[Since it was rolled as an Arcana check, I'll provide information through that lens....]
Eronexamines the skull. Aside from the material, it does appear to be the right size and shape for a human skull. Transmutation of mundane materials into gold is an ancient riddle, one alchemists and mages have never been able to properly solve... not without powerful magics well beyond the reach of most mortals. If this is really evidence that this long-dead and apparently small-time alchemist was able to transmute these items into gold, it could be the magical discovery of the century.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"What do you all think. Shall we take a short rest and examine these things, such as the stone, the bag and the gold items? After which we can take it all back to town and sell away what we don't want? A job well done I would say."
Fane would want to look through the spellbook. Both of them actually to see what spells are in them.
[A short rest is certainly possible. From what you can tell, other than (perhaps) some bugs upstairs, you have slain all of the smugglers and even the undead hidden away here in the back of the cellar. You would not have reason to expect to be disturbed.
One thing to consider... it is growing late in the day and there was talk of taking the jolly boat, loading it with treasure from this expedition, and traveling back to Saltmarsh. The weather is inclement, if not quite storming, and another hour will bring you that much closer to darkness for the trip back. Keep that in mind if you wish to take an hour's rest here....]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Eron would like to load up and ship out, rather than be stuck here. He’s been through the wringer of emotions here and doesn’t care to stay, “I believe the moment of departure is now I can feel the weather on its way, not to mention sunset.”
"OK, let's load up the boat and get back to town then ASAP. We can tell them its clear except for some bugs" Fane agrees.
[Are the gold plated skeleton ribs worth taking as far as loot?
Does the candle that's burning blue seem to be magical in nature, as it's blue and no heat?]
I updated the Loot Doc with the skeleton room, minus the two questions above. When we get back to town, I can total everything up and we can discuss ownership on some of the items. :)
The party gathers at the jolly boat and begins loading their loot from this expedition.
[Please, document what you are taking from the house. There have been a lot of items that have already been divvied up by the group, but other items have been found as well. Please note what treasures are carried away from this place.
Its ok if this takes a little back and forth, or reading back to remember what was discovered here. But I want to be clear on what is being looted from this place and what is being left behind.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
If possible Eron is particularly interested in the scale armor, the dented up plate armor, the treatise on Iuz currently possessed by Tillman, and the jolly boat. Other valuables too but specifically those four items.
Oh and the parchment about signaling with lantern codes.
[I added the ribs and candle to the document. The document is up to date as far as what Fane has and is tracking. If anyone else has grabbed something not on the list, feel free to add to your sheet, update the doc or just respond here and I can add it.]
Tilliman is happy to return to town. On the boat ride back, he'd be sure to take a close look at the river stone and the satchel, hoping to identify any magical properties.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
8
11
8
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
The jolly boat rides low in the water as the party pushes off from the little cave dock under the 'haunted' manor. Loaded down with the four adventures and all the gear, items and loot they were able to find, the boat seems liable to swamp if it encounters rough seas.
Its merciful, then, that the winds die almost as soon as the little boat exits the cave onto the open sea. The first few minutes are harrowing, but then the waves respond to the quieting skies and it is calm, almost peaceful for the four-mile row back to the docks of Saltmarsh.
There is a brief scare when a trio of large fins break the surface behind the boat, but they turn out to just be a small pod of false killer whales. Really just big porpoises, the sea-going mammals follow the boat for a while, curious, before heading out to deeper waters.
The sun is just disappearing over the cliffs west of town as the party reaches the wharf and begins to unload their treasures.
Reporting back to Manistred Copperlocks, Fane, Tillimanand Eroneach receive their promised additional 5 golden lions. Upon hearing their tale, she also (reluctantly) offers up a full 10 lions to Arlynnfor her role in clearing out the smugglers.
