[Module] The Storm Chronicles (Ire of the Storm plus Seers of the Drowned City) by GM Rutseg (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

Magdi pulls on a few other accoutrements - his seagull-shaped amulet, the fish-like ring - and collects his crossbow and spear. "Aye. I'm ready to get out of here as soon as we can." He grumbles. "By the bones of my ancestors, I've been here long enough."

Pridon's Hearth? Well, it's better than here, I suppose.

With Magdi free, the group gives farewell to the lizardfolk, and to Ingolf and Splits who decide to remain and cleanse the temple from the Elemental Lords' influence. In a few years from now, the place will be well known in the region for being a point of interest for Gozreh's faithfuls and people interested to understand weather better. The truce with the lizardfolk is only strengthen by the return of the old god, and they help protect the temple from then on.

Meanwhile, on their trip back to Pridon's Hearth, the group has the chance to get to know better about Magdi and his desire to sail back to Hyrantam. The travel through marshes and jungle patches is arduous, specially as all kind of plants bloomed after the rains that have also provoked an explosion in the area's insect population. Fortunately, the group is used by now to the constant mosquito bites and the mud in their feet. It offers at least a good opportunity for Tonny to complete his notes about the local flora and fauna, which will certainly transform into an encyclopedic volume once he has the chance for.

On the evening of your second day you overhear a loud sound, followed by hundreds of birds taking flight. Some of you prefer to let it be and press on, but Jonah looks to investigate. Soon enough his search pays off as the hugest dinosaur he has ever seen stomps over fallen trees and large puddles of rain water. The Korir's tyrannosaurus the hunter has heard about finally shows off. It becomes a fight between predators that involves sudden charges, withdrawals, tracking and bold attacks, but after a few hours, Jonah calls the big piece he has been looking for on his trip to the Korir jungles.

On the fourth day, you make it back to Pridon's Hearth. The colony remains a very much struggling small town, with no paved roads and many buildings still constructed with canvas roofs or walls. Only a large Estate building in the higher ground withstands over the humbling rest of the structures. Aside from the Estate, only another building seems build of stone, a tall and white structure with delicate white classical columns. The place still shows the effects of the storm passing by, but the life has recovered and people returned to their everyday dealings.

Interestingly, a single sail sloop is docked at the islands of Inner Town.

You make it to the Stone Hall tavern and inn (the only building along Abadar's temple and the Count's manor that is made in stone). The news of your arrival travel swift and soon Sheriff Adaela Praet joins with you, excited to see you back "My best men are back! These is certainly a great day! I somehow lost all hope when we saw a storm larger than the first one was about to strike the colony. But then it suddenly fizzled out and disappeared as fast as it came!" she pads Adriana's shoulder with camaraderie "You have served well past the terms of your sentence. I think it is the time to talk with the right people to blank it out"

Seated in the tavern, you spot a hunk of a woman you have not seen around town before. Broad-shouldered and taut with muscle, and skin the deep brown of rich walnut woodgrain. With an expressive brow and clouded eyes she look at you as you are greeted by the Sheriff. She has numerous tattoos all over her body as well as piercings and jewelry.

When he spots the giant dinosaur, Jonah can't be held back. he knows that splits might have words for him about wanting to hunt such a majestic animal, but this is the whole reason Jonah wanted to come to this place. he had seen some fantastic dinos already, but nothing like this beast!

It is the hardest hunt of his life, and the story of it will surely grow over the years with every telling. in Jonah's mind this story will even eclipse all of the work that the party did to end the storm.

After finally bringing it down, Jonah takes several teeth and claws as trophies, and enlists the help of his companions to haul some of the meat back to Pridon's Hearth. once there he will recruit some others to help recover any more meat and skin and bones that could be used by the colony.

He comes back to find the group speaking with the Sheriff. he quietly joins the group but speaks up when the Sheriff talks about Adriana's parole.
Believe me, we couldn't have survived what we faced out there without her. that storm would have been trouble for a lot more people than just this one town. real apocalypse kind of stuff. this is one of the bravest warriors I have ever served with.

The aforementioned "hunk of a woman" glances over at the party of newcomers and then confers with the bartender, pointing to them as she does. She finally grins and puts a few coins on the counter, which the bartender quickly snaps up. A few minutes later, a server comes out with a round of drinks for the party and the sheriff. "Courtesy of that lady at the bar" the server says. Should any of the assembled adventurers look back her way, she will raise her mug and throw a cocky smile to the ladies.

Knowledge Geography: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

With heartfelt goodbyes to both Split-the-Leaves and Ignolf (and a promise that the two would attempt to visit town at least once) Adriana finds the return to civilization (such as it is) oddly daunting; there was going to be so much to explain with various levels of difficulty.

At the very least the return journey is uneventful outside of Jonah's terrifying but victorious hunt, and as the group finally makes it back to Pridon's Hearth, Adriana can't help but smirk at wondering which would be less believable, their hard fought victory at the temple or the spoils of Jonah's hunt.

