Peri is finally able to remain fully conscious, though with his collection of injuries he isn't sure that's a good thing. He listens to Farbern's explanation with a sense of disbelief. "Y'know Farbern, I've only been in this little town for a coupla weeks, but in that time I've faced an undead alchemist and his minions, busted up a major weapons smuggling ring, killed some zombies, then a band of goblins attacking travelers on your roads, killed the ogre and his worg who were killing the goblins, discovered a lost dwarven stronghold inhabited by numerous undead and at least one fiend, and now we've just battled a bunch of gnolls who appear to be acting on the will of some entity named Xolor. Your little town may now be facing an attack by the lizardfolk or the evil cult up the coast, or maybe the group of duergar digging around in that old stronghold. Why do you all stay here in this gods-cursed town, surrounded by things trying to kill you?
"One time our ship had a passenger, an old card-sharp. After he pretty well cleaned out the crew's coin, he gave me some advice: 'You've got to know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away, and know when to run.' He wasn't just talkin' about cards you know; that there's a metaphor about life." He nods sagely, pleased at dispensing this pearl of wisdom to his companions, who (he assumes) must certainly be impressed by his erudition. This must be what the masters at his monastery felt when handing down aphorisms to their students. He feels like he's really getting the hang of this whole monk thing. He turns to a battered Kei and quietly says, "There's probably a song in there, that a talented bard could turn into a hit."
"Don't forget rescuing a nobleman, Master Fenwader," adds Gerrard with a smile, looking up from where he was resting. Bandaged up, he seems to be in much better shape than when he arrived. "I can help you and Master Kei to the inn where you can recover and figure out what Aubrek wants with us, if you like, then I will head to the walls and keep watch while Saltmarsh buries its dead." Gerrard prepares to suit actions to words, but waits to see if his companions have other ideas.
Farbern gives a small, grim smile at Peri's questioning. "Ye' don' know where I grew up!" he says, flipping his dagger into the air, catching it, and giving a wink. "We've made it this far."
"You get some rest. Let me know your plans tomorrow morn. This may be a long day yet." He turns and limps back to the tower.
Peri is finally able to remain fully conscious, though with his collection of injuries he isn't sure that's a good thing. He listens to Farbern's explanation with a sense of disbelief. "Y'know Farbern, I've only been in this little town for a coupla weeks, but in that time I've faced an undead alchemist and his minions, busted up a major weapons smuggling ring, killed some zombies, then a band of goblins attacking travelers on your roads, killed the ogre and his worg who were killing the goblins, discovered a lost dwarven stronghold inhabited by numerous undead and at least one fiend, and now we've just battled a bunch of gnolls who appear to be acting on the will of some entity named Xolor. Your little town may now be facing an attack by the lizardfolk or the evil cult up the coast, or maybe the group of duergar digging around in that old stronghold. Why do you all stay here in this gods-cursed town, surrounded by things trying to kill you?
"One time our ship had a passenger, an old card-sharp. After he pretty well cleaned out the crew's coin, he gave me some advice: 'You've got to know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away, and know when to run.' He wasn't just talkin' about cards you know; that there's a metaphor about life." He nods sagely, pleased at dispensing this pearl of wisdom to his companions, who (he assumes) must certainly be impressed by his erudition. This must be what the masters at his monastery felt when handing down aphorisms to their students. He feels like he's really getting the hang of this whole monk thing. He turns to a battered Kei and quietly says, "There's probably a song in there, that a talented bard could turn into a hit."
Slipping in and out of consciousness, Kei dreams of card games and coins. Strange dreams of a man lecturing him on how to gamble. All the while, sipping liquor and staring out windows. Above all of it, the pain.
A couple of old guards help carry Kei and Peri out of the cold and into the inn. Lankus isn't back yet, so his teenage employee is running the tavern, currently empty of customers. It's about lunchtime.
It doesn't take long for Kei and Peri to get back on their feet, even if still quite weak. (0 hours for Kei, and 3 hours for Peri.)
They still have a lot of healing to do. (You may now take a short rest, as well.)
The half-orc Vertheg, the boy explains, was here earlier, looking for them. He left a handwritten invitation for the party, or a representative thereof, to stop by the Drallion mansion on the Point, at your convenience.
Dwal will travel with the injured party members and see to their care as much as he can. Dwal will thank the lad and make a note to take care of that in a while. While Dwal's bedside manner is a bit gruff he will care for his friends as best he can. During this time, when he gets a moment, Dwal will take out his journal and make a few notes on the day's events and any questions that come to mind about the old man and this Xolor. Dwal will sit in a chair, Bjorn perched on his shoulder or nearby, and ponder over what befell the party and write when he thinks things are important or any questions he might have.
