"Oh right, that sounds good," says Gerrard, embarrassed that he had forgotten about that capability and was toying with the idea of trying to take shelter on the bridge during the night--assuredly a poorer plan for both comfort and intruders during the night. The young noble follows along at Peri's suggestion.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kei
His back aches as they trudge along the road. Horse riding certainly wasn't one of his favourite means of transport. He watches as Peri fiddles about in his saddle like a precariously posed sack of turnips. When Gerrard calls a halt and expresses his desire to make camp Kei speaks up. "But it can't be that much further. If we push on just a little I'm sure we could make it to Bela's. Imagine the accommodation! If his dress sense is anything to go by, there'd be four post beds and pillows stuffed with the finest duck feathers." He stares wistfully along the river.
When it becomes apparent that none of the others share his overwhelming desire to travel through the night he begrudgingly hops off his stiff legged horse and looks for a clear area in which to cast his 'dome thing' as the halfling so puts it.
Survival 14
He begins the ritual, all the while whistling through a smile like that of a smitten youngster preparing for their first courtship.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Qivys looks to Peri then Boko, then Gerrard then to Kei. "If he don't come out of this soon he's gonna put us into a disadvantage when dealin' with that vampire, if'n we have to." Qivys says quietly to the others. "He may even side with 'em."
Qivys goes quiet and tries to recall anything he has learned or heard about vampires.
Night falls as Kei prepares his arcane dome in a nook of trees adjacent to a massive boulder near the river – a flat, well-protected, and relatively snow-free area.
Thinking hard, Qivys remembers just the common knowledge – or at least the common fables – about vampires. That they can bite and transform one into a second vampire, that a stake to the heart will kill them, that they can climb well. ....And also that they come out at night; a thought that makes sleeping rather difficult.
The night is very dark. Wind whistles eerily through the brush near the river bank. There are no signs of animal life here.
Boko tries to leave some cold rations with the poor druid, warming some water or if anyone has wine with them. She gives Peri a thankful look, but she does not offer many words. She doesn’t know Ferrin very well but she knows the path he has chosen, or that has been chosen for him, is hard. Perhaps not as hard as hers, but not easy by any stretch. She hopes Luca never sank to this low.
She is curious about the flavor but leaves the use of it to others. Tracing the geometric lines tattooed into her skin, she gives confident responses if asked if she needs a magical weapon.
She will ride the horse offered for a bit but hops off at least once to shift into a giant elk form and flanking the group in a scouting maneuver, keeps an eye on anything that might be taking an interest in them. She’s deeply alarmed by the lack of fauna around here, so her eyes are alert for any sign of more artificial predators.
When they begin to set up camp, she looks at Kei muttering about Bela, and tries to ascertain if casting dispel magic on him would help. She notes that a spell to call anyone’s emotions is for the clergy and not something she can do.
She wonders if somehow setting even a rudimentary trap or snare to let the party know if Kei wanders off would be a good idea. She doesn’t think he should keep watch alone.
The night is dark and quiet. The wind whips through the desolate grove along the river. As the hours pass, the clouds thin out, and you can begin to make out the glow of a fullish moon behind them.
Thinking about the limits of her own powers, she doubts that her spell could break a vampire's charm.
Preparing to rest, Gerrard volunteers, “I can take the middle of the night watch. Wake me up when it is my turn.” After dinner he turns in early so he will get reasonable rest for the night.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"If he don't come out of this soon he's gonna put us into a disadvantage when dealin' with that vampire, if'n we have to." Qivys says quietly to the others. "He may even side with 'em."
Peri gives Qivys a small nod before saying, "Let's see what the morning brings." To Kei he says, "We'll divide up the watches between the rest of us. You should get a good night's rest; you've got a big day tomorrow." Peri volunteers to take the first watch so the casters get their full rest in first.
With a final gesture a dome of translucent dark blue springs forth from his hands. A soft glow fills the area illuminating the faces of his travel mates. He takes his place at the edge of the dome as the others decide who will take what watch. As he drifts into unconsciousness his last thought is of an imagined castle with a huge ballroom. Guests from lands far and wide dancing their way through the night.
A few hours later he wakes with a jolt, Peri's suggestion of getting a full nights rest seemingly not taking hold in his mind. Gerrard is sitting opposite him watching quietly through the transparent walls. "So, when do you think we'll get to the castle?"
