It has been smooth sailing across the Azure Sea, the weather remaining consistently warm and pleasant. Clear skies stretch overhead, dotted occasionally with fluffy white clouds that drift lazily on the horizon. The sun shines warmly, casting a golden glow over the tranquil waters below, while gentle breezes fill the sails, propelling the ship forward with ease.
The Laughing Monk makes good time as it tracks across boundless blue waters. The ship, more expensive to book than most, proves to be worth the extra coin. The cabins, small but private, are comfortable, dry and quiet. It’s captain, a tall wood elf by the name of Brook Reyhana, wears a welcoming smile, a belt of knives, and runs a tight, efficient ship. The crew are uniformed and always busy, often trading sea songs with one another, as much to entertain the passengers as to pass the working hours.
Throughout the voyage, passengers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the open sea, where the clear waters shimmer in the sunlight, reflecting the ever-changing hues of the sky above. Dolphins and their merfolk handers frolic in the ship's wake, their sleek bodies slicing through the waves with effortless grace, while seabirds soar overhead, their plaintive calls echoing across the expanse of ocean.
It is an auspicious start to your adventures. For some of you, the journey has been long, starting as far away as the Free City of Irongate, on the other side of the Gearnat Straight. Others boarded the ship more recently, when it stopped over in Gryrax to resupply and exchange goods. Another passenger joined on the last evening, rowing out to meet the ship as it anchored at sunset just off the Salinmoor viscounty capital of Seaton; a weathered marine on the last leg of his journey home.
With the sunrise, the Laughing Monk raises anchor for the final leg of its trip, before it will turn sail to begin the return trip back to the far side of the sea.
It is still mid-morning when the mouth of the Kingfisher River and the port town of Saltmarsh come into view. A debris field also comes into view. The waters just off Saltmarsh are full of splintered boards, apples, and a single, empty dinghy. Deckhands fish up the dinghy with hooks and ropes, securing it to the side of the Laughing Monk with grim expressions. Captain Reyhana carefully guides her ship up to the largest dock in port and the crews ties it up snug against the bollards.
A small crowd has gathered on the docks to watch the ship come in. The crew carries the passengers’ bags to meet them at the gangplank, where the Captain waits to greet everyone and wish them well as they disembark. “Thank you for sailing with us. Please, enjoy your time in Saltmarsh.”
As the passengers step down to the docks, they get their first good look at the town. Saltmarsh is nestled snugly along the edge of a sheltered bay, its quaint buildings huddled together like old friends, or co-conspirators, against the backdrop of rolling green hills and steep sea cliffs. Seagulls and terns wheel and cry overhead, their calls mingling with the distant sound of waves breaking against the rocky shoreline. A gentle breeze carries the briny scent of the sea, mingled with the tang of saltmarsh grasses that fringe the edges of the bay. The air also carries the pungent odor of fish, consistent with the town’s reputation as a formidable fishery.
The locals on the dock eye the passengers curiously as the make their way off the ship. At the far end, where the dock meets the shore, a tall, imposing figure waits; a human guardsman in studded leathers, with a wooden peg in place of his left foot, carved to look like a saltwater crocodile. [Eron instantly recognizes Eliander Fireborn, captain of the guard.] He calls the newcomers over to him, as the crew of the Laughing Monk begins to access their hold and unload their cargo.
[Please, introduce your PC’s as they disembark the Laughing Monk.]
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Eron’s shiny black hair contrasts sharply with his pale complexion, the hue of his blue eyes is in constant shift. He moves stiffly but shows no pain, though an observer might think otherwise. His voice is soft with a rasp, and when he talks he is careful to be polite and attentive. In times of distress or urgency his movement and voice become much more fluid and audible though it does seem to bring a pained continence.
Eron makes his way over to Captain Fireborn, “Aye Captain it’s good to see you!” He draws a full breath and stands tall, offering a handshake. “Wasn’t sure I’d… see home again.”
A sturdy dwarf, dressed in a finely crafted suit of metal armour and carrying a Warhammer inscribed with dwarven runes, leaps from the ship onto the quay. He grabs his enormous backpack and turns to the captain and exclaims, "Thank you, Captain Reyhana! It was an absolute pleasure to travel on your ship!". He had paid for his passage with his shipwright skills, repairing the vessel as needed and using his arcana to provide a little extra wind in the sails when required.
The journey from Gryrax was uneventful. It has been so nice to rest for a few days on the ship. Regdus always finds being on a ship so relaxing - perhaps because it brings up memories of being swayed in his mother's arms. This thought suddenly brings back some memories of his clan. He had left them for a while now and always wonders how things are at Blackhammer. Anyway, he's hoping the calm will continue for at least a couple of days!
He quickly notices the guard making signs. Before reaching him, he stops near some children selling apples. He throws a copper and take one fruit. “Tell me little one, where can I find a tavern that would provide tasty food and good ale?”. Regdus patiently listens to the child's answers and makes his way towards the guard, bitting in his juicy apple.
A slender female elf walks deftly down the gangplank to the dock. Those familiar with olves, would place her as a grey olve with her white hair and violet eyes. Her skin tone somewhere between alabaster and a dusty grey. Her robes, the color of newly fallen snow, present her as a follower of the arcane arts, however the sword at her hip does not seem out of place.
She spent most of her time aboard the ship keeping to herself, except for the small owl that would sit on her shoulder. Her face often buried in a book, or watching the crew and passengers go about their business. While always polite, she did not speak or offer much, but was always around, watching, and sometimes writing in her book.
At times she could be seen at the bow of the ship with, talking, and gesturing towards the water, and laughing with her owl.
