Noted Pathfinder, Mirian Raas, has put out a call to fellow Pathfinders who are eager for the kind of adventure the Society was founded for: an exhilarating expedition into unknown. Those interested are to meet up with Raas in the port of Anthusis, which is Vidrian's capitol city and located along the coast of the Mwangi Jungle.
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Emmanuel bids goodbye to the River Kingdoms and its lovely clientele. He grooms his hair, checks his armor, straps his lute and coils his whip at his hip.
Don't forget to smile.
He arrivess at the port of Anthusis and says hello and greetings to everyone he meets. It's a lot easier to read people's emotions, understand their thoughts and say the right words to get what he needs. Nice. Shylye's tips have helped him out. She still wears too much jewelry, even if it's a "negotiation aid."
Oh well, time to meet with Mirian Raas.
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Phillipton had an appreciation for the Vidrian people. He himself was enslaved by Lady Alexyn, a Chelish Aspsis agent, before that business with the Charu-ka in the Terwa Uplands where Lady Alexyn was killed.
Phillipton pulls on his gloves and makes sure his outfit is quite clean before he steps of the boat. Bottles of wine clink in his backpack.
"Good morning," he says to his fellow Pathfinder.
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"'Sup man! High Five!" Manny pauses before looking down. "Or, down low." And extends his hand. "I'm Emmanuel Holysmith, but you can call me Manny. Are you here to talk to Mirian Raas?" He strums his lute for a bit.
And plays a rockin' ballad, waving hello to anyone who pays attention. He makes a few mental notes of who to speak to after this mission ends.
"I wonder how much trouble we'll get into this time!"
Emmanuel's question does not linger in the air long. Almost as if one cue, as soon as you make it to Anthusis, you’re each quickly corralled onto the Grinning Pixie, which lies in the cove along with two other ships charted from the Pathfinder Society, the Glorious Payoff and the smaller Sea Sparkle.
The kobold, Tremendous Kohl, knows that the Glorious Payoff is the ship of the Horizon Hunters’ leader, a half-orc sailor named Calisro Benarry. Eager to once again sail the seas, Calisro has excitedly accepted Mirian’s call and brought along a reliable group of her own to join the expedition. It was Calisro who chartered the three ships from the Pathfinder Society, including the Grinning Pixie, a vessel formerly captained by Calisro before she was finally forced to follow the terms of a contract and turn it over to its new legal captain, Eras the Needle.
As you board the Grinning Pixie, you are amicably greeted with a smile by the famed, Mirian Raas, who is accompanied by a scaled iruxi that she introduces as her brother Jekka. A spark of excitement glimmers in the woman's eyes as she calls for the ship crew and Pathfinders to gather around her for a briefing.
“Welcome, explorers!" Mirian says as she drives a dagger into the map sprawled out on the table before her. "As I’m sure you read in the bulletins, we’ve been tasked with travelling to the iruxi island-city of Ekkeshikaar on behalf of the nation of Vidrian, that we may help negotiate the renewal of the alliance between the two nations."
[b]"The Vidric Council’s provided us with a map based on ancient sea charts to help us get there," she continues. "And we’ll be compensated for our efforts!"
“We’ll need to stay sharp, though—this route hasn’t been traveled in centuries, and we have no idea what might be out there. With the help of the Horizon Hunters and my brother Jekka,” she lays her hand on the shoulder of the iruxi next to her, “I have no doubts
this will be a successful expedition!”
Pictures of Mirian and Calisro are available on Slides.
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It isn't long before Manny is noticed (comes with the territory) and he is keelhauled away from the crowd and onto a ship. "Aww, I wanted to tour... Oh well. 'Sup Captain. 'Sup Raas. Lookin' good as usual." He straps his lute to his back and listens intently.
"So, we're going to sail through relatively uncharted territory. Cool. I feel like I've heard some traders talk about Ekkeshikaar..."
Manny thinks about Viridan's trade history and the Iruxi nations.
He turns to Kohl. "Well, I have heard stories about a flock of Sirens boarding a ship, but it turns out they were selling seashells as jewelry. They figured they would live longer cooperating than the, er, old fashioned way. But that's pretty unique."
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Anthusis is by far the farthest Roumatha has been away from home in his life, so he is slighly dumbstruck by how different everything and everyone looks and takes his time strolling around the docks before he finds the right pier.
"Reporting for the mission to Vidrian, pleased to make your acquaintance! It looks like we're not going to be bored on the journey, I see! One just hopes that no reefs have grown in the waters since those charts were made."
"So, we're going to sail through relatively uncharted territory. Cool. I feel like I've heard some traders talk about Ekkeshikaar..."
