Looking carefully over the sketches, the Professor commits them to memory should he encounter a similar scene in their future travels. He hands the magic mirror to Shae and says, “If your visions have given you a name of a specific object or creature, I encourage you to use this.”
Smiling at the Kenku’s eagerness, he says to the captain, “Let us proceed when you are ready. It seems we are all on board for the next leg of our journey.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Fang feels obligated to state the obvious, “My village was in one of her visions. Though, if there’s anything happening there now, it’ll be several weeks before we are able to get there.” There’s a hint of longing in his voice as he says this. (I think I’m fairly close on the travel time. But I may be off a bit. Several meaning 2-3 weeks)
Reng's spent a great deal of the time belowdecks, up in the rigging, or busy on deck, with little time to focus on many of the exchanges and developments. She did catch Berrus handing over the staff to Shae, and only visibly seeing her response. And Mulligan watching as well. She turns back to the pulley she was fixing and finished the job, expression unreadable. Later, at the end of breakfast, she appears and fills and empties a plate in short order. She leans over to the bard after wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and mutters close to Mulligan's ear, "Let me know if you need help finding a staff." When he looks at her face, perhaps expecting to see malice, or ridicule, or just teasing, he instead gets a very sincere, empathetic expression that may surprise him. She speaks to him quietly, away from the others. "...'s got to be hard. We got thrown into this group. She's got an obvious pull. Shining star in the dark. Everyone's drawn to her. In different ways. Can't be helped. We're fortunate she seems to mean well. Imagine a lass like that, but cruel! Anyhow. You've my sympathy. Perhaps... we spread the pull around. Figure out how everyone in the group works. Give her some space. Let the two of them sort each other out. I can't make heads nor tails of it, maybe you have. But we've got some tight spots coming our way. Watch out for each others' backs, figure this out more, and who knows, maybe you'll get lucky."
She leaves him be, giving him space to think, and turns and makes makes conversation with the professor and the crew and eventually Shae, peeking at the sketches, and gasping when she sees the ship battle. "That's.... that's how I got here. Details aren't perfect, but that's when the Dragon Fang... the attack. You saw it?"
Mulligan, as you're pouring over the notes and the sketches a bit later on, you overhear Shae's mumbled phrase. You're by no means a religious person, but you have heard the name Bahamut before. Up north, Bahamut was revered as a god of peace and justice. The tales spoke of the platinum dragon to highlight the purity of the being and his might, but neither the north nor Chult had any history of dragons, despite many expeditions and scholarly exploits to find evidence of the mythic beasts. And anyway, Bahamut was, if anything a northern god, with at most foreign traders worshipping in their name in the foreign quarters of Port Nyanzaru.
Mulligan would cock an eyebrow over the phrase he heard from Shae but do little else but file it away for later. Is she from the north herself?he would wonder idly, for surely she picked up the phrase somewhere - it sounded like an ingrained phrase one would mutter when upset. Maybe I'll ask her about it... Sometime.
“I don’t know very much about you, yet. Everyone on this ship besides you and the Kenku, I have fought beside in life or death situations. And of those the only one I’m least familiar with is Reng. While we did fight in the arena together, I would not say we were fighting together. More separately towards the same goal. I don’t know what you think you know of me. But know that I won’t hesitate to protect anyone on this ship from you until you’ve proven yourself in battle. Then maybe you’ll earn the same protection.” Fangs eyes stay locked on Mulligan as he says this not trying to be intimidating, simply stating things as he sees them. (I’ll pause here in case Mulligan would like to reply. Sorry for the delay in response)
Well THAT took a quick turn, Mulligan thinks to himself. Here I am just trying to build bridges between Fang and the Kenku and suddenly my life is being threatened... More or less. Disturbing, but Mulligan has some little experience dealing with bullies, braggarts and beasts and knows never to let them see you sweat.
"Yes, yes... I remember. I was there too," Mulligan points out with a cheery tone and a smile on his face. He makes it a point to keep his tone light and cheery, not allowing any threat into his tone no matter the words he speaks. "I guess you were too busy to see that I actually helped a couple of strangers escape a shitty situation. Fair enough, my friend. Fair enough. But it's true, I know nothing of you. I suppose you know about the same about me... But know this: You are part of the team. We are part of the team. As such, I'd lay down my life to protect you, if that was what needed. For you. For any of them. That's how I roll, I fight for the ones I am with. So protect me...Don't protect me... That is on you, my friend. But I have your back."
That said, Mulligan would give Fang a brief nod and then walk past them, giving them a friendly punch in the arm as he does...
