”I’ll take that as a yes,” replies Gerrard to her right-lipped smile.
”So, anyway, after we came here to consider buying magic items and you attacked us with deadly force,” starts Gerrard, brushing off some skin that was already starting to peel from the fire, “We defended ourselves against your attack and that of your two bodyguards—one of whom appeared to be a fiery demon of some kind. They are dead, and you would be too, if it weren’t for the consideration of Master Kei here who healed you.”
The young noble gestures to Kei, inviting him to speak if he will.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Peri sidles around to stand almost opposite Gerrard, far enough that Xondros can't see him without taking her eyes off the nobleman. He knows from experience how unnerving it is to have an enemy in your blind spot. And if she looks away from whoever's askin' the questions she loses the staredown. He remains ready to crack her skull at the slightest provocation.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kei
"Smile all you want you fiend faced offspring of a succubus. I may have healed you, but as you can't tell by my vertically challenged friend there we can quite easily end you right now." Without looking at Xondros, he paces left to right and back again opposite Peri, forcing her to play his little mind game. "The way I see it you have two choices. One - you tell us what we want to know and maybe we let you live. Two- you don't, and well, you won't." He stops pacing and continues to stare at the ground. Coldly, he plainly says "Your choice". He knows that simple magic trickery won't impress the Quartermaster, so instead he slowly raises his eyes to gaze directly at hers.
”You say we killed your brother, but I don’t know to whom you are related. Could you give us a name? Perhaps this is just a big misunderstanding,” says Gerrard, starting easy to keep her talking and hopefully confirm her brother’s identity.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Mostly under his breath, but certainly audible enough, he mutters "Honourable. Haa." He picks up his pacing once more though this time its in a complete circle around Xondros.
The bard is about to speak as Gerrard sneaks a question in. He contemplates speaking over the noble but the question is pertinent so he leaves it be, for now, and waits impatiently for an answer.
Nodding, Gerrard says, “Indeed, though he introduced himself as ‘KHESHM BUSHYANSTA ARESHK SPAZGA ALCAP AKOMAN. BRIDGER OF WORLDS, HARVESTER OF SOULS, HARBINGER OF DESTRUCTION’ as he was murdering Dwarves and sinking ships out from under us.”
Looking pained at the memory, Gerrard steps back and nods at Kei to continue.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Taking his cue from Gerrard, Kei stops circling Xondros and stands directly in front of her. He takes a step forward. "I understand honour amongst family. I too would've done the same" he speaks with an unusually quiet tone. "But now you've tried and failed. I believe your moment has passed. It would seem you now have a choice. Being so honourable if we were to let you live you might say you'd owe us a life debt. Or you could deny that debt now and we can simply end your life." His breath hot against the captives face. "I think we're being quite generous in even offering to let you live, as you see, we are more than capable of defeating not just you but also your mad brother. I leave the choice to you" he notices Peri's attention drawn to the sail passing through the harbour " but make it quick. We have pressing matters to turn to." He walks behind Xondros and leans in to whisper in her ear something for her ears only.
"Of course, if you can tell me where you've hidden your magical wares it might sway my decision in ending you."
Peri is impressed that Gerrard was able to remember all of that nonsense behind Kheshm's name. But those nobles do love their titles, and he was probably trained from birth lest he offend someone with so many titles after their name that they have to be important. All I got was "Ketch'em blah blah blah Spaz-somethin', Bridger of Worlds -- cuz that one's interesting, given that run-in with the astral mess that sucked the boy in -- then something about Devouring?" He catches sight of their cutter sailing past and thinks of telling the others, but it would break the mood and he didn't want to risk Xondros clamming up.
"My brother had unfinished business with Aubreck Drallion. Those dwarves were collateral damage. You would have been also. My life is forfeit, it means nothing. This shop is yours to ransack, although you run the risk of angering my superiors in Iuz. You already have taken all the arcane items I currently possess. I only just consumed the most powerful one to bring that maurezhi here to this plane, and now I am deeply in debt. You would likely be doing me a favor in killing me."
"Collateral damage?" Kei says with disgust. "There's a member of our group that would have a different opinion to that" he continues. "It would appear your decision to seek revenge has landed you in a worse place than just losing a beloved family member. If it were solely up to me, given your admission, I would let you live as I imagine your superiors would bring more pain and suffering to you than I could imagine. But it is not just my decision to make." He looks to Gerrard "I leave that decision to one who has more compassion than I do. Your fate is in his hands I guess." He walks away from Xondros and stands behind the nobleman.
Whispering to Gerrard he says "I hope the needle of that moral compass of yours is the point of your blade."
Breaking his silence, Peri asks quietly, "Aubrek Drallion -- what business did your brother have with him?" He moves forward so quickly he seems almost to teleport. One moment he's standing motionless behind the tied-up captive, the next he's leaned over her, whispering quietly in her ear. "What was in that box?"
