Session 5 (The Pirates of Atlas)
| "Session 5" | |
|---|---|
| The Pirates of Atlas episode | |
| Episode no. | Episode 5 |
| Original air date | June 18, 2023 |
"Session 5" is the fifth session of the campaign The Pirates of Atlas.
Synopsis
During the events of Session 4, Willem, Maren, Serena Lockwood, and Jué Zosteif were taken to the spacetime-warped lounge with Akula's Friend. Akula's Friend gives Lockwood a pocket watch and gives gold to the captain and the first mate. It explains that the pocket watch will give an answer to one question they have. It can be used anytime. It says that once they are ready to return to the material world, the fireplace will open up as a portal. For the next two hours perceptually, Willem lays down on the floor and tries to teach Maren everything that there is to know about a captain. Lockwood runs through the moment the portal opens up. The captain and the first mate follow suit, while Zosteif remains in the lounge as her time has not yet come.
The three who enter through the portal find themselves in a marbled temple. They immediately are taken affront by the smell of sulfur. They find six lifeless bodies and the rest of their crewmates in the aftermath. They notice Pravuil with black wings, Akula holding a massive thunder hammer, and a large goliath body at Akula's feet. Draped around the walls of the temple are ornamental, mystical silk banners. The crewmates explain to the ones who arrived what has transpired.
Akira introduces herself to Willem, Maren, and Lockwood, and tells her the purpose of the box that led the crew to her village. She explains that Yasuke was sent on a mission and that her people are not allowed to leave. She then speaks of the Stormlords, how she does not know them, and does not know the reason they attacked the village. Akira says that the village has been kept a secret for a long time and hopes that the crew may keep the secret still. She welcomes the village as their secondary home.
The crew make their way back to their lodging and take in the beautiful scenery. They notice townspeople peeking out of their windows and whispering among themselves. Pravuil and Vidro take notice that the townspeople are saying "This is the first time we've been attacked. Can they be trusted?" The townspeople wish to see the crew leave as soon. Vidro and Pravuil suggest the crew to make haste and leave the town alone.
They retire for the night. Willem and Maren stay up to keep the night's watch. Lockwood also stays up. As the three discuss, Maren and Lockwood notice a figure approaching them. The figure has a long brown robed and appears to be an older woman with a hunchback and a basket. Lockwood offers to help the woman. The woman gives the three each gifts. They see medicinal herbs, teas, and baked goods in the baskets. The woman offers to pour the three tea. Willem is a bit weary and questions the woman's intentions, asking why she was out and about at 3 in the morning. Willem advises Lockwood against drinking tea. Maren checks and confirms that the tea is not poisonous. She leaves the baskets with them and bids them farewell.
Akula prepares breakfast the crew in the morning. At 8 o'clock, Ryul heads to the tattooist. Akula shows off his new tattoos to the crew and explains that it makes him stronger. As Akula prepares tea, he smells a honey scent. Pravuil, Durgl, Lockwood, and Durgl drink the tea and get a huge health boost before they go to the tattooist. As they step into the store, they take notice of different artwork and sketches on the wall. Toto, the tattooist, welcomes them. She welcomes Akula again as "Big Shark Man". Vidro decides to get tattoos. The captain desires tattoos as well. Maren wishes to have tattoos as well and wants them to match with the captain. Durgl persuades Toto to join the crew after she admits that she has nothing to do after they finish their business at her shop.
After Toto joins the crew, they make their way to the village tavern. The barkeeper welcomes Akula and the others back and offers drink on the house. They also discuss what they must do next now as they must leave the village. Lockwood and Reyen begin to banter. Reyen says he can teleport 5 crewmates back to the ship instantaneously. Reyen says he will not give that benefit to Lockwood if she does not apologize. They begin to spar and Maren tells them to stop. They comply and agree to stop arguing. Some of the crewmates notice a poem on the top of the fireplace of the tavern.
Familiar winds will bring new guests,
Welcomed with open arms but guarded chests,
The red haired maiden, beauty like a dove,
Took the heart of the swordsman, who knew nothing of love,
So when the wind returned to take the maiden now,
The swordsman followed, and broke his vow.