Sitting in contemplation, Gerrard turns his attention if not his gaze to Kei, saying, “I know not, Master Kei, for its location is yet a mystery to us. Are you sure Bela did not give directions, or perhaps give a clue to you with that ring?”
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The night passes uneventfully if fitfully. You wake before dawn to a peaceful if desolate winter landscape.
The river valley – containing a much smaller tributary than the river you had followed yesterday – continues northeast toward the Dreadwood. A thin trail follows its southern banks under the snow, although it's not easy to follow in places. The river itself is mostly hidden under the ice. Nothing has traveled this way since the snowfall, or at least left any tracks that you can identify.
Unless the party has further business, you continue on your trek upriver to find the elves, and your vampiric quarry.
The day passes without incident. While peaceful, it is a slog through heavy snow under cold grey skies along the river that becomes monotonous and draining after many hours. The river valley begins to grow shallow, and the leafless scrub bordering it becomes more extensive. The snow cover begins to thin.
As the light begins to fade, you can see where the river - now more of an unnavigable stream - plunges into a broad forest, leaving the moors behind.
As you decide whether to enter the forest proper as night is falling, you hear something – the sounds of a human male voice, shouting in panic, from somewhere just beyond the edge of the wood.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gerrard:
Straining to hear the voice clearly, Gerrard says, "There may be someone in trouble, or it may be a trap." Moving a few steps forward, though, he makes it obvious that his bias towards action--particularly heroic actions for people in trouble--is about to overwhelm his caution.
Insight on the voice: 19
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Once Peri wakes he begins going about the business of packing up with one eye on Kei. Getting no feel for whether or not the bard is still under the vampire's influence, he finally says, "So it's into the Dreadwood, to face unknown dangers with no reward promised. These latest 'adventures' have been heavy on risk and light on reward. But who knows? Maybe if we get lucky and manage to find this vampire, then kill it, we'll find something valuable pickin' over his corpse, right?"
((Insight check 12 to read Kei's reaction to both barbs: Killing Bela, and doing charity work.))
"An' tryin' ta save children from tha clutches of a blood suckin' fiend?" Qivys asks. "That don't rate as any type of reward?"
Qivys pauses then says. "There's more ta life than fillin' yer belly an' pockets. I just hope ya learn that 'for ya go walkin' inta tha next world."
Qivys rides in silence for the remainder until the party hears the human shouts. He looks to Gerrard then nudges his horse to Gerrard's position. "Might be someone needin' some aid or bandits." he remarks. Qivys looks around to see if he spots anything hiding near by:
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gerrard:
With no one definitively saying this is a trap and not sensing it himself, Gerrard accelerates into a trot and says, "Let's go investigate quickly but cautiously. Hard to tell if it is really someone in trouble or a lure into a trap, but I would hate to let someone suffer whom I could have rescued." Keeping an eye out for traps or other tricks, Gerrard moves forward at a brisk trot towards the sound of the person in distress.
"No clues were given. Just a small bauble, a token of his appreciation is all" Kei responds to Gerrards inquiry. "I wish I knew a quicker way to get there but I can't help." With that he returns to his bedroll and sits cross legged.
Pulling his ancient cards from their pouch he lays them in front of him face up. Drawing from the deck he begins placing cards in different positions and humming softly. This continues for the best part of an hour and just as Qivys wakes to relieve Gerrard on watch Kei almost jumps straight out of the dome. He'd done it. The dream was true. With a look of personal satisfaction he packs the cards back into a stack and returns them to the pouch. Laying down again, he drifts back to sleep with a smile on his face. Tomorrow is going to be a good day.
Stretching as he wakes Kei peers out the dome. The snow hadn't abated through the night. Knowing his protective dome is due to fail any moment he gathers his gear as Peri sends a pair of shots across his bow. "That's where you're wrong." He continues to pack his gear. "I'm sure Bela will have more than enough to share between us. People like him tend to have vast collections. If need be, I'm sure we can lighten the burden of his estates coffers". He winks at Peri in an unscrupulous manner.
