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Current Situation
- The volcano and troubles on Mintarn resolved for the time being, it's time for the gang to hit the waves once again for the Roaming Isle. As they work their way closer to - hopefully - regaining their lost powers, they encounter some interesting characters, more questions, and see a lot of ship on the horizon.
Session Summary
- Back in Linithed Keep, Barrett reminds the group both the Heartbreaker and the Hellraiser have two ballista, and crews of about twenty. He recounts: "First, Elyana and I sailed to Waterdeep from Luskan aboard the Heartbreaker. I remember that all the sailors seemed to be male, and they spoke common with just a slight hint of an elvish accent. They also communicated with each other by a series of hand signals, which I found odd. Don’t know if that was for convenience when they were at opposite ends of the ship, or for secrecy between them. Anyway, they mostly kept to themselves and were not very friendly, even to an old sailor like me. The captain was Klarr Besham, a humorless and uncharismatic human with a pet tarantula that rode around on his shoulder. I wasn’t impressed with him as a sailor or a human being. The Hellraiser is an exact copy of the Heartbreaker, with the only difference being in the color of the flags each ship flew. They were probably made in the same shipyard. The owner of all the ships is Zardoz Zord. I haven't met him, and didn't see much of the Eyecatcher, the ship he's usually on."
- Z recalls that from what he saw, there was no real milling between the sailors and the performers on the ships, which was surprising, because there didn't seem to be as many performers as there would have been, considering three ships should have had more performers than sailors, given the Seamaiden's Fair and why the performers were visiting Waterdeep. Z mentions, too, that this struck him as odd.
- Ely asks Barrett why he wants to go for the southern isles rather than heading for the Roaming Isle, and he mentions that he thinks the Roaming Isle may not have any specific answers that they couldn't find elsewhere in the Moonshae. He also states he's wanting to gather allies, and considers Jule Linithed as such, saying that he hesitates to tell Linithed where to sail her own ship. Dhann asks Barrett, given his wariness around the undead, if the Sailor is alright with going to an island that seems to be the capital for turning people into vampires, and Barrett says he trusts the Captain to protect the group and has no problem with Caer Westphal as a destination. Z reminds everyone that the group struck a deal with the Captain - duties performed on the ship in exchange for passage to the Moonshae, so it's not telling her where to sail if her delivering the group to a specific destination was a part of that deal in the first place. Tabitha agrees with going north without delay.
- It's decided to go north without delay, and Captain Linithed says that leaving at sundown the following evening would be the plan. She then excuses herself to speak with her family, and is obviously still quite shaken after the entire volcanic ordeal. She returns after about half an hour, and brings another offer to the table. There is another small ship at the docks and Lady Orihana Linithed expresses that the group take it as thanks for what they've done for the island. Linithed is still willing to take the group anywhere they wish, but wanted to offer this as an alternative if they're interested.
- It's small, but fast, and can hold a small crew, which she is also able to provide. Tabitha asks if they can have the pirates from Skadaurak as a part of the crew, to which Jule replies that their fates have been decided and they are unavailable. No further detail is given about them.
- Barrett pulls the group aside, and explains that if they do take the smaller ship for themselves, he has no interest in being the captain. Z expresses he's fine with taking the role, and Barrett can take position as first mate. Ely asks Barrett why he doesn't want to captain the ship, but Ely presses, wondering why someone with all of his seafaring experience has no interest in being an officer at any point. Z again reassures that he's fine with acting captain with Barrett advising him on everything to do. Tabitha then states if they have a ship of their own, they don't need to wait for the following sundown, but can leave whenever they want. Barrett is concerned about the ship following the group, and the potential inability of the group's lack of knowledge (understandably) to either outrun, or defend against, potential marauders that may be on the ship.
