Antoine Gagnon's page

From a mysterious sage known only as The Administrator, Alisanne learns the following:

1. Venn's maps of The Barrier Peaks are correct and if the ranger and the rest of the party are able to keep course, you don't expect any exceptional climbing or intense weather. There are passes that lead through the mountains and the path, if you're able to stick to it, will be a moderate to heavy hike through woods and along the lower elevations of the mountains.

2. The entire area overlaps The Feywild, and the barrier (perhaps that's where they get their name?) is thin in places. Expect encounters with Faerie creatures of all sorts.

Alisanne leaves the non-descript, unmarked door in a small corner shop space where she met with the hooded Administrator. The door locks behind her.

His Peerless Majesty King Kimbertos Skotti, called The Commoner, is a grizzled veteran of medieval warfare. A huge man, bearded, with faded scars and the eyes of a hunter. He sits on the throne and careful eyes catch his shifting slightly and fidgeting with his fingers--he is a caged animal and wants to move.

He greets Belwick with all due honors and listens intently. With him are:

The Royal Archmage Lashton, a short and skinny human with many piercings in their face, ears, nose and lips. He is quiet and listens intently.

His Majesty's favorite bard, a man with some Elven ancestry, named Dohnibor. Dohnibor has a long, thin nose, slightly pointed ears he may be trying to hide with his mop of blond/brown hair, and a short goatee.

And His Majesty's fool, Pyn Trillos, a pale man wearing the classic medieval jester outfit with bells. He giggles interjects puns and quips throughout Belwick's report.

King Skotti looks pensive and spends a long quiet moment in consideration once Belwick finishes.

He stands.

"Leave us"

Lashton starts to object but is kindly waved away by King Skotti. Lashton gulps down whatever his objection was and leaves. Pyn continues to giggle and prance on his way out.

When the two of you are alone King Skotti approaches and with little warning pulls Belwick into a bear-hug. He breaks the embrace and regains his composure.

"Baron. You have accomplished all I asked of you and more. I've been keeping tabs, and the south is in excellent shape. The Scarlet Order will ever be a thorn in our sides, but you have shined a light upon them, and with no shadows in which to hide, we can meet them head-on. Our partnership with The Copperlocks is turning a profit and Saltmarsh is ready to grow into a major port. Keoland will be a power in The Azure and the seas beyond, and we have you and your companions to thank. I'd hoped they would be alongside you, but perhaps I will summon you all to court when you return from The Barrier Peaks. It would please me greatly to award all of you honors for your service to The Crown.

For now..."

King Skotti re-summons his advisors and people.

"Let it be known that Belwick Donnamoor has done great service to King and Country and has brought us great joy! In recognition of his service, we name him Viscount of Salinmoor. In this office, we expect him to usher the south forward and lead us into a new age of trade and prosperity there."

Lashton clears his throat.

"Majesty, what of the Lord Secunforth?"

"The Puritan Lord has not done little or nothing to serve his King or his country. We will summon him back to court this very day, and perhaps find a better use for him."

There are various murmurs as this, and the gravity of it, makes way around the people present.

"Lord Donnamoor, will you continue to serve us, and protect the south?"

Venn can find maps of each of his requested locations. 1 Gold Piece each as listed.

HOWEVER... The Valley of The Mage, The Dim Forest, and The Barrier Peaks may not be accurate. You do your best, but the only way to verify them is to find a primary source or head out into the wilds and try to use them.

Mark them on your character sheet.

Point of Order: Init ties To Tal.

Venn's stronghold is very close, and Saltmarsh isn't far.

Venn channels the darkest part of his own nature and the two young toughs wet themselves.

"I don't wanna die!" "Me neither! <sobs>"

They both launch into Chunk-esque confessions. The gist is that they're both new, and young recruits. They're Saltmarsh locals, but who both have, "purity", in their bloodlines. Neither has family, and they don't have friends. They've pulled very basic jobs that they got from Kreb Shenker, and at some point they were singled out and recruited by The Scarlet Order with promises of greatness in their blood waiting to be reclaimed.

They're both well into indoctrination, but they're also young enough that there may be hope. Their nerve doesn't recover enough to flat out call you all genetically inferior, but they seem to think it. Venn's given them reason to doubt.

They were escorting a traitor, soon to be either sacrificed or sold into slavery. Their leader, the Scarlet Assassin, never revealed his name but he had some ideas that even the diehards in their group found... Curious. He was the one angling to, "...Take this slut and have the dark devour her".

