The two bandits literally stopped in their tracks, shuttering in fear from the intent of Kerric's blade and the ferocity of Hawke's solid stones. It took everything they had not to wet themselves. Eyes wide, darting to each other and then to the 'barking' tiefling.
Ernest would toss his hands up in surrender, "Okay! Okay!" He points to the singed bandit by Kerric. "That's Bertrand. I'm Ernest. And my-"
"Shut up Ernie!" Bertrand would shoot a look of daggers at Ernest. "Why would he need our birthday or where we're from?"
"Bert, can't you see this man is like a contract constable or something! And you've already angered him!" Ernie would try to shush Bert before giving an apologetic smile to T'chal'fronack'zcinicker "Am I judged based on his behaviour? 'Cause I'm tryin'!" The bandit would spit out their birthdays. "I know the street well enough!" He'd blurt after mentioning the town they were from.
Bert would would his eyes so far he'd roll back onto his back and just wait for Ernie to finish giving them up. We're ****ed.
"So you see, we signed on with the mercenaries at Rivergard Keep. Now we work for Jolliver Grimjaw." Ernie would reveal.
"Jolliver Grimjaw. Rivergard Keep. Got it." T'chal'fronack'zcinicker writes a few notes. "Great stuff. And this Jolliver Grimjaw, what's his deal? Why is he hiring two outstanding fellows like yourselves?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Cause we're broke!" Bert would try to cut in.
Ernie would kind of bob in agreement. It wasn't a lie. "Jolliver's hiring people to repair the old castle and protect the trade route along the river." He'd add.
While T'chal'fronack'zcinicker chatted up Bert and Ernie, scribbling on his parchment, Xalkas snooped and poked around. He'd find various items he could relieve from the bodies of the bandits, as well as the cultists. Piling all the goods into an organized pile as he went, the scholar would eventually stop to take a closer look at the cultists. At first he assumed they were fire cultists, but after further inspection he noticed something. A symbol. It didn't match that of the Cult of the Eternal Flame.
Symbol found on Cultists
Roll call: Xalkas and anyone he discusses this with Call to action: History or Religion check Optional:Help from another player
XP Granted: 775xp (Must be added yourselves)
Monies: 4g 15sp 49cp (Assuming T'chal'fronack'zcinicker will divi this up accordingly via RP for distribution?)
Pile of Goods: Quarterstaff (Good Condition) x 1 Chain Shirt (Damaged Condition) x 1 Sharktoothed Longsword (Good Condition) x 1 Sharktoothed Longsword (Damaged Condition) x 1 Shield (Good Condition) x 1 Shield (Damaged Condition) x 1 Javalin x 2 Light Crossbow (Good Condition) x 2 Light Crossbow (Damaged Condition) x 1 Scimitar (Good Condition) x 1 Scimitar (Damaged Condition) x 1
Conditions: Good Condition means the item is in usable condition. Can be sold for fair value. Damaged Condition means the item is repairable. Can be sold at a reduced value.
Noticing the symbol on the cultists as he holds his sword at the ready, Kerric discusses the symbol with Xalkas (Help Action). “What about the Drarven delegation? Do you know anything of them?” He asks.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
“T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, I have a pile of stuff over here for you to catalogue! I know how much you enjoy doing that.” Xalkas says in an almost sing songy cheeriness considering the situation.
”I feel like I have seen this symbol before in my studies...” Xalkas says to Kerric as he tries to recall as much detail as he can.
Xalkas, as you pour over the symbol with Kerric, you feel as though the knowledge you seek is on the tip of your tongue, but it just won't spill out. The harder you thought, the sooner you felt a headache creep up. And just as you were about to give up, a tiny sliver of memory slipped through. Cult of the Crushing Wave.
"Dwarven Delegation? Them fancy peoples were supposed to come through?" Bert blurts before he realizes he answered his bladed pursuer.
Ernie would point to Bert, as if he was trying to remember something. The bandit would then massage his temple, as if mimicing the thoughtful scholar nearby. "Jolliver was hootin' and hallorin' about some sort of stink around that important lot." The bandit looked thoughtful. But that was all he could remember. He wasn't important enough to get any scoop on the deets.
Pulling Ebele aside, Kerric says, "These appear to be bandits and cultists, though fixing up an old castle and *protecting* a trade route sound like legitimate pursuits. Either we made a mistake here, or the castle they are fixing up is really an outlaw lair and their *protecting* the trade route is more like banditry along the river." Continuing and pulling Xalkas into the conversation, he adds, "First the Black Earth cult, now the Crashing Wave cult--do we have some kind of ancient elemental evil uprising in our midst?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
T'chal'fronack'zcinicker looks to the two guys, "Ok, one last question. Is there a password for getting into the castle? How do you guys identify yourselves to each other? And can you provide us directions?"
(Oops, it's been a long time since we played and we'd just leveled up, one modification is that T'chal'fronack'zcinicker will cast Detect Thoughts and snoop on these guys thoughts while he questions them....if you're ok with that, or, he just remembers and casts it before asking his last couple of questions.)
