Case File A.R. 183 - Ssaerth V.1: Black Wyvern Flagship
Ssaerth Visit || Report & Transcript || 3/13/183
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*When*: Approximately day 3 of month 11 (Uktar), 183 AR
*Who*: Alis Dionadair-Grantz, Sedaene Lamott, Angela Amana, Jacob Swift
*Where*: Arcane Tower: Warden?s Office
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While conducting an interview with those of Winter's Rest for an ongoing investigation, I was visited by the drow Ssaerth. He startled me when he appeared behind my chair and commented on the topic of discussion. None of the others present could see or hear him, only I, even though many magical attempts were made to reveal his presence to the group.
He commented that we were safe, that only I could see him, and reached to press his hand on my shoulder. It felt corporeal, as though he was in the room with us. He offered the standard taunts, called me simple-minded, and refused to show himself to anyone else. He asked me to relay an appreciation of the Archmages' works. The initial banter was standard to his encounters with others. Eventually, Amana and Swift took their leave and I continued a conversation with the villain himself and Sedaene at my side.
Here is a record of what was said, to the best of my recollection:
Ssaerth: "So, my dear Dame, you fight behind the standard of justice, yes? You want your justice, and I want mine. I was content in leaving Cordor alone, once I was reunited with my wife. I was even prepared to offer them my life. At my own hands of course. Not theirs. I am sure you can imagine what got in the way of things.?
Alis: "Hubris."
Ssaerth: "Indeed. I am sure you have...so many questions, Dame Alis. Allow me to educate you."
Alis: "Allow Sedaene to see too."
Sedaene: "Might as well, Ssaerth. It is only us now."
Ssaerth: "Your friend is most eager to see me, hm? She will be seeing my men very soon, for aiding my enemies."
Alis: "She acts at my behest."
Ssaerth: "No matter, speak your questions."
Alis: "The questions I have are perhaps not in the vein you might expect."
Ssaerth: "Ask them."
Alis: "Tell me about your wife."
Ssaerth: "Now why would you want to know such a thing?"
Alis: "Erudition, no? It is why you are here, afterall. To educate me."
Ssaerth: "I shall indulge in this childishness. She was a female of great kindness and great authority. When she stepped into a house, it became a home. When she stepped into the temple, others looked to her for guidance."
Alis: "She was a Moondancer, yes?"
Ssaerth: [He deliberately ignores the question.] "But, no more. When the brotherhood killed her, they also killed me. And from that moment on, I have become a creature of vengeance."
Alis: "The Brotherhood, they killed her. How did it happen?"
Ssaerth: "I do not know. I was running towards our home when I heard the Brotherhood had broken into our district. I found the Brotherhood leaving, clutching a gem. I found her remains inside our home."
Alis: "The gem they were going to auction, and the one that was subsequently destroyed."
Ssaerth: "Correct."
Alis: "Why did you destroy it?"
Ssaerth: "To release her soul, of course. I had fully intended to depart to the after with my wife. When it was clear the Cordorians had no intention of handing her over, I did the next best thing. I destroyed their ship, along with the gem."
Alis: "Yes. Sedaene and I were both there, on the Leviathan."
Ssaerth: "Did you know, I have offered the Cordorians several chances to end this war? But now, I have no inclination to stop it. At every turn, they have squandered their chance."
Alis: "You know that they were trying to free your wife, and let her speak to you a final time?"
Ssaerth: "Then it was rather unwise of them to order the arming for their weapons, wasn't it?"
Alis: "It was, I agree. They should have kept their word."
Ssaerth: "The slaves I gave Castemont were indeed a gift, but also an insurance. The Cordorians had betrayed me on the battlefield the previous cycle. I was prepared for another betrayal. If Cordor had handed over the gem, they would have rescued those slaves they so loved, and I would have moved on from the prime. But no, the foolish Cordorians demanded I make myself a plaything to their sense of justice."
Alis: "But there are two debts that are owed payment now."
Ssaerth: "Tell me, Dame Alis. If Andunor demanded the same of you, would you accept?"
Alis: "I would do what faith compels me to do, as I must."
Ssaerth: "Cordor wished for this war. For their pride. It is a pride I am determined to crush. The same pride I saw in the Brotherhood."
Alis: "You look upon their pride and see but a reflection of your own. Justice and vengeance will not sate such a war of egotism."
Ssaerth: "I have nothing to lose, Dame Alis. That is what makes me a far deadlier opponent than any they have faced."
Alis: "And now, what is left of the Brotherhood is out of reach. At least for now. So, where will your wroth turn if not to them? To Thomas? You wish him broken, and he is. You wish Cordor brought to her knees, but it has already been there for longer than you've been here."
Ssaerth: "A player does not reveal his cards. The Brotherhood took my very soul that cycle. And I will punish this world for it. Whatever remained of mercy, of love, died with my wife."
Alis: "I have not known many of your race to be any of those traits."
Ssaerth: "Monsters are not always born. Sometimes, we are created. Do you know what replaces great love, Dame Alis?"
Alis: "I do."
Ssaerth: "Then you understand me."
Alis: "I understand what it is to Hate, to crave vengeance so thoroughly that you would perish in the very face of finding it. My sister does too. But I also know that it is a thirst that can never be sated, no matter how much blood is on your hands as a result."
Ssaerth: "Oh, I am certain you and your little friends will find me, eventually. But I pray that I have taught all the lessons to this world that I can, by then. I WANT you to stop me, Dame Alis. But not yet...it is far too soon. You and your little friends will get to play the hero your god demands of you. Do not fret."
Alis: "The thing about our desires is that we do not always get precisely what we wish for, Ssaerth. And I seek no glory, no praise. I simply seek to fulfill my duty."
Ssaerth: "We cannot. But we must aspire. That is what drives us."
Alis: "I am called by the Divine to see good prosper, that is the only thing I aspire to."
Sedaene: "And defiance is my own. You'd harmed those who did nothing to you, I will see you undone."
Ssaerth: "You will take your path, I shall take mine. I, the teacher, you, the avenger. I wish you luck in the wars to come, Dame Alis."
After this, Ssaerth's illusory presence left my mind. His presence was unlike those who have entered my mind before. I am largely convinced he is using an augmented Suggestion incantation to achieve this.
