Today's post is the next adventure in the series, "Treacherous Waters."
-Nate
Treacherous Waters
This scenario is Part 11 of the
Come Hell and High Water campaign, an adventure series for the
Skull & Bones historical
setting, for use with the Dungeons & Dragons
roleplaying game version 3.5. It is intended for a party of
seventh-level characters. Although it is intended as part of an
ongoing collection of scenarios, it can also be run as a stand-alone
adventure with a bit of modification.
Background
Recently a new and dangerous power has arisen in the New World, one
born from the long-running conflicts of the Old World. This is the
spirit of Jean de Montsegur, a Templar Knight who fled with other
members of his order following its suppression in 1307. Although his
fleet was confronted and sunk amidst the Sargasso Sea, he
survived—only to become trapped in the ice along the northern coast
of the Americas. There he might have remained, trapped in a frozen
and lifeless body, if not for the intervention of the unfortunate
scholar Edward Chapman.
Chapman had long been interested in the legends of the Knights
Templar and other occult subjects. That was why, when a whaler
captain brought word of an ancient ship trapped in the ice, he
recruited some capable adventurers to help explore it. While they
succeeded, recovering its treasures and bringing them back to
civilization, they also helped the Templar's ghost resume its
relentless mission. (See the events of “Beyond the Pale” for
details of this event.)
Part of this plot has included efforts to liberate a Mayan demon
that was trapped in an underground temple and to acquire the secrets
of voodoo ritual (as depicted in “Diabolical”). Following that,
the fiend made multiple attempts to eliminate the same adventurers
who had released it (refer to “Trial by Fire” and “Dead
Reckoning”). He also arranged to raise some of the vessels from the
lost fleet, and thus create a flotilla of zombie-crewed ships (as
developed in “The Mermaid's Tale”).
Now the Mayan demon, possessing the body of Edward Chapman, has
sailed for the Mediterranean Sea to complete his long-delayed
mission. To do this he has forged an alliance with a Greek sea witch,
Alkmene, by claiming that they share a history of persecution at the
hands of intolerant religious powers. He also intends to provoke a
war between the corsairs of the Barbary Coast, the nations of Europe
and anyone else he can deceive, thereby providing more corpses with
which to supplement his zombie armada. Chapman's only problem is that the heroes that he meant to leave for dead in the
Caribbean have survived, and are following him to the Mediterranean.
To this end Chapman has forged other alliances, too. Most
notable among these is his deal with Mustafa al-Aqil, better known as
Mustafa the Wise. He is a merchant with the heart of an adventurer,
one who has an eye both for valuable commodities and for tales of
fortune and glory. It was a combination of these two things that led
him to find the legendary lotus plant, the very same mentioned in the
Odyssey as having a soporific effect on imbibers. Ali makes a
wine from the fruit, and mixes it with regular wine, then sells it to
unsuspecting European ships' crews. He also sells the names of those
crews to Barbary corsairs, who wait until the time is right and then
attack the unprepared vessels. In this way he has become a vital
source of new slaves for the powers of North Africa, and has turned a
tidy profit in doing so.
It is that tangentially-related plot that could provide the PC's
with a chance to uncover Chapman's greater threat, since
they have a chance to encounter just such a corsair vessel during
their explorations of the Mediterranean.
Christianity,
Judaism, Islam, Voodoo and Witchcraft
Religion is a complicated thing. One of the major plot elements of
this scenario the conflict between the Muslims of North Africa and
the Christians of Europe, along with references to the ancient
religions of the region. In a traditional fantasy roleplaying
campaign, characters could worship different gods, all of whom have
equal influence on the world of the campaign setting. In the Come
Hell and High Water campaign, it would not be appropriate to
posit that there are multiple gods with their own spheres of
influence. Rather, the default explanation is that there are
different people who worship different gods, and all of them receive
answers to their prayers. Just how that happens is best left as a
mystery.
Introduction
This adventure can begin in one of two ways, depending on how the GM
is using it. If it is being run as part of the Come Hell and High
Water campaign, it can begin just as soon as the PC's finish
making their preparations in the aftermath of the scenario “Dead
Reckoning.” In that case they have outfitted for the journey across
the Atlantic, going in search of the possessed Edward Chapman; this
is detailed in Event 1. On the other hand, if it is being run as a
stand-alone scenario, the PC's can be thrown into the middle of
things by jumping to Event 2. What is more, if they participated in
the events of “Trial by Fire,” the GM could add a special
encounter (Event 0, below) to help foreshadow some of the approaching
conflicts.
Event
0—The Dream
This is an optional encounter, one that might occur if the PC's have
managed to acquire the beam from the prow of the legendary ship Argo.
It could occur at any time during the passage across the Atlantic
(see below for details). If that is the case, they and the rest of
their crew experience together the following dream. They shouldn't
know what it is at the time, however, but only after finishing what
should make for a harrowing confrontation.
