Kei ensures his illusion is in place prior to entering the bar. He slumps Thwacks form over his shoulder and checks that all his limbs are within the rug.
"Slim you handsome bugger" Kei greets the rotund man jovially. "I see you're still learning how to read. Nevermind the hair, all part of the gig." He runs his free hand though the pink mess on his head as he approaches the counter. "Say Ru, any chance of a room? Enough for some...business with this lot." Kei thumbs in thw direction of his friends and hefts the rug on his shoulder. "Need to ah, run them though some things. Probably be an all nighter." He leans closer to the mans ear. "Royal type. You know how twitchy they can be". It's clear by the tete-a-tete that this type of intercourse is common place and that Kei and the bartend have a previous relationship.
"Of course!" bellows the big bartender. "Number two." He turns toward the rest of the party with a jovial smile. "Ruothild Greenhand. I'm the operator here. At your service. Drink, food, fixes, favors."
He turns back toward Kei and quietly adds, "There's still your tab we need to settle. 18 gold I recall." He point at his head and smiles at his good memory for these sorts of numbers.
"Of course! Ahhh..." Kei reaches to his coin pouch. He withdraws 10 gold coins and places them on the counter. "Take this, I'll fix the rest up in the morning including tonight's fee, you know I'm good for it." He gives Ru a wink and subtly nods towards Gerrard. "Can you send food and some wine to number 2? The sooner we get started the sooner we'll be out of your hair." He turns and addresses the group. "This way. We'll be safe from prying eyes here". He casually walks towards the only door at the back of the tavern.
Ruothild squints and silently updates a ledger behind the counter. Kei leads you into a tight, windowless room with a well-worn table and chairs. Food and drink – surprisingly high-quality – is soon delivered. Kei's tab grows.
Here you have privacy. Thwack, still disguised, remains unconscious. What next?
”Kei, can you tell us the last thing you remember before the magical event?” asks Gerrard, intentionally vague so he can further test if Kei is genuine.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Now in a familiar setting, Kei finally let's his guard down a little. He places Thwack/rug on the floor near the table and drags a chair out. Flopping into the seat he glances up at Gerrard. "I was lying when I said I'm the same Kei you've known." His words hang in the air as he drops the illusion and exposes Thwack fully for the first time. Looking down at the kobold he can barely see the rise and fall of its chest. He sighs before continuing. "The last thing....being attacked by an animated doll. Whole group of dolls in fact. Then darkness. Swirling shadows mixed with scattered flashes of light." His gaze still on Thwack but his eyes seem focused beyond the floor, somewhere deep below. "I remember screaming till my voice disappeared. Walking for miles until my feet bled searching for some way out of the darkness. Occasionally there was an image or two, I could swear it was of you or Peri, but they passed as quickly as they came. Then shadows again.
"After what felt like months I'd all but given up," he shudders involuntarily, "there seemed to be no end to the mist. Then a voice, clear as the church bell tolls, calling out to me. I ran to the voice - the first thing I'd heard in an age, only to be confronted with pain like I've never felt." He slowly points to Thwack's mutilated face. "Seems he felt the same pain. Somehow I think we were joined - by magic or evil or something else entirely I can't say, but there was a connection. Thornwell severed it with her ritual but I'm afraid the little one probably won't survive." Kei falls silent for some time then speaks to Gerrard directly. "There you have it. Do with the information as you will. I don't particularly care, I'm alive and that's all that matters." He absent-mindedly begins looking through Thwack's backpack.
Puffing with exertion, Ruothild opens the ancient sliding door and peers in with a slight smile. "Is there aught else your palates desire, or any particular requests you wish me to convey to the kitchen? Or any other tasks, favors, or requests you would have delivered?"
As Thwack returns to his normal form, Gerrard gently cradles him as Kei speaks. At the last comment, Gerrard replies to Kei, "Actually, no, that's not ALL that matters--though I am very glad you are alive. Thwack here is a gentle and simple soul, and he trusted me to help him figure out the mystical connection with you. I will not abandon him, and I will do all I can to help him. How much do you know about Mister Dory's operation here and any involvement of an Aboleth?"
Turning to Boko, he asks, "Mistress Alcor, can you heal Thwack? At least enough that we can find a way to eventually repair his vision?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"Always the peoples champion. Good to see nothing has changed" Kei teases Gerrard. "I'm afraid I know nothing more than rumours of Mr Dory. A long standing councillor and supposedly a blight on the Styes. Personally, I've never met the guy. In my...profession, you try and stay clear of the people running the city.
