“I think… ve need a lobster trap. And pole boat.”

“You are helpful man, Shaemus. If ve find proof of story, then share something of it vith you. But… Citizen Aubrey is right. Ve need boat.”

Shaemus considers your questions, taking another pull from the bottle of brown liquor.  

"Well, as I see it you're welcome to try and communicate with them beings, but I've never heard so much as a peep out of them.  I tend to talk at them quite a bit... I'm a nervous talker, ya see, and when a pack of them glowing eyeballs are staring at you in the darkness, well... it gets you nervous.  But I ain't never heard them so much as whisper back to me."  To Grugga, he adds that he is not sure if they are afraid of 'light' per se but confirms they have shown a fear of fire in the past but this seems to be waning as more time passes and they creep closer and closer to his torchlight.

Regarding the boats and traps:  "Aye, a boat would be a nessersary accomodity down there, t'wer it were.   But you don't need a boat.  You need two boats."  He goes on to explain that each pole boat is about 15 feet long but no more than five feet wide.  Mostly they are operated by one or two persons, but since some of you are smaller he reckons you could fit three of you in each boat.  One person would need to man the pole while the other two would be free to handle light sources, be on lookout, etc.  "Lucky for you, I just happen to have two boats.  In addition to me own, I've been taking care of Ol' Lem's boat since he got taken.  It ain't in the finest condition but its seaworthy.  I can let you use them boats tonight for... a piece of gold."  He says this slowly and dramatically, as though he is asking you for your first born.  "Now, if anything were to happen to me boat - that's me pride and joy as well as me livelihood.  I would have to hold you responsible for that and it will cost you..." he looks down and then holds up all the fingers on one hand.  "Ten gold!"

Regarding traps... "I never made it out last night, and me traps are all high and dry.  What I could do you for, lets say I head out a'fore nightfall and set me traps in areas where I seen the creatures.  Then I could come back in, meet you folks, tell you where to go, and you can check the traps and set a watch.  Hows that sound?"  He points to his bouys which are natural wood color on one side and painted a fading orange on the otherside.  "Thats me mark.  Its unlikely you'll come across any others out there at night, but you'll now me traps by these colors."

"So do we have a deal?  Is there anything else ye care to know?"

Grugga looks at the other appraisingly, "It sounds like a good enough plan to me. What about all you? What proof are we thinking of obtaining? Capturing one would certainly sour relations... but I suppose they took Ol' Lem." He plays with the stubble growing on his chin while he thinks, "I have a limited way to communicate with them underwater, but I doubt that they speak common, after what Shaemus said... could we follow them back to their homes? The whereabouts alone would be proof of their existence."

"Assuming they are civilized enough to have a language I could communicate with them." Aubrey says to the others while touching his talisman. "If we could make peaceful contact I could handle initial negotiations. Having a peace offering like some crabs could help with that I suppose. I suggest we take Shaemus generous offer. Our client should be able to cover the expenses for the pole boats I presume. What do you say Rohuzar?"

“Hope for the best, prepare for the bad. Your plan is sound. If ve can find one and talk to it, good. If not, ve take one. Buy a chain while you are out, Grugga.” Rohuzar starts counting out coins to hand out. 

"May I suggest I take Grugga and whoever wants to come along for a shopping tour of Bardstown now, and we all meet up at the Robust Hound Inn and Tavern for lunch. If you want to we could then relocate to the Goldentide townhouse in Umbridge to plan and to rest for tonights excursion beneath the docks." Aubrey says and looks to Rohuzar and the others.

(DM:  OK... if anyone has more questions for Shaemus, now is the time.  Otherwise, let me know who is going shopping with Grugga and where they plan to shop... and those who aren't going, let me know what, if anything, they plan to do with their morning.)

"While we wait for them to return from shopping perhaps we should go to the docks and learn more about the area or if others have seen these creatures " Guilim suggests as he nods to the others that are about to go shopping.

Quote from DarthDrizzt >>

"While we wait for them to return from shopping perhaps we should go to the docks and learn more about the area or if others have seen these creatures " Guilim suggests as he nods to the others that are about to go shopping.

 Rohuzar nods and will go with Guilim (and anyone else to the dock. 

"See you back at the Robust Hound Inn and Tavern at lunchtime then." Aubrey says to those not coming shopping. "And we´ll meet you back here after nightfall then Shaemus. Thank you for your time and go easy on that bottle until then." Aubrey says to the fisherman before leaving the Land Shark.