Penned by mine own hand to the best of my recollection,
Knight Commander Alis Dionadair-Grantz
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Day 7, Month 11 (Uktar), 183 AR
Alis Dionadair-Grantz
Shadow Statue & Sewer Bomb Situation - 26/4/183
Date: 26th of Tarsakh, 183 AR (26/4/183)
Involved: Cordorian Officials, Cordorian Guard, Cordorian Navy, Additionals
Context:
An alert went out to officials that a structure, a statue of some kind, had appeared in the Cordorian Barracks. Various people gathered to inspect the new addition.
The structure, nested between the entry meeting room and the mess hall, was a large shadowed statue of the drow Ssaerth. The statue's eyes moved to observe those in the room.
Initial inspection by Rosette caused a shadow version of her to appear and strike at her and others after Rosette touched the statue. Aberran inspected the statue further, discovering it to be a purely made shadow construct, made entirely of shadow material.
The Statue began to send out disjunctions to nearby people, to remove them of protections. In turn, Aberran casted his own disjunction on the statue, and it vanished after. Juniper and Aberran perform a short divination to inspect the area where the statue was, to find how it got there. Due to Aberran's affinity, the two were able to reveal a shadow portal, or shadow door.
The two made an effort to keep the portal open as others tried to decide what to do with this information. As the portal began to shrink to close, various guards and others decided to throw caution to the wind and go through. The portal closed behind the group.
The group entered a between space, tentatively a void space used to move unseen about Cordor and possibly elsewhere. It seemed to be either adjacent to the Plane of Shadow, or a controlled demiplane of sorts. The group had little room to move in this area, which was void of any colour and appeared black in all directions.
A voice, like a whisper, spoke. They seemed surprised we entered the space, and informed someone to close the ley. The group was then trapped in this space. Attempts to open portals, use lenses, or potions did no longer work.
The voice continued on speaking to someone else, mentioning their scheme in the Cordorian Sewers. Surprisingly wisps and illusions still worked, and we quickly informed those still in Cordor to inspect the sewers.
Vice Chancellor Thomas Castemont and others attempted to speak out towards the person speaking. The person vaguely spoke back, stating this was for slaying his wife, in which it became known to the group that the person speaking was likely Ssaerth. Thomas spoke outwardly that he was a follower of vengeance. That he could act in that regard to find vengeance for the slain wife.
This was initially ignored, instead Ssaerth commanding his people to continue their operation in the sewers, a collection of bombs placed within. This information was additionally delivered to those still in Cordor.
The group was fully trapped, and being made to wait while Cordor was to be assaulted by an army, with explosives used to destroy much of the city. Thomas once more spoke out, this time in Xanalress, of his willingness to assist Ssaerth in vengeance against his wife's murderer. After a pause and some minor back and forth, Ssaerth agreed at the last moment to Thomas's offer to deal with those who killed the wife.
Ssaerth called off the attack on Cordor. His army in the sewers pulled back and out, leaving behind a stack of bombs within the sewers. Alaina Castemont assisted and led the efforts to make the explosives inert with water, and had them moved into the barracks for later disassembly.
At the same time, after the deal was struck, Laelia stood by in the barracks after some communication with the trapped group in the void. Vsshshsh ordered the ley to be reopened, and Laelia reopened the rift to allow the trapped group to escape. Afterwards, the portal was closed.
The explosives were overseen, and the situation in Cordor came to a close. It is, at time of writing, for Cordor to use this delay in attacks to either do as was promised to Ssaerth or to discover something else on it.
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- Ssaerth seems to be able to move and operate within Cordor as well as he has been due to the use of temporary portals, likely connected to the Plane of Shadow.
- Thomas has stated he will help Ssaerth find vengeance in return for leaving Cordor alone.
- The void space used seems to be controlled by Ssaerth or those he works with, able to cut such spaces off from the rest of the planes.
- Miz'rena Ssaerth is the deceased wife to Vhuraen Ssaerth, who is currently simply going by the second name.
- Miz'rena was slain by sunlanders, and suspected to be a Eilistraeean follower by the Temple of the Spider Queen. Her soul was sealed within a gem, and the whereabouts of said item are unknown.
Day 1, Month 5 (Mirtul), 183 AR
Aberran Oakley
Observations Before Cordor's Docks and Ship Caught Fire.
The same trine we lost our ship and the docks blew from an acid bomb attack, Lord Castemont will recall drow destroyed Rivorndir property. I and a few others were there with him to investigate the damage.
Given my stint in Saltspar, I was already having some emotional issues that put me on high-alert for the rest of the trine because of this earlier incident.
About three hours before the masts fell over on the ships in the repair docks, I saw at the gates of the Government District, the elite gate guards talking to a heavily-covered elf woman.
They were exchanging hand signals. Signals Principes and I had seen a moondancer in the Bendir area use. And she dressed similar to the elf I saw in Cordor.
What I know about the docks explosion, is that the hand signals happened. She walked off toward the docks and I did not see her for a few hours. The elite guards took issue with I staring suspiciously at them and we talked during that time.
In retrospect, they were likely distracting me from watching what the covered elf was doing.
I had only an instinct, and nothing more, to suggest the hooded elf was a drow. Nor did they seem fussed she was walking about suspicious. They wanted me to believe one of them (Elite Guard), was a mute, and thus they all learned to signal for him.
Yet an hour after the hooded elf came back from the docks area, they left through the government gates without incident. And maybe a few minutes later was when we all heard the ships in the dock make massive noises.
I also saw and pointed out the suspect who came out of the water. Him, likely the one that planted the acid bombs on the docks.
Every time I've reported a coincidence, I've been told it's nothing that can be done without proof. So I didn't report these incidents with the covered elf. But my gut is still telling me, that we have Elite Guards, or those posing as Elite Guards who betrayed us.
The letter is signed with a red wax crest. A blotchy round wax with an etched X-cross as the field. A double-slashed Null symbol has been added as a second layer of wax - embed on the middle of the field. Thick gold wax flakes sprinkled on the Null symbol pop out more distinctly to denote that this woman is the Head of House Nuhl.
Below the house crest, a royal blue wax is stamped in the shape of a shield. Etched in the wax is the eagle of Cordor holding a sword in its talons. Beveled lettering is on the sword, which reads: High Guardian of Cordor.
Day 14, Month 4 (Tarsakh), 183 AR
Byrny Nuhl
8/4/183 Wreckage of the Black Wyvern
Participants
Rosette de Le n
Martin Steffensen
Salem Al-Akir
Gabriel Blackwood
Cal Quinn
Zalata Reva
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Location(s): The bottom of the ocean at the wreckage of the Wyvern, the guard barracks.
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Rosette and Salem set off from the Guldorand docks on the Iron Scout, southwest towards the quadrant that held the wreckage. It was an uneventful sail.
Upon arrival, Blackwood and Steffensen were conjured to the deck. Blackwood, Al-Akir, and Steffensen went down in the diving bell, while de Le n stayed on deck to pump air.
The ocean floor was littered with bodies, crates, part of the ship, and other assorted debris from the Black Wyvern. An enormous dragon turtle was guarding the wreckage that attacked as soon as the divers got close. In addition to the dragon turtle, dozens upon dozens of sharks were feeding in the area.
After a thorough scouring of the ocean floor, the diving team brought back a crate with a 'V' on the front, a crate with an 'O' on the front, two Andunorian gold coins, a recovered explosive barrel, and the body of a drow. The crate with the 'V' was discovered to contain some of the green acid that Ssaerth has liberally utilized. The 'O' crate has not been opened yet but I will be investigating it shortly and will write another small report. The remaining crates of acid were opened beneath the water, to make it harder for Ssaerth's people to recover the acid and remaining cargo.
Minutes after the divers returned, the sails unfurled, and the anchor raised, the Observant Spider came out of nowhere and began to fire upon us. We were sailing with skill, the edgewaters easily navigated, but the Spider still ripped through us easily as the Scout is not made to sustain heavy fire. We returned to the diving bell, secured our cargo, and lensed as the ship went down.
Upon entering the barracks, the corpse and two crates were placed in the storage room. Cal Quinn joined us. Minister Reva was called upon to try and speak with the drow's soul, as we have employed in the past in other investigations. When she attempted, though, a sickening red energy surrounded the corpse and raised him as undead. The corpse began to try and move the crates, muttering "Part of the crew, forever" in Xanalress. It was otherwise unresponsive. There was no evidence of thralldom, like the slaves, but Cal sensed a malicious, latent magical energy present in the corpse. There was no soul that could be called upon, and given the evidence we believe Ssaerth had a curse laid upon his crew so that even in death, they would serve him. The dead cannot betray him.
Notes:
A large portion of the ship was missing and is assumed to have fallen into another area of the sea. With the presence of the Spider, it is likely that they have scavenged the other remnants of the ship, including the Wyvern's artillery. More notes to come upon further investigation of the unopened crate.
Day 10, Month 4 (Tarsakh), 183 AR
Rosette de Le n
18/3/183 Treadstone Dockmaster Interrogation
Participants:
Agent Thorne
Agent Firefly
+ Vhuraen Ssaerth is referred to as Master Ssaerth by the Dockmasters and both the Svirfneblin and the Kobold seem to serve him. The Svirfneblin for coin and the Kobold seemed more out of fear, claiming he is always watching. This development seems to contradict Marco?s log, which leads me to believe he is getting more bold with his coin and identity.
+ After a conversation with the dockworker, the Svirfneblin burned some documents and without sending a wisp or anything, guards began filling the area looking for a human asking questions. It seems when the svirf said he is always watching, it was meant literally.
+ Svirfneblin claimed that Ssaerth is hiring in mass any sort of Houseless Drow and Sellswords. But never humans. She also claimed Duergar and Svirfneblin are hired but only as dock workers and engineers.
+ The first Captain of the vessel met his end and now rests at the bottom of Treadstone.
+ Ssaerth is purchasing materials in bulk and buying slave transporting them through Treadstone by skiff.
+ ONLY Drow and slaves for crew.
+ Evidence suggests that the one who has been funding this all along is in fact Ssaerth and he was using the first captain as a puppet to lay low before taking control when his experiments were powerful enough.
Day 18, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Anonymous
DEALING WITH THE BLACK WYVERN. CONSIDERATIONS, POSSIBLE PLAN.
General consensus appears to be that in order to sabotage the Ship, we will need to attack it from within.
The ship runs on coal. A generally liked plan is to spike a shipment of coal with explosives, to see the engines disabled.
Considering we lack remote explosives, and any chemical subsceptible to heat might react upon entrance in the engine room, rather than the engine itself,
it was recommended we seal gunpowder and similar explosives into lead shells. These shells should then be planted into coal chunks, slid into one of the shipments.
The lead shell is likely to protect the gunpowder from the engine room's heat. But the temperature within the engine itself, will be high enough to melt the lead proper, and cause a reaction with the shell's contents.
I have at the ready fifty of the aforementioned shells, ready to be used, and the coal to put them in. We could however use many more.
It was debated tasking druids and other animal handlers to fly over and around the Wyvern ship in different sorties to drop and use the acid on the chains binding the slaves.
I do not believe this to be wise. It is a relatively small, moving target. Chances are they will miss.
Furthermore, the Andunorians may send wyrms out to deal with the animal packs.
I believe these druids and shifters are better suited to, provided we acquire any, use mist potions on the ship, either by consuming said potions nearby, or dropping them on the vessel, whichever works.
This way, not only is the target much, much larger, and easier to hit. They also need to pass over just once, minimizing their exposure.
With the cover of mist, and the usage of the tracker issued to us, a smaller, allied vessel may be able to approach the Andunorian ship.
Those on board will carry ladders, acid, and may also be the transmuters spoken of occasionally.
Their task will be to cut the slaves loose.
They may also place explosives along the hull if seen fit and able.
Once that is done, they may lens to safety or sail back.
At that point, Gods willing, the vessel will be immobile and exposed.
The mist may make it difficult to bombard its hull.
Further speculation on the matter is required.
Day 27, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Gabriel Blackwood
Black Wyvern update, day 27/3/183
A Cordorian Marine walked in the barracks, to hand out reports;
The Captains of the Amelia, Eagle, and Dauntless reports their vessels are fully supplied and ready for combat.
Final preparations are complete, and the vessels are ready to leave harbor upon Admiral Montgomery's command.
Until such time the order is given, additional marines have been called to the docks to prevent acts of sabotage.
The Andunorians have taken to capturing live sharks, haste them, strap them with explosive likely spiked with the same chemicals used for the Dock bombing, to then send them to blow up Cordorian vessels.
Day 27, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Gabriel Blackwood
Interview with Chainbreakers about Ssaerth and the Black Wyvern
Date:
27/3/183 AR
- They say trying to board the ship is suicide
- Only select slaves of Ssaerth are allowed on his ship
- Anything we want to do we'll haveto do as it leaves port
- They have the best guards golden spiders can buy this side of Faerun
- Ssaerth is not the captain, he is the brains of the operation, but not a sailor
- They haven't seen him on board during voyages
- Slaves brought upon the ship seem docile after taken on board, but still lashed on with chains
- Slaves seem to be physically thralled, either something implanted up their nose or lobotomized. They say something like a needle was put up their nose
- We can sabotage the coal mine to reduce it's fuel
- Unless we have a way to melt the chains, there is no way to free the slaves off the side of the ship. Plus swimming in chains will be difficult
- The silver mines are supplying a large amount of the order.
Day 27, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Cal Quinn
Day 18, Month 3, 183 AR - Ssaerth Dockmaster Questioning
+ Vhuraen Ssaerth is referred to as Master Ssaerth by the Dockmasters and both the Svirfneblin and the Kobold seem to serve him. The Svirfneblin for coin and the Kobold seemed more out of fear, claiming he is always watching. This development seems to contradict Marco?s log, which leads me to believe he is getting more bold with his coin and identity.
+ After a conversation with the dockworker, the Svirfneblin burned some documents and without sending a wisp or anything, guards began filling the area looking for a human asking questions. It seems when the svirf said he is always watching, it was meant literally.
+ Svirfneblin claimed that Ssaerth is hiring in mass any sort of Houseless Drow and Sellswords. But never humans. She also claimed Duergar and Svirfneblin are hired but only as dock workers and engineers.
+ The first Captain of the vessel met his end and now rests at the bottom of Treadstone.
+ Ssaerth is purchasing materials in bulk and buying slave transporting them through Treadstone by skiff.
+ ONLY Drow and slaves for crew.
+ Evidence suggests that the one who has been funding this all along is in fact Ssaerth and he was using the first captain as a puppet to lay low before taking control when his experiments were powerful enough.
Signed,
Agent Firefly
Day 19, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Anonymous
A Scrying Visit From A Talking Whale
When: 23/3/183 AR
Where: In a undisclosed Room
Who:
Cal Quinn
Cinders
Thomas Castemont
Salem
Rosette
Overview:
- We were talking amongst each other when the ward we had began to flicker
- Afterwards a eye appeared in the water of the basin
- Worried about Rose since the ward was hers we summoned her to us
- The eye ended up being Cuan-Gledhich, the talking whale
- He was trying to scry a ship called the 'La Libram Rouge'
- The ship was a floating library helmed by a captain named Danovan Murtagh
- We asked Cuan for his aid with the Black Wyvern
- He said he could help, if we can find a way to free the slaves off the side of the ship
- When we require his help just send a projected image to Cuan-Gledhich asking for his aid and he will come
Day 23, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Cal Quinn
Ship Specifications: HMS Eagle
Ship Class: Galleon
Ship Crew: 25 sailors/35 marines
Ship Captain: Lord Albrecht
Notable Features:
'2x Heavy ballistae
Day 21, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Office of the Royal Cordorian Navy
Ship Specification: HMS Dauntless
Ship Class: Brigantine
Ship Crew: 15 sailors/20 marines
Ship Captain: Andrea Volsaz
Notable Features:
'Extra mast
'2x Light ballistae
Day 21, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Office of the Royal Cordorian Navy
Ship Specification: HMS Amelia
Ship Class: Brigantine
Ship Crew: 15 sailors/20 marines
Ship Captain: Alaric Gorim
Notable Features:
'Mithral reinforced hull
'2x Light ballistae
Day 21, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Office of the Royal Cordorian Navy
Acid Fire in Cordor Harbor: Ches 20/21, 183
Involved:
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Freya Montgomery
Albet Rayne
Abigail Rayne
Gabriel Blackwood
Zalata Reva
Martin Steffensen
Many others
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Opposing:
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Vampire Thrall, nameless.
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Summary:
At roughly 22:30 a loud sound of a ship creaking and screaming was heard from the repair dock just beyond the main arrival dock for ships into Cordor. The repair crew was seen jumping from the ship, and trying to swim as the ship being repaired started to sink into the water.
Roughly 23:00, a chemical smell is in the air around the docks. At this time Guardsmen Ayden, others, found what they said was a vampire Thrall outside the Lotus. It was struck down, and was found to be carrying two vials are assumed to have been acid meant for other ships, and the subtance used to sink the ship being repaired.
Roughly 00:00 problems start as injured and wounded begin to flee the dock in flames. Whatever was in the water had reacted to start a green fire about ships in the harbor. People are helped away from the dock to be healed as others stay to aid in making sure everyone is able to get off the dock that could be saved.
Roughly 00:45 a team of conjurers (Timmothy Pondhopper, Cinders Char, Zalata Rev, one or two others I cannot recall) used first water elementals to try and put out the flames, before resorting to earthen conjurations to smother the fire. Visible fires on the dock were put out, final living sailors were escorted from the dock.
By 01:30 most of attempt to sabotage the harbor had concluded, but further threats remain possible in the coming days. Patrols of all Cordorian docks must continue.
Day 21, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Freya Montgomery
18/3/1383 DR - Tempest Engaging the Black Wyvern
"The report of the showdown between the flagship of Guldorand and new flagship of Andunor, Black Wyvern, will be in a separate document.
The outcome was - Tempest was badly damaged and forced to use a ship-sized lens to get to Crow's Nest and repair itself. Tempest couldn't land a hit upon the Black Wyvern, with even the best crew attached.
During the discussion of the scuffle - we detected a scout that was spying upon the Tempest and taking notes of the sustained damage. Upon being discovered and sensing he was about to get captured, the scout bit a capsule of poison and perished.
