Thalmiir approached Captain Thaddeus Bramblewick with a matter of great importance. Negotiations were underway to secure a berth for Dabshabah. With a mixture of charm and determination, Thalmiir outlined the benefits Dabshabah could bring to the ship’s defense, emphasizing her strength and potential. Captain Bramblewick, intrigued yet cautious, agreed to the proposal, provided Dabshabah could prove her worth.

As dawn broke, the adventurers made their way to the docks, their belongings in tow. First Mate Zara Storm Blackwood stood sternly by the gangplank, announcing the arrival of the various groups. The Silent Fang, clad in dark stained leather and cloaks, and the Iron Vanguard, resplendent in gleaming breastplates, boarded the vessel as Zara announced them. Thalmiir responded to the Iron Vanguard’s chest-thump salute with a traditional Dwarven gesture, earning a few chuckles from the stoic warriors. “Thalmiir’s Thunder,” Zara announced, causing a ripple of confusion and amusement among the adventurers.

As the groups took their assigned positions—Iron Vanguard on the oars, Silent Fang on the ropes, and Thalmiir’s Thunder on the rigging—Bartholemeow stashed his gear and began playing a rousing sea shanty. The rhythmic melody infused the crew with renewed vigor, synchronizing their efforts as the ship prepared to depart. Pebblesong and Bartholemeow kept a keen eye on the horizon, watching for Dabshabah’s arrival.

With a flash of wings, Dabshabah soared toward the Windwhisperer, landing somewhat awkwardly on the deck. The Iron Vanguard drew their weapons instinctively, but Bartholemeow, using Pebblesong’s thaumaturgy, dramatically announced the dragon’s arrival. The performance, bolstered by the bard’s musical prowess, inspired both Dabshabah and the Iron Vanguard to acknowledge her presence with newfound respect. Captain Bramblewick, curious about the new addition, welcomed Dabshabah aboard, noting her potential as a valuable asset.

Bartholemeow, ever the inquisitive bard, sought to gather information about the other groups on the ship. He approached the Iron Vanguard first, striking up a conversation with Commander Dorian Steelheart and Lt. Alara Stonefist. Through a blend of charm and curiosity, Bartholemeow learned of their alignment with “Operation Daybreak.” He then turned his attention to the Silent Fang, observing their secretive nature and hand-signed communication. A brief and cryptic exchange with one of their members revealed little, save for a mention that the Iron Vanguard was unaware of certain truths. Bartholemeow conveyed these findings to Thalmiir, who nodded thoughtfully.

Meanwhile, Waer’dara engaged Dabshabah in conversation, encouraging her to assist with the ship’s operations. Despite her size making it difficult to maneuver around the deck, Dabshabah’s efforts did not go unnoticed.

Hat and Gorko took the opportunity to explore the ship’s cargo hold, where they encountered Ariala Blackthorn of the Silent Fang. A humorous exchange over a jar of high-quality mayonnaise ensued, leading to a successful theft of one of Ariala’s daggers. Hat then returns the dagger to an embarrassed Ariala.

Pebblesong, ever the friend of animals, sought out Gus, the ship’s donkey. Using her druidic abilities, she offered Gus a goodberry and performed a ritual to speak with him. The donkey, voiced with a charming and sultry tone, shared a friendly conversation with the young druid, solidifying their bond through a spell of animal friendship.

As night fell, the adventurers settled into their makeshift sleeping arrangements. Bartholemeow, drifting into slumber, found himself in a dream-like vision. Before him lay a delectable chocolate cake, upon which two fey creatures sat. They offered him a pact—obtain a pure silver bell and complete a ritual, and they would share valuable information. Bartholemeow, ever the opportunist, agreed to the terms.

A sudden thump and a squishy squashy sound from above deck jolted the adventurers awake, marking the end of their peaceful night. The Windwhisperer continued its journey, the promise of adventure and mystery ever-present on the horizon.