As Mirian gives a slight shake of her head to the Manny, the bard does not recall Ekkeshikaar in particular, but does bring to mind tales of the region's history with the iruxi. When Cheliax established its colony of Sargava, now overthrown and replaced by the nation of Vidrian, it redirected all trade in the region northward. Chelaxian troops drove off iruxi traders during the early years of colonization, seeing the iruxi as monsters, and the iruxi ceased sending trade vessels into Sargavan waters.
"One just hopes that no reefs have grown in the waters since those charts were made."
"These charts are as good as it’s going to get." Mirian replies. "They’re based on the tireless research of ancient records, so it should at least be a good starting point. Plus, we have a team of incredible navigators and risk takers,” Mirian gestures to the members of the Horizon Hunters on the ship, “so I’m confident that we’ll be successful.”
Roumatha recalls that sea routes into southern Garund have been little used in the last century, and the advent of the Eye of Abendego changed many of Garundi ocean currents from their previous pattern. The catastrophic Eye of Abendego is not the only force disrupting trade with southern Garund and the nearby islands. Vicious sea devils also lurk in the southern waters, dismantling a ship’s rudders before murdering its crew.
"Excuse me, mum, but I'm not sure if I've heard of this Ekkeshikaar. Its an island? What bearing from here?" he said. He hoped not to the north, near that nasty storm.
"The iruxi city of Ekkeshikaar is indeed located on an island off the western coast of Garund." notes Mirian. "It lies largely due south of here."
Horation recalls that sea routes into southern Garund have been little used in the last century, and the advent of the Eye of Abendego changed many of Garundi ocean currents from their previous patterns.
"And also, if no one's been there for centuries, do we know if they'll even let us in?"
“Glad you asked!" replies the noted Pathfinder. " The Vidric Council members have given us two chests of ancient relics from the lost iruxi city of Kutnaar. Repatriating the relics to the leaders of Ekkeshikaar should grease the negotiation’s wheels and help secure the desired trade agreement. Whatever the case, there’ll be a lot of meetings and deliberations. The journey’s far more interesting, and that’s what I need you all for."
Horation recalls no further information about Vidrian’s trade history or the iruxi nations to the south.
You may also place your token where you wish aboard ship in the provided Map.
The half-elf ranger recalls accounts of sea devil encounters. Sea devils are fond of attacking surface vessels, which they see as an affront to their underwater culture. When a ship enters their territory, the sea devils set out to cripple and sink the vessel. Although they harbor hatred for surface dwellers, who build or sail such "abominations", sea devils are respectful, at times even friendly, to any that display a strong ability to swim, an ability to breath underwater, or that they are otherwise capable of living beneath the waves without being tethered to hateful ships.
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"Alright. I'm sure we'll figure things out. Anyone good at swimming?" Manny laughs and boards the ship. He spends his free time on the port side of the ship, playing as many sea shanties as he can recall.
Which turns out to be a lot, honestly.
"Hey hey, Pathfinders! You guys know a few songs? If not, you can sing along."
With songs sung and preparations made, the three ships of the expedition head out to sea, travelling the waves southward. For the first three days of travel, the oceans are smooth and uneventful.
On as the sun is finally beginning to set on the fourth day at sea, the Grinning Pixie is jolted suddenly. The ocean’s currents become inexplicably tempestuous, and the ship is pulled wildly off course at an accelerated speed! The ship's begins to spin wildly, as do those within your possession.
Soon after, the ship is caught a powerful ocean current that threats to force the Grinning Pixie miles off-course, dragging it away from the rest of the expedition’s convoy.
The helmsman of the Pixie shouts to the crew, “Hold on!” as the vessel speeds away from the convoy. The alarmed calls from the Glorious Payoff and the Sea Sparkle fade, and soon the other ships disappear entirely from sight. The crew turn to you, asking for aid in stablizing the ship.
An agonized scream pierces the sound of rushing water, and frantic shouts from the crew emanate from the opposite side of the ship. Devious cackling echoes over the chaos, and the lookout in the crow’s nest bellows, “Ready yourselves! Devils from the sea!
Although the deck is alerted, the sea devils continue to approach the ship through the swift ocean current.
One of the sea devils approaches the ship.
Then, hurls its spear at the unarmored Horation.
The weapon finds hold in the Pathfinder's flesh!
The sea devil then approaches the ship's hull.
Another sea devil follows suit, keeping its eye on Manny.
It, too, manages to spear a Pathfinder!
ADRIFT AT SEA ROUND ONE
Sea Devil (red)
Sea Devil (yellow)
Roumatha
Sea Devil (green)
Manny -7 HP
Horation -6 HP
Tremendous
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Three days at sea, three days to get to know everyone. Manny talks about the Holysmith family, their various efforts to stomp out evil and tyranny, and their many fights against the undead (especially vampires.) He mentions Shylye, his guardian angel and inspiration. She's probably watching him right now.
