Sir Beauregard has nothing more to do. If Vinn has more, the knight will return to the crystal cave and enjoy its beauty for a while longer waiting for him. Otherwise he is ready to depart.
Vinn, not wanting to end their journey on a terrifying note filled with visions of lurking evil, asks the colony for happier stories. The genasi asked them of beautiful places and fond memories on the island, fanciful sproutling stories, and a "casual" curiosity of any potential treasures long abandoned by dragons. In exchange, Vinn shares stories of his own—about his home, his druidic clan, and the coming-of-age pilgrimage many of them undertake.
(Vinn of course asks the mushroom folks if they find it horrifying that people eat the mushrooms traded to them. Are the morsels like their eggs?)
Eventually, Vinn joins Sir Beauregard to admire the crystal cave, but only after asking the half-orc to ensure it is still clear of monsters. He is ready to depart afterwards.
In response to Vinn's question about fonder memories, you receive a boundless rush of collective memory... Seasonal cycles of life, deathfood, and rebirth... Epic triumphs over catastrophic geological shifts and simple joys of watching a sprout take its first steps... The barrage of experience is impossibly more than your individual mortal consciousness could ever hope to retain...
They receive Vinn's memories with equal wonder, solidifying their friendship and alliance.
They are amused by Vinn's query about the morels, and he begins to understand that, in their ecology, there is no morality behind creation, destruction, consumption and renewal... They consume and they are consumed... They endless cycle is like breathing... in and out... ever-changing, ever-evolving... They only hope to live and thrive and survive in harmony with all that surrounds them, and they wish the same for the both of you.
Meanwhile, Sir Beauregard rests in the crystal cavern... He can't help but notice the slight wisps of steam still emanating from the ground near the purple crystals. From the shared consciousness, he understands that the seepage has been occurring for hundreds of years.
It's like a scar in the earth... Its presence is a lesson in humility - a reminder that that some wounds can never be healed, that some threats can never be neutralized, that joy can be found, a community can thrive, and life can endure, even in the presence of a great evil.
As he reflects on this, Sir Beauregard's eyes are suddenly drawn to a rich shade of red sunlight refracted from the crystals... The pattern on the cavern wall is unmistakable... a red rose. The image lasts just a moment before the clouds outside shift, changing the light and causing the rose to fade away.
It's then that Vinn steps in to join him, taking a seat by his side. The two companions enjoy the view in silence for a long while before deciding the time is right to return with their bounty.
The journey back to Dragon's Rest is an easy one.
As before, the two adventurers are quickly surrounded by a crowd of curious kobolds, eager to hear where they went and how they survived. This time, however, it's Tarak who clears the way and approaches, desperate to see if you'd succeeded at your goal. Deep relief crosses over his face when he hears that you've brought back the heart cap mushrooms and unreserved wonder washes over his face when he sees the ruby morel. He recognizes it as a rare gift and knows exactly how he can put it to good use.
(By tomorrow, he will have brewed a batch of healing potions from the heartcap mushrooms and an elixir of health from the morels. He will give you each a Potion of Healing and the Elixir of Health for you to keep. You can add those to the inventory now.)
The evening is relatively festive. The kobolds are eager to hear the stories of your adventure and equally eager to share their (highly embellished) stories of their own. Everyone asks what you'll do next. Throughout the evening, you catch only a glimpse of Mistress Runara who appears preoccupied, both consoling and questioning a scrawny kobold with scars on its back. She hurries away before you're able to weave through the crowd to speak with her.
Nevertheless, you find it to be a very enjoyable evening. The spare but dry accommodations of the monastic cell come as a relative comfort and you awake eager to face whatever comes next.
Congratulations! You have completed Chapter One of The Dragons of Stormwreck Isle. You can progress to Level 2 and add 10 downtime days to your Adventurer's League tally if you so choose...
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DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Three adventurers recently arrived in the Jewel of the North searching for passage to Stormwreck Isle, each for their own reasons... The dwarven noble, Augustus Silver... The roguish lizardfolk mage, Morlock... and the masked half-elf monk, Ziegler.
Over the past few days, they've each learned of each other’s interest in traveling to the remote island that houses the Dragon's Rest cloister.
However, before they had a chance to make contact with one and other, they each received an invitation to meet a Captain Kaylein Keenseeker at the Driftwood Tavern.
They arrive at the tavern to find a human woman in her early 50’s dressed in the attire of a ship’s captain. Her sharp eyes are framed by a gentle face creased with the worry lines of a seasoned adventurer. She studies a ship’s manifest as you approach her table, taking the measure of Augustus, Morlock andZiegler as they step to meet her...
Keenseeker explains that she’s heard about the three adventurers looking for passage to Stormwreck Isle. She repeats what most of you already know. That few ships have business in those waters and the one that does, The Platinum Plume, recently took damage after a run-in with some harpies. When it returns to port, it's likely to be docked for repairs. You’re not likely to find passage to Stormwreck any time soon from any right-minded captain… except, perhaps, for her.
She just dismissed her regular crew following a successful whaling expedition in and around the Moonshae’s. If she was ever going to risk her ship for a penny-ante transport run, this would be the time… But there’s a catch.
Since she’s down to a skeleton crew, you’d each need find a way to serve aboard ship. That’s the easy part. The harder part will involve a favor.
