Episode 1: Not-so-sleepy Hirane

The story begins with the DM reading the prologue introduction and playing the accompanied music. See Prologue for the narration spoken.

The party was awakened by the Anellas' Steward named Laise Zinfi, which notified them individually that the Captain needed to meet with all the passengers for an important discussion / announcement. The party was instructed to wait for the Captain in the wardroom located at the aft of the ship on the main deck.

The party assembled in the wardroom as instructed, however as they went topside on the main deck, they noticed only the main sail (located on the center mast) was the only sail unfurled. The other sail yards looked to be damaged, having fallen from their rigging on the masts and splintered on deck. The crew were working under the direction of the ship’s Boatswain Arnogak Gulatar to clean the mess. As the party made their way aft towards the wardroom, the Captain could be seen on the quarterdeck at the helm with the helmsman beside her and she appeared to be looking at map along with the ship’s navigator and first officer, all deep in discussion. Ceona began to make her way up the steps to the quarterdeck when she was asked politely by Laise Zinfi to wait for the Captain in the wardroom as she is currently in a meeting.

After the party assembled in the wardroom, Laise closed the door and left the party alone with one another. Ceona immediately approached Celindriel in attempt to learn more about her; Celindriel was guarded and didn’t offer much conversation. Ceona’s curiosity got the better of her, and she cast Detect Magic on Celindriel – not making any attempt to hide it. No magical sources were detected, however Celindriel was very much aware of Ceona’s attempt and scolded her.

Kasek presented himself to Feadog by taking Feadog’s cup filled with Rum and tossing it out, much to Faedog’s surprise. Kasek then offered Feadog a taste of his own personal brew…a strong whiskey. After Feadog regained his composer from the brew, Kasek introduced himself as Kasek Bonebrewer and brewing was a hobby of his. Feadog mentioned that he was a Pan Flute player and Entertainer. At this time, Laise Zinfi entered with platters of additional food – eggs, bacon, salted ham, biscuits, and some fruit. The party was suspicious of the food, and all but Feadog chose to wait before feasting.

Captain Enwen Adrel then entered the wardroom, followed by her first officer Rodrel Sask, and the ship’s steward Laise Zinfi. The Captain explained to the party that during the night a squall had descended on the ship and damaged most of the ship’s sails and rigging. She explained that this put the Anellas in a dangerous predicament, and they had to immediately make port or risk over-shooting the Peninsula of Laskea and becoming adrift in the northern Onnicia Ocean. This would mean the ship’s final destination on its westward journey to Sestatrea was out of reach, and therefore they had to put in at a small fishing hamlet known as Hirane on the west coast of Laskea. The Captain also explained that while in port, the party would need find lodging for themselves as their rooms on the Anellas would be needed while repairs were being made. She estimated that the repairs could potentially take 2 or 3 days, depending on the amount of supplies available within Hirane that could support the repairs needed. As a result, the Captain notified them that -- with the exception of Celindriel – all previous arrangements made for passage were now considered fulfilled and she doesn’t expect any further compensation for the voyage. Curiously, the Captain then apologized earnestly to Celindriel for her ship being unable to arrive in Sestatrea as planned. The Captain also thanked Ceona for her aid in healing her first officer during the squall.

After answering some questions about their destination, the Captain, Rodrel, and Laise then excused themselves and left the party to eat and drink as they saw fit. Celindriel immediately returned to her quarters below deck, while the other players remained in the wardroom. Feadog suggested they all play cards while waiting to arrive in Hirane, and the others agreed and wagered a single silver piece on each game. After playing a few hands, both Ceona and Kasek had lost 10 silver pieces each before deciding to stop playing. The party members all eventually made their way back to their quarters and began packing their belongings.

After a few hours, the ship came within sight of land and turned to follow the coastline north towards their destination. The party members all moved to the main deck, staying out of the way of the crew as they worked. The ship eventually came upon the port of Hirane and the party witnessed the procedures for docking. The ship was secured to the southern ‘T’ of the southern dock, while another Caravel (later discovered to be called the Waterwitch) was moored on the northern side of the ‘T’. As the party began to disembark, the Captain informed them that she had a hold full of dried figs, and if the party could find anyone within town that might be interested in buying some, she would give the party 5 gp per individual that arrives at her ship to inquire. She doesn’t expect the party to sell the figs for her, she merely wants the party to generate interest and direct customers to her. With that, she gave the party a 2 lb sack containing samples of the figs.

