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Story Hour
The Dark Squad in the Secrets of Saltmarsh #135 Sorry For The (Attempted) Genocide.
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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 8292431" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>Dark Squad in the Secrets of Saltmarsh</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Session #049a I Know That Name! [The PCs Chorus] </strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Dark Squad (in alphabetical order, no egos here).</strong></p><p><strong>New Tricks (played by Bear) Male Tabaxi Warlock Lvl 7</strong></p><p><strong>Ramshambo (played by Kev) Male Half-Elf Rogue Lvl 7</strong></p><p><strong>Vincenzo (played by Haggis) Male Shifter (Wildhunt) Druid Lvl 7</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>NPCs</strong></p><p><strong>Daktari Male Human Uthgardt Sky Pony Barbarian Lvl 7</strong></p><p><strong><s>Garumn Male Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Moradin Lvl 5 </s>RIP*</strong></p><p><strong>*Trapped in the Land of the Bad Dead Ancestors.</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Servants/Familiars</strong></p><p><strong>Gerald (Bat/Giant Bat) servant/mount of New Tricks</strong></p><p><strong>Owly (Owl) Vinnie’s familiar</strong></p><p></p><p>This is session 49a, and it made us laugh, particularly towards the end when one of the Dark Squad found themselves accused of attempting to burn down the Wayside Inn, and everyone in it.</p><p></p><p>Who would attempt to do such a despicable thing?</p><p></p><p>Just diabolical!</p><p></p><p>Bad Vinnie, very bad Vinnie.</p><p></p><p>Actually, the above bit of the story is going to get told in the second part of this session/write up.</p><p></p><p>But there’s also a surprise to be found at the end of this instalment, so read on- we had a week off last week and so we’re all up for fun and larks tonight.</p><p></p><p>The Dark Squad’s to-do list reads a little like this-</p><p></p><p>1) Visit Fallowstone Holy, search for an old map showing the Witch’s Tor, and anything else we can think of that needs investigating.</p><p></p><p>2) To Ravendale, investigate the dragon attack?</p><p></p><p>3) To Burle, meet with the Falcon.</p><p></p><p>4) Goblins in the Dreadwood.</p><p></p><p>5) To Blackedge, find the Goblin Stair.</p><p></p><p>Well, the first two things got done in this instalment, and plenty more beside, but there was lots of chatter in this one.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]137731[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Fallowstone, the Dark Squad on tour.</strong></p><p></p><p>We therefore start the session in Fallowstone, the Dark Squad spent the night at the Red Fox Inn, a very pleasant establishment, although a little expensive. But they figure they deserve a little luxury after their close encounter (read: massacre) of my gnolls at Butterskull Ranch.</p><p></p><p>The first job today then is first off to report in to the authorities, Fallowstone has a Militia Hall, the only permanent paid resident of which is Lulu Lensk, a capable young swordswoman who runs the village’s defence force. The adventurers let Lulu know about events at the Butterskull Ranch, and the fact that Big Al Kalhoon, owner of Butterskull, is missing presumed eaten by the gnolls. The chat with Lulu continues for some time- gnolls it seems are something new in the Saltmarsh region. Lulu has worked in Fallowstone for five or so years, there’s never been a gnoll problem before. The Dark Squad explain that they are continuing their journey on to Burle, to see the Falcon. Received wisdom is the Falcon needs to know about this attack.</p><p></p><p>The adventurers also inform Lulu about the hobgoblin patrol they encountered, the militiawoman however has much more experience in dealing with goblinoids- it seems spring is the season for goblin raids, she’ll be on the look-out for them.</p><p></p><p>[Informing the authorities 300 XP]</p><p></p><p>Then, several hours are spent at the Fallowstone Holy, a temple dedicated to the preservation of writing (Deneir) and knowledge (Oghma). After a little chatter the gang are ushered into the presence of Brother Barnabus (Deneir) and Sister Annabolezia (Oghma), there follows a lot more chatter, mainly the PCs trying to figure out exactly what information they need.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]137732[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Fallowstone Holy, smells of 'OLD' apparently.</strong></p><p></p><p>Note the priests are convinced to find out a number of old maps of the Saltmarsh region for the adventurers to view, alas none of these seem to show the place that the Dark Squad are looking for.