GM Ladile & the Pathfinder Society Present: From Shore to Sea (Inactive)

Game Master Lady Ladile

The deep waters of the Hellmouth Gulf have long concealed ancient mysteries, both wondrous and terrible. But these secrets have been submerged for too long, and the remote coastal village of Blackcove has accidentally awoken a slumbering horror from a bygone age. Strange creatures now venture from beneath the waves to steal townsfolk away in the dark of night. Can the PCs discover the fate of Blackcove’s lost villagers? What secrets still lie hidden on the mysterious, ruined island just offshore, and what now lurks in the flooded temples beneath the isle? And what horrific fate lies in store for those unfortunate souls who fall prey to the island's eldritch influence?

From Shore to Sea is an adventure for 6th-level characters, written for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and compatible with the 3.5 edition of the world’s oldest RPG, and produced in collaboration with the patrons of Open Design. Inside you’ll find villagers slowly succumbing to the ancestral taint in their blood, tentacled abominations from the deep, debased fish-men, ancient Azlanti technology, and a secret stretching back millennia to the legendary empire of Azlant itself.

This adventure is set along the mysterious Hellmouth Gulf coast in the diabolical empire of Cheliax in the Pathfinder Chronicles campaign setting, but can be easily adapted for any game world.

Written by Brandon Hodge.
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This is a closed campaign.

The first rays of morning light bathe the city of Magnimar in a warm, inviting glow and the curtains of many a window flutter gently in the surprisingly warm breeze that blows in off the waters of the Varisian Gulf. Each of you rise from your comfortable beds within Heidmarch Manor, the Pathfinder Society's base of operations within Varisia, eager to see what the new day might have in store for you. But for one of you, that answer comes surprisingly swiftly as you hear a gentle knock at your door...

And we're off! Feel free to post a little bit about what you're up to on this bright and beautiful summer morning while I get the stage set for the module proper to begin; to be clear this isn't the usual sort of 'Okay you're all waiting in a room for the VC' start. Since this wasn't initially written with PFS in mind I have to get a little creative with the setup~

Sheela wakes up with the sunrise. Reminds her of her trips to Grandmama's home. The protesting was tiring, the parties were exhausting. But the councils finally began providing her with information on Grandmama's banishment. She still didn't know why Grandmama was banished to the Material Plane, but it was the first step of many. All of these formalities annoyed her anyway.

Sheela hears a knock at the door and a simple message. "Oh, I'll be down soon. I should get a bath. Oh, and get dressed too." She chuckles to her sleepy bedtime partner. "And get him a new change of clothes, will you?" She giggles and summons an Unseen Servant to collect her gear and prepare her towels and perfume.

Luurg's eyelids flutter open as the first rays of light and the sounds of birds start to filter into the room. He reaches down and scratches himself, itches his nose, and lets out a thunderous fart. He snickers a bit to himself Dat gud one mang! and starts to lean forward.

His hammock sways precariously as his eyes widen a bit Oh ya. Dez trees little fig trees, gutta be careful. He swings his legs out from the mesh netting one at a time, resting his bare feet on the cool marble floor. He looks down at them and smiles, wiggling his toes like oversized green grubs munching their way through a rotten cabbage.

He stands up and slides up next to the small fig tree and promptly pees in its pot, reaching both arms into the air and yawning loudly. Urine blasting the under watered soil into puffs of dust until it nearly overflows the top. He stows his gear back beneath his waistband and sits onto the hammock once more, digging out a couple apples from a sack sitting nearby. Me n Sheelur, we gut some good ones last night! She so gud wid dem farmers, dey not come out to bother Luurg at all, so much laughin and bangin' sounds, prolly not hear me pickin' fruitz. We make a gud team we do! He tosses the cores into the other pot with a couple dozen others before he gets up to pack his gear away.

The receptionist will be down soon and she didn't seem to like Luurg sleeping in the waiting room for some reason. He heads off to find the others, a sack full of breakfast over one shoulder and his bulging backpack over the other.

He knocks on the first door that seems familiar. Who?: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Tiffany! "Time to gets up! Lots to do, bosslady Sheelur said she gut werks fer us. You sleep too long!"

Wadi's sleep is rudely interrupted by the pounding of the door next to his room in Heidmarch manor. Futily struggling to remember the pleasant dream of one of his many 'fancies' he growls in disgust.

Don't these people have any sense of decency?