He shifts in his saddle as they trudge through the snow. Relief sets in as the scenery begins to change. The shallowing of the snow prompts Kei to walk and lead his weary horse. The scream catches him off guard. "Perhaps we leave this one alone my leige" he mocks Gerrard "we need to get to the Elves as quickly as we can"
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Gerrard:
"Oh right, that sounds good," says Gerrard, embarrassed that he had forgotten about that capability and was toying with the idea of trying to take shelter on the bridge during the night--assuredly a poorer plan for both comfort and intruders during the night. The young noble follows along at Peri's suggestion.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
His back aches as they trudge along the road. Horse riding certainly wasn't one of his favourite means of transport. He watches as Peri fiddles about in his saddle like a precariously posed sack of turnips. When Gerrard calls a halt and expresses his desire to make camp Kei speaks up. "But it can't be that much further. If we push on just a little I'm sure we could make it to Bela's. Imagine the accommodation! If his dress sense is anything to go by, there'd be four post beds and pillows stuffed with the finest duck feathers." He stares wistfully along the river.
When it becomes apparent that none of the others share his overwhelming desire to travel through the night he begrudgingly hops off his stiff legged horse and looks for a clear area in which to cast his 'dome thing' as the halfling so puts it.
Survival 14
He begins the ritual, all the while whistling through a smile like that of a smitten youngster preparing for their first courtship.
Qivys looks to Peri then Boko, then Gerrard then to Kei.
"If he don't come out of this soon he's gonna put us into a disadvantage when dealin' with that vampire, if'n we have to." Qivys says quietly to the others. "He may even side with 'em."
Qivys goes quiet and tries to recall anything he has learned or heard about vampires.
History: 11
Gerrard:
"True enough, Master Qivys," responds Gerrard, also quietly, "I have spoken to Mistress Boko about it. Hopefully she has something that can help."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Night falls as Kei prepares his arcane dome in a nook of trees adjacent to a massive boulder near the river – a flat, well-protected, and relatively snow-free area.
Thinking hard, Qivys remembers just the common knowledge – or at least the common fables – about vampires. That they can bite and transform one into a second vampire, that a stake to the heart will kill them, that they can climb well. ....And also that they come out at night; a thought that makes sleeping rather difficult.
The night is very dark. Wind whistles eerily through the brush near the river bank. There are no signs of animal life here.
Boko tries to leave some cold rations with the poor druid, warming some water or if anyone has wine with them. She gives Peri a thankful look, but she does not offer many words. She doesn’t know Ferrin very well but she knows the path he has chosen, or that has been chosen for him, is hard. Perhaps not as hard as hers, but not easy by any stretch. She hopes Luca never sank to this low.
She is curious about the flavor but leaves the use of it to others. Tracing the geometric lines tattooed into her skin, she gives confident responses if asked if she needs a magical weapon.
She will ride the horse offered for a bit but hops off at least once to shift into a giant elk form and flanking the group in a scouting maneuver, keeps an eye on anything that might be taking an interest in them. She’s deeply alarmed by the lack of fauna around here, so her eyes are alert for any sign of more artificial predators.
When they begin to set up camp, she looks at Kei muttering about Bela, and tries to ascertain if casting dispel magic on him would help. She notes that a spell to call anyone’s emotions is for the clergy and not something she can do.
She wonders if somehow setting even a rudimentary trap or snare to let the party know if Kei wanders off would be a good idea. She doesn’t think he should keep watch alone.
The night is dark and quiet. The wind whips through the desolate grove along the river. As the hours pass, the clouds thin out, and you can begin to make out the glow of a fullish moon behind them.
Thinking about the limits of her own powers, she doubts that her spell could break a vampire's charm.
Gerrard:
Preparing to rest, Gerrard volunteers, “I can take the middle of the night watch. Wake me up when it is my turn.” After dinner he turns in early so he will get reasonable rest for the night.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Peri:
Peri gives Qivys a small nod before saying, "Let's see what the morning brings." To Kei he says, "We'll divide up the watches between the rest of us. You should get a good night's rest; you've got a big day tomorrow." Peri volunteers to take the first watch so the casters get their full rest in first.
Kei
With a final gesture a dome of translucent dark blue springs forth from his hands. A soft glow fills the area illuminating the faces of his travel mates. He takes his place at the edge of the dome as the others decide who will take what watch. As he drifts into unconsciousness his last thought is of an imagined castle with a huge ballroom. Guests from lands far and wide dancing their way through the night.
A few hours later he wakes with a jolt, Peri's suggestion of getting a full nights rest seemingly not taking hold in his mind. Gerrard is sitting opposite him watching quietly through the transparent walls. "So, when do you think we'll get to the castle?"
