Mysterious Tides #0

A reunion of sorts between four acquaintances. On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by Randy M. at Roan Studios.

GURPS: Mysterious Tides
Session 000

A Reunion of Sorts

230515-230530

The Kittiwake reaches Piper’s Quay after sailing for three days from Dove’s Crest in the Lower Bay. Captain Jens Marko is tired after transporting a handful of travelers and a good bit of cargo. Unfortunately, the money he is making off of this trip is going toward paying off Fearghus Quilkin for some recent repairs to his vessel after experiencing a close call with some Wreckers a while back. 

The Kittiwake

Once the sturdy dory is tied off at the dock, the passengers all disembark and Jens gets busy unloading the cargo. He watches one of his passengers make his way up the wharf, a small pull at the back of his mind giving him the thought he’s maybe seen him somewhere before. Throughout the voyage, the wind and spray kept most of the passengers’ heads down and his eyes on the seas and coastlines. Not much time to talk, even at night, when the small boat was anchored in a protected cove or tied off at a small pier at one of the many tiny coastal hamlets. But now, at least for a while, there would be a layover here in Piper’s Quay.

Brother Robert D’Nagien has not been back to Piper’s Quay in some time and does not know what to expect. Most folk that might remember him may not recognize him, or vice versa, though he does have some family in the area still. The tall monk pulls his cloak close around his face and heads directly to the Windbreak for a drink and prayer to Enibria. That old codger Duglas Creag, the owner, would no doubt remember him, but maybe he was busy and wouldn't notice.

Callast Nilas Orkan heads directly for the two-story building that must be the local Inn. He can see the brightly painted red door from halfway down the wharf. Callast Cann told him that he was to deliver the sealed letter to Callast Zale here in Piper’s Quay as soon as possible and said that, if he knew his friend, he would no doubt be at the Windbreak Inn drinking. The young Callast arrives at the red painted door, pushes it open and enters. 

The Windbreak Inn stands as a stalwart shelter against the harsh gales that blow across the open waters of the Bay of Spirits. Its sturdy stone and mortar exterior has been whitened by the constant lashing of salty sea spray and heavy winds. Its spruce plank roof has blown off more times than the locals can remember and it is the only new feature on the place (having been replaced less than a month ago, according to the talk). 

Maricia Creag, owner of the Windbreak Inn

The warm interior is a reprieve from the typically tumultuous weather outside and there’s usually a few customers here at any time of day. Fisherfolk, sailors, and traders frequent the seaside tavern and the barkeep, a dark haired Elvish woman, is quite busy. The drink and food here is good and the rooms are warm, clean, and comfortable. Maricia, the barkeep, greets everyone as they enter. Her pointed ears clearly mark her as an Elf, though her dark hair says she is not an Elf from around here. She is one of the Eastern, or Sea Elves, as they are known. Six of the seven tables are filled, as are the three stools at the bar.

Nilas and Brother Bob, entering the Inn one after the other, both move toward the empty table and take seats on opposite sides. Recognizing each other from the voyage here, they give each other a silent nod and order drinks as the Barkeep shouts at them from across the room. Just as their drinks are dropped unceremoniously on the smooth-worn table, the door opens and the Captain from their voyage comes in. As he takes his hat off and unwraps his scarf, Nilas double takes as he thinks he may recognize the man. How he did not make the connection over the last three days, he is unsure, maybe he was too focused on his mission, maybe something else. 

Meanwhile, Brother Bob realizes that old man Creag is nowhere to be seen and the Elf at the bar seems to be running things now. Some of the faces in the room are marginally familiar, but no one stands out as someone who would immediately recognize him. Just after the Captain enters, another person enters. A tall and muscular young man, about the same age as Bob. Bob immediately recognizes him as Ragnar, an Uplands ranger that he has crossed paths with before, both as a youth here in Piper’s Quay, and as a monk in Dove’s Crest. The ranger sees Brother Bob and heads that way, as does the Captain, seeing as the only two empty seats are at this last table. 

Jens smiles as he sees the open seat at the table, then stumbles as he realizes that he and the rough-looking fellow both had the same idea. After some jockeying, they manage to seat themselves.

“Well, gents, hope that was satisfactory. Lucky we didn’t get any of those gales coming down from the highlands, or it coulda been a tetch more damp!” He laughs. It’s always good to relax after a voyage. He liked being on land, he really did, but it didn’t take long before the itch to be out on the waves drove him back to his boat.

Nilas had taken a drought of his ale and had silently toasted to Brother Bob, recognizing one of Enibria’s following. Sitting quietly he looks on as the two newcomers sit down. Looking at Captain Jens, he takes another sip of ale and nods at the captain. “Indeed Captain, Calla was watching over us on this journey. I had faith that the good Lady of the Sea would see us here safely.” Looking over hew newcomers more closely, Nilas comments further. “I never did get your name Captain, but thank you again for safe passage.” Nilas sees that he does recognize the man, but can not place exactly where from or who exactly this man is.

“You’re most welcome, good sir. Captain Jens Marko, at your service. I hope I can enjoy your passage on the Kittiwake in the future!” He takes a pull of his glass. “I was too busy for socializing on the trip over. What business brings you to Piper’s Quay?”

Nilas sits for more than a few seconds processing what he had just heard. Jens Marko was his older brother’s best friend. Now Jens is a Captain of his own sloop?   Amazing. Jens smiles a bit, feeling something of a touch of his family for the briefest of moments.

“I am a Callast, a priest of Calla on a mission to meet with one of our own here, Callast Zale. Jens Marko.   Are you the same Jens Marko that was friends with Søren Orkan?”

