"Hmmm... talking about how no one's looking for Esther. Not sure if she's talking about the council or the other guards - I think the guards. Charles, she mentioned as well... that's her husband, right? Or was? O'Toole doesn't want to talk about it in public, probably because it's dangerous for him... but maybe because he's in on it too and wants to protect Maureen? I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt, but you only get one chance on some of these things. Come on, let's go catch up to Maureen."
He looks back at Nikita, who is staggering a bit with a hand to her head, "Oi, what's wrong? You Okay? Need a lie down?"
Nikita manages an unsteady smile at Boyd. "I'll be all right. I think this bridge has some ancient magic that affects us elves. What do you think we split our efforts for the moment - you talk to our friend there, a bit away from the crowd if he feels more comfortable" (gestures at O'Toole), "and Iet me have a chat with..." (gestures at a half-elf crossing the bridge) "... Thomas Dolan."
Nick listens to the two family members banter back and forth… he will never see his family again, at least not in this life…. , then follows Jasker to the back. He ignores the halfling reference, gnomes in city life can’t be too obsessed with being understood.
“As long as your supply isn’t procured through violence, I have no moral quandary with means and ways… but I would guess either someone in town has excess equipment they don’t use (wink wink), or you know someone who travels about the region with sticky fingers.., I’ll say no more, nor wish to know what information you don’t share.” Nick casually looks about if there are any secret back doors around, or context clues that imply thievery, friends in higher places, or a door to neighboring buildings…
”I’ll be forthright about my desires: a few preparatory needs depending on what we run into… :
-a chain shirt or scale mail for myself
-a regular shield
-a studded leather for a new friend, but hopefully something more elegant and with some feminine flair.
- silvering of this weapon if you could (he pulls out his dagger in an unthreatening way)
-and direction guided by you Jasker: tell me which you personally desire, for me to look into Freyn’s first? Or this captain tool… what was his name? O’toole?Or some other issue at hand,”
slapping 120 gold down (nick’s slightly lowball not not ridiculous guess for the total), “we got a deal?” Nick smiles his countryside crooked teeth, hoping to have made a friend in this new place of to him, new dynamics and conflicting interests.
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?"
Meresaa frowns at the question, having not considered that an option, but quickly responds, "I'd like to be done with this mystery Lady Isolde has tasked us with investigating. When you're quite finished, we have a few questions for you. I'm not entirely certain this is something you'd want to discuss in front of clients."
She takes a step to one side, maintaining an acceptable distance, and grasps her hands in front of her waist as she waits.
"I'd like a tattoo of an imp. It should be otherworldly in nature"- Ermasnietsz blurts out at the same time as Meresaa attempts to start the conversation while interrupting her deliberately. She points at the base of her neck and indicates the place where she'd seen Maud taking up a temporary asylum. "Right here."
Nick - "It's not procured by violence, but you have the right of it. Say a requisition order goes astray or a blurred number on a purchase order leads to the recipient receiving twice the amount they require. Should those items stay in storage? Or should an entrepreneur be able to make a bit of extra coin for the local economy?" Jasker asks rhetorically.
Jasker gets out his private notebook and begins to scrawl down your request along with prices.
"Now, let's have a look;
One Chain shirt - 62 gp
One regular shield (no insignia) - 12 gp
One regular (in good condition, mind) woman's studded leather - 56 gp
Silvering of a weapon (you'll need to come back tomorrow), dagger - 125 gp
And one direction gui... Oh uh,
That would make the total, by my calculations, 255 gp." He looks down at the 120 gp offered, "I'll accept 125 gp if you take the weapon silvering off your requests. Otherwise, it's 255 gp." Jasker says with a grin.
"Oh, as for your last request. If you were offering to deal with O'Toole, then I am all ears - nothing drastic mind you, just a little scare. Remind him to not stick his snout into the business of his superiors." He says tapping at his notepad, "O'Toole could become a potential hindrance to my acquisition of products. Otherwise, call me an altruist, but I would ask you spend your time being less concerned with the operations of the town guard and more focused on finding dear Esther. She seemed like a sweet girl and gods know that family could do with a bit of positive news."
