In the growing gloom, the party departs the warm interior of the tavern and make their way down the frosty, ill-smelling cobbles toward the harbor.
Once again you pass the weatherbeaten gallows and into the large brick building in the center of town, up the wide stairs and into the old Council Chamber. It is crowded, and loud. The five Town Council members are assembled behind the long bench: Eda Owland, Gellan Primwater, Eliander Farbern, Manistrad Copperlocks, and Anders Salomar. Two lizardfolk scaleshields, Garurt and Vyth, are seated. A humanoid with the lower body of a fish sits next to them, sponging her tail from a bucket – a merfolk, you recall. She holds a dauntingly sharp coral rapier. Sitting in a wooden barrel full of seawater is some sort of aquatic, fishlike humanoid warily watching the crowd with wet, bulbous eyes. There are lots of others here - townsfolk, guards, marines, some wearing the emblem of Seaton. It's a loud and chaotic scene. There is already alcohol being consumed by the mug, with biscuits. Gerrard spots his cousin, Elwood, of the royal navy, talking loudly with Primwater.
Owland nods as you enter, and gives a signal to the elderly guard to begin the proceedings.
He hadn't been sure about the extravagant clothes, but amongst these muckity-mucks they do give him a sense of confidence. I'm sharp, I'm dangerous, and I do belong here. These people need my help, not the other way 'round. He cuts through the crowd to the -- guests? As he passes the mermaid and the aquatic creature he doffs his cap politely, but he's focused on the two lizardfolk. He stops in front of them and gives a bow. "Good evening, noble Scaleshields. Please send my regards to the Queen. Of all the supposedly important people I've recently met, she alone exemplifies Wisdom and Grace. Tell me, how go the preparations to retake your homeland?"There, a little pomp, and I've shown 'em who I think is the most important in the room. He takes a moment to scan the room for Dwal. It's not like the dwarf to skip out on an obligation.
"Thank you," reply the lizardfolk. "We are ready. We are more than ready."
The old ceremonial guard slowly climbs the latter into the tower above the packed chamber, and blows the huge horn to begin the proceedings. "Let us begin," announces Eda Owland. "We have a long agenda tonight."
"This is a joint Council of War. We are joined by Garurt and Vyth on behalf of the displaced Lizardfiolk colony and their queen, together with Aryn of the Merfolk, and Sakith of the Locathah. They each have further representatives staying in the harbor or near town. We are also joined by Elwood of the Royal Navy, Tom and Will Stoutly of our coastal force, and Commander Clay from the Tower. We are also joined by Capt. Fenwader and his group who eradicated the necromantic pirates working out of the alchemist house, and led the battle defending the city from the recent gnoll assault. We are tonight preparing a frontal assault of the sahuagin fortress, formerly the Lizardfolk lair. I turn the floor to Garurt and Vyth."
The two lizardfolk introduce themselves, in halting, slow, accented Common. They produce a crude map that identifies the location of the sahuagin stronghold. It occupies an island in the estuary of the Javan River, they clarify, some fifty miles west and south of Saltmarsh. A coastal headland covers one flank of the island, which is connected to the mainland by a stone causeway.
The two lizardfolk explain that this site is their former lair; it consists of a series of natural passages and caves honeycombing the interior of the island. The lair is a three-level cave system inside a rocky island. Remarkably, the island seems to have sunk into the surrounding sea, leaving only the top one-third visible from above the water. When the lizardfolk laired there, the island was almost entirely above sea level. The main entrance is now a large cave that faces the seacoast. The lizardfolk made few changes to the place, only adding stairs to connect the levels. But the sahuagin have apparently made drastic changes to their former lair, beyond submerging the two lower levels beneath the water.
"We intend not only to expel the sahuagin and regain the Lizardfolks home," continues Owland "but also to deal the sahuagin enough of a blow to discourage them from further aggression."
"A combined force from all the allied species is being assembled to strike the sahuagin fortress. Before this attack can be correctly planned and executed, a small group is needed to make a preliminary excursion into the fortress. The information gained by this reconnaissance team will allow the allies to plan a proper attack. The full assault will be launched after the reconnaissance team returns, assuming the mission succeeds at least in part."
"With the sahuagin threat revealed and new alliances formed, the town council of Saltmarsh once again needs heroes — those accomplished enough to infiltrate the sahuagin stronghold and return with knowledge that will bring about the downfall of the final enemy."
