Thornwell sighs again and turns toward the empty wall. But it is no longer empty – two well-worn stone steps now lead up to a stone door, which is open. The nameless butler stands in the newly-appeared doorway. Thornwell climbs the two steps and looks back. "Fine. The kobold, the human. Anyone else?"
The first door remains open, too – leading into the strange, dark, candle-lit tunnel.
(What would Boko like to do? And where shall Peri and Qivys go?)
Thwack hesitantly follows Thornwell up the two steps constantly darting a backwards look to make sure Gerrard is close behind. His attention split forwards and backwards so much he runs into Thornwell's legs when she stops. "Snarf. Why you stop? We go now before me change minds" says Thwack nervously.
Boko nods to Qivys and Peri. “Come on now. She needs us, even if she will not say. And we need her, not just for this. We are not lying, so we will be safe. Two hours, some answers about our friends and foes, and then we can put our differences with the Councillor aside and, for those who are able and willing, we deal with Dory and his abominations. Maybe fix this long-suffering city a bit, so it can help hold off undersea undead when they arrive.”
She drops a hand gently onto Thwack’s shoulder in a silent reassurance, and then follows Gerard into the stairway, senses alert.
Thornwell gives a weary nod and silently glances at the first door, which closes tight.
She and her butler companion lead you down a black stone passage lit by candle sconces. You pass a pair of curved corridors that lead off into the darkness to the left and right. You soon enter a large, circular chamber dimly lit by flickering torches and black braziers, casting long, dancing shadows along the walls. Shadowy figures sculpted from black stone loom ominously along the walls of the chamber, their features obscured by darkness. Displayed within glass domes are twisted, unidentifiable relics which seem to change shape as you examine them. Disembodied whispers echo off the stone walls, speaking words you can't quite comprehend; they seem to emanate from the very shadows themselves.
A single arched doorway stands at the top of a short and ancient stone staircase, its steps so timeworn with the passage of feet as to be nearly worn away into an undulating incline.
Thornwell turns. "Only the kobold and I may enter the Summoning Chamber. The rest of you will wait here. You are safe here. My servant will remain with you." The nameless butler nods and crosses his arms.
"I can offer you only water here, I'm afraid," adds the butler. "No other food or drink is allowed here."
Nodding supportively to Thwack, Gerrard says, "You can do this, Master Thwack." Standing respectfully until they are gone, Gerrard checks his bandages and finds a place to rest and, perhaps, to heal.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Unusually, Thwack walks silently behind Thornwell as she leads the group through the eerie passageways. When they stop at the arched doorway he looks up at Gerrard and says "Is OK Gerrard. Me be out soon. Lady just gonna check me is OK." His voice trembles as he speaks, belying his calm appearance. When Thornwell indicates for him to pass through the doorway he does so without looking back, hoping to hide his apprehension.
Boko touches Thwack on the shoulder just before he goes into the summoning chamber. She casts guidance on him, with a nod. Then she finds a smooth clean place in their waiting room, sinks down to lotus position, closes her eyes, and begins to meditate.
The first hour passes. Everyone may receive the benefits of a Short Rest, albeit an anxious one. The door remains closed. Invisible servants bring ornate crystal goblets full of water, cooled by teardrop-shaped pieces of ice. The shadows continue to dance and whisper mostly incomprehensible words. Occasionally a few syllables are coherent: "...blood blood blood," whispers one; "...alone in the well," whispers another.
The nameless butler makes small talk, about the weather, trade agreements, a guild war, and port security.
Another hour passes. The butler begins to grow slightly glum and weary. His occasional lectures on trade tariffs and poll taxes become sparser and even more boring.
At one point, Boko's keen ears pick up the faint sound of distant shrieks of pain. But it is not coming from the doorway, but rather somewhere behind you. It does not seem to be a voice you immediately recognize (although Boko is welcome to roll Insight or Perception or Intelligence.) The butler does not react. (Neither does Gerrard, who heard nothing.)
Having rested and recovered a bit, Gerrard starts talking to the butler, asking if he has had any news from the investigation of the wreckage of the Tammaraut. Failing that, he goes for more general information about the political and economic state of the Styes, hoping to better understand how this city runs.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The fleet was initially unsuccessful in finding the location, Gerrard learns, but a second attempt was planned for today. City leaders expect to learn more tonight.
The butler is happy to drone on about the history, condition, and future of this city. Once, the Styes was a marvelous port district, he explains. Its magnificent buildings crowned an artificial island that was the centerpiece of a broad bay, held aloft on great oak pilings. Those huge beams supported great facades of marble grandeur, connected by boardwalks that thronged with richly clothed merchants, exotic travelers, and the passing palanquins of nobility. Known as the Island of Pleasures, the site was a destination for rich and decadent folk up and down the coast.
Time can be cruel, however. Warfare, corruption, famine, and natural disaster ruined many who loved the Island of Pleasures, and as their resources dwindled, so did this once-magnificent district. But even as fortune turned and the region rebuilt from devastation, the Island of Pleasures became an unneeded luxury. New people called the district home: poor, desperate folk crowded beneath fallen gables in hovels tattooed by mildew and damp rot. On their heels came folk whose trade was scorned elsewhere. Alchemists fouled the air and water with poisonous concoctions from failed experiments. Sweat-shop manufactories set up in the Styes and all but enslaved their desperate workers. Tanners and millers and dyers and butchers invaded the district, scraping every penny out of their businesses with no concern over the impact their toxic operations had on their neighbors or the environment. The district bears little evidence of its former glory as it daily sinks deeper into the muck. Much of this you already know. But this unnamed butler assures you that Thornwell is dedicated to bringing back the Styes to its former glory, and he lists a few economic gains the city has made under her management to prove her track record of success.
The current population of the Styes is a little under twelve thousand residents, but they’re packed into an area that might house half that number in a more prosperous settlement. Four-fifths of the district’s residents are human, with the remainder split between gnomes, dwarves, halflings, half-orcs, half-elves, and a smattering of other humanoids. The Styes is ruled by a group of four officials called “the council.” The four councilors are Mr. Dory, Rashlen, Sliris, and Thornwell. The butler chooses his words carefully about the other councilors, hinting at tensions without giving details.
The distant screams of pain Boko heard seemed to come from somewhere far down one of the side corridors they passed coming into the Hall of Shadows. They have since ended. Male human, Boko figures. All is quiet now.
”I heard nothing, but I am guessing perhaps Hort is experiencing pain while our—hopefully—helpful hosts try to extricate him from the aboleth’s control,” responds Gerrard. He looks impatient and worried, perhaps reconsidering his decision to trust this noble with the predilection to throw our threats to their lives.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The second hour passes. The butler grows somewhat quiet and sour.
Then the heavy stone door opens with the soft sound of scraping rock. The shadow whispers quiet a little; the smell of burnt hair and ozone begins to creep into your senses.
The butler comes to full attention. He puts his hand up, indicating for you to stay where you are. He doesn't move, either.
Gerrard:
The young noble nods and follows along.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Thornwell sighs again and turns toward the empty wall. But it is no longer empty – two well-worn stone steps now lead up to a stone door, which is open. The nameless butler stands in the newly-appeared doorway. Thornwell climbs the two steps and looks back. "Fine. The kobold, the human. Anyone else?"
The first door remains open, too – leading into the strange, dark, candle-lit tunnel.
(What would Boko like to do? And where shall Peri and Qivys go?)
Thwack
Thwack hesitantly follows Thornwell up the two steps constantly darting a backwards look to make sure Gerrard is close behind. His attention split forwards and backwards so much he runs into Thornwell's legs when she stops. "Snarf. Why you stop? We go now before me change minds" says Thwack nervously.
Boko nods to Qivys and Peri. “Come on now. She needs us, even if she will not say. And we need her, not just for this. We are not lying, so we will be safe. Two hours, some answers about our friends and foes, and then we can put our differences with the Councillor aside and, for those who are able and willing, we deal with Dory and his abominations. Maybe fix this long-suffering city a bit, so it can help hold off undersea undead when they arrive.”
She drops a hand gently onto Thwack’s shoulder in a silent reassurance, and then follows Gerard into the stairway, senses alert.
Thornwell gives a weary nod and silently glances at the first door, which closes tight.
She and her butler companion lead you down a black stone passage lit by candle sconces. You pass a pair of curved corridors that lead off into the darkness to the left and right. You soon enter a large, circular chamber dimly lit by flickering torches and black braziers, casting long, dancing shadows along the walls. Shadowy figures sculpted from black stone loom ominously along the walls of the chamber, their features obscured by darkness. Displayed within glass domes are twisted, unidentifiable relics which seem to change shape as you examine them. Disembodied whispers echo off the stone walls, speaking words you can't quite comprehend; they seem to emanate from the very shadows themselves.
A single arched doorway stands at the top of a short and ancient stone staircase, its steps so timeworn with the passage of feet as to be nearly worn away into an undulating incline.
Thornwell turns. "Only the kobold and I may enter the Summoning Chamber. The rest of you will wait here. You are safe here. My servant will remain with you." The nameless butler nods and crosses his arms.
"I can offer you only water here, I'm afraid," adds the butler. "No other food or drink is allowed here."
Gerrard:
Nodding supportively to Thwack, Gerrard says, "You can do this, Master Thwack." Standing respectfully until they are gone, Gerrard checks his bandages and finds a place to rest and, perhaps, to heal.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Thwack
Unusually, Thwack walks silently behind Thornwell as she leads the group through the eerie passageways. When they stop at the arched doorway he looks up at Gerrard and says "Is OK Gerrard. Me be out soon. Lady just gonna check me is OK." His voice trembles as he speaks, belying his calm appearance. When Thornwell indicates for him to pass through the doorway he does so without looking back, hoping to hide his apprehension.