Adriana is humbled by Sheriff Adaela and is prepared to brush off both her praise and suggestion on dealing with her situation, but it's Jonah's many compliments that make her blush as she attempts to downplay her heroics.

"Ah, uh, no, it-it was a group effort. Please..." She goes quiet but allows herself a small smile. "My friends are humble themselves, we all fought hard for this victory..." She does her best to return the praises as drinks are delivered to the table, turning to where the server has pointed and noticing the cocky smile the stranger is offering and suddenly aware she's still a bit of a blushing mess and Oh no, that might have sent the wrong signal, but at least she could hide a little behind the free drink, which she does.

Tewa waits, casually watching out of the corner of her eye, until the sheriff appears to hav wrapped up her talk with the adventurers. She then hefts herself up and saunters over to the table. At her full height, it’s clear she has to be around seven feet tall. ”Word around is that I have you lot to thank for getting rid of that storm. My ship has been stuck here and I was beginning to worry it might never get out of here. I am certainly curious as to how you all took out a storm.” She places her hand on her chest and bows her head, an unexpectantly formal gesture from someone with such swagger. ”I am Tewa She.” She raises her chin as she looks down on the seated assembly with that same cocky smile. ”Interesting group you have. I would love to hear how you beat a storm. You tell me and I will get the next round, too.” She pulls up a chair without even waiting for an answer, as though she just naturally assumes that anyone would say yes. Up close, it’s clear that her eyes are anything but; if it were not for the fact that she is clearly seeing, she would obviously be blind. The red line tattoo that runs across the bridge of her nose and onto her cheeks only seems to draw attention to them.

As she settles in to listen, she gives Adriana a discrete glance, seeming to have indeed gotten the wrong idea.

Magdi looks between the others, the newcomer, and the sheriff, trying to track the interplay. "I can't speak for them, but they certainly handled themselves well in battle." He sucks his teeth absently as Wingless hisses something to him.

The shaman looks at his serpentine companion, letting breath hiss out between his teeth, before shrugging. "It was a true feat of heroism, at any rate - Harborwing surely smiles upon the calming of the storm and the seas."

Sheriff Adaela Praet gives a soft nod acknowledging Jonah's words and smiles at Adriana "It seems your companions have only good words for you." She pads Adriana's back once more "The Count will soon know about your return. I am sure he will be eager to thank you and repay his debt to you in person"

When the drinks come, the Sheriff joins the conversation with the sailor "Welcome to Pridon's Hearth, Tewa She. We do not receive many vessels other than the monthly visit of the Kaava Cutter. I hope you have a pleasant stay that brings good words of our little colony abroad" She then makes a celebration gesture with the beverage.

Absentmindedly covering with the sleeve the tattoo of a shinning longsword in her right arm, the sheriff turns her head bringing her attention to Magdi "The news of your expedition being wiped out were most worrying. It is good to see you back to town. You sure found out your temple, isn't it? I am curious about what you did find out there. What are your plans now?"

Madgi grunts softly, eyes dark. "I did, though I'm not sure it was worth it on my part." He sighs deeply. "My plans, though... I think I might return home, for a time. Reconnect." A pause. "Hopefully avoiding some old... friends along the way."

He rubs his face. "It's all a bit of a blur now, and I thank the gods for that. My time there was... unpleasant, to say the least."

The lizards had him in a cage! poor fellow. Luckily we're all friends now and they let him go when we finished with the storm priests.

luckily we didn't have to fight a literal storm, Tewa She. just the evil priest who was summoning it. even with his magic and super scary storm brewing he wasn't able to survive a few well-placed arrows. and other blows...

Jonah is obviously trying to show off, making sure his necklace of dinosaur claws is visible. Clearly missing that the woman's cocky smile and glances were not in fact meant for him.

Jonah's recalling of their fight in the temple calls the attention of the people gathered in the tavern. The description of the arrow strikes and the powerful magic displayed by the cult's leader obtain a good amount of wows and aws that entertain the colonists and set off their legend as local heroes. A couple of them request to see Jonah's collar showing themselves scared by what they imagine the beast looked like.

On the late hours, and once the people start to go back to their homes leaving the heroes on a more calm environment. Magdi explains you Daruthek had a repeating vision of a coastal city with gleaming towers topped with observatories "That fits the description of Hyrantam, the capital of the Sodden Lands" he explains "I am worried by what developments the visions might be pointing back there. I fear, Daruthek's actions here can have perturbed something in Hyrantam, perhaps even the same Eye of Abendego. Or perhaps it has been the other way around, the visions coming from Hyrantam might have been perturbing Daruthek and gave him the clue to activate the Storm Engine..."

As he told you already, Magdi is eager to get as far of the lizardfolk as possible and the idea of returning to his home in the Sodden Lands is attractive to him "Also, the original Storm Kindlers came from the Sodden Lands' capital, Hyrantam. There, I expect to learn more about the Saoc energies that were used by Daruthek, and the previous cult to control the storms."

