Boyd finishes his ale and leaves the tankard on the counter. "Thanks for the drink, Handsome. Fair winds and following seas."He says, reciting the farewell typical of sailors and devotees of Procan.
Once outside the bar, he gives the Elf a cautionary look. Who knows what these spellcasters will do on a whim. He holds up his hands in apology, "Now, now. I know what you're thinking. But I was just playing into the act, see? Didn't mean nothing by it." He pauses, waiting to be turned into a newt or a flamingo or something. "You're whip smart, making them connections like that, but the trick to being just another face in the crowd is to talk around the issue."
He starts backtracking toward the gate they came in from, unless Nikita steers him otherwise. "Gotta be... you know..." he fishes for the word, "obtuse." He punctuates the word with a sweeping arm gesture, to paint the picture of talking around an issue. "See, normal blokes keep mum if you ask 'em direct like. They get nervous; wonder why you're wondering. So you talk about how you don't know nothin' and sure as an easterly wind, they pipe right up. Cuz they want to show you how smart they are, see? Don't make 'em suspicious and they won't even remember talking to you by dinner time, but they'll tell you everything they know. You'd be surprised what people will share with a stranger." He chuckles, thinking back on some of the things he's heard.
As they get closer to the guardpost he suggests, "Guards are a bit tougher, and apparently these ones are under someone's thumb, so we gotta be real careful. Don't try nothing funny with them - O'Toole's a sergeant. Means he's been working here for a while. We're old friends of his, met him years ago and came to say hello since we're both at the carnival now. Once we start talking with him alone, we size him up - make sure he's gonna work with us - and then talk straight with him, yeah?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thumbtack's Perception check if needed, at advantage due to Owl Keen Hearing and Sight (see below): 18
Following Boyd, Nikita is slightly confused at first when the grizzled man says he didn't mean anything by it. By what?Do I actually make this man nervous? The irony. The thought is enough to almost make her laugh. She considers leaning into it and pretending to cast a spell on him. Instead, she tries to be as reassuring as possible. That she's neither a direct threat, nor an indirect threat by not knowing when to shut up.
"Boyd, we've known each other for but a few hours, but strangely, you're one of the only living people I think I can trust. And I am no one but a failed and fallen spy. You were right to shut me down. There was nothing for me to take offense at. You don't need to walk on eggshells around me. I've got your back, just as you have mine. I hope?"
"And no doubt you're also right about how to approach these conversations. I'll follow your lead with the guards and try to keep my direct questions to a minimum. Obtuse. Unless and until I see you talking straight with O'Toole that is."
With that, she murmurs to her familiar again and Thumbtack does a quick reconnaissance flight once around the guard tower (assuming we are close) and returns to her shoulder. Not going too far so as not to become unwitting prey to some seahawk. The owl reports back on anything she saw including size and layout of the outpost and the general demeanor of the guards, if visible. Nikita shares any information gained with Boyd.
Brodie lets out an extra-loud spout of laughter when Nikita talks about him getting slow. "Y'take care o' this one Boyd, she's spesh-ial,"he says with a wink. "I' 'as been a pleasure, m'dear," he says, seeing you to the door of his establishment. "I saw O'Toole 'eadin' t'wards town this mornin' from th' Ba'racks t' th' wes' (jus' keep followin' th' road wes'wards). G' chance tha' 'e's either on th' Sharkfin Bridge or a' th' Council 'all."
"Y'always wel'ome 'ere," Brodie says with a smile as he sees you both out, "Aye, fair winds, mis'er Boyd."
((Are you still planning on going towards the Barracks to the west. Or based on Brodie's information relating to O'Toole's whereabouts, going to the Sharkfin Bridge/Council Hall?))
Thumbtack takes to the skies and flies westerly towards the nearby barracks. It is located on a hill around half a kilometre from your position. A number of images are relayed to your mind;
A large, muscled man barks instructions to a number of fresh recruits in the barracks' training yard
Only a single guard stands watch over the entrance to the barracks
Further on down the road, some 600m, is the town gate and wall
Opposite the Barracks appears to be another tavern, 'The Wicker Goat'; it is likely the primary drinking place for off-duty guards
You are struck by the fact that the carriage if it went the way Brodie stated, would have had to go past the barracks.
The architecture of the bridge speaks of its age. It is clear that it pre-dates the rest of the town and speaks of a bygone civilisation.
Regarding the Anvil within the Dwarven Anvil
The anvil is a highly decorated dwarven relic. It is a surprise to you that any Dwarf would willingly be separated from such an important treasure. You wonder what dwarves would make of a human blacksmith owning one of their ancient dwarven relics.
The Dwarven Anvil (Faila & Nick)
Mafera waves her hand dismissively at Nick. "Come now, we did not mean any harm. I apologise for any offence taken,"she says, placatingly, "however, you must understand that we have a long list of orders and to drop everything at a moments notice... well it is quite a bold assumption you made."