Nodding in agreement with Garurt and Vyth, the Owland, Gerrard keeps his seat and waits for his turn to speak, if needed. He does, however, glance around the room as he has opportunity to do so discreetly…looking for Dwal.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Entering the council chambers last, his demeanour is that of a child being forced to accompany their parents to a speech on the advantage of growing your own vegetables. He grumbles and moans the whole time while taking his seat. This is the type of setting he tries to avoid but out of respect for Gerrard he remains mostly quiet. As he sits he slowly fans through his cards memorising each one in detail. The talking continues as does his boredom.
Boko returns, and asks briefly how the shopping went, confused about the cryptic answers but not pressing. "Luca, my mentor, gave me blessing to work with you on the sahuagin threat. Luca thought the aboleth that kidnapped me might be in league with them. Unfortunately even Luca does not know what we unleashed from Peleg's prison. Luca also told me about a friend, named Vortanim, in the fishing village of Uskarn. Vortanim warned Luca about some disaster that has befell Firewatch Island, north of Seaton, and near Uskarn. All contact has been lost with the island, and corpses have been washing ashore. Something... unnatural is to blame. I am to investigate. I can do this myself after we attend this task of the council's, but I would welcome your help if you wish."
She remains quiet as they approach the council chamber. She almost keeps her hood up as she enters the room, but she fights the urge, daring anyone to recoil at her blue skin.
When no one speaks up after the task is spelled out, Boko steps forward. "You do not know me. I am Boko Alcor, newly of this group. For better or for worse. How much of this fortress needs to be scouted? Do we know nothing about it? How many are in there? And do we need to remain unnoticed, and nonlethal?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gerrard:
Earlier…
”I will help you, Mistress Boko, once my obligation to this current mission is complete,” replies Gerrard.
Currently…
Gerrard watches Owland for cues—is he still talking, or does he want “the heroes” to chime in? Then Boko jumps in with some questions, and he thinks, “I guess it was the latter.”
Insight: 3
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
As she does, an unexpected but familiar figure enters quietly into the chamber. Some of you recognize him immediately: Oceanus, the sea elf. He is wearing a beautiful, scaled tunic and carries the heavy air of responsibility and duty about him. He soon vanishes into the packed crowd.
Owland turns the floor over to Farbern, who squints, nods, and leans forward over the table toward Boko, his finely carved wooden peg grinding into the ancient wooden floor. "The objectives of the reconnaissance mission are fourfold:" He holds up one hand and begins to count them on his fingers. "1. Determine the strength of the sahuagin force: how many warriors, lieutenants, and other battle-ready troops are present. 2. Locate important areas within the fortress: where are the warriors barracked, the officers quartered, and the leaders housed. 3. Discover any significant defensive measures: traps, areas readied specifically for defense, and other dangers the attacking force must avoid or overcome. 4. Discover how advanced the sahuagin preparations are and when they might mount their first attack."
"This is a reconnaissance team, not an assault force. An elite team that can bring back the needed information. You will likely need to fight some of the sahuagin, but you must remain quiet as often as possible to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Think tactically. Avoid unnecessary fights against a superior foe. Do not be careless."
"We will provide a keelboat, crewed by the Stoutleys themselves. We have commissioned the alchemist at Burle to provide 1 potion of invisibility and 1 potion of gaseous form for each party member. These items are on loan to the party and we expect the return of any unused items. There will, however, be a small gold, and possibly magic, reward, depending on the outcome of the subsequent military strike."
"From what I understand, the cave entrance that once provided the lizardfolk access to the lowest level of the island caves has been submerged in deep water. The stone causeway that previously led from the shore to the cave entrance now leads to a new set of stone doors built by the sahuagin."
Taking mental notes on the mission objectives, Gerrard asks, “With much of the complex now underwater, what provision have you made for us to be able to scout that environment?”
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Farbern clears his throat and looks at the table. "Yes, when the lizardfolk laired there, the island was almost entirely above sea level. Now, the two lower levels of the fortress are underwater. I'm afraid we don't have any remedies for water-breathing."
