The group drove further along and passed through an orchard carrying an abundance of plump apples, plums, and peaches. These gave way to the sight of a stone castle, of all things. There were several “nuns-crossing” sign. The group saw plenty of the nuns in question. They wore long brown robes and veils interlaced with herbs. A good number of them also sported face coverings- some, like the produce merchant the group saw at the occult shop, others wore just a simple mouth veil.
The nuns gave friendly waves as the gang passed, before returning to whatever tasks they were performing. The gang pulled into a parking lot near what appeared to be a hedge maze. There were a few other cars there- which plainly belonged to tourists. The group also saw a family of five posing in front of the castle for a photo. They all wore small veils atop their head, but were otherwise dressed inconspicuously.
Religion Check
Some strains of Neo worshippers practice modesty. It is viewed most often as a way to pull away focus from vanity and instead place it on the outside world. More extreme modesty, like what you see here, is most common in monasteries and clergymembers.
The “church” is inside of the massive, cheesy castle just outside the boundaries of the parking lot. The exterior walls of the church appear to be made of painted stucco. It’s obviously trying to mimic stone walls of a real castle, but the paint chipping off into the ivy covering it’s surface destroys any suspension of disbelief. That being said, the inside is in a completely different condition. The hardwood floors of the entrance, though scuffed with age, appear to be freshly polished. These floors give way to real stone tiles once inside the large main hall. Two rows of mahogany pews sit in-between massive stained glass windows that depict blooming gardens. A warm sunbeam shines through the windows and onto the raised preaching platform at the back of the church. You notice it smells, yes of incense, but mostly of wet earth. Petrichor. It’s also slightly perfumed, floral smelling.
Traveler's Log
The group woke up in seperate groups. The first awake, who were disturbed from their sleep by the sound of the morning church bells, ended up meeting a dragonborn nun named Sister Briar. They allowed Sister Briar to cleanse their vehicle from bugs and insects with incense. Then, the group ventured inside of the replica-castle and discovered that it was a church on the inside.
The group ran into some familiar faces- two nuns named "Sister Juniper" and "Brother Jasmine." It didn't take a genius to figure out that these two nuns were "nun" other than Jane and John Pointe (despite their adamant denial.)
Apparently "Sister Juniper" and "Brother Jasmine" had been at the commune for a week and had been staying with Stevie (Who now goes by Fratrem Clove), the child of Melvin.
The fact that Juniper and Jasmine had been at the commune for a week struck you all as odd, due to the fact that you saw the pair only a few days prior in their house.
Clove validated their claim, saying that they had indeed arrived a week ago.
Anyways, the group followed Clove, Jasmine, and Juniper to their room and had a series of rather tense discussions.
Sister Briar
Fratrem Clove
Sister Juniper
Brother Jasmine
Sister Rani
Art by Molly
Traveler's Log
Anise attempted to charm John again- but she failed. Either way, he still pretended to be charmed and used that as a tactic to get closer to Anise without suspicion being raised. He admitted to her that he was scared. That the Pointes had no clue why they were at the Monastery. That still, the siblings would do "whatever it takes." John couldn't give more information- but did disclose that they had recieved a cassette tape. He told Anise that she would find out for herself soon enough.
Curtis woke up and had a solo adventure- where he changed into somebody named Spade. Curtis doesn't trust the monastery, and believes that they are doing something wrong. Something just isn't right about their practices.
Rex and Quinton were the last to wake up. They reconvened with the party before everybody decided to attend the mass.
Art by Ethan
Enemies…. Or maybe…. Lovers?
Traveler's Log
The source of thie floral smell in the church became quite obvious when, from behind the preacher’s stand, a curtain was drawn to the side, revealing the walls of a greenhouse. The group could just catch a glimpse of massive blooming flowers before somebody stumbled out from behind the curtain. He managed to get his footing, and then sharply looked up, noticing that he had an audience. He then "sheepishly" wiped the dirt from his clothing.
Mori: “This week is special. This week we will welcome two new individuals into the graces of Saint Audri. Two will go from saplings to blooming hearts. Isn’t that worth celebration?”
He turns and motions to the painting high on the wall behind him.
Mori:“We may celebrate the fact that Neo’s roots are still just as much a part of us as they are a part of the grounds we tend. And our unwavering devotion has been well rewarded. We have been delivered a Saint. The very reason I am able to stand upon this podium today.”
He turns back to the audience.
Mori: “You have given me the title ‘prophet.’ I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about that. I believe it is a title meant to be shared. You see, a prophet is somebody that hears the words of a god and delivers them unto their followers. Does that not make you all prophets? Do you not all hear the words of Neo? Without you, we would not have two new blooms unfurling.”
Mori pauses.
Mori: "We are proof that the old ways haven’t died. That they never died and that they never will. We are proof that death is… is… sacrilegious. That it is not inevitable. Death is a disease, and it can be treated. Not with chemicals that know nothing of the gods. Not with formulas, or science.”
He glances back down at his book and clears his throat.
Mori: "I have been given a message from the Saint. She says that the peaches are going to be ready for harvest today.”
Mori: “Oh, um, excuse me everyone.”
Every nun in the room bows their head in respect to this person. A nun clears her throat and leans over to a party member.
