Edwin presents The Fires of Zatal an adventure through the lands of Maztica

Game Master Insnare

Realmsies

Mazticans

Realmsies

Mazticans

The next day the Meri and Orren set off from their lodgings with the city, packed and ready to go and make their way to the docks whereas Ik'Skull and Otzali are escorted under guard to the middle quay, which is erected on the shores of the lagoon, which was dredged to allow large ships to dock directly to land. The quays
were built with native labor, and most workers are Payit.
The dock guards are also Amnites, armed with spears and wearing the
light half-plate that has proved so useful in these warm climes.

To the north you can see Fort Cordell which provides security for the region. Ironspike and Hasoctl are on the dock both with their luggage, but Drakosa is not. The Helm's Choice is a small cog,
75 feet stem to stern, 20 feet wide, with a
single mast. She looks like she would take a complement of a 20 man crew. A taciturn Realmsian man in his mid 40s stands on the gang plank and introduces himself, "I be the cap'n, Quintara and this be me gurl, da Helm's Choice, grab yer gear and find a place to stow it for the journey."

Otzali does his best to pretend his guards are truly an escort as they make their way to the docks. The fact that these people view them as prisoners or worse continues to grate on the proud young man's nerves but the sight of the sailing ship distracts him as they approach. Otzali is not exactly afraid of water but he has never learned to swim, and this Realmsian construct is massive compared to the small canoes he has ridden in.

Hiding his uncertainty behind a stoic expression, he nods in response to the captain, watching to see what his new companions do and models his behaviour accordingly.

Orren boards the ship and nods to the Captain, "Have we our own cabins or are we just looking for a place to tie off and stay out of your way for the journey?"

Orren

The captain says, "Sorry son, but this primarily a trading vessel, just find some space. We will be surveying the coastline and stopping at dusk."

Merisiel will just ask for food rations to last the trip back and forth and 10 days there. DM when you say Light 1/2 Plate what is the corresponding type for the Add 2Ed (as in the Phb list of AC /armor type ?)

Merisiel will come on board with a rather large back pack that is making lots of metallic noise

She is wearing light clothes (shirt and pants and travelers boots) on two dwarven battle axe are strapped to her back

thank you captain. How long is the voyage and dangers that lie ahead ? she ask setting her stuff near the mast as she looks for any life line

Captain Quintara says, "For you it should take between 15-16 days depending upon wind. The rest of us are heading north to explore Michaca. About dangers... hmmm there are villagers and the occasional sea monster but hopefully we won't have any real trouble. "

"Very well Captain".

Orren finds a place to tether down his gear with the new ropes he acquired.

He then motions to Meri, "Come, let's go speak with our new traveling companions". Orren will move towards the Natives whose names he has not even received yet!

Ik' Skull finds an out of the way location on the cog and begins to weave the pluma, choosing a bright peacock feather she hid away for just such an occasion.

When she sees Orren approach, she'll put the piece down and rise to greet him bowing. She ventures a greeting in her halting common. "My name is Ik' Skull, Master Patrizi. I am a weaver of Pluma - bird-feathers. I take the gifts from Qotal's and call out their magic." She smiles. "Nothing important. Are you one of those I've heard about that summons fire and thunder, the great sorcerers that Cordell keeps close to him?"

Orren smiles back, "I am a mere apprentice to such great wizards though some day I believe that such power will be at my disposal. Tell me Ik'Skull, what sort of powers do these feathers, pluma you say?, exhibit?"

"Only a few of the greatest can work of the pluma properly, but those who can give people the power of the birds - flight and summonging."

Well meet then Ik'skull. she re introduce herself as she listen I am sure that Orren will ask you how you craft your magic but i also would like to hear all about your gods and myth as well she says showing a genuine interest

Otzali stands at the weaver's shoulder, silent for the moment as introductions start. When it is clear that these foreigners are different than those he has met already, are actually talking to the Matzicans like people as opposed to property, Otzai finally unclenches his jaw.