When Kerric suggests it could be legitimate, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker makes eye contact and does a big slow head shake to signify that he thinks that's not at all possible. After he's done there, he rushes over to the pile of goods, eager to ensure the cataloguing is done and comprehensive.
He comes back, and hands 1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 copper to each person (Please record this)....."Your shares...thank you." (for simplicity sake he keeps all the small change himself and hands out his own gold in exchange for other coins to people.). "And....since it feels like right time in our relationship for gifts, I've prepared the following gifts for each of you."
He pulls out several scrolls. To Kerric he hands one, "This is a simple contract, does not require signing by you, whomever holds it can redeem it. It requires me to spend one full day action as your person squire. That means cleaning your equipment, repairing it, making you food, setting up your tent, organizing that disaster of a backpack, etc. It's a simple gift, but I'm a simple man without much else to offer."
He hands Ebele one, "This is a simple contract, does not require signing by you. It simply states that I will, henceforth, attempt to learn braille and acquire the appropriate gear so that I can include braille on all of my contracts. In addition, if you do not know braille, I will teach it to you. Reading is important, even if you can't see."
He hands one to Xalkas, "This is for you. A simple contract, does not require signing. It states that I will acquire, on your behalf, up to 10 gold worth of tools required for you to craft toys...or other useful gizmo's. But, you need to tell me what you need."
He hands one to Hawke, "I don't know you well enough for a meaningful gift, but here's a contract that states you may break one contract with me. It's pre-signed."
He hands one to Reghys without a word, and only a small smile on his lips.
"There. Merry Chaos Mist Day everyone! It's an age old important time from my home. Though usually we exchange slaves or souls...but...this will have to do. Alright, shall we continue on our way? And let these two gentlemen continue on their way?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kerric:
"T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, I...I don't know what to say. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful gift; I daresay I could use a bit of organizing," says Kerric sincerely. "I'll tell you what, when we get back into town assuming we survive our current endeavor, I'll take a careful read of your Argent Alliance contract and strongly consider signing it."
"I suggest we release these informative souls, who will leave this place and make better life choices in a land far, far away, I am sure," says Kerric menacingly looking at the two bandits. "Then we move towards this old castle and deal with the situation there--hopefully getting a clue to the fate of the delegation."
"Scared Straight" Intimidation on the Bandits: 13
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
DM:
(Because I have 3 divination wizards and can appreciate the desire to want to use detect thoughts, and your generous catch up RP, I'll allow it ;) Of course use up the required spell slot. I'll start it from right after T uses Illusory Script. I'll apply it for 10 'rounds'. I'm treating rounds in this case as conversation/question replies. Obviously can't promise all useful information, but these guys do have limited knowledge.)
Back up recap
Ernest would toss his hands up in surrender, "Okay! Okay!" He points to the singed bandit by Kerric. "That's Bertrand. I'm Ernest. And my-"Partner and I are just trying to...
"Shut up Ernie!" Bertrand would shoot a look of daggers at Ernest. "Why would he need our birthday or where we're from?" You're an idiot Ernie, they're gunna kill us.
"Bert, can't you see this man is like a contract constable or something! And you've already angered him!" Ernie would try to shush Bert before giving an apologetic smile to T'chal'fronack'zcinicker "Am I judged based on his behaviour? 'Cause I'm tryin'!" The bandit would spit out their birthdays. "I know the street well enough!" He'd blurt after mentioning the town they were from. The Constable is pretty dapper for a tiefling. That hat...
Bert would roll his eyes so far he'd roll back onto his back and just wait for Ernie to finish giving them up. We're SUPER ****ed. He's got Ernie's tongue flapping...
"So you see, we signed on with the mercenaries at Rivergard Keep. Now we work for Jolliver Grimjaw." Ernie would reveal. He likes his recruits...
"Cause we're broke!" Bert would try to cut in. I gambled our savings away. But it was a sure thing!
Ernie would kind of bob in agreement. It wasn't a lie. "Jolliver's hiring people to repair the old castle and protect the trade route along the river." He'd add. Well, that's what he tells us. But he actually pays. Not well. But it's work... He didn't tell us about the monsters though...
"Dwarven Delegation? Them fancy peoples were supposed to come through?" Bert blurts before he realizes he answered his bladed pursuer. Grimjaw was grumbling on about something the other day... Was this it?
Ernie would point to Bert, as if he was trying to remember something. The bandit would then massage his temple, as if mimicing the thoughtful scholar nearby. "Jolliver was hootin' and hallorin' about some sort of stink around that important lot." The bandit looked thoughtful. But that was all he could remember. He wasn't important enough to get any scoop on the deets. There was some important smuggling that happened come to think of it. I wonder if it was related... Was pretty hush hush.
"No. No password." Bert would say simply. Ernie gave it out thinking it was how to recruit...
"By the symbols of course!" Ernie would recreate the Crushing Wave symbol with his hands by crossing the forefingers and overlapping the thumbs to create an X-shape linked by a line across the bottom. It stands for water’s eternal surge and retreat, a cycle of unending change. I actually remembered something as a recruit!