Session Notes
  • Brian confirms the decision made.
  • Dan mentions a ceremonial, mistakenly identifies someone as Mark, then corrects to Craig.
  • Merideth comments on being caught off guard daily.
  • Ben sets the scene post-downtime, mentioning the new moon of Myrtle as the departure day.
  • Ben brings up unresolved business, specifically asking about Dabshabah.
  • Merideth, Dan, and Brian all acknowledge the question about Dabshabah.
  • Brian expresses a desire to find Dabshabah.
  • Ben notes they glossed over finding and taking care of Dabshabah, but now need a plan for her since they’re departing.
  • Joe suggests Bartholemeow invites Dabshabah along, noting she can’t enter the city.
  • Ben points out Dabshabah isn’t invited on the boat, mentioning Waterdeep’s anti-dragon policies.
  • Luke suggests asking the ship’s captain about bringing Dabshabah on board, describing her as the size of a big dog.
  • Ben clarifies that Dabshabah is actually a medium creature.
  • Joe humorously suggests calling Dabshabah a “big dunk.”
  • Ben elaborates on Thalmiir’s interactions with the first mate and notes the boat’s full cargo.
  • Luke concludes the main issue is space rather than the dragon itself.
  • Ben confirms that space is the primary concern before considering the dragon’s presence.
  • Luke and Ben discuss cultural attitudes towards dragons in Waterdeep.
  • Luke mentions Thalmiir’s soft spot for Dabshabah despite general anti-dragon sentiments.
  • Ben notes dragons are rare, making people’s reactions to them unpredictable.
  • Luke compares asking about a dragon to inviting Bigfoot to dinner.
  • Joe proposes describing Dabshabah as a magical familiar for protection.
  • Brian suggests having a dragon on a boat is good luck.
  • Joe and Brian believe Bartholemeow could tell tales of lucky dragons.
  • Luke decides Thalmiir will attempt to negotiate Dabshabah’s passage.
  • Joe emphasizes Pebblesong’s interest in Dabshabah’s wellbeing.
  • Luke agrees Thalmiir would approach the captain after focusing on labor.
  • Ben recalls Waer’dara’s interactions with Dabshabah, giving her more insight.
  • Joe and Dan note multiple characters’ interest in Dabshabah, while Hat is indifferent.
  • Dan suggests someone who cares should talk to the captain, or they should smuggle Dabshabah.
  • Merideth prefers Thalmiir’s plan over her own.
  • Brian suggests talking first and considering smuggling as a backup.
  • Dan and Brian discuss the logistical challenge of smuggling a medium-sized creature.
  • Joe jokes about disguising Dabshabah as a pot-bellied pig.
  • Dan compares Dabshabah to a small horse.
  • Luke and Merideth discuss Dabshabah’s size being comparable to other party members.
  • Ben mentions previous negotiations about small party members like Gorko.
  • Ben notes they might push for more leeway or have already used it up.
  • Luke decides Thalmiir will approach the captain.
  • Brian asks about Dabshabah’s swimming ability.
  • Ben confirms Dabshabah can swim but not at boat speed; she can fly after healing.
  • Luke resolves to have Thalmiir talk to the captain.
  • Ben moves the scene to Thalmiir approaching the captain, Thaddeus Bramblewick, in his office.
  • Luke introduces Thalmiir’s request, offering his labor to pay for Dabshabah’s berth.
  • Ben acknowledges Thalmiir, curious about the request.
  • Luke hints at Dabshabah’s usefulness for the ship’s defense.
  • Ben expresses concerns about space and weight.
  • Luke suggests Dabshabah could assist with ship defense.
  • Ben calculates potential delays and costs.
  • Luke offers Dabshabah’s service despite her size.
  • Ben asks to meet Dabshabah before deciding.
  • Luke reveals Dabshabah’s dragon nature, lowering his voice conspiratorially.
  • Ben reacts with surprise but entertains the idea of a helpful dragon.
  • Luke confidently assures Dabshabah’s ability to tow the ship.
  • Ben considers this, noting the aging donkey Gus used for towing.
  • Ben decides to give it a chance, given Dabshabah’s potential assistance.
  • Thalmiir discusses the nature of the boat with Captain Thaddeus Bramblewick. It’s a flat-bottomed boat designed for river travel, usually pulled rather than sailed.
  • Captain Bramblewick explains the boat’s navigation, emphasizing the importance of timing voyages with favorable winds. He mentions that rowing and pulling are essential when the wind is insufficient.
  • Captain Bramblewick introduces Gus as the primary puller of the boat and suggests that a second puller, possibly the dragon Dabshabah, might be helpful.
  • Thalmiir negotiates with Captain Bramblewick regarding Dabshabah’s participation. Captain Bramblewick agrees, provided Dabshabah proves her worth.
  • Thalmiir and Captain Bramblewick finalize the agreement with a handshake. Thalmiir assures the captain that Dabshabah will join them without causing delays.
  • Thalmiir informs Dabshabah of the plan: she is to watch for the ship’s blue and white banner and land on the deck once they are out of the harbor.
