The Captain's Log: 1009 LD

Imras, 13th of Springtide 1009 LD: The Masquerade

Two days ago a courier delivered a letter to your hands. Inside of the letter was an invitation from your friend, Johan “Jon” Parish. You’ve worked with Parish before, spent time at his home, and even casually drank at taverns with him. He is a wealthier individual, inventor by trade with a touch of magic at his disposal. Jon does not normally throw parties unless there is somethings exciting that he can unveil to the public, which means you should be in for a riotous night. The party is a Masquerade Ball, which means hiding your identity behind a mask for the evening, guessing at who everyone else might be, and revelling in the anonymity until the big reveal at the nights end. For some, it will be an excuse to network, create trade agreements, and arrange business ventures. For the rest, it is an opportunity to give in to hedonism. Drink, dance, and be merry.

The party was everything it could be. A mix of dancing, fantastic orchestral music, wandering animals, and enchanting women. Especially the woman in the blue ocean dress that seemed to ripple like the ocean itself. Gossip, jokes and rumors flew across the dance hall, while slights and pleasantries of all sorts were exchanged between the nobles. Hours passed effortlessly, and would have remained pleasant and relaxing had it not been for the ogre and his entourage that smashed through the door as the night got into full swing.

The huge beast called himself Brother and appeared to be in a power struggle with an unnamed man wearing dock worker browns. They demanded the passcode for Parish’s vault. Parish implored several members of the group to reach the vault before Brother and secure a mahogany case containing important document while he tried to stall. The group quickly set to work heading for the panic room which accessed the vault. Parish attempted to communicate with Brother and probably would have succeeded had other factors not occurred. The unnamed dockman took hold of a guest an demanded the code or he’d have his men start killing people. When this did not hasten things he began digging his blade into the woman that he’d taken hostage. Captain Endili tried to reason with Brother to do something before someone died, but it only encouraged the man in brown who ran his dagger across the woman’s throat.

This seemed to enrage the ogre and threw the party crashers into pandemonium, fighting between themselves. The ogre and the man in brown engaged each other in combat. The man with his dagger, the ogre with his formidable strength. The woman in the flowing blue dress revealed her colors as well, taking advantage of the confusion to try and subdue Gregory Dawn with a well placed crossbow bolt that seemed to seek it’s target. The attack was unsuccessful, leaving Gregory to turn the tables on her. It was in those moments that the group crept their way into the vault and found 2 chests. One made of steel containing instructions for the creation of saltpeter, and the other being the mahogany box with more papers. They added the contents of the steel chest into the wooden box and slipped out unnoticed.

In the dance hall it was clear who had the advantage when Brother made quick work of the man in brown. The large ogre demanded the code to the vault, which Jon willingly relinquished before the ogre continued up the stairs to collect his companion; the woman in the ocean dress who he called Janiry. Gregory released her before the gaze of the mighty beast and watched as they dropped from the balcony to the floor below before heading to the vault. Parish ordered everyone out of the house which most people were more than happy to do. In the few minutes that had passed, House Xemnon had already scrambled soldiers who were entering approaching the premiss ready to investigate. Jon told them everything he knew but they found no trace of the ogre or woman. They had vanished, taking the steel chest with them.

After the Party

I have had a moment to study the contents of both cases and have come to the conclusion that I will share none of it with my crewmates save maybe the Captain for now. Contained within were alchemical instructions for the creation of a compound listed as saltpeter. For what I gather it is quite volatile and is likely combustible. I also suspect that parts of it were written intentionally wrong, but it will take more studying to determine. I will probably need to craft the material myself to be certain.

The other half of the contents are more disturbing. Precise instructions for crafting a cylindrical tube meant to propel objects over great distance. It borrows enough design to bear a resemblance to goblin projectile metalwork, but deviates quite a bit too. It would take a very skilled blacksmith to produce what I have seen, and judging from the measurement detail… no. Purely speculation. The documentation names it as: Steelcaster Mark IX aka a cannon.

- Excerpt from the writings of Alenka Kolchak

Ouras, 14th of Springtide 1009 LD: Departure from Foriedy

The ship is loaded with enough supplies to get us to where we are going. I have charted the course to take us to Pfor'Ai in the hope that we can reach a rumored shipwreck before anyone else. From what I gathered out of rumors being spun at Jon's party, the Minoad was bearing a supply of silk when it wrecks. The ship has not been reported to the Aldemon port authority and there was no mention of Xemnon involvement yet, so it should be safe to bet that this information doesn't go beyond a few people. Better chances that it could turn me a quick profit if we find her first. It would make for a good month.

