Savage Tide 4 - The Bullywug Gambit

Wisely, the PCs decided to wait for the storm to pass before returning to Eleder. By morning, the skies had mostly cleared and the seas were calm enough to sail back. It still wasn't easy going rowing and they didn't arrive at the docks until early evening only to find that the Serpentfall festival was in full effect. Celebrating the fall of Ydersius and the failed Serpentfolk coup attempt in Eleder, many of the locals were dressed up in elaborate snake costumes.

The PCs pushed their way down streets packed with party goers and ran into some trouble. A drunken gnome was tossed into the crowd but 3 stilt-walking assassins were not so easily dealt with. Eventually they were knocked down and dispatched and the PCs continued on to the disturbingly quiet and dark Vanderboren manor.

A few dead guards were found outside along along with a bullywug still searching the body. They made quick work of him and then sneaked into the manor. Since the PCs live in the manor they knew most of its layout well and guessed the that first mate was either on the top floor or the basement. The guessed the top floor and went their first.

In the master bedroom they found Lavinia and two unconscious Jade Ravens. Guarding them was Drevoraz Kabran, Captain Javell's first mate and the shaman of the bullywug tribe. Expecting Vanthus and not the PCs, Drevoraz realized he'd been duped and tried to murder Lavinia but the PCs were too quick for him. Isis disarmed him and largely removed him as a threat. The shaman was a little more difficult, but being outnumbered, died quickly enough.

Lavinia thanked them for the rescue and explained how she managed to stall them by telling them Vanthus was due to return in a few hours. Devoraz wanted to kill Lavinia and her minions in front of Vanthus. Unfortunately, the halfling servant was killed to prove how serious he was.

After returning to consciousness, Morgoth and Ivy explained how the bullywugs gained entry from the basement. The Jade Ravens had fought most of the tribe in the courtyard but had been overrun and seperated. Jessica and Ruggan had escaped but their current whereabouts were not known.

The PCs went to the basement only to hear a woman shrieking. Silver spoons had been tied to the remains of Jessica's dress and she was being chased around the basement by what the PCs would late realize was a rust monster. The chief of the bullywugs and some of his tribe were still present enjoying the show. When the rust monster destroys the last of the silverware, the chieftain had promised to eat Jessica alive.

After the rust monster devoured McDougal's armor, everyone tended to shy away from the monster.  It was finally killed followed by the bullywugs although the chieftain got in some big hits with his club.

Ruggan was later found unconscious in the secret armory. He had been knocked unconscious by a trap he'd accidentally sprung. The last of the bullywugs were found in the games room. The tribe's chief hunter put up a fight but she too was eventually dispatched.

Over the next few weeks things around the manor were restored and returned to normal. Vanthus' trail went cold and slowly Lavinia's burning desire for justice faded as her focus moved on. She spent more time reading her mother's journal and eventually decided to carry on her parent's ambitions.

They had started a trading colony on the far off Isle of Dread. The local natives were reasonably friendly and willing to trade local spices and exotic lumber. Many exotic animals live on the island that can fetch a good price is brought back to civilization.

Lavinia was looking for a second ship for the expedition and the PCs had just the ship in mind. They returned to Kraken's cove to find the Sea Wyvern right where they'd last seen it. They sailed it back to port and offered to leave it to Lavinia in exchange for some magic items.

As the departure day draws nearer the ships are being loaded with cargo and potential colonists and investors are being sought.

So far the crew includes:

Isis: Pilot
Kaeless: Navigator

Amella Venkalie: First Mate. A slight but powerful woman with fine blonde hair tied neatly back from her forehead. She dresses to fight and sail. A thin scar graces her right cheek.

Tavey Nesk: Cabinboy













McDougal: Crew
Trevain: Crew
Bytor: Crew
Iowa: Crew
Johnston: Crew
Marty: Crew
Barth: Crew
Mango: Crew

Lirith Veld: Crew. A red haired tomboy sailor who wears flamboyant scarves and silks.












Passengers:

Father Feres: Middle aged balding priest of Abadar













Avner Meravanchi: A local nobleman's son. His father is funding part of the expedition and Avner is representing that interest.
Banaby Chisk: Avner's servant
Quenge Asper: Avner's servant

Skald: A shifty-looking, hunch shouldered man with pale skin a nasally voice and unsettling eyes.













Morton Longfellow: an eccentric scholar of Olman civilization. Has requested a stop at the Ruins of Tamoachan.