"I am Otzali, son of Utsav, of the Ulatos Jaguar Lodge. I am trained as a warrior, with some nature lore and weaponscraft as well." His gaze moves to the battleaxe Merisiel carries, his hand unconsciously moving to the obsidian knife at his belt.

The Helm's Choice choice journey

The four of you get better acquainted as the cog pulls in its anchor and is underway. The cog hugs the coastline and the Realmsians feel a bit melancholy as the Fortress of Cordell pulls out of view and the cog continues west along the coast of Payit or New Amn depending on your point of view.

GM Rolls

The day goes by with a carefree vibe with the sun providing warmth and the sea providing a cool breeze across the deck, the cog makes around 30 miles by mid afternoon and then the cog drops anchor. For the evening, during the evening meal the captain explains, "We are here to explore, Cordell upon his conquest took the land route to Nexal but the coasts of Northern Payit, Pezelac and Kultaka aren't mapped properly plus, we do not want to run aground or such by coral or something else."

Wow she says truly expressing enthusiasm (like a teenager of sorts) What is a jaguar Lodge ? she ask before noticing his gaze to the dwarvencrafed weapon

These are dwarvencrafted she says with genuine smile and pride

You made you're weapon ? she ask with interest

----

Sounds like an interesting enterprise to me. Where are those regions you mention compared to the city? she replied to the captain

With our New Friends

Orren smiles at Otzali, "Glad to hear it, my skill is in knowledge and the art of the arcane. I tried to be a warrior but I just did not have the skill for it. My father was a great warrior, I suppose I am more like my mother".

Orren pulls closer to Otzali,

---------------------

With the Captain

"Is it safe to sit at anchor? I know that the environs around Baldur's Gate has had trouble with Sahuagin in the past..."

The captain replies to Meri, "West"

In response to Orren, "If we were traveling the Sword Coast there would be light houses which would help us avoid crashing on the beach at night. Here we don't have any except at Helmsport, so it is a calculated risk. From conversations with the natives, such creatures aren't known to exist, but to be fair the natives travel by canoe or kajak and well if these monster were to exist in these waters it is plausible that noone would actually know."

DAY 2-9

GM Rolls

The ship sails west throughout the day each day and then stops at dusk each evening where a party of the crew goes to the beach and takes rock samples and goes hunting usually bringing back a couple of birds.

After day three, the captain says, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have officially left the waters of New Amn ur uhm Payit and have sailed into those of Pezelac. Pezelac isn't not a full blown nation of sorts but rather different villages and tribes who just happen to speak the Pezelac language. More of a trade federation really. But they are ethnically Maztican as opposed to the Payits who are ethnically Payit."

Each day you average about 30 nautical miles a day depending on the wind. On the ninth day....

Everyone roll me for surprise.

So we don't have to fear much in terms of sea monsters? she says with obvious relief just regular banditry

-----

Surprise: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Surprise 1d6 ⇒ 4

Flex time......

He turns to focus on Orren. "The Lodge entrusted me with this mission and I am glad to serve. But....." he looks in the general direction of Ironspike, "Some from your lands do not treat us well, and as a sworn protector of The People that is not easy to swallow."

The warrior pauses a moment, considering before he continues. "You two are the first I've seen that did not treat us as less. Or worse, as property."

Now.....

Suprise: 1d10 ⇒ 10

During the 3 days (and all the following) Meri will take a keen interest in the weapon crafting process that she can learn from Otzali

but if i understood correctly there are many cities and most of them not under the same rule. So the jaguar would from one city would fight those of an other?

I don't see you, in all honesty, as less than i am. But then again in some kingdom of the world that we both came from Slavery would be common. My race doesn't tough, it a human thing. she says

Ik Skull 1d10 ⇒ 3

Off on the shore in the jungle you are all able to catch the glimpse of a coatl. Then the other crewman see it and become extremely excited. The magnificent beast seems to be enjoying its afternoon in the sun.

What is this beast ? Can they attack us on sight ? ask meri to the natives

DM: Meri will keep on eye to see if anyone is arming themselves

A member of the crew overhearing Meri says, "Are you mad!?! The Coatl are good creatures and protectors of the jungles. They also exist in the East, this is a much good omen."

not necessarly.mad, i haven't heard of "coualts" before

Flex Time...