She sighs deeply, "If I had a copper for every time that someone came in here insisting that their needs far exceeded everyone else... well let's just say I would currently be enjoying my retirement." Her manner is kind and friendly, if not firm and no-nonsense. Mafera looks at Nick with peaked interest when he mentions events that need cleaning. "What events do you talk of? Is this about the missing Freyn girl? Esther? Or..."she stops herself short.
"Look, we'll see what we can do, Mister...?"she asks.
Meresaa scrambles to Claude's side and attempts to find a pulse; she is able to find one, but it is faint. Applying the sticky balm to Claude's forehead you notice him and Maud begin to stir.
"Wha'? Wha' 'appened?" Claude says in a daze. "It were like part of me mind were bein' yanked from me body,"he rubs at the sticky balm on his head, "wha's this? This ain't a good sign, is it?". He seems resigned to his fate.
“Oh no mister or misses here, just Nick is fine. No time for formalities, they don’t settle right with me stomach.”
“I am too sure you get the need it yesterday speech plenty, but I do in fact have no other reason to be in saltmarsh but to extricate it of whatever plague or evil currently resides here. What support to lend to the effort is up to you and yours.” He looks towards the son while speaking, “is investigating the Freyn girl’s disappearance where you wish me to start? Like I said I would prefer to pay extra by aiding you before others… not like those in charge always know which are the more pressing problems for the folk on the street level do you agree? “
“if you think chain mail or scale mail is gonna take you some time to make what do you have in the back we could use in the mean time! Some hide perhaps? If the market will have those we can just worry about the studded and the scale…”
nick discusses the matter with her matter of factly, giving off no sir of needing a discount of being cheap. He sertainpy seems he is willing to pay a reasonable price for it, and some extra if they can get it done fast.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Nikitarelays Thumbtack's scouting information of the western barracks and Wicker Goat to Boyd, but the two turn towards the Sharkfin Bridge and Council Hall based on Handsome having said O'Toole went that way.)
Perception check to identify folks on bridge below: - Eamon O'Toole and Maureen Freyn talking with each other. - Professor who is looking for Asha Hawkes Perception check: 18)
If she spots O'Toole and Freyn (as Nick Nack did) even before they step onto the bridge, Nikita would touch Boyd's elbow and gesture with her eyes, waiting for Boyd to take the lead to talk to them. "Two birds, one stone," she murmurs, with an apologetic glance at Thumbtack, who briefly opens her large eyes with an indignant look.
Ermasnietsz feels a wave of relief wash over her when Claude opens his gorgeous pair of eyes. The reaction has been unexpected, she also finds the response exaggerated. But, all these shenanigans reveal something of great value. There is indeed an external force here in Oerth that's been messing with the 'Weave'.
"Fret not, my friend! Whatever you observed was a practical demonstration of the facts. We do not have full control over the magic."
She crosses her fingers and hopes that the trivial excuse will save her from further chastisement.
"Truth must be told, I'm incapable of casting spells that deal damage"- she continues to speak while kneeling beside the conscious man.
Boyd looks at Nikita appraisingly, "Well alright. I've got your back as well; we're in this together, now, eh?" Once the Elf reports that her bird has spotted O'Toole and Freyn, Boyd says, "Well that'll make it a bit tougher. Maureen's gonna know we haven't been with the carnival, and if O'Toole's the only guard there then we've no need for our fake story, eh?" As they approach their location, the grizzled man tries to come up with a plan. "Let's have a listen in and see what we can hear. When they're about to part ways we'll walk up to Maureen and let her know that Isolde sent us to check in on her. Gotta get a sense of this sergeant before we start talking openly. Jump in if you got a good feeling, though. Gotta trust your gut on these things."
As they walk up the bridge, they stop a few dozen feet from O'Toole and Freyn, leaning against a building or the side of the bridge. Boyd starts explaining a bit on how to spy, "Normally, you don't wanna look at whoever you're eavesdropping on, so that they don't suspect you. But we're friends giving Maureen some privacy until her conversation is over, so we would be watching her. Still, you don't want to looks like you're eavesdropping. Gotta look cool as a cucumber. Shoulders relaxed. Keep your mouth flapping like we're having a conversation."
While Boyd is instructing his ally, he's also listening in on whatever Maureen and Eamon are talking about. He's trying to get a good sense of the guard's personality and commitment to duty.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nikita steps onto the bridge...
And attempts to follow Boyd's instructions, feeling like she is back in her first days as an initiate with her spy coterie back in Celene. Turns out, it's a bit different spying on common-folk than it was with demons and conspiracies with Iuz... and maybe she was never that good at it anyway.
Nikita'sPerception check (as they enter the bridge):
There are a few interesting characters that draw your attention;
An academic gentleman; heavy build, if somewhat undernourished. Wild greying hair. Wears spectacles with a cracked lens. Seems to be searching for a friend of his, an old colleague, named Asha Hawkes.
