Ermasnietsz has not yet revealed her presence to Nikita. She takes cover behind tree trunk or a structure, and attempts to observe the movement of the ghostly figures.
Ermasnietsz waits for someone to respond to her enquiry while disregarding the fact that Meresaa is displeased at the action of spreading misinformation.
Nikita, believing herself to be alone, is startled when the owl is slain by the arrow and then angry at herself for being startled. Despite her sadness at Thumbtack's 'death', she knows better than to go to the Hoolwatch Tower in the middle of the nigh. Or to follow the ghosts south to... to the marshlands? She stays for a minute, attempting to be hidden and mentally catalog the ghosts (to the extent that her 60' darkvision allows) and their apparent destination before heading back to her sleeping quarters, again stealthily. She does not know to look for Ermasnietsz, so the below Perception roll is primarily only to observe the ghosts and anything else to the south.
Again, if otherwise undeterred: If Nikita has the materials available to her (charcoal, incense, herbs, brazier) , she will cast Find Familiar again as a ritual to re-summon Thumbtack. Otherwise waiting until the next morning to buy the materials at the Weekly Market ((Either way, subtracting 10gp)). She will set Thumbtack to keep watch and re-enter the sleeping quarters to resume her trance for 4 hours, giving her plenty of time to wake with the sun and join the group.
In the morning, if nothing prevents her, Nikita will faithfully relay to the group all the above information about Harold's ghost and the others converging and heading south past the Hoolwatch Tower, in the direction of the Hool Marshes. She still thinks (and speaks her opinion that) that going to Prospect is the correct move at the moment, particularly with the kidnapped Esther Freyn and possibly Asha Hawkes still plausibly being there.
A thin blanket of snow covers the town. There is a chill in the air though otherwise, it is clear skyed. The party, still attempting to make sense of the day before, set off towards the town centre.
As they trudge through the wintery streets it seems that it is another typical day within the coastal town. The closer the group move towards the docks and the weekly market the busier it gets; merchant attempt to peddle their wares, fishermen yell about the day's catch, and sailors can already be found lingering around the Snapping Line.
Shopping!
The weekly market bustles with activity as you approach. You find yourselves getting quickly caught up in the crowds. Among the stalls and merchants carts you are able to find the following:
A stall with a number of leather goods (created locally by Kiorna Kester) is situated near the centre of the market, it is able to sell sets of gloves for 3gp each and aprons for 6gp.
A stall selling a variety of antique items, mostly tat, will sell Nick a mirror for 5gp.
An alchemist sells Potion of Healing, they are easy to come by and cost 50gp/each.
Jasker at the Dwarven Anvil will sell manacles to Nick for 2gp/each.
Faila can easily find some heavier duty traveller's clothes for 2gp.
Nikita is able to easily find purchase the crowbar, flasks of oil, and caltrops at the standard prices (PHB prices). The shortswords, however, are able to be brought for a slightly inflated price of 15gp/each.
((I believe that was everything - most items (costing under 150gp) from the PHB can be sourced from the weekly market; it is the main trading hub within the town.))
Nick - Jasker is good to his word. He manages to source all the items you requested for the price you agreed (125gp). Once the deal is complete Jasker bows lowly. "A pleasure doing business, Nick,"he says with a grin. "I shall keep my eye out for any additional items that may assist you in the future."
(If nothing has prevented her from joining the group in the morning).
Nikita gives her strange gnome companion an uncharacteristically warm smile as she takes the Studded Leather (which she can't use yet while casting spells until further practice, but will put in her pack nonetheless). Nick Nack had ordered well.
She also buys 2 shortswords (30gp total), 2 bags of caltrops (2 gp total), a crowbar(2gp total), and 2 flasks of oil (2sp total).
And 5 potions of healing (250gp) at the Alchemist's. As well as charcoal, herbs and incense to cast Find Familiar. It says 10gp worth, but she will buy enough for 3 castings, 30gp, using up one set. Total expenditure: 314gp and 2sp.
She asks if the alchemist also sells vials of antitoxin.
Ermasnietsz - ((RAW? There is darkness ("characters face darkness outdoors at night (even most moonlit nights)"), though closer to the Barracks and City Gate there would be torchlight and as such it would become dim light.)) You take cover behind a barn away from the path. From where you stand you are unable to get a great look at the figures. However, you think they might be moving westward.
