"I don't mind mud beds, but what do you mean about the water levels?" Titaani asks nervously. "I really don't want to be submerged in the water again."
Mortgort begins to sketch with her glaive in the patina of mold on the warped wooden floor. From your own two visits here, you can begin to make a complete mental map of Downfall, this bullywug village that Bavlorna lived in the midst of.
The balloon she has her eye on is at D2. Many of you remember seeing it. The bridge of chattering heads is at D5. King Gullop's gazebo is at D6. Morgort's hideaway - this "O'well" - is outside of town, "east", past D11.
"Hither’s waters rise and fall kinda sporadically," she explains to Titaani. "The land here is dotted with these ancient stone wells - 'o’-wells' - which drink up and spit out the swamp water. Sometimes the water is neck high, sometimes it's all mud. Dunno what it is right now."
"Up to my neck?! No thanks!" Titaani protests, shaking her blonde hair violently. "Maybe I'll just...um...rest on the porch below the house where you guys came up from. Does anyone want to join me?"
”I would not be surprised if she has it, Clapperclaw—we are all here because we have lost something special to us, and all signs point to her as the culprit,” says Ben.
“We have promised to go visit the current king first, though,” he adds, “What can you tell us of the current state of the monarchy?”
“That’s right, his name is Clapperclaw—and Longscarf stole his stag’s head, leaving him with just a gourd,” remembers Ben.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Several of you wish to rest before proceeding. Titaani suggests resting on the lake platform immediately below the house; Horatio is willing to join her. Matilda is game to join Morgort at her safe place by the o'-well to rest. Morgort seems uncomfortable tarrying near this cottage much longer. And Elkhorn simply wants to leave this land entirely as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Ben suggests sending his horse to find Clapperclaw at the bridge and return his stag head.
What's the plan? And where does Pud stand on all this?
Pud isn't quite sure what he wants to do or where he wants to go. But he doesn't at all feel comfortable about splitting up.
"...well, how about we...I mean, we can always."He's at a loss of words. "...I dunno, guys! I just don't wanna split up! This place is pretty crazy and if we got really split up, who knows if we can find each other again."
He turns to Titaani hoping to win her over. "If the only reason why you don't wanna go with Ben and Matilda is cuz you don't wanna dirty your hair, then maybe you can sleep in balloon. How bout that?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Pronouns: he/him/his
Pud - lvl 7 Human Artificer - Alchemist (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight).
Quinn - lvl 4 Human Ranger - Hunter (Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk)
"It's not about dirt!" Titaani replies to Pud, genuine anger flashing in her eyes. "I can't swim! I nearly drowned last time I was in the water. And we can't get the balloon yet! We can't, because, well..."
Titaani sighs, leaning against the wall and allowing herself to slowly slide down into a sitting position on the floor. "Because I can't do anything. I can't concentrate and I'm so tired, too tired to cast any fancy spells. All I have the energy to do is this -" she pauses, summoning arcane flames in her hands - "This -" she summons an eldritch blast is her hands before dismissing it - "And I can summon my magic hand. I really don't think I'm going to be very useful stealing a balloon like this. I just...I don't want to be a burden."
”When we have time, Titaani, I will teach you to swim,” says Ben kindly. “Until then when we are around the water, you can ride my horse and he will keep you safe.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Considering, Ben says, “Last we saw the bullywugs we left on good terms with them. Let me and my horse take the stag’s head to Clapperclaw, then swing by the dock and get a boat. We will bring it back here, and then everyone can get to the balloon using the boat. The goal will be to rest in the balloon as we travel. I can also take someone else with me if desired, as long as he or she is on good terms with the locals.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Pud puts his head down in shame. "...I'm sorry, Titaani. I didn't mean to make you upset.
But...just know that you aren't a burden. You're very capable. Maybe more than you know. And you're so brave. You snuck into this place all by youself! Alone! I couldn't do that.
Stay here and rest up. I'll go with Ben."
He turns and looks up at Ben.
"I'm ready when you are."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Pronouns: he/him/his
Pud - lvl 7 Human Artificer - Alchemist (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight).
Quinn - lvl 4 Human Ranger - Hunter (Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk)
”Alright, let’s head downstairs,” says Ben, planning to go to the base of the structure and reunite with his horse. “We will need to be careful and try not to attract much attention,” he adds, absentmindedly fingering the fly-themed broach he got here during his last visit.
”Speaking of my horse, I haven’t given him a proper mortal name yet,” adds Ben, “Any suggestions, Pud!”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
As Ben leads the way, Pud looks back at Matilda to see if she's coming along. He waves bye to Titaani and Horatio and then runs off to catch up to Ben.
