The Mermaid's Arms - the Dock Ward Been to This Tavern and She Doesn't Forget a Face

dwarf named Lessnura Frost, a retired pirate who has swords in protest. They are not inherently violent, but you settled down. don't just go interrupt a man in the middle of telling a story, have we no decency? See Zimris and Lessnura Frost in the Appendix. If the players talk to Lessnura Frost, she will offer them drinks and chit chat with them, considering they've never The Mermaid's Arms - The Dock Ward been to this tavern and she doesn't forget a face. Lessnura This tavern is loud, rambunctious, and full of life. The is surly but kind-hearted. She speaks with an Irish/Scottish owner is well-respected by all, even though some of the accent and uses odd metaphors in her speech. For example, Sea Sprite crew may whisper stories about her pirate past. "Ay lad... ye be fresher than a green banana!" If the players She was a very successful seafarer and is now a very discuss anything Black Skies-related, she will tell them the successful tavern owner. She is missing an eye, has red- brief info she may know, but ultimately will point them brown dreadlocks tied back, and a very casual 5 o' clock towards the charismatic Captain Naftikos. shadow. She wears tan pants tucked in knee high leather boots and a billowing shirt covered by a vest. She also wears a colorful assortment of gold and silver necklaces, bracelets, and rings.

Captain Naftikos Artist Unknown

You approach the ostentatious man as he is still mid-story. He holds up a mug full of ale just as he gets to the good part, not even noticing your incoming presence.

The Mermaid's Arms Artist Unknown at Fantasy Faction Captain Naftikos: (German, hearty and robust) And then just as the You walk through the wooden and glass door and enter The leviathan had me in its watery clutches, I managed to squeeze free. I Mermaid's Arms. You hear lots of conversations being had, a live took my sword (he brandishes his longsword) and I thrust it into the band playing music, and even hear a couple of inebriated men signing mighty monster's chest!... If a creature made of water even has a a jaunty sea tune. There are circle tables scattered around the main chest! Before I knew it, the ancient beast was slain and its watery room and a long bar set against the far wall with bar stools available. form fell into a puddle on my ship. Yet another notch on my belt! And In one corner you can see a group of men of varying races drinking it's a long belt, my friends! merrily. There is one of them that is telling some type of riveting story that has his audience completely enthralled. He appears to be human Just then as the captain raises his mug to cheers with his in most ways, but his ears are pointed and webbed. His skin in some compatriots, he notices you. As he takes a enthusiastic gulp, he places is blue-ish and scaled. And on the side of his neck are casually looks you over out of the corner of his eye. perforations that could possibly be gills. He is wearing a large hat with a peacock feather plume sticking out of it. He has a flowing Captain Naftikos: Ahhh, it is appears we have some visitors. Hello jacket with gold embroidery and long sleeves. He wears tall boots and strangers, what brings you to the company of the Sea Sprite and on his hip is an impressive longsword. He's so into his story that he Captain Naftikos? doesn't even notice you all enter the tavern. Now the players can converse with Captain Naftikos as What would you guys like to do? well as his first mate, an air genasi named Vapor. Vapor has blue, almost white skin with short hair spiked up. He is See Captain Naftikos in the Appendix. wearing dark blues and blacks and has two scabbards on one side of his waist, each with a curved scimitar. He The players can grab a table or sit at the bar and meet Samplespeaks with a medium p itched Cocknefiley, British accent. Lessnura Frost. They also can go towards the storytelling We want the players to discuss General Dragonsbane man and speak with him. He is Captain Naftikos of the Sea and the Black Skies with the captain. This will propel the Sprite and is half human, half triton hence the mixed plot just perfectly. appearance. If he is interrupted, his men will draw their

Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. J. Gagliani 3 See Vapor in the Appendix. Captain Naftikos: Well... Dragonsbane is too damn connected in What Captain Naftikos Knows (or believes to be Waterdeep. And he has the Open Lord on his side. This information is true): good, but it's not enough for us to overthrow him. If what you say is • The Black Skies have sort of ruled the Sea of Swords true and the Black Skies have more evidence connecting to for at least 10 years, but as of a year ago have seemed Dragonsbane, we will need that first. Here's what we're going to do. to become more organized, better supplied, and You all need to go to The Skewered Dragon, a tavern and inn at the always ready for a fight. end of the Dock Ward, where it borders the Castle Ward. You can't • The Black Skies' captain is a Githyanki named Sjomann miss it, it has a bloody anchor practically going through the roof. Go Gallowcast. He and his crew are seasoned and ruthless. there, speak to a kenku named Bang. He might be able to tell us • Their ship, the Maelstrom, has all-black sails and where the Black Skies are now. I will go and speak to Dragonsbane rarely will be seen from the coast of Waterdeep. and I'll pretend we are still in a partnership. Maybe I can gleam some • General Dragonsbane is a good, decent man who information from him. Then tomorrow morning, we meet back here contracts out the Sea Sprite on occasional missions. and we hunt those damned pirates. With the new evidence, we can go Captain Naftikos reports to him when they are going to to the Palace of Waterdeep in the Castle Ward and bring our entire confront pirate groups, such as the Black Skies. report straight to the Open Lord, Silverhand. • The Sea of Swords is a dangerous place, pirates aside. There are flash storms, strong currents, and odd sea creatures. And with that, Captain Naftikos and Vapor stand up and say their good-byes until tomorrow morning. See Captain Sjomann Gallowcast in the Appendix.

The reason the Black Skies have always thwarted the Sea Sprite is See Bang in the Appendix. because they get a warning from Dragonsbane. He is playing both sides in this conflict, but favors the pirates. Now the players have direct orders and a fairly well thought out plan of execution for overthrowing General Dragonsbane. First up, they have to go to The Skewered Dragon and speak to a kenku named Bang. Then they have the rest of the day to explore the city and maybe spend some money or sell some the items they've found along the way (gems, art objects, etc.). The Skewered Dragon is about a 20 minute walk away towards the north. It is a dilapidated tavern featuring some broken windows, rotting floorboards, and a roof with a large anchor practically crashing through. It is owned by a half dwarf, half human named Fargus. It is frequented only by locals who work on or near the docks. They can be very suspicious of strangers.

See Fargus in the Appendix.

The Skewered Dragon - The Dock Ward Vapor the Air Genasi The clientele of the Skewered Dragon will all check out by Wizards of the Coast the players as they enter, knowing that they are not from If the players divulge their intel on General Dragonsbane, around here. Captain Naftikos will dismiss it, but his curiosity will get the better of him. He will ask to see their evidence and after examining it, shows it to Vapor. They both are very You enter the dilapidated inn and the music, the conversations, the intrigued. Perhaps they will even tell the rest of the crew general ambience of the tavern is instantly hushed. All eyes turn to leave so they can discuss it further in privacy. towards your group with a suspicious gaze. In the awkward silence, Upon reading the players' acquired information on you see broken furniture and disheveled chairs around the place. General Dragonsbane, Captain Naftikos will believe them There is a small bar with a very large half-orc standing behind it and begin to suspect Dragonsbane of corruption. He will cleaning glasses. The clientele looks like the worst the Dock Ward has put the pieces together that the Black Skies probably are to offer, giving off the stench of body odor and spilled beer. And associated with Dragonsbane. This will prompt the sitting in the corner by themselves is a kenku sipping on a glass of following discussion: some type of golden liquor. He has a hood up and is keeping to Samplehimself. file Captain Naftikos: I cannot believe this. The whole time, that bald bastard! He's been selling us out to those filthy pirates! What would you guys like to do?