Nikita - You watch as the ghostly spirits float over the nearby field. Even with your darkvision, you cannot tell for certain but are sure that they are moving in a southwesterly direction towards the town gate. However, you lose them in the darkness before you are able to confirm this fact.
Otherwise, you are sure you can just about make out guards on the walls of the Barracks; likely one of them was to blame for shooting Thumbtack. In order to get a better look at what is transpiring at the Barracks you would need to move closer.
((If you believe it is likely that Nikita has the materials on her person to re-summon Thumbtack you may do so. But it seems that Nikita, in a rush, would have the required items to hand.))
Nikita does not proceed further towards the barracks and attempts to return to her quarters. Stealth already rolled above - 16.
((Let's say she does not have the materials for Find Familiar at hand))
She tries to wake early the next morning to buy the necessary materials and cast Find Familiar as a ritual at a brazier back at the Carnival without delaying the party overly much. ((Already subtracted the 10gp - actually 30gp for 3 castings, using 1 in the morning)).
Nick enjoys the riff raff, protecting his coin pouch carefully in the crowd. his invisible mage hand provides some strange pushes here and there ahead of him in the crowd: clearing space for his to walk without having to step aside for others…
gathering supplies along the way, he ends up with what he is looking for and then some:
-alien ooze gloves , 3gp
-steel mirror , 5gp
-shackles (2 sets), 4gp
12gp total.
after the little things, he heads to the smithy and is happy to find the armor he ordered (paid for them the day before, he insisted), hearing of future transactions, he leans in to discuss something more pressing with Jasker…
“honestly we can help each other… if you hear about anything really strong… breastplates, magical armor, magical weaponry… it might be best for both of us if they find their way out of other peoples hand into me and my Allies… no need to answer me, just keep it in mind… our enemies are those who would want to destroy this town, so helping us is helping saltmarsh! And even as this is so, we still are willing to pay!”
Before Jasker can answer, Nick starts walking away… the seed planted, he knows the soil must be left alone for the sprout to have a chance to grow…
Ermasnietsz uses one of the Sending Stones to cast sending spell and send a short message to the bearer of the other stone. (Anyone can respond to the message).
"Emergency situation in the barracks and city gate. Ghostly creatures lurking in unison. Bring a light source."
After relaying the message, she creeps closer to the spot of concern while trying to maintain a low profile. She probably stomps on something feathery and wet that makes plopping noise when stepped on, but she doesn't feel the need to know what it might have been.
Nikita returns to the tent, not having noticed Ermasnietsz, nor having had a sending stone with her. If she notices anyone else awake, she will relay what she and Thumbtack saw, ghosts (including Harold's ghost, along with several from town) heading past the tower, perhaps west, perhaps south, before re-entering her trance.
Nikita would not know that Ermasnietsz stepped in something. Though if she did, she would know it could not be Thumbtack's corpse, because that's not how the Find Familiar spell works. ("When the familiar drops to 0 hit points, it disappears, leaving behind no physical form.").
(Morning)
(Nikita is ready to go, after re-summoning Thumbtack and buying her things.)
Nick - Jasker smiles and briefly touches your arm as you turn to leave. "I can see you have the coin, Nick." He says, as he continues he drops his voice:
"It looks like we have an accord. Occasionally certain artefacts, let's call them, or maybe contraband, if you will, falls into the hands of the guard. These items may be better purposed by being given to the town's protectors,"he shoots you a wink,"rather than sitting in some storage locker somewhere. I shall see what I can do... There is a trade delegation from Iuz in town - no doubt you have heard.
This trade delegation deals in all sorts of exotic items. However, some of these items have been requisitioned by the guard. Perhaps they might be of use to someone like yourself."
He grins toothily.
Ermasnietsz - You creep further forward, though there are feathers and blood on the ground you do not find a certain owl's corpse. Unfortunately, rather than quietly your steps are heavy and loud on the crisp, frozen ground. As you per over towards the barracks you note that the guard has held up his torch in your direction and has most certainly seen you - a fact that he is currently keeping to himself.