You would know that the prices quoted have around a 25% mark-up on them that, given the risky nature of what Jasker is proposing, seems to be reasonable.
Investigation
Unsurprisingly the goods contained in the back room are more standard fare and are certainly not smuggled or illegally obtained. Otherwise, behind the clutter and cobwebs, you spot what appears to be a small, neglected shrine to Moradin - likely constructed by a previous owner.
Meresaa - "Very well," The Illuminated Man says simply, continuing his work. As you watch the master craftsman at work it strikes you that he is exceptionally good and precise at what he does; his eye for detail, colour, perspective are all meticulous.
Minutes pass but it seems like seconds as you see the artwork form on the Carnival-goers back. The tattoo is truly a thing of beauty, the colours almost seem to have a glossy metallic finish. When it animates you see a tattooed, baited hook drop down from nowhere, the fish falling for the bait and becoming snagged, only for a tugging match between hook and fish to occur, all culminating in a triumphant looking fisherman - the Carnival-goers face appears on his own back smiling broadly.
After his work is complete, the Illuminated Man stands and pats his patron on the back. "That's a wrap,"he declares with a smile. Payment is exchanged and the Illuminate Man turns to you.
"Thank you for waiting,"he says, his voice is calm and calculated, "would you like to speak inside my wagon? Or can we enjoy the afternoon sun?"
((Does Meresaa spend any much time looking at the Illuminated Man's tattoos? Say 30+ seconds attempting to focus on the patterns?))
Ermasnietsz - Just as the Illuminated Man is about to talk to Meresaa he hears Ermasnietsz make a request.
"Ahh, excellent taste,"he says with a twinkle in his eye, "certainly." The Illuminated Man guides you to a seat in front of him, he starts preparing his tools, "Don't worry, this will not hurt one bit. Otherworldly in nature you say? I think I can manage that."
As you focus ahead you hear the familiar sound of the Illuminated Man's tools, thankfully you do not see the needled contraption from where you sit. Expecting pain, you instead feel a cold metallic feeling on your neck. "See, that's not too bad now, is it?" The Illuminated Man assures you, he gives your shoulder a comforting squeeze before continuing.
You sit perfectly still as he applies his trade. His voice is low yet comforting, you feel your mind drifting... your mind's eye races over ponds and rivers, through ravines and crevasses, over woodlands and forests with large canopied trees and vibrantly coloured fungus. The sun beats down on your brow as you briefly lose yourself - it is as clear as the day that there is magic at work here.
"All done... dare I say - that is a wrap!"The Illuminated Man declares triumphantly, "I hope that was not too arduous for you."
Those looking at Ermasnietsz's neck would indeed see a small tattoo of an imp with a pointed red cap. As it animates it springs to life and chases a spectral butterfly through woods of mushroom-shaped trees, never quite catching its quarry. "The image is only limited by your imagination," the Illuminated Man whispers into your ear, at least you assume he whispered, "it will change as you wish it. Though its essence - that of an imp - will remain the same."
At that point, he looks over towards Meresaa, "Oh, I had quite forgotten... I really tend to get lost in my craft. You would like to talk about something?"
((Ermasnietsz, the same question as Meresaa, do you at any point attempt to focus on the tattoos of the Illuminated Man? Say 30 seconds or more))
Lasker appears to be good to his word. It is clear he is running some form or racket which involves dipping into the stores of the town guard; it is likely that they have been, as he said, fudging requisition records in order to gain more items than they are entitled to from the crown.
He does not seem to be overly bothered by the missing girl but bears her no ill will.
You get the sense that Lasker believes that the offer is reasonable and is not too much, all things considered.
Regarding O'Toole, Lasker sees him as a nuisance and potential thorn in his side, but only from a financial perspective. It is very much implied that most of the guards are aware of the arrangement that Lasker has, except O'Toole.