Prepared for all manner of tedious speeches and debates, Peri is surprised by how quickly this group has gotten down to business. He's even more surprised to hear "Capt. Fenwader and his group who eradicated the necromantic pirates working out of the alchemist house, and led the battle defending the city from the recent gnoll assault." He's not sure he likes these folks thinking he's their group's leader, and he surely doesn't remember leading the fight with the gnolls. Truth be told, he's not sure anyone could be said to have led that donnybrook.
He expects Gerrard to speak for the group, or maybe Kei to make some snarky remark, but it's Boko who addresses the Council. And asks some good questions, without sarcasm and without immediately accepting. Maybe she should be the leader. I could giver her the hat -- well, not this hat, but another good hat. His mouth goes dry as Farbern rattles off a list of things they're supposed to accomplish. What do they know about scouting enemy fortresses?
Then Gerrard asks about the underwater stuff, and Farbern doesn't have any kind of good answer. Peri scoffs at the absurdity. "And assumin' we're able to carry off this mission, and we get all the answers you're askin' for and somehow make it back ashore with our heads still on our necks, what then? If you don't have the means to equip a force of a dozen for underwater scoutin', what'll you do when it comes to an all-out assault? And if the eel-faced vermin were able to lower the island to flood the tunnels, is there some way to raise it and flush 'em all back out?"
((Peri mentions a 'force of a dozen' because he hasn't figured out it'll be mostly just his crew.))
Disappointed, Gerrard says, “I distinctly recall when we agreed to this scouting mission that we mentioned several of us would need assistance to breathe underwater. I was hoping those means would have been procured by now. Without such capability, we will be at higher risk for exploration of the underwater levels of the complex.”
Trying to catch Oceanus’ eye, Gerrard looks hopefully in his direction.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Boko's eyes dart around at the speakers after her questions are answered. She considers wildshaping into a small crab for effect, but she does not know the people assembled here, and refrains.
She looks around. "I can help scout this place. And I have recently learned a few tricks. Water should not be a problem."
”Truly, you have the capability to allow us all to breathe underwater, Mistress Boko? That is wonderful news!” says Gerrard, relieved. “What other logistics do we need to discuss?” he asks the others, still looking around for a certain irascible dwarf.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"How much assistance are those merfolk an' sea elves gonna be given?" asks a voice from the crowded back. "Or are they just standin' by and watchin' land folks muck about in tha water and do their fighten for 'em?"
Peri tries to see the new speaker. Thus far the dwarf community hasn't been too active in regards to this fight. He wonders if Dwal has been off recruiting.
It's hard to see anyone in this crowd. You hear Oceanus' quiet voice pipe up from somewhere, in broken, hesitant Common (greatly improved since you last saw him.) "Manaan will send many Sea Elven fighters to the big ...war, and I will go to the... spy work."
Farbern responds, "Excellent news from Manaan. We welcome your part in this decisive battle."
To Peri's and Gerrard's comments, Farbern adds, "We don't know by what dark magic the sea bed was lowered, but we have no way to raise the island. During the main assault, air-breathers will likely be restricted to ranged bombardment followed by hand-to-hand combat on the top level of the fortress. We will rely on the Lizardfolk, Merfolk, Locathah, and now I understand the Sea Elves to storm the lower levels. But first, we need reconnaissance. I'm afraid we do not have any means, magical or mechanical, for air-breathers on the reconnaissance team to survive below the water level. We will leave that to your own ingenuity. Perhaps this Sea Elf and this blue-skinned volunteer can handle the lower levels."
"Then it will be 50 more gold fer tha widows and orphans of the Winter." Qivys says as he pushes past the crowd and stands before the council. "Fer yer lack of help an piss poor plannin' fer this undertakin." he says to the council. Qivys, helm in his left hand, battle axe in his right, the shaft butt resting on the floor and his shield across his back, is a bit more cleaned up from when the party last seen him, both beard and hair trimmed shorter and he seems cleaner. There is faint but instant recognition of the helm he is holding by the group. It is a Illyrian style helmet with small blue and coral fish images in the metal. It has a hinged mouth guard with a small porpoise sculpted onto the front of the guard. It is the helm that was given to Dwal within the past month, Helm of Underwater Action
Stunned, Gerrard says, “Qivys, where have you been?! When you went missing we tried to go look for you, but there was no trace! Do you know where Brother Fiercehammer is?”
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
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In the growing gloom, the party departs the warm interior of the tavern and make their way down the frosty, ill-smelling cobbles toward the harbor.
