Verru

At sea, to the south of Myste-Hass, during the final phase of Operation Pincer, the crew of the Dead Man's Raft encounter a pod of Aldani.

The Aldani crawl over the side of the ship, assaulting its crew, and screaming about a sacrifice to "Verru" to appease their suffering. An amulet is found on one that has a faint magical aura, giving it some form of connection to some unknown entity.

The Myste-Hass Calender

14/10/22

Alfred joins Father Howell looking into the open crate, lined like a coffin within.

Alfred inspects the heap of dead bodies nearby, it is withered and wrinkled, but breathing. A huge chunk of flesh has been torn from the man's neck. Father Howell sends Bear to get help. A man bursts from the pile of bodies, he had hidden in the bodies as the vampire killed the rest of the crew. Father Howell investigates the man thoroughly and finds no bites or scratches.

Bear emerges and delivers the message that there is a box without a vampire in it, but there may be many vampires.

Crassus calls the crew to action, to sweep the Dead Man's Raft for intruders.

The survivor said they picked up cargo from Brindle, and the vampire burst from the coffin. He was over 6ft tall, bald, with pallid white skin. He looked like an orc.

The man suddenly turns around, serious and powerful. He says his name is Nash and wants to make a deal, that no lives will be taken on our crew. He just wants to live. He says that what he's told us is true. The creature that came out of the box was terrifying and he doesn't know where it is.

He was fed on, then he healed and awoke. He's been on the ship for a while, waiting for someone to come by.

The vampire tries to control Father Howell's mind, but the cleric resists and screams for help. He reaches out trying to hold the vampire and fails. The other adventurers run to assist, but they are quite a distance away. Alfred deploys Igor, his iron defender.

The vampire jumps onto Father Howell draining him, and speaks directly to Elril, telling him that he expected better from him. He should know what side he is on.

Crassus leaps from the Dead Man's Raft onto The White Orc.

The vampire turns to ash in the rays of light from the broken deck above and Crassus's moonbeam.

Elril tries to neutralise any infectious part of the vampire bite on Father Howell.

The group does their final checks of the ship. Elril searches for a crate that is big enough for the large white spider to have been in. Alfred inspects the alter and the captain's quarter, finding a log book stating that there is a shipment of soil to be delivered to a certain R Cain, with further deliveries to come. It was signed for by the name Garrick.

Father Howell says some words over the dead, then most of the group make their way back to the Dead Man's Raft.

The White Orc is burned, whilst the raft heads on towards Myste-Hass as the sun sets.

During the voyage, Elril chats to Mutina, talking about gods and skirting around the topic of destiny vs choice.

The ship moves into the Southern Docks. Crassus writes a list of supplies he wants Pelis to procure - sail cloth, rope, a months worth of supplies and other essentials. Crassus looks for ballistae and rowing boats. There is a ship left over from Morthel's occupation called the Sea Tiger which is being stripped. Mert Slater is in charge of the operation. Mert is a beaded man with voluminous hair, wearing a long coat. He is looking for a greater work force for retrieval of special goods. It appears he deals with the salvage of ships that have been sunk.

He has three ballistae and two row boats, one damaged. The ballistae are 500gp a piece. The row boats are 100gp. The man is a tradesman in a number of goods, and he seems very interested in the diamonds Crassus is interested in. Crassus also procures a bunch of bolts for the balistae.

Sylleth wanders the town, casting locate object and searching for his book. He gets more and more frustrated, about the book being hidden and the betrayal of his friends.

Alfred and Father Howell make their way to The Halls. Alfred speaks to a frazzled receptionist asking about a census. It is an issue that has been raised by the Council of Myste-Hass. Goraz is speaking to Sten, they are arguing. In conversation with Goraz, Alfred is told that Goraz is not welcome in the Southern Docks. The tiefling takes Alfred into his office for a drink, and discusses what happened on The White Orc with the vampire. They speak about what happened to Father Howell, who Goraz says is a notable individual who very much has the eye of the Council of Myste-Hass.

Alfred asks about Garrick, looking for further details on this individual. They discuss R. Cain. Goraz says he is going to take on the issues, bring it before the council and put his best people on the case of this Garrick. He says he will let Alred know if there are any further findings.

Goraz also says that he will send someone to check on Father Howell, given the vampire attack. He then, very weirdly, tells Alfred to be careful before he leaves.

Father Howell finds Geoffrey and they have a terse conversation about the dangers which Father Howell has been putting himself through and the idea that Howell may have been protecting acquaintances, Cpt Percival Wainwright from the justice that must be provided by the court.

