The Sea Queen Escapes

[themightyeroc]

I am prepping to run this module and I am wondering about the effect of Magic Missile underwater....

The module has a section about spell effects being modified in aquatic conditions. Fire, Rays, Sprays, and Electrical are mentioned. I don't want to overly hinder our party wizard but I know he will try to use Magic missile and was wondering how you might handle that?

I know he can't cast underwater without wearing a jelly-suit, but what strange effect should there be on magic missile if he does cast it underwater or at a target underwater from land.

Hmmmm......

[michaelcurtis]

That depends on how you want to adjudicate it. If you want to rule that the spell's manifestation makes it vulnerable to the stated rules depending on how it appears (black beam, ray of frost, flaming arrow, etc.), that's your call. Personally, I'd rule that the manifestation is merely cosmetic and therefore makes it immune to the water's refraction. I wouldn't apply any penalty to magic missile just to give the wizard a spell that's guaranteed to work--providing his/her spellcheck is high enough.

Of course, if the wizard starts beating the snot out of my poor little shark, well then all bets are off!

[Ravenheart87]

They become magic torpedoes.

[themightyeroc]

i'm not worried about the manifestation ( his magic missiles appears as glowing handaxes hurling at enemies) but more should the actual spell be effected when done underwater or at targets who are underwater?

Would water lessn the damage? should it? I'm just not sure where or if, magic missile falls into the magic affected underwater categories that are explained in the module.

[michaelcurtis]

My thinking for including the alterations on fire/ray/electrical attacks was that the water would either partially douse fire, refract rays, or wildly conduct electricity, making those types of spells less effective. If you want to rule that the water impedes the inertia of a force-based magic missile, go right ahead. Perhaps a -1 or -2 penalty to the missile's damage die would be appropriate to simulate the water cushioning the blow. Again, it all comes down to "Your game, your ruling." Have fun with it whatever you decide!

[themightyeroc]

My thinking for including the alterations on fire/ray/electrical attacks was that the water would either partially douse fire, refract rays, or wildly conduct electricity, making those types of spells less effective. If you want to rule that the water impedes the inertia of a force-based magic missile, go right ahead. Perhaps a -1 or -2 penalty to the missile's damage die would be appropriate to simulate the water cushioning the blow. Again, it all comes down to "Your game, your ruling." Have fun with it whatever you decide!

Thanks for the input Michael, it helped. As usual with a party of players they completely wowed me! The wizard never used Magic missile on the shark, instead it was fabulous use of Force Manipulation and a luck burning thief that brought low the Hammerhead!

Without further ado, here is the beginning of our foray into the Sea Queen Escapes. There are a great many story lines and backgrounds going on in our campaign. If you care, you can check out the blog.

The Players:
Tyrrian Warrior 3rd
Tarek Thief 3rd

Alexander Ballistic Wizard 3rd
"Red" Sally Cleric 3rd
Lars "the Honest" Thief 3rd

Chi the Elf-child 3rd
Alan Thief 2nd

Moep Halfling 3rd

Maximus Warrior 3rd
Chauncey Warrior 2nd
Rubie Warrior 2nd
The Sea Queen Escapes Part 1
The Founding-Day celebrations were in full swing and the streets filled with celebrants of all ages. Our Heroes found themselves at the outdoor theater where Alexander was to debut in the role of Shadankin in the play "Shadankin & the Mer-Queen, a tale of mysterious love."
The young wizard told his friends he would be adding a bit of pizzazz to the show. Lars and Tarek knew this would give them an opportunity to fleece the crowd. Quite a crowd had gathered to watch the performers, and the actress portraying the Mer-Queen was a sight to behold. Alexander found himself having trouble remembering the few lines he was supposed to say in her presence. As the tale reached its climax Alexander cast two spells in succession under his breath.

The spells themselves would have no outward effect on the crowd or show, but their mercurial effects caused two things to happen.
First the moon rose at midday and blocked out the sun, the crowd gasping in awe! Second as torches and lanterns were lit they were extinguished by an eerie gust of wind! Alexander grinned pleased with himself and saw Lars and Tarek begin to move on marks they had spied out earlier in the crowd.

The actors continued the show even though they were all a bit unnerved by the weird events. The Mer-Queen stepped forward looked at the crowd, and screamed!!!!! The ground began to shake, buildings rattled, fruit carts overturned, horses and animals panicked. A strange blue green light framed the pretty woman as her body lifted from the stage a few feet into the air. Her eyes glowed with a strange malevolence and from her throat a strained bubbly female voice spoke to all assembled.

"Trapped! Heed my call! Shadankin and I even now burn the last vestiges of our powers to hold back the cataclysm. That which was shall be again and Modron will fall, unless you help us! My love and I thought we could return both our realms to the glory of long ago, but we have ruptured time and space. Seek the key in the Pinnacle, find your way to us quickly, time is short!"

Wailing once more the actress drops to the stage as the tremors subside. Alexander aids the girl and returns her to her friends as he cancels his magic. The crowd is abuzz with murmurs of Shadankin returned, the Mer-Queen Cealheewhalool, a forthcoming cataclysm!!! Raising his staff into the air Alexander get the crowds attention and says, " People of Modron, those in need have cried out for aid through time and space! We the Heroes of Eros shall take up this challenge and bring the aid lost Cealheewhallool and Shadankin have asked for. We will stop the cataclysm from destroying Modron a second time!"

