Wendell is going to detect magic on the items the party has acquired, and do a round of identification. He will also read through any documentation the party recovered on their journey.
Balasar will examine the documents recovered from the ship in an attempt to determine what, precisely, happened to the ship and what it was that the party encountered/apparently interfered with.
Wendell successfully identifies several items and makes several appraisals with the help of wizard Aneth Keensight. After several hours, he concludes that the party's loot includes the following:
Guan Hao's slime-covered tray, once cleaned off, is a silver tea tray (100 gp)
Map depicting a series of islands (the islands are unknown to both Aneth and Captain Windrune - Elaric suggests a trip to the Arcane University's archives for further research)
Emperor of Waves log (SEE BELOW)
Ring (was used to break ward on door leading from 1 deck to 2, now just a mundane ring – 25gp)
16 EP (found in a chest in the Emperor's captain’s cabin)
Gold earrings (200 gp)
Amethyst necklace (250 gp)
Dead mutant dog creature (See Elaric's post to follow this one)
Spell scrolls: gust of wind and protection from poison (identified aboard the Emperor and in Elaric’s possession)
Potion of heroism
Potion of water breathing
Cloak of protection (requires attunement, grants +1 to AC)
507 gp, and 199 sp
Silver bracelet sculpted to look like a twisted tongue (75 gp)
A gem-studded belt (400 gp)
Platinum Trade Bars X 5 (1000 gp each)
The icy dagger Wendell retrieved proves to be mundane, though a small rune etched in its grip may have allowed the previous owner to channel magic through the blade. Unfortunately, the rune seems to be a personal touch and neither Wendell, Elaric, nor Aneth are able to channel so much as a mote of arcane power into the blade.
The log book recovered from the captain's cabin is a combination of uninteresting nautical reports, mildly interesting journal entries, and a confusing mishmash of languages and gibberish symbols which seem to be some form of cyphered writing. Elaric is able to identify some Espruar characters twisted into the bizarre forms of Deep Speech, but he becomes truly excited when the final pages prove to contain nothing by a series of large runes, one to a page, which the Elf declares to be the same mystery language filling several of the tomes he has recently collected and which entirely eludes magical translation attempts. While it may be possible to decipher some of the logbook, it will take a concerted effort.
Anyone who wishes to attempt the process may make ONE of the following checks: Deception, Insight, or Investigate.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
On the return trip, Elaric will first attempt to examine and identify the mutant squid-dog creature. Arcana check: 10 History check: 26
However, after his initial investigations, several of the crew became so horrified by the monster (and nauseated by the smell of the creature's slime) that captain Windrune firmly put a stop to any additional studies until the wizard returns to the privacy of his own home.
With his biological studies on hold, Elaric attempts to assist in the logbook decipher project. Investigation check: 17
Though several of the party make progress in their attempts to decipher the logbook, the code is too complex to be cracked so readily. That said, the little you do learn from the earlier uncoded entries is unsettling. Though the captain appears to have written at least twice per day every day of the voyage up to the point that the ship was lost, several of the entries stand out and appear below:
Day 2, Midday
We are away. Finally. We could have set sail three days ago had not those damn fool sages insisted we wait for their enchanted tools. Surely the cost of an extra shovel per man cannot outweigh the cost of enchanting even one to be unbreakable. Something is not right. I may go have a look at their cargo myself.
---
Day 3, Morning
I had a look at the sages’ equipment. Though I may be a nautical man, I have transported my fair share of all sorts over the years. For an archeological expedition, they brought many tools which appear more suitable to mining than digging up old ruins. I do not like it. I have invited the expedition leader to my cabin for dinner this evening. Word among the crew is that he is a teetotaler. Perhaps one of my bottles of Dragonwine may loosen his lips enough that I can get him talking about the true purpose of the expedition.
---
Day 3, Evening
Warpstone! The expedition has set out to a rumored source of the accursed substance with the intention of minding it! Not only that, but those thrice-damned fools even brought a sample aboard the Emperor! I had the bosun take a team down to the hold, gather the container the sample was in, and throw it overboard. I had half a mind to throw the entire expedition team over with it. I told them flat out that, while I would deliver them to their destination, I would tolerate no samples aboard my ship – they will be on their own to find transport back to Adaern. Beyond the curse it carries, I’ve heard tell the horrid material acts as a beacon to certain creatures I’d just as soon never set eyes upon. At least that solves the mystery of the enchanted digging tools – they would be just as susceptible to the warp curse as any living being.