Elril goes to the secret worship spot to Fate. He speaks with Tane about Mutina, and has to stop the man from taking action himself. Elril says he wants to embrace the urge himself. He asks to undertake the ritual that confirms him to his path, marking his body.

Crassus returns to his quarters to find a massive sahuagin over the elemental bowl. He attacks with spells and changes into a crab. He shouts - "you have betrayed Verru, then tries to steal the elemental bowl. He throws the bowl from the window, then pauses to say "Verru will come for you." He leaps into the ocean. Crassus leaps in after him. He summons a tidal wave behind the bowl, throwing the bowl towards himself.

Toni and other crew members are firing arrows into the water, before Gleeson shouts to hold because their captain is in the water. He grabs the bowl and then swims manically to the boat, covered by arrow fire from the crew. Crassus makes it back on board.

Alfred and Father Howell speak with Engaro at the Temple of Imogen. He casts some spells to ensure the cleric is blessed.

25/10/22

The morning breaks, and Myste-Hass is rife with rumours about three attacks from creatures - lobster-like blue creatures and green-skinned fish creatures.

Father Howell goes for a run, then returns, joining Alfred and Sylleth, after a night at the Temple of Imogen.

Cpt Percival Wainwright tries to leave the Dead Man's Raft, but Gleeson apprehends him and informs Crassus that the crew have been whispering that Percival may have summoned something overnight.

The two captains head out into town on errands.

Sylleth confronts Father Howell about the book again. Then, they head to the Western Docks where Alfred tries to go to Lotion and Libation to sell his harvested spider pincers, but its still boarded up. They then collect fishing tackle and rations.

Elril goes to Offensive Defence and hears Bow singing. The paladin wants to commission a set of plate armour with a symbol on the inside. He charges 1500gp, plus 5gp for the etching and a fair amount for his discretion. He asks for a 100gp down payment. He tells Bow he will return in 6 days. Bow refuses to mark the armour with the symbol until the full payment is made.

Elril then heads to the graveyard, nodding at a woman who passes on her way out. He then goes to the freshest grave. He uses eldritch blast to clear the top soil from a grave, then makes ten packages of dead meat. He then uses his shield to shovel the loose back into the grave, marking the body with the symbol of Fate before he does so.

Crassus and Percival head to a mapping and chart shop, Bellganta's Sea Chest, buying lots of stationary from the halfling shop owner. They then go into the Godly Tides, trying to recruit more sailors. A minor confrontation starts, where Percival drinks a troublemakers drink, then gives him a crappy bottle of wine to quell the situation.

Crassus gets two new sailors - Egstard and Giles.

Percival buys a barrel of ale from the barkeep Lexsend. The offers are a standard barrel for 12gp and some pretentious craft beer for 21gp - it has a picture of a parrot on the side of the barrel. They buy five casks of the more expensive barrel.

When most of the group return to the ship, Gleeson says they've caught a mermaid, but it's Bellatrix. When released, she pushes Gleeson down the stairs. Percival makes it look like Gleeson has soiled himself with prestidigitation.

Father Howell convinces Bellatrix to join, then Agnirik and Kames are retrieved.

Crassus rouses the crew with a speech, and a prayer to Alaie, then the Dead Man's Raft sets off.

Percival asks Sylleth for his staff back, and tension arises, the captain threatening not to help Sylleth if tension continues.

Later, after six hours of sailing, the ship runs into something. A spire of stone has caught the Dead Man's Raft, debris all around the ship. Alfred begins mending the spire of rock. Elril uses an eldritch blast to break the tip of the rock. It looks like worked stone. As a number of people climb into a boat, a rogue eldritch blasts smashes into the boat, capsizing it and knocking many people into the water.

The spire appears to be the tip of some kind of cathedral. There are markings on the rock.

Crassus swims for Alfred who is sinking. Bellatrix rights the boat. A shark swims directly for the group, but descends into the water when it takes a fair amount of damage.

Percival then brings a bunch of the wreckage to the boat, to be lifted. One contains alcohol, another spoiled grain. The row boat heads over to a tiny row boat with a chest inside. They secure the chest. Crassus fills the lock with water and turns it to ice, cracking it open.

Percival uses prestidigitation to form some of the symbols on the rock. Elril and Sylleth can understand the language as abyssal.

Meanwhile, there is another, far larger ship, sighted on the horizon, to the rear of the Dead Man's Raft. Crassus turns the raft into the wind, hoping to gain on the larger ship. But, the other ship starts gaining, storm clouds forming above. It is the Eruption, indicated by the crucified bodies affixed to the front of their ship.

