Chapter 62: Wind Whisperer Ezra, with his charming facade, attempted to sway the players into aiding him during his supposed expedition to the alluring Emerald Cove.
He cleverly presented it as a quest for their benefit, promising to share any treasures he might discover once the Floating Market reopened.
However, beneath the facade of generosity lay a sinister plot.
Unbeknownst to the players, Ezra’s true intentions were far from noble. His plan was to cunningly lead the players into a trap set by the Reef Raiders near a beach known for housing treasures from a sunken fleet.
His aim was to exploit their trust and put them in harm’s way for the benefit of the raiders.
Xin already MAX his [Relationship Level] with Ezra so he knew who he really was.
He then made his way to the Coconü Tavern, an interesting establishment that resembled a massive, dry coconut half-buried in the sand, boasting gypsum walls inside. There, he found Ezra in the company of Bronco, a kobold bandit captain, sipping wine leisurely at one of the tables.
As Xin approached Ezra, the latter immediately spotted him and smiled.
"Hello there, Lord Schrodinger," Ezra replied, his smile seemingly genuine.
Xin asked him about the quest.
"If it’s you who’s asking, I’d be glad to take you with me to Emerald Cove. We will surely find something valuable there." Ezra proudly displayed a pouch filled with ancient coins, claiming they were from the sunken empire — an authentic claim.
"We can get there in just a few hours, and I know the safest paths," he continued. "Are you ready to go now?"
Xin nodded.
"Alright, let’s set sail for Emerald Cove, Bronco," Ezra commanded his bodyguard.
Guided by Ezra and Bronco, Xin boarded the boat for another waterborne adventure. Having grown accustomed to traveling on the waters, he felt at ease during the journey.
Upon reaching the beach, a mesmerizing cove stretched out before Xin, with a small sandy beach separated by a massive boulder. Along the shoreline lay rotting crates and barrels that had been washed ashore, while a line of algae marked the latest high tide.
Recalling information from the forums about this quest, Xin anticipated that Ezra would soon take shovels from Bronco’s backpack and begin digging. He would ask the players to join in, hoping they would uncover something of value.
During the digging, Ezra might slyly suggest that some party members check the water, aiming to split the group.
If nobody took the bait, he would take matters into his own hands and request help in removing a large rock from the shallow waters, attempting to separate the party members for his devious plan.
As the party members were busy in the water, Ezra would signal to Bronco, who hurriedly left for the cliffs.
From their hidden positions, the ambushers received the signal and stealthily approached, taking one minute to converge on the party.
𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚 From underwater, hidden foes also advanced quietly, ready to catch the party by surprise.
The number and composition of the foes were completely random, but the players had some information from the forums on how to defeat them.
Meanwhile, Ezra and Bronco cunningly avoided joining the fight, pretending to be as surprised as the rest of the party. They concealed themselves during the battle, ready to reappear if the party emerged victorious.
In the event of the party’s defeat, Ezra and Bronco would maintain their disguise in Seagull’s Nest, pretending to be innocent while secretly aiding the Reef Raiders.
However, if they decided to intervene in the fight, their involvement could tip the balance in favor of the Reef Raiders. At that moment, they would reveal their true identities, showing their allegiance to the raiders and turning against the players.
If the player members discovered Ezra’s sinister plot and decided to inform the authorities in Seagull’s Nest, they would be asked to set up the trap regardless.
However, this time, they were better prepared and had the support of the local authorities, who offered them a reward for their efforts.
But Xin had positive interactions with the Reef Raiders, such as negotiating the oil instead of killing the raiders, and informing them of the dead group by the cliff (his first quest with Triton).
Thus, instead of being attack when Xin arrived at Emerald Cove, he was surprised to be greeted by a group that included Wind Whisperer.
"Greetings, Lord Schrodinger," Wind Whisperer spoke with his unique voice, "I have heard about you from my people, and I’m here to ask you an important question."
Xin was intrigued about Wind Whispered, as Illyath seemed to have a fondness for him.
However, he never anticipated what Wind Whispered would actually look like — a peculiar blend of human and fish, almost like a merman.
His appearance was certainly unique, with aquatic features that set him apart from ordinary humans with shells and barnacles all over him. His voice also had an unusual quality, as if he always had a bit of water in his mouth when he spoke.
As Xin used his [Monocle], he discovered a surprising revelation – Wind Whisperer belonged to a unique race known as the Reef Touched.
ǁ R E E F T O U C H E D ǁ
In the deep underwater tunnels and kelp forests of the Baskan coral reefs, life was harsh, and creatures had to adapt to survive.
Some had evolved over time, while others underwent changes from consuming magic algae or toxic pepperfish abundant along the Luckernaught coast.
The Reef Touched beings bore distinct characteristics, with parts of their bodies or appendages covered in barnacles, fossilized sea urchins, or even algae, depending on their time spent underwater.
ǁ E N D ǁ
As Xin processed this newfound information, Wind Whisperer’s voice brought him back to the present.
"I want more details about your findings regarding those dead bodies by the cliffs. Additionally, I’m curious about your relationship with Glesga and Seagull’s Nest."
Xin sensed that how he responded to Wind Whisperer’s inquiries could have significant consequences. The merman’s demeanor hinted at the possibility of hostility if he found reason to doubt or disapprove of his answers.
"We wish to know, Lord Schrodinger, what is your true intention in dealing with us? Are you genuinely seeking harmony, or do you have another motive in mind?"
Choosing his words carefully, Xin recounted about the bodies he saw by the cliffs in Seagull’s Nest.
"As for my relationship with Glesga and Seagull’s Nest," Xin continued, "Since I’m an adventurer, I simply help with quests around town and nothing more."
Xin explained his role as an adventurer in Seagull’s Nest and his lack of intention to interfere with the Reef Raiders’ affairs.
"I understand," Wind Whisperer replied, nodding in acceptance. "As long as we don’t cross paths in a hostile manner, there’s no need for conflict."
[CONGRATULATIONS! Your Relationship Level with Wind Whisperer reached INTIMATE!]
As a symbol of their newfound friendship, Wind Whisperer offered Xin a gift –– a unique spear.
[ACQUIRED!
Returning Spear (Weapon (Spear), Very Rare, Requires Attunement)
The Returning Spear is a remarkable and very rare magical weapon, crafted with precision and imbued with extraordinary enchantments.
This wondrous spear possesses the unique ability to teleport back to its wielder’s hand immediately after they launch a ranged attack, whether it strikes its target or misses.
The spear’s magical properties ensure that the wielder never has to worry about losing their grip on the weapon, granting them unrivaled accuracy and the ability to strike again swiftly.
Stat:
STR +100
DEX +20
NOTE! Only non-mage related class can equip this.]
Xin expressed his gratitude over the spear and after he finished talking with Wind Whisperer, he moved on to the next NPC, conquering one creature at a time in Lukernaught Coast.