- Going to see the ship, Linithed brings the group to a separate dock (one of three) to show them a single-mast ship, named the Visenda. It's recently been cleaned, and repaired, and shows no signs of wear or tear. For sale or recommission, it looks ready to go, seaworthy on first glance. Barrett checks the integrity of the ship to see how well it's been taken care of, Tabitha tagging along. Overall, the ship looks like its an older ship, perhaps ten years old, but it's been very well tended to. Perhaps in the range of 8,000 gp if being sold, and is about 40' long, built for speed. 3-4 miles an hour is the speed that jumps to Barrett's mind. There is space for some armaments.
- Z thinks the group should take the ship, and the decision to leave in the morning is proposed. Barrett hesitates again at the idea of the lack of knowledge if the group sets off on their own, and Dhann reminds him that they don't have to take the smaller ship - Linithed is showing no preference of what the group should choose. She also offers that the Iskra Lowe can escort the Visenda and the group to the next island destination in case there's trouble. Barrett asks if they can at least escort their smaller ship north for a bit, just in case, and this is a viable plan. Jule also offers that she can still take the group to their destination if the smaller ship and escort plan isn't working out. She just wants to thank the group in any way possible for saving her island and family.
- Now with a full day on the island before they leave the next sundown, each separates into their own tasks before getting back out on the water. In the meantime, the ship will be stocked with enough supplies for a full tenday and fitted with new sails. Tabitha watches all of this happen, as she wants to be in the know and prepared for sailing from a more informed standpoint. Barrett speaks with Orihana about procuring spell scrolls, if at all possible, and asks if she can make some custom requests. She is able to make a couple, and can ultimately provide a spell scroll of Tiny Hut, and has Create/Destroy Water already made. Orihana refuses any and all payment for the scrolls she has given, and the making of any new ones. Dhann, having plans to already revisit the temple on Mintarn, is told to speak with the cleric there and is able to get a scroll for Aid. Z spends the rest of his downtime weaving and crafting, and also seeks out a weaver on the island that may be able to use a loom to make very fine material. Unfortunately, the town's weaver is one of the casualties of the volcanic destruction and Z is unable to find anyone to help him with his finer weaving plans. Barrett refills his arrows at the fletcher's. Elyana does more research in the Per Historia Arcandor Materia for Krale specifically and finds a bit more information in a section called "The Fall of Krale."
- Time to set sail! The Captain gives Barrett her pistol to use as a warning flare, if need be, and the Sailor gives it to Dhann for safekeeping. Jule also gives over some ammunition compound and shows him how to load and fire the pistol if it needs to be used. She prefers to leave in the evening, as per usual, but she is a bit nervous about the storm that's been approaching over the past few days, as it is now between Mintarn and the group's destination. The Captain gives a few more sailors to assist on the Visenda, making for a borrowed crew of eight. 300 miles north is the route to be taken. As of yet, no sign of the ship(s) that are following the gang as they depart, and the storm first provides some comforting wind in the sails. The Visenda is put in position in line with the Iskra Lowe on the sea.
- On the ship, Tabitha works alongside the sailors to learn as much as she can about sailing and ships. Z captains, with Barrett's advice and expertise. For the first night, the storm seems to hold of, but Captain Linithed had mentioned prior the currents were against the ships, so not as much progress is made as was originally hoped. Z, Tabitha, and Barrett are on deck through the night. About 30 miles out, Mintarn in the distance, Barrett spies the masts of one of the two twin ships in the night. He's not sure which, but it confirms the group is still being followed, and steadily. He lets the Iskra Lowe know of this as well.
- The following morning, those three retire for a rest. Elyana and Dhann take second watch. During the day, Jule retires into her cabin and the Visenda communicates with the first mate, Viltil Hethrin. Z asks Tabitha if Midnight can check out the other ship, but she reminds him that that's too far a distance for the raven. The storm is growing in size, and will have to be passed through, unless the group chooses to take a massive delay into account to try and skirt it. Through the prior night, the ship following has gained some ground and the entire ship is visible from the distance. A second ship's mast is also in sight. Both are unquestionably following.
