(Gerrard feels like he owes it to Refrum to get him the answers to the Lantern murders. He also thinks the Procanites priest may be able to help them prepare for battle with the cultists and likely be able to deliver the incriminating package to Constable Jute without drawing suspicion. That is his strong preference.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The streets are deserted near the warehouse, but you soon find yourself deep in the dark, crowded, winding, uneven alleys of the Alchemists’ Quarter. Kei knows his way through them well.
You soon find yourself at the door of the workshop and abode of elderly inventor-priest Master Refrum. The slight, bent figure in gray opens the door upon your knock and quickly escorts you in.
"Come in quickly! Did anyone see you enter? Did you visit the Asylum? Did you find Constable Jute'?" Refrum asks excitedly
His cluttered home is filled with half-finished inventions, and the air is thick with the smell of grease. Hundreds of books line every available inch of shelf space, and a tiny bed, likewise covered with books, stands in a corner of the room.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gerrard:
Stealth check to avoid being spotted/followed: 17
”We have followed your clues and learned much, Master Refrum,” replies Gerrard as he cautiously goes inside, “And we have tried to evade notice on our way here. Let us lock the doors and sit for awhile to discuss what we have learned.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
As Gerrard enters Refrum's abode Kei stops at the doorway. "You discuss our findings. I need to take care of something. I'll be back shortly, no more than fifteen minutes. Dont leave until i return" he says. Without waiting for questions he slips into the night.
(Gerrard feels reasonably confident that they didn't draw much attention in the dark, hazy streets. They made haste, and at least initially there was nobody in the maze-like streets of the Alchemists’ Quarter.)
Kei excuses himself and slips back out into the alley.
"Please, tell me what you have learned," urges Refrum, sitting down on a blackened stool, staring at Gerrard with keen interest. "Justice should be served. Did you find evidence to exonerate Jarme?"
"We were welcomed to the asylum and allowed to view Jarme's room. He had drawn images all over the walls of a tentacled creature destroying the Styes. His doctor thought that Jarme was likely not in control of his own actions during the murder, and what we have seen since corroborates that possibility," says Gerrard, seated at the priest's table with the door firmly shut, having nodded to Kei as his friend left for *business*.
"Constable Jute took us to other nearby murder sites and we saw evidence of claw and bite marks from aquatic creatures we later learned were called Skum. Tracks of these creatures led back to Councilor Dory's warehouse, but before we were able to investigate further, we saw the guard running into the cellar of a nearby house where cultists had botched a summoning ceremony. Demonic baboons slaughtered the guard and would have killed the onlookers if we hadn't intervened. We managed to kill most of the baboons, though one got away," he continues.
"During this time, we saw Kei, though he wasn't himself--we later found out he was under the control of an evil spirit--with a thug named Hort, who we later found out was one of Dory's lieutenants. Confronting them, Hort seemed to be under outside control, with harmful magic bursting from him seemingly without his volition. With both men being rendered unconscious, we went to visit a councilor who seemed to be helpful, but her price of help was for us to leave her alone henceforth. With Kei restored to himself, we went to investigate the warehouse," he adds.
"Our investigations revealed that some of the murderers were actually aquatic monsters known as Skum--in addition to the mind-controlled commoners," he says, putting the assasin's shortsword on the table as proof, "and Dory himself was in the process of transforming into an aquatic aberration after having pledged his allegiance to the Aboleth known as the 'Whisperer'," he continues, putting the book with the incriminating evidence on the table as well. "Before he descended completely into madness and fought us, Dory told us of the upcoming cult meeting tomorrow night where the monster they have been tending will be fed to make it that much closer to bursting forth and ravaging the city as Jarme foresaw," he finishes, putting the councilor's rapier on the table as well.
"We were unable to save the councilor from his own bad choices, but at least he is incriminated in his own words in this ledger. I am hoping that you can help us in three ways. One, give us a safe place to spend the night and recover from our wounds, Two, surruptitiously get this incriminating information into Constable Jute's hands -- I can put my noble seal on it if you like so she knows it is from me, and Three, give us what aid you can in preparing to fight this Aboleth known as the Whisperer--if there is some way to keep it from entering our thoughts, that would help immeasurably," concludes Gerrard, prepared to answer the priest's inevitable questions at his succinct summary of events.