Nikita smiles queasily at Dolan in commiseration. Once they get across the bridge, she tries an opening salvo:
"I am Nikita. From Celene in the north. Far from the sea. Not one of Procan's own like you... Pirate then, or privateer, back in the day? Or smuggler, perhaps?"
Nikita keeps smiling amiably in an attempt to show she is teasing and means no harm. She imagines Boyd's exasperated look.
So much for obtuse! But Dolan is different than the other townsfolk, I sense. I need to keep his interest.
Nikita - Dolan smirks, clearly amused by the notion of being a pirate, "nothing quite so interesting I'm afraid." He looks out towards the sea and sighs, "Just your run of the mill sailor, spent most of my life aboard merchant ships. Sailed most of the Azure Sea."
"Celene, I have heard of the Faerie Kingdom but can't say I've ever been," Dolan gets a distant look in his eye, "would love to visit it at some point. I might well have family there, for all I know." He smiles and brushes his hand through his hair, "grew up an Orphan me. Never knew my folks."
"What about you Nikita?" He asks, changing the subject, "how did you find yourself in fair Saltmarsh, so far from home?"
Dolan seems to be honest and straightforward with you. You get the sense that he appreciates the same traits in others; the airs and graces of 'polite society' would certainly make him uncomfortable.
“Well keep me informed in regard to O’toole. We’re friends now… if he gives you trouble send someone to find me, but it sounds like he’s relatively harmless.” Nick pulls out 5 more gold.
“I know this is probably a little more than I need to pay for it, but take it anyway, Im sure you'll put it to better use than me… and go treat your mom to something nice you hear? Never know how long we all have with our families… gotta appreciate them while you got the chance,” he can tell Nick is speaking upon his own memories, as he slides the entire sum across the tabletop and awaits for his armor.
“No need for the silvering if you gonna charge those prices, I was thinking more of a little tip is all.” Nick smiles and starts taking off his leather armor and gives it to Him, “here, you can have it as a gift from the mountains. That leather’s been halfway across this whole world you see, probably only a few pieces like it in the region!” he eyes Faila, and thinks of the entire group who got pulled through to here by the fliers. “It’s been a long long way…”
(I'd say that between the first patron and then Ermasnietsz, Meresaa definitely spent at least 30 seconds looking over his tattoos. Man, I hope dude's got a passive hypnotic pattern on his skin. That would be both ridiculous and awesome.)
Meresaa rolls her eyes and sighs at Ermasnietsz' choices once again. At least she isn't killing anyone this time. Yet.
While waiting for her companion's ill-advised decisions to play out (how does she expect to find work looking like that?? 🤣), she starts in.
"We've been asked to look into the strange illness that's recently descended upon the Carnival. I understand you had something to do with our summoning..." She trails off, waiting just a moment to see if there's any reaction before continuing. "We're hoping to gather whatever information we can regarding the magics involved in our arrival. I understand there were some... unexpected effects. Not only the obvious affliction that's befallen Claude, but the fact that some of us were brought from well beyond the intended reach of the spell. Some among us..." She glares at Ermasnietsz. "...think there may be a connection between those unintended results and the malady. Not that one begat the other, of course, but they may share a common cause. Some of us would like to rule out that possibility before moving on to other leads."
The tall, slender blue woman steps up behind the Illuminated Man and whispers, "Don't let her touch you. She's got a... dangerous way of discerning truth."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nikita answers Dolanwith the truth as plainly as she can, though not with every detail.
I can understand what Isolde sees in him. Is it ridiculous to be both jealous of, and attracted to him?
"I ran away. From home and from something else I should not have been involved in. And kept running all the way down south until I ended up here. In fair Saltmarsh."
"But I think we have a common acquaintance. Lady Isolde of the Carnival. I am working on her behalf. I know you are a busy man. Can you spare a moment to speak with me? I have some questions you may be able to help me with."