((Obviously Fang can respond or react before Mulligan gets past if they wish...))
"Let me know if you need help finding a staff." When he looks at her face, perhaps expecting to see malice, or ridicule, or just teasing, he instead gets a very sincere, empathetic expression that may surprise him. She speaks to him quietly, away from the others.
Mulligan turns at the words and is indeed quite perplexed and a little confused...
"...'s got to be hard. We got thrown into this group. She's got an obvious pull. Shining star in the dark. Everyone's drawn to her. In different ways. Can't be helped. We're fortunate she seems to mean well. Imagine a lass like that, but cruel! Anyhow. You've my sympathy. Perhaps... we spread the pull around. Figure out how everyone in the group works. Give her some space. Let the two of them sort each other out. I can't make heads nor tails of it, maybe you have. But we've got some tight spots coming our way. Watch out for each others' backs, figure this out more, and who knows, maybe you'll get lucky."
Mulligan laughs lightly and does his best to act like it ain't no thing...
Performance: 21
"It's all good... For the better, actually. It's a small ship and my relationships never last long, right? Really just good that she caught my eye before you did..." There is nothing but honest flirtation in Mulligan's tone.
"But you are right, we do need to have each other's backs. We're heading into... Honestly, I don't even know what. But hey, we'll figure it out together, yeah?"
After giving Shae the staff Berrus would stay relatively close between Shae and the bulwark. Keeping eyes both on her and the banks while listening to the conversation
Reng nods, a bit confusedly, at Mulligan, concluding she’d once again misread someone. She really had thought he was struggling, but it did seem like was not, indeed, no thing (no chance she’ll succeed on insight to contest that performance roll. She’s confused and put enough back into her own head to not even register any flirting - sincere or projecting/distracting.
It's late in the evening, when Mushu, flying around the top of Hope's mast, spots the Encampment on the right. Through the foliage, you see a crude timber fortification — a walled compound with watchtowers and tents inside it, encircled by a ditch bristling with sharpened stakes. A large gatehouse faces the river, on the shore of which are four rowboats tied to a wooden post.
As you slowly sail your way up to the shallow and muddy shore, you spot several guards that have taken notice of you. You also notice that scattered around the fort are piles of charred human corpses and flayed animal carcasses swarming with flies.
As you approach further to the landing, you see a small group of five soldiers, with one of them wearing some kind of cloak, though it's badly tattered and discolored. They slowly approach the shoreline, under the careful watch of the visible guards up on the walls. As the Hope drifts within thirty feet of the shoreline, you hear the cloaked figure shout: "In the Name of Tyr, do you bring supplies?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Confused or not by Mulligan’s apparent quick change of interests, Mulligan would do his best to put Reng at ease and make sure she was comfortable in his presence. Being the perfect host, companion or friend is kind of his specialty…
Upon approach to the fort Milligan wrangles up the Kenku and asks them to remain below deck. “Best we get the introductions done and make sure everything is good, eh?” Mulligan then is on deck and trying to stay out of the crews way, but trying to keep his eyes on the fort and the surroundings…
Are those undead corpses they’re burning? he wonders. He hasn’t expected such a scene upon reaching the fort. It’s a bit more gruesome than he had expected… still, he takes it all in and makes mental notes. Gross, perhaps, but still fodder for songs and poems yet to be written…
Fang tries to recall seeing the soft skin bard during his trial during the arena…
(I don’t remember all the details of the restart, but I can’t think of a specific instance where Fang would have noticed Mulligan ‘helping’ at least not directly with fighting something)
Fang considers the storytellers words carefully, watching him warily as he continues to get closer. Trying to determine if he is being genuine in his sentiment, or if he’s trying to be deceptive. Even if it’s by omission of something important. Sensing the tensing of Fangs body, Mushu pops his head out of one of the pouches on Fangs chest. (The pseudo dragon’s normal sleeping spot. When he’s not bothering Shae for treats and scritches that is) Mushu lazily eyes Mulligan wondering what’s gotten Fang all worked up. The squishy human isn’t even holding a weapon in his hands.
Then the moment Fang was expecting happens. Mulligan tries to punch him. Fang immediately steps back avoiding the jab and grabs his shark tooth lined shield. (A shark that he killed if I’m not mistaken) And adopts a very defensive posture. The steely eyes of a predator and hunter observing Mulligan intently, “If it is a duel… no. That’s not the right phrase… sparring match. Yes. That’s what the dwarf calls it. If you desire a sparring match against me. Now is neither the time nor place. Though I suspect Berrus would be willing to arrange it.”