Peri collapses onto his bunk, aching from eyelashes to toenails. "Dwal..." he says in his weakest, most pathetic voice. "I'm so parched. D'you think you can fetch me a sip of cool water? And maybe a bit of warm broth; I seem to have left the better part of my breakfast on the trail. And a crust of bread, to soak up the broth. Buttered bread, of course. Maybe the boy could throw some potatoes in the broth, and a pinch of beef? Come to think of it, a snort of brandy is remarkably restorative to an injured sailor..." His voice gets progressively less pathetic as his order expands.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gerrard:
Standing guard at the wall with a skeleton crew while the others recovered or buried their dead, Gerrard looked at the borrowed crossbow propped up against the structure. Sighing, he looked out over the outskirts of the town, taking his role seriously while the defenders of the town were otherwise occupied.
Perception: 3
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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
"It seems the gods have other plans for me Feircebeard. I might even try my luck at the table tonight."His mood seemingly brightened just by being alive. His tone takes a serious note "I must admit, I've never been so close to death. Thank you master dwarf. Know, that no matter my jibes and comments, your back will be covered just as you did mine."
Looking down at his bloodied clothes he sighs "This just won't do". He waves a few sigils in the air and cleans his garments as best he can. He stumbles a little as he walks to the door. "Perhaps tomorrow"
The remainder of the day is uneventful. Gerrard stands guard alongside a ragtag band of citizen volunteers at the western wall. Nothing approaches but a cold breeze under the colorless skies. Gerrard watches from a distance as two wagons full of dismembered and partly eaten guardsmen pass through the front gates and across town, presumably to the burial ground.
Welcome to Level 5. Please update your sheets accordingly.
At the end of his shift, Gerrard returns his borrowed crossbow and heads to the inn for some cold ale, hot food, and an update on his friends' conditions. Assuming they came down from their rooms for dinner, he offers, "No more attacks came our way during the day shift. How are my doughty companions recovering this evening? Shall we make our plans for tomorrow? It seems we have a variety of crises from which to choose."
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"It's clear you will not be departing for the lizardfolk lair today. Nevertheless, we still need your assistance as soon as possible in scouting their base, or we'll have to find another scouting team. We just received another report up the coast of lizardfolk soliciting weapons. We need to know their intentions, and soon."
"But this Xolor is a new concern. I'm left a bit baffled as to its identity, or whether this is a threat we should take seriously. Something tells me its not connected with the lizardfolk. But there's an island up the coast, on the other side of the head, that's been inhabited by an evil cult, for years. The island is guarded by the dead, they say. I don't know if it's at all related to this Xolor, but a couple of months ago a whole lot of smoke was seen coming from the island. Bad folks there."
"Also - Vertheg was looking for you, not thirty minutes ago, at the inn. Aubreck, his boss, probably wants to hire you for a job, is my guess. I dunno if you know Aubreck - old merchant. Used to be the richest fellow in town. Not so much, these days."
Farbern laid out three immediate options for you, although there are certainly other loose ends to follow (e.g. the Duergar) as well.
The rest at the inn seemed to do wondered for the shady bard. His hour spent unconcious not only rested his wounds but left him feeling invigored and somehow more charming.
He heads downstairs to meet with whomever may be around. Upon seeing Gerrard he heads over to the noble. "You, fine nobleman, are one hell of a fighter. Remind me to have you in my corner every time." He holds out his hand in a gesture not normally offered in genuine appreciation. "How is the vertically challenged one? Has he recovered also?"
With a genuine smile, Gerrard replies, “Good to see you up and hale this evening, Master Kei.” Reaching out and shaking the man’s hand, he adds, “And I appreciate your praise, but the real reason I was standing at the end of the fight is that our insane magic-using opponent targeted others, like Master Fenwader and Master Stonehorn.”
”Come, let us eat and make our plans for tomorrow,” he concludes (see previous post).
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Dwal returns to his apartment with Bjorn. Once inside Dwal will guide Bjorn to his little hoard bed then take time to study then rest himself. If the day does not get away from him, Dwal will check on the progress of the party's domiciles purchased from the Town Council. Dwal tries to keep his focus but, too many things cross his mind. The Dwaven stronghold, Xolor, the madman, lizardfolk. It all becomes a bit of a jumble.