"Anyway, I was apparently possessed for who knows how long. I have no idea when we are or what may have happened in recent times. How long has it been since we took the fight to Bela? Feels like years to me." He rubs at his face again trying to clean off the white make-up. He casts Prestidigitation to try and help. "Weirdest thing" he mumbles. "Clearly I still can access the Weave, but it feels different."
Thwack is unconscious (0 hp and stable) and blinded – indeed, his eyes are completely gone, burned away. (It would take a Regenerate or equivalent to properly restore his eyes and sight.)
The food and drink are quite good, the ambiance a little claustrophobic if charmingly antique in this tiny, windowless room, and the smell is a little off (partially camouflaged by some incense the host has left burning.)
Kei manages to clear off the last of his makeup. He still looks a bit pale and worn.
Shaking off his concern for his magic, Kei turns the questioning back on Gerrard. "So exactly how long has it been? And what have you lot been up to? And how did we end up in the Styes? Have you seen Elbin?"
While Boko checks out Thwack’s medical condition, Gerrard fills Kei in on the events since his departure. He doesn’t spare any detail, though he does push Kei to remember any details that may help them from what his possessed body had been doing.
”So, in summary, Thwack was willing to take a big risk to save you, and he paid a terrible price. We have a debt to pay tonight for your rescue as well—get to the bottom of the lantern murders that seem to be associated with an Aboleth and Mister Dory’s warehouse,” wraps up Gerrard.
Persuasion to get Kei to reveal more if applicable: 15
Insight to read his reactions: 18
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Biko spends the walk to their new destination trying to ensure the group is not being followed or watched.
Perception : 19
She peers at the man who seems happy to host the group in his bar, and tries to get a sense of how likely he may have ulterior motives, or betray them. (Slim?)
Insight: 17
Tuning into Kei’s story, her brow furrows. “You have no memory of what happened after Bela took your loyalty, but you brought us here to people you knew… how long ago? How long had it been since you have been in this place before we last saw each other?”
She heals Thwack with a word for 7hp. And then tries to get a sense of whether it would help to dispel any magic affecting him, or restoring him in a lesser way (this is more than a blind condition, but maybe poisoned or paralyzed?).
Slack-jawed, Kei takes a moment to try and understand the earth-shattering news Gerrard just lay out. "So you mean it's been months since we attacked the vampire? Peri befriended the little one here and you all made it to my home only to find that I've employed a new hairdresser whilst allegedly working for a man I've never met." He paces the room while talking.
When Boko questions his motives, Kei replies simply. "Apparently I've not been myself potentially for months, but now I am. I bring you here because you are my friends and I trust you. I trust Slim too, mostly. He'll keep our presence here quiet, for a price. Last time I was here was maybe 3 moons prior to my journey to Saltmarsh. Satisfactory?
"So what do we do now? Clearly the kobold needs more than we can give and if what you say is true, he deserves better. Dealing with Mr Dory and this aboleth is something I am more inclined to tackle than finding a healer for Thwack. If things are as bad here as seems, I cannot leave until my home is safe. Would you know someone who can help him Boko?"
Bowing deeply to Kei, Gerrard says with a smile on his face, “Master Kei, I am truly glad to have you back with us. Let us find a place to get Thwack settled until we can heal him, then get about the business of making your home safe. Perhaps we can find a way to take advantage of the inroads the foul creature inhabiting your body made with Mister Dory’s associates to get into the warehouse.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"My thoughts exactly, although I may need some more of this ridiculous make-up if I'm to assume my previous persona" he looks at the remnants of the paste on his hands. "I'm afraid the closest thing to a healer I know of is a crazy alchemist. He's not known for his healing but more for his love of explosions, but I've used his services in the past. I doubt he could help with such a severe affliction."
It is growing late. You wonder if the meeting between Mr. Dory and Master Loquid, the perfumer, already took place – or whether it took place at all after the disappearance of their security detail. (Something about the delivery of new perfumes and a large box, you learned.) You also wonder if Thornwell's patrol to the wreck of the sunken Tammeraut found anything yet. Ruothild's safehouse offers a place to sleep if you need a long rest (2 gp/night). Kei also knows that Ruothild would take care of Thwack – for a modest price per day, of course.
”Whatever we do, we need to do it quickly. Thornwell gave us very little time to work with,” says Gerrard. He hands Kei 5 platinum pieces and says, “This should take care of the bill, correct?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
Kei ensures his illusion is in place prior to entering the bar. He slumps Thwacks form over his shoulder and checks that all his limbs are within the rug.
