The summons had arrived on fine parchment, sealed with a gaudy, oversized wax sigil bearing the unmistakable mark of Volothamp Geddarm—author, explorer, and, depending on who you asked, either a genius of the trade or a charlatan of legendary proportions.
The letter had been delivered by courier to each of you, either at an inn, a guildhall, or a seedy dive where you were minding your own business. It was written in florid, enthusiastic script, practically bursting with excitement:
Esteemed Friend and Future Tycoon,
You, yes you, have been personally selected for an opportunity unlike any other! Yours truly, Volothamp Geddarm, has discovered the trade route of a lifetime, and I require a cadre of intrepid pioneers to bring this visionary enterprise to life!
I shan’t bore you with petty details now, but suffice it to say: fortune and fame await! Join me for dinner at The Plucked Cockatrice at sundown. Bring a healthy appetite, a keen mind, and an open heart!
With boundless enthusiasm, Volo
Most would dismiss such a letter as another of Volo’s half-baked schemes. However, whispers in the right places suggested that this time was different. Some claimed he had come into an artifact of great value. Others suggested he had finally gambled his way into something over his head.
Whatever the case, curiosity, desperation, or ambition led each of you to The Plucked Cockatrice—an upscale yet disreputable tavern tucked between two merchant halls in Waterdeep’s Castle Ward.
The Pitch
Volo had spared no expense. A lavish feast of roast duck glazed in honey, imported cheeses, and exotic wines flowed freely at a long candlelit table in a private dining room. The man himself sat at the head, resplendent in a new velvet doublet, his signature feathered hat bobbing as he gesticulated wildly.
“My dear, dear friends! You are looking at the future moguls of the trade world! I have made a discovery of unparalleled proportions! Imagine, if you will, a trade route so vast, so unexplored, so absolutely bursting with potential that even the Lords of Waterdeep have no idea it exists! We—you—stand at the threshold of a new era of commerce!”
Volo described the business opportunity in grandiose terms, though his details were infuriatingly vague.
He spoke of undiscovered markets, exotic goods, and vast fortunes waiting to be claimed.
He promised exclusive contracts with merchant princes who had “never before set eyes on a Waterdhavian coin!”
He assured high returns, limited risks, and the full backing of powerful interests.
The only firm details were as follows:
The adventurers would sail from Waterdeep aboard a ship called The Azure Fortune, captained by a reliable, if taciturn, old sea dog named Gregor Vance.
The ship would carry them beyond the usual trade lanes, to a location where Volo’s own vessel awaited.
Once there, they would take possession of a ship that Volo had “acquired through completely legal and legitimate means!”
Their task? To establish a thriving trade network under Volo’s guidance and financial backing.
By the end of the meal, Volo had managed to stir their curiosity, excitement, and possibly mild suspicion. But whether out of greed, ambition, or simple desperation for a paying job, each had signed on.
Two days later, the adventurers find themselves aboard The Azure Fortune, a sturdy three-masted brigantine with dark blue sails and a crew of rough-handed but professional sailors.
The captain, Gregor Vance, is a man of few words, with grizzled gray hair, a scarred brow, and a perpetual frown.
The first mate, Liora Tanneth, is a half-elf with a keen eye for trouble, and made it clear from the outset:
"I don’t care what Volo promised you. My job is to get you where you’re going, not babysit."
The voyage took them beyond the sight of Waterdeep’s walls, into the rolling blue of the Sea of Swords. The weather was fair but brisk, the ocean air thick with salt and promise.
Yet, as the days passed, questions grew.
Why did Vance’s crew avoid conversation about their destination?
What was in the sealed cargo hold that no one was allowed to inspect?
Why did Volo not provide them a map, instead insisting that their true instructions would come from the next ship’s captain?
((Introduce yourselves and what you may have done to spend the time for the first few days at sea))
Djoser Nickelgazer gives the appearance of a man of discipline and meticulous routine. He is clad in practical but well-kept robes of muted colors, though upon arriving on the vessel he was seen wearing a slightly more elaborate cloak of scarlet and gold. Likewise, at all times he wears clipped to his belt an ornate coin purse that looks out of place against the rest of his attire. He spends his days aboard The Azure Fortune quietly. He speaks little unless spoken to, yet his presence is often discovered wandering and inspecting the ship and its crew. He is a human of twenty-six years with an olive complexion, lean, wiry frame, dark eyes that miss nothing, and an expression perpetually set somewhere between deep thought and quiet disapproval.
He has no interest in the idle chatter of sailors, or the pleasantries exchanged between fellow adventurers. Instead, he passes his time analyzing a seemingly limitless supply of documents he carries with him in a satchel. With a journal and stylus always in hand, he meticulously records observations about the voyage—the ship’s condition, the behavior of the crew, the weather patterns, and even the rations consumed.