---
Day 7, Morning
I feel exhausted. I’ve not experienced a nightmare since I was a boy, but my sleep has been plagued by them for several nights now. I just keep think of that warpstone. Did I make a mistake throwing it into the sea?
---
Day 12, Midnight
I think something is following us. I’ve taken to walking the deck each night to clear my head before turning in and this is the third night I thought I could make out a dark shape in the water. Maybe it’s just a curious whale, but I have my doubts. I’m not thinking clearly – my nightmares have not abated. If I could just get one good night’s sleep, I’m sure everything would be fine. Ah, I believe I can hear it starting to rain. It actually sounds quite peaceful. Mayhap I’ll get a good sleep tonight.
---
Day 15, Midday
The rain, which started several days ago, has not let up once. What’s worse, the wind has picked up and I can hear thunder in the distance. It is unusually late in the season for such a storm. I pray it will blow over quickly.
---
Day 16, Morning
I fear we will have to return to Adaern. Whatever this storm may be, it is no natural occurrence and seems to be growing worse the farther we sail. I have given the order to reverse course and now we j
[The captain’s writing breaks off at this point]
---
Day 17, Morning
The severity of the storm has thrown us far off our original course and we have lost any sight of our fellow ships. Most of our stores have been destroyed and we lost seven barrels of water. I have ordered the men down to two servings of biscuits and half a cup of water per day until we know how long it will take to find a port. I hope it to be sooner rather than later, else I risk losing the Emperor to mutiny.
---
Day 28, Midday
Blessed be the Gods! We spotted land. It appears to be a small island, though not one marked on any of our maps. I have taken due precautions, ordering the Emperor anchored a ways off the coast, and sent a skiff in with our strongest men to search the land. They carry gifts and weapons to secure provisions by any means necessary.
---
Day 29, Evening
Our men have not yet returned. Several deckhands report hearing a deep drumming coming from the coast. We are down to our last pack of biscuits and my bottle of Dragonwine is the only drinkable liquid left on the Emperor. Nightmares aside, there will be no sleep for any of us tonight.
Upon returning and reporting to Sir Marius, your patron is overjoyed at the return of his family's treasure chest as well as the logbook. Though the task is not complete, he commends the group on the progress they were able to make in deciphering the log and promises to keep them apprised of his own efforts to complete the process. As to Aubreck's chest, Marius assures the group he will be able to open it and, by redeeming the deeds and notes contained therein, firmly re-establish his family's place amongst the nobility of the city. However, it will take some time to assess the total value of the treasure. While he attends to this, he insists that the party return to the rooms he has secured for them at the Goat and Bagpipes and recover from their ordeal. He promises to send word before the day is done.
After everyone cleans up, sleeps, and eats, the party is recalled to Marius' estate. With little ceremony (though plenty of gratitude), Sir Marius bestows upon each member of the party 2,500 gp, a marvelous dinner, and his sincere thanks as he raises his wine in a toast: "My friends, time and again you have come to my aid and it is through your efforts that my family will once again rise to its preeminent position within the city. This is a moment I have dreamt of since I was a boy - and it has only moved from dream to reality because of you. I toast you and I bow to you. You are not only heroes of the land, but the saviors of my lineage - this is a debt I will never forget."
With a tidy sum of gold under his belt, and a favorable relationship made with the house of Van Der Wulf, Reeves will depart for parts unknown, taking care not to stay in one place for too long. They party may meet him again some day, but for now, he will make a swift and silent departure.
[OOC]: Gong is dealing with some business in Pyrringham, after which he will return to join the party.
Wendell votes for selling the treasures the party located, barring magical items, and dividing the profits equally.
He'll spend the next tenday bouncing between the Arcane University and O'Cusloo Van's shop researching hags.
Balasar adds his vote in support of Wendell's proposal.
Balasar will spend the next tenday making the rounds of the local merchants searching for potions and magical items for sale. He will also attempt to learn more about the properties and uses of Warpstone.
Wendell votes for selling the treasures the party located, barring magical items, and dividing the profits equally.
He'll spend the next tenday bouncing between the Arcane University and O'Cusloo Van's shop researching hags.
Balasar adds his vote in support of Wendell's proposal.
Balasar will spend the next tenday making the rounds of the local merchants searching for potions and magical items for sale. He will also attempt to learn more about the properties and uses of Warpstone.
Wendell: Investigation check for the time at the Arcane University, Persuasion check with advantage for O'Cusloo Van.
Balasar: Perception or Persuasion check for perusing potions and magical items, and a description of how/where Balasar goes about learning more of Warpstone.
