So intent on digesting that the Kysh says, the closeness of Gerrard's breath during the whisper gives Kei a start. Surely not. But that thing, it did seem otherworldly. He was an old man nothing more. His own mind fighting with itself he stands still for one moment. Then two. Eventually he manages a barely audibly "I don't know".
His inner turmoil continues silently while the others decide on a course of action. He absent-mindedly fidgets with his deck of cards. One slips from his fingers and floats through the water landing on Gerrard's forearm. "Keep it. It may help in what is to come"
Nodding to Kei in thanks, Gerrard takes the card and moves over to Peri. “If we do not think Kysh is playing us false, let us release him and his companion. The more allies the better—I would not leave a sentient being to the not-so-tender mercies of the Sahuagin torturers if I have any other choice. We should probably check that last cell too,” he suggests to Peri, poised to follow through unless he or Qivys has further objection.
”While we have no direct knowledge of a rift to a dark plane, we have encountered two ancient sea terrors and encountered the minions of a third in this area, so a portal would explain much,” he responds to the imprisoned Kysh, looking at Boko as he obliquely refers to the aboleth. “While you have had no dealings yourself with the Sahuagin until now, they have been the ones who took you prisoner and tortured this poor locanth, killing his eel, so they apparently are choosing to have dealings with you. What path would you choose if we freed you?”
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Peri's first thought upon hearing of a portal was of the silvery liquid they had encountered his first day in Saltmarsh. But no, that was to the Astral Sea, not any dark plane. Then Gerrard mentioned Peleg's tower and he too experienced a chill. Can't be, he thinks. That was just a few days ago. Sure it woulda taken longer for word to get back to this Pearly Court and Kysh to swim all the way here.
He nods in assent at Gerrard's suggestion to free Kysh. Probably they should leave all of 'em in their cells and tell 'em they'd be back soon with a rescue party, but after hearin' those cries...
He checks in with Boko on the way to the last cell, confirming there was no sign of trouble, and taps gently on the stone door. "Anybody in there? Looks like we're emptyin' this prison; you don't wanna miss the last sloop outta town."
There is no answer from Cell A, but a low, quiet growl is heard from Cell B next door.
"I would gladly assist you if you were to release me," replies Kysh. "I would find my companion and confront these ruffians. If you can find me a spear I can fight. But ultimately my mission is to find the rift and stand over it until it can be closed. But first, I would owe you service for my freedom."
The young noble opens the cell and frees Kysh, saying, “Your companion may be in this next cell over. We would appreciate any intelligence you can share about the Sahuagin lair, as well, though it sounds like you may have been bought here unconscious.”
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Opening cell block D reveals a greenish humanoid figure with webbed hands and feet, and small fins on his calves – a triton. He has no possessions. There is nothing else in this sparse cell built of unfinished stone. He looks you all over carefully.
"Thank you," he begins. "I was unconscious when they brought me in here. I know nothing of this place. Where are we?"
A triton, a locathah, and a giant eel walk into a tavern... Peri eyes the door that the growling is coming from. "What exactly is your companion anyway?"
"Emissary Kysh, a pleasure to meet you. I am Gerrard. We are in a lower level of the sahuagin lair, a cave complex that was stolen from the lizardfolk and sunken. We hope to eventually return it to its rightful owners and remove the evil stain the sea devils have left in this region of the sea, but for now we scout, learn, and--apparently--free prisoners", replies Gerrard. At Peri's question, the young noble listens eagerly for the triton's response.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Qivys shakes his head. "WE ain't here ta raid nor ta battle." he tells the newcomers. "9 Hells, we weren't here ta free prisoners either. We were sent ta scout this place out an' report back. So, no acts of revenge nor doin' things ta draw alot of attention." Qivys turns and moves to what ever main door he can find. "We're going on a scoutin' mission." he mutters to himself. "What could possibly go wrong?"
The door south remains securely closed. Qivys hears the faint roar of a crowd from somewhere far to the south.
"There's a four-way intersection of corridors about thirty feet beyond that door," instructs Borgas, seeing Qivys contemplate the door, and recovered slightly from grieving over his lost eel friend. "If you go left, and then right again at a split about a hundred feet further down, it'll take you to the guard post with the net and the gate. I don't know where the other directions lead."
Nodding at Kysh and indicating he should proceed to free his Sea Lion, Gerrard says, “Master Qivys speaks truly. We are here to scout. If we are discovered and reported, our mission has failed.”
Thinking a moment, he adds, “Master Borgas, Emissary Kysh, a prison break or an unexplained disappearance for you may be believable, but not our presence. We cannot be revealed, nor can our hidden passage. Choose now if you would come with us and accept these terms, or if you would disappear out this back entrance and leave us to our scouting alone.”
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Both Borgas and Kysh immediately pledge their desire to join the party.
"റോവർ is both especially stealthy and perceptive to odors," says Kysh as he lifts the bar on cell B. He is immediately engulfed by a huge, snarling, green monstrosity with the head and forepaws of a lion and the lower body and tail of a fish. It takes him a moment to calm down his large and fearsome charge.
