Rise of Drekis: Chapter 5 Episode 01

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==Synopsis==
Vincent, on a mission commissioned by Richard, begins his journey by sailing to Cawksport, where he learns from harbor master about the warlock's ominous arrival and message. He then travels to a Spice Island, where an old man named Christopher reveals that the islands are now hostile to Drekis due to past neglect and taxation. Christopher also credits the warlock Eid-Ryeah with uniting the islands and performing miraculous deeds. Vincent proceeds to Outlast, where he meets Fusan Tuulwikk. Fusan recounts the transition of control over the Spice Islands, the subsequent rebellion, and blames Akuba for the unrest, while defending her family's efforts. Vincent then goes to Akuba and negotiates a marble trade with Samir, who also helps him acquire requested goods and provides insight into the evolving spice trade. Returning to Outlast, Vincent informs Fusan with his suspicions that the Spice Islands have been trading with Akuba, leading her to declare such actions as treason or grounds for war depending on Akuba's involvement.
==Recap==
=== Background ===
A small ship arrives in the Harbor of Cawksport and runs itself aground. As the harbor patrol approaches to reprimand the pilot for their ineptitude, a warlock steps off the boat, speaks a word of magic, and the boat folds itself into a small carrying case. With the case in hand, the warlock proceeds to the Harbor Master's office.
Inside the office, the warlock, who goes by the name Eid-Ryeah, delivers a message in an Akuban accent. Embershore and the other Spice Islands declare their independence from the Empire of Drekkis. Eid-Ryeah warns that if a single Drekkis soldier sets foot on any shore, the islanders will burn their farms, plantations, and wilds to the ground. Should Drekkis attempt to reclaim Embershore and its city of Valuton, the warlock threatens to summon Brimstone, Fire Incarnate, to annihilate the invaders with a sea of fire. Having delivered this message both verbally and in writing, the warlock returns to the sea, speaks a word, unfolds their ship, and sails back into the Shallow Sea.
The warlock is described as an older man with red eyes, a face speckled with black and red scales, and a forked tongue.
===== Objectives =====
* Retrieve the magic boat from the warlock.
* If possible, capture the warlock.
* End the revolts on the Spice Islands.
* Determine Akuba’s involvement in the situation.
=== Preparing to Leave ===
In the capital city of Drekis, Wikkthronrarenta, Vincent Mapper and his bodyguard, Vordren, are summoned to meet with Lord Richard Marshal. Richard informs Vincent about a new mission for the Empire. After receiving the mission briefing, Vincent requests official paperwork and a gift basket to bring to the Akubans to establish good relations. Richard agrees, and a few days later, he provides Vincent with two documents and some wealth for trading.
The first document is an Empire-approved trade license under the name Lionel Imports and Exports, Lord Richard’s trading company. The second document endorses Vincent as a representative of Drekis. It states: 
“Vincent Mapper is working on behalf of the Empire to restore the Spice Islands to their rightful rule. Any citizen of the Empire should assist Vincent in his quest to the best of their ability. No request should be unusual nor put anyone’s life or livelihood in danger. Any expenses incurred can be compensated with a note from Vincent delivered to your county seat.” 
The wealth for trading consists of 150 coins of mithril. Richard instructs Vincent to use this mithril to purchase papyrus, gum arabic, and pine nuts in Akuba and to establish contact with a marble supplier.
Vincent then mentions to Richard that he knows a spell called , which can conceal information on a piece of paper. He suggests that this could be useful for a merchant wishing to send secret messages. Richard responds that they need to establish a trusting relationship first. He then asks Vincent about his plans after his service to the Empire. Vincent expresses his desire to become a merchant like Richard. Richard warns Vincent of the dangers but tells him that if this mission goes well, he has an expedition that Vincent would be perfect to lead.
=== Current State of The Empire ===
During their conversation, Vincent asks Richard to describe the current state of the Drekisian Empire. Richard provides the following updates:
* Cauldron and Misty Rapids are being resettled.
* Thornwood has been taken over by monsters.
* The Giants of the Teatherwilds are running rampant in Southern Eridon.
* The goblins in Whiteshore have been dealt with and resettlement has begun. The fate of the original population, who mysteriously vanished, remains unknown.
* Negotiations with Wake County have been progressing well.
* The undead menace in Flat County has disappeared, though the cause of this disappearance is unknown.
* The dwarves in the north have been granted their independence.
* Goldhill has been incorporated into the Empire.
* The king of Mistrya, Imrik McGary, has become withdrawn and now surrounds himself with flowers, leading people to refer to his throne as the “flower throne.”
* The gold dragon Shine has made her home in Dragon Peak and maintains a low profile.
* The Mahtavans have not followed orders from the Empire very well but have not taken any actions that warrant escalation.