Punching air puts Mulligan off balance for a moment and he stumbles a bit. By the time he has his sea legs back working properly he’s welcomed by the sight of an apparently battle-read Fang.
“Woah… woah! Easy now…” Mulligan quickly says, empty hands u in surrender as he back pedals a couple steps. “I meant… none of any of that there you have going on… nosireee!”
“Was just meant as a friendly gesture,” Mulligan continues, as he continues backpedaling away from the irate Lizardborne. I think I agree more and more with the Kennies, he thinks as he backs into one of the sails and flounders for a moment.
“Just a friendly jab between friends is all, ya crazy scale hearted thug…” This said softly, after Mulligan has turned and started to walk away, his heart beating a quick tattoo in his throat… “sheesh…”
”Indeed, we have brought supplies, courtesy of the magnanimous Prince O'Tamu, to aid the Warriors of the Gauntlet in their battle against the undead horde!” calls out the Professor in what he hopes is an encouraging voice, though the sight before him evokes more of a desperate conscript vibe than a noble warrior one.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Fang watches the soft skin depart and when he’s confident he won’t be returning stows his shield, climbs up into the crows nest and resumes his watch.
As the Hope approaches the encampment, Fang’s eyes are very watchful trying to be as aware of his surroundings as he can be. He tells Mushu to get in one of the pouches. Not wanting to risk strangers taking shots at him. He’ll have his bow in hand with an arrow knocked, but not pulled back. In theory this was a, relatively, safe place. But it never hurts to be careful…
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Reng's eyes are focused on the state of the weapons the guards seem to have and the group outside carry. She's also looking at the state of the fort -- she's not expecting to be able to see inside yet but that's where her mind is at. The state of the larder, and the means to defend it. A tavern, a fort, a town is nothing with those two things.
Entirely unaware of the conversations or choices being made on her behalf, Shae was left to sleep where she was studying with Mulligan. She was stirred awake by the sound of the Professor's voice and the mirror next to her. Truthfully, she didn't want to be alone to experience what it had to show when she'd ask, but he had already walked away. Her mind would drift off as she'd try to massage out a kink in her neck. 'Bahamut's failure'... 'Your deed'... Fang's tribe...
Shae would look up when Reng would approach. She had evidence of bedhead and still looked a bit sleepy, but the bags under her eyes had faded a bit. Registering Reng's words and noting her share, Shae's expression softens. "Well..." After a short pause, she'd take a breath. "I was... shown." The purple haired woman would offer a bit of a nervous smile. "Snippets of visions... Cryptic messages..." Was having visions crazier than having voices in her head? Shae still couldn't tell which she preferred, completely ignoring that an option of neither existed. "It's a bit of a trip..." She'd admit with a bit of a soft self deprecating chuckle. Opening her mouth to continue, she pauses herself for now.
Come the approach of the shore, Shae made point to pay visit with the Captain. She'd express her gratitude for a smooth ride and safe journey. Shae appreciated having an experienced lead hand, and loyal crew. Hope was in great hands. Having been fetched by Mushu, Shae would emerge from below deck as the group greets a cloaked figure. Were they a guard? She'd tilt her head. "What do you think Mushu?" She'd whisper. "Can you and Fang keep us updated with reports from above?" Shae would bribe the familiar with a generous offer of treats before sending him back to Fang.
Securing her staff to her back, Shae would lean to Berrus, "I trust you have the perimeter." She knew the dwarf always had an eye on their surroundings on the ground. With Reng scouting from nearby, Shae was confident she was on look out too. Shae would then dip her head to Mulligan in thanks for sheltering the Kenku until they're sure. Blue hues would rest on him a moment. If they were serious about learning to heal, now may be the time to get some hands on experience. She believed everyone had each other's back regardless of what challenge awaited them.
It was nice of the Professor to open up the conversation. Shae places a hand on the Professor's shoulder then takes a few steps forward to chime in. "And who's receiving these supplies?" She'd gesture to the figure to give them a chance to present themselves. "My name is Shae." She'd introduce herself to encourage them to do the same.
(Considering they've made contact with Kenku, I'm gunna be a little sus with a 'cloaked figure'.)