Refrum listens very closely to Gerrard's report. "I'm afraid I can only perform the first favor, and only poorly at that," he gestures at the cluttered hovel. "I have no beds but my own. Maybe we can clear some floor space here. I have some old blankets..."
"I cannot reach Jute – the Guard has had their fill of me. And I have no protections against the Old Ones. Nobody does."
"I can only offer my prayers, and a little temporary sanctuary for you and your friends. The cultists are rotting this city from the inside out. I am not surprised that Dory is complicit in this. How can we hope to survive this?"
Gerrard looks at the man with a warm smile, saying, "With the faith of good people such as yourself, and the willingness of other people of goodwill such as myself and my friends to risk our lives to protect those who may never know our sacrifice."
"A safe place to spend the night is quite a lot of help. Do you think we can hire a trustworthy delivery boy in the morning to take the package to Constable Jute, or should I risk doing it personally?" asks Gerrard. "I doubt she will be able to help us directly, but even a patrol in the right location at the right time to raise the alarm could save lives," he adds, informing Refrum of the details of the cultist meeting.
"You also could hold onto it in case we...don't succeed. Then at least whoever survives the attack can be informed of how this came to be, maybe cleaning up our mess," he adds a little morosely.
The streets of home look different to him as Kei sneaks back to the Alchemist Quarter. He knocks softly on Refrums door.
"Well you're right about one thing Gerrard. The city is definitely not healthy. I know I've been gone for some time, but it's not possible for it to have degraded so far without outside influence. That influence must be stopped" he says with a renewed sense of purpose. He attempts to take a seat in the cluttered room but eventually gives up and remains standing. "So what now?"
”For now, we rest and recover, and perhaps you can read this distasteful cult primer to help us understand what we are facing tomorrow at sundown,” replies Gerrard.
”Come morning when the day shift arrives at the warehouse, our activities will be uncovered, and Master Refrum does not have a secure way to get these incriminating papers to either Constable Jute or the unnamed lady who helped us before but has since warned us away. Perhaps you can use your connections to have the delivery made at sundown tomorrow—too late for any embedded cultists to be warned of our coming, but early enough that the guard can be mobilized if this monstrosity bursts forth into the city,” he adds.
”I expect we will need disguises in the morning as well—I am sure someone will point fingers our way as newcomers asking a lot of questions if nothing else, and we need to operate undercover to have a chance tomorrow,” he adds.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"For a little bit of coin, we can find a child or a runner to deliver whatever you need," replies Refrum. "The risky part is making sure Jute's captain or lieutenant doesn't open it before she does. I'll think about who I know who might have the right friends."
"As to disguises, I'm afraid that I'm not the person for that either. I just have my own clothes and some scattered materials – you're welcome to make use of anything you find here. Again, I can think of who I might know..."
"Where is it you are going tomorrow?"
(Would you like to proceed with a long rest? Any precautions, preparation, end-of-the-day spells, or other activities you want to accomplish before you do?)
(Gerrard is good for a long rest. Maybe we set up some noisemakers on the doors and windows so we are awakened if someone tries to break in? Gerrard would be happy to leave the details to Kei. He is hoping to identify that compartment shortsword if it is magical & maybe refill the empty slots with something that would hurt an aboleth if he can think of anything.)
Kei is uneasy in the overly cramped quarters but understands that people are less likely to look for them here.
"Im sure I can organise all you've mentioned including a runner for hire. All after I've slept. Even during daytime my...friends never sleep" he says with a wink and a grin. "Set whatever alarms you like, but I imagine that if someone wants us they won't be dissuaded by a string with cans attached." He attempts to locate enough real estate on the floor of Refrum's home and settles in for a hard earned rest. "Wake me when you want."
The shortsword – the one you took from the strange human-like assassin – is nonmagical. But it does have a built-in chamber for administering poison to a wound. It has two doses remaining within. (Upon a hit it does 1d6 base piercing damage, but the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 7d6 poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.)