- The ships eventually reach a distance about 10-12 miles back, and Tabitha decides to try sending Midnight, to a distance of about eight miles. Unfortunately, after a certain distance, and into the strong wind, Midnight is only out of sight for a small time before Tabitha feels the connection to her familiar cease. She's not sure why, but it's only about 100 feet out before Midnight "vanishes" and then does not return. Something has blipped him out, and Tabitha will have to resummon him.
- Barrett brings everyone to talk about the ships and the storm. He wonders if the ships should pause, and see if the two in pursuit close the distance, or bide their time. Should they deal with the followers first, or try to get through the storm? Dhann wonders if it's better to stay ahead and not engage in combat, considering the fact that it would be two full sized ships against the Lowe (as armored and weaponized as she is) and the smaller Visenda. But if they pause, and the ships close, it would immediately let the group know if it's two or three ships truly following. Or, the group discusses, they do pause and see if a confrontation is going to be had. Z has the Visenda pull closer to the Lowe to update Hethrin on all their thoughts. Hethrin lets the gang know that they are at the disposal of the Visenda's orders and will stand by and support.
- It's decided that the Lowe and Visenda will slow and see if the other ships approach. After a bit, Dhann is the first to notice that there is indeed a third ship following, the Eyecatcher, while the Heartbreaker and the Hellraiser continue to close the distance. A white flag is being flown on the foremost ship, and they are obviously flying the flag to show no hostility is being put forth, at least for the time being. When the two are about a quarter mile away, Tabitha alerts the crew to nonchalantly load the cannons and prepare for the worst. If they aren't needed, great, but if they do, they're at least prepped to fire. Barrett and Ely recognize the captain, Klarr Besham on the deck of the Heartbreaker and he is obviously signalling to the Visenda that he wants to parley about something. Asking for permission to come aboard, he wants to discuss something. He yells across the breach that he has urgent messages for them. Z calls out that he has permission, and Dhann tries to gauge the captain's demeanor. The captain seems genuine in his want to talk, and not be harboring any ill intent.
- As he climbs aboard the Visenda, he asks if they can speak somewhat privately. Z leads the group to a place on the deck out of sight of Besham's crew, so he can't signal back or be signaled to, and he complies. Dhann stays on the deck in sight of Besham's crew, to maintain line of sight and read their lips in case they begin to discuss anything nefarious or otherwise concerning. He can tell they are simply chattering about how that crew is unsure as to the purpose of Besham's being on the Visenda, as they've clearly not been informed of the Heartbreaker's purpose or message being delivered. The Hellraiser, in the meantime, has maintained a distance between the Heartbreaker and the Eyecatcher.
- Besham asks if the group has heard of Zardoz Zord and mentions he is the fleet captain, and has a proposition for the group, and has invited them for dinner on the Hellraiser, if they are available. It is a "very welcome invitation to dinner, to discuss a business proposition." The man seems quite genuine in the message he is delivering. He also seems a bit miffed to have to be the messenger boy and as a captain seems a little annoyed, but clearly Zord is someone who can tell him what to do. Besham apologizes for having so suspiciously followed the group, but wasn't able to confirm that the gang was, indeed, on the ship until they saw the disembark and could therefore know they were on the right track.
- He gives the group some space do discuss what the plan is, and understands when Z expresses that the main concern is heading into potential danger, especially given Zord's odd maintenance of distance. Besham remarks that Zord is an odd fellow and "you'll understand" what's meant by that if they choose to meet. Barrett asks what Zord's take might be if the Maybesitters continue on their way, and Besham says that Zord is quite persistent and most likely won't take no for an ultimate answer. Besham moves away on the deck to give the gang some privacy why they chat. It's about three in the afternoon, making the evening meal about five hours off.