A hail of ballista bolts slam into the raft. Crassus directs the ship into the fog, losing the wind. There are voices in the mist. Sylleth uses Kira to scout above the fog, spotting the Eruption skirting the edge of the fog bank. Ahead is a large tree, leafless-branches high above the sea. There is a slight movement ahead, a feathered wing perhaps.

Sylleth uses a dispel magic, clearing the fog all over the ship and fifteen feet all around. A soft voice on the air says - "Do not worry, we are here to help you. Follow my voice. I will bring you forward to safety."

The voice becomes more melodic, and Bellatrix seizes up, but Sylleth saves her. She takes hold of the ballista, firing bolts into the harpies.

A harpy lands, carrying away the sailor, Giles, in the crow's nest. Then a swarm of harpies descends on the crew.

During the fight, the swarmed crew see a bolt of black light hit the water not far from the Dead Man's Raft.

Then a white-skinned, featureless, creature appears, surrounded utterly by silence. It looks like some kind of devil. It carries with it an aura of dread.

Sylleth, unconscious, sees the creature pulling his soul toward it. Then, he is healed and his soul returns to his body. When he wakes, he can see the creature is real, and the harpies are frightened of it.

The creature moves towards the captain's cabin, looking at Sylleth, then fades away.

Most of the harpies flee, but Elril holds concentration on a hunter's mark on one of the harpies. Crassus jumps from the side in crab form, chasing after a crew member that was thrown off the edge by a harpy.

10/11/22

Crassus starts swimming, pursuing the scent of those taken. He loses the smell though, and turns back to the ship, with darkness to his back.

The rest of the crew take stock of those that have been taken. Pelis calls Johnny and Nonda to help retrieve the ballista from the walls of the captain's cabin.

Alfred takes some feathers from the dead harpies.

Gleeson tells Crassus that Percival has been ordering around others, with Pelis cosying up to him.

Crassus orders Mutina to prepare the dead for the funeral rights, removing the extra gold for Xeru. She is concerned about the creature that arrived on the ship.

There is no wind, but the ship seems to be getting closer to the tree ahead. It looks like several trunks all wound together, gripping this singular outcropping of rock in a very unnatural way, with just a few leaves and purple fruit hanging from its distorted branches.

Pelis used to be in charge of a boat, where they just rowed along the coast of Myste-Hass doing tours.

Toni has been put in charge of the anchor.

Alfred and a number of the crew hear a voice on the air. "Come closer, please. I need help," is whispered in the air. The voice identifies as the tree, asking the group to come closer. Toni starts talking to the tree blatantly. The tree is limited, rooted to one spot and desperate for the sky.

Percival messages the tree, Sirama, and the tree says it is divine, created by Imogen and Alaie. It needs help to clear this fog. It can feel that there are priests among the group, and the tree needs sunlight. It should be filled with leaves for absorbing the light. The fruit is healing. The tree said this area wasn't always water logged. It used to be land, but the tree is all that is left. The tree says they are safe in the fog, nothing comes in.

Gleeson always keeps ear plugs in case of sirens.

Sylleth speaks with the tree, saying that Sirama has been here for a very long time. She says that there are many trees like her, created by Imogen. Sylleth hears another voice as well, just before the tree speaks, almost guiding the tree. Its a tree that no one has ever seen before. Sylleth has seen this tree in his book. It was surrounded by buildings and flourishing.

When Father Howell and Percival pray to Imogen, they instead hear the voice of the entity influencing the tree. They claim that they can encourage the tree to move the boat out of the fog.

Gilas and its follows infected this area of the world. The existence of Gilas is abomination against nature and love.

Elril is below deck for all of this, chatting to Agnirik and Kames. Kames is keen to get back and right was done. Kames says he can attempt to dispel the magical fog to get them moving again. He says he wants to call upon his patron, draw some symbols in blood on the floor and ask for guidance beyond the vale.

Agnirik says he we'll watch over, though he doesn't like the act.

The entity that is controlling the tree said that they can control the water for about a mile, providing we help.

Father Howell casts water walk on the adventurers. They head out toward the island. Elril uses a divine sense and detects nothing. The tree is very large though.

Percival uses mage hand to pick a piece of fruit. Alfred cuts the fruit and eats a piece, feeling the juices to be healing.

The other person addresses the group, saying they are in fact Sirama, an Avatar. It speaks of Gilas, the entity which is Verru's patron. One of a series of entities vying to gain power over others. Verru has been alive for a long time, Gilas is a foul demon that has come about recently. However, Gilas recently subjugated Verru, giving him more power for servitude. Gilas is not new, but new to this plane. Ankelus and Keturah are others of these beings.

Crassus touches the tree, praying to Alaie. He hears a voice. A dark pull hangs over this tree, and over these waters. The influence of perversion is spreading wildly. There are things obscuring my sight. I cannot see my followers here.