"But Hyrantam is a dangerous place. It got half-sunk after the disaster that took Lirgen. It has more than its share of monsters such as giant squids, sharks, enormous eels, hydras, or tylosauruses. Others, like scrags, skum, or adaros, are more organized and more dangerous. As such, I will need the protection of a strong group." at that point he looks at you, trying to see if you get his pledge.

"Only problem is we are kind of stuck here until the Kava Cutter makes its monthly pass. And even once in Eleder it would be difficult to convince a captain bold enough to sail the shallow waters of Hyrantam's coast spotted with all kind of ruins jutting out of the liquid surface" he finishes.

When the drinks come, the Sheriff joins the conversation with the sailor "Welcome to Pridon's Hearth, Tewa She. We do not receive many vessels other than the monthly visit of the Kaava Cutter. I hope you have a pleasant stay that brings good words of our little colony abroad" She then makes a celebration gesture with the beverage.

Tewa leans back in her chair, draping her arm over the back of her chair with one hand and raising her mug with the other. "I have no complaints. Virtues, even the storm helped me out, at least for a while." She downs the rest of her drink then pulls out a small carving knife and a piece of whittled wood that is on its way to looking like a woman. She idly gets back to it while she listens and talks.

The lizards had him in a cage! poor fellow. Luckily we're all friends now and they let him go when we finished with the storm priests.

luckily we didn't have to fight a literal storm, Tewa She. just the evil priest who was summoning it. even with his magic and super scary storm brewing he wasn't able to survive a few well-placed arrows. and other blows...

Jonah is obviously trying to show off, making sure his necklace of dinosaur claws is visible. Clearly missing that the woman's cocky smile and glances were not in fact meant for him.

"Damn, that sounds like a good time. Making me wish I had gone out myself." She nods towards the hilt of the greatsword on her back. "Bet I could have done it in one blow." She smiles to herself and shrugs, looking rather pleased with herself. "Then again, if it looked like it was going to be over that fast, I would probably play with them a little." She runs the flat of her knife gently along the side of the wooden woman. "Get them all worked up." The knife's touch is more of a caress. "Make them sweat for it." She holds up the trinket, evaluating her work. "Feel the anxiety and anticipation." She chops the top of the trinket off in one motion of her knife. "Then end it."

"Only problem is we are kind of stuck here until the Kava Cutter makes its monthly pass. And even once in Eleder it would be difficult to convince a captain bold enough to sail the shallow waters of Hyrantam's coast spotted with all kind of ruins jutting out of the liquid surface" he finishes.

She returns to her whittling, focused on her task even as she listens, as casually comfortable as if she had known you all for years. "You know, I have a ship."

hmm, a dangerous land full of more dangerous sea monsters? sounds exciting! going to be hard to top the thrill of finally getting my hands on a predator dinosaur, but I'll bet we can find some fun there.

you say you have a ship, Tewa She? that you're just offering to use to help a bunch of strangers go into a very dangerous place through a canal that most sailors wouldn't risk? how much have you had to drink today?

Tewa laughs, full-throated and rumbling. ”Barely any. I am no Caydenite.” She begins working on shaping the eyes on her carved figurine. ”Of course I know you; you stopped the storm that was going to destroy my ship. As long as you aren’t with Cheliax or slavers, seems like helping you out is only fair. Besides, I have been cooped up here long enough. I could use a fight or two or ten.” She starts cutting tattoos onto the figurine. ”She of Grace and Might says that when someone does a freely-given service to the community, they deserve a freely-given service in-turn.”

Still hiding behind her drink as Tewa approaches and then sits with them, Adriana does her best to discreetly peek at the newcomer, slightly unsure if the woman could see her blushing earlier or not but not willing to make things any more awkward at the same time, not to mention that, well, it would be rude to ask without at least learning her name. It didn't however, stop her from attempting to hide deeper into her cup when it appeared that cloudy eyes or not, they had exchanged glances.

Well. That could be dealt with later. Maybe. There was a lot to take in concerning her future, and Adriana was thankful that Jonah (deservedly, she thought) took much of the attention bragging about his successful hunt while she nursed her drink, only occasionally nodding in agreement with the more outlandish details and sneaking the occasional glance to Tewa.

Adriana is curious when Tewa starts whittling amid the recount of their adventures, curious about how blind Tewa might actually be, and it takes a moment or two before it clicks onwhat Tewa is saying and suddenly she's once again red and hiding behind her drink; this was certainly becoming a confusing day. Perhaps she'd died in the temple fight.

Adriana bit her cheek and winced. Nope, very much alive. She needed another drink before she would risk speaking, finding her hand forced by the mention of boats and travel. "Neither Chelaxian or slaver, but..hmm..." She pauses for a moment and looks over to Aedela; the sheriff had said her sentence was served with their saving the settlement, perhaps she could?... "Well, if the law is no longer responsible for me, then I could join you. My situation is complicated. Or was. I don't know. Everything has been a blur since we returned. I need another drink."