Seeing the lateness of the hour he suddenly realizes he is running late. He quickly throws on his traveling clothes along with a scarf tied around his neck, allowing his light brown hair to flow down past his shoulders. As he exits the room he sees the burly half orc, who sees sky blue eyes peek out from his youthful face. His lean, wiry body is covered in dark tanned skin with a reddish undertone only noticeable in bright light.

"I take it you are responsible for waking me up," he asks in a slightly acerbic tone.

I am going on the assumption Wadi is NOT Sheela's bedtime partner :P

Luurg turns to the man and smiles "Me? Nope mang. I waking up dis room, Frog Lady's room... I tink... Sun wake you up me tinks." He takes a step closer and holds out his free hand: a large green paw with stubby fat fingers "I'mma Luurg. Who you be? Werk fer bosslady too?"

Wadi accepts the orc's handshake and he notices the slight man's hand radiates a warm heat. "My name is Wadi, Mister Luurg and it is nice to meet you. I was summoned here by Miss Heidmarch for an important mission, as yet unrevealed to me!" The last note of frustration creeps into his voice.

The warm hand reacts nicely to the sticky palm of Luurg. "No Meester Luurg. Just Luurg." You notice he pronounces it in a very low baritone with an overly drawn out Uuuuuuuurg.

He turns and pounds on Tiffany's door once more, as he has yet to hear any stirring inside.

"UghhHHhHHhh, didn't I have the DO NOT DISTURB sign up?!" A high-pitched voice screams from inside the room. The voice belongs to Trade Princess Tiffany, a well-traveled, fashionable, and bratty grippli from the expanses of the Mwangi. Not that she'd ever admit to the latter.

Slipping on her fuzzy pink bunny slippers, Tiffany marches to the regal mahogany door with purpose, while her pet toad Bebop leaps atop her shoulder. Tiffany had slept in red satin pajamas lined with white hearts, because "The first rule of beauty rest is being beautiful before you rest! Duh!"

She grabs the door handle and throws the door open. "F~~$! I was just dreaming of what I'd have embroidered on my newest gown, and now I can't remember what it was!" She shouts, but then stops, confusion washing over her face. "Huh? Luurg? Luurg! What are you doing here?!" The fickle frog leaps up in excitement. "Hang on, I gotta get changed!"

She slams the door and begins her routine, which takes nearly an hour, but when she emerges, her makeup is as immaculate as the color coordination in her skirt and shirt combo. "Okay then, let's go! Oh, Sheela's here too? It's so good to see you guys again! We totally gotta catch up! What did you do after we left those frigid lands? Besides, like, the required post-frost skin care routine."

The warpriest Conal Angus McKieg rolls out of bed well before sunrise. He peers out the window at the lights of Magnimar, so alien to his erstwhile home in Highhelm in the lofty Emperor’s Peak of the Five Kings Mountains.

With ritual care and deliberation, he prepares himself for the coming day. Braie, chausses, gambeson, and coif all blue, green, and red, the sacred colors of Yuelral. The base layers complete, he dons his mithral full plate. Raising to his lips his deity’s holy symbol, three crystals of pink, blue and green overlapping in the middle to form a six-pointed star shape surrounded by a golden circle, he offers a reverent kiss, and secures the symbol to a chain on his armor, ensuring it is prominently displayed. Throwing his cloak over his shoulders, he affixes it with a clasp crafted in the likeness of Yuelral’s sacred animal, the panther.

Reaching for his adamantine dwarven longaxe propped against the bed and grasping it in one meaty fist, the warpriest kneels, eyes closed, communing with his deity.

He recites the tenets of Yuelral's holy warriors, affirming:
I will never defile the beauty of nature, nor cut a raw gemstone for aesthetic reasons.
I will remain vigilant for talent in craft and magic. When I notice it, I will encourage its good use.
I will respect the power of magic and never allow its misuse.
I will preserve the wisdom of the elves for the greater good before all other treasures.

McKieg completes his oblations with his most fervent prayer. If Yuelral wills it, lead me to one day visit the Temple of Watchers located in the ruined elven city of Celwynvian, and to restore the tower's shrine dedicated to Yuelral.

When the first rays of the sunrise breach the window and illuminate his gleaming armor, McKieg rises to his feet.