The party disembarked and began making their way towards shore. A Half-Orc Stevedore (Dockworker, later discovered to be named Rosla Grurim) had been unloading cargo from the Waterwitch and carrying it to a waiting cart at the shoreline. As the party began to walk down the dock, Rosla was a few paces in front of them carrying his cargo when he stumbled and fell. The contents of the crate he was carrying spilled out onto the dock as he began cursing under his breath. The party witnessed a variety of exotic components strewn on the wooden dock – fungus, herbs, roots, leaves, all exotic for the current climate they found themselves in. As Rosla was nervously scrambling to collect the spilled contents on his hands and knees, Feadog knelt down to assist. Rosla begged Feadog to stop helping. Celindriel also picked up some components to examine while Rosla continued to beg them to stop, indicating that they don’t know what they’re doing by helping. At this moment, a voice shouted from behind the party “Oi! What do you think yer doing?”, as Sylrith Madz jumped from the deck of the Waterwitch onto the dock flanked by three sailors. As they approached, Sylrith told the party to “Mind their own f***ing business and move along”. Ceona interposed herself between Rosla and Sylrith, while Kasek informed Sylrith that he would be happy to move along if Rosla wasn’t in his way. Sylrith then kicked Rosla in the ribs, knocking him into the water, and then indicated to Kasek that the way was now clear for Kasek to proceed. Celindriel and Kasek moved further towards shore on the dock and waited to see how the situation played out, while Ceona was now flanked by the Sailors and Sylrith. Feadog went to the edge of the dock and attempted to help Rosla out of the water, and Sylrith took this opportunity to warn him to leave the Half-Orc alone and move along immediately. Feadog ignored his request and continued to reach for Rosla. Seeing his demands being ignored, Sylrith and the three sailors drew their weapons, which caused Feadog to scurry behind Kasek and Celindriel. The party decided not to get any more involved and moved along as they watched Sylrith and the Sailors sheathe their weapons and begin ridiculing Rosla floundering in the water.

On shore, the party met two Hirane Town Guardsmen who had been watching the interaction between the party and Sylrith Madz. Celindriel incredulously asked for information about Sylrith from the guards and discovered Sylrith Madz to be the dock foreman of Hirane. The party came to the conclusion that the guards seemed indifferent to the potential skirmish that might have developed and were slightly puzzled as to the reasons why the guards weren't taking a more active role in keeping the peace. Feadog then attempted to interest the guardsmen in some dried figs. The guards, growing impatient, requested the party move along, and the party decided to head towards what looked to be a Tavern.

The party entered the What Ales You Tavern and found it to be empty aside from the Bartender and a Barmaid. Being 3:30 in the afternoon, patrons had yet come in and it looked as if the two employees were setting up for the day. The Barmaid, Relyra Vatsk, welcomed them to the Tavern and offered to serve them. Feadog immediately attempted to interest her in some dried figs, but she seemed disinterested. The party approached the bar and introduced themselves to the bartender, Symes Vatsk. It was determined that Symes was the owner of the Tavern, and Relyra was his daughter. The party learned that Sylrith Madz is not thought of kindly by the bartender, and that Sylrith works for the Harbor Master named Rilanor. The party inquired about work, and Symes informed them to check with the Captain of the Guard within Hirane. Aside from that, Symes also informed them that there was trouble in other parts of Laskea as well. He had heard of a turf war of sorts between gangs in two different towns – Braedon and Daemarrel. He had also heard that there had been rumors coming from the small town of Stonepond that the lake outside of town was haunted. Kasek asked about the Kingdom of Estrya and how to get there. Relyra provided a map to show the layout of the Kingdom and how the party could make their way there. The party asked if the map was for sale, but Relyra refused to sell it and mentioned it had belonged to her mother and therefore has sentimental value. However, Relyra did inform the party that the local bookshop called the Dusty Tome might have one for sale. The party also learned that a large building that had a nautical theme or aesthetic for decoration was a temple dedicated to Valkur.

Upon further inquiry with Symes, the party learned that Sylrith occasionally sets sail on the Waterwitch for a few days, and then returns and unloads cargo that is stored within the town’s warehouse. Symes doesn’t know the contents of the cargo, only that the ship sails infrequently out of Hirane, but always returns. The ship has been a constant tenant on the dock for the past 6 months.

After a round of drinks purchased for the party by Feadog, Symes and Relyra went back to work preparing for their evening while the party discussed potential avenues for earning a little money. Kasek indicated he was a hunter and was interested in proceeding to the Kingdom of Estrya as he has heard there was good opportunities for people of his skill. Ceona indicated that she had hunted as well and would be open to possibilities. Celindriel indicated that she was in a hurry to get to the Capital City of Sestatrea and was somewhat put-out by the fact the ship was unable to finish their journey as initially planned. Feadog wanted to learn more about hunting and hunters much to the surprise of the other members. It would seem Feadog has lived a somewhat sheltered existence and was unaware that being a hunter was a viable profession.

About this time, an individual named Tela Cliffoak entered the Tavern, occupied a table as far from the party as possible and sat with his back towards the party. After rudely banging on the table without saying a word, both Symes and Relyra scurried to provide the individual with 3 tankards of ale, the first of which Tela drank in one gulp. The party quietly inquired to Symes about the individual, and it was learned Tela was the Warehouse Foreman. The warehouse in considered a government building ultimately owned by the Crown, but under the direct supervision of the town’s ruling nobleman named Lord Andel Caldel. Symes warns the party to steer clear of Tela…and Sylrith as well. The party finished their drinks and began to make their way out of the Tavern, but Feadog decided to visit Tela at his table. Before Feadog could get a complete word out of his mouth, Tela loudly told Feadog to “F*** OFF!” and went back to drinking. Alarmed and scared, Feadog rushed back to join the party, incredulous over how he was just treated.

The party decided to obtain lodging for the evening and visited the Grinning Kobold Inn. Upon entering the establishment and chiming a small bell on a seemingly unoccupied front desk, they met the owner and operator of the Inn named Drossa Diggle. She excitedly offered them rooms as the Inn was completely vacant of any customers. The Inn has 6 rooms, with each room having a locking chest, armoire and drawers, and two separate full-size beds. The party purchased rooms and began inquiring about the town. Drossa gave them a brief overview, informing them that the Inn doesn’t have a kitchen to serve food and that they would need to visit the eatery known as the Tasty Gull for a proper meal. She also informed them to visit with the Captain of the Guard for potential work. While chatting, and unknown to the rest of the party, Drossa managed to get a message across to Celindriel that was interpreted as “Danger here: Town”. Celindriel kept the information confidential as the party was led upstairs to be shown to their rooms. Once upstairs, Drossa pointed out the rooms leading down a hallway with three rooms on either side, and the water closet at the very top of the stairs complete with a full-size bathtub. Kasek immediately entered the water closet, closed and locked the door, and enjoyed a long bath. Ceona and Feadog decided to share the first room on the right at the top of the stairs, while Celindriel chose the center room on the right, and Kasek indicated through the locked water closet door that he wanted the last room on the left. As Ceona and Feadog began putting away their belongings in their room, Celindriel lingered in the hallway and pulled Drossa close to inquire for more information on what Drossa had indicated to her. Drossa informed Celindriel that there was a criminal element operating in town. She wasn’t sure what they were doing or why they were doing it, but they have been threatening the local townsfolk to keep their business secret. Celindriel pressed for more details and Drossa indicated that the dockworkers might be involved and she suspects guardsmen as well. Celindriel asked why nothing had been done by the local authorities or the people, to which Drossa explained that they are farmers and fisherman and lack the training to properly defend themselves. She implored Celindriel to visit with the Captain of the Guard and indicated that he is a decent and honest man. Celindriel let the matter drop and Drossa returned to the front desk downstairs.