Vapor: (Medium, cockney British) What are we gonna do, Captain? Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. J. Gagliani 4 Although the patrons of this inn are suspicious and • Bang told the Black Skies how to avoid Brynnlaw's unfriendly, they are not outwardly violent. But if for some shores and make it to the Isle of Teeth as fast and as reason, the players get rowdy or disrespectful, the patrons safe as possible. will join together and force the players to leave. Let's hope • The Sea of Swords is known for giant octopi, merrow, it doesn't come to that. If it does, to save the story, maybe rogue pirates, water elementals, and there's rumors of Bang will approach the players as they walk away. a kraken hiding in the ocean's depths. Otherwise, as the players step further into the inn, they • This temple of Umberlee on the Isle of Teeth is found will be left alone. They can go talk to Bang or they can grab on the biggest of the archipelago's islands. It is a seat or a table if they'd like. Either way, Fargus will go rumored to have been deserted but no one has been over to them and take their drink order. If they're talking able to successfully confirm nor deny that. to Bang, Fargus will exchange a "Are these guys bothering • Umberlee, this evil sea goddess is worshipped by you?" type look. sailors and pirates out of fear. According to legend, Umberlee is responsible for creating weresharks but like the temple, it has neither been confirmed nor denied. • Required piece of info: Bang will recommend to the players to go visit a couple shops in order to prepare themselves. He can warn them that the Black Skies have claimed more lives that people realize. He can recommend Aurora's Realms Shop, Twice as Nice, Steam & Steel, or the Market in Castle Ward. (Places to visit in the Appendix)

Captain Sjomann Gallowcast is a warlock and has made a dark deal with Umberlee. He is supposed to 'resurrect' her temples around the Sea of Swords in exchange for his powers. The large island of the Isle of Teeth has a dense jungle on its land and hidden among that is the Bang the Kenku entrance to the temple of Umberlee. The players will have the by Wizards of the Coast potential to visit and explore this temple but that will be described in a separate module. However, it is not a given and it isn't directly Fargus: (Thick Scottish) Alright, how are ye? We got ale and we got related to the General Dragonsbane and political coup plotline. liquor. Well... what'll it be? Now the players have the information from Bang. They also have the recommendation to prepare for the journey And the half-dwarf with grey hair walks away to get your drink and visit some shops. In addition to meals or other orders, leaving you somewhat alone with Bang, the kenku. extracurricular activities, it will bring us to evening and they can spend the night at some inn. Bang: (Speaks in phrases, each with different accents) (Scottish) The following morning, the players can go back to The Well... what'll it be? Mermaid's Arms in the hopes of reconnecting with Captain Naftikos and the Sea Sprite. Bang is an independent navigator of the seas. He gets The Mermaid's Arms - The Dock Ward paid by all kinds of people for his cartography expertise and his knowledge of the Sea of Swords. He knows paths to take, paths not to take, and the dangers of the open seas. It's now late morning and you make your way through the Dock Ward Bang helped Captain Gallowcast and the Black Skies plan back to The Mermaid's Arms. Even though it's fairly early in the day, their most recent charter. Once the players inform Bang of the ambience is the same as you remembered. There is a band the purpose of their visit, Bang will make it known that playing music and the air is filled with conversations. Just as you information has a price. The players can try and make a enter and scan the tavern for Captain Naftikos, a familiar face catches Persuasion or other Charisma check to haggle the price, your eye. It's the air genasi, Vapor. He is sitting with a couple people, but it will start at 40gp. Below is a list of things that Bang presumably other crewmen of the Sea Sprite. knows about the Black Skies. It is a total list, so you, as the DM, should pick some of them, not all of them. Vapor: (Medium, cockney British): Oi! C'mere! (After the players go to Vapor and sit down) What Bang Knows: Vapor: Where's the Captain? (response) Whatchu mean? He's not with The Black Skies had left recently for a small collection • you!? Aw bugger off! Last I seen 'im, he was goin' to the Palace of of islands in the Sea of Swords called, The Isle of Teeth. Waterdeep to talk to Dragonsbane, that duffer. Let's start there and • They went there to find a long, lost temple of Sample file see if we can find 'im. Umberlee, the Queen of the Depths, an evil sea goddess. • There's another temple of Umberlee on the island of Brynnlaw, but that island is ruled by rival pirates. Vapor will get up quickly and will lead the group out of the tavern, out of the Dock Ward, into the Castle Ward

Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. J. Gagliani 5 towards the Palace of Waterdeep. It is going to be about an YESTERDAY WHEN CAPTAIN NAFTIKOS WENT TO VISIT hour's worth of walking before they reach the outer walls DRAGONSBANE, HE WENT KNOWING THAT THE GENERAL WAS of the Palace of Waterdeep. Along the way the players have CORRUPT. HE INTENDED TO LIE AND PRETEND THAT THEIR the opportunity, if they'd like, to talk with Vapor. PARTNERSHIP WAS UNHARMED AND EVERYTHING WAS BUSINESS AS USUAL. UNFORTUNATELY, DRAGONSBANE AND On the way to the Palace of Waterdeep - The HIS TRUSTED COMRADES HAVE WAYS OF FIGURING OUT THE Castle Ward TRUTH. SOMEHOW THEY FOUND IT OUT AND THEN The players will be on their way to the Palace of DRAGONSBANE FRAMED THE GOOD CAPTAIN FOR TREASON Waterdeep when something sudden and very AND HE IS SET TO BE HANGED IN 10 DAYS. HE IS CURRENTLY consequential will happen. BEING HELD BENEATH CASTLE WATERDEEP IN THE DUNGEONS. NOW THE STAKES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER FOR THE As your party makes its way to the Castle Ward, you notice the PLAYERS. NOT ONLY DO THEY HAVE TO BRING DRAGONSBANE TO JUSTICE BUT IN DOING SO THEY CAN SAVE AN INNOCENT buildings grow taller and more lavish. The people walking on the MAN FROM BEING PUBLICLY EXECUTED. streets are dressed better and without a doubt, they smell better. On your way, you pass by an interesting music store, a couple temples, The Harpy's Herald and an inn that doubles as a spa. And on your left, approaching are Below I will begin with the main article about Captain Naftikos. But I two gigantic buildings. One of them is Castle Waterdeep and the other will also list a couple more articles just to make the newspaper seem is the Palace of Waterdeep. And just as Vapor is explaining the more legitimate and in the off chance the players want to check it difference between the intimidating structures, a young caninite out. (dogfolk) is walking down the street shouting as he goes. You glance • Treason on the Seas by A. Leeyuss over to see the commotion, and he is a young golden retriever caninite o Breaking News: Yesterday, I had the privilege of selling newspapers and shouting. speaking with a source from inside the Palace of Waterdeep. We are still investigating the fine details Buddy: (Young, excitable, and cute) Extra, extra! Read all about it in of the events that transpired, but our source told us today's paper, just 2 silver pieces! Captain of the Sea Sprite found that Captain Naftikos has been tried for treason as guilty of treason! You heard it here first! Captain Naftikos guilty of well as attempted murder. The target? None other treason! than the head of the Crown's Guard, General Dragonsbane. Yesterday around mid-day, Naftikos Vapor: (cockney, British) Ooh, blimey! tried to put his plan into action. He went into Dragonsbane's office and apparently had laced his And with that, Vapor runs up to the young paper boy and snatches a tea with a deadly poison. We're not at liberty to paper out of his tiny, fur-covered hands. The caninite protests a bit, divulge the type of poison used, but sources assure but steam seems to actually be coming out of Vapor's ears as he us it would've have killed Dragonsbane with a single sip. Luckily for our esteemed and trusted General, begins speed reading the publication. the would-be assassin was apprehended and thrown into the dungeons. Afterwards, an emergency trial See Buddy in the Appendix. with the Black Robes was held and the sentence passed was death by hanging. The public execution Caninites are dogfolk, a homebrewed race I created. It is available as of Captain Naftikos will be set 10 days from today in a Pay What you Want document on DMsGuild.com Fetlock Court. • Personal Ad, Hiring Now by Tramposo o Hi, my name is Tramposo and I am the proud owner of The Old Monster Shop in the South Ward. I am currently looking for an assistant to aid me in keeping up the shop. Your duties will include, cleaning the enclosures, feeding the creatures, and possibly running sales when necessary. You must be amiable with creatures of all sizes and types. Please

