Session 13 (The Pirates of Atlas)

 

"Session 13"
The Pirates of Atlas episode
Episode no.	Episode 13
Original air date	October 1, 2023 (2023-10-01)

"Session 13" is the thirteenth session of the campaign The Pirates of Atlas.

Synopsis

As Maren follows Drakefin, they made their way through the waters of Elytra. Maren notices that, unlike the waters of Apolis, she sees vibrant coral and schools of fish. She sees dolphins who welcome her. One of the dolphins named Jorge excitedly acknowledges her. They chance upon hunting waters and as they delve deeper. They go beneath the abyssopelagic zone, far below the depths normal humans are able to withstand and survive in. Drakefin tells her that they have arrived to their destination and tells her that there are purportedly monstrous creatures who live here who are actually quite friendly. As Maren watches, she sees the shift in the water and sees a tentacle grab her by surprise. She sees that this tentacle belongs to an anglerfish-like, serpentine creature. It opens its ugly maw and more teeth emerges. It breathes out and a noxious cloud of bubbles form. She tries to pet its tentacle and initially, it attempts to charge her before it stops and purrs. She tells it that it is cute. Drakefin says he is unsure whether this creature wants to pay respect to her or to eat her. Drakefin says that this creature used to be a fellow druid but used a ritual to become serpentine sea creatures. Drakefin says not all of the monsters are former druids but a great deal of them. She asks Drakefin how they can communicate with these creatures. He says it is difficult to talk to them but it is still possible. As they talk, they feel a disturbance in the water and a large behemoth bursts into their vision. It has two heads and eyes which light up a bright orange. It has colossal-size limbs and it reveals its full glory. Drakefin says that this creature is the king of the waters, Tatsu, and understands that Maren is royal. Maren shows a deferential gesture of respect to Tatsu. A voice rings in her head. "You...you are the child of King Malfeseus...I will do this, not to spark war, but you are not welcome here". Maren says she has no intention to stay too long but she wanted to get to know the creatures who live in these waters.

Tatsu tells her that her father banished the creatures here and now the king's daughter has been sent here. She tries to reassure Tatsu her genuine, innocuous intentions. She says she is not like her brothers and as a princess, she has no rights. Tatsu says her father is an old enemy of his and asks if Maren will continue to run away from her service and duties to her people. She says she wishes to truly comprehend the nature of her royal lineage and the call of duty. Tatsu tells her that she is shackled and always being told what to do. He asks her has she not grown a mind of her own and to make decisions herself. She admits that she does not think so and Tatsu asks her who takes care of her. She replies, her husband, Willem. She tells him that her husband is a landlubber. Tatsu asks what her purpose of life is and she says she and her husband are seeking the god of drowning. Tatsu tells her that no such god exists and that there is nothing deeper in the waters except for him. She asks perhaps if this drowning god is more of a concept rather than an actual entity. They debate the theological implications of drowning.

Tatsu tells her that if she continues to be "shackled" by others, including Willem, then she will not achieve her full potential. He asks her if she knows if Willem truly loves him or not. Tatsu tells the princess that she should heed to his wisdom and says that heartbreak can only come from those one truly loves. He says if she wishes to be the savior of her people, then they may continue their discussion but until she can become independent, then she is unworthy. He tells her to return to her landlubber husband and forbids her from mingling with her vassals. She will not have the right to call the creatures if she cannot call upon her ownself. He tells her that she lacks the ability to command, being unable to even command a sea anemone. Maren does not appear to fully understand or comprehend the extent of her audience with Tatsu and his words. Drakefin leads Maren back up the waters. As they ascend, Drakefin says that he wishes to become useful and says he used to feel this way when he served the Ruby Queen. He tells her how he used to try to woo the Ruby Queen and tells her how the Ruby Queen cared more about her achievements rather than suitors. Drakefin asks if Maren is happy with Willem and she says she is and he tells her that Willem is quite the catch. As they return to the surface, they find themselves back on the Drowning Durgl. Drakefin informs Willem that he and Maren had a safe and productive expedition and has brought Maren back safely to his stead. Willem tells him that he feared that they had been attacked due to his recent meeting with the Stormlord. Willem explains how he was able to survive his audience with the Stormlord. Drakefin bids farewell to the princess and tells her if her sisters are still single, he would like to be the first to know. Maren says he can be with any of her sisters except for Violet. Drakefin says he loves Violet the most and Maren tries to hasten his leave.