The scout was - human male, bearing marks of an Outcast and the attire of the Andunorians."
Signed by,
First Warden of the Winter's Guard,
Day 18, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Seitera
Battle Report: 14/3/183 - North of Forsaken Abyss
Date: 20:45 on day 14 of month 3 (Ches), 183 AR (1383 DR)
Location: North of Forsaken Abyss
Summary:
In a fierce and tumultuous night battle with the notorious pirate ship, the Black Wyvern, and her formidable escort fleet, the Cordorian Navy faced significant losses. Despite demonstrating remarkable valor and tactical prowess, the encounter resulted in the loss of four brigantines and one galleon, extensive damage to another galleon, and major structural damage to the flagship, HMS Sentinel.However, the Black Wyvern's escort fleet was completely obliterated, showcasing the relentless tenacity of Cordorian forces.
Detailed Account of Engagement:
Initial Contact:
Under the cover of darkness, with lanterns shuttered to avoid revealing our position, the Cordorian fleet, led by the HMS Sentinel, sighted the Black Wyvern and her five escort ships. Inital formation had the Cordorian fleet spread out to maximize firing angle. Andunorian escort ships moved to for a protective barrier in front of the Black Wyvern to protect her from fire.
First Phase: Opening Salvo
At the onset of the battle, both fleets exchanged initial broadsides. After taking significant damage, orders were given by Cordorian fleet command to change formation. Brigantines moved ahead of the galleons to shield galleons from fire. The change in formation caused the Cordorian fleet to lose battle advantage. The first to fall was the brigantine, HMS Swiftsure, succumbing to a concentrated barrage that ripped through her hull.
Second Phase: Mid Battle
The battle intensified as the Black Wyvern herself joined the fray, her bombard roaring with a fury that shook the seas. Our galleons, Sentinel, Eagle and Valor, held the line, delivering punishing broadsides that decimated three of the escort ships in quick succession. The tide seemed to turn in our favor until the enemy revealed their stratagem. In a sudden and dramatic maneuver, the Black Wyvern launched a massive javelin-like projectile straight into the air.Upon impact, a tremendous explosion tore through the Valor, splitting her hull and sending her to the depths in mere moments. This devastating blow caused a ripple of chaos and disarray among our ranks.
Final Phase
Rallying from the shock, the remaining Cordorian ships pressed the attack. In a furious exchange, the last of the escort ships were sunk, their wreckage scattered across the waves. However, the price was steep. All brigantines from the Cordorian fleet were lost in the engagement, along with HMS Valor. The Black Wyvern retreated under the cover of darkness. With the HMS Sentinel suffering major structural damage, and the HMS Eagle nearly out of ammunition, the Captains unanimously agreed to give up pursuit.
Recommendations:
In light of the javelin strike's devastating impact, it is imperative that future engagements adopt a rapid change of heading immediately upon sighting such a projectile. This maneuver may disrupt the javelin's trajectory and prevent similar catastrophic losses. Additionally, bolstering our fleet with enhanced armor and reinforced hulls is recommended to withstand the ferocity of the Black Wyvern's assaults.
Conclusion:
This encounter, though costly, has provided valuable insights and reaffirmed the indomitable spirit of the Cordorian Navy. With these lessons learned, we stand ready to defend our waters and bring the Black Wyvern to justice.
Cordor Rules the Seas.
Day 21, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Captain Blaine, Flagship HMS Sentinel.
Tempest Voyage Ches 18, 183
Captain Shandy:
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Freya Montgomery
Rey
Miyu
Duroruk
Agathan
Fruvu
Domila
Timmothy Pondhopper
Elkaed
Others, unknown names.
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After report the Wyvern had engaged another ship, departed from port to see if a trap could be sprung on the ship. Traveling east, the Tempest is engaged without flag shift or warning by the Flying Squid. In fifteen volleys, it was sank before the journey moved forward. Continued east by south east toward Magira's Lament where the Black Wyvern was last spotted. On arrival, it was flying a green flag, before vanishing.
Note: When it vanished, there is a chance it submerged below the waters, based on how quickly we lost sight of it.
The Tempest continues on her path, arriving to the Sunken Chasm. Sails are furled and an ambush was prepared. The approach was to wait and see if we could spot it first, before unleashing a few volleys of javelins into their ship after it either approached the isle or surfaced. The plan failed as they spotted us first from out of our sight setting three bombard shells into the siding of the Tempest. With furled sails we hit less than half our shots before realizing we were losing the fight and the ambush had failed. We set the sails to full, traveling toward the Athkatlan Easterlies. When out of their quadrant, we made use of a mist jar as we spotted then preparing to launch a Star at the Tempest.
The fight continues as they launch more at us. No chance to repair, Captain Shandy uses a a ship lens, and we return back to the Crow's Nest. No losses on deck, near seventy adamantine tipped Javelins used and near nothing to show for it.
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Thoughts being considered:
-Does the Wyvern truly move below the water?
-How or what are the Stars they use as a weapon?
-Does the ship have an engine like the Dreadnaught?
-Is the ship able to be sabotaged while it is docked in Treadstone?
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Day 18, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Freya Montgomery
PATROL REQUEST: Cordor Docks
Earlier today nn the 18th of Ches, an outcast human was found spying on the Tempest taking sketches of the ship and trying to climb on its deck. It was divined that this outcast was working for the crew of the Black Wyvern. While I am unsure presently if such has happened yet in Cordor, we need be proactive to keep what advantages we have. They are likely to come through the city to reach the docks, in an attempt to learn of the Leviathan to better combat the Cordorian Navy in the battles ahead. It is pressing that guards start to take patrols to and around the docks until this threat has been managed.
Fortune's Favor,
This letter is sealed marked with a signet of a winged three-mast ship, with eagle's wings on either side in mid-flight.
Day 18, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Freya Montgomery
The Tempest vs. The Black Wyvern, 17.03.183
In the evening hours I have started gathering crew for a routine sail against pirates. I have received a message from Agathon about the Wyvern's attack on his ship, the Tuskian, in the southeastern waters. With the crew arrived, I have informed them of the situation and departed as soon as possible. The ship's handling was near perfect.