It is morning. Refrum has prepared a simple but well-made breakfast for you. "A lot of rain today," he announces.
Handing Kei the poisonous Shortsword, Gerrard says, “I have had my fill of poison without inflicting it on anyone else. If you can find a good use for this weapon, feel free to take it, Master Kei.”
”You wouldn’t happen to have a contact that could get me a more potent rapier for the upcoming fight, perhaps in trade?” asks Gerrard of Kei.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
His left foot tingles as blood flow is restored as Kei wakes from his cramped sleeping position. He stretches to iron out the kinks throughout his entirel body. "At least we made it through the night" he grunts at no-one as he stands. Joining Refrum and Gerrard to discuss the upcoming day he enjoys the meagre breakfast more than he dares admit.
To Gerrard's question he replies "Alas I fear I don't know this town anymore. So much has changed in the small amount of time I've been gone. Ru is maybe one of only a few people I trust. I will ask him." He nods as Gerrard hands over the sword. He places it with his pack. "Coin speaks louder than even the gods when it comes to that man. He will be able to organise the gear we need for our little cleaning project, but magic rapiers....I just don't know".
”Understood,” says Gerrard. He hands over a neatly-wrapped bundle sealed with a wax impression of his signet ring. “Are we sending it to the councilwoman or the constable?”
(Gerrard has used his calligraphy skills and supplies to write a short explanation of the contents of the book and the corrupted state of Councilman Dory, requesting that they not be acted on or revealed to anyone else until sunset so the attack on the cultist lair would be a surprise. This letter and the book are all wrapped up and sealed together, so reading any of the contents would mean the seal would have to be broken first.
”I must admit, I am interested to see what manner of disguise you will procure for me today, Master Kei. Do you need some coin to support your efforts?” he adds.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
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(Gerrard feels like he owes it to Refrum to get him the answers to the Lantern murders. He also thinks the Procanites priest may be able to help them prepare for battle with the cultists and likely be able to deliver the incriminating package to Constable Jute without drawing suspicion. That is his strong preference.)
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The streets are deserted near the warehouse, but you soon find yourself deep in the dark, crowded, winding, uneven alleys of the Alchemists’ Quarter. Kei knows his way through them well.
You soon find yourself at the door of the workshop and abode of elderly inventor-priest Master Refrum. The slight, bent figure in gray opens the door upon your knock and quickly escorts you in.
"Come in quickly! Did anyone see you enter? Did you visit the Asylum? Did you find Constable Jute'?" Refrum asks excitedly
His cluttered home is filled with half-finished inventions, and the air is thick with the smell of grease. Hundreds of books line every available inch of shelf space, and a tiny bed, likewise covered with books, stands in a corner of the room.
"What have you learned about the murders?"
Gerrard:
Stealth check to avoid being spotted/followed: 17
”We have followed your clues and learned much, Master Refrum,” replies Gerrard as he cautiously goes inside, “And we have tried to evade notice on our way here. Let us lock the doors and sit for awhile to discuss what we have learned.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
As Gerrard enters Refrum's abode Kei stops at the doorway. "You discuss our findings. I need to take care of something. I'll be back shortly, no more than fifteen minutes. Dont leave until i return" he says. Without waiting for questions he slips into the night.
((DM - PM forthcoming with his movements))
(Gerrard feels reasonably confident that they didn't draw much attention in the dark, hazy streets. They made haste, and at least initially there was nobody in the maze-like streets of the Alchemists’ Quarter.)
Kei excuses himself and slips back out into the alley.
"Please, tell me what you have learned," urges Refrum, sitting down on a blackened stool, staring at Gerrard with keen interest. "Justice should be served. Did you find evidence to exonerate Jarme?"
Gerrard:
"We were welcomed to the asylum and allowed to view Jarme's room. He had drawn images all over the walls of a tentacled creature destroying the Styes. His doctor thought that Jarme was likely not in control of his own actions during the murder, and what we have seen since corroborates that possibility," says Gerrard, seated at the priest's table with the door firmly shut, having nodded to Kei as his friend left for *business*.