“Land, ho!” The cry goes up from the lookout in the crow's
nest, who points directly ahead of
your vessel.
Indeed, you see not one but two bodies of land looming before you,
with only a narrow gap between them.
At this point, all who are in a position to do so should make
Knowledge: sea lore and Search or Spot checks. A DC 15 result on the
first one allows characters to recognize the approaching area as the
Straits of Messina, while a DC 20 check identifies that location as
the legendary home of Scylla and Charybdis. The latter check is
opposed to each of those monsters' efforts to Hide, with the results
determining if the PC's and their crew are surprised when they
attack. When appropriate, the PC's and their crew members witness the
following sights.
To your horror, a creature born of nightmare looms out of the
shadows to starboard. It looks
like a mass of writhing tentacles, wolflike heads and
sharp-fanged mouths, all straining to reach you as your vessel draws
closer to it.
With a terrifying roar, the very sea itself seems to open up
beneath you, but it is in fact a toothy
maw ready to swallow your vessel.
If somebody suggests evasive maneuvers, the situation becomes even
worse. The sea itself seems to be carrying the ship into the gap, and
no Profession: sailor check can prevent its fate. The only option the
PC's and their crew have is to choose one side or the other—Scylla
or Charybdis.
Once the fighting starts, it should make for a pitched battle, and
perhaps one that the party can't win. Even so, it should allow for
dramatic action, and the PC's and crew should receive experience
points for facing such a challenge. However the scenes, everyone
involved, except for the monsters, awakens to discover that it was
all just a dream, but one that all aboard the ship shared.
Event
1—Voyage into the Unknown
Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean is never a simple task. In this
case, the GM can make it as challenging as is appropriate, given the
desires of the players and the needs of the campaign. If the PC's are
eager to pursue their lead in the aftermath of “Dead Reckoning,”
it would be appropriate to skip the voyage entirely. On the other
hand, if the players are interested in some action along the way, one
or more of the following encounters could provide it for them.
The GM could introduce one or more
of the Interlude encounters, including the Storm, the Sea Serpent,
the Stowaway, the Competition 2, etc.
A feud could break out among two
or more of the crew members (perhaps as detailed in the interlude
“The Jonah,” or for other reasons), requiring the PC's to devise
a means of settling it, even while other members of the crew begin
taking sides in the growing squabble.
As always, the GM is free to adapt these encounters or add to them as
necessary.
Navigation
During the crossing, it is important for one of the PC's or other
crew members to make some Knowledge: navigation checks to plot the
correct course. The DC for this is 18, if the weather remains fair;
22 if it becomes overcast; 25 if there is some rain; or 30 if it
turns downright foul. The voyage should last at least twenty-four
days, and each failed check adds two days' time to the duration. If
failure becomes a problem for the PC's, they could begin to face
certain logistical difficulties. Depending on how much food and water
they've stored aboard their ship, they might begin to run short. What
is more, the GM could enforce some in-game penalties for such faulty
navigation.
Two possible results of these checks are that the PC's follow
courses too far to the north or south. In the prior case, they might
run into European waters. This could prove difficult for them, as
they are possibly wanted by the governments of England (for offenses
against the Crown, such as are detailed in the scenarios “Diabolical”
and “Into the Shadows”), or for actions against the Spanish
throne and the Inquisition (such as might have arisen during the
scenarios “The Message” and “Beyond the Pale”). Should either
of these situations occur, the GM could be well warranted in sending
a ship from the appropriate country in pursuit of the PC's and their
crew.
In the latter case, the PC's might find themselves approaching land
in the vicinity of Cape Coast Castle in West Africa. Those characters
who have participated in the events of “Into the Shadows” should
be especially wary of approaching that location, given that they
probably helped foment a slave uprising there. Whatever the
situation, such a development could be treated in the same manner as
Event 2, detailed below, with the exception that the PC's must cover
a lot more ground in order to escape from pursuit.
Land, Ho!
As long as the PC's can find the correct route to their destination,
they and their crew members are met by an impressive sight. They
approach the Rock of Gibraltar, referred to in history as one half of
the Pillars of Herakles—the edge of the known world as far as the
Greeks and Romans were concerned. All characters who are in a
position to do so should make Search or Spot checks, with the highest
result being the first to notice the anticipated landmarks.
The call comes just as you are beginning to wonder when this
voyage will ever end—land has been sighted. Shortly thereafter, a
mountain of rock seems to rise up out of the sea to port. It is the
Rock of Gibraltar, gateway to the Mediterranean Sea and all of the
intrigues and adventures that can be found on those fabled waters.
At this point, the PC's could run into a variety of enemies, as
detailed in the next couple of encounters.
