After the interrogation, Kulogall was quiet and lost in his thoughts again. He focuses his mind and concentrates on shutting out Xolo, keeps his voice low. "What do you think will be done with him? He can't go free, after what he's done. I don't know what the right answer is. It is up to you Captain. Thank you for allowing me to help." He walks out with Elwyn and the others, after gathering the brandy and the cloth into the bag of holding again.
When they all leave, Kulogall will seek out a merchant where he can sell the bolts of cloth, to split the proceeds with the party. He will also look to purchase equipment and a maul for Gorik. Afterwards, he will head to the Wicker Goat to try and sell the brandy, again to split with the party. After they go to their rooms for the night, Kulogall will study the map and the spyglass in further detail, to learn more about it. To everyone else after they are out of earshot, he says "Let's plan to give those slavers a little surprise. One of us will signal them to come ashore, but we will be waiting to surprise them. Maybe we could even row out to their ship and try to find out more there as well."
Wake will want to know the “Standard Operating Procedures” for the smuggling operation from Sanbalet while he is in a talkative mood. Was the next ship delivering, picking up or both? Does the ship send a boat to shore or do the smugglers always row out to them? What is the in the next shipment arriving or departing; materials, slaves, other? How many crew and expected armament can be anticipated in this next rendezvous? Is there likely to be a “Sea Prince” captaining or accompanying the next shipment?
Wake will later look for an opportunity to sell the crystal bauble (found in the chimney that triggered the spider swarms) and the six blushcap mushrooms. Proceeds to be added to community spoils.
Kulogall chimes in when Wake is questioning Sanbalet about Standard Operating Procedures, asking if there any signaling that is done once you are close to their ship? Do you typically come alongside fore or aft, etc.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The signaling system utilizes the bullseye lantern to communicate the following messages by combining long and short flashes:
Long–short–short–short: “Is it safe?” (The ship initiates the exchange with this signal.)
Short–long–short–long: “Everything safe.” (The smugglers respond with this signal.)
Long–long–long: “Ready to unload; come to the ship.” (The ship confirms a reply with this signal.)
The arrangement calls for someone aboard the ship to flash the first signal. The shore party replies by flashing the second signal, after which the third signal flashes from the ship. It drops anchor and waits for the arrival of a boat from shore. A small group of smugglers approaches the ship in a rowboat.
It has been arranged (though this does not appear on the parchment) for the first signal to be repeated every 10 minutes for an hour. If the ship gets no response, it is assumed that there is some delay and the ship sails away, returning the next night.
The smugglers will drop anchor if the characters send any kind of return signal to the ship — not necessarily the correct one. The crew of the ship is accustomed to seeing an improper signal from time to time, because the gang on the shore often operates the lantern clumsily. Just in case something has gone awry, however, the ship’s crew will be on alert when the characters make their approach.
Was the next ship delivering, picking up or both? Picking up.
Does the ship send a boat to shore or do the smugglers always row out to them? Smugglers always row out to the boat.
What is the in the next shipment arriving or departing; materials, slaves, other? Nothing coming in. Slaves, bolts of cloth, and brandy going out.
How many crew and expected armament can be anticipated in this next rendezvous? Unknown.
Is there likely to be a “Sea Prince” captaining or accompanying the next shipment? Unknown.
Asking if there any signaling that is done once you are close to their ship? None.
Do you typically come alongside fore or aft, etc. Approach either port or starboard alongside the main deck, whichever side is facing the shore.
Ruby will follow Kulogall in town, trying to sell the longsword, since she is a bit clumsy with it and it just does´t feel right wielding it. Instead she would like to ask the smith or a merchant for a shortbow or a crossbow.
Elwyn has a rather short attention span and unless needed for the prolonged interrogation or selling of loot he will slip away for a swim until lunch back at the Wicker Goat. Anyone passing by the sea might notice him swimming, seemingly accompanied by a small bluish dragon-like creature frolicking in the water beside him. Elwyn himself will mostly just float around on his back, looking up in the sky, contemplating stuff, occasionally shooting small fountains of water with his mouth.
Wake - Winston is willing to purchase your items for 6gp, or 8gp with a successful DC 12 Persuasion check.