This group represented the last remains of The Scarlet Brotherhood's presence in Saltmarsh, and they were meeting here and going to move south to the Seaton road. Their plan was to ambush the prisoner transfer that will move Gellan Primewater and his turncoat maid to Seaton for interrogation and trial. Then they were going to meet up with a Sea Prince slaver and head for Monmurg where The Brotherhood... Seems to be in control.

Anything else you want to ask about The Scarlet Brotherhood or its plans?

Hear that? She LET me.

Tal narrows his eyes and walks to the bar. He taps a couple times on the surface and (if my GM allows) is served a drink of something mid-range and little rough. He drops two coppers on the bar and hoists the tankard.

"To absent friends, and the unexpected. To Augrael."

Tal chins the tankard and finishes it, slamming the cup on the bar. He sidles over to the Drider and regards her with an even stare.

"I don't know if I'm scared or aroused. At my age, that's impressive."

** spoiler omitted **

Kenton smiles, leaving the bottle where it sits for now. Thanks for nothing, he says, turning back to relay some info to the group.

He'll suggest Xavien and Aurelia take the lead, and he can back up (read as: auto-aid) in either Bluff or Diplo. No one is particularly good at Intimidate currently, though I expect that's not an issue with this lot, we're not likely to scare them.

Actually... Corran's acting has improved to the point where you think he can scare them straight if you want.

Belwick's warning isn't heard over the explosion and the flames. When the dust settles, several trees have caught on fire and foliage has been blown to bits.

There is no more cover or rough terrain remaining in the area, just bits of burnt and destroyed vegetation. Bits here and there are on fire.

The young man (bandit) is killed instantly in the explosion. The two toughs in front are both all but killed outright--they are both bloodied and near death.

The Scout Captain seems to have avoided the worst of it, and he stumbles out of a burning bush and tries to get his bearings.

The Assassin emerges from the flames, unharmed at all, though is position has been revealed--the trees he was hiding in blown apart and all. He calmly applies a vial of something black to his weapons and looks to the source of the magic spells.

Corran swings his lute forward into his grip and plays a quick riff, and intones his magic words "Evol fo eman eht ni! Pots!"

Casts, Hold Person upon the assassin framed in black. Save DC is 16

Corran doesn't give the others time to hem and haw. But he does consider who he is talking to.

"We stand behind the lawful Grand Princess Eutropia. The law passed as did The Grand Prince. Grand Princess Eutropia is the rightful and just monarch of Taldor. Anyone who says differently is a traitor, and accounts will be settled."

Oh, I SEE you, b***h.

"Bibi... Pull that lever. Nothing bad ever happened to a lever pulling Halfling."

If Bibi pulls the lever and there are no developments, Tal is through, bow drawn, checking doors and corners.

Baghotir and Belwick visit The Lord Mayor.

He is elderly, but Patience Quinn has done her best to keep him clean and as comfortable as possible.

He cannot speak, and he cannot walk. He has the briefest of movements with his hands and he can operate his mouth but produce no sound. Patience changes his linens and rotates his body, and massages his limbs and trunk.

She give him water and a pasty gruel a few times a day, but it is a struggle and a battle.

He looks forward with a vacant expression and doesn't make eye contact. There doesn't appear to be anyone in there.

Patience is rather impatient with the two of you, insisting that you leave The Lord Mayor to his lot. She seems just tired more than anything else.

He isn't poisoned or diseased and he isn't cursed. Baghotir, your diagnosis is that he's suffered a stroke. You do not have the power to heal him yet.

Baghotir tries to wheedle Ova, "Chipper", Storm (administrator and record keeper for the town properties and holdings). He knows of her due to his Bastion work (link). She may not be on the council, but she keeps the town running, and she may know where the council members stand. She might be able to get the staff on our side, each supporting the cause for peace.

”Lord Anders is angry. I get it. His household staff was running operations under his very roof and he wants to lash out. So do I. But lashing out at the Sea Princes is what the Scarlet Brotherhood wants. They want us at each other’s throats so they can step in after and make more successful moves against weakened opponents.”

”Now I’m not saying we ally with the Princes, but let’s at least recognize they’re not our chief foe at the moment. We need to move against the Brotherhood, and we need to do it with care and consideration. Vote for peace, and let’s coordinate against the Brotherhood.”

Not satisfied with his efforts, he uses inspiration to try and make a better impression. He's unwilling to fail so ignobly - and he might need her aid on that permit - he doesn't want to leave a bad impression!

”Who else do you think I should talk to? Who on the council is pushing for war, other than Anders?”