"Yeah, we give you directions. North east from here." Bert would agree. We always just follow the river. But we always had cultists escorting us...
Ebele:
Ebele had stood silently with staff in hand. She was ready to react should the occasion called for it, but between Kerric, T'chal'fronack'zcinicke and Xalkas, they pretty much had the whole scene under control. She was content to stand by and breathe.
The monk had begun bandaging her wounds as Kerric pulls her aside to begin discussions. "Kerric, I agree with your instincts. I believe there is more to this." She'd nod. There were puzzle pieces that were beginning to take their shape and the warrior elf was keen to keep an eye on how they fit together.
Healer's kit: 10 + hit dice
When T'chal'fronack'zcinicker would make his way over and present her with her shares, she'd accept them. Ebele was genuinely surprised and touched by the tiefling's gift. It felt like a very personalized gesture. She found herself touched and truly appreciative for it. The monk was a little rusty with braille, this was a great opportunity to get better at it too. He was showing her patience and willingness to make amendments on his side to accommodate them. Not only that, he also shared a family custom with them. She'd smile. Maybe they were softening him up. There wasn't much the half-elf could offer except her appreciation. She'd reach for one side of his face so she could pull herself closer and give him a friendly kiss on the cheek. "Thank you T'chal'fronack'zcinicker. Merry Chaos Mist Day."
"We're going to tell you the way! Where's our thanks!?" Bert pipes up from where he was. Well if they're in the gifting mood... Maybe we joined the wrong cult.
"I want a gift..." Mutters Ernie. "You never get me gifts Bert..." Backrubs, do not count.
"Are we continuing our way to Womford or heading out to the keep?" Ebele would interrupt the bandits.
(DM note: Some cross posting with Kerric. Will resolve the intimidation roll on the next summary with the bandits.)
Hakwe had given up in picking around the camp and eventually fell into the habit of picking up rocks again while the last two bandits got interrogated. Never could have too many rocks in the pouch, and they helped keep his hands busy by fumbling around with them with his fingers. When the distribution of contracts gifts began, the druid watched with interest, not really expecting a gift of his own, but the others look truly pleased with what they had received. It gets a smile tugging at the corner of his lip.
However, the smile falters when T'chal approaches him and gives him a gift of his own. A small chuff escapes from him. "Aw, man. Didn't have to give anythin' to me. I feel bad I didn't get anything back! You happen to collect rocks?" He chuckles as he looks down at the parchment with a grin. "Haha, don't even remember the last time I ever got a gift... Thanks, Snickers."He pockets it away for safekeeping.
He leans back on a tree, brow raised when he wishes them a happy 'Chaos Mist Day'. "Wassat?" He questions briefly, then shakes his head. "Nevermind. I'unno. I'd prefer we stay on our way to Wormford, but I'm just your humble wagon driver throwin' in his two cents."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Both bandits exchange looks of fear between each other before looking back to the elven warrior's menacing stare. They'd nod hastily in agreement to Kerric's words. Working together, Bert and Ernie would assist the 'Constract Constable' with drawing up a map for directions to Rivergard keep. They'd be pretty chatty while they did so, allowing Ebele and any others to hear the details as well. With the directions to Rivergard Keep fresh at your finger tips, something piqued at a the memories of some of the members of the Argent Alliance.
Nature Check Roll call: T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, Hawke and Xalkas Decisions: You may each roll nature or one of you may help one other.
Ebele would step towards the 'talking tree'. Perhaps T'chal'fronack'zcinicker's gesture was a way if trying to include/bring the druid more into the group? She already considered him to be a member of the team, their Argent Alliance. The blonde would reach out to give Hawke an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "Throwing in your two rocks you mean?" The monk would smirk. She appreciated him providing her with a response regardless of whether he saw himself as only their 'humble wagon driver'. It's easy for her to get turned around, so having a clear concise direction decided, mattered. Even if it was most obvious to others. "Then we shouldn't keep Bill and Reghys waiting much longer, hmm?".
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hawke gives T’chal a lopsided smile. “Is there a contract that says I gotta call you by your full name? Can I break that with the one I just got? Snickers sounds so much better.” He lets out a soft chuckle and pushes himself off the tree.
He stops when he feels the hand on his shoulder Ebele’s familiar voice reaching his ears. He snorts at her joke, and says. “****, if stones were worth as much as coin was, I’d be ****in’ rich! Heh, but yeah, let’s head back. Don’t wanna worry ‘em too much. ‘friad they’d already started writin’ ballads n’ songs about how much they miss us.”
Nature: 21
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Speaking with Kerric, “It seems unlikely that encountering 2 different elemental cults so close together is a coincidence. Perhaps, we should be on our guard... not that you aren’t mind.” After the discussion with the Sesame Street bandits, Xalkas would implore Kerric to repair the damaged items acquired from the water cultists.
Xalkas stashes the coins handed him from T'chal'fronack'zcinicker and gives a nod of thanks at the gift but is unable to articulate any words in response. Just stands there opening and closing his mouth in ... shock. Seemingly dumbfounded by the gesture.
