Author: Jeff Messina (Page 6 of 7)

The Demise of Ian O’Connell

Characters:

• Mordecai
• Liam
• Daxon
• Jagos (played by Chad)

Date: 8-1-15

XP: 3

Recap:

When we last left the Crew they had just watched Mordecai slay the Ian’s 2nd in command, Gorgio. There was a large bloody mess in a brothel and a dead body to deal with.

This session picked up with the crew trying to cover up his death and dispose of the body. While attempting to hide the body offshore they were spotted by a town guard who quickly shouted for help. Suddenly a giant Scurillian appeared out of nowhere and worked up some earth magic to bind and silence the guard. The Crew thanked their new friend and found out his name was Jagos and he had beef with Ian as well.

The Crew waited a day and met with Eti at the pre-determined time and place and headed to Ian’s Fortress. After some scouting by Daxson, they found out the base was walled in with roughly hewed tree wall set up around the perimeter. While not sophisticated it would make getting into the encampment difficult. The Crew decided to implement a two prong strategy: 1) Fake a slavery transfer with Liam leading Eti’s men as “newly acquired goods” and 2) the rest of the Crew and Eti using Jagos burrow powers to sneak under the walls.

The initial plan partially succeeded. When Liam approached the wall announcing a slave delivery the base was already on alert for a human with a strange accent. Ians lieutenants recognized the accent, knew Gorgio was missing and did not fall for the trap. Instead a fire mage decided to toss a fireball at Liam while he was stranded outside of the wall. While the ruse failed, it did however make for a good distraction. Jagos and the other group  burrowed under the wall and started attacking. The Crew managed to open the gate enough to let Liam inside, but all of Eti’s men died in a massive wave of fire from the fire elementalist.

After a long fight the Crew pushed back the slavers and managed to get to Ian who had settled in behind cover and was prepared to fight. Jagos managed to severely wound Ian and his followers with a well timed blast which quickly ended to fight. Ian was bleeding on the ground when Mordecai sent a huge cone electrical energy at the wounded Ian, finishing him off.

When the dust settled, the Crew found cages full of slaves in the base which they promptly freed. While searing Ian’s body Liam found a punctured flask leaking golden brown fluid. Realized it was his beloved Scotch, Liam only was able to save a mouthful before it ran out. Poor Liam might never get a proper drink in Caribdus after all…

Captain Liam

Captain’s Log,

Alright.  There’s days in life that can drive a man mad.  These past few were nearly such days for me.

I think it began the moment Mordecai killed that slaver in the brothel.  Not that he didn’t deserve it.  Having to dispose of the body was more than a wee problem, though.  At the docks, we met a relative of Brachus’ who seemed a bit off his head.  Crazy or not, Jagos helped contain what could have been a world of trouble.  He had his own issue with the slavers, something about a sack full of eggs, and joined us.  Sort of.  He just lingered in the distance most of the time.

Once we finally made it to the slavers fort, we needed a distraction.  I volunteered before the others could.  Aye, I knew I was the best man for the job.  All I got for my trouble was a fireball to my face, a group of Eti’s men being burned to a crisp before my eyes, and a drawn out fight with some spry wizard.  I just couldn’t get the upper hand.  I think I’ve been away from sea for too long.  Fortunately, the distraction worked and we took the fort.

Now came the worst part of it all.  After everything we’ve had to do on this blasted island, I find a flask on Ian’s body full of that sweet nectar of my homeland;  Scotch.  But the bloody thing had a hole in it and I got only a drop!  Oh, how this world teases me.  I suppose it’s a good sign.  There is scotch somewhere on this blasted world.  If I could only find some.

Captain Liam McCormic

Adventures of Crow: Homeward Bound

Characters:

• Crow
• Liam
• Rodrigo

Date: 7-20-15

XP: 2

Note: This adventure occurred before “Trouble at Jomba Town Part 1” and is a side adventure

Recap:

Crow decided he would like to visit Maroa to try to find information about his people and parents. They arrives on the shores of Cuwayo to find the enormous Grove under lockdown. No Atani allowed in or out and Carroway fruit trade has been completely suspended. Crow tried talking to the guards but was told he was not allowed entry. He did succeed on giving them a letter of intent requesting permission to enter.