Someone approaches them and inquires how far Swiftwind Village is. They say that someone has come to this village and wishes to go to Swiftwind Village. They ask if the crew may allow him to board their ship and allow them to take him to the village. The man wishes to give someone from Swiftwind Village a blade. The blade is destined for someone. The person tells them that the man is currently at the temple. The crew agree to take him in. The man is said to be a swordsmith. Lockwood asks if the man has any potential ulterior motive. The person confesses they do not know much about the man himself and that the crewmates must ask him themselves. Lockwood questions why the captain is so willing to accept the credibility of this man over the credibility of the old woman they saw the previous night. The captain clarifies his reason and assures her that they will interrogate the man.
Vidro tells the captain that the poem they read earlier could possibly be a reference to the Ruby Queen. The captain questions whether the swordsman could be Haru. They head their way up the temple and see three large pillars adorned with various items. The first pillar contains a large chest with gold pieces stacked atop it and overflowing. There is about 3,000 to 5,000 gold pieces from the chest. There are other items as well which looks like a pocket watch with orange lights streaking out of it, equipped with navigation tools. To the right of the chest, they see a massive warhorn. They also notice a potion flask which contains a flaming, burning wing. Akira offers all of these treasures to the crew for their assistance. She explains that the pocket watch points to magical items of interest. She does not what special properties the warhorn has but that it was used by her ancestors to inspire. The last she explains, belongs to a phoenix, and that if anyone were to die, they could be resurrected by the wing.
Reyen casts an identify spell on the phoenix's wing and says that as long as a physical body is present, the corpse can be reanimated and reincarnate the person's soul. Reyen explains that the horn can be used once a day and anyone who hears the horn can deal the most effective, strongest attack possible. They take their treasure and decide how to return. Reyen reminds them that he can teleport 5 of them while the rest must walk by.
Durgl, Vidro, Pravuil, Akula, and Reyen head to the tattooist to pick up Toto. The others remain at the temple. Kaizen appears and introduces the swordsmith to the crew. The swordsmith Ren explains that about the sword he must find is worthy to wield it. Lockwood is smitten by Ren. Akira leads them out of the temple and to the stables. Reyen teleports the five back to the ship.
Akira, Lockwood, Willem, Maren, and Ren see two people in the stable. Akira explains that Lockwood is in search of a horse. One of the horse breeders asks what kind of horse she would like. The other offers to give them a tour. He introduces a brave, black horse. He then introduces a chestnut-colored horse who is more cautious. The third horse is a white horse who is known for its beauty. The fourth horse is a jack-of-all-trades. The other side of the stables are ponies. Lockwood decides to choose the female chestnut horse and she names her Autumn.
Lockwood, having read her horseback riding book, she is familiar with the attributes and class of her horse. She is able to tame the horse. Lockwood offers Ren to ride with her but he declines. The captain offers instead to ride the horse but she declines, saying that the horse cannot support enough weight.
The five who returned to the ship find themselves that the ship has been hidden in a cavernous cove. They see that Flynn has been busy working on the ship. Azula stands by one of the cannons. Cannoneer and Elsa sit on lawn chairs, with Cannoneer is sleeping. They explain to Azula that they have killed Krix, with Akula doing the final blow. Azula approaches Akula and kisses his hand before she slaps him. She explains that Krix was supposed to be her kill and thanks him nonetheless. She explains that Krix had been with Varen Hollow since the beginning. Krix was the one responsible for capturing her father. She warns them that the Stormlord will come after them and their loved ones. Akula and Azula have a terse conversation. Cannoneer is stirred awake and says he wishes to be in the next fight. He says that where he comes from, everyone fights including the women. Vidro knocks on the door of Lara's cabin to let her know they and Lockwood have returned.
About a day and a half later, the rest of the crew are en route on their way to the ship. They hear strange, whimsical music playing. They see well-dressed performers and card magicians. One of them steps up and explains that fate has brought them together. He proposes they play a game of cards. They play blackjack for about five minutes and Maren wins. The cardplayer offers Maren his personal deck of his cards. He proposes they play a game from Atlas. If they win, they will win 20,000 gold. Ren and Lockwood play but do not win. They then leave.