</p><p></p><p>Note, Daktari (played by Jim/Vinnie, again) is not present for a majority of this debate, as the barbarian states a little into the chatter-</p><p></p><p>“I am go now. This place smells of OLD!”</p><p></p><p>Yet more chatter follows, and the two burning questions the Dark Squad have are-</p><p></p><p>1) Where is the Witch’s Tor? This place features in one of the prophecies of the Bad Dead Ancestors, &</p><p></p><p>2) Who, or what, is/are the Pact of the Flame?</p><p></p><p>After still more chatter, followed by swift payment, Barnabus and Anna get to work- however the answers (or else any new info) is going to take days to locate in the sprawling library here.</p><p></p><p>Just for info it costs 10gp/day to research one question, or else (flash sale prices)- 15gp/day for two questions to be investigated.</p><p></p><p>The chance of finding the answer to question 1) the location of the Witch’s Tor, is 1 in 20/day of investigation- so, day two = 2 in 20, day three = 3 in 20, and so on.</p><p></p><p>Alas the chance of finding info regarding question 2) the Pact of the Flame, is 1 in 100/day of investigation (as above).</p><p></p><p>The Dark Squad hand over the cash, now they just need to roll low, and remarkably they do so- the answer to question 1) will be available to them in just five days’ time, and the answer to question 2) in just eleven days from now. They’ll even get some money back from the priest’s here when they return.</p><p></p><p>Job done!</p><p></p><p>[Enquiries at the Fallowstone Holy 400 XP]</p><p></p><p>Then, late afternoon and it’s already time to move on- to Ravendale, remember this is the place that suffered a dragon attack, or else a bunch of livestock did out in a field somewhere nearby. The Dark Squad learnt this during their first Saltmarsh Town Council meeting.</p><p></p><p>Well, as it turns out… that’s not quite right.</p><p></p><p>So, Ravendale is a much smaller place, a working village- and the folk here mostly keep to themselves. A little later one of the Dark Squad gets into conversation with a local, the adventurers are directed to Reginald and Ronald Burke, brothers and owners of the Silly Goose (Tavern) and Burke’s Place (General Store) respectively.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]137733[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Ravendale, its not much to look at.</strong></p><p></p><p>It seems the Burke’s are as close as Ravendale comes to authority figures.</p><p></p><p>It should be mentioned that the member of the Dark Squad doing a lot of the talking here is Newt- and so the conversation is alternatively creepy, and then rewarding. By this I mean Newt casually mentions a number of creatures that he has enjoyed incinerating recently, and then just as the poor peasant has passed beyond wary and into terrified territory, the tabaxi gives the fellow a shiny new gold coin (a tenday’s wages- at least) for directing the gang two hundred yards to the Silly Goose.</p><p></p><p>Note, Newt is frightening to experience, and to listen to, but ultimately financially rewarding- he pays well.</p><p></p><p>A little while later and half-a-dozen more locals have turned up to watch/eavesdrop on the action within the tavern, the Dark Squad are a big draw wherever they go.</p><p></p><p>Also note the peasant only approached the Dark Squad in the first place in an attempt to discover exactly what Newt is.</p><p></p><p>“A cat… man! Riding an ‘orse! Chauntea save me!”</p><p></p><p>[Newt is making friends/terrifying folk, as usual 200 XP]</p><p></p><p>So, a meal and drinks at the Silly Goose tavern, and with Reginald Burke (proprietor) answering questions- although not many questions, and even then Reg is keen first to find out exactly who, or what, the Dark Squad are. Also, who they are working for?</p><p></p><p>The Dark Squad are working for Eliander Fireborn, Saltmarsh Watch Commander (slightly inflating his title), Newt makes this fact very clear- although it’s not actually true, of course.</p><p></p><p>So, Reginald tells the adventurers- no livestock were made to suffer here, and there was no dragon attack, only… well, you’d better see for yourselves.</p><p></p><p>[The Dark Squad convince Reg 200 XP]</p><p></p><p>Ten minutes later and the adventurers are taken to Hecse Field by one of the day-time drinkers from the Silly Goose. Hecse field is a fallow meadow, however its newest addition is an arcane symbol of some sort (perhaps) burnt into the dirt and scrub, and more disturbingly in the centre of the symbol the burnt skeletal remains of a… victim? A sacrifice?</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]137734[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Checking for signs of Newt, I mean whoever did this despicable thing. Newt?