1d100 ⇒ 99

Baghotir's efforts are kind of clever. Eda Oweland, Anders Solmor... They need administrators and yes, they keep the bureaucracy running.

While this doesn't advance the cause itself, it does get a small army of servants and workers behind the party, and gives Baghotir valuable information--who the party needs to lean on and convince.

No success, no failure, no complications. But Efforts to Influence the council in the next week are done at ADVANTAGE.

"No. Poor Anders was the fool all along, I'm afraid. Skerrin Wavechaser--that isn't his real name--was a Brotherhood Assassin. He positioned himself in the household years ago. (I admire The Brotherhood's ability to think long-term) After a time, he killed Anders' mother and made it look like consumption. After she died, Anders was broken and Skerrin was there to pick up the pieces. Anders inherited the fleet. The Brotherhood then made sure Anders' new initiatives were successful--they avoided his vessels and preyed upon his rivals'. His successes and youthful energy made him a favorite here. He became the face of Saltmarsh and put into a middle position betwixt the Traditionalists like Primewater, who liked the status quo, and Fireborn who was serving his king and looking towards a glorious future for Keoland. Skerrin used Anders' hatred of slavery and pirates against him, pushing him into a position to start a war."

Bayleaf sips his wine.

"Luck or fate intervened. The Sahuagin rose. The Sea Devils were also preying upon The Sea Princes and The Scarlet Brotherhood, so their plans were put on hold and they didn't stop you from stopping the Sahuagin. Once the sea devils were put down, they started back up. Skerrin grew arrogant, and bored, making too many big moves in succession. And that is where you came in. Though King Skotti suspected Scarlet Order interference somehow, which is why you're here, no?"

He sips again.

Skerrin blackmailed Ingo The Drover and Keledek The Unspoken, setting you up to confront them both and framing them in the process. While Gellan Primewater wasn't wholly innocent, he was a smuggler and profiteer from piracy and slavery even if he wasn't directly involved. He distanced himself just enough for his conscious to feel clear enough. Keledek, Primewater and Ingo were taken off the board, setting Anders up to be elected Executive Councilman, giving him certain powers. Skerrin's intention was to wait a time and then he would arrange for Solmor's death and HE would inherit the interim position and The Solmor Estate. Then... Keoland would find themselves fighting a war against The Sea Princes. Two of The Brotherhood's enemies at each other's throats and nobody looking directly at them."

Another sip, a bite of beef, which he enjoys a *little* too much.

"None of the local demihumans or monsters are under the influence of The Scarlet Brotherhood. And no, The Sea Princes have no allies. They are a nation of pirates and barely keep it together in the best of times. They are, arguably, working better now than they ever have with The Brotherhood in control. Union, at the cost of liberty."

Will 1:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Will 2:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

Talborel has seen horrors unimagined in his long life... This shade is nothing!

But will physical arrows do anything measurable against this remnant of a sad life?

He opts for another tactic. He draws a thin, small blade and mimes, "going to work", on the grimlock corpse.

He locks his intimidating glare on the creature, trying to get at the soul underneath all the fear and anger.

"Depart this plane and your pain ends. Stay... And you will know no rest. Ever." Intimidation: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12... HERO POINT... 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

You spend a night in jail. Belwick in comfort at home, if not at liberty. The next day, you're all released. Lemunda and the guard are unwilling to hold you all, given the questions that remain. The word of Caelius, and the implication that Skerrin orchestrated the death of Eliander Fireborn is enough for them.

Anders Solmor, recently appointed Executive Councilman and defacto leader of Saltmarsh only fumes. He doesn't have the support of the guard on this, which weakens his position. Eda Oweland, ever suspicious of authority, steps up and presses for more investigation.

Over the next fortnight...

No additional papers are found--if Skerrin was a foreign agent of some kind, he kept no paper trail except for the note rescued from the flames by Venn.

But a supply of Midnight's Tears, a magical poison, is discovered in the house, hidden in Solmor's liquor cabinet. He seems as shocked as anyone else, and the doubt this casts on his staff infuriates the young master.

Skerrin himself carried a thin, rapier-like blade and a hand crossbow, as well as a number of vials of contact and injury poisons on his person.

The letter makes little sense to authorities, appearing to be a letter between relatives. The small symbol is unknown to the people. Belwick identifies it as The Scarlet Brotherhood, but the letter goes missing before it can be authenticated.

