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Ashes Session 0

Date

  • Real World: March 25, 2026

Player Characters

Dungeon Master

  • Dungeon Master, as himself

Session Notes

Detailed in The Troll of Dreadmist

Discord Posts

Corq and Anchor Talk About Magic and Anchor's Construction

7:04 PM - Anchor: @Corq A few days after the group returns from the encounter with the Troll of the Dreadmist, Anchor seeks out Corq at the Dhamarath General Store.

7:11 PM - Anchor: If Corq isn't in the main shop, Anchor would ask the workers in the main room for his whereabouts.

10:20 PM - Corq: "Oh, welcome hello - err... hi, Sir Buhralmath. Uh, Mr Anchor. How does the day treat you? Err, greet you, ahem."

6:50 AM - Anchor: “At ease there little soldier. No swamp trolls here. Just call me Anchor, no sir or mister needed. The day is good and hope your day is also well. I was a bit concerned for your well being in the swamp, but your magic proved reliable. I’ve come to ask a favor if you would be so kind?”

9:34 AM - Corq: Corq does a quick scan around the shop, ensuring his ever present parents aren't keeping a keen eye on him in this moment.

"Favor? But Mist- Eh, uh, Anchor, how or what could I do as a favor for you? My magic only slowed the monster down slightly. You were amazing, standing there like some immutable monolith against its blows. You were breathtaking, or at least I think you were... I believe I may have had a minor panic attack sometime during the... massacre..."

Corq trails off.

"Sorry, uh, sorry. Yes, favor? How can I help Mist- eh, Anchor, sir. Sorry, no sir. Anchor."

11:09 AM - Anchor: “I simply did what I was built for and never had a chance to do until now. Your magic and smarts are exactly what’s needed for this favor, and I think your parents would even approve. No running off into danger needed.”

Anchor points to the glow coming from his eyes and the wood underneath his plating before continuing.

“This… magic was never explained to me by my creator. I seek to understand more about it. My thoughts even wander now. Where I was content to perform my tasks day to day, I suddenly feel like there is more that I need to do.”

“Any knowledge you might have or be able to find in your books about what is happening to me would be appreciated. I saw you reading during the rest time in the swamp, and thought you might be able to figure this out.”

12:16 PM - Corq: "Oh, uh, thank you. I mean, I was only reading Mauricio Maxima's Magnificent Manual of Mushrooms, to brush up on my fungi taxonomy. Did you know the Meadow Mushroom and Destroying Angel are nearly identical, however you can tell the difference and avoid certain death by checking the gill color and spotting a delicate skirt-like ring on the upper stem of the Angel?"

Corq trails on for a minute about the minute details to look out for between nearly identical mushroom species.

"Oh, sorry. Got carried away. Uhm, yes, I could try to help. Are there not arcane experts within your family that could help? Sorry, that is a silly question, I'm sure you've already asked them. I'm not positive I can help, but I'm willing to try Mi- .. uh, err just Anchor." Corq runs off into the back of the store, returning within a couple minutes.

"I told my parents I'm feeling very tired and worn out today, and am heading home, and that you're escorting me in the event I feel faint and collapse. I need to dig around my books to see if I can find anything that resembles your, uhm, can I call it a condition? I don't want to be rude... but I have some rituals I may be able to use as a starting point, but there's certainly no room in the shop nor would my parents appreciate the commotion here in the store, during work hours."

Corq collects his bag and staff he had set behind the shop counter and prepares to depart for his family home.

Dungeon Master posts the text of Mauricio Maxima's Magnificent Manual of Mushrooms.

7:30 PM - Anchor: "No apology needed at all. You feel free to bring up any topics of interest that pop into your brain. Never know when something might just be relevant, or just a fun listen."

"Not a silly question if you don't know the answer. The Buhralmath family are merchants, smiths, sea farmers, and fishermen. Like most in our city, they do not possess much in the way of fighting or magical abilities."

Anchor waits for Corq to speak to his parents and gather his things before following the Orc out of the shop.

As they set off, Anchor shows Corq a pendant that appears to be made of the same wood that makes up the Warforged's frame under his plating.

"This was given to me by my creator over a millenia ago. It appears to be at least one of the materials used in my construction. It also began glowing during our fight with the troll."

7:31 PM - Anchor: Image

11:50 AM - Corq: "That's, actually quite fascinating. Over a millenia and you've never had a reaction yourself, nor any reaction from the pendant, until a few days ago in the swamp? Do you think the Troll triggered it? Something with the swamp itself? I mean, our home was once a research outpost for said swamp, and it's mystery still eludes us... I mean, it's scary dangerous so, only crazy people like us go out there, right?"