A guard matching O'Toole's description; a solidly built man with short-cropped grey hair and a thick neck. Wears a perpetual look of dyspepsia. He looks nervous and keeps checking over his shoulder.
A noblewoman; speaking with the O'Toole is a woman, she has a classic beauty, marred by gauntness. Her clothes are tattered but elegant. You get the sense that it is a once-wealthy lady that has perhaps fallen on hard times. She seems to be requesting assistance from O'Toole, as her daughter 'Essie' has gone missing.
Boyd'sPerception & Insight checks (having spotted O'Toole speaking with a disgruntled woman):
Perception
O'Toole speaks with the woman in hushed tones, you only make out parts of their conversation over the general hubbub of the bridge. The first voice you hear is Maureen's;
"... are falling on deaf ears, Eamon!"
"...sure they're trying everything in their..."
"They aren't! They're not even searching. I... Essie!"
"'s not the time or place for this discussion..."
"You have to find her Eamon, you're the only one..."
"... have my word Maureen. I just..."
"... Charles... not be so impertinent... He always... Eamon."
"... good man... see what I can do.... duty, after hours..."
Maureen proceeds to fling her arms around the guard, appearing to be content for the time being. She continues on down the bridge in the direction of the Council Hall. Sergeant O'Toole stands still and casts a watchful eye up and down the street.
Insight
It is clear to tell that Maureen is distressed by her daughter's disappearance, she has not given up hope but appears dismayed at the lack of action being taken by the town guard. The Sergeant appears to be genuinely concerned about Esther's wellbeing but seems twitchy and unwilling to discuss the disappearance too loudly in public; he seems deeply paranoid, maybe for good reason.
Nikita - As you set foot on the bridge you begin to feel nauseated, your stomach gripes and you feel as though you want to vomit. As you continue towards the centre of the bridge this feeling begins to grow and grow. Any that see you would observe that your face has lost a little of its colour. Please make a Constitution Saving Throw.
Jasker stops hammering once more, Mafera narrows her eyes at Nick. "Hold on just a minute," Jasker says, giving Nick his full attention, "what's this about a plague? Is there a plague in town, Nick?" He shoots a look at his mother.
"I had heard rumours, it's not that blessed Carnival is it?" Mafera enquires, "Brinck warned us about them lot."
Jasker shakes his head, "I am sure Mister... I mean Nick was speaking of a metaphorical plague. Perhaps the evil that resides in the unrepentants' hearts?"
"We've never had a problem with the guard here,"Mafera explains when Nick mentions 'those in charge', "except for that Sergeant O'Toole, seems like an odd sort."
"Agreed," her son interjects.
"The Freyn girl? All I heard was that her mother - was it Marlene? - was looking for her. They used to be great customers the Freyn's," Mafera reminisces.
"Agreed,"Jasker repeats in agreement.
"Awful business what happened to Sir Charles. Poor Marlene was never the same after."
"Agreed," you get the distinct sense that Jasker is not paying attention.
"Oh back on to the topic of armour is it?" Mafera quips as Nick approaches the topic once more, "you really are a most incorrigible young Halfling? Jasker!"
"Agr..." Jasker stops himself short, "sorry what?"
"Hide Armour for Nick here,"Mafera explains, rolling her eyes, "look lively, lad!"
"Oh, uh, certainly sir... Nick. Right this way," Jasker proceeds to lead you towards the back of the blacksmith, "got a few bits here, 'course the market would likely have the scale mail and Kester might be able to craft you some leather, or hide, items. But if you want something here and now... well look no further."
There are a number of worn, but serviceable, pieces of hide and leather armour, including some in your size.
Once he has you out the back, Jasker lowers his voice, "look, you got the coin and I can source the armour. If you're willing to take it and not ask questions, I can get you some. Just tell me what you need and I'll tell you prices. 'course, if you do not have the stomach for it then just say and we shall forget this conversation ever happened. Alright?"
Not having much of a clue about anything Claude responds meekly, "Oh, uh, yes. Prac'ical demons'ration." He rubs the blood from his nose onto his sleeve. "S'alright, s'like I always say - magic is an art form, jus' need tha righ' brushes,"he declares clearly not having the foggiest idea of what he is speaking about, you see Maud facepalm.
You get the sense that Claude clearly does not realise how close to death he was.
"Naw, naw, Ermas-nya ((he gives up half way)), s'no time fo' talk like tha',"Claude says after Ermasnietsz mentions her capabilities or lack thereof, "we all star' somewhere." He reaches up from his prone position to pat Ermasnietsz on the shoulder, "Y'll get tha 'ang of it, don' you worry."
"Maud? Yes, she's still here, ain't ya Maud?" Claude says wistfully, "though 'er voice soun's a li'le strained."
Maud's eyes blink as though dazed before settling on Ermasnietsz with a look of pure loathing.