"What the bloody--"Peri just manages to keep his voice down at the surprise of seeing the "sea-lion". He's seen hundreds of sea-lions, and none had manes or claws. Well, not that I saw anyhow. And I'm sure they're not green! He stuffs down his curiosity. "If we're freein' everybody, is there any chance at all of the back door goin' undiscovered? We'd have to lay some false trail elsewhere, but if both the other ways out are guarded, I don't see how we could fool 'em." He thinks for a minute. "I suppose if we could bring down a section of the tunnel on the other side of this door they might think the prisoners are trapped and just let 'em starve. Seems like the kinda thing they'd enjoy. But then the passage would be useless for anyone in the main attack."
"A difficult question, indeed, Captain Fenwader," responds Gerrard, "Though if we all disappear they may not think to look for a secret passage...Then again, we wouldn't be able to count on them not finding it for the full assault planning."
Turning to Qivys, he agrees, "Disabling the nets without the sabotage being noticed could be a great advantage for the coming combat, if we can do it. We should proceed to try and do so unless someone wishes to open the final unexplored cell first. Let's hope the sea devils are otherwise occupied while we scout."
Gerrard can be pretty stealthy, though he is using his blade for a bit of moonlight vision. Perhaps he should follow those with better vision in the darkness.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The emergence of റോവർ snaps Kei out of his daze. His already frayed nerves and the sight of the sea lion cause a rather high pitched squeal to escape his mouth. "Hhh, um, yes. Sabotage sounds like a plan" his voice breaking a little. Trying to recover some dignity he turns his attention to the southern door. "Well, there's no point hanging around here any further." He reaches out a hand to test the door and see if it locked. If it is not, he cracks it open just enough for a tiny crab (and maybe an octopus) to creep through.
"I knocked and no one answered; if they're in there they aren't interested in leavin'. We can check on the way back through if you wanna be thorough."
He closes and bars the doors of each of the cells so that a casual glance won't reveal they've all been emptied, then joins the group near the inner door.
The southern door open easily. All is dark and quiet except for the distant sound of a crowd far ahead.
(Role call, everyone! Remind me what you have for dark vision or light, and if you have any light sources or spells in play. Pass Without Trace expired, correct?)
Kei pauses to focus as his crab (30' blindsight) moves ahead. Seeing through its eyes, Kei confirms that the passages look as Borgas described them.
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Kei
So intent on digesting that the Kysh says, the closeness of Gerrard's breath during the whisper gives Kei a start. Surely not. But that thing, it did seem otherworldly. He was an old man nothing more. His own mind fighting with itself he stands still for one moment. Then two. Eventually he manages a barely audibly "I don't know".
His inner turmoil continues silently while the others decide on a course of action. He absent-mindedly fidgets with his deck of cards. One slips from his fingers and floats through the water landing on Gerrard's forearm. "Keep it. It may help in what is to come"
( BI given to Gerrard)
Gerrard:
Nodding to Kei in thanks, Gerrard takes the card and moves over to Peri. “If we do not think Kysh is playing us false, let us release him and his companion. The more allies the better—I would not leave a sentient being to the not-so-tender mercies of the Sahuagin torturers if I have any other choice. We should probably check that last cell too,” he suggests to Peri, poised to follow through unless he or Qivys has further objection.
”While we have no direct knowledge of a rift to a dark plane, we have encountered two ancient sea terrors and encountered the minions of a third in this area, so a portal would explain much,” he responds to the imprisoned Kysh, looking at Boko as he obliquely refers to the aboleth. “While you have had no dealings yourself with the Sahuagin until now, they have been the ones who took you prisoner and tortured this poor locanth, killing his eel, so they apparently are choosing to have dealings with you. What path would you choose if we freed you?”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Peri:
Peri's first thought upon hearing of a portal was of the silvery liquid they had encountered his first day in Saltmarsh. But no, that was to the Astral Sea, not any dark plane. Then Gerrard mentioned Peleg's tower and he too experienced a chill. Can't be, he thinks. That was just a few days ago. Sure it woulda taken longer for word to get back to this Pearly Court and Kysh to swim all the way here.
He nods in assent at Gerrard's suggestion to free Kysh. Probably they should leave all of 'em in their cells and tell 'em they'd be back soon with a rescue party, but after hearin' those cries...
He checks in with Boko on the way to the last cell, confirming there was no sign of trouble, and taps gently on the stone door. "Anybody in there? Looks like we're emptyin' this prison; you don't wanna miss the last sloop outta town."
There is no answer from Cell A, but a low, quiet growl is heard from Cell B next door.
"I would gladly assist you if you were to release me," replies Kysh. "I would find my companion and confront these ruffians. If you can find me a spear I can fight. But ultimately my mission is to find the rift and stand over it until it can be closed. But first, I would owe you service for my freedom."
Gerrard:
The young noble opens the cell and frees Kysh, saying, “Your companion may be in this next cell over. We would appreciate any intelligence you can share about the Sahuagin lair, as well, though it sounds like you may have been bought here unconscious.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Qivys stands quiet during the exchange, though the low grow peaks his interest some he maintains his spot.
Opening cell block D reveals a greenish humanoid figure with webbed hands and feet, and small fins on his calves – a triton. He has no possessions. There is nothing else in this sparse cell built of unfinished stone. He looks you all over carefully.