Corq trails off a bit.

"I'd like to not only see if I have any books to help, but I have a little magic that might gleam some kind of idea what's going on, but prefer not to cast my spells in the middle of the road."

12:03 PM - Corq: Arriving at Corq's family home, Corq sets his bag and staff near the front door aside a small coat rack. He offers Anchor a seat in the living area.

"Can I offer you tea? Sorry, that's probably a silly question. You don't... drink, do you? I mean, I can still steep something if you... uhm, can you smell? That is, well, some people like tea less for taste and more for the aromatics... we have a nice hibiscus my dad saves for special guests. I think you meet that qualification easily, having saved so many lives in the swamp, anyway..."

7:36 PM - Anchor: "I am unaware of anything like this ever happening since my creation 1255 years ago. My existence started during the last year of the Great War, perhaps one of the last of my kind to be brought to life. Although built for war, the battle with the troll was my first real combat. Nothing about the pendant was ever remarkable, just a keepsake to remember my creator. You have come up with several ideas in short order and that just reinforces that I was correct in my decision to ask for your help."

Anchor gives a short chuckle at Corq's "crazy people" comment. He also stops briefly to allow a few of the local children to use him as cover in their slingshot fight.

"Thank you for offering to use your time, books, and magic to try and help me understand this."

8:05 PM - Anchor: Anchor carefully sits so as not to crush any of the Ironhide family furniture before answering.

"While I do not need to eat or drink, I am capable of doing so. Since I don't have to, I generally try to avoid wasting resources others might need, but once in a while will eat or drink something new to try it. If you are having some tea, I would be happy just to try a tiny sip. I will say, however, that I didn't save nearly enough lives in the swamp, and that everyone did their best."

Anchor pauses for a moment before seeming to come to a decision before continuing.

"Thank you again for offering to help and inviting me to your family's home. The fact that you are far smarter than me, and a wizard is why I chose to try and speak to you first. It appears that along with the slight glow coming from parts of my frame, I have also developed some magical abilities. My creator never said anything about this nor have I ever been able to do any magic before."

1:58 PM - Corq: Corq returns with a ceramic mug cupped in his hands, pink steam emitting from the hot liquid within, on an exposed side of the cup are words painted, "Some people lift weights. I lift books." A mage hand trails behind Corq holding a small glass for
spirits, a swirling pink liquid within. "Here you are, please let me know if you like it. It's very sweet, Dad isn't a big fan of bitter teas."

Corq sits down in a chair across from Anchor, a sitting table between them. As the Mage Hand sets down Anchor's small serving, it disappears into the kitchen once again and reappears with a small plate with cookies. Corq makes a gentle gesture to Anchor, inviting him to share the small treats.

"Mom'd probably have a small fit if I had this much sugar this early in the day; but I figure what's the harm? I might need the energy to solve these conundrums of yours."

Corq takes a small bite of a chocolate chip cookie, with bits of bacon sprinkled among the chips.

"I wish we could sit here and talk forever about your past, Mist- ... Anchor, you must have so many amazing experiences and wisdoms to share. But, we aren't here to sate my curiosity. You said you have never used magic before? Before... the Troll? Can you explain this magic? What you can do, how does it feel? I can't promise I can find you answers, but a starting point will help me filter down what texts I may have to reference, rather than bring the entire library of Ironhide downstairs."

Corq chuckles to himself, then sighs, slightly embarrased.

"I- it's not a library, just a handful of shelves I've collected, and my parents have collected, over the years."

Corq sips his tea, full attention on Anchor.

2:38 PM - Anchor: Anchor reaches up and touches his faceplate, and a small section folds in revealing the lower part of his wooden face. He nods in thanks at Corq, gently picking up the small glass of tea and sipping it.

"Ahh, very good. I have found over the centuries that when I do try food and drink, the sweets are the best."

Setting the glass down, Anchor tries the smallest cookie on the plate.

"The cookies are also tasty, and the bacon, a great addition to just about everything I've ever tried. As far as too much sugar, sometimes bending the rules a bit isn't the end of the world. There was a time when the thought of bending rules would never have entered my mind. The thought of change, new experiences, and exploration seem to have taken over my once stoic mind, and I believe you have much more to offer this world than you think."

2:54 PM - Anchor: "My past is fairly boring and I fear that I may not remember everything as it happened or maybe at all. Time erases many things."

Anchor pauses a moment, thinking on how to best answer Corq regarding the magic.

"No magic, ever, before the swamp and the Troll. Perhaps I can show you a bit of the magic that appears to now be a part of me."