Once again, Nikita watches Dolan with a friendly smile, this time for his reaction to the mention of Lady Isolde and the Carnival. Insight: 18
(@IrRy0, Ermasnietsz will focus on the tattoo of the patron as well as her own. She definitely wants to identify the creature type of the flying fish.)
Ermasnietsz stares at the animated artwork, then she will clench and unclench her fist to reveal the incorporeal nature of her body. The ink disappears and there's no trace of the needlework (repeated casting of Blade Ward).
"I hope you don't mind the words of my colleague. I believe in strict work ethics and the charismatic influence of my motto has been keeping her away from taverns and.... entertainment? That must be frustrating."
The sorcerer will then introduce herself as a former enforcer and observe the expression of the artist.
Boyd leaves Nikita to go find Dolan and turns his own attention to Maureen. He'll talk to O'Toole soon, but it sound like he wasn't in a position to talk about it right now anyway. He hurries his pace to catch up with the woman. "Maureen!" He calls out as he approaches her, "got a sec?"
Once he gets her attention he introduces himself. "Boyd Nilsson. Isolde hired me to look into what was going on around the circus." He nods toward a secluded but still public area, like an untraveled alley between the shops on the bridge, or near the waterside on solid land. Once they arrive he rattles off some questions, "Can you tell me if Esther was acting funny before her disappearance? Do you know what she was doing with Billy the night she disappeared? How is this O'Toole fellow? reliable?"
Nick - "A pleasure doing business Nick," Lasker says, shaking your hand, "I'll have your items by tomorrow morning."
When he sees you waiting he says under his breath, "my contact has to get the items. We don't just keep them stashed here. Be here first thing tomorrow morning and I'll have your stuff."
Lasker chuckles as you mention the silvering, "nice try! The raw materials alone cost me close to 100 gp, that's quite some tip!" He waves his hand as you offer the armour, "please keep your leather armour, I have no need for it."
As he moves to return back to the anvil, Lasker turns and says,"if you do manage to humiliate O'Toole in some way, publicly." He smiles, "well I might just consider giving you that tip after all."
Tattoos - You stand, transfixed on the Illuminated Man's tattoos. You are sure that he has been speaking to you, but none of his words are quite registering. As you stare at the patterns they start to create different scenes, which play out over his body, each one seems to represent a different phobia.
The first scene you see is of a elvish woman desperately trying to pull bats from her hair
The next shows a bloody claw scraping at a window pane
You see one of a young child sleeping in his bed as a monster stirs from underneath it
The next second an elderly man desperately bangs at the lid of his coffin, buried alive
You feel a spine-tingling chill go down your body as you imagine what your darkest fear may be.
"Hello? Helllooo?"The Illuminated Man waves his hand in front of your face, "are you paying attention?!"
He shakes his head in disbelief, starting from scratch, "It was as I was saying. The affliction fell on the Carnival before the summoning. It is why the Carnival Mistress tasked myself and Claude with seeking those capable of helping."
The Illuminate Man nods as Meresaa explains about the mishap with the summoning. "That was a mistake,"he explains, "I helped Claude with his teleportation spell, it needed certain materials; including my tattooing inks. It was a desperate attempt for the pamphlets to bring specialists from all over Oerth to the Carnival in hopes that they may solve the mystery behind the sickness."
"However, I must admit that I am no spiritual man," The Illuminated Man explains, "I was unaware that other planes or places of existence were real. That changed the moment I saw the thing on Claude's neck materialise in front of me."
"I think Ermasnietsz may be correct. What if whatever caused our spell to misfire was also the source of this sickness?" The Illuminated man muses, "I feel the need to stress that I know basic magics, illusionary - pretty patterns"he says, self-effacingly, "and you've met Claude. He was the Carnival's conjurer of cheap tricks. It seemed like a long shot that the spell would work at all... but then, here you all are." He grins.
After Meresaa gives him the warning, the Illuminated Man looks a little alarmed and gives a sideways glance at Ermasnietsz. Otherwise, he does not appear to react to learning about Ermasnietsz's past.