Gerrard:
Sitting in contemplation, Gerrard turns his attention if not his gaze to Kei, saying, “I know not, Master Kei, for its location is yet a mystery to us. Are you sure Bela did not give directions, or perhaps give a clue to you with that ring?”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Qivys will take last watch.
The night passes uneventfully if fitfully. You wake before dawn to a peaceful if desolate winter landscape.
The river valley – containing a much smaller tributary than the river you had followed yesterday – continues northeast toward the Dreadwood. A thin trail follows its southern banks under the snow, although it's not easy to follow in places. The river itself is mostly hidden under the ice. Nothing has traveled this way since the snowfall, or at least left any tracks that you can identify.
Unless the party has further business, you continue on your trek upriver to find the elves, and your vampiric quarry.
The day passes without incident. While peaceful, it is a slog through heavy snow under cold grey skies along the river that becomes monotonous and draining after many hours. The river valley begins to grow shallow, and the leafless scrub bordering it becomes more extensive. The snow cover begins to thin.
As the light begins to fade, you can see where the river - now more of an unnavigable stream - plunges into a broad forest, leaving the moors behind.
As you decide whether to enter the forest proper as night is falling, you hear something – the sounds of a human male voice, shouting in panic, from somewhere just beyond the edge of the wood.
Gerrard:
Straining to hear the voice clearly, Gerrard says, "There may be someone in trouble, or it may be a trap." Moving a few steps forward, though, he makes it obvious that his bias towards action--particularly heroic actions for people in trouble--is about to overwhelm his caution.
Insight on the voice: 19
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Peri:
Once Peri wakes he begins going about the business of packing up with one eye on Kei. Getting no feel for whether or not the bard is still under the vampire's influence, he finally says, "So it's into the Dreadwood, to face unknown dangers with no reward promised. These latest 'adventures' have been heavy on risk and light on reward. But who knows? Maybe if we get lucky and manage to find this vampire, then kill it, we'll find something valuable pickin' over his corpse, right?"
((Insight check 12 to read Kei's reaction to both barbs: Killing Bela, and doing charity work.))
"An' tryin' ta save children from tha clutches of a blood suckin' fiend?" Qivys asks. "That don't rate as any type of reward?"
Qivys pauses then says.
"There's more ta life than fillin' yer belly an' pockets. I just hope ya learn that 'for ya go walkin' inta tha next world."
Qivys rides in silence for the remainder until the party hears the human shouts. He looks to Gerrard then nudges his horse to Gerrard's position.
"Might be someone needin' some aid or bandits." he remarks.
Qivys looks around to see if he spots anything hiding near by:
Perception: 3
Gerrard:
With no one definitively saying this is a trap and not sensing it himself, Gerrard accelerates into a trot and says, "Let's go investigate quickly but cautiously. Hard to tell if it is really someone in trouble or a lure into a trap, but I would hate to let someone suffer whom I could have rescued." Keeping an eye out for traps or other tricks, Gerrard moves forward at a brisk trot towards the sound of the person in distress.
Perception if needed: 21
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
"No clues were given. Just a small bauble, a token of his appreciation is all" Kei responds to Gerrards inquiry. "I wish I knew a quicker way to get there but I can't help." With that he returns to his bedroll and sits cross legged.
Pulling his ancient cards from their pouch he lays them in front of him face up. Drawing from the deck he begins placing cards in different positions and humming softly. This continues for the best part of an hour and just as Qivys wakes to relieve Gerrard on watch Kei almost jumps straight out of the dome. He'd done it. The dream was true. With a look of personal satisfaction he packs the cards back into a stack and returns them to the pouch. Laying down again, he drifts back to sleep with a smile on his face. Tomorrow is going to be a good day.
Kei
Stretching as he wakes Kei peers out the dome. The snow hadn't abated through the night. Knowing his protective dome is due to fail any moment he gathers his gear as Peri sends a pair of shots across his bow. "That's where you're wrong." He continues to pack his gear. "I'm sure Bela will have more than enough to share between us. People like him tend to have vast collections. If need be, I'm sure we can lighten the burden of his estates coffers". He winks at Peri in an unscrupulous manner.
He shifts in his saddle as they trudge through the snow. Relief sets in as the scenery begins to change. The shallowing of the snow prompts Kei to walk and lead his weary horse. The scream catches him off guard. "Perhaps we leave this one alone my leige" he mocks Gerrard "we need to get to the Elves as quickly as we can"