Holding out his metal hand a swirl of forest green light appears and forms into what appears to be a dagger. Seconds later the dagger vanishes and is replaced by an axe. Over the span of a minute, Anchor creates several other weapons as the previous one vanishes.

"There are other actual spells that I have seen or read about that I can now cast, but they are combat related. I would assume your family's home would not be the best location for a demonstration."

2:59 PM - Anchor: "We should look to add to your library. It sounds like a worthy thing to do for someone so willing to help another."

4:17 PM - Dungeon Master: @Corq are you going to take an action? detect magic, knowledge check, etc?

4:29 PM - Corq: (I'd like to make a knowledge check first.)

4:29 PM - Dungeon Master: Make the knowledge check of your choice. (Arcana, History, Nature, Religion)

4:38 PM - Dungeon Master: You recognize that what Anchor is doing is closest to pact-bound conjuration, the kind typically associated with warlocks.

However, something about it doesn’t line up.

Pact magic normally requires a defined external source... a patron, entity, or established bond. Without that, this kind of magic shouldn’t function at all.

And yet… it clearly is.

Thinking back through your studies, you recall a handful of very obscure references... cases where a connection to an external power appears to form before any formal pact is made.

These cases are rare, poorly understood, and often associated with: exposure to planar boundaries or “thin places” materials or objects tied to other Planes of Existence or instances where the external entity becomes aware first

In those accounts, the magic doesn’t originate from the caster in the usual way. Instead, it behaves more like a connection that has already begun forming, even if neither side fully understands it yet.

Looking at Anchor, you are confident of one thing:
* This is not normal spellcasting
* This is not self-contained magic

Whatever is happening, it involves something outside of Anchor

On the other hand, It is also entirely possible that Anchor is lying to you

5:22 PM - Corq: @Anchor "Anchor, that magic there, what you just showed me. You... are you aware you are using... how do I put this? I'm certain the abilities you just performed are indeed arcane in nature, but it's not the same as my magic. It's... borrowed? Gifted? Stolen? It's magic you'd only see used when an individual forms a pact with a strong entity. Warlocks, pact-bearers, contract magus, there's many names for them."

Corq look down at his boots, shuffling uncomfortably.

"You said both you, and your heirloom, the pendant... both started to glow in the Swamp? Did you hear anything, or see anything you didn't think to share with the party? I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I don't mean to sound accusatory. But these magics are often from the result of a known, consented, contracts. Something in the swamp seems to have reached out to contact you. Whether this was meant to be benign, or even intentional, I'm afraid there's no way to tell, at least not from my family's living space."

5:59 PM - Anchor: Anchor ponders what Corq has said for a few breaths.

"I have heard of different types of magic, Arcane, and more prevalent before the Demon Run, Divine. Plus the beings that are just magical by their very nature. Some magic users study, others don't. As we talked about, I was created for the War, but it ended before I was deployed. My creator said nothing of this and I've never spoken directly to anyone about magic until talking to you."

Pointing at the barely visible pulsing glow coming from both his exposed face and the pendant.

"This was not there, ever, and then it just, was. I came to you asking for help, and you have freely given it. No questions are off the table, especially if it ends up explaining what is happening, so no apology needed at all, Corq. This really just... happened while we fought the troll. I didn't think, hear, or do anything when the flashes of magic happened during the fight. If something is trying to contact me, it is doing a very poor job or taking a roundabout way of doing so. Thank you for taking the time and the sweets. If you can think of anything else, I'm pretty easy to find, and if there's anything I can do for you in return, just let me know."

6:06 PM - Corq: Corq perks up, straight as an arrow.

"Anchor, thank you for trusting me, for being the first person you've confided in." Corq's eye's sparkle a little as he shoots up from his seat. "I'd love to keep talking, but I want to give you something. As a gift, between friends? Please, don't move, I'll be right back."
Corq sprints towards the stairs leading to the 2nd story, stopping suddenly and doing his best to contain erupting excitement. Corq grasps the railings on both (yes, both) sides of the set of stairs and slowly and methodically climbs the stairs, one step at a time. At the top, he sighs heavily, and sprints into a back room.

6:12 PM - Anchor: Anchor finishes the last bit of tea in his glass, closes his faceplate, and waits patiently.

6:23 PM - Corq: A few minutes pass, and Corq emerges from the back area of the 2nd story of the home, floating on a circular, horizontal plane of force, 3 feet in diameter and 1 inch thick, that floats 3 feet above the ground. The floating disk descents the stairs smoothly, safely, as Corq is seen grinning ear to ear, holding a small book.

