GM Silbeg's IF Sundered Waves (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

For years, the pirate Captain Renlock sailed the coast of the Arcadian Ocean from the Shackles to the south to the waters of Varisia to the north searching for plunder and adventure—until one day his luck ran out. The ship was captured by a navy and the captain and his crew were apprehended and imprisoned. Years later, after the captain's death in prison, the four released crewmembers receive a message from the deceased captain pointing them to treasure he hid for them.

This short Pathfinder 2nd edition adventure written by Jason Bulmahn is intended to be completed in a single session and includes four 5th-level pregenerated characters whose backstories and motivations tie closely into the plot of the adventure. This adventure can be easily incorporated into various virtual tabletops, run off of digital devices, or printed out and played at a table.

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.

You have all arrived at the island, independently.

As soon as everyone has logged in, I'll move you to the map in Roll20. Until then, take the time to introduce yourselves. Remember that you all know each other (in character) but the players may not!

Lavanna leans on her trident as she looks around at the others, smiling at Jadren and Kaako as her raven hair blows in the wind. She looks out to sea, her expression falling away to a more pensive mien.

Are you trying to tell me something, oh, Wind and Waves? Old friends -- and Elsir. Maybe I m'life's grown a little too calm, stuck in the doldrums?

She blinks and shakes her head, coming out of her private reverie.

"Should we raise a toast to ol' Cap'n Renlock? 'E seems to have brought us all t'gether again."

Kaako Ashfeather nods, his dark feathers rippling dramatically in the wind as he retrieves a mug for the toast.

Elsir can't hide his scowl. "Fat lot of good it'll do him, but sure I'll raise a glass to the good captain."

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 faded 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.

The sun rises, and a single beam of light illuminates the captain's wheel of the half-sunken ship.

You should now be able to see the handout of Captain Renlock's wheel

I am going to hand-wave the DC15 athletics check to climb in for PBP expediencies, as there is no penalty for failing

Captain Renlock’s wheel still looks to be in good shape, far better than the rest of the boat. 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 you approach the wheel, Cawlo swoops in to land on a nearby railing. It clatters and rattles a bit before opening its beak. The voice of Captain Renlock comes from the old mechanical bird.

“My friends. It pleases 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.

"That seems, unusually vague. I have no interest in plundering any longer. Hopefully this is not literal. Iomedae would not think kindly on such actions. And clearly this ship is in no shape to sail."

Kaako lets out a brief squawk Wouldn't it have been better to place it into the other's way instead of ours.

"Aye, tis quite a bit o' sailing but that' ship ain't goin nowhere, but dem pain's look fresh... North from the Shackles, past a few not really ignorable obstacles I might adds, gets ya to the Steaming Seas, dependin' on where ya want in Varisia if ya just trim the sails 'nuff dere ya'll find a decent Varisian' Port fer plunderin' if ya don't get too caught up in Goblin Junk from Sandpoint."

"Back south ta the Shackles once again past innumerable dangers, north again before East ta the Inna Sea. Now assumin' the Chelixian Navy doesn't try too 'ard to sink ya gettin' ta Absalom shouldn't be too much trouble."

"From there it's North to the River Kingdoms although I'd think ya's want a boat rath' aship for riva'rava"

Kaako realizes he hasn't let anybody else get in a word edgewise for awhile and finally looks around, realizing that this is likely elementary to everybody else as well.

"This sounds like a quick death for us all," Elsir says, shaking his head. "I'd say his most-prized possession was Cawlo, so this last treasure could be a dead man's fools errand," Elsir sighs, frustration showing. "But of course he chose you, Jadren. And you too, Lavanna. Kaako, you're an obvious pick as well. But why me?"

Not really expecting an answer, Elsir continues. "The captain always did good by me, so I'm in. Even if this means a quick death."

Lavanna's expression seems to freeze a moment as the others put off the idea of raiding again, as if she's trying to maintain her calm, but having to force it.