Pud pulls up beside Ben and ponders his question.
"Wow, I never named a horse before. I dunno. What do you think?"
He continues walking beside in silence as he trying to think of a fitting name.
"You know, you guys have done a lot of good. Being with you all make me feel hopeful. Like things are gonna get better.
My momma used to talk about how no matter how bad things are, tomorrow is a new day. She told me that whenever I was being a brat and doin' bad stuff. I thought she was just trying to make me feel better and stop crying, but..maybe she meant more than that. Maybe she was talking about times like this.
I always feel hopeful in the morning so...how about Morning Star?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Pronouns: he/him/his
Pud - lvl 7 Human Artificer - Alchemist (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight).
Quinn - lvl 4 Human Ranger - Hunter (Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk)
”I love it. Morning Star, or just Star if we are in a hurry,” says Ben excitedly. “I am not really sure what to do, but if we help people when we can, I hope it all works out.”
Getting down to the base of the stairs, Ben calls out softly to his horse and mounts it, pulling Pud up behind him. “Shall we return Clapperclaw’s head to him, Morning Star?” Ben asks his noble steed.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"Umm...I guess I could learn how to swim..." Titaani responds to Ben's offer, the expression on her face betraying how much the idea of willingly getting in the water horrifies her. Ben's other offer to let her ride his horse seems much more appealing to her. "Oh, that would be perfect. Thankyou."
"It's ok Pud. I wasn't upset at you, I was just, well, feeling insecure, I guess," Titaani turns to the group's artificer as he speaks. "But hearing you talk about me like that makes me feel a whole lot better. So thankyou. And for the record, I think you're very brave too."
As the pair leaves, Titaani gets up and waves goodbye to them before turning back to Horatio and the others. "Do you guys want to wait on the platform for a bit?"
Ben and Pud urge Morning Star into the murky lake, and begin their slow swim through the fog toward the macabre bridge. (Is anyone else joining them?) Morgort is nervously scanning the area; Elkhorn is sullen and bored. All is quiet, other than a few strains of music coming from the Palace (the building Titaani shimmied over from on the upper right of the map.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"I don't mind mud beds, but what do you mean about the water levels?" Titaani asks nervously. "I really don't want to be submerged in the water again."
Pud’s somewhat disappointed in the outcome of his experiment.
”Rats! Looks like these are normal windows. I’m all out of ideas.”
Pronouns: he/him/his
Pud - lvl 7 Human Artificer - Alchemist (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight).
Quinn - lvl 4 Human Ranger - Hunter (Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk)
Mortgort begins to sketch with her glaive in the patina of mold on the warped wooden floor. From your own two visits here, you can begin to make a complete mental map of Downfall, this bullywug village that Bavlorna lived in the midst of.
The balloon she has her eye on is at D2. Many of you remember seeing it.
The bridge of chattering heads is at D5. King Gullop's gazebo is at D6.
Morgort's hideaway - this "O'well" - is outside of town, "east", past D11.
"Hither’s waters rise and fall kinda sporadically," she explains to Titaani. "The land here is dotted with these ancient stone wells - 'o’-wells' - which drink up and spit out the swamp water. Sometimes the water is neck high, sometimes it's all mud. Dunno what it is right now."
Matilda headed to the window called Yon and said " Yon" as she opened it.
If nothing happens she shrugs and heads for the others ready to go.
Behind her, Elkhorn yawns. Nothing else happens.
"Up to my neck?! No thanks!" Titaani protests, shaking her blonde hair violently. "Maybe I'll just...um...rest on the porch below the house where you guys came up from. Does anyone want to join me?"
"I'll stay with Titaani if we split up." Horatio offers.
" I'm ok with getting wet.". Matilda ventured.
“That’s right, his name is Clapperclaw—and Longscarf stole his stag’s head, leaving him with just a gourd,” remembers Ben.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Several of you wish to rest before proceeding. Titaani suggests resting on the lake platform immediately below the house; Horatio is willing to join her.
Matilda is game to join Morgort at her safe place by the o'-well to rest. Morgort seems uncomfortable tarrying near this cottage much longer. And Elkhorn simply wants to leave this land entirely as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Ben suggests sending his horse to find Clapperclaw at the bridge and return his stag head.
What's the plan? And where does Pud stand on all this?
Pud isn't quite sure what he wants to do or where he wants to go. But he doesn't at all feel comfortable about splitting up.
"...well, how about we...I mean, we can always." He's at a loss of words. "...I dunno, guys! I just don't wanna split up! This place is pretty crazy and if we got really split up, who knows if we can find each other again."