The story surprises and gravely concerns the dwarven leader. She informs you that she will arrange for an emergency meeting of the town council to address this matter, and asks that none of you leave Saltmarsh until you have an opportunity to meet with the assembled council and share the news of what you found at the house. She also cautions that some of the items you acquired there may be stolen or contraband, and asks you not to sell any of those items in town, at least until you receive the council's approval to do so.
The following morning, you all receive word that the council meeting has been set for 2 days later, and you are all invited to attend.
The rest allows you time to play around with and examine some of the items you unearthed or claimed from the haunted manor.
Nautical themed scalemail: A bit of time studying this armor allows Eron to uncover its true utility. This is a set of mariner’s armor (scale mail). Anyone wearing this armor would gain the skill of a master swimmer. In addition, if the user were ever rendered unconscious while below the waves, the armor would magically buoy they closer to the surface. The armor is decorated with fish and shell motifs.
Long, slender, rich, riverstone bowl smoking pipe: Putting a bit of tobacco through it, Tillimandiscovers that this is in fact a pipe of remembrance. Not the most powerful of magical smoking paraphernalia, but certainly a conversation piece. When the pipe is lit, smoke exhaled from it does not dissipate, instead lingering around the bearer. After 10 minutes, the smoke forms moving shapes that reenact the bearer’s most impressive and heroic achievements for 5 minutes. When this realistic performance is complete, the smoke dissipates. The pipe can’t be used this way again until the next dawn.
Flat cool to the touch gray-and-black river stone inscribed with an unknown arcane symbol: A bit of study reveals this to be a Luckstone. While attuned to this item, fortune favors you when facing difficult tasks (limit once per day).
Leather satchel: This would have made the trip back to town considerably easier... it turns out this is actually a bag of holding . This utility item is highly sought after.
Candlestick with a tiny stump of a candle burning a small blue flame that produces no heat: Not a true 'magic item', this little candle has been subjected to the spell continual flame. For reasons not abundantly clear, rather than the typical red-orange glow of normal flame, this candle emits a soft blue light.
Sanbalet's spellbook: Examining this book, Fanediscovers it holds the following spells:
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Eron (added 5 gold lion’s payment) makes a quick stop at Keledek’s tower to pay for and hopefully receive his translated journal.
Insight check for interaction with Keledek… 17. (pay 10 gold lions for service).
Whenever possible Eron reaches out to Tillman,
Tillman—
He holds onto the luz book for a moment, saying to Eron, "Eh... I'm certainly willing to share... The subject of luz is of great interest to me of late. So, perhaps we can have ourselves a little book club once this current business is all said and done."
“I think it’s time for that little book club you mentioned.”Eron has a very determined look.
Eron will also try out 3 of his new features all around town, primal awareness to ask stabled animals if they are treated well, hunter’s mark to trail and stalk abusive animal owners and Hunter’s sense to know if they are as they appear to be rather then something in disguise. Just a little practice…
Tilliman will continue his search for magical items and is willing to act as-erm... broker... for any items that his fellow party members might want to offload.
He's specifically interested in the luckstone and the bag of holdingthough he won't put up much of a struggle for the bag of holding if someone else wants it more.
In the meantime, he corroborates the information contained in the spellbooks with some of his own academic notes to finalize the spellcasting training he's been working on behind the scenes for some time. The first spell he casts is Mage Hand. He virtually squeals with delight the first time he successfully casts the spell in public.
In no time at all he finds-erm... creative ways to use the hand... picking locks, lifting objects out of containers... things like that. It quickly becomes apparent that a magically capable Tilliman is going to be a bit of a "hand"full (see what I did there?).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Arlynn would spend a few days getting to know the Saltmarsh, spending some of her earnings on comforts and pleasure while gathering information about the current state of affairs in these parts of the world. She seeks out her rescuers now and then to spend time with them, looking forward to see more adventure with them if that would happen to be the case. Come the council meeting she will turn up, properly dressed and ready to offer her services for the good of the community.