Thornwell leads Thwack through the darkened arch. She ducks as she enters. The heavy door closes behind them.
"So, water is it, then?" asks the butler to the rest of you, standing between you and the archway.
You wait.
Boko touches Thwack on the shoulder just before he goes into the summoning chamber. She casts guidance on him, with a nod. Then she finds a smooth clean place in their waiting room, sinks down to lotus position, closes her eyes, and begins to meditate.
Gerrard:
Accepting the water and getting comfortable, Gerrard does his best to rest and recover somewhat from the two nasty combats he was in.
Spending 8 HD short rest: 61
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The first hour passes. Everyone may receive the benefits of a Short Rest, albeit an anxious one. The door remains closed. Invisible servants bring ornate crystal goblets full of water, cooled by teardrop-shaped pieces of ice. The shadows continue to dance and whisper mostly incomprehensible words. Occasionally a few syllables are coherent: "...blood blood blood," whispers one; "...alone in the well," whispers another.
The nameless butler makes small talk, about the weather, trade agreements, a guild war, and port security.
Another hour passes. The butler begins to grow slightly glum and weary. His occasional lectures on trade tariffs and poll taxes become sparser and even more boring.
At one point, Boko's keen ears pick up the faint sound of distant shrieks of pain. But it is not coming from the doorway, but rather somewhere behind you. It does not seem to be a voice you immediately recognize (although Boko is welcome to roll Insight or Perception or Intelligence.) The butler does not react. (Neither does Gerrard, who heard nothing.)
Gerrard:
Having rested and recovered a bit, Gerrard starts talking to the butler, asking if he has had any news from the investigation of the wreckage of the Tammaraut. Failing that, he goes for more general information about the political and economic state of the Styes, hoping to better understand how this city runs.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The fleet was initially unsuccessful in finding the location, Gerrard learns, but a second attempt was planned for today. City leaders expect to learn more tonight.
The butler is happy to drone on about the history, condition, and future of this city. Once, the Styes was a marvelous port district, he explains. Its magnificent buildings crowned an artificial island that was the centerpiece of a broad bay, held aloft on great oak pilings. Those huge beams supported great facades of marble grandeur, connected by boardwalks that thronged with richly clothed merchants, exotic travelers, and the passing palanquins of nobility. Known as the Island of Pleasures, the site was a destination for rich and decadent folk up and down the coast.
Time can be cruel, however. Warfare, corruption, famine, and natural disaster ruined many who loved the Island of Pleasures, and as their resources dwindled, so did this once-magnificent district. But even as fortune turned and the region rebuilt from devastation, the Island of Pleasures became an unneeded luxury. New people called the district home: poor, desperate folk crowded beneath fallen gables in hovels tattooed by mildew and damp rot. On their heels came folk whose trade was scorned elsewhere. Alchemists fouled the air and water with poisonous concoctions from failed experiments. Sweat-shop manufactories set up in the Styes and all but enslaved their desperate workers. Tanners and millers and dyers and butchers invaded the district, scraping every penny out of their businesses with no concern over the impact their toxic operations had on their neighbors or the environment. The district bears little evidence of its former glory as it daily sinks deeper into the muck. Much of this you already know. But this unnamed butler assures you that Thornwell is dedicated to bringing back the Styes to its former glory, and he lists a few economic gains the city has made under her management to prove her track record of success.
The current population of the Styes is a little under twelve thousand residents, but they’re packed into an area that might house half that number in a more prosperous settlement. Four-fifths of the district’s residents are human, with the remainder split between gnomes, dwarves, halflings, half-orcs, half-elves, and a smattering of other humanoids. The Styes is ruled by a group of four officials called “the council.” The four councilors are Mr. Dory, Rashlen, Sliris, and Thornwell. The butler chooses his words carefully about the other councilors, hinting at tensions without giving details.
Boko perception: 26
The distant screams of pain Boko heard seemed to come from somewhere far down one of the side corridors they passed coming into the Hall of Shadows. They have since ended. Male human, Boko figures. All is quiet now.
“Who was screaming?” Boko says, looking in the direction she heard it.
Gerrard:
”I heard nothing, but I am guessing perhaps Hort is experiencing pain while our—hopefully—helpful hosts try to extricate him from the aboleth’s control,” responds Gerrard. He looks impatient and worried, perhaps reconsidering his decision to trust this noble with the predilection to throw our threats to their lives.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The second hour passes. The butler grows somewhat quiet and sour.
Then the heavy stone door opens with the soft sound of scraping rock. The shadow whispers quiet a little; the smell of burnt hair and ozone begins to creep into your senses.
The butler comes to full attention. He puts his hand up, indicating for you to stay where you are. He doesn't move, either.
Gerrard:
Sitting up straight, Gerrard waits hopefully, but keeps his seat as instructed.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"