When a ship that Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry hired to ferry Pathfinders to the Gloomspires vanished, she called upon diviners to speak to the sailors, only to learn that they had met a watery grave. Benarry has narrowed down the ship’s location to the shoals off the coast of the pirate island of Tempest Cay. While the venture-captain asks some questions on shore and searches for survivors, the PCs must travel out to the shipwreck, uncover the reason why a crew of experienced sailors met their doom, and discover why the nearby ocean has been growing increasingly perilous.
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This adventure takes place off the shore of Tempest Cay, the northernmost island in the Shackles. It is north of Widowmaker Isle and just south of the terrible Eye of Abendego. The island’s major settlement is the storm-lashed port city of Drenchport.
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You have been summoned to the Grinning Pixie, the ship—and mobile Pathfinder lodge—of Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry, which is currently moored off Tempest Cay, the northernmost island in the Shackles.
Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry, a powerfully built half-orc, stands defiantly on the deck despite the driving winds. Sparse clouds are resplendent with the calm colors of twilight, but waves lap roughly against the ship as sea spray mists the air.
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Some locals believe the mostly absent ruler of Tempest Cay, the druid and pirate captain called the Master of Gales, must be controlling the mysterious winds and currents.
The pirates of the Shackles utilize the Eye of Abendego as a part of their defenses. Many of the residents of these isles are involved in piracy to some degree, which is related to their unwillingness to answer questions from outsiders.
The Eye of Abendego is a vicious, perpetual hurricane. Although its exact cause is unknown, it formed roughly at the time of the death of the god Aroden. Its intensity is variable and unpredictable. Its weaker winds can tear the sails off the biggest ships, while its stronger gales can reduce a ship to splinters.
Pirates and rough seas are not the only dangers in the Eye of Abendego. Sailors who have braved the outer rim of the hurricane also report encounters with ghost ships, aquatic undead, powerful elementals, and vicious sea monsters.
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The Concordance of Elements is interested in preserving elemental balance, and the recently formed Concordance faction is interested in developing a healthy relationship between the Concordance of Elements and the Pathfinder Society. Ranginori, the good-aligned elemental lord of air, was recently freed from his long imprisonment by an alliance of Pathfinder Society and Concordance of Elements agents.
A small religious group calls itself the Cult of the Eye and worships the Eye of Abendego, believing it to be a divine being which they call the Deluged God. They believe their deity has created these new weather patterns to lure souls toward the island to be recruited as new followers.
A now-dead cult called Storm Kindlers was a splinter group of Gozreh followers who believed the Eye of Abendego was a manifestation of their god. A new rising cult in the Sodden Lands has taken up their mantle and name and seeks to understand the Eye. They reject the beliefs of the Cult of the Eye.
Scholars of the planes report recent disruptions in the Plane of Air that may be related to the shift in weather patterns.
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A dwarf walks out of his quarters, stumbling gracefully towards the common room. He sort of reaches all of the senses at once with a clumsy dress-style further accented by the large keg strapped to his back, along with a pungent odor of his unwashed beard. He reaches behind himself and fills a gourd with some liquid from the barrel and takes a gulp before offering to the captain and the others. "Lucubrating the mind early allows for more efficient learning.", he advises.
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The next to arrive is heard well in advance of being seen as she shuffles, staggers, and *squishes* down the hall: a gangly human woman of the Ulfen breed with fair skin, red hair, and if one looks closely, mismatched eyes (blue on the right and hazel on the left); seemingly random tremors haunt her movements, and over her horribly disheveled clothes she wears a bizarre-looking suit of hide armor that looks like it was made from some sort of benthic sea animal, and is so dirty that moss and small flowers literally seem to be growing out of the folds and cracks.
"There is a greater Druid here, the one known as Master of Gales. These winds may howl as they do at his behest."
"He is a pirate, too - like many on these isles. They are wise pirates, as such they likely won't speak of it with us - and wiser still is their embrace of the Eye of Abendego, an unceasing hurricane that has blown since the death of Aroden, as a mighty defense for these lands. Its strength waxes and wanes, but even its weakest winds can shear ships of their sails."
You have been summoned to the Grinning Pixie, the ship—and mobile Pathfinder lodge—of Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry, which is currently moored off Tempest Cay, the northernmost island in the Shackles.
Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry, a powerfully built half-orc, stands defiantly on the deck despite the driving winds. Sparse clouds are resplendent with the calm colors of twilight, but waves lap roughly against the ship as sea spray mists the air.
“Good. You’re here. Come with me.”
She leads the way to a room below decks, where a hanging lantern illuminates a canvas map
of the isles of the Shackles, with currents and depth marked, fastened to a wooden table with rusting nails. A model of the Grinning Pixie, carved from cork, shows the ship’s current position.
“I hope you lubbers aren’t afraid to get your feet wet. Here’s what I’ve got for you: you’re here to find a Thuvian caravel called the Pride of Aspenthar. The Pride’s captain was Jaheem Quinn, a half-elf with a magical knack for the water. Not a wizard or such, but I’ll be damned if the water didn’t do what he asked when he asked it. I hired Jaheem to take our agents on a mission to the Gloomspires, and neither he nor his ship ever returned to Drenchport. Divinations confirmed that the ship was lost and suggested that no one was aboard, but that could mean anything from them all abandoning ship to a hold full of dead sailors. The winds around the Eye of Abendego are always perilous, but sending Jaheem and his crew into such dangerous currents is one of my few regrets.”
The half-orc pauses and shakes her head, her face hardening with resolve.
“The winds have been strange of late, and it seems they’ve turned up news of the Pride—wrecked, of course—near Tempest Cay. It’s a rough place where outside eyes aren’t welcome. You won’t find anyone willing to give account to strangers. I’ve developed a number of connections here, so I’ll see what I can discover on land about any survivors. Your task is to seek out the wrecked ship itself. I’ve been studying these waters and their currents a long time. If a ship has wrecked, it should be around here.” She stabs at the map with a strong finger. “At low tide, the water should be shallow enough to explore on foot in relative safety, without the waves lashing down. You’re to look for any information about why the ship went down, especially if it had to do with these currents. If you can, keep an eye out for Jaheem’s log. It should tell us quite a bit about what happened."
She pauses a moment.
“Follow any leads you find, but if something’s too much for you to handle, come find me on Tempest Cay. You can ask for me at the Drowned Dwarf in Drenchport. Otherwise, I’ll meet you back here.”
Her gaze lingers on each face in turn.
“Right. I’ve got to go landside to catch my contacts while they’re in their cups but still talkative. Be ready to leave an hour before dawn. Enjoy the comforts of the ship tonight, and make sure you visit the quartermaster; I’ve requisitioned specialized supplies for you, and you can ask her any questions you might have. Oh,” the halforc grins, showing gleaming fangs, “and ask her to wish you luck.”
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An aasimar with flame red hair joins the group bundled up in a heavy wool and oilskin coat, protecting them self from the driving winds and sea spray.
Nodding to the others Ren discreetly steps to the opposite side of the room as Bargus's beard before thanking them for their contribution; "Angrboda and Bargus, your wisdom is already a great contribution. I'm sorry I have nothing to add. I'm new to the Shackles."
Respectfully addressing Calisro, the habits of the east slow to wear off; "Venture-Captain. I understand that we have reasonable direction to the wreck of the Pride of Aspenthar and that we will not need to ask around in Tempest Cay to locate the exact location of the wreck?
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A tall man in a highly polished breastplate stands at the periphery of the group. He wipes the fine beads of sweat off his clean-shaven scalp as the venture captain describes the changes at the Eye.
"Sailing. Water?!' he inwardly groans as he shifts from foot to foot feeling the weight of his gear. I hope the quartermaster has some potions.
"Venture captain, if I may. You mentioned that you hired one ... what was the name ... oh! - Jaheem Quinn. Do you think that it might be beneficial to learn a little more about him before we head to the shipwreck at Tempest Bay ... I mean Cay." and he emphasizes the 'ka' sound in Cay so as not to look more foolish in front of his fellow society members.
"You know, if he was acting oddly or anything like that recently." Though it was difficult to see his blush, Ka'zaak cleared his throat into his hand as he stood awkwardly in the back.