Having made the trek into Piper’s Quay on the trail of the murderers with what meager possessions he’d managed to scrounge from the wreckage of the cabin, Ragnar stopped first at the trading post to swap everything he’d brought that remained of their household and exchanged that for supplies. No telling where this hunt would take him. And, he reluctantly admitted to himself, he had no idea what he would do beyond that. He was still reeling, keeping the grief and chaos within at bay with the banked fire of his anger. He’d hunted many quarries, but never one like this. Once he was outfitted as best he could with his funds, Ragnar stood in the street, unsure of what to do next. Looking around, he decided the best place to find information would be the Windbreak. A quick scan of the main room showed a decent crowd, with only one table open. Ragnar strode that way on the heels of another newcomer, noting as he got closer and his eyes adjusted to the dimmer lighting that he recognized one of the men. With a nod to Brother Bob, Ragnar let the stranger pick his seat and took the remaining one. Following the conversation, he gleaned that the two strangers had just arrived by boat with one being the captain. The captain did look vaguely familiar and the names they bantered about did as well, niggling at the back of his mind. 

Jens gets a wistful smile at Nilas’ question. “Søren Orkan? I did. He and I were best mates back in Dove’s Crest growing up. We got into a lot of trouble back then.” He stares into his mug. “Sadly his whole family died in a shipwreck a few years back.”

Nilas puts down his mug and looks up at Jens with a sad smile on his face. “Everyone aboard the Drague was lost to the sea. Including the Orkan family, Henrik, his wife Stine,  and his son Søren Orkan. The younger brother, Nilas survived. Washed upon the shores of Gawl Hole and saved for another purpose. He now sits here before you, reborn as Callast Nilas, Storm Priest of Calla.”

Jens eye’s grew wide. “You’re little Nilas? And you survived?” He raises his glass. “Praise be to Calla.” Jens shakes his head. “Gods, you were such an annoying little prick back then. Søren and I made quite a bit of effort to leave you behind on our adventures. But you frequently found us.” He shakes his head again at the memory. 

He leans back from the table, realizing that they were not alone. “I’d like to hear the story of that sometime. Now, if you want, later if you prefer.”

Nilas again smiles, some sadness still showing in his face at the mention of his brother.    “Perhaps more on that another time. I can tell you that our ship ran aground into some unseen rocks and caused the entire vessel to be lost. Somehow, by Calla’s will, I ended upon the shore, my clothing caught onto timbers from the ship. My mentor, Callast Xern rescued me. I spent the last five or six years with him and learning the ways of Calla. He now deems me worthy to head out into the world to do her bidding.”

Nilas looks around at the others. “I did not intend to come off as secretive during the journey here. It has been a while since I have been out in more populated areas, and I must admit I am a bit lost here. I need to locate Callast Zale and I was told that I could probably find him here.”   

Clearing his throat, Ragnar enters the conversation, eyes on the table. “I remember hearing of the wreck of the Drague, even as far out as we live. Well, not ‘we’ any more, I guess.” He looks up at Nilas. “It was indeed a sad tale but I’m glad you survived.” Glancing over at Jens he gives a nod. “And I have heard of you as well, Jens, seen you a time or three along the way growing up. My name is Ragnar. Ragnar Rocht. Me and my Da live out of town a fair ways, mostly hunting and trapping and such. I’ve been to Piper’s Quay off and on for years so I really don’t know most folks here.” Glancing around the room again he returns his gaze to his table companions. “I just got to town. I’m hunting, but not the usual. No. While I was off on a hunting trip someone came to the cabin, killed my Da, wrecked the place. Some stuff was taken and all our coin, but it was like they were looking for something else. I can’t imagine what or why. Why would anyone, let alone what seemed like three or four men by the tracks, walk all the way, directly to our cabin, just to steal odds and ends? And why kill my Da? Why not just, I don’t know, tie him up or knock him silly? And how did they know where to find us?” Pausing, Ragnar looks around the room again. “No, there’s more to this tale.” Returning his attention to the three men seated with him he adds, “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Jens, and you as well, Nilas. And good to see you again, Brother Bob. Apologies for my sad tale, but while you are all in town, if you see or hear anything that might help me find the murderers, I’d appreciate it. Seems I’ve lost the trail completely.” 

Nilas looks over the table at the newcomers. Back to Jens first, he guestres to the others, “We both originally hail from Dove’s Crest. I haven’t seen Jens or anyone for at least 5 or 6 years, I have lost count. Nilas then leans closer to Rangar. “Ragnar, pleased to meet you and I also share in the sorrow to hear of your father. Perhaps it was Calla’s will  to bring me here to you in your time of need. Once I meet with Callast Zale, I can see if he would mind me lending some help and maybe Calla’s blessings to help you.”

Nilas then lowers his head and his eyes narrow in anger over the subject matter of Rangar’s dead father. “I can only imagine the tempest that brews inside of you wanting to get back at those who have wronged you. As Calla can unleash a storm upon the lands, so too can she lend aid to help you do the same to those who killed your father”.

Ragnar nods his agreement. “Aye, I’ll take whatever help I can get. Pleased to meet you both and to see you again, Brother Bob.”

Jens nods politely. “Good to meet you, too, Ragnar. So, you’re looking for a group of three or four, rough customers. Maybe arrived in port just before you? I can ask around the docks. They might be hoping to catch a ship leaving soon, ‘afore you catch up to them.” Jens starts pondering who would be the best person on the docks to ask. Harbormaster seems a bit above such things…

Piper's Quay

Session Notes

We held a sort of Zero Session to put the finishing touches on our characters before the campaign kicked off. The players decided to have a "get to re-know you" PbP session to kick things off. 

Cast of Characters:

Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K

Jens Marko, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J
Callast Nilas Orkan, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B

Ragnar Rocht, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K

and GMJasonGURPS as the DM