As she stepped off the boat, she says, “We’ll it’s been a long journey, but we’re finally here Leo”, the small owl on her shoulder gives a quiet hoot in return. With a big smile she begins to head over towards the tall human who seems to be greeting the ship’s passengers.
In front of her, the Dwur is asking the children where to find a tavern. His name is Regdus she learned, though she has yet to speak to him. But all that is about to change, now that she is in Saltmarsh. Oh and the Nomiz named Tilliman, she has many questions for that one!
Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler walks down the gangway with a brisk, confident stride that suggests erudition and professional competence.
He is a short, slender, pale-skinned rock gnome with a blaze of red hair atop his head. His well-tailored adventuring gear and sleek leather backpack accentuates his finely-tuned posture as he steps nimbly across the boards, adjusting his glasses only slightly to take in the surrounding settlement.
He regards the captain with a polite, tight-lipped smile as he passes, then immediately turns away to focus on the task at hand.
Upon disembarking, Tilliman notices the human guardsman waving him over. He offers a nod in return and steps directly to the man while looking slightly askance at the other party members. He addresses the guardsman in a reedy, confident tone, as if the others weren't even there."Ah! My local liaison, I presume. The guild must have sent word in advance. Good. I'd like to settle on my accommodations first and foremost. I'm not picky, though I do have some stipulations. I would like a corner room, second floor minimum, feather mattress but I'll do with wool if I must. I'm not going to be a snob about it, I just don't need to start my week's work contending with a distracting skin condition if I can avoid it. Oh, and I need a lockbox with a reliable lock. If that's an issue I'm happy to visit the local locksmith to have one crafted to my specifications. Oh yes, and last but certainly not least, could you please direct me to a privy? Sea travel does murder to my digestional constitution, but I've found that the moment I set foot on land, the cycle tends to reset itself with a vengeance if you'll excuse my bluntness and I would very much like to get ahead of that if I can." All of this pours from his mouth in what seems to be a single breath.
Only once he's done does he adjust his glasses and look around with the consideration that he might have misidentified the tall figure.
A tall, stubbled half-olve dressed in a weathered long-coat, with a fancy basket-hilted rapier at his side and a large crossbow slung over his back, pauses to gaze over the gunwale at the town stretching before him, before evenly turning ninety degrees towards the gangplank, stopping to give a smile and a nod to the Captain.
"Always good to be out on the sea. Salt and silt t'ya, Skipper, and 'til the tides wash us together."
With that, he again turns with precision and trots down the gangplank. Just before stepping on dry land, he pauses, hocks up a gobbet of spit, and sanctifies the earth with it. Ritual thus performed, he hops from one leg to the other, landing hard before clapping his feet together on the docks.
Therris Thistlewine, as those who have interacted with him have come to know him, is a man of such oddities. Each action is performed with this same grave levity, ritualized and standardized to the point of feeling nearly robotic. He walks with a gait both clumsy and measured, often straight backed and lock-limbed at a resting position, but prone to strangely variable motion from one pose to the next. He has a pose, a good-luck ritual, a phrase for each occasion.
He notices the peg-footed guardsman, and raises his eyebrows. As he trots over, he pulls a smooth stone from his pocket, through which a hole has been bored by the forces of nature. He idly spins the stone around his finger by the hole as he approaches, before tossing it up, catching it, and stowing it. As the breeze blows through, he adjusts his brown ponytail as he gazes down at the loquacious Nomiz.
"Procan's bespeckled taint, ya've certainly got a mouth on ya. Anyhow. What can I do ya for, guardsfellow?"
Near the end of the dock, a boy of perhaps 10 accept Regdus' copper and looks ready to answer, before another, slightly taller boy stops him. Holding up a finger at his younger friend as if to say, wait, watch this, he steps forward. "Yeah, we might be able to help. 'Can even show you around town. Just, you know... we have expenses...". He holds out an open palm to the dwur.
The captain of the guard narrows his eyes briefly, then widens them in surprise. "Eron? By Heironeous' auburn hair... it's been weeks without word." He looks hopefully down the pier for more familiar faces, then slowly brings them back to Eron in disappointment. He steps forward and grasps the offered hand with a firm shake, then places his other hand on the marine's shoulder. "What happened, man?"
As he tries to listen to Eron's response, he is besieged by the verbal onslaught unleashed by Tilliman. "... Liaison? ... Privy? ...". He shakes his head firmly and shifts on his peg, pivoting to face the other travelers, just as Therris approaches with his greeting.
"Greetings, yes..." he says, a bit distracted as he allows a few of the passengers to pass without speaking with him first. Traders, pilgrims, and locals returning from travels are all allowed into town. He only stops those who have arrived with arms and armor, or otherwise mark themselves as the adventuring sort.
A last passenger departs the ship. You'd seen him infrequently during the voyage, but his eccentric dress and affect made him a memorable part of the menagerie on the ship. Dressed now in a three-piece grey pinstripe suit, he looks like he should be sweltering under the warming, subtropical sun yet he seems completely at ease. He lifts his cane and makes a courteous bow to the captain, exchanging inaudible pleasantries with her. Then he steps down the plank and onto the dock. He pulls out a fancy monocle and squints at the skyline of Saltmarsh. "So this is it? Splendid. What a marvelous little resort town." His voice carries, seemingly too big for his tall but scrawny frame. He grins, gives a stretch, and then walks briskly down the dock. He passes Regdus and the boys, repeating the toss of a copper for an apple, without stopping to chat. He is not stopped by the guard captain, though he does pause, looking up at the sky. With less enthusiasm, he mutters something about ugly weather approaching, as he puts away his monocle and then continues his happy walk into town. Looking around, you all see that the skies are still clear and sunny.