Back on the ship at night, Azula walks in to the mess hall where Akula is. She asks for a drink. Azula explains that many have gone to find the Stormlord and have died. Akula assures her that they are not like the others. She apologizes for slapping Akula's face and asks what were the last words of Krix. Akula tells her that Krix simply wished to kill him. Vidro comes in and asks for a drink. Akula makes a strong drink for Vidro and as soon as Vidro drinks, he is knocked out before he finishes the drink. Akula brings the unconscious Vidro and sends him to his quarters to sleep. Azula explains that Akula is not the first to have killed Krix and Akula is confused.
The next day, the rest of the crew arrive. As soon as Lockwood sees Reyen, she insults him. Reyen tells her that he has had a great discussion with Lara and says she is interested in the arcane arts. Maren asks Reyen to inspect her new deck of cards. He tells her that it is a deck of cards with random effects. Some of the effects include great ones such as the promise of riches and terrible ones such as instant death.
Akula decides to take one of the cards. He sees "The Fool" which has a smiling, taunting clown. It disintegrates the strength-imbuing tattoo he had just received. He is forced to draw another card. The next card shows a decrepit castle. A murder of ravens emerge. The name of the card is "The Room". All of his gold and other valuable possessions disintegrate away.
Lockwood draws her card. It is called "The Keep" which looks like a castle filled with treasure and weapons. As it disintegrates, it transforms into a blade. She catches it and sees that it is a beautiful steel katana, the Flame Tongue Sword. It is written in a runic script and Lockwood intuitively knows how to read it. If she says it aloud, it will enhance her attack. Maren takes her deck of cards back.
Ren introduces himself to members of the crew he has not met. Lara asks the captain that she has readied the sails and asks if they are ready to set sail. Willem tells the crew that once they return to Atlas, Maren will do a reconnaissance mission about the Dreamwell. Maren commands the anchor to be raised. Cannoneer lifts the anchor. They set their course to north and head back to Atlas. Lockwood offers to teach the captain how to read. Whenever she does, she makes sure that Ren is within sight to see it to impress him.
During the voyage, as the captain goes down to the vault, Flynn greets him and tells him he has heard hearing in the brig. It is their prisoner. Willem decides to pay him a visit and speak to him. He tells him where he would like to be dropped off. He says he wishes to be dropped off back in Atlas.
Akula goes to Toto and asks if she can offer him free tattoos in exchange for some other form of compensation. Ren asks around if anyone is willing and capable of holding the sword. He tries it on Durgl and he is not worthy. He tries it on Vidro and he is not worthy. Pravuil tries and he is not worthy. Akula tries and he is not worthy although he was very close due to the sword vibrating violently. Maren tries and she is also quite close but fails. Lara tries and fails. Willem refuses to try the sword as he is more interested in blunt weapons. Cannoneer also turns it down but offers it to Elsa.
After three weeks, they finally return to the Bay of Atlas. They go through a Navy checkpoint. Willem tells them that they have come for business. They anchor at the business port. Reyen offers to take up the role of acting bosun as Zosteif is still not with them. Willem approves. They discuss among themselves to stock up provisions and store gold into the bank. Lara says that she wishes to visit her father and see him. Willem goes to the fashion store to pick up their hats and the crew's banner. The women, including Maren, head to the Navy headquarters. Pravuil, Akula, Durgl, and Vidro go to the potion shop.
Pravuil and the others make their way into the apothecary store, Dreamwell Potions. They hear bubbling liquids about them. They see two people studying potions. One of them introduces himself as Dr. Timmy Turner. They purchase potions of greater healing.
Willem steps into Logon's and notice a large gathering of people in the store. He sees Logon and is welcomed back. He says that his hats are ready but offers the store's weekly wears. He informs him that there is a large ball to be held in about a month at the Durathyon Manor. Willem takes up Logon's offer on having more fashionable armor and clothing. Logon also gives them the banner and hats as he tries on the clothing. Logon offers him a special cloak which has projectile deflection properties. Willem inquires if he could have one that has elemental protection, preferably fire protection.