Nikita - You fight back the sickness you feel and a little of the colour returns to your face. You are left to contemplate what exactly caused your momentary ill-feeling.
Meresaa closes her eyes for a moment and takes a deep, calming breath through her nose before focusing back on Claude. She swats his hand away from the balm's residue. "Leave that be. It needs a bit more time to finish absorbing." Reaching down to grab his less sticky hand, she helps him up from the floor of his wagon.
"But you're quite right, Claude. The arcane arts are something that require time, patience, and control." She stresses the last word as she looks at Ermasnietsz out of the corner of her eye. "If we don't have control, we have only chaos. And, as we've just seen, chaos can be quite dangerous. I've read research on how a simple magical effect, like that of my balm, can yield different outcomes depending on various factors."
She straightens as much as she's able in the confines of the wagon. "In any case, I'm glad that you've recovered, Claude...and Maud. I'll ask Nathaniel to stop by and check on you just in case you might need further medical attention. Thank you for your time and information. We should be on our way to speak with this Illuminated Man if we're to piece together any more of this puzzle."
Opening the door, she looks back to the strange sorcerer and says, "I wonder how the others are faring with Harold. I certainly hope he's feeling better..." as she steps back out into the daylight.
She proceeds to find Nathaniel and ask him to check on Claude as well as directions to find the Illuminated Man.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nikita turns white as a sheet and reels a little as she walks alongside Boyd. She attempts to focus her mind using knowledge and logic. What could cause her to suddenly feel ill? Iuz, she reflexively thinks. But no, the cambion lord did not deal in half measures. ((Rolling checks - choose as applicable))
Arcana check on cause of illness: 14 Medicine check on cause of illness: 9 Investigation on cause of illness: 7
Also, having just seen the woman she surmises is Maureen Freyn pleading with Eamon O'Toole to help find her daughter, Nikita recalls her conversation with Nancy Carver.
What could those faceless beings that kidnapped Esther and Billy in the large black carriage be? 3 of them, 2 with brown hair and one with red. The redhead may have been a woman with a puppet, which sang some horrific song.
Nikita tries to think whether she has any clue what the creatures might have been or type of magic that may have been involved.
Nature check for faceless ones: 23 Arcana check to try to identify related magic: 23
Ermasnietsz silently watches Meresaa and Claude when both of them swallow the bait without any complaints. She will stay inside the wagon to observe the condition of the Claude and Maud pair till she's certain about their well-being.
After visiting Nathaniel and updating him on Claude you proceed to seek out The Illuminated Man. Heading back to the Troupers' Gallery you approach a wagon with a beautiful, decorative sign sitting in front of it; "Magical Tattoos" it reads, pictures of fireworks exploding into a rainbow of colour move along the front of the sign as though animated, this is then replaced by an image of yourself, looking chuffed, sporting a brand new tattoo.
You hear a buzzing sound as a Carnival patron sits patiently, a man covered from the shoulders down in tattoos carefully applies his craft; by the looks of it, a large flying fish is currently being tattooed on the patron, its partially complete tail flipping across the man's back. An array of pots of magical inks stand next to the tattooist, sparkling in the daylight.
((The Illuminated Man))
Glancing up at you the man smiles, spotting potential customers, "I'll just be with you in a sec, just finishing up here. Any thought as to what you wanna have done?"
This particular sickness is surely magical in nature and is clearly associated with the bridge. Your best bet is that the bridge has been enchanted with certain magics; possibly a curse.
Medicine
You are pretty certain that this brief sickness is unrelated to that affecting the Carnival.
Investigation
((Crit!)) You stand and watch for some time as people enter and leave the bridge. The vast majority of the pedestrians appear unaffected by the magic, happily going about their business. Moments pass until you notice something strange, an elf or rather half-elf seems to be having a rough time of things, similar to yourself. Though the half-elf looks as though he is about to faint but pressed on through the crowds, he has a solid build, a mop of black hair, and a slight scar above his lip. His clothing infers wealth, though his mannerisms suggest that he is no noble.
Catching your eye, he smiles and gives a cheeky wink, "a fine day, is it not? Funny how, even though I spent many years at sea, I always feel a little sea-sick when crossing this bridge." He attempts to clear his head, "Dolan, Thomas Dolan," he says by way of introduction.
It seems clear to you then, an epiphany if you will, that this ancient structure must bear a curse that specifically targets Elves and perhaps Fey-beings. Could it be that this was once a form of defence against such beings? But why would Saltmarsh have a need for such defences?
Nikita'sNature and Arcana checks regarding the faceless men:
Nature
You contemplate the type of being a 'faceless man' might be and struggle to come up with a definitive answer. A shapechanger of some form? Possible given the otherwordly nature of the creatures you encountered at the Carnival, but unlikely.
Arcana
If not natural, then could it be that the 'faceless men' are magical or... Magically obscuring their faces? Perhaps even some form of mind-altering spell could achieve the same effect. The horrific song would possibly infer that magic was involved, you have heard of bards interweaving magic into their songs before.