The crowd roared in unison as a cheer for the Heroes began!

Within an hour the group assembled and set out along the old coastal path towards the pinnacle of rock that served as the Shadankins lair a century ago. Crossing a bridge of natural rock to the top of the spire they discovered solid door of stone. After minutes of pondering how to bypass this portal it was little Moep that discovered it needed only a light push to open! Within was an entry cave decorated with fabulous mosaics formed from sea-shells and small stones. They depicted a man dressed in sea-green robes roaming the sea and casting spells, feeding, and summoning from the depths many assorted ocean creatures. A shark mouth shaped archway framed stairs the descended deeper into the rock. Chauncey spied a wet footprint of a man-like thing at the top of the stairs.
"The fish men of Cthulhu!" shouted Chi the elf-child when she saw the print.
As the party lit torches and a lantern in preparation to descend the dark steps, Moep feverishly pried a handful of pearls from the mosaics.

Stay tuned for more....

[themightyeroc]

More adventure:

The stairs ended at a landing overlooking a gloomy chasm, illuminated from below by a blue green light. The chasm drops about forty feet to a large lagoon of dark rippling seawater. At the opposite side of the chasm a second landing awaits. Hanging in the air leading to that egress a ten large sea turtle shells laid out in a zig zag pattern. Ancient magic obviusly keeping them aloft. But for how long....

Tarek decides to go first and test the floating shell pathway. Securing himself with rope that his companions will play out after him the nimble thief leaps ten feet to the first shell. The party let out a combined sigh of relief as Tarek and the shell stayed aloft. With amazing cat-like grace the thief bounds nimbly from the first to the second shell, his feats of athletic grace becoming more fantastic with each leap! Landing on the sixth shell caused something interesting to happen. Two primitive spears whizzed past the young man from either side of the chasm. "He must have activated a trap!" cried Tyrrian. "Obviously no one else ever made it that far across." observed Alexander as he began casting a spell.

"I'm Okay!" Tarek yelled back to the others. He looked over the seventh shell, trying to discern any obvious trigger. "Must be motion sensitive." he thought, "Ah well, nobody lives forever!" With a bound he lands squarely on the seventh shell, "Ah, no spear..AGH! By Corrno's quick fingers!!" Again two spears wing their way across the chasm and strike the thief, the pain and wounds cause him to slip and at the last second hold onto the shell. "Creatures! In hidden alcoves!"

Hearing this the party looks and just catches a glimpse of inhuman limbs hurling the deadly missiles at their friend. Alexander formed his mystical energies into a large flaming blue hand and used it to grab then propel Tarek to the far landing. Meanwhile Rubie and Chi fired missiles at the lurking fiends! It is quickly decided that the Wizard will use his magic hand to ferry the party to the other side as quickly as possible. The first group to go are Rubie, Chi and Moep. Missile fire is exchanged with the enemy as they are carried over to the waiting Thief. Next Tyrrian and Chaucey are ushered across to hold the hall beyond against attack that must surely be coming. As Alan and Max are going across a spear strikes Alan with deadly accuracy severely wounding his leg! Alexander lets loose a barrage of blue axes that give the group a bit of respite from their attackers. Finally the Wizard and Cleric join the others on the far side of the chamber. As Alan's wound is tended Tyrrian notes he hears many approaching footsteps coming this way, and Chauncey proclaims the same from the opposite direction. A wall of force is used to block the passage to the rear of the group and they array themselves for battle with Tyrrian in the lead. Moep hurls his torch down the hall to reveal a throng of glassy eyed fish men charging them. "Fish men of Cthulhu, I told you!" mutters the elf-child drawing he bowstring taut. Tyrrian counters the fish man charge and takes down two of them before he is overwhelmed, the bulk of the creatures pass him by and two engage the young warrior. The party fires missiles into the oncoming bunch then follow up with melee attacks from Max and Chauncey. Now only two creatures remain harassing the Tiger cloaked warrior. Chauncey races to aid him and slay one of them as Tyrrian "Rings the Bell" of the last.

Turning to the Force guarded hall, the group of fish men there seems to have lessened, though at least a half dozen remain. Alexander moves the wall enough so Tyrrian can charge through and he bulldozes the collected creatures knocking them about like bowling pins. Max and Chauncey quickly follow and the fish men are made short work of. Ten minutes are spent then binding wounds and tossing the searched corspse of the fish men into the lagoon below. Following the hall to the left first brings the group to a door. They decide that before opening it, they should go back to the right hand passage and make sure nothing remains there that could surprise them later. In moments they kick in another door and find a group of Fish women protecting two large baths full of eggs! A quick battle is fought, the fish women are dispatched, the hidden alcove that looks out upon the chasm is discovered, and Moep fills a waterproof sack with a multitude of eggs for later! They quickly return to the door in the left hand hall and proceed to open it. A chamber filled with large fish hung from the ceiling by iron hooks is revealed.The floor slick with jellied guts and blood, as more fish men lurk inside this foul larder. Another quick and decisive battle is fought and won by the Heroes as they wish to spend as little time as possible in this room! Beyond a short hall and stairs are discovered leading deeper into the spires depths.