((Peri will use his Fey Presence to try to frighten Xondros. "Each creature in a 10-foot cube originating from you to make a Wisdom saving throw against your Warlock spell save DC (only 13). The Creatures that fail their Saving Throws are all Charmed or Frightened by you (your choice) until the end of your next turn."))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Peri:
Peri sees the fear take hold in her eyes, the way she recoils from him, and moves to seize the moment before she can regain her courage. "What deeds? What debt? No more half-truths," he growls at her, channeling a pirate bosun he'd once met who had given him the shivers. He continues in the quiet, menacing voice, "Spill your secrets before I spill your guts. There's worse ways to go than a hangman's knot. If you hold back I'll open your belly and leave you on the beach for the crabs to pick over while you watch." That last was from a ghost story he'd heard on his first voyage; it had chilled him to the marrow and, truth be told, sometimes still gave him nightmares. Well, if some nightmares were the worst to happen to her, she'd be gettin' off pretty easy.
((Also, just in advance, Insight check to determine whether she's lying or holding back in her answers: 15))
Peri sees the threats of violent death seem to wash over her ineffectively, even as she remains unnerved by Peri. "I don't know. Property deeds; royal titles to islands offshore. Disputed Keelish colonies in lands south. Wasn't my business. Aubreck shorted us on fish transport a few years ago, then he went broke." Peri senses no lies, but he wonders what biased perspectives this very foreign Iuzian merchant might hold.
Again having been quiet for a while as the other two question their captive, Gerrard asks, “And what does your honor demand of you now that you have attempted murder on us on behalf of your foolish brother? Now that you have made the attempt, are you free of this burden, or must you continue to try and kill us until one of us is dead?”
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
When Xondros's eyes move to Gerrard, Peri recoils backward nearly as fast as he'd sprung forward. Good to keep her disoriented and off balance, he thinks as he resumes his silent guard behind her.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kei
Done with his involvement in this interrogation Kei stands against the wall and flicks through his deck. Although he appears to be disinterested he pays close attention to the Quartermaster and her responses.
Insight 23
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Xondros face breaks into a grim smile. She remains silent.
Gerrard:
”I’ll take that as a yes,” replies Gerrard to her right-lipped smile.
”So, anyway, after we came here to consider buying magic items and you attacked us with deadly force,” starts Gerrard, brushing off some skin that was already starting to peel from the fire, “We defended ourselves against your attack and that of your two bodyguards—one of whom appeared to be a fiery demon of some kind. They are dead, and you would be too, if it weren’t for the consideration of Master Kei here who healed you.”
The young noble gestures to Kei, inviting him to speak if he will.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Peri:
Peri sidles around to stand almost opposite Gerrard, far enough that Xondros can't see him without taking her eyes off the nobleman. He knows from experience how unnerving it is to have an enemy in your blind spot. And if she looks away from whoever's askin' the questions she loses the staredown. He remains ready to crack her skull at the slightest provocation.
Kei
"Smile all you want you fiend faced offspring of a succubus. I may have healed you, but as you can't tell by my vertically challenged friend there we can quite easily end you right now." Without looking at Xondros, he paces left to right and back again opposite Peri, forcing her to play his little mind game. "The way I see it you have two choices. One - you tell us what we want to know and maybe we let you live. Two- you don't, and well, you won't." He stops pacing and continues to stare at the ground. Coldly, he plainly says "Your choice". He knows that simple magic trickery won't impress the Quartermaster, so instead he slowly raises his eyes to gaze directly at hers.
Intimidation 21
Xondros' smile drops at Kei's words. "What do you want?" she asks without emotion. "You killed my brother. I was honor-bound to try to exact revenge."
Gerrard:
”You say we killed your brother, but I don’t know to whom you are related. Could you give us a name? Perhaps this is just a big misunderstanding,” says Gerrard, starting easy to keep her talking and hopefully confirm her brother’s identity.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
Mostly under his breath, but certainly audible enough, he mutters "Honourable. Haa." He picks up his pacing once more though this time its in a complete circle around Xondros.
The bard is about to speak as Gerrard sneaks a question in. He contemplates speaking over the noble but the question is pertinent so he leaves it be, for now, and waits impatiently for an answer.
"He was known as Kheshm," says Xondros flatly and quietly. "You killed him at sea. He was a fool, but he was my family."
Through the street-facing window, Peri spots a familiar sail past in the harbor: his own. Presumably, Boko is returning from her errand.
It is early-to-mid afternoon. The sunset-scheduled meeting is just a couple of hours away.
Gerrard:
Nodding, Gerrard says, “Indeed, though he introduced himself as ‘KHESHM BUSHYANSTA ARESHK SPAZGA ALCAP AKOMAN. BRIDGER OF WORLDS, HARVESTER OF SOULS, HARBINGER OF DESTRUCTION’ as he was murdering Dwarves and sinking ships out from under us.”