Meanwhile, as Vidro goes into an Atlantean alleyway, he meets up with Aldrich. Vidro gives Aldrich a recap of what has transpired and explains to him how he was used as a sacrificial lamb with the bomb to destroy the Stormlords. Vidro says he will find Heather from the Stormlords and bring her back to Aldrich. Vidro says he wants Aldrich to be a mole and help fake Vidro's death so that he is able to evade detection for a while. Aldrich says his life is on the line just by being with Vidro. Vidro says he will keep him safe. Aldrich says Heather had disappeared under similar circumstances as Vidro. Vidro tells him that this is just speculation and asks whether he is talking to "Sol" or Aldrich's true self. Vidro tells him what happened when he spoke with the Grand Admiral and explains that the Grand Admiral wishes to uproot corruption within Atlas. Vidro says he cannot truly trust Aldrich as he still speaks about his mission, and that he is provided enough information to him. Aldrich says if they wish to exchange information, it must be fair but he does tell Vidro that he was sent to audit the government of Atlas. When he began to question this line of work, they began to threaten his life. He says he learned that the Fourth Lord Torren is unhappy being in command of city watch, seeing such a role as unprestigious. He was to be the Second Lord and now has his eyes on becoming the grand admiral. Aldrich tells Vidro if he wishes to find the trail of evidence, he should look into investigating Fourth Lord Torren. Aldrich asks how the Grand Admiral knows so much about Aldrich and his group's dealings. Aldrich says he is unsure of confiding further or acquiescing to Vidro's request due to the risk of endangerment. Vidro reveals that Echo is the one pulling the strings and Vidro tells Aldrich to keeps eyes on him. Aldrich tells Vidro is not his supervisor but Vidro says that he is stronger than him. Vidro says all he cares about Heather and Aldrich, and all he is requiring is trust between friends. Aldrich tells Vidro came here not as a friend but as a boss. Vidro says he came because he wanted to save his friend after they spent ten years serving in an organization that has turned its back against them. Vidro pleads to him how he is gone through everything to preserve their friendship. Aldrich recounts their childhood and the harsh training they endured. Vidro tells him that he has died once and was killed by the Stormlord. Despite this, after being revived, the Nightingales decided to dispose of him as a bomb, being treated nothing more as a pawn. Vidro asks Aldrich if he can continue to trust this organization.

Vidro offers Aldrich a deal for a meeting to be set up between them in the near future. He says if he detects even an inkling of betrayal from Aldrich, Vidro will reveal everything and expose him to the Nightingales. He warns him not to double-cross him. Aldrich says he is not afraid to cut him down if necessary but he is no traitor. He agrees to the meeting but suggests to Vidro to bring his friends. Vidro is later casted back to the ship by Reyen at his request.

Once the entire crew has reconvened, Death returns to pick up Zosteif. Vidro asks Death if he has ever escorted a person by the name of Heather from the Nightingales. As Death tries to search his records, Lockwood asks how his parents have been. Maren asks how Death's day has been doing and he replies that it has been doing well. Lockwood repeats her question and Death is balked by the stupidity of her question. He says he does not have parents and she requires security clearance to understand his origins. Durgl asks if Mechagon thinks about the crew and Death replies that they do not. Willem asks if the Stormlord was bluffing and he says he did not. Pravuil asks Death where Aldrin is and Death says that his parents' killer is currently in Altari. Death informs them of new corporate rules, specifically that everyone must have changed voices. Before Death is about to leave, Vidro uses his pocket watch and asks who Aldrich has allegiance to and Death tells him the absolute truth: Cypher.

After Death departs, Willem holds a meeting and explains that they need to settle on side quest business before they continue on their main quest. Willem says he has a personal interest in learning more about Echo Knights but is also aware that they are located near the purported, sighted area of the Golden Ribbit, which is of interest to Durgl. They decide to head towards the Wildlands which Lockwood says will take about three weeks to go.

Cannoneer says he has voices in his head which tells him they should go to Paragon and he says that the other divinely connected on the crew would agree to go too. Vidro reminds everyone that they have been invited to attend a mandatory banquet with the Ruby Queen. Vidro reports that the meeting with the Grand Admiral went successful and that they have good news to report to the Ruby Queen. Ren pops in and says that he discovered some legendary meat from one of Akula's old cookbooks which is believed to be located in the Wildlands.