When evening rolls around Dwal will make his way to the inn and share a meal with his companions, if they are up and able to. "I am sure Peri will be on his third course by the time I get there." Dwal thinks to himself as he travels.
Thoroughly disappointed in his dwarven companion's efforts at nursing, Peri lays in bed, turning their strange encounter over in his head. His pains gradually ease and his appetite grows, until he judges the latter to be of greater urgency than the former. He gets up gingerly from his bunk, feeling every inch of the beating he'd taken. "Can't have the fellows see me hobbling down the stairs like an old man," he mutters.
He does a few stretches, loosening his cramped and bruised muscles. Then he starts going through the exercises he can manage in the limits of his room. His balance is still a bit off from the blast he absorbed, but he finds the little bit of wobble and sway actually seems to make certain movements more effective. He decides to try to incorporate the new motions into his fighting style.
Eventually he feels loose enough to walk nonchalantly into the dining room, where he finds Kei and Gerrard discussing their options. "I'm game for whatever you decide, though I really would like to know what this Xolor nut was on about. And I feel like we're wrapped up in the lizardfolk fiasco, like it or not, even though it was the fool Guards to really screwed that particular pooch. But before anything else, I'm going to need a meal!" He orders enough to feed three men, and Dwal does indeed find him in the middle of his third course when he arrives. Peri belches and waves cheerily to the surliest member of their party, much restored by the decent food.
Gerrard's smile widens as they all regroup, banged up and dinged but safe and sound. After the initial round of drinks and food (or three, in Peri's case), he says, "Did anyone find out what Vertheg wanted? I just came in as the sun set." After waiting for the others to respond, he shares the concern truly on his heart, "I am worried that, if we go seek out the lizardfolk, the Xolor cultists will strike again while we are gone. But if we see out the cultists, the lizardfolk may mount an attack--whether it was their original plan or in retribution for the attack on them as we arrived back at town. Either could happen, and I have no indication which threat is more imminent."
Looking to Dwal, he asks, "Master Fiercehammer, does your God give you insights for such situations as these? I am somewhat shocked at how easily the Saltmarsh militia were overrun by the gnolls, and I fear that another attack in our absence could be even more devastating for the town."
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Dwal checks on the status of the cabins - the work is almost done. By this time tomorrow, the carpenters will have cleaned up and left. While sparse, the buildings will accommodate the four of you simply but comfortably. The carpenters were even able to salvage four beds and one big table, although you'll need to find blankets and firewood for the stoves. (Note: your daily expenses, based on your lifestyle, will remain the same if you move from the inn to the cabins. They include food and fuel and ordinary daily expenses. Dwal's will remain at zero, as long as he remains in the service of the Mining Company, whose interests are closely aligned with the Guards'. In his case, his income matches his expenses.)
Vertheg's invitation is open and remains at your convenience. The Drallion mansion on the Point, the teenager at the inn explains, is not far from Dwal's digs at the Mining Company HQ, just past Keledek Tower.
Do you have any further business before you all tuck in for a Long Rest?
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Peri:
Peri is finally able to remain fully conscious, though with his collection of injuries he isn't sure that's a good thing. He listens to Farbern's explanation with a sense of disbelief. "Y'know Farbern, I've only been in this little town for a coupla weeks, but in that time I've faced an undead alchemist and his minions, busted up a major weapons smuggling ring, killed some zombies, then a band of goblins attacking travelers on your roads, killed the ogre and his worg who were killing the goblins, discovered a lost dwarven stronghold inhabited by numerous undead and at least one fiend, and now we've just battled a bunch of gnolls who appear to be acting on the will of some entity named Xolor. Your little town may now be facing an attack by the lizardfolk or the evil cult up the coast, or maybe the group of duergar digging around in that old stronghold. Why do you all stay here in this gods-cursed town, surrounded by things trying to kill you?
"One time our ship had a passenger, an old card-sharp. After he pretty well cleaned out the crew's coin, he gave me some advice: 'You've got to know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away, and know when to run.' He wasn't just talkin' about cards you know; that there's a metaphor about life." He nods sagely, pleased at dispensing this pearl of wisdom to his companions, who (he assumes) must certainly be impressed by his erudition. This must be what the masters at his monastery felt when handing down aphorisms to their students. He feels like he's really getting the hang of this whole monk thing. He turns to a battered Kei and quietly says, "There's probably a song in there, that a talented bard could turn into a hit."