"Slim you handsome bugger" Kei greets the rotund man jovially. "I see you're still learning how to read. Nevermind the hair, all part of the gig." He runs his free hand though the pink mess on his head as he approaches the counter. "Say Ru, any chance of a room? Enough for some...business with this lot." Kei thumbs in thw direction of his friends and hefts the rug on his shoulder. "Need to ah, run them though some things. Probably be an all nighter." He leans closer to the mans ear. "Royal type. You know how twitchy they can be". It's clear by the tete-a-tete that this type of intercourse is common place and that Kei and the bartend have a previous relationship.
"Of course!" bellows the big bartender. "Number two." He turns toward the rest of the party with a jovial smile. "Ruothild Greenhand. I'm the operator here. At your service. Drink, food, fixes, favors."
He turns back toward Kei and quietly adds, "There's still your tab we need to settle. 18 gold I recall." He point at his head and smiles at his good memory for these sorts of numbers.
Kei
"Of course! Ahhh..." Kei reaches to his coin pouch. He withdraws 10 gold coins and places them on the counter. "Take this, I'll fix the rest up in the morning including tonight's fee, you know I'm good for it." He gives Ru a wink and subtly nods towards Gerrard. "Can you send food and some wine to number 2? The sooner we get started the sooner we'll be out of your hair." He turns and addresses the group. "This way. We'll be safe from prying eyes here". He casually walks towards the only door at the back of the tavern.
Persuasion if needed 14
Ruothild squints and silently updates a ledger behind the counter. Kei leads you into a tight, windowless room with a well-worn table and chairs. Food and drink – surprisingly high-quality – is soon delivered. Kei's tab grows.
Here you have privacy. Thwack, still disguised, remains unconscious. What next?
Gerrard:
”Kei, can you tell us the last thing you remember before the magical event?” asks Gerrard, intentionally vague so he can further test if Kei is genuine.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
Now in a familiar setting, Kei finally let's his guard down a little. He places Thwack/rug on the floor near the table and drags a chair out. Flopping into the seat he glances up at Gerrard. "I was lying when I said I'm the same Kei you've known." His words hang in the air as he drops the illusion and exposes Thwack fully for the first time. Looking down at the kobold he can barely see the rise and fall of its chest. He sighs before continuing. "The last thing....being attacked by an animated doll. Whole group of dolls in fact. Then darkness. Swirling shadows mixed with scattered flashes of light." His gaze still on Thwack but his eyes seem focused beyond the floor, somewhere deep below. "I remember screaming till my voice disappeared. Walking for miles until my feet bled searching for some way out of the darkness. Occasionally there was an image or two, I could swear it was of you or Peri, but they passed as quickly as they came. Then shadows again.
"After what felt like months I'd all but given up," he shudders involuntarily, "there seemed to be no end to the mist. Then a voice, clear as the church bell tolls, calling out to me. I ran to the voice - the first thing I'd heard in an age, only to be confronted with pain like I've never felt." He slowly points to Thwack's mutilated face. "Seems he felt the same pain. Somehow I think we were joined - by magic or evil or something else entirely I can't say, but there was a connection. Thornwell severed it with her ritual but I'm afraid the little one probably won't survive." Kei falls silent for some time then speaks to Gerrard directly. "There you have it. Do with the information as you will. I don't particularly care, I'm alive and that's all that matters." He absent-mindedly begins looking through Thwack's backpack.
Puffing with exertion, Ruothild opens the ancient sliding door and peers in with a slight smile. "Is there aught else your palates desire, or any particular requests you wish me to convey to the kitchen? Or any other tasks, favors, or requests you would have delivered?"
Gerrard:
As Thwack returns to his normal form, Gerrard gently cradles him as Kei speaks. At the last comment, Gerrard replies to Kei, "Actually, no, that's not ALL that matters--though I am very glad you are alive. Thwack here is a gentle and simple soul, and he trusted me to help him figure out the mystical connection with you. I will not abandon him, and I will do all I can to help him. How much do you know about Mister Dory's operation here and any involvement of an Aboleth?"
Turning to Boko, he asks, "Mistress Alcor, can you heal Thwack? At least enough that we can find a way to eventually repair his vision?"
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
"Always the peoples champion. Good to see nothing has changed" Kei teases Gerrard. "I'm afraid I know nothing more than rumours of Mr Dory. A long standing councillor and supposedly a blight on the Styes. Personally, I've never met the guy. In my...profession, you try and stay clear of the people running the city.
