Session 37 - Discounts and Disaster

General Summary

9 Erastus (July), 4725

Departure from Caliphas

The Wavestone departed from Caliphas under the command of Captain Mira Valen. However, the voyage began with challenges due to a shortage of crew members—several of whom failed to report for duty before departure. Captain Mira, a longtime friend of Coach Ekalim Smallcask, had arranged discounted accommodations for the Ruinlords as a favor. In return, when Ekalim learned of the crew shortage, he volunteered the Ruinlords to assist. Cal offered his experience as a sailor to help the undermanned crew, while Dunner and Alfie trained with Tower, the half-orc cleric of Kurgess and bodyguard of professional fighter and upstart Pake Jaul, honing their combat abilities in preparation for the Champion’s Games. Meanwhile, Ekalim spent most of his time gambling in the ship’s casino, and Vaz’non enjoyed the lush accommodations of his private room.

Passengers and Dynamics

Among the passengers was Lord Grath Olmec, a Chelish nobleman and avid fan of gladiatorial combat. Having witnessed the Ruinlords’ battle in the Crimson Cage, he eagerly boarded the Wavestone to attend the Champion's Games in Tymon. His enthusiasm for combat was genuine, and his crates of “valuable heirlooms” drew some curiosity, though there was no evidence of anything sinister. Lady Valeria Everwyn traveled aboard the ship to sponsor her chosen gladiator, Pake Jaul, the "Problem Spawn." Brash and arrogant, Pake made an immediate impression on the passengers with his bold proclamations about his inevitable victory in the Champion’s Games. His entourage included a stoic trainer and cleric of Kurgess and a bard who seemed eager to amplify his boasts with musical flair. Their presence ensured there was never a dull moment aboard the Wavestone.

Razmiran Patrol

On the third day, a Razmiran patrol ship intercepted the Wavestone, signaling their intent to board and inspect for contraband. The heroes remained on high alert, prepared for combat should the situation escalate. During the inspection, Cal noticed a tattoo on one of the soldiers, marking him as a member of the Ebon Triad. The patrol eventually left without incident, but the discovery left the Ruinlords uneasy. Later that evening, Lord Grath Olmec approached Tike Myson with a proposition. He expressed interest in discussing a business opportunity with the Ruinlords and invited them to meet him on the deck the following night to hear the details.

The Ambush

The Ebon Triad revealed their hand on the eve of the fourth day when Lord Grath Olmec and his assistant met with the Ruinlords on the deck. As they spoke, Olmec’s entourage emerged from the shadows, catching the party off-guard. With a confident smile, Olmec declared that the upcoming Champion’s Games would be the greatest, but the Ruinlords would not live to see them.

Notes

Cal had a familiarity with the nobles of Caliphas and the surrounding region, but he had never heard of Lord Olmec. Now he knew why.
Lady Everwyn is a political beast, looking to forge relationships with people of power through shared interests.

Campaign

Age of Worms

Protagonists