"You're right, this ship ain't going t'sail again, but ... what if that's not what the cap'n meant? What if it's a riddle? I've 'ad enuff drinks with enuff Besmarans to know they love that," the halfling says, voice rising with excitement as she considers.

"Cawlo landed 'ere near the wheel. Maybe 'is message 'as something to do with that, and th'compass points on it."

"From the shackles north to Varisia, then return home south, then east to Absalom and fin'ly north to the River Kingdoms."

She reaches out for the wheel and tries to steer north, then south, then east, and finally back north again.

As she waits, she turns back to Elsir. "No idea why 'e'd pick you, Elsir. Must be 'nother one o' those mystries we're meant to figger out."

No idea if I'm steering us the right direction, but it's my best guess.

Lavanna, please describe how you are doing that with more detail. Which way do you turn the wheel, etc..

Hmm. Any checks I can make to help me figure it out? If not, I would move the part marked north to the top, then spin it probably clockwise until south pointed up, then counterclockwise back until north is up again, clockwise to east, then counterclockwise back to north.

Every clue you need is already available between your handouts and what has been described, unless you need to know where things are. It starts with north up.

L'vanna tries rotating the wheel, which starts with N pointing up, she turns clockwise until S is pointing up, counterclockwise until N is up again clockwise to the E, and counter to the N.

As soon as she lets it go, it spins around, settling with N to the north.

Kaako squawks "That looked right, what about step 1 though, maybe that loop'll make the difference."

Kaako speaks as he walks through his steps "Clockwise 1 loop to the north, well bein' wrong looks to reset it so I could probably go round forever, but lets not. After that it's back counter to the south. Then clockwise east to Absalom and counterclockwise north to the River Kingdoms."

Full rotation clockwise to the north. Counterclockwise back to the south. Clockwise to the east, counterclockwise to the north.

Elsir's cheeks flush at Lavanna's comment, stung by the comment. Voice dripping sarcasm, he says, "Yes, well I suppose everyone has their favourites, don't they?"

As Kaako tries to puzzle it out, Elsir says, "You should turn it with the tide, then against, then with and finally against. The tide should be relative to the coastline here, but what if it's not?"

Lavanna nods, and tries Kaako's suggestion. If it doesn't work, she tries the opposite direction. It's like me with real combination locks; I never quite remember which way to go to get them started.

"Yes, yes they do," she says over her shoulder to Elsir, voice dripping with sweetness, before turning her attention back to the wheel.

With Kaako's attempt, you hear a loud grinding sound from the cliff wall to the north as a secret passage is revealed. (you should be able to see it on the map now)

Lavanna's eyes widen at the secret passage.

"Well, 'oo knew the cap'n 'ad that in 'im? 'E ever mention it to you, Jadren?" she asks, giving the human a conspiratorial nudge. "Now that we don't 'ave to worry about real plunderin', let's see what 'e's left us!"

"why no, never. That's interesting. How did he, um, even do that? No matter I suppose. Let's see what's waiting for us there."

Go ahead and move yourselves in... stopping at any room you find. Dynamic lighting is set up so you can't go anywhere through closed doors.

Kaako draws his rapier "I know were 'mongst friends, but whatever might be in there doesn't know that."

To speed things up, I've moved you all forward

The passageway 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 rustling sound can be heard from the collapsed wall, but its source is not immediately apparent.

Lavanna, thinking Kaako has the right of it, makes sure her trident is firmly in hand as she advances.

"Oi, you lot hear that?" she whispers, hefting her weapon and making sure her religious symbol is hanging free on her neck.

She intones a quick prayer to Gozreh going to cast shield as an exploration activity, and begins advancing toward the statue, staying away from the collapsed wall. Posting and moving now to keep things moving, though I think I'd try to keep behind our trap spotter and well-armored friends.

I will be defending as I go in.

I do hear that. what of this statue? Do you think it's religious in some way? Perhaps we can clean it off."