Kulogall - Winston is willing to purchase the bolts of silk for 150gp total, or 175gp with a successful DC 12 Persuasion check. Lankus at The Wicker Goat is willing to purchase the casks of brandy for 75gp total, or 90gp with a successful DC 10 Persuasion check.
Ruby - Winston is willing to trade a crossbow (25gp) or shortbow (25gp) for the longsword (15gp) plus 10gp. A successful DC 12 Persuasion check will convince him to throw in 20 arrows or 20 bolts, your choice, for free.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ruby will chose the crossbow, and will try to persuade Winston for the bolts, telling him that the sword was barely used and that it´s in great condition. Persuasion: 12
All - Captain Eliander Fireborn finishes with the interrogations and mentions that if any are interested and willing to join, the council meeting will be at the Council Hall at noon today. Those who attend will find a large brick building that contains the offices of the town council and the chamber where they meet to discuss the town business. The hall is built from sturdy stone from the nearby cliffs and a variety of hardwood from the nearby Mere of Dead Men. A wooden sign depicting a net filled with fish hangs above the double doors leading into the hall. A small tower rises from the building, housing a horn at the top, which is blown to announce the beginning of a council session or other significant events. The town has a sturdy but weather-beaten platform and gallows in front of the hall for use in the event of an execution. The meeting chamber is full by the time you arrive and Captain Fireborn stands to introduce you all as you enter. You see a varied group of people in attendance, including Manistrad Copperlocks, impatiently drumming her fingers on the beautifully crafted wooden table. Other attendees are introduced to you and include:
Eda Oweland - A gruff, pragmatic woman whose graying hair is cut short and whose face bears the marks of a life lived outdoors. Eda is the current senior member of the town council, as well as the owner of three large fishing boats. She has lived in Saltmarsh all her life and has been elected to the council three times.
Gellan Primewater - Gellan is a well-spoken, dapper older gentleman with a neatly trimmed beard and a fancy wardrobe.
Anders Solmor - Young Anders recently inherited his family’s fleet of fishing boats after the untimely death of his mother, Petra. He’s the youngest person ever to be elected to the council. Brash and inexperienced, Anders is a slight man with sharp features and a toothy smile.
In the course of the council meeting it is clear from general observation and whispered information from Captain Fireborn that Manistrad occupies an awkward place on the council. She was placed in her position by royal decree; the crown decided that if Saltmarsh is to support a mining operation, the miners would need a political voice. A more diplomatic figure might have smoothed over the tension, but Manistrad has little patience and sees the rest of the council, save for Eliander, as rustic dullards. Eda and Manistrad clash often throughout the meeting, clearly resenting Manistrad's appointment to the council. Gellan attempts to placate and mediate, as does the Captain. Anders offers up many, if not very helpful or reasonable solutions to various issues on the agenda, but the others basically dismiss or outright ignore his input. He doesn't seem to mind, likely only interested in the esteem and reputation boost that comes from being on the town council.
TL;DR
After about four hours of self-interested political maneuverings, thinly-veiled insults, and wading a veritable sea of red tape, the meeting concludes with the following outcomes:
Sanbalet and the rest of the smugglers/slavers will be sent to Neverwinter for trial and sentencing.
Talovar, the mushroom peddler is also being sent to Neverwinter as there is an active warrant for his arrest there for theft.
Xolo's involvement was deemed minimal enough for him to be sentenced to just under a year of imprisonment at the Saltmarsh jail. He also faces a fine of 1,000gp. Part of this fine will go toward restitution to those affected by the slaving operation. Hana, Flo, Jet, and Gorik all received 100gp each from the town treasury, which will be covered by the payment of the fine. If Xolo can not pay the fine he will be sentenced to perform hard labor under watch of the town guard until his debt is repaid.
Eda and Manistrad were surprisingly in agreeance in that they both wanted Xolo and the rest shipped off to Neverwinter and sentenced with the harshest penalties possible for their crimes.
Captain Eliander only fought for leniency for Xolo given his minimal involvement and the influence he was under.
Gellan Primewater oddly enough campaigned for all to be held in Saltmarsh, expressing concern that they'll face nothing more than a slap on the wrist in Neverwinter and that at least in Saltmarsh they can be put to work performing hard-labor under watch by the town guard.
Anders voted with Eda and Manistrad though seemed uninterested in the outcome.