Perception to notice skulking and sinister spying in town: 15 Persuasion to make general good impression on the local populace: 15 Performance for telling thrilling and captivating tales from beyond the Azure Sea at the local taverns and inns: 9
Visiting Keledek to collect the results of his review of the old journal, you are allowed entrance to the wizard's tower. Eron finds the wizard reclining in his study, his tall, copper-skinned figure draped in opulent robes. A subtle smile plays across his lips as the you enter. He makes no move to stand. Instead, he laces his fingers together and leans back in his chair..
"Ah," Keledek purrs, his voice smooth but tinged with amusement. "I’ve read through the... curious little journal you found. A tedious task, I must say, but enlightening in the end. I was reluctant to take this on, at first. I'm quite busy. Yet this has proven to be well worth my time and efforts. You have no idea what you've found, here," he says, laying a large hand softly on the cover of the book.
He pauses. Then, without preamble, he begins. "The good news is, you were right to bring it to me. What you stumbled upon is no ordinary drivel—it outlines the twisted plots of a cult devoted to Zuggtmoy, the Demon Queen of Fungus. I assume you've heard whispers of her... though what they planned to accomplish in what is now the 'Drowned Forest' goes far beyond what the locals could ever have guessed."
Keledek lowers his voice slightly, adding a hint of menace to his words. "They created something terrible—a portal into the Abyss. That information does a great deal to explain the swamp's... foul nature, wouldn’t you agree? They intended to summon Zuggtmoy herself to lead an invasion, but—" he shrugs, as though the failure were nothing but a curious footnote—"something prevented her."
Keledek taps a finger thoughtfully against his lips, as if pondering something important. "Now, here’s the intriguing part," he says, eyes narrowing with interest. "The journal also mentions a certain artifact. A cloak. Not just any cloak, mind you. It was a gift from Iuz himself to Zuggtmoy—quite the token of affection, wouldn't you say? The cultists intended to offer it to her as a tribute... but they lost it when the invasion failed and their plans went awry. Somewhere in that Drowned Forest, it still lies, waiting to be found."
His voice takes on a casual, offhand tone that contrasts with the clear weight of his words. "Of course, I could have spared you all these troubling details, kept it simple, told you the book was just the ramblings of a madman and kept this knowledge to myself. But... I am no common scoundrel. I thought you might appreciate the truth. After all... does it not make one wonder... an artifact tied to Iuz the Evil goes missing near Saltmarsh, only for emissaries of his nation to arrive here to buy.. fish?"
He pauses for a long time. "That seems an awful coincidence, does it not?"
He leans forward slightly, his dark eyes glittering. "It couldn't be that they came here under false pretenses, to obtain and return this cloak to their master?"
At last, he shrugs his shoulders. "Alas, one can only speculate. And even of one intended to more, the demonic incursions and fungal infections inside the Drowned Forest make it too dangerous to investigate any further...".
He keeps a large hand on the book. "While we did not discuss this previously, I think I must insist that we destroy this book. In addition to the cultist's notes, there are diagrams of diabolic rituals and summonings that are too dangerous to risk falling into the wrong hands. I have business here in town yet, and I don't desire some fool to inadvertently open another abyssal portal here and doom us all."
[Eron, you have a hard time reading the wizard and you suspect he likes it that way. You don't get the impression he is outright lying to you, but you strongly suspect he may not be telling you everything he learned. You also get the impression he does want to destroy the book, but his reasoning for doing so sounds false. You also get the impression he knew, somehow, that the news about Iuz would be important to you. He was watching your reaction carefully everytime he mentioned the name.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Eron listens enraptured by the information, even playing to Keledek’s ego, “Yes of course I knew if anyone, the highly esteemed Keledek could easily translate such a text.”
Zuggtomy and Iuz united causes a real shiver to run down Eron’s spine. At the mention of the cult mishandling an artifact cloak, Eron’s eyebrows rise up. He has been in many areas none would easily find, much less travel through, perhaps…
Finally as Keledek emphasizes Eron’s deep loathing of Iuz, Eron plays along allowing memories of his personal grievances to show. Meanwhile wondering what crystal ball or divining mirror or hired spy Keledek is using to stalk him with.
