Once the prison of the lich Azalin Rex, Darkon stretched between two oceans, its lands filled with gothic cities and the monuments of forgotten wizard-tyrants. Largely ignoring his role as ruler, Azalin dwelled in seclusion while manufacturing magical atrocities and manipulating prophecies to free himself from the Dark Powers’ grip. He finally succeeded, orchestrating a magical event that shook the entire domain: the Hour of Ascension. The Darklord vanished—and Darkon changed.
Since Azalin’s disappearance, a strange golden star called the King’s Tear hangs in the heavens, and each night the Mists surrounding the domain roil with hidden activity and creep inward. These Mists, now known throughout the domain as the Shroud, erode Darkon’s borders. Those fleeing the Shroud report strange shapes and figures within. What happens to the lands claimed by the Shroud is a mystery, and none who enter it return.
You have been hired by Baron, the current leader of the Khargat, Darkon’s secret police, to accompany a special shipment from the halfling settlement of Rivalis back to the Baron's undead stronghold in Martira Bay. Rivalis is normally peaceful township where not Much Happens, if you catch my drift, so it is odd that this request has been made.
You reach the township after several careful days of travel, avoiding the encroaching Shroud of mist at night, and make your way to the saloon by the pier. Checking the note again you confirm that you're to meet your contact, Constantin, inside Madeleine's Moonlight Cabaret. Yup this is the place....
You enter to the sound of drinking and partying, a band is playing on the stage, surrounded by dancing girls. Multiple different groups of humanoids play cards and gamble over drinks, arguing good naturedly over the results.
In the shadowy corners are those who don't want to join in the frivolity but want to enjoy the drink, a pale elf sticks out somewhat as he sits on a large table on his own. He nods at you as you make eye contact before swigging a slug of whiskey.
A bedraggled man in a large hat enters the tavern and looks around through the haze of pipe smoke. His mismatched clothes and wizened arm make it clear to even the casual observer that he's seen better days.
He cocks his head to the side as if listening to something and then makes eye contact with the pale elf. He shuffles over to the table and slides gingerly onto the bench opposite the elf.
Aye I’m Constantin. It looks like your journey here was eventful? Take a seat and introduce yourselves while I order some drinks for you all. The captain of the ship we are travelling on is currently preoccupied so may as well get comfortable…
He waves to a wench and she brings several flagons of ale over and he waits for introductions to be made as she leaves
Up on the stage the lights dim and a lithe tiefling steps onto stage and in a theatrical voice bellows I am complete! The half orc and halfling front men then engage him in a rock off, fingers flying across the frets of lyres while the drummers beat a rapid staccato. The tiefling is eventually defeated and slinks back into the shadows off stage to the roar of the crowd.
A tall human, subtly paying attention to Kiri's conversation from a nearby corner, laughs appreciatively at the unfolding spectacle before sitting at the table. Fixing Constantin with a friendly gaze, he introduces himself.
Constantin, eh? I'm Oriki. It's a pleasure to meet you.
He picks up his flagon and takes deep draught, nodding to Constantin in thanks.
A tall Dragonborn figure stands next to the table, casting an imposing shadow over it. He stands his mighty Maul on the floor next to him, the load thud sounding over the noise of the hustle and bustle as he takes a seat.
So, you are Constantin, might you explain exactly why it is you have requested us here?
Aye now that you're all here let's get to business. The Khargat have regular shipments from Castle Avernus to Montira Bay that make their way by ship from here in Rivalis as the seaways are safer when the Shroud descends. Why that is we don't know and at the moment the Baron doesn't care either. However the last three shipments have gone missing with all hands so this time we are to escort the crew and their ship and make sure they arrived safely. To that end I have something for you. He pulls out three large belt pouches and slides them across the table at you Healing Potion Pouches, each has three potions in them and the enchantment on the pouch replenishes them at sun up.
At this point the tiefling from on the stage approaches the table and sits himself down with a smile. Constantin rolls his eyes slightly This is Captain Creole, we'll be escorting his ship the Devil's Queen, in the morning. It is a paddle boat that presents itself as a travelling casino, but Creole here is an expert in, um, discrete transportation and acquisitions. Creole laughs Aye we are most discrete and Mr Johnson's Band will be accompanying us as our official cover story for why we are leaving Rivalis an heavin to for Martira Bay. Constantin glances up at the still cavorting halfling and half orc on stage and sighs. Oh gods why do you test me so? Anyway do you have any questions?
Any excellent question. Of the ships that went missing only one was found, a floating derelict, covered in deep gouges and signs of melee. That ones shipment strangely was left intact in the hold but of the others there has been no sign.
Constantin sits back and takes a swig from his whiskey. That’s a harder one to answer. The one recovered was some kind of alchemical tool kit. I’ve not been told what the other two were but the one we are escorting is a large crate of solutions that the shadow dragon Ebbasheyth has produced for the Baron to enhance the Khargats enforcers. If there isn’t anything else we’ll reconvene in the morning on board the Devils Queen. I took the liberty of booking you a suite upstairs. He slides a set of keys across the table towards the three of you.