[themightyeroc]

End of part 1, Sea Queen Escapes

The stairs end at a swollen door which is ajar. Pulling it open the party reveals an old sanctum in a state of disrepair. Bedroom style furniture lies in crumbling rotting piles, covered in algae. On the walls only a single mosaic remains mostly intact from the ravages of time. One of the walls catches the attention of the party, it shows Shadankin surrounded by some force standing before a giant clam. Within the clam lies a spiral horn. Moep immediately begins to pry the mother of pearl from the wall that forms the horn. An alcove by the only other exit from the room contains four small barrels, one of which has been broken open. Hanging from the breached barrel is a dried flaking skin-like membrane about the size of a man. Another of the barrels is opened and stirred. a milky white swirl of something is seen within. After much pondering the party figures the barrels contain some sort of magical underwater suit. Opening the final door they traverse a short hall that leads them to the lagoon.

Above them they spy the turtle shells. The lagoon itself ripples calmly with the motion of the incoming tide. Only about twenty feet deep or so they can see a large clam shell in the center of the lagoon. It is decided that Tarek, Chauncey and Alan will don the remaining jelly-suits and walk across the bottom to the clam. At the last moment Moep ties a rope about Alan and Lars strips down and swims out into the lagoon. From the landing the rest of the party watches as their friends walk across the bottom towards the giant shell. Alexander and Tyrrian both see a large dorsal fin break the surface on the far side of the lagoon and it quickly speeds towards their friends. "Lars! LookOut!" the party shouts, and the thief bobs in the water looking back at them. The Wizard uses his magical hand of force to pluck the swimmer from the water. Below the surface the three companions are faced with a very large problem.

The thirty foot monster rushes the jelly-suited trio, surprising them with its swiftness. The trio makes to stand back to back wielding daggers and a poleaxe among them. Suddenly, WHAM! the shark strikes catching young Alan in its maw!!! Hanging above the lagoon in the magic hand, Lars sees the shark and poor Alan. Without hesitation Lars judges the distance, waits a second then dives into the cold water just as the shark passes below him. Clinging to the dorsal fin through sheer determination the smuggler begins to pierce the giant beasts back with his dagger repeatedly!!! The frenzied monster shakes itself to dislodge the intruder on its back to no avail, Alan however is being shredded by the teeth and barely clinging to life. From the shore Moep struggles to keep hold of the rope attached to Alan, "We need a bigger boat!" the halfling screams as he is almost jerked out into the lagoon. Sally and max lend their strength to hold the line. Gauging the distance from the rope and fin breaking the surface, Alexander uses the magic hand to actually grab the shark by the tale, then with extreme concentration he actually lifts it out of the water about 5 feet. Thrashing wildly in mid-air, Lars clinging to it still and bellowing, "YEE-Haa!" and still stabbing it, the shark struggle for its life! Alan is flung free of the gnashing jaws and quickly reeled to the enbankment by his friends. The young thief id feared to be beyond hope as his limp from is pulled from the water. The shredded jelly-suit peeled off easily and slung to the side. Chi clasps the boys pale face in both hands, "Alan! Oh no, don't die!" she cries tears streaming down her face. "Let me see him, there may still be hope." says Sally pulling the remains of his shredded clothing aside to get a better look at the wounds. Just then Alan coughs up a huge amount of bloody water looks at Chi and says "There's a big shark down there." The boy passes out from his injuries but he is alive, thought he will forever walk with a limp and bear the scars of this encounter.
Below the surface Tarek and Chauncey inspect the giant clam. Tarek realizes this is like working with a chest, and draws his dagger. After a few moments he finds and severs the tendons holding the clam shut. Chauncey is then able to lift the shell up and retrieve the gem encrusted spiral horn that lays within. Back on the landing the party inspects the spiral horn and figures this is the first step in the quest to Shadankin and the Mer-queen. An inscription upon the horn reads, "Sound me over waters deep to raise the treasures that you seek." Obviously a sea voyage is in their future. It is then the decided that the shark is to be skinned and harvested for trophies.

As dusk is setting the party returns to Modron and a cheering horde! An impromptu feast is held in honor of the Heroes defeating the "Devil" of the bay, as the giant shark was called by the locals. Knowing they have perhaps only hours to a day at the most to stave off disaster they prepare to leave at dawn for the open sea.

[themightyeroc]

We will be continuing the module in the begining of June, so stay tuned for more.

Also check the blog for the adventure write-ups with pictures!!!

[themightyeroc]

We played this past weekend and got through the second third of the adventure.

Here is the story so far:

The Dragon boat sailed away from Modron under a gloomy sky. Chi waved goodbye to those who chose
to stay behind. Emily decided at the last minute to stay with Alan, as he could not shake his new found fear of sea creatures. Also Ruby did not join her cousins for this leg of the quest. Under the directions of James Hook, first mate Gilligan and sailor Farhoud, the rest of the Heroes of Eros settled in for the days journey to deep waters and the sounding of the strange horn they were now in possession of.