When Shae comes above deck Berrus goes to her side walking in step. "Everythin seems ok on the around. The only movement is those fellers on tha shore" he. Stays one step behind when she addresses those on shore. Shield in place on his arm
At the introductions from the Professor and Shae, you see a physical change in the posture of the soldiers on the shore, as they are physically relieved to hear the news. The man in the tattered cloak, haggard and the trials of the last months etched into the wrinkles of his ebony face, responds with a full voice used to give orders: "I'm Commander Niles Breakbone, Leader of the Damned." The last was added as a sarcastic quip. "We've all but given up hope for those supplies. Let us help you unload them quickly, while I brief you all on the current state of affairs." Shae, judging by what you had been told by O'Tamu and the words coming from the man before you, you believe his words, and upon your introduction as a medic, he further exclaims: "What great stroke of luck! Sister Cyas will be very glad for the help, they have had a tougher time of it then most, I'm afraid."
-----------------------------
While the Captain and Crew are helping some soldiers unload the stored supplies on the ship, you all make it onto the muddy shore and past the remnants of the burned corpses and the animal carcasses. Surprisingly, the two Kenku seem unphased by the sight and the smell. While their presence gives a brief pause from the Commander, he doesn't lose any words about them and quickly leads you all toward the camp.
From up close, the stench was considerable, but you could see that the animals were larger than bulls, with odd horns, and you were immediately reminded of the creature that Reng and Fang faced in the Executioner's Run. From the looks of it, several animals had tried to charge the makeshift timber walls and got stuck in the muddy ditch and killed from above, or else impaled themselves on the sharpened stakes at the far end of the moat. The warriors had butchered the animals on the spot, cutting off the best meat and leaving the rest to rot. The burned corpses meanwhile all seemed to be undead, now reduced to piles of bone and ash.
The makeshift appearance of the camp and the tattered soldiers is confirmed by what you find inside as well. Though the walls and the gatehouse were made from very sturdy timbers, the hewn logs were rough and unpolished. The military discipline shining through when looking at the neatly arrayed camp supplies and sleeping tents can't hide the fact that many of the tents are rotting away and the supply crates are mostly empty. To the left of the gate, you find a small penned off area with three sickly goats, that seem to have surrendered to the swarms of flies and mosquitoes on them. You also see several small chickens pecking for seeds and other feed.
Commander breakbone indicates the two round tents to the left and right of a large square tent directly in line with the main gate. "Shae, you'll find the priest and their acolytes in the tents. If you could lend me your ear for a moment please, follow me into the command tent."
---------------------------------- As you settle into the command tent, sprinkled by dots of sunlight falling through the moth- eaten canvas and dappling the musty interior with light, the commander stands behind a ramshackle table with several supply and patrol reports, maps and other documents. "I truly can't thank you enough for making the trip. Most of us aren't used to this kind of environment and while we manage to keep our swords oiled and our spear- and arrowtips greased to keep them from rusting away, the leather and uniforms just can't withstand the conditions. Unfortunately neither can the soldiers. Despite the Sister's best attemtps, we've got on average at least a squad that's sick, either from the bugs and critters or something they ate. That's not to say anything about the injured we get on patrols. The camp itself is solid, the walls built to withstand a charging triceratops, but we're blind without patrols and while Lorsa Bilwatal and her native scouts and Wulf Rygor and his hunters help us with adapting to the local fauna and marginally improve our supply position, it's tough work."
He lets the information sink in for a moment, before continuing: "That's actually the heart of the matter, and why I wanted to talk to you. While the lifeline to Port Nyanzaru is crucial, it takes too long for things like food rations, and so we had been engaged in barter trade with a clan of grippli forty miles or so to the south, in the Aldani Basin. We were expecting a shipment of crabs from them a week ago, and then sent a small squad to see what was going on. Unfortunately, we haven't heard back from either. WIthout the food provided by their crab farms, we won't be able to keep this Camp operational in the long term. Now, I ask you to try where my group had failed and find out what's going on at the trading post and bring back my soldiers if possible. I can't provide you with much, but my wages are useless down here and without a wife or kid to support, I'm happy to pay you for the service, if it should be required."
He looks at you all, his gaze unwavering. "Of course, you have just come from a long and arduous journey and I don't expect you to rush off on the next one. Take your time to rest up here, as much as possible. If you want to and can provide further help for my soldiers, that would be most welcome and I'm sure Sister Cyas would appreciate the support. Feel free to talk to my troops as well, if you wish. Should you agree to head further south, I'll make the necessary arrangements with one of the scouts, and the quartermaster to ready two of our flat-bottom boats. But of course, you can talk to them yourself, should you wish to."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Taking in the juxtaposition between the dilapidated nature of the camp and the predisposition of the soldiers, the Professor says, “Commander Breakbone, these conditions seem almost impossible, but you have kept your men alive, fought many undead, and started making allies in the region as well.”