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"Aye, Cap'n! May you find knowledge through drink, such as I!", Bargus taking another ceremonious gulp of dwarven stout from his mug. As the his holy allies make their way from their room, he offers a toast to them. and drink to them as well, and he presumptively fills a mug for the nature-y one. "Bargus Highbrew, master of books and brew. Pleased to *hic* meet ya!", he jovially greets. "Aye, this my first time here, too, but needed ta read something on our way 'ere."
"We outta get some supplies, fa sure. Thinking something ta breath underwater and maybe something to make sure he won't sink!", nodding towards Ka'zaak."[/b]
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The imposing shoanti remained at the back, ignoring the weather. His height large even for his people and the features revealed above the heavy plate armor seemed slightly wrong for a human. The pure black eyes making it hard to see where the mans gaze was directed and emphasized the difference. Watching what was going around even if he contributed little for now, simply watching, listening and holding himself steady upon the ship. The great admantine earthbreaker on his back suggested his talents lay elsewhere besides investigation or scholarly discourse.
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You suddenly become aware of another sound coming up the gangplank: A long, drawn-out *squish* sound.
After the better part of a minute of this, the source finally makes its way onboard: The biggest, bluest, slug you have ever seen. Its eyestalks scan the breadth of the deck and its passengers with an intense, inscrutable stare before sliding to Angrboda's side.
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The scratching a pencil taking notes comes to a slow stop as Ren stares at the unfathomably large slug that entered the room, mouth agape. Seeing it pair up with another of the Pathfinders Ren smiles in relief and returns to to his notes. 'What exceptional individuals this organization attracts. It is a wonder to behold...'
"Venture captain, if I may. You mentioned that you hired one ... what was the name ... oh! - Jaheem Quinn. Do you think that it might be beneficial to learn a little more about him before we head to the shipwreck at Tempest Bay ... I mean Cay." and he emphasizes the 'ka' sound in Cay so as not to look more foolish in front of his fellow society members.
"You know, if he was acting oddly or anything like that recently." Though it was difficult to see his blush, Ka'zaak cleared his throat into his hand as he stood awkwardly in the back.
She shakes her head.
”You take care of the ship. I start asking questions!“
Respectfully addressing Calisro, the habits of the east slow to wear off; "Venture-Captain. I understand that we have reasonable direction to the wreck of the Pride of Aspenthar and that we will not need to ask around in Tempest Cay to locate the exact location of the wreck?
She nods.
“Exactly! These winds and currents must have shifted the wreck of the Pride so it shows above water. They were unpredictable for a while, but they’ve settled into a surprisingly consistent pattern of late, if not necessarily one that makes sense! The figurehead is a carving of a sun orchid, apparently because Aspenthar is known for the sun orchid elixir. Let’s see. What else...? The ship was constructed of Thuvian wood, and the anchor and ballast should have distinct sun orchid stamps impressed into the metal.“
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To the quartermaster!
The quartermaster is a brightly dressed tengu who introduces herself as Kakikko. Her graying ruff feathers betray her age, but her eyes are bright and her bearing is spry and cheerful, in contrast to the seriousness of the venture-captain. It’s clear that she enjoys her post.
“Hello, fellow Pathfinders,” Kakikko says.
“You’re here to find the wreck of the Pride of Aspenthar, right? Good. I’ve some gear for you.”
Kakikko hands each of you a potion of water breathing and give the group one wand of touch of the sea with 10 charges remaining.
"Mind you return anything you don't use."
Finally, she hands over a hand-sized chunk of wood.
"This isn’t just any splinter. It’s a token that transforms into a swan boat.”
The quartermaster leans forward, clacking her beak.
“This boat drives itself by magic. It will only last for one day, but that should be much more time than you need. Now, do you have any questions?"
The Tengu looks at you and chuckles.
"Ah, I forgot that some of you lubbers weren't from around here. Just so you know. Tempest Cay is the northernmost isle of the Shackles. 'Tis an insular place, and people in the town don't appreciate outsiders poking their noses in. I imagine that's why the captain is going to reconnoiter there while you search for the remains of the ship."
After a while, she looks at the token.
"Also note that the magic of the boat should last all day, and you're close enough that it shouldn't take you longer than that to investigate."
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As the Venture Captain admonishes the paladin, he visibly flinches. Good looking, physically impressive, he just never felt comfortable when conversing with the venture captains. He much preferred swinging his sword on the battlefield.
"Fair enough captain. My apologies." he stammered.
