Party: Marooned Megal!
Concern & Quest
Aref Megal, heir to the Dukedom of the Marshmires, is feared to be marooned at sea off the treacherous Valsevian coastline. It is suspected that his ship has run aground on an unknown island, leaving Aref stranded and in need of rescue.
Guilliem Megal, a respected figure within the Megal family, requests the aid of an adventuring party to locate and rescue Aref. While Aref's father, Roderman Megal, is hesitant to seek help from adventurers due to embarrassment, Guilliem understands the urgency of the situation and is willing to ensure the family's reputation remains intact.
The party is provided with a small sloop by Guilliem and instructed to set sail from the port town of Umcebo to investigate Aref's disappearance and render aid if necessary.
Reward
On the safe return of Aref, you will earn the reward of 800gp from the Megal family and the title of the boat.
Plot points
Plot point 1
Upon reaching the vicinity of the Valsevian coast, the party encounters signs of a recent shipwreck, confirming their suspicions that Aref's vessel has indeed run aground. They must carefully navigate through treacherous waters and investigate the wreckage to gather clues about Aref's whereabouts.Plot point 2
Following the trail of the wreckage, the party discovers a remote island hidden amidst the swirling mists of the Krast Isles. However, instead of finding Aref stranded on the island - he will explain his boat "The Finfire Faerider" is terribly damaged and the party encounter a desperate village besieged by a powerful storm summoned by a Morkoth, a mysterious and malevolent creature of the deep. The villagers are unsure of what has angered the Morkoth, but they plead for the party's assistance in quelling the tempest and saving their homes.Plot twist
The wreckage was actually a diving crew that were seeking the treasure of Tridar - their maps lead them here, and thinking they'd found the cave network they anchored their boat over the lair of the Morkoth and then raided the sacred grove of the villagers, finding nothing but a tablet the upheaved the temple breaking the protective magic and setting loose the Morkoth.Plot point 3
The party must delve into the depths of the island's mysteries, uncovering an ancient ritual that wards off evil spirits. A shattered tablet leads them to believe someone or something has broken the protective magic and released the anger of the Morkoth. Guarding the lair of the Morkoth is a corrupted Kraken (Malformed) https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/22610-malformed-kraken now swims among the wreckage - here after defeating the Kraken, if they search the wreckage they'll see that the ship was called "Skulls Fortune" and that it was a group of pirates seeking the lost treasure of the Tridars - they have a torn vellum map. Giant Crustaceans: Massive crustaceans skitter along the rocky cavern floors, their armored shells providing formidable protection against attacks. With razor-sharp claws and powerful pincers, they pose a significant threat to unwary adventurers - these crustaceans however are bottom feeders and due to the storm and the shipwreck they feast of the corpses of the lost sailors, the party will see several burrowed tunnels that lead to a feeding trough at the bottom. Traps: Pressure Plate Pitfall: Concealed pressure plates trigger hidden pitfalls, causing sections of the tunnel floor to collapse beneath the party's feet. Quick reflexes and careful observation are necessary to avoid falling into the depths below. Poisonous Gas Vent: Certain sections of the tunnels are laced with hidden vents that release noxious gases when triggered. Adventurers must navigate through these hazardous areas while keeping a keen eye out for telltale signs of danger. Net Trap: Tripwires trigger overhead nets to drop down, ensnaring anyone unfortunate enough to trigger them. Escaping from the tightly woven nets requires strength or ingenuity, as the party must quickly devise a plan to free themselves before they become easy prey for lurking enemies. Puzzles: Symbolic Key Puzzle: The entrance to the Morkoth's lair is sealed by a series of ancient symbols etched into the cavern walls. The party must decipher the meaning behind the symbols and arrange them in the correct sequence to unlock the door and progress further into the depths. Elemental Puzzle: In one chamber, the party encounters a series of elemental runes inscribed on the floor. Activating the runes in the correct order triggers elemental manifestations that must be manipulated to reveal a hidden passage forward. Reflection Puzzle: Within a mirrored chamber, the party must navigate through a maze of reflections, each one leading to a different exit. By carefully studying the reflections and their surroundings, the party can determine the correct path to escape the chamber and continue their journey towards the Morkoth's lair.Plot twist
In a surprising twist, the party eventually discovers that Aref is not marooned but has willingly chosen to aid the village in their time of need. Drawn by his love for the sea and his desire to protect the natural world, Aref has forged a deep bond with the islanders and is determined to help them overcome the wrath of the Morkoth. His selfless actions reveal a side of Aref that transcends his noble upbringing, painting him as a hero driven by compassion and solidarity with those in need.Reward
Upon successfully quelling the storm and aiding the village, the party is rewarded with the gratitude of the islanders and the knowledge that they have prevented further devastation. Additionally, they may earn the respect and admiration of Aref Megal himself, who recognizes their bravery and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. They will also earn the reward of 800gp from the Megal family and the title of the boat.Concept
The quest for Aref Megal not only serves as a thrilling adventure filled with peril and intrigue but also delves into themes of duty, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. Through their journey, the party discovers that sometimes the greatest heroes are those who choose to stand alongside others in their time of need, regardless of their noble lineage or personal ambitions.
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