=== Journey Begins ===
November 26, 1521. In a ship commissioned by Richard, Vincent begins his mission by sailing to Cawksport, the town where the warlock delivered his warning. Upon arrival, Vincent visits the harbor master who met the warlock. She introduces herself as Madam Longpace and recounts the warlock's arrival and delivery of his message. Her story matches the account Richard provided to Vincent. She also describes sensing a malevolence in his eyes, as if he wanted her to send soldiers so he could have an excuse to burn everything. After the warlock's departure, all contact with the island ceased to avoid provoking him.
Madam Longpace also shares the legend of the red dragon Brimstone. According to the legend, the dragon came to Embershore thousands of years ago, just after the breaking of the world, and had a volcano dropped on him, tapping him underneath. In 1509, the island vanished for a few months before reappearing. Locals believe the dragon took up his lair in Icecap, the mountain north of Pinespur, before returning to Embershore when the island reappeared, trapped once again.
=== Fist Contact on the Spice Islands ===
November 28, 1521. The next day, Vincent sets off to the closest Spice Island after purchasing clothing and farming tools to use as gifts for the locals. Vincent and Vordren land on the western side of the island and are greeted by the locals. In the distance, Vincent notices several people with torches heading toward the agricultural areas. An old man named Christopher invites Vincent and Vordren into his hut. He explains that the Spice Islands are no longer friendly with Drekis and its Empire. Christopher recounts how Drekis failed to defend them when Scoria terrorized them and immediately demanded taxation for the years uncollected during the war once it ended.
Vincent asks if their desire for independence was influenced by the warlock's arrival several months ago. Christopher explains that Eid-Ryeah brought unity to the Spice Islands and derives his mighty powers from the creature under the stones. He shows Vincent an obsidian shrine of a dragon and describes how Eid-Ryeah has healed the sick, saved the wounded, created order where there was chaos, and defeated the pirates. The conversation ends, and Vincent and Vordren leave the island. As they depart, the people with the torches, who were ready to burn the spices, return to the village.
=== Arriving in Outlast ===
Vincent arrives in Outlast, a highly militarized town built into a hillside. At the docks, Vincent is greeted by the harbormaster, who questions him. When Vincent mentions he is looking to speak with the noble family that was in charge of the Spice Islands, she introduces herself as Padwick Tuulwikk, a member of the family overseeing the Islands. Padwick invites Vincent into a well-appointed house to meet with Fusan Tuulwikk, the heir apparent to the Tuulwikk family.
Fusan explains that after the war, the Empress decided to remove the Spice Islands from the Tuulwikks' jurisdiction and assigned them to Kurshwikk. During this transition period, the rebellion in the Spice Islands occurred and the warlock appeared. She goes on to describe the Akubans as deceitful and blames them for the rebellion. When Vincent questions the Tuulwikks' governance, Fusan admits to charging back taxes once the war ended but claims they did their best to help rebuild the islands. She also refutes the claims that they did nothing to stop the raiders from the Red Coast, asserting that they have always been diligent in protecting the islands. Before Vincent departs, Fusan tells him that if the warlock is indeed a wizard, the Akubans have a method of tracking spellcasters using their blood.
=== Arriving in Pike's Pont ===
December 4, 1521. Vincent arrives in Pike's Point and heads to the main market. There, he finds a merchant selling a large selection of spices, which Vincent suspects are sourced from the Spice Islands. He attempts to arrange a meeting with the merchant's supplier but is unsuccessful. Instead, Vincent asks for a marble supplier, and the merchant provides him with the location of a man named Samir for a small fee.
Vincent enters Samir’s office, where he encounters three security guards. After a short wait, Samir arrives and escorts Vincent into a luxurious office. Vincent and Samir discuss trading marble for mithril and exchange documentation. Following their marble negotiations, Vincent inquires if Samir can assist in procuring all the goods Richard requested and provide information about the spice trade in Akuba. Samir agrees to help and assists Vincent in using all the mithril to acquire merchandise and load it onto their ship. During this process, Samir explains how the spice trade has evolved over the past few years. He notes that during the war, the supply of spices increased and has continued to grow, peaking around two years ago. Vincent asks Samir if he knows of a wizard named Eid-Ryeah, to which Samir replies that he does not.
Before leaving, Samir gifts Vincent a box containing a beautifully curved dagger for his master.
=== Return to Outlast ===
December 7, 1521. Vincent returns to Outlast on the Day of Tall Corn, also known as Harvest Festival Day. He meets with Fusan Tuulwikk again, who suggests discussing business after the festivities the next day.
The following day, Vincent explains to Fusan that he believes the Spice Islands have been selling their spices to Akuba since the war began. Fusan responds that if this is true, the people of the Spice Islands have committed treason. Alternatively, if the Akubans have been forcing them to sell spices, it would be grounds for war against Akuba.
== Experience==
No experience given this episode.
Category:Rise of Drekis Episodes
Category:Rise of Drekis