Once it is just the four of you (with Regdus slightly further behind but within earshot) the guard captain clears his throat loudly. "Ahem. Alright then. My name is Eliander Fireborn, captain of the guard here in Saltmarsh. On behalf of the town counsel, let me be the first to welcome you." He makes a point of making eye contact and nodding slightly to each of you. "With that out of the way..."he continues after a pause, "... . We have seen quite a few adventurers and sellswords lately. Someone back in Gradsul has been selling the tale that there are fortunes to be made here battling pirates and monsters. That we are overflowing with coin for royal contracts and for the payment of mercenaries. Let me disabuse you of that notion right now. This is a small, quiet, and law abiding settlement. You are not going to find your fortune here, nor are you going to get bored and cause any trouble."
Once again he looks at everyone, though Eron is spared the worst of his probative stare. "If this is heartbreaking news, or if that is a problem with anyone, you can turn right around and get back on that ship. Or keep walking right out the Wee Gate and make for Bale Keep. There's a whole mess of troublemakers there who couldn't control themselves in town."
He relaxes his burning gaze, ever so slightly. "If, on the other hand, you can accomodate the rules of civilization and conduct yourselves with honor and respect for your fellow persons, then I am sure we can find something that needs doing in or around town that can get a little coin in your purses and keep your sword arms from atrophying."
He shifts his weight one more time and folds his arms across his chest. "So, what will it be then, friends? Will we be getting along swimmingly?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Therris raises his eyebrows, then gives the stern guardsman a thin smile. "Like barnacles and boards, so don't ya spare a cat's tongue of worry about me. I haven't any intention of stirring up a squabble."
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"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Regdus smiles at the older boy, he understands that the children need the coin, probably to support their family. He takes 1 silver from his purse and shows it in the palm of his hand. "I like you, boy. This is for you if you tell me the best place in town when I'm done talking to the guard." When the boy agrees, he gently lifts the coin with the help of a quick Arcane Gust spell and makes it fly towards the boy.
Regdus then approaches the guard. He has heard the speech, the usual welcome from every village he has visited. He nods. "There is no problem, Captain Fireborn. I'm a adventurer, with principles, here to look around and find a decent way to earn some coins."
He then looks around, studying the others carefully. "They look like they can take care of themselves"he thought to himself. Five adventurers arriving on the same ship, what a strange oddity... perhaps a good omen...
“No trouble from me Captain.” Eron looks at the others gathered by Eliander; the Dwur who was graciously helping aboard the Laughing Monk, the grey olven lady and her wonderful owl, as his gaze falls on the nomiz, “I believe the dock privies are right over there if it’s an emergency, otherwise I’d advise a quick stop at a near shop or tavern as these privies may pose an unpleasant challenge.” He then takes a minute to consider the half-olvena bit quirky but well attired as he notices the basket hilt.
Having heard the young boys offer to hire as guides Eron waits curious to see what the lads consider a good place to eat…
-Eron’s attire and gear
Eron’s traveling clothes are pine needle green, his leather is brick red any buttons or buckles are bronze. His scale armor is acid washed for some iridescent coloration. He wears both long swords on his left hip and has mastered his signature style draw. His backpack is a single strap affair worn right shoulder to left side. His pouch is worn left shoulder hung on the right side. A coil of quality rope and a canvas bedroll are affixed to his backpack.
“I wonder what a privy is Leo? It sounds very important!"
Then in the common tongue she adds, “You can expect no trouble from us Mr Fireborn. My name is Fane and this is my friend Leo,” she says nodding at the owl on her shoulder, “you have a lovely town here” and she bows slightly.
Tilliman adjusts his spectacles. "You'll get no trouble from me, magistrate. That is for certain. I am a man of learning, here on business. I seek nothing more troublesome than a hot soak and a cold brew..." He looks to the others. "...The latter of which is on me for the first round, my fellow travelers, once we reach the local ale house... er... that is, after I find that privy I was mentioning. I would very much like to hear what brings each of you to this fine port of call."
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DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Giantslayer
Phandelver and Warlocks: The Shattered Obelisk - Muck (L1 Plasmoid Archfey Warlock)
The kids all eye the silver like hungry chicks, then their eyes all widen simultaneously as the coin is propelled through the air at them on the breeze. They reach in unison, the coin tipping and deflecting in the air as they all try for it and miss. It ricochets up, then down, then up again as small hands fumble for it. For a moment, it looks destined to dart over the dock and into the drink... before the smaller boy with the apples snatches it safely. Catching their breath, the kids look at Regdus and smile.
Eliander casts a final long look at everyone (once again sparing Eron the worst of his gaze)...
[Going to go ahead and assume everyone meant what they said so no insight check is necessary...]
Then he nods. "Well, alright then. Welcome to town." He turns and steps out of the way, clearing a path for everyone onto the shoreline at the end of the dock.
He stops Eron, though, before he can go any further. "Walk with me, will you? I have some questions... but first I need to check in with the Laughing Monk and her captain." He places a hand on Eron's shoulder and gestures back down the dock toward the ship.
The kids, four of them now, saddle down the dock and stand before Eron and the others. "So, what was it you want to know again?"
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Eron follows along with Captain Fireborn. Surely he must have questions. Everything is such a blur. Days felt like weeks, weeks like months. I don’t even know how I survived. Toward the end I wanted to die…. Eron waits patiently as Eliander performs his duties regarding the Laughing Monk. He looks and listens perhaps curious of the dingy and jetsam the ship passed enroute to the docks.
