A mighty vehicle of lumber and sail tears through the crystalline waters with a determined pace. Hailed as a nigh-legendary trade vessel, the Jenivere is a seasoned caravel of over fifty runs up and down the western coasts of Avistan and northern Garund. These trips take an average of one-hundred days one way, testing the crew and occupants' resolve each day. Comprised of mostly deckhands, the Jenivere also boards travelers and other specialists for a fee. Captain Alizandru Kovack heads the Jenivere with experience and competency, maintaining order and smooth operating conditions.
Aside from the grizzled crew there are a few faces that you've taken notice of. The ship's first mate, Alton Devers, a tall human man of stoic nature, is frequently seen giving orders to crew and maintaining good workflow on deck. A gnome of much less use, Gelik Aberwhinge, eats and drinks three-times his share at each feast and never fails to garner attention, though his reason for being on the Jenivere is talked of only in whispers, pertaining to the theft of some grand artifact. In contrast, Aerys Mavato, a half-elf woman warrior, has remained silent and isolated save for the three men she hospitalized at her boarding on account of some very unsavory remarks regarding her race and gender. Where you have seen Aerys you typically see the rugged fighter, Ishirou, not far behind. The half-elf seems to take little notice of the elderly man of foreign decent and is not bothered by his company even though they rarely speak to one another. Ishirou is typically outfitted in competent leathers with a masterfully crafted katana over his shoulder. Opposite of Ishirou's dour demeanor, a young human woman named Sasha Nevah creates mischief around the vessel with the glee of a child. Several perturbed crew have had whispers of retribution for her silly pranks but the brand of the Red Mantis upon her back keeps them in check. A revered society of assassins, the Mantis is known all across the land, though Sasha's level of involvement is unknown. A man going only by the name Jask is the only prisoner on board, having long braided locks and an overgrown beard. He is only seen during meals where his shackles are removed and armed guards watch over him before he is returned to his dark corner of the ship. The word around the ship is that he was arrested for grand treason against his home country and was being returned for trial. The least memorable of passengers was a plain-looking Varisian scholar named Ieana. Although friendly enough, Ieana mostly kept to herself, and whispers among the crew variously claimed that she was really a Chelish agent, the actual owner of the Jenivere, or even Captain Kovack’s secret lover.
The trip thus far was uneventful and had gone according to plan. For this reason it is wildly unusual that you are sprawled upon a beach with the surf creeping onto the shore behind you. You shake off the cloudiness permeating your mind and realize you're staring at the stars, laying prone. Sitting up you see no sight of the Jenivere or any sort of camp, with only dense jungle on one side and an endless ocean on the other. It is dark but not dark enough to miss the clambering forms coming from the waves onto the beach. Large scorpion-like crustaceans with curved, stinging tails try to take advantage of the stranded and weak crew. Responding on instinct you quickly notice that your equipment is stacked in a pile a distance away from you.