Boyd finishes his ale and leaves the tankard on the counter. "Thanks for the drink, Handsome. Fair winds and following seas." He says, reciting the farewell typical of sailors and devotees of Procan.
Once outside the bar, he gives the Elf a cautionary look. Who knows what these spellcasters will do on a whim. He holds up his hands in apology, "Now, now. I know what you're thinking. But I was just playing into the act, see? Didn't mean nothing by it." He pauses, waiting to be turned into a newt or a flamingo or something. "You're whip smart, making them connections like that, but the trick to being just another face in the crowd is to talk around the issue."
He starts backtracking toward the gate they came in from, unless Nikita steers him otherwise. "Gotta be... you know..." he fishes for the word, "obtuse." He punctuates the word with a sweeping arm gesture, to paint the picture of talking around an issue. "See, normal blokes keep mum if you ask 'em direct like. They get nervous; wonder why you're wondering. So you talk about how you don't know nothin' and sure as an easterly wind, they pipe right up. Cuz they want to show you how smart they are, see? Don't make 'em suspicious and they won't even remember talking to you by dinner time, but they'll tell you everything they know. You'd be surprised what people will share with a stranger." He chuckles, thinking back on some of the things he's heard.
As they get closer to the guardpost he suggests, "Guards are a bit tougher, and apparently these ones are under someone's thumb, so we gotta be real careful. Don't try nothing funny with them - O'Toole's a sergeant. Means he's been working here for a while. We're old friends of his, met him years ago and came to say hello since we're both at the carnival now. Once we start talking with him alone, we size him up - make sure he's gonna work with us - and then talk straight with him, yeah?"
Thumbtack's Perception check if needed, at advantage due to Owl Keen Hearing and Sight (see below): 18
Following Boyd, Nikita is slightly confused at first when the grizzled man says he didn't mean anything by it. By what? Do I actually make this man nervous? The irony. The thought is enough to almost make her laugh. She considers leaning into it and pretending to cast a spell on him. Instead, she tries to be as reassuring as possible. That she's neither a direct threat, nor an indirect threat by not knowing when to shut up.
"Boyd, we've known each other for but a few hours, but strangely, you're one of the only living people I think I can trust. And I am no one but a failed and fallen spy. You were right to shut me down. There was nothing for me to take offense at. You don't need to walk on eggshells around me. I've got your back, just as you have mine. I hope?"
"And no doubt you're also right about how to approach these conversations. I'll follow your lead with the guards and try to keep my direct questions to a minimum. Obtuse. Unless and until I see you talking straight with O'Toole that is."
With that, she murmurs to her familiar again and Thumbtack does a quick reconnaissance flight once around the guard tower (assuming we are close) and returns to her shoulder. Not going too far so as not to become unwitting prey to some seahawk. The owl reports back on anything she saw including size and layout of the outpost and the general demeanor of the guards, if visible. Nikita shares any information gained with Boyd.
Added Perception check for Thumbtack above.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
The Ruddy Tankard (Boyd & Nikita)
Brodie lets out an extra-loud spout of laughter when Nikita talks about him getting slow. "Y'take care o' this one Boyd, she's spesh-ial," he says with a wink. "I' 'as been a pleasure, m'dear," he says, seeing you to the door of his establishment. "I saw O'Toole 'eadin' t'wards town this mornin' from th' Ba'racks t' th' wes' (jus' keep followin' th' road wes'wards). G' chance tha' 'e's either on th' Sharkfin Bridge or a' th' Council 'all."
"Y'always wel'ome 'ere," Brodie says with a smile as he sees you both out, "Aye, fair winds, mis'er Boyd."
((Are you still planning on going towards the Barracks to the west. Or based on Brodie's information relating to O'Toole's whereabouts, going to the Sharkfin Bridge/Council Hall?))
Thumbtack's Perception check:
Thumbtack takes to the skies and flies westerly towards the nearby barracks. It is located on a hill around half a kilometre from your position. A number of images are relayed to your mind;
You are struck by the fact that the carriage if it went the way Brodie stated, would have had to go past the barracks.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Faila's History check:
Regarding the Sharkfin Bridge;
The architecture of the bridge speaks of its age. It is clear that it pre-dates the rest of the town and speaks of a bygone civilisation.
Regarding the Anvil within the Dwarven Anvil
The anvil is a highly decorated dwarven relic. It is a surprise to you that any Dwarf would willingly be separated from such an important treasure. You wonder what dwarves would make of a human blacksmith owning one of their ancient dwarven relics.
The Dwarven Anvil (Faila & Nick)
Mafera waves her hand dismissively at Nick. "Come now, we did not mean any harm. I apologise for any offence taken," she says, placatingly, "however, you must understand that we have a long list of orders and to drop everything at a moments notice... well it is quite a bold assumption you made."
