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In a small inlet of an unremarkable island, the four of you gather on a beach in front of the remains of the Brass Bird.
Five years. That was the last time the four of you sailed together aboard the Brass Bird, pursued by the Andoran navy. It was the last time any of you saw Captain Renlock. Fortunately you were set free after only a few months, but Renlock wasn't so lucky. He spent his last years in jail until an illness claimed his life.
You learned of Renlock's death from his trusted companion, a clockwork parrot named Cawlo that remained ever at his side. Just a few weeks ago, the bird sought you out to deliver the bad news and a piece of a map. While one side contains a cryptic clue, the other suggested you to travel to this beach on this morning to find the 'captain's most-prized treasure.' So here you are, along with three others, staring at the partially sunken remains of the ship you once called home. The smell of the surf and rotting wood hang heavy in the air, the silence broken only by the screech of far-away gulls on this lonely island north of the Shackles.
Elsir stands there looking at the wreckage of the ship.
"Five years! I was happy in Absalom!" thinks to himself as his fingers discover the wretched ring
"I was doing ok in Absalom... And now I am here" Elsir looks with dismay around himself
"We should have ditched that Witch into the sea as soon as we entered that ship!" says the elf looking to the sides.
He pats Kaako on his back and smiles at him. The smile could be a bit forced as the cursed ring sucks the life out of Elsir. Subconsciously he keeps the hand with the ring in his pocket. He fixes his coat trying to hide the fact that for the five years he did not have a good job. Better life also eluded him and he is in a very similar place as he was on that pirate ship.
"Begin the journey going with the tide, then against, with, and finally against!" reads the note on the map.
"Any ideas what that means?"
Jadren looks at the wreckage of the ship before him with a bittersweet smile. The ways his eyes are glistening suggest he might be on the verge of tears. "What was and will never be again," he says quietly.
When he turns his attention to the other people on the beach with him, his expression is largely the same though his smile is larger and warmer.
"It's so good to see you all again! Squawker...I mean...Haaka, sorry...old habits...you're looking well," he says, offering his hand for a hearty shake to each person.
"Lavanna, looking lovely as always."
"I'm not sure what it means, Elvin. It's been years since I've done any sailing so I'm probably a little rusty. I assume it means we're going to have to do just what it says but when and where is the real question? How will we know when to start and when to switch?"
Jadren is a changed man from the last time the three of them saw him. Most obviously are the prominent symbols of Iomedae which decorate his clothing and armor. He's not quite as loud as he used to be and far from as boisterous, though still a powerful force of personality...just a quieter one.
Walking along the sand you spot a small halfling woman. She seems to be enjoying the salty sea breeze as it brushes across her face. Shielding the sun from her eyes she spots Elsir and you see her shoulders visibly slump.
As Jadren calls out her name she seems to instantly brighten. She runs along the remainder of the beach and throws herself into his arms. "Jadren!" She wraps her arms tightly around the man, before pulling away red with embarrassment. She claps a hand playfully onto his chest. "How are you, surely you have some stories to tell."
"We should have ditched that Witch into the sea as soon as we entered that ship!" says the elf looking to the sides.
Kaako nods sadly. "She hit us with a jinx far too big for my craw to handle that's for certain. Nevertheless it's good to see you again, old friend."
"Begin the journey going with the tide, then against, with, and finally against!" reads the note on the map."Any ideas what that means?"
"It's a puzzle for sure. Still, I'm confident that we can figure it out now that the crew is back together."
"It's so good to see you all again! Squawker...I mean...Haaka, sorry...old habits...you're looking well," he says, offering his hand for a hearty shake to each person.
Kaako ruffles the feathers on her head in the tengu equivalent of a frown.
"I certainly haven't missed your teasing Jadren. You know full well it's Kaako, not Squaker or Haaka."
"I'm not sure what it means, Elvin. It's been years since I've done any sailing so I'm probably a little rusty. I assume it means we're going to have to do just what it says but when and where is the real question? How will we know when to start and when to switch?"
"When to start and when to switch should be the simplest part. It's easy enough to determine when high and low tides occur. It's the direction that eludes me. Going with the tide then against it then with it then against it just leaves us right where we started."
After reintroductions - however pleasant they may be - it is time to go examine the remains of the Brass Bird. Having sunk many years ago, the rotting hulk of the Brass Bird brings back memories of your time aboard, sailing up and down the coasts of Avistan and Garund, chasing fame and fortune. But dreams of that glorious past have fadied and now all that remains is the half-sunken hulk of Captain Renlock's prized ship. Even now, you can see the wheel where he steered the ship, shouting orders to you and the other crew members as you chased fortune together.
You can still hear his final call to stand down as the Andoran ships closed in. The call that likely saved your life.
There is only one way to get to the Brass Bird - swim! The water here is calm, but it's still relatively difficult to cross the waters. . Once you swim over to the ship, it's a trivial task to climb aboard.
