Author: Jeff Messina (Page 3 of 7)

Pure Earth Water

Characters:

• Kaliferous: Kraken mage
• Bracus: Scurillian merchant and Super
• Mordecai: Human Air Mage Puritan from Earth
• Crow/Kadian: Atani guardian of the Great Tree

Date: 7-9-16

XP: 3

Recap:

With the Diary recovered and the the city of Baltimus on alert the Crew quietly slipped away and headed towards Brigandy Bay.

Reading the journal they discovered the events that lead to the rise of the sea hags:

Three triplets and their sister were discovered around the bloody body of their father. The triplets used dark magic to kill several guards before they were subdued. That night the Mallus triplets, Mala, Maka and Mana murdered their younger sister, Mara as well.

King Amemnus and the Jury (which included Byron Baltimus) sentenced the girls to death by drowning. Staked to the beach and with the tides rising they cursed the King saying:

“You will die, king! We curse you with our dying breath. We curse you to drown as we will drown. And when  our corpse floats beside ours, we will return and have our vengeance on your people as well”

The sisters died but upon their death it rained in torrents for months, as the world drowned the desperate citizens of Ograpog threw their king into the sea and upon his death the rain stopped but then Sea Hags awoke. They manifested as giant Hags and destroyed the remaining city and escaping ships.

Troubled by this news but learning the names of the Hags the Crew decided to reach an agreement with the Pirate Coalition in Brigandy Bay for safter passage and port. Reaching an accord they headed to the Flotsam sea in search for water from Earth and after much searching they did, but the deserted hulk they found the water on was infested with the Hags minions and a fierce battle raged as they struggled to obtain the earth water and flee. With the help of some Doreen treasure hunters they managed to succeed and escape with their prize

This summoned the Maiden who is revealed to be the Hags sister Mara. She is stuck between realms and tormented by her sisters dark magic but is trying to stop them via people from Earth. She tells the Crew they are well on their way but in order to defeat her sisters they will need a the water from Earth, the Heart of an Archmage, that what the Kraken have lost and the lost sword of King Amemnus…not to mention some courage and might of their own!

A Visit to Baltimus- Part 2-  The Death of Bruno

Characters:

• Kaliferous: Kraken mage
• Rodrigo: Human priest and water Mage from Earth
• Bracus: Scurillian merchant and Super
• Mordecai: Human Air Mage Puritan from Earth
• Daxson: Doreen treasure diver native

Date: 6-18-16

XP: 2

Recap:

The Crew decided to take Mannie’s offer and proceeded to attend Bruno’s gala incognito.

While the rest of the Crew attempted to impress the guests with tales of their valor, Bracus entered the fighting pit. He did quite well against a band of yellow backs, troop of monkapes and a single poisonous TorethKa Spider. This greatly impressed the crowd and Bruno who invited him and his friends to the exclusive after party.

The Crew attended the afterparty and discovered that Bruno left his late father’s possessions in his chambers, untouched since his death. Daxon and Rodrigo needed a distraction to search for a diary and Mordecai incensed by the debauchery taking place was happy to help by intimidating and scolding Bruno. When Bracus joined in the debacle, Bruno snapped with fear. Grabbing a young human woman  he threatened to kill her if the Crew didn’t leave. As Bracus advanced Kal summoned a fire elemental behind Bruno and terrified he slit the girl’s throat. Chaos erupted as the rest of the Crew jumped into the fight, as well as Bruno’s friends and the guards. In the end Bruno met his fiery death but it gave time for Daxson and Rodrigo to recover the journal and escape.

All told several guards, guests and Bruno were left dead and alarm bells rang in the night as the Crew fled the manor.

A Visit to Baltimus- Part 1

Characters:

• Kaliferous: Kraken mage
• Rodrigo: Human priest and water Mage from Earth
• Bracus: Scurillian merchant and Super

Date: 5-7-16

XP: 2

Recap:

The Crew arrived in Baltimus only to learn that Byron Baltimus (one of the Jurors seen in the Vision) passed several months ago and is survived by his only heir Bruno. Unfortunately they found that Bruno was not accessible directly. During their search they found a few possible ways to speak with Bruno. One was to request audience via BEIC and Lazenby and another was to wait to possibly speak with him at the monthly Town Hall, or to attend Bruno’s monthly Gala. While searching they also discovered that Byron was a prolific author and found several excerpts from his personal diary regarding the flood, this indicates that there might me more written down elsewhere.

Another option presented itself by an old man named Mannie Morkan. They learned from Mannie that Bruno hosts a lavish party monthly for the wealthy of the city. However after the party there is a more “private” event in Bruno’s quarters which involved pretty women, powerful men, drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately Mannie’s granddaughter was invited to one of these parties, attended naively and was treated very poorly. Mannie found his granddaughter abused and dazed on his front step the following morning.

He wants revenge for his granddaughter and is willing to provide an invite to this party and the sword Veralis as payment for the promise Bruno’s death.