Maren and her group head to the Navy's barracks. They witness soldiers being trained and marching. One of the guard halts them and tells them they are about to enter restricted area. Maren tries to convince the guard to let them pass but he refuses. Lockwood bluffs to the guard that she is of royalty from the water genasi. The guard asks for proof and Maren shows him documentation, which shocks Lockwood as it turns out that Maren is indeed royal.
They see an owl from the Coven and another soldier with a scarf appears come into view. A blonde-eyed boy dressed in red appears and tells them to get out of the way rudely. He shoves Lockwood out of the way. Maren sees this and transforms into a bear. The owl draws his sword towards Maren and the guards stand up. Lockwood asks why the owl must protect such a child. The owl says that he has a vow to protect the child. Another guard barks that everyone put their weapons away and stand down. Maren shifts back into her normal form. The boy demands he has passage but the guard refuses until he apologizes to Lockwood. The man and Lockwood trade insults. One of the guards allow the boy passage because he has an appointment. The boy says he will let his father know. Maren and Lockwood privately wish to kill the boy if they ever cross paths again. Lockwood takes a better look at the boy and realizes that he is from the Durathyon family. The guard then his attention to Maren and informs Maren and the others that the court mage is ready for their audience.
The potion team see Ren walking about the town offering the sword to people around him who are worthy to carry the sword. Akula offers advice to Ren. As they walk, Akula realizes that Vidro is not with them as they are on their way to the ink store.
Vidro goes into an alleyway and reports his mission to someone to the Coven. He asks him to leak information that Krix was killed. Vidro tells him to spread the word of how Akula's Friends defeated the Stormlord general. Vidro wants a good word put in to impress the Ruby Queen. He returns back to his group. They then step into a rations store. Pravuil is immediately struck by the sight of his sister, Meldra. They have a conversation which is rather awkward. Pravuil introduces his sister to the others and asks her if their parents have asked about him. She says they do and that they miss him. Vidro senses that she is lying. Meldra gives Pravuil a sending watch so they can keep touch. After she leaves, Vidro confers with Pravuil privately and tells him that he sensed that Meldra was not being truthful. Pravuil agrees and says he had already suspected so. Pravuil thanks Vidro.
Meanwhile, Maren and the others meet Lucia. They begin to talk and exchange information. Lucia wishes to know more about Maren's royal heritage as a water genasi. Willem then arrives. Lockwood asks Lucia how to get to the Dreamwell. Lucia says that there is a large waterfall that makes it to difficult to access the Dreamwell. She says the Navy has built a structure that allows them to access the waters that lead to the Dreamwell. She informs them that not a single ship that has entered the waters has ever returned as the waters surrounding the Dreamwell is a whirlpool. Lockwood asks who came closest to accessing the Dreamwell but Lucia says she cannot confide due to confidentiality. Lockwood offers to trade secrets. Lucia refuses due to the highly classified information. Lucia nonetheless is interested in learning about Maren's pearls. Maren says that she will not consent unless Willem does. Lucia asks more interrogative questions including more information about Maren's kingdom and culture. Willem gives Maren the hat and steps out. Lucia offers Lockwood and Maren a contract. Lockwood reads through the contract and determines that it seems legitimate and fair. Lockwood has a problem with one of the clauses however and offers to modify the contract. Maren reveals that her father leads their kingdom. Lucia wants to know his name but Maren is not willing to offer that without the contract signed. She reveals that his name is Melvius. She says that she is of genie heritage. Lucia clarifies whether she means genie or jinn as there is a distinction. They come to an agreement. Maren is to find out how to establish a teleportation circle between her kingdom and Atlas. If she does, Lucia says that Atlas will allow them a way to the Dreamwell. She says that the Dreamwell is prized by all and it is the duty of the Navy to protect it. She says if they can build and maintain trust, they will have greater access and protection under the Navy if they head to the Dreamwell. She also informs them that she is aware of the incident that occurred earlier at the gate. She is saying she will lodge a complaint against the Durathyon boy. She says that it was a dispute between royal parties and says that it is the Navy's responsibility to see it resolved in the proper way. She lets Maren and Lockwood out back to the streets of Atlas through a portal. Willem is escorted out as well and follows them.