Not in a hurry to get to Womford, “I’m fine with either course of action.” Xalkas says not wanting to be the deciding ‘vote’ though neither does he want to let the cultists operate in the area unchecked.
ooc: if a short rest is taken, I would like to use arcane recovery to recover a 2nd level spell slot. Though I do not need a short rest and an ready to continue our journey. Whichever course is decided.
"I unfortunately do not have the skill or equipment to properly fix these broken weapons, Xalkas--though I can maintain the functional weapons well enough," replies Kerric as he looks at the items while loading them into the wagon. "Does anyone else have thoughts on our next steps for the Argent Alliance?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Hawke as you hop down from the tree, exchanging your playful words with T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, there was something that tickled the back of your mind. You'd glance over his shoulder as he mutters over his documents. Specifically, the map the pair of bandits drew caught your attention. There was something about the location of the Rivergard Keep that something in your instincts found interesting. Were we near there before? But you just couldn't quite put your finger on what it was.
Ebele would chuckle along with the snorting druid before adding in a more 'serious' tone. "Really think they'd be horsing around like that?" She'd try hard to stifle a snort of her own.
Xalkas, you'd catch Hawke's glance as he looked to be pondering over the map T'chal'fronack'zcinicker received. Scratching your chin you could swear there was something you three should be familiar with. At Ebele's mention of returning to the cart, something told you maybe Reghys might be able to shed some light on what's got you all curious with its location.
As Kerric and Xalkas ponder over the care and maintenance of the weapons, everyone would gather a share of the items to carry back to their crew and wagon. The elven warrior contently took up the the bulk of the labour.
Optional: Learning on the go!
Presenting modified profession training:
Resources.Receiving training in a language or tool typically takes at least ten workweeks, but this time is reduced by a number of workweeks equal to the character’s Intelligence modifier (an Intelligence penalty doesn’t increase the time needed). Training costs 25 gp per workweek. 1 work week = 5 days. Which is standard.
Modification/Add ons:
Time 1 work day = 10hrs 50hrs = 1 work week (5 days) 10 work weeks x 50hrs = 500hrs approximately needed to study/learn a new profession (Yeah that's right, I'm not going with a standard 8hr work day here. Since a 'week' is a tenday in this universe, you have longer 'weekends'!)
Trainer or Self-Taught You can teach each other a language or skill or learn by trial and error
Trainer Requirements: 1. You RP one on one and agree to mentor 2. You buy your own tools or borrow the others 3. Crafting materials must be purchased/obtained 4. You RP what you're specifically learning or training - Interaction/participation from both parties needed 5. You specify how many hours spent - DM confirmation/approval required 6. You track you accumulated hours
Self-Taught Trial and Error: 1. You buy the tools and obtain materials needed 2. You RP your training task - what you're trying to do and what may have inspired you to do it 3. You roll using your proficiency modifier to see if you succeed at your training task 4. Others can help with a justified accompanying skill ie. Xalkas can tinker, so could be an all around helper for this 5. You succeed: you get full hours (double the hours on a 20) and a successful attempt You fail: you get half the hours (0 on a 1) and bork the attempt 6. You track your accumulated hours
Rewards and complications can occur!
ie. Kerric can learn smithing as he attempts to repair weapons or armour on the road, Hawke could learn woodcarving whitling sticks, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker could teach draconic to Xalkas or learn cartography from Kerric, with some tinkering on her equipment Ebele might be able to brew on the fly!
Kerric, as you load the wagon, you could swear you're being watched. Actually, you've been closely followed and monitored the whole way. When you'd call back to the other members of the Argent Alliance, you'd finally come to notice that Bert and Ernie have been just short of nipping at your heels, they were hovering around you. At a safe distance of course.
Ernie would stop abruptly when he'd notice Kerric spotted him. "Sooooo..." He'd start. "Are you guys like a group? Argent Alliance you said?" He'd step closer. "You recruiting? You did say make better choices..."
"Or just hiring?" Bert would add with a slight smirk, glancing over at the tiefling.
Rounding on the two, Kerric says sternly, "The fact that you were willingly in the employ of evil cultists does not speak well for you, though I believe in second chances, especially since you had the wisdom to surrender to us and give us information. Still, the Argent Alliance goes into harrowing danger to defeat the cult, and you are not ready for such an arduous endeavor."
Pondering for a moment, he says, "If you truly want to prove yourselves, go to Red Larch and find Constable Harburk. Ask him for work helping the town--milita patrols, hauling cuts of meat, whatever. When we come back through town, if we get a good report on you, we will consider a position in our organization if you are still interested."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
The two bandits literally stopped in their tracks, shuttering in fear from the intent of Kerric's blade and the ferocity of Hawke's solid stones. It took everything they had not to wet themselves. Eyes wide, darting to each other and then to the 'barking' tiefling.