Moep was able to keep 3rd breakfast down as he prepared a hot lunch for his companions. Tarek remarked on the new studded leather worn by his friend Tyrrian. "I did not want to sink like an anvil should I find myself in the water!" replied the young Warrior as he stowed his breastplate with the other ships gear.

At last Captain James felt that with land out of sight they should try the sounding. Chauncey brought out the
waterproofed sack and handed it to Lars. Drawing the horn out of the sack Lars ran through what type of note he should try to sound. After a few moments of silence as the others looked on, Lars raised the horn drew a breath and blew......

A bass primordial roar seemed to reverberate through the collected adventurers. It caused even the calm water to ripple in time with the blast. Instantly followed by an infinite moment of utter silence, each of the heroes could hear his own heartbeat. Then the sea began to churn.......

The ocean darkened as something began to rise from the depths, Moep white knuckling the gunwale as the boat rocked in the churning water. Something was coming to the surface, something very very large. Then white spray bursts into the air like a geyser drenching everyone in the boat. The party then found itself gazing into the eyes of a sea turtle the size of a small island. At the apex of his shell a barnacle encrusted capstan could be seen. Also indentations upon the shell itself formed a sort of natural staircase leading to the mysterious protrusion.

The boat is quickly brought alongside the giant sea creature and loosely moored by the bronze cleats at the shells edge.
"Everyone be careful, and watch your footing. I'll go first." Nimbly leaping from ship to shell Tarek began to ascend the turtle.
Moep began to proclaim that someone should stay behind and guard the boat, he was quickly ushered up the shell by Sally much to his dismay. Lars bent down and whispered to the halfling, "Rumor has it that treasures of the deep await us. I don't think you'd want to miss out on that."
Pointing to the three barrels stowed in the ship Moep proclaims, "Treasures you say! Well I do like collecting odds and ends. Maybe I should wear one of those jelly suits we brought."
Picking the halfling up by his belt and tossing him onto the turtle Sally says, "No need for that now, and if the turtle goes under we'll all need more than a jelly suit anyway."

At the top of the shell the capstan is twisted open to reveal a hatchway descending into the creature itself. Tarek drops down into the circular chamber, about an ankle deep worth of sea water sloshes back in forth with the natural roll of the ocean. Two dark tunnels are the only exits from the room. A rope is tied off on the capstan and the rest of the party descends to join the thief. Alexander causes his staff to glow with a soft blueish-white light allowing the others to arrange themselves and draw weapons. "Well which way my friends?" inquires the young Mage.
"Let us take this tunnel to my right, then we will come back and check the other way." says Tarek taking the lead with Tyrrian. They are in turn followed in pairs by Max and Chauncey, then Chi and Moep, then Sally and Alexander. Lars glances about as the party splashes off down the corridor. One last tug on the rope to confirm its set well he follows his friends into darkness.

[more to come]

[themightyeroc]

End of Part 2

The tunnel opened into a long chamber, the walls encrusted with thick growths of coral, barnacles and kelp. The far side of the chamber was still cloaked in darkness as the light from Alexanders staff could not illuminate the room fully from the hall. The group moves into the chamber as a whole waiting to see what is revealed as the staff now begins to chase away the darkness. Stopping together midway the party marvels at the scalloped shell door that blocks any exit from the chamber. The glint of gold from the two massive interlocked lobster claws that seem to be a sort of lock or brace draws the attention of both Tarek and Moep.
"Solid gold lobster claws?" asks Moep tugging eagerly on Tarek's sleeve.
Winking at his diminutive companion Tarek steps closer, "They deserve a closer inspection I think."

Suddenly the room itself seems to spring to life as man-sized chunks of coral seem come alive and surround the bewildered adventurers. Seven terribly malformed and twisted creatures take the party by surprise attacking with rusted cutlass, knife, swordfish bill and various other barnacle encrusted weapons of sea-going make! The first Sea-Cursed looks to be a barnacle encrusted skeleton wielding a cutlass and
hammer. He delivers a deadly blow to Chauncey with the hammed and slashes Tarek with cutlass! The second is a bloated elf thickened by waterlogged skin, he wields a pair rusty fighting knives and slashes Chi the Elf-child to the bone! The third is a woman covered entirely in a reddish coral, with wicked cutlass and a large sea urchin spike she wounds Sally the Cleric. The fourth is a pair of conjoined sailors with fish eyes each wielding a cutlass, their chest heaves as if something lives inside! The fifth is a sailor melded with a shark using a boarding axe, his left hand a mass of urchin spines! The sixth is a sodden fish eaten sailor using a pair of iron bolos he hurls with deadly accuracy. Lastly the seventh Sea-Cursed uses a swordfish bill as a sword and a sail pulley on a short bit of rope to inflict terrible damage!