Aubrey then takes Grugga and whoever else wants to come along shopping for equipment, starting out in the Port and Market district where most things should be available.
When the shopping is done the plan is to return to the Robust Hound Inn and Tavern for lunch.

Perception to overhear todays rumours at the market:18

As the three begin their journey back into the town, Grugga turns to his companions and says, "So, Aubrey, Leelan, I'm looking for powdered horse hooves, probably from a knacker; copper tubing from a brazier... bronze tubing would work as well but I'd rather have copper; soap; and leather straps. The rest of what I need I should have on hand. Rohuzar also asked us to get a chain, probably from a blacksmith or maybe an adventurer's guild or locksmith has one too. Aubrey, I also want to get that letter from the Potters. I know someone in Walden's Rest who may be able to help them."

Grugga stops for a second to readjust his burden and apologizes. After a few moments of silence, "Say Aubrey, is that talisman a real magical artifact?"

Leelan makes a mental note of the materials that Grugga listed. Noticing that all of this might be a handful, the gnome makes a suggestion. "Mmm…this all sounds rather heavy. I believe I might have a solution for us to avoid carrying all of this by ourselves. I left my trusted mount at the Hound. I could go grab it and rejoin you at the shop."

"Good thinking Leelan. The Robust Hound Inn and Tavern actually is in the Port and Market district however, so we could collect your mount on our way to the market I think." Aubrey answers the scholarly gnome. "Oh, and please tell me about yourself Leelan. I understand that you are not a local." Aubrey asks the gnome as they make their way towards the The Robust Hound Inn and Tavern.

"You know, I just had a thought. What if the Merfolk aren't eating the lobsters from the traps, but freeing them? Could they be protecting the lake, do you think? I suppose that's something to ask them, but maybe we can get their attention without seafood..."

"Yes, interesting thought Grugga, we must certainly keep an open mind regarding these mermen if we are to communicate peacefully with them." Aubrey says appreciatively as they near the The Robust Hound Inn and Tavern.

"That is accurate, my noble companion. I hail from the Northern Trade Federation. It’s a good place to live, but it is so very dreadfully cold up there. I spent many years learning about the wildlife of my homeland and now, I hope to see the rest of the world and the strange creatures that inhabit it, and document them for my book."

At Grugga’s suggestion, Leelan replies. "Oh! A fascinating theory. Sea-dwelling humanoid feeling sympathy for the lake’s fauna. Surely we’ll have a chance to find out later tonight."

For Grugga, Aubrey, Leelan (and Eskil if you choose to go shopping:

 You collect Leelan's mule and hit the shops to collect what Grugga needs for his creations...

******************

For Guilim, Rohuzar (and Eskil if you choose to go investigating):

"You can have a room a my family´s townhouse as a workshop while assembling those under-water-breathing-devices this afternoon." Aubrey says as Grugga seems ready to leave for the tavern.

Grugga continues on the conversation with Leelan and Aubrey, "I've never been to the Northern Trade Federation. I've heard that there are quite a few Orcs up there, though. Are there many other Halflings up there?" Before Leelan has an immediate chance to correct him, Grugga rambles on, "Also, do tell me more about your book, won't you? I'm fascinated by beasts. I had a chance to study them more, but I specialized in mechano-magical automation instead of alchemy."

To the Potters, Grugga apologizes but explains the limitations of a mercenary band working across borders. He gladly accepts the rush delivery fee and the leather straps and promises he'll do all he can to see their daughter back safe and sound.

Once they find all the pieces, Grugga queries whether everyone will want a mask, "I assume they will, right?" he says to his companions, "Everyone will want to be looking at once, I think. And the cost is well within the employer's limit. I think we should buy enough for all of us right now, because it'll take me until evening to make all six. What do you think?"

To Aubrey's generous offer, Grugga replies in the affirmative, "I'd happily take you up on that. The inn rooms were a bit cramped for what I have in mind. I don't want to make a mess though... the glue will spill out of the soap molds... although a spare bucket could fix that. Do we need to buy one while we're out?"

"Oh, don´t you worry about that my dear Grugga. We do have servants to take care of such matters." Aubrey answers, almost sounding as he expected everyone to have servants taking care of their menial tasks.