Ernest would toss his hands up in surrender, "Okay! Okay!" He points to the singed bandit by Kerric. "That's Bertrand. I'm Ernest. And my-"
"Shut up Ernie!" Bertrand would shoot a look of daggers at Ernest. "Why would he need our birthday or where we're from?"
"Bert, can't you see this man is like a contract constable or something! And you've already angered him!" Ernie would try to shush Bert before giving an apologetic smile to T'chal'fronack'zcinicker "Am I judged based on his behaviour? 'Cause I'm tryin'!" The bandit would spit out their birthdays. "I know the street well enough!" He'd blurt after mentioning the town they were from.
Bert would would his eyes so far he'd roll back onto his back and just wait for Ernie to finish giving them up. We're ****ed.
"So you see, we signed on with the mercenaries at Rivergard Keep. Now we work for Jolliver Grimjaw." Ernie would reveal.
just an unstable unicorn.
"Jolliver Grimjaw. Rivergard Keep. Got it." T'chal'fronack'zcinicker writes a few notes. "Great stuff. And this Jolliver Grimjaw, what's his deal? Why is he hiring two outstanding fellows like yourselves?"
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"Cause we're broke!" Bert would try to cut in.
Ernie would kind of bob in agreement. It wasn't a lie. "Jolliver's hiring people to repair the old castle and protect the trade route along the river." He'd add.
While T'chal'fronack'zcinicker chatted up Bert and Ernie, scribbling on his parchment, Xalkas snooped and poked around. He'd find various items he could relieve from the bodies of the bandits, as well as the cultists. Piling all the goods into an organized pile as he went, the scholar would eventually stop to take a closer look at the cultists. At first he assumed they were fire cultists, but after further inspection he noticed something. A symbol. It didn't match that of the Cult of the Eternal Flame.
Symbol found on Cultists

Roll call: Xalkas and anyone he discusses this with
Call to action: History or Religion check
Optional: Help from another player
XP Granted: 775xp
(Must be added yourselves)
Monies:
4g 15sp 49cp
(Assuming T'chal'fronack'zcinicker will divi this up accordingly via RP for distribution?)
Pile of Goods:
Quarterstaff (Good Condition) x 1
Chain Shirt (Damaged Condition) x 1
Sharktoothed Longsword (Good Condition) x 1
Sharktoothed Longsword (Damaged Condition) x 1
Shield (Good Condition) x 1
Shield (Damaged Condition) x 1
Javalin x 2
Light Crossbow (Good Condition) x 2
Light Crossbow (Damaged Condition) x 1
Scimitar (Good Condition) x 1
Scimitar (Damaged Condition) x 1
Conditions:
Good Condition means the item is in usable condition. Can be sold for fair value.
Damaged Condition means the item is repairable. Can be sold at a reduced value.
just an unstable unicorn.
Kerric:
Noticing the symbol on the cultists as he holds his sword at the ready, Kerric discusses the symbol with Xalkas (Help Action). “What about the Drarven delegation? Do you know anything of them?” He asks.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
“T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, I have a pile of stuff over here for you to catalogue! I know how much you enjoy doing that.” Xalkas says in an almost sing songy cheeriness considering the situation.
”I feel like I have seen this symbol before in my studies...” Xalkas says to Kerric as he tries to recall as much detail as he can.
History: 10
Xalkas, as you pour over the symbol with Kerric, you feel as though the knowledge you seek is on the tip of your tongue, but it just won't spill out. The harder you thought, the sooner you felt a headache creep up. And just as you were about to give up, a tiny sliver of memory slipped through. Cult of the Crushing Wave.
"Dwarven Delegation? Them fancy peoples were supposed to come through?" Bert blurts before he realizes he answered his bladed pursuer.
Ernie would point to Bert, as if he was trying to remember something. The bandit would then massage his temple, as if mimicing the thoughtful scholar nearby. "Jolliver was hootin' and hallorin' about some sort of stink around that important lot." The bandit looked thoughtful. But that was all he could remember. He wasn't important enough to get any scoop on the deets.
just an unstable unicorn.
Kerric:
Pulling Ebele aside, Kerric says, "These appear to be bandits and cultists, though fixing up an old castle and *protecting* a trade route sound like legitimate pursuits. Either we made a mistake here, or the castle they are fixing up is really an outlaw lair and their *protecting* the trade route is more like banditry along the river." Continuing and pulling Xalkas into the conversation, he adds, "First the Black Earth cult, now the Crashing Wave cult--do we have some kind of ancient elemental evil uprising in our midst?"
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
T'chal'fronack'zcinicker looks to the two guys, "Ok, one last question. Is there a password for getting into the castle? How do you guys identify yourselves to each other? And can you provide us directions?"
(Oops, it's been a long time since we played and we'd just leveled up, one modification is that T'chal'fronack'zcinicker will cast Detect Thoughts and snoop on these guys thoughts while he questions them....if you're ok with that, or, he just remembers and casts it before asking his last couple of questions.)
When Kerric suggests it could be legitimate, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker makes eye contact and does a big slow head shake to signify that he thinks that's not at all possible. After he's done there, he rushes over to the pile of goods, eager to ensure the cataloguing is done and comprehensive.
