GoS Session 12: The Sea Ghost Report

General Summary

Saintsday 20th Lowsun 619PR Last time we left our heroes, they had arrived at the Baldurus Estate to spring a trap on the smugglers who had previously been operating from the ruined house. During the night they had noticed several figures standing on the cliffs above the small bay, and discovered them to be Sandbalet and a pair of hobgoblin mercenaries. During the morning, the party discussed how best to deal with the emerging situation. It was clear that Sanbalet was planning on signalling the smuggler's ship when it appeared. The group discussed the merits of letting him do that. They decided to allow him to do so, and they would set up a trap for the smugglers arriving in at the estate. Taking much of the day, the group set up a variety of obstacles for the smugglers to contend with. Corridors barricaded, caltrops laid, and alchemist fire hidden above doors—allowing the heroes to make a quick escape if required. Moonday 21st Lowsun 619PR The darkness of night was disturbed by a series of bright flashes out at sea. Barely visible in the distance was a large single massed ship. The lights flashed again; this time answered by watchers on the cliffs. A rowboat slowly made its way towards land. It moved slowly through the waves, heavily laden with boxes. As the boat got closer to the party, they could make out the two crew. It was then, the horns sounded. The cacophony of a horn blast frightened both of the crew, who immediately changed their course- back towards the massive ship. At the same time, the vessel was illuminated as the crew lit several lanterns. Using his spyglass, Theseus saw Sanbalet in conversation with the captain as he climbed aboard the ship. William cast a spell which created gills on his neck, and both he and Theseus jumped into the waves. Hekate and Shiloh instructed both of the accompanying town guards to start to row, and their boat lurched forward. In the time that it had taken the smugglers to turn their boat, both Theseus and William had caught up with them. The sight of the Triton clambering onto their boat was too much for the sailors, and they quickly surrendered. Wasting no time, Hekate and Shiloh instructed the town guard to take the prisoners back to the dry land. Deciding to take a two-pronged approach, Theseus and William swam under the boat, tackling from the starboard side. Meanwhile, Hekate and Shiloh rowed towards the port side of the ship, where they had to circumnavigate their way around the crew using hooded lanterns to illuminate the sea. When both groups were in position, William magically messaged his comrades that it was time to attack. As Theseus climbed up the side of the ship, he lost his footing on the slimy greenwood and felt himself tumble into the sea below. Luckily William's razor-sharp instincts allowed him to cast a spell on the falling Triton, catching him before he entered the water. Instead, the pair levitated up to the height of the poop deck. Theseus called forth the power of Katora and summoned a gust of wind, which knocked many of the crew back and Sandbalet over the side of the ship into the cold ocean water.

by Tithi Luadthong

Theseus and William quickly realised that the ship's officers were arrayed against them. Theseus became entwined in dangerous combat with the first mate and captain. William supported the beleaguered Triton as much as he could, but also had the deck wizard to deal with. Meanwhile, Hekate and Shiloh worked from the front of the ship, knocking out most of the crew. Shiloh noticed Sandbalet attempting to make a getaway on the rowboat, and jumped onto the smaller craft, knocking the wizard unconscious in a flurry of quick blows. They then rejoined the rest of the group in the fierce fighting on the deck of the ship. Noticing one of the hobgoblin mercenaries was attempting to row his employer off to safety, William took decisive action. He hurled a bolt of fire at the tarpaulin-covered trade goods, causing them to light. Instantly they were engulfed with flames. It was at this point that the barrels of spirit caught, and exploded. The subsequent detonation rocked the ship and caused the spirit barrels stored in the sailing craft to catch fire. Realising that in mere seconds the boat would explode, the heroes rushed to launch the lifeboat, scooping up as many of the injured crew as they could. They were surprised as one of the doors on the deck opened, and a trio of Lizardfolk ran out, and jumped overboard, swimming off into the distance. As the lifeboat safely slipped into the sea, the ship exploded in a fiery ball, illuminating the night's sky.

Rewards Granted

Inspiration:

Theseus (For his work in terrifying the smugglers on the rowboat into submission)
William (For making his less than optimal but true to character decision to set fire to the rowboat.)