Tewa catches Adriana’s embarrassment and smiles to herself. Nothing more fun than teasing someone who reacts well. She puts the finishing touches on her figurine and sets her on the table. The figure appears to be a woman in furs and armor and with various tattoos and jewelry. It’s of passable craftwomanship, more a labor of love or a hobby than a talent.

"As I said..." Magdi says with a sigh. "Home again, home again. Well, close enough, anyways. I've never been to the city - too dangerous by far - but now it seems I have little enough choice."

The serpent around his shoulders hisses at him, and he waves a hand at it.

"I tended to stay in the south. Spent some time in Jula, but that was the biggest city I ever visited 'til I came further south." He grins crookedly. "Mind, I hope you're all ready for more rain."

The Whithermoot and Longroad families that control the Stone Hall keep feeding your table with food and drinks while you meet with new promising faces and recall your adventure together. The Withermoot grandma comes late at night and tells you "Do not worry for the bill. The heroes who saved Pridon's Hearth and his friends are invited to the dinner. You also have rooms for the night. Let my grandson know if you find something missing" the venerable halfling smiles at you, her face covered in wrinkles like the sea in a stormy day. She picks a patch of paper and unfolds it placing it over the table "A note from Count Lethar Narsus just arrived"

The note invites you tomorrow to his manor "Apparently the count wants to reward you for your services to the colony"

Making some time for extra RP while we wait for Tonny/Hawthwile

Tonny finally emerges from his room and half-runs half-falls down the stairs to the inn's common room, catching himself on the railing with one hand. That hand was unfortunately full of papers, which go flying. "Innkeep," the half-elf shouts from inside his own miniature storm, "I need a porter! You wouldn't believe everything we found at the temple, and it must make it on the next ship to Absalom!" Frantically he grabs his scattered notes as they drift to the floor, absentmindedly holding them in a loose bundle. "Please, let me know when they arrive so I can show them what to take."

A loud rumbling sound echoes across the room like distant thunder. Tonny glances down at his navel in surprise. "Oh, is it that late already? Um, do you have any bread or stew or something in the kitchen still? I mean, if it's not too much of a bother..."

When the halfling grandmother deposits him at the table with his former companions, the scholar blinks in surprise. "Oh, hello again! Adriana, Jonah, Magdi, good to see you. Are those rolls for the table to share, or should I get my own? Wait, I don't know you already. I think? Sorry, my name's Tonny." He thrusts a hand out to the tattooed woman, then glances down at it and realizes it's still clutching the papers. "Wait, sorry, uh, let's use this hand instead, wait, no, that'll just be really awkward, oh, um, just a second... Oh drat!" The attempt to transfer the contents of one hand to another goes awry as a charcoal rubbing on what looks like Cyclopean writing slips free and falls into the woman's mug. The half-elf's face turns almost as red as his hair as he carefully fishes it out.

Tewa gives the newcomer an appraising look, amused by the display of uncoordinated japery. She leans back in her chair with her arm draped over the back while he fishes out the lost page from her almost empty mug. ”Good thing I just finished it, or you’d be out…whatever this is. The name is Tewa She. Captain of The Fairer Hand. Seems like you could use one.” She idly picks up a page off the floor, taking a quick look before handing it over. ”If you’re one of this lot that stopped the storm, I owe you a drink.” Once his hand is finally free, she offers hers for a shake.

Magdi hisses something to his snake, who sways slightly in response. Is he really the same person who helped to rescue me? He wonders, running a hand through his thick hair.

The halflings quickly run in all directions but finally they do find indeed extra stew for Tonny. The group stays until late talking about the trip to Hyrantam, and the need to stop in Eleder for selling and buying stuff also is pointed out.

---

The next day Sheriff Adaela Praet picks you up in the hall while extending the invitation to Tewa She "As I understood you are bringing the heroes into a new trip, you might wish to assist the meeting with the Count"

Despite you probably already had breakfast, you are received with a large assortment of pastries and one of the local coffees. Count Lethar Narsus is ecstatic to see you "Such a good thing to meet with you again! You saved Pridon's Hearth and who knows if Golarion itself!" he offers you to sit and eat while pointing with pride at the colony "We are going to erect a statue in your honor, our first statue!, in the center of our growing town. I have even talked about the project with Annabella Tulia and she is eager to start working on it!" he makes a gesture opening the arms to show some kind of title "We came up with a name 'The Storm Heroes'!"

Some of you notice the absence of the Count's advisor, Hamsa Gadd.

"Oh, but before I forgot! There is something Sheriff Adaela Praet prepared for you Adriana. She spoke very good of you" the man sits on the table and places a set of old fashioned goggles to look at some documents in the table, picking a quill, he signs his name in the documents "Here it is, by my authority I lift your condemn of civic service to the colony. You have served far from expected averting this danger. Congratulations, you are free of debts to the society" he then offers one copy of the documents to Adriana.