Event
2—The Escapee
This encounter can occur at any time after the PC's have entered the
Mediterranean Sea. Whichever direction they are headed, they run into
a small group of ships—Barbary corsairs, but flying the colors of
Spain. Although they are still a fair ways away, examination via
spyglass can provide greater details. A DC 20 Search check reveals
that some of the crew members are wearing turbans, while a DC 24 also
reveals the presence of haggard-looking and bald-headed Europeans in
raggedy clothing. With a DC 28 one can see that the ship is
al-Saluqi, at which point a DC 25 Knowledge: sea lore check
reveals that this ship is commanded by the notorious Algerian captain
Hussein “the Hunter” Ra'is. It is up to the PC's, however, to
recognize that the Europeans are slaves.
The matter quickly comes to a head, however, once the PC's draw
close enough, when one of the slaves on deck, Stephanos Kaphouros,
takes a running leap into the water. He does his best to swim for the
party's vessel, but the waves make this a difficult task. Soon he
begins to flounder, and then slips beneath the waves. Remember that,
since he possesses Leucothea's Veil, Stephanos is not actually in
danger. The PC's should think otherwise, however, and take action
accordingly. Doing so requires one of the following options.
Someone could jump into the water
and make a DC 20 Swim check to reach Stephanos. He is panicking,
however, and struggles; for that reason, the swimmer must grapple
him or otherwise incapacitate him. At that point, it just takes
another DC 20 Swim check to return to the ship.
Another option—at least to help
a rescuer in the water back to the ship—is to throw a line. This
requires a successful ranged attack against an AC of 5, modified by
range. Successful puts the rope close enough to the rescuer to grab
onto it, making all other Swim checks unnecessary.
Confrontation
While the above-mentioned rescue is in progress, the corsair ships
come about to approach the party's vessel. Those characters who are
in a position to notice this development should make Spot checks,
while those who declare that they're watching the other ships the
whole time can take 20 on a Search check. The highest result
determines how much time the PC's and their associates have to react,
as detailed below.
Check Time to
React
0-9 1 minute
10-19 2 minutes
20-29 3 minutes
30-39 4 minutes
40+ 5 minutes
This time limit should help determine how the PC's respond to the
confrontation, perhaps forcing them to act quickly or allowing them
more time to make a plan. Either way, a few of the possible responses
are detailed below.
One option here is to make a run for it. Here the PC's would do well
to remember that they're in unfamiliar waters, and that the
Mediterranean doesn't provide as much room to escape as does the
Caribbean. Even so, this can be a viable solution. Since the pursuing
vessel is a galley, it isn't as fast at sailing as the party's ship
is likely to be. For that reason, as long as there's a decent wind,
the PC's stand a good chance. In this case, it might be necessary for
them to conjure a breeze, perhaps via a wind cord or through
similar magic.
Another possibility is to parley. For example, if the PC's can
position their ship in such a way that that they can drag Kafouros
out of the water without letting the corsairs see what they're doing,
they might be able to persuade the pursuers that the unfortunate
fellow drowned. Such an effort requires a Bluff check opposed to the
corsair captain's Sense Motive effort, and perhaps a Hide check
opposed to the corsairs' Search efforts. As always, the GM should
feel free to assign bonuses or penalties for good roleplaying and
strategy.
Of course, there's always a chance that the PC's want to stand and
fight. Depending on the size of their vessel, the armaments she
carries and the capabilities of the crew, this could be a very viable
option. They might be able to beat the corsairs into submission, or
at least convince them that they're overmatched. Keep in mind here
that the corsairs, because they're in a galley, might be able to flee
up wind and/or into shallow water, allowing them to escape if the
fight turns against them. In such a case, the corsairs begin to
spread word about the PC's and what they've done, something that
should have repercussions for the party later in the adventure.
Event
3—Rendezvous
As long as the PC's can rescue Stephanos, they can learn what he has
to tell. Summarize the following details in a little speech, or feel
free to let the PC's pull them out of him through more in-depth
conversation.
Kafouros is a Greek sailor who was captured by the corsairs and thus
pressed into service aboard their galley.
He and his men were camped on the island of Crete when they were
waylaid by the Turks.
He is hesitant to admit the fact, but they were all passed out drunk
when the corsairs shanghaied them.
Even so, he suspects that the wine they were drinking was tainted
with a soporific brewed from the fabled lotus blossom.
One
might scoff at such far-fetched tales, but Kafouros believes there
is truth to it. In spite of his enslavement, he's been able to learn
something about the man behind the plot.
The wine dealer is a man named Mustafa al-Aqil, who operates on the
island of Djerba. He possesses a journal detailing his
investigations into legendary events, including the voyages of
Odysseus, Aeneas and Jason.
Recently there have been reports of attacks on local settlements by
a ship that flies the flag chosen by the PC's. These have been
merciless, and the the locals powers that be are incensed by them.
That is why, when the slave saw the party's ship, he dared to jump
overboard, suspecting that the PC's could be allies against the
corsairs. (At the very least, anything would be better than
remaining as a galley slave.)
If anyone would know about strange goings-on in the area, it's Mustafa al-Aqil.