Jocelyn, the Maid who surrendered, bargains testimony for her life, and she confesses to being a pirate and agent of The Sea Princes, a spy in the service of The Prince of Monmurg. Solmor's entire staff was in the service of The Sea Princes and their aims were to disrupt trade, sabotage Keoland's efforts to build the south into a rival trading port, and cripple Keoland's ability to engage in navel warfare. Once Keoland is weakened further, they hope an alliance with enemies of Keoland will harry the country in the north, while they annex the southern shores. She claims the Scarlet Brotherhood is a myth, or at the very least has no presence in The Hold of The Sea Princes.

With a straight face, she tells Anders Solmor that The Sea Princes put Skerrin in place and murdered his mother to secure his position as the only person he trusted, giving them defacto control of his enterprises.

This breaks him, and he withdraws to his estate for days. When he emerges, he begins an aggressive restructuring of his company. He starts to call for war upon Monmurg and the Hold of The Sea Princes.

Venn's call for a Priest of Rao is honored and under a Zone of Truth, your testimony is confirmed by Timothee, Voice of Rao, a serene and studious man with a bald pate, kind eyes, and hands calloused by years of physical labor.

Jocelyn's testimony withstands the Zone of Truth. Timothee admits that it is possible to lie before Rao, but it would take an extremely centered person, certain of themself and trained to withstand magical pressure. Jocelyn appears unphased by all of this, eagerly claiming her truth to be THE truth. She is to be transferred to Seaton for a quick trial and is to be imprisoned for 2d10 ⇒ (10, 2) = 12 years, but will avoid the gallows and the headsman.

Each of you earns 1,700 Experience Points.

What's next?

Great work and hot dice, everyone!

BELWICK:
Captain Lemunda Fireborn questions the Maid. The list of questions from Belwick acts as the Help action. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15, 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

The maid, Jocelyn, agrees under questioning to reveal what she knows.

-The wine that Ingo used to kill himself is indeed poison, and a supply of the same poison is discovered in Solmor Manor.

-Elmo, once an agent of The Prince of Monmurg, now works for Belwick. He testifies in support of his master, though his impartiality is called into question.

-1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 Iliza is unable to convince Captain Xendros to reveal her involvement. She keeps the platinum to cover, "administrative fees".

-Belwick's character witnesses all testify towards his character and honor.

--------------------------
BAGHOTIR:
-Is granted leave to cast Speak With Dead under supervision as much as he likes. The folk are marveled by his display of power.

-The timeline of events is clear and casts reasonable doubt upon Skerrin Wavechaser.

-Solmor and Lemunda... 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7/1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8, 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 or 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Solmor isn't convinced that the evidence damning Primewater is phoney. Lemunda sees it though.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 Solmor IS convinced by the testimony of Primewater. He doesn't believe him to be lying... This time.

----------------------------------
ALISANNE:
-The guards talking about the death of Lady Solmor died in the battle. But Baghotir may question them with Speak With Dead. They give evasive answers but answers that do suggest Lady Solmor was murdered and didn't die of consumption.

Anders is wrecked by this.

-The letter is KEY evidence, and the small signet is unidentified. No one on the Saltmarsh Council can make heads or tails of it. It further muddies the waters, and in a way that makes your story more interesting.

--------------------------------------
VENN:
Your passion and boldness pay off. A Cleric of Rao is summoned from afar, and they cast Zone of Truth, taking testimony from all parties. While not an infallible test, resisting the compulsion of a Priest of Rao is extraordinarily difficult and this is well known.

That's 1 SUCCESS, and I award heroic inspiration.

Though it's, "Skerrin". ;)

"Everyone back! Highly poisonous airborne spores!"

"Just the sort of situation that might be improved by a bottle of fresh, breathable air."

He takes the bottle and starts to move south, breathing only from the bottle.

He ignites his smoking longsword carefully burns away the fungus.

Baghotir can not discern any hidden meaning or cyphers in the letter.

DC was 20

Belwick makes careful examination of the papers, and concludes that these are forged documents. They're really just TOO perfect--that's the clue. Right down to Gellan's personal signature and seal which are identical on each paper. IDENTICAL. Nobody signs a document with exactly the same strokes each time, and there are no variations in the wax or the seal. These would pass, easily, as legit almost every time. But Belwick is meticulous and careful.

Each adventurer earns 300 Experience points.
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Detect Magic reveals nothing enchanted except for the large mechanical man and the shards of the amulet. Both radiate magic, but no specific school.

"That's... "

He starts to laugh.