</strong></p><p></p><p>The immolated individual having also been staked to the ground- that’s not nice.</p><p></p><p>Newt is interested/excited/tumescent, take your pick.</p><p></p><p>Investigations continue apace, because this is not what the Dark Squad were expecting to find here. They keep expecting to find a dragon- funny that. The following discoveries are made, note the lowest (adjusted) check from the PCs is a ‘23’, and there was a natural ‘20’ in there as well. So, here’s everything-</p><p></p><p>1) The immolation/sacrifice took place about 8-10 days ago.</p><p></p><p>2) The area within the burnt symbol is pristine, it seems no creatures/predators have seen fit to enter the demarked zone.</p><p></p><p>3) The symbol is not familiar/recognizable.</p><p></p><p>4) There are tracks here, Vinnie is certain- it was kobolds that did this (about a dozen of them), although there are also the tracks of one larger/heavier creature, but with very similar claw prints.</p><p></p><p>5) The kobolds (and friend) headed off towards the Dreadwood, although the tracks can only be followed for a very short distance.</p><p></p><p>6) The victim was a male human, and while he was most likely burned to death the body/skeleton also shows signs of recent abuse- broken ribs, a broken wrist and a fractured skull.</p><p></p><p>[Investigations in Hecse Field 400 XP]</p><p></p><p>Then, back to the Silly Goose for another chat with Reginald, although on the Dark Squad’s return Ronald has also shut up his shop and joined his brother for the following discussion. The PCs, of course, are keen to find out who the victim was, they learn that-</p><p></p><p>1) The victim only arrived in Ravendale two or three days before his body was found in Hecse Field, which was seven days past.</p><p></p><p>2) Nobody heard or saw the burning take place, Hecse Field is in an out of the way place- you have to go there to get there.</p><p></p><p>3) The victim was a male human in his late 30’s, early 40’s- although very few people got close enough to see the fellow, he wore a heavy cloak even in spring.</p><p></p><p>4) The victim was staying in an old hut on the outskirts of the village, the place had been left empty and abandoned (for some time).</p><p></p><p>5) The victim arrived in Ravendale on a farmer’s cart- he hitched a ride, it is later discovered.</p><p></p><p>6) The victim most likely came from Saltmarsh, or somewhere in that direction.</p><p></p><p>7) The victim was badly injured when he arrived in Ravendale, he seemed to be in pain- although, see above/below, none of the villagers got to talk with him.</p><p></p><p>8) The victim however visited the Temple of Chauntea twice.</p><p></p><p>9) Other than the above, the victim never left his hut- not to go to the store, or to visit the tavern. He spoke to no-one, save perhaps the Priestess of Chauntea.</p><p></p><p>10) The victim’s name, and anything else about him, is therefore unknown. Ronald and Reginald confess that they were going to pay the fellow a visit in his hut, but… events moved on quickly… and then he was dead.</p><p></p><p>Again, much more chatter follows.</p><p></p><p>[More investigations 400 XP]</p><p></p><p>Reginald and Ronald are of the opinion- “whoever he was he was on the run, or else lying low.”</p><p></p><p>The pair (Reggie & Ronnie), the adventurers discern, may have a little experience in this area. Note, the inhabitants of Ravendale are for the most part simple peasant folk- the Burke’s are outsiders, and they both look to have spent considerable time at sea (tattoos, speech and mannerisms et al).</p><p></p><p>Next stop, of course, the Shrine of Chauntea- and Sister Marlyn, the Priestess (actually Acolyte) there.</p><p></p><p>Sister Marlyn, after a little more chatter and a donation to her cause, confirms that the victim visited here twice, both times for healing- his wounds it seems came well before the fire, or at least some of them.</p><p></p><p>He was badly wounded, Marlyn confirms- he had been beaten within an inch of his life, his face and body black and blue, and lacerated, and cut… perhaps he had been tortured.</p><p></p><p>But did he tell Sister Marlyn his name?</p><p></p><p>He did, in an off-guard moment- wracked with pain, he said his name was Blevins.</p><p></p><p>At which point there is silence around the VTT.</p><p></p><p>And I’ve been deliberately egging the PCs on by having them find things out about the unfortunate fellow, but not his name… the victim’s name, at this point, has become a thing… the Dark Squad really want to know.</p><p></p><p>Who was this guy?</p><p></p><p>Blevins!</p><p></p><p>Twenty seconds of silence.</p><p></p><p>Then all three players state-</p><p></p><p>“I know that name!”