Winedark, Chapter Seven

General Summary

Wherein our heroes undertake a discussion of relationships both sibling and romantic, set course for a ruined land, and encounter some of the tribulations of the Vast

Where to, Cap'n?

With Irk's dream combatants firmly put to rest, it was time to see where Otuna's Favor might take the Vastblasters. To do that, a conversation with their "fixer," Marrowdall Twinstar, was required. Luckily, Marrowdall was on hand to brief the Blasters as to where they might begin searching for more Instrument components and relevant information. Two possible options were discussed--heading down to Matahak, namely Ionak, to track down a possible lead or heading up to Cheltong and the port of Huckle to see about meeting up with an expedition heading into the Tong Ruins.
This decision was complicated by the fact that some of our brave crew have complicated feelings about those places. Kharlo Chondricht isn't much a fan of Matahak, as it is the location of Kogo's Gauntlet, a volatile section of The Vast that is also the spot where Kharlo's sister, Tenkhi, met her demise. So, not a big fan of heading that way.

Irk also has some feelings about Cheltong, namely its proximity to Luu and to a blue dragon named Kizeth. This dragon is the former lover of Irk--yes, apparently that can happen, don't stress on the logistics--and might harbor some ill will toward our Kogos cleric. For his part, Irk is wary enough that he wants to avoid the entirety of northeast Drembari Isles if possible.

At an impasse, it was determined to put the location of the first foray into the Favor to a vote. Kasula Neristina and Captain Pitch voted for Cheltong, while Irk and--in a vote of selfless support--Kharlo voted for Matahak. Searching for balance and harmony in all things, Water chose to vote with whatever the majority wanted, with deference going to the captain in the cast of a tie. As such, it was determined that the Blasters are heading to Huckle in search of a dwarf named Grembrek Blaststorm. Blaststorm is the leader of an expedition that has been combing the dangerous Tong Ruins for any information about Instrument or its components. He hasn't checked in in a few weeks and Loshi Saltbloom thinks it might be a good idea for the Blasters to make contact if possible.

So, that's the lead--head to Huckle, find Grembrek Blaststorm, and find out what information he has that is useful. With Irk steeling himself against a possible awkward encounter with a gigantic and deadly ex-lover, the crew made preparations to get underway to Cheltong.

Vastbound

With the VastBlaster once again astride the Vast, the crew busied themselves with needful tasks. Captain Pitch, in addition to seeing about their normal duties as Captain, also maintained vigilance in and about the bulkheads and holds, making sure this recently repaired vessel remained seaworthy. Kasula attended to her normal rounds, prioritizing the health of the crew and officers. Water steered the ship. Kharlo and Irk decided to do a little fishing, with Kharlo catching nothing but pity and Irk bringing home the proverbial sea-bacon.
Normal routines were disrupted by a lovely song wafting throughout the air. Irk was able to spot the danger--a group of harpies singing their deadly melody to entice sailors to their doom--but it was too late as Water was deeply enraptured and navigating right into the trap. A battle began, with the Blasters emerging victorious, but not without effort.
Night fell on the water and it was time to set watches to protect against whatever else the Vast might hold for our crew. They wouldn't have to wait long to find out what that was.

Elemental Problems

A Water Elemental decided to attack the ship in the dead of night, depriving most of our crew of their much needed long rest. The fight was brutal, as fights with beings of pure elemental fury often are. Irk spent quite a bit of time "swallowed" by the Elemental, with Water and Kharlo repeating failing to free him from his liquid prison.
Just when things appeared bleakest, the elemental seemed to pause in its attack, listened to an unheard voice, and roared "I HEAR AND OBEY" before vanishing into puddles. Good thing that, like, half the crew speaks Aquan or nobody would have caught that. The danger over, for now, it was time to finish that long rest.

And That's Where We Left It

We'll see what other dangers lurk on the way to Cheltong during our next session.

Various & Sundry Details

• Irk, freshly flustered with unpleasant dreams, sought solace vis a vis discussion with Water and Kharlo. Water was generous with their interpretation, praising the cleric for being forthright in their commentary and offering the suggestion that maybe everyone should share their dreams daily. Kharlo, decidedly more gruff, nevertheless assured Irk that whatever he dreamed, the fighter/sorcerer/sharkman would be there to back him up.
• Speaking of the kingfisher, he started construction sprucing up the crow's nest. It is early days, but shaping up to be quite the homey spot.
  
• Kasula acquired some platinum rings for the powerful Warding Bond spell and gave one of those to Kharlo. This enabled her to create a connection with him and bolster his defense. Despite Kasula's urging to pierce his fin, Kharlo elected to wear the ring in his earhole like a maniac.
• Pitch, before setting sail, visited the Lovely and informed Captain Ralk of his estranged father's presumed death. They presented him with the gold molar that Duril entrusted him with and Ralk promptly swallowed him, which is hopefully a family tradition or something. Frosty at first, Ralk seemed appreciative of Pitch's efforts.
• Kharlo is also in the business of acquiring ingredients for spells. He got some lard and used it. It was gross.

Character(s) interacted with

• Marrowdall Twinstar, "fixer" and shrimp egg aficionado 
• Ralk, son of Duril Hookbreak, captain of Lovely and sponsored entry of Awa

Report Date

13 Jun 2021

Primary Location

The Vast

Secondary Location

Awa Harbor