The few times that Djoseris not being quiet, are in the mornings and evenings. Every dawn and dusk, he conducts ritual invocations to the goddess Waukeen, standing at the bow of the ship without regard for any sailors trying to work in that area. He loudly delivers prayers from The Golden Edicts and asks for blessings upon the ship, the crew, and its righteous endeavor. His offerings are not of coin but of tiny scrolls of records he has fashioned out of torn slips of paper and scribed himself, which he burns in one of the ship's lanterns as an act of divine tribute.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Archael Dezlentyr is calm, formal and quite polite, although also somewhat aloof, something one would unfortunately have to expect from any noble. The name of Dezlentyr is well known in Waterdeep as a noble house with interests in trading and exploring. The young noble wears a white long coat with an assortment of ornaments to it and sports a small white beard, as white as his hair and his appearance is quite impeccable. As he came aboard the Azure Fortune he was accompanied by a floating chest with his personal belongings, which he brought to his personal cabin on the ship. Although somewhat formal he tries to make pleasant conversation with the others, hoping to get to know them better to build loyalty within the group but also to assess them and see what would be their respective specialities in this endeavour. He would offer to play Dragonchess with anyone so inclined to pass time, having his own set brought with him. Otherwise he spends much time studying his spellbook but at least once per day he summons a magical hawk that rises on the winds and scouts the seas for approaching threats. He would make frequent use of his invisible servant and at the evening meal he would open a bottle of fine wine to share with his new companions.
Talia Willowmere wraps her cloak tightly around her body as she emerges up on the deck of the Azure Fortune to help brace herself from the wind. She was tall with long blonde hair that she kept in a plat, which was hidden most of the time under the long brown cloak that she wore with the hood up. The cloak was old and worn, but elegantly embroidered with all the seasons along the edge of it, one running into the next. When she boarded the ship, she hadn't had her hood up, and the long ears - ears of an elf, were very prevalent. But from the glances of the crew, she has tried to keep the hood up as this was definitely not the Gilded Thistle.
She was a young elf, around 120 and always carried an old lute case with her wherever she went. At times she would pull out the well cared for and beautiful instrument to either play a little tune or polish it. She was almost timid about it when she would start, but then get lost in her own melodies and the melodies would flood the ship. She would happily chat up any that was looking to talk, but she wasn't pushy about it and honestly, just being on the ship was overwhelming and thrilling for her at the same time.
The prayers that Djoser engaged in at dawn and dusk intrigued her and staying in the shadows, she observed, wanting to learn more about this Waukeen. The fact they didn't know where they were going didn't disturb her too much, but the curiosity of what was in the sealed cargo hold wormed it's way in her mind and wouldn't leave. She went down a couple times and listened at the door.
Vicky Torius is a green eyed, raven haired, tanned human girl in her early 20's. She's dressed for the venture, with studded leather armor, soft high boots, and a tricorn hat. A fine rapier, knife and a whip are always by her side. She moves smoothly and dextrously across the ship's decks, and gladly assists with trimming and handling the sails and the helm, if asked. She does not talk much, just goes about the chores as if born to them.
She's apparently quite familiar with ships- as well as being quite strong in spite of her small stature.
A careful observer might notice she spends much of her time studying the crew and fellow passengers- she is subtle about this.
It is through force of will and her respect for Volo that she resists exploring the secret cargo hold. She will play dragonchess- but not well. She does play cards if there is interest.
After the first couple days, she lets Talia know she speaks some Elvish, but would like to learn more.
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The Invitation
The summons had arrived on fine parchment, sealed with a gaudy, oversized wax sigil bearing the unmistakable mark of Volothamp Geddarm—author, explorer, and, depending on who you asked, either a genius of the trade or a charlatan of legendary proportions.
The letter had been delivered by courier to each of you, either at an inn, a guildhall, or a seedy dive where you were minding your own business. It was written in florid, enthusiastic script, practically bursting with excitement:
Most would dismiss such a letter as another of Volo’s half-baked schemes. However, whispers in the right places suggested that this time was different. Some claimed he had come into an artifact of great value. Others suggested he had finally gambled his way into something over his head.
Whatever the case, curiosity, desperation, or ambition led each of you to The Plucked Cockatrice—an upscale yet disreputable tavern tucked between two merchant halls in Waterdeep’s Castle Ward.
The Pitch
Volo had spared no expense. A lavish feast of roast duck glazed in honey, imported cheeses, and exotic wines flowed freely at a long candlelit table in a private dining room. The man himself sat at the head, resplendent in a new velvet doublet, his signature feathered hat bobbing as he gesticulated wildly.
Volo described the business opportunity in grandiose terms, though his details were infuriatingly vague.
The only firm details were as follows:
By the end of the meal, Volo had managed to stir their curiosity, excitement, and possibly mild suspicion. But whether out of greed, ambition, or simple desperation for a paying job, each had signed on.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
The Journey Begins
Two days later, the adventurers find themselves aboard The Azure Fortune, a sturdy three-masted brigantine with dark blue sails and a crew of rough-handed but professional sailors.