Ermasnietsz - please feel free to perform an Arcana check to discern the magical nature of your tattoo. Oh, and a Nature check to attempt to understand more about the flying fish.
"Hmmm... talking about how no one's looking for Esther. Not sure if she's talking about the council or the other guards - I think the guards. Charles, she mentioned as well... that's her husband, right? Or was? O'Toole doesn't want to talk about it in public, probably because it's dangerous for him... but maybe because he's in on it too and wants to protect Maureen? I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt, but you only get one chance on some of these things. Come on, let's go catch up to Maureen."
He looks back at Nikita, who is staggering a bit with a hand to her head, "Oi, what's wrong? You Okay? Need a lie down?"
Nikita manages an unsteady smile at Boyd. "I'll be all right. I think this bridge has some ancient magic that affects us elves. What do you think we split our efforts for the moment - you talk to our friend there, a bit away from the crowd if he feels more comfortable" (gestures at O'Toole), "and Iet me have a chat with..." (gestures at a half-elf crossing the bridge) "... Thomas Dolan."
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 listens to the two family members banter back and forth… he will never see his family again, at least not in this life…. , then follows Jasker to the back. He ignores the halfling reference, gnomes in city life can’t be too obsessed with being understood.
“As long as your supply isn’t procured through violence, I have no moral quandary with means and ways… but I would guess either someone in town has excess equipment they don’t use (wink wink), or you know someone who travels about the region with sticky fingers.., I’ll say no more, nor wish to know what information you don’t share.” Nick casually looks about if there are any secret back doors around, or context clues that imply thievery, friends in higher places, or a door to neighboring buildings…
”I’ll be forthright about my desires: a few preparatory needs depending on what we run into… :
-a chain shirt or scale mail for myself
-a regular shield
-a studded leather for a new friend, but hopefully something more elegant and with some feminine flair.
- silvering of this weapon if you could (he pulls out his dagger in an unthreatening way)
-and direction guided by you Jasker: tell me which you personally desire, for me to look into Freyn’s first? Or this captain tool… what was his name? O’toole? Or some other issue at hand,”
slapping 120 gold down (nick’s slightly lowball not not ridiculous guess for the total), “we got a deal?” Nick smiles his countryside crooked teeth, hoping to have made a friend in this new place of to him, new dynamics and conflicting interests.
14 investigation of back room
13 persuasion for cost and honesty
Meresaa frowns at the question, having not considered that an option, but quickly responds, "I'd like to be done with this mystery Lady Isolde has tasked us with investigating. When you're quite finished, we have a few questions for you. I'm not entirely certain this is something you'd want to discuss in front of clients."
She takes a step to one side, maintaining an acceptable distance, and grasps her hands in front of her waist as she waits.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
"I'd like a tattoo of an imp. It should be otherworldly in nature"- Ermasnietsz blurts out at the same time as Meresaa attempts to start the conversation while interrupting her deliberately. She points at the base of her neck and indicates the place where she'd seen Maud taking up a temporary asylum. "Right here."
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
Nick - "It's not procured by violence, but you have the right of it. Say a requisition order goes astray or a blurred number on a purchase order leads to the recipient receiving twice the amount they require. Should those items stay in storage? Or should an entrepreneur be able to make a bit of extra coin for the local economy?" Jasker asks rhetorically.
Jasker gets out his private notebook and begins to scrawl down your request along with prices.
"Now, let's have a look;
That would make the total, by my calculations, 255 gp." He looks down at the 120 gp offered, "I'll accept 125 gp if you take the weapon silvering off your requests. Otherwise, it's 255 gp." Jasker says with a grin.
"Oh, as for your last request. If you were offering to deal with O'Toole, then I am all ears - nothing drastic mind you, just a little scare. Remind him to not stick his snout into the business of his superiors." He says tapping at his notepad, "O'Toole could become a potential hindrance to my acquisition of products. Otherwise, call me an altruist, but I would ask you spend your time being less concerned with the operations of the town guard and more focused on finding dear Esther. She seemed like a sweet girl and gods know that family could do with a bit of positive news."