When Crassus speaks aloud, Sirama jumps in, saying that is Gilas. The group gets the sense the voice is lying. Father Howell suggests that Imogen called her Avatars home, and the voice says not all.

Sylleth feels evocation and transmutation on the tree.

Elril says that he's set some things in motion. Sirama seems concerned. He privately messages the tree.

Percival heals the tree and the bark becomes healthier.

Elril encourages the group to back off, though the group picks a large bounty of fruit. He has been informed the individual by the tree is Amaris. The head back to the ship. Father Howell wants to rest in order to cast daylight.

Below decks, Kames has finished talking to his entity. He says that he is willing to help, but a deal must be made. His patron is one of the competing demons. Elril heals the man, who is nursing his arm painfully.

Mutina says some words in the Sardonyx at the ceremony of the dead crew members, before they have a burial at sea.

Elril prays to Fate at a crude shrine he makes below decks. There is a change in the air, a whisper. Mutina interrupts, she seems pleased. She leaves and then Fate speaks - "There is much going on. Your prayers are not unheard. My influence spreads, and with each passing day we gain more following. This temporary flux is a momentary delay in the inevitable overwhelming success that we will achieve. You like all of my followers cannot know where you will end up. But rest assured all is proceeding as I have planned it. From the fall of the Harbinger, she moves ever closer to completing my plans. From my new acolytes and other followers, to my increasing powers. These new upstarts are nothing. There is no choice to be made my follower. You will do as I intend.

A night of rest passes, with the crew being given a casket of ale. Alfred doesn't gain the effects of a long rest.

On paper, Elril notes down that the tree is Amaris, and he wants to spread his seed. Sylleth points out Sirama is actually Amaris backwards. The groups plan, then takes a vote to purge the tree.

Father Howell casts water walk on the group and they head over to the island again. Howell asks Syleth to return Percival's staff to him.

Crassus casts speak with plants on the tree, the voice says that there is someone else there inside them. Aramis seems concerned. The tree says that it is being forced to make fruit, but it is not healthy enough. The tree says that Aramis has come upon him without its consent. The tree is divine. It has tried to force Aramis out, but its not worked.

Crassus starts growing the tree, funnelling power into the bark. Meanwhile, a man shaped figure rises up from the tree. He is devastatingly handsome, with deep pink and purple skin. His hair is braided, swept back from his face, he has horns and his eyes are deep blue. Father Howell and Percival sees it is very similar face shape to Dramos.

Syleth tries to banish him, but fails. Crassus looks at the creature and is instantly charmed, thinking that Amaris is Imogen incarnate.

Combat ensues. Amaris moves in on Crassus and kisses him, hurting him badly, but breaking the charm. Percival uses a lightening charge on Amaris in the water, but it also burns him through the liquid. Amaris escapes, swimming deeper and deeper, even though the group are sending spells after him.

After he has left, Father Howell casts daylight on the tree, Percival using cure wounds. The mist clears and the tree begins to bud and regain health fast. NEw fruit, now a bright red appear on the branches. They look like oranges.

The tree tells Crassus that he is feeling better. He heard Amaris's plans. He wanted the adventurers to kill him, or make a deal, or hurt Gilas - then he would win.

As the tree regains health, it looks less and less like the version Sylleth has seen in his Sylleth.

There is a breeze picking up. The group heads to the Dead Man's Raft, leaving the sunlight on the tree.

The city that was once here was called Galamine, filled with elves, scaled-folk and teiflings. The city went real quick. The water came rushing in from the east. The tree says - "Remember, before you go, you have to get the sun on your face."

Then the tree helps move the boat.

Father Howell and Percival both eat some of the new fruit, which provides nutrients for a full day and some health.

The raft pushes on for a full day. The adventurers take a long rest. In the morning, the boat pushes on for a further few hours until the see a rock formation, like two hands with the fingers sticking out of the water. Beyond is a beautiful island, with beaches and cliffs, but surrounded on all sides with columns of stone. The columns of stone were not there when Kames and Agnirik came this way before.

13/12/22

The Dead Man's Raft meet the pillars of rock about a mile off the island. Some of them look unnatural, carved, almost like a finger nail.

Gleeson and Cpt Percival Wainwright have another public disagreement.

There is movement on the beach ahead. Sylleth sends Kira off to scout the beach.

Whilst moving the ship through small gaps in the rock, something scores the bottom of the ship damaging the Dead Man's Raft and causing the boat to take on water. Elril talks to Pelis, the Master of Arms getting flustered by the damage. He runs to the top deck and seeks Percival. The captain sends a crew down but Percival sends them back. The three remaining men, along with another crew member, begin using tarr, canvas and mending to fix the boat.