Lavanna, eager to be in the water once more walks over to the surface and dives right in. She crests the surface near the hull as she climbs aboard. "What are you waiting for!" she cups her hands and calls back. "Water feels great!"
Jadren happily hugs Lavanna back, flushing a bit. He scrubs a hand through his hair. "A few stories, yes. Not as exciting as our old ones, but better in their way," he replies.
He blushes even more and his shoulders droop at Kaako's correction. "Sorry, Kaako. It won't happen again. I swear."
When it becomes evident they're going to have to swim, he moves to the water quickly before pausing at the edge and looking down at his armor. He well remembers, now why he didn't wear anything like this when he was a sailor.
Fortunately, between his strength and his training, he's still a powerful swimmer.
Soon enough, he's clambering up onto the ship next to Lavanna, water pouring out of his armor and clothing like an overturned shell.
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Kaako looks at Elsir.
"I seem to remember you're not a strong swimmer. Do you think you can make it to the ship without too much trouble? I can follow you and help if you get into trouble."
"I seem to remember you're not a strong swimmer. Do you think you can make it to the ship without too much trouble? I can follow you and help if you get into trouble."
"Sure! My five years spend in Absalom let me muster my swimming skills." says Elsir already regretting saying that
"I am sorry, I'm tired. Can I make it? There is one way to find out, right?" says as he takes off his coat and then the shirt. Kako may spot that his body looks older than when they saw it before. Skin stretched on the rib cage, oddly bruise-like marks.
"Bloody priest of Gozreth! She was always willing to stand in the storm and laugh at the danger when others were drowning! Not looking back at anyone else. But we were the bad ones Kaako! We, for daring a dream of a better life." Elsir spits out the words.
"Can you keep my clothes? I don't want to make this swim harder than it has to be"
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Kaako stuffs Elsir's coat and shirt into her backpack and follows him into the water, doing her best to assist him when he falters.
Lavanna, a natural born swimmer, finds the water calm and relaxing. The waves splash over her hair as she breeches the waters. "Water feels great!" she yells at the others.
Jadren looks at Lavanna and sees the graceful swimmer jump up on the ship. He follows her in with a dive and swims hard through the waves, his armor not weighing him down at all. He easily climbs aboard the half-sunk ship near Lavanna.
Elsir watches his two former companions gracefully and powerfully swim. He hands over his coat and shirt to Kaako and jumps in. But as he steps into the water, he slips on a starfish and falls right on his rear. Elsir sits in inches of water while he watches Kaako dive in.
The tengu swan dives into the water. A true natural as well, but not as graceful as Lavanna. She hangs around the water, waiting for her elven companion.
Elsir curses and smacks the water with his hand. Which only makes it worse. He tries yet again to swim against the current...
Elsir curses as he swims, thinking about curses and pain that he could inflict on those not carrying about their companions. And then choking on the water...
"Elsir! Here! Grab onto this. I'll haul you in!" Jadren calls out, pulling the rope off of his pack and tossing it into the water near the elf.
Once Elsir has a grip, Jadren hauls on the rope like he's landing a fish.
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Lavanna is a bit surprised and even mildly impressed as she whispers to Jadren. "Surprised the fool isn't using his magic. He flaunts it everywhere else he goes to take advantage."]
"Here, let me help you."
Kaako swims to Elsir and assists him to the boat.
Elsir tries to swim to the ship if possible accepting the aid of Kaako and Jadren.
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Lavanna is a bit surprised and even mildly impressed as she whispers to Jadren. "Surprised the fool isn't using his magic. He flaunts it everywhere else he goes to take advantage."]
"Can he use magic? I seem to remember something like that but it was always little stuff like cleaning things or making coins disappear. never anything really impressive," Jadren answers with brows furrowed.
"Are you kidding! He would always use it when we got to Port to con and steal." She gets into hushed tones as he draws closer.
With the help of Jadren and Kaako, Elsir easily finds his way up on the ship. Though he's soaking wet and swallowed more salt water than he should have. As Elsir climbs aboard, a trivial task, rays of sun break through the clouds. A single beam illuminates the captain's wheel of the half-sunken boat.
On closer look, the wheel still looks to be in good shape, far better than the rest of the boat. Four symbols have been emblazoned on the wheel, indicating the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west), while the center has a wave pattern (cresting in such a way as to indicate that the tide is going clockwise).
But before anyone can get a closer look, Elsir notices something moving in the water right behind, just as he steps on board. He manages to quickly climb aboard as two giant snakes slither on board! You must've disturbed their nest. They are angry and ready to attack!
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[u]Round 1[/u]
Jadren
Red snake
Lavanna
Blue snake
Kaako
Elsir
As Elsir climbs the board, he falls on the deck and spits with water.
