The sidewards glance from Gerrard and the awkward silent dance move from Boko are not wasted on Kei. He shakes his head as if trying to clear a fogginess. What are you doing man?! This is a dragon you're trying to impress. It only cares about how you'll taste! He inhales deeply before continuing. "My noble friend here speaks with wisdom beyond me. Our intent was never to disturb you, only to follow the wretched scum that was our quarry. As you and your tiny followers have dispatched them we should take our leave. Not before another tribute is paid however." Kei reaches slowly into a pouch at his side and produces another fistful of gems. He places on the ground infront of him 2 pearls, 4 Moonstones and holdsbon to one last precious trinket. This one he holds high. "A black pearl. My most precious belonging. This is my true tribute to the Mighty Doug." He bows and places the final gem on the little pile.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Peri:
Hearing of a black pearl, Peri's eyes narrow suspiciously.
((Perception check 16 to see if this pearl matches the one stolen from him in Season. This better not be the same pearl, or Doug is about to see a first-rate whoopin'!))
"Your supply of precious gems seems to be nearly as inexhaustible as your supply of vapid compliments. Where do you acquire these baubles?" asks the beast, its body still submerged in the black pool, its bony jaw occasionally drooling into the dark waters, its eyes flickering back and forth between the gems and Kei.
"The compliments grow from the inspiration of being in your almighty presence. The gems" he hesitates but figures the dragon will simply grab his feet and shake loose any precious stones. "The first were magicked into existence. The others, personally curated from there previous home by yours truly. Alas, I have no idea of where to find more. Although I hear that the pirates known as Sea Princes are quite fond of baubles. They are constantly on the move though, so I am yet to lighten their coffers."
"You would do well to teach me more of these magics, or to curate additional such gems for my court. Like a fine tree, the roots of a solid-trunked friendship with Doug should be well-watered with such offerings. Bring me more, and perhaps I would be amenable to ending your squabbles for you."
"Right," Qivys says under his breath. "Bring tha dragon more baubles an' maybe he won't eat ya." While the attention is drawn to the Bard and the Lord, Qivys SLOWLY takes a step or two back, just to be sure.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"You would do well, also, to spread the news of the glory of Doug to your burrows and colonies. Bring me more baubles, be my humble heralds, and you will learn the benefits of serving Doug. Remember to speak of Doug's mercy as well as his majesty."
The thing lifts itself a little further out of the stinking black pool, and suddenly exhales a torrent of liquid toward Galax, your kobold host. Galax tries to leap out of the way in a sudden panic (Dex save: 10) but not nimbly enough. It dissolves on the spot (taking 60 acid damage), leaving nothing but a partial skeleton behind.
Taken aback by the sudden attack, Gerrard leaps backwards away from the dragon—but he is not the target. Awed by the dragon’s power and stunned by his version of *mercy*, Gerrard hisses at Kei, “We need to get out of here…now.”
Bowing and retreating, Gerrard moves back towards the gap in the thorny wall.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The smell! The sound! He'd seen some strange things these past weeks but nothing prepared him for the assault on his senses that was a melting kobold.
In his mind he had envisaged befriending a dragon. Learning from it. Gaining even an ounce of the power that the beasts were believed to control. The scene unfolding in front of him had just changed his mind. He wanted nothing to do with these creatures. So evil. He takes the departure of Gerrard and Qivys as a sign. "If it's baubles you desire I shall do my best to bring you the most beautiful stones. If I am to do so I should take leave with my friends so we may start the hunt." He bows at Doug but dares not take his eyes from the beast for fear of becoming a bubbling pile of goo. While still bent at the hips he begins to back away.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Boko is already outside, backing away quickly. Her eyes go toward any watching kobolds. What are they doing? When Gerrard quietly suggests departure she nods quietly.
The party begins to make a careful exit toward the gap in the makeshift fence. The handful of visible kobolds only stare from afar.
"Very well," grumbles Doug. "I will wait." It then completely submerges itself in the black pool. Ripples wash the marshy edge. The stench of acid and rot is overpowering.
As you slip back through the gap in the shrubbery, another shambling mound shifts its bulk to block the way you came, but it does not attack.