The captain sends the three crewmen, Wissam, Nonda, Tebin, Jessar and Roebin, back down to man the pumps. Together the group manage to seal the leaks with tarred bungs and pump the excess water.

The ship anchors an easy row from the shore. Kira returns, seeing just one short humanoid on the sand. This creature is carving the word "HELP" into the sand beyond the boat. The dwarf sees a row boat amongst debris just off the coast. He swims out towards it, revealing a sun-bleached bold head with flecks of ginger hair to those on the Raft. He pulls the row boat back to the beach, whilst the Captain has the ballistae trained on the dwarf.

Pelis asks Elril not to mention his failure to stay in control with the leak issue, and Elril promises not to say anything to the captain or Gleeson.

Back on the shore, the dwarf tries to get back in the boat. But, the boat transforms into a mimic! The ship launches balistae bolts at the creature. But, a stray bolt hits the dwarf, knocking him unconscious.

Father Howell casts an emergency water walk on those in the row boat, now moving towards the beach. The priest and Elril jump overboard and run towards the dwarf.

On the shore, the group meets with the dwarf, Bolt. They remove the balistae and heal him. Percival gifts the dwarf a scimitar and some chainmail.

Bolt was shipwrecked from the Tainted Dragon, five days before. He was a hire priest, helping with the blessings of Alaie for their sea journey.

Bolt had been captured by lobster people, killing a number of people for Verru. Those that survived were being brought deeper into the island. The island have experienced a sure of abundance of growth.

The group carry the row boat to the treeline where it is very hot. The others search the supplies, collecting some rudimentary items, including some spicy sausages.

Kira searches the skies for the notable obelisk that the survivors had seen. Meanwhile, the others follow the path which Bolt used to flee the forest. Kames is angry that the group are trying to use them as tools, he draws his swords until the situation is diffused. Agnirik takes Kames aside, then apologises on behalf of his friend saying there are bad memories associated with this place.

The sound of running water is heard ahead as the group start moving to the river, but The captain hears some aldani ahead preparing to follow the tracks of Bolt. The adventurers scatter to find hiding spaces. Three aldani emerge from the treeline followed by some kind of stone golem.

Kames draws his sword and points it at the lead aldani. He asks if the group has come to prey to Verru. Elril makes it sound like a large group is chatting to the side. Then, Sylleth casts fireball. Combat ensues, as more aldani and sahuagin emerge from the forest.

The construct creature seems unnaturally focused on taking down Percival. Meanwhile, one of the aldani escapes, running off into the forest.

Using water walk, the group travels upstream along the river to prevent tracks. During the journey, Bolt prays to Alaie and hears a male voice respond. The individual says that the faithful of Alaie have been left alone far too long. It guides them to a supposedly safe spot to rest, a place where the individual will watch over them. Bolt questions the voice being male, and the individual says its made itself pleasing to him. He says that every prayer goes to them, we the gods are behind them.

Percival speaks with Verru and the entity senses where the group is on the island. He admits this to the group and tells them that Verru does not care whether we live or die.

The canopy is far denser and the forest much warmer.

Sylleth casts his magical dome, and the group then begin to take watches as they long rest, teaming up those who can see in the dark and those who can't. Bolt sets up small sound traps with cutlery and twine.

The captain sends a message back to the ship using Kira, informing them that the adventurers were planning on spending the night on the island and receive a message back about the condition of the ship. The return message informed the group that the ship was well, and Gleeson even draws a little picture of a ship.

Father Howell and Bolt have a heart to heart with Percival about self love and redemption.

On the final watch, Sylleth notices that the forest has gone completely silent. Kames is stabbing Percival in the throat, Agnirak is sleeping and white fire is coming from the paladins eyes.

12/01/23

Sylleth tries to wake Agnirik whilst Percival tries to fight off Kames. However, Agnirik's eyes are lolling back, as if he's been drugged or controlled.

Sylleth then begins waking everyone else up, and the group tries to apprehend Kames. Elril drags Agnirik out of the dome, and wakes him. The silence effect on the dome drops, but then he casts a wall of force around Elril and starts moving away.

Sylleth dispels magic on Kames, calming the effect that was causing the white fire in his eyes. But, he doesn't stop attacking, and Father Howell is forced to attack him, killing him.

Crassus runs after Agnirik, entangling him. He uses magic and escapes. The captain runs after him to no avail, followed up at some distance Bolt and Elril.

A clay necklace with a extreme magical properties, and the etchings of a shell in the surface is removed from Kames, along with all his other belongings.

The group strips Kames and move him into a bush, saying some words to their respective gods.