</p><p></p><p>Or some variant.</p><p></p><p>And, more or less, simultaneously, and another minute or two later- after a scramble through notes (or else a look back to here) and the connection is made.</p><p></p><p>Blevins was the arsehole the Dark Squad encountered on their first day in Saltmarsh, at the warehouse they were visiting with the Slagg’s. Blevins was the racist, he was the guy that Porthole Slagg attempted to beat into sometime early next week. Blevins was the guy that Ram spent time following, during one of his lunch breaks. Blevins was the guy that Newt decided to pay a visit to, later that seem week, in an attempt to clear the air- the two ended up screaming, swearing and making threats…</p><p></p><p>Which leads Newt to ask?</p><p></p><p>“We didn’t kill him? Did we? Surely, I’d remember that?”</p><p></p><p>“We didn’t even beat the naughty word out of him!” Ram adds, sounding somewhat unhappy about the fact.</p><p></p><p>But here’s the thing- Blevins was the boss of the warehouse, the Dark Squad’s first visit was on the 2nd or 3rd of Tarsakh, that’s a month ago. Blevins had been badly beaten, had fled for his life- probably, and then been immolated (by kobolds et al), all within two tendays of meeting the Dark Squad.</p><p></p><p>“Are you sure we didn’t do it?” Newt asks again.</p><p></p><p>Later on the Dark Squad find the hut that Blevins had been using, and break in- the place stinks of blood, sweat and worse; and there’s little here except bloody rags and bloody clothes, a little food, and after a very thorough search a buried pouch with half-a-dozen platinum pieces in it.</p><p></p><p>Blevins was, they are certain, on the run- someone was after him.</p><p></p><p>Someone found him, maybe.</p><p></p><p>Which is odd because the only people the Dark Squad know that really hated Blevins (apart from them) were… well, certainly the Slaggs (Porthole & Grumpy), and maybe some of the other dwarves from Farhill. But, who knows?</p><p></p><p>Who killed Blevins? And why?</p><p></p><p>[Blevins 400 XP]</p><p></p><p>The adventurers don’t quite now what to say or do about this new piece of information for a while, however… they do know that they want to get on, and there’s a very good Inn that they have been recommended (the Wayside Inn) just a few miles short of Burle, and if they ride hard- they can get there tonight.</p><p></p><p>That’ll put them closer to their next task for tomorrow- to meet with the Falcon.</p><p></p><p>And so it comes to pass, only when the Dark Squad arrive at the Wayside Inn, and in the last light of the day, and with a miserly rain falling. They discover that the place is full of terrified folk, and that trying to smash their way through the windows and doors of the fine establishment are a dozen or so of the shambling undead- zombies.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]137735[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The Wayside Inn- delightful food, a full selection of cask ales, fine imported wines and generous guest rooms, oh- and hot and cold running zombies. </strong></p><p></p><p>The Dark Squad dismount and then kick into action.</p><p></p><p>But we’ll get to that in the second part of this session, in which the druid learns the hard way that you can’t start a fire without a spark (as Bruce Springsteen was so keen to make clear).</p><p></p><p>Stay safe and well you lovely people.</p><p></p><p>Cheers the Dark Squad and goonalan.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 8292431, member: 16069"] [CENTER][B]Dark Squad in the Secrets of Saltmarsh[/B][/CENTER] [B]Session #049a I Know That Name! [The PCs Chorus] Dark Squad (in alphabetical order, no egos here). New Tricks (played by Bear) Male Tabaxi Warlock Lvl 7 Ramshambo (played by Kev) Male Half-Elf Rogue Lvl 7 Vincenzo (played by Haggis) Male Shifter (Wildhunt) Druid Lvl 7 NPCs Daktari Male Human Uthgardt Sky Pony Barbarian Lvl 7 [S]Garumn Male Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Moradin Lvl 5 [/S]RIP* *Trapped in the Land of the Bad Dead Ancestors. Servants/Familiars Gerald (Bat/Giant Bat) servant/mount of New Tricks Owly (Owl) Vinnie’s familiar[/B] This is session 49a, and it made us laugh, particularly towards the end when one of the Dark Squad found themselves accused of attempting to burn down the Wayside Inn, and everyone in it. Who would attempt to do such a despicable thing? Just diabolical! Bad Vinnie, very bad Vinnie. Actually, the above bit of the story is going to get told in the second part of this session/write up. But there’s also a surprise to be found at the end of this instalment, so read on- we had a week off last week and so we’re all up for fun and larks tonight. The Dark Squad’s to-do list reads a little like this- 1) Visit Fallowstone Holy, search for an old map showing the Witch’s Tor, and anything else we can think of that needs investigating. 