"Thanks Kaako, cough, cough! thanks, Jadren. It is good to know that there are some of us willing to help others, rather than see them drown."
He lifts on his arms and takes back the shirt and coat from Kaako. Turns around and begins to put them on. Maybe this is why he did not see the snakes...
"Ah! Big ones, aren't they? Get behind me guys," Jadren says, drawing his sword as he interposes himself between one of the snakes and Lavanna.
He slashes at the creature when he gets close.
[ooc]Actions - 1: Interact (Draw Sword), 2: Stride, 3: Strike (Sword)
As Elsir thanks Kaako and puts on his clothes, Jadren notices the danger! He rushes in and slashes the creature. The snake was not expecting that as Jadren almost slices it in half!
The snake lashes out at Jadren. It's large fangs just chomp down on the air as Jadren quickly dodges out of the way. It tries to bite again. This time, the snake manages to chomp down on Jadren... well on his armor!
The snake in red starts coiling itself in a defensive position, ready to strike any who approach.
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[u]Round 1[/u]
Jadren
Red snake
Lavanna
Blue snake (-24 hp)
Kaako
Elsir
Lavanna steps back, grabbing at her trident. Raising it into the air she tosses it at the unwounded snake. "How many are there in the water?"
Lavanna steps back and throws her trident at the snake. The trident pierces it's skull and anyone nearby can hear an audible crunch. The now dead viper starts to slowly slink back into the water.
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[u]Round 1[/u]
Jadren
Red snake
Lavanna
Blue snake
Kaako
Elsir
Elsir puts his coat on when Jadren slices one of the snakes, he tries to assess the situation when Lavanna throws her trident.
Eslir looked frightened
"Ok Eslir, get yourself together." he extends his hand and begins speaking in the elvish language. His eyes shine with power as from his hand shoots ray of frost
Then he shields himself with a wall of ice.
Kaako draws her rapier.
"I must say I've never been particularly fond of snakes."
She draws an arcane sigil in the air.
"Zip zap!"
Elsir blasts the snake with an icy blast. But instead of hitting the snake, all he manages to do is create a small iceberg in the water behind it.
Kaako attempts to zap the snake with an electric zap. Unfortunately, the snake acts like a conductor and the electricity simply flows through it into the water. It still looks a little frazzled though.
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[u]Round 1[/u]
Jadren
Red snake (-6 hp)
Lavanna
Blue snake
Kaako
Elsir
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"So, what? Everyone can do magic now?" Jadren asks as Kaako tosses around some energy, too.
He keeps to a more straightforward approach, himself, slashing at the serpent repeatedly with his sword.
Kaako nods at Jadren, impressed.
"Normally I would have scolded you for not moving over and setting up a flanking maneuver but that seemed to be pretty effective."
Elsir looks at how effective Jadren is with his sword
"Damn! Yeah we know magic but apparently in this fight the sword decides who lives and who dies"
With three fell swoops, Jadren slices the viper up like a sushi roll. There's surprisingly little blood as the fighter's slices were clean.
Standing on the deck of the Brass Bird, all is now quite except for the waves lapping the boat and the occasional gull overhead.
Now anyone can approach the steering wheel of the Brass Bird. It's still in remarkably good shape compared to the rest of the ship. No sign of any weathering. Four symbols have been emblazoned on Renlock’s wheel, indicating the cardinal directions (north, east, south, and west), while the center has a wave pattern (cresting in
such a way as to indicate that the tide is going clockwise).
As someone approaches, Cawlo, Renlock's trusted companion which is a clockwork parrot, swoops down and lands on a nearby railing. It clatters and rattles a bit before opening its beak. In the voice of Captain Renlock, comes out of the old mechanical bird.
"My friends. It spleases this old pirate's heart to see you gathered once again on the deck of the Brass Bird. Although my time has passed, I have found one last treasure for you to plunder. But to ensure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands, I have placed a few challenges in your way. Don't worry, I am sure they are nothing you can't handle."
"To open the way, you must sail from the home of the pirates to plunder the coasts of Varisia. Return home, but then make your way to Absalom to spend your loot. Finally, follow my dream and sail to the River Kingdoms and retire in peace."
After that cryptic clue, Cawlo grows silent and stares at the old captain's wheel.
Jadren gives a firm nod as his last cut strikes home and ends the threat of the snake. He sheaths his sword and nudges the still bucking corpse over the edge of the boat into the water. It will make a fitting feast for the fish and crabs.
His eyebrows rise almost into his hair as Cawlo speaks.
"Built to last," he comments about the bird as it shows no sign of damage or decay.
"I uh...it's good to see you all but...ah...'plunder'? I've given that life up, friends. Do we even think this boat will still float, for that matter? Perhaps just dinner to catch up, instead?" he offers and voices his concerns over the task they've been offered.