Admittedly, this news might be a little hard to swallow. Even so,
Kafouros swears by it. What is more, he offers to make a deal with
the PC's. If they're willing to help him free his fellows from
slavery in Algiers, he'll help them learn what they can about
al-Aqil's involvement with Edward Chapman.
The Plan
Indeed, Kafouros believes that he and the PC's can kill two birds
with one stone by staging a raid on Mustafa's operation. He can have
his revenge on the person who tricked him, while they can discover
what the old man might know. Granted, he isn't sure that the fellow
has information. As such, he offers to provide a monetary reward,
too. He and his fellows—those who can be rescued, that is—will
serve the PC's and crew members until such time as they have repaid
their debt. What is more, he insists that the PC's should keep
whatever spoils they acquire during the action, exluding anything
that already belongs to his mates and him.
This
is the Greek's plan. He suggests that the PC's sail for Djerba, where
they can raid Mustafa's plantation. There they can learn everything
that he knows about recent events. After doing so, they can pose as
the Turk's agents and thus enter Algiers in disguise. Once there,
they can free the Greek's fellows and make an escape. Additionally,
they might be able to learn whatever the taifat
al-ra'is, the council of
corsairs, knows about a Templar vessel sailing in these waters.
If the PC's aren't willing to attempt the task, Kafouros thanks them
for rescuing them and then asks that they put him ashore somewhere on
the northern coastline, so that he can “find someone else with the
necessary boldness.” On the other hand, if they do consent to help
him, his gratitude is profuse. He can guide the ship and crew to
Djerba, at which point he's open to suggestions about how to stage
the raid.
The Plantation
As the PC's approach the island, they and appropriate crew members
should make Search or Spot checks. A DC 25 check allows them to
notice the plantation well before coming within sight of the guards
posted there, meaning that they can make landing without themselves
being observed. Of course, if they're not in the mood for subtlety,
the PC's could also just sail up to their target, put out boats and
land that way. However the PC's do approach, Mustafa's guards should
make Spot checks opposed to the party's efforts to Hide, if they are
being stealthy, or with the result determining how much time they
have to react (just as happened for the PC's during Event 2, above).
Refer to the appropriate map for the following area descriptions
once the PC's arrive on the scene.
1. Front Room
Mustafa receives visitors here. The walls are lined with shelves
containing various jugs, jars and bottles. A tall, narrow table is
positioned so that he can write in his ledger. That item is likely to
be of interest to the PC's, since it lists the names of his contacts
in Algiers and throughout the Mediterranean (see below for details).
2. Study
If they PC's want to learn more about the legends that Mustafa has
been studying, this is the place to look. The shelves that line these
walls are filled with books about natural history, along with copies
of texts like a Koran and a Bible, The Odyssey, The Voyage
of the Argo and Alf Layla wa Layla (The Thousand and
One Nights). There are also jars containing the specimens that he
has gathered, along with trinkets collected from his journeys. A GM
looking to insert adventure seeds for future use could easily do so
here.
3. Bedroom
This room boasts all of the expected features, including a
comfortable bed, a desk and chair, a chest and a wardrobe. That last
item contains numerous changes of clothing, along with a spare pair
of boots. The chest is sealed with a lock of good quality (DC 25 to
open); it contains a pouch that holds 500 pieces of eight, along with
various mundane personal items.
4. Kitchen
Unless they're hungry, the PC's probably won't find much of interest
here. There's a hearth fire, flanked by barrels containing firewood
and water. The shelves hold boxes and jars of foodstuffs, along with
a variety of pots, pans and utensils, and a preparation table sits in
the middle of the room.
5. Workroom
This is where Mustafa and his men press the fruit and ferment the
wine. As such, there are three broad tables in the middle, covered
with the tools used in the process. Underneath these are barrels used
for fermenting, and jars for the wine line the surrounding shelves.
6. Workers' Quarters
The men who work for Mustafa live here. Hammocks are strung from the
posts in four directions, and two broad tables with chairs are
situated in the middle of the room.
7. Privy
This small outbuilding has the usual features, including a bench with
a hole in the middle.
Developments
As long as the PC's can beat Mustafa and his workers into submission,
they should be able to learn a good deal of information about his
operation. The following details could emerge through discussion with
him or from reading his journals.
Mustafa has done a good deal of research into the many legends of
the Mediterranean region. In addition to the subject texts, he has
his own notes about people and places that he has encountered during
his investigations.
One of the books contains his recipe for lotus wine, while another
details the progress of his batches and the clients to whom he is
planning on selling them. Among the names are those of Hussein Ra'is
and Mubarak al-Nasr, the slave trader in Algiers from whom he
receives a kickback, and who operates a bagnio near the northwest
gate in the city. (Stephanos can confirm those other details, or the
PC's could make a DC 20 Knowledge: local check.)
Again, as mentioned above, this could also be a good opportunity for
the GM to introduce future plot hooks, such as information about a
band of sirens or a roc living in the area.
Armed with this information, the PC's should have a decent idea of
how to proceed if they're going to continue helping Kafouros rescue
his fellows.
