08 - His Name is Squishy
General Summary
The party departs from the Meridian and the harbors of Grandfin eastward, towards the underwater city of Stormcrest. During the days travel, they encountered a trio of monstrous sailors, one of which was particularly trained at Mender. As the first day wound down, a giant floating bottle collided with the hull of the boat. It contained a message with runic symbols; after a short discussion with Koha, they surmised it may be written in Giant.
The boat finally arrived at a crown of stone spires extending from the waters. Ysgrid agreed to stay behind on the ship, with Ylva leading the party to Stormcrest. They each take a Triton's Tongue and take on a more fish-like appearance, and dive into the water unimpeded.
After about 30 minutes of swimming, they encounter a roving squad of sahuagin and a boss merrow. The party works together to eliminate the threats - Mender handles the first line of defense while Dhumkk'd tackles the leader. They emerge victorious, looting the attackers and progressing forward.
Finally, a city comes into view, resting atop a stone plateau beneath the waves. Stormcrest is a large, circular city, with many smooth spires and bubble-locked buildings. A merfolk dashes up to them, asking for their reason for visit. After explaining that they need to speak with the leader Awha, he recognizes their Paragon symbols and welcomes them into a bubble to converse properly. He explains that their leader has departed towards the Serpent's Spine without warning, and most of the military has been preoccupied fending off more raiders than usual. The party convinces the guard, named Kurvus Guvuzath, to lend them a vehicle to journey there. They are given access to a Manta Whale that Gem promptly names Squishy. Kurvus says their is an altar at the end of the Serpent's Spine, where Paragons of Aquai might gain an audience with Kiwa. The Aquai blip on the compass globe seems to be in the same direction as Awha and the Spine, having moved again.
With Mender at the reins, they take off, journeying ten hours eastward toward the Serpent's Spine. A bit of time after they enter the tall undersea canyon walls, up ahead they find a large body resting upon the path, with three glowing entities hovering above his body. Bolts of lightning burst from the prone man's palms, dissipating harmlessly into the ocean. Once the party closes the distance, the situation becomes clearer - a massive storm giant, the ruler Awha, lays upon the ocean floor, while three spectral sharks tethered to his chest barrage him with attacks.
Rewards Granted
- Spear x4, Harpoon (Party Loot)
- Squishy, the Manta Whale
Character(s) interacted with
Recurring Characters: Koha
New Characters:
- Kurvus Guvuzath, a guard at Stormcrest that runs in the water more than he swims.
- Four sahuagins and a merrow (all deceased)
- Awha, the Storm Giant
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