Eliander walks slowly down the pier. Despite the peg, he is dexterous enough to carefully sidestep crewman as the carry crates and barrels off of the ship and toward the shore. "Tom and Will are going to want to hear from you. They've been pushing hard since the sealions disappeared. The other marine crews have been pulling double duty to take up the slack." He looks out over the sea, in the direction your ship just came from. "I'm sorry for the speech, but its been a wild few weeks. The boats have been dumping would-be heroes and plunderers on our docks as fast as I can figure out what to do with them. We had to expel a bunch... well, the counsel would call it, 'reallocate them to another project,' but..." he is cut off as Captain Reyhana of the Laughing Monk gracefully strides down the plank and removes her gloves before shaking Eliander's hand.
"So... what happened?" the tall olven woman asks.
Eliander frowns, looking out at the water and then back to her. "Actually, I was hoping you could tell me what there was to see out there." His eyes fall to the dinghy tied up alongside her ship. "We think it was the Belle Meade. Its the only ship of that size we were expecting... though she was a few days early, if it was her."
Captain Reyhana smiles but her eyes remain serious. "It was calm seas. We made better time than I ever would have expected."
"That seals it then. She appeared on the horizon last evening, just as the sun was disappearing. Some folk saw her lanterns out beyond the reef after dark. It was assumed she would set anchor and then come into port with the morning." He is quiet for a moment. "Then... all the lanterns went out." He gestures at the dinghy and a loose plank floating just off the dock. "With the sunrise... there was nothing left. No sign of any survivors, and none swam up to the beaches."
"Do you think they would have tried to run past the reef in the dark? Ran themselves aground and broke up?" She eyes him carefully.
"Maybe," he says, in a way that sounds more like 'no.'
She doesn't argue. "I'm afraid I don't have much more to add. There was nothing out there larger than a man's arm. Strange, if she broke up in the waves, that it would be destroyed so completely."
"Aye. Strange." The two proceed to make less somber chit chat for minute or two, before Eliander takes his leave and leads you back down the dock toward town.
"Its got the folks riled. You know how superstitious they can be. Half the fishing boats are sitting idle today. Anders must be pulling his pretty hair out." He takes a long, measuring look at Eron. "So as for you... you look like a bag of hells. What happened?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
“The short version then, our last mission… we intercepted a slave ship. They took a few of our locals. You know how I feel about slavery, when they captured our fishermen, well we went after them. It was one mistake after another… they butchered all but a handful.” Eron is holding his composure, barely. “Sir I may be the last. I feel lhow you described, I can feel the needles still… Procan’s fickle will, sea devils took the ship. I swam through blood. Floundered a dingy to land. Flotsam and a few bodies washed up…”. Eron’s shoulders are shaking. He stops talking.
Fane watches with delight as the children grasp for the floating silver. She begins to cast her own spell to add to the moment, but then stops, deciding against it, still unsure with herself and what is acceptable. Human children are strange, so easily excited by a simple cantrip.
Without warning, the small owl on her shoulder gives a hoot and takes flight, heading out over the sea in the direction that the captain was looking at when he spoke of the missing ship.
“So, Mr Tilliman is it, it is very nice to meet you. Could you tell me more about this privy? Perhaps we can all join you there and you can tell us more about your business? I’m very curious.” she asks.
As she is about to continue speaking to Tilliman, she overhears what Eron is saying to the captain and turns her full attention to that conversation, listening intently and whispering to herself “slavery, sea devils, oh dear...”
OOC: I'm going to have Leo get a bird's eye view of the nearby sea and search for a bit (10 minutes say) to see if she can spot any wreckage, bodies, etc. and then return to me with a report.
Tilliman blinks a couple times, taken aback by Fane's suggestion... "Er-um... The privy part I can handle on my own, thank you, but I would love to share drinks and tales with the rest of you." He answers in reply.
Tilliman then looks to the children, adding a silver coin of his own to the offering... "Young masters, would you be so kind as to lead us to the nearest house of imbibification?" He catches his own bad habit of using overly florid language and corrects himself."Er... The local tavern that is."
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DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Giantslayer
Phandelver and Warlocks: The Shattered Obelisk - Muck (L1 Plasmoid Archfey Warlock)
The kids all eye the silver like hungry chicks, then their eyes all widen simultaneously as the coin is propelled through the air at them on the breeze. They reach in unison, the coin tipping and deflecting in the air as they all try for it and miss. It ricochets up, then down, then up again as small hands fumble for it. For a moment, it looks destined to dart over the dock and into the drink... before the smaller boy with the apples snatches it safely. Catching their breath, the kids look at Regdus and smile.
Regdus smiles at the kids and notices his ship travel companions around him. "Well, you've got a public, young boy. For that silver piece, can you show us around the village and lead us to the best Tavern ?". He then turns to the human he met during the travel "Eron, you'll join us ? We're heading for a good ale. If there some good coins to make around here, I'm sure the tavern is the place to find out". Not waiting for any reply, he tells the little kid "Allez, shooo. Show us the way"
As Eron and Eliander return from meeting with Captain Reyhana, Eron composes himself as Regdus and Tillman extend their invitation to join for a drink. “Sure I’d be honored to lift a glass with all of you. Names Eron Colborn if I haven’t introduced myself to anyone, oops we better follow them boys.”
“Captain I’ll be checking in with Will and Tom shortly, I’m just going to have a quick drink first, I’d really like a chance to talk if you have a spare hour or two sometime.”