Eron gets truly upset as Keledek suggests destroying his manuscript, “I will personally bury that elbow deep down Iuz’s throat, and I won’t be denied what’s mine.” His hands subconsciously hover near his hilts.
At last, he murmurs, "As you wish." Then, without another word, he releases the journal with a soft thump on the desk. He gently slides it across the desktop to where Eron is waiting.
He leans back in his chair and gestures toward the door, implying your business is concluded. There is no anger in his demeanor. Instead, he seems to betray a look that somehow mixes concern with satisfaction.
Engaging with some of the animals in town, you learn that none of the livestock in Saltmarsh feel particularly appreciated. This is a town of seafarers, traders and miners. Perhaps in a more agrarian settlement, the horses, cows and oxen would be cared for more lovingly. Here, though, they are only used for what they are needed for, then packed back into the stables and barns until more work is required. You don't encounter any that seem to have endured cruelty or abuse, at least. A few draft horses employed by the dwarves complain about their demi-human masters, but further inquiry suggests this is simply a battle between stubborn brutes (the horses and the dwarves) rather than anything requiring a Ranger's intervention.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Keeping an eye out on the town, you don't spot anything that looks like spying or malicious mischief.
One thing of interest does catch your eye, however. There is an unusual character in town. His dress and mannerisms cast him as an outsider. He is a tall, gangly human man of middle age. He wears an expensive-looking tailored suit and walks with a stone cane. Arlynn has never seen an outfit quite like this, even in big port cities. As strange as his appearance is, his behavior is even more unusual. He appears to have almost no respect for personal space or awareness of social norms. He walks into people's homes; he bothers workers on the docks; he comes dangerously close to getting into fisticuffs with sailors. And through it all he seems blissfully unaware (or unconcerned) about danger. He merely questions the locals about their comings and goings, local cuisine and customs, and then goes on about his way. This might all be just a meaningless curiosity, but for one particular encounter you witnessed. This man was following and questioning a tall, dark robed man that you've come to learn is a local wizard named Keledek. This Keledek fellow is a source of tall tales and concern among the townfolk, who fear him as a powerful and fickle spellcaster. Well, unless you were mistaken, this Keledek person was absolutely terrified of this stranger in the suit, and it was all he could do to extricate himself from the conversation and move away briskly without making a scene.
You can't say just how good of an impression you've made in town, but you manage to earn a few free meals for yourself entertaining the crown and telling stories at the local dive bar, the Empty Net.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
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[Since it was rolled as an Arcana check, I'll provide information through that lens....]
Eron examines the skull. Aside from the material, it does appear to be the right size and shape for a human skull. Transmutation of mundane materials into gold is an ancient riddle, one alchemists and mages have never been able to properly solve... not without powerful magics well beyond the reach of most mortals. If this is really evidence that this long-dead and apparently small-time alchemist was able to transmute these items into gold, it could be the magical discovery of the century.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"What do you all think. Shall we take a short rest and examine these things, such as the stone, the bag and the gold items? After which we can take it all back to town and sell away what we don't want? A job well done I would say."
Fane would want to look through the spellbook. Both of them actually to see what spells are in them.
[A short rest is certainly possible. From what you can tell, other than (perhaps) some bugs upstairs, you have slain all of the smugglers and even the undead hidden away here in the back of the cellar. You would not have reason to expect to be disturbed.
One thing to consider... it is growing late in the day and there was talk of taking the jolly boat, loading it with treasure from this expedition, and traveling back to Saltmarsh. The weather is inclement, if not quite storming, and another hour will bring you that much closer to darkness for the trip back. Keep that in mind if you wish to take an hour's rest here....]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Eron would like to load up and ship out, rather than be stuck here. He’s been through the wringer of emotions here and doesn’t care to stay, “I believe the moment of departure is now I can feel the weather on its way, not to mention sunset.”