Where
to Go from Here?
Although Port Royal is perhaps most notorious when it comes to
harboring pirate activity, it certainly has some competition in
Algiers. Indeed, when it comes to an organized system of piracy, this
town is better organized and possibly more profitable. It's also a
place pretty foreign to what is familiar for the PC's, and so
presents a number of different challenges.
First and foremost is the question of how to approach the city.
Depending on the circumstances, the PC's have a number of options.
One is to sail right into the harbor, either while posing as someone
who has legitimate business there, or in a display of considerable
bravado. In such circumstances, it's important to know a number of
details. First, what colors are they flying? If they confronted
Hussein the Hunter, but he lived to tell about it, then he has
returned to Algiers and reported about the encounter; this should
make things more difficult for them later. On the other hand, if they
hoist false colors—a common practice in the area—they could be
able to buy themselves some time or to establish a fake identity.
Another possibility is that the PC's could go ashore at some point
down the coast from Algiers, and then approach by land. This could
require trekking across the surrounding desert, perhaps while dealing
with wild animals, hostile tribesmen and perhaps even a sandstorm.
Such activities could provide an interesting change of pace from life
aboard a ship, along with some new and unusual challenges for the
PC's.
A third strategy is to go in search of a local corsair, perhaps
Hussein the Hunter or someone similar. If the PC's could take over
his ship, they could then use it to sail into port with a disguise.
This would require some in-depth roleplaying involving difficult
questions and planned or impromptu answers, and perhaps a number of
Bluff checks opposed to the Sense Motive efforts of the powers that
be.
Whichever way the PC's decide to do it, this situation is likely to
require a great deal of GM adjudication, but should facilitate some
exciting action.
Event
4—The Second Wickedest City in the World
Once they've gained access to the city, the PC's can set about their
business. Although it's not possible to anticipate the order in which
they'll do things, here are guidelines for some of the likely events.
The previous encounter provides details for some of the difficulties
the PC's might face in approaching Algiers. As long as they can blend
in a little bit and avoid any unnecessary entanglements, they should
be able to reach their destination without too much trouble. If
things should go wrong, however, they could face pursuit. In such a
case, one squad of janissaries (a lieutenant accompanied by a dozen
soldiers) can respond within ten rounds to confront them. Should the
PC's defeat that group or flee, an additional squad can arrive every
five minutes. For a little more action, chases can be resolved using
the guidelines from the appropriate Interlude, perhaps adjusted to
reflect the characteristics of this city. As always, a fair amount of
GM adjudication is likely to be needed.
The Bagnio
This large building sits in the northwest corner of the city, not far
from that gate.
1. Entry
Broad double doors, made from stout oak and reinforced with bands of
iron; they have hardness 5 and 30 hit points. The locks are of good
quality, requiring a DC 25 Disable Device check to open, or a DC 25
Strength check to force.
2. Hallway
These passages are fifteen feet wide and lined by doors to the cells.
Outside of the fact that they provide access to other parts of the
building, they are of little interest.
3. Cells
Fifteen feet deep and twenty-five in width, these rooms house the
slaves who live in the bagnio. As such, they are sealed with solid
doors that have hardness 5 and 20 hit points. The locks on these are
not as good, requiring a DC 20 Disable Device check to open or a DC
20 Strength check to force. Each one has one or two barred windows to
provide light and a little fresh air.
4. Stairwell
These open areas have skylights for a little extra illumination. In
addition to providing access to the building's three floors, they
also go all the way up to the roof.
Luckily for the PC's, they should be able to enter the bagnio without
too much fuss. After all, many of the cells on the lower level are
converted into shops, including a makeshift tavern and a stalls for a
variety of craftspeople. Because of that, they can enter ostensibly
to do some shopping, and then perhaps sneak away to find Kafouros's
mates. Since there are guards posted at each stairway, barring access
to the bagnio's upper level, this presents another challenge. The
PC's could arrange a distraction, or perhaps pose as buyers of
slaves in order to go and inspect possible purchases.
However they manage it, the PC's should be in for a notable dilemma
if they can reach the upper level. That is because many of the cells
are filled with other people who've been enslaved, many of whom
clamor for rescue if they realize that there's a chance for it to
happen. Any of the following characters could be present.
One
is a Spanish nobleman who was taken with his crew. They have been
shipped off to work, rowing for galleys or hauling stones to the
mole, but he is kept for ransom. For a twist, this could be one of
the characters who previously has been a bane to the PC's, such as
Don Jorge Gutierrez (from “Out of the Darkness”).
An English seaman (or someone of a different nationality) with whom
one or more of the PC's once sailed. This character could thus be
tied to someone's background story, thus providing a blast from the
past and complicating efforts to rescue the Greek sailors.
These slaves could also provide the GM with a good chance to
introduce other NPC's for future use, depending on the needs of the
campaign.