It has been smooth sailing across the Azure Sea, the weather remaining consistently warm and pleasant. Clear skies stretch overhead, dotted occasionally with fluffy white clouds that drift lazily on the horizon. The sun shines warmly, casting a golden glow over the tranquil waters below, while gentle breezes fill the sails, propelling the ship forward with ease.
The Laughing Monk makes good time as it tracks across boundless blue waters. The ship, more expensive to book than most, proves to be worth the extra coin. The cabins, small but private, are comfortable, dry and quiet. It’s captain, a tall wood elf by the name of Brook Reyhana, wears a welcoming smile, a belt of knives, and runs a tight, efficient ship. The crew are uniformed and always busy, often trading sea songs with one another, as much to entertain the passengers as to pass the working hours.
Throughout the voyage, passengers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the open sea, where the clear waters shimmer in the sunlight, reflecting the ever-changing hues of the sky above. Dolphins and their merfolk handers frolic in the ship's wake, their sleek bodies slicing through the waves with effortless grace, while seabirds soar overhead, their plaintive calls echoing across the expanse of ocean.
It is an auspicious start to your adventures. For some of you, the journey has been long, starting as far away as the Free City of Irongate, on the other side of the Gearnat Straight. Others boarded the ship more recently, when it stopped over in Gryrax to resupply and exchange goods. Another passenger joined on the last evening, rowing out to meet the ship as it anchored at sunset just off the Salinmoor viscounty capital of Seaton; a weathered marine on the last leg of his journey home.
With the sunrise, the Laughing Monk raises anchor for the final leg of its trip, before it will turn sail to begin the return trip back to the far side of the sea.
It is still mid-morning when the mouth of the Kingfisher River and the port town of Saltmarsh come into view. A debris field also comes into view. The waters just off Saltmarsh are full of splintered boards, apples, and a single, empty dinghy. Deckhands fish up the dinghy with hooks and ropes, securing it to the side of the Laughing Monk with grim expressions. Captain Reyhana carefully guides her ship up to the largest dock in port and the crews ties it up snug against the bollards.
A small crowd has gathered on the docks to watch the ship come in. The crew carries the passengers’ bags to meet them at the gangplank, where the Captain waits to greet everyone and wish them well as they disembark. “Thank you for sailing with us. Please, enjoy your time in Saltmarsh.”
As the passengers step down to the docks, they get their first good look at the town. Saltmarsh is nestled snugly along the edge of a sheltered bay, its quaint buildings huddled together like old friends, or co-conspirators, against the backdrop of rolling green hills and steep sea cliffs. Seagulls and terns wheel and cry overhead, their calls mingling with the distant sound of waves breaking against the rocky shoreline. A gentle breeze carries the briny scent of the sea, mingled with the tang of saltmarsh grasses that fringe the edges of the bay. The air also carries the pungent odor of fish, consistent with the town’s reputation as a formidable fishery.
The locals on the dock eye the passengers curiously as the make their way off the ship. At the far end, where the dock meets the shore, a tall, imposing figure waits; a human guardsman in studded leathers, with a wooden peg in place of his left foot, carved to look like a saltwater crocodile. [Eron instantly recognizes Eliander Fireborn, captain of the guard.] He calls the newcomers over to him, as the crew of the Laughing Monk begins to access their hold and unload their cargo.
[Please, introduce your PC’s as they disembark the Laughing Monk.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Eron’s shiny black hair contrasts sharply with his pale complexion, the hue of his blue eyes is in constant shift. He moves stiffly but shows no pain, though an observer might think otherwise. His voice is soft with a rasp, and when he talks he is careful to be polite and attentive. In times of distress or urgency his movement and voice become much more fluid and audible though it does seem to bring a pained continence.
Eron makes his way over to Captain Fireborn, “Aye Captain it’s good to see you!” He draws a full breath and stands tall, offering a handshake. “Wasn’t sure I’d… see home again.”
A sturdy dwarf, dressed in a finely crafted suit of metal armour and carrying a Warhammer inscribed with dwarven runes, leaps from the ship onto the quay. He grabs his enormous backpack and turns to the captain and exclaims, "Thank you, Captain Reyhana! It was an absolute pleasure to travel on your ship!". He had paid for his passage with his shipwright skills, repairing the vessel as needed and using his arcana to provide a little extra wind in the sails when required.
The journey from Gryrax was uneventful. It has been so nice to rest for a few days on the ship. Regdus always finds being on a ship so relaxing - perhaps because it brings up memories of being swayed in his mother's arms. This thought suddenly brings back some memories of his clan. He had left them for a while now and always wonders how things are at Blackhammer. Anyway, he's hoping the calm will continue for at least a couple of days!
He quickly notices the guard making signs. Before reaching him, he stops near some children selling apples. He throws a copper and take one fruit. “Tell me little one, where can I find a tavern that would provide tasty food and good ale?”.
Regdus patiently listens to the child's answers and makes his way towards the guard, bitting in his juicy apple.
Regdus Ironfist on a stormy night
Removing 1 copper
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
A slender female elf walks deftly down the gangplank to the dock. Those familiar with olves, would place her as a grey olve with her white hair and violet eyes. Her skin tone somewhere between alabaster and a dusty grey. Her robes, the color of newly fallen snow, present her as a follower of the arcane arts, however the sword at her hip does not seem out of place.
She spent most of her time aboard the ship keeping to herself, except for the small owl that would sit on her shoulder. Her face often buried in a book, or watching the crew and passengers go about their business. While always polite, she did not speak or offer much, but was always around, watching, and sometimes writing in her book.