"Here, please, take this. It was my first book on magic, when I first starting feeling the spark of the weave as a child. It's, well, it's a little childish but it's true fundamentals and helps answer so many questions when you first feel the arcane hum. I want you to have it, since you want to learn more. And, any questions you have I'll be happy to answer! And if you want any more books, I'm happy to offer up our small collection."

Corq leans over, out of breath. Takes a sip of his tea, now nearly room temperature, and rights himself.

"Magic is scary, but if you know how to be careful it can be a powerful tool for so many great things. So I hope this helps."

Corq offers over a small book, no more than 250 pages, titled "Fenwocket 'Fidget' Goldenbark's Folio on Magical Studies and Arcane Fundamentals, Jr." With a cartoonish female gnome mage's face on the cover.

6:27 PM - Corq: "It goes over somatic and vocal component fundamentals, component families and substitues, beginner's guide to magical foci, and does a deep but easy to understand review of each individual school of magic. And, I want you to have it."

Dungeon Master posts the text of Fenwocket “Fidget” Goldenbark’s Folio on Magical Studies and Arcane Fundamentals, Jr..

6:37 PM - Anchor: Anchor bows his head to Corq as he accepts the book.

"I thank you again for your time, the food and drink, and now this gift. I will read through it and it may bring more questions. Once I'm done, I'll circle back with you and maybe borrow some additional books since you offered. It seems, for now, like the magic is just there and waiting, and may be a powerful tool as you say. If you require anything from me, just let me know, and in the meantime, I'll be on the lookout for more books to add to your collection."

Anchor stands, bows to Corq again, and takes his leave.

6:43 PM - Corq: Corq thanks Anchor for today, and closes the door. Returning to his floating disk, rising to his bedroom to lose himself in another text.

6:45 PM - Anchor: As the door is closing, Anchor says, "The floating disk looks like it might be fun."

8:09 AM - Anchor: Anchor spends the next couple of days reading Fidget’s Folio he received as a gift from Corq. He definitely has more questions.

8:14 AM - Anchor: At some point he would seek Corq out again at the Dhamarath General Store or his home.

11:59 AM - Corq: Dhamarath General Store was quiet that morning. Corq was sitting on a small stool behind the front counter, nose stuck to a book as it tended to be.

"Welcome to Dhamarath General Store," Corq said without moving from the pages of his book, with a sense of blasé in his voice, "feel free to look around, if you need something specific please let me know." Corq turned a page in his book.

12:16 PM - Anchor: “I do need something specific, a bit more of your time my scholarly friend. How are you, Corq?”

12:58 PM - Corq: Corq closes his book and sets it under the shop counter. "Oh! Good morning Anchor. I'm doing well thank you. Maybe a bit bored, but well nonetheless. You need more of my time? What can I do for you?"

1:00 PM - Corq: "Was the book, helpful?"

1:29 PM - Anchor: “The book was definitely interesting, and I enjoyed reading it. It’s given me some verification on some basic ideas I had about magic and also raised a few more questions. The other magic I didn’t demonstrate during my visit to your family’s home appear to be various cantrips and a couple of very basic spells mentioned in the book. The section on various types of spell casters also had some good information. Sorcerer or warlock might make sense, but I have made no pact or agreement. The knowledge of how my kind were created has been lost, as it should be. Is it possible that process, the magic and materials used, might have simply caused magic to start working due to our situation? My pendant is, I believe, unrelated to my newfound abilities. It appears, however, to be the same wood that was
used in my construction.”

3:26 PM - Corq: Corq ponders to himself a moment.

"It's as you said, the knowledge of the creation of your kind has been lost. I suppose I could try to discern some new information with magic, but only if you are okay with it. I have a spell that may give me some new information, but I wouldn't want to cast anything invasive without your express permission. I also can't guarantee I'd learn anything new."

4:24 PM - Anchor: “I trust you not to do anything in an attempt to harm me. You would have nothing to gain by doing that. If you think there is any chance it will help and are willing to try, let’s see what happens. I was also thinking, the ability to perform magic is fairly rare. Is it possible your magic, along with that from Venathrax and Wrenn may have triggered this in some way?”

4:50 PM - Corq: "I can't say for sure for my magics or those of our recent companions were a catalyst, but I don't believe it's unheard of. I'll have to do some more reading, to see if there are complimentary examples or if the theory had any legs to stand on at least."

Corq produces his staff from underneath the shop counter.

"I'm going to cast a magical detection spell, can you please repeat the weapon conjuration ability you utilized the other day? This is fairly low level divining magic, so I'm not sure what I will gleam but the more energy you're using while I'm detecting may help reveal hidden details."

Corq steps around the corner, and performs the necessary components of the Detect Magic spell, focused through his staff.