It should also be noted on the record that crewman Gregory and I were scryed and approached by the ogre Brother the morning following Jon’s ill-fated party. The ogre appears to be honorable, at least according to Gregory. He even suggested that we try to recruit Brother, but a number of the crew were against the idea and at the moment I agree with them. Gregory may feel that Brother is of honorable intent but I cannot risk that presently. Gregory will be turning over the steel chest with it’s original contents to Brother later this evening, at which time I expect the scry upon us to end.

- Captain Gavin Endili

Imras, 27th of Springtide, 1009 LD: Rough Waters

The crew caught the edge of a large storm and was flung into it a bit further than intended. The efforts of the crew were commendable and no losses were encountered, nor damage to the ship. For a green crew it was well ridden.

Imras, 4th of Greentide, 1009 LD: Minoad Silk Salvage

The Debtless finally found the wreck of the ship they had been seeking. A day and a half prior to this they Lea bargained with pirates in Cutlass Cove to secure the resting location of the ship. Little wonder why the vessel had not yet been looted as its cracked husk was wrapped in spider web. A few prodding attempts at the ship revealed a large number of very small red spiders were making the wrecked ship their home. Dried out birds could be seen hanging for the broken masts revealing that the ship had been this way for at least several weeks.

Malcom and Alenka identified the spiders as Red Orb, found in western Tyr. What they were doing aboard this ship was at the moment unknown. The crew devised a plan for breaking into the ship without attracting the attention of the spiders and were initially successful, gaining access to the captain's quarters and a small supply of silver before determining that much of the wooden floor had been weakened by exposure.

A second attempt was made by accessing the ships underbelly through cracks in the hull that were made when it ran aground. A number of spider swarms were dispatched thanks to acid splash potions that Alenka had made, allowing the crew to finally secure raw thread spider silk that was held in the dry stores. Bitten and covered in rashes from the diminutive spiders, the crew returned to their ship.

As they ventured back, they learned that a second drama had been unfolding with the rest of the crew. Marissa, acting as captain while Gavin was inspecting the wreck of the Minoad had been approached by two vessels bearing House Ahn Zeis colors. The captain of one of the ships identified himself as Zagoris Kerman (captain of the Thermoris). Curiously, the captain remained under a thick black sheet while beneath the sun. He stated that the other ship was not House Ahn Zeis, and was actually a disguised Midnight Council ship. The Council required a set of silver bars from the Minoad wreck of they would set of delayed beads in the hull of the Thermoris and kill everyone aboard. Capain Kerman did not want this to happen, and requested from Marissa that at least half of his crew be allowed to board the ship. Fortunately, Captain Endili returned to the Debtless and was able to make the decision.

Half of the Thermoris's crew was brought aboard, and Gavin willingly turned over the silver that they had taken from the Minoad. In return, he would earn favor with House Ahn Zeis once Captain Kerman returned to Foriedy. The Ahn Zeis captain then returned to the Midnight Council ship. The transaction must have been successful, for the other ship broke into full sail and departed shortly after, allowing Captain Kerman to retrieve his crew and leave as well.

The salvage had been a success, netting nearly 12,000gp worth in raw silk materials and promise of favor with one of Foriedy's houses.

Luce, 7th of Greentide, 1009 LD: Restocking at Ash Beach

Prices at Ash Beach have proven expensive. Nothing we can’t afford, but it should be noted for the future that I’d rather not pay such prices if it can be helped. 110% markup indeed…

- Captain Gavin Endili

Luce, 21st of Greentide, 1009 LD: Small Squall

The Debtless was caught off guard by a small squall off the Southern shores of Na-Ahn Wae. The rough waters tested the crew’s skill, and nearly sent the Cabin Boy overboard into the churning sea were it not for the lifeline he was tied to. No losses or damage to the ship.

Gevras, 27th of Greentide, 1009 LD: A Request from the Scarlet Order and a Party

As the crew made their journey up the Deepwater Straight they encountered the Pehsivan, a Scarlet Order vessel under the command of elven Captain Erehzeed. The captain hailed the Debtless with flags requesting a boarding. After a moment of thought, Captain Endili acquiesced and allowed the two ships to be roped together and a meeting of the captains ensued.