At times she could be seen at the bow of the ship with, talking, and gesturing towards the water, and laughing with her owl.
As she stepped off the boat, she says, “We’ll it’s been a long journey, but we’re finally here Leo”, the small owl on her shoulder gives a quiet hoot in return. With a big smile she begins to head over towards the tall human who seems to be greeting the ship’s passengers.
In front of her, the Dwur is asking the children where to find a tavern. His name is Regdus she learned, though she has yet to speak to him. But all that is about to change, now that she is in Saltmarsh. Oh and the Nomiz named Tilliman, she has many questions for that one!
“Come on Leo, let’s go make some friends!”
Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler walks down the gangway with a brisk, confident stride that suggests erudition and professional competence.
He is a short, slender, pale-skinned rock gnome with a blaze of red hair atop his head. His well-tailored adventuring gear and sleek leather backpack accentuates his finely-tuned posture as he steps nimbly across the boards, adjusting his glasses only slightly to take in the surrounding settlement.
He regards the captain with a polite, tight-lipped smile as he passes, then immediately turns away to focus on the task at hand.
Upon disembarking, Tilliman notices the human guardsman waving him over. He offers a nod in return and steps directly to the man while looking slightly askance at the other party members. He addresses the guardsman in a reedy, confident tone, as if the others weren't even there. "Ah! My local liaison, I presume. The guild must have sent word in advance. Good. I'd like to settle on my accommodations first and foremost. I'm not picky, though I do have some stipulations. I would like a corner room, second floor minimum, feather mattress but I'll do with wool if I must. I'm not going to be a snob about it, I just don't need to start my week's work contending with a distracting skin condition if I can avoid it. Oh, and I need a lockbox with a reliable lock. If that's an issue I'm happy to visit the local locksmith to have one crafted to my specifications. Oh yes, and last but certainly not least, could you please direct me to a privy? Sea travel does murder to my digestional constitution, but I've found that the moment I set foot on land, the cycle tends to reset itself with a vengeance if you'll excuse my bluntness and I would very much like to get ahead of that if I can." All of this pours from his mouth in what seems to be a single breath.
Only once he's done does he adjust his glasses and look around with the consideration that he might have misidentified the tall figure.
"You... are my local liaison, are you not?
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Giantslayer
Phandelver and Warlocks: The Shattered Obelisk - Muck (L1 Plasmoid Archfey Warlock)
A tall, stubbled half-olve dressed in a weathered long-coat, with a fancy basket-hilted rapier at his side and a large crossbow slung over his back, pauses to gaze over the gunwale at the town stretching before him, before evenly turning ninety degrees towards the gangplank, stopping to give a smile and a nod to the Captain.
"Always good to be out on the sea. Salt and silt t'ya, Skipper, and 'til the tides wash us together."
With that, he again turns with precision and trots down the gangplank. Just before stepping on dry land, he pauses, hocks up a gobbet of spit, and sanctifies the earth with it. Ritual thus performed, he hops from one leg to the other, landing hard before clapping his feet together on the docks.
Therris Thistlewine, as those who have interacted with him have come to know him, is a man of such oddities. Each action is performed with this same grave levity, ritualized and standardized to the point of feeling nearly robotic. He walks with a gait both clumsy and measured, often straight backed and lock-limbed at a resting position, but prone to strangely variable motion from one pose to the next. He has a pose, a good-luck ritual, a phrase for each occasion.
He notices the peg-footed guardsman, and raises his eyebrows. As he trots over, he pulls a smooth stone from his pocket, through which a hole has been bored by the forces of nature. He idly spins the stone around his finger by the hole as he approaches, before tossing it up, catching it, and stowing it. As the breeze blows through, he adjusts his brown ponytail as he gazes down at the loquacious Nomiz.
"Procan's bespeckled taint, ya've certainly got a mouth on ya. Anyhow. What can I do ya for, guardsfellow?"
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Near the end of the dock, a boy of perhaps 10 accept Regdus' copper and looks ready to answer, before another, slightly taller boy stops him. Holding up a finger at his younger friend as if to say, wait, watch this, he steps forward. "Yeah, we might be able to help. 'Can even show you around town. Just, you know... we have expenses...". He holds out an open palm to the dwur.
The captain of the guard narrows his eyes briefly, then widens them in surprise. "Eron? By Heironeous' auburn hair... it's been weeks without word." He looks hopefully down the pier for more familiar faces, then slowly brings them back to Eron in disappointment. He steps forward and grasps the offered hand with a firm shake, then places his other hand on the marine's shoulder. "What happened, man?"
As he tries to listen to Eron's response, he is besieged by the verbal onslaught unleashed by Tilliman. "... Liaison? ... Privy? ...". He shakes his head firmly and shifts on his peg, pivoting to face the other travelers, just as Therris approaches with his greeting.
"Greetings, yes..." he says, a bit distracted as he allows a few of the passengers to pass without speaking with him first. Traders, pilgrims, and locals returning from travels are all allowed into town. He only stops those who have arrived with arms and armor, or otherwise mark themselves as the adventuring sort.