Once again you pass the weatherbeaten gallows and into the large brick building in the center of town, up the wide stairs and into the old Council Chamber. It is crowded, and loud. The five Town Council members are assembled behind the long bench: Eda Owland, Gellan Primwater, Eliander Farbern, Manistrad Copperlocks, and Anders Salomar. Two lizardfolk scaleshields, Garurt and Vyth, are seated. A humanoid with the lower body of a fish sits next to them, sponging her tail from a bucket – a merfolk, you recall. She holds a dauntingly sharp coral rapier. Sitting in a wooden barrel full of seawater is some sort of aquatic, fishlike humanoid warily watching the crowd with wet, bulbous eyes. There are lots of others here - townsfolk, guards, marines, some wearing the emblem of Seaton. It's a loud and chaotic scene. There is already alcohol being consumed by the mug, with biscuits. Gerrard spots his cousin, Elwood, of the royal navy, talking loudly with Primwater.
Owland nods as you enter, and gives a signal to the elderly guard to begin the proceedings.
Gerrard:
Nodding to his cousin, Gerrard settles himself into place and sits attentively.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Peri:
He hadn't been sure about the extravagant clothes, but amongst these muckity-mucks they do give him a sense of confidence. I'm sharp, I'm dangerous, and I do belong here. These people need my help, not the other way 'round. He cuts through the crowd to the -- guests? As he passes the mermaid and the aquatic creature he doffs his cap politely, but he's focused on the two lizardfolk. He stops in front of them and gives a bow. "Good evening, noble Scaleshields. Please send my regards to the Queen. Of all the supposedly important people I've recently met, she alone exemplifies Wisdom and Grace. Tell me, how go the preparations to retake your homeland?" There, a little pomp, and I've shown 'em who I think is the most important in the room. He takes a moment to scan the room for Dwal. It's not like the dwarf to skip out on an obligation.
"Thank you," reply the lizardfolk. "We are ready. We are more than ready."
The old ceremonial guard slowly climbs the latter into the tower above the packed chamber, and blows the huge horn to begin the proceedings. "Let us begin," announces Eda Owland. "We have a long agenda tonight."
"This is a joint Council of War. We are joined by Garurt and Vyth on behalf of the displaced Lizardfiolk colony and their queen, together with Aryn of the Merfolk, and Sakith of the Locathah. They each have further representatives staying in the harbor or near town. We are also joined by Elwood of the Royal Navy, Tom and Will Stoutly of our coastal force, and Commander Clay from the Tower. We are also joined by Capt. Fenwader and his group who eradicated the necromantic pirates working out of the alchemist house, and led the battle defending the city from the recent gnoll assault. We are tonight preparing a frontal assault of the sahuagin fortress, formerly the Lizardfolk lair. I turn the floor to Garurt and Vyth."
The two lizardfolk introduce themselves, in halting, slow, accented Common. They produce a crude map that identifies the location of the sahuagin stronghold. It occupies an island in the estuary of the Javan River, they clarify, some fifty miles west and south of Saltmarsh. A coastal headland covers one flank of the island, which is connected to the mainland by a stone causeway.
The two lizardfolk explain that this site is their former lair; it consists of a series of natural passages and caves honeycombing the interior of the island.
The lair is a three-level cave system inside a rocky island. Remarkably, the island seems to have sunk into the surrounding sea, leaving only the top one-third visible from above the water.
When the lizardfolk laired there, the island was almost entirely above sea level. The main entrance is now a large cave that faces the seacoast. The lizardfolk made few changes to the place, only adding stairs to connect the levels. But the sahuagin have apparently made drastic changes to their former lair, beyond submerging the two lower levels beneath the water.
"We intend not only to expel the sahuagin and regain the Lizardfolks home," continues Owland "but also to deal the sahuagin enough of a blow to discourage them from further aggression."
"A combined force from all the allied species is being assembled to strike the sahuagin fortress. Before this attack can be correctly planned and executed, a small group is needed to make a preliminary excursion into the fortress. The information gained by this reconnaissance team will allow the allies to plan a proper attack. The full assault will be launched after the reconnaissance team returns, assuming the mission succeeds at least in part."
"With the sahuagin threat revealed and new alliances formed, the town council of Saltmarsh once again needs heroes — those accomplished enough to infiltrate the sahuagin stronghold and return with knowledge that will bring about the downfall of the final enemy."