Back at the ink store, Akula sees a hobgoblin who welcomes him and the others. Akula inquires if they have ink. He offers them special crystal shards that can be pulverized into dust that can then be used for strong magic. Akula decides to buy all four that is available in the inventory and three vials of ink.
Everyone makes their way back to the ship. Lockwood reports their findings with Lucia. She informs them the Navy does not know how to enter the Dreamwell. She tells them that they have agreed to exchange information. She tells them they learn that one of the four Lords of Sea, Talia, guards the entrance to the Dreamwell. The captain decides to rest at Atlas for one day before they set sail again. Lara returns. Akula serves everyone food. Ren tells Akula that he knows how to make sushi and asks if he could be trained by him. Lockwood also offers to teach mapmaking to Ren. Lara asks if Lockwood remembers that she was promised to be taught more about navigation. The captain also says that Lockwood is supposed to continue teaching him how to read.
Flynn tells them he has invented a contraption that functions similar to a walkie talkie and explains its utility to the crew. The crew retires for the night. Lockwood asks Durgl for advice regarding samurai. Durgl tells her what he knows and also offers her a bottle of sake for a price. He says if Lockwood is able to pickpocket 10 gold from Vidro, he will give her the bottle.
Everyone begins to dream. In Willem's dream, he senses that familiar floating sensation. The fluid however is not water. It is pitch darkness devoid of any light. He feels his surroundings and a presence near him. A red light begins to rise beneath him and it ascends. He notices decayed bodies rising. The bodies have skin being eaten away. He notices that all of the bodies have a pendant around them. They all have a familiar symbol. It is a symbol of black, scaled tentacles wrapping around a red orb. He sees that there are seven corpses, all dressed in different clothing, some leather, some armor, each clutching the pendants. He hears a voice. "Fate." He wakes up and he finds the whole room is wet. He finds that the pendant around his neck. Willem walks out for fresh air and look around the deck. There is not a single sound for a moment. He then hears a scream within the ship. He runs back and sees that the water around their bed has congealed and wrapped tightly around the neck of Maren as she screams and chokes. "Sacrifice." He wakes up again for real and he finds that the pendant is not there. He wakes up Maren. She asks what is wrong and says that he had a nightmare. He tries to sketch the pendant he saw in his dream. He is able to sketch it successfully. Willem shows his sketch to Maren and reveals what had happened in his dream.
In the early morning, Lockwood asks Vidro if he could give her 10 gold and explains her deal with Durgl. She tells him to pretend in front of Durgl that his gold is missing. Akula makes breakfast and prepares biscuits and gravy. Everyone is stirred by Akula's speaker and the smell of breakfast. Vidro announces through the intercom that someone stole his gold. Lockwood goes to Durgl and shows him that she has managed to "loot" Vidro. Cannoneer comes down to inform the captain that someone is waiting for them outside and asks if he can shoot a cannon at them. The captain tells him to hold off. They go up deck and see a caned man in a fine suit and a raven perched on his shoulder. He asks if he may has permission to board the ship. He tells them about the incident that had occurred between Lockwood, Maren, and the boy. He tells them that the boy is Dmitry Durathyon II and that his master is Dmitry Durathyon himself. He informs them about the upcoming ball and says that it is a perfect opportunity to network. He tells them that warriors may come and wear their armor. The butler also informs them that he has heard word that the crew had killed Krix and he congratulates them. He informs them that multiple bounties have been placed on the crew. He tells them the ball will occur in about a week and that his master welcomes them, and offers to apologize to them for his son's actions. He asks if they have anything to convey to Dmitry. The captain asks if they need to provide any proof of documentation. The butler explains they do and that they have enough time to do a quick excursion by land before arriving to the ball. He offers his apologies and steps off the ship. Willem's bounty is for the crime of his subordinations at 20,000 gold pieces, dead or alive. Akula's bounty is for the crime of murdering Krix at 18,000 gold pieces, only dead. Pravuil's bounty is for 15,000 gold pieces, or 35,000 gold pieces per wing due to his divine nature and involvement. Durgl's bounty is 15,000 gold pieces. Reyen's bounty is for 12,000 gold pieces for his involvement in the death of Krix. Durgl's bounty is only for 50 gold pieces as he is identified as merely a pet. They discuss how to handle the bounties. Most of the crew agree to make their way to Flairwind. Cannoneer offers to guard the ship.