He comes back, and hands 1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 copper to each person (Please record this)....."Your shares...thank you." (for simplicity sake he keeps all the small change himself and hands out his own gold in exchange for other coins to people.). "And....since it feels like right time in our relationship for gifts, I've prepared the following gifts for each of you."
He pulls out several scrolls. To Kerric he hands one, "This is a simple contract, does not require signing by you, whomever holds it can redeem it. It requires me to spend one full day action as your person squire. That means cleaning your equipment, repairing it, making you food, setting up your tent, organizing that disaster of a backpack, etc. It's a simple gift, but I'm a simple man without much else to offer."
He hands Ebele one, "This is a simple contract, does not require signing by you. It simply states that I will, henceforth, attempt to learn braille and acquire the appropriate gear so that I can include braille on all of my contracts. In addition, if you do not know braille, I will teach it to you. Reading is important, even if you can't see."
He hands one to Xalkas, "This is for you. A simple contract, does not require signing. It states that I will acquire, on your behalf, up to 10 gold worth of tools required for you to craft toys...or other useful gizmo's. But, you need to tell me what you need."
He hands one to Hawke, "I don't know you well enough for a meaningful gift, but here's a contract that states you may break one contract with me. It's pre-signed."
He hands one to Reghys without a word, and only a small smile on his lips.
"There. Merry Chaos Mist Day everyone! It's an age old important time from my home. Though usually we exchange slaves or souls...but...this will have to do. Alright, shall we continue on our way? And let these two gentlemen continue on their way?"
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Kerric:
"T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, I...I don't know what to say. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful gift; I daresay I could use a bit of organizing," says Kerric sincerely. "I'll tell you what, when we get back into town assuming we survive our current endeavor, I'll take a careful read of your Argent Alliance contract and strongly consider signing it."
"I suggest we release these informative souls, who will leave this place and make better life choices in a land far, far away, I am sure," says Kerric menacingly looking at the two bandits. "Then we move towards this old castle and deal with the situation there--hopefully getting a clue to the fate of the delegation."
"Scared Straight" Intimidation on the Bandits: 13
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
DM:
(Because I have 3 divination wizards and can appreciate the desire to want to use detect thoughts, and your generous catch up RP, I'll allow it ;) Of course use up the required spell slot. I'll start it from right after T uses Illusory Script. I'll apply it for 10 'rounds'. I'm treating rounds in this case as conversation/question replies. Obviously can't promise all useful information, but these guys do have limited knowledge.)
Back up recap
Ernest would toss his hands up in surrender, "Okay! Okay!" He points to the singed bandit by Kerric. "That's Bertrand. I'm Ernest. And my-" Partner and I are just trying to...
"Shut up Ernie!" Bertrand would shoot a look of daggers at Ernest. "Why would he need our birthday or where we're from?" You're an idiot Ernie, they're gunna kill us.
"Bert, can't you see this man is like a contract constable or something! And you've already angered him!" Ernie would try to shush Bert before giving an apologetic smile to T'chal'fronack'zcinicker "Am I judged based on his behaviour? 'Cause I'm tryin'!" The bandit would spit out their birthdays. "I know the street well enough!" He'd blurt after mentioning the town they were from. The Constable is pretty dapper for a tiefling. That hat...
Bert would roll his eyes so far he'd roll back onto his back and just wait for Ernie to finish giving them up. We're SUPER ****ed. He's got Ernie's tongue flapping...
"So you see, we signed on with the mercenaries at Rivergard Keep. Now we work for Jolliver Grimjaw." Ernie would reveal. He likes his recruits...
"Cause we're broke!" Bert would try to cut in. I gambled our savings away. But it was a sure thing!
Ernie would kind of bob in agreement. It wasn't a lie. "Jolliver's hiring people to repair the old castle and protect the trade route along the river." He'd add. Well, that's what he tells us. But he actually pays. Not well. But it's work... He didn't tell us about the monsters though...
"Dwarven Delegation? Them fancy peoples were supposed to come through?" Bert blurts before he realizes he answered his bladed pursuer. Grimjaw was grumbling on about something the other day... Was this it?
Ernie would point to Bert, as if he was trying to remember something. The bandit would then massage his temple, as if mimicing the thoughtful scholar nearby. "Jolliver was hootin' and hallorin' about some sort of stink around that important lot." The bandit looked thoughtful. But that was all he could remember. He wasn't important enough to get any scoop on the deets. There was some important smuggling that happened come to think of it. I wonder if it was related... Was pretty hush hush.
"No. No password." Bert would say simply. Ernie gave it out thinking it was how to recruit...
"By the symbols of course!" Ernie would recreate the Crushing Wave symbol with his hands by crossing the forefingers and overlapping the thumbs to create an X-shape linked by a line across the bottom. It stands for water’s eternal surge and retreat, a cycle of unending change. I actually remembered something as a recruit!
"Yeah, we give you directions. North east from here." Bert would agree. We always just follow the river. But we always had cultists escorting us...
