Session 01
Welcome to the Archipelago!
In the vibrant archipelago of Ember Isles, whispers ride the tropical breezes, resurfacing tales of a fabled treasure from the depths of myth— the Sunken Inferno. Once the property of the infamous corsair captain Thalos Emberheart, the treasure vanished into the depths centuries ago, taking with it an unimaginable bounty and a curse that ensnared any who dared to pursue it.
Now, as the sun sets in a blaze of crimson hues, rumors spread of the Sunken Inferno's return. Stories of ghostly sightings echo among the palm trees, and seasoned sailors recount harrowing encounters with unnatural monsters, spiked fins, and reanimated drowned souls, striking fear into the hearts of seafarers across the region.
Enter you four adventurers, drawn together by fate and the allure of boundless riches. You’re on a ship headed to the busy port city of Coralhaven, right in the center of the Ember Isles.
The Crew
- Bowser, a free roaming thief, skilled in sneaking but somehow often the center of attention
- Ballin, a firmly religious paladin with the strength to back up his conviction in Tyr
- Zhugrok, a mysterious warlock with secret roots and a knack for making friends (and enemies)
- Aearlinn, an inquisitive sea elf, searching for a trace of her lost family and friends
The Sequoia
The ship you find yourselves on is named The Sequoia, for its towering size and unshakeable sturdiness.
The Sequoia is a galleon, a large sailing ship with three decks and three masts. The largest mast has a crow's nest at the top, containing Liliana, the Ship's Lookout. Perched high atop the crow's nest, Liliana's keen eyes scan the horizon tirelessly, alerting the crew to potential dangers and hidden treasures with her sharp calls. Even now, you hear her making an inscrutable noise as the dawn rises in the distance.
The four of you are on the top deck of the ship with the other passengers and crew, far too early in the morning. You have have all been roughly woken up by the quartermaster, for a surprise announcement by the Captain. As you blink the sleep from your eyes, the door to the Captain's Quarters slams open, and Captain Mariana Stormborne steps out.
A towering figure with a commanding presence, Captain Mariana cuts an imposing figure as she surveys her domain from the helm of the Sequoia. Her salt-and-pepper hair frames a weathered face marked by years of seafaring adventures, and her steely gaze betrays a keen intellect and unwavering resolve. With a booming voice that carries over the roar of the waves, she issues orders with authority, instilling confidence in her crew and passengers alike.
GREETINGS, PASSENGERS!
Our passage to the Ember Isles has been uneventful so far, and for the boredom, I apologize.
She winks at her First Mate, Elara Brightwater, who is standing next to her. Elara sighs in embarrassment. Captain Stormborne continues.
I have a welcome announcement to make. We have entered the waters of the Ember Isles, and should arrive within the next two days.
The crew and your fellow passengers shuffle and murmur in excitement.
That is all.
You're welcome to go back to your staring at the water and sleeping these lazy tropical days away.Though, since everyone is here, I hope everyone can take a chance to meet each other, as you'll all be landing in the same port of Coral Haven soon. Maybe there are opportunities for future friendships and business partnerships on deck today.
With that, she turns and returns to her quarters. The First Mate, Elara, waves her hand for the crew and passengers to disperse. She returns her gaze to the map she is studying.
The Crew can see the crew milling about and the few other passengers also on the deck.
What would you like to do?
Exploring the Boat
Elara is Busy
The Crew speaks further to Elara.
I'm afraid I don't have much time to talk. As you can see, I'm busy plotting the remainder of our journey. I hope you can entertain yourself with the other crew members.
Elara returns to her examination of the huge map on the boat.
The Treasure Hunters
A group of rugged individuals, clad in leather armor adorned with trinkets and talismans, whispers eagerly amongst themselves. Their leader, a seasoned explorer with a weather-beaten face and a gleam of determination in his eyes, pores over a tattered map, tracing the path to the Sunken Inferno's rumored location. His companions stand ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead in pursuit of the legendary treasure.
The Concerned Priest, Father Aldric
A solemn figure draped in flowing robes, embroidered with a repeating symbol of a rising sun, paces the deck with furrowed brow. He holds a small medallion and his gaze is fixed on the horizon, where dark clouds gather ominously.
The priest suddenly seems to come to, and notices you. He approaches you with a solemn expression, his robes shuffling with his steps.
Greetings, travelers, I am Father Aldric, a traveling priest of the Temple of Dawn. It's good to meet you.
Lately, I have heard troubling news. There are reports of a growing cult worshipping the Curse of the Sunken Inferno, and their dark rituals threaten to unleash untold chaos upon the Ember Isles. >
From what I can see, you seem to be a solid group of explorers. Would you mind helping me get to my destination? I should be able to compensate each of you with gold or information, of course.
His voice lowers, a hint of urgency creeping into his tone.
I fear that if the Temple of Lathander does not act soon... the consequences could be dire.
A Surprise From the Deep!
Suddenly, with a deafening roar, the waters erupted as a massive, shadowy pillar emerges, the waves it sends rock the ship. As the spray clears, you see it for what it actually is: an enormous writhing tentacle!
As the tentacle comes down onto the main mast of the ship, splintering the crow's nest, time seems to slow as chaos erupts around you.