Reyen explains that passage to Flairwind could be made quicker if one of them is able to prove their noble status. Pravuil reveals his nobility and offers to be the one to secure passage. The crew makes preparations for their land expedition to Flairwind. Lockwood goes to a shop that sells prank magic and items. She asks if there is an item that can cause food to explode. The shopkeep says that there is one called Puff Huff which can set off in 60 seconds. She then heads to a boutique store for a fashionable dress. She asks for a magenta dress and the dressmaker tailors the dress.
The next day, the crew that is set off to go to Flairwind begins their journey. Ren and Lara accompany the expedition crew and Lara is given a dress by Lockwood to wear. They then make their way towards the Pravuil noble residence. A butler opens the door after Pravuil knocks. Pravuil gains entry into the manor and brings the rest of the crew. They wait in the living room with lavish chairs and fireplace. Ten minutes go by. There are various portraits of Meldra and heirlooms. They then hear loud footsteps and Pravuil gains flashbacks of his childhood. Pravuil's father comes in and stands. Pravuil tells his father the reason why he has returned and they have a terse conversation before Meldra comes. She defends Pravuil and persuades their father to allow Pravuil and his crew to gain passage to Flairwind. His father agrees to loan them a carriage. They then begin their way.
In the carriage, Lockwood gives her bottle of sake to Ren. Akula asks for drink and everyone is poured a drink of sake. Vidro is unable to handle the drink well and enters into a drunken stupor. Lockwood and Reyen spar once more. Ren asks what everyone's motivations are to go to the Dreamwell. He also speaks of how a dragon had recently been slain in his village.
As they continue their journey, they notice merchants and mercenaries pass along their route. During the journey, Lockwood is the first to notice guards chasing after a thief. Lockwood runs off on Autumn to chase after the thief who appears to be a 14-year old boy with a dagger. She gets out her bow and tries to aim it at the satchel which the boy is holding. Akula jumps out to try to tackle the boy. Willem tells the butler to stop the carriage as they watch what is transpiring before.
Once the boy is close enough, Lockwood grabs the boy and makes their way back to the side of the road and to lose the guards. The satchel drops to the ground. Willem and Akula approach the satchel and the guards tell them to halt. Lockwood meanwhile stops her horse at the crest of a hill once she realizes the guards are no longer pursuing them and talks to the boy.
Akula ignores the guards' threat and one of the guard instructs them not to continue approaching closer. Willem asks the guard knows who he is drawing the sword to. Akula vortex-warps the guard and tries to strike the guard. The other guard tries to hold them back and attempts to strike them. Vidro shoots a tranquilizing shot at the guard and he falls to the ground.
Lockwood asks what the boy was trying to steal from. The boy says he is taking something that do not deserve it. He says he has no family and that he is not a charity case. He says he is fully independent and does not need help. Lockwood tries to persuade him to take him under her wing. She tries to convince him to join her crew. She agrees to leave him be but to tell him to give her "proof" that he slipped away, so she gives him permission to slap her before he leaves. Lockwood tells him to make his way to Atlas and to commit his acts of thievery only to those who deserve it. He thanks her and then strikes her before he runs off.
Akula opens the satchel and inspects it, finding gold pouches inside. They then continue their way.
Featured characters
Player characters
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See also
Dungeon Master: Monke_M0de (Laith) Players: Alko (Arvel/Dean) · Ashyevie (Ashley) · Centrist16 (Justin) · FreeStyl3 (Edward) · Shiba (Jason) · TheRealSanae (Sharon) Former players: Darnoc (Conrad) · Khaiya (Emma) | |||||
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