The town guard will immediately dispatch a large force to recover the lost patrol.
The council just barely managed to agree upon letting you all return to the house the night after next to deal with the next smuggling/slaving ship, offering 400gp in total for capturing, if possible, those aboard. If not, frontier justice is acceptable.
The meeting convenes and Manistrad is out the door without a grumble. The rest chat for a bit but all head out as well.
It is mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is yours.
Elwyn will attend but he arrives a bit late from his early lunch at the Wicker Goat, trying to discreetly find a place with his friends at the back. After about half an hour snoring can be heard from the back as Elwyn completely loses interest in the debate. As the council meeting is over he quickly informs himself of the decisions made concerning him. "So no new assignments for us then. That's a pity. I guess we should take a couple of days off then, or what do you say there Kulogall?"
Ruby - Winston smiles and says, "True, true. Tell you what, you've got moxie and I like your style. I'll throw in a quiver of bolts for free. Deal?" You leave with a brand-new light crossbow and 20 bolts.
Wake - Winston says, "Take it or leave it friend. I only want the crystal bauble because it'll look good holding down the papers on my desk. As for the mushrooms, I'm really not even sure what I'm gonna do with them." Winston gives a smug smile as you cave and he slides the 6gp across the counter top to you. He leans back in his chair, feet on the counter, tossing the bauble in the air and catching it, then holding it up to his eye and watching you through it as you turn to leave.
Ariana is out of place in such a social endeavor as a council meeting, and is wide-eyed at the start. However, like Elwyn, she quickly grows bored and sits idly, petting Wesley or playing with her (unlit) pipe. At the mention of a 400gp reward for capturing or otherwise dealing with the slavers, she perks up. "400gp, Wesley, did you hear that!" she thinks, and she suddenly has a lot of energy again.
”Maybe we can go back to the house and clear out the attic. We could also perform a dry run on how we’ll approach and board the smuggler’s ship. Determine which of us will play the part of slaves and which will be slavers.”
Wake thinks for a second and adds,
”Between Kulogall and I, we could freeze up the vessel for a short time. Shape Water to freeze a five foot cube of ice around their rudder and another five foot cube of ice at the water level around their anchor chain or rope to add almost 300 pounds for them to try and hoist. Just a thought.”
Wake switches back to the original suggestion,
”Would we want to buy or borrow a ladder to access the attic?”
"That´s a great idea Wake!" Ruby says cheerfuly, catching up to Wake. "I could probably play the role of a slave, since they were mostly kids and I am.. well, quite small." She adds and then thinks for a bit. "Do you think they´d know about Gorik? The word about a captured dragonborn would fly fast, wouldn´t it?"
Ruby - Daveth offers, "We could pretend you, me, Gorik, and another of us are slaves so we gain easy access to the ship, only our bonds will be loose and we'll have our weapons and armor hidden under dark ratty cloaks. Perhaps someone can then cause a distraction while the others climb aboard? I'm not sure if they're expecting Gorik or not, but I'd like to have him nearby if we plan on pretending to be slaves."
"Mm, yes, I think I can take care of that distraction Daveth." Elwyn says, scratching his beard. "I can swim out there and take care of that as you all board the ship."
Ariana offers, "I wear no armor and have no problem being up close and personal. I can enter as a slave and defend myself if need be. Even if I'm shackled, I can do some damage with these." She kicks some nearby wooden thing, but not hard enough to break anything.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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After the interrogation, Kulogall was quiet and lost in his thoughts again. He focuses his mind and concentrates on shutting out Xolo, keeps his voice low. "What do you think will be done with him? He can't go free, after what he's done. I don't know what the right answer is. It is up to you Captain. Thank you for allowing me to help." He walks out with Elwyn and the others, after gathering the brandy and the cloth into the bag of holding again.
When they all leave, Kulogall will seek out a merchant where he can sell the bolts of cloth, to split the proceeds with the party. He will also look to purchase equipment and a maul for Gorik. Afterwards, he will head to the Wicker Goat to try and sell the brandy, again to split with the party. After they go to their rooms for the night, Kulogall will study the map and the spyglass in further detail, to learn more about it. To everyone else after they are out of earshot, he says "Let's plan to give those slavers a little surprise. One of us will signal them to come ashore, but we will be waiting to surprise them. Maybe we could even row out to their ship and try to find out more there as well."