As the surprise of the attack wears off the party is still reeling from the attack and trying to get their
bearings. Both Chi and Alexander begin to attempt to cast spells while the others wail in pain over the wounds that have been inflicted upon them! The Sea-Cursed push in on the party inflicting a few more damaging blows. Worst of all however is the "Critical" to Sally that drops her to the briny floor of the chamber. Max bravely rushes to cover the fallen Cleric and fends off the crusty woman with his blade. Tyrrian who was struck by an iron bolo is able to bash #6 with the hammer of JUSTICE. Moep is able to dodge all attempts to harm him by #7, all the while taunting the Sea-Cursed man. Chauncy moves to aid both Moep and the sorely wounded Alexander. Lars at the rear of the party has been engaged by the conjoined sailors, they have sliced him deeply and the moray eel living in their chest has also bitten the wily thief as they continue to assault him. Alexander has barely survived the onslaught of the Shark headed Sea-Cursed, head reeling from the wounds inflicted the Wizard struggles to cast his spell!

"If you let me cast, you DIE!" cries Alexander as two glowing blue magical hands appear. The first immediately grasps the Shark Headed cursed in an an unbreakable grip as the second hand grasps the

conjoined sailors. Lars then takes the opportunity to stab one sailor in the fish-eye with his dagger while saying, "I just want you to know this is for what you did to me."
Tarek begins fencing with the barnacle encrusted cursed while muttering under his breath, "I don't like this, I REALLY don't like this!"
Chi the Elf-child mutters some strange words, her hands crackle with other-worldly energy. Life force is drained from the barnacle cursed and used to power her attack upon the dual knife wielder whom she severely wounds. "Take THAT!"
Wielding his short swords with great ferocity Moep tears into his attacker, the swordfish weapon barely keeping the halfling at bay.
Chauncy then uses his polearm to attack the sea-cursed the halfling is battling.

The Heroes of Eros are able to gain the advantage and push their foes back. Alexander concentrates and
uses the force of the magical hands to literally squeeze the remaining life from the conjoined sailors and the Shark Headed sea-cursed. Tyrrian crushes the head of the bolo wielder then turns to allow Tarek to roll behind the barnacle encrusted skeleton and deliver a devastating spine slicing attack! Chauncey spears the spike of his polearm through the face of the swordfish wielder killing him instantly. Sally sits up, as she had been faking the effect of her earlier wound and bashes the coral woman. Max then carves his signature into the chest of the coral woman before dispatching her in his flamboyant style! Lastly, Chi drives her elven sword into the black heart of the knife wielder and kicks him off the blade into the bloody water of the chamber. The fight over, our Heroes lick their wounds and realize how close many of them just came to death.

The Sea Shell doorway is looked over and deemed not to be mechanically trapped. However the strange script upon it is deciphered and the likelihood of a curse of some type is realized. Opening the door the party sees the giant jellyfish beyond with a chest inside it. No one enters and the wizard uses his magical hands to physically squeeze the chest out of the creature. A spray of jellyfish goo hits the party but no ill effects are suffered. The magical hands then lift the chest and bring it out into the main chamber with the party. Opening it they find many coins and a large red steel key.
"We should only take the key." states Alexander flatly, "Shadankin always carried keys with him, this is what we need."
"Just one," remarked Tarek, " there could be another, down the other hall."
Lars slaps the hand of Moep as the halfling was reaching for the gold coins in the chest. "That stuff is cursed little one!"
Stomping off toward the hall from which the party came Moep whines, "Let's go back that other way and find something we can take!"
"Agreed!" the party cries in unison.

Making their way back to the capstan chamber the party proceeds along the other tunnel. They soon find the way blocked by a rusted iron gate. Beyond they can make out a large chamber filled with furniture. The magical hands are used to wrench the door open and the party moves briskly through the waterlogged sitting room and out the tunnel on the opposite side. Moep is intrigued briefly by the giant manta ray skin on the wall.

The group finds itself looking upon a giant sea Anemone perched upon half a dozen barnacle encrusted chests. The lure is too great and they approach cautiously. Tarek decides to fire an arrow into the sea creature to see if it lives without being submerged. To his surprise as well as Tyrrians the creature not only

lives but attacks! Slapping both Tarek and Tyrrian for a bit of damage. Moep is able to sever a tentacle with his swords. Deciding that melee may not be the best option with this creature the party backs up and Alexander uses the force of the magic hands to pummel the monster to death. The group scours the the chest and collects and bags many gold and silver coins. Tarek takes a braided rope bracelet for him self.
"Should we be taking this stuff?" asks Moep as he shovels coins in a waterproof sack.
"I suppose the warning might have only petained to the treasures behind the shell door." says the Wizard.
"There is no other key here, perhaps we should get back to the boat." Tarek says while tying the bracelet about his wrist.
The party returns to the capstan room and begin to climb out one by one. Lars takes the chance and returns to the chamber of the sea-cursed and kneels before the open chest of coins from the jellyfish.
" I just can't leave this finely crafted sea chest behind." The thief softly closes the lid and lifts the chest from the floor, " So far, so good." He turns and walks from the chamber back to his friends.

A gust of salty sea air blasts from behind the thief and passes through him with the sensation of clammy death bearing down on his soul!
"Damn it!" Lars mutters, then runs for the capstan room.
The gust of salty air passes through the rest of the group as well, turning they see Lars enter the room with the chest.
"You knew I had to try." he says shrugging his shoulders at his friends, " Besides, the curse might not be that bad."

The party rejoins the crew of the dragon boat just as the giant sea turtle begins to descend back from whence it came. "What now I wonder?" ponders Alexander examining the red steel key with Tyrrian. The Blacksmith-Warrior is quite taken with the strange red veined metal.
"What is it forged of I wonder..."