It became immediately apparent that the Captain of the Pehsivan deferred to a human woman who identified herself as Red Sister Carmen Neem. Sister Neem requested a supply of water from the Captain, claiming that she could not afford to let her ship be delayed any longer than absolutely necessary. Her supplies were low after a ‘rat’ had poisoned their water barrels. She could not offer immediate compensation, but promised to put in a word with the Order for their compliance.

Sister Neem made a further request that if there were a doctor aboard, they be allowed to travel with the Pehsivan. A number of her crew had been stricken by the poison and were in need of medical assistance. Captain Endili would not allow them to take the ship’s doctor, but Alenka provided an alternate option. She offered to take their ill onto the Debtless for treatment. The Captain agreed, adding that they could ensure safe passage for them.

Sister Neem considered it and asked that both Gavin and Alenka submit to a mental probe. Whatever she found in their heads convinced her that the crew of the Debtless could be trusted, and six unconscious women were turned over to them. A promise was made that if they could get the women safely home to Darilach in one piece, Sister Neem would make arrangements with the Head of their Order for a boon in payment.

The women were placed in the infirmary, water was transferred between the ships, and the poisoned barrels were moved onto the Debtless for Alenka to study. The two ships then parted ways.

Ephryn Revelries

As evening neared, the crew approached the Ephryn village of T’Ohk. They sought to resupply their water while at the village and quickly discovered that they would need to beach the ship to facilitate the resupply. Several members of the crew helped to draw the ship further ashore, but none stood out more than Gregory who performed a display of strength and was further challenged to a sparing match by several of the Ephryn males. Gregory earned their respect by engaging 4 Ephryn in combat and subdued them all at once and without inflicting wounds.

The crew was invited to partake in a ceremony in their honor. They were presented before the Ephryn Matriarch of T’Ohk, who gave to them a cup of her pee that they were expected to drink from. Several members of the crew were horrified at the prospect but others (Gregory, Lea, Malcom, and Raul) opted to partake in the ceremony. A pipe was passed around the group before a great feast was spread in their honor.

After a day, Alenka realized that none of the crew who had set out to village had returned and something needed to be done. The feasting had continued through the night and by mid-day Alenka took it upon herself to pull the partiers from their revelry. One by one she succeeded. For their part, the Ephryn provided food and water to resupply the ship. As payment the crew made a pile of goods from their personal belongings to thank the Ephryn for thier generosity. Finally resupplied they set sail for Union island at dawn.

Prophetic Visions

The combination of chemicals imbibed at the party lead several crew members to receive visions of the future. Not all of them shared their visions, but those who did held one thing in common - A stone being pushed away at the base of a great statue; from a hole emerges a small creature, lunging forward, snarling, with teeth bared.

The T’Ohk Matriarch parted from Gregory with a gift of praise, foreboding, and prophecy for all to hear: This one is strong, he will remain so.

But there are dark places ahead,

beware the little ones that chatter

and the ones that whisper in your mind.

They are close now.

Maxas, 29th of Greentide, 1009 LD: The Union Island Sirens

Storms at sea can be dangerous. Many experienced sailors have been called into the Deep Black by failing to notice the warning signs of rough weather before it is too late. Combine a storm with a supernatural being and it quickly becomes lethal. Such a storm reached out to take the Debtless, in plain view of all the crew whose actions were not quick enough to avert the coming peril. Had they known the real danger of the storm they would not have to mourn the dead.

As the Debtless neared Union Island, crewman Kyras warned of a storm brewing in the East, bearing down on them quickly. Actions were taken to direct the ship nearer to the island in the hope that they would find a cove within which they could ride out the storm. Unfortunately Union Island turned out to be a round and sandy beached, little more than an eighth of a mile in size. They quickly sailed around it without finding refuge. With few options left they began debating the merits of beaching the ship versus attempting to ride things out. Time was their enemy, but it wasn’t the only one. As they discussed their options they heard a song on the wind; Sirens.

They beached the ship, stopping their ears with whatever they could find to block out the song, but it wasn’t enough. The song exploded into their minds, amplified by the unconscious psychics who were serving as conduits to push the song to those who were blocking it out. Many of the crew became entranced by it and struggled to get nearer to it as the storm’s full force struck.