Further on you see what appears to be a black carriage stationed outside the barracks. Inside it is lit and you see figures but cannot quite discern their features in the dim light. Whoever is sitting in the carriage pulls the blind on its window down, obscuring themselves.
Nikita - ((Indeed, the familiar would have disappeared to the plane it was summoned from upon 'death')) You resummon Thumbtack. Instantly, you are able to tell that your familiar is not best pleased with the events that transpired the night before; it seems sulky and a little upset. He keeps checking his wing as stands next to you, however, there is no sign of any damage from the previous night. He then proceeds to glare at you.
A tight smile appears when Ermasnietsz attempts to keep her lips pursed. She's definitely surprised by the sudden appearance of the guard. In fact, she hasn't expected to make so much noise to alert the occupants of the barracks. But, the situation is different now.
"Thanks for lighting up the torch"- she speaks almost inaudibly while attempting to grab the torch that's being held by the guard. "I must have taken a wrong turn, it's dark outside."
She will avert her gaze from the guard, then watch the movement of shadowy silhouettes sitting inside the carriage.
Does she determine the whereabouts of the ghosts of plague victims?
Boyd oversleeps that morning and misses the shopping trip, but he's awake and chatting with some of the Skurra when everyone comes back. "Oi!" he hollers at the arriving group, "Get a load of this!" He carefully empties the contents of a leather pack onto a table, revealing a tome and several newspaper articles and letters. "Paid a visit to the Weekly Wail last night.... got some letters from Theo Sedgewick. One was dated just a few days ago... he's a live and well; from what I can tell, he's probably working with the sanguine cabal, and he's working against the carnival and Dolan. He also got Harold fired from the Weekly Wail... not sure what the old fella knew - maybe he was the investigator on the sanguine cabal? Maybe Ol' Aggie would know?"
He moves on to the articles that he 'procured'. "Here's one on Karl Rothstein... and here are a few on Asha. This one's on her return to Saltmarsh, here's one on the Hawkes and Prospect, and here's a real old one on Asha being sent to the Temple of Procan for treatment for hallucinations. And the tome... haven't had a proper look through it yet" ((DM, I took a tome but not sure what was in it)).
Boyd stands proudly over his haul, admiring his work. "So, what d'ya reckon?"
Nikita reaches out telepathically to Thumbtack to try to make amends, trying to find a bit of meat she thinks the owl would like and expressing her appreciation for what her old friend (Thumbtack) did last night. She hadn't realized that sentries in the Hoolwatch Tower were just shooting birds on sight.
Might be best to exit town in a different direction and double back, she muses to her self.
Insight to see whether Thumbtack is just a little ornery or if there is something deeper wrong with the familiar, especially with the strangeness of having the planar rift nearby - rolled in next post.
After Boyd's revelations (privately, just to the group): Nikita relays what she knows of the ghosts and what happened in the direction of the Western Barracks and Hoolwatch Tower. She whistles quietly in appreciation at Boyd's research at the Weekly Wail. "Certainly confirms our already strong lead with Sedgewick. Though why he seems to be specifically targeting the Carnival remains a mystery to me. Perhaps there is someone in the Carnival he views as a threat or rival in relation to the planar gate? Wasn't there some figure some of you saw in a dream last night that one of you recognized?"
"And yes, we should investigate the Temple of Procan as well - they do seem involved, both now and in the past. I'm fine with going there first or straight to Prospect. Somebody make the decision and let's go. But with the Western Barracks and Hoolwatch Tower being suspect and probably watching us on behalf of Sedgewick and the Sanguine Cabal, I wonder if we can leave town in a different direction and then double back around."
(Morning) ... Insight to see whether Thumbtack is just a little ornery or if there is something deeper wrong with the familiar, especially with the strangeness of having the planar rift nearby - rolled in next post.
"Certainly confirms our already strong lead with Sedgewick. Though why he seems to be specifically targeting the Carnival remains a mystery to me. Perhaps there is someone in the Carnival he views as a threat or rival in relation to the planar gate? Wasn't there some figure some of you saw in a dream last night that one of you recognized?"
"You all had weird dreams last night too? ehhhh... Don't like the sounds of that. Sounds like magic to me..." Boyd shivers. "He mighta been targeting Harold? Got him fired, after all..."
