Shipwreck of the Sea Mephit

General Summary

Introduction

T
he Scattered Isles is a collection of small uninhabited islands near Wildcross Harbor. Merchant ships often navigate the waters between Wildcross ferrying goods to and from . The journeys are usually peaceful, although occasionally pirates do harass ships that stray too far from the normal shipping lanes. The weather in the isles can be a tad unpredictable at times, and it’s not unheard of for a ship to go missing every now and then. This is part of what drives the cost of goods between the two port cities and makes the route such a profitable one. Many merchant ships also act as passenger vessels, turning excess storage and crew space into bunks for adventurers looking for quick and cheap transport across the sea. The Party finds themselves onboard one such ship, the Sea Mephit. It’s currently in the heart of The Scattered Isles making its way to Lustra first followed by Valhenge to the far south. No pirates have been seen, but there’s a hint of a storm brewing on the wind and things can take a bad turn rather quickly out here on the sea.

Party Banter

The party was hired by the ships captains to protect it from pirates. The ships will be heading firstly to Lustra and than Valhenge after. The Captain promised free room and board, along with a bonus for each pirate slain.
Frances stood on the deck. It was good. Sea spray, the rocking of the waves, and the smell of salt goodness. This was her home. All others just trespassed. "Where are these pirates!?"
Enri stayed alone in the other side of the deck...sometimes looking with her cold, emotionless eyes to scare off anyone that tried to talk to her. But in general, she held her gaze on the sea, focused and quiet. A small stone orbited about her head.
The halfling stood next to Frances, puffing on a pipe. Absurd amounts of brown-grey hair was sticking out from the collar of his shirt, coating the backs of his hands and the tops of his bare feet. It looks like he hadn't had the fuzzy hair that grows on the back of the neck trimmed in years, it was so thick and unkempt. The shadow of his facial hairline extended almost to the bottoms of his eyes, and plunged down his neck where it met with the hair sticking out of his collar. ”Whatcha anxious for the pirates for? Sure, we get a bit more coin if they show, but we're travelin' for free. Not many bloaks about that get to enjoy travelin' the sea, without the work, for no coin at all. Voyages like this for travelers often runs a pretty penny.” He says to Frances, between a particularly satisfying puff of smoke.
"Yes, small one. I didn't sign up for the voyage. Only one way to travel by sea. You've ever driven a chariot pulled by seahorse? It is exhilarating. And no, I came for the battle my short friend."
The halfling recoils as he disfigures his face in not-quite-offense. ”Hey, you don't see me pointing out that you're shorter than the humanfolk about here, do ya? Or that you have gills or scale-skin or webbing, do ya? Commentin' on my size. Phah! An' no, never been pulled by no seahorse. I'd bloody drown.”
”Battle? Oh there is sure to be battle. The question is; who among you will be next to die.” Out steps a large goliath covered with scarification and tattoos. ”I'll tell you all right now that if I can bring you back, I will; but if you turn, I'll kill you myself.”
Enri quietly looked at the group...and pointed her fingers, making a yes or no, depending on who she was pointing at (a yes for Amno and Onyx; a no for Frances).
The hairy halfling leers at the giant distastefully before inhaling slightly from his pipe. ”Well. At least you didn't comment on my size... What're you... some kinda creepy priest?”
”Yes, dear halfling. I am a cleric of Kelemvor, the true protector of life and death. The final judge of us all awaits and none shall escape his reach.” As Onyx turns his attention to Anmo, the symbol of Kalemvor flashes with magical energy across his shield. ”Don't worry though, I'm here to say if it's your time and that's not the case today.”
Seeing the odd group around talking...after already making a few estimates. Enri calmly walked in the group's direction, making little sound when she did... The girl-without-feelings looked up to the other members (and slight down to the halfling) saying nothing.
”Yeah, not sure how I feel about that. If you ever do say it's--” He uses his free, non-pipe-holding-hand to gesture air quotes, ”my time, then I think we'll have some issues. One thing if some kinda god says it, but a big giant man that'll be sticking around for a while?” He puffs on his pipe once. ”Not a fan.” He looks to Enri. ”Read us out, yet? What's your take? So far, I've got condescending gilly, unsettling giant, your quiet, silvery self, and my blabbering face.”
”Seems like a party.” Onyx says, smile at the halfling. ”I'm Onyx Ptolemaeus and know that when it's your time, it'll be well after I'm dead after you've turned.”
The halfling's eyes flash puzzlement. ”What's this 'turning' you keep speakin' of?”
”Any monster that tries to cheat the final judge his due by gaining immortality is an enemy off mine. This includes any and all undead as their existence is an affront to the scales by default.”
”You sayin' I'm gonna be dead but not dead?”
"I guess he is talking of undead like a... a lich." Enri quietly points out.
”Not if I have anything to say about it.” Onyx answers to Anmo before looking to Enri. ”Exactly. There are a few on the island who I've got my eyes on but I'll need to be stronger to take them on.”
The halfling shakes his head before shirking it off and leaning up against the side of the Sea Mephit and nursing his pipe. ”Who you've got yer eye on? Be it fey, fiend, or undead, I've spent my fair share of time searchin' the lore books.”
”There are few on the island who call themselves a lich but I know the truth. There are others on the island far stronger then those that show their face. Far in the jungle away from the harbor is my target.”
"I guess we have similar targets..." Enri spoke without thinking. "I am also..." She pauses for a few moments. "hunting one that hides himself and doesn't like to show up unless everything already is set and planned."
”So you not sharin' details cause it's personal or...?” The halfling fishes to Onyx.
”All you folk huntin' someone in specific. Me, I just... hunt them all. Rip 'em apart, y'know?” He mock snarls, revealing teeth that look like they might just be a bit pointier than you'd expect. He then chuckles a bit.
”I don't mean to seem dodgy. There are very few ways that monsters like them can exist for so long, unmolested. I don't know how deep his influence has reached as of yet.” Onyx looks around at the group. ”Y'know what, after we complete this mission; I'll reveal my target to any here who want to know.”
Anmo's voice appears in Onyx's head whilst the halfling's in the middle of a deep inhale of his pipe. 'I'll look forward to it, big man.' The halfling will then smirk and wink at the goliath.
Enri looks at Onyx quietly and says, "Agreed...one small mistake almost cost me everything a few days ago" She then stays quiet for a few moments looking, realizing something, and tries to forces a smile. After the small, fake smile, she resumes her normal blank expression.
"My apologies. I forget how much you land bound people are sensitive about height. No such concerns are in the seas."
”Hey, it's fine. Well. Once was fine. Then it just felt like you were tryna overcompensate for somethin' when you took your second jab.”

Hero Roster

• Dungeon Master: Matt [DM, Grung et al]
• Frances, Level 4 Triton Barbarian
• Enri Silver, Level 4 Half Elf Rogue/Fighter
• Onyx Ptolemaeus, Level 2 Goliath Cleric
• Anmo Greymeadow, Level 3 Ghostwise Halfling Blood Hunter

Associated Articles

• Dragonsmoke Archipelago
• Quest Report: Shipwreck of the Sea Mephit
• Location
  • Island
    • The Scattered Isles
      • Settlement
        • Valhenge
        • Lustra
• Boat
  • Sea Mephit

Report Date

24 Jan 2021