The women on board seemed the least affected, but it seemed to be only a matter of time. Many were starting to succumb to and a number of the crew had wandered deeper into the island following the music, ignorant to the protests and commands of the Captain who was ordering them back onto the ship. Tydel, Raul, Lea, Alenka and Iley-Rose managed to keep their sanity throughout the ordeal. Their efforts to contain the crew helped to minimize the loss of life but in all 8 of their crewmates walked into the storm and turned to vapor at the touch of the Sirens. Even Captain Endili had a brush with the Deep Black when close proximity to the Sirens began robbing him of his own presence of mind.

As dawn arrived the next morning, the crew recomposed themselves. There was little time to mourn their losses. The ship had to be moved back into the sea and injuries needed to be treated. Distension was stirring among the lower ranks without Captain Endili present and Marissa seemed to be at a complete loss, crying about the loneliness of the Sirens. Raul made it his mission to snap her out of this course of thought, but it would take time. The next ranking officers tried to take charge but it only seemed to make things worse. They managed keep order for several days until Marissa was fit to assume command once more on their way the Kieg Lac.

Luce, 5th of Whiteflower, 1009 LD: Kieg Lac and the Coming Storm

We’re getting close to the Kieg now. A good thing too. They’ll have the tools to get Gavin back on his feet, I hope. There is another storm cresting the horizon. Its far off still, but this isn’t like the others. If fills the sky with its size and boils with the anger of a god. The Lady of the Deep is restless…

I’ll have Gregory and a handful of the crew draw the ship onto shore. That should keep it from being battered on the rocks. And we’ll move the food into the ruins. I know Orman will protest, but I don’t give a damn. There are things we will need to preserve. We’re going to be staying for a while. There is a hurricane on the horizon. Demuen grant me courage and a coin for the Lady’s Favor.

- Acting Captain, Marissa Cand

Maxas, 6th of Whiteflower, 1009 LD: Kobolds!

Their arrival at Kieg Lac was uneventful and somewhat unexpected for the Joikun Expedition. They were beginning to pack up uncovered relics that were to be shipped back to Foriedy and the addition of more people made the trade hall of the old dwarven fort rather cramped. Fortunately the guest halls were still available and the crew of the Debtless began to settle in.

The plans for Parish’s cannon were safely secured within the chest of the golem Gangus the night before. Alenka and Lea were most pleased by successfully activated the golem and setting it to patrol the guest quarters. Things had been calm since the group had arrived but as with the hurricane raging outside, it was about to become much more interesting.

The first hint of the problems to come was discovered by the ship’s lookout Kyras who discovered that the food they had brought with them had been raided. Precious little remained and the Expedition wasn’t well stocked either. The captain decided it was in their best interest at the present time to keep that fact from the rest of the crew, and turned their attention toward determining the cause of the problem.

The source of their headache was quickly revealed to be kobolds. The small lizard rodents were back, despite that the group had driven from the ruins nearly a year back. The kobolds made their hatred for the group clear, scrawling a message across the walls of one chamber, rubbed in with bits of stolen food. It read:

Eem-puu, Eem-puu, Ka Ka Ka (roughly translated as "Man-Demon, Man-Demon Die Die Die" or "Kill Kill Kill").

The group was more annoyed than taken aback and quickly decided to put an end to the mischief. They uncovered the passages that the kobolds had been using and breached their hidden den. The den was housed within an unknown, sealed section of the Kieg Lac ruins. It was heavily trapped, but not well enough to stop the “Eem-puu” invaders. The kobolds tried drawing the group through boobytrapped hallways, staging ambushes when they could, leading them to their shaman Brekakastaz. The group found the shaman atop a black dragon’s skull positioned in the center of a large room filled with kobolds chanting his name. Clearly this foe was viewed as powerful by the kobolds, and he proved it by breaking Raul’s arm and smashing Tydel’s jaw with a single spell before being subdued by Gregory.

The shaman was rendered unconscious and after a bold rescue attempt by a lone kobold, the group had two of the small creatures wrapped in chains. Iley-Rose scouted ahead and found a network of tunnels and caves extending from the den, likely holding more of the vermin. Injured and in need of more refined medical attention, the group ventured back to their base camp so that Alenka could mend them up. They dragged their two captives along as well, hoping that they would come up with a plan for what they would do with them. Any chance of convincing the kobolds to depart peacefully appeared to be dwindling.

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