Ermasnietsz carefully avoids the impulse to spend her newly acquired gold-pieces for buying common gears. Besides, she doesn't want to reveal herself to the local people of Saltmarsh and decides to pay Claude and Toska a quick visit. She's troubled by the events of the previous night, but keeps the details to herself... as long as she can without directly affecting the investigation process.
She will search for Toska, then greet the novice shaman and his otherworldly influencer. Finally, she will hand over two pouches filled with gold-pieces and notify them officially:
"You're now an integral part of the team, and deserve equal respect. But, you must follow the chain of command to ensure the success of the mission.... You obey my command without any excuse!"
Ermasnietsz - Unfortunately, you lose sight of the ghosts in the dark.
Nikita - You get the sense that Thumbtack is a little miffed at how the events of the previous night transpired, nothing deeper.
Ermasnietsz - Toska grunts. "Seem to me like we're to follow the parties commands,"she says sardonically. "I'll do as you say as long as it makes sense and helps us apprehend whoever is responsible for takin' Billy." To emphasise the point Toska balls her right hand into a fist and slams it into her other hand.
"I'll do wha'ever Toska says,"Claude looks at you suspiciously. Maude makes a number of high-pitched guttural noises. "Maude says she don't trus' ya,"Claude explains, "bu' she'll follow orders."
Boyd leans over the table and looks at his companions. "Well, what'll it be? Are we paying a visit to the temple, or are we ready to head to Prospect and see if we can't stop this once and for all?"
"Honestly, I'm happy going to either place first. Temple or Prospect. Someone make a choice and let's do it. If no one else makes a choice, then let's go to Prospect first - every minute we wait, Esther Freyn is a captive as far as we know, not to mention Asha Hawkes. But either way, I do suggest we leave town some other way than the western gate by the Barracks and Hoolwatch Tower. And then double back around through the countryside. Or else I suspect we ensure that Sedgewick's Sanguine Cabal will know exactly who is coming and when, if they don't already."
"It's not necessary to trust me as long as you are ready to follow the orders of Lady Isolde. She's recruited us and then both of you. Her wish is our command"-Ermasnietsz speaks falteringly as if she's distracted by her inner monologue. She's taking the risk of buying loyalty in exchange of money, and such kind of confidence is bound to erode.
She waves her hands to indicate that Toska and Claude-Maude must follow her immediately and strides towards the rendezvous point. Finally, she will join the conversation regarding the selection of a 'donjon'.
"Prospect. We're going to check out that place first, set the birds free if they're actually trapped there."
Night
Ermasnietsz has not yet revealed her presence to Nikita. She takes cover behind tree trunk or a structure, and attempts to observe the movement of the ghostly figures.
Intelligence: Investigation/Wisdom: Perception 4 (previously rolled)
(Is the area dimly lit or in complete darkness?)
Morning
Ermasnietsz waits for someone to respond to her enquiry while disregarding the fact that Meresaa is displeased at the action of spreading misinformation.
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
Nikita, believing herself to be alone, is startled when the owl is slain by the arrow and then angry at herself for being startled. Despite her sadness at Thumbtack's 'death', she knows better than to go to the Hoolwatch Tower in the middle of the nigh. Or to follow the ghosts south to... to the marshlands? She stays for a minute, attempting to be hidden and mentally catalog the ghosts (to the extent that her 60' darkvision allows) and their apparent destination before heading back to her sleeping quarters, again stealthily. She does not know to look for Ermasnietsz, so the below Perception roll is primarily only to observe the ghosts and anything else to the south.
Stealth: 16
Perception: 16
Again, if otherwise undeterred:
If Nikita has the materials available to her (charcoal, incense, herbs, brazier) , she will cast Find Familiar again as a ritual to re-summon Thumbtack. Otherwise waiting until the next morning to buy the materials at the Weekly Market ((Either way, subtracting 10gp)). She will set Thumbtack to keep watch and re-enter the sleeping quarters to resume her trance for 4 hours, giving her plenty of time to wake with the sun and join the group.
In the morning, if nothing prevents her, Nikita will faithfully relay to the group all the above information about Harold's ghost and the others converging and heading south past the Hoolwatch Tower, in the direction of the Hool Marshes. She still thinks (and speaks her opinion that) that going to Prospect is the correct move at the moment, particularly with the kidnapped Esther Freyn and possibly Asha Hawkes still plausibly being there.
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
Morning - Day #2 - Saltmarsh
A thin blanket of snow covers the town. There is a chill in the air though otherwise, it is clear skyed. The party, still attempting to make sense of the day before, set off towards the town centre.
As they trudge through the wintery streets it seems that it is another typical day within the coastal town. The closer the group move towards the docks and the weekly market the busier it gets; merchant attempt to peddle their wares, fishermen yell about the day's catch, and sailors can already be found lingering around the Snapping Line.
Shopping!
The weekly market bustles with activity as you approach. You find yourselves getting quickly caught up in the crowds. Among the stalls and merchants carts you are able to find the following:
((I believe that was everything - most items (costing under 150gp) from the PHB can be sourced from the weekly market; it is the main trading hub within the town.))
Nick - Jasker is good to his word. He manages to source all the items you requested for the price you agreed (125gp). Once the deal is complete Jasker bows lowly. "A pleasure doing business, Nick," he says with a grin. "I shall keep my eye out for any additional items that may assist you in the future."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
(If nothing has prevented her from joining the group in the morning).
Nikita gives her strange gnome companion an uncharacteristically warm smile as she takes the Studded Leather (which she can't use yet while casting spells until further practice, but will put in her pack nonetheless). Nick Nack had ordered well.
She also buys 2 shortswords (30gp total), 2 bags of caltrops (2 gp total), a crowbar(2gp total), and 2 flasks of oil (2sp total).
And 5 potions of healing (250gp) at the Alchemist's. As well as charcoal, herbs and incense to cast Find Familiar. It says 10gp worth, but she will buy enough for 3 castings, 30gp, using up one set. Total expenditure: 314gp and 2sp.
She asks if the alchemist also sells vials of antitoxin.
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
Night - Day #1 - Barracks
Ermasnietsz - ((RAW? There is darkness ("characters face darkness outdoors at night (even most moonlit nights)"), though closer to the Barracks and City Gate there would be torchlight and as such it would become dim light.)) You take cover behind a barn away from the path. From where you stand you are unable to get a great look at the figures. However, you think they might be moving westward.
Nikita - You watch as the ghostly spirits float over the nearby field. Even with your darkvision, you cannot tell for certain but are sure that they are moving in a southwesterly direction towards the town gate. However, you lose them in the darkness before you are able to confirm this fact.
Otherwise, you are sure you can just about make out guards on the walls of the Barracks; likely one of them was to blame for shooting Thumbtack. In order to get a better look at what is transpiring at the Barracks you would need to move closer.
((If you believe it is likely that Nikita has the materials on her person to re-summon Thumbtack you may do so. But it seems that Nikita, in a rush, would have the required items to hand.))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
(Nighttime)
Nikita does not proceed further towards the barracks and attempts to return to her quarters. Stealth already rolled above - 16.
((Let's say she does not have the materials for Find Familiar at hand))
She tries to wake early the next morning to buy the necessary materials and cast Find Familiar as a ritual at a brazier back at the Carnival without delaying the party overly much. ((Already subtracted the 10gp - actually 30gp for 3 castings, using 1 in the morning)).
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
Nick enjoys the riff raff, protecting his coin pouch carefully in the crowd. his invisible mage hand provides some strange pushes here and there ahead of him in the crowd: clearing space for his to walk without having to step aside for others…
gathering supplies along the way, he ends up with what he is looking for and then some:
-alien ooze gloves , 3gp
-steel mirror , 5gp
-shackles (2 sets), 4gp
12gp total.
after the little things, he heads to the smithy and is happy to find the armor he ordered (paid for them the day before, he insisted), hearing of future transactions, he leans in to discuss something more pressing with Jasker…
“honestly we can help each other… if you hear about anything really strong… breastplates, magical armor, magical weaponry… it might be best for both of us if they find their way out of other peoples hand into me and my Allies… no need to answer me, just keep it in mind… our enemies are those who would want to destroy this town, so helping us is helping saltmarsh! And even as this is so, we still are willing to pay!”
Before Jasker can answer, Nick starts walking away… the seed planted, he knows the soil must be left alone for the sprout to have a chance to grow…
Night: Barracks
Ermasnietsz uses one of the Sending Stones to cast sending spell and send a short message to the bearer of the other stone. (Anyone can respond to the message).
"Emergency situation in the barracks and city gate. Ghostly creatures lurking in unison. Bring a light source."
After relaying the message, she creeps closer to the spot of concern while trying to maintain a low profile. She probably stomps on something feathery and wet that makes plopping noise when stepped on, but she doesn't feel the need to know what it might have been.
Intelligence: Investigation/Wisdom: Perception (10, 8)
Dexterity: Stealth 4
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
(Nighttime)
Nikita returns to the tent, not having noticed Ermasnietsz, nor having had a sending stone with her. If she notices anyone else awake, she will relay what she and Thumbtack saw, ghosts (including Harold's ghost, along with several from town) heading past the tower, perhaps west, perhaps south, before re-entering her trance.
Nikita would not know that Ermasnietsz stepped in something. Though if she did, she would know it could not be Thumbtack's corpse, because that's not how the Find Familiar spell works. ("When the familiar drops to 0 hit points, it disappears, leaving behind no physical form.").
(Morning)
(Nikita is ready to go, after re-summoning Thumbtack and buying her things.)
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
Nick - Jasker smiles and briefly touches your arm as you turn to leave. "I can see you have the coin, Nick." He says, as he continues he drops his voice:
"It looks like we have an accord. Occasionally certain artefacts, let's call them, or maybe contraband, if you will, falls into the hands of the guard. These items may be better purposed by being given to the town's protectors," he shoots you a wink, "rather than sitting in some storage locker somewhere. I shall see what I can do... There is a trade delegation from Iuz in town - no doubt you have heard.
This trade delegation deals in all sorts of exotic items. However, some of these items have been requisitioned by the guard. Perhaps they might be of use to someone like yourself."
He grins toothily.
Ermasnietsz - You creep further forward, though there are feathers and blood on the ground you do not find a certain owl's corpse. Unfortunately, rather than quietly your steps are heavy and loud on the crisp, frozen ground. As you per over towards the barracks you note that the guard has held up his torch in your direction and has most certainly seen you - a fact that he is currently keeping to himself.
Further on you see what appears to be a black carriage stationed outside the barracks. Inside it is lit and you see figures but cannot quite discern their features in the dim light. Whoever is sitting in the carriage pulls the blind on its window down, obscuring themselves.
Nikita - ((Indeed, the familiar would have disappeared to the plane it was summoned from upon 'death')) You resummon Thumbtack. Instantly, you are able to tell that your familiar is not best pleased with the events that transpired the night before; it seems sulky and a little upset. He keeps checking his wing as stands next to you, however, there is no sign of any damage from the previous night. He then proceeds to glare at you.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Night
A tight smile appears when Ermasnietsz attempts to keep her lips pursed. She's definitely surprised by the sudden appearance of the guard. In fact, she hasn't expected to make so much noise to alert the occupants of the barracks. But, the situation is different now.
"Thanks for lighting up the torch"- she speaks almost inaudibly while attempting to grab the torch that's being held by the guard. "I must have taken a wrong turn, it's dark outside."
She will avert her gaze from the guard, then watch the movement of shadowy silhouettes sitting inside the carriage.
Does she determine the whereabouts of the ghosts of plague victims?
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 oversleeps that morning and misses the shopping trip, but he's awake and chatting with some of the Skurra when everyone comes back. "Oi!" he hollers at the arriving group, "Get a load of this!" He carefully empties the contents of a leather pack onto a table, revealing a tome and several newspaper articles and letters. "Paid a visit to the Weekly Wail last night.... got some letters from Theo Sedgewick. One was dated just a few days ago... he's a live and well; from what I can tell, he's probably working with the sanguine cabal, and he's working against the carnival and Dolan. He also got Harold fired from the Weekly Wail... not sure what the old fella knew - maybe he was the investigator on the sanguine cabal? Maybe Ol' Aggie would know?"
He moves on to the articles that he 'procured'. "Here's one on Karl Rothstein... and here are a few on Asha. This one's on her return to Saltmarsh, here's one on the Hawkes and Prospect, and here's a real old one on Asha being sent to the Temple of Procan for treatment for hallucinations. And the tome... haven't had a proper look through it yet" ((DM, I took a tome but not sure what was in it)).