Ebele:
Ebele had stood silently with staff in hand. She was ready to react should the occasion called for it, but between Kerric, T'chal'fronack'zcinicke and Xalkas, they pretty much had the whole scene under control. She was content to stand by and breathe.
The monk had begun bandaging her wounds as Kerric pulls her aside to begin discussions. "Kerric, I agree with your instincts. I believe there is more to this." She'd nod. There were puzzle pieces that were beginning to take their shape and the warrior elf was keen to keep an eye on how they fit together.
Healer's kit: 10 + hit dice
When T'chal'fronack'zcinicker would make his way over and present her with her shares, she'd accept them. Ebele was genuinely surprised and touched by the tiefling's gift. It felt like a very personalized gesture. She found herself touched and truly appreciative for it. The monk was a little rusty with braille, this was a great opportunity to get better at it too. He was showing her patience and willingness to make amendments on his side to accommodate them. Not only that, he also shared a family custom with them. She'd smile. Maybe they were softening him up. There wasn't much the half-elf could offer except her appreciation. She'd reach for one side of his face so she could pull herself closer and give him a friendly kiss on the cheek. "Thank you T'chal'fronack'zcinicker. Merry Chaos Mist Day."
"We're going to tell you the way! Where's our thanks!?" Bert pipes up from where he was. Well if they're in the gifting mood... Maybe we joined the wrong cult.
"I want a gift..." Mutters Ernie. "You never get me gifts Bert..." Backrubs, do not count.
"Are we continuing our way to Womford or heading out to the keep?" Ebele would interrupt the bandits.
(DM note: Some cross posting with Kerric. Will resolve the intimidation roll on the next summary with the bandits.)
just an unstable unicorn.
Hakwe had given up in picking around the camp and eventually fell into the habit of picking up rocks again while the last two bandits got interrogated. Never could have too many rocks in the pouch, and they helped keep his hands busy by fumbling around with them with his fingers. When the distribution of
contractsgifts began, the druid watched with interest, not really expecting a gift of his own, but the others look truly pleased with what they had received. It gets a smile tugging at the corner of his lip.However, the smile falters when T'chal approaches him and gives him a gift of his own. A small chuff escapes from him. "Aw, man. Didn't have to give anythin' to me. I feel bad I didn't get anything back! You happen to collect rocks?" He chuckles as he looks down at the parchment with a grin. "Haha, don't even remember the last time I ever got a gift... Thanks, Snickers." He pockets it away for safekeeping.
He leans back on a tree, brow raised when he wishes them a happy 'Chaos Mist Day'. "Wassat?" He questions briefly, then shakes his head. "Nevermind. I'unno. I'd prefer we stay on our way to Wormford, but I'm just your humble wagon driver throwin' in his two cents."
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
"T'chal'fronack'zcinicker. T...chal....fron...ack....shin...ick...er. It's not that difficult. T'chal'fronack'zcinicker.“
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
OOC: Not quite ready to take a short rest, Kerric takes a Second Wind: 14
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Bert: 9 Ernie: 6
Both bandits exchange looks of fear between each other before looking back to the elven warrior's menacing stare. They'd nod hastily in agreement to Kerric's words. Working together, Bert and Ernie would assist the 'Constract Constable' with drawing up a map for directions to Rivergard keep. They'd be pretty chatty while they did so, allowing Ebele and any others to hear the details as well. With the directions to Rivergard Keep fresh at your finger tips, something piqued at a the memories of some of the members of the Argent Alliance.
Nature Check
Roll call: T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, Hawke and Xalkas
Decisions: You may each roll nature or one of you may help one other.
Ebele would step towards the 'talking tree'. Perhaps T'chal'fronack'zcinicker's gesture was a way if trying to include/bring the druid more into the group? She already considered him to be a member of the team, their Argent Alliance. The blonde would reach out to give Hawke an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "Throwing in your two rocks you mean?" The monk would smirk. She appreciated him providing her with a response regardless of whether he saw himself as only their 'humble wagon driver'. It's easy for her to get turned around, so having a clear concise direction decided, mattered. Even if it was most obvious to others. "Then we shouldn't keep Bill and Reghys waiting much longer, hmm?".
just an unstable unicorn.
T'chal'fronack'zcinicker helps Hawke. If he doesn't nail this one, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker may take him out as an imposter.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Hawke gives T’chal a lopsided smile. “Is there a contract that says I gotta call you by your full name? Can I break that with the one I just got? Snickers sounds so much better.” He lets out a soft chuckle and pushes himself off the tree.
He stops when he feels the hand on his shoulder Ebele’s familiar voice reaching his ears. He snorts at her joke, and says. “****, if stones were worth as much as coin was, I’d be ****in’ rich! Heh, but yeah, let’s head back. Don’t wanna worry ‘em too much. ‘friad they’d already started writin’ ballads n’ songs about how much they miss us.”
Nature: 21
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Speaking with Kerric, “It seems unlikely that encountering 2 different elemental cults so close together is a coincidence. Perhaps, we should be on our guard... not that you aren’t mind.” After the discussion with the Sesame Street bandits, Xalkas would implore Kerric to repair the damaged items acquired from the water cultists.