The Report
If the PC's did not utterly defeat Hussein Ra'is, he returns to
Algiers at some point while the PC's are in town. Those who are in a
position to do so might notice the arrival of his ship (assuming it
survived the encounter); otherwise, the PC's might be caught
unawares. If the PC's happen to have their vessel docked in the
harbor, and he recognizes it, that should make things notable more
difficult for later. Depending on the actions of the PC's, once he
makes his report to the Dey and gives a description of them, it might
be possible that someone could recognize them. For example, if one of
the PC's is a native from Central America and doesn't disguise the
fact, word could spread quickly enough. As always, the GM should
adjust circumstances to reflect the events that have transpired
during play.
Event
5—Cry Havoc!
Some time after the PC's arrive in Algiers, but before they have a
chance to put their rescue plan into motion, the situation becomes a
good deal more complicated. An Italian vessel, the Bella Signora
di Alicudi, sails into the city's harbor, heading straight for a
cluster of ships that are moored inside the mole. If flies the flag
chosen by the PC's, assuming they have one, or English colors (or
whatever else is appropriate to the PC's) if they do not. This
happens at some point when the PC's are in position to witness the
scene; what is more, those who are present see a familiar and
discomfiting sight.
The ship in question begins trailing smoke—a lot of it. Those
characters who participated in the events of “Dead Reckoning”
recognize this as a fireship; others can do so with a DC 20
Profession: sailor or DC 15 Knowledge: sea lore check. This is the
same tactic that Chapman's zombie sailors used against the
party, after all.
How the PC's react to this attack should present yet another
difficult decision, and one that could tremendously affect the
direction in which the action heads. After all, they probably can't
warn the Algerians about the attack without revealing their
identities and thus exposing themselves to the wrath of the local
Dey. On the other hand, they might not want to just stand by and
watch as the fireship rams into its targets, creating a growing
inferno out of which zombified Templars and sailors come swarming.
This development could provide just the distraction they need to
stage their rescue, but it also provides a tantalizing hint at just
what the party's nemesis has been doing.
It's not usually possible to predict every move the PC's will make,
and that is especially the case here, so a great deal of GM
adjudication is likely to be needed.
The Clue
What the PC's should be able to take from this adventure is an
important clue to finding Edward Chapman—the vessel used for a
fireship. As her name implies, she hails from the tiny island of
Alicudi. A DC 12 Knowledge: navigation check, or a DC 18 Knowledge:
sea lore check, reveals that Alicudi is one of the little volcanic
islands that form the Aeolian Archipelago, named for the Greek god of
the winds. It lies just off of the big island Sicily, which itself
forms one half of the Strait of Messina, thought to be the dwelling
place of the monsters Scylla and Charybdis. (The PC's should
recognize those if they experienced the dream sequence at the start
of this adventure.) Although this isn't a lot of information, it
should give them an idea of where to continue their investigations.
Departure
Eventually the PC's need to leave Algiers. Just how they do so
depends on the choices that they've made in the city. They might
sneak out on land and hike back to a waiting ship, or make a run for
the harbor and sail out of it with enemy corsairs in pursuit.
Hopefully they have Kafouros's Greek crew mates with them, and
perhaps some other former slaves as well. It could be that they
decide to parley with the corsairs, although it would take tremendous
skill and ingenuity to do so successfully.
Conclusion
As long as the PC's can escape from Algiers, they can continue to
search for Chapman and work to uncover his grand scheme.
Although they might not be totally satisfied with the outcome of the
scenario, rescuing the enslaved Greek sailors should provide some
excitement and fulfillment. At the same time, the clues they've
learned should help build suspense and anticipation as they look to
continue their search, as will be detailed in the scenario “The Eye
of the Storm.”
Further
Adventures
This scenario leaves a number of unanswered questions,
all of which could provide for further adventures; some of the
possibilities are detailed below.
As mentioned above, Mustafa's journal could provide
clues to places and things mentioned in Homer's epic The Odyssey.
If they're appropriate to the nature of the campaign, these could
include the islands of Circe, Calypso or Polyphemus, among other
possibilities.
There are probably still a large number of slaves in
Algiers. When word spreads of how the PC's helped out Kafouros,
other people might contact them in hopes of staging another rescue.
Hussein the Hunter, if he survives, could become a
recurring enemy in his own right.
Appendix
1—Dramatis Personae
Hussein “the Hunter” Ra'is
Sea Dog 4/ Sea Officer 3; CR 7; Size
medium; HD 7d10+7; hp 50; Init +3 (+3 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 11 (+1
dueling jacket); Atk +4 (1d6, cutlass) or +4 (2d6, long musket); SQ
Enlightened, Close Quarters +1, Dodge, 1st Favored Ship
(Galley), Mobility, Skill Expert +2, Command (morale bonus); AL N;
SV: Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +3; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 14,
Cha 17.
Background: Sea Devil.
Skills: Climb +7, Diplomacy +13,
Knowledge (navigation) +9, Listen +9, Profession (sailor) +9, Spot
+9, Survival +6, Use Rope +7.