While Kasek enjoyed his bath, the remaining members of the party decided to visit the Dusty Tome bookshop. Once inside they met the owner named Fastolph Merzu. Ceona was able to obtain 5 pieces of parchment that had been on Fastolph’s shelf for quite some time, and Fastolph offered it freely to her as there hasn’t been any desire or need from the townsfolk for paper. Asked why no one in the town seems to have any need for paper, Fastolph merely shrugged and said he doesn’t know if people are writing or not, but they are not getting their parchment from him and he’s not sure why that is. Fastolph had a map of the peninsula of Laskea for sale for a seemingly steep price of 5 gp, which Celindriel immediately purchased. The owner of the bookshop then tried to persuade the party to purchase some magical scrolls he had in his inventory, an Alarm Scroll, Purify Food and Drink, and a scroll of Dancing Lights. The scrolls were deemed too expensive and the group decided to search for any ‘special’ books. Most of what was found were basic books on fishing – how to catch fish, how to clean fish, how to cook fish, fishing bait, etc etc. Feadog did find a small multi-page pamphlet regarding basic information on some of the other towns within Laskea. While flipping through, he noticed a person’s name repeatedly mentioned in one entry for the town of Pella’s Wish named Dove Falconhand. The pamphlet merely described the various towns, where they were located, the major industry and businesses within each location. Much to Feadog’s disappointment, there were no indications of any casinos or major centers of entertainment mentioned. As the group began to leave, Celindriel inquired about the location and operating hours of the Town’s Guard. Fastolph gave her directions and indicated the Captain of the Guard usually works quite late.

While outside, Celindriel indicated she wanted to visit with the Captain of the Guard. Ceona suspiciously inquired as to Celindriel’s motives for wanting to do so. Celindriel then informed Ceona and Feadog of what she had learned from Drossa, and the group agreed they should learn more. They returned to the Grinning Kobold Inn and asked if Kasek wished to join them. After spending an awkward amount of time behind the room’s locked door, Kasek emerged looking refreshed after having bathed and joined the party as they visited with the Captain of the Guard.

Upon entering the Town Guard Barracks, the party found Berny Page behind a desk near the entryway. He introduced himself and asked how he could serve them. The party started by inquiring if the town was having any trouble, to which Berny then made an attempt to assure the party that they are safe from petty crimes one would expect to encounter in larger cities. Celindriel pressed further, indicating that she had been informed by Drossa to seek him out to ask about the problems the town is facing. Berny’s demeanor changed from one of a cordial local law enforcement officer to that of being extremely cautious. Before divulging any information, he asked for backgrounds on each member of the party, trying to determine whether he can trust them or not. Being cautious, he told the party that before he can trust them, he needs to be persuaded that they mean well. He indicated that the party could do so by meeting with the people of Hirane, getting to know them, and offering assistance to them. He mentioned that he and his guards have been attempting to find and question a beggar that has been living off the streets but keeps eluding any attempts made to contact the individual. It was learned that this individual was discarded from a ship that came into Hirane’s harbor, swung about, threw the individual overboard, and sailed away. As people made their way to help, the individual – with lightning speed – fled and has been avoiding any contact with people since. The individual seems to have the ability to find their way into small spaces which makes apprehending the individual difficult. When asked by Ceona why the guards are so interested in apprehending the individual, Berny indicated that they merely wish to help the person. The people of Hirane are typically well-cared for by Lord Caldel’s adviser named Edraele Trisyra. They merely want to learn more about the individual, ensure the individual is healthy and potentially offer them employment. At the very least, they would like to have the opportunity to help the individual return to potential family members. Berny described the individual as having red skin, red hair, and after a brief discussion with Ceona inquiring, conceded that what they think they saw on the individual’s head could have potentially been horns.