Nun:“Psst, that’s Prophet Mori. Bow your heads. It’s a show of respect.”
Mori steps up to the preacher’s stand. He places a cruet of dark red wine onto one side of the stand, and a book on another.
Mori: “Good afternoon, patrons of Saint Audri.”
Mori glances towards the travel group.
Mori: "And travelers. Welcome to our home.”
He opens the book on the table and begins to read from it.
A painting of the god Neo
Traveler's Log
Rex, during communion, asked Mori how to become indicted into the church. Mori was excited, and mentioned to Rex (Sister Maple) that there was a large ceremony coming up soon. Rex (Sister Maple) accepted this offer. After communion, Luca met with "Brother Jasmine" outside. Luca tried playing a prank on Jasmine- pretending that he was the god Neo inside of Jasmine's head. Safe to say Jasmine hates pranks. He shanked Luca. The group meets with Mori after the sermon and follows him into the Clergy's private greenhouse behind the church curtain. This is where the clergy grows their ceremonial plants. Mori went into further detail about The Ceremony, and how it was basically just a celebratory feast.
Art by Ellery
Traveler's Log
Curtis pressed Mori on the specifics of the sermon- the mention of death being a disease. Mori was pleased to answer all questions. The previous pastor had died, and the commune had decided to dedicate themselves to finding out the best way to stop death. They were worshipping a god of life- to die would be to sin!
Mori found Saint Audri and with her help, they managed to stop death from happening. Mori doesn't expect the "cure" to ever go mainstream (because the world is too wrapped up in chemical medicine like ibuprofen).
Later on, Barley and Hobi decided to try to check out the Root Vegetables cave. They were unable to get in (even after sending the nuns guarding the doors on a wild goose chase.) Barley managed to peer through the keyhole and saw something slithering around inside. Creepyyyyyy. There was also the noticable smell of iron.
The rest of the day proceeded as normal, and the group decided to go to bed.
The next morning the group woke up to commotion outside of the church. Somebody, in dark red, had written the message "“BEWARE THE FALSE PROPHETS, WHO COME TO YOU IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING.” on the front doors.
Traveler's Log
The prophet, Mori, seemed quite agitated at the prospect of somebody in the cult being unhappy and untrusting of him. He shared a few desperate pleas to the nuns, hoping somebody would step forward. When nobody did, he ran off into the church. Sister Rani began cleaning off the doors. She was weirdly defensive of this and did not allow anybody to assist her. The group did manage to get a look at the door and noticed strange veins inside of the blood. Veins that were so small they were almost root-like. The group, decided to do some sleuthing to find out who did this, and why. One group follows Mori inside and discovers that there's more to the story than just blood on the doors.
Mori: “I saw something. I was up early, working in the greenhouse. Praying. Just before sunrise. I-I saw somebody walking.
Then, out of nowhere… it… it happened so fast. They were gone. The only thing left behind was….”
Mori gags at the thought, eyes watering.
Mori:“Just a puddle of… of, remains. Who would do something like this? Do you have any ideas?”
Sister Briar: “No! Nobody in our commune could be capable of.. such senseless violence...right?”.
Sister Rani: "Who died?”
Mori: "I-I hate to say it. I could be wrong.. but they looked like one of the nuns participating in the ceremony.”
Sister Rani: "Fratrem Clove?"
Prophet Mori turns around, shielding his face from view. You see him bring his hand up to his cheek, wiping away a tear.
Mori: "They were so close.. so close to their true path…gods, what happened.””
Sister Briar
Sister Rani
Prophet Mori
Traveler's Log
The group discovered that there was a broken window in the greenhouse, indicating that something broke it. There were no remains of Clove's body. It was almost as if they vanished into thin air.
new
Barley sent their familiar into the church later that afternoon and noticed Sister Rani on her knees scooping the bloody water from the doors into her mouth.
new
A different section of the group went to talk to the twins to see if they knew anything of what was going on. You insinuated that the twins may be responsible for the murder of Clove, to which Jane responded:
"Allow me to set the scene for you. You break into private property, invade our family home, and then stalk us all the way to a religious establishment? And then, the cherry on top, you frame us for murder."
new
So, clearly, this struck a nerve. The group ultimately decided that the twins were not responsible.
new
Meanwhile, another group visited the infirmary where Sister Myrtle was assisting a patient.
new
Like many of the buildings on the property, the infirmary is built into a replica medieval building. Once inside, it's clear that the curtains do in fact match the architectural drapes. The infirmary seems crude compared to the current medical standards of the world. It’s the type of infirmary that professional clerics would have run before modern medicine. In place of sterile fluorescent lights, IV drips, and heartrate monitors you see oil lamps, tables of herbs, and a small shrine.
A sheer curtain covers the doorway, and through it, cots line the walls, all occupied by any manner of person. A strange smell wafts from this room. It’s sickly sweet, almost rotten, and it makes noses scrunch.
On the wall next to the curtained doorway there are hooks- from which hang long beaked masks. Underneath the masks there are baskets of pleasant smelling herbs. A nun enters the room and exchanges a polite “excuse me.” She takes a mask off of a hook and stuffs the beak with the herbs.
Upon seeing the group's confused expression, she motions with her head towards the curtain.
“Helps with the smell.”