Session 198 - Deadwood Reef
General Summary
03rd to 06th of Nolus (First Month of Summer) 724TR
The story so far
The mad priest of Ilvir, Xantosa, is hellbent on collecting relics (body parts) of the Crab-Titan Obsidapor. What are his nefarious plans? Does he intend to resurrect this ancient monster? And why are the covert priests of Agrik, the evil god of fire and war, interested in him?
Meanwhile, Remy has a grudge against a particular group of pirates who have a connection to a guild of smugglers and thieves. Before he and his friends travel to the Earl of Sarkum's Colony on the Island of Anfla, he would like to check out a few locations for evidence of the pirates
This is the continuation of Session 196 - Enemies of the Guild.
Location - Castle of Sarkum in the Kingdom of Kanday.
Part 1 - Peace Offering
Remy plans a quick voyage around the nearby Deadwood Reef and the Step Stone Islands, both potential bases for Pirates. He borrows a boat from a fisherman friend, and with good weather, the heroes plan to make their way across the Emaba Strait. However, as they prepare to launch the fishing boat, they spot a sickly yellow mist starting to form, which condenses into a large humanoid form. The troll companion and bodyguard of Xantosa, the mad priest of Ilvir.
Luckily the Heroes refrain from attacking but deny they possess the Eye of Obsidapor, a blatant lie. The Troll does not seem to be aware they also have the great creature's petrified tongue in their possession.
Frustrated that the party is unwilling to bargain, the Troll prepares to leave, but Odin tells them that he and his Master, Xantosa, are being watched by clandestine worshipers of the evil god of fire and war, Agrik. This interests the Troll, "I will tell my Master," He throws a gold crown into the boat. "Payment for knowledge." He disappears as he appeared in a yellow mist. However, the perceptive Abaddon can't help but notice how the Troll spoke the word "Master." His expression conveyed contempt and hatred.
Location - The Dead Wood Reef in the Emaba Strait.
Part 2 - The Deadwood Reef
Remy pilots the character's boat into the Emaba Strait, then towards the Deadwood Reef. The reef is shallow, with numerous blackened petrified tree trunks emerging from the water. Looking down into the water, the characters see twisted logs and vegetation. Even so, this reef is not as desolate as it first appears; sturdy dark seaweed is prevalent, small fish hide in the water, and fungi, insects, and seabirds cover some of the protruding tree trunks.
However, the heroes are in danger; well camouflaged among the petrified tree trunks are strange fist-sized flying insects, each with a long spiked proboscis. The insects swarm the characters as they approach. Latching on to the characters with their sharp proboscises, the insects attempt to suck the life blood from our heroes. One Deadwood Blight inflicts a particularly nasty bite upon Remy, draining much blood before the characters can disperse the swarm.
Part 3 - The Eight Legged Tree
On a small islet near the center of the reef, the heroes spot the remains of crude tower that is slowly falling to ruin. As the heroes prepare to explore it, they are shocked to see one of the great trunks start to move. The trunk separates into eight long legs, set with a spider on a comparatively smaller spider-like torso. This monstrosity proves quite a challenge. Remy grounds the boat on a small sandbar, and the heroes sally forth. After a fierce melee, the characters hack off several of the monstrous spider's legs and while writhing unsteadily on its remaining legs, it teeters and finally collapses into the sea with a tremendous splash. It was a close victory for our injured heroes, the hideous giant spider nearly prevailed.
In a stagnate pond in the ruin, the adventures find the remains of a semi-mummified sailor. He has a small bag of outdated coins, gems, and a ring that appears to have an enchantment. Sadly Remy finds no clues as to the whereabouts of the pirates he seeks.
Part 4 - The Stepstones
After an uncomfortable night's rest in the cold and dank of the tower ruins, the characters depart the Deadwood Reef to circumnavigate the small chain of islands known as, the Step Stones, again they find no signs of a covert pirate base.
Frustrated, the characters return to Sarkum and plan a visit the City of Aleath, where they hope catch the supply ship to the Earl of Sarkum's fledgling colony on Analfla Island. Perhaps they will find more luck on this journey.
To be continued.
NPC Interactions
Shageiros - Xantosa's Troll bodyguard.
Challenges Overcome
12 x Deadwood Blights (re-skinned Stirges).
1 x Goliath Longlegs.
Rewards
Some gems and a Ring of Protection +1.
Created Content
Related Reports
Player Character Status
Odin - Human - Level 5 Gloom Stalker - Gained Fighter Level.
Abaddon - Elf - Level 5 Open-hand Monk - Gained Level.
Remy - Half-Elf - Level 5 Bladesinger - Gained Level.
Encounters and Events
Eye of Obsidapor
The Eye of Obsidapor is a 4-inch diameter sphere made from very hard rock-like material. It weighs 3 pounds.
Properties
When attuned the holder gains the ability to glimpse into the future.
They can use the following psionic spells.
- Anticipate Attack usable 1/Long Rest
- Anticipate Weakness usable 1/Long Rest
In addition, they gain Psionic Precognition.
If ever they roll the same number on two successive d20 rolls on the same turn, they may choose to make their next d20 roll at advantage. Usable 1/Long Rest.
Flaw
Anyone attuned to this item gains the following flaw.
Despite the risks, I often look where I should not.
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