About ten years back, a former mate of Keenseeker’s went missing in the waters near Stormwreck. Not exactly a life-long friend, but the type of guy who paid his debts and didn’t cheat at cards, so… worth a lick of respect, at least. Anyway, one drunken night, some time later, she and a few friends got to talking about this fella… loading their bellies with watered-down grog and calling it “grief.”
Deep into their cups, one of them got a notion to hire a wizard and see if he couldn’t cast some sort of spell to locate their mate’s lost ship, The Compass Rose. Just a lark, they figured, to close the books, and settle a bet about whether the ship really did sink… or whether the crew turned pirate and went sailing for foreign waters.
The answer they got back from the wizard was stranger than any of them expected…
The weave-spinner did indeed find the ship at the bottom of the sea alright. Just near Stormwreck as they suspected… And, sure enough, their mate was right there with it… But here’s the thing... He wasn’t dead… not exactly… and he wasn’t alive either. He was… something else. Apparently, the ship and everything around it was clouded in some kind of evil magic. The wizard refused to look any deeper. Just took their money and ran, leaving them chilled, confused and far more sober than they wanted to be.
It's been a year since that meeting, and Captain Keenseeker’s done her best to put the matter out of her head. She’s survived life on the Sea of Swords this long by making a point to avoid anything monstrous or magical. She has no desire or interest in being a hero… And, at the same time, she still has nightmares imagining what horror befell her old acquaintance. So, bottom line? She’ll deliver the three travelers to the island... but only if they're willing to investigate the fate of The Compass Rose. She doesn’t want to be involved or know the details.
She just wants to know that someone is looking into it, so she can move on with her life, and hopefully leave the nightmares behind.
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DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Reposting of SodaPopJDA's Original Post on Discord:
Augustus Silver, (an especially stocky, broad-shouldered Dwarf with large ears and kind eyes, dressed in layers of furs too warm for this weather and topped with a raccoon skin hat.) takes a long draw from his wooden pipe as the crisp smell of mint leaf fills the room. His ears, nose, and cheeks are rosy as if he's just come in from a biting cold.
"Aye, I too avoided getting involved in the mysteries of the depths until I nearly became a drowned man myself. As a Man of Silver, I'm more than capable of providing you an able hand on your ship and protection from the lesser creatures of the deep. But for the topic of afterlife and omens, the depths contain more secrets than any mortal could hope to understand. Many of which are best left alone. Part of me fears that wizard of yours had the right idea turnin' tail. That said, I shall not flee a foe I've yet to meet, and so I shall offer my services in sailing and lookin' into the fate of your friend."
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DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Ziegler (looks to be a young male Half Elf, dressed rather sparsely in a light blue robe with a white sash tied around his waist. His lower legs and forearms are wrapped with tan strips of cloth and he's wearing close-toed brown soft sandals. On his head, worn hat-like, appears to be a plain white mask with just eye-holes and a single red teardrop under the left eye. Other than a typical adventurer's pack, he only has a broad leaf-head spear strapped to the pack) nods to each person in the room and bows slightly from the waist to the Captain, maintaining eye-contact with her.
"Captain Keenseeker, " he says, in a strangely-accented voice, "I seek passage to this Stormwreck Isle. I offer my services in whatever manner you believe seems fit, along with the sundries my cloister has supplied. I trust they (the supplies) and my help aboard your ship will suffice for payment, as will my assistance in searching for the answers you seek."
At that, his left hand wrapped over his right fist, he straightens up...eyes still on the Captain to await acknowledgement.
Augustus leans back slightly, eyeing Zeigler's spear approvingly. "That's a smart-man's weapon, lad." He says, nudging Zeigler (at about hip-height) with his elbow, chuckling to himself, and taking another puff from his pipe.
You see a young lizard folk (but what exactly distinguishes a lIzard folk to be old? Anyways..) he wears purplish clothes and a pointed hat. He has a short bow strung across his back. He looks about the room taking in all the details.
Captain, I accept your proposal. I believe we can help you. When do you plan to set sail?.
The voyage across the Sea of Swords aboard Captain Keenseeker's ship, Everwind, is blessedly uneventful. No beasts. No bandits. Just swift sails manned by a skeleton crew, aided by the three adventurers. The vessel cuts through the water in record time, closing the distance to Stormwreck in a matter of days.
In your short time together, you get to know one and other's character and foibles fairly well.
(What would each of the other characters notice or learn about you? How do each of you assist the skeleton crew?)
By dawn of the 7th day the word on the ship is that you're approaching your destination. Rumors abound that a dragon was seen flying overhead in the distance... but despite any questioning, no one seems to be able to pin down exactly who it was who saw this supposed dragon.
Regardless, you make your final preparations for your arrival. You are each given a quantity of wax to put in your ears to block out the sound of the harpies that were reported in the area... a contingency which turns out to be mercifully unnecessary.
The island soon becomes visible off the bow. Seaweed shimmers in countless brilliant colors below you, and rays of sunlight defy the overcast sky to illuminate the lush grass and dark basalt rock of the island. Avoiding the rocks jutting up from the ocean, your ship makes its way toward a calm harbor on the island’s north side.
A large, open-air temple comes into view, perched on the edge of a cliff high above you. The ship drops anchor at the mouth of the harbor, and two sailors row you ashore. You have plenty of time to admire the towering statue at the center of the temple, depicting a wizened man surrounded by seven songbirds, as your crewmates prepare a rowboat to bring you to shore.
Captain Keenseeker steps onto the deck to say a final farewell. "Best of luck to ye." She says, gazing down at the hyper-colored flora in the water. "This is a strange and ancient place we're at... and I can't say that I feel glad to be here..." She looks at Morlock, Augustus andZeiger each in turn before continuing... "...but I'm glad I brought ye here. I get the sense if anyone can suss out what happened to the Compass Rose. You can. Best of luck to ye."
And with that she heads back to her quarters as the crew mates present the ship ready to row you to shore.
It's been just short of a ten-day since the half-orc knight,Sir Beauregard Bonecrusher and the genasi druid, Vin, helped re-establish relations between the myconids colony of Seagrow Caverns and the Bahamut-worshiping postulates of Dragon's Rest.
In that time, you two have become respected members of the community. Aside from a requirement to assist with communal chores every now and then, you've been given free, unrestrained access to cloister.
(How do you think you've passed the time?)
In that time, you've sensed some unrest in the community, though none of the kobolds will admit it. It's been days since you've seen Mistress Runara, Tarak seems to be spending as much time in the library as he spends tending his garden, and you've even caught Varnoth practicing her swordplay... though she tells you it's only a mental and physical exercise.
Aside from the growing unrest, life starts to take on a sort of sameness... until the morning you catch word that a ship is approaching from the east. Postulate Varnoth retrieves the two of you to head to the beach to greet them, assuming they're able to navigate the harpy-infested reef.
Would you like to go with her?
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DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Vinn unexpectedly finds himself enjoying the simple everyday rituals of the cloister. After half-heartedly finishing his chores, he alternates between three main activities: spending time with Frub and the other kobolds (and rallying them to attempt a gentle prank on Sir Beauregard), flipping through library books for interesting tidbits or maps of the island in hopes of uncovering some secret (his notes, if he makes any, are disjointed and unabashedly mapped out on his cell's wall), and experimenting with recipes in an attempt to make the turnips and other root vegetables served at mealtimes bit tastier (with attempts to frequent Tarrak's garden, with or without permission, for the perfect blend of herbs and spices). Vinn often snacks on his innovations and shares them with everyone, whether they're good or bad.
When Postulate Varnoth mentions an approaching ship, Vinn gives Sir Beauregard a questioning look. "Do you think it's Captain deGrey coming back? I've been hoping he's found those crewmen who fell overboard..."
Vinn feels a brief sadness and agrees to join the postulate in greeting the incoming ship. "I hope they had better luck than us."
From their first steps aboard the ship, Silver clearly knows his way around. His personal effects are purely practical, yet the craftsmanship is of an impressive quality. He carries a large pack stuffed with netting, salted meats and fish, and other various equipment that could come in handy during life at sea. Along with his pack he brings a large, a barbed fishing spear, wrapped in thick rope, and a well-worn shield that appears to have a bite taken out of it. During the day, Silver seems to be everywhere at once. Dropping sails, hauling lines, spearing fish, and barking orders out of habit before grinning sheepishly at Captain Keenseeker and apologizing to her and the crew.
"Right, sorry 'bout that. I get a bit excited."
At night, Silver tells stories, seated comfortably upon an overturned bucket with a full belly and the now-familiar minty-fresh cloud wafting from his pipe. Many of them are the stories any sailor worth his salt knows by heart; Tales of the Locker, of beasts below, and of fortunes found by those brave and cunning enough to survive the journey. His eyes sparkle in the moonlight as he talks about the Sea as if he's speaking of a lover.
Throughout their time together, Zeigler and Morlock would learn that Silver is a kind but gruff and practical man of many superstitions. For example, he refuses to step through doorways with his left foot.
On the 7th day, when told of the rumored dragon-sighting, Silver shudders and curses to himself, then throws salt over his shoulder and spins around 3 times before muttering,
"Ugh, dragons. Nothing that big should fly... It's downright unnatural, it is."
For the remainder of the trip, Silver does his best to stay below deck. Whenever he can't think of an excuse to avoid going up to the deck or the rigging, he's constantly checking the sky, unable to focus on his task.
As they're set to disembark and row to shore, Silver offers the Captain a small coin, stamped with the crest of Clan Silver (a kraken's tentacles emerging from the Sea and embracing the Moon). He says,
"This'll bring good fortune to the ship who bears it. Until we meet again. May the winds be strong and at your back and may you find the peace you seek."
He will then collects his things, offering to help carry anything his party members don't want to, and load them into the rowboat.
Sir Beauregard is flabbergasted that Varnoth is not prepared to immediately set out to slay the Harpies and cleanse the ship graveyard of evil. However as he has no immediate idea how he might defeat evil at the bottom of the sea, he does not press the matter. Instead he attempts the monastic life, concentrating on physical labors which the smaller denizens may have been unable to attempt, clearing rock falls, repositioning beams that may have sagged, and the like. When he runs out of such, he sets to cleaning the statue in the temple and his arms and armor.
Coming on Varnoth practicing sword drills, Sir Beauregard joins in with great enthusiasm. He practices artistic swordplay at every opportunity, as it is a way he can attempt to turn his martial skills to something beautiful enough to be acceptable in the sight of Sune. The opportunity to work with a master such as Varnoth is too much to pass up and he continues the exercise long after Varnoth tires, reappearing later to see if they can make the katas a regular activity. He does not mention Harpies or undead again for fear of angering their hosts.
When Varnoth invites him and Vinn to meet the boat, Sir Beauregard straps on his armor enthusiastically. Monastic life is, to be honest, somewhat monotonous.
The big man nods down to Vinn. “Yes, it must be them. No other ships come here. But it has not been long enough for them to be due to return. Perhaps they have some good news of the fallen…or to be honest, any news at all. I hunger for more than monk’s food and monk’s days.”
Morlock, not being familiar with the sea or with boats, steps on the vessel carefully. He is friendly and shares what he knows, when it is a topic he can relate to. He shares stories with the party and the crew of his time as a sage studying wizard craft. You soon realize that he often says more than he should have, hence one of his favorite sayings is "I shouldn't have said that."
He lends a hand where he can, and is a quick study when the crew take a moment to teach him.
When disembarking, Morlock says "Thank you for the transportation and the opportunity to learn." Another favorite saying of his. "We'll send word on what we find out about your crewmate."
Ziegler familiarizes himself with the ship and offers help where he believes his agility and/or skills can be of use.
During "downtime", he meditates or practices martial arts exercises (with and without his spear) and stretches. He doesn't spend a lot of time talking to the others or the shipmates, nor inbides in the alcoholic grog, but does keep an open ear to rumors and stories.
The sailors set you ashore on a rickety dock, where a large rowboat is neatly tied. They point to the base of the path and wish you good luck before they row back to the ship. You gather your belongings and ready yourselves for a hike up the hillside trail as the boats disappear around an outcropping of rock.
As you’re about to leave the beach to begin your ascent, you notice three figures arriving at the base of the trail – A half orc in polished chainmail armor, a blue skinned humanoid with a shock of white hair and a muscular human woman with light brown skin with a prosthetic leg, dressed in simple robes.
Before you have a chance to greet the welcoming committee you hear a ruckus of splashing and a wet, gurgling moan behind you. You turn to fins five figures shambling up from the water’s edge, about thirty feet away. They’re dressed as sailors, but their skin is gray and they look drowned.
Sea water drools from their slack mouths as they lurch toward you….
Sir Beauregard &Vinn
After a long walk from Dragon’s Rest you arrive at the beach just in time to see the three new arrivals about to ascend the road to the cloister… As your eyes move to search for the boat that brought them, you catch sight of shambling figures rising from the water.
Varnoth draws her longsword and shouts, “Undead! Run!”
BEGIN INITIATIVE
The Party + Postulate Varnoth (In any order)
Zombies
To be continued on the #combat Discord channel…
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DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Sir Beauregard glowers at Augustus for a moment longer while stowing his shield on his back, perhaps to see if any more tentacles sprout from the dwarf. Seemingly satisfied, he walks to the surf and washes off his sword. Only then does he sheath the blade.
As he walks back he rummages in his belt pouch and pulls out a candle, which he breaks into small pieces of wax. He hands two to each of the assembled adventurers and Varnoth.
”It’s a lovely walk and an even better view at the top. But restless corpses are not all that plague this island and at some point you may want to put those in your ears.”
As the final zombies smolder and fall, Augustus will retrieve his bag from the sand. He'll raise a hand as the tentacle flings the small silver coin used to call it through the air which lands perfectly in Silver's palm. As he catches the token, the tentacle will slither back into the ocean, vanishing beneath the waves. Shouldering his spear, he leaves his shield strapped to his arm and accepts the bits of wax
"I appreciate your speed and willingness to help! It seems you're all quite capable. I'm Augustus Silver, Nobleman of Clan Silver up north! Much of my skill is in sailin' and fishin', but I'm handy with my spear if I need to be!"
Augustus will offer a hand to shake to each of the new adventurers,
"You said there's more on this island... you wouldn't happen to have seen a... 'dragon', would ya?"
He shudders as he says the word, digging in a pouch on his belt for a pinch of salt which he tosses over his shoulder and spins around three times.
The knight bows to all of them and then turns to Augustus and bows again.
”Well met, Lord Silver! With luck you will have come too late for dragon sighting. We fought some small elemental drakes that seem to have been spawned from an ancient dragon corpse. I hope we have seen the last of them. When the monks permit, I intend to organize a Harpy hunt. You would be most welcome to join in, as would you all.”
Vinn sheaths his scimitar and approaches Augustus, clapping him on the shoulder. "Silver's definitely not too bad. Much shinier too," he says. "Thanks for that cool shield trick; you saved me from that strike.
He starts to introduce himself after Morlock but is interrupted by Sir Beauregard handing out pieces of wax. Vinn laughs. "Oh, I get it! Ear wax to block the harpies' sounds! You're a genius, Sir.
Vinn proceeds to insert a piece of wax in his left ear and pockets the other. Unfortunately, he starts speaks a little too loudly, "I'm Vinn! Did you all come in with Captain deGrey? He says his crew has seen the adult ones, though the drakes are no joke! Who knew babies could be absolute menaces!"
Sir Beauregard has nothing more to do. If Vinn has more, the knight will return to the crystal cave and enjoy its beauty for a while longer waiting for him. Otherwise he is ready to depart.
Vinn, not wanting to end their journey on a terrifying note filled with visions of lurking evil, asks the colony for happier stories. The genasi asked them of beautiful places and fond memories on the island, fanciful sproutling stories, and a "casual" curiosity of any potential treasures long abandoned by dragons. In exchange, Vinn shares stories of his own—about his home, his druidic clan, and the coming-of-age pilgrimage many of them undertake.
(Vinn of course asks the mushroom folks if they find it horrifying that people eat the mushrooms traded to them. Are the morsels like their eggs?)
Eventually, Vinn joins Sir Beauregard to admire the crystal cave, but only after asking the half-orc to ensure it is still clear of monsters. He is ready to depart afterwards.
In response to Vinn's question about fonder memories, you receive a boundless rush of collective memory... Seasonal cycles of life, deathfood, and rebirth... Epic triumphs over catastrophic geological shifts and simple joys of watching a sprout take its first steps... The barrage of experience is impossibly more than your individual mortal consciousness could ever hope to retain...
They receive Vinn's memories with equal wonder, solidifying their friendship and alliance.
They are amused by Vinn's query about the morels, and he begins to understand that, in their ecology, there is no morality behind creation, destruction, consumption and renewal... They consume and they are consumed... They endless cycle is like breathing... in and out... ever-changing, ever-evolving... They only hope to live and thrive and survive in harmony with all that surrounds them, and they wish the same for the both of you.
Meanwhile, Sir Beauregard rests in the crystal cavern... He can't help but notice the slight wisps of steam still emanating from the ground near the purple crystals. From the shared consciousness, he understands that the seepage has been occurring for hundreds of years.
It's like a scar in the earth... Its presence is a lesson in humility - a reminder that that some wounds can never be healed, that some threats can never be neutralized, that joy can be found, a community can thrive, and life can endure, even in the presence of a great evil.
As he reflects on this, Sir Beauregard's eyes are suddenly drawn to a rich shade of red sunlight refracted from the crystals... The pattern on the cavern wall is unmistakable... a red rose. The image lasts just a moment before the clouds outside shift, changing the light and causing the rose to fade away.
It's then that Vinn steps in to join him, taking a seat by his side. The two companions enjoy the view in silence for a long while before deciding the time is right to return with their bounty.
The journey back to Dragon's Rest is an easy one.
As before, the two adventurers are quickly surrounded by a crowd of curious kobolds, eager to hear where they went and how they survived. This time, however, it's Tarak who clears the way and approaches, desperate to see if you'd succeeded at your goal. Deep relief crosses over his face when he hears that you've brought back the heart cap mushrooms and unreserved wonder washes over his face when he sees the ruby morel. He recognizes it as a rare gift and knows exactly how he can put it to good use.
(By tomorrow, he will have brewed a batch of healing potions from the heartcap mushrooms and an elixir of health from the morels. He will give you each a Potion of Healing and the Elixir of Health for you to keep. You can add those to the inventory now.)
The evening is relatively festive. The kobolds are eager to hear the stories of your adventure and equally eager to share their (highly embellished) stories of their own. Everyone asks what you'll do next. Throughout the evening, you catch only a glimpse of Mistress Runara who appears preoccupied, both consoling and questioning a scrawny kobold with scars on its back. She hurries away before you're able to weave through the crowd to speak with her.
Nevertheless, you find it to be a very enjoyable evening. The spare but dry accommodations of the monastic cell come as a relative comfort and you awake eager to face whatever comes next.
Congratulations! You have completed Chapter One of The Dragons of Stormwreck Isle. You can progress to Level 2 and add 10 downtime days to your Adventurer's League tally if you so choose...
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Meanwhile in Neverwinter...
Three adventurers recently arrived in the Jewel of the North searching for passage to Stormwreck Isle, each for their own reasons... The dwarven noble, Augustus Silver... The roguish lizardfolk mage, Morlock... and the masked half-elf monk, Ziegler.
Over the past few days, they've each learned of each other’s interest in traveling to the remote island that houses the Dragon's Rest cloister.
However, before they had a chance to make contact with one and other, they each received an invitation to meet a Captain Kaylein Keenseeker at the Driftwood Tavern.
They arrive at the tavern to find a human woman in her early 50’s dressed in the attire of a ship’s captain. Her sharp eyes are framed by a gentle face creased with the worry lines of a seasoned adventurer. She studies a ship’s manifest as you approach her table, taking the measure of Augustus, Morlock and Ziegler as they step to meet her...
Keenseeker explains that she’s heard about the three adventurers looking for passage to Stormwreck Isle. She repeats what most of you already know. That few ships have business in those waters and the one that does, The Platinum Plume, recently took damage after a run-in with some harpies. When it returns to port, it's likely to be docked for repairs. You’re not likely to find passage to Stormwreck any time soon from any right-minded captain… except, perhaps, for her.
She just dismissed her regular crew following a successful whaling expedition in and around the Moonshae’s. If she was ever going to risk her ship for a penny-ante transport run, this would be the time… But there’s a catch.
Since she’s down to a skeleton crew, you’d each need find a way to serve aboard ship. That’s the easy part. The harder part will involve a favor.
About ten years back, a former mate of Keenseeker’s went missing in the waters near Stormwreck. Not exactly a life-long friend, but the type of guy who paid his debts and didn’t cheat at cards, so… worth a lick of respect, at least. Anyway, one drunken night, some time later, she and a few friends got to talking about this fella… loading their bellies with watered-down grog and calling it “grief.”
Deep into their cups, one of them got a notion to hire a wizard and see if he couldn’t cast some sort of spell to locate their mate’s lost ship, The Compass Rose. Just a lark, they figured, to close the books, and settle a bet about whether the ship really did sink… or whether the crew turned pirate and went sailing for foreign waters.
The answer they got back from the wizard was stranger than any of them expected…
The weave-spinner did indeed find the ship at the bottom of the sea alright. Just near Stormwreck as they suspected… And, sure enough, their mate was right there with it… But here’s the thing... He wasn’t dead… not exactly… and he wasn’t alive either. He was… something else. Apparently, the ship and everything around it was clouded in some kind of evil magic. The wizard refused to look any deeper. Just took their money and ran, leaving them chilled, confused and far more sober than they wanted to be.
It's been a year since that meeting, and Captain Keenseeker’s done her best to put the matter out of her head. She’s survived life on the Sea of Swords this long by making a point to avoid anything monstrous or magical. She has no desire or interest in being a hero… And, at the same time, she still has nightmares imagining what horror befell her old acquaintance. So, bottom line? She’ll deliver the three travelers to the island... but only if they're willing to investigate the fate of The Compass Rose. She doesn’t want to be involved or know the details.
She just wants to know that someone is looking into it, so she can move on with her life, and hopefully leave the nightmares behind.
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Reposting of SodaPopJDA's Original Post on Discord:
Augustus Silver, (an especially stocky, broad-shouldered Dwarf with large ears and kind eyes, dressed in layers of furs too warm for this weather and topped with a raccoon skin hat.) takes a long draw from his wooden pipe as the crisp smell of mint leaf fills the room. His ears, nose, and cheeks are rosy as if he's just come in from a biting cold.
"Aye, I too avoided getting involved in the mysteries of the depths until I nearly became a drowned man myself. As a Man of Silver, I'm more than capable of providing you an able hand on your ship and protection from the lesser creatures of the deep. But for the topic of afterlife and omens, the depths contain more secrets than any mortal could hope to understand. Many of which are best left alone. Part of me fears that wizard of yours had the right idea turnin' tail. That said, I shall not flee a foe I've yet to meet, and so I shall offer my services in sailing and lookin' into the fate of your friend."
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Ziegler (looks to be a young male Half Elf, dressed rather sparsely in a light blue robe with a white sash tied around his waist. His lower legs and forearms are wrapped with tan strips of cloth and he's wearing close-toed brown soft sandals. On his head, worn hat-like, appears to be a plain white mask with just eye-holes and a single red teardrop under the left eye. Other than a typical adventurer's pack, he only has a broad leaf-head spear strapped to the pack) nods to each person in the room and bows slightly from the waist to the Captain, maintaining eye-contact with her.
"Captain Keenseeker, " he says, in a strangely-accented voice, "I seek passage to this Stormwreck Isle. I offer my services in whatever manner you believe seems fit, along with the sundries my cloister has supplied. I trust they (the supplies) and my help aboard your ship will suffice for payment, as will my assistance in searching for the answers you seek."
At that, his left hand wrapped over his right fist, he straightens up...eyes still on the Captain to await acknowledgement.
Augustus leans back slightly, eyeing Zeigler's spear approvingly. "That's a smart-man's weapon, lad." He says, nudging Zeigler (at about hip-height) with his elbow, chuckling to himself, and taking another puff from his pipe.
You see a young lizard folk (but what exactly distinguishes a lIzard folk to be old? Anyways..) he wears purplish clothes and a pointed hat. He has a short bow strung across his back. He looks about the room taking in all the details.
Captain, I accept your proposal. I believe we can help you. When do you plan to set sail?.
D&D since 1984
"As soon as you're ready, lizard man." Captain Keenseeker replies.
You spend the rest of the morning gathering your things for the journey* and by noon you're ready to set sail.
*
Feel free to purchase any weapons, armor or equipment or from the Players Handbook at cost.
Journey to Stormwreck Isle
The voyage across the Sea of Swords aboard Captain Keenseeker's ship, Everwind, is blessedly uneventful. No beasts. No bandits. Just swift sails manned by a skeleton crew, aided by the three adventurers. The vessel cuts through the water in record time, closing the distance to Stormwreck in a matter of days.
In your short time together, you get to know one and other's character and foibles fairly well.
(What would each of the other characters notice or learn about you? How do each of you assist the skeleton crew?)
By dawn of the 7th day the word on the ship is that you're approaching your destination. Rumors abound that a dragon was seen flying overhead in the distance... but despite any questioning, no one seems to be able to pin down exactly who it was who saw this supposed dragon.
Regardless, you make your final preparations for your arrival. You are each given a quantity of wax to put in your ears to block out the sound of the harpies that were reported in the area... a contingency which turns out to be mercifully unnecessary.
The island soon becomes visible off the bow. Seaweed shimmers in countless brilliant colors below you, and rays of sunlight defy the overcast sky to illuminate the lush grass and dark basalt rock of the island. Avoiding the rocks jutting up from the ocean, your ship makes its way toward a calm harbor on the island’s north side.
A large, open-air temple comes into view, perched on the edge of a cliff high above you. The ship drops anchor at the mouth of the harbor, and two sailors row you ashore. You have plenty of time to admire the towering statue at the center of the temple, depicting a wizened man surrounded by seven songbirds, as your crewmates prepare a rowboat to bring you to shore.
Captain Keenseeker steps onto the deck to say a final farewell. "Best of luck to ye." She says, gazing down at the hyper-colored flora in the water. "This is a strange and ancient place we're at... and I can't say that I feel glad to be here..." She looks at Morlock, Augustus and Zeiger each in turn before continuing... "...but I'm glad I brought ye here. I get the sense if anyone can suss out what happened to the Compass Rose. You can. Best of luck to ye."
And with that she heads back to her quarters as the crew mates present the ship ready to row you to shore.
Meanwhile, at Dragon's Rest...
21st day of Leaffall, 1491 DR
It's been just short of a ten-day since the half-orc knight, Sir Beauregard Bonecrusher and the genasi druid, Vin, helped re-establish relations between the myconids colony of Seagrow Caverns and the Bahamut-worshiping postulates of Dragon's Rest.
In that time, you two have become respected members of the community. Aside from a requirement to assist with communal chores every now and then, you've been given free, unrestrained access to cloister.
(How do you think you've passed the time?)
In that time, you've sensed some unrest in the community, though none of the kobolds will admit it. It's been days since you've seen Mistress Runara, Tarak seems to be spending as much time in the library as he spends tending his garden, and you've even caught Varnoth practicing her swordplay... though she tells you it's only a mental and physical exercise.
Aside from the growing unrest, life starts to take on a sort of sameness... until the morning you catch word that a ship is approaching from the east. Postulate Varnoth retrieves the two of you to head to the beach to greet them, assuming they're able to navigate the harpy-infested reef.
Would you like to go with her?
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Vinn unexpectedly finds himself enjoying the simple everyday rituals of the cloister. After half-heartedly finishing his chores, he alternates between three main activities: spending time with Frub and the other kobolds (and rallying them to attempt a gentle prank on Sir Beauregard), flipping through library books for interesting tidbits or maps of the island in hopes of uncovering some secret (his notes, if he makes any, are disjointed and unabashedly mapped out on his cell's wall), and experimenting with recipes in an attempt to make the turnips and other root vegetables served at mealtimes bit tastier (with attempts to frequent Tarrak's garden, with or without permission, for the perfect blend of herbs and spices). Vinn often snacks on his innovations and shares them with everyone, whether they're good or bad.
When Postulate Varnoth mentions an approaching ship, Vinn gives Sir Beauregard a questioning look. "Do you think it's Captain deGrey coming back? I've been hoping he's found those crewmen who fell overboard..."
Vinn feels a brief sadness and agrees to join the postulate in greeting the incoming ship. "I hope they had better luck than us."
From their first steps aboard the ship, Silver clearly knows his way around. His personal effects are purely practical, yet the craftsmanship is of an impressive quality. He carries a large pack stuffed with netting, salted meats and fish, and other various equipment that could come in handy during life at sea. Along with his pack he brings a large, a barbed fishing spear, wrapped in thick rope, and a well-worn shield that appears to have a bite taken out of it. During the day, Silver seems to be everywhere at once. Dropping sails, hauling lines, spearing fish, and barking orders out of habit before grinning sheepishly at Captain Keenseeker and apologizing to her and the crew.
"Right, sorry 'bout that. I get a bit excited."
At night, Silver tells stories, seated comfortably upon an overturned bucket with a full belly and the now-familiar minty-fresh cloud wafting from his pipe. Many of them are the stories any sailor worth his salt knows by heart; Tales of the Locker, of beasts below, and of fortunes found by those brave and cunning enough to survive the journey. His eyes sparkle in the moonlight as he talks about the Sea as if he's speaking of a lover.
Throughout their time together, Zeigler and Morlock would learn that Silver is a kind but gruff and practical man of many superstitions. For example, he refuses to step through doorways with his left foot.
On the 7th day, when told of the rumored dragon-sighting, Silver shudders and curses to himself, then throws salt over his shoulder and spins around 3 times before muttering,
"Ugh, dragons. Nothing that big should fly... It's downright unnatural, it is."
For the remainder of the trip, Silver does his best to stay below deck. Whenever he can't think of an excuse to avoid going up to the deck or the rigging, he's constantly checking the sky, unable to focus on his task.
As they're set to disembark and row to shore, Silver offers the Captain a small coin, stamped with the crest of Clan Silver (a kraken's tentacles emerging from the Sea and embracing the Moon). He says,
"This'll bring good fortune to the ship who bears it. Until we meet again. May the winds be strong and at your back and may you find the peace you seek."
He will then collects his things, offering to help carry anything his party members don't want to, and load them into the rowboat.
Sir Beauregard is flabbergasted that Varnoth is not prepared to immediately set out to slay the Harpies and cleanse the ship graveyard of evil. However as he has no immediate idea how he might defeat evil at the bottom of the sea, he does not press the matter. Instead he attempts the monastic life, concentrating on physical labors which the smaller denizens may have been unable to attempt, clearing rock falls, repositioning beams that may have sagged, and the like. When he runs out of such, he sets to cleaning the statue in the temple and his arms and armor.
Coming on Varnoth practicing sword drills, Sir Beauregard joins in with great enthusiasm. He practices artistic swordplay at every opportunity, as it is a way he can attempt to turn his martial skills to something beautiful enough to be acceptable in the sight of Sune. The opportunity to work with a master such as Varnoth is too much to pass up and he continues the exercise long after Varnoth tires, reappearing later to see if they can make the katas a regular activity. He does not mention Harpies or undead again for fear of angering their hosts.
When Varnoth invites him and Vinn to meet the boat, Sir Beauregard straps on his armor enthusiastically. Monastic life is, to be honest, somewhat monotonous.
The big man nods down to Vinn. “Yes, it must be them. No other ships come here. But it has not been long enough for them to be due to return. Perhaps they have some good news of the fallen…or to be honest, any news at all. I hunger for more than monk’s food and monk’s days.”
Morlock, not being familiar with the sea or with boats, steps on the vessel carefully. He is friendly and shares what he knows, when it is a topic he can relate to. He shares stories with the party and the crew of his time as a sage studying wizard craft. You soon realize that he often says more than he should have, hence one of his favorite sayings is "I shouldn't have said that."
He lends a hand where he can, and is a quick study when the crew take a moment to teach him.
When disembarking, Morlock says "Thank you for the transportation and the opportunity to learn." Another favorite saying of his. "We'll send word on what we find out about your crewmate."
D&D since 1984
Ziegler familiarizes himself with the ship and offers help where he believes his agility and/or skills can be of use.
During "downtime", he meditates or practices martial arts exercises (with and without his spear) and stretches. He doesn't spend a lot of time talking to the others or the shipmates, nor inbides in the alcoholic grog, but does keep an open ear to rumors and stories.
Silver, Morlock & Ziegler...
The sailors set you ashore on a rickety dock, where a large rowboat is neatly tied. They point to the base of the path and wish you good luck before they row back to the ship. You gather your belongings and ready yourselves for a hike up the hillside trail as the boats disappear around an outcropping of rock.
As you’re about to leave the beach to begin your ascent, you notice three figures arriving at the base of the trail – A half orc in polished chainmail armor, a blue skinned humanoid with a shock of white hair and a muscular human woman with light brown skin with a prosthetic leg, dressed in simple robes.
Before you have a chance to greet the welcoming committee you hear a ruckus of splashing and a wet, gurgling moan behind you. You turn to fins five figures shambling up from the water’s edge, about thirty feet away. They’re dressed as sailors, but their skin is gray and they look drowned.
Sea water drools from their slack mouths as they lurch toward you….
Sir Beauregard & Vinn
After a long walk from Dragon’s Rest you arrive at the beach just in time to see the three new arrivals about to ascend the road to the cloister… As your eyes move to search for the boat that brought them, you catch sight of shambling figures rising from the water.
Varnoth draws her longsword and shouts, “Undead! Run!”
BEGIN INITIATIVE
To be continued on the #combat Discord channel…
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Sir Beauregard glowers at Augustus for a moment longer while stowing his shield on his back, perhaps to see if any more tentacles sprout from the dwarf. Seemingly satisfied, he walks to the surf and washes off his sword. Only then does he sheath the blade.
As he walks back he rummages in his belt pouch and pulls out a candle, which he breaks into small pieces of wax. He hands two to each of the assembled adventurers and Varnoth.
”It’s a lovely walk and an even better view at the top. But restless corpses are not all that plague this island and at some point you may want to put those in your ears.”
Then he stand back and grins.
”Welcome, friends!”
As the final zombies smolder and fall, Augustus will retrieve his bag from the sand. He'll raise a hand as the tentacle flings the small silver coin used to call it through the air which lands perfectly in Silver's palm. As he catches the token, the tentacle will slither back into the ocean, vanishing beneath the waves. Shouldering his spear, he leaves his shield strapped to his arm and accepts the bits of wax
"I appreciate your speed and willingness to help! It seems you're all quite capable. I'm Augustus Silver, Nobleman of Clan Silver up north! Much of my skill is in sailin' and fishin', but I'm handy with my spear if I need to be!"
Augustus will offer a hand to shake to each of the new adventurers,
"You said there's more on this island... you wouldn't happen to have seen a... 'dragon', would ya?"
He shudders as he says the word, digging in a pouch on his belt for a pinch of salt which he tosses over his shoulder and spins around three times.
"Nice to meet you all and thanks!. My name is Morlock."
D&D since 1984
The knight bows to all of them and then turns to Augustus and bows again.
”Well met, Lord Silver! With luck you will have come too late for dragon sighting. We fought some small elemental drakes that seem to have been spawned from an ancient dragon corpse. I hope we have seen the last of them. When the monks permit, I intend to organize a Harpy hunt. You would be most welcome to join in, as would you all.”
Vinn sheaths his scimitar and approaches Augustus, clapping him on the shoulder. "Silver's definitely not too bad. Much shinier too," he says. "Thanks for that cool shield trick; you saved me from that strike.
He starts to introduce himself after Morlock but is interrupted by Sir Beauregard handing out pieces of wax. Vinn laughs. "Oh, I get it! Ear wax to block the harpies' sounds! You're a genius, Sir.
Vinn proceeds to insert a piece of wax in his left ear and pockets the other. Unfortunately, he starts speaks a little too loudly, "I'm Vinn! Did you all come in with Captain deGrey? He says his crew has seen the adult ones, though the drakes are no joke! Who knew babies could be absolute menaces!"