“My name is Professor Snively, and I would be pleased to help you improve the repair and readiness of your fort here, as I have some small elemental magics whichmay be of great use in this matter,” he says, “and you have already met our healer, Shae, who will undoubtedly enhance their health.”
Nodding to the outside, Glasses adds, “We have befriended a tribe of Kenku along the river during our journey here, and two young representatives have joined us in our travel to you. This is an opportunity for you to establish even more local ties to enhance your security here, especially as they control the river access.”
”As far as heading out to check in the Grippli and your patrol, I personally would be inclined to aid, though we must consider the good Captain’s schedule and my companion’s desires as well,” he finishes.
Glasses:
Looking carefully over the sketches, the Professor commits them to memory should he encounter a similar scene in their future travels. He hands the magic mirror to Shae and says, “If your visions have given you a name of a specific object or creature, I encourage you to use this.”
Smiling at the Kenku’s eagerness, he says to the captain, “Let us proceed when you are ready. It seems we are all on board for the next leg of our journey.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Fang feels obligated to state the obvious, “My village was in one of her visions. Though, if there’s anything happening there now, it’ll be several weeks before we are able to get there.” There’s a hint of longing in his voice as he says this. (I think I’m fairly close on the travel time. But I may be off a bit. Several meaning 2-3 weeks)
Reng's spent a great deal of the time belowdecks, up in the rigging, or busy on deck, with little time to focus on many of the exchanges and developments. She did catch Berrus handing over the staff to Shae, and only visibly seeing her response. And Mulligan watching as well. She turns back to the pulley she was fixing and finished the job, expression unreadable. Later, at the end of breakfast, she appears and fills and empties a plate in short order. She leans over to the bard after wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and mutters close to Mulligan's ear, "Let me know if you need help finding a staff." When he looks at her face, perhaps expecting to see malice, or ridicule, or just teasing, he instead gets a very sincere, empathetic expression that may surprise him. She speaks to him quietly, away from the others. "...'s got to be hard. We got thrown into this group. She's got an obvious pull. Shining star in the dark. Everyone's drawn to her. In different ways. Can't be helped. We're fortunate she seems to mean well. Imagine a lass like that, but cruel! Anyhow. You've my sympathy. Perhaps... we spread the pull around. Figure out how everyone in the group works. Give her some space. Let the two of them sort each other out. I can't make heads nor tails of it, maybe you have. But we've got some tight spots coming our way. Watch out for each others' backs, figure this out more, and who knows, maybe you'll get lucky."
She leaves him be, giving him space to think, and turns and makes makes conversation with the professor and the crew and eventually Shae, peeking at the sketches, and gasping when she sees the ship battle. "That's.... that's how I got here. Details aren't perfect, but that's when the Dragon Fang... the attack. You saw it?"
Mulligan would cock an eyebrow over the phrase he heard from Shae but do little else but file it away for later. Is she from the north herself? he would wonder idly, for surely she picked up the phrase somewhere - it sounded like an ingrained phrase one would mutter when upset. Maybe I'll ask her about it... Sometime.
Well THAT took a quick turn, Mulligan thinks to himself. Here I am just trying to build bridges between Fang and the Kenku and suddenly my life is being threatened... More or less. Disturbing, but Mulligan has some little experience dealing with bullies, braggarts and beasts and knows never to let them see you sweat.
"Yes, yes... I remember. I was there too," Mulligan points out with a cheery tone and a smile on his face. He makes it a point to keep his tone light and cheery, not allowing any threat into his tone no matter the words he speaks. "I guess you were too busy to see that I actually helped a couple of strangers escape a shitty situation. Fair enough, my friend. Fair enough. But it's true, I know nothing of you. I suppose you know about the same about me... But know this: You are part of the team. We are part of the team. As such, I'd lay down my life to protect you, if that was what needed. For you. For any of them. That's how I roll, I fight for the ones I am with. So protect me...Don't protect me... That is on you, my friend. But I have your back."
That said, Mulligan would give Fang a brief nod and then walk past them, giving them a friendly punch in the arm as he does...
((Obviously Fang can respond or react before Mulligan gets past if they wish...))
Mulligan turns at the words and is indeed quite perplexed and a little confused...
Mulligan laughs lightly and does his best to act like it ain't no thing...
Performance: 21
"It's all good... For the better, actually. It's a small ship and my relationships never last long, right? Really just good that she caught my eye before you did..." There is nothing but honest flirtation in Mulligan's tone.
"But you are right, we do need to have each other's backs. We're heading into... Honestly, I don't even know what. But hey, we'll figure it out together, yeah?"