Then, they head off into the forest, west a little, setting the dome up again around ten to fifteen minutes away in the jungle.

Percival says a prayer to Verru, challenging him about how weak his other followers were. He hears only - "come closer."

The group successfully rest in the dome.

In the last afternoon, they head northward along the river. They follow a valley, rising onto harder ground where the trees lessen and there is an evident peak amongst the mountains.

There is an area on the cliff side, with a carved space. There is a column with markings on it and two faces carved into the mountainside. The adventurers cut towards this location.

It is here, that they see a bedraggled human peering up over the bush. He is confused by Percival's message spell. He moves rapidly towards the adventurers. The man identifies himself as Tinder, and he claims he is looking to get off the island. He arrived on the Wolf's Crest. Percival feeds him. He says he doesn't know of Verru, but there are huge lobster creatures and giant crabs. His friends went into the cave near the temple and never returned. But, he hands around out of the trees, because the lobster-like men don't like the sunlight. His group originally came here for the 'One eye Grazit's Treasure'. The captain, Sul, had a map, and he took it into the cave.

Tinder acts out, being fed cheese and food, when Percival offers him the magical fruit.

Kira flies up and investigates the cave. There are smaller faces carved into the rock above the two larger faces besides the entrances. The faces are monstrous and snarling. Vines had grown all over the mountain and started to cover the opening.

After Elril convinces Tinder to run off into the forest and seek a row boat, then row back to Myste-Hass to find a temple to Fate. He sets off into the forest, but then sees an aeldani and panics. Father Howell runs off into the forest, desperate to find the weedy man. Throughout, Percival is messaging the man with frightening messages - Father Howell sees him.

The group supplies Tinder with a knife, ration packs and a satchel, then they head up the mountainside, leaving him to hover nearby.

On the mountainside, there is a magical column, marked with the magic of enchantment. Percival goes to touch it. There is a palpable warmth near the stone.

Inside the cave, it seems that there is a blockage. Sylleth casts comprehend languages on the column, as a huge rock falls from the mountain above. It turns into a geo creature - specifically golems, emerging from the snarling faces.

In undercommon is written "Here lies One-Eyed Grazit and his acquired treasures, weapons and glories."

Sylleth then casts grasping vine, using the magical Knitting Needles which he procured from the hag's hut.

Some assassin vines attack Percival whilst the gargoyles swarm. Slowly the adventurers take out each of the gargoyles and then Alfred kills the bush.

21/02/23

The group enters the cave. There is a hollow in the ceiling where a rock fall has occurred. They have a different texture, as if they fell recently. In crab form, Crassus digs a small hole.

There are scratch marks and scores upon the cave walls.

Kira scouts ahead, seeing a narrow gap. The cave then becomes a man-made space. There are two bodies, one crushed by the rockfall, another has a spear in its back. The bodies have been there a few days.

Beyond are steps, leading down to a large, dank room empty of adornments. There is one grated door, another wooden one.

The group take a short rest, then Sylleth uses his earthen grasp to excavate a channel between the fallen rock. The group moves through and investigates the dead. They push the speared individual to the side, but can't move the crushed man. The spear is leather wrapped.

There is algae in the corridor,as if the corridor was wet. There is also a residual, low-tide smell. Guttered torches sit in sconces across the room. A warm breeze comes from the grated door.

All the metal work on the doors and space are rusted and corroded. However, the hinges look like they have been recently used.

Elril opens the door. Inside, is a figure holding an uncorroded sword. They are facing the other way, listening. There are footsteps approaching from the right.

Father Howell calls hello. The figure turns, a living face without any eyes. He utters "Help me". The group try to offer help, but he runs at them, sword raised. Three bloated corpses undead burst in.

Elril closes the door to delay the undead, lock Igor in with the undead. Unbeknown to the adventurers, the eyeless man puts a device into the wall which creates a magical field over the exit.

Elril opens the door and Sylleth casts fireball, killing the rambling undead. Elril steps in to deal with the eyeless creature that is still standing. He bursts in, smashing into the paladin.

Alfred sent a crossbow bolt that cut off the final link in his chainmail, the chain falling loose and exposing him for the killing blow. His dead body indicates that he was one of Tinder's party.

Crassus sees a pulsing, glowing glyph. Sylleth comes to investigate the recessed, glowing stone. The symbol is an eye, with four lines coming of the shape, with a swirl.

Onward, Crassus heads into a room where there are jars which have shattered open. Liquid remains on the floor.

Unsure what to do, the group turn back towards the gated doorway. The grate is badly degraded, sealed with a chain that has some signs of recent use. Alfred uses his lock-picking tools to open the chain lock.