The Crew asked around town and found out that the Grove had been on lockdown for over 3 months. Later that night a contact from Maroa sought Crow out and told him that the Elder locked the city down months ago and then went into seclusion with the Clan leaders. Something was wrong with the city and a peaceful resistance movement was forming. They wanted to use Crow to gain audience with the Elder to find out what was wrong.

The Crew snuck into the Grove with the assistance of their resistance contact, Golodir.

They managed to get to the Elder unharassed via stealth and subterfuge. The elder was a withered old Atani with milky eyes and crippled on his throne. He got angry when he found out Crow had been let in and gave hint that he was over some type of influence. When Crow touched the Elder he got a vision of the Elder Tree radiation power but the power was corrupted by a sickly green infection. In a misguided attempt to help the Elder, Crow slit his wrist imitating a Blood Magic Ritual he observed on Torath Ka. This made the dark energy pulse and grow and only with the help of his two friends was he able to push back this darkness and dispel the infection of the Elder.

With the Elder cured and revitalized they found out that a darkness has been slowing growing in the Elder Tree and affecting the Heartwood (source of power) for several years. It has gotten worse and affected the Elders mind. The Elder told him he had to go into the Heartwood and purge the Infection and free the Tree.

Crow and friends enter the Heartwood and fight Infections Oozes, deadly molds, and plant monsters. While exploring Crow finds a pulsing seedpod and carries it with him.

The Crew finds themselves in the Heartwood which is totally infected by a huge black/green mass that is draining the trees entity. This mass is huge with several tentacles and is breeding Infections Oozes through disgusting orifices. The Infection is being protected by corrupted Dryads and the battle to kill the beast is intense. At their darkest hour Golodir and Etlin rush in to help push the Oozes back. This frees up Crow to make a final strike against the pulsing Infection and eradicate the plague.

After the battle the Heartwood gives Crow the option to join the Shiani (Grove Protectors) and he learns his true Atani name is Kadian. Kadian accepts and gains the Spirit of the Heardwood forever changing who he is.

Captain Laim

Captain’s Log,

 

Crow has always been a lad of extremes.  As a youth, it’s no real surprise.  It’s the way of the young to live with reckless passion.  Friendships, enemies, even life itself are things he does in full measure.  Aye, more than full measure in most cases.  He saw Captain Abrams as a father and tried harder than most natural sons to win and keep his favor.  He argued for stealing a ship from pirates in Brigandy Bay with a burning passion.  On old Stumpy’s treasure island he just couldn’t leave that little magic head alone, so I had to take it from him.  Only the good Lord knows what would have come of the lad’s meddling.  When the undead beast came after us, Crow jumped from a tree onto it’s back like some half crazed lunatic.

I don’t think it’s lunacy that drives Crow, though.  Just willful undisciplined youth.  I’ve often found myself concerned for the wee lad.  Such unbridled passion ends in an early death more often than not, and Crow’s seemed almost impossible to keep in check.  Despite my best efforts.  But he’s not that Crow any more.  He’s not even Crow, in truth.

Aye, he’s the same person.  Full of passion and zeal with the same love for life.  Yet, after our crazed trek into the heart of a gigantic tree(this world never ceases to amaze), he’s no longer that wee lad.  Now I’d say he’s more a man than lad.  He’s found true purpose, a connection to his people, and his true name; Kadian.  The tree itself, which I gather to be some kind of god for his kind, has dubbed him a Shiani.  Where Crow once stood reckless and undisciplined, now stands Kadian.  A champion of his people and a young man I’m proud to call friend.

Captain Liam McCormic

Trouble in Jomba Town Part 2

Characters:

• Mordecai
• Liam
• Daxon
• Bracus

Date: 7-19-15

XP: 2

Recap:

The crew continued on the Ghost Trail, briefly stopping at Calib’s Rock to weather a storm. While waiting the storm out they met a local drunk named Owen McDougal which regaled many tall tales but also told his story of finding a strange pit in the jungle. He swears there is pirate gold below but none of the locals believe him. Not wanting to waste time on a local drunkard’s tale the group continued down the ‘Trail.

Reaching Tuck they bought and sold some produce and Daxson stumbled upon “The Clockwork House” run by Joshua Goldstein. He happened to be trying to produce a working Chronometer here in Caribdus and was amazed by the quality and rarity of Daxson’s chronometer he had been carrying around. He sought Daxson’s helps calibrating by gathering sunset, noon, and sunrise measurements and bringing these back to Joshua.

On the last leg of their journey the crew is finally approaching Caresia and are waylaid by a group of strange people with very distinctive tattoo markings covering their body. They heard the Crew was asking questions about Ian and wanted to see the reason. The Crew is surprised to learn that Jomba had a son and even more surprised to see he is a huge Graul name Eti. Eti, who is covered in Maori tattoos, told them the tale of how Jomba saved Eti while whaling and adopted him. He also told of how kind Jomba had founded the free “Jomba Town” and how his father was killed and those closest to him scattered by the new Council. The group now fights for the freedom of slaves and hope one day to take Jomba town back. They call themselves the Kaumatau (elder in Maori) and follow Jombas culterate herititate a sign of respect and independence. Eti pledged to help take down Ian and tells the Crew they he frequents the “One-Eyed Jax” (seedy Tavern).

Heading into Caresia and directly to the tavern, Liam decides to boldly proclaim he is looking for Ian and a bar fight shortly follows. After mopping up resistance the Crew finds out that Ian, when in town, stays at a brothel called “The Rusty Nail”. Using subterfuge they find out that Ian isn’t present but is right hand man Gorgio is.

Easily catching Gorgio with his pants down, they question him and discover Ians’ hidden encampment and details of his slave trade. Ian has setup a deal with the Kieran Empire to supply “prisoners” to work in the slave mines. He has forged documents showing these pour souls arrest and “legally” supplies these prisoners to the Kieran Empire to work in the Croaker Mines. Gorgio also gives the Crew a plan of the base and location.

Mordecai, who normally quiet, is enraged by the slavers careless disregard for life and sentences him to death. Much to the surprise of the group he offers him absolution for his sins and declares his life is forfeit. Gorgio leaps for his weapon and Mordecia easily slays him.

The Crew now is making plans on the assault on Ian’s strong hold.

Brachus

This road from Jomba Town seems to never end. While I don’t question our decision to investigate the mysteries of this trail, especially with a $2,500 reward on the line, I do question leaving 3 holds of food on our boat with our crew. I’m going to try and make up some of this lost cash along the way… although that food may rot before we can sell any of it.
I was able to sell off our load of sugar cane and purchase a load of fruit. So far, we’re up $75 and if I can manage to sell this load for a profit, we should see our original investment double. At least it’s giving me something to do while we investigate this road.

Day 2:
Damn this fruit. Nobody wants it. It appears that a shipment of the stuff arrived at port the same day as we did, and the price is terrible. I fear I may be taking a loss on this load, but perhaps if I can piece it out along the way, we can at least break even.
Some people are so touchy about it too… “You dare ask me if I want to buy fruit at a time like this?” Of course I do, you idiot. I carved the heart out of a zombie dinosaur, do you really want a piece of this? I want to sell you fruit!
That’s what I thought.
Some battles happened, but I don’t make money from fighting… I need to sell this fruit.
If we stay on dry land much longer, I suspect I’ll be cured of my seasickness, so it’s not all bad.

Daxson

I do not like Jomba Town. Really it is the people that I do not like. Actually it is just the people in charge of Jomba Town. The town itself is actually quite nice. It is in a great location, mostly sheltered from storms, pretty much impossible to assualt from sea, and if what Equias says is true about the seas continuing to rise, it will be one of the last places to flood. But that council seemed like bad news from our very first encounter with them. They have dirty hands, and I doubt we have had our last dealing with them.

I had no idea that the town of Tuck would bring me such good fortune. I do not know why Mr. Joshua Goldstein chose that little town to open his Clockwork House, but I am glad to have stumbled upon it. I have carried Fletcher Christian’s clock with me everywhere I went for the last eight years because I knew it had to be special even though I could not make it work. Mr. Joshua said it is a marine chronometer that ship captains can use for very perfect navigation, but it does not work here because it is from Earth. He says he can make it work if we get him some measurements, but I was reluctant to part with my clock and leave it for him repair. It has been with me for a long time now and I feel it is important. I will hand it over to him when we return with his measurements. That is, if we return. I have not even told Captain Liam about this little treasure of mine and these measurements will require some sailing, a lot of sailing. I do wonder if Equias could help us make the recordings though. Brachus seemed very interested in doing business with Mr. Joshua. I will trust his judgement on that arrangement, but if we can make good money that way, I feel it would be better than transporting illegal goods or chasing ghosts and murderers.

For now our ghost chase continues. When Eti’s men stopped us on the trail, I feared they worked for Ian O’Connell. I am not sure we would have won a fight against them with their men in the woods getting the drop on us. My heart broke to witness Eti’s pain when we told him of Jomba’s fate and our encounter on the trail. I have known that kind of sorrow.

He and his men may be able to help us set this situation to right. I feel that it has become more than a job to us, except maybe to the crab. But better that, as the more we learn about this rotten business, the more I feel we are unlikely to be paid. This business is more rotten than the crab’s cart of fruit. heh heh heh

Ian’s trail led us to Caresia. I had hopes we had finally caught up to him at the Rusty Nail, but instead we found his second in command and more trouble than we have ever had before. That is saying a lot. Basically… we are murderers now. I mean, he was a bad guy. But yeah, we are bad guy murderers. I had no idea the wind mage had it in him. We have really swam into the net this time.

Liam

Captains Log

Oh, how I miss my boat. Or our boat rather. I have to remind myself that she belongs to each of us in equal measure. At least when it comes to deciding where to go, what jobs to take, and how we split the profits. But not a man on board knows her as I do. Or the sea for that matter. Hah. Most every sailor I’ve met takes one or two women on almost every island they visit as a mistress. My ship and the sea are mine in this alien world, just as they were on earth. It is a different ship than before, to be sure, but I still love her. As I will my next one. Hm. Maybe it’s more what she represents than the ship itself. Regardless, I’m anxious to return to sea. If not for the situation in Jamba Town, I’d have already voted to head back. These council members, though, are being revealed more and more to be tyrants to the core. After having fought to be free of one myself, I’ll not turn my back on others who seek the same. To that end I push forward and now make plans to assault a makeshift fort. I sure hope someone in our group knows something about such fights, because I know little of engagements on land. Luckily, a gun kills just as well on land as on see. So I can still do my part.

Now, I’ve heard it said that throughout a mans life come various moments that will forever define us. I believe that Mordecai just had such a moment. Before my eyes…before all of our eyes, he unleashed his vengeful furry on a captured slaver and spilled his guts all over the floor. I never doubted his ability or willingness to kill when necessary. This, while understandable given his past enslavement, wasn’t particularly necessary. I just hope it isn’t the beginning of a dark path for him. I’ve come to respect both his and Rodrigo’s dedication to the faith. Seeing Mordecai stray down a dark path would be a terrible thing.

Here’s hoping we can wrap up our business here soon.

Captian Liam McCormic

Trouble in Jomba Town: Part 1

Characters:

• Mordecai
• Liam
• Rodrigo
• Daxon
• Barchus

Date: 6-20-15

XP: 2

Recap:

Trying to make a milk run the Crew decided to head to Jomba Town for a quick cargo run.

While there they discovered that the Ghost Trail, a inland trade route connecting Jomba to Calibs Rock and Tuck. The Ghost Trail has been haunted for some time, but recently people have wound up dead and the Crew managed to get a bounty raised for its resolution. While exploring Jomba, the Crew managed to make some enemies with the one of the many corrupt Councilor’s. This pompous Swede was upset that Rodrigo was providing free food and healing services. After a short scrap with the Swede’s hired thugs Liam and Daxson managed to convince the thugs to leave Rodrigo alone.

Hitting the Ghost Trail the Crew investigating the recently deceased and interviewing the families they discovered a connection: Only people that were killed had red hair. The attacks always came at nightfall to those with red hair.

Setting up a trap for the killer ghost, Liam dyed his hair red and waited till sundown. Hearing a haunting sea shanty the ghost of Jomba himself appeared and attacked the group. With the quick thinking of the Mages they were able to bind Jomba in the mortal realm and reason with him. He divulged that an Irish slaver named Ian O’Connel killed him to get him “out of the way” and he was cursed to attack any redheads on the trail. He didn’t know the damage he caused but was mindless in his ghostly form. The body of Ian must be laid on the road to release Jumba from his torture.

Armed with the information the Crew is now gearing up for manhunt.

Liam

Captain’s log,

I find myself, for the first time in a long while, at a lose regarding what to make note of.

In coming here, I survived the unsurvivable. I watched men I knew and commanded, men who trusted me, drown or get eaten by some unknown sea monster. Since arriving, I’ve been ship wreck twice and lost at sea in equal measure. I’ve seen blood sacrifices summon an abomination. A monster tried to eat me and we’re now fighting our SECOND ghost.

The crew believes me fearless and ever confident. Unmoved by these horrors and trials we face. And right they should. But I must confess, it is by no small effort. If truth be told, to see such nightmares given life has shaken me to my core and brought into question all I believed true about reality. If the crew were to ever learn this. Well, losing faith in ones captain can and will be the death of a crew and I’ll be damned if I let that happen. These men – Crow, Mordecai, Rodrigo, Daxson, Brachus, John, Mongrel, Miguel, Cara, Cais, and Equais – are my crew, my Caribdus family. Even if it cost me my life, they will have a captain they can trust and depend on. I only hope and pray none of us end up cursed to roam this world as a lost and vengeful soul like poor Jomba.

Captain Liam McCormic.

Daxson

All we wanted was a bigger boat.  The higher pay of this job to hike down the ghost trail from Jomba Town seemed like the best way to get there, but I wonder if it would have been quicker to just make the milk runs as the priest calls them. He is an interesting guy. Every time we port he disappears and we never see him til it is time to leave. I have been wondering what he could be up to so I tagged along this time. It seems he has been feeding and healing people. All kinds of people. Anyone. I do not understand what he is up to or what purpose this serves. Though many people appreciate the free meal or the healing, it seems to stir up trouble too. I must keep an eye on this priest and determine what his end game is.

Calling Redbeard Rufus..

Characters:

• Mordecai
• Liam
• Rodrigo
• Daxon

Date: 5-30-15

XP: 3

Recap:

Shortly after leaving Stumpy Pete’s “Island of Death” with a cargo loot the ship encountered a terrible storm. While in the storm Crow spotted a battered Galleon rising out of the water and heading straight towards them, seemingly not affected by the raging storm. The Galleon pulled along side of the ship and lowered two gangplanks. Standing on the deck and glaring at the crew was none other than the dread ghost pirate Redbeard Rufus. Hearing shouts but seeing no pirates the Crew prepared themselves. Rushing over the gangplanks and appearing out of thin air ghostly pirates started attacking the the Crew. Over the din the Heros heard Redboard yell “Find whats mine and then sink the ship”

Heroically the Crew was able to repel the invaders taking advantage of the Mages elemental ranged attacks at Redbeard and giving them time to escape. This lead to a chase at sea with the ghost ship following and Daxon nearly being washed overboard. After a long sea battle and expert piloting the ship was about to out pace the Galleon and make for a safe Harbor in New Madrid.

While in New Madrid resting Rodrigo and Daxon spend time trying to find some answers about Redbeard. They discover that he was a horrible pirate that murdered, pillaged and ravaged across the lands until finally captured by the Kieran fleet. It was said he wore a golden triangle on his neck and when they tried to hang him he would not die. So the ended up cutting his head off and both his head and triangle tumbled into the sea. It is rumored he has a massive horde of treasure somewhere and he roams the seas looking for his lost. His final words in life was a curse upon himself that he will never rest until he recovered his lost loot.

Rodrigo

Dearest Abuela,

Today my heart soars, so I intend to rhyme,

The Poem of the Sad Ghost Pirate

A ruthless ghost pirate sailed out of the mist,
a magical triangle his crew did insist,
he wouldn’t take nay,
he wouldn’t back down,
he sent all his men,
we marked them to slay.

He called out his name, Rufus Red Beard!
as if by the name we would be afraid,
But he made a great error,
he attacked us before,
he was able to know,
that this crew has God’s favor.

His ghosts were defeated and the specters undone,
Even Rufus was touched, and our day clearly won.
With fist in the air
and a hearty heavy ho,
we departed the thief,
none worse for the wear.

Daxson

Captain Liam showed a great deal of confidence in me to stand in his stead as we left the island. He was in no shape as they dragged him aboard. He was right cavalier about the whole incident but to hear the priest tell it, Liam near died out there. They may all have bought it had it not been for the crab. I refrained from telling anyone so. No need and besides, they recovered old Stumpy’s treasure and came through it like we always do – by the skin of our teeth but still standing tall. I do wonder what more they may have brought aboard with all that gold – curses, bad omens, and the sea hags know what else.

We made quick time away from the cursed island. The wind mage once again coaxed more knots from our modest vessel than I would ever thought possible. Was I too proud at the helm as we plowed through fair seas? Surely Captain Liam would not have missed the signs that a storm was brewing, but it overtook my vigilance with unnatural speed. I lashed myself to the wheel and began barking orders to the crew. If the boys doubted me, they did not show it.

The CROW was the first to spot the ghost ship. I swear the waves did not touch her, and not a soul was on board save for the captain. The visitors did not know what to make of him, but every child of Caribdus has heard the bedtime stories of Rufus Redbeard. As ruthless as they come, and he did not disappoint. The crew could barely man their stations before the ghost ship was upon us. Try as I did to maneuver away, the massive ship mirrored every move and loomed over us. This crew has been through some tight spots, but I knew we would not come through this without a miracle.

That miracle shook off a gaping head wound and took the wheel from my hands. One look into his eyes and I stood aside for The Captain. He has a way with the ship and the waves, and the men respond to his commands like no other. What he did in the middle of that storm with Hell’s Galleon bearing down on us cannot be described. Even so, they boarded us. Undead pirates bent on claiming something from the treasure we took. They would not have it this day. I will not call this crew ragtag ever again. Though we are still unknown, our reputation grows.

Spirits were high after defeating the legendary Redbeard, but no one would deny being relieved once we made port back in New Madrid. I was able to meet up with Gop and trade for some information about the golden triangle that was among Stumpy’s treasure. Apparently it once belonged to Rufus Redbeard and he is cursed to roam the afterlife in search of it. I really do not want to end up as another ghost tale told to scare children.

Liam

Captain’s Log,

That monster left me with a ripe ol’headache. So when we returned to the ship I gave the helm to Daxson and went to me cabin to sleep some of it off. I would have given anything for glass of good scotch, but the drink is a rare thing here in Caribdus.

I was sleepin like a baby that’s been sipping on granddaddy’s brew when I woke to a flurry of noise and activity on the deck. I could tell we were in the midst of a storm, but storms have never bother me. It was the nature of the commotion. It wasn’t the norm for a wee storm. So I threw me boots on and came out to see what the bloody hell was going on.

Turns out we were being chased by some banged up ship. It was a strange sight, to be sure. She cut through the water like something possessed and was gaining on us fast. I ran up to the wheel to take charge and put some distance between us and that ghost ship. Lady luck wasn’t with me and the hellish ship caught up to us. The only sole on board was a lone fella that had to be the captain. And the bastard wasn’t steering. Nope. The ship just knew it’s coarse. Like it was alive, itself. I’ll never admit it to the crew, cause they’ve got to have faith in their captain, but the sight gave me chills down to me very bones.

When it pulled up next to us and dropped planks, I couldn’t believe what I saw. An entire crew of men started appearing out of thin air as they rushed aboard. Everyone kept their heads, focused on their task, and we broke free. It was easy enough to lose the bloody thing after that.

The crew performed admirably. I’d say they deserve a round a drinks on me at the next tavern. And to have their deeds officially recorded.

Mordecai and Rodrigo gave that ghostly captain more than he bargained for. I’ll never forget the look on his face when they unleashed the full force of their gifts on him and his. For men of the cloth, they pack quite a punch. In some ways, they remind me of some of the clergymen that joined the revolution. Kind hearted souls as gentle as a kitten until you cross the line. Then they’re all fire and brimstone and full of piss and vinegar.

Daxson danced all about the melee and sent more of those spawns of hell into the drink than most men would’ve. Before it all started, he handled the Abrams well during the storm. He consistently proves to have been a wise choice for 1st mate. I’ll need to have him work on his footing, though. The poor lad fell over board at one point and I thought we’d lost him. He managed to grab a rope at the last minute and saved himself. That lad has more lives than a cat.

Old Captian Redbeard, Daxson filled me in on who that ghost was, had the wind knocked out of his sails this day. I doubt this’ll be the last time we the bastard.

Captain Liam