"Anyway, I was apparently possessed for who knows how long. I have no idea when we are or what may have happened in recent times. How long has it been since we took the fight to Bela? Feels like years to me." He rubs at his face again trying to clean off the white make-up. He casts Prestidigitation to try and help. "Weirdest thing" he mumbles. "Clearly I still can access the Weave, but it feels different."
Thwack is unconscious (0 hp and stable) and blinded – indeed, his eyes are completely gone, burned away. (It would take a Regenerate or equivalent to properly restore his eyes and sight.)
The food and drink are quite good, the ambiance a little claustrophobic if charmingly antique in this tiny, windowless room, and the smell is a little off (partially camouflaged by some incense the host has left burning.)
Kei manages to clear off the last of his makeup. He still looks a bit pale and worn.
It's late afternoon. What next?
Kei
Shaking off his concern for his magic, Kei turns the questioning back on Gerrard. "So exactly how long has it been? And what have you lot been up to? And how did we end up in the Styes? Have you seen Elbin?"
Gerrard:
While Boko checks out Thwack’s medical condition, Gerrard fills Kei in on the events since his departure. He doesn’t spare any detail, though he does push Kei to remember any details that may help them from what his possessed body had been doing.
”So, in summary, Thwack was willing to take a big risk to save you, and he paid a terrible price. We have a debt to pay tonight for your rescue as well—get to the bottom of the lantern murders that seem to be associated with an Aboleth and Mister Dory’s warehouse,” wraps up Gerrard.
Persuasion to get Kei to reveal more if applicable: 15
Insight to read his reactions: 18
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Biko spends the walk to their new destination trying to ensure the group is not being followed or watched.
Perception : 19
She peers at the man who seems happy to host the group in his bar, and tries to get a sense of how likely he may have ulterior motives, or betray them. (Slim?)
Insight: 17
Tuning into Kei’s story, her brow furrows. “You have no memory of what happened after Bela took your loyalty, but you brought us here to people you knew… how long ago? How long had it been since you have been in this place before we last saw each other?”
She heals Thwack with a word for 7hp. And then tries to get a sense of whether it would help to dispel any magic affecting him, or restoring him in a lesser way (this is more than a blind condition, but maybe poisoned or paralyzed?).
Kei
Slack-jawed, Kei takes a moment to try and understand the earth-shattering news Gerrard just lay out. "So you mean it's been months since we attacked the vampire? Peri befriended the little one here and you all made it to my home only to find that I've employed a new hairdresser whilst allegedly working for a man I've never met." He paces the room while talking.
When Boko questions his motives, Kei replies simply. "Apparently I've not been myself potentially for months, but now I am. I bring you here because you are my friends and I trust you. I trust Slim too, mostly. He'll keep our presence here quiet, for a price. Last time I was here was maybe 3 moons prior to my journey to Saltmarsh. Satisfactory?
"So what do we do now? Clearly the kobold needs more than we can give and if what you say is true, he deserves better. Dealing with Mr Dory and this aboleth is something I am more inclined to tackle than finding a healer for Thwack. If things are as bad here as seems, I cannot leave until my home is safe. Would you know someone who can help him Boko?"
Gerrard:
Bowing deeply to Kei, Gerrard says with a smile on his face, “Master Kei, I am truly glad to have you back with us. Let us find a place to get Thwack settled until we can heal him, then get about the business of making your home safe. Perhaps we can find a way to take advantage of the inroads the foul creature inhabiting your body made with Mister Dory’s associates to get into the warehouse.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
"My thoughts exactly, although I may need some more of this ridiculous make-up if I'm to assume my previous persona" he looks at the remnants of the paste on his hands. "I'm afraid the closest thing to a healer I know of is a crazy alchemist. He's not known for his healing but more for his love of explosions, but I've used his services in the past. I doubt he could help with such a severe affliction."
It is growing late. You wonder if the meeting between Mr. Dory and Master Loquid, the perfumer, already took place – or whether it took place at all after the disappearance of their security detail. (Something about the delivery of new perfumes and a large box, you learned.) You also wonder if Thornwell's patrol to the wreck of the sunken Tammeraut found anything yet. Ruothild's safehouse offers a place to sleep if you need a long rest (2 gp/night). Kei also knows that Ruothild would take care of Thwack – for a modest price per day, of course.
Gerrard:
”Whatever we do, we need to do it quickly. Thornwell gave us very little time to work with,” says Gerrard. He hands Kei 5 platinum pieces and says, “This should take care of the bill, correct?”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
(Does Boko have a sense, per above, what it might take to restore Thwack? Did her healing word spell help him?)