There are no voices in the treehouse above, but you can see at least one pair of kobold eyes staring at you from behind the ballista.
You are back outside the fort, where the remains of the first shambling mound still lie.
"Well that was an eye opener." Qivys remarks. "Tha army needs ta steer clear of this place or they'll end up as Dragon snacks." Qivys looks back the way the party came to make sure there aren't any nasty surprised easing up behind them.
"How much ya wanna bet that when tha Saltmarsh council finds out a dragon lives close by, they'll be askin' us ta "Take care of their little problem"?" he asks as he looks around.
”I’m not taking that bet. Let’s get back to the boat and get back to Saltmarsh,” responds Gerrard. “Let’s hope that the news about the dragon and his refusal of the Alliance with the Sahuagin blunt the reality of such a dangerous nearby potential foe.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Boko eyes the shambling mound and, if it is not getting out of the party’s way, she casts speak with plants and tells it that the dragon has put the party on a task and if it gets in their way, it will dissolve into mush. She crooks a finger and the giant snake uncoils and accompanies the party’s departure with a vaguely threatening hiss at the mound. She’s ready to get out of here. If she can recall a good place to have a short rest along the way back she will try to help guide the party there.
A cold sweat breaks across Kei's forehead as they finally break free of the fortress walls. He walks quickly back down the path they had travelled. Only after reaching a point the dragons lair was well out of sight does he say anything. In his best casual tone "That went well. We managed to prevent a dragon invasion and now have more information for the council."
"Ya can lie to yerself all ya want." the dwarf remarks. "But dragons have a long memory an' can track yer scent better than any bloodhound. You just made yerself its lackey fer tha rest of yer days."
Qivys walks along with the party, stroking his beard. He looks to Gerrard and says.
"This might change tha...' Qivys trails off and stops in his tracks. His eyes widen as the tactical realization floods his mind. "What makes ya think this beast won't swoop in once we're done an' take over tha place?" he asks. "Even if'n tha attack goes bad fer our side an' tha army does enough damage or tha Sahaugin get routed, this beasty can swoop in an' kill who ever is alive an' we just give it a lair ta live and strike from."
"My concern as well, Master Qivys, but I could not think how to interrupt Master Kei's dissertation on our tactical situation without further irritating the dragon," agrees Gerrard darkly.
"We have a long slog back through the swamp to get to our ride--if they are still there," says Gerrard, "Let's hope we haven't done too much damage here tonight." The young noble starts shaking slightly as the adrenaline of the encounter fades and the weariness of the long day reasserts itself. Pushing through it, he strides determinedly along their back trail.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The mound does not block your exit; rather, it blocks your return into Doug's fort, should you choose to do that.
The party makes its way south, returning to the banks of the foul-smelling Javan River once again. You begin to follow it downstream. Eventually, you find the spot Boko remembered – a secluded, sandy cove under a large dormant tree about 40 minutes walk south of Doug's den. You may take a short rest here if you choose, or simply regroup.
You still have over an hour of hiking through the putrid bog to go, in order to get back to where you last left the worm harvesters. It is cold - the temperatures near freezing - and very dark. The smell is awful. Nevertheless, this terrain is an improvement over the lands you just departed from.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perii:
Peri nearly loses his dinner when the dragon reduces their irritating kobold host to a screeching, bubbling pile of goo. He silently follows the others out of the lair, making a great effort to walk normally on trembling knees. As they pass the remains of the shambler he stops to take a cutting. (Sleight of Hand: 16)
"How much ya wanna bet that when tha Saltmarsh council finds out a dragon lives close by, they'll be askin' us ta "Take care of their little problem"?" he asks as he looks around.
Peri snorts, a bit of the terror ebbing. "Oh they'll ask all right. But I'll not take that job if they offer the whole stinkin' town." He considers a moment. "I won't take any job if they offer that town though."
When the discussion rolls around to the idea of the dragon taking up residence in the lizardfolk lair, Peri weighs in. "I think if Doug had wanted that lair he'd've taken long ago. I think he's been in that swamp a long, long time. Folks in Saltmarsh talk about the Hool Marsh bein' evil and corrupted. I think we just found the source of that corruption."