Willem asks what kind of gifts they could bequeath the Ruby Queen. Willem suggests that Durgl to prepare a special song for her. Willem proposes that this song could be used to inspire the common folk. Lockwood suggests that they all create their own minisongs. Durgl thinks he could just give up one of his legendary arrows. Vidro says they could ask Diana what the Ruby Queen could like. Diana says that the Ruby Queen likes roses and poetry. They then decide to work on a gift that will incorporate both ideas into their gift. Ren is commissioned by the captain to do woodworking which will have rose floral theme. Vidro and Flynn decides to prepare some artificer technology to bring more flair to their final product.

Later in the evening, Lockwood notices finely-dressed people approaching the gangplank. One of the woman asks if the captain is onboard. She asks if there is a Serena Lockwood. They drag a bunch of boxes and that Dr. Barrett has prepared these gifts for Lockwood. One of the gifts open and a voice emerges. It is the doctor himself who informs Lockwood of the details of their date tonight. Lockwood sees if she could get out of this situation but the crew is insistent. Each of the members of the crew work on their own lines to contribute to their poem to the Ruby Queen. Reyen says that he used to be a man of astute writing skills, capable of wooing women. Willem and Lockwood reminds Reyen that the purpose of their poem is not to woo or charm the Ruby Queen, but to praise her dedication to her people and for securing the sovereignty of Elytra.

The end result is this:

Your city is like a rose, blooms with thorns that prosperity adorns,
A kingdom so great, Sovereignty be its fate,
The finest ruby,
To serve the people is her duty,
Elytra so clean,
Because of the diligence of thy queen,
The Ruby Queen is strong, when she faces enemies she'll kill 'em,
We hope you like this poem, by the crew of Captain Willem.

— Willem's Willies, in "The Ruby Queen"

The crew then gets dressed and prepared for the evening banquet. Reyen reminds the whole crew to be back on the ship before sunrise tomorrow. Reyen says that no one should end up in someone else's home although he says Lockwood should have no trouble as she is undesirable. She insists that she has "rizz" and explains that it is "how the youths say" and how it is related to charisma. The crew is confused and the captain tables the discussion.

As nightfalls, they make their way to the Ruby Queen's banquet. They are led not to her palace but to another large, beautiful, and ornate venue which hosts such galas. As they walk through the town towards the building, they notice the architecture is reminiscent of Apolis. They are surrounded by masqueraded individuals.

As the crew walks into the center of the dance hall, they overhear discussion of Dr. Emilia discovering a new medical breakthrough and talk of political intrigue. Lockwood, having recently turned into a vampire, has her first thirst for blood. Vidro perches himself by a wall to eavesdrop.

Lockwood approaches one of the patrons. Lockwood, visibly out of her element and in a cold sweat, asks the patron if there is any food that could nourish her need. The patron tells her to be straightforward. Lockwood says she needs something to drink. Lockwood scans her surroundings and tells the lady that she needs blood. The lady escorts Lockwood to a quieter place and tells Lockwood she is unsure why Lockwood seems so nervous about talking about blood. The lady sorts through some cabinets and sifts through vials of blood. She picks one and pops one open, giving Lockwood some blood in a chardonnay glass. "Compliments of the Ruby Queen," the lady says. Lockwood asks for her name and she replies that her name is Bethany. Lockwood says she is concerned if her crewmates discover that she is now a vampire, they may ostracize her. Bethany says keeping a secret is one thing but keeping a secret on the boat is another thing. Lockwood asks if it is possible she could acquire a large supply of blood to sustain her. Bethany says there is but it will be an issue to conceal such large supply from the rest of her crewmates. Bethany says that there is a medical technology invented by an esteemed doctor which can conceal blood and be added to normal food. It is none other than Dr. Barrett. Lockwood hides her secret disdain upon hearing such a name but thanks Bethany for the information. Bethany warns Lockwood that there is a dog-eat-dog world and hierarchy to the world of vampires. Bethany says there are vampiric purists who loathe half-breeds like her and may even choose to cannibalize her. Bethany says, specifically, there is an old order of vampires who worship their god that demands to maintain pure blood lineages. Bethany escorts Lockwood back to the main party but suggests Lockwood to make way to Lordarin if she wishes to know more about vampires and their lifestyles.