- Barrett gauges the storm, Ely too, and they conclude that the storm is following the exact course they need to go, north, but is still in front of them. It doesn't seem to be weakening in any way, in fact, it's looming larger than ever. Barrett comments to Z that he doesn't like the idea of becoming tangled with Zord, and is concerned that this odd captain is trying to find the location of the The Roaming Isle and perhaps he can be left behind in the storm. Otherwise, Barrett has no idea what Zord might be wanting. He then defers to Dhann to consult with the Cleric's paranoia. Dhann comments that Zardoz Zord is quite a vampiric sounding name, and that considering no one has met this fellow yet, Dhann wonders why Zord, offering a personal invitation, didn't do it personally. Ely wonders if he's afraid of vampires himself, as another ship captain. Barrett's opinion is that there are enough irons in the fire and the group doesn't need any more delays, but Z and Ely are concerned Zord will continue to follow if they don't meet with him. Dhann is concerned with boarding a stranger's ship. Barrett begins to wonder if Zord isn't a vampire. And considering it's daytime, and no one has seen Zord, he might be...
- It's then suggested by Barrett that we tell Zord we will meet him in Waterdeep in a Tenday and not meet with him now. While Jule knows the names of the ship and the Seamaiden's Fair, Dhann asking if she's heard the name of Zardoz Zord or knows anything more about him. She doesn't have any specific information about anyone in the group, but she's heard the name of Zardoz Zord and that he's a little bit crazy, as the rumors go, in a "funny sort of way," not like a lunatic. He's a bit off, perhaps, and there are rumors that for formal dinners his attire is "less than appropriate and he's a bit eccentric." Also, too, that he doesn't often sail with the fair, but on rare occasions does, considering the fair is on his ships. Z is concerned that, considering Zord seems the type to not take no for an answer, should be met with, but this is still something to be on guard about.
- Z suggests one of the group goes to meet with him, while the rest stay on the Visenda, so that only one person is put at immediate risk. The two sister ships, against the Iskra Lowe, would most likely lose in a battle, even though it would most likely be a close one. This is before the Eyecatcher has been appraised, however. Z says the group should try the "see you in a Tenday" offer and see what the reaction is, and if it's a negative one, then one person goes over to the Eyecatcher. Barrett says this is that potentially becomes a hostage situation, to which Z replies, "No one can take Z hostage." Dhann asks if they can't have two ambassadors meet in the middle on smaller boats between the ships, or is that something of a naval faux pas. Ely wonders if they can't suggest all of these as options to Zord and see what his reply is. Dhann thinks that even if they offer to meet in a Tenday, Zord won't take no, or even later, as an answer.
- Ultimately, Z's plan is one Dhann thinks is probably the best, and says so. He gauges Besham - waiting for what the group decides - and that captain is simply waiting patiently and chatting with his pet spider. Barrett defers to Z as captain. Z tells Besham to tell Zord that the group will be at Mintarn in a week and everyone can rendezvous then, unless his offer is truly pressing, in which case, one person will be sent to the Eyecatcher. Besham replies that Zord is "determined" and will follow the to the ends of the earth. Meeting only one person may not be too pleasing to Zord, but one person now is better than none now. Besham gives Z a little piece of parchment, blank - a flying note - so that if changes to the plans are made, he can be alerted.
- Hethrin is updated on the plans, as Mintarn was offered as a rendezvous point, and Hethrin expresses again that entire ship and crew are at the gang's disposal. Besham comes back with an answer and shouts across from his ship that one person is acceptable to Zord, and is that acceptable to the group, to which Z replies in the affirmative. Transportation arrangements will be handled by the opposite crew, and then Besham and his ship take their leave for the evening. Dhann is concerned about Z going alone, and Ely expresses the same. Ely offers to go with him, or perhaps Tabitha, as they both have Dimension Door. Tabitha says she'll go, but Dhann brings up her status as Keykeeper, which Z echoes. She shouldn't go anywhere near any of this. Z calmly reminds the group if things go awry he can fly away from the Eyecatcher a ways to make his escape. Barrett offers any of his items for Z to take if there's anything he wants. Dhann, saying it's gruesome, but is a good failsafe, that he can cast Death Ward on Z if things truly go south. Z accepts this, as well as inspiring himself with some music. Dhann can also cast Clairvoyance to either see or hear what's going on during the conversation. The iBones can also be used. Z tells the group that the word for trouble shall be, "pineapple" and to listen for that.