  • Dabshabah expresses confidence in her abilities but is reminded by Thalmiir that she needs to earn respect by starting with a job.
  • Pebblesong and Bartholemeow prepare disguises for Dabshabah in the background. They joke about making her look like an oddly shaped dwarf.
  • The next morning, the party heads to dock thirty-seven, carrying their possessions. They notice First Mate Zara Storm Blackwood standing formally by the gangplank.
  • First Mate Zara Storm Blackwood introduces two other groups: the Silent Fang (in dark stained leather and cloaks) and the Iron Vanguard (in gleaming breastplates with heavy weaponry).
  • Thalmiir responds to the Iron Vanguard’s chest-thump salute with a Dwarven salute, which amuses some of the Iron Vanguard members.
  • First Mate Zara Storm Blackwood refers to the party as “Thalmiir’s Thunder,” causing some confusion and amusement among the party members.
  • Zara instructs the groups on their tasks: the Iron Vanguard on the oars, the Silent Fang on the ropes, and Thalmiir’s Thunder on the rigging.
  • Bartholemeow stashes his gear and begins playing a sea shanty to aid with the timing of the oars as the ship prepares to depart.
  • First Mate Zara Storm Blackwood calls up to Captain Bramblewick for permission to come aboard, which is granted.
  • The party boards the ship and Bartholemeow continues playing his loot and drum to encourage the crew.
  • The ship, a large shallow-draft vessel suitable for rivers, sets sail with a well-coordinated crew. The cargo hold is full of grain and other sundries.
  • Thalmiir ensures the blue and white banner is raised and watches for Dabshabah.
  • Pebblesong makes a perception check to spot Dabshabah, with Bartholemeow providing inspiration.
  • Pebblesong eventually spots Dabshabah taking wing and flying towards the ship.
  • Dabshabah lands awkwardly on the deck, prompting the Iron Vanguard to draw their weapons.
  • Bartholemeow formally announces Dabshabah’s arrival, using Pebblesong’s thaumaturgy to enhance the dramatic effect.
  • Bartholemeow’s performance successfully inspires both Dabshabah and some members of the Iron Vanguard to acknowledge her presence with respect.
  • Captain Bramblewick expresses interest in meeting the new companion, Dabshabah.
  • Captain Thaddeus Bramblewick welcomes the party aboard the Wind Whisperer, noting that Thalmiir vouched for them and expects them to be cooperative.
  • Captain Bramblewick mentions that the first ten days at sea will be easy, but the river part of the journey will be more challenging.
  • Bartholemeow offers to manage the day-to-day operations of the ship but is told to wait until they reach the river.
  • Dabshabah the dragon is welcomed on board and settles among the crates in the fore of the ship, making an impressive figurehead.
  • Bartholemeow seeks to gather information about the other groups on the ship by playing tunes and observing their behavior.
  • The party learns that two groups are accompanying them: the Iron Vanguard and the Silent Fang.
  • Bartholemeow decides to focus on the Iron Vanguard first, observing that they have a formal military bearing and salute one member, indicating a commander.
  • Bartholemeow approaches the Iron Vanguard’s commander, who is referred to as Commander Dorian Steelheart, with the help of Lt. Alara Stonefist.
  • Bartholemeow introduces himself and tries to ensure that the groups are aware of each other. Commander Steelheart reveals that they are also heading to Secomber for a job, similar to the party.
  • Commander Steelheart mentions their alignment with “Operation Daybreak.”
  • Bartholemeow informs Thalmiir about the Iron Vanguard’s connection to Operation Daybreak.
  • Bartholemeow then focuses on the Silent Fang, noting their secretive and deceptive nature, and that they communicate through hand signs.
  • Bartholemeow approaches a member of the Silent Fang, who reveals little information but mentions that the Iron Vanguard doesn’t know “what’s what.”
  • Bartholemeow notes the Silent Fang’s rudeness and informs Thalmiir about their behavior.
  • Waer’dara engages with Dabshabah, encouraging her to help out with the ship’s operations, emphasizing her strength and potential to assist Thalmiir.
  • Dabshabah attempts to help with the ropes, although her size and shape make it awkward to maneuver around the ship.
  • Hat tries to shirk duties and explores the cargo hold, contemplating potential theft but not acting on it yet.
  • Dan, playing Hat, starts by indicating a desire to chat with Gorka and investigate why Gorka speaks “weird goblets.”
  • Ben, as the DM, asks Dan if Hat is being subtle or thorough while investigating the cargo hold. Dan responds that Hat is not thorough but somewhat sneaky, distracted by new shiny crates. Hat knows they should be helping Thalmiir with the ropes.
  • Ben suggests a stealth check, and Dan agrees, enlisting Gorka for a bonding exercise.
  • Brian, playing Pebblesong, jokes that the group will be fine.
  • Dan rolls an 18 for stealth and confirms that Puppet will help. Ben notes Gorka is surprisingly silent and a bit frustrated with Hat’s conversation attempts.
  • Ben describes the packed cargo hold, filled mostly with bags of grain, crates, and miscellaneous items like nails, sailcloth, metal ingots, horseshoes, furniture spare parts, and brass rings.
  • Luke, playing Thalmiir Brukur, comments humorously about the nails and horseshoes.
  • Ben sets the scene of the hold being dim and packed, and then reveals a member of the Silent Fang, Ariala Blackthorn, sitting on a strongbox. She greets Hat with a flourish and a casual demeanor.
  • Dan, as Hat, responds jovially to Ariala, offering items from his bag, including mayonnaise from his alchemy jug.
  • The interaction continues with a humorous exchange about Hat’s various goods. Ariala, intrigued by the high-quality mayonnaise, introduces herself.
  • Dan introduces Hat, Puppet, and Gorka. Ariala is impressed by the mayonnaise, and Ben describes her threatening them if they interfere with the cargo.
  • Dan attempts to steal one of Ariala’s daggers using sleight of hand, succeeding with a roll that beats Ariala’s perception. Ariala, embarrassed, threatens Hat if he reveals the theft.
  • Ben narrates Ariala flipping and catching a dagger expertly, emphasizing her skill and the subtle threat.
  • The scene shifts to Brian’s character, Pebblesong, seeking out Gus, the ship’s donkey. Ben describes Gus’s comfortable billet.
  • Brian offers Gus a good berry, and Ben narrates Gus’s happy reaction.
  • Brian performs a ritual to speak with animals, and Ben voices Gus as a charming, sultry-sounding donkey. Gus and Pebblesong share a friendly conversation.
  • Brian expresses a desire to befriend Gus without seeking information. Ben considers an animal handling check unnecessary, given the context.
  • Brian casts the “Animal Friendship” spell, which Gus fails, further cementing their bond.
  • Dan discusses the concept of feeding an animal and mentions “That’s magic.”
  • Brian states he has used most of his spell slots for the day.
  • Dan apologizes for focusing on mayonnaise for the day.
  • Luke makes a comment about Imo (possibly referring to an inside joke or shorthand).
  • Brian mentions talking to a donkey and that he has more Goodberries if anyone gets hurt.
  • Joe points out that none of the remaining spells are combat spells.
  • Ben narrates Gus, a character, chatting with Pebblesong about life on the boat and asking about her life and motivations for seeking adventure.
  • Brian, as Pebblesong, expresses happiness and wanderlust, mentioning hopes of meeting interesting animals.
  • Ben adds that Gus congratulates Pebblesong, and she continues to hang out with him.
  • Ben explains that those not working on the ship might catch some hassle, but there isn’t much work to do at the moment.
  • Ben mentions Zara tries to hand a mop to those not doing anything, but loses interest quickly.
  • Brian jokes about using Mage Hand for mopping.
  • Ben sets up the next part, mentioning time to kick off a “little next bit.”
  • Ben describes the night scene where folks find places to bed down informally.
  • Ben narrates Bartholemeow beginning to have a dream about a delicious piece of chocolate cake.
  • Merideth interjects with a curious “So,” but Ben continues the dream description.
  • Joe is intrigued by the dream, responding with “Great” and “Not yet.”
  • Ben continues describing the dream, mentioning two fey creatures appearing, one sitting on the cake.
  • Dan humorously suggests “Kick.”
  • Ben narrates the larger fey creature speaking and regarding Bartholemeow.
  • Joe responds to the fey creatures’ remarks, trying to show wit.
  • Ben continues the dialogue with the fey creatures discussing the silver bell and a pact.
  • Joe agrees to form a pact, under the condition of drawing it up.
  • Ben provides the conditions of the pact involving a pure silver bell and a ritual.
  • Joe finds the pact agreeable.
  • Ben declares the pact sealed.
  • Joe humorously asks for the names of the fey creatures.
  • Ben continues with the fey creatures sensing something coming and mentioning “the hat.”
  • Luke enjoys the interaction, laughing.
  • Ben narrates the fey creatures vanishing and Bartholemeow receiving a quest.
  • Joe adds a piece of delicious chocolate cake to his inventory.
  • Ben mentions a thump and a squishy squashy sound from above decks, and decides to end the session there.
  • Dan, Luke, and Brian react to the end of the session with various comments.
  • Ben allows Bartholemeow to add the cake to his inventory, and Merideth jokes about a mayonnaise chocolate cake recipe.
  • The group discusses various topics, including plans for the week and other players’ attendance.
  • Dan mentions heading to bed, and the group exchanges goodnights.