Session 5 - Crescenteve the 16th of Harvestfall

The salty tang of the sea air mixed with the dank smell of the coastal tidal caves as the party ventured into the labyrinthine passageways, their goal clear: find the elusive breathbloom algae for Gilly to brew potions of waterbreathing. The narrow, winding tunnels seemed to close in around them, the light dim and the air thick with anticipation. Suddenly, the quiet was shattered by the clattering approach of three giant crabs, their pincers snapping menacingly. The party sprang into action. Maylin, with a swift and deadly strike, felled the first crab. As the creature lay lifeless, Njál couldn’t resist mansplaining the finer points of crab preparation, much to Maylin’s annoyance. Resolving to keep the crab for herself, she turned her back on Njál’s culinary advice.   Alana, quick and precise, launched a dagger that struck the second crab squarely in the face, killing it instantly. Kaldor attempted to dispatch the third crab, but it managed to flee into the shadows of the cave, evading his strike.   Pressing on, the adventurers found themselves in a flooded chamber where the water stood eerily still, defying the natural order by not making anything wet. Four ancient pillars rose from the water, each inscribed with runes that seemed to whisper secrets from a bygone era. Pharox, his eyes narrowing in concentration, began translating the Draconic script:  

Iejir ve Vutha, vorjurniv tirti.
Svabol Vutha, zarvith si dronilnr.
Svabol zarvith, nabij ui tirn.
Nabij bring vorjurniv.

  Or in tradecommon:  

In the chaos of the storm, revelation can be found.
After the storm, calm follows.
With calm , balance is restored.
Balance brings revelation.

  Attempting to solve the puzzle, they triggered a trap, summoning a lesser water elemental that surged from the depths, its form shifting and undulating with malevolent intent. Amalfi struck first but was swiftly engulfed by the elemental’s watery mass. Maylin, determined and resourceful, cast Ice Knife, the explosive shards harming the elemental but also wounding Amalfi and herself in the process. Pharox narrowly dodged the icy shrapnel, his focus unwavering. Pharox then lunged with his trident, but the elemental’s fluid form evaded the blow. Thinking quickly, Kaldor conjured a spectral skeletal hand with Chill Touch, pulling the elemental down into the ground. The creature dissipated, releasing Amalfi from its grasp.   The party, now wiser, attempted the puzzle again, pressing the runes in the correct sequence. The water began to drain, revealing a hidden tunnel leading deeper into the cave. Following the path, they discovered an algae garden where the luminous breathbloom thrived, its glowing fronds swaying gently in the subterranean breeze. With their prize in hand, the party made their way back to Fjál. Gilly greeted them warmly, taking the giant crab carcasses to prepare a sumptuous crab boil. Using her proprietary blend of spices she called Vintage Inlet, she crafted a meal that filled the air with mouth-watering aromas. She then took the time to teach Maylin the proper method of storing crab meat, passing on her culinary wisdom.