Orren pulls closer to Otzali, "The Amnians are not the nicest people in the best of situations. There are many people from our lands as well who would treat you better though some could argue others would treat you worse. It makes me sad to hear this Otzali. Perhaps with this trip we can show them that we all have great value and something to offer".

----------------------------------------

The Coatl

Orren looks at the beast and admires its beauty. "Not knowing it is friendly, I can see why Meri is concerned, even from here the beast looks to be a formidable foe".

The sailors cannot stop talking about how amazing it was to see a Coatl and are extremely well motivated. They all seem to have an extra spring in their step and the ship is just abuzz with excitement.

Day 10

GM Rolls

Off to the starboard side of the ship, Maztalpan Island comes into view. The bustling island has different fauna than on the Maztican mainland.

Should I roll surprise or should you?

probably faster if you roll for all of us at once. I'm ok with that ...

please make any rolls you deem necessary in order to speed up things :)

OK with me as well!

Sorry, off in never never land. You can roll surprise, I don't know how you want to handle modifiers (I guess I have a +2 to the roll from dex, not super up on the rules.) I gather from the Maztican sourcebook that Pezelac is an accented dialect of Nexalan

"That was a good omen indeed, and it is good fortune to see a servant of Qotal. We should all take a moment to pause and consider the joy of seeing such a creature of good from the first world. Orren and Merisiel, know that the feather serpent Qotal and its servants guard life - while the god of the jaguars..." she nods her head respectfully to Otzali "...is the master of death. Each should be respected, but you need not fear Qotal's children if there is good in your heart"

Surprise rolls

Close to the surface of the ocean you can see the distinct outline of a giant squid. A curious squid investigates the new
item in its territory, your ship, to see if it is edible.

Surprise Round:

Group

I am happy with good omens. It does bear an almost striking resemblance to dragons when you imagine it without its wings she replied to Ik

Surprise round

Meri will draw both her weapons and be ready to fend off any tentacles

What in the Name of Moradin's hammer is that thing ?

Pezelac is an accented dialect of Nexalan or vice verse... :)

Orren begins chanting in the language of the arcane and summons forth a bolt of mystic energy to fire at the creature.

Cast Magic Missile an auto hit spell.

Magic Missile 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

I tickle it practically to death!

I am going to keep this moving, the brisker the better

Ikskull and Otzali prepare their weapons.

Orren's magic missiles splash through the water hitting the squid. 50/50 hits tentacle or body 1d100 ⇒ 15, tentacle 1d5 ⇒ 2

Initiative: Party 1d6 ⇒ 5, Squid 1d6 ⇒ 6, NPCs 1d6 ⇒ 3

Round 1

You feel a jolt as the squid attempts to eat the ship.

Tentacle 1 (random target 1=Orren, 2=Meri, 3= Otzali, 4= Ikskull, 5=Hasoctl, 6=Ironspike, 7-20 random crewman) 1d20 ⇒ 13
Tentacle 1 attacks random seaman 1d20 ⇒ 10 hit 1d6 ⇒ 6 killing the man on contact.

Tentacle 2 (random target 1=Orren, 2=Meri, 3= Otzali, 4= Ikskull, 5=Hasoctl, 6=Ironspike, 7-20 random crewman) 1d20 ⇒ 3
Tentacle 2 attacks Otzali 1d20 ⇒ 6 hit 1d6 ⇒ 6 clubbing the Payit in face hard.

Tentacle 3 (random target 1=Orren, 2=Meri, 3= Otzali, 4= Ikskull, 5=Hasoctl, 6=Ironspike, 7-20 random crewman) 1d20 ⇒ 19
Tentacle attacks random seaman 1d20 ⇒ 18 hit 1d6 ⇒ 1 slapping the man but he is still up.