"OK, let's load up the boat and get back to town then ASAP. We can tell them its clear except for some bugs" Fane agrees.
[Are the gold plated skeleton ribs worth taking as far as loot?
Does the candle that's burning blue seem to be magical in nature, as it's blue and no heat?]
I updated the Loot Doc with the skeleton room, minus the two questions above. When we get back to town, I can total everything up and we can discuss ownership on some of the items. :)
[ * Ribs: Probably...
* Candle: Almost certainly... ]
The party gathers at the jolly boat and begins loading their loot from this expedition.
[Please, document what you are taking from the house. There have been a lot of items that have already been divvied up by the group, but other items have been found as well. Please note what treasures are carried away from this place.
Its ok if this takes a little back and forth, or reading back to remember what was discovered here. But I want to be clear on what is being looted from this place and what is being left behind.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
If possible Eron is particularly interested in the scale armor, the dented up plate armor, the treatise on Iuz currently possessed by Tillman, and the jolly boat. Other valuables too but specifically those four items.
Oh and the parchment about signaling with lantern codes.
[I added the ribs and candle to the document. The document is up to date as far as what Fane has and is tracking. If anyone else has grabbed something not on the list, feel free to add to your sheet, update the doc or just respond here and I can add it.]
I added this to the loot doc as it wasnt on there just to track it, feel free to add to your sheet if you havent.
Added thanks
Tilliman is happy to return to town. On the boat ride back, he'd be sure to take a close look at the river stone and the satchel, hoping to identify any magical properties.
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
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11
8
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
The jolly boat rides low in the water as the party pushes off from the little cave dock under the 'haunted' manor. Loaded down with the four adventures and all the gear, items and loot they were able to find, the boat seems liable to swamp if it encounters rough seas.
Its merciful, then, that the winds die almost as soon as the little boat exits the cave onto the open sea. The first few minutes are harrowing, but then the waves respond to the quieting skies and it is calm, almost peaceful for the four-mile row back to the docks of Saltmarsh.
There is a brief scare when a trio of large fins break the surface behind the boat, but they turn out to just be a small pod of false killer whales. Really just big porpoises, the sea-going mammals follow the boat for a while, curious, before heading out to deeper waters.
The sun is just disappearing over the cliffs west of town as the party reaches the wharf and begins to unload their treasures.
Reporting back to Manistred Copperlocks, Fane, Tilliman and Eron each receive their promised additional 5 golden lions. Upon hearing their tale, she also (reluctantly) offers up a full 10 lions to Arlynn for her role in clearing out the smugglers.
The story surprises and gravely concerns the dwarven leader. She informs you that she will arrange for an emergency meeting of the town council to address this matter, and asks that none of you leave Saltmarsh until you have an opportunity to meet with the assembled council and share the news of what you found at the house. She also cautions that some of the items you acquired there may be stolen or contraband, and asks you not to sell any of those items in town, at least until you receive the council's approval to do so.
The following morning, you all receive word that the council meeting has been set for 2 days later, and you are all invited to attend.
The rest allows you time to play around with and examine some of the items you unearthed or claimed from the haunted manor.
The party has two days to rest and recover from their ordeal, before the town counsel meeting. They may all take long rests.
In that time, they also reach Level Three.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Eron (added 5 gold lion’s payment) makes a quick stop at Keledek’s tower to pay for and hopefully receive his translated journal.
Insight check for interaction with Keledek… 17.
(pay 10 gold lions for service).
Whenever possible Eron reaches out to Tillman,
“I think it’s time for that little book club you mentioned.” Eron has a very determined look.
Eron will also try out 3 of his new features all around town, primal awareness to ask stabled animals if they are treated well, hunter’s mark to trail and stalk abusive animal owners and Hunter’s sense to know if they are as they appear to be rather then something in disguise. Just a little practice…
Tilliman will continue his search for magical items and is willing to act as-erm... broker... for any items that his fellow party members might want to offload.