"Constable Jute took us to other nearby murder sites and we saw evidence of claw and bite marks from aquatic creatures we later learned were called Skum. Tracks of these creatures led back to Councilor Dory's warehouse, but before we were able to investigate further, we saw the guard running into the cellar of a nearby house where cultists had botched a summoning ceremony. Demonic baboons slaughtered the guard and would have killed the onlookers if we hadn't intervened. We managed to kill most of the baboons, though one got away," he continues.
"During this time, we saw Kei, though he wasn't himself--we later found out he was under the control of an evil spirit--with a thug named Hort, who we later found out was one of Dory's lieutenants. Confronting them, Hort seemed to be under outside control, with harmful magic bursting from him seemingly without his volition. With both men being rendered unconscious, we went to visit a councilor who seemed to be helpful, but her price of help was for us to leave her alone henceforth. With Kei restored to himself, we went to investigate the warehouse," he adds.
"Our investigations revealed that some of the murderers were actually aquatic monsters known as Skum--in addition to the mind-controlled commoners," he says, putting the assasin's shortsword on the table as proof, "and Dory himself was in the process of transforming into an aquatic aberration after having pledged his allegiance to the Aboleth known as the 'Whisperer'," he continues, putting the book with the incriminating evidence on the table as well. "Before he descended completely into madness and fought us, Dory told us of the upcoming cult meeting tomorrow night where the monster they have been tending will be fed to make it that much closer to bursting forth and ravaging the city as Jarme foresaw," he finishes, putting the councilor's rapier on the table as well.
"We were unable to save the councilor from his own bad choices, but at least he is incriminated in his own words in this ledger. I am hoping that you can help us in three ways. One, give us a safe place to spend the night and recover from our wounds, Two, surruptitiously get this incriminating information into Constable Jute's hands -- I can put my noble seal on it if you like so she knows it is from me, and Three, give us what aid you can in preparing to fight this Aboleth known as the Whisperer--if there is some way to keep it from entering our thoughts, that would help immeasurably," concludes Gerrard, prepared to answer the priest's inevitable questions at his succinct summary of events.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Refrum listens very closely to Gerrard's report. "I'm afraid I can only perform the first favor, and only poorly at that," he gestures at the cluttered hovel. "I have no beds but my own. Maybe we can clear some floor space here. I have some old blankets..."
"I cannot reach Jute – the Guard has had their fill of me. And I have no protections against the Old Ones. Nobody does."
"I can only offer my prayers, and a little temporary sanctuary for you and your friends. The cultists are rotting this city from the inside out. I am not surprised that Dory is complicit in this. How can we hope to survive this?"
Gerrard:
Gerrard looks at the man with a warm smile, saying, "With the faith of good people such as yourself, and the willingness of other people of goodwill such as myself and my friends to risk our lives to protect those who may never know our sacrifice."
"A safe place to spend the night is quite a lot of help. Do you think we can hire a trustworthy delivery boy in the morning to take the package to Constable Jute, or should I risk doing it personally?" asks Gerrard. "I doubt she will be able to help us directly, but even a patrol in the right location at the right time to raise the alarm could save lives," he adds, informing Refrum of the details of the cultist meeting.
"You also could hold onto it in case we...don't succeed. Then at least whoever survives the attack can be informed of how this came to be, maybe cleaning up our mess," he adds a little morosely.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
The streets of home look different to him as Kei sneaks back to the Alchemist Quarter. He knocks softly on Refrums door.
"Well you're right about one thing Gerrard. The city is definitely not healthy. I know I've been gone for some time, but it's not possible for it to have degraded so far without outside influence. That influence must be stopped" he says with a renewed sense of purpose. He attempts to take a seat in the cluttered room but eventually gives up and remains standing. "So what now?"
Gerrard:
”For now, we rest and recover, and perhaps you can read this distasteful cult primer to help us understand what we are facing tomorrow at sundown,” replies Gerrard.