Though no other dwarf might revere Yuelral the Wise, may the goddess find my service worthy. McKieg regards his visage reflected in the room's burnished metal mirror, smoothing his long mustache and rubbing his otherwise beardless cheeks, a reminder of that paramount virtue, humility, the antidote to false pride. In my veins flows the blood of ancient heroes from Tar Taargadth. With a defiant scowl, he points a strong, scarred finger at the face in the mirror. "And don't you forget it, dwarf."

---

He locates the other members of the assembled team. "Well met, friends." He shakes their hands, "Sheela, Luurg, Wadi, Tiffany. I am Conal Angus McKieg."

Sheela waves hello to the party. "Luurg! Good to see you again you lug."
"Tiffany, looking fabulous. As usual."

She turns to the newcomers. "Hello everyone. I'm Sheela, from the Kolphan family." She does a quick bow before giggling. "Enough with the formalities- ow!" She turns to her Unseen Servant. "Come on, can't you comb my hair, just once without snagging? Ergh." She pauses to regain her composure.

"Conal Angus... Should I just call you Angus? Can I call you Angus?"

"And you, handsome fellow... must be Wadi." She grins. "If only we weren't so busy..."

McKieg bows in response to Sheela's question.

"Just call me McKieg, angel," the warpriest replies to the aasimar sorceress. "Too many adolescent males might respond inappropriately to my given names."

We all have our burdens to bear. What a mother calls her bairn is not the child's choice. I cannot be held responsible, nor blame my mamaidh, for my Dwarven name's pronunciation in the Common tongue.

Wadi has a difficult time tearing his gaze from the enchanting assimar goddess, but with a supreme effort he manages to do so, focusing on one who could cool off his ardor.

"A...pleasure to meet you good dwarf! McKieg you shall be called then...may all our travels together be fruitful!" Wadi smiles easily at all of his fellow teammates, yet his gaze passes quickly over Sheela's....

An angel...aye the dwarf speaks truly...This...this is definitely not going to be an easy mission...

Okay, retconning things slightly since you guys are already running with character introductions a mite earlier than I'd planned :P

After a brief conversation out in the hallway Sheela beckons everyone present to follow her, mentioning something about a meeting with Lady Heidmarch. When the group arrives at the Venture-Captain's private dining quarters they find her seated at a small table...but that's funny, there seem to only be two place settings instead of six.

Sheila Heidmarch stares at Sheela and the small entourage she has behind her for a long moment and then sighs, covering her face with one hand. "Gods above, we're off to a brilliant start already..." she mutters to herself. She then uncovers her face and gives Sheela a weary look. "I believe I had specifically requested your presence and your presence alone for this meeting Miss Kolphan but there's little to be done about it now except to move ahead with what I had planned to discuss with you. Jacanne!"

A young man dressed in traditional Qadiran garb comes striding down the hall as if from out of nowhere and peeks into the dining room. "Yes, Lady Heidmarch?"

"It seems this breakfast meeting will boast more attendees than I had originally anticipated," Venture Captain Heidmarch explains. "Please bring enough place settings to accommodate them all as well as a plate for each."

"Of course, I will see to it right away," Jacanne smiles and withdraws, heading back down the hallway towards the kitchens.

Meanwhile, Sheila Heidmarch beckons for the rest of you to have a seat at the table as well. "Make yourselves comfortable, for I have much to discuss. And Luurg - please do try to avoid manhandling the fine china this time."
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Another post to follow, please stand by~

By the time Jacanne has returned with the place settings and everyone's breakfast, all of you have settled in to your places around the dining table. Over a meal of poached quail eggs, roasted sunflower hearts, and mixed berries in hardened maple sap Venture Captain Heidmarch begins to explain the nature of the meeting.

"A few years ago a remnant of ancient Azlant surfaced in Magnimar. The precious metals it was made from weren’t nearly as valuable as the history behind it. Obviously the Society was interested in purchasing, or at least cataloging it, and discovering where it had came from," she begins. "We were aware of most collections around the Inner Sea, but this particular item was unknown to us. Our efforts in securing this particular remnant were unsuccessful but the matter only became more intriguing when several more never-before-seen ornaments from the same Age were found circulating around the city. We conjectured that there must have been a new find unearthed recently. After more resources were dedicated to the case we were able to suss out the mystery."

Here, the venture captain pulls out a map and spreads it over the table for all of you to see; it appears to depict the coastline of Cheliax. "Far to the south, tucked away in the Hellmouth Gulf is a freckle of a fishing village called Blackcove. Practically nothing is known about it since no one ever has had a reason to visit before. The trail of ornaments appears to end there."