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Wake will want to know the “Standard Operating Procedures” for the smuggling operation from Sanbalet while he is in a talkative mood. Was the next ship delivering, picking up or both? Does the ship send a boat to shore or do the smugglers always row out to them? What is the in the next shipment arriving or departing; materials, slaves, other? How many crew and expected armament can be anticipated in this next rendezvous? Is there likely to be a “Sea Prince” captaining or accompanying the next shipment?
Wake will later look for an opportunity to sell the crystal bauble (found in the chimney that triggered the spider swarms) and the six blushcap mushrooms. Proceeds to be added to community spoils.
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
Kulogall chimes in when Wake is questioning Sanbalet about Standard Operating Procedures, asking if there any signaling that is done once you are close to their ship? Do you typically come alongside fore or aft, etc.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Smuggler & Slaver's SOPs are as follows:
The signaling system utilizes the bullseye lantern to communicate the following messages by combining long and short flashes:
Long–short–short–short: “Is it safe?” (The ship initiates the exchange with this signal.)
Short–long–short–long: “Everything safe.” (The smugglers respond with this signal.)
Long–long–long: “Ready to unload; come to the ship.” (The ship confirms a reply with this signal.)
The arrangement calls for someone aboard the ship to flash the first signal. The shore party replies by flashing the second signal, after which the third signal flashes from the ship. It drops anchor and waits for the arrival of a boat from shore. A small group of smugglers approaches the ship in a rowboat.
It has been arranged (though this does not appear on the parchment) for the first signal to be repeated every 10 minutes for an hour. If the ship gets no response, it is assumed that there is some delay and the ship sails away, returning the next night.
The smugglers will drop anchor if the characters send any kind of return signal to the ship — not necessarily the correct one. The crew of the ship is accustomed to seeing an improper signal from time to time, because the gang on the shore often operates the lantern clumsily. Just in case something has gone awry, however, the ship’s crew will be on alert when the characters make their approach.
Was the next ship delivering, picking up or both? Picking up.
Does the ship send a boat to shore or do the smugglers always row out to them? Smugglers always row out to the boat.
What is the in the next shipment arriving or departing; materials, slaves, other? Nothing coming in. Slaves, bolts of cloth, and brandy going out.
How many crew and expected armament can be anticipated in this next rendezvous? Unknown.
Is there likely to be a “Sea Prince” captaining or accompanying the next shipment? Unknown.
Asking if there any signaling that is done once you are close to their ship? None.
Do you typically come alongside fore or aft, etc. Approach either port or starboard alongside the main deck, whichever side is facing the shore.
When relevant, Ariana pulls out the parchment with the code to corroborate the information Sanbalet shares. It seems he's telling the truth.
Ruby will follow Kulogall in town, trying to sell the longsword, since she is a bit clumsy with it and it just does´t feel right wielding it. Instead she would like to ask the smith or a merchant for a shortbow or a crossbow.
Elwyn has a rather short attention span and unless needed for the prolonged interrogation or selling of loot he will slip away for a swim until lunch back at the Wicker Goat. Anyone passing by the sea might notice him swimming, seemingly accompanied by a small bluish dragon-like creature frolicking in the water beside him. Elwyn himself will mostly just float around on his back, looking up in the sky, contemplating stuff, occasionally shooting small fountains of water with his mouth.
Wake - Winston is willing to purchase your items for 6gp, or 8gp with a successful DC 12 Persuasion check.
Kulogall - Winston is willing to purchase the bolts of silk for 150gp total, or 175gp with a successful DC 12 Persuasion check. Lankus at The Wicker Goat is willing to purchase the casks of brandy for 75gp total, or 90gp with a successful DC 10 Persuasion check.
Ruby - Winston is willing to trade a crossbow (25gp) or shortbow (25gp) for the longsword (15gp) plus 10gp. A successful DC 12 Persuasion check will convince him to throw in 20 arrows or 20 bolts, your choice, for free.
Ruby will chose the crossbow, and will try to persuade Winston for the bolts, telling him that the sword was barely used and that it´s in great condition.
Persuasion: 12
Wake will mutter a prayer for guidance in the negotiations. This is definitely not his strong suit. Perhaps it will sound a little like begging.