A last passenger departs the ship. You'd seen him infrequently during the voyage, but his eccentric dress and affect made him a memorable part of the menagerie on the ship. Dressed now in a three-piece grey pinstripe suit, he looks like he should be sweltering under the warming, subtropical sun yet he seems completely at ease. He lifts his cane and makes a courteous bow to the captain, exchanging inaudible pleasantries with her. Then he steps down the plank and onto the dock. He pulls out a fancy monocle and squints at the skyline of Saltmarsh. "So this is it? Splendid. What a marvelous little resort town." His voice carries, seemingly too big for his tall but scrawny frame. He grins, gives a stretch, and then walks briskly down the dock. He passes Regdus and the boys, repeating the toss of a copper for an apple, without stopping to chat. He is not stopped by the guard captain, though he does pause, looking up at the sky. With less enthusiasm, he mutters something about ugly weather approaching, as he puts away his monocle and then continues his happy walk into town. Looking around, you all see that the skies are still clear and sunny.
Once it is just the four of you (with Regdus slightly further behind but within earshot) the guard captain clears his throat loudly. "Ahem. Alright then. My name is Eliander Fireborn, captain of the guard here in Saltmarsh. On behalf of the town counsel, let me be the first to welcome you." He makes a point of making eye contact and nodding slightly to each of you. "With that out of the way..." he continues after a pause, "... . We have seen quite a few adventurers and sellswords lately. Someone back in Gradsul has been selling the tale that there are fortunes to be made here battling pirates and monsters. That we are overflowing with coin for royal contracts and for the payment of mercenaries. Let me disabuse you of that notion right now. This is a small, quiet, and law abiding settlement. You are not going to find your fortune here, nor are you going to get bored and cause any trouble."
Once again he looks at everyone, though Eron is spared the worst of his probative stare. "If this is heartbreaking news, or if that is a problem with anyone, you can turn right around and get back on that ship. Or keep walking right out the Wee Gate and make for Bale Keep. There's a whole mess of troublemakers there who couldn't control themselves in town."
He relaxes his burning gaze, ever so slightly. "If, on the other hand, you can accomodate the rules of civilization and conduct yourselves with honor and respect for your fellow persons, then I am sure we can find something that needs doing in or around town that can get a little coin in your purses and keep your sword arms from atrophying."
He shifts his weight one more time and folds his arms across his chest. "So, what will it be then, friends? Will we be getting along swimmingly?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Therris raises his eyebrows, then gives the stern guardsman a thin smile. "Like barnacles and boards, so don't ya spare a cat's tongue of worry about me. I haven't any intention of stirring up a squabble."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Regdus smiles at the older boy, he understands that the children need the coin, probably to support their family. He takes 1 silver from his purse and shows it in the palm of his hand.
"I like you, boy. This is for you if you tell me the best place in town when I'm done talking to the guard."
When the boy agrees, he gently lifts the coin with the help of a quick Arcane Gust spell and makes it fly towards the boy.
Regdus then approaches the guard. He has heard the speech, the usual welcome from every village he has visited. He nods. "There is no problem, Captain Fireborn. I'm a adventurer, with principles, here to look around and find a decent way to earn some coins."
He then looks around, studying the others carefully. "They look like they can take care of themselves" he thought to himself. Five adventurers arriving on the same ship, what a strange oddity... perhaps a good omen...
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
“No trouble from me Captain.” Eron looks at the others gathered by Eliander; the Dwur who was graciously helping aboard the Laughing Monk, the grey olven lady and her wonderful owl, as his gaze falls on the nomiz, “I believe the dock privies are right over there if it’s an emergency, otherwise I’d advise a quick stop at a near shop or tavern as these privies may pose an unpleasant challenge.” He then takes a minute to consider the half-olven a bit quirky but well attired as he notices the basket hilt.
Having heard the young boys offer to hire as guides Eron waits curious to see what the lads consider a good place to eat…
-Eron’s attire and gear
Eron’s traveling clothes are pine needle green, his leather is brick red any buttons or buckles are bronze. His scale armor is acid washed for some iridescent coloration. He wears both long swords on his left hip and has mastered his signature style draw. His backpack is a single strap affair worn right shoulder to left side. His pouch is worn left shoulder hung on the right side. A coil of quality rope and a canvas bedroll are affixed to his backpack.
Fane whispers to her owl in the elvish language…
“I wonder what a privy is Leo? It sounds very important!"
Then in the common tongue she adds, “You can expect no trouble from us Mr Fireborn. My name is Fane and this is my friend Leo,” she says nodding at the owl on her shoulder, “you have a lovely town here” and she bows slightly.
Tilliman adjusts his spectacles. "You'll get no trouble from me, magistrate. That is for certain. I am a man of learning, here on business. I seek nothing more troublesome than a hot soak and a cold brew..." He looks to the others. "...The latter of which is on me for the first round, my fellow travelers, once we reach the local ale house... er... that is, after I find that privy I was mentioning. I would very much like to hear what brings each of you to this fine port of call."
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Giantslayer
Phandelver and Warlocks: The Shattered Obelisk - Muck (L1 Plasmoid Archfey Warlock)
The kids all eye the silver like hungry chicks, then their eyes all widen simultaneously as the coin is propelled through the air at them on the breeze. They reach in unison, the coin tipping and deflecting in the air as they all try for it and miss. It ricochets up, then down, then up again as small hands fumble for it. For a moment, it looks destined to dart over the dock and into the drink... before the smaller boy with the apples snatches it safely. Catching their breath, the kids look at Regdus and smile.
Eliander casts a final long look at everyone (once again sparing Eron the worst of his gaze)...
[Going to go ahead and assume everyone meant what they said so no insight check is necessary...]
Then he nods. "Well, alright then. Welcome to town." He turns and steps out of the way, clearing a path for everyone onto the shoreline at the end of the dock.
He stops Eron, though, before he can go any further. "Walk with me, will you? I have some questions... but first I need to check in with the Laughing Monk and her captain." He places a hand on Eron's shoulder and gestures back down the dock toward the ship.