"The Society is relatively certain that this place is the source. The inhabitants have probably uncovered a trove of Azlanti treasure and are wise enough to keep it to themselves, selling the pieces far from their local markets. Certainly if Queen Abrogail’s tax collectors knew of this discovery they’d pick that village cleaner than a cat carcass in Underbridge. As you heard, the village is within the borders of Cheliax and the Society has no legal right to search it. We don’t need to make enemies, we have enough for the time being. However, we do want to find the source of these artifacts and catalogue them thoroughly at a minimum."

At this point, Venture Captain Heidmarch turns to Sheela and gives her a stern look. "Miss Kolphan, I have chosen you to lead this team - in spite of your past transgressions. This is because I believe that you are, in spite of your irreverent and sometimes frivolous behavior, a talented agent and capable of great things. So this is your chance to prove as much to myself and to the other agents of the Society."
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Another post incoming~

After making her announcement, the venture captain slides a piece of paper across the table towards Sheela. A simple glance reveals that it seems to be a list of names - including all of your names, except for Sheela herself.

"I had prepared a list of agents that I believed would be assets for your team with the intention of allowing you to hand-pick each one," Heidmarch explains, her tone dry. "But seeing as how you saw fit to invite Princess Tiffany, Wadi, Conal McKieg, and...Luurg...to join us for breakfast then I'll have to assume that this also means you want them for your team. So be it."

Here, the venture captain smiles sweetly. "How wonderful to have nearly your entire team assembled before breakfast! Of course that still leaves one last agent for you to select but I have no doubts that you will make the most ideal selection for the task ahead of you."

"Collect whomever you have need of, book passage to Cheliax, compile a list of equipment you require and report back to me before leaving. I’ll advance what you need for the mission, and we can deal with anything above that after your successful return," Heidmarch continues. "Although I trust you to use a creative approach, I strongly suggest keeping your mission a secret when you reach the village. Make up some story to avert suspicion. Find some excuse to linger. The villagers are likely insular people equipped with a natural distrust of anyone not related by blood. Win them over. Have your team use their talents to ingratiate the villagers to you. Drive off some local pests, mend some fishing nets, lance some boils… once you have their trust see what you can find out. There’s always one or two that can’t keep their mouths shut when they get in their cups. Just don’t do anything that will cause a flap with the Chelish authorities."

"You should be able to flag a passing coaster and make your way back to Magnimar in time," Heidmarch concludes. "If you find what I am hoping those villagers are sitting on, bring back as much as you can and catalog whatever you can’t. And please be discreet as possible. My husband and I will not soon forget your efforts should they be successful. We have a lot invested in researching this matter. If you hope to have a lodge of your own someday, the Heidmarchs can make or break a Pathfinder’s career. Am I clear?"
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Guess Sheila got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning :)

As Adyr awakens the smell of stale beer and wine assaults his nostrils. For just a few brief seconds he considers going straight back to bed... but with a momentary burst of sobriety realizes he had an early appointment with Sheela Heidmarch!!!

Scrambling to his feat and throwing his gear together he runs with all possible haste towards Heidmarch manor. The beads of alcohol-laced sweat and waves of nausea make the journey much more grueling than it needs to be.

Only an hour late...

"You wish me to be leader?" Sheela pauses and points to herself. "No one lets me lead." She fumbles with the community service cards in her pocket. "W-well, I won't let you down. I promised Grandmama I would be on my best behavior, and to her I don't lie."

She turns to her teammates. "Alright then. Um... our mission is to go to Blackcove, discover the secrets of the rare Azlant artifacts, and see if we can procure some for ourselves." "Note to self: Try to not mess with the locals too much." She frowns.

"Our first step is to find another member..." As she speaks, Adyr burst through the door, reeking of nausea. Sheela points confidently. "And here he is, fashionably late. Present your wayfinder. Perfect!"

She turns back to Lady Heidmarch with a confident grin. "And there we are. 6 specialized agents, ready to infiltrate and retrieve trinkets for the Society! We sh'ant let you down!"

This leader stuff is hard. I need some wine to help me relax.

Luurg looks over to Ms Heidmarch and waves happily, then shrinks back a bit as she reminds him of the past china incident(s) "Yes Bosslady." He replies sheepishly.

As they wait for the table to be enlarged and places to be set, Luurg plops himself down on the floor, leaning up against the wall not saying too much, just munching on what looks like a pair of bananas. Once breakfast is served his eyes grow wide as he sees the candied berries. "Ooooo!" He attacks them with all the gusto of an apparently underfed Orc: quickly, entirely, and without mercy.