- Barrett climbs to the top of the mast as the Eyecatcher approaches to gauge her crew and weapons. She's built more for speed than for battle. Light, fast, and capable. She does have slightly more armaments than the other two ships, but Barrett gets the sense she's built to run, not fight. If it came down to pursuit, the Iskra Lowe would most likely need to engage magic, and even then, it would be a chase. Z changes into performance pantaloons, puts the Potion of Invisibility from Ely in his bag, and Dhann casts Death Ward on him right before the Bard leaves. Dhann also states he'll begin casting Clairvoyance as Z leaves, as it will take about ten minutes for the spell to engage, and will cast the "Hearing" ability of the spell and place the sphere of the spell in Z's pack so it's out of sight of the Eyecatcher's crew for as long as possible.
- The little boat, with two human sailors, from the Eyecatcher, arrives to take Z to dinner. Barrett plans to stealth drift the Visenda over to the Eyecatcher during dinner to get as close as possible, just in case. Ely climbs up to the crow's nest to keep watch. Dhann mutters a little prayer for the Visenda to not be noticed drifting closer, and Tabitha assists Barrett in controlling the Visenda.
- As soon as Z gets on the opposite ship, it's obvious that saccharine charm is just gushing from the crew to either impress or flatter Z. They want to be, or have been told to get into, Z's good graces and treat him lavishly as a guest. Everyone is overly charming. It's so obvious, Z doesn't even second guess it. He's told Zord is waiting in the dining quarters and the first mate asks if Z need anything, to which the Tabaxi replies he'd like an assortment of tropical fruit brought to the dining room. The first mate says it'll be brought, and takes Z to meet Zord. The rest of the group, on the Visenda, sees Z disappear below decks.
- The dining room is posh and quite opulent. Smells perfumed, and doesn't seem at all like a part of the ship. A magnificent feast on golden platters is on a giant table, and then Z sees Zord. A scantily clad, well built, and tall human, he greets Z with the wine glass he's holding and introduces himself as the Zardoz Zord. and is nothing but welcoming and extravagant. Z can tell the man is putting on airs, but it seems as if Zord is thoroughly enjoying getting to be a host and tend to a guest. Looking at the table, Z gauges that the feast was originally set for more than one guest but has been set with only two places now. A knock at the door heralds the arrival of a massive platter of tropical fruits (pineapples included.)
- The two begin chatting, and Z lays the formalities and gracious mood on just as thickly as everyone on the Eyecatcher. He also gets down to business, asking why Zord has extended an invitation. Zord expresses he's heard that the group may be in possession of the Stone of Golorr. Through the Clairvoyance, everyone back on the Iskra Lowe groans collectively. Z asks Zord for a description of the stone, and Z senses the man's charisma bounce ever so slightly, as if he's a bit frustrated, but he does describe the stone accurately back to Z. He's clearly trying to play off the magical properties of the stone as something easily dismissed, but that he's a collector and wants it for his collection. Z politely calls Zord on his intense mood toward the acquisition of the stone and Zord replies he can pay quite handsomely for the stone, but doesn't state a price, just that he's a man of means and a price can be discussed, but he very much wants the stone. And then he does, indeed, ask Z if there is a price. Z replies that price isn't the concern, it's the possession of the stone itself. He says that even if the group has the stone, it can't be owned, as it has its own destiny. Zord shoots back everything has a price and can have 15,000 gp in front of Z before the end of the night. Z replies that this is the sort of thing that doesn't have a price, and Zord again states that eveything does. Z repeats himself again, and now Zord is getting irritated. Anger floats across his face but he manages to keep it charismatically in check.
