> [!infobox|wikipedia] > # Recording > [](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEJtswGlojk) > # Basic Information > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Session # | 13 | > Play Date | 2024-02-18 | > Players | Deathmouse<br>JC<br>Kiwi<br>Lacer<br>Vael | > Party Level | 4 | > # Session Details > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Date | [[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Calendar/Year - 2507/01 - Water, 1st.png\|11th Water, 1st - 2507]]<br>to<br>[[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Calendar/Year - 2507/01 - Water, 1st.png\|17th Water, 1st - 2507]] | > Location | [[Val Noren]] > Characters | [[King Marius Noren]]<br>[[Ayana Wynne]] | ## Summary The session began with the party finalising their preparations in [[Camaar]], gathering supplies and coordinating with [[Barak Stormrider]] and the [[The Mawbreakers]] before setting sail. Aboard the flagship [[The Albatross|Albatross]], the group embarked on their journey toward [[Skyreach]]. The voyage immediately tested their mettle as they navigated [[The Maw]], a treacherous whirlpool blocking the exit of the [[Gulf of Miriel]]. Through expert steering by Barak and a clutch *Misty Step* from [[Dondar]] to save a slipping [[Ryo]], the ship slingshotted through the hazard unscathed. As the journey continued, a dense fog descended, concealing a deadly ambush by a flock of harpies. Their enchanting songs threw the defence into chaos, charming [[Vaeleran]] and [[Eryndor]] and luring them toward the water. Vaeleran was dragged overboard by a grappler, while Eryndor willingly dove in after the "beautiful" creatures. The party rallied with [[Kai]]'s guidance, [[Ryo]]'s archery, and the crew's crossbow support to slay the beasts and haul their wet, heavy-armoured companions back to the deck. The following days were a battle against the elements. The party endured bouts of debilitating seasickness and a violent storm that required every hand on deck to keep the ship afloat. Having successfully weathered the natural disasters and repaired the ship's sails, the skies finally cleared on the sixth day. However, the relief was short-lived; on the horizon, the distinctive red sails of a [[The Valtorran Empire|Valtorran Empire]] ship were spotted dead ahead, forcing the party to decide between stealth, diplomacy, or naval warfare. ## Details ### Departure from Camaar * **Preparations:** The party spent the early morning gathering final supplies. [[Kai]] purchased a climber's kit, while [[Ryo]] acquired a shield and crafted leather slings for his weapons. * **Rope Test:** [[Ryo]] and [[Kai]] tested the magical Rope of Climbing in a quiet alley, confirming it can knot itself and move on command. * **The Fleet:** The group met the other captains of the fleet (Thaddeus, Lysandra, Brom, Marcellus, and Fiona) aboard [[The Albatross]]. Captain [[Barak Stormrider]] briefed them on the plan: secure the river, destroy [[Skyreach]], and rescue prisoners. * **Setting Sail:** The fleet departed, with [[The Albatross]] taking a lead position to avoid suspicion. ### Life at Sea * **Ship Tour:** The party explored the vessel, locating the cargo hold (containing gunpowder), the crew quarters, and the armory/cannons (18-pounders). * **Crew Roles:** The party assigned themselves to assist key crew members: * [[Vaeleran]] assisted [[Gromdal]] (Bosun/Engineer). * [[Kai]] assisted the Quartermaster ([[Erun Billo]]). * [[Eryndor]] assisted the Surgeon [[Illaris Sharin]] (a pale, drow-like elf). * [[Ryo]] assisted [[Jorund Ironsight]] (Master Gunner). * [[Dondar]] assisted the Cook [[Gorath Harbur]] (a gruff Half-Orc). * **Crafting:** [[Kai]] worked with Gromdal to draft blueprints for obsidian daggers. [[Ryo]] bonded with the eccentric [[Jorund Ironsight|Jorund]], obtaining dynamite fuses and discussing designs for explosive arrows. ### The Maw & The Harpies * **The Whirlpool:** On Day 2, the ship navigated [[The Maw]]. During a high-speed maneuver around the whirlpool's edge, [[Ryo]] slipped. [[Dondar]] used *Misty Step* to teleport and catch him, saving him from being flung overboard. * **The Ambush:** Later that day, heavy fog rolled in. [[Kai]] spotted a shadow while visiting [[Prax Shea|Prax]] in the crow's nest. Moments later, harpies attacked the sails and the crew. * **Combat Highlights:** * Harpies used their song to charm [[Vaeleran]] and [[Eryndor]]. * Vaeleran was grappled and dragged into the ocean; Eryndor jumped in voluntarily due to the charm. * Ryo used the *Rope of Climbing* to secure Vaeleran to the ship. * Dondar used *Acid Arrow* and *Magic Missile* to devastating effect. * The crew provided significant fire support with crossbows. * The party successfully killed the harpies and retrieved the fallen members. * **Aftermath:** Kai boiled the harpy hands to harvest their claws. While waiting, Kai challenged Greta Stone (a buff sailor) to an arm-wrestling match. Kai won 2-1, winning gold for himself and Eryndor. ### The Storm & The Empire * **Sickness:** Day 3 brought rough swells. [[Eryndor]], [[Kai]], and [[Dondar]] suffered severe seasickness (exhaustion and poisoning). * **The Storm:** On Day 5, a massive storm hit. The party participated in a skill challenge to keep the ship safe. Through combined efforts (rolling well), the ship survived without taking damage. * **The Reveal:** On Day 6, the weather cleared. [[Prax Shea|Prax]] spotted a ship on the horizon. As they closed the distance, they identified the red sails of the [[The Valtorran Empire|Crimson Empire]]. * **Cliffhanger:** The session ended with the party and [[Barak Stormrider|Barak]] deliberating on how to handle the enemy vessel—whether to sink it or attempt to bluff their way past. ## Art ### Harpy Ambush ![[Harpy Ambush.png]]