Nick's Persuasion & Investigation checks:
Persuasion
You would know that the prices quoted have around a 25% mark-up on them that, given the risky nature of what Jasker is proposing, seems to be reasonable.
Investigation
Unsurprisingly the goods contained in the back room are more standard fare and are certainly not smuggled or illegally obtained. Otherwise, behind the clutter and cobwebs, you spot what appears to be a small, neglected shrine to Moradin - likely constructed by a previous owner.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Meresaa - "Very well," The Illuminated Man says simply, continuing his work. As you watch the master craftsman at work it strikes you that he is exceptionally good and precise at what he does; his eye for detail, colour, perspective are all meticulous.
Minutes pass but it seems like seconds as you see the artwork form on the Carnival-goers back. The tattoo is truly a thing of beauty, the colours almost seem to have a glossy metallic finish. When it animates you see a tattooed, baited hook drop down from nowhere, the fish falling for the bait and becoming snagged, only for a tugging match between hook and fish to occur, all culminating in a triumphant looking fisherman - the Carnival-goers face appears on his own back smiling broadly.
After his work is complete, the Illuminated Man stands and pats his patron on the back. "That's a wrap," he declares with a smile. Payment is exchanged and the Illuminate Man turns to you.
"Thank you for waiting," he says, his voice is calm and calculated, "would you like to speak inside my wagon? Or can we enjoy the afternoon sun?"
((Does Meresaa spend any much time looking at the Illuminated Man's tattoos? Say 30+ seconds attempting to focus on the patterns?))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Ermasnietsz - Just as the Illuminated Man is about to talk to Meresaa he hears Ermasnietsz make a request.
"Ahh, excellent taste," he says with a twinkle in his eye, "certainly." The Illuminated Man guides you to a seat in front of him, he starts preparing his tools, "Don't worry, this will not hurt one bit. Otherworldly in nature you say? I think I can manage that."
As you focus ahead you hear the familiar sound of the Illuminated Man's tools, thankfully you do not see the needled contraption from where you sit. Expecting pain, you instead feel a cold metallic feeling on your neck. "See, that's not too bad now, is it?" The Illuminated Man assures you, he gives your shoulder a comforting squeeze before continuing.
You sit perfectly still as he applies his trade. His voice is low yet comforting, you feel your mind drifting... your mind's eye races over ponds and rivers, through ravines and crevasses, over woodlands and forests with large canopied trees and vibrantly coloured fungus. The sun beats down on your brow as you briefly lose yourself - it is as clear as the day that there is magic at work here.
"All done... dare I say - that is a wrap!" The Illuminated Man declares triumphantly, "I hope that was not too arduous for you."
Those looking at Ermasnietsz's neck would indeed see a small tattoo of an imp with a pointed red cap. As it animates it springs to life and chases a spectral butterfly through woods of mushroom-shaped trees, never quite catching its quarry. "The image is only limited by your imagination," the Illuminated Man whispers into your ear, at least you assume he whispered, "it will change as you wish it. Though its essence - that of an imp - will remain the same."
At that point, he looks over towards Meresaa, "Oh, I had quite forgotten... I really tend to get lost in my craft. You would like to talk about something?"
((Ermasnietsz, the same question as Meresaa, do you at any point attempt to focus on the tattoos of the Illuminated Man? Say 30 seconds or more))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Faila follows Nick, but stays quiet, staring agog and unfamiliar with the rhetoric of barter.
Insight: 18
Faila's Insight check:
Lasker appears to be good to his word. It is clear he is running some form or racket which involves dipping into the stores of the town guard; it is likely that they have been, as he said, fudging requisition records in order to gain more items than they are entitled to from the crown.
He does not seem to be overly bothered by the missing girl but bears her no ill will.