Back with the main crew, a well-dressed man with a cane approaches them. The man says he is told that they are the Willem's Willies. Willem says they are. The man says he was told they were misfits but they appear to be well-dressed and introduces himself as Hector. He says he is the son of an Elytran noble who once sponsored a crew and paid them handsomely. He inquires if they would be interested to be hired and said he has proposed this to other crews, but they have all declined. He wishes to be taken to the Chasm of the Gods which is to the east of the Dreamwell. He says he wishes to be a famous explorer and will receive his own titles and prestige that is not based on his father's. He says that there is allegedly a dragon who lives there. Hector offers Willem a plan to defeat such a dragon and says they will need a druid or warlock to fly them over the chasm. Willem says they are not opposed to the mission but they have plans at the moment. Hector asks if their plans cannot be delayed. Hector says he will wait for them until they finish their excursions and tells the captain they can find him at the Explorer's Guild.

Reyen says he recognizes one of the guests as a wizard named Alabaster. Willem directs everyone to make friends with a stranger. Vidro decides to simply dance with Diana. He bows before her and offers her a dance. As they dance, Vidro tries to eavesdrop on conversations around them. Diana asks Vidro how his mission has been going. He tells her it has not been working out so well but he is trying to make do. He asks how Diana is doing. She says she realizes now that the palace she grew up in is a prison and has enjoyed life on the seas. Vidro apologizes to her when he spoke to her in Atlas, he said he was under the false guise as a spy. He says he has had a hard time being forthcoming with the crew but is remorseful of it. He says everything he did was not out of the kindness of his heart, but for an ulterior motive. Over time however, he learned to actually care for them. He said for the first two years, he was being deceitful but developed a sense of loyalty to them. He says he feels guilty. Diana lets go of Vidro's hands and says she will look for some drinks.

As Lockwood walks, she sees old friends. Four little robots, stacked on top of each other, welcome her. They call her "The Guide". The four of them start pickpocketing people and bounce around as a demonstration of what they have learned. Lockwood tells them that they do not need to pickpocket to impress her and they decide to return their stolen goods to their rightful owners. They tell her they had come to Elytra in search of scientific pursuit. Steely is learning blacksmith, Tinny is learning artificing, Rocky is learning druidic art, and Coppy is learning jewelcrafting. Suddenly, robotic cops emerge and they run away.

Maren approaches a stocky dwarf named Hagsmead who is drinking, whom Drakefin suggests talking to as he knows him. Maren asks where he comes from and he says he is from the Wildlands. Maren says that it is perfect because she and her crew wishes to visit it. He says he left the Wildlands due to war and said that war is bad for business. He says that his friends are businesspeople but he is a druid. He says "Hakuna Matata" (which is clearly not druidic). She replies back in the same greeting and tells him they are looking to learn more about the Wildlands. Hagsmead rambles nonsense as Maren tries to keep up. One of the attendants walking nearby, carrying a platter of cake, catches Hagsmead's attention.

Durgl grabs a drink from one of the butlers and heads to one of the dragonborn. Durgl introduces himself and the dragonborn says his name is Maximus but tells Durgl he can call him "Max" if his name is too long. Maximus suggests that Durgl be named "Durgillian" since his name is too "short" and they go back in forth until they settle on "Durgillian Jr. the Ninth". Max says he used to work for the Golden Sails as a mercenary. He says his crew's ship capsized and after he woke up, he found himself in Elytra and says he would love to travel westward to the Underdark which has ruins that contain mythical gems that amplify magic. He says he wishes to eat these items and that dragons are destined to consume such relics to gain power. He says if he eats metal, he will become a metallic dragon. Max says no one has seen dragons in a long time but they are supposedly out on east. Durgl asks Max if he has ever attempted to find and reconnect his lost crewmates. Max says he is from the Black Summer Pirates. Durgl asks if Max has heard of any other noteworthy crews. Max says he knows there is talk of war and is quite lost, but does not mind being enlisted in order to obtain some gainful employment. He says he and his brother has taken on a life of nomadism. Max asks if Durgl is a pirate. Durgl affirms this and says he is a bard on a pirate ship. Durgl says he is a grung and Max says he has never see his kind and offers him a drink so they can discuss further. Durgl says he will offer him a drink if they can talk about the gem Max has.