The Crew is left with a decision: How will they get close to Bruno? There are many paths but which one is right?

Kaliferous

High Admiral Caspian,

 

Our search for a resolution to the Sea Hags has brought us to Baltimos in the hope of speaking with Byron.  Having been a judge at the hags’ trial we believed him to be a good source for the names of the hags.  We have since discovered that he passed several months ago.  Fortunately, this is only a minor set back.

 

Byron is survived by his son, Bruno.  By all reports he is a brute of a man who cares little for the welfare of others.  Regardless, it is reasonable that he will have some of Byron’s notes and journals which may contain the information we seek.  Thus, we must meet with him. After failing to obtain an audience with him, another opportunity arose.  A local, Mannie Morkan, approached us with a particularly upsetting story that grossly highlights the depths of Bruno’s depravity.  In short, he violated a young woman in the most evil way.

 

Mr Morkan has also made us an offer.  If we will avenge his daughter by killing Bruno, he will help us gain access to his home and give us Veralis.  How he came to have this sword is unknown but Veralis would prove an invaluable tool in the fights to come.  One I am prepared to do what is necessary to gain.  Yet, not everyone on the crew agrees.  There is a divide amongst the crew on whether or not killing such a monster would be morally acceptable.  Now we find ourselves debating the issue.

 

While I consider upholding a moral code an honorable thing, this is not the time for such restraint.  The fate of Caribdus hangs in the balance and to stumble over something like killing a vile criminal, which is insignificant in relation to the lose of our entire world, would be the height of foolishness.  

 

Do not worry, High Admiral, for I will not allow this opportunity to pass us by.  Even if I must act alone.
~Kaliferous, Archmage of the Kraken Fleet

A Navigational Error..

Characters:

• Mordecai: Human Air Mage Puritan from Earth
• Crow/Kadian: Atani guardian of the Great Tree
• Kaliferous: Kraken mage

Date: 3-26-16

XP: 2

Recap:

With Crow provisionally in charge due to mysterious food poisoning that affected most of the senior staff, it was decided to depart Brigandy Bay. As the ship sailed nearly out of sight,  Mordecai spotted a gang of cutthroats rushing up to where they were previously docked and looking for something and/or trouble. Seems the ship left just in time to avoid another conflict…

Crow decided to sail north and due to a navigational error ended up off course and into the Flotsam Sea. Unfortunately the ship stumbled upon a group of Octopons. Luckily Crow was wearing his magic ring and was alerted to the danger before the Crew could be surprised. A fight on the deck broke out as  Octopons attempted to disable to the ship and kill as many crew members as possible. Just as the tide appeared to be turning for the Crew, huge tentacles gripped the side of the ship and snatched Mordecai in air. A Giant Octopus appeared out of nowhere and appeared to be under the control of the Octopon Warlock. The giant beast tore at the ship, killed several crew members but was no match for the combined might of Mordecai, Crow and Kaliferious. As the giant creature pulled himself onto their ship and wreaking havoc in the process, the Crew managed to wound the creature and lower its defences. Kaliferious recovered from a blinding ink jet just in time to let loose a fire blast upon the Octopus. Fortunately this blast set off some powder kegs which caused cannons and shrapnel to fly into the beast’s head mortally wounding it. The day was won but at further loss in life and damage to the ship.

Setting sail towards Baltimus the ship narrowly avoided a magical storm coming from the center of the Flotsam sea. Inside of the gale the Crew was chilled by the sight of the ghostly vision of the Flying Dutchman. Fortunately, it was far enough away not to cause danger but the Crew now knows first hand that deadly horrors lurk in the Flotsam sea and that their destiny is to head to its heart one day to face the Hags..

Kaliferous

High Admiral Caspian,

 

Considering your extensive training and experience with all aspects of ship command, I believe you will find this report one of notable and personal interest.  Primarily how recent events highlight a particular peculiarity with this crews command structure.

 

Owing to a relatively severe bout of food poisoning the ship found itself without a captain.  The events which ensued from this innocuous incident where anything but.  Instead, we found ourselves temporarily lost at sea and fighting the dark minions of the sea hags.  The crew remained true to their standard performance in such situations.  In turn, I find my confidence in their abilities for the great trials which lay before us to be in a persistent state of growth.

 

Ultimately, we suffered this temporary setback as a result of a highly limited command structure.  One that is exceptionally informal.  The captain has yet to choose a first mate.  Additionally ,the owners of the vessel, which are all aboard her, have not established any type of ancillary command structure among themselves.  Consequently, we found ourselves with no clear chain of command when the captain was incapacitated.  This void left open the door for our youngest crew member, Kadian, to take command.  In consideration of commanding a vessel, his skills are inadequate.  Inevitably, this deficiency caused a near disaster when we became lost.  

