The Calm Before the Storm

Expedition

The group arrives in Koledo in need of a boat (and ideally someone who can sail it). Without James, buying or quietly stealing a boat isn't feasible. In the end, they do a favor for the former pirate Captain Morgan and set sail on The Oxford. They spend several days sailing, overcoming many obstacles on the way to the first of their final destinations.

While in Koledo, Shirai (with the help of Shin) participates in a cooking contest. While he does his best, he ultimately comes in second, losing the competition and their easiest shot at a boat to the reigning champion. Mex heals a curse he picked up from the serpent's temple while this is happening. James is actually in the city at this time, disguised as one of his many personas. He, for some reason, assassinates the jarl of Koledo while he was watching the cook-off.   On the final day of sailing, the waters were eerily calm and it's not long before the group realizes they're no longer seeing sea life overboard. The water level here also seems higher. Before this, you could see right to the bottom. Now, that clarity tapers off into an abyss. Not long after, Shin spots a shadow go under the boat, eclipsing it in size. As The Oxford passes over, the shadow starts to follow behind. Suddenly, the sea level recedes and a high-pitched screech is heard. A mighty Kraken breaches the calm ocean water and entangles itself at the front of the boat. Shirai and Morgan cover Shin and Mex's approach with Ballista and Gnomelock fire respectively. Shin gets stuck in the Kraken's mouth but decides to stay to wreak havoc on this inside. After the group takes a beating, they eventually take down the Kraken's two tentacles. Morgan rams the Kraken into a patch of giant rocks, and the Kraken retreats underwater. Out rises 4 more tentacles that wrap around The Oxford, slowly crushing it. With some coordination, the group manages to destroy the tentacles before the ship is rendered inoperable. During this, the whistle to summon Boarfrost is blown. The first gift of James to come into play. The Kraken summons a storm and hurls three bolts of lightning at the party, downing Mex and injuring the others. Boarfrost arrives atop Cloud-Breaker and casts Sunbeam and healing word, reviving Mex and dispersing the storm the Kraken had created. With one last assault from Shin and Mex, the Kraken falls (specifically to an ice breath from Mex).