Jonah chuckles Never had a statue made of me before! theres a story no one back home will believe if i told them! Not to turn down your generosity, but surely the effort and cost of making a statue could be better used elsewhere?

Tewa gracefully joins the others at their meeting. She claps enthusiastically for her new passengers as they have their statue unveiled. What really seems to impress her though is Adriana's pardon. "You are living the dream, Adriana." Her eyes take a sad, dewy quality as she speaks.

Adriana sighs but smiles nonetheless as Tonny is caught in the whirlwind of himself and his papers and turns slightly to Magdi and Tewa. "He's not always like this, but we've learned a lot of interesting things these last few days." she says with a supportive nod to the frazzled half elf as the night goes on.

----

Adriana can't hide her nervousness as they're meeting Count Narsus, having barely nibbled at the pastries and leaving behind a coffee half nursed, wrestling internally with the fact that her being in Pridon's Hearth had been as much a punishment as a second chance; could she truly be rewarded for taking the only option available to her?

It's the word statue that snaps her out of her internal dilemma and she blinks incredulously at Count Narsus. "A - a statue? I-I don't," She stutters, the coughs and composes herself. "A statue sounds lovely, but I must agree with Jonah, surely the colony has greater needs..." Adriana trails off as it seems the Count hasn't quite heard them, mentioning the sheriff and handing her a piece of documentation. She takes it as if the parchment is about to bite her, reading it carefully.

"I'm free?" She whispers incredulously. Yes, she had helped save the colony, and her friends had spoken highly of her - trusted her - but there had always been the seed of doubt, buried in the bleakness of a past not yet far enough gone for her liking.

"I-I can't...I mean, thank you, Count Narsus, this is... I...I-" Adriana sucks in a ragged breath. "I need a moment, please excuse me." and not waiting for a reply she turns and leaves the mansion, clutching her pardon tightly to her chest and making it no more than a few steps outside before she sinks to her knees and chokes back a sob, fighting to hold back the emotional turmoil threatening to overwhelm her.

"Oh-ou-oh" the count hesitates looking at you then at the colony "We-well, I-I guess we could do something else to honor you... some... some holiday perhaps? The Heroes of the Storm Day! Yeah! That will sure please everyone. Only Annabella would be so abashed by the news... she is so much interested to embellish the town... but yeah, I guess we can apply the money elsewhere"

As Adriana leaves the Count looks confused at the others "Oh-ou-oh... was there something badly written in the documents? Oh perhaps she was expecting for something more-more touchable of a reward perhaps?"

With that said, the party is free to call the meeting's end and follow their own pursuits, most likely saying goodbye to Pridon's Hearth and preparing a new trip into adventure!

Tewa lets Adriana pass with a sad smile. She takes up the charge of answering the Count, hoping to run some interference. "I don't think anything was wrong. Quite the opposite." She looks back towards the direction Adriana ran away in. "Freedom is a beautiful thing. Especially when you never thought you would get it."

Tewa waits several minutes to respect Adriana's wish for time alone, then follows after her. She takes up position in the doorway, giving sharp "move along" glances to anyone that tries to gawk. When Adriana has finally collected herself, she steps forward and takes a knee next to Adriana. "People don't realize what it feels like to have that weight on you, how much it takes away from someone to proclaim them a criminal and place them in shackles. I'm glad you got that back. Treasure that. Make the most of it." She gently places her gloved thumb and forefinger on Adriana's chin and lifts it. She grants her a cocked smile, her eyes shining. "You need any help with that, I'm here." She stands up and brushes herself off. "I gave up on getting a piece of paper a long time ago. They probably don't have one big enough in Cheliax now." She winks, then pauses as she turns to head back inside. "You ever decide you want to try that route out, I can help with that, too."

Magdi looks bemused at the suggestion of a holiday for his rescuers, but shrugs inwardly. Nobles.

Tonny catches himself still nodding even as Adriana rushes outside. "Oh, uh, I don't think it's that there's a mistake or something," he explains to the count hurriedly. "It's just that, well, yeah, like Tewa said, it's kinda a big deal to get news like that. Kinda like getting your doctorate, or finding out your tenure application was approved." he smiles absentmindedly. "I remember when Professor Magnolia got the news, all their exams were cancelled for the entire week. I, uh, might have spotted them celebrating in one of the classrooms with some colleagues and a few beakers of... well, I've only ever seen that shade of blue in the lab - we used that dye as a quick way to tell at a glance how strong of proof an alcohol was for sterilizing surfaces, and I think that for it to have been visible at such a distance would have required quite the concentration... Oh, maybe that would explain why Professor Inkleston had misplaced their robes..." The scholar stares off into space, eyes unfocused.