"Oh, that's it. I'm good as dead. Here I thought I might be safer in jail, and they're just gonna let the crown kill me for them. Listen... I'm a smuggler and a scumbag, sure. Do I facilitate importing and exporting and not ask questions about what's being transported? Absolutely--that's none of my business. Do I do occasional favors like pass on messages and blackmail threats? Oh yeah. And while I've long suspected that the occasional package may have been less than 100% willing? Yes, I confess. But I've certainly never written down a frelling receipt for slaves! It sounds like those papers are going to send me to the gallows, and really... I gotta hand it to them."

Then, my contacts go to ground, and suddenly I'm dealing with new bosses. Those bosses want me to rope in Keledek and Ingo, so I deliver some messages. Now I'm working with Keledek and Ingo. Now Keledek is dead. Ingo is dead. Fireborn is dead. And I'm being sent to Seaton and now all the blame is sitting on me, right after I'm nearly killed by an assassin in my home. Sounds like: The Scarlet Order has effectively taken over piracy in these waters, and they used the Sea Princes to do it. They want Keoland at war with The Sea Princes. And I'm screwed. I've been used and screwed good. I wonder what they're going to do next?"

Gellan giggles a little maniacally and goes to his bunk.

"Two wands, one for each hand. This is the old way, the magick of Woo and his associate and physician, Holiday."

While Bibi works, Elena finally loses patience with the arcane mark upon her forehead. She calls forth abjurative magics that she directs at the offending symbol with the goal of dispelling it.

[dice=Dispel Magic (3rd)]1d20+12

Have you tried a little club soda?

I've a boogie on my face, don't I?

Corran... QUITE COOLY... Uses a handkerchief and keeps moving like nothing at all embarrassing happened.

Nailed it.

Each adventurer earns 1000 Experience Points.

Ulzer, thought dead, actually made it somehow. He's burned but alive. He groans and after a few moments stands on his own.

DM Mistake on math

All is quiet, only the lapping water can be heard. There are several smuggler bodies to search.

-A rapier
-two longswords
-3 Daggers
-Flintlock Pistol with materials for 20 shots
-A letter sealed with wax, bearing the mark of The Sea Princes.
-5 Shuriken (robed prisoner)

The letter was carried by robed prisoner, and it implicates Gellan Primewater in smuggling to and from the Hold of The Sea Princes, and in the trade of slaves to The Sea Princes. It leaves very little room for any sort of legal defense.

Okay... First...

As you take your leave of Primewater, intending on staying for the party (on not, that's up to you), he stops you.

"Stop... Ah... This is...", he stops and sighs deeply, resigned to what must be done. "You may find a woman held prisoner by Keledek. The woman's name is Lemunda. Lemunda Fireborn. Her father will want her returned safely. If she's still alive, and I truly hope she is."

He looks to you all and starts to straighten out his clothing and make himself more presentable.

"Don't worry--I'm not going anywhere. One last party. Then when you return, I imagine there will be..." He stops and cracks a smile, clearly amusing himself. "The Heavens to pay."

You may ask additional questions, though this is truly the end of his knowledge of the tower and Keledek. But anything else, hit him up. He is definitely Helpful to you all at the moment.

Alisanne performs at the party and Gellan clearly knows he can't take it with him. He pays her 50 platinum for the performance.

Belwick, Caelius and Baghotir all owe me Fortitude saving throws, DC 17, as they awake at the stroke of midnight with cramps and cold sweats.

The save is for half damage:9d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 3, 4, 1, 1, 2, 3, 2) = 20 Belwick
9d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 1, 3, 3, 1, 6, 6, 6) = 34 Caelius
9d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 6, 5, 5, 1, 5, 1, 3) = 29 Baghotir.

You will start the morning with that much fewer HP. You spend the rest of the night with severe cramps and nausea. You do not gain the benefits of a long rest. You are also at Exhaustion 1. This is a -5' penalty to speed, and -2 to all d20 Tests.

Baghotir, being a dwarf... If you make the save, you'll take less than 10 pts, so you will not be exhausted and you gain your long rest. Must have been something you ate.

Alisanne is in Giselle's room, she gathers her things and goes for the door. As her hand is on the handle, a knife suddenly appears in the doorframe, only inches from her head.

Giselle stands, naked next to the bed, producing knives from... Somewhere.

"Come back to bed... Lover." She adopts an experienced combat fighting stance.

The maid, undeterred by Belwick's persuasion, pushes through the door. She sees the body--very very dead. There's also an orangutan and a kneeling dwarf, praying by her master.

She screams.

Unseen by the party, Gellan Primewater stands next to a beautiful human woman with red hair. She is dressed all in black. She is stoic, and immovable.

Gellan's eyes are wide as he watches the scene.