You get the sense that Lasker believes that the offer is reasonable and is not too much, all things considered.
Regarding O'Toole, Lasker sees him as a nuisance and potential thorn in his side, but only from a financial perspective. It is very much implied that most of the guards are aware of the arrangement that Lasker has, except O'Toole.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Nikita smiles queasily at Dolan in commiseration. Once they get across the bridge, she tries an opening salvo:
"I am Nikita. From Celene in the north. Far from the sea. Not one of Procan's own like you... Pirate then, or privateer, back in the day? Or smuggler, perhaps?"
Nikita keeps smiling amiably in an attempt to show she is teasing and means no harm. She imagines Boyd's exasperated look.
So much for obtuse! But Dolan is different than the other townsfolk, I sense. I need to keep his interest.
Insight check if needed: 7
(OOC: HA, Nikita probably already forgot his name).
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 - Dolan smirks, clearly amused by the notion of being a pirate, "nothing quite so interesting I'm afraid." He looks out towards the sea and sighs, "Just your run of the mill sailor, spent most of my life aboard merchant ships. Sailed most of the Azure Sea."
"Celene, I have heard of the Faerie Kingdom but can't say I've ever been," Dolan gets a distant look in his eye, "would love to visit it at some point. I might well have family there, for all I know." He smiles and brushes his hand through his hair, "grew up an Orphan me. Never knew my folks."
"What about you Nikita?" He asks, changing the subject, "how did you find yourself in fair Saltmarsh, so far from home?"
Nikita's Insight check:
Dolan seems to be honest and straightforward with you. You get the sense that he appreciates the same traits in others; the airs and graces of 'polite society' would certainly make him uncomfortable.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
“Well keep me informed in regard to O’toole. We’re friends now… if he gives you trouble send someone to find me, but it sounds like he’s relatively harmless.” Nick pulls out 5 more gold.
“I know this is probably a little more than I need to pay for it, but take it anyway, Im sure you'll put it to better use than me… and go treat your mom to something nice you hear? Never know how long we all have with our families… gotta appreciate them while you got the chance,” he can tell Nick is speaking upon his own memories, as he slides the entire sum across the tabletop and awaits for his armor.
“No need for the silvering if you gonna charge those prices, I was thinking more of a little tip is all.” Nick smiles and starts taking off his leather armor and gives it to Him, “here, you can have it as a gift from the mountains. That leather’s been halfway across this whole world you see, probably only a few pieces like it in the region!” he eyes Faila, and thinks of the entire group who got pulled through to here by the fliers. “It’s been a long long way…”
(I'd say that between the first patron and then Ermasnietsz, Meresaa definitely spent at least 30 seconds looking over his tattoos. Man, I hope dude's got a passive hypnotic pattern on his skin. That would be both ridiculous and awesome.)
Meresaa rolls her eyes and sighs at Ermasnietsz' choices once again. At least she isn't killing anyone this time. Yet.
While waiting for her companion's ill-advised decisions to play out (how does she expect to find work looking like that?? 🤣), she starts in.
"We've been asked to look into the strange illness that's recently descended upon the Carnival. I understand you had something to do with our summoning..." She trails off, waiting just a moment to see if there's any reaction before continuing. "We're hoping to gather whatever information we can regarding the magics involved in our arrival. I understand there were some... unexpected effects. Not only the obvious affliction that's befallen Claude, but the fact that some of us were brought from well beyond the intended reach of the spell. Some among us..." She glares at Ermasnietsz. "...think there may be a connection between those unintended results and the malady. Not that one begat the other, of course, but they may share a common cause. Some of us would like to rule out that possibility before moving on to other leads."
The tall, slender blue woman steps up behind the Illuminated Man and whispers, "Don't let her touch you. She's got a... dangerous way of discerning truth."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Nikita answers Dolan with the truth as plainly as she can, though not with every detail.
I can understand what Isolde sees in him. Is it ridiculous to be both jealous of, and attracted to him?
