Winedark, Chapter Twenty-Three

General Summary

Wherein the Blasters discover the secrets of Sealed Hold 77C, experience some troubling stowaways, and consider following up on a overheard clue

Kora and Hold 77C

After Irk came to himself (cf. Winedark: Concerning the Kingfisher), he welcomed a conversation with his erstwhile mentor in the way of all things Kogos--just not right now, as they've got a Sealed Hold to, well, unseal. So, he agreed to meet Kora Caskpike at a tavern called The Nasty Accordion after retrieving whatever is in said Hold.
That turned out to be an ornately carved box of black whalebone. Opening the box revealed an elaborate sculpture, later understood to be the Endpiece of Instrument. Kharlo Chondricht, perhaps because he couldn't resist himself or perhaps because of an innate pull by this creation at his very soul, touched Endpiece and was rewarded with visions of maritime conflict. Time distorted for the impulsive Selachii as he remained awash in these violent images, before finally pulling back into the reality of the Vastblasters. A quick questioning of what he saw by Pitch and the crew offered one insight--Instrument was made for and in blood.
With another piece of this gory puzzle in tow, it was decided that it was time to depart Seven Rows, but not before a brief visit with Kora. Kora had changed quite a bit since Irk last saw her, as, frankly, has Irk. She offered the Kingfisher what guidance she could, especially concerning the fossilized egg he wears around his neck. Though her journey lay elsewhere, she seemed confident that Irk has found himself companions to be relied upon for strength and support, with Irk now being able to offer those attributes in turn. She assured Irk that there paths would probably cross again.
The reunion concluded and it was time to get back to VastBlaster and to Awa Harbor to begin a reunion of a different sort--Endpiece with its Instrument.

Unwelcomed Scions

To do that, the Blasters will have to sail The Vast, and, as is the wont of that water, face its mysteries. That unknown, in this case, came in the form of parasitic Deep Scions, which took over the form of two of the vessel's unfortunate sailors--Jerrie and Timper Medwarum. These malevolent creatures, with the aid of their Sahuagin allies, launched an ambush upon our adventurers.
It was a brutal combat, as these foes were clearly aided by whatever creature is responsible for the current unrest in the Vast. Water, perhaps distracted by their newfound appreciation for Dizmera, appeared to be particularly beaten about. But, in the end, the Vast will see the Blasters live to blast it another day. During the battle, Kharlo overheard the Sahuagin speak to each other telepathically, perhaps because of his somewhat troubling connection with Endpiece. He could only understand one word--Scaraval, which he knows is the main settlement in Holapo. What could this mean? Certainly a question to ponder as our explorers pulled into Awa Harbor.

A Visit with the Sybil

Rather than a meeting with Marrowdall Twinstar, the "handler" the Blasters were used to encountering in circumstances such as these, our heroes were surprised to be greeted--albeit clandestinely--by the Sea Sibyl herself, Loshi Saltbloom. She offered thanks and praise for the work the Blasters have done thus far, as well as continued support for their efforts, starting with another ship upgrade and some more goods "seized" at the Customhouse.
With that done, it was up to the Blasters to contemplate next steps. Should they journey to Scaraval right away? Or attend to business here in Awa Harbor? Much to consider.

And That's Where We Left It

We'll discover what fate has it store for the Blasters during our next session.

Various & Sundry Details

• On the way to retrieve whatever was in Hold 77c, our heroes came upon a smiling girl selling flowers. Pitch, who apparently enjoys sunflowers, bought all of them. Unfortunately, some sort of mutant bee stung the girl and she transformed into a horrifying bee demon and had to be destroyed. Flowers--not even once.
• There also remains the question of what to do with the Arc of Aotl. Where is a safe place to store what could be the remains of the god of change and alchemy?
• Kharlo has felt the call of the Storm several times now and just kinda ignored it. Can he do that perpetually?
• What of Skirl the Worry? He said come find him in Awa Harbor. Will that be added to the agenda?

Rewards Granted

• Level 7!
• Diviner's Dice
• Edible Book of Recipes
• Chronomancer's Eye
• Clockwork Healerbee

Character(s) interacted with

• Kora Caskpike, cleric of Kogos 
• Loshi Saltbloom, Sea Sibyl of the Drembari Isles 
• Orla, Customhouse Supervisor

Notes

Lore Emerging Upon Discovering Instrument's Endpiece:
You open the intricately carved box of asakori whalebone dyed black, and witness what is confined inside. It is a waning moon, suffused with blood, each dripping tendril a capillary scored in mute bone. It is a mistake to call this scrimshaw. This is something else. Something beyond. That is readily apparent just by looking at this object. At the base--a notch--as if it is a piece of a larger puzzle. As if, when that notch is filled, it becomes something else entirely once again.
After Touching Endpiece:
You touch the moon and are awash in memories--violent & bloody. You see creatures of the Vast, unfathomly large, hunted by entire flotillas, voices awakened in a song of predatory gore. You see mariners torn apart by throngs of fins with teeth, water flowing red purple like bruised apples. You see time compress and distort, bearing witness to all of this as a silent sentinel, transfixed with barbarous intent. This is what you were made to do. This is what you make manifest in the world.
As you--finally--pull your hand away, there is new blood dripping from the tendrils. Your blood.

Report Date

12 Dec 2021

Primary Location

Seven Rows

Secondary Location

Awa Harbor