The woman clears her throat and motions for him to join her. She opens a door, a door without a frame. Standing in the door is a man with sinister features. Black, slicked hair. A short van-dyke. He holds a ledger, and smiles wide, beckoning Gellan forward. Heat blasts Gellan and the woman. The woman is unmoved, but Gellan's features go ruddy from the heat. He screams, getting a gaze over the shoulder of what must be a devil.

A Dwarf in Silver Armor is there, away from the door. He clears his throat and puts down his axes.

"Nah. He gets ta choose. Old Magic, Old Faith, Old debts. Get thee behind me. All that."

The woman looks back at the dwarf, her face inscrutable. She considers, but nods. If she feels anything about the fate of Gellan Primewater, she does not show it.

Gellan scrambles back and hides behind the dwarf.

"Take me back! TAKE! ME! BACK!"

The Devil in the door smiles.

"We'll meet again, Gellan Primewater. Leopards. Spots. All that", and The Devil laughs.

Gellan cowers, and panics.

The Dwarf claps him on the shoulder and Gellan is calmed.

"Think it over, Gellan Primewater. Not everyone gets..."

Gellan gasps and takes in the loudest breath in any of you have heard.

"...A SECOND CHANCE!"

He looks to all of you, wide eyed and panting. This happens and the maid screams again and faints.

Gellan puts his head in his hands and weeps.

Level Up! (Yes, yes, shut up.)

Class: Bard6
HP: 1d8 ⇒ 6 6d8+12 (toughness), New total: 36
Feat: N/A
Base Stats: N/A
Skills: 6+Favored+Human; Ranks: +1 Perception, +1 Perform Comedy, +1 Perform Oratory, +1 UMD, +1 Stealth, +1 Disguise, +1 Slight of Hand, +1 Spellcraft
Features Suggestion, Versatile Performance: Comedy

Spells Learned: Glitterdust, Heroism

Skerrin holds his breath for a moment and gets a far-off look.

"I suppose... I don't have any evidence. But... Just a moment."

He checks to make sure the maids have left and closes the living room doors.

"This... Cannot come back to Master Solmor, because we have no proof. He is certain the town has been infiltrated by agents in league with The Scarlet Brotherhood. Indeed, they control the Sea Princes themselves and are intent on using the pirate lords. The slave trade and smugglers are involved and that can mean only one man."

He pauses and makes direct eye contact. He speaks slowly, revealing the secret.

"Councilman Gellan Primewater. He's been involved in the slave trade and lining his pockets with Scarlet coin for years now. And he is very tight with Keledek The Unspoken."

All of my time is spent here, in the estate. I run the household and I have a duty to Master Solmor. He's a very important person, and it's... (sigh) Since the death of his mother, he's been all alone. He inherited her fleets and now he's got his duties to Saltmarsh and Keoland. I spend all of my time caring for the boy... Er... I mean Master Solmor. I see to the day-to-day keepings of the home and to his care. He's still not over the Mistrress's death, and we (he indicates the house around you) are all he has left. I've been here. I supervise the staff, and see to the maintenance and care of the estate. I check the books each Starday and Earthday so on those days I end my day with that, after dinner. I interviewed and hired a new cook this past Moonday..."

He elucidates his past two weeks, working backwards. Nothing else sticks out as odd. He's a homebody. At one point he reaches for one of the brandy sifters but catches himself and tries to pass it off as a nervous twitch.

"...And finally, we are having a bit of a pest problem in the warehouse so I was reading up on the local vermin here in the library until supper. I retired soon after."

He looks to you all.

"I... Well, I'm at a loss. Shall I fetch Master Solmor? Would you like to speak to him?"

BOT!

Peldur shakes his head and smacks himself on the skull a couple of times.

"Oi! This all makes much more sense now! Get ready for a bit o' the rough-n-tumble, Yooooou Lazy Lob!"

He rushes up and attempts to brawl the Spidertaur. The Centider. The... You know, the big buggy bloke!

Peldur enters the Tiger Stance.

"Dun. Dun-dun-dun. Dun-dun-duuuuuuun"

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 TIGER CLAWS!, Damage on Hit:1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 slashing and it'll take persistent bleed 1d4

Bot:

Ianthe moves down the hallway to fall in behind Aurelia.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

She focuses her will, gaining insight into the next few seconds.

Prescience, 1d20 ⇒ 20

Her eyes dart down to admire Xavien's buttocks. Her cheeks burn a little and she clears her throat.

"Yes, what will happen next?" *ahem*

Gatren looks confused for a moment.