"Oh! If you need ideas what to use the funds allocated for the statue for, might I recommend shifting them to diplomatic relations with the Song'o and Muckraker tribes?"

The Count nods "Indeed. Very understandable. Everyone gets it in its own way. The halflings celebrated for two nights before starting to settle down, and Adaela Praet just stoically accepted the freedom and requested the position of Sheriff" he looks over his glasses seeming to catch something on Tewa's tone, but says nothing.

Instead he chuckles in good mood listening to Tonny's understanding of happiness and celebration "Oh, uh, that must had been fun, hehe"

And nods accepting his ideas "Tho-those are very smart ideas you know. I shall figure out on a good present for the halflings. All this terrible things that were told about them" he negates with the head "Terrible prejudice, terrible. I shall look for a present to continue your job and make amends with them"

Jonah smiles now a holiday is something i can get behind! we seem to be on our way to another adventure, but perhaps someday I will be back here to properly celebrate Storms Day with you, good sir.

He gives Adriana space and stays with Tonny, now much more used to the constant stream of words that come form the scholar.

he personally has never been in a situation like Adriana's, but he understands the import of a moment like this. he shutters to think of spending every day for the foreseeable future locked in a small cell. he doesn't think he could handle that

In the several minutes that she is still alone, Adriana has managed to mostly pull herself back together. She wasn't entirely sure she was ready to return to face the count just yet (and she would, for she owed Narsus an apology) but at least she hadn't collapsed into a wailing mess, though she was sure she looked it.

Wiping at her tears Adriana is surprised by Tewa and her sincere empathy. "Of course I will; I never expecte-" Her words halt suddenly as Tewa gently lifts her chin delicately and they are eye to eye and Adriana can feel her cheeks going red and oh she was so confused; was this simple gentleness? A form of kindred understanding? Affection?

She blinks and stands slowly with Tewa and nods with what she thinks is understanding. "Thankyou, Tewa. I..I would welcome your help." Adriana does not brush herself off but she does carefully fold and tuck her pardon away and listens sympathetically to Tewa. Cheliax. She could not imagine she'd have survived the Devil cursed country. But that did pique her curiosity as she followed Tewa and catching the womans wink pauses for a step and unsure of the meaning but willing to trust, answers as she follows inside "I..yes? Perhaps?"

She would worry about what she might have agreed to later; Narsus was owed an apology, Tonny and Jonah at least a drink or a meal. Something suitable for the heroes of the storm...

Tewa laughs as she strides away. "Then you have it!" She smiles to herself, happy that it seems she was able to support Adriana. Mother Jaguar demands that her servants reach out to others, especially those at the margins. Without the community of her true home, Tewa has to live her praise to She of Grace and Might as best she can. That Tewa gets a woman to make blush with her teasing is only a bonus.

She enters back into the room with the others, rotating her arm at the shoulder socket. "Well then, what's next, everyone? We celebrating or heading out?"

The group finishes the celebration with the Count and heads back to the core of the colony. There, you start preparations for your trip to Hyrantam.

It takes you a few days to accommodate supplies and treasures in Tewa's small ship, but eventually the day of departure arrives. Pridon's Hearth in its entirety is in the small docks to give you farewell. Adaela Praet gives you a strong hug before you all board the ship and the moorings are released "Come back whenever you wish so, this is your home!"

The Korir river's current takes you easily and swiftly to the sea in just a couple of hours. From there you sail north, passing the cape of the Ghol-Gan ruins you explored a few weeks ago. After the storm, the waters of Desperation Bay are calm and the winds are favorable. You reach Eleder in less than three days.

The city architecture remembers its Chelish roots. Trading company warehouses and shipyards offset the homes of early settlers with their plain, but practical, construction. A large wall of weathered stone, the Diomar Wall, encircles properties around the harbor, isolating them from the remainder of the city. Beyond the wall, a noticeable shift in construction style occurs, as Chelish colonial-style buildings give way to thousands of crudely constructed mud-daub huts.

Eleder’s harbor is huge, perhaps one of the biggest along the southern coast. Your ship is dwarfed by the massive merchant vessels and similar ships that stop here for they are too large to travel up the Korir. From huge merchant galleys to tiny tribesmen fishing boats, the waters are full of all size vessels. The dozens of colors from flags of different countries and the constant but orchestrated activity depict a memorable show. Entering within the harbor, you spot a sprawling array of granite block piers.

You slowly sail by the pier where you finally stop and moor. Docking taxes are payed and you descend into a lively city full of contrasts. In the large markets you are able to sell your treasure and buy new equipment and other supplies.

Added a Sargava and Eleder map to more easily visualize the trip.

Freedom, Adriana finds bemusing, can be quite overwhelming in it's own way, as she finds herself preparing to leave Pridon's Hearth to help Magdi and finding the idea of leaving didn't have the allure it once did. Strangest of all, she found the idea of leaving almost sad; the colony having been a better home and life for her than she could have imagined left her feeling a way she couldn't adequately describe. Homesick perhaps?