With a syrup covered pair of hands he continuously waves over Jacanne "Moar berries mang, moar berries!" He hands another empty plate to the man. His bird eggs and roasted sunflower heart sitting coldly on the plate it arrived on, untouched. This continues through the entire meeting, long after the others have finished their meals. Only stopping when Jacanne declares they've run out of berries.

"Oh. Ok, dat too bad, dey real gud mang. You do real gud!" Luurg announces and leans back to release a pleasantly sweet smelling belch into the air.

"So we goin to find treasure and do some fishing? Real good. Luurg know the way, Luurg guide you real gud. You take dem notes, Luurg find dem stuffs." He declares, his eyes starting to grow heavy.

Downstairs, Tiffany carefully folds up a napkin and places it on her lap, then begins eating her bread with a fork and knife. "Miss Heidmarch, you had me at ornament!" She declares, raising her butter knife up. "I'm so totally down for this, and I have no doubts Sheela will make a fine leader!"

Tiffany runs her fingers down the list of names. "Wow, these are a lot of potential people who might've helped out. What kind of name is 'Erlathan' anyway? He must be a huge nerd." She giggles, cutting off a long, tentacly piece of bacon from a bigger strip. "I know we have to keep a low profile and all, but I'm not about to ditch my favorite bejewled hiking boots! No way!"

Wadi wolfs down the food with the airs of one who knows such good food will soon be a thing of the past. "This sounds like a good mission," he offers in a bright tone, "Anything to help stick a fork in the Chelaxian Empire and Queen Abrogail is fine by me!"

Chelaxian Empire... Abrogail... "Another 'go there and find that mission' in the homeland of millions of devil-worshiping fanatics... great!"

Looking at the group, "Sorry, I am late... I was in a very important meeting regarding the nuances of viticulture." Adyr winks at Sheela Kolphan.

When there's a brief pause in the briefing and sidebar conversations, McKieg looks around for some assistance.

"Jacanne," McKieg beckons to the Qadiran. "Be a good lad, and have someone fetch me a wayfinder."

The dwarf claps the man on the back and hands him a pouch with 250gp. "Thank you, Jacanne. Much appreciated."

(Please add to purchases for this scenario.)

"Lady Heidmarch," McKieg waves his hands at his sides, indicating his rather conspicuous appearance. "Blending in with the locals will be more challenging for some of us than for others, but I assure you and Sheela, I will comport myself with appropriate decorum."

He glances at the holy symbol hanging on the chain affixed to his armor. "Will the Chelish authorities take umbrage at my faith? The devil-worshipers aren't known for their religious tolerance."

Lady Heidmarch stares again for a long moment at Adyr after he barges into the room and flops down in one of the empty chairs; it's clear that she's unsure of whether to be impressed or exasperated.

"All of you younger agents, popping up like weeds through cracks in the walls! Is that particular skill something they're teaching in the training classes now?"

But just as quickly she shakes her head. "Never mind, it isn't important. Yes Miss Kolphan, it looks as if you have your team assembled - but make sure that you're content with your selection and the rest of you make certain that this assignment will be suitable for you. There are many pressing matters as always and the remaining agents on that list will be receiving other assignments in short order."

Lady Heidmarch then turns to address McKieg. "That is a very smart question. I know it might pain you to do so but I would avoid openly wearing the trappings of your faith if at all possible, at least until you are able to get the measure of the citizens of Blackcove," she explains with a grimace. "You are correct that most Asmodeans are not known for being particularly accepting of other faiths. That said, it also would not be unheard of for citizens of Cheliax to pay only lip service to the Archfiend."

Meanwhile, Jacanne carefully accepts McKieg's money he nods his head in understanding. "Of course, sir. It seems that I must go and replenish the berry stock for our kitchen as well, so please allow for oh...half an hour or so," the servant remarks smoothly as he turns and heads back out the door.

"Ah yes, I will also gently suggest that you and your team should make what purchases they wish to make here in Magnimar, before you set sail," Lady Heidmarch advises Sheela. "It might prove quite difficult to acquire more specialized supplies once you arrive in Cheliax. That said, do any of you have any further questions?"

As Heidmarch makes reference to McKeig's faith and fanaticism a visible smirk crosses Adyr's face. Another soft-headed religious sycophant. Adyr's rolls his eyes as he shakes his head.