Beyond, part of the floor has dropped out. The water damage is far more significant. There is an open archway where doors once stood, but now lies broken on the ground.

Crassus jumps across, seeing into a bigger room. There is a large square stone structure in the centre of the room. The room is domed, with no supporting columns.

Sylleth finds other eyes painted on the walls, but they don't appear magical or to do anything.

In the centre of the small central room, there is an arched depression lined with velvet and fabric. There is gold and jewels, along with old scales.

Father Howell examines the hole, when a dead beholder floats up from the depth. He has two fresh eyes taken from the other guy, and skin has regrown on its form where those eyes have been joined to the creature.

The creature disintegrates Crassus in one look. A Silent Stalker arrives, grabbing Crassus's soul and takes him. It appears that Silent Stalkers need a body to take a soul. It reforms Crassus, which allows Elril to heal.

Meanwhile, Father Howell manages to cast turn undead on the creature which holds it at bay.

Alfred and Elril climb into the square space, finding the final eye. They press it just as Sylleth fails to remove the force field with a dispel magic and Crassus carries Father Howell out of the room.

Strategically, the group retreats, closing up the rock fall on their way out.

14/03/23

Outside the cave, Bolt heads off for a poo. Aldani attack Percival. Tinder points at the entrance of the cave. Percival can't get into the cave where his allies have headed, because there is an arcane force blocking the tunnel. Percival teleports a short distance away and turn invisible, the aldani scoop up Tinder and begin carrying him away. Percival kills one of the creatures, but the other manages to get away with Tinder.

Percival takes the necklace from the aldani corpse he defeated, it is a typical Verru necklace.

When the rest of the group emerges, it becomes apparent that Bolt has also been taken by the aldani. The foot prints and blood indicate that there were at least three aldani.

Sylleth casts his tiny hut against the rock face in the hopes of letting the group rest. On the first watch, Percival hears the voice again who is aggressively pushing for Percival to bring Father Howell to the sacrificial area. The voice says something about Verru gaining power towards his final form.

Percival convinces Father Howell that there may be something about the dead aldani. At the changing of the watch, when Alfred is woken up, Father Howell and Percival head out towards the dead creature. A bird flies off from eating the creature.

Father Howell leaves the Verru necklace on the dead body of the creature. Meanwhile, Percival attacks him, knocking him unconscious. A Silent Stalker arrives, but Percival binds and heals the priest before the creature cna take Howel's soul. Percival then picks the father up and carries him down the slope.

After a while raising themselves, the rest of the group head off to check out what the calamity was and discover their allies missing. They set off at a run, sprinting to catch up. Kira sees Percival carrying Father Howell.

The adventurers head along the right hand path, heading deeper into the island, between the mountains into a clearing. Percival hunches down to hide from his approaching pursuers, but he is seen.

Sylleth gives him one chance to reveal himself before there are consequences. Percival makes one final plea and apology to Verru, holding the necklace. The group then descends on Percival until he's forced to run again.

Eventually, Sylleth and Elril take Percival down. Elril tries to kill him, but he Father Howell wants him to be taken back for trial.

Crassus becomes a burrowing crab, makes a burrow which Sylleth summons the dome. They drag the unconscious Percival inside, strip him of his belongings and stash him inside.

Father Howell attunes to the magical staff which Alfred found in Grazzit's cave.

After a full nights rest, the group peaks outside the cave. Father Howell leaves Percival with his head in the recovery position, hog tied, gagged, spare the dying-ed and buried in the hole. Alfred leaves a stick nearby to indicate the location of the hole. Father Howell leaves his breastplate in the hole.

The adventurers travel through the foliage, following the river downward with pass without a trace from Crassus. Arriving at a large pool where water gathers before a waterfall, there are a number of aldani. There are two fifteen foot tall columns, well worn. In between squats a figure. His swollen from his purple and bruised, with thick black veins. He was once a humanaoid, but now twelve foot tall.

A group of sailors lie at his feet. Tinder is in the heap of bodies before the creature, Bolt is tied up nearby.

The creature speaks, with a guttural voice - "Your lives I claim." "For Verru" calls the others.

04/04/23

Elril and Alfred prepare to create a distraction, but Crassus, Father Howell and Sylleth fail to sneak back into the tree line. The sahaugin and aeldani see and call out.

Verru rips a heart out from one of the captured sailors.

Meanwhile, a sahguain climbs up to capture Bolt.

The group chooses to kill the captures sailors to prevent the sacrifices. Sylleth uses a wall of fire to trap Verru, but he emerges through some kind of water movement. He calls lightening which knock Father Howell unconscious, then scoops Father Howell up. Elril saves him from deaths throws.