Willem decides to approach a female moon-elf who is sitting at a table by herself. She is helping herself to some ale and porkchops. She tears it off the bone cleanly. She nods at him as she approaches. Willem asks her where she is from and says he is intrigued by her tribal clothing. She takes offense due to the microaggression. He clarifies he is intrigued by her sword and said he recently came across ice magic and wanted to know if she might know how to manipulate such magic and to survive in the winter. She says he can give her his weapon as she is stronger than him. She asks if he can make ice without the weapon and she says she can. She demonstrates some snow magic and says she was self-taught. Willem asks her where her home is and she is reluctant to reveal this. Willem asks her if she is interested to see his water magic. She is intrigued. She offers Willem to a drinking match as everyone else around them is too high-class to drink heavily but he declines because it is sinful. She asks him if he is a religious man and he says he is and she scoffs. Willem suggests they can fight but she declines. She says they can keep talking as long as she can do something else at the same time. She then suggests whoever beats the coolest person, they win the game and can then reveal each other's secrets. She says she has beaten a T-rex but Willem says he defeated the Stormlord twice. He says he does not lie as it would be a sin. She says she now knows he is Willem and says she has heard much talk about him. She says she is from the Wildlands and he says he is surprised as she does not look like she is from such tropical, forested place. She explains her origins and was imbued magical powers to be able to use her weapons. Willem informs her that his crew is heading to the Wildlands and if she is interested to return home, she could hitch a voyage with them. She asks where his ship is and he gives her directions. She says her sister is Lyra and she was the reason she was at the banquet. She says her sister decided to not come today but that Lyra could be of help to his crew in navigating the Wildlands. He says they are also looking for the Golden Ribbit and she says it is a bunch of "horseshit". He thanks her for his time and she takes interest in speaking with Pravuil, whom Willem calls as a "priest". He claims that he cannot drink as well due to religious reasons but the moon-elf decides to talk to him anyways. Willem tells Pravuil to speak to her to learn more from her and Pravuil obliges. She introduces herself to Pravuil and says she knows he does not drink but Pravuil he always drink. She then wonders if Willem is a liar and there is a huge misunderstanding between Pravuil and Willem as they are on the verge of a highly sectarian, theological debate.

Lockwood approaches another patron and takes note of her mask. She wonders if she has any connection to demonic, oni power. The woman affirms this and says she has a kinship to the gods. Lockwood asks her if she is willing to do a favor. She asks her to inspect her sword and explain why she loses control whenever the sword is activated. The woman tells her that her sword is cursed. Lockwood wonders how it is possible since she crafted the sword herself. The woman says it is possible her blade has a cursed fragment when it was forged. She tells her of a legend if all the fragments are repaired and assembled together, a stronger, truer weapon will emerge. Lockwood asks if there is anywhere to harness this power and control it. The woman tells her there is but it carries the high risk of lethality or descent into darkness. If one has any distractions or uncertainties in one's mind, the oni may exploit that. Lockwood asks where she is from but she says that this is a secret and that her allegiance to the oni is more of a job than anything. Lockwood says that recently, she embarked on a task for the akuna and assumes that the woman is a half-vampire just as she is. Lockwood asks her what brought the woman to Elytra and she says because she serves the oni and since the oni serves the Ruby Queen, she now works under Elytra. She introduces her name as Ruki and Lockwood thanks her. A masked man then approaches Ruki and whispers to her.

While Vidro eavesdrops during his dance with Diana, he notices that one of the patrons, dressed in military uniform, has created an army of mercenaries known as the Spartans, who have been recruited to work for the Ruby Queen. He learns that this man is supposedly ruthless and bloodthirsty, annihilating entire villages. Vidro grabs a drink and gets buzzed.

Lockwood catches sight of Dr. Barrett and finally sits down with him and they decide to have small talk. Maren and Hagsmead bond over pie, crying. Willem and Pravuil continue their argument.