The kids, four of them now, saddle down the dock and stand before Eron and the others. "So, what was it you want to know again?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Eron follows along with Captain Fireborn. Surely he must have questions. Everything is such a blur. Days felt like weeks, weeks like months. I don’t even know how I survived. Toward the end I wanted to die…. Eron waits patiently as Eliander performs his duties regarding the Laughing Monk. He looks and listens perhaps curious of the dingy and jetsam the ship passed enroute to the docks.
Back on the Docks
Eliander walks slowly down the pier. Despite the peg, he is dexterous enough to carefully sidestep crewman as the carry crates and barrels off of the ship and toward the shore. "Tom and Will are going to want to hear from you. They've been pushing hard since the sealions disappeared. The other marine crews have been pulling double duty to take up the slack." He looks out over the sea, in the direction your ship just came from. "I'm sorry for the speech, but its been a wild few weeks. The boats have been dumping would-be heroes and plunderers on our docks as fast as I can figure out what to do with them. We had to expel a bunch... well, the counsel would call it, 'reallocate them to another project,' but..." he is cut off as Captain Reyhana of the Laughing Monk gracefully strides down the plank and removes her gloves before shaking Eliander's hand.
"So... what happened?" the tall olven woman asks.
Eliander frowns, looking out at the water and then back to her. "Actually, I was hoping you could tell me what there was to see out there." His eyes fall to the dinghy tied up alongside her ship. "We think it was the Belle Meade. Its the only ship of that size we were expecting... though she was a few days early, if it was her."
Captain Reyhana smiles but her eyes remain serious. "It was calm seas. We made better time than I ever would have expected."
"That seals it then. She appeared on the horizon last evening, just as the sun was disappearing. Some folk saw her lanterns out beyond the reef after dark. It was assumed she would set anchor and then come into port with the morning." He is quiet for a moment. "Then... all the lanterns went out." He gestures at the dinghy and a loose plank floating just off the dock. "With the sunrise... there was nothing left. No sign of any survivors, and none swam up to the beaches."
"Do you think they would have tried to run past the reef in the dark? Ran themselves aground and broke up?" She eyes him carefully.
"Maybe," he says, in a way that sounds more like 'no.'
She doesn't argue. "I'm afraid I don't have much more to add. There was nothing out there larger than a man's arm. Strange, if she broke up in the waves, that it would be destroyed so completely."
"Aye. Strange." The two proceed to make less somber chit chat for minute or two, before Eliander takes his leave and leads you back down the dock toward town.
"Its got the folks riled. You know how superstitious they can be. Half the fishing boats are sitting idle today. Anders must be pulling his pretty hair out." He takes a long, measuring look at Eron. "So as for you... you look like a bag of hells. What happened?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
“The short version then, our last mission… we intercepted a slave ship. They took a few of our locals. You know how I feel about slavery, when they captured our fishermen, well we went after them. It was one mistake after another… they butchered all but a handful.” Eron is holding his composure, barely.
“Sir I may be the last. I feel lhow you described, I can feel the needles still… Procan’s fickle will, sea devils took the ship. I swam through blood. Floundered a dingy to land. Flotsam and a few bodies washed up…”. Eron’s shoulders are shaking. He stops talking.
Fane watches with delight as the children grasp for the floating silver. She begins to cast her own spell to add to the moment, but then stops, deciding against it, still unsure with herself and what is acceptable. Human children are strange, so easily excited by a simple cantrip.
Without warning, the small owl on her shoulder gives a hoot and takes flight, heading out over the sea in the direction that the captain was looking at when he spoke of the missing ship.
“So, Mr Tilliman is it, it is very nice to meet you. Could you tell me more about this privy? Perhaps we can all join you there and you can tell us more about your business? I’m very curious.” she asks.
As she is about to continue speaking to Tilliman, she overhears what Eron is saying to the captain and turns her full attention to that conversation, listening intently and whispering to herself “slavery, sea devils, oh dear...”
OOC: I'm going to have Leo get a bird's eye view of the nearby sea and search for a bit (10 minutes say) to see if she can spot any wreckage, bodies, etc. and then return to me with a report.
Tilliman blinks a couple times, taken aback by Fane's suggestion... "Er-um... The privy part I can handle on my own, thank you, but I would love to share drinks and tales with the rest of you." He answers in reply.
Tilliman then looks to the children, adding a silver coin of his own to the offering... "Young masters, would you be so kind as to lead us to the nearest house of imbibification?" He catches his own bad habit of using overly florid language and corrects himself. "Er... The local tavern that is."
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Giantslayer
Phandelver and Warlocks: The Shattered Obelisk - Muck (L1 Plasmoid Archfey Warlock)
Regdus smiles at the kids and notices his ship travel companions around him. "Well, you've got a public, young boy. For that silver piece, can you show us around the village and lead us to the best Tavern ?".
He then turns to the human he met during the travel "Eron, you'll join us ? We're heading for a good ale. If there some good coins to make around here, I'm sure the tavern is the place to find out". Not waiting for any reply, he tells the little kid "Allez, shooo. Show us the way"
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
As Eron and Eliander return from meeting with Captain Reyhana, Eron composes himself as Regdus and Tillman extend their invitation to join for a drink. “Sure I’d be honored to lift a glass with all of you. Names Eron Colborn if I haven’t introduced myself to anyone, oops we better follow them boys.”
“Captain I’ll be checking in with Will and Tom shortly, I’m just going to have a quick drink first, I’d really like a chance to talk if you have a spare hour or two sometime.”