Tentacle 4 (random target 1=Orren, 2=Meri, 3= Otzali, 4= Ikskull, 5=Hasoctl, 6=Ironspike, 7-20 random crewman) 1d20 ⇒ 5
Tentacle 4 attacks Hasoctl 1d20 ⇒ 7 hit 1d6 ⇒ 6 Hasoctl takes the hit but he is bleeding.

Tentacle 5 (random target 1=Orren, 2=Meri, 3= Otzali, 4= Ikskull, 5=Hasoctl, 6=Ironspike, 7-20 random crewman) 1d20 ⇒ 15
Tentacle 5 hits random seaman 1d20 ⇒ 12 damage 1d6 ⇒ 5 killing him outright.

Party

Ik' Skull unslings her power, voices a small prayer to the air and lets an arrow loose at the wayward creature. The bowstring has not handled the salty air very well, however.

THAC0-roll: 14 - 1d20 ⇒ 14 - (3) = 11 Hit AC 11 - likely miss!

Round 1

Meri will attack the squid's closest tentacles

init 13 Battle Ax: 18 - 1d20 ⇒ 18 - (10) = 81d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

and again

init 20 Battle Ax: 18 - 1d20 ⇒ 18 - (9) = 91d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Current AC 4 (as she isn't wearing her heavy armor)

attacking the closest one

could you please tell me which tentacle you are targeting. the body of the squid is underwater.

Tentacle 1

Otzali is taken aback by the shear size of the beast - again his inexperience with the sea gets the better of him. His mind is quickly brought back into focus as the squid's wet slimy tentacle lands a solid blow to the warrior's face.

Quickly recovering and not about to let a target pass him by, he lashes out with his maca to return the strike.

Attack: 19 - 1d20 ⇒ 19 - (14) = 5
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

man its been a long time....took me a while to remember how THAC0 worked!

Round 1

Orren sees the Tentacles slam into the ship and calms his nerves casting a spell to protect himself.

Casts Armor his AC is now 6.

Ik Skull's attack misses its mark.

Both of Meri's attacks are deflected by the dense skin on the tentacle.

Otzali is able to connect with a devastating blow against the tentacle.

The sailors make their way to help with the rigging and sails trying to get the ship disentangled from the beast.

Ironspike attacks Tentacle 1d5 ⇒ 2 with his longsword 1d20 ⇒ 10 hit 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 combining with Otzali to destroy tentacle 2.

Hasoctl runs away from the tentacles.

Round 2
Initiative Party 1d6 ⇒ 1, Squid 1d6 ⇒ 3, NPCs 1d6 ⇒ 6

NPCs

Ironspike moves to attack Tentacle 1d5 ⇒ 3 with his longsword 1d20 ⇒ 11 hit 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 doing some damage to it.

Hasoctl throws a dagger at tentacle 1d5 ⇒ 3 to hit 1d20 ⇒ 18 hit 1d4 ⇒ 4

Squid

Tentacle 1 grabs the dead man and brings him below the surface for lunch.

Tentacle 3 attempts to constrict the sailor 1d20 ⇒ 15
successful doing 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10 damage, killing him

Tentacle 4 (random target 1=Orren, 2=Meri, 3= Otzali, 4= Ikskull, 5=Hasoctl, 6=Ironspike, 7-20 random crewman) 1d20 ⇒ 4
Tentacle 4 attacks Ikskull 1d20 ⇒ 6 hit 1d6 ⇒ 1 Ik Skull getting mildly slapped.

Tentacle 5 grabs the dead man and brings his corpse below the ocean.

Party

Round 3

Meri will move against Tentacle 4

init 13 Battle Ax: 18 - 1d20 ⇒ 18 - (8) = 101d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

init 20 Battle Ax: 18 - 1d20 ⇒ 18 - (10) = 81d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

init 27 Battle Ax: 18 - 1d20 ⇒ 18 - (6) = 121d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Her unsure footing on the deck of a rowing boat shows in her inability to connect with even one blow

Seeing that the plumaweaver is in danger, Otzali steps across the deck to swing at the tentacle before the beast can retract it. He lands another solid blow with his maca.

Attack: 19 - 1d20 ⇒ 19 - (14) = 5
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

exactly the same both times? weird......