Vidro notices the uniformed man and approaches him for a couple of drinks at the bar. Vidro takes the moon risotto and begins slurring his words, "I can't do anything right". The man turns to Vidro and asks if everything is alright. Vidro says he has issues going on and the man tells him to simply "Solve them" and he walks away. Vidro follows after him and the man tells him he does not care to listen to him. Vidro asks why the man is here. The man says he is here to accompany his king and that they are associated with the Ruby Queen. Vidro asks him that since he looks like he has been through much experience, has he discovered his purpose in life. Vidro wonders how one can discover purpose in life if their original purpose is lost. The man suggests when he goes out in the world, he must search for it earnestly. Vidro introduces himself and the man cautions him not to perceive their talk as a sign of a burgeoning friendship. The man says he is a well-informed man and knows that Vidro is an enemy of the Nightingales. Vidro is taken aback by how this man knows of Vidro's association with the Nightingales. Before the man is about to leave, Vidro asks how this man knows this. The man says everyone knows this and says if Vidro places another hand of him, that will be the end of it, and he does not wish to have any business with Vidro. Vidro relents by tailing after the man. He sees that the man reunites with a black-armored man and he sees them discuss privately. Vidro casts a spell of invisibility and approaches closer to them and eavesdrops. Vidro hears that they are speaking of "negotiations" and the Ruby Queen. He also hears of "candidates" and the other replies that no one so far seems worthy quite yet. The man in black armor refers to the uniformed man as Slavic and thanks him for his service.

Suddenly, a warhorn is blown as an announcer welcomes the Ruby Queen. A sentry of twelve, white-robed royal guards march in a choreographed manner. People clear the pathway to make way for the Ruby Queen. Another delegation emerges, including Queen Vela and Maiya, surrounded by heavily-armed guards. Vidro teleports further up the scaffolding to have a bird eye's view. He feels a blade touch his back and a voice in his head, "We know you are with Willem's Willies but unauthorized teleporting onto the scaffolding, this is quite suspicious, but as members of the Ruby Queen's guards, we wish to inform you to return down within a minute or we will take care of you".

Back down, the Ruby Queen welcomes Queen Vela. Queen Vela asks the Ruby Queen if it is possible they can speak privately, but she had come to personally congratulate the Ruby Queen's success in giving Elytra independence.

Lockwood, distracted by the sight of the queens, is asked by Dr. Barrett if she would like to accompany him on a voyage. He asks her if they are ready to take their relationship to the next level and to become "official". Lockwood is shocked and the doctor tells her that he admires her sense of adventure and creativity. The doctor says she is an artist, a compliment to himself as a scientist. Willem overhears this conversation and says that as Lockwood's captain, he has the power to minister the wedding on their ship. The doctor says if the marriage is officialized, he will enhance Willem's Willies' ship with the necessary enhancements. Lockwood makes clear that she does not wish to marry him. The doctor says he will respect her wishes but must excuse himself as he will recess back to his residence. Willem tries to salvage the situation but the doctor says he is only interested in Lockwood. The doctor says she is always welcome to his shop and tells Willem if Durgl is available, he can be of use for further experimentation. He then departs. Willem commends Lockwood for her attempt with the doctor.

As the crew reassembles, they hear obnoxious laughter on the table next door. They hear of gossip about a noblewoman who was exiled. This woman had a son who was abandoned. One of the ladies speak of tradition and that they had come to Elytra to escape such traditions. One of them says love is love and what does it matter if one marries a mercenary. Vidro joins in on this conversation and gossips with the women.

Willem beckons Durgl to join back the crew. Willem and Pravuil bicker but then eventually come to an amicable conclusion as they agree that their misunderstanding was perhaps a test of faith from God Himself.

Lockwood notices Maiya and musters up the courage to speak to her. Right before she tries to tap on Maiya's shoulder and is suddenly met by two crossed swords. She sees guards who ask who is she. Maiya turns around and tells the guards that Lockwood is okay and is a friend. She takes out her compass necklace which was gifted by Maiya long ago, Lockwood she wishes to return this to her. Maiya says there is no need as it was a gift intended for her. As they talk, Lockwood notices a bright shine and sees an engagement ring on Maiya's hand. Lockwood, flustered, tries to keep her composure. Maiya says she has been promoted within the Navy and works for the Fourth Lord. She says that under the Fourth Lord's command, they are on the brink of entering the Dreamwell. Lockwood says that she is with a friend who works here and points to Bethany. She lies that Bethany and her are romantically involved. Maiya's rose-bearing druid friend interrupts their conversation as she presents a rose to Lockwood and asks Maiya who Lockwood is. Maiya explains that Lockwood is a friend. Lockwood excuses herself and recedes to the bar where she is joined by Durgl and Vidro.

