[jason taylor]

The Lost City of the Mer-King:

The Inn of the Laughing Whale is one of the favorite meeting spots for the respectable crowd along the waterfront. The sailors go elsewhere. This is where the captains, builders, and owners hang out. The drink is good, as is the food, as is the decor (GM's discretion as to how it is to look: possibly like an idealized Atlantic coast hangout, or alternatively like a tiki).

While the drink is pouring tales are told. One is the legend of the mer-king's city. Long ago the Mer-folk lived in bliss. But the Krakan came and destroyed the city, taking the treasure for his own. In revenge the Mer-King placed a curse on whosoever shall disturb it before his people can return.

Captain (named whomever) listens to the tale with to much of a habit of rashness and to much delight in the rum. He declares on his honor that he can bring back the lost treasure.

The PCs are ordinary foremast hands. They think they are signing on for an ordinary merchant voyage and little know that they have tied their fate to his.

Alternately: the PCs are officers of the ship. This may be better as it puts them in more control and lets them know what is going on.


The story will be based on traditional maritime folklore. Mer creatures, spectre ships, floating islands, ghost sailors in albatrosses and dolphins. Just put it in.