An eerie silence falls over the party and the strange bubbly voice of the Sea Queen rises as if from the ocean itself.
"You have the key at last, time runs short. I will guide you to us for we are near. Follow the Key to the lone Ait. Do not tarry, Shadankin and I are near death and you are our last hope to avert the cataclysm."

The key begins to thrum with energy and everyone in the boat feels the urge to sail in the direction it points.

[themightyeroc]

For those who may be wondering, I added some foes to the Cursed Guardians as the player party was Ten strong. And I really wanted them to fight DCC versions of the Davy Jones crew from Pirates of the Caribbean. Go to the blog to see pics of the guys they fought.

As for the Sea Curse itself, I decided to make it slowly transform them into "Davy Jones Crew" types that replace the ones they killed. Unless of course they get the magic sand from the Mer-guy. Then They will be OK. As we play through the last third of the module I will have them make die rolls on a chart I made for the changes that begin to happen to them. Sort of a minor corruption chart type effects, but all Ocean related.

1. fish eyes
2. fish scales on arms and legs
3. webbed toes and fingers
4. gills

etc. etc.

Also you can probably tell that the story line is slightly different from the module, but in the end it will all work out the same overall.

[themightyeroc]

Sea Queen update:

At the end of our last session, my group realized that because of Real-world stuff we would not be playing again until mid-July. Since we are at the point in the module where it takes three days to reach the Lone Ait I proposed the following to the party.

In the meantime until our next live session, we will be playing out 3 encounters that take course over those three days at sea. We will be playing them out over the Blog.

So if your interested in what the Heroes of Eros have been up to until I post the third and final chapter of the Sea Queen Escapes, then hop on over to the worldoferoc.blogspot.com and check it out.

[themightyeroc]

A Sea Queen query,

There is a probability that the current PC's in the group could elect to not save the Sea Queen. If you have run or even read this adventure, I would like to ask my fellow GM's and Harley (since he wrote the adventure).

What would you have happen IF your PC's chose not to enter the Lone Ait, and "finish the adventure"?

Would or should the Sea Queen escape of her own volition, or just perish? Or what? I realize this could open a veritable can of worms depending on your game and how you run it, but throw some paint at the wall here and let's see what takes shape.

Thanks!

[Doug Kovacs]

Michael Curtis wrote the adventure. (not Harley)
He commented on you original post.

[themightyeroc]

Michael Curtis wrote the adventure. (not Harley)
He commented on you original post.

YIKES! Sorry Michael, and I was just listening to you on episode 3 of SPELLBURN!!!!

But really, what do you guys think? I'm torn between having her trapped until someone else tries, or she escapes and wreaks havoc across both land and sea. But, it still depends on what they players eventually get up to.

[Raven_Crowking]

But really, what do you guys think? I'm torn between having her trapped until someone else tries, or she escapes and wreaks havoc across both land and sea. But, it still depends on what they players eventually get up to.

I vote trapped. The players deserve the benefit of their decisions.

[AQuebman]

But really, what do you guys think? I'm torn between having her trapped until someone else tries, or she escapes and wreaks havoc across both land and sea. But, it still depends on what they players eventually get up to.

I vote trapped. The players deserve the benefit of their decisions.

^ This

[themightyeroc]

We finished the final chapter in the Sea Queen Escapes this past Friday.

The following is a first hand account of the actions taken by the Heroes of Eros, as dictated to Sage apprentice first class Elik by Moep the Culinary expert and Collector of baubles, trinkets and valuables of all shapes and sizes.


After three days at sea the Lone Ait finally came into view, I quickly directed the party to prep all packs and sacks with appropriate rations as I knew that nothing keeps an adventurer in good spirits and health as much as a good meal. We all were suffering under a strange malady that caused shiny fish-scales, and patches of barnacle like growths to sprout in most uncomfortable parts of our anatomy. It also seemed to cause an urge to drink sea water, which I found strangely refreshing. However, the chance to get ashore was greatly welcomed.
We could see as we got closer that the small rocky isle was surrounded on all sides by an oily black pitch, the scent of it carried upon the breeze! I could see my companions were put off by the thought of having to get covered in the icky stuff, so as our expert boat captain beached us I called attention to myself. Fear not my stalwart companions for Moep shall show you how to land upon yon rocky shore without encrusting yourself in the vile black mire! I then (with great ease) swung on a rope from the yard arm of our boat out over the sickly surf, flipped in a circle and landed like a cat! This brought great smiles out upon the faces of my friends and quickly Chi and Tarek followed my lead and each of them quite acrobatically made it to shore as well. The rest of the party in good spirits now, came ashore as well.
A short walk up the beach we spied a large stone structure some forty feet in height and seemingly constructed of a giant single block of volcanic rock. A large opening in the face yawned before us, the stone door lay on the ground sundered in half by violent seismic activity. I knew that lighting torches would not be wise so I had young Alexander use his staff to give us light to see by as we entered the stony edifice.My tactical advise being second to none, the group was also positioned in ranks of two.
The first chamber was flooded with the black goo, and I could feel its warmth as my feet sunk into it. The walls were marked in many occult symbols that seemed to overlap and repeat themselves. The eastern wall bore a large geometric carving that was defaced by a jagged crack running from floor to ceiling. IN the center of the carving was a word..."Qeel Ilsha aaha", this meant nothing to even the most learned among us. A slight tremor shook us and I urged the group on toward our goal to find and rescue Cealheewhalool, for time was surely against us. Two exits from this chamber left with our first choice and we decided to head for the one to the right, as we neared it both Tarek and Tyrrian suddenly dropped into the watery muck up to their necks!! With lightning speed, and no regard for my personal cleanliness I reach out and hauled Tarek to safety. Tyrrian was weighted down by his heavy breastplate and would have sunk beyond our reach had I not wisely directed Alexander to lift the young warrior from the goop with his magics. This small setback was nothing for one of my expertise and I was soon able to devise a plan that saw us all across the hidden chasm and on our way. I also suggested to Tyrrian that he should not wear his breastplate in case of further such mishaps, advice the boy was wise to follow.