She sighs deeply, "If I had a copper for every time that someone came in here insisting that their needs far exceeded everyone else... well let's just say I would currently be enjoying my retirement." Her manner is kind and friendly, if not firm and no-nonsense. Mafera looks at Nick with peaked interest when he mentions events that need cleaning. "What events do you talk of? Is this about the missing Freyn girl? Esther? Or..." she stops herself short.
"Look, we'll see what we can do, Mister...?" she asks.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Claude's Wagon (Ermasnietsz & Meresaa)
Meresaa scrambles to Claude's side and attempts to find a pulse; she is able to find one, but it is faint. Applying the sticky balm to Claude's forehead you notice him and Maud begin to stir.
"Wha'? Wha' 'appened?" Claude says in a daze. "It were like part of me mind were bein' yanked from me body," he rubs at the sticky balm on his head, "wha's this? This ain't a good sign, is it?". He seems resigned to his fate.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
“Oh no mister or misses here, just Nick is fine. No time for formalities, they don’t settle right with me stomach.”
“I am too sure you get the need it yesterday speech plenty, but I do in fact have no other reason to be in saltmarsh but to extricate it of whatever plague or evil currently resides here. What support to lend to the effort is up to you and yours.” He looks towards the son while speaking, “is investigating the Freyn girl’s disappearance where you wish me to start? Like I said I would prefer to pay extra by aiding you before others… not like those in charge always know which are the more pressing problems for the folk on the street level do you agree? “
“if you think chain mail or scale mail is gonna take you some time to make what do you have in the back we could use in the mean time! Some hide perhaps? If the market will have those we can just worry about the studded and the scale…”
nick discusses the matter with her matter of factly, giving off no sir of needing a discount of being cheap. He sertainpy seems he is willing to pay a reasonable price for it, and some extra if they can get it done fast.
(Nikita relays Thumbtack's scouting information of the western barracks and Wicker Goat to Boyd, but the two turn towards the Sharkfin Bridge and Council Hall based on Handsome having said O'Toole went that way.)
Perception check to identify folks on bridge below:
- Eamon O'Toole and Maureen Freyn talking with each other.
- Professor who is looking for Asha Hawkes
Perception check: 18)
If she spots O'Toole and Freyn (as Nick Nack did) even before they step onto the bridge, Nikita would touch Boyd's elbow and gesture with her eyes, waiting for Boyd to take the lead to talk to them. "Two birds, one stone," she murmurs, with an apologetic glance at Thumbtack, who briefly opens her large eyes with an indignant look.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Ermasnietsz feels a wave of relief wash over her when Claude opens his gorgeous pair of eyes. The reaction has been unexpected, she also finds the response exaggerated. But, all these shenanigans reveal something of great value. There is indeed an external force here in Oerth that's been messing with the 'Weave'.
"Fret not, my friend! Whatever you observed was a practical demonstration of the facts. We do not have full control over the magic."
She crosses her fingers and hopes that the trivial excuse will save her from further chastisement.
"Truth must be told, I'm incapable of casting spells that deal damage"- she continues to speak while kneeling beside the conscious man.
"Do you still feel Maud inside your head?"
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Boyd looks at Nikita appraisingly, "Well alright. I've got your back as well; we're in this together, now, eh?" Once the Elf reports that her bird has spotted O'Toole and Freyn, Boyd says, "Well that'll make it a bit tougher. Maureen's gonna know we haven't been with the carnival, and if O'Toole's the only guard there then we've no need for our fake story, eh?" As they approach their location, the grizzled man tries to come up with a plan. "Let's have a listen in and see what we can hear. When they're about to part ways we'll walk up to Maureen and let her know that Isolde sent us to check in on her. Gotta get a sense of this sergeant before we start talking openly. Jump in if you got a good feeling, though. Gotta trust your gut on these things."
As they walk up the bridge, they stop a few dozen feet from O'Toole and Freyn, leaning against a building or the side of the bridge. Boyd starts explaining a bit on how to spy, "Normally, you don't wanna look at whoever you're eavesdropping on, so that they don't suspect you. But we're friends giving Maureen some privacy until her conversation is over, so we would be watching her. Still, you don't want to looks like you're eavesdropping. Gotta look cool as a cucumber. Shoulders relaxed. Keep your mouth flapping like we're having a conversation."
While Boyd is instructing his ally, he's also listening in on whatever Maureen and Eamon are talking about. He's trying to get a good sense of the guard's personality and commitment to duty.
Perception: 17
Insight: 19
Nikita steps onto the bridge...
And attempts to follow Boyd's instructions, feeling like she is back in her first days as an initiate with her spy coterie back in Celene. Turns out, it's a bit different spying on common-folk than it was with demons and conspiracies with Iuz... and maybe she was never that good at it anyway.
Perception: 12
Insight: 9
((Darn, should have kept the prior perception check!))