He's specifically interested in the luckstone and the bag of holding though he won't put up much of a struggle for the bag of holding if someone else wants it more.
In the meantime, he corroborates the information contained in the spellbooks with some of his own academic notes to finalize the spellcasting training he's been working on behind the scenes for some time. The first spell he casts is Mage Hand. He virtually squeals with delight the first time he successfully casts the spell in public.
In no time at all he finds-erm... creative ways to use the hand... picking locks, lifting objects out of containers... things like that. It quickly becomes apparent that a magically capable Tilliman is going to be a bit of a "hand"full (see what I did there?).
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Arlynn would spend a few days getting to know the Saltmarsh, spending some of her earnings on comforts and pleasure while gathering information about the current state of affairs in these parts of the world. She seeks out her rescuers now and then to spend time with them, looking forward to see more adventure with them if that would happen to be the case. Come the council meeting she will turn up, properly dressed and ready to offer her services for the good of the community.
Perception to notice skulking and sinister spying in town: 15
Persuasion to make general good impression on the local populace: 15
Performance for telling thrilling and captivating tales from beyond the Azure Sea at the local taverns and inns: 9
Eron:
Visiting Keledek to collect the results of his review of the old journal, you are allowed entrance to the wizard's tower. Eron finds the wizard reclining in his study, his tall, copper-skinned figure draped in opulent robes. A subtle smile plays across his lips as the you enter. He makes no move to stand. Instead, he laces his fingers together and leans back in his chair..
"Ah," Keledek purrs, his voice smooth but tinged with amusement. "I’ve read through the... curious little journal you found. A tedious task, I must say, but enlightening in the end. I was reluctant to take this on, at first. I'm quite busy. Yet this has proven to be well worth my time and efforts. You have no idea what you've found, here," he says, laying a large hand softly on the cover of the book.
He pauses. Then, without preamble, he begins. "The good news is, you were right to bring it to me. What you stumbled upon is no ordinary drivel—it outlines the twisted plots of a cult devoted to Zuggtmoy, the Demon Queen of Fungus. I assume you've heard whispers of her... though what they planned to accomplish in what is now the 'Drowned Forest' goes far beyond what the locals could ever have guessed."
Keledek lowers his voice slightly, adding a hint of menace to his words. "They created something terrible—a portal into the Abyss. That information does a great deal to explain the swamp's... foul nature, wouldn’t you agree? They intended to summon Zuggtmoy herself to lead an invasion, but—" he shrugs, as though the failure were nothing but a curious footnote—"something prevented her."
Keledek taps a finger thoughtfully against his lips, as if pondering something important. "Now, here’s the intriguing part," he says, eyes narrowing with interest. "The journal also mentions a certain artifact. A cloak. Not just any cloak, mind you. It was a gift from Iuz himself to Zuggtmoy—quite the token of affection, wouldn't you say? The cultists intended to offer it to her as a tribute... but they lost it when the invasion failed and their plans went awry. Somewhere in that Drowned Forest, it still lies, waiting to be found."
His voice takes on a casual, offhand tone that contrasts with the clear weight of his words. "Of course, I could have spared you all these troubling details, kept it simple, told you the book was just the ramblings of a madman and kept this knowledge to myself. But... I am no common scoundrel. I thought you might appreciate the truth. After all... does it not make one wonder... an artifact tied to Iuz the Evil goes missing near Saltmarsh, only for emissaries of his nation to arrive here to buy.. fish?"
He pauses for a long time. "That seems an awful coincidence, does it not?"
He leans forward slightly, his dark eyes glittering. "It couldn't be that they came here under false pretenses, to obtain and return this cloak to their master?"
At last, he shrugs his shoulders. "Alas, one can only speculate. And even of one intended to more, the demonic incursions and fungal infections inside the Drowned Forest make it too dangerous to investigate any further...".