Looking pained at the memory, Gerrard steps back and nods at Kei to continue.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
Taking his cue from Gerrard, Kei stops circling Xondros and stands directly in front of her. He takes a step forward. "I understand honour amongst family. I too would've done the same" he speaks with an unusually quiet tone. "But now you've tried and failed. I believe your moment has passed. It would seem you now have a choice. Being so honourable if we were to let you live you might say you'd owe us a life debt. Or you could deny that debt now and we can simply end your life." His breath hot against the captives face. "I think we're being quite generous in even offering to let you live, as you see, we are more than capable of defeating not just you but also your mad brother. I leave the choice to you" he notices Peri's attention drawn to the sail passing through the harbour " but make it quick. We have pressing matters to turn to." He walks behind Xondros and leans in to whisper in her ear something for her ears only.
"Of course, if you can tell me where you've hidden your magical wares it might sway my decision in ending you."
Peri:
Peri is impressed that Gerrard was able to remember all of that nonsense behind Kheshm's name. But those nobles do love their titles, and he was probably trained from birth lest he offend someone with so many titles after their name that they have to be important. All I got was "Ketch'em blah blah blah Spaz-somethin', Bridger of Worlds -- cuz that one's interesting, given that run-in with the astral mess that sucked the boy in -- then something about Devouring?" He catches sight of their cutter sailing past and thinks of telling the others, but it would break the mood and he didn't want to risk Xondros clamming up.
"My brother had unfinished business with Aubreck Drallion. Those dwarves were collateral damage. You would have been also. My life is forfeit, it means nothing. This shop is yours to ransack, although you run the risk of angering my superiors in Iuz. You already have taken all the arcane items I currently possess. I only just consumed the most powerful one to bring that maurezhi here to this plane, and now I am deeply in debt. You would likely be doing me a favor in killing me."
Kei
"Collateral damage?" Kei says with disgust. "There's a member of our group that would have a different opinion to that" he continues. "It would appear your decision to seek revenge has landed you in a worse place than just losing a beloved family member. If it were solely up to me, given your admission, I would let you live as I imagine your superiors would bring more pain and suffering to you than I could imagine. But it is not just my decision to make." He looks to Gerrard "I leave that decision to one who has more compassion than I do. Your fate is in his hands I guess." He walks away from Xondros and stands behind the nobleman.
Whispering to Gerrard he says "I hope the needle of that moral compass of yours is the point of your blade."
Peri:
Breaking his silence, Peri asks quietly, "Aubrek Drallion -- what business did your brother have with him?" He moves forward so quickly he seems almost to teleport. One moment he's standing motionless behind the tied-up captive, the next he's leaned over her, whispering quietly in her ear. "What was in that box?"
((Peri will use his Fey Presence to try to frighten Xondros. "Each creature in a 10-foot cube originating from you to make a Wisdom saving throw against your Warlock spell save DC (only 13). The Creatures that fail their Saving Throws are all Charmed or Frightened by you (your choice) until the end of your next turn."))
WIS Save: 7
...The tiefling recoils from Peri as much as she's able, in her bound state. It takes her a moment to find her words.
"Deeds... Deeds, I think. Aubreck had cheated him. Kheshm was trying to collect a debt."
Peri:
Peri sees the fear take hold in her eyes, the way she recoils from him, and moves to seize the moment before she can regain her courage. "What deeds? What debt? No more half-truths," he growls at her, channeling a pirate bosun he'd once met who had given him the shivers. He continues in the quiet, menacing voice, "Spill your secrets before I spill your guts. There's worse ways to go than a hangman's knot. If you hold back I'll open your belly and leave you on the beach for the crabs to pick over while you watch." That last was from a ghost story he'd heard on his first voyage; it had chilled him to the marrow and, truth be told, sometimes still gave him nightmares. Well, if some nightmares were the worst to happen to her, she'd be gettin' off pretty easy.
((Also, just in advance, Insight check to determine whether she's lying or holding back in her answers: 15))
Peri sees the threats of violent death seem to wash over her ineffectively, even as she remains unnerved by Peri. "I don't know. Property deeds; royal titles to islands offshore. Disputed Keelish colonies in lands south. Wasn't my business. Aubreck shorted us on fish transport a few years ago, then he went broke." Peri senses no lies, but he wonders what biased perspectives this very foreign Iuzian merchant might hold.
Gerrard:
Again having been quiet for a while as the other two question their captive, Gerrard asks, “And what does your honor demand of you now that you have attempted murder on us on behalf of your foolish brother? Now that you have made the attempt, are you free of this burden, or must you continue to try and kill us until one of us is dead?”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Peri:
When Xondros's eyes move to Gerrard, Peri recoils backward nearly as fast as he'd sprung forward. Good to keep her disoriented and off balance, he thinks as he resumes his silent guard behind her.
Kei
Done with his involvement in this interrogation Kei stands against the wall and flicks through his deck. Although he appears to be disinterested he pays close attention to the Quartermaster and her responses.
Insight 23