Bolt gets free from his restrains, but a tidal wave comes and knocks lots of people into the water.

A shark snaps up, biting at Elril. He slips unconscious in the water. Father Howell wakes him again, just as the shark moves to attack the others.

Meanwhile, Verru grabs Bolt and tries to rip out his heart.

Another tidal wave hits, knocking lots of the party towards the waterfall. The shark chomps Father Howell back close to death. Then darkness surrounds Bolt. He still manages to heal Father Howell though.

Verru mentions he is strengthening his form to channel Gilcas.

With persistence, the group kills the aeldani and sahguain. Bolt commands Verru to pray, he raises his hands to the sky and the moon eclipses the sun. He then heads towards his platform, or alter.

Elril makes a prayer to Fate. He then hears a voice - "This, my disciple, is as intended. The old gods will return and supplant the weak. All is as intended."

Meanwhile, Father Howell is fighting to keep Alfred alive after he get tangled in the death grips of a poisonous vine.

Bolt prays to Alaie, but the voice he hears in response is Fate's. Then a very distant voice, struggling to be heard, whispers "run".

The grasping vines rip Verru apart, releasing a torrent of water. He whispers, "My life for you."

Crassus sees a huge wave of water on the horizon and building energy between the columns on the alter.

Everyone except Father Howell is washed away over the edge of the waterfall, but Gilas arrives as the sun shines across the sky. The creature doesn't pay attention at first whilst the group flees, until they reach the top of the waterfall. The group are pursued as far as the beach.

It speaks in a guttural, awful voice that the party cannot comprehend. It gains on the adventurers, the deep, dark arcane energy growing with an impending pressure.

Suddenly, a bolt smashes into his shoulder. Gleeson has ordered a ballista bolt into him.

18/05/23

On the beach, Gilas appears. Father Howell casts water walk and runs for the water, but Gilas claims we are heading to his domain then casts slow on everyone, then he raises a bunch of fish people from the water.

The ship is moving closer, but it can only get 80 foot away from the shore. The party try to run along the beach.

Gilas gets close to Sylleth and hears a strong voice in his head, "when land is covered with water, then we will talk."

The three fish people swim out towards the boat and combat ensues on the decks.

Gilas then tries grab Sylleth, but his grabbing vine whips out and grabs the creature back. BUt, its persistent and moves in to crush Sylleth, then throws him into Crassus.

A tremor rumbles beneath the ground.

With water walking, the group start making their way to the boat.

Elril prays to Fate and he says that Gilas is freshly born and yet to taste Fate's whip, and be brought into line. But, it is Elril's fate to do so.

There is another tremor on the land, then a huge wave washes over the Dead Man's Raft and onto the shore. The party are swept aside and then rushes for the boat, but Gilas grabs the boat and starts attacking it, destroying the entire back.

Father Howell douses the creature in an oil based lube he always keeps handy, but we struggle to light it.

Elril prays again to Fate, claiming that Gilas has declared that there are no other gods here. The wind picks up and cloud rolls, specs of rain begin to fall. There is a flash of lightening.

Then everyone hears Fate - "Gilas you have been brought here by my design. You only take you place at my will. Now fulfil your destiny. Stand down."

Gilas replies, "That deal was not with me."

Fate says, "You are mistaken Gilas, I am the only god in Tempress."

Gilas drops below the waterline, looking up at the sky.

The ship sails on for three hours, but it's in a terrible condition. The damage is so close to the waterline that any rising water will flow in.

Crassus heads the ship towards Myste-Hass, avoiding the locations we encountered on route.

The group gains a long rest, whilst they try to set the magical bowl.

In the night, another ship is seen off the starboard side of the ship. Crassus has the ship lights put out and everyone is ordered to be quiet. We're about a days travel from Myste-Hass.

Kira scouts. There are two ships, one floundering badly and a second ship, The Eruption, moving away from her.Crassus preps long boats to search for survivors as the sun breaches the horizon. There is a large rip in the hull. The ship is called the Moon Set. There is an impressive figureheard of a snarling, bearded giant with a fist raised forward on the prow.

Father Howell has made some honey cakes which he packs, as he and Bolt set off to look for survivors in the water.

The top deck is ransacked. Ballista bolts roll around fully on the ship. Otherwise, there is no one aboard.

Crassus casts water breathing on himself and swims inside, briefly getting trapped inside the ship by crates. He makes a water bubble around his head in order to escape.

He hears a voice in his head, Gilas's voice - "I see you. My domain. All will be my domain. The quicker you come the better it will be for you."

Crassus offers Bolt pays.

The Dead Man's Raft limps back to the docks at Myste-Hass.