The voyage took them beyond the sight of Waterdeep’s walls, into the rolling blue of the Sea of Swords. The weather was fair but brisk, the ocean air thick with salt and promise.
Yet, as the days passed, questions grew.
((Introduce yourselves and what you may have done to spend the time for the first few days at sea))
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Djoser Nickelgazer gives the appearance of a man of discipline and meticulous routine. He is clad in practical but well-kept robes of muted colors, though upon arriving on the vessel he was seen wearing a slightly more elaborate cloak of scarlet and gold. Likewise, at all times he wears clipped to his belt an ornate coin purse that looks out of place against the rest of his attire. He spends his days aboard The Azure Fortune quietly. He speaks little unless spoken to, yet his presence is often discovered wandering and inspecting the ship and its crew. He is a human of twenty-six years with an olive complexion, lean, wiry frame, dark eyes that miss nothing, and an expression perpetually set somewhere between deep thought and quiet disapproval.
He has no interest in the idle chatter of sailors, or the pleasantries exchanged between fellow adventurers. Instead, he passes his time analyzing a seemingly limitless supply of documents he carries with him in a satchel. With a journal and stylus always in hand, he meticulously records observations about the voyage—the ship’s condition, the behavior of the crew, the weather patterns, and even the rations consumed.
The few times that Djoser is not being quiet, are in the mornings and evenings. Every dawn and dusk, he conducts ritual invocations to the goddess Waukeen, standing at the bow of the ship without regard for any sailors trying to work in that area. He loudly delivers prayers from The Golden Edicts and asks for blessings upon the ship, the crew, and its righteous endeavor. His offerings are not of coin but of tiny scrolls of records he has fashioned out of torn slips of paper and scribed himself, which he burns in one of the ship's lanterns as an act of divine tribute.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Archael Dezlentyr is calm, formal and quite polite, although also somewhat aloof, something one would unfortunately have to expect from any noble. The name of Dezlentyr is well known in Waterdeep as a noble house with interests in trading and exploring. The young noble wears a white long coat with an assortment of ornaments to it and sports a small white beard, as white as his hair and his appearance is quite impeccable. As he came aboard the Azure Fortune he was accompanied by a floating chest with his personal belongings, which he brought to his personal cabin on the ship. Although somewhat formal he tries to make pleasant conversation with the others, hoping to get to know them better to build loyalty within the group but also to assess them and see what would be their respective specialities in this endeavour. He would offer to play Dragonchess with anyone so inclined to pass time, having his own set brought with him. Otherwise he spends much time studying his spellbook but at least once per day he summons a magical hawk that rises on the winds and scouts the seas for approaching threats. He would make frequent use of his invisible servant and at the evening meal he would open a bottle of fine wine to share with his new companions.
Talia Willowmere wraps her cloak tightly around her body as she emerges up on the deck of the Azure Fortune to help brace herself from the wind. She was tall with long blonde hair that she kept in a plat, which was hidden most of the time under the long brown cloak that she wore with the hood up. The cloak was old and worn, but elegantly embroidered with all the seasons along the edge of it, one running into the next. When she boarded the ship, she hadn't had her hood up, and the long ears - ears of an elf, were very prevalent. But from the glances of the crew, she has tried to keep the hood up as this was definitely not the Gilded Thistle.
She was a young elf, around 120 and always carried an old lute case with her wherever she went. At times she would pull out the well cared for and beautiful instrument to either play a little tune or polish it. She was almost timid about it when she would start, but then get lost in her own melodies and the melodies would flood the ship. She would happily chat up any that was looking to talk, but she wasn't pushy about it and honestly, just being on the ship was overwhelming and thrilling for her at the same time.
The prayers that Djoser engaged in at dawn and dusk intrigued her and staying in the shadows, she observed, wanting to learn more about this Waukeen. The fact they didn't know where they were going didn't disturb her too much, but the curiosity of what was in the sealed cargo hold wormed it's way in her mind and wouldn't leave. She went down a couple times and listened at the door.
Vicky Torius is a green eyed, raven haired, tanned human girl in her early 20's. She's dressed for the venture, with studded leather armor, soft high boots, and a tricorn hat. A fine rapier, knife and a whip are always by her side. She moves smoothly and dextrously across the ship's decks, and gladly assists with trimming and handling the sails and the helm, if asked. She does not talk much, just goes about the chores as if born to them.
She's apparently quite familiar with ships- as well as being quite strong in spite of her small stature.
A careful observer might notice she spends much of her time studying the crew and fellow passengers- she is subtle about this.
It is through force of will and her respect for Volo that she resists exploring the secret cargo hold. She will play dragonchess- but not well. She does play cards if there is interest.
After the first couple days, she lets Talia know she speaks some Elvish, but would like to learn more.