Grateful to leave Captain Calisro's presence, he smiles as the tengu quartermaster greets them. "Thank you. I know as Pathfinders that we always need to be prepared, but I pray to Ragathiel I returned these to you unused." Ka'zaak takes the offered goods and places them in his haversack.
Ka'zaak face pales as he hears he will be journeying to the Pride of Aspenthar in a swan boat. He checks over his equipment. Assured that he has all that he needs, he signals his willingness to board the boat.
When you are ready, you can activate the feather token to transform it into a swan boat and depart from the Grinning Pixie. Venture-Captain Benarry’s knowledge of the currents around the Eye of Abendego leads the PCs to the correct spot. The wreck has caught on the highest point of a coral reef and is large enough to be visible from at least 200 feet away. The combination of rough currents in the deeper water and the threat of circling sharks mean you can’t approach the wreck directly, and there is only one spot on the reef where it looks like you can safely land the boat. From there, crossing the coral on foot is the most direct way to reach the wreck.
The skeletal network of pink and red coral outlining a series of tidal pools, presents only a single accessible break large enough for a small boat. The air is brackish here, with the scent of salt and dead fish hanging heavily. The coral tapers to razor-edged, ridge-like points at varying heights, while the tidal pools are slick with algae. In the shallows, wooden planks and flotsam from many shipwrecks are visible in various stages of warp and decay. A decaying ship lists along the outer edge of the reef, with a large hole torn through its hull like a menacing open maw. The painted name Pride of Aspenthar is just barely visible in flaking remnants of ornate gold script on the ship’s prow.
You start to move.
Many of the shallow tidal pools contain tiny fish and other aquatic creatures that hide within the algae fronds, waiting for the tide to come back in. Shark fins occasionally slice through the deeper water that surrounds the reef, as the hunters scout for easy prey.
A trio of 2 1/2-foot wide crabs scuttles in your direction, likely drawn by your splashing through the shallow water. They wave their oversized claws in the air.
The crabs are more curious than aggressive. They're unlikely to bother creatures your size unless attacked.
The crabs are giant coconut crabs. They scavenge decaying flesh and flotsom, likely from the many shipwrecks that have happened in the area.
You see a mound of detritus gathered on the edge of the pool to your north. It looks like there are a few solid objects in it.
The crabs move toward the food. They dive into the deeper water chasing the morsels into the deeps.
Looking into the pool you see a number of items sitting in the tide pool. Retrieving them investigating reveals them to be a wand of cure light wounds with 27 charges remaining, a wand of burning hands with 28 charges remaining, a crab claw, and a finger still wearing a silver ring. The inside of the ring is inscribed “true love, MKH.”
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As the others stand investigating the items, there is a flash, after which a young looking individual in leather of eastern design, and cloth covering his lower face, stands nearby.
Looking the other way with his back towards you, he mutters something to himself.
"That loony wizard needs to refine his spell, it gives me a headache."
Now turning around, he holds.
"Greetings, westerners. Might i be correct in assuming you are the group of agents on the investigation?"
None of the items that Angrboda inspects radiate any sort of magical aura. The claw seems to simply be crab meat in the chitinous shell of a crab. The finger is a human finger. The ring is just a band of metal.
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"Aye, that be us. Where ye be lurking from, lad?", Bargus concerned, but pleased the newcomer is friendly.
"Still better than traveling through a magic wall hanging!"
[b]"Let's keep the ring for now, perhaps our investigation will prove useful in finding a proper send off to its former owner if ye be so inclined.
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"Lurking? Why, not at all. But, if you speak of a homeland, that would be beautiful Tian Xia, continent of the rising sun."
"I was in a wizard's runic circle just a moment ago. It involved their spying magic to get an estimate of your location."
The ninja's amber yellow eyes twinkle with interest, as Bargus speaks tien.
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"Ahh, well let's keep this civil and in Taldan for the others. Picked up the Tien after meeting some others and thought it prudent to keep discourse from prying *hic* ears." He then offers the newcomer with a complimentary draft from his personal keg on his back before drinking two mugs full himself, his toughened skin seemingly hardening after the first drink.
You approach the tide pool containing the wreck and hundreds of small bodies swarm out of the pool towards you. These look to be tiny crabs.