"Yeah, looks like it could be Gozreh. Good sign, that. Better than Besmara, at least!"

Detect Magic as my exploration activity right now

Elsir says a few arcane syllables, hoping to spot any magic that might be present beyond the group. "I hear it. Can't be anything good."

Suddenly, a HUGE ant comes out from the tunnels to the east! It rushes out and attacks Kaako!

mandibles! vs AC22: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 slashing!: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

The mandibles clamp down on the tengu pirate, and they do not let go!
Stride, Strike, Grab

A second ant runs out, and attacks Jadren!
mandibles! vs AC25 (defending): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 slashing!: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

It also manages to clamp onto the pirate warrior, and doesn't let go! Its bite was less vicious than the firsts, though.
Stride, Strike, Grab

Ants. It had to be ants!
Kaako is/are up.
Universal Adjustments:

Kaako squawks as the giant any bites him.

Squirming and flapping Kito attempts to get loose.

escape: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Kaako then fires an electric arc at the nearby ants.

flat DC5 if grapple not broken to cast: 1d20 ⇒ 16

electric damage: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2, 2) + 3 = 11
basic reflex DC 20

will dodge first attack for AC 24

Kaako manages to get himself clear of the Mandibles of DOOM, and then returns the favor with an electrical arc!

#1 reflex DC20: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
#3 reflex DC20: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Another ant craws out of the caves, in search of prey. It also attacks Kaako, as he is closest. Though Kaako tries to dodge out of the way, about all he manages to do is get caught up once more!

Mandibles vs AC24: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 Slashing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Followed by Grab

Ant Bait!
Lavanna, Elsie, Jadren(grabbed) is/are up.
Universal Adjustments:

Lavanna starts as the ants -- she suspected something would come out of that collapsed wall, and it probably could have been worse! -- but stays where she is. Realizing no one seems to be hurt that badly, she decides to try to make sure it stays that way.

"Oi, keep that lot occupied, and holler if you need some 'elp!" she calls out call out if you need healing.

She prays, hoping to catch a few of the ants in her spells: "Gozreh, let them hear the sound of your thunder, the rushing wind, the crashing seas!"

Cast sound burst, trying to catch the three leftmost ants. Also, man, divine spell really needs some useful cantrips.
Sonic: 2d10 ⇒ (4, 9) = 13 DC 21 Fortitude save

"These ants seem very.... LARGE. Let's get rid of them quickly."

He attacks the one in front with his sword.

longsword: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27 damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (4, 7) + 4 = 15

having some success, he tries again.

longsword: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7

Then he raises his shield.

#1 fort save DC21: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
#3 fort save DC21: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
#4 fort save DC21: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Well, no crit fails anyways

The ants take the brunt of Lavanna's spell, then Jadren attacks the one grabbing him? Please call out numbers. That is unambiguous

It goes down!
Elsir?!

Action 1: Step
Action 2-3: Lightning Bolt

Elsir takes a step towards the cave entrance, his attention drawn to the ants. For a second it looks like he might bolt.

Instead he raises an imperious finger, pointing it at the nearest ant. Whispering arcane syllables, lightning begins to spurt and crackle from his hand before being released in a torrent of power that washes over two of the ants!
Lightning Bolt on 2/4 (DC 21 Basic Reflex): 6d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 3, 5, 2, 6) = 28

reflex #2 DC21: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
reflex #4 DC21: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

The lightning bolt catches both ants full on, and one curls up into a toasty pile of seared hexapod. This frees Kaako with only a few singed feathers.

The last ant moves in, past Kaako, to attack its attacker, Elsir! It catches the elf in its mandibles of doom, and doesn't let go!
mandibles of doom vs AC21: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28 slashing bite!: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Plus Grab

Then the other surviving and does the same to Kaako (again). It misses, then tries with its stinger! Still, it misses.
mandibles of doom vs AC22: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Stinger vs AC22: 1d20 + 11 - 8 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 8 = 8

I, for one, bow down before our ant overlords!
Party is/are up.
Universal Adjustments:

Seeing that there are only two ants left, Lavanna throws her trident at one fighting Kaako, as Jadren isn't standing between her and it.