Boyd stands proudly over his haul, admiring his work. "So, what d'ya reckon?"
(Morning)
Nikita reaches out telepathically to Thumbtack to try to make amends, trying to find a bit of meat she thinks the owl would like and expressing her appreciation for what her old friend (Thumbtack) did last night. She hadn't realized that sentries in the Hoolwatch Tower were just shooting birds on sight.
Might be best to exit town in a different direction and double back, she muses to her self.
Insight to see whether Thumbtack is just a little ornery or if there is something deeper wrong with the familiar, especially with the strangeness of having the planar rift nearby - rolled in next post.
After Boyd's revelations (privately, just to the group): Nikita relays what she knows of the ghosts and what happened in the direction of the Western Barracks and Hoolwatch Tower. She whistles quietly in appreciation at Boyd's research at the Weekly Wail. "Certainly confirms our already strong lead with Sedgewick. Though why he seems to be specifically targeting the Carnival remains a mystery to me. Perhaps there is someone in the Carnival he views as a threat or rival in relation to the planar gate? Wasn't there some figure some of you saw in a dream last night that one of you recognized?"
"And yes, we should investigate the Temple of Procan as well - they do seem involved, both now and in the past. I'm fine with going there first or straight to Prospect. Somebody make the decision and let's go. But with the Western Barracks and Hoolwatch Tower being suspect and probably watching us on behalf of Sedgewick and the Sanguine Cabal, I wonder if we can leave town in a different direction and then double back around."
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
Insight: 18
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
"You all had weird dreams last night too? ehhhh... Don't like the sounds of that. Sounds like magic to me..." Boyd shivers. "He mighta been targeting Harold? Got him fired, after all..."
Morning
Ermasnietsz carefully avoids the impulse to spend her newly acquired gold-pieces for buying common gears. Besides, she doesn't want to reveal herself to the local people of Saltmarsh and decides to pay Claude and Toska a quick visit. She's troubled by the events of the previous night, but keeps the details to herself... as long as she can without directly affecting the investigation process.
She will search for Toska, then greet the novice shaman and his otherworldly influencer. Finally, she will hand over two pouches filled with gold-pieces and notify them officially:
"You're now an integral part of the team, and deserve equal respect. But, you must follow the chain of command to ensure the success of the mission.... You obey my command without any excuse!"
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
Ermasnietsz - Unfortunately, you lose sight of the ghosts in the dark.
Nikita - You get the sense that Thumbtack is a little miffed at how the events of the previous night transpired, nothing deeper.
Ermasnietsz - Toska grunts. "Seem to me like we're to follow the parties commands," she says sardonically. "I'll do as you say as long as it makes sense and helps us apprehend whoever is responsible for takin' Billy." To emphasise the point Toska balls her right hand into a fist and slams it into her other hand.
"I'll do wha'ever Toska says," Claude looks at you suspiciously. Maude makes a number of high-pitched guttural noises. "Maude says she don't trus' ya," Claude explains, "bu' she'll follow orders."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Boyd leans over the table and looks at his companions. "Well, what'll it be? Are we paying a visit to the temple, or are we ready to head to Prospect and see if we can't stop this once and for all?"
"Honestly, I'm happy going to either place first. Temple or Prospect. Someone make a choice and let's do it. If no one else makes a choice, then let's go to Prospect first - every minute we wait, Esther Freyn is a captive as far as we know, not to mention Asha Hawkes. But either way, I do suggest we leave town some other way than the western gate by the Barracks and Hoolwatch Tower. And then double back around through the countryside. Or else I suspect we ensure that Sedgewick's Sanguine Cabal will know exactly who is coming and when, if they don't already."
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
"It's not necessary to trust me as long as you are ready to follow the orders of Lady Isolde. She's recruited us and then both of you. Her wish is our command"- Ermasnietsz speaks falteringly as if she's distracted by her inner monologue. She's taking the risk of buying loyalty in exchange of money, and such kind of confidence is bound to erode.
She waves her hands to indicate that Toska and Claude-Maude must follow her immediately and strides towards the rendezvous point. Finally, she will join the conversation regarding the selection of a 'donjon'.
"Prospect. We're going to check out that place first, set the birds free if they're actually trapped there."
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