Xalkas stashes the coins handed him from T'chal'fronack'zcinicker and gives a nod of thanks at the gift but is unable to articulate any words in response. Just stands there opening and closing his mouth in ... shock. Seemingly dumbfounded by the gesture.
Not in a hurry to get to Womford, “I’m fine with either course of action.” Xalkas says not wanting to be the deciding ‘vote’ though neither does he want to let the cultists operate in the area unchecked.
ooc: if a short rest is taken, I would like to use arcane recovery to recover a 2nd level spell slot. Though I do not need a short rest and an ready to continue our journey. Whichever course is decided.
Kerric:
"I unfortunately do not have the skill or equipment to properly fix these broken weapons, Xalkas--though I can maintain the functional weapons well enough," replies Kerric as he looks at the items while loading them into the wagon. "Does anyone else have thoughts on our next steps for the Argent Alliance?"
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Hawke as you hop down from the tree, exchanging your playful words with T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, there was something that tickled the back of your mind. You'd glance over his shoulder as he mutters over his documents. Specifically, the map the pair of bandits drew caught your attention. There was something about the location of the Rivergard Keep that something in your instincts found interesting. Were we near there before? But you just couldn't quite put your finger on what it was.
Ebele would chuckle along with the snorting druid before adding in a more 'serious' tone. "Really think they'd be horsing around like that?" She'd try hard to stifle a snort of her own.
Xalkas, you'd catch Hawke's glance as he looked to be pondering over the map T'chal'fronack'zcinicker received. Scratching your chin you could swear there was something you three should be familiar with. At Ebele's mention of returning to the cart, something told you maybe Reghys might be able to shed some light on what's got you all curious with its location.
As Kerric and Xalkas ponder over the care and maintenance of the weapons, everyone would gather a share of the items to carry back to their crew and wagon. The elven warrior contently took up the the bulk of the labour.
Optional: Learning on the go!
Presenting modified profession training:
Resources. Receiving training in a language or tool typically takes at least ten workweeks, but this time is reduced by a number of workweeks equal to the character’s Intelligence modifier (an Intelligence penalty doesn’t increase the time needed). Training costs 25 gp per workweek. 1 work week = 5 days. Which is standard.
Modification/Add ons:
Time
1 work day = 10hrs
50hrs = 1 work week (5 days)
10 work weeks x 50hrs = 500hrs approximately needed to study/learn a new profession
(Yeah that's right, I'm not going with a standard 8hr work day here. Since a 'week' is a tenday in this universe, you have longer 'weekends'!)
Trainer or Self-Taught
You can teach each other a language or skill or learn by trial and error
Trainer
Requirements:
1. You RP one on one and agree to mentor
2. You buy your own tools or borrow the others
3. Crafting materials must be purchased/obtained
4. You RP what you're specifically learning or training - Interaction/participation from both parties needed
5. You specify how many hours spent - DM confirmation/approval required
6. You track you accumulated hours
Self-Taught
Trial and Error:
1. You buy the tools and obtain materials needed
2. You RP your training task - what you're trying to do and what may have inspired you to do it
3. You roll using your proficiency modifier to see if you succeed at your training task
4. Others can help with a justified accompanying skill ie. Xalkas can tinker, so could be an all around helper for this
5. You succeed: you get full hours (double the hours on a 20) and a successful attempt
You fail: you get half the hours (0 on a 1) and bork the attempt
6. You track your accumulated hours
Rewards and complications can occur!
ie. Kerric can learn smithing as he attempts to repair weapons or armour on the road, Hawke could learn woodcarving whitling sticks, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker could teach draconic to Xalkas or learn cartography from Kerric, with some tinkering on her equipment Ebele might be able to brew on the fly!
Kerric, as you load the wagon, you could swear you're being watched. Actually, you've been closely followed and monitored the whole way. When you'd call back to the other members of the Argent Alliance, you'd finally come to notice that Bert and Ernie have been just short of nipping at your heels, they were hovering around you. At a safe distance of course.
Ernie would stop abruptly when he'd notice Kerric spotted him. "Sooooo..." He'd start. "Are you guys like a group? Argent Alliance you said?" He'd step closer. "You recruiting? You did say make better choices..."
"Or just hiring?" Bert would add with a slight smirk, glancing over at the tiefling.
just an unstable unicorn.
Kerric:
Rounding on the two, Kerric says sternly, "The fact that you were willingly in the employ of evil cultists does not speak well for you, though I believe in second chances, especially since you had the wisdom to surrender to us and give us information. Still, the Argent Alliance goes into harrowing danger to defeat the cult, and you are not ready for such an arduous endeavor."
Pondering for a moment, he says, "If you truly want to prove yourselves, go to Red Larch and find Constable Harburk. Ask him for work helping the town--milita patrols, hauling cuts of meat, whatever. When we come back through town, if we get a good report on you, we will consider a position in our organization if you are still interested."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"