Session 65, A Close Shave at the Blade
Paldegora
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Session 65 – 2026-01-10
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Summary
No summary needed!
Detail
The group, weary from their earlier discussions, were ready to turn in. Jesse Jack Johnson (Lady Jessica Primrose Smythe) instructed Ashara to spread the word that the ship would sail as soon as possible, with preparations to begin immediately. She suggested everyone rest, then meet in the morning aboard the Blade to finalize their plan of action.
The Sea Bitch had blocked the exit from the bay, pinning Jesse Jack's vessel in place ever since it arrived. Curizon (Ishmael Curizon) was hot on her trail and his presence meant time was short.
George led the group to a small building with several rooms, offering space for everyone to bed down. Discussions continued late into the night about strategies to deal with Ishmael's ship and crew—capturing the Sea Bitch to disguise their approach to Hawthorn's hideout. They also wanted to avoid a major sea battle in the harbor. Ideas for taking the ship ranged from luring the crew ashore, charming the captain, using illusions, polymorphing objects or people, creating distractions like a fake half-orc sighting of “Jesse Jack,” planting false notes, drugging the crew, or even brute force.
Concerns arose about insufficient numbers to crew multiple ships. There was the other problem of Laroque and what to do with him. The potential risks for chaos in the town and harm coming to the people there, especially Symon's sister, also loomed.
Eventually, exhaustion won out. They set a rotating watch—Eryn first, then Cassandra, then Cal—to allow the rest to recover spells and strength. The night passed uneventfully, and by morning the group had rested fully, regaining their spells.
A quiet knock came at the door. Boy George informed them that Captain's Hurst and Johnson were ready. He led them to where the others waited. “The ship was nearly supplied, crews bustling.”, Jesse told them. She'd hoped they had ideas and suggested heading to the Blade for a proper conference.
They followed eastward, crossing a small rope bridge over a slow-moving stream, through brush that opened into a cleared area. There, for the first time, they saw the Blade.
The ship sat in a small cove with a makeshift dock, woods recently cleared around it. It was incredibly sleek and well-constructed, with multiple masts for speed and shiny metal integrated into its reinforced hull—an elegant, sharp design that explained its fearsome reputation.
Flying from the mast was a large black flag bearing three J's and a bloody dagger—Jesse Jack's mark of revenge.
As they approached, a voice emerged from the surrounding brush: “I told you not to get between me and my prey. Seems you're part of it, my friend.”
Suddenly, pirates burst from the scrub, cutlasses drawn, charging the group from the south and the northwest. A quick count indicated there were 14 of them.
A fierce battle followed. Angelique cast Slow on several attackers, hampering their movements. Multiple Fireballs erupted from Karn, Barnard, and Symon, engulfing people on both sides of the battle. Cal, X'or, Cassandra, Jesse Jack, and the rest fought in close combat, cutting down foes amid explosions and steel clashes. Eryn raced to face off against Barnard and with her short sword of quickness, she was able to keep him from getting off another spell.
While Captain Ishmael Curizon and his mage Barnard proved tough, protected by spells that deflected some attacks, stinking clouds choked their fighters, and wounds mounted. The tide turned as the group systematically eliminated the attackers. Barnard and Curizon fell last, the remaining pirates were slain.
One pirate fled into the dense jungle. Cassandra gave chase to the escaping pirate. Eryn had just finished off Barnard and also joined in the chase, her Boots of Striding and Springing allowing her to catch up to Cassandra quickly.
Boy George and Persephone the cat lay dead. The fireball proved too much for them to survive. The survivors searched the fallen: spellbook, rings, wands, a fine cutlass, coins, and diamonds.
Jesse Jack estimated this was not Ishmael's full crew—likely 8–10 remained on the ship. If the fleeing pirate reached it, they could sail away.
She proposed readying the Blade while a contingent pursued, giving them a head start to neutralize the remaining threat quietly. She preferred no cannon fire in the harbor but would act if necessary.
The group backtracked toward the docks, hoping to catch the escapee before he reached the ship, while Jesse Jack prepared to follow. The jungle thickened, tracks muddied, and the chase continued into the swampy wilds.
That is where the session ended.
Please start the recorder!
Exp: 2500 + 250 = 2750