Gerrard:
Nodding in agreement with Garurt and Vyth, the Owland, Gerrard keeps his seat and waits for his turn to speak, if needed. He does, however, glance around the room as he has opportunity to do so discreetly…looking for Dwal.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
Entering the council chambers last, his demeanour is that of a child being forced to accompany their parents to a speech on the advantage of growing your own vegetables. He grumbles and moans the whole time while taking his seat. This is the type of setting he tries to avoid but out of respect for Gerrard he remains mostly quiet. As he sits he slowly fans through his cards memorising each one in detail. The talking continues as does his boredom.
Boko returns, and asks briefly how the shopping went, confused about the cryptic answers but not pressing. "Luca, my mentor, gave me blessing to work with you on the sahuagin threat. Luca thought the aboleth that kidnapped me might be in league with them. Unfortunately even Luca does not know what we unleashed from Peleg's prison. Luca also told me about a friend, named Vortanim, in the fishing village of Uskarn. Vortanim warned Luca about some disaster that has befell Firewatch Island, north of Seaton, and near Uskarn. All contact has been lost with the island, and corpses have been washing ashore. Something... unnatural is to blame. I am to investigate. I can do this myself after we attend this task of the council's, but I would welcome your help if you wish."
She remains quiet as they approach the council chamber. She almost keeps her hood up as she enters the room, but she fights the urge, daring anyone to recoil at her blue skin.
When no one speaks up after the task is spelled out, Boko steps forward. "You do not know me. I am Boko Alcor, newly of this group. For better or for worse. How much of this fortress needs to be scouted? Do we know nothing about it? How many are in there? And do we need to remain unnoticed, and nonlethal?"
Gerrard:
Earlier…
”I will help you, Mistress Boko, once my obligation to this current mission is complete,” replies Gerrard.
Currently…
Gerrard watches Owland for cues—is he still talking, or does he want “the heroes” to chime in? Then Boko jumps in with some questions, and he thinks, “I guess it was the latter.”
Insight: 3
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Boko asks questions.
As she does, an unexpected but familiar figure enters quietly into the chamber. Some of you recognize him immediately: Oceanus, the sea elf. He is wearing a beautiful, scaled tunic and carries the heavy air of responsibility and duty about him. He soon vanishes into the packed crowd.
Owland turns the floor over to Farbern, who squints, nods, and leans forward over the table toward Boko, his finely carved wooden peg grinding into the ancient wooden floor. "The objectives of the reconnaissance mission are fourfold:" He holds up one hand and begins to count them on his fingers.
"1. Determine the strength of the sahuagin force: how many warriors, lieutenants, and other battle-ready troops are present.
2. Locate important areas within the fortress: where are the warriors barracked, the officers quartered, and the leaders housed.
3. Discover any significant defensive measures: traps, areas readied specifically for defense, and other dangers the attacking force must avoid or overcome.
4. Discover how advanced the sahuagin preparations are and when they might mount their first attack."
"This is a reconnaissance team, not an assault force. An elite team that can bring back the needed information. You will likely need to fight some of the sahuagin, but you must remain quiet as often as possible to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Think tactically. Avoid unnecessary fights against a superior foe. Do not be careless."
"We will provide a keelboat, crewed by the Stoutleys themselves. We have commissioned the alchemist at Burle to provide 1 potion of invisibility and 1 potion of gaseous form for each party member. These items are on loan to the party and we expect the return of any unused items. There will, however, be a small gold, and possibly magic, reward, depending on the outcome of the subsequent military strike."
"From what I understand, the cave entrance that once provided the lizardfolk access to the lowest level of the island caves has been submerged in deep water. The stone causeway that previously led from the shore to the cave entrance now leads to a new set of stone doors built by the sahuagin."
"Any other questions?"
Gerrard:
Taking mental notes on the mission objectives, Gerrard asks, “With much of the complex now underwater, what provision have you made for us to be able to scout that environment?”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Farbern clears his throat and looks at the table. "Yes, when the lizardfolk laired there, the island was almost entirely above sea level. Now, the two lower levels of the fortress are underwater. I'm afraid we don't have any remedies for water-breathing."