Buddy the Caninite come by the store to discuss the position further. Artist Unknown • Items for Sale by Various Individuals The players can choose to speak with Buddy, the young o Soft Bedroll: I paid way too much for this fancy golden retriever caninite, or they can just go to Vapor bedroll from a traveling merchant. He told me that it directly. Buddy will be glad to try and sell them a would give me the best night's rest ever. But it's way newspaper for 2 silver pieces. The newspaper is a too soft for me. It's been gathering dust in my broom publication of the printing press business called Sharkroar Samplecloset for weeks and now I just want to make some file Broadsheets run by Wolf Blitzer, but owned by Samuel of my money back. I'm selling it for 20gp. - Trypto Sabbath. They often will run publications that are carefully Phan, Mountainside. written as propaganda. The newspaper is called The o Mimic Device: This is a weird piece of technology I Harpy's Herald. found while exploring Thay. At first, it was fun and Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. J. Gagliani 6 came in handy a couple times. But now I'm Shipwright. This is a business located in the Dock Ward minimizing the possessions I own, converting my that hires out guides, captains, crews, and so on. They carriage into a livable home and taking off to travel serve as the middle man between people needing to sail all of Faerun. Great price (25gp), great item, but the Sea of Swords and crews for hire. It is owned by a going quick! - Matthew Miller, South Ward. female bronze dragonborn named Thakira. Maybe the o Free Tack: I traded for this stupid wall tack. The players don't take that clue right away, or maybe they tabaxi who sold it to me, told me it was sturdy but claim they don't know where Shipwright is. Considering this is ridiculous! I put it in the wall and now I can't this moment is very DM-controlled, I would probably tell figure out how to remove it. No matter what I use or them, "You remember passing by a business with the same try, it won't budge in the slightest. If you can come to name in Dock Ward located near the Skewered Dragon." home and take the tack out of my wall, you can keep You can even make it an easy History check to remember it, no charge. In fact, I'll pay you 10gp! - Gunther, that location. Mountainside. See Thakira in the Appendix. The items for sale are all homebrewed magical items. In order, the magical items listed are a Sleep Number Bedroll, a Mercer Shipwright - The Dock Ward Microphone, and an Immovable Tack. These items will be in the Located directly adjacent to the Skewered Dragon is a Magic Items section of the Appendix. small two story wooden building with a simple carved sign After the players have had the chance to either talk to outside that reads, "Shipwright". It is a very simple Buddy, read the newspaper, or even talk to Vapor, then building, nothing super elaborate in any way. another rather shocking development will take place. Vapor, although understanding that the players are by no You step into the modest building. There are some glass displays with means directly responsible, will blame them for the events miniature ships inside and artwork on the walls depicting grand naval that have unfolded. If they hadn't come to The Mermaid's battles. In the back, there is a wooden counter and behind that is a Arms and told Naftikos about Dragonsbane, none of this slender bronze dragonborn with black and grey braids going down her would have happened. And technically, that's true. back and down the front of her shoulder. She has on a blue gown with a high collar. She greets you all. When you look at Vapor, there is steam visibly rising off his skin. But you don't need that to discern that he is upset and quite angry. He Thakira: (Older, slow speaker, annunciates words, Posh British like crumples up the paper and tosses it to the ground. Without even Julia Child) Well hello there. Welcome to Shipwright. How may I help looking at you all, he storms off back towards the Dock Ward. you on this fine day.

What are you guys doing? Thakira is very professional and helpful. When the players tell her they are looking for a ship, a crew, and or a Here, I'm hoping the players confront Vapor. I want captain, she will be delighted. them to talk to him and see how he's feeling. Maybe they will also be as mad. Maybe they will assume that the plan Thakira: Oh! Splendid! Well, you are most certainly in the right place. is still a go with Vapor acting as the new captain of the Sea Shipwright is well regarded in the seafaring community all around Sprite. This is not the case. So when the players confront Waterdeep. Ask anyone... except that thug named Jim. He's a proper Vapor, this is what he will say: twit.