It might serve us well to have a drink and learn who each we are before we bunk together, no? As it stands, all we have is the implicit trust from all being booked to do the same job.
He looks Constantin in the eyes
In Elvish. Won't you join us? Another won't hurt. It will be on me, ser.
He looks every so slightly surprised at himself for knowing how to say all that, for just a second.
Constantins eyes narrow slightly at the sudden change in timbre and language. Yes a drink would do us all well to build trusts amongst us. Creole though will need to leave to sort the ship out for departure in the morning. The tiefling nods and leaves. Constantin has another swig of whiskey before saying in elvish So why do you sound like the missing dark Lord? He is the only one I’ve ever heard speak this language in such an accent
Do I? I have never heard the Dark Lord speak. I don't think I have at least... My memory of anything beyond the beginning of this year is...patchy at best.
It is? Hmm well no matter probably had a similar tutor. Constantin brushes off the conversation. He finishes his drink and stands up I have some preparations to make as well before we leave. I’ll see you at dawn. He nods and heads out towards the pier.
You spend the next hour or so exchanging pleasantries and getting acquainted over a beer or 3 before calling it a night. Kiri as quiet as the grave while Draskan and Oriki roll about and snore gently. Dawn rises and you find yourself stood on the bow of the paddle boat The Devils Queen. Your belongings have been stored in your cabins and you’re making good progress out onto the Sea of Souls towards Martira Bay, 4 days sailing hence
Two days pass, and you get into the rhythm of the shipboard life. You notice that the engines never stop and you never weigh anchor, forever staying ahead of the Shroud as it settles across the seascape. As the sun sets a thick fog rolls in from an archipelago you can see on the horizon and rapidly blots out the dying light.
An hour or so later you hear a deckhand call out a warning. rushing up onto the main deck and peering out into the murk you see a massive silhouette of an older style vessel rapidly closing in on you. No lights flash in response to your vessels warnings nor is there a reply to the warning calls. Aside from the chugging of the engine all you ear is the creak of timber and rope over the sloshing of water.
A low moaning suddenly comes rolling out of the murk startling the crew. Draskan is able a faint scratching on the port side of the boat.
Once the prison of the lich Azalin Rex, Darkon stretched between two oceans, its lands filled with gothic cities and the monuments of forgotten wizard-tyrants. Largely ignoring his role as ruler, Azalin dwelled in seclusion while manufacturing magical atrocities and manipulating prophecies to free himself from the Dark Powers’ grip. He finally succeeded, orchestrating a magical event that shook the entire domain: the Hour of Ascension. The Darklord vanished—and Darkon changed.
Since Azalin’s disappearance, a strange golden star called the King’s Tear hangs in the heavens, and each night the Mists surrounding the domain roil with hidden activity and creep inward. These Mists, now known throughout the domain as the Shroud, erode Darkon’s borders. Those fleeing the Shroud report strange shapes and figures within. What happens to the lands claimed by the Shroud is a mystery, and none who enter it return.
You have been hired by Baron, the current leader of the Khargat, Darkon’s secret police, to accompany a special shipment from the halfling settlement of Rivalis back to the Baron's undead stronghold in Martira Bay. Rivalis is normally peaceful township where not Much Happens, if you catch my drift, so it is odd that this request has been made.
You reach the township after several careful days of travel, avoiding the encroaching Shroud of mist at night, and make your way to the saloon by the pier. Checking the note again you confirm that you're to meet your contact, Constantin, inside Madeleine's Moonlight Cabaret. Yup this is the place....
You enter to the sound of drinking and partying, a band is playing on the stage, surrounded by dancing girls. Multiple different groups of humanoids play cards and gamble over drinks, arguing good naturedly over the results.
In the shadowy corners are those who don't want to join in the frivolity but want to enjoy the drink, a pale elf sticks out somewhat as he sits on a large table on his own. He nods at you as you make eye contact before swigging a slug of whiskey.
A bedraggled man in a large hat enters the tavern and looks around through the haze of pipe smoke. His mismatched clothes and wizened arm make it clear to even the casual observer that he's seen better days.
He cocks his head to the side as if listening to something and then makes eye contact with the pale elf. He shuffles over to the table and slides gingerly onto the bench opposite the elf.
You are the one? Constantin?
Aye I’m Constantin. It looks like your journey here was eventful? Take a seat and introduce yourselves while I order some drinks for you all. The captain of the ship we are travelling on is currently preoccupied so may as well get comfortable…
He waves to a wench and she brings several flagons of ale over and he waits for introductions to be made as she leaves
Up on the stage the lights dim and a lithe tiefling steps onto stage and in a theatrical voice bellows I am complete! The half orc and halfling front men then engage him in a rock off, fingers flying across the frets of lyres while the drummers beat a rapid staccato. The tiefling is eventually defeated and slinks back into the shadows off stage to the roar of the crowd.