After giving Shae the staff Berrus would stay relatively close between Shae and the bulwark. Keeping eyes both on her and the banks while listening to the conversation
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Reng nods, a bit confusedly, at Mulligan, concluding she’d once again misread someone. She really had thought he was struggling, but it did seem like was not, indeed, no thing (no chance she’ll succeed on insight to contest that performance roll. She’s confused and put enough back into her own head to not even register any flirting - sincere or projecting/distracting.
It's late in the evening, when Mushu, flying around the top of Hope's mast, spots the Encampment on the right. Through the foliage, you see a crude timber fortification — a walled compound with watchtowers and tents inside it, encircled by a ditch bristling with sharpened stakes. A large gatehouse faces the river, on the shore of which are four rowboats tied to a wooden post.
As you slowly sail your way up to the shallow and muddy shore, you spot several guards that have taken notice of you. You also notice that scattered around the fort are piles of charred human corpses and flayed animal carcasses swarming with flies.
As you approach further to the landing, you see a small group of five soldiers, with one of them wearing some kind of cloak, though it's badly tattered and discolored. They slowly approach the shoreline, under the careful watch of the visible guards up on the walls. As the Hope drifts within thirty feet of the shoreline, you hear the cloaked figure shout: "In the Name of Tyr, do you bring supplies?"
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Confused or not by Mulligan’s apparent quick change of interests, Mulligan would do his best to put Reng at ease and make sure she was comfortable in his presence. Being the perfect host, companion or friend is kind of his specialty…
Upon approach to the fort Milligan wrangles up the Kenku and asks them to remain below deck. “Best we get the introductions done and make sure everything is good, eh?” Mulligan then is on deck and trying to stay out of the crews way, but trying to keep his eyes on the fort and the surroundings…
Are those undead corpses they’re burning? he wonders. He hasn’t expected such a scene upon reaching the fort. It’s a bit more gruesome than he had expected… still, he takes it all in and makes mental notes. Gross, perhaps, but still fodder for songs and poems yet to be written…
Earlier during the night before…
Fang tries to recall seeing the soft skin bard during his trial during the arena…
(I don’t remember all the details of the restart, but I can’t think of a specific instance where Fang would have noticed Mulligan ‘helping’ at least not directly with fighting something)
Fang considers the storytellers words carefully, watching him warily as he continues to get closer. Trying to determine if he is being genuine in his sentiment, or if he’s trying to be deceptive. Even if it’s by omission of something important. Sensing the tensing of Fangs body, Mushu pops his head out of one of the pouches on Fangs chest. (The pseudo dragon’s normal sleeping spot. When he’s not bothering Shae for treats and scritches that is) Mushu lazily eyes Mulligan wondering what’s gotten Fang all worked up. The squishy human isn’t even holding a weapon in his hands.
Then the moment Fang was expecting happens. Mulligan tries to punch him. Fang immediately steps back avoiding the jab and grabs his shark tooth lined shield. (A shark that he killed if I’m not mistaken) And adopts a very defensive posture. The steely eyes of a predator and hunter observing Mulligan intently, “If it is a duel… no. That’s not the right phrase… sparring match. Yes. That’s what the dwarf calls it. If you desire a sparring match against me. Now is neither the time nor place. Though I suspect Berrus would be willing to arrange it.”
Insight: 15
Punching air puts Mulligan off balance for a moment and he stumbles a bit. By the time he has his sea legs back working properly he’s welcomed by the sight of an apparently battle-read Fang.
“Woah… woah! Easy now…” Mulligan quickly says, empty hands u in surrender as he back pedals a couple steps. “I meant… none of any of that there you have going on… nosireee!”
“Was just meant as a friendly gesture,” Mulligan continues, as he continues backpedaling away from the irate Lizardborne. I think I agree more and more with the Kennies, he thinks as he backs into one of the sails and flounders for a moment.
“Just a friendly jab between friends is all, ya crazy scale hearted thug…” This said softly, after Mulligan has turned and started to walk away, his heart beating a quick tattoo in his throat… “sheesh…”
Glasses:
”Indeed, we have brought supplies, courtesy of the magnanimous Prince O'Tamu, to aid the Warriors of the Gauntlet in their battle against the undead horde!” calls out the Professor in what he hopes is an encouraging voice, though the sight before him evokes more of a desperate conscript vibe than a noble warrior one.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"They dinna look like much do they" Berrus comments to the professor
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Fang watches the soft skin depart and when he’s confident he won’t be returning stows his shield, climbs up into the crows nest and resumes his watch.