2) To Ravendale, investigate the dragon attack? 3) To Burle, meet with the Falcon. 4) Goblins in the Dreadwood. 5) To Blackedge, find the Goblin Stair. Well, the first two things got done in this instalment, and plenty more beside, but there was lots of chatter in this one. [ATTACH type="full"]137731[/ATTACH] [B]Fallowstone, the Dark Squad on tour.[/B] We therefore start the session in Fallowstone, the Dark Squad spent the night at the Red Fox Inn, a very pleasant establishment, although a little expensive. But they figure they deserve a little luxury after their close encounter (read: massacre) of my gnolls at Butterskull Ranch. The first job today then is first off to report in to the authorities, Fallowstone has a Militia Hall, the only permanent paid resident of which is Lulu Lensk, a capable young swordswoman who runs the village’s defence force. The adventurers let Lulu know about events at the Butterskull Ranch, and the fact that Big Al Kalhoon, owner of Butterskull, is missing presumed eaten by the gnolls. The chat with Lulu continues for some time- gnolls it seems are something new in the Saltmarsh region. Lulu has worked in Fallowstone for five or so years, there’s never been a gnoll problem before. The Dark Squad explain that they are continuing their journey on to Burle, to see the Falcon. Received wisdom is the Falcon needs to know about this attack. The adventurers also inform Lulu about the hobgoblin patrol they encountered, the militiawoman however has much more experience in dealing with goblinoids- it seems spring is the season for goblin raids, she’ll be on the look-out for them. [Informing the authorities 300 XP] Then, several hours are spent at the Fallowstone Holy, a temple dedicated to the preservation of writing (Deneir) and knowledge (Oghma). After a little chatter the gang are ushered into the presence of Brother Barnabus (Deneir) and Sister Annabolezia (Oghma), there follows a lot more chatter, mainly the PCs trying to figure out exactly what information they need. [ATTACH type="full"]137732[/ATTACH] [B]Fallowstone Holy, smells of 'OLD' apparently.[/B] Note the priests are convinced to find out a number of old maps of the Saltmarsh region for the adventurers to view, alas none of these seem to show the place that the Dark Squad are looking for. Note, Daktari (played by Jim/Vinnie, again) is not present for a majority of this debate, as the barbarian states a little into the chatter- “I am go now. This place smells of OLD!” Yet more chatter follows, and the two burning questions the Dark Squad have are- 1) Where is the Witch’s Tor? This place features in one of the prophecies of the Bad Dead Ancestors, & 2) Who, or what, is/are the Pact of the Flame? After still more chatter, followed by swift payment, Barnabus and Anna get to work- however the answers (or else any new info) is going to take days to locate in the sprawling library here. Just for info it costs 10gp/day to research one question, or else (flash sale prices)- 15gp/day for two questions to be investigated. The chance of finding the answer to question 1) the location of the Witch’s Tor, is 1 in 20/day of investigation- so, day two = 2 in 20, day three = 3 in 20, and so on. Alas the chance of finding info regarding question 2) the Pact of the Flame, is 1 in 100/day of investigation (as above). The Dark Squad hand over the cash, now they just need to roll low, and remarkably they do so- the answer to question 1) will be available to them in just five days’ time, and the answer to question 2) in just eleven days from now. They’ll even get some money back from the priest’s here when they return. Job done! [Enquiries at the Fallowstone Holy 400 XP] Then, late afternoon and it’s already time to move on- to Ravendale, remember this is the place that suffered a dragon attack, or else a bunch of livestock did out in a field somewhere nearby. The Dark Squad learnt this during their first Saltmarsh Town Council meeting. Well, as it turns out… that’s not quite right. So, Ravendale is a much smaller place, a working village- and the folk here mostly keep to themselves. A little later one of the Dark Squad gets into conversation with a local, the adventurers are directed to Reginald and Ronald Burke, brothers and owners of the Silly Goose (Tavern) and Burke’s Place (General Store) respectively. [ATTACH type="full"]137733[/ATTACH] [B]Ravendale, its not much to look at.