Difference between revisions of "Isle of Thanatos"

Hardened with battle you have no longer gone looking for trouble. Trouble seems to find you more often these days than if you were to endeavor to find it anyways.

While reclined at a corner of the inn, trying to look less obvious than in times past, an almost familiar face plops down in the chair next to you. The scar on the upper right cheek of the man belongs to Cedric the merchant. Although you have spoken to him many times as he peddles his trinkets and wares from the distant East, you have never had more than a friendly exchange. Perhaps only unfriendly exchanges, as it would be a compliment to say that the authenticity of his wares was questionable.

"It's an unsettling time and I have unsettling news, my friend. This meal is on me, but we cannot talk here." He pauses to shout at the bar maid "'Nessa! We'll needs someale for the road!"

You soon find yourself in a small home discussing some rather disturbing news with yet more familiar faces from town.

"Lord Marcus is increasingly forward. Attacking directly! Using an undead army! The world decends to the depths. Marcus lowers us. The famed Eustace watches us suffer, as if our border towns have no value." An elderly man with an unshaven chin stokes his anger as he also stokes the fireplace.

He continues, "The guards at the front gate were anxious today. I fear that an attack is imminent. I called you all here because you have all seen combat. I suspect you can help me in a counter assault."

Although he strikes you as an unwitting associate, Cedric stands to address the group. "We believe that Marcus has invaded and controlled the mythic, mysterious isle of Thanatos. Nobody has survived a voyage to the island and lived, but minstrils sing that lost souls of people who perished there have risen and are enslaved to a firey curse set upon them by a cruel and magical gem known as 'The Heart of the Beast.' Such an artifact would explain his sudden mastery of dark arts. It also presents a frightening reality. He's desparate to conquer. He's desparate for something..."

Known for his theatrics at the bargaining table, Cedric is interrupted again by the old man. "There is a boat at the dock ready for us. We have no time to waste. Follow us!"

Accenting the old man's shout is a scream from outside. It sounds almost as if the entire town is screaming. The others run outside to thunderous booms. The old man breaks back into the room, bloody with a gaping wound. Before he can speak he is dragged outside by pirates working for Marcus.

The town is under attack. Will you stay and fight?

Intro text: You have fled the attack and made it to the boat. You are pleased to learn that Cedric has joined you, but only a few others accompany him. They release the sail and unmoor the ship as fast as they can. The current of the river carries you towards open ocean

...But instead, Marcus has a surprise. Your ship stops at a blockade only to be met by more pirates!

Intro text: Escaping the blockade was not easy but you and the ship are finally able to safely sail to Isle Thanatos. The island appears to be surrounded by mist but as the ship closes in the fog is actually smoke spewing from the top of the mountain.

There is no safe place to make land, but the southern tip of the island has a cove that can be reached by row boat.