As the Hope approaches the encampment, Fang’s eyes are very watchful trying to be as aware of his surroundings as he can be. He tells Mushu to get in one of the pouches. Not wanting to risk strangers taking shots at him. He’ll have his bow in hand with an arrow knocked, but not pulled back. In theory this was a, relatively, safe place. But it never hurts to be careful…
Reng's eyes are focused on the state of the weapons the guards seem to have and the group outside carry. She's also looking at the state of the fort -- she's not expecting to be able to see inside yet but that's where her mind is at. The state of the larder, and the means to defend it. A tavern, a fort, a town is nothing with those two things.
Perception: 10
Entirely unaware of the conversations or choices being made on her behalf, Shae was left to sleep where she was studying with Mulligan. She was stirred awake by the sound of the Professor's voice and the mirror next to her. Truthfully, she didn't want to be alone to experience what it had to show when she'd ask, but he had already walked away. Her mind would drift off as she'd try to massage out a kink in her neck. 'Bahamut's failure'... 'Your deed'... Fang's tribe...
Shae would look up when Reng would approach. She had evidence of bedhead and still looked a bit sleepy, but the bags under her eyes had faded a bit. Registering Reng's words and noting her share, Shae's expression softens. "Well..." After a short pause, she'd take a breath. "I was... shown." The purple haired woman would offer a bit of a nervous smile. "Snippets of visions... Cryptic messages..." Was having visions crazier than having voices in her head? Shae still couldn't tell which she preferred, completely ignoring that an option of neither existed. "It's a bit of a trip..." She'd admit with a bit of a soft self deprecating chuckle. Opening her mouth to continue, she pauses herself for now.
Come the approach of the shore, Shae made point to pay visit with the Captain. She'd express her gratitude for a smooth ride and safe journey. Shae appreciated having an experienced lead hand, and loyal crew. Hope was in great hands. Having been fetched by Mushu, Shae would emerge from below deck as the group greets a cloaked figure. Were they a guard? She'd tilt her head. "What do you think Mushu?" She'd whisper. "Can you and Fang keep us updated with reports from above?" Shae would bribe the familiar with a generous offer of treats before sending him back to Fang.
Securing her staff to her back, Shae would lean to Berrus, "I trust you have the perimeter." She knew the dwarf always had an eye on their surroundings on the ground. With Reng scouting from nearby, Shae was confident she was on look out too. Shae would then dip her head to Mulligan in thanks for sheltering the Kenku until they're sure. Blue hues would rest on him a moment. If they were serious about learning to heal, now may be the time to get some hands on experience. She believed everyone had each other's back regardless of what challenge awaited them.
It was nice of the Professor to open up the conversation. Shae places a hand on the Professor's shoulder then takes a few steps forward to chime in. "And who's receiving these supplies?" She'd gesture to the figure to give them a chance to present themselves. "My name is Shae." She'd introduce herself to encourage them to do the same.
(Considering they've made contact with Kenku, I'm gunna be a little sus with a 'cloaked figure'.)
Passive Insight: 12 | Passive Perception: 15 | Passive Investigation: 14
Roll: 9 Adv: 11 (Mushu help?) Guidance: 2
(+5 Perception, +2 Insight, +4 Investigation, +5 Medicine)
(Should all appear safe/on track, Shae would add.)
"I'm a medic. I would like to see to your wounded as soon as possible."
Shae would try to make assessments along the way and as new information would be presented. She had a prepared list within her notes:
just an unstable unicorn.
When Shae comes above deck Berrus goes to her side walking in step. "Everythin seems ok on the around. The only movement is those fellers on tha shore" he. Stays one step behind when she addresses those on shore. Shield in place on his arm
Laissez les bons temps rouler
At the introductions from the Professor and Shae, you see a physical change in the posture of the soldiers on the shore, as they are physically relieved to hear the news. The man in the tattered cloak, haggard and the trials of the last months etched into the wrinkles of his ebony face, responds with a full voice used to give orders: "I'm Commander Niles Breakbone, Leader of the Damned." The last was added as a sarcastic quip. "We've all but given up hope for those supplies. Let us help you unload them quickly, while I brief you all on the current state of affairs."
Shae, judging by what you had been told by O'Tamu and the words coming from the man before you, you believe his words, and upon your introduction as a medic, he further exclaims: "What great stroke of luck! Sister Cyas will be very glad for the help, they have had a tougher time of it then most, I'm afraid."