[/B] It seems the Burke’s are as close as Ravendale comes to authority figures. It should be mentioned that the member of the Dark Squad doing a lot of the talking here is Newt- and so the conversation is alternatively creepy, and then rewarding. By this I mean Newt casually mentions a number of creatures that he has enjoyed incinerating recently, and then just as the poor peasant has passed beyond wary and into terrified territory, the tabaxi gives the fellow a shiny new gold coin (a tenday’s wages- at least) for directing the gang two hundred yards to the Silly Goose. Note, Newt is frightening to experience, and to listen to, but ultimately financially rewarding- he pays well. A little while later and half-a-dozen more locals have turned up to watch/eavesdrop on the action within the tavern, the Dark Squad are a big draw wherever they go. Also note the peasant only approached the Dark Squad in the first place in an attempt to discover exactly what Newt is. “A cat… man! Riding an ‘orse! Chauntea save me!” [Newt is making friends/terrifying folk, as usual 200 XP] So, a meal and drinks at the Silly Goose tavern, and with Reginald Burke (proprietor) answering questions- although not many questions, and even then Reg is keen first to find out exactly who, or what, the Dark Squad are. Also, who they are working for? The Dark Squad are working for Eliander Fireborn, Saltmarsh Watch Commander (slightly inflating his title), Newt makes this fact very clear- although it’s not actually true, of course. So, Reginald tells the adventurers- no livestock were made to suffer here, and there was no dragon attack, only… well, you’d better see for yourselves. [The Dark Squad convince Reg 200 XP] Ten minutes later and the adventurers are taken to Hecse Field by one of the day-time drinkers from the Silly Goose. Hecse field is a fallow meadow, however its newest addition is an arcane symbol of some sort (perhaps) burnt into the dirt and scrub, and more disturbingly in the centre of the symbol the burnt skeletal remains of a… victim? A sacrifice? [ATTACH type="full"]137734[/ATTACH] [B]Checking for signs of Newt, I mean whoever did this despicable thing. Newt?[/B] The immolated individual having also been staked to the ground- that’s not nice. Newt is interested/excited/tumescent, take your pick. Investigations continue apace, because this is not what the Dark Squad were expecting to find here. They keep expecting to find a dragon- funny that. The following discoveries are made, note the lowest (adjusted) check from the PCs is a ‘23’, and there was a natural ‘20’ in there as well. So, here’s everything- 1) The immolation/sacrifice took place about 8-10 days ago. 2) The area within the burnt symbol is pristine, it seems no creatures/predators have seen fit to enter the demarked zone. 3) The symbol is not familiar/recognizable. 4) There are tracks here, Vinnie is certain- it was kobolds that did this (about a dozen of them), although there are also the tracks of one larger/heavier creature, but with very similar claw prints. 5) The kobolds (and friend) headed off towards the Dreadwood, although the tracks can only be followed for a very short distance. 6) The victim was a male human, and while he was most likely burned to death the body/skeleton also shows signs of recent abuse- broken ribs, a broken wrist and a fractured skull. [Investigations in Hecse Field 400 XP] Then, back to the Silly Goose for another chat with Reginald, although on the Dark Squad’s return Ronald has also shut up his shop and joined his brother for the following discussion. The PCs, of course, are keen to find out who the victim was, they learn that- 1) The victim only arrived in Ravendale two or three days before his body was found in Hecse Field, which was seven days past. 2) Nobody heard or saw the burning take place, Hecse Field is in an out of the way place- you have to go there to get there. 3) The victim was a male human in his late 30’s, early 40’s- although very few people got close enough to see the fellow, he wore a heavy cloak even in spring. 4) The victim was staying in an old hut on the outskirts of the village, the place had been left empty and abandoned (for some time). 5) The victim arrived in Ravendale on a farmer’s cart- he hitched a ride, it is later discovered. 6) The victim most likely came from Saltmarsh, or somewhere in that direction. 7) The victim was badly injured when he arrived in Ravendale, he seemed to be in pain- although, see above/below, none of the villagers got to talk with him. 8) The victim however visited the Temple of Chauntea twice. 9) Other than the above, the victim never left his hut- not to go to the store, or to visit the tavern. He spoke to no-one, save perhaps the Priestess of Chauntea. 