 

I will note that however inexperienced Kadian may be in the necessary skills for a ship’s officer, he does everything with the same level of passion and dedication characteristic of great leaders.  With training and discipline, I believe he would make a fine officer.  I intend to speak to Captain Daxson about this.
Kaliferous, Archmage of the Kraken Fleet

Trouble at Brigandy Bay

Characters:

• Mordecai: Human Air Mage Puritan from Earth
• Daxson: Doreen treasure diver native
• Crow/Kadian: Atani guardian of the Great Tree
• Kaliferous: Kraken mage
• Rodrigo: Human priest and water Mage from Earth
• Kukukachoo Grael guest star

Date: 2-27-16

XP: 2

Recap:

The Crew head to Brigandy Bay to repair, rest up and setup some trading deals. Upon arrival Daxson and Crow they attempt to talk to their smuggling contact Saricks who works for the Coalition and operates out of the Black Queen. Upon entering the Queen they are stopped and told the Coalition wants to speak with them. They manage to speak with Saricks but are not allowed to leave the Queen without a bar fight with a Graul and two Half Ugak bouncers.

Father Rod, Mordecai and Kukukachoo setup the standard Soup Kitchen but are attacked from a mysterious robed figure and several henchmen.  They manage to take out the henchmen and attempt to capture the robed figure who turns into a bat and flies away. They find all the henchmen have a red blood drop tattoo on their body leading to more questions than answers.

Heading back to the ship the Crew wisely set up a watch rotation and find themselves attacked yet again by the Kehana Crimson Sparrow and his crew. (GM note: Crimson Sparrow was one of the slaver leaders of Jomba Town who escaped because Bracus was being greedy). Sparrow managed to slip on board and attack Daxson but proved no match for Daxons skills. Overall the pirate attack was repelled but not without some bloodshed

It seems Brigandy Bay is no longer a safe place. Has the Crew made too many enemies? Where else does danger lie?

Kaliferous

High Admiral Caspian,

 

We recently made port at Brigandy Bay.  The crew has had previous dealings with the local smuggler king, Sarricks, and believed he might have useful information.  Having no previous involvement with Sarricks, I chose to accompany the other crewmen.  I was also very curious about their plans.  It turns out Father Rodrigo is the one setting up these soup “kitchens” I’ve heard rumors of.

 

The experience was interesting.  Many came to be fed.  Few were noticeably impacted beyond temporary satiation.  In my opinion, little of substance was accomplished.  Notably, the crew was rather supportive of the effort despite this.

 

The most significant moment of these last few days was the attack against us while Rodrigo was working his kitchen.  The only detail that is of import is the strange entities that attacked.  One escaped by transforming into a bat and flying away.  As you know, this is odd.  Changing one’s shape is almost unheard of.  I only recently learned shapechanging was even possible through Kadian, who swears our attackers used magic different from his.

 

The humans in our group fear they are an evil creature from their world known as vampires, who are the work of the devil.  Their descriptions were rather vague and decidedly unacademic.  This leads me to believe the humans have made no official or concerted effort to study vampires.  As such, all I can say with certainty about them is they use magic and can shapechange.  If they are indeed purely evil as the humans claim, I recommend we make what effort we can to eradicate them before they become a larger problem.
Kaliferous, Archmage of the Kraken fleet

Crow

Back in Brigandy Bay and Brigands All around

– Through the Eyes of a Crow

Seeing the Great Kraken Ship with the gleaming gold ball edge over the Horizon.  I am beaming with pride.  What a great experience, we met the mighty leader Admiral Caspian of the Kraken.  Earned his trust and we have the mighty Kraken weapon in our control.  Huzzah!  One more piece in the puzzle to defeat the hags.  Once again tested and we pass the ordeal of fire.

So again we are on our way to Brigandy Bay.  After docking Captain Daxson tells me to come along as we are heading to our smuggling contact Saricks who works for the Coalition and operates out of the Black Queen.

Upon entering a crazy human bartender seems to act out of dis-respect to our captain and his crew.  She tells us with indifference we can’t see him and we must wait in the bar.  And we wait for much too long, finally the Captain and I turn to leave.  But we are blocked at the door, by a Graul and two Half Ugak brothers.  This was their mistake.  We use agility and skill, not to kill them, but cleanly get past them and head to the ship.  Latter I fly into Saricks room as carroway screecher and deliver a message to Saricks to meet us.  

Back on the ship, we find out that Father Rod, Mordecai and Kukukachoo setup the standard Soup Kitchen but are attacked from a mysterious robed figure and several henchmen.  They claimed a crazy robed figure who turned into a bat and flies away. I found that hard to believe.  But I guess, I can change into a caraway screeacher, maybe there are creatures like me out there.  Hmmmm
Heading back to the ship, I asked the captain should I double the watch and he agreed.  So we set up a watch rotation and found ourselves attacked yet again by the Kehana Crimson Sparrow and his crew.  Sparrow managed to slip on board and attack Captain Daxson, but proved no match for Daxons skills.  I fought bravely on the deck and helped repel the foul pirates.  It seems that Brigandy Bay earns it’s namesake that there are Brigands all around.