The Ruby Queen and Queen Vela emerge from their meeting. The Ruby Queen announces that she and Queen Vela will pledge between one another. Queen Vela declares that Atlas shall now officially recognize the sovereignty of Elytra. The night continues and some people begin to leave while others are ready to offer gifts to the queen. Willem calls everyone to join together. Maren is having a sugar rush while Lockwood and Vidro are hammered. Willem tells Durgl to prepare reading the poem. They get into the gift-giving line. Pravuil casts a spell of Lesser Restoration to heal his drunken friends.

In the line, Willem bumps into a gorilla who introduces himself as Captain Donkey. He beckons his first mate, Diddy. Willem shares with the ape captain the poem his crew prepared for the Ruby Queen. Maren cuts off Willem's poem and introduces herself to the ape captain. The ape says he wishes to give the Ruby Queen the Golden Banana, the most prized-possession of the apes. He says his crew wishes to align themselves with the Ruby Queen to get closer with the Fourth Lord. Willem negotiates a deal with the ape and he agrees, deciding to entrust the Golden Banana with Captain Willem and leaves. While they talk, Death teleports Zosteif back.

The Willem's Willies are now first in line and Willem offers the Ruby Queen the gift of a poem. The Ruby Queen says she heard that Durgl was temporarily given away as a slave and Willem clarifies this is not what he intends to do with Durgl. He says that Durgl will read a poem. Durgl thanks everyone and begins his poem. The Ruby Queen is bemused and asks who wrote the poem. Durgl offers the rose to the Ruby Queen and she says that the poem and flower are beautiful. The rose itself is a modified gem with a stem and has an encrusted crown atop the "flower". She looks at it with admiration and blushes.

Lockwood proposes to make a toast in a half-drunken state to change. The Ruby Queen stares at her and looks at her awkwardly, but decides to reciprocate with a toast to change. Everyone returns to their stage. Later, the Ruby Queen approaches the Willem's Willies' table and admits when she first heard of their crew, she was skeptical about them. She says they remind her of her early days as misfits. She says she wishes the days of sailing and having potential lying ahead. She says she wishes to secure their potential and that Elytra will be able to offer whatever they wish, whether it be money or housing. She says however, as long as they remain true at sea and adventuring, then they should continue to do so, so long as they live. She then presents them a medallion and says she does not bestow this often, if ever. She gives this a token of her appreciation to them and that such token can secure respect and command over others. She then leaves.

Later that evening, Lockwood asks if she can return to the ship to cry. Everyone else in the crew agree and believe they should return to the ship to retire for the night after an exhausting evening of socializing and festivities.

On the ship, there is a depressed Vidro, an asleep Maren, a drunk Lockwood, a loud Reyen, and a confused Ren who asked where the crew went. He said he must have went to the wrong party as he is clutching ontobeads and lipstick-stained kisses on his face.

Vidro sits silently by himself to drink. Willem returns to his captain's quarters and sees Ronin who bows before him. Ronin says he wishes to inform him that they will take their leave but thanks the crew for being so hospitable. Later that night, everyone recedes to bed. As Lockwood moans in sadness, Durgl casts telepathy to hear ribbit.

At night, Pravuil hears tapping at the porthole. As he checks the porthole, he sees a black raven and lets it in. It flies in and transforms into a humanoid figure who introduces himself as an acolyte of Vex. He questions why Pravuil has spent years shirking his command from the Great Old One to head east in Lordarin. Pravuil says he has never strayed from this path and that his crew has simply chosen to take an alternative route. The acolyte notes that Pravuil is heading to Paragon and that the ravens have been keeping close watch. The acolyte informs Pravuil that if he wishes to prove his devotion and please God, he must go to Paragon and there, to plunge his blade into a tomb of a fallen one and dip it in blood. After doing this, he must head to Lordarin where a new acolyte can arise.