Elaric agrees with the proposed disposition of the spoils and will spend his first day continuing his examination of the dead squid-dog hybrid creature. Arcana: 9 and History: 14
If Balasar is willing to let Elaric borrow the map discovered aboard the Emperor, he spends his second day scouring the Arcane University's archives for any hint of the islands depicted. Investigation: 9
Based on his preliminary findings aboard the Soul of Winter on their return trip home, Elaric recalled certain tales of riverfolk in which a creature called an Eel Hound was said to lurk near the shore, ambushing unwary travelers with puddles of slippery spittle before lunging atop them. The Eel Hound would grab its victim in powerful jaws and drag them back beneath the water to a gruesome grave. Though the tales never mentioned anything about face tentacles, the rubbery eel-like skin of the creature, combined with its general physique and ability to secrete a slippery substance, makes it seem possible that this creature is at least an inspiration for the Eel Hound.
Elaric's follow up research at home provides no additional insights.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
In his attempt to discover anything about the location depicted on the map, Elaric encounters a dragonborn scholar, Kazara Norixius, who takes a keen interest in collecting maps of all kinds - particularly of new or unknown locations. Though she at first offers to buy the map from Elaric, his polite refusal to sell infuriates the copper-scaled woman. She begins berrating him loudly and, when he tries to leave, she grabs hold of him. Out of desperation, Elaric utilizes his Misty Step spell to escape to a balacony overlooking the main archives. Enraged, Kazara spits her acidic breath weapon at the escaping Elf.
Elaric's Dex Save vs DC 11:4
At this point, the University's guards arrived to breakup the fight. However, as no one was witness to the initial start of the fight and can testify as to who hold responsibility, both Elaric and Kazara have been banned from the University Archives until reparations are made (the value of which have yet to be determined - the damage caused is still being assessed).
Though they were each escorted out of the University in different directions, Kazara shouts to Elaric that she will have that map and his hide for making her look a fool!
Elaric may not use the University Archives for the foreseeable future and has possibly made a rival.
Wendell votes for selling the treasures the party located, barring magical items, and dividing the profits equally.
He'll spend the next tenday bouncing between the Arcane University and O'Cusloo Van's shop researching hags.
Balasar adds his vote in support of Wendell's proposal.
Balasar will spend the next tenday making the rounds of the local merchants searching for potions and magical items for sale. He will also attempt to learn more about the properties and uses of Warpstone.
Wendell: Investigation check for the time at the Arcane University, Persuasion check with advantage for O'Cusloo Van.
Balasar: Perception or Persuasion check for perusing potions and magical items, and a description of how/where Balasar goes about learning more of Warpstone.
Persuasion: 18
Balasar begins by asking Elaric and Wendell what they know of Warpstone, and follows up by investigating the resources that the University makes available to the general public. He will also attempt to locate a local expert on Warpstone who would be willing to educate him on the substance.
Elaric agrees with the proposed disposition of the spoils and will spend his first day continuing his examination of the dead squid-dog hybrid creature. Arcana: 9 and History: 14
If Balasar is willing to let Elaric borrow the map discovered aboard the Emperor, he spends his second day scouring the Arcane University's archives for any hint of the islands depicted. Investigation: 9
Balasar gladly lends Elaric the map.
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Aboard the Soul of Winter, the return trip will take approximately three days. Do you wish to take any actions during your voyage?
Reeves will focus on rest and recovery, but he will also help keep watch for any other threats.
Wendell is going to detect magic on the items the party has acquired, and do a round of identification. He will also read through any documentation the party recovered on their journey.
Balasar will examine the documents recovered from the ship in an attempt to determine what, precisely, happened to the ship and what it was that the party encountered/apparently interfered with.
Wendell successfully identifies several items and makes several appraisals with the help of wizard Aneth Keensight. After several hours, he concludes that the party's loot includes the following:
The icy dagger Wendell retrieved proves to be mundane, though a small rune etched in its grip may have allowed the previous owner to channel magic through the blade. Unfortunately, the rune seems to be a personal touch and neither Wendell, Elaric, nor Aneth are able to channel so much as a mote of arcane power into the blade.
The log book recovered from the captain's cabin is a combination of uninteresting nautical reports, mildly interesting journal entries, and a confusing mishmash of languages and gibberish symbols which seem to be some form of cyphered writing. Elaric is able to identify some Espruar characters twisted into the bizarre forms of Deep Speech, but he becomes truly excited when the final pages prove to contain nothing by a series of large runes, one to a page, which the Elf declares to be the same mystery language filling several of the tomes he has recently collected and which entirely eludes magical translation attempts. While it may be possible to decipher some of the logbook, it will take a concerted effort.
Anyone who wishes to attempt the process may make ONE of the following checks: Deception, Insight, or Investigate.
On the return trip, Elaric will first attempt to examine and identify the mutant squid-dog creature. Arcana check: 10 History check: 26
However, after his initial investigations, several of the crew became so horrified by the monster (and nauseated by the smell of the creature's slime) that captain Windrune firmly put a stop to any additional studies until the wizard returns to the privacy of his own home.
With his biological studies on hold, Elaric attempts to assist in the logbook decipher project. Investigation check: 17
Wendell will keep the dagger for potential reverse-engineering if no one objects, and will attempt to Investigate 15
Balasar's Deception Check: 7
Though several of the party make progress in their attempts to decipher the logbook, the code is too complex to be cracked so readily. That said, the little you do learn from the earlier uncoded entries is unsettling. Though the captain appears to have written at least twice per day every day of the voyage up to the point that the ship was lost, several of the entries stand out and appear below:
Day 2, Midday
We are away. Finally. We could have set sail three days ago had not those damn fool sages insisted we wait for their enchanted tools. Surely the cost of an extra shovel per man cannot outweigh the cost of enchanting even one to be unbreakable. Something is not right. I may go have a look at their cargo myself.
---
Day 3, Morning
I had a look at the sages’ equipment. Though I may be a nautical man, I have transported my fair share of all sorts over the years. For an archeological expedition, they brought many tools which appear more suitable to mining than digging up old ruins. I do not like it. I have invited the expedition leader to my cabin for dinner this evening. Word among the crew is that he is a teetotaler. Perhaps one of my bottles of Dragonwine may loosen his lips enough that I can get him talking about the true purpose of the expedition.
---
Day 3, Evening
Warpstone! The expedition has set out to a rumored source of the accursed substance with the intention of minding it! Not only that, but those thrice-damned fools even brought a sample aboard the Emperor! I had the bosun take a team down to the hold, gather the container the sample was in, and throw it overboard. I had half a mind to throw the entire expedition team over with it. I told them flat out that, while I would deliver them to their destination, I would tolerate no samples aboard my ship – they will be on their own to find transport back to Adaern. Beyond the curse it carries, I’ve heard tell the horrid material acts as a beacon to certain creatures I’d just as soon never set eyes upon. At least that solves the mystery of the enchanted digging tools – they would be just as susceptible to the warp curse as any living being.
---
Day 7, Morning
I feel exhausted. I’ve not experienced a nightmare since I was a boy, but my sleep has been plagued by them for several nights now. I just keep think of that warpstone. Did I make a mistake throwing it into the sea?
---
Day 12, Midnight
I think something is following us. I’ve taken to walking the deck each night to clear my head before turning in and this is the third night I thought I could make out a dark shape in the water. Maybe it’s just a curious whale, but I have my doubts. I’m not thinking clearly – my nightmares have not abated. If I could just get one good night’s sleep, I’m sure everything would be fine. Ah, I believe I can hear it starting to rain. It actually sounds quite peaceful. Mayhap I’ll get a good sleep tonight.
---
Day 15, Midday
The rain, which started several days ago, has not let up once. What’s worse, the wind has picked up and I can hear thunder in the distance. It is unusually late in the season for such a storm. I pray it will blow over quickly.
---
Day 16, Morning
I fear we will have to return to Adaern. Whatever this storm may be, it is no natural occurrence and seems to be growing worse the farther we sail. I have given the order to reverse course and now we j
[The captain’s writing breaks off at this point]
---
Day 17, Morning
The severity of the storm has thrown us far off our original course and we have lost any sight of our fellow ships. Most of our stores have been destroyed and we lost seven barrels of water. I have ordered the men down to two servings of biscuits and half a cup of water per day until we know how long it will take to find a port. I hope it to be sooner rather than later, else I risk losing the Emperor to mutiny.
---
Day 28, Midday
Blessed be the Gods! We spotted land. It appears to be a small island, though not one marked on any of our maps. I have taken due precautions, ordering the Emperor anchored a ways off the coast, and sent a skiff in with our strongest men to search the land. They carry gifts and weapons to secure provisions by any means necessary.
---
Day 29, Evening
Our men have not yet returned. Several deckhands report hearing a deep drumming coming from the coast. We are down to our last pack of biscuits and my bottle of Dragonwine is the only drinkable liquid left on the Emperor. Nightmares aside, there will be no sleep for any of us tonight.
Upon returning and reporting to Sir Marius, your patron is overjoyed at the return of his family's treasure chest as well as the logbook. Though the task is not complete, he commends the group on the progress they were able to make in deciphering the log and promises to keep them apprised of his own efforts to complete the process. As to Aubreck's chest, Marius assures the group he will be able to open it and, by redeeming the deeds and notes contained therein, firmly re-establish his family's place amongst the nobility of the city. However, it will take some time to assess the total value of the treasure. While he attends to this, he insists that the party return to the rooms he has secured for them at the Goat and Bagpipes and recover from their ordeal. He promises to send word before the day is done.
After everyone cleans up, sleeps, and eats, the party is recalled to Marius' estate. With little ceremony (though plenty of gratitude), Sir Marius bestows upon each member of the party 2,500 gp, a marvelous dinner, and his sincere thanks as he raises his wine in a toast: "My friends, time and again you have come to my aid and it is through your efforts that my family will once again rise to its preeminent position within the city. This is a moment I have dreamt of since I was a boy - and it has only moved from dream to reality because of you. I toast you and I bow to you. You are not only heroes of the land, but the saviors of my lineage - this is a debt I will never forget."
All characters gain 2920 XP
Wendell votes for selling the treasures the party located, barring magical items, and dividing the profits equally.
He'll spend the next tenday bouncing between the Arcane University and O'Cusloo Van's shop researching hags.
With a tidy sum of gold under his belt, and a favorable relationship made with the house of Van Der Wulf, Reeves will depart for parts unknown, taking care not to stay in one place for too long. They party may meet him again some day, but for now, he will make a swift and silent departure.
[OOC]: Gong is dealing with some business in Pyrringham, after which he will return to join the party.
Balasar adds his vote in support of Wendell's proposal.
Balasar will spend the next tenday making the rounds of the local merchants searching for potions and magical items for sale. He will also attempt to learn more about the properties and uses of Warpstone.
Wendell: Investigation check for the time at the Arcane University, Persuasion check with advantage for O'Cusloo Van.
Balasar: Perception or Persuasion check for perusing potions and magical items, and a description of how/where Balasar goes about learning more of Warpstone.
Elaric agrees with the proposed disposition of the spoils and will spend his first day continuing his examination of the dead squid-dog hybrid creature. Arcana: 9 and History: 14
If Balasar is willing to let Elaric borrow the map discovered aboard the Emperor, he spends his second day scouring the Arcane University's archives for any hint of the islands depicted. Investigation: 9
Based on his preliminary findings aboard the Soul of Winter on their return trip home, Elaric recalled certain tales of riverfolk in which a creature called an Eel Hound was said to lurk near the shore, ambushing unwary travelers with puddles of slippery spittle before lunging atop them. The Eel Hound would grab its victim in powerful jaws and drag them back beneath the water to a gruesome grave. Though the tales never mentioned anything about face tentacles, the rubbery eel-like skin of the creature, combined with its general physique and ability to secrete a slippery substance, makes it seem possible that this creature is at least an inspiration for the Eel Hound.
Elaric's follow up research at home provides no additional insights.
SUPER SECRET SPECIAL ROLLS OF NONDESCRIPTION
Wendell: 25 and 3
Balasar: 43 and 10
Elaric: 4 and 5
A new face: 17
In his attempt to discover anything about the location depicted on the map, Elaric encounters a dragonborn scholar, Kazara Norixius, who takes a keen interest in collecting maps of all kinds - particularly of new or unknown locations. Though she at first offers to buy the map from Elaric, his polite refusal to sell infuriates the copper-scaled woman. She begins berrating him loudly and, when he tries to leave, she grabs hold of him. Out of desperation, Elaric utilizes his Misty Step spell to escape to a balacony overlooking the main archives. Enraged, Kazara spits her acidic breath weapon at the escaping Elf.
Elaric's Dex Save vs DC 11: 4
At this point, the University's guards arrived to breakup the fight. However, as no one was witness to the initial start of the fight and can testify as to who hold responsibility, both Elaric and Kazara have been banned from the University Archives until reparations are made (the value of which have yet to be determined - the damage caused is still being assessed).
Though they were each escorted out of the University in different directions, Kazara shouts to Elaric that she will have that map and his hide for making her look a fool!
Elaric may not use the University Archives for the foreseeable future and has possibly made a rival.
Persuasion: 18
Balasar begins by asking Elaric and Wendell what they know of Warpstone, and follows up by investigating the resources that the University makes available to the general public. He will also attempt to locate a local expert on Warpstone who would be willing to educate him on the substance.
Balasar gladly lends Elaric the map.