”Come morning when the day shift arrives at the warehouse, our activities will be uncovered, and Master Refrum does not have a secure way to get these incriminating papers to either Constable Jute or the unnamed lady who helped us before but has since warned us away. Perhaps you can use your connections to have the delivery made at sundown tomorrow—too late for any embedded cultists to be warned of our coming, but early enough that the guard can be mobilized if this monstrosity bursts forth into the city,” he adds.
”I expect we will need disguises in the morning as well—I am sure someone will point fingers our way as newcomers asking a lot of questions if nothing else, and we need to operate undercover to have a chance tomorrow,” he adds.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"For a little bit of coin, we can find a child or a runner to deliver whatever you need," replies Refrum. "The risky part is making sure Jute's captain or lieutenant doesn't open it before she does. I'll think about who I know who might have the right friends."
"As to disguises, I'm afraid that I'm not the person for that either. I just have my own clothes and some scattered materials – you're welcome to make use of anything you find here. Again, I can think of who I might know..."
"Where is it you are going tomorrow?"
(Would you like to proceed with a long rest? Any precautions, preparation, end-of-the-day spells, or other activities you want to accomplish before you do?)
Gerrard:
(Gerrard is good for a long rest. Maybe we set up some noisemakers on the doors and windows so we are awakened if someone tries to break in? Gerrard would be happy to leave the details to Kei. He is hoping to identify that compartment shortsword if it is magical & maybe refill the empty slots with something that would hurt an aboleth if he can think of anything.)
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
Kei is uneasy in the overly cramped quarters but understands that people are less likely to look for them here.
"Im sure I can organise all you've mentioned including a runner for hire. All after I've slept. Even during daytime my...friends never sleep" he says with a wink and a grin. "Set whatever alarms you like, but I imagine that if someone wants us they won't be dissuaded by a string with cans attached." He attempts to locate enough real estate on the floor of Refrum's home and settles in for a hard earned rest. "Wake me when you want."
Gerrard:
”Fair enough. Thanks,” says Gerrard simply as he finds his own place to bed down.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The night progresses without interruption. You may receive the benefits of a Long Rest.
Gerrard:
Waking up and stretching, Gerrard feels refreshed. He gets some space and does his morning routine,
(Any news on that Shortsword? Is it magical?)
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The shortsword – the one you took from the strange human-like assassin – is nonmagical. But it does have a built-in chamber for administering poison to a wound. It has two doses remaining within. (Upon a hit it does 1d6 base piercing damage, but the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 7d6 poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.)
It is morning. Refrum has prepared a simple but well-made breakfast for you. "A lot of rain today," he announces.
Gerrard:
Handing Kei the poisonous Shortsword, Gerrard says, “I have had my fill of poison without inflicting it on anyone else. If you can find a good use for this weapon, feel free to take it, Master Kei.”
”You wouldn’t happen to have a contact that could get me a more potent rapier for the upcoming fight, perhaps in trade?” asks Gerrard of Kei.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
His left foot tingles as blood flow is restored as Kei wakes from his cramped sleeping position. He stretches to iron out the kinks throughout his entirel body. "At least we made it through the night" he grunts at no-one as he stands. Joining Refrum and Gerrard to discuss the upcoming day he enjoys the meagre breakfast more than he dares admit.
To Gerrard's question he replies "Alas I fear I don't know this town anymore. So much has changed in the small amount of time I've been gone. Ru is maybe one of only a few people I trust. I will ask him." He nods as Gerrard hands over the sword. He places it with his pack. "Coin speaks louder than even the gods when it comes to that man. He will be able to organise the gear we need for our little cleaning project, but magic rapiers....I just don't know".
Gerrard:
”Understood,” says Gerrard. He hands over a neatly-wrapped bundle sealed with a wax impression of his signet ring. “Are we sending it to the councilwoman or the constable?”
(Gerrard has used his calligraphy skills and supplies to write a short explanation of the contents of the book and the corrupted state of Councilman Dory, requesting that they not be acted on or revealed to anyone else until sunset so the attack on the cultist lair would be a surprise. This letter and the book are all wrapped up and sealed together, so reading any of the contents would mean the seal would have to be broken first.
”I must admit, I am interested to see what manner of disguise you will procure for me today, Master Kei. Do you need some coin to support your efforts?” he adds.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"