- Zord then asks Z to explain how he came into possession of the stone, and questions if Z does indeed have it. Z replies he believes they do, and Zord likes this confirmation. He then asks if he can borrow the stone, and Z says perhaps, and Zord wonders if a deal can be made. Zord then offers the 15,000 gp to borrow the stone for a Tenday. An interesting offer, Z remarks, and Zord says he'll send the money that evening. But the longer they wait, of course, the lower the price will go. Z says he'll risk depreciation for time - 2 hours - to confer with the rest of his group to see if it's even possible to lend the stone.
- The show over, Zord finishes his meal almost immediately and Z is essentially hustled off the ship with no pomp or splendor. On his way out to the deck, through everyone else about on the ship, Z spies two figures in travel gear he instantly recognizes. They are speaking with the first mate. The two spy him, as well, and scurry around a corner and out of sight. Whoever they are, they aren't a pleasant sight for the Tabaxi. Without ceremony, Z is brought back to the Visenda, and gets back to the rest of the group, thankfully safe and sound.
- He relays all of the conversation to the rest of the gang, and then he mentions the Stone of Golorr is in the locker. Dhann is taken aback, Ely asks if he means the Nightstone, and then it's realized that Z thought the red stone in the locker, from the fire summoning circle from way back, was the stone Zord was asking after. Chatter breaks out among everyone and then Dhann, struck that they haven't thought of this before, exclaims that Ely can look in the Historia for the Stone and see if there's any notes on it. Barrett comments that now that Zord thinks we have the stone - Z thinking that Zord thinks they have it even if they say they don't - they're potentially in a very bad spot. Ely finds the stone in the Historia, seeing a rough sketch of it just as Zord described. It is imbued with some good and some bad magical properties, and while the book doesn't mention Waterdeep or treasure at all, it does seem that this entry was written very early on in the creation of the book, making that particular entry quite old. There's a little note spotted, marked with a star, that mentions the stone is perhaps sentient or has its own desires and to be careful with it. It appears to have an intellect of some sort and be "hungry for the knowledge of things." The magic that emanates from the stone is where it appears to be sentient, as it seems to be trying to acquire knowledge or secrets. It's not stated to be dangerous, very powerful, or advantageous item, just the little warning it may be sentient. Ely reads this out, and Dhann comments that rather than the purpose of this stone being to lead to treasure, because Lord Dagult Neverember had it at some point, it could very well be that he gave up his knowledge of the fortune's hiding place to the stone, thereby "forgetting" where the fortune is, and the stone is now in possession of that information. And that "things with eyes are never good." Tabitha mentions the stone looks like a piece of bread.
- Z tells the group he can use another stone he has - a throwing stone - as a bluff and pass off that they've mistaken that stone for the Stone of Golorr. He'll lie and tell Zord that that stone cost him 3,000 gp and was told it was important and has clearly thought of it as the correct stone. Ely remarks that when Z goes back, with the wrong stone, he could be in danger from a very angry Zord and that she, at least, should go with him. But ultimately, he shouldn't go alone. The group has two hours to discuss, before an answer is to be given to Captain Zardoz Zord. Tabitha is ready to boom the cannons at the first sign of trouble. Z accepts Ely going with him on the second trip to the Eyecatcher.
Next time on...
Between a Stone and a Zord place, Z and Ely prepare to go back to the Eyecatcher and show Captain Zord the stone that isn't what it was originally thought to be. Dhann is thankful Z wasn't poisoned, Barrett is flummoxed, and Tabitha wants to beat to quarters. Who knows how Zord will react to this unexpected lack of what he wants? Only Zord knows! And who are the two folks Z has caught sight of? What were they whispering about?