"It has been my experience that when it comes to items created by the ancient Azlanti, many of them have some form of enchantment or lingering magical aura. Are you aware of any of these items bearing similar emanations?"

Adyr calls upon his rather fragmented memory...
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Wadi tears his enraptured gaze from the party leader long enough for his training instincts to kick in.

Blackcove in the Hellmouth Gulf...what tales of that place have I heard before?

Knowledge, History (Hellmouth Gulf): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"No further questions, miss, just point me to the ornaments!" Tiffany puts her fork and knife down and suddenly gets up, ready to go. "I can just imagine how shiny they'll be..." She swoons, stars in her eyes.

Listening carefully to the venture-captain, McKieg's ears perk up, when Sheila Heidmarch says,

Yes Miss Kolphan, it looks as if you have your team assembled - but make sure that you're content with your selection and the rest of you make certain that this assignment will be suitable for you.

"I would not wish to jeopardize our mission. Might one of my friends be better suited to this mission? That scoundrel Gitano Frallino and the dope-addled shaman Skye are available, if one of them would have a more appropriate set of skills."

(I don't mind switching out PCs.)

"Oh nonsense McKieg." Sheela waves her hands dismissively. "These kinds of missions never go as planned. I'm certain your religious powers will come in handy. Just be careful not to show your symbol off too much and we should be fine."

Adyr is amused by Sheela Kolphan's whimsical attitude...

"I always say there is no better time to start a journey then right now!"

Not trying to suggest that anyone should switch characters; the good VC is just making sure that Sheela is happy with the team she's 'chosen'.

"Magical emanations? It's certainly possible," Lady Heidmarch nods. "Azlant was the most magically and technologically advanced human culture that has ever existed. In fact, the magical items that you know as ioun stones are believed to have been developed - or at least discovered - by the ancient Azlanti."

"To my knowledge, these recent items that have surfaced are not known to possess any magical auras or enchantments - but that does not mean that such will apply to all of them," she continues. "It is always good practice to examine any such relics for magical auras when you first discover them."

Unfortunately, Wadi finds his memory coming up woefully short when it comes to information about the Hellmouth Gulf. Whether this is due to an unremarkable nature or simply lack of information is unclear.

"What name of boat we ride?" He asks as he wipes his sticky hands on the table cloth, followed by his face. Then asks no further questions.

MMmmm berries, mebe I gotta get some of dem bafore boat trip...

Not doing any shopping, if something pops into my head I'll add it in today before we move along.

Wadi nops in reply to Heidmarch's warning. "We will be careful once we find the source of these artifacts."

Later Wadi rechecks his gear and is also sure to equip himself with his new protective items.

This should keep me safe should anyone get too close...too bad it doesn't protect from a shattered heart...

Wadi already completed his shopping earlier :)

"I mean, I LOVE shopping, but I literally just arrived from Absalom's Largest Mall and I think I've got everything a girl might need!" The grippli clicks her pink rhinestone studded boots together and hops along. "... At least for the next day or two!" She adds, winking.

"I think I'm prepared." Sheela thinks. "Unless there's some kind of potion I should grab for us. But it seems like we are prepared. We won't let you down, Sheila."

"I am ready to go."

With everyone more or less prepared to go, Lady Heidmarch nods with approval and hands Sheela a small bag of coins. "An advancement of 300 gold pieces, to aid in covering your food and travel expenses. That should be plenty to see you to Cheliax and back."

It's about this time that Jacanne returns with McKieg's brand new shiny wayfinder and he delivers it to the dwarf as he holds the dining room door open for all of you. "Here you are sir, I hope you will find it sufficient for your needs. Please take care, all of you!"

"Yes," Lady Heidmarch also calls as you all troop out. "Safe journeys and remember - Explore, Report, Cooperate!"
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After returning to your respective rooms to grab the rest of your gear and chase away any lingering bedfellows you all make your way down to the docks to procure your passage to Cheliax. It takes some time; many captains are unwilling to make the trip due to the risk that the jagged coastline along the Hellmouth Gulf presents. So...you're forced to consort with some less-than-savory and questionable captains whose ships bear questionable names such as the Unsinkable II, The Wet Dream, Vitamin Sea, Ship Happens, and the Tom's Cruise. After much deliberation and negotiation you finally settle on The Codfather, captained by one Hain Morton.