The second chamber we came upon posed upon us the "Riddle of Fire", the floor still covered in the ankle deep inky tar and my stomach grumbling like a golden mountain basilisk. I was awed by the amber glow that filled the room. A large inverted triangle had been etched into the western wall of this chamber and a fist sized oval of amber was inset at each of the triangles points. Each piece of amber glowed with a pale yellow light, this seemed to frighten Chi a bit as she began to wail about the chance the room could fill with fire if we were to touch the amber. I calmed her with a reminder that she had fresh cookies in her pack and I took that moment of diverted attention to inspect the glowing amber for myself. I quickly validated my hunch with a second opinion from Lars that they were not trapped in any way, and seemed they could be pried from their setting in the wall.(I let Lars double check things for me so he gets a chance to feel useful, the guy has some skills but needs guidance. He is an expert rock thrower though!) Unfortunately, at that moment Alexander became overwhelmed with the same fear that Chi had extolled. So I reluctantly left the amber alone to ease the unreasoning fear that had begun to overcome my fellows. I noted to myself that the others seemed to be on edge as well, and I urged us all forward once again.

The tremors had obviously taken a great toll upon the chamber we now entered. The ceiling was partially collapsed and the floor upheaved by the earthly forces. Mounds of rubble were strewn across the goopy floor leaving the narrowest of paths to an exit on the far side. What caught all our attentions though was a flickering emerald glow visible among the jumbled rocks along the wall to our right. Taking the weight of leadership upon myself I had the main group stay in the doorway where it seemed safest. Then I asked Alexander to accompany me to investigate the emerald light. (I had assumed it to be magical in nature.) I carefully led the wizard through the tumbled wreckage, pointing out danger areas to his untrained eyes. A slight tremor must have caused a large pile of rubble to loosen as we passed it, and though Alexander is strong in magic he is weak physically. I knew therefore, that he would suffer greatly and I used myself as a shield to deflect the jagged shards before they could do the poor Mage harm! Dusting myself off and making sure Alexander wasn't harmed (as any good leader would) we turned to look upon our glowing prize. There propped up in a pile of rocks was a three foot long ovoid of clearest crystal that seemed to contain a swirling mud that emanated the green light, suddenly the rock pile upon which it rested came to life! My quick reflexes allowed me to scoop up the big crystal and deftly maneuver myself back towards the party. Alexander is not so spry and must have slipped in the rubble leaving him open to a vicious bite from the horrid reptile that revealed itself! I quickly dispatched Chauncey, Tyrrian and Max to deal with the reptile and aid Alex. As Sally tended my wounds, I was able to convince Chi to use her supernatural powers to summon a creature to our aid. Doing so at my behest she brought forth a large sea crab with mighty claws to aid our warriors who were struggling with the rock lizard! The lizard thrashed and began causing more debris to fall upon our heads and it was then I remembered that Sally can cause the very fibers of the land to restrain enemies. Under my direction she was able to pinpoint the creatures limbs and hold it in place so our Warriors could attack it! Chauncey the brave fellow leapt in with bravado and dealt the creature a mortal blow by piercing it through the skull! We rested a bit and looked at our options. I deemed we take it more cautiously from this point forward and in the safety of the hall we left the crystal ovoid covered by Tyrrian's breastplate. We also gutted the rock lizard and left the corpse for later retrieval. I then pointed out the most likely areas of danger from the rubble in the chamber and verbally coached Tarek as he scouted out a safe path for everyone to take so we could continue.

We then entered a huge, yet bare chamber. Its sole decorations were eight pillars and a narrow alcove in one wall. The alcove contained a titanic door of hewn stone, the face of which was covered in the same repeating pattern of symbols we had seen in the first chamber upon entering this place. In the center of the mighty door was a large keyhole, from which flickered a lambent flame, illuminating the room with a flickering ruby light. We had entered from the south and another exit lay in the far northern wall. I had Lars come up and kneel next to me as we looked upon the stone door. I placed my hand on his shoulder assuring him of my confidence in his journeyman skills. Lars was able to determine that the door was safe and not trapped. I called for Alexander to give the Red-Metal key to Lars as it was obvious this was its home. Thankfully, and from my prior tutelage on proper haberdashery, Lars had thought to wear his sharkskin gloves. It was those alone that saved his hands from severe burns as the key was placed into the hole where it began to warm with unearthly heat. Four turns clockwise and the now white-hot key was drawn into the keyhole as the heavy stone door rose into the ceiling. What lay in the next chamber surprised us all!