Feats: Far Shot, Point Blank Shot,
Precise Shot.
Fortunes: Enlightened, Code of Honor
(Islam).
Equipment: Clothing, dueling jacket, cutlass, knife, long musket,
powder and shot.
Hussein is, as his nickname implies, a pirate always in search of
prizes for the glory of himself, his crew, Algiers and Allah. He is a
strict disciplinarian, and very pious when it comes to his religious
duties. What is more, he can be relentless when it comes to righting
what he believes are the wrongs that others have done to him.
Corsair Crewmen
Sea Dog 1; CR 1; Size medium; HD
1d10+2; hp 12; Init +2 (+2 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 12 (+2 Dex); Atk +2
(1d6+1, cutlass) or +3 (2d6, long musket); SQ Enlightened, Close
Quarters +1,Dodge; AL N; SV: Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +1; Str 13, Dex
15, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8.
Background: Sea Devil.
Skills: Climb +5, Listen +3,
Profession (sailor) +6, Spot +3, Survival +6, Use Rope +6.
Feats: Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot.
Fortunes: Enlightened, Code of Honor
(Islam).
Equipment: Clothing, cutlass, knife, long musket, powder and shot.
Janissaries
Fighter 1; CR 1; Size medium; HD
1d10+2; hp 12; Init +1 (+1 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 13 (+1 Dex, +2 buff
coat); Atk +4 (1d6+2, scimitar) or +2 (2d6, short musket); SQ none;
AL LN; SV: Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +0; Str 15, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 8,
Wis 10, Cha 12.
Background: Janissary.
Skills: Climb +6, Craft (various) +3,
Diplomacy +5, Jump +6.
Feats: Power Attack, Weapon Focus
(scimitar).
Fortunes: Code of Honor (adherence to
Islam and loyalty to the Ottoman sultan).
Equipment: Buff coat, scimitar, short musket, powder and shot.
Janissary Lieutenant
Fighter 5; CR 5; Size medium; HD
5d10+10; hp 42; Init +1 (+1 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 13 (+1 Dex, +2 buff
coat); Atk +9 (1d6+5, scimitar) or +6 (2d6, short musket); SQ none;
AL LN; SV: Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +1; Str 16, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 8,
Wis 10, Cha 12.
Background: Janissary.
Skills: Climb +11, Craft (various) +7,
Diplomacy +5, Jump +11.
Feats: Cleave, Great Cleave, Power
Attack, Weapon Focus (scimitar), Weapon Specialization (scimitar).
Fortunes: Code of Honor (adherence to
Islam and loyalty to the Ottoman sultan).
Equipment: Buff coat, scimitar, short musket, powder and shot.
Mustafa al-Aqil
Shantyman 7; CR 7; Size medium; HD
7d8+7; hp 41; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (+4 chain shirt); Atk +5
(1d6, staff) or +5 (ranged); SQ Bardic Music, Bardic Knowledge, Bonus
Contacts (3), Vaporing, Fame Tale; AL N; SV: Fort +3, Ref +5, Will
+6; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 17.
Background: Gentleman-Adventurer
(Diplomacy, Knowledge: local, Knowledge: sea lore).
Skills: Appraise +12, Diplomacy +15,
Gather Information +13, Knowledge: local +12, Knowledge: sea lore
+12, Perform: oratory +16, Sense Motive +9.
Feats: Armor Proficiency (light),
Negotiator, Port Savvy, Skill Focus (Perform: oratory).
Fortunes: Superstitious.
Equipment: Masterwork chain shirt,
clothing, walking stick, pouch holding 24 p.o.e.
Mustafa al-Aqil is fascinated by the legendary tales told around the
world. Although a devout Muslim, he is especially interested in
researching Greek and Roman myths and the possibility that there is
truth behind the stories. In addition to providing a scholarly
pursuit, he has turned it into a lucrative business by brewing lotus
wine and selling it to unsuspecting buyers, who then make easy prey
for Algerian corsairs. Despite this close connection with the
corsairs, however, Mustafa is not so loyal that he won't consider
other employment if his current occupation becomes too hazardous.
Mustafa's Guards
Ranger 4; CR 4; Size medium; HD 4d10+8;
hp 34; Init +3 (+3 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 15 (+3 Dex, +2 buff coat);
Atk +7 (2d6 or 2d4, short musket or pistol) or +6 (1d6+2, cutlass or
buccaneer knife); AL CN; SV: Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +3; Str 14, Dex
16, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Background: Native.
Skills: Heal +6, Hide +12, Listen +9,
Move Silently +12, Spot +9, Survival +9, Swim +9, Use Rope +10.
Feats: Armor Proficiency (light),
Endurance, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Stealthy, Track Weapon
Proficiencies (simple, martial).
Fortunes: Doll’s Eyes.
Equipment: Short musket, pair of pistols, cutlass, buccaneer knife,
backpack.
