The group explored various areas of Drekanov Manor, including a chapel and an arcane laboratory, while discovering magical items and facing challenges like extracting gemstones from a massive statue. They encountered multiple combat scenarios involving guards and other enemies, using a mix of stealth, deception, and direct confrontation to progress through the facility. The session concluded with the group attempting to escape a prison complex after an intense confrontation with the manor's leadership.
The team investigated the south wing chapel, noting the absence of a dining hall in the basement level. While observing guard patrols, the group considered using disguises to blend in. During their search, they recovered several magical items, including various potions, Boots of Elvenkind, and an Amulet of Proof against Detection and Location. Uncertain of the building's exact layout, the team debated splitting up before deciding to investigate the massive statue of Drekanov.
The group encountered a 60-foot tall statue of Seraphim Drekanov and attempted to extract two Shardisite gemstones from its eyes. Using specialized tools and potions, they faced several near-misses. Bogdan successfully caught one falling stone, but Viktor dropped the second, triggering a Shardisite explosion. Following the blast, a high-pitched chime echoed through the chapel, and Viktor utilized a prayer of healing to restore the wounded party members.
The group discovered alcoves within the chapel protected by magical barriers. They brainstormed ways to bypass the seals, including the use of Misty Step or finding a steward to unlock them. After successfully securing the spinning Shardisite gemstone in a jar, the team decided to scout the upper floors, feeling that the courtyard below left them too exposed to enemy eyes.
The team focused on an iron door guarded by two elite sentries. Viktor suggested a social approach, using his persuasion to convince the guards they were escorting a captured agitator to Lucien Drekanov. While they noted a dinosaur-like skeleton in the floor and staff in a nearby dining hall, they prioritized the guards. The group prepared for the possibility that the deception would fail, requiring a forced entry.
The group entered an arcane laboratory converted from a chapel and confronted Lucien Drekanov. Their attempt to present a fake prisoner failed when Lucien’s keen senses saw through the ruse. A powerful spell was unleashed, forcing a desperate retreat. Thorun managed to escape by jumping from a balcony, but the rest of the party was captured and subdued.
The party (minus Thorun) awoke in individual cells with their equipment missing. While some used Misty Step to bypass the bars, others used brute force to break out. Simultaneously, Thorun attempted to scale the manor walls to reunite with the team, but he was intercepted by two guards in the courtyard. After a failed attempt at deception, a fight broke out between Thorun and his pursuers.
As the rest of the group progressed through the prison corridors, they engaged a wave of guards. Silas and Bogdan unleashed spells while Victor and Carl provided defense via Sanctuary. Thorin, despite being grappled, defeated several guards with powerful melee strikes. The battle moved into a circular room where Bogdan cast Wall of Fire, trapping the enemies in a lethal ring of heat.
The combat concluded with the deaths of the prison guards, including one shot point-blank during the chaos. The group hurriedly discussed hiding the bodies to maintain the element of surprise. However, as they prepared to make their final exit, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed from a distance, signaling that their escape was far from over.