A large octagonal chamber was revealed. The walls bore more carved symbols that flickered with silvery green light. Strangest of all was the thirty foot sphere of water that hung in the air midway between floor and ceiling. Within was not one, but three slender female figures! One of which bore a corroded diadem encrusted with barnacles. Alexander not used to direct encounters with pretty young women began muttering to himself and playing with his red glass wand (if you catch my meaning), myself, Tarek and Max ever aware of the plight of maidens in distress headed directly in to see what succor and aid we could provide to the poor creatures. At first we thought ourselves too late, but Tareks keen eye caught the supple movement of nubile breast as they lightly breathed, time was on our side! The silvery light from the runes on the walls was flickering and threatening to go out, I bid Lars to get some torches lit and bring me one quickly. I was about to ask Alexander for his thoughts on how to get the women out of the sphere, but he was yammering to Sally about evil hell-spawned harlots; the boy needs to get out more I tell you. I then saw that one of the young women seemed to be conversing with Tarek; now that lad can say a mouthful to a woman with a wink and a smile; he had drawn his sword and pierced the watery cell that held the girls captive. Now, in the next few moments there was a lot of confusion, the runes sparked and went dark just as Lars got two torches lit. The watery sphere collapsed, dumping not only the women on the floor but the rush of a thousand gallons of sea water swept Tarek off his feet. Tyrrian rushed forward brandishing his hammer and invoking the Gods Sashu and Sinakad while Max and Chauncey flanked the shirtless Warrior to the right. The Sea Queen did not need to be rescued you see. She needed help escaping. It was Tyrrian invoking Sinakad that clued me in, Sinakd burns with hatred for beings of chaos. I directed Lars to flank left of Tyrrian with me to aid Tarek whom we could see was now at the mercy of not a beautiful mer-woman, but vile lesser female demonette! Over my shoulder I signaled Sally, and she began to call forth the bindings of the earth! The demure Sea Queen herself turned to Chauncey who without hesitation brutally smashed and broke her jaw with his polearm! Infuriated by this she shed her mortal shape and became a horrid monster, ten feet tall with a giant shark maw where her belly should be, also from the waist down she sprouted four thick octopus like tentacles!!! Tyrrian held the Queen at bay while the earthly bindings took effect, Max was able to deflect the attacks of the second demonic handmaiden away from the shirtless youth. With the aid of lars who distracted the hellish female I was able to draw out my trusted blades Banquet & Tetanus and save Tarek from her clutches. We all gasped as the Sea Queen lashed at Chauncey with a tentacle that almost took off his head, the Warrior prepared to attack again but was blasted by a watery missile hurled from shark maw! The force of the blow cast him across the chamber slamming him into the wall so hard it cracked. Chauncey dropped lifeless to the floor. Max was able to rush to Chauncey's side as Alexander used his magic energies to take over attacking the vile handmaiden. With strokes so savage and quick I dispatched the temptress that assaulted Tarek and Lars and I were able to drag the wounded thief to safety. Sally looked to me worried about Tyrrian and his proximity to the Demonic Sea Queen. I knew the boy would not retreat, so I gave Sally the go ahead to do what must be done. Calling upon Mesha in our most dire of need Sally was able to open a portal that sucked the Demon back from whence it came!!!! The prison (for now we knew it for waht it was) began to crumble and shake all about us, we quickly gathered our wounded; Chauncey was clinging to life, and with the aid of Alexander were able to whisk everyone out the way we came upon a large disk of blue energy! We all suffered slightly from falling debris as we stopped to collect the items we had left in the doorway of the lizard room, but Chauncey suffered a skull shattering blow causing us again to fear he would certainly die. We emerged from the stone structure as it began to sink into a pool of bubbling pitch along with the rest of the island itself. Brave Captain Hookah awaited us in the Dragon boat and we all boarded safely. The Lone Ait sank into the sea leaving only a oily slick to mark it ever existed.

We returned then to Modron four days later, and received a Heroes welcome. I have to say that all the members of our band under my leadership were able to perform admirably and defeat the Demon that wanted to escape and cause untold havoc upon the inhabitants of our fair lands. We also met a rather nice Mer-man chap called Brooshqual. He paid us a visit on behalf of the Sea Queens people and thanked us fro setting her soul free of the Demons influence. He also awarded us a huge black pearl! Oh and he cured us all of that nasty Sea-curse too. All in all I'd say it was a pretty good day for myself and my stalwart band of heroes. Why I hear Lars has a ballad or two in the works, no doubt it will regal my leadership abilities, so are you hungry?

[Later conversation with other group members seemed to cause quite a variation on the exact events and how they played out.]

[marshal kt]

Holy crap Batman, do you talk alot.

{I know Eroc in R/L and he got me into DCC}

[themightyeroc]

Holy crap Batman, do you talk alot.

{I know Eroc in R/L and he got me into DCC}

Hey a lot happened! what can I tell ya!