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Kei
The sidewards glance from Gerrard and the awkward silent dance move from Boko are not wasted on Kei. He shakes his head as if trying to clear a fogginess. What are you doing man?! This is a dragon you're trying to impress. It only cares about how you'll taste! He inhales deeply before continuing. "My noble friend here speaks with wisdom beyond me. Our intent was never to disturb you, only to follow the wretched scum that was our quarry. As you and your tiny followers have dispatched them we should take our leave. Not before another tribute is paid however." Kei reaches slowly into a pouch at his side and produces another fistful of gems. He places on the ground infront of him 2 pearls, 4 Moonstones and holdsbon to one last precious trinket. This one he holds high. "A black pearl. My most precious belonging. This is my true tribute to the Mighty Doug." He bows and places the final gem on the little pile.
Peri:
Hearing of a black pearl, Peri's eyes narrow suspiciously.
((Perception check 16 to see if this pearl matches the one stolen from him in Season. This better not be the same pearl, or Doug is about to see a first-rate whoopin'!))
"Your supply of precious gems seems to be nearly as inexhaustible as your supply of vapid compliments. Where do you acquire these baubles?" asks the beast, its body still submerged in the black pool, its bony jaw occasionally drooling into the dark waters, its eyes flickering back and forth between the gems and Kei.
Kei
"The compliments grow from the inspiration of being in your almighty presence. The gems" he hesitates but figures the dragon will simply grab his feet and shake loose any precious stones. "The first were magicked into existence. The others, personally curated from there previous home by yours truly. Alas, I have no idea of where to find more. Although I hear that the pirates known as Sea Princes are quite fond of baubles. They are constantly on the move though, so I am yet to lighten their coffers."
"You would do well to teach me more of these magics, or to curate additional such gems for my court. Like a fine tree, the roots of a solid-trunked friendship with Doug should be well-watered with such offerings. Bring me more, and perhaps I would be amenable to ending your squabbles for you."
"Right," Qivys says under his breath. "Bring tha dragon more baubles an' maybe he won't eat ya."
While the attention is drawn to the Bard and the Lord, Qivys SLOWLY takes a step or two back, just to be sure.
"You would do well, also, to spread the news of the glory of Doug to your burrows and colonies. Bring me more baubles, be my humble heralds, and you will learn the benefits of serving Doug. Remember to speak of Doug's mercy as well as his majesty."
The thing lifts itself a little further out of the stinking black pool, and suddenly exhales a torrent of liquid toward Galax, your kobold host. Galax tries to leap out of the way in a sudden panic (Dex save: 10) but not nimbly enough. It dissolves on the spot (taking 60 acid damage), leaving nothing but a partial skeleton behind.
Gerrard:
Taken aback by the sudden attack, Gerrard leaps backwards away from the dragon—but he is not the target. Awed by the dragon’s power and stunned by his version of *mercy*, Gerrard hisses at Kei, “We need to get out of here…now.”
Bowing and retreating, Gerrard moves back towards the gap in the thorny wall.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Qivys turns and follows Gerrard, saying nothing as they go.
Kei
The smell! The sound! He'd seen some strange things these past weeks but nothing prepared him for the assault on his senses that was a melting kobold.
In his mind he had envisaged befriending a dragon. Learning from it. Gaining even an ounce of the power that the beasts were believed to control. The scene unfolding in front of him had just changed his mind. He wanted nothing to do with these creatures. So evil. He takes the departure of Gerrard and Qivys as a sign. "If it's baubles you desire I shall do my best to bring you the most beautiful stones. If I am to do so I should take leave with my friends so we may start the hunt." He bows at Doug but dares not take his eyes from the beast for fear of becoming a bubbling pile of goo. While still bent at the hips he begins to back away.
Boko is already outside, backing away quickly. Her eyes go toward any watching kobolds. What are they doing? When Gerrard quietly suggests departure she nods quietly.
Perception: 9
The party begins to make a careful exit toward the gap in the makeshift fence. The handful of visible kobolds only stare from afar.
"Very well," grumbles Doug. "I will wait." It then completely submerges itself in the black pool. Ripples wash the marshy edge. The stench of acid and rot is overpowering.