Day four is like the other three. A bit boring, but Manny keeps a smile on his face. A bit of action would do wonders, here. So his wish is granted as the ship shakes violently.
While Manny tries to figure out what he can do, he winds up with a spear in his gut. That can't be good.
"Ow. I think we got company. Roumatha, you said something yesterday about Devil Fish? I think I found some..."
Acting quickly, Kohl manages to help Eras maintain the helm of the Grinning Pixie. The deck does not lurch as feared, but the efforts create no pause among the sea devil assault.
The ranger, however, acts quickly first assessing his target.
Roumatha concludes that these "devils" from the sea often travel in large packs and that there are likely a number of the monsters boring through the hull of the ship below the waves. If they are not stopped quickly, the entire vessel will soon be sent to seafloor!
With bow in hand, the ranger enters the fray. Though his first arrow lodges itself into a deck rail, his second flies true, finding purchase deep within sea devil flesh!
The water around the creature takes on a crimson hue.
The remaining sea devil, identifying the ranger as a threat, swims closer to the ship.
The spear point punches through Roumatha's armor as if it were paper, slicing through an artery.
As the ranger's blood begins to seep onto the deck, the eyes of the "devil" bulge all the more and his swim strokes take on a more frantic and unpredictable pace.
ADRIFT AT SEA ROUND ONE Cont'd
Sea Devil (red)
Sea Devil (yellow) -20 HP
Roumatha -8 HP
Sea Devil (green)
Manny -7 HP
Horation -6 HP
Tremendous Kohl
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Manny looks over the edge and pulls out his shortbow. "I'll be with you in a bit."
"His name was Bluebeard"
"Chanted through the halls"
"Nicknamed by the ladies"
"Since he was always blue b-"
Another spear lands near Manny. "Pfft. I'm still going to Inspire Courage anyway!"
Lingering Composition rules say I make a Performance check. DC is set to "level equal to the highest-level target of your composition." I think that's my Level Based DC of 18, but it's your call.
With his final action, he tries to take a shot at the Yellow-skinned Sea Devil.
He shrugs as the arrow splashes into the sea.
Phillipton concludes that these creatures are sea devil scouts and, thus, are not likely part of a larger raiding party. He can tell the sea devils are powerful and fast swimmers that fly into a frenzy when they cause their victims to bleed.
"Egads man, you're bleeding,"Phillipton says.
A pair of devils receives a powerful jolt! The sea devil with a yellowish hue does not survive the shock.
ADRIFT AT SEA ROUND ONE Cont'd
Sea Devil (red)
Sea Devil (yellow) -31 HP
Roumatha -8 HP
Sea Devil (green) -11 HP
Manny -7 HP
Phillipton -6 HP
Tremendous Kohl
The kobold expertly puts two arrows in the greenest sea devil.
One of the sea devils clambers up the hull and over the rail.
Retrieving a longspear, the sea devil tries to run Manny through.
ADRIFT AT SEA ROUND TWO
Sea Devil (red)
Sea Devil (yellow) -31 HP
Roumatha -8 HP (persistent bleed 1d4)
Sea Devil (green) -23 HP (frenzied)
Manny -17 HP
Phillipton -6 HP
Tremendous Kohl
"Man, these guys have good aim, huh?" Manny coughs as the Sea Devil tears right through his armor.
As Manny's new wound begins to bleed, the sea devil grows frenzied.
ADRIFT AT SEA ROUND TWO
Sea Devil (red)
Sea Devil (yellow) -31 HP
Roumatha -8 HP
Sea Devil (green) -23 HP
Manny -17 HP
Phillipton -6 HP
Tremendous Kohl
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Roumatha, never the sharpest shooter among his kin, was waiting for the devils to clamber up the ship. He dropped the bow and took out the greatsword from behind his back with a flourish. Positioning himself between the sea devil and the bard, he shouts: "You shouldn't have left your sea! I'll drop your remains in the water for the rest of your kin to see!"
damage
damage
He says that even as his wounds keep bleeding.
Roumatha slashes a deep wound into one of the sea devils .
Another sea devil approaches the ship and begins to scale the hull.
The slippery hull requires some effort, but the sea devil eventually makes it atop the deck and over the rail, its teeth and claws at the ready.
ADRIFT AT SEA ROUND TWO Cont'd
Sea Devil (red) -14 HP
Sea Devil (yellow) -31 HP
Roumatha -11 HP
Sea Devil (green) -23 HP
Manny -17 HP
Phillipton -6 HP
Tremendous Kohl
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Manny's Inspire Courage continues to linger.
He draws his whip, and notices he's bleeding out. But so is Roumatha, and the man moved up to protect him. "Backup is appreciated, and reciprocated."