It made preparations a little difficult and Adriana couldn't shake off the fact that she felt that in some way she was abandoning the colony, which was ridiculous; she and her friends had done so much and been given much in return, making a martyr of herself wasn't what the colony needed. But there was still some thing Adriana wanted to finalize before leaving.

With Tonny's help (and some of his ink and parchment) and a solid amount of gold Adriana leaves a set of instructions with Baldra at the countinghouse, several small pouches put aside with a letter and set of instructions - a note of encouragement for Amil, an apology and commission for Annabella, and a small amount for Sasha to help once she had served her time. Adriana made sure that Aedela had a copy of her notes as well as one of her own and finds herself returning Aedela's hug with equal strength. " Take care of them. I'll make sure to come home safely." It feels strange to promise such a thing but feels good to say it - she had a place to come back to. And she would.

---

Much like the trip on the Kavaa Cutter Adriana spends her time being reminded of how much she isn't a sailor, wandering the ship and doing her best to be useful without being a hindrance, practicing her dancing in the calmer waters in between keeping the spirits of her companions high - Jonah she would practise her archery with and teasingly challenge, Tonny she would go to when she had questions (or to help the poor lad collect himself) and Magdi she would speak with to get to know better, the whirlwind of the temple fight then the celebrations and then the preparations having made time to simply sit and talk difficult.

And then there was Tewa. The woman could reduce her to a blushing mess with such ease that Adriana had briefly considered hiding from the ship's captain before dismissing the idea as both silly and rude; it was Tewa's ship, where would she even hide? No, she could endure a little blushing here and there, and even began to find it quietly enjoyable. It was nice, even if she was never sure how to reciprocate. Perhaps they could talk?...

It might have to wait, as Adriana stood on the deck as they arrived in Eleder, eyes wide at just how huge it was, at the sheer number and assortment of ships and found herself missing Pridon's Hearth and it's much less intimidating size, keeping her companions as close as she can as they push into the crowded city. So many memories of a life long behind her...

Seers of the Drowned City by Nicholas Wasko

The group spends a few days in Eleder buying equipment to endure the adventures that await in Hyrantam. Jonah even finds an underwater crossbow to complete his arsenal. Eventually, you pack your stuff back to Tewa's ship and set sail into the ocean.

The trip to the Sodden Lands is stoked with events. From sightings of dolphin and whale groups, to a swift diversion to elude a pirate ship in the Shackles. But probably the scariest thing of all is getting so close to the Eye of Abendego. The currents intensify and the winds come with constant rainfall. It requires all of Tewa's skill to maintain the ship afloat and in the proper direction. Finally, after almost two weeks of tough sailing, the sky opens and you spot your destination.

Hyrantam Ahoy!
Against a backdrop of a swampy coastline, barely visible through sheets of driving rain, the strange ruins of Hyrantam rise from a choppy sea. Below, the waves churn and slosh over reefs grown from collapsed towers, but those towers that still stand command the view. Over a hundred stone structures in varying states of repair rise from the waves, some partially collapsed due to the erosive action of countless waves, but others seemingly untouched by the passage of decades since the Age of Lost Omens first dawned. What were once hilltops now form scattered islets just offshore. A particularly dense section of towers rises in what was once the city’s heart, with spires connected by rope bridges and wooden walkways, showing that the last remaining survivors of Hyrantam still cling to their ancestral home in spite of the nearly constant storm. More recently destroyed ships lie partially impaled or sunken in shallow waters near this tenacious center of civilization, the sails, masts, and hulls shredded by bolts of lightning. As if to underscore the danger, a fresh bolt from the churning storm clouds above lances down to strike a ship’s mast, followed by a thunderous peal. A single beacon flares at the entrance to a wide channel through the wreckage, beckoning ships into a sheltered harbor amid the bridge-connected towers.

A Profession (sailor) check is in place to navigate the ship wreckage in the mist of the storm. Everyone can help with whatever means you feel opportune.

Tewa is quite comfortable with the sea, but her best virtue as captain appears to be her willingness to delegate and trust people to know what they are doing. She remains gregarious and supportive with Adriana, but she is not pushy, having stated her interest and content to wait for her to make the next move.

As they come into port at Eleder, Tewa brings in her new comrades for a quick huddle. "I would appreciate it if none of you talk about the ship more than necessary around the Chelish. They might expect me to give it back if they figure out I stole it." She smiles, proud at her accomplishment and brazenly unashamed at the theft. "I mean, I'll just steal another one if I have to ditch this one, but I would like to put her through more of her paces before that."

Eleder

"If ever I held affection for the Chelaxian people, 'twould not be now." Magdi comments dryly. "I'm not like to share any information about anyone who'd like to keep it hidden from them."

Hyrantam
Magdi inhales the air as they grow closer to the Eye of Aroden and his old home. Ill winds, but ours nonetheless, eh Wingless?