A tall human, subtly paying attention to Kiri's conversation from a nearby corner, laughs appreciatively at the unfolding spectacle before sitting at the table. Fixing Constantin with a friendly gaze, he introduces himself.
Constantin, eh? I'm Oriki. It's a pleasure to meet you.
He picks up his flagon and takes deep draught, nodding to Constantin in thanks.
A tall Dragonborn figure stands next to the table, casting an imposing shadow over it. He stands his mighty Maul on the floor next to him, the load thud sounding over the noise of the hustle and bustle as he takes a seat.
So, you are Constantin, might you explain exactly why it is you have requested us here?
Aye now that you're all here let's get to business. The Khargat have regular shipments from Castle Avernus to Montira Bay that make their way by ship from here in Rivalis as the seaways are safer when the Shroud descends. Why that is we don't know and at the moment the Baron doesn't care either. However the last three shipments have gone missing with all hands so this time we are to escort the crew and their ship and make sure they arrived safely. To that end I have something for you. He pulls out three large belt pouches and slides them across the table at you Healing Potion Pouches, each has three potions in them and the enchantment on the pouch replenishes them at sun up.
At this point the tiefling from on the stage approaches the table and sits himself down with a smile. Constantin rolls his eyes slightly This is Captain Creole, we'll be escorting his ship the Devil's Queen, in the morning. It is a paddle boat that presents itself as a travelling casino, but Creole here is an expert in, um, discrete transportation and acquisitions. Creole laughs Aye we are most discrete and Mr Johnson's Band will be accompanying us as our official cover story for why we are leaving Rivalis an heavin to for Martira Bay. Constantin glances up at the still cavorting halfling and half orc on stage and sighs. Oh gods why do you test me so? Anyway do you have any questions?
You said the shipments and all hands went missing? What of the ships? Were they found? Were there signs of a battle or any lingering magical energies?
Any excellent question. Of the ships that went missing only one was found, a floating derelict, covered in deep gouges and signs of melee. That ones shipment strangely was left intact in the hold but of the others there has been no sign.
What are these shipments?
Constantin sits back and takes a swig from his whiskey. That’s a harder one to answer. The one recovered was some kind of alchemical tool kit. I’ve not been told what the other two were but the one we are escorting is a large crate of solutions that the shadow dragon Ebbasheyth has produced for the Baron to enhance the Khargats enforcers. If there isn’t anything else we’ll reconvene in the morning on board the Devils Queen. I took the liberty of booking you a suite upstairs. He slides a set of keys across the table towards the three of you.
Sheridan picks up the keys.
It might serve us well to have a drink and learn who each we are before we bunk together, no? As it stands, all we have is the implicit trust from all being booked to do the same job.
He looks Constantin in the eyes
In Elvish. Won't you join us? Another won't hurt. It will be on me, ser.
He looks every so slightly surprised at himself for knowing how to say all that, for just a second.
Constantins eyes narrow slightly at the sudden change in timbre and language. Yes a drink would do us all well to build trusts amongst us. Creole though will need to leave to sort the ship out for departure in the morning. The tiefling nods and leaves.
Constantin has another swig of whiskey before saying in elvish So why do you sound like the missing dark Lord? He is the only one I’ve ever heard speak this language in such an accent
Sheridan is slightly taken aback
Do I? I have never heard the Dark Lord speak. I don't think I have at least... My memory of anything beyond the beginning of this year is...patchy at best.
It is? Hmm well no matter probably had a similar tutor. Constantin brushes off the conversation. He finishes his drink and stands up I have some preparations to make as well before we leave. I’ll see you at dawn. He nods and heads out towards the pier.
You spend the next hour or so exchanging pleasantries and getting acquainted over a beer or 3 before calling it a night. Kiri as quiet as the grave while Draskan and Oriki roll about and snore gently.
Dawn rises and you find yourself stood on the bow of the paddle boat The Devils Queen. Your belongings have been stored in your cabins and you’re making good progress out onto the Sea of Souls towards Martira Bay, 4 days sailing hence
Two days pass, and you get into the rhythm of the shipboard life. You notice that the engines never stop and you never weigh anchor, forever staying ahead of the Shroud as it settles across the seascape. As the sun sets a thick fog rolls in from an archipelago you can see on the horizon and rapidly blots out the dying light.
An hour or so later you hear a deckhand call out a warning. rushing up onto the main deck and peering out into the murk you see a massive silhouette of an older style vessel rapidly closing in on you. No lights flash in response to your vessels warnings nor is there a reply to the warning calls. Aside from the chugging of the engine all you ear is the creak of timber and rope over the sloshing of water.
A low moaning suddenly comes rolling out of the murk startling the crew. Draskan is able a faint scratching on the port side of the boat.
Gripping his Maul, ready to act, Draskan moves towards the port side, slowly peering over the side
Perception: 18
As his eyes pass the bulwark and he stares down towards the sea he comes face to face with an undead pirate!!
roll for initiative
Pirates 14
Bosun 22
Constantin 21
Initiative: 12