4:57 PM - Anchor: Anchor follows Corq’s instructions and begins summoning various weapons.

5:12 PM - Dungeon Master: As you cast Detect Magic, your vision shifts into the arcane spectrum.

Immediately, Anchor’s conjured weapon flares into view with a clear magical aura... strong, structured, and consistent with conjuration.

That part makes sense.

But as you continue observing, you notice something… off.

When the weapon disappears, the magic does not fully dissipate right away.

For a brief moment, a faint afterimage of the weapon’s aura remains in the air, like a lingering impression, before slowly fading.

That is not typical.

As Anchor conjures another weapon, you focus more closely on the point of origin.

The magic does not appear to originate cleanly from his hand.

Instead, the aura forms slightly offset from him, just a few inches away, before snapping into place.

It’s subtle, but consistent.

Looking between Anchor’s frame and the pendant, you see that both radiate the same faint underlying aura.

It is not strong like the conjured weapons, but it is constant.

Unlike the conjuration magic, this aura does not resolve cleanly into a school you recognize.

It feels:
* organic
* steady
* and… responsive

Not active spellcasting... more like something present and aware

As you continue observing, you get the distinct sense that the magic involved in the weapon is not entirely self-contained.

It behaves less like something being created… …and more like something being brought into place

6:55 PM - Corq: Corq relays this information to Anchor, albeit not the most poetically.

"I-i-i... I'm sorry, Anchor, I've never seen or read about something like this. In fact, I barely believe I can understand it with my modicum of power. But it looks... amazing. Your magic looks, alive."

7:07 PM - Anchor: Anchor nods to Corq.

"I thank you again for your efforts. Perhaps with further study you might discover more, but if not, so be it. You have given me much to think about, my friend. I will be on the lookout for more books on magical knowledge for your library in return for what you have done. See you again soon."

Giving the wizard a quick salute, Anchor heads out to ponder his future.

11:02 PM - Corq: Without warning the others, Corq casts a quick magic detection spell, and sees the sliver with the symbol faintly glow, with the aura specifically coming, very faintly, from the etching.

"Uhhh, Vash? Venathrax? Wren? My magic says there's magic in the symbol. It's real subtle, but maybe we can find the rest of whatever this... puzzle? was?"

Pethi Talks to Her Mentor

12:53 PM - Pethi Wiselander: Pethi Wiselander walks into Dovos Calaaraath's chamber in the Pagoda of Ara with a armful of papers and gives a deep, respectful bow "Here is a full report of our expedition to the swamps and our fight with the troll." She places the stack on
Dovos's desk I tried to be as detailed as I could. Flora, fauna, weather, as well as all I remember of our fight with the troll."

1:26 PM - Dungeon Master: Dovos doesn't look up, "make two more copies and take them to the Tidewardens and Council."

1:38 PM - Dungeon Master: "Thank you."

2:22 PM - Pethi Wiselander: Pethi looks down at all the papers she just put on Dovos's desk, sighs internally thankful she already has the notes.

"Yes sir. Of course. It's important that as many groups as possible receive the information we gathered. I will get right on that."

Pethi then takes another respectful bow. As she leaves, she rubs the prayer beads on her wrist and heads back to her desk to prepare the two extra reports

8:21 PM - Pethi Wiselander: As Pethi heads to her desk, she wonders about Dovos's mood and promises herself to visit him once she's done making the extra copies

7:11 PM - Pethi Wiselander: Pethi, after painstakingly making two additional copies of her reports stops by Dovos's office before handing the armful of papers to the Tidewardens and Council.

"I made those copies and I'm on my way to hand them to the Tidewardens and Council. But I can't help but feel something is weighing on your mind. May I ask if there's anything I can do to help?"

7:50 PM - Dungeon Master: A worker at the docks died. Too many burial services in such a short time.

7:56 PM - Pethi Wiselander: Pethi nods in understanding "I agree. The death of all those who were with us weigh heavy on me as well. Let me hand in these copies of the reports and I will help lead prayers and, of course, lend an ear and shoulder for those seeking comfort
and aid. And that includes you Dovos."

Xam Is Existential

7:39 PM - Xam (Tundrra): There were drinks and celebrations for the survivors, but smiles faded when eyes landed on Xam. Drinks dried up quicker when rounds were passed about. That didn’t stop a few jugs from disappearing from behind the counter, though. It was hard to ignore the whispers: “Why did he survive when so and so didn’t?”

Eventually, Xam aimlessly wandered alleys only to end up on the shipyard where the next ship to explore the outside world was being built. Staring up at the enormous construction, thinking to himself, “Those aboard those ships are remembered and revered.”

Referenced by