He turns to Tewa. "Captain, if you wish me to try to guide you through the waters to Hyrantam, I can attempt to scout out beneath the waves - though I am able to grant any number of us the ability to breathe beneath the waves, admittedly."

jonah spends much of the time aboard the ship working on his new crossbow. normally he preferred a box over a crossbow for its speed, but with some tinkering he managed to put together a mechanism that let him load several bolts at once in a sort of clip that could be inserted into his crossbow. this would let him fire it much quicker and gain the advantage of the powerful crossbow without sacrificing speed.

As they come near the tangle of ships, Jonah takes position near the front of the boat, trying to help guide them around the wreckage.
perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Tewa gives Magdi a hearty pat on the shoulder. "Your scouting would be appreciated, Magdi! I also can grant water breathing. I can give people bubbles of air as a short term back up if needed, too. Heck, if you have ever wanted to walk on water, I can take care of you, too."

So if Tewa is the only one with Profession (sailor), does that mean we have her as a primary with the others assisting?

Tewa sets direction towards the beacon's flare, trying to find a way amid the ships wreckage. The rain falls with intensity as you approach and the vessel goes up and down over the waves. A considerably higher wave makes the ship point up as you break through the water obstacle, losing the reference of the beacon for a few seconds. But Jonah bravely runs towards the bow and holds himself strongly against the railing. His eyes used to deal with rain and storms he quickly points Tewa out the direction to follow.

A sudden gust of wind buffets the sail loosening one of the anchoring ropes. The sail loses wind and without the push forward the vessel is at waves mercy and dangerously tilts starboard, hitting a floating wooden piece, perhaps a door. A dramatic wail is heard from that side of the ship.

The rain seems to gain in intensity and water starts to fill the lower parts of the deck while not tied stuff rolls from side to side making the ship movements even more unstable.

+2 from Jonah's help

Profession (sailor) w/Jonah Aid: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 2 = 29

Tewa directs the ship admirably, gladly taking direction from Jonah on obstacles.

With clear voice booming over the storm and a firm hand commanding over the helm, Tewa quickly guides the unlikely crew to recover the sail's control and secure the deck while setting direction towards the beacon.

The ship moans pressed in conflicting directions by wind, waves and Tewa's guide, while the rain pours over the deck. The keel breaks through a frontal wave and emerges out of the wreckage corridor, quickly advancing towards the beacon tower.

Behind the curtain of water you spot a man getting out of a nearby building and moving over the wooden pier. He starts to make signs with his arms to approach the pier.

With some difficulties, you strike the sail and maneuver towards the pier, throwing the anchor and finally tying the ship while the waves that enter the open port keep swaying the vessel up and down.

The harbormaster, a lean man with stubbly facial hair, clad in armor crafted from crocodile hide, greets you while protecting himself with an arm from the falling water "Welcome to Hyrantam travelers! My name is Vancen and I am the harbormaster here" he looks at you up and down while you still try to make safe the ship "Please, come into my office so we can speak in comfort out of the storm" he points to a partially crumbled tower at his back.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

"Well met, Vancen! I am Tewa She." She offers her hand and clasps him on the shoulder when he takes it. "You seem troubled, friend. Is there something I can do for you?"

Magdi is about to endow himself with the ability to breathe water but the ship manages to make it through unscathed without his aid. With a mental shrug, he nods at Vancen, though his eyes narrow slightly. After a moment, he sighs. "Magdi. I didn't realize that there would be a harbormaster here, to be honest. Good to meet you."
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Hyrantam!
Taking care of her newly purchased gear amid learning more about sailing (and learning more about how little she knows) Adriana does her best to assist amid the rain and wind, Jonah being admirable in his assistance as Tewa navigates and brings them into the docks, waiving in soggy greeting to Vancen and noticing Magdi's disappointment at the dockside existence.

"Well met harbormaster."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Vancen helps you enter the protection of his office. You notice it is build in one of the superior levels of one of the half-sunk stone towers.

The man smiles at Magdi's comment "Not many hands around certainly. I have been the enclave’s chief diplomat and warden for many years already in addition to the Harbormaster. But with the storm recently growing in intensity not many ships have made it through the wreckage... That was an impressive sailing maneuver I have to admit your boldness and skill" he encourages you to leave your stuff and take sit by his table "Let me offer you something warm... a tea?"

When Tewa asks him what is troubling him, he attempts a smile that results in a grimace of surprise as if the question was confusing him "You... you are here because of my calls for aid... aren't you?" his eyes shine with unconcealed hope.

New map of the Harbormaster's office is available!

"Perhaps, but not deliberately." Magdi says dryly, accepting a cup of tea. "Our own investigations brought us here, but perhaps you could share what troubles you."

Yes, please I would love some tea. awful cold and wet out here.

He listens to the harbormaster and raises an eyebrow.

We did not know of your need, but please tell us plainly, what is it you called for aid with? we will help if we can