"You really don't know what is going on? All I want, all I ever wanted was for Iliza to decide who and what she wants. Is is her choice. I would never force anything upon her, least of all you, you child. For me to disregard her words, she would have had to say SOMETHING to me! We're done here."

Gatren clicks his tongue and the litter raises as he knocks over his king in resignation.

"I formally apologize to Baron Belwick Donnamoor, and release Salvager Iliza from any legal obligation to me, or to us. Which she absolutely could have done herself at anytime."

He turns towards the cove and motions to Oliveay and his healer.

"ILIZA, I AM KEEPING SHOALS. TAKE IT UP WITH THE CROWN."

They move to depart.

Gatren frowns. "THAT is my problem with wizards. You are so sure of your own power and mastery that you think there is a way around the laws of The Heavens and Oerth. There is none. Osprem curses sailors and merfolk to fall in love and never share a world. Eadro offers but one way. I am finished now, Baron Belwick. Wizard, Hero of Saltmarsh. I fear you have bested me, and I have naught left but to try to protect my Salvager one last time. She fears choice, you know. She values her freedom too much. If she did not, she and I'd have been joined a long time ago. Stand. Stand and declare your love for all here. Call to Iliza and convince her. If she joins you upon this shore, if she chooses Eadro's Way, then Blessings on you both. If she does not... Then you win the duel but leave here with a broken heart. Or you can choose not to choose, to attempt to wizard your way, and complicate what is really very simple. That path will bring pain on you both, and I will not stand by and let Iliza be hurt. I will lose this chess match and I will withdraw... But we leave here as enemies. Now..."

He lightly touches his king with one finger.

"Which path will it be?"

He returns to his place by the board. Fitzfin actually hops up and rubs his shoulders, consoling the merman. The Merman makes a big show of calming his breathing and meditating before he can continue. Fitzfin hops down and Gatren returns to the match.

His healer casts a spell, and all of you feel your tempers mellow a little.

Gatren returns to himself. He smiles, maybe a little sadly.

"Of course. But I hope you'll answer my questions in return. Iliza and I were frys together. Inseparable, really. She's well suited to her charge. She explores and gathers and collects. Do you know that Iliza is one of the finest Salvagers we've ever had? It was my job to protect her--act as a second set of eyes, help her fight off what she could not. Lots of missions together, and lots of danger. We saved each other's fins plenty of times. I... Hrmm."

He starts playing like he's delaying.

"Nine Hells. This may cost me the match. Tell me, Baron. Do not spare for my feelings. Tell me how you feel about her. And why."

Any sort of hostility from Gatren doesn't seem to be present. He salutes you with a finger, in acknowledgement of your compliment. He stretches, and begins play.

"And yourself, Baron? You are landed? You have a domain of your own, and a duty to your people? Far to The North? Will you tell me of Donnamoor and of your own duties?"

Dragonchess:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
If that roll doesn't beat Belwick then INDOMINABLE!

Corran eyes the conversation, unsure of Xavien's game. He rests his hand on his falcata and starts to slowly move to a flanking position.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

He bumps his shin on the wall and his lute jumbles enough to twang one of the strings. There's a moment where everyone looks at him and he clears his throat.

"Ahem. Ah... Sorry." and stays put. He then notices the look on Ianthe's face and... Oh, gross!

Damn and blast!

Baghotir swears as he approaches the waterline to delve back into the sea. "I need another set!" he shouts at the water.

He turns back to town, and continues the hunt!

[dice=Persuasion?]1d20+5 (If it's Investigation, well, that's a -1)

Unable to find something suitable (I suspect) he keeps hunting, though he's worrying about the time it's taking.

[dice=Persuasion?]1d20+5 (If it's Investigation, well, that's a -1)

He'll grab the 1gp set, as he's beginning to suspect that time is more a factor than quality at this point...

Baghotir is now carrying two dragonchessboards and standing on the beach looking... For some way to carry wooden pieces into the water.

It occurs to you that this board will not function underwater.

The Necrotic reduction (mmmm... Reduction) is gone after a long rest.

The charm has a 24 hour duration.

Tal looks at Carrufikus.

"What do we do? We all go down together, that's what we do."

Tal grabs the gnome and drags him through the portal.

Tal fires away.

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36, 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

CRITICAL... 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 1) + 3 = 10 doubled plus 1d10 ⇒ 5

29, if a hit:2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9

Demoralize with an Intimidating Glare:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Talborel is all over the cum door. Let's go.

The blasting horn answers!