These fellows are highly mercenary. Although they have a good
arrangement with Mustafa, they are none too zealous in their
convictions and thus can be persuaded to cooperate with enemies who
are much more skilled in the ways of battle.
Stephanos Kafouros
Sea Dog 5; CR 5; Size medium; HD
5d10+10; hp 42; Init +2 (+2 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 12 (+2 Dex); Atk +7
(melee) or +7 (ranged); SQ Superstitious, Close Quarters +2, Dodge,
1st Favored Ship (sloop); AL NG; SV: Fort +6, Ref +6, Will
+3; Str 14, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Background: Seaman (Climb and
Profession: sailor).
Skills: Climb +10, Jump
+8, Knowledge: sea lore +9, Profession: sailor +9, Swim +10, Use Rope
+8.
Feats: Athletic, Diehard, Endurance.
Fortunes: Superstitious.
Equipment: None.
As his name—which he gave himself—suggests, Kafouros is every bit
the Greek scallywag. He is boastful and vain, especially when it
comes to his carefully groomed mustache. Even so, his skills are
almost enough to justify his self-confidence and pride. His
experience as a galley slave has taught him some humility, but the
possibility of rescue means that his boisterous nature could return
to the fore.
Appendix
2—Scylla and Charybdis
These stats are provided in case the GM wishes to use the dream
sequence at the start of the scenario. These stats are taken from the
book Relics & Rituals: Olympus, from White Wolf
Publishing.
Scylla
|
|
Huge
Magical Beast
|
| Hit
Dice: |
12d10+48
(114 hp)
|
| Initiative: |
+2
(+2 Dex)
|
| Speed: |
30
ft.
|
| Armor
Class: |
23
(-2 size, +2 Dex, +13 natural)
|
| Base
Attack/Grapple: |
+12/+24
|
| Attack: |
Bite
+15 melee (2d6+4/19-20/x2)
|
| Full
Attack: |
6
bites +15 melee (2d6+4/19-20/x2) and snakes +12 melee (2d6 plus
poison)
|
| Space/Reach: |
15
ft./15 ft.
|
| Special
Attacks: |
Poison
(Fort DC 20, initial 1d6 Str, secondary 2d6 Str)
|
| Special
Qualities: |
DR
5/--, darkvision 60 ft., improved uncanny dodge, low-light vision,
scent, uncanny dodge
|
| Saves: |
Fort
+12, Ref +10, Will +5
|
| Abilities: |
Str
19, Dex 14, Con 18, Int 11, Wis 12, Cha 10
|
| Skills: |
Listen
+13, Spot +13, Survival +10
|
| Feats: |
Alertness,
Improved Critical (bite), Multiattack, Snatch, Weapon Focus (bite)
|
| Environment: |
Temperate
cliff caves and islands
|
| Organization: |
Solitary
|
| Challenge
Rating: |
10
|
| Treasure: |
Double
standard
|
| Alignment: |
Always
chaotic evil
|
| Advancement: |
13-16
HD (Huge), 17-20 HD (Gargantuan)
|
| Level
Adjustment: |
4
|
Scylla is a monster with the upper torso of a woman, although six
necks with fanged maws protrude from her body. Her waist is encircled
by wolflike heads, while below her waist is a writhing mass of
tentacles. Some say that she has always taken this form, but others
claim that she was once a beautiful sea nymph who was cursed for some
kind of transgression.
Charybdis
|
|
Huge
Elemental (Water)
|
| Hit
Dice: |
16d8+80
(152 hp)
|
| Initiative: |
+4
(+4 Dex)
|
| Speed: |
30
ft.; swim 120 ft.
|
| Armor
Class: |
21
(-2 size, +4 Dex, +9 natural)
|
| Base
Attack/Grapple: |
+12/+27
|
| Attack: |
Slam
+17 melee (2d10+7/19-20)
|
| Full
Attack: |
2
slams +17 melee (2d10+7/19-20)
|
| Space/Reach: |
15
ft./15 ft.
|
| Special
Attacks: |
Water
mastery, drench, spew, vortex
|
| Special
Qualities: |
Damage
reduction 5/--, Darkvision 60 ft., elemental traits, immunity to
cold and fire
|
| Saves: |
Fort
+15, Ref +9, Will +8
|
| Abilities: |
Str
24, Dex 18, Con 21, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 11
|
| Skills: |
Listen
+22, Spot +22
|
| Feats: |
Alertness,
Cleave, Improved Critical (slam), Improved Bull Rush, Iron Will,
Power Attack
|
| Environment: |
Any
ocean, lake, sea
|
| Organization: |
Solitary
|
| Challenge
Rating: |
8
|
| Treasure: |
None
|
| Alignment: |
Usually
neutral evil
|
| Advancement: |
17-20
HD (Huge)
|
| Level
Adjustment: |
--
|
Charybdis is a monster whose body is dominated by a gaping maw, one
that can swallow unsuspecting vessels whole. The creature is vaguely
fish-like, with fins that let it swim in search of prey.