"Thank you," he begins. "I was unconscious when they brought me in here. I know nothing of this place. Where are we?"
Peri:
A triton, a locathah, and a giant eel walk into a tavern... Peri eyes the door that the growling is coming from. "What exactly is your companion anyway?"
Gerrard:
"Emissary Kysh, a pleasure to meet you. I am Gerrard. We are in a lower level of the sahuagin lair, a cave complex that was stolen from the lizardfolk and sunken. We hope to eventually return it to its rightful owners and remove the evil stain the sea devils have left in this region of the sea, but for now we scout, learn, and--apparently--free prisoners", replies Gerrard. At Peri's question, the young noble listens eagerly for the triton's response.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kysh steps warily out of his cell, then stretches. "I am no friend of sahuagin. You have my support."
He looks around the room and calls out, "റോവർ!"
A growl emanates from cell B. Kysh points to the door to the cell. "If you don't object, I shall release her. She is what you call a sea lion."
Qivys shakes his head.
"WE ain't here ta raid nor ta battle." he tells the newcomers. "9 Hells, we weren't here ta free prisoners either. We were sent ta scout this place out an' report back. So, no acts of revenge nor doin' things ta draw alot of attention."
Qivys turns and moves to what ever main door he can find.
"We're going on a scoutin' mission." he mutters to himself. "What could possibly go wrong?"
The door south remains securely closed. Qivys hears the faint roar of a crowd from somewhere far to the south.
"There's a four-way intersection of corridors about thirty feet beyond that door," instructs Borgas, seeing Qivys contemplate the door, and recovered slightly from grieving over his lost eel friend. "If you go left, and then right again at a split about a hundred feet further down, it'll take you to the guard post with the net and the gate. I don't know where the other directions lead."
Gerrard:
Nodding at Kysh and indicating he should proceed to free his Sea Lion, Gerrard says, “Master Qivys speaks truly. We are here to scout. If we are discovered and reported, our mission has failed.”
Thinking a moment, he adds, “Master Borgas, Emissary Kysh, a prison break or an unexplained disappearance for you may be believable, but not our presence. We cannot be revealed, nor can our hidden passage. Choose now if you would come with us and accept these terms, or if you would disappear out this back entrance and leave us to our scouting alone.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Both Borgas and Kysh immediately pledge their desire to join the party.
"റോവർ is both especially stealthy and perceptive to odors," says Kysh as he lifts the bar on cell B. He is immediately engulfed by a huge, snarling, green monstrosity with the head and forepaws of a lion and the lower body and tail of a fish. It takes him a moment to calm down his large and fearsome charge.
Peri:
"What the bloody--" Peri just manages to keep his voice down at the surprise of seeing the "sea-lion". He's seen hundreds of sea-lions, and none had manes or claws. Well, not that I saw anyhow. And I'm sure they're not green! He stuffs down his curiosity. "If we're freein' everybody, is there any chance at all of the back door goin' undiscovered? We'd have to lay some false trail elsewhere, but if both the other ways out are guarded, I don't see how we could fool 'em." He thinks for a minute. "I suppose if we could bring down a section of the tunnel on the other side of this door they might think the prisoners are trapped and just let 'em starve. Seems like the kinda thing they'd enjoy. But then the passage would be useless for anyone in the main attack."
"Right" Qivys says. "its sabotage tha gate nets then?" he asks.
Gerrard:
"A difficult question, indeed, Captain Fenwader," responds Gerrard, "Though if we all disappear they may not think to look for a secret passage...Then again, we wouldn't be able to count on them not finding it for the full assault planning."
Turning to Qivys, he agrees, "Disabling the nets without the sabotage being noticed could be a great advantage for the coming combat, if we can do it. We should proceed to try and do so unless someone wishes to open the final unexplored cell first. Let's hope the sea devils are otherwise occupied while we scout."
Gerrard can be pretty stealthy, though he is using his blade for a bit of moonlight vision. Perhaps he should follow those with better vision in the darkness.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
The emergence of റോവർ snaps Kei out of his daze. His already frayed nerves and the sight of the sea lion cause a rather high pitched squeal to escape his mouth. "Hhh, um, yes. Sabotage sounds like a plan" his voice breaking a little. Trying to recover some dignity he turns his attention to the southern door. "Well, there's no point hanging around here any further." He reaches out a hand to test the door and see if it locked. If it is not, he cracks it open just enough for a tiny crab (and maybe an octopus) to creep through.
Peri:
"I knocked and no one answered; if they're in there they aren't interested in leavin'. We can check on the way back through if you wanna be thorough."
He closes and bars the doors of each of the cells so that a casual glance won't reveal they've all been emptied, then joins the group near the inner door.
The southern door open easily. All is dark and quiet except for the distant sound of a crowd far ahead.

(Role call, everyone! Remind me what you have for dark vision or light, and if you have any light sources or spells in play. Pass Without Trace expired, correct?)
Kei pauses to focus as his crab (30' blindsight) moves ahead. Seeing through its eyes, Kei confirms that the passages look as Borgas described them.