"Blackcove? Yeah, we'll get yer there," Captain Morton remarks good-naturedly as you all come aboard with your belongings. "As close as we can, anyway! Hellmouth Coast ain't the most hospitable place to set sail for; coastline's all reef and jagged rocks when you get in close. But I reckon we can sail in as close as we can and drop anchor so you folks can row to shore!"

"It'll be oh...about a ten-day voyage or so, so I'd recommend gettin' all settled in and comfortable," he adds with a laugh.

Luurg heads out, but his gaze does linger a bit once Jacanne returns, hoping to catch an eye full of more of those berries "We be gud Bosslady, no worries 'bout us." He hoists up his overloaded pack from the corner, including his green leafy spear he had stuck in the plant pot, and heads off.

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

Luurg wanders the dock with the others, his green pug nose sniffing the salty air and rank smells with delight "I like dem swamps best, but dis almost as gud. Da mud here real gud too." He says as he looks down over the side of the pier and sighs, resisting the urge to dip his toes in the stanky, muddy mess.

He snickers as he reads over the ship names, especially Unsinkable II "Not sure dey know how ships work. Dey real easy to sink. You just poke holes down under da water with drills at night. Dey sink. Next day you swim down n grab stuff. Werk gud. Real Gud." Luurg smiles and nods, remembering back to his childhood fondly.

Once they board the CodFather Luurg smiles and nods at the Captain then starts wandering the ship to check it out. Introducing himself to the crew with a sticky handshake and a pearly white smile. "Hey dare mang, I'mma Luurg!"

Wadi gazes at the ship bearing them to the next mission with a distintively unhappy look on his face. "Why does it always have to be a scow? And for ten days? Ohhhh..." he groans.

Knowing his body has a fiery bloodline and generally reacts poorly to water did not make it any easier. With a rather grim look he boards the vessel trying to remember where the best place was to avoid getting seasick.

With the party dismissed, Sheela has a moment to catch her breath. Everyone's looking up to her, she mustn't disappoint. "No wonder brother Sigurd is so strung up. Lead this, direct that. You don't get a chance to be yourself. Unseen Servant, hurry up and unlock this door." She opens to the door to her room, and the bedmate yelps as his buttocks are exposed to the hallway. "Oh please, you weren't ashamed of that last night. Now get dressed and begone in an hour, before Lady Heidmarch realizes you aren't my singing partner."

Or... does she know already?

---

Later that day she looks for ships to buy passage to Blackrove.

Unsinkable II

"Oh, that inspires confidence. Wait, I see a leak right over there. Nevermind, then."

The Wet Dream

"I'd be a little embarassed, honestly. Ultimately dissapointing."

Vitamin Sea

"I feel like you're subconsciously warning me of your problems with scurvy. Make sure to grab plenty of oranges before you leave port!"

Ship Happens

"Gives a new meaning to the Poop Deck, don't you think?"

Tom's Cruise

"Too many couches on that ship. Next!"

Sheela's "incredible" negotiation skills lead her to The Codfather. "Ten days, huh? Oh, I can do that!" She grins. "I'll sing my way into your crew's hearts."

Taking 10 for a DC 19 Perform (Sing) checks during the week.

Tiffany is ecstatic to be aboard a ship, except she's not. "This totally won't do. Captain, may I provide my decorating services, free of charge? If I'm gonna be here ten days, you bet my last gemstone I'm going to, like, liven up the place!"

She doesn't wait for an answer. She gets to work, tying bows within the rigging, pulling pink wool from a ball of yarn in her bag and weaving it along the masts, and accenting it with cheap gemstones she'd picked up at the shop.

McKieg struggles to maintain a stoic facade, approaching the wharf and boarding The Codfather with foreboding. Remember, dwarf, it's not personal; it's just business.

Holy symbol and wayfinder safely tucked away but within reach, the warpriest whispers a silent prayer to Yuelral. May not a single one of us sleep with the fishes. The scent of rotten fish and the city's raw sewage fills his nostrils.

He regards the choppy waters with suspicion. And, if it please you, send word to Gozreh, we mean him no ill will. With respect.

He looks over the cargo stowed on the deck, looking for something that might float, if the gods weren't listening to his pleas.

McKieg glances at his companions. "Can any of you swim?"

Luurg looks hard at McKieg, he rubs his stomach in thought for a few moments before blurting out "No beard? You Dwarf or just halfman... Luurg confused."