10) The victim’s name, and anything else about him, is therefore unknown. Ronald and Reginald confess that they were going to pay the fellow a visit in his hut, but… events moved on quickly… and then he was dead. Again, much more chatter follows. [More investigations 400 XP] Reginald and Ronald are of the opinion- “whoever he was he was on the run, or else lying low.” The pair (Reggie & Ronnie), the adventurers discern, may have a little experience in this area. Note, the inhabitants of Ravendale are for the most part simple peasant folk- the Burke’s are outsiders, and they both look to have spent considerable time at sea (tattoos, speech and mannerisms et al). Next stop, of course, the Shrine of Chauntea- and Sister Marlyn, the Priestess (actually Acolyte) there. Sister Marlyn, after a little more chatter and a donation to her cause, confirms that the victim visited here twice, both times for healing- his wounds it seems came well before the fire, or at least some of them. He was badly wounded, Marlyn confirms- he had been beaten within an inch of his life, his face and body black and blue, and lacerated, and cut… perhaps he had been tortured. But did he tell Sister Marlyn his name? He did, in an off-guard moment- wracked with pain, he said his name was Blevins. At which point there is silence around the VTT. And I’ve been deliberately egging the PCs on by having them find things out about the unfortunate fellow, but not his name… the victim’s name, at this point, has become a thing… the Dark Squad really want to know. Who was this guy? Blevins! Twenty seconds of silence. Then all three players state- “I know that name!” Or some variant. And, more or less, simultaneously, and another minute or two later- after a scramble through notes (or else a look back to here) and the connection is made. Blevins was the arsehole the Dark Squad encountered on their first day in Saltmarsh, at the warehouse they were visiting with the Slagg’s. Blevins was the racist, he was the guy that Porthole Slagg attempted to beat into sometime early next week. Blevins was the guy that Ram spent time following, during one of his lunch breaks. Blevins was the guy that Newt decided to pay a visit to, later that seem week, in an attempt to clear the air- the two ended up screaming, swearing and making threats… Which leads Newt to ask? “We didn’t kill him? Did we? Surely, I’d remember that?” “We didn’t even beat the naughty word out of him!” Ram adds, sounding somewhat unhappy about the fact. But here’s the thing- Blevins was the boss of the warehouse, the Dark Squad’s first visit was on the 2nd or 3rd of Tarsakh, that’s a month ago. Blevins had been badly beaten, had fled for his life- probably, and then been immolated (by kobolds et al), all within two tendays of meeting the Dark Squad. “Are you sure we didn’t do it?” Newt asks again. Later on the Dark Squad find the hut that Blevins had been using, and break in- the place stinks of blood, sweat and worse; and there’s little here except bloody rags and bloody clothes, a little food, and after a very thorough search a buried pouch with half-a-dozen platinum pieces in it. Blevins was, they are certain, on the run- someone was after him. Someone found him, maybe. Which is odd because the only people the Dark Squad know that really hated Blevins (apart from them) were… well, certainly the Slaggs (Porthole & Grumpy), and maybe some of the other dwarves from Farhill. But, who knows? Who killed Blevins? And why? [Blevins 400 XP] The adventurers don’t quite now what to say or do about this new piece of information for a while, however… they do know that they want to get on, and there’s a very good Inn that they have been recommended (the Wayside Inn) just a few miles short of Burle, and if they ride hard- they can get there tonight. That’ll put them closer to their next task for tomorrow- to meet with the Falcon. And so it comes to pass, only when the Dark Squad arrive at the Wayside Inn, and in the last light of the day, and with a miserly rain falling. They discover that the place is full of terrified folk, and that trying to smash their way through the windows and doors of the fine establishment are a dozen or so of the shambling undead- zombies. [ATTACH type="full"]137735[/ATTACH] [B]The Wayside Inn- delightful food, a full selection of cask ales, fine imported wines and generous guest rooms, oh- and hot and cold running zombies. [/B] The Dark Squad dismount and then kick into action. But we’ll get to that in the second part of this session, in which the druid learns the hard way that you can’t start a fire without a spark (as Bruce Springsteen was so keen to make clear). Stay safe and well you lovely people. Cheers the Dark Squad and goonalan. [/QUOTE]
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The Dark Squad in the Secrets of Saltmarsh #135 Sorry For The (Attempted) Genocide.
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