Persuasion: 10 plus Guidance: 4
(ROFL)
Wake will give Kulogall the 6 gp and confess,
”There should be no next time when it comes to me negotiating a trade.”
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
All - Captain Eliander Fireborn finishes with the interrogations and mentions that if any are interested and willing to join, the council meeting will be at the Council Hall at noon today. Those who attend will find a large brick building that contains the offices of the town council and the chamber where they meet to discuss the town business. The hall is built from sturdy stone from the nearby cliffs and a variety of hardwood from the nearby Mere of Dead Men. A wooden sign depicting a net filled with fish hangs above the double doors leading into the hall. A small tower rises from the building, housing a horn at the top, which is blown to announce the beginning of a council session or other significant events. The town has a sturdy but weather-beaten platform and gallows in front of the hall for use in the event of an execution. The meeting chamber is full by the time you arrive and Captain Fireborn stands to introduce you all as you enter. You see a varied group of people in attendance, including Manistrad Copperlocks, impatiently drumming her fingers on the beautifully crafted wooden table. Other attendees are introduced to you and include:
Eda Oweland - A gruff, pragmatic woman whose graying hair is cut short and whose face bears the marks of a life lived outdoors. Eda is the current senior member of the town council, as well as the owner of three large fishing boats. She has lived in Saltmarsh all her life and has been elected to the council three times.
Gellan Primewater - Gellan is a well-spoken, dapper older gentleman with a neatly trimmed beard and a fancy wardrobe.
Anders Solmor - Young Anders recently inherited his family’s fleet of fishing boats after the untimely death of his mother, Petra. He’s the youngest person ever to be elected to the council. Brash and inexperienced, Anders is a slight man with sharp features and a toothy smile.
In the course of the council meeting it is clear from general observation and whispered information from Captain Fireborn that Manistrad occupies an awkward place on the council. She was placed in her position by royal decree; the crown decided that if Saltmarsh is to support a mining operation, the miners would need a political voice. A more diplomatic figure might have smoothed over the tension, but Manistrad has little patience and sees the rest of the council, save for Eliander, as rustic dullards. Eda and Manistrad clash often throughout the meeting, clearly resenting Manistrad's appointment to the council. Gellan attempts to placate and mediate, as does the Captain. Anders offers up many, if not very helpful or reasonable solutions to various issues on the agenda, but the others basically dismiss or outright ignore his input. He doesn't seem to mind, likely only interested in the esteem and reputation boost that comes from being on the town council.
TL;DR
After about four hours of self-interested political maneuverings, thinly-veiled insults, and wading a veritable sea of red tape, the meeting concludes with the following outcomes:
Sanbalet and the rest of the smugglers/slavers will be sent to Neverwinter for trial and sentencing.
Talovar, the mushroom peddler is also being sent to Neverwinter as there is an active warrant for his arrest there for theft.
Xolo's involvement was deemed minimal enough for him to be sentenced to just under a year of imprisonment at the Saltmarsh jail. He also faces a fine of 1,000gp. Part of this fine will go toward restitution to those affected by the slaving operation. Hana, Flo, Jet, and Gorik all received 100gp each from the town treasury, which will be covered by the payment of the fine. If Xolo can not pay the fine he will be sentenced to perform hard labor under watch of the town guard until his debt is repaid.
Eda and Manistrad were surprisingly in agreeance in that they both wanted Xolo and the rest shipped off to Neverwinter and sentenced with the harshest penalties possible for their crimes.
Captain Eliander only fought for leniency for Xolo given his minimal involvement and the influence he was under.
Gellan Primewater oddly enough campaigned for all to be held in Saltmarsh, expressing concern that they'll face nothing more than a slap on the wrist in Neverwinter and that at least in Saltmarsh they can be put to work performing hard-labor under watch by the town guard.
Anders voted with Eda and Manistrad though seemed uninterested in the outcome.
The town guard will immediately dispatch a large force to recover the lost patrol.
The council just barely managed to agree upon letting you all return to the house the night after next to deal with the next smuggling/slaving ship, offering 400gp in total for capturing, if possible, those aboard. If not, frontier justice is acceptable.
The meeting convenes and Manistrad is out the door without a grumble. The rest chat for a bit but all head out as well.
It is mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is yours.
Elwyn will attend but he arrