Cursed Shores: A Wavebreak Mystery. DM Guide Plot in Ferillia | World Anvil
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Cursed Shores: A Wavebreak Mystery. DM Guide

As the warm summer sun begins its descent, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, the atmosphere at The Salty Mermaid Inn takes on a tranquil yet mysterious quality. The air is damp with the light fog that rolls in from the northern sea, enveloping the coastal village of Wavebreak in a soft, ethereal mist. The scent of salt and seaweed hangs in the air, mingling with the earthy fragrance of the nearby cliffs and jungle. Against the backdrop of the fading light, the rhythmic sound of waves breaking on the beach echoes through the open windows of the inn, a constant reminder of the village's symbiotic relationship with the sea. The sea stretches unwary and vast to the horizon, its surface shimmering with the promise of hidden depths and untold mysteries. In the distance, dark clouds gather, hinting at the possibility of an approaching storm.   Inside The Salty Mermaid Inn, the atmosphere is alive with the murmurs of conversation and the clinking of tankards as local fishermen and lords gather for an informal town hall meeting. They discuss the troubling reports of missing fishing boats and villagers who have vanished without a trace, leaving behind only enigmatic logs indicating their departure on nonexistent vessels.   Amidst the discussions, whispers of a foreboding presence lingering in the depths of the jungle emerge, centered around the old ruined temple shrouded in mystery. Rumors abound of strange chants emanating from its depths, prompting uneasy speculation among the villagers. Orders have been issued to send guards to investigate, yet uncertainty lingers as to whether they have truly ventured into the jungle's heart.   As the evening progresses, the light rain begins to fall, casting a soothing rhythm against the windows of The Salty Mermaid Inn. The flickering glow of lanterns casts long shadows across the wooden tables, illuminating the faces of those gathered as they grapple with the unsettling mysteries that haunt their coastal haven. In the embrace of the warm summer night, Wavebreak's secrets linger, waiting to be unveiled beneath the veil of mist and moonlight.

Plot points/Scenes

Arrival at the docks.
As the visitor arrives at the docks of Wavebreak, they are greeted by the rhythmic sound of rain tapping against the wooden planks, creating a soothing melody amidst the impending storm. The air is heavy with moisture, and the fog, now denser, wraps around the town like a mysterious cloak. Despite the weather, the docks bustle with activity as fishermen unload their day's catch, their weathered faces bearing the marks of resilience against the elements. Seagulls wheel and cry overhead, adding to the lively atmosphere despite the impending rain.   Walking through the town, the visitor passes by a small market where vendors hastily pack their wares under makeshift shelters, their colorful displays contrasting against the gray skies. The clang of metal emanates from the nearby smithy, where the blacksmith toils over his forge, undeterred by the rain.   Nearby, the general stores bustle with customers seeking refuge from the downpour, their shelves stocked with provisions for both sea and land. The scent of herbs wafts from the apothecary, mingling with the earthy aroma of wet wood and saltwater.   The two inns stand as beacons of warmth and shelter, their inviting glow promising respite from the storm. Inside, locals gather to seek solace in good company and hearty fare, their laughter and chatter rising above the sound of raindrops.   Further down the street, the small town hall stands solemnly, its doors open to those seeking refuge or guidance in troubled times. Nearby, the rhythmic hum of the mill and sawmill persists, a testament to the town's industrious spirit even in the face of nature's wrath.   As the visitor navigates through the town, the waves grow more restless, crashing against the shore with increasing fervor. The chill wind carries whispers of anticipation, hinting at mysteries lurking beneath the surface of this coastal haven.

  At the Inn
As the visitor steps into the Salty Mermaid Inn, they are enveloped by an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue, perfectly suited to the dark fantasy setting of Wavebreak. The interior of the inn is dimly lit by flickering oil lamps, casting eerie shadows that dance across the weathered wooden walls.
The air is thick with the scent of salt and sea spray, mingling with the warm aroma of hearth-cooked meals and aged spirits. The low hum of conversation fills the room, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter or hushed whispers exchanged between patrons.

The furnishings are rustic yet comfortable, with sturdy wooden tables and chairs arranged throughout the spacious common room. Tattered nautical charts adorn the walls, alongside faded paintings of ships lost at sea and mythical creatures lurking beneath the waves.
  In one corner, a group of weather-beaten fishermen huddle together, their voices rising above the din as they regale each other with tales of harrowing voyages and legendary sea monsters. At the bar, the innkeeper, a grizzled old sailor with a patch over one eye, nods in greeting as he pours drinks for thirsty travelers.

Despite the warmth of the hearth, a chill seems to linger in the air, casting a sense of foreboding over the proceedings. The flickering candlelight casts long shadows that seem to stretch and contort with each passing moment, hinting at unseen forces lurking just beyond the veil of darkness.

As the visitor settles into their surroundings, they can't shake the feeling that they are being watched, as if the very walls of the inn hold secrets waiting to be uncovered. In the distance, the sound of waves crashing against the shore serves as a constant reminder of the untamed power of the sea, and the mysteries that lie hidden beneath its depths.

  Prepp before quest begins
Let the adventurers explore the town of Wavebreak and load up on potions, spell components and rations from the stores and traders in the town. There is a few general stores, two apotecharies, 3 smithies, a fishing store, several food vendors and a surfboard shop.

  Leaving the town
  As the adventurers prepare to depart from the bustling town of Wavebreak, they encounter an unexpected figure just beyond the town gates. 
Standing there, a pale-skinned old dark elf catches their attention, his form adorned with a peculiar (fake) beard and a flowing dark blue robe that billows gently in the breeze. A pointed hat crowns his head, adding an air of mystique to his presence.
In one hand, he wields a sturdy quarterstaff, while in the other, he carries a gleaming machete, its blade reflecting the sunlight.


Approaching the adventurers with a solemn yet determined expression, the dark elf introduces himself as a wizard in search of a lost relic hidden deep within the jungle.
His voice carries a sense of urgency, tempered by a hint of mystery. 
With an offer of mutual benefit, he proposes to accompany the party on their journey, offering his magical expertise and knowledge of the jungle's secrets in exchange for their aid in locating the elusive artifact. 
For their assistance, he pledges to reward them handsomely, either with a cache of gold and precious gems or through other means of assistance yet to be revealed    

Traveling throught the jungle with the wizard
As the adventurers venture deeper into the dense and treacherous jungle, the path ahead unfolds into a labyrinth of towering trees, tangled vines, and looming shadows. Every step is fraught with peril, every rustle in the underbrush a potential threat lurking in the dense foliage.
However, if the party accepted the wizard's offer to join them on their quest, his presence proves invaluable amidst the oppressive wilderness. With a wave of his hand and the incantation of ancient words, he channels his magical prowess to ease their passage through the untamed jungle. The wizard's mastery over arcane forces becomes apparent as he clears obstructive foliage with a mere gesture, opening pathways where none seemed to exist before.

In moments of rest, as the weary travelers seek solace from the rigors of their journey, the wizard conjures forth his mystical hut, a sanctuary amidst the wilderness. Within its shimmering confines, they find respite from the oppressive heat and oppressive canopy above. The air is filled with the comforting aroma of herbs and spices, and the wizard graciously offers food and drink to nourish their bodies and spirits.

Under the wizard's guidance, the party traverses the jungle with greater speed and efficiency, the obstacles of the wilderness seemingly bending to his will. Yet, even with his aid, the dangers of the jungle remain ever-present, a constant reminder of the perils that lurk within its shadowed depths.

Journey Without the Wizard:
Denied the aid of the enigmatic wizard, the party embarks on their journey through the unforgiving jungle with trepidation and uncertainty weighing heavy upon their shoulders. The dense foliage looms ominously overhead, casting long shadows that seem to writhe and twist with each passing moment.

Without the wizard's magical assistance, the path ahead grows increasingly treacherous, obscured by tangled vines and gnarled roots that claw at the adventurers' weary feet. Progress is slow and arduous, every step a struggle against the relentless encroachment of the jungle's oppressive embrace.

As the party presses onward, they find fewer places of respite amidst the dense foliage. The jungle offers no refuge from its suffocating grip, leaving the adventurers to fend for themselves against the myriad dangers that lurk within its shadowed depths.

With each passing day, the jungle seems to close in around them, its twisted labyrinth of foliage and undergrowth conspiring to confound their every effort to navigate its maze-like passages. The air hangs heavy with the stifling humidity of the jungle, sapping their strength and resolve with each labored breath.

Denied the wizard's aid, the journey through the jungle becomes a harrowing test of endurance and survival, with each new obstacle serving as a grim reminder of the perils that await those who dare to venture into the heart of the untamed wilderness.

The junge trail and waterfall
As the adventurers press forward along the winding jungle trail, the cacophony of nature's symphony grows louder, punctuated by the thunderous roar of cascading water.
Ahead, the verdant canopy parts, revealing a breathtaking sight: a majestic waterfall, its crystalline torrents plunging into a frothy pool below.
Yet, amidst the tranquil beauty of the waterfall lies a grim reminder of the jungle's unforgiving nature.
A weathered skeleton sprawls beside the path, its bleached bones testament to the perils that lurk within the depths of the jungle. Beside the skeleton rests a moss-covered backpack, its worn exterior hinting at untold journeys and forgotten dreams.

  As the adventurers approach, the air thick with anticipation, the jungle seems to hold its breath, as if awaiting their next move.
The sound of rushing water fills the air, mingling with the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of hidden creatures. With the skeleton and its silent guardian standing as a silent sentinel, the adventurers must decide their next course of action amidst the tranquil yet perilous beauty of the jungle waterfall.
Wavebreak jungle
Geographic Location | Mar 7, 2024
 
  Behind the waterfall
Concealed behind the ceaseless curtain of cascading water, a hidden sanctuary awaits those brave enough to venture into its depths. As the adventurers penetrate the watery veil, they enter a realm untouched by time, where the relentless roar of the waterfall fades into a gentle murmur.
Within this clandestine chamber, hewn from the living rock, ethereal light dances upon the damp walls, cast by clusters of bioluminescent fungi that thrive in the dampness. Their soft glow illuminates an ancient altar, weathered by the ages and adorned with intricate carvings that tell tales of forgotten rituals and mystic rites.

At the heart of the chamber, bathed in the soft luminescence, lies the object of their quest—a relic of unimaginable power. An ornate chalice, fashioned from gleaming crystal, rests upon the altar, its surface pulsating with an otherworldly aura. Within its depths, arcane energies ebb and flow, whispering secrets of forgotten magics and untold mysteries, beckoning the adventurers to unlock its hidden potential.
  The ruined temple
  As the party draws closer to their destination, the dense foliage parts to reveal the looming silhouette of the old vine-covered temple.
From within its ancient walls, faint echoes of a haunting chant drift on the humid jungle air, a spectral melody that seems to beckon and repel in equal measure.
The voices, barely discernible amidst the cacophony of jungle sounds, carry an otherworldly cadence, stirring primal instincts and igniting a sense of foreboding in the hearts of the adventurers. With each step closer to the temple's threshold, the chant grows louder, its ethereal resonance promising secrets long forgotten and perils yet unknown.
 
Ruined temple of Umberlee
Building / Landmark | Mar 7, 2024
  Aftermath After the intense battle against the sahuagin fish-people and the liberation of the captured fishermen from their cages, a palpable tension fills the air like a thick fog.
As the echoes of combat fade, the two previously imprisoned fishermen, their eyes wide with terror, suddenly begin to scream incoherently about haunting voices.
Ignoring all attempts at comfort or restraint, they break free and dash frantically into the jungle's embrace, their panicked cries fading into the verdant depths as swiftly as they vanished. The jungle's ominous silence swallows their distressing wails, leaving the party to ponder the mysteries that lurk within the ancient temple's shadowy confines.

Components

Goals

Find the missing fishermen The adventurers embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the disappearances of the fishermen. They must gather clues from the townsfolk, investigate the docks where the missing boats were last seen, and explore the rugged coastline for any signs of wreckage or unusual activity.   Stop the ritual and As the adventurers delve deeper into the mystery, they learn of a sinister ritual taking place within the ruined temple. To thwart the cult's plans, they must navigate treacherous terrain, overcome deadly traps, and confront the dark forces that dwell within the temple's depths. Time is of the essence, as failure to stop the ritual could unleash untold horrors upon Wavebreak and its inhabitants.   expose the secret cult of Sahuagin Uncovering the true nature of the cult requires the adventurers to infiltrate its ranks, gather evidence of its activities, and confront its leaders. Along the way, they must navigate a web of deception and betrayal, earning the trust of unlikely allies while avoiding the watchful eyes of the cult's agents. Exposing the cult's secrets will require courage, cunning, and a willingness to confront the darkest aspects of Wavebreak's hidden past.

Relations

Adversaries

sahuagin

Backdrops

Threats

sahuagin cultits, traps, jungle animals, carnevorous plants

Encounters

Arriving at the docks a texcollector will record any new travelers and recover some tax based on the background.

A tollcollector (a dwarwen male with a brown dreadlock beard) demands 5G in tax for entering the town. Roll for [_____] dc 10 for lowered fee, DC 5 for small quest to deliver a message to a female Tortle at the Inn that payes 2 G.

  Marketplace:
vendors may haggle for wares, PC may investigate what items are avaleble at the market.
Drunken fisherman - A local drunk aproch the party and tell them to leave the island before something happends to them and may fight them or get taken away by the guards. (If the guards take him, the party may encounter the corpse of the drunk later, having been drowned on dry land.

At the tavern:

Pasive Perception 17: You hear murmers of missing friends from the large table of local fishermen
Active Perception roll 15: You can hear an rough human of the fisherman talking about that they were attacked by some kind of fish-men while they were out on the sea.
Anotother male, an elven fisherman with a captains hat said that he lost atleast 7 men this mounth and that he can't afford to buy more protection for his crew.


Near the fireplace stands a wooden table with some chairs and stools around it with a older pale human sea captain with blue coat smoking a pipe stairing in to the fire.
He will pay handsomely to anyone who can shearch the ruined temple in the jungle for some missing crewmen of his that he saw got taken a last night while they where nearing the shore north of the town.

Enter the wild:
The jungle hosts many threaths, like traps,

Meeting the wizard - A wizard will ask the party to aid him in recovering a stolen tome and a large magical pearl. In return he will offer his services.
Plot type
Action Thriller, Plot introduction, worldbuilding

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