Berny also mentions Rosla’s daughter named Veta has been missing for roughly ten days, and Rosla was growing increasingly desperate to find her. He informed the party that a dwarven deliveryman named Aghad Longhelm typically supplies the town with deliveries of Ore from the Sundergrass Clan in Sestatrea to Fridga Thonyl, the local Blacksmith who runs the Iron lady smithy. Aghad had arrived claiming his cart of ore had been stolen by bandits and he was seeking volunteers to help him recover it. Two residents volunteered, a Half-Elf named Curendir and Rosla’s daughter Veta. The three individuals left town approximately ten days ago for the Cyns Grove to recover the ore but haven’t returned. Kasek’s ears perked up at the mention of the Sundergrass Clan but didn’t recognize the individual known as Aghad. It was also learned that the Cyns Grove is known to be a refuge for bandits and highwaymen, and the grove is located about a half-day's ride east from Hirane.

Kasek began to ask if there was any employment for people of their skill within Hirane, to which Berny indicated that the tasks he had mentioned would probably be the only issues at the moment that he knows of that would be of any interest to them. Celindriel began to try and persuade Berny to trust them on the matter of which Drossa had mentioned, but Berny appeared nervous. He leveled with the party and mentioned that he used to be a Paladin of Torm and believes in Righteousness and Justice. While he means well, he can’t be sure that the party members aren’t working for this said ‘criminal element’ that Drossa spoke of and is hesitant to be too trusting…or to be led into a trap. He informs the party that by helping with the tasks he’s mentioned the party could show their good intentions and that could potentially be enough for him to further trust them.

Celindriel then inquired with the Captain if the town of Hirane as many dealings with slave ships. Berny answered absolutely not given the fact that slavery is illegal in the Kingdom of Laskea, and it is considered abhorrent. Any slavers or slave ships would either be apprehended immediately or chased off. This answer pleased Ceona immensely.

The party asked about where the beggar had been seen. Berny indicated that a small alleyway across the town square is where the person has been seen the most and suggests the party start there. The party began to make their way out, and Berny instructed the party to stay out of trouble and to keep their noses clean, and to report any suspicious activity. Now with the time being around 6:30 in the evening, the party congregated outside of the Town Guard Barracks and began discussing their potential next move. While talking, Ceona began to hear what sounded like a whimpering dog. As she scanned the surrounding area, the sound would become more pronounced as her eyes fell on the alleyway that Berny had described but would begin to fade once her eyes moved on. The other party members heard nothing and were surprised as Ceona began walking without saying a word towards the alleyway. With the others in tow, Ceona entered the town square which was occupied by several townspeople beginning to pack up belongings they had on display at various wooden stalls scattered sporadically around. Ceona saw three young boys laughing and giggling as they were throwing stones into the very alleyway Berny had described. Ceona began to run, and upon hearing her footsteps, the boys scattered. Now standing at the mouth of the alleyway, Ceona could hear the whimpering clearly. She began to make her way down the alleyway, searching among crates that lined the walls and indicated to the party that there’s something strange going on. Kasek produced a shortsword from one of his sleeves and began searching for tracks. He found two, possible three sets of humanoid footprints in the shape of boots. The footprints appeared to have originated from deeper within the alleyway, and it looked as if they individuals walked from deeper within the alleyway out to the town square where they broke off and went it different directions.

As the party proceeded into the alleyway, the sound of a whimpering dog grew fainter, but the sound was being replaced by the sound of a whimpering humanoid which was growing louder. It sounded like someone was quietly crying or sobbing, and the other party members began to hear it as well. As they looked among the crates, they came upon an individual huddled between two crates with its back against the wall almost in a sitting fetal position – red skin, dark red hair, and white horns visible. As they approached, and as Ceona addressed the individual in Infernal, the Tiefling known as Levkaria Yumaia looked up, scared with tears running down her face. Upon further investigation, it was discovered Levkaria was injured with a stab wound to her abdomen, and she had lost a lot of blood and was currently in shock. Levkaria was terrified, but unable to move and resigned herself to her fate. Ceona cast Healing Word on Levkaria and bundled her up in her cloak. The party deliberated on taking Levkaria back to the Inn but was decided to return her to the Captain of the Guard. As they party began to make their way as inconspicuously as possible while carrying a blood-soaked Tiefling across a market square, Levkaria weakly thanked Ceona for helping her.