He turns to Titaani hoping to win her over. "If the only reason why you don't wanna go with Ben and Matilda is cuz you don't wanna dirty your hair, then maybe you can sleep in balloon. How bout that?"
Pronouns: he/him/his
Pud - lvl 7 Human Artificer - Alchemist (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight).
Quinn - lvl 4 Human Ranger - Hunter (Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk)
"It's not about dirt!" Titaani replies to Pud, genuine anger flashing in her eyes. "I can't swim! I nearly drowned last time I was in the water. And we can't get the balloon yet! We can't, because, well..."
Titaani sighs, leaning against the wall and allowing herself to slowly slide down into a sitting position on the floor. "Because I can't do anything. I can't concentrate and I'm so tired, too tired to cast any fancy spells. All I have the energy to do is this - " she pauses, summoning arcane flames in her hands - "This -" she summons an eldritch blast is her hands before dismissing it - "And I can summon my magic hand. I really don't think I'm going to be very useful stealing a balloon like this. I just...I don't want to be a burden."
Ben:
”When we have time, Titaani, I will teach you to swim,” says Ben kindly. “Until then when we are around the water, you can ride my horse and he will keep you safe.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Ben:
Considering, Ben says, “Last we saw the bullywugs we left on good terms with them. Let me and my horse take the stag’s head to Clapperclaw, then swing by the dock and get a boat. We will bring it back here, and then everyone can get to the balloon using the boat. The goal will be to rest in the balloon as we travel. I can also take someone else with me if desired, as long as he or she is on good terms with the locals.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Pud puts his head down in shame. "...I'm sorry, Titaani. I didn't mean to make you upset.
But...just know that you aren't a burden. You're very capable. Maybe more than you know. And you're so brave. You snuck into this place all by youself! Alone! I couldn't do that.
Stay here and rest up. I'll go with Ben."
He turns and looks up at Ben.
"I'm ready when you are."
Pronouns: he/him/his
Pud - lvl 7 Human Artificer - Alchemist (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight).
Quinn - lvl 4 Human Ranger - Hunter (Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk)
Ben:
”Alright, let’s head downstairs,” says Ben, planning to go to the base of the structure and reunite with his horse. “We will need to be careful and try not to attract much attention,” he adds, absentmindedly fingering the fly-themed broach he got here during his last visit.
”Speaking of my horse, I haven’t given him a proper mortal name yet,” adds Ben, “Any suggestions, Pud!”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
As Ben leads the way, Pud looks back at Matilda to see if she's coming along. He waves bye to Titaani and Horatio and then runs off to catch up to Ben.
Pud pulls up beside Ben and ponders his question.
"Wow, I never named a horse before. I dunno. What do you think?"
He continues walking beside in silence as he trying to think of a fitting name.
"You know, you guys have done a lot of good. Being with you all make me feel hopeful. Like things are gonna get better.
My momma used to talk about how no matter how bad things are, tomorrow is a new day. She told me that whenever I was being a brat and doin' bad stuff. I thought she was just trying to make me feel better and stop crying, but..maybe she meant more than that. Maybe she was talking about times like this.
I always feel hopeful in the morning so...how about Morning Star?"
Pronouns: he/him/his
Pud - lvl 7 Human Artificer - Alchemist (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight).
Quinn - lvl 4 Human Ranger - Hunter (Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk)
Ben:
”I love it. Morning Star, or just Star if we are in a hurry,” says Ben excitedly. “I am not really sure what to do, but if we help people when we can, I hope it all works out.”
Getting down to the base of the stairs, Ben calls out softly to his horse and mounts it, pulling Pud up behind him. “Shall we return Clapperclaw’s head to him, Morning Star?” Ben asks his noble steed.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"Umm...I guess I could learn how to swim..." Titaani responds to Ben's offer, the expression on her face betraying how much the idea of willingly getting in the water horrifies her. Ben's other offer to let her ride his horse seems much more appealing to her. "Oh, that would be perfect. Thankyou."
"It's ok Pud. I wasn't upset at you, I was just, well, feeling insecure, I guess," Titaani turns to the group's artificer as he speaks. "But hearing you talk about me like that makes me feel a whole lot better. So thankyou. And for the record, I think you're very brave too."
As the pair leaves, Titaani gets up and waves goodbye to them before turning back to Horatio and the others. "Do you guys want to wait on the platform for a bit?"
Ben and Pud urge Morning Star into the murky lake, and begin their slow swim through the fog toward the macabre bridge. (Is anyone else joining them?) Morgort is nervously scanning the area; Elkhorn is sullen and bored. All is quiet, other than a few strains of music coming from the Palace (the building Titaani shimmied over from on the upper right of the map.)