The next morning, the crew makes preparations to set sail east. Out on the open sea, they see a boat called the "Red Jazz Casino" and Lockwood commands Lara to stop the boat. They board the boat and they are greeted by a half-orc card dealer. They see four sets of three die and welcomes them. Lockwood says she wants to gamble here. She gambles away all of her money and loses it. While the crewmates gamble, Willem and Pravuil conspire to destroy the ship as it is a den of sin. Maren and Durgl agree and decide to recruit Cannoneer to help partake in purging the ship.

Willem uses his trident to summon the senile kraken, Uno. He delivers a fiery sermon as he summons the kraken. Suddenly a congo band begins as an old kraken with a moustache emerges. Maren greets him. She tells him to destroy the casino ship. Willem calls him the senile kraken but the kraken corrects him that he is Señor Kraken. The kraken then ties his tentacles around the ship and sinks it down. He drowns everyone in it except for the crew. Dozens die.

A little while after the crew committed mass murder, Vidro notices another ship in the distance. Another ship emerges and the two head towards the ship as they try to pincer the Drowning Durlg. They notice that the ships in total have twenty-five people. One of the ships fire a warning shot from their cannon into the water adjacent to them. Willem says that these ships may house even more sinners who are worthy of death.

Willem says that they shall engage in combat. Vidro shoots a fireball at the mast of one of the ships. It knocks one of the mast as it careens downward. Lockwood summons Autumn and they ride above water towards the ship. Willem orders Cannoneer to ready the cannons.

The enemy ships fire a volley of cannonballs at the crew. Maren takes some significant damage while the rest of the crew suffer some damage. Flynn and Reyen work diligently to keep their ship seaworthy. Vidro tries to shoot into the hull of one of the ships. Durgl prepares to jump into sea before Cannoneer says he can take him and another crewmate into the second ship by firing them. Zosteif volunteers and Cannoneer readies the cannon to shoot them over to the second ship.

Willem decides to aim at the hull of the second ship. It hits and he fires another shot. He then makes his way closer to the enemy ships. Pravuil attempts to fire a cannon but it misses. Maren summons a wall of water from the ocean to block the second ship's cannon blast.

The enemy fires more volleys which injure the crew some more. Vidro, atop the crow's nest, casts a healing spell on Maren. Durgl is confronted by enemy crewmates as he jumps aboard the enemy ship. One of the enemy crewmates summons a spell which self-combusts and Vidro does an opportunity attack against this spellcaster. Zosteif dodges three shots towards her. She gets attacked by the saber-wielding crewmates. Durgl gets whaled on by a gang of crewmates as he is taken down. Zosteif summons her void-cutter and slices down her enemies. She uses her String-String Fruit power and summons five string strikes and is able to land some hit.

Lockwood casts a blazing spell which immediately kills 13 people on the two ships. The people killed are engulfed in flames while others jump into the sea to avoid getting burned.

Pravuil casts a mass healing wound spell to heal everyone within his vicinity. Maren casts firing bolts from the sky at the crewmates surrounding Durgl and Zosteif and they come thundering down, taking out most of the crewmates.

Willem fires another cannon onto the second ship. By shooting towards the ship, Zosteif and Durgl are inadvertently in Willem's blast radius. Zosteif dodges and avoids getting hit. Willem casts his echo to fire another volley in an attempt to save Durgl. Durgl, at death's door, is able to hear a loud boom as he hears a voice cry out of a ricocheting shot, which wipes out three crewmates. One crewmate who tried to dig his dagger into Durgl is immediately blasted away and the enemy ship's momentum is halted.

Lockwood notice that the people on fire are emerging from the water and attempting to stab her. Despite their bodies charred, screaming in pain, attempting to continue fighting them. One of the half-torn crewmates approach towards Durgl and he notices around him the supposedly "dead" crewmates are still walking. Suddenly, Durgl finds himself upright and time stop. Death emerges and greets Durgl and tells him how he was supposed to die. He informs him that he may have messed up in arranging for the upcoming Halloween festivities. Death says he forgot his scythe and as a result, he was unable to take Durgl with him. He says that Durgl cannot die for now but he will whisk the entire crew away for a Halloween-themed mission. He says if they obtain his scythe, he will give them a scroll that will guarantee death to whomever is selected.

Featured characters

Player characters

• Akula (absent)
• Anradeem Pravuil
• Durgl
• Jué Zosteif (absent)
• Ryul Vidro
• Serena Lockwood
• Maren
• Willem