-----------------------------
While the Captain and Crew are helping some soldiers unload the stored supplies on the ship, you all make it onto the muddy shore and past the remnants of the burned corpses and the animal carcasses. Surprisingly, the two Kenku seem unphased by the sight and the smell. While their presence gives a brief pause from the Commander, he doesn't lose any words about them and quickly leads you all toward the camp.
From up close, the stench was considerable, but you could see that the animals were larger than bulls, with odd horns, and you were immediately reminded of the creature that Reng and Fang faced in the Executioner's Run. From the looks of it, several animals had tried to charge the makeshift timber walls and got stuck in the muddy ditch and killed from above, or else impaled themselves on the sharpened stakes at the far end of the moat. The warriors had butchered the animals on the spot, cutting off the best meat and leaving the rest to rot. The burned corpses meanwhile all seemed to be undead, now reduced to piles of bone and ash.
The makeshift appearance of the camp and the tattered soldiers is confirmed by what you find inside as well. Though the walls and the gatehouse were made from very sturdy timbers, the hewn logs were rough and unpolished. The military discipline shining through when looking at the neatly arrayed camp supplies and sleeping tents can't hide the fact that many of the tents are rotting away and the supply crates are mostly empty. To the left of the gate, you find a small penned off area with three sickly goats, that seem to have surrendered to the swarms of flies and mosquitoes on them. You also see several small chickens pecking for seeds and other feed.
Commander breakbone indicates the two round tents to the left and right of a large square tent directly in line with the main gate. "Shae, you'll find the priest and their acolytes in the tents. If you could lend me your ear for a moment please, follow me into the command tent."
----------------------------------
As you settle into the command tent, sprinkled by dots of sunlight falling through the moth- eaten canvas and dappling the musty interior with light, the commander stands behind a ramshackle table with several supply and patrol reports, maps and other documents. "I truly can't thank you enough for making the trip. Most of us aren't used to this kind of environment and while we manage to keep our swords oiled and our spear- and arrowtips greased to keep them from rusting away, the leather and uniforms just can't withstand the conditions. Unfortunately neither can the soldiers. Despite the Sister's best attemtps, we've got on average at least a squad that's sick, either from the bugs and critters or something they ate. That's not to say anything about the injured we get on patrols. The camp itself is solid, the walls built to withstand a charging triceratops, but we're blind without patrols and while Lorsa Bilwatal and her native scouts and Wulf Rygor and his hunters help us with adapting to the local fauna and marginally improve our supply position, it's tough work."
He lets the information sink in for a moment, before continuing: "That's actually the heart of the matter, and why I wanted to talk to you. While the lifeline to Port Nyanzaru is crucial, it takes too long for things like food rations, and so we had been engaged in barter trade with a clan of grippli forty miles or so to the south, in the Aldani Basin. We were expecting a shipment of crabs from them a week ago, and then sent a small squad to see what was going on. Unfortunately, we haven't heard back from either. WIthout the food provided by their crab farms, we won't be able to keep this Camp operational in the long term. Now, I ask you to try where my group had failed and find out what's going on at the trading post and bring back my soldiers if possible. I can't provide you with much, but my wages are useless down here and without a wife or kid to support, I'm happy to pay you for the service, if it should be required."
He looks at you all, his gaze unwavering. "Of course, you have just come from a long and arduous journey and I don't expect you to rush off on the next one. Take your time to rest up here, as much as possible. If you want to and can provide further help for my soldiers, that would be most welcome and I'm sure Sister Cyas would appreciate the support. Feel free to talk to my troops as well, if you wish. Should you agree to head further south, I'll make the necessary arrangements with one of the scouts, and the quartermaster to ready two of our flat-bottom boats. But of course, you can talk to them yourself, should you wish to."
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Glasses:
Taking in the juxtaposition between the dilapidated nature of the camp and the predisposition of the soldiers, the Professor says, “Commander Breakbone, these conditions seem almost impossible, but you have kept your men alive, fought many undead, and started making allies in the region as well.”
“My name is Professor Snively, and I would be pleased to help you improve the repair and readiness of your fort here, as I have some small elemental magics which may be of great use in this matter,” he says, “and you have already met our healer, Shae, who will undoubtedly enhance their health.”
Nodding to the outside, Glasses adds, “We have befriended a tribe of Kenku along the river during our journey here, and two young representatives have joined us in our travel to you. This is an opportunity for you to establish even more local ties to enhance your security here, especially as they control the river access.”
”As far as heading out to check in the Grippli and your patrol, I personally would be inclined to aid, though we must consider the good Captain’s schedule and my companion’s desires as well,” he finishes.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"