He channels the power of Soothe onto the man to heal his wounds. It should also stop his bleeding, too.
Manny isn't as lucky, unfortunately.
Dropping his bow by the tiller, Kohl draws his flail, advances on green, and makes an attack.
Encouraged by the song of his ally, the kobold cracks the skull of one of the sea devils. It's lifeless form strikes the deck with a soggy *PLOP*!
The half-elf's wounds are knit and his bleeding stops.
ADRIFT AT SEA ROUND TWO Cont'd
Sea Devil (red) -14 HP
Sea Devil (yellow) -31 HP
Roumatha
Sea Devil (green) -53 HP
Manny -19 HP
Phillipton -6 HP
Tremendous Kohl
"I'll suggest a nice white to go with the fish flambe!"
As the fire flickers past it, the sea devil gives no audible response--not even a wine.
Instead, it hisses in its native tongue.
Dropping it's spear, it lashes out at the ranger with its teeth and claws.
However, its incisors and nails fail to penetrate the Pathfinder's armor.
ADRIFT AT SEA ROUND THREE Cont'd
Sea Devil (red) -14 HP
Sea Devil (yellow) -31 HP
Roumatha
Sea Devil (green) -53 HP
Manny -19 HP
Phillipton -6 HP
Tremendous Kohl
The kobold batters the sea devil with his first blow.
ADRIFT AT SEA ROUND THREE Cont'd
Sea Devil (red) -30 HP
Sea Devil (yellow) -31 HP
Roumatha
Sea Devil (green) -53 HP
Manny -19 HP
Phillipton -6 HP
Tremendous Kohl
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Manny's Inspire Courage continues to linger, but its effects are fading fast.
With his whip ready, he lashes out at the final beast, hoping to trip it.
He (probably) watches the fish man flop, and smiles. "Gentlemen, who will land the finishing blow? I leave it up to you." He channels the power of Soothe onto himself.
"Man, that feels way better."
With his whip ready, he lashes out at the final beast,
With the whisk of the whip, the fishman flops.
"Man, that feels way better."
HP must be healed back up to full to remove bleed condition.
ADRIFT AT SEA ROUND THREE Cont'd
Sea Devil (red) -30 HP
Sea Devil (yellow) -31 HP
Roumatha
Sea Devil (green) -53 HP
Manny -6 HP
Phillipton -6 HP
Tremendous Kohl
Roumatha finishes the finned fiend.
On the lifeless body of the other sea devil, you discover a bag stuffed with small gemstones, loose coins, a set of expensive glass marbles, which are likely all stolen treasures.
STATUS OF PARTY AFTER BEING ADRIFT AT SEA ROUND
Roumatha
Manny -6 HP
Phillipton -6 HP
Tremendous Kohl
The Grinning Pixie finally escapes the current, but it is heavily damaged and now, thanks to both the failed compasses and strong current, lies faraway from the rest of the convoy. As the ship sails onward on what is perceived to be the correct heading, the rising sun shines over the the lookout in the ship’s crow’s nest, the occupant in which calls down to the rest of the crew that they’ve sighted a small village on the distant coastal beach. The crew manages to direct the ship ashore in hopes that whoever lives in the village can lend the adventurers materials and grant them shelter while they work on repairs.
From the shore, you spy a modest coastal village populated by the humanoid lizards known as iruxi. Many of the creatures come running to meet the Grinning Pixie as soon as the battered ship lands ashore.
As the Grinning Pixie drifts onto the sand, a dozen figures approach, illuminated by the light of the rising sun. The Pixie’s lookout searches the horizon for signs of the Glorious Payoff and the Sea Sparkle, but these ships are presently nowhere in sight.
Mirian Raas and Eras the Needle focus their efforts on marshalling crew members and necessary goods to land, leaving the lot of you to make conversation with the iruxi.
One of the iruxi hisses a series of syllables.
Another iruxi chimes in, speaking a different tongue.
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"I'm not eating any of these things, by the way." Manny laughs. He gives Phillipton a hearty thumbs up. "Thanks, man. Shylye helped us fight these guys, but she isn't helping with this wound."
Manny of course is ready to greet the Iruxi... but then he realizes he has no idea what they are saying. Oh well, he'll just play a tune. "Anyone knows what they're saying?"
While the iruxi villagers do not appear to be hostile, the party appears unable to communicate any more than the most basic of concepts.
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Unable to speak any of the local languages, Roumatha just tries his best to look friendly and shrugs. "Perhaps I should call over the captain or someone else from the crew? I would gladly lend a hand with the unloading instead.
He tries to show the Iruxi his wayfinder to see if it will elicit any reaction - perhaps they can at least assist in orienting us by pointing at stuff?