Shrugging, she pulls her dagger a moment and throws it at the same ant, wincing as it hits nothing but the stone wall beyond.

Shouldn't have rushed that...

Strike, Interact to draw dagger, Strike
Trident: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
2d8 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10

Dagger (agile, iterative, -2 for range): 1d20 + 9 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 4 - 2 = 4
1d4 ⇒ 2

Kaako lets out another squawk as he gets grabbed and bitten again.

Kaako once again focuses on getting loose.

escape!: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Before zotting the 2 remaining ants with an electric arc.

dc5 flat if still grappled?: 1d20 ⇒ 5

zot: 3d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4, 3) + 4 = 15
basic reflex DC 20

Jadren takes a step forward towards ant #2. He brings his sword down in an overhand chop towards the head of the ant!

longsword: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26 damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 3) + 4 = 14

Then he raises his shield, hoping to attract the ant's attention;

Bloody hell, Paizo... what happened to my post?"

With Kaako's electrical blast, the ants collapse as if they had been the target of a giant magnifying glass on a bright day.

What next?

"How injured is everyone? Should we take a minute to tend to our wounds?"

"I'm fine," Lavanna says quickly, recovering her weapons, "but I can help if anyone else is hurt."

She quickly patches the worst of Kaako's and Elsir's injuries before looking around to see if anyone else needs anything Can't tell if you need anything Jadren. Once the group is set, she turns her attention back to the statue, carefully moving closer once Kaako says it's safe. If she knows anything of pirates and hunts for treasure from her years on ships and reading tales, it's that there are often traps.

Medicine (DC 20) to Treat Wounds for Kaako: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
Critical success!: 4d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 5, 7, 7) + 10 = 34 Damn! That should get Kaako right.

Medicine (DC 15) to Treat Wounds for Elsir: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
Critical success!: 2d8 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9

"I am merely scratched, so it's fine. We should continue on."

Kaako nods in thanks as he flexes his wings

"Thanks, lets check the pool thoroughly before any further investigation."

Lavanna takes 20 minutes to heal up Kaako and Elsir. Kaako is able to determine, while Elsir is being healed, that there is nothing of any value in the ant warrens.

More to come in a bit...

The team moves up, and Lavanna immediately recognizes the pattern in the floor as the holy symbol of Gozreh, a nature deity whose fury is unleashed upon both the sea and the sky. Honest sailors, hopeful merchants, and greedy pirates all give offerings to this powerful deity, whose fickle favor can mean the difference between triumph and disaster on the high sea.

The statue standing in the brackish pool is another representation of the god, who is typically seen in one of two forms, either as a woman rising from the sea or as a weathered old man emerging from a storm cloud. This statue is of the former representation, although many of its features are obscured by mold and vines growing out of the pool.

"We should try to clean this if we have the proper tools."

Lavanna glances over at Jadren and smiles.

"Yes, an' give an offering!" She pulls a gold piece from her purse and tosses it into the pool.

"By the tide and tempest," she offers her god/goddess. "We will remember Captain Renlock."

Kaako preens himself and plucks a loose feather before nodding to L'vanna and blowing it towards the pool.

As Lavanna's offering lands in the water, a booming voice rises from the statue. “Those who seek the blessing of the Wind and the Waves must face the storm’s fury!”

As the voice fades, the water from the pool explodes, blasting the chamber with brackish filth. The explosion reveals a towering creature made from the purest azure water. Like a living tidal wave, the creature surges forward to attack!

Everybody went surfing!
Jadren, Elsie is/are up.
Universal Adjustments:

Lavanna's jumps back as her god unleashes his fury! Oops!