The Savage Tide [IC]

[lostsole31]

The Wyvern signals the Nixie, about the same point they just notice the other ship. For awhile, it seems that the strange ship changes course to follow or give pursuit, but once the Wyvern catches up to the Nixie (which had slowed), the far-off theurgeme breaks off.

"Wonderment will have to go unsated," says the captain. "This is a colony ship, as is the Nixie. We might have well-trained, seasoned combatants between the crews of each, but too many innocents might die and we might cause irreparable damage to the ships."

Richfest 3 (Moonday), 12th day out of Sasserine

For several miles, the ships pass several enormous spider webs which cling to the boughs of the great jungle trees. Huge black shapes lie within the webs. Jer'el, the captain, Mr. Cohen, and Mr. Kahir all recognize this place. It is a terrible place that seasoned salts dare not land called The Great Web.

"The trees stretch out as far as 40' over the water," says Mr. Kahir, "and any fool who tries going there will be overrun. It's not a place even for the greatest hero."

The progress of the Nixie ahead punctuates this by veering a little further seaward. Tomorrow, the expedition is scheduled to pull into Fort Blackwell for some restocking (including fresh stores such as vegetables, milk, etc.), very brief maintenance, and some R&R.

Richfest 4 (Moonday), 13th day out of Sasserine

The expedition arrives at Fort Blackwell after sailing 475 miles. This small settlement of approximately 2,000 is located near the northernmost tip of the peninsula known to sailors as "The Hook." One of the few coastal Amedio forts not controlled by the Scarlet Brotherhood (its distance from the Amedio interior makes it not worth the effort for the Brotherhood to control), Fort Blackwell remains an independently governed walled town perched on the edge of civilization.

Fort Blackwell is a cozy town with a tiny harbor protected by an immense sea gate hung between two squat towers. Before any ship is allowed within the harbor, a troop of Blackwell guards must be allowed to search the ship and interview its captain. Fortunately, years of relative peace and being ignored by both the Scarlet Brotherhood and the Criimson Fleet (who maintain larger ports of call in various forts elsewhere along the coast - forts wisely avoided by the expedition) have made them rather lackadaisical in their searches, and barring anything outwardly suspicious performed by the crew or passengers, the guards allow their expedition entrance into the harbor after a mere 15-minute inspection.

Celiss, as a diabolical creature whose mere presence might cause a commotion, Captain Wavebreaker orders you to use your hat of disguise for a less scary or offensive form.

Although Lavinia only intends to stay one night in Fort Blackwell, she defers to Captain Wavebreaker if he or any of his crew (the PCs) wish to stay longer. She points out that that it'll probably be seven weeks before they reach Fort Greenrock, the next friendly location where they'll be able to resupply, so she encourages the group to get all their shopping done here if they can.

Fort Blackwell features numerous small and cozy inns and taverns, all of which serve a delicious local malt blend called the Green Man (10 gp per bottle). Food and supplies can be readily purchased from one of four large provisioners who keep warehouses on the waterfront. Several small shrines, including ones dedicated to Heironeous, Kord, Pelor, St. Cuthbert, and the gods of the sea (Procan, Osprem, and Xerbo), can be found here as well.

Father Feres wishes to make a brief check-in at Heironeous' shrine. Likewise, Mr. Cohen will see if there are any dwarves which might worship Moradin in a small group, or to give aid to any in need. Korian desperately leaves the ship to go into the outskirts of town to hunt on his own.

Celiss, you are desperate for fresh meat, and should also go hunting as well.