"I ran away. From home and from something else I should not have been involved in. And kept running all the way down south until I ended up here. In fair Saltmarsh."
"But I think we have a common acquaintance. Lady Isolde of the Carnival. I am working on her behalf. I know you are a busy man. Can you spare a moment to speak with me? I have some questions you may be able to help me with."
Once again, Nikita watches Dolan with a friendly smile, this time for his reaction to the mention of Lady Isolde and the Carnival. 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
(@IrRy0, Ermasnietsz will focus on the tattoo of the patron as well as her own. She definitely wants to identify the creature type of the flying fish.)
Ermasnietsz stares at the animated artwork, then she will clench and unclench her fist to reveal the incorporeal nature of her body. The ink disappears and there's no trace of the needlework (repeated casting of Blade Ward).
"I hope you don't mind the words of my colleague. I believe in strict work ethics and the charismatic influence of my motto has been keeping her away from taverns and.... entertainment? That must be frustrating."
The sorcerer will then introduce herself as a former enforcer and observe the expression of the artist.
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 leaves Nikita to go find Dolan and turns his own attention to Maureen. He'll talk to O'Toole soon, but it sound like he wasn't in a position to talk about it right now anyway. He hurries his pace to catch up with the woman. "Maureen!" He calls out as he approaches her, "got a sec?"
Once he gets her attention he introduces himself. "Boyd Nilsson. Isolde hired me to look into what was going on around the circus." He nods toward a secluded but still public area, like an untraveled alley between the shops on the bridge, or near the waterside on solid land. Once they arrive he rattles off some questions, "Can you tell me if Esther was acting funny before her disappearance? Do you know what she was doing with Billy the night she disappeared? How is this O'Toole fellow? reliable?"
Nick - "A pleasure doing business Nick," Lasker says, shaking your hand, "I'll have your items by tomorrow morning."
When he sees you waiting he says under his breath, "my contact has to get the items. We don't just keep them stashed here. Be here first thing tomorrow morning and I'll have your stuff."
Lasker chuckles as you mention the silvering, "nice try! The raw materials alone cost me close to 100 gp, that's quite some tip!" He waves his hand as you offer the armour, "please keep your leather armour, I have no need for it."
As he moves to return back to the anvil, Lasker turns and says, "if you do manage to humiliate O'Toole in some way, publicly." He smiles, "well I might just consider giving you that tip after all."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
The Illuminated Man (Ermasnietsz & Meresaa)
"Hello? Helllooo?" The Illuminated Man waves his hand in front of your face, "are you paying attention?!"
He shakes his head in disbelief, starting from scratch, "It was as I was saying. The affliction fell on the Carnival before the summoning. It is why the Carnival Mistress tasked myself and Claude with seeking those capable of helping."
The Illuminate Man nods as Meresaa explains about the mishap with the summoning. "That was a mistake," he explains, "I helped Claude with his teleportation spell, it needed certain materials; including my tattooing inks. It was a desperate attempt for the pamphlets to bring specialists from all over Oerth to the Carnival in hopes that they may solve the mystery behind the sickness."
"However, I must admit that I am no spiritual man," The Illuminated Man explains, "I was unaware that other planes or places of existence were real. That changed the moment I saw the thing on Claude's neck materialise in front of me."
"I think Ermasnietsz may be correct. What if whatever caused our spell to misfire was also the source of this sickness?" The Illuminated man muses, "I feel the need to stress that I know basic magics, illusionary - pretty patterns" he says, self-effacingly, "and you've met Claude. He was the Carnival's conjurer of cheap tricks. It seemed like a long shot that the spell would work at all... but then, here you all are." He grins.
After Meresaa gives him the warning, the Illuminated Man looks a little alarmed and gives a sideways glance at Ermasnietsz. Otherwise, he does not appear to react to learning about Ermasnietsz's past.
Ermasnietsz - please feel free to perform an Arcana check to discern the magical nature of your tattoo. Oh, and a Nature check to attempt to understand more about the flying fish.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)