Winedark, Chapter Twelve
General Summary
Wherein our heroes thwart piratic intentions, grapple with difficult choices at sea, and experience the hospitality of the Kevin-Kevins
To Kattagari
With their destination of Kattagari settled, it became time to depart Awa Harbor. Captain Pitch paid the crew and set about making sure the VastBlaster is ship shape. Kharlo decided to take some time and find the choicest cooking ingredients to keep his crew happy. He stumbled upon a cache of Bragaki Shore Truffles and bought the lot. Score! Then, The Vast called and the Vastblasters answered. The voyage to Luu and to Kattagari started peacefully enough. Kharlo Chondricht even found a magic anchor. The Vast provides.A Question of Pirates
Alas, this peaceful journey was not to last. Rumors of increased pirate activity proved to be true, as the VastBlaster and its stalwart crew were attacked in the dead of night by none other than Tvelkcup and the mutinous Captain Firkus. Quick was the word and sharp was the action as navel combat commenced. Cannon fire was traded, and Irk brought the lightning down upon the would-be pirates. Eventually, the ships drew side by side and it was time for close combat. Water, perhaps feeling particularly in-tune with their spirit, decimated the brigands while Kasula Neristina concentrated on healing those who needed it. It turns out that not many needed it, as swift work was made of the marauding Firkus and his pirates. Not everyone on the Tvelkcup, however, meant the Blasters harm. Many of the sailors were just that--simple sailors. Some were press-ganged into the crew, some blackmailed or suborned, some may have joined of their own free will. Regardless, the remaining crew huddled before our victors, as their fate was decided. Kharlo, Water, and Kasula attempted to persuade the captain that these unfortunates should be spared, as they would make a valuable asset to the crew. Ultimately, however, a ship is commanded by a captain. And Captain Pitch, citing the choices these individuals made to sign up with pirates as well as her own inability to trust them, cosigned them to the Vast. Or, rather, just not on the VastBlaster. So, de facto cosigned to the Vast. The crew's feelings about this were complicated, to say the least, and it made for tense sailing into Kattagari. Once there, Kharlo decided to get dead drunk. Kasula and Irk accompanied him to the Slippery Bell and tried to make sense of their captain's choice. It was not easy, and perhaps this isn't the last time this will come up. Dawn featured a somehow not hungover Kharlo (after many, many beers) and a trip to the Kevin-Kevin townhome--the purpose of their trip, after all.Convening with Kevin-Kevin
After a little bit of "big-timing," the Blasters met with Stavrik Kevin-Kevin to see what, exactly, he wants. It transpired that he wants the Blasters to treat with a dragon. Not just any dragon, but Avararos the Magma--a red dragon who has made their home in Rosepua, an active volcano considered a sacred site by many Bari. Stavrik has it on good authority that the "barb" of Instrument may well be among the dragon's treasure horde. Our heroes can certainly try to defeat Avararos, but it would probably be easier to try and trade with him. Dragons--even evil dragons--do like interesting treasures. So, Stavrik provided a hefty purse of 1000 gold coins to buy "interesting" things in the hopes of satisfactory commerce with a dragon. Water, rightly, questioned why Stavrik might help Otuna's Entry gain the barb rather than his home Isle's vessel competing in the Favor. It seems that Stavik, ever the progressive, is at odds with the more traditional Waterspeaker of Luu, Verkuth Darrik. The family Kevin-Kevin has long been secret allies with Loshi Saltbloom and this appears to be a continuation of that alliance. Intrigue! With their task now set--go to Rosepua, meet dragon, trade with dragon, don't get killed by dragon, and return--the Blasters set about making themselves ready to sail into the environs of an active volcano.And That's Where We Left It
We'll see how the Blasters deal with dragons during our next session.Various & Sundry Details
- Kasula is becoming increasingly concerned about the letter she wrote Zurdin Bammun. She hasn't heard from that charmed socialite. Yet.
- Also, Kasula "liberated" a firkin of grog from the doomed Tvelkcup, only to resist temptation and toss it overboard. She is Going Through It.
- Water got a sick obsidian stud installed in their nose. Rad.
Rewards Granted
Anchor of Seafaring
Character(s) interacted with
- Firkus, captain of the pirate ship Tvelkcup
- Stavrik Kevin-Kevin, patriarch of the family Kevin-Kevin, secret ally of Loshi Saltbloom
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