"I am the Herald of Gatren Em, Lord of Deep-Water Current, Prince of Shoals, and Knight of The Seas. My Lord seeks an audience with Baron Belwick Donnamoor, Ursurper, Thief, Brigand, Scum, Barnacle-biter, fish-eater, warlock, molester, and... Well it kinda goes on and on. My lord finishes with, '...Cad of a Dolphin' "

Baghotir eyes the cloak of protection, but will allow someone else that precious item. Too useful! Instead he'll claim a shield +1, and happily strap it to his back. He puts his old shield up on the wall of his apartment.

He spends lavishly during the week, enjoying himself temporarily spending as a wealthy dwarf!

4gp/day (wealthy) plus 5gp for the guild = 33gp spent

When the festivities begin to die down, he plans to work on his bastion. There is much to do, and he wants to see it's started off on the right foot.

He's got hirelings and defenders to hire, and he wants to start on Phase II (washroom, kitchen, and dining room). He'd love to start on Phase III, but he doesn't have the cash as yet. So that will remain a dream for now.

He donates 2,650gp of his own hard earned cash to begin construction of phase two - a Washroom (cramped), Kitchen (roomy) and Dining Room/Meeting Hall (roomy). The spaces are boxy, but fit together well enough around the central courtyard. So far, everything is on one floor, but he knows he's going to need to expand upward eventually. Phase three - second story!

In his free time, he works some of the stone of the building himself. Though a skilled mason in his own right, he doesn't step on the toes of the site foreperson. Though he may be paying for it, there are those with greater skill in such things as he's well aware. Still, in his idle time, he can be found carving scroll-work into lintels, jams, and even walls as he seeks to beautify the space. He'll even use his new spell - stone shape - to get things precisely the way he wants them.

As he works, humming along, he imagines the library, storehouse, pub (with his own brew!), and guild hall. Oh, it shall be glorious indeed - in time!

Once that has been started, he plans to spend his time in the mines. It may no longer be his job exactly, but it is his calling. He'll check in with the guild, of which he maintains membership, and see if there's anything he can do for some time (not sure how...

This is all AWESOME! I love that you're embracing the systems and are looking to integrate Baghotir in the operations of the town and area. Great job!

Forgot a Save...

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

...Huh.

The Baron, beaten down by Dwagin, succumbs to Alisanne's mockery. Combined with the cloth-yard shafts embedded in him... It's too much. The mockery breaks the frenzy, and now that the Baron is aware, he is aware that he is dying. He gasps one final breath and collapses beneath Big Bimz.

Everyone earns 1233 Experience Points

The remaining guardsmen shake themselves out of their stupor and watch their lord, the chosen of Sekolah, fall before feeble land dwellers. Their morale breaks, and they flee at full speed into the darkness, screaming in fear.

Behind you, you hear the Saltmarsh regulars rush the gate. In moments, you're surrounded by Saltmarsh Guardsmen. All are silent while they survey the scene. The six of you, standing, wounded but triumphant. The king of The Sahuagin is dead beneath a magically animated stuffed animal.

Silence.

Then a cheer breaks out from the Saltmarsh guard and they rush out into the darkness.

The last five minutes felt like hours, and it hurts to breathe. But for now, your battle is over. You have taken the first level of the fortress.

Belwick recieves a sending through his shell... The Merfolk have begun their assault, but The Sahuagin are leaderless, disorganized, and distracted by your very loud battle... It is a matter of time.

You have achieved a TOTAL VICTORY and JUST earned enough points to reach the top score bracket. Congratulations, Heroes of Saltmarsh and Keoland.

Caelius, Death Save 1d20 ⇒ 20

...Huh... Caelius awakens with 1 HP.

Baron, Wisdom Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11... The Baron snarls and seems to collect himself. His eyes return to sanity and he visibly seethes.

He stops for a moment, looking at his incapacitated warriors and clearly wants to slap them into action... But the Belwick's suggestion must be obeyed.

He takes the Dash action.

Oh, right... Embers...

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 or Advantage from Help: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

1d8 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 plus 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 6) = 13

...with the help from Hobart and Baghotir's hit, slays the Sahuagin that had managed to resist Blood Frenzy so far.

ROUND 4... Caelius remains thanks to a Nat 20 on the death save.

ROUND 5 BEGINS
1. Alisanne (22) GO
2. Venn (18) GO
3. Sahuagin Royal Guard (17) Various
4. Caelius (14) TBD, Prone
5. Belwick (13) TBD
6. Embers (10) TBD
7. Baghotir (8) GO, 2x Concentration Checks
8. Baron Kepmak (4) TBD