Vapor: (cockney, British) What do you people want!? Haven't you With that, Thakira will duck under the counter and begin perusing caused enough grief for the Captain and me? through files. She mumbles to herself random expletives in draconic (response) as she tosses papers and files behind her. She finally finds what she Vapor: If you hadn't come strollin' in the Mermaid's Arms with all your is looking for and stands again. She wipes off some of the dust from talk of corruption and Dragonsbane and whatnot, then we wouldn't be her gown, straightens out the folders in her hands by tapping them on 'ere, would we? No, we wouldn't. I don't have time to go with you on the counter. She clears her throat. your little adventure. Go to the Shipwright and find your own damned ship and crew! Thakira: Where were we? Oh yes! Here are three of my best

propositions for you. Now they do come at different prices but I Suddenly, Vapor begins to levitate 5 feet above the ground and rushes believe each will serve your needs. Each comes with a crew, a ship, off back in the direction of the Dock Ward. And before long, he is out and of course the appropriate positions filled. I'll leave these with you of sight. a moment and give you some time to discuss amongst one another. Sample file Now the players are going to be left alone having just She hands you three folders and goes into a back office to make lost both their captain and their ship/crew for their herself some tea. intended excursion. So now what? Well, before Vapor left, he gave them the name of the place they need to go,

Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. J. Gagliani 7 These three folders are tantamount to résumés for the Considering she works closely with each of the crews in a three different ships and crews that are available for hire. business sense, she will be able to ascertain the length of The players will have the freedom to choose any of them. I the journey from them. So the players can't lie and say the will put the corresponding combat stats in the Appendix trip was shorter than it really was. They are responsible for each captain, first mate, gunner, and a crew hireling. for returning to Shipwright, upon return and settling the Each part of the crew is unique dependent on the ship cost. She will inform the party that they are also chosen. Each crew is a different price based a per day cost. responsible for paying half of the cost of any damages to And this price will be reflective of their skills and also their the ship. Once they agree and sign the contract, she will combat stats (a little). give them a paper receipt of the transaction and inform them where the captain is located. Most of the details, descriptions, and mechanics for these ships, crews, and open water navigation are taken from the Unearthed Arcana: Of the Ships and the Sea. http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/unearthed-arcana/ships-and-sea

Also... there is a valuable table describing the differences between the ships on the following page that will be available for the players in their decision-making process.

Ship/Crew Résumés • The Devil Whale - 11gp/day o Ship: Sailing Ship (80ft. x 20ft.) with sails of Black, Purple, and Gold

o Captain: Ngaru Makaku, Half-Orc Captain Ngaru Makaku o 1st Mate: Blateur, Parrot Aarakocra by Wizards of the Coast o Gunner: Vasa, Bugbear o Crew: Goblins Where the Captains are Located: • The Charybdis - 14gp/day • Captain Ngaru Makaku (The Devil Whale) can be found o Ship: Sailing Ship (80ft. x 20ft.) with sails of Red, in the women's only tavern called A Maiden's Tears White, and Black located in the North Ward. o Captain: Vincenzo Odyssey, Human • Captain Vincenzo Odyssey (The Charybdis) can be o 1st Mate: Target, Warforged found at The Full Cup, a rowdy tavern, in the South o Gunner: Blar, Dwarf Ward. o Crew: Humans • Captain Dhovos Amenath (The Unfathomable) can be • The Unfathomable - 18gp/day found at The Pampered Traveler, the inn and spa o Ship: Warship (100ft. x 20ft.) with sails of Dark located in the Castle Ward. blue, Yellow, and White o Captain: Dhovos Amenath, Triton o 1st Mate: Vregmenós, Sun Elf o Gunner: Lieutenant Corporal Farriage, Giff o Crew: Sea Elves

See Captain Ngaru Makaku, Blateur, Vasa, Captain Vincenzo Odyssey, Target, Blar, Captain Dhovos Amenath, Vregmenós, Lieutenant Corporal Farriage, and the various crewmembers in the Appendix. If the players are curious of the total time of the journey to the Isle of Teeth and back, Thakira can answer such questions. She will even sell the players a map of the Sea of Swords for 10gp if they're interested. A simple trip to the Isle of Teeth and back would take approximately 6 days. Captain Vincenzo Odyssey by Ares But that does not account for inclement weather, exploring The captains are in all different places because it gives the archipelago, or any other pit stops along the way. She the players a chance to explore Waterdeep in greater detail can also echo some of the possible dangers of the Sea of and also allows us, the DM, to show off the city to make it Swords that Bang went over. For example, there are water seem as vast and intricate as it really is. Since the players elementals, pirates, merrow, and of course natural hazards have 3 possible options, I will not be going into great detail associated with open waters. Sample file about what the businesses each look like or the NPCs who Upon completing the players' decision, Thakira will own them. Although, there are brief descriptions of the require a signature from each member of the party on a stores and the NPCs associated with each business in the binding contract that holds them to settle their debt upon Appendix. returning depending on the length of the journey.

Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. J. Gagliani 8 describe the two possible ships that the players could be riding on: Sailing Ship Warship (The Devil Whale and The (The Unfathomable) Charybdis) Size: 80ft. long, 20ft. wide 100 ft. long, 20 ft. wide Crew: 30 crewmembers 40 crewmembers Speed: 5mph (120 miles per 4mph (96 miles day) Sails only per day) Sails and Oars Armor 15 15 Class: Hit Points: 300 (Damage Threshold 500 (Damage 15) Threshold 20) Weapons: 1 Ballista, 1 Mangonel 2 Ballistas, 2

Captain Dhovos Amenath Mangonels by Vlada Monakhova Ballista: ranged weapon Once the players show up, find the captain, and attack, +6 to hit, range Weapon stats are present him or her with the receipt they will respond in 120/480ft., 3d10 the same as the the same way, differing only in specific words used and piercing damage Sailing Ship accent. They will reply, "I appreciate your business. And I see here you're looking to travel to the Isle of Teeth, Mangonel: ranged interesting. May I ask why?" The players can respond weapon attack, +5 to hit, however they like, either by lying or telling the truth. It range 200/800ft. (Can't won't make a difference because these crews are only as hit objects within 60 ft. of good as their word and their word is bond. They will it), 5d10 bludgeoning continue, "Interesting indeed. Well, it will take me 3 hours damage to prepare the crew and the ship for that type of voyage. Action: On its turn, the sailing On its turn, the Meet me at the biggest dock of the Great Harbor in the ship can move using its sailing ship can Dock Ward. I suggest that if you haven't already stocked helm. It can also fire its move using its yourself with the necessary supplies, you do so ballista and its mangonel. helm. It can also immediately. I will be at the dock in three hours from right If it has half its crew or fire its ballistas now. See you there." fewer, it moves at half and its The players now have a little bit of time to shop and speed and can fire either mangonels. If it stock up as they make their way back to the Dock Ward its ballista or its has half its crew and the Great Harbor. They can get whatever they feel is mangonel. or fewer, it moves necessary. They do not have to worry about food, water, or at half speed and other supplies for the ship or crew as that will be supplied can fire only half by the captain and his people. Once they are done, unless it its weapons. takes an actual 3 hours in real life for them to shop, they will make it to the docks with plenty of time to spare. I wouldn't actually penalize them for this. Once they're at These details were taken from the Unearthed Arcana: Of Ships and the docks, it will be time to set off for the Isle of Teeth to the Sea of which the link is: hunt down the Black Skies. As the DM, it'll be up to you to http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/unearthed-arcana/ships-and-sea pay close attention to the days spent travelling and such because of the very important time constraint currently YOU CAN INCLUDE THIS INFORMATION IN THE FOLDERS OF THE going on: in 10 days, Captain Naftikos will be hanged for a CREWS FOR THE PLAYERS TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING! crime he didn't commit! Some quick basics: • Crew: During possible combat encounters, we are absolutely not going to have 30-40 crewmembers all taking turns in Act Two combat. But if the "good guys" have a total of 10 people, and 5 The Sea of SwordsSample fall, that will be representative of half the crew. Same for the file "bad guys". When the players arrive at the docks bordering the • Weapons: A Ballista is like a giant crossbow and a Mangonel is Great Harbor, they will be met with the captain and like a catapult or a trebuchet. You are more than welcome to brought on board of the ship. Here's a simple table to reflavor these as cannons or what have you depending on your

Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. J. Gagliani 9