The story begins on the southeastern coast on the continent of Cavlene, which is ruled by the Trehaidian Empire. The town of Droyva is buzzing as an annual festival known as “The Coral Fe
stival” is about to kick off.
A nomadic sea elf has set up his glasswares in the marketplace of Droyva. Ourikestran “Erik” Acuitus is surprised to find that several passersby have stopped not only to glance at what he has to offer, but many have also made purchases.
Kai-aamir, a man with a secret, travels into Droyva from the
southeastern plains of Cavlene. Perhaps he was hoping to participate in the festivities? Maybe he was simply looking for a place to take his mind off of his obligations, either way, Kai enters Droyva with expectations of a pleasant experience.
A young man with red hair and cloaked travel garb enters the town of Droyva. He climbs the final step coming up from the docks below, and he seems nervous as he scans the bustling village before him. He whistles quickly and a large white wolf named Boda trots up to his side. Jotun Wothricson was perhaps hoping that Droyva would be a quiet town; maybe he could lay low and try not to draw too much attention to himself. Perhaps that hope is fading as a large in stature White Scaled Dragonborn approaches.
Salivator Ofthemouth, Sali for short, spent his morning drinking ale in the local watering hole. While he is not a native to Droyva, he has been to the town quite often over the years. After taking and completing a dangerous assignment from Mayor Garvin Addams, he spent his night drinking and contemplating his next journey. He exited the bar, determined to see the festivities as they unfolded when he spotted a man and his wolf entering the town.
Sali carefully places his clawed hand on Boda’s neck and greets the large wolf. Boda is cautious at first, but he eventually warms up to his newly found friend.
Initially, Jotun was nervous around the Dragonborn named Sali. However, after it was clear that Boda seems to like Sali, Jotun drops his guard. Sali, after all, seems to care not whether Jotun is even present, as he gives his attention to the wolf.
Sali smiled and returned to the tavern, seemingly ready to drink the day away. Jotun and Boda follow close behind.
Sali pets Boda while Jotun orders food and shares a glass of milk with his faithful wolf companion. Kai enters the tavern now as well and sees the odd sight of an eight-foot Dragonborn petting a wolf while a red-headed man lets the beast lick out of his glass.
Only a few patrons now sit in the establishment, wondering what events the day holds.
Just then, a blue-skinned elf, Erik, enters the tavern looking disheveled and spots the three others sitting in the establishment. His look of desperation changes into excitement as he informs them that there is an arena event taking place later in the day, and the winner receives a hefty sum of gold. Sali is driven by a longing for battle, while Kai, Jotun, and Erik all agree that they could use the coin. The four decide that they will cooperate and battle together in the arena for gold and glory.
After the party signs up, they play the waiting game. Their first battle begins in about half an hour. The party collects their thoughts and waits back in the tavern with drinks in hand.
The battle is easily won and well fought. Jotun uses his bow and arrow from a distance. Sali gets up close and personal with aggression and ferocity. Kai surprises the entire arena when his human form explodes into that of a fearsome White Weretiger, and he fights with incredible agility and guile. Finally, Erik’s divine magical prowess and his skill with the trident quickly force their opposing team to surrender before severe casualties take place.
The party steps out from the arena, all feeling very impressed with one another as it is evident that they work quite well as a team. However, they still have a second match before they can claim the prize money and victory.
After nearly an hour of waiting and preparing, the party finally enters the battle arena for the second time. This time the mercenary group known as The Spinning Blades awaits them. The battle is intense; the enemies are fearsome and well trained. Each team trades blows, one after another, warriors begin going down. First, Boda is knocked unconscious, and a desperate Jotun does everything he can to try and keep enemies from causing further damage to his trusted ally.
Next, Kai flips over the human warrior named Ganavan. Kai strikes him with an incredible and precise ferocity which deals massive damage.
Then, an assassin warrior from the Spinning blades takes a devastating attack as Sali launches a javelin into her knee, rendering her utterly useless in the fight.
Erik’s crackling lightning explodes in the center of the arena, sending his opponents skipping across the dusty floor of the battlefield before he eventually succumbs to the attacks of the leader of the Spinning Blades herself, Harshali Twindhall. The last leg of the battle stands upon Sali and Jotun against the leader Harshali. However, after she scans the battlefield and realizes that her team is wholly devastated, she crumbles under the pressure as Sali demands her surrender.
The party wins to thunderous applause from the people of Droyva. At this point, the party discusses their victory and decides that they work quite well with one another. They participate in some festival games and competitions. Sali tests his physical strength in an arm wrestle. Jotun’s ranged prowess is made all too clear as he shoots a target with his bow and nails a bullseye. Erik and Kai both participate in a game where you try and throw a ball into a cup.
The party celebrates that night with drinks and plenty of food. After they talk for a while, Erik decides that he wants to take a trip to the marketplace to try and find some specialty items during the festival, Jotun chooses to join him as well. However, as they exit the tavern, Erik spots sails as a vessel pulls into the port at Droyva. He has a moment of recognition, realizing he has seen the insignia on the mast of the ship before: The Gilded Skull has come to Droyva.
A barrage of cannon fire explodes around them as the ship begins firing upon them. The Gilded Skull is an infamous pirate crew all across the Craven and Bithyl seas.
Note: Character images are examples taken from other DND related sites, and each image links back to the source.
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