Shortly after leaving the local waters, we have noticed the Flying Squid, a cog commonly associated with pirates. Despite this fact I was intent to leave it be, thinking to pursue the Andunorian ship. Unfortunately the Squid's crew have begun firing at the Tempest, with no warning or no indication of hostility by means of a colored flag. The vessel was sunk after a very short exchange, and the search continued.
Upon arrival to the close proximity of the island Galerock, we have briefly noticed the Wyvern to the southeast, in the quadrant known as The Sunken Chasm. Thinking the ship is attempting to hide in an unknown docking location nearby, I have decided to wait in ambush with sails furled.
In an unexpected turn of events, the Wyvern has suddenly appeared to the northwest and began firing. We have sustained damage before our gunners could take aim properly. An attempt to evade and hide using a mist bottle have failed, and I was forced to use a ship lens.
Upon arrival in Crow's Nest, the crew have noticed a potential spy in the jungle ashore and pursued.
Day 18, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Jacques Chandagnac
14/3/183 Massacre at Sea
Participants
Rosette de Leon
Salem Al-Akir
Cinders Char
Gabriel Blackwood
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Cal Quinn was in the process of informing us of the Andunorian ship The Black Wyvern, along with the captain Vhuraen Ssaerth and the live slaves tied to the hull, when we could hear all sorts of commotion coming from the docks. Bells ringings, shouting, etcetera.
We arrived to see seven ships (3 galleons and 4 brigantines) sailing out from Cordor, headed North. Salem and I jumped onto the Longboat rental and followed, sailing as far north as we could.
Cinders sent an illusion asking if we needed aid and Salem conjured him.
It wasn't long until we could hear cries on the horizon and see several ships aflame, sinking beneath the dark waves.
Two ships passed us, one galleon. A Captain Fuller was on deck and called to us. The deck was packed with soldiers and survivors. He said they suffered massive losses and were doing what they could to save survivors and get them back to Cordor.
We immediately sailed north to pick up as many as we could. Upwards of fifty men were fished out of the water, some pulled bodily on deck by Salem. All the while, we were fighting off drow survivors and githyanki
Gabriel then asked to be summoned and Cinders conjured him to the deck. He proceeded to help heal and care for the wounded soldiers on the way back to the city.
The survivors were transported back to Cordor. It is a note that while we took all that we could, there were many that could not fit on the deck and were left in the freezing water.
Day 16, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Rosette de Le n
Date:
Evening of 15th of Ches, 1383 DR.
Log:
1800 HOURS. News from the Port Authority arrives that the Black Wyvern and a fleet of Six Ships were seen north of Sencliff.
1900 HOURS. News arrives that the Royal Navy of Cordor is mobile.
1945 HOURS. The fight begins between the Cordorian Navy and the Andunorian's Black Wyvern fleet, concluding at 2100 HOURS.
Plot:
Estimated casualties:
Heavy. Ten ships from both sides were lost to the water in total.
The Andunorians lost five - assorted cogs and galleys.
The Black Wyvern, their flagship, and the Observant Spider, the brigantine, survived the battle, using the smaller ones as shields and did endure next to no damage.
Cordor's Navy sustained heavier casualties - approximately two hundred men and women and five ships.
Rescue teams consisting of the Captain of Cordor's Navy, Freya, Captain of Guldorand's Navy, Chandagnac and other volunteers took Starlight and Cordor's rental galley. They hauled, in rough estimation, about hundred and fifty adrift, mostly Cordorians. However, one drow was among the rescued.
From the words of Captain Freya Montgomery:
"We confirmed all ten ships did, indeed, sink. The Royal Navy has promised me a report from the Flagship itself of the battle so I can be informed of any battle strategies they used.
Then, we were hauling up Cordorians, and we captured a drow; it was interrogated in Cordor after we returned.
The drow are making experiments and applying new things to their new Flagship, the Black Wyvern. Among the devices they tested was a weapon they had used against the Leviathan a few days prior - the 'Star'.
Note:
The 'Star' is a magically enhanced shell for a bombard, which the drow doesn't have many. Reports from the previous engagement suggest that they needed some time and adjustments before trying to make a shot with it - suggesting a finite supply or difficulty of manufacturing.
The living wyverns that drow use for bombarding and boarding are being kept beneath the deck, and living slaves are attached to the ship's hull.
The sellsword drow, one that was interrogated, said that the crews of the other ships that assisted the Spider and the Black Wyvern consist of those condemned to death and they were hired for one sole reason - to protect them at the cost of their lives. The captive didn't have a name or a House, only concerned for a coin and was going into the foray ready to perish. The drow did not hear much either, only hints and bits from the deck talks.
The name mentioned in a different report, Ssaeth, was the one that was seeking and hiring 'people of interest', from sellswords to mages. He is called a leader behind the entire operation and has solid connections within Andunorian politics. Rumours say that there is a drow female that tries or sits on his lap for favours."
Some other details can be found from Captain Freya's own report dated same day.
--
Compiled by,
First Warden of the Winter's Guard,
Day 16, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Seitera
Captain's Log I (Day 9, Month 3 (Ches), 182 AR)
Dreadnought set sail from Treadstone, going north. We managed to take down a ship or two, reaving them in the process. Rather quickly after, a storm set in and we were forced back to port.
After our short stay at port, we kicked the engine off and went back to sea. As we left local waters, the Tempest was sighted, but we avoided it, as we weren't sailing well. Good thing it was night and the darkness generator was cloaking us.
After returning to local waters, we turned south, and went straight to the edge after sinking two merchant ships back-to-back without boarding them. We sat in edgewaters for awhile, taking a few two masters, and then...
Tempest reappared, with thirteen people on board, full sail, heading in our direction! They clearly meant to board. With ten on our deck, and not all of them fully capable, I feared what would happen. We stayed at full power and gave them salvo after salvo from the two heavy ballistae. Tempest began to turn around for home and we started to try to follow them, but Dreadnought is a bit slow.
Then... A new ship appeared flying Andunor's colors, the Black Wyvern. It's a strange new vessel, being mostly flat. It seems to deploy wyverns that drop explosive barrels from it, a Wyvern Carrier, if you will. The crew was going crazy over the wyverns dropping explosives on this vessel. One of the Tempest's crew did a shapechange spell to bat away some of the wyverns before they used a ship lens to return to port.
We picked up the two hundred crates of treasure they left behind in their wake and we made for Treadstone. While the crew was working on offloading, Alanna and I spoke to the Dockmaster in regards to the new vessel.
The Dockmaster told us it is a new vessel, privately owned, and the design is still under testing. They believe that with better training and a better diet, the wyverns will be able to go further out and carry bigger payloads, though finding a way to lighten the load of explosive barrels would also help. I believe I will talk to some folks on how to do the latter.
The Dockmaster also told us the private owner of the vessel considered the test captain a failure and that they've been fired. Should further testing of the vessel take place, they would be seeking a new captain.
From what I know, this vessel is a galleon that has a mostly flat deck for wyverns to take off from. I forget if it is or is not a flagship level. I suspect, due to it being a test-bed of a vessel, it might be rather frail. We also did not witness it fire any bombard, ballista, or mangonel, leaving me to assume it can not bear them in exchange for deckspace for the wyverns. I believe such a vessel would operate well supporting Dreadnought or Lost Ark. Either ship could sit in the way of potential aggressors while the wyverns rain down hell from above. Pairing this with the new Ice Pulse cannon featured on the refurbished Lost Ark could be incredibly deadly for mainlanders.
I wish to follow up on this Black Wyvern vessel. I think I will take a trip to where the wyverns are kept below as well as meet up with some alchemists to discuss the issue with explosive barrels. I will talk to Lord Admiral Glubbdubdrib before pursuing anything further.
Day 10, Month 3 (Ches), 182 AR
Marco Azari
Male Drow Interrogation: Ches 15/3/183
Involved:
Captain Gabriel Blackwood of the Cordor Guard
Captain Nataliya Karenkina
Captain Freya Montgomery
First mate Kethra Nagel
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Interrogated:
Male drow, Sellsword for Vhuraen Ssaerth
Notes: Nameless, without a House or tribe.
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The following is notes taken from interrogation within the cells of Cordor.
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Q: How many were lost in the battle today?
A: A few from boths sides, this is a reality of warfare.
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Drow: Bring someone that can actually negotiate with me.
The drow continues to press the need for coin to be exchanged, as it is looking for coin. He is looking to be paid 1.500 coins for his work in the battle, and for travel to Menzoberranzan.
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Drow/Questioners discuss how trust can be found, and it is decided there will be mutual trust for the sake of this interrogation.
Q: What is it that waits for you beyond?
A: Avoided, the drow tried to change topics.
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The examiners look explain they are looking for technical details about the ship, explaining they have a need to learn of the fleet and Wyvern.
The drow in question explains this is a venture of Vhuraen Ssaeth. Further, he says this drow managed to rescue wealth from his fallen house.He explains at length that this man surrounds himself with female drow and powerful bodyguards. Always dabbling in 'new research'. He believes the Black Wyvern is one such project of 'research'. The drow explains that even though the drow in question is male, he has wealth and power, and in Andunor that is enough for him to do well.
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He says not many people have ever seen Vhuraen Ssaerth, as he uses servants in his public dealings. This drow was recruited by one such servant like the prior mentioned.
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The drow believes that Ssaerth is in this for coin, and to further his research. The drow further explained he believes that Ssaerth is looking to make a 'big splash' to draw attention.
Note: There is a chance he is looking to make an 'example' of Cordor's ships for the sake of making profit in selling off the ship.
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The Drow continued to ramble, saying the ships in front of the Wyvern during the battle prior were nothing but 'scrap meant to protect the Wyvern'.
In the final moments of the discussion, the drow mentioned that Ssaerth is experimenting with what the sellswords were calling 'Stars', being a name for the weapon used that near sank the Leviathan in one strike.
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The interrogation concludes, and by the King's Decree Captain Gabriel Blackwood saw the drow slain.
Day 16, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Freya Montgomery
6-03-183 AR Report: Sea Incident, hostile wyvern-carrier
Summary:
-This report contains details about the incident dated 6-03-183 AR.
Participants:
-Captain Jacques Chandagnac or Shandy
-Senior Constable Takeshi Nakamura
-Miss Isa Tess
I joined to Leviathan voyage under captain Freya command with Isa Tess and captain Jacques Chandagnac or just Shandy. While sailing we were attacked by a strange unknown ship with flat board, one mortar and lots of wyverns. Also, it was using a kind of magic or else to bring the fog and mist on the local area. This ship was called like the Black Wyvern as we figured after and used the flag of Andunor. We expirienced three attacks, first was bombarding with wyverns which were carring and dropping bombs from the skies, second was the attempt of boarding with drow soldiers and the third was volley of magic javelins. We lost about three marines and our ship was badly damaged so we had to returning back to Cordian port under the fire. Anyway, even with all these firepower, the unknown ship was slower then us.
Recommendation:
-Check the archives to see if there were similar incidents before, inform all sailors and captains about unknown threat, organize sea borders patrols and keep an eyes open.
Sign:
Day 6, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Takeshi Nakamura
Day 8, Month 3 (Ches), 182AR
Tempest Galleon first sighted The Black Wyvern Galleon ship, raising the Andunor Flag, whilst the Ship was patrolling along Slaver's Run.
Their Ship was sighted to along Rayne's Landing, Battle Preparation was ordered and a Warning shot was fired upon it before we engage full offensive!
Yet shortly after, Black Wyverns flew from their ship towards our Galleon ship, dropping explosive barrels upon our Deck and does heavy damage upon us. Immediately after, The Dreadnought was sighted and we are not able to find it's position!
Overwhelmed by Both Galleon ships from Andunor, we've immediately set course West upon sighting the Dreadnought, as I believed that they may have just departed from Arelith and lies Northeast of our quadrant, whilst we change our firing target to the Iron beast from the depths!
We've sailed Two Quadrants towards Black Fin Rock thereafter until we're almost on the next quadrant that we grasp that the Dreadnought is also on Southeast, the same quadrant as The Black Wyvern Galleon Ship whilst they tail behind us, keeping chase. From the Blackfin Rock, We set course North towards Red Dragon Isle, attempting to shake 'hem off whilst finding a dock to repair our ship, to find our counteroffensive.
Yet...the grip of this Iron beast remain firm...and vicious, We're unable to shake them off and Domila was able to bring us to Safety with the magic from the Ship Len.
After returning to the Dock and surviving the ordeal, it dawn upon me, upon us that Andunor has likely laid a trap along the Slaver's Run. It is otherwise impossible for Two Galleon ship of theirs to be on the same quadrant and does the same offensive, almost at the same time whilst chasing us.
Prior to this engagement, Our Ship has been warded against prying eyes and none of the Sailors had leave the deck. I believe 'em to be trustworthy mates that have no relations to these monsters from the Depths.
Perhaps...this ambush was laid from our extensive patroll that last almost Eighteen Hours since we've set sail and sunk two of their Galley Ship whilst we patrol along the South, West and North quadrants continuously.
Signed,
Helkaros
Second Mate
Day 10, Month 3 (Ches), 182 AR
Helkaros
Ship Report - Black Wyvern - Drow Flagship
We encountered the Black Wyvern while out on a training sail with the Leviathan. The crew was not perfect but we managed to gather a lot of new information:
The ship is completly flat except for a single bombard visible from a distance. Crew is hiding mostly below deck, except for when they aim their main armament. A giant spear that is able to tear apart a ship with a single hit. The Leviathan barely survived the hit.
The first attack from the Black Wyvern was a host of actual Wyverns, hauling explosives and dropping them ontop of our ship causing heavy damage. We suspect it was used to soften up the crew as the next wave dropped a lot of drow boarders trying to get the upper hand.
After fending off both waves and repairing our ship the main armament was launched. A crewmember handed a paper, likely with calculations to the captain and they fired a huge spear at us. Upon making contact it exploded, shredding almost all armor from our hull.
We were unable to land a single shot, giving chase at full sails while trying to evade or combat the Wyverns. The ship was faster than the Leviathan and weaved in and out of combat swiftly. After our engagement concluded a smaller vessel followed us almost back to port.
Detals to look out for: No crew visible even at high speeds, rather swift hulls, fast enough to chase or give chase. A single bombard visible on deck. Drow language shouting orders. Andunor Flag. No dark cloud shrouding these two.
Day 6, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Isa Tess
Black Wyvern Sighting, Day 14, Chest, 183 AR
Set out for a routine sail with the Leviathan from the Cordor docks at the invitation of Captain Freya Montgomery.
Headed Northwest to Gnit, before heading South.
Around the Red Dragon Isle, we came into view of the vessel known as the 'Black Wyvern'.
After firing it's warning shot, and allowing for our return-fire, they began to side their ship's hull with living slaves.
The ship was also joined by it's seeming sister, the Observing Spider.
Upon retrieval of a slave from the waters, we had found the name Vhuraen Ssaerth to be that of the slaver.
The slave is assumed to have been a smuggler of sorts, but showed a softness that might imply them to have not been part of the sailing members of the crew.
Any scrying into the name of the slaver themselves, is considered incredibly dangerous.
Day 14, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Lucio Marinus
Voyage: 15/3/183
Captain Freya Montgomery:
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First Mate Kethra Nagel
Boarding Officer Koreti Eilshaere
Alastair Montgomery
Victor Varn
Lucio Marinus
Rey
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On coordinates to match the Red Dragon Isle, the Leviathan spotted both the Observing Spider and the Black Wyvern. The Wyvern took to warning shots quickly, attempted to meet our southern course. We changed headings to move east while they continued south-west. We managed to turn about the fight, taking shots as we moved back toward local waters. A single Javlin was able to connect with their hull siding, before we took to looking toward how deep a wound we made in their hull. We realized just after that they had taken to using living slaves as protection for their hull. In the aftermath, reaching local waters, we pulled a body from the water. The body did indeed, have a javelin wound in its chest. The departed was wearing a slave collar with the name: 'Vhuraen Ssaerth' written on the darksteel collar.
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Black Wyvern and Observing Spider both again, sailing perfectly.
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Attempt made to divine Vhuraen Ssaerth resulted in Niamh being rejected from the attempt, burning her eyes magically blind. She is recovering.
Elkaed was called on deck to Divine further of the departed body on deck:
Roughly from his words shared:
'He was a sailor, ship full of boxes, needed to make landfall in the Crow's Nest before nightfall, something about a client.
Diving of the departed: He was purchased by Vhuraen Ssaerth, and told he would not be working the fields.
It appeared they were shipping, or carrying Cloth on the ship.
A vision of the ship being boarded, quiet words were shared about a random, and then the vision faded.
He is buying slaves, not selling them.
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On return: Roughly 18:00, news from the Port Authority arrives that the Black Wyvern and a fleet of Six Ships were seen north of Sencliff.
Roughly 19:00 news arrives that the Royal Navy of Cordor is mobile.
19:45, report the fight begins, concluding at 21:00
Five ships from both sides were lost to the water.
21:45 Captain Freya Montgomery leaves the meeting with the Lord Admiral to arrive on the deck of the First Sister, moving to investigate the wreckage.
Day 15, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Freya Montgomery
Black Wyvern & Observing Spider Information, 5/3/183
Spotted at S2W2 the Black Wyvern, sailing the Andunor flag.
Flagship, Galleon class vessel. Perfect sailing with a crew of drow managing the deck.
They kept a single Bombard on their deck at time of spotting.
Notable features:
Wyverns kept beneath their deck, able to be sent at ships or called back below.
The navigators on the ship could our headings quickly.
Weapons:
They have both a bombard that looked capable of normal fire, and special ammunition used. A lightning explosive of some sort, either an enchanted powder ball or something similar. On hitting the side of the Leviathan with it, our hull near isntantly broke.
On engagement, wyverns took to the sky above our ship, let drow free to board our deck, before reigning fire on us. The fire was hot enough to scorch half our sails, and had slain four of the Cordor Marines on deck instantly.
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The Observing Spider was also seen closer to the isle on our retreat to Cordor. Uncertain at present if this was a Sencliff vessel or part of the fleet the Black Wyvern controls.
Brigantine class vessel.
One heavy ballista, one Light Ballista.
Sailing perfectly.
Day 6, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR
Freya Montgomery