Gerrard:
"Don't forget rescuing a nobleman, Master Fenwader," adds Gerrard with a smile, looking up from where he was resting. Bandaged up, he seems to be in much better shape than when he arrived. "I can help you and Master Kei to the inn where you can recover and figure out what Aubrek wants with us, if you like, then I will head to the walls and keep watch while Saltmarsh buries its dead." Gerrard prepares to suit actions to words, but waits to see if his companions have other ideas.
Short Rest:
1 HD: 9
2 HD: 3
3 HD: 5
4 HD: 11
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Farbern gives a small, grim smile at Peri's questioning. "Ye' don' know where I grew up!" he says, flipping his dagger into the air, catching it, and giving a wink. "We've made it this far."
"You get some rest. Let me know your plans tomorrow morn. This may be a long day yet." He turns and limps back to the tower.
ok...quoting Kenny Rogers is so very wrong!
Kei
Slipping in and out of consciousness, Kei dreams of card games and coins. Strange dreams of a man lecturing him on how to gamble. All the while, sipping liquor and staring out windows. Above all of it, the pain.
A couple of old guards help carry Kei and Peri out of the cold and into the inn. Lankus isn't back yet, so his teenage employee is running the tavern, currently empty of customers. It's about lunchtime.
It doesn't take long for Kei and Peri to get back on their feet, even if still quite weak. (0 hours for Kei, and 3 hours for Peri.)
They still have a lot of healing to do. (You may now take a short rest, as well.)
The half-orc Vertheg, the boy explains, was here earlier, looking for them. He left a handwritten invitation for the party, or a representative thereof, to stop by the Drallion mansion on the Point, at your convenience.
Dwal
Dwal will travel with the injured party members and see to their care as much as he can. Dwal will thank the lad and make a note to take care of that in a while. While Dwal's bedside manner is a bit gruff he will care for his friends as best he can. During this time, when he gets a moment, Dwal will take out his journal and make a few notes on the day's events and any questions that come to mind about the old man and this Xolor. Dwal will sit in a chair, Bjorn perched on his shoulder or nearby, and ponder over what befell the party and write when he thinks things are important or any questions he might have.
Peri:
Peri collapses onto his bunk, aching from eyelashes to toenails. "Dwal..." he says in his weakest, most pathetic voice. "I'm so parched. D'you think you can fetch me a sip of cool water? And maybe a bit of warm broth; I seem to have left the better part of my breakfast on the trail. And a crust of bread, to soak up the broth. Buttered bread, of course. Maybe the boy could throw some potatoes in the broth, and a pinch of beef? Come to think of it, a snort of brandy is remarkably restorative to an injured sailor..." His voice gets progressively less pathetic as his order expands.
(Hit dice: 28)
Dwal
"I see ye will be fine then." Dwal says with a snort. "if'n ye can think of food then yer doing just fine and I can leave ya to sort out the rest."
Dwal stands up and starts packing up his things and has Bjorn rest on his shoulders.
"Next time tangletoes I may leave ye to yer fate," Dwal says with a bit of feigned anger. "Get yer rest and heal up. I'll check on ye in the morning."
With that Dwal heads out but stops by Kei's room to check on his progress.
"How is ye doing lad?" Dwal will ask Kei when he enters.
Gerrard:
Standing guard at the wall with a skeleton crew while the others recovered or buried their dead, Gerrard looked at the borrowed crossbow propped up against the structure. Sighing, he looked out over the outskirts of the town, taking his role seriously while the defenders of the town were otherwise occupied.
Perception: 3
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
"It seems the gods have other plans for me Feircebeard. I might even try my luck at the table tonight." His mood seemingly brightened just by being alive. His tone takes a serious note "I must admit, I've never been so close to death. Thank you master dwarf. Know, that no matter my jibes and comments, your back will be covered just as you did mine."
Looking down at his bloodied clothes he sighs "This just won't do". He waves a few sigils in the air and cleans his garments as best he can. He stumbles a little as he walks to the door. "Perhaps tomorrow"
Hit Dice 32
The remainder of the day is uneventful. Gerrard stands guard alongside a ragtag band of citizen volunteers at the western wall. Nothing approaches but a cold breeze under the colorless skies. Gerrard watches from a distance as two wagons full of dismembered and partly eaten guardsmen pass through the front gates and across town, presumably to the burial ground.
Welcome to Level 5. Please update your sheets accordingly.
Gerrard:
At the end of his shift, Gerrard returns his borrowed crossbow and heads to the inn for some cold ale, hot food, and an update on his friends' conditions. Assuming they came down from their rooms for dinner, he offers, "No more attacks came our way during the day shift. How are my doughty companions recovering this evening? Shall we make our plans for tomorrow? It seems we have a variety of crises from which to choose."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Farbern laid out three immediate options for you, although there are certainly other loose ends to follow (e.g. the Duergar) as well.