As you slip back through the gap in the shrubbery, another shambling mound shifts its bulk to block the way you came, but it does not attack.
There are no voices in the treehouse above, but you can see at least one pair of kobold eyes staring at you from behind the ballista.
You are back outside the fort, where the remains of the first shambling mound still lie.
It is still in the wee hours of the night.
"Well that was an eye opener." Qivys remarks. "Tha army needs ta steer clear of this place or they'll end up as Dragon snacks."
Qivys looks back the way the party came to make sure there aren't any nasty surprised easing up behind them.
"How much ya wanna bet that when tha Saltmarsh council finds out a dragon lives close by, they'll be askin' us ta "Take care of their little problem"?" he asks as he looks around.
Gerrard:
”I’m not taking that bet. Let’s get back to the boat and get back to Saltmarsh,” responds Gerrard. “Let’s hope that the news about the dragon and his refusal of the Alliance with the Sahuagin blunt the reality of such a dangerous nearby potential foe.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Boko eyes the shambling mound and, if it is not getting out of the party’s way, she casts speak with plants and tells it that the dragon has put the party on a task and if it gets in their way, it will dissolve into mush. She crooks a finger and the giant snake uncoils and accompanies the party’s departure with a vaguely threatening hiss at the mound. She’s ready to get out of here. If she can recall a good place to have a short rest along the way back she will try to help guide the party there.
Kei
A cold sweat breaks across Kei's forehead as they finally break free of the fortress walls. He walks quickly back down the path they had travelled. Only after reaching a point the dragons lair was well out of sight does he say anything. In his best casual tone "That went well. We managed to prevent a dragon invasion and now have more information for the council."
Qivys shoots Kei a side glance.
"Ya can lie to yerself all ya want." the dwarf remarks. "But dragons have a long memory an' can track yer scent better than any bloodhound. You just made yerself its lackey fer tha rest of yer days."
Qivys walks along with the party, stroking his beard. He looks to Gerrard and says.
"This might change tha...' Qivys trails off and stops in his tracks. His eyes widen as the tactical realization floods his mind.
"What makes ya think this beast won't swoop in once we're done an' take over tha place?" he asks. "Even if'n tha attack goes bad fer our side an' tha army does enough damage or tha Sahaugin get routed, this beasty can swoop in an' kill who ever is alive an' we just give it a lair ta live and strike from."
Gerrard:
"My concern as well, Master Qivys, but I could not think how to interrupt Master Kei's dissertation on our tactical situation without further irritating the dragon," agrees Gerrard darkly.
"We have a long slog back through the swamp to get to our ride--if they are still there," says Gerrard, "Let's hope we haven't done too much damage here tonight." The young noble starts shaking slightly as the adrenaline of the encounter fades and the weariness of the long day reasserts itself. Pushing through it, he strides determinedly along their back trail.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The mound does not block your exit; rather, it blocks your return into Doug's fort, should you choose to do that.
The party makes its way south, returning to the banks of the foul-smelling Javan River once again. You begin to follow it downstream. Eventually, you find the spot Boko remembered – a secluded, sandy cove under a large dormant tree about 40 minutes walk south of Doug's den. You may take a short rest here if you choose, or simply regroup.
You still have over an hour of hiking through the putrid bog to go, in order to get back to where you last left the worm harvesters. It is cold - the temperatures near freezing - and very dark. The smell is awful. Nevertheless, this terrain is an improvement over the lands you just departed from.
Perii:
Peri nearly loses his dinner when the dragon reduces their irritating kobold host to a screeching, bubbling pile of goo. He silently follows the others out of the lair, making a great effort to walk normally on trembling knees. As they pass the remains of the shambler he stops to take a cutting. (Sleight of Hand: 16)
Peri snorts, a bit of the terror ebbing. "Oh they'll ask all right. But I'll not take that job if they offer the whole stinkin' town." He considers a moment. "I won't take any job if they offer that town though."
When the discussion rolls around to the idea of the dragon taking up residence in the lizardfolk lair, Peri weighs in. "I think if Doug had wanted that lair he'd've taken long ago. I think he's been in that swamp a long, long time. Folks in Saltmarsh talk about the Hool Marsh bein' evil and corrupted. I think we just found the source of that corruption."