He keeps a large hand on the book. "While we did not discuss this previously, I think I must insist that we destroy this book. In addition to the cultist's notes, there are diagrams of diabolic rituals and summonings that are too dangerous to risk falling into the wrong hands. I have business here in town yet, and I don't desire some fool to inadvertently open another abyssal portal here and doom us all."
[Eron, you have a hard time reading the wizard and you suspect he likes it that way. You don't get the impression he is outright lying to you, but you strongly suspect he may not be telling you everything he learned. You also get the impression he does want to destroy the book, but his reasoning for doing so sounds false. You also get the impression he knew, somehow, that the news about Iuz would be important to you. He was watching your reaction carefully everytime he mentioned the name.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Eron listens enraptured by the information, even playing to Keledek’s ego, “Yes of course I knew if anyone, the highly esteemed Keledek could easily translate such a text.”
Zuggtomy and Iuz united causes a real shiver to run down Eron’s spine. At the mention of the cult mishandling an artifact cloak, Eron’s eyebrows rise up. He has been in many areas none would easily find, much less travel through, perhaps…
Finally as Keledek emphasizes Eron’s deep loathing of Iuz, Eron plays along allowing memories of his personal grievances to show. Meanwhile wondering what crystal ball or divining mirror or hired spy Keledek is using to stalk him with.
Eron gets truly upset as Keledek suggests destroying his manuscript, “I will personally bury that elbow deep down Iuz’s throat, and I won’t be denied what’s mine.” His hands subconsciously hover near his hilts.
Eron:
For a long, tense moment, Keledek says nothing.
At last, he murmurs, "As you wish." Then, without another word, he releases the journal with a soft thump on the desk. He gently slides it across the desktop to where Eron is waiting.
He leans back in his chair and gestures toward the door, implying your business is concluded. There is no anger in his demeanor. Instead, he seems to betray a look that somehow mixes concern with satisfaction.
Engaging with some of the animals in town, you learn that none of the livestock in Saltmarsh feel particularly appreciated. This is a town of seafarers, traders and miners. Perhaps in a more agrarian settlement, the horses, cows and oxen would be cared for more lovingly. Here, though, they are only used for what they are needed for, then packed back into the stables and barns until more work is required. You don't encounter any that seem to have endured cruelty or abuse, at least. A few draft horses employed by the dwarves complain about their demi-human masters, but further inquiry suggests this is simply a battle between stubborn brutes (the horses and the dwarves) rather than anything requiring a Ranger's intervention.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Arlynn:
Keeping an eye out on the town, you don't spot anything that looks like spying or malicious mischief.
One thing of interest does catch your eye, however. There is an unusual character in town. His dress and mannerisms cast him as an outsider. He is a tall, gangly human man of middle age. He wears an expensive-looking tailored suit and walks with a stone cane. Arlynn has never seen an outfit quite like this, even in big port cities. As strange as his appearance is, his behavior is even more unusual. He appears to have almost no respect for personal space or awareness of social norms. He walks into people's homes; he bothers workers on the docks; he comes dangerously close to getting into fisticuffs with sailors. And through it all he seems blissfully unaware (or unconcerned) about danger. He merely questions the locals about their comings and goings, local cuisine and customs, and then goes on about his way. This might all be just a meaningless curiosity, but for one particular encounter you witnessed. This man was following and questioning a tall, dark robed man that you've come to learn is a local wizard named Keledek. This Keledek fellow is a source of tall tales and concern among the townfolk, who fear him as a powerful and fickle spellcaster. Well, unless you were mistaken, this Keledek person was absolutely terrified of this stranger in the suit, and it was all he could do to extricate himself from the conversation and move away briskly without making a scene.
You can't say just how good of an impression you've made in town, but you manage to earn a few free meals for yourself entertaining the crown and telling stories at the local dive bar, the Empty Net.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War