Peri:
Prepared for all manner of tedious speeches and debates, Peri is surprised by how quickly this group has gotten down to business. He's even more surprised to hear "Capt. Fenwader and his group who eradicated the necromantic pirates working out of the alchemist house, and led the battle defending the city from the recent gnoll assault." He's not sure he likes these folks thinking he's their group's leader, and he surely doesn't remember leading the fight with the gnolls. Truth be told, he's not sure anyone could be said to have led that donnybrook.
He expects Gerrard to speak for the group, or maybe Kei to make some snarky remark, but it's Boko who addresses the Council. And asks some good questions, without sarcasm and without immediately accepting. Maybe she should be the leader. I could giver her the hat -- well, not this hat, but another good hat. His mouth goes dry as Farbern rattles off a list of things they're supposed to accomplish. What do they know about scouting enemy fortresses?
Then Gerrard asks about the underwater stuff, and Farbern doesn't have any kind of good answer. Peri scoffs at the absurdity. "And assumin' we're able to carry off this mission, and we get all the answers you're askin' for and somehow make it back ashore with our heads still on our necks, what then? If you don't have the means to equip a force of a dozen for underwater scoutin', what'll you do when it comes to an all-out assault? And if the eel-faced vermin were able to lower the island to flood the tunnels, is there some way to raise it and flush 'em all back out?"
((Peri mentions a 'force of a dozen' because he hasn't figured out it'll be mostly just his crew.))
Gerrard:
Disappointed, Gerrard says, “I distinctly recall when we agreed to this scouting mission that we mentioned several of us would need assistance to breathe underwater. I was hoping those means would have been procured by now. Without such capability, we will be at higher risk for exploration of the underwater levels of the complex.”
Trying to catch Oceanus’ eye, Gerrard looks hopefully in his direction.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Boko's eyes dart around at the speakers after her questions are answered. She considers wildshaping into a small crab for effect, but she does not know the people assembled here, and refrains.
She looks around. "I can help scout this place. And I have recently learned a few tricks. Water should not be a problem."
Gerrard:
”Truly, you have the capability to allow us all to breathe underwater, Mistress Boko? That is wonderful news!” says Gerrard, relieved. “What other logistics do we need to discuss?” he asks the others, still looking around for a certain irascible dwarf.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"How much assistance are those merfolk an' sea elves gonna be given?" asks a voice from the crowded back. "Or are they just standin' by and watchin' land folks muck about in tha water and do their fighten for 'em?"
The voice is familiar and dwarven but not Dwal.
Peri:
Peri tries to see the new speaker. Thus far the dwarf community hasn't been too active in regards to this fight. He wonders if Dwal has been off recruiting.
It's hard to see anyone in this crowd. You hear Oceanus' quiet voice pipe up from somewhere, in broken, hesitant Common (greatly improved since you last saw him.)
"Manaan will send many Sea Elven fighters to the big ...war, and I will go to the... spy work."
Farbern responds, "Excellent news from Manaan. We welcome your part in this decisive battle."
To Peri's and Gerrard's comments, Farbern adds, "We don't know by what dark magic the sea bed was lowered, but we have no way to raise the island. During the main assault, air-breathers will likely be restricted to ranged bombardment followed by hand-to-hand combat on the top level of the fortress. We will rely on the Lizardfolk, Merfolk, Locathah, and now I understand the Sea Elves to storm the lower levels. But first, we need reconnaissance. I'm afraid we do not have any means, magical or mechanical, for air-breathers on the reconnaissance team to survive below the water level. We will leave that to your own ingenuity. Perhaps this Sea Elf and this blue-skinned volunteer can handle the lower levels."
"Then it will be 50 more gold fer tha widows and orphans of the Winter." Qivys says as he pushes past the crowd and stands before the council. "Fer yer lack of help an piss poor plannin' fer this undertakin." he says to the council.
Qivys, helm in his left hand, battle axe in his right, the shaft butt resting on the floor and his shield across his back, is a bit more cleaned up from when the party last seen him, both beard and hair trimmed shorter and he seems cleaner.
There is faint but instant recognition of the helm he is holding by the group. It is a Illyrian style helmet with small blue and coral fish images in the metal. It has a hinged mouth guard with a small porpoise sculpted onto the front of the guard. It is the helm that was given to Dwal within the past month, Helm of Underwater Action
Gerrard:
Stunned, Gerrard says, “Qivys, where have you been?! When you went missing we tried to go look for you, but there was no trace! Do you know where Brother Fiercehammer is?”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"