He pulls out an apple and bites into it, spraying sticky juice all over before nodding furiously "Luurg swim real gud mang, real gud. Hold air real gud too if I gotta."

He tosses the man an apple. "You swim ok in dat armor?"

Wadi already looks a little green around the gills even though the Codfather has not departed yet. "Swim? Are you kidding me?? Before one of my earlier missions I stocked up on a couple of air crystals. I truly pray I do not need them!"

Enjoying the Dwarf's obvious discomfort, Adyr is sure the get a few well-placed barbs in.

"I swim quite well... but remember it's not a group activity when this vessel starts going down. Haven't you every heard the phrase 'every man for himself'?"

"Never fear McKieg, I am sure that HOPE and PRAYERS will protect you during our perilous voyage... unless of course the weight of the Holy Symbol to... what oppressive power is it you are enslaved to? Never mind, it's not important, they're all the same."

During the journey, Adyr will inspire his comrades with the OBVIOUSLY superior tenets of the Law of Man to any religious orthodoxy...

Perform (Oratory): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

"Hah! Lively bunch ain'tcha?" Captain Morton laughs as Tiffany immediately sets to work redecorating the ship in her image and the others begin to get settled in for the voyage. "Might be just what we need; been haulin' nothing but spices around for ages - haulin' folks around should be a good change of pace!"
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And so, your preparations made, you all set sail for Blackcove. Though The Codfather is definitely not a true passenger vessel, Tiffany's...'adjusts'...make the place somewhat more cheery and comfortable, at least for her. At first the headstrong grippli receives some pushback from the rest of the crew on her taste in decor but after Sheela offers to smooth things over with a song (and perhaps more, for some of the more fetching crew members) they begrudgingly allow Tiffany to girlify the ship to high heaven. Most of the crew likewise begrudgingly tolerate Adyr's endless sermons, though a couple of them do seem to appreciate the skill and the fervor behind the words and grow more interested in what the Garundi man has to say.

The actual voyage itself is surprisingly smooth sailing as you leave Magnimar's waters and turn to the south, sailing over the Arcadian Ocean and skirting past Hermea. From there Captain Morton turns the ship in closer to Cheliax's western coast, following it as you continue south past Pezzack and on towards the Hellmouth Gulf. However, your good luck finally runs out when Day 9 of your voyage dawns with red skies and turbulent seas. It eventually blossoms into a full-on storm and it's all the captain and crew can do to keep the ship from being blown towards shore and dashed to pieces against the sharp rocks.

Eventually, the storm abates and The Codfather emerges still afloat but noticeably damaged. "Hell's Bells!" Captain Morton swears, surveying the damage. "We're lucky t' still be afloat!"

Turning to all of you, he sighs. "Look - I know I said I'd take ye to Blackcove but me ship is in dire need of some repairs an' the closest place to get 'em done is back up the coast at Pezzack," he explains regretfully. "Afraid I can't take ye all the way to Blackcove like I promised but by my reckoning it's only about a day's walk further down th' coast from here. In th' morning I can have a couple of me men row you ashore; ye shouldn't have any trouble makin' it th' rest of th' way on foot."
______________

As always, feel free to add in any shenanigans you might get up to during the voyage up to this point~

Luurg is pretty low key throughout the trip. He ties his hammock up on deck, used to sleeping out in the elements, not to mention the other sailors down below preferred it that way. He snores loud, farts loud, and leaves a heck of a mess of fruit remnants in his wake.

Once the storm has passed and he checks on the safety of his hammock, Luurg nods in agreement with the Captain "Dis Cod Boat floatin' kinda siderways. Mebe best we let you fix it up. We meet you back at Pezzack later ok? Ok."

"Swimming? I took some minor lessons, but I'd rather summon a dolphin or let a water elemental carry me than spend the effort." She chuckles as McKieg brings up some concerns. "Besides, with this captain and this crew it should be smooth sailing."

Sheela spends her days singing some sea chanties, putting her spin on a few songs and scoping out the more attractive members to spend the night with.

"That's... a lot of clouds. I'll be below deck." Sheela heads down, tells her Unseen Servant to close the door behind them. Once the worst is over, she peeks out. "Is it over?" The captain informs her of the news and all she can do is shrug. "At least we're not stuck on the Unsinkable. I mean, Unsinkable II... Probably the Unsinkable III at this point."

She turns to her fellow Pathfinders. "Change of plans, everyone. We're going to have to walk from Pezzack to Bloodcove. I hope you don't mind the hike."