Kei
The rest at the inn seemed to do wondered for the shady bard. His hour spent unconcious not only rested his wounds but left him feeling invigored and somehow more charming.
He heads downstairs to meet with whomever may be around. Upon seeing Gerrard he heads over to the noble. "You, fine nobleman, are one hell of a fighter. Remind me to have you in my corner every time." He holds out his hand in a gesture not normally offered in genuine appreciation. "How is the vertically challenged one? Has he recovered also?"
Gerrard:
With a genuine smile, Gerrard replies, “Good to see you up and hale this evening, Master Kei.” Reaching out and shaking the man’s hand, he adds, “And I appreciate your praise, but the real reason I was standing at the end of the fight is that our insane magic-using opponent targeted others, like Master Fenwader and Master Stonehorn.”
”Come, let us eat and make our plans for tomorrow,” he concludes (see previous post).
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Dwal
Dwal returns to his apartment with Bjorn. Once inside Dwal will guide Bjorn to his little hoard bed then take time to study then rest himself. If the day does not get away from him, Dwal will check on the progress of the party's domiciles purchased from the Town Council. Dwal tries to keep his focus but, too many things cross his mind. The Dwaven stronghold, Xolor, the madman, lizardfolk. It all becomes a bit of a jumble.
When evening rolls around Dwal will make his way to the inn and share a meal with his companions, if they are up and able to.
"I am sure Peri will be on his third course by the time I get there." Dwal thinks to himself as he travels.
Peri:
Thoroughly disappointed in his dwarven companion's efforts at nursing, Peri lays in bed, turning their strange encounter over in his head. His pains gradually ease and his appetite grows, until he judges the latter to be of greater urgency than the former. He gets up gingerly from his bunk, feeling every inch of the beating he'd taken. "Can't have the fellows see me hobbling down the stairs like an old man," he mutters.
He does a few stretches, loosening his cramped and bruised muscles. Then he starts going through the exercises he can manage in the limits of his room. His balance is still a bit off from the blast he absorbed, but he finds the little bit of wobble and sway actually seems to make certain movements more effective. He decides to try to incorporate the new motions into his fighting style.
Eventually he feels loose enough to walk nonchalantly into the dining room, where he finds Kei and Gerrard discussing their options. "I'm game for whatever you decide, though I really would like to know what this Xolor nut was on about. And I feel like we're wrapped up in the lizardfolk fiasco, like it or not, even though it was the fool Guards to really screwed that particular pooch. But before anything else, I'm going to need a meal!" He orders enough to feed three men, and Dwal does indeed find him in the middle of his third course when he arrives. Peri belches and waves cheerily to the surliest member of their party, much restored by the decent food.
Gerrard:
Gerrard's smile widens as they all regroup, banged up and dinged but safe and sound. After the initial round of drinks and food (or three, in Peri's case), he says, "Did anyone find out what Vertheg wanted? I just came in as the sun set." After waiting for the others to respond, he shares the concern truly on his heart, "I am worried that, if we go seek out the lizardfolk, the Xolor cultists will strike again while we are gone. But if we see out the cultists, the lizardfolk may mount an attack--whether it was their original plan or in retribution for the attack on them as we arrived back at town. Either could happen, and I have no indication which threat is more imminent."
Looking to Dwal, he asks, "Master Fiercehammer, does your God give you insights for such situations as these? I am somewhat shocked at how easily the Saltmarsh militia were overrun by the gnolls, and I fear that another attack in our absence could be even more devastating for the town."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Day 15 comes to a close.
Dwal checks on the status of the cabins - the work is almost done. By this time tomorrow, the carpenters will have cleaned up and left. While sparse, the buildings will accommodate the four of you simply but comfortably. The carpenters were even able to salvage four beds and one big table, although you'll need to find blankets and firewood for the stoves. (Note: your daily expenses, based on your lifestyle, will remain the same if you move from the inn to the cabins. They include food and fuel and ordinary daily expenses. Dwal's will remain at zero, as long as he remains in the service of the Mining Company, whose interests are closely aligned with the Guards'. In his case, his income matches his expenses.)
Vertheg's invitation is open and remains at your convenience. The Drallion mansion on the Point, the teenager at the inn explains, is not far from Dwal's digs at the Mining Company HQ, just past Keledek Tower.
Do you have any further business before you all tuck in for a Long Rest?