Lavanna sighs as she grabs her trident from the deck. "Don't think this will be doing a whole lot of floating Jadren." She pokes at the rotten deck with the tip of her prongs.
Grabbing the railing she makes her way to the old Captain's Wheel. "What do you all make of this? Sounds like some sort of riddle."
"To open the way, you must sail from the home of the pirates to plunder the coasts of Varisia. Return home, but then make your way to Absalom to spend your loot. Finally, follow my dream and sail to the River Kingdoms and retire in peace."
"I think that perhaps we are meant to use the wheel as though we were sailing to the locations that Cawlo directed us to. So north to Varisia perhaps?"
Kaako steps to the wheel and touches the symbol for north followed by the wave pattern in the center.
Elsir looks at the wheel and takes out again the notes.
"I think you are onto something Kaako! Quickly who has the map? I was never a good navigator. I wonder if we should also stick to the directions as indicated on those notes. Going with the tide indicates a direction of turning the wheel right? So Varisia, then go home, Absalom and River Kingdoms."
The boat does not look very sailable. The Brass Bird has several large holes in it, not to mention it's missing nearly half of the underside.
Cawlo stands quietly as the group discusses what it said. Kaako silently moves up towards the wheel and grabs a hold of it, but does not rotate it. Elsir, Jadren, and Lavanna stand close behind.
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"Hmm...That didn't seem to do anything."
Kaako looks disappointed for a moment then perks up.
"Wait! Maybe it's a combination. Like on a lock. The tide is moving clockwise on the wheel. That must be it coming in and counter-clockwise must be going out. The 'numbers' of the lock are the directions that we need to point the ship as if we were travelling to those destinations."
Kaako takes the wheel and turns it clockwise to north, counter-clockwise to south, clockwise to northeast then counter-clockwise to north again.
Elsir waits for something to happen...
"How did Captaing prepare all of it? Did the wheel always look like this?"
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"Ha! That's pretty clever. And I always thought I was the the brains of the operation," Jadren says as he watches Kaako pursue her theory.
"And I'm glad it means we don't have to go sailing all over the world."
Elsir reaches to his backpack and takes out one of his wounds.
He speaks few words in elvish as he closes his eyes. Then he touches with the wound the steering wheel
"That might help...." says Elsir
Kaako reaches over to the steering wheel and twists it, first rotating it 360 degrees clockwise so north is on top, then rotating counterclockwise 180 degrees so south is on top, then rotating 135 degrees clockwise so northeast is on top, then counterclockwise again until north is back on top...
The tengu steps back and waits. But nothing seems to happen.
She then decides to try something new - instead of northeast, she'll try east. Kaako goes through the steps again, but this time will rotate the wheel clockwise until east is on top for her third step.
As she finishes with the last rotation, a loud boom echoes from the nearby cliff face. There is a loud mechanical grinding as a secret passageway is revealed!
Elsir smiles and pats Kaako on her wing
"Well done! Let us see what awaits there." says the elf losing a bit of some of his bad mood.
Lavanna smiles. "Great thinking Kaako." She stares in awed silence as the cliff-face opens wide. "Let's see what's inside?" She dives back into the water as she swims to shore, eager to see what teh Captain left for them.
"Haha! That's brilliant!" Jadren says. He also gives Kaako a clap on the shoulder, but much firmer than Elsir's.
Speaking of the elf, he pulls his rope out again, handing one end to the man while keeping the other end, apparently intending on going through the same process to get Elsir on shore as he did to get him on the boat.
"When do you think the old scoundrel had time to set this up? This isn't something you just do in a day!"
"Are you coming Cawlo?"
Elsir looks at Jadren with suspicion but grabs the other end of the rope.
"This time at least the waves will push me towards the shore. Maybe they will make me crash on some rocks, who knows." says Elsir
"Thanks, Jadren" nods to the human
The former crewmates walk up to the secret passageway. The wind howls from within, rushing out. The air smells stale. The passageway itself beyond the hidden door ascends at an incline a few feet above the high tide line of the cove before leveling off. The passage ends in a short set of stairs that descend toward a large chamber lit only by vine-choked cracks in the ceiling above.
The rough-hewn chamber has fallen into disrepair. The western wall has collapsed partially and dirt, rock, and plant debris litter the floor, nearly obscuring a large leaf pattern made from green quartz. The tip of this leaf ends in a brackish pool of water. Rising up from the water is a mold-encrusted stone statue of a woman who appears to emerge from a wave with seaweed for hair and her arms held high in supplication to the sky above.
A faint clicking and rusting sound can be heard from the collapsed wall, but its source is not immediately apparent.
"Well the maps says to make an offering to Gozreh."
Kaako looks at the statue then at Lavanna.
"Do you think that statue could be Gozreh? What would be an appropriate offering?"
Kaako worriedly rubs a pearl-studded brooch on her scarf.