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Sharkfin Bridge (Boyd & Nikita)
Nikita's Perception check (as they enter the bridge):
There are a few interesting characters that draw your attention;
Boyd's Perception & Insight checks (having spotted O'Toole speaking with a disgruntled woman):
Perception
O'Toole speaks with the woman in hushed tones, you only make out parts of their conversation over the general hubbub of the bridge. The first voice you hear is Maureen's;
"... are falling on deaf ears, Eamon!"
"...sure they're trying everything in their..."
"They aren't! They're not even searching. I... Essie!"
"'s not the time or place for this discussion..."
"You have to find her Eamon, you're the only one..."
"... have my word Maureen. I just..."
"... Charles... not be so impertinent... He always... Eamon."
"... good man... see what I can do.... duty, after hours..."
Maureen proceeds to fling her arms around the guard, appearing to be content for the time being. She continues on down the bridge in the direction of the Council Hall. Sergeant O'Toole stands still and casts a watchful eye up and down the street.
Insight
It is clear to tell that Maureen is distressed by her daughter's disappearance, she has not given up hope but appears dismayed at the lack of action being taken by the town guard. The Sergeant appears to be genuinely concerned about Esther's wellbeing but seems twitchy and unwilling to discuss the disappearance too loudly in public; he seems deeply paranoid, maybe for good reason.
Nikita - As you set foot on the bridge you begin to feel nauseated, your stomach gripes and you feel as though you want to vomit. As you continue towards the centre of the bridge this feeling begins to grow and grow. Any that see you would observe that your face has lost a little of its colour. Please make a Constitution Saving Throw.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
The Dwarven Anvil (Faila & Nick)
Jasker stops hammering once more, Mafera narrows her eyes at Nick. "Hold on just a minute," Jasker says, giving Nick his full attention, "what's this about a plague? Is there a plague in town, Nick?" He shoots a look at his mother.
"I had heard rumours, it's not that blessed Carnival is it?" Mafera enquires, "Brinck warned us about them lot."
Jasker shakes his head, "I am sure Mister... I mean Nick was speaking of a metaphorical plague. Perhaps the evil that resides in the unrepentants' hearts?"
"We've never had a problem with the guard here," Mafera explains when Nick mentions 'those in charge', "except for that Sergeant O'Toole, seems like an odd sort."
"Agreed," her son interjects.
"The Freyn girl? All I heard was that her mother - was it Marlene? - was looking for her. They used to be great customers the Freyn's," Mafera reminisces.
"Agreed," Jasker repeats in agreement.
"Awful business what happened to Sir Charles. Poor Marlene was never the same after."
"Agreed," you get the distinct sense that Jasker is not paying attention.
"Oh back on to the topic of armour is it?" Mafera quips as Nick approaches the topic once more, "you really are a most incorrigible young Halfling? Jasker!"
"Agr..." Jasker stops himself short, "sorry what?"
"Hide Armour for Nick here," Mafera explains, rolling her eyes, "look lively, lad!"
"Oh, uh, certainly sir... Nick. Right this way," Jasker proceeds to lead you towards the back of the blacksmith, "got a few bits here, 'course the market would likely have the scale mail and Kester might be able to craft you some leather, or hide, items. But if you want something here and now... well look no further."
There are a number of worn, but serviceable, pieces of hide and leather armour, including some in your size.
Once he has you out the back, Jasker lowers his voice, "look, you got the coin and I can source the armour. If you're willing to take it and not ask questions, I can get you some. Just tell me what you need and I'll tell you prices. 'course, if you do not have the stomach for it then just say and we shall forget this conversation ever happened. Alright?"
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Claude's Wagon (Ermasnietsz & Meresaa)
Not having much of a clue about anything Claude responds meekly, "Oh, uh, yes. Prac'ical demons'ration." He rubs the blood from his nose onto his sleeve. "S'alright, s'like I always say - magic is an art form, jus' need tha righ' brushes," he declares clearly not having the foggiest idea of what he is speaking about, you see Maud facepalm.
You get the sense that Claude clearly does not realise how close to death he was.
"Naw, naw, Ermas-nya ((he gives up half way)), s'no time fo' talk like tha'," Claude says after Ermasnietsz mentions her capabilities or lack thereof, "we all star' somewhere." He reaches up from his prone position to pat Ermasnietsz on the shoulder, "Y'll get tha 'ang of it, don' you worry."
"Maud? Yes, she's still here, ain't ya Maud?" Claude says wistfully, "though 'er voice soun's a li'le strained."
Maud's eyes blink as though dazed before settling on Ermasnietsz with a look of pure loathing.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Nikita's Con Save: 17
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Nikita - You fight back the sickness you feel and a little of the colour returns to your face. You are left to contemplate what exactly caused your momentary ill-feeling.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Meresaa closes her eyes for a moment and takes a deep, calming breath through her nose before focusing back on Claude. She swats his hand away from the balm's residue. "Leave that be. It needs a bit more time to finish absorbing." Reaching down to grab his less sticky hand, she helps him up from the floor of his wagon.
"But you're quite right, Claude. The arcane arts are something that require time, patience, and control." She stresses the last word as she looks at Ermasnietsz out of the corner of her eye. "If we don't have control, we have only chaos. And, as we've just seen, chaos can be quite dangerous. I've read research on how a simple magical effect, like that of my balm, can yield different outcomes depending on various factors."
She straightens as much as she's able in the confines of the wagon. "In any case, I'm glad that you've recovered, Claude...and Maud. I'll ask Nathaniel to stop by and check on you just in case you might need further medical attention. Thank you for your time and information. We should be on our way to speak with this Illuminated Man if we're to piece together any more of this puzzle."
Opening the door, she looks back to the strange sorcerer and says, "I wonder how the others are faring with Harold. I certainly hope he's feeling better..." as she steps back out into the daylight.
She proceeds to find Nathaniel and ask him to check on Claude as well as directions to find the Illuminated Man.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Nikita turns white as a sheet and reels a little as she walks alongside Boyd. She attempts to focus her mind using knowledge and logic. What could cause her to suddenly feel ill? Iuz, she reflexively thinks. But no, the cambion lord did not deal in half measures. ((Rolling checks - choose as applicable))
Arcana check on cause of illness: 14
Medicine check on cause of illness: 9
Investigation on cause of illness: 7
Also, having just seen the woman she surmises is Maureen Freyn pleading with Eamon O'Toole to help find her daughter, Nikita recalls her conversation with Nancy Carver.
What could those faceless beings that kidnapped Esther and Billy in the large black carriage be? 3 of them, 2 with brown hair and one with red. The redhead may have been a woman with a puppet, which sang some horrific song.
Nikita tries to think whether she has any clue what the creatures might have been or type of magic that may have been involved.
Nature check for faceless ones: 23
Arcana check to try to identify related magic: 23
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Ermasnietsz silently watches Meresaa and Claude when both of them swallow the bait without any complaints. She will stay inside the wagon to observe the condition of the Claude and Maud pair till she's certain about their well-being.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
The Illuminated Man (Ermasnietsz & Meresaa)
After visiting Nathaniel and updating him on Claude you proceed to seek out The Illuminated Man. Heading back to the Troupers' Gallery you approach a wagon with a beautiful, decorative sign sitting in front of it; "Magical Tattoos" it reads, pictures of fireworks exploding into a rainbow of colour move along the front of the sign as though animated, this is then replaced by an image of yourself, looking chuffed, sporting a brand new tattoo.
You hear a buzzing sound as a Carnival patron sits patiently, a man covered from the shoulders down in tattoos carefully applies his craft; by the looks of it, a large flying fish is currently being tattooed on the patron, its partially complete tail flipping across the man's back. An array of pots of magical inks stand next to the tattooist, sparkling in the daylight.
Glancing up at you the man smiles, spotting potential customers, "I'll just be with you in a sec, just finishing up here. Any thought as to what you wanna have done?"
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Nikita's Arcana, Medicine, and Investigation checks on her sudden sickness:
Arcana
This particular sickness is surely magical in nature and is clearly associated with the bridge. Your best bet is that the bridge has been enchanted with certain magics; possibly a curse.
Medicine
You are pretty certain that this brief sickness is unrelated to that affecting the Carnival.
Investigation
((Crit!)) You stand and watch for some time as people enter and leave the bridge. The vast majority of the pedestrians appear unaffected by the magic, happily going about their business. Moments pass until you notice something strange, an elf or rather half-elf seems to be having a rough time of things, similar to yourself. Though the half-elf looks as though he is about to faint but pressed on through the crowds, he has a solid build, a mop of black hair, and a slight scar above his lip. His clothing infers wealth, though his mannerisms suggest that he is no noble.
Catching your eye, he smiles and gives a cheeky wink, "a fine day, is it not? Funny how, even though I spent many years at sea, I always feel a little sea-sick when crossing this bridge." He attempts to clear his head, "Dolan, Thomas Dolan," he says by way of introduction.
It seems clear to you then, an epiphany if you will, that this ancient structure must bear a curse that specifically targets Elves and perhaps Fey-beings. Could it be that this was once a form of defence against such beings? But why would Saltmarsh have a need for such defences?
Nikita's Nature and Arcana checks regarding the faceless men:
Nature
You contemplate the type of being a 'faceless man' might be and struggle to come up with a definitive answer. A shapechanger of some form? Possible given the otherwordly nature of the creatures you encountered at the Carnival, but unlikely.
Arcana
If not natural, then could it be that the 'faceless men' are magical or... Magically obscuring their faces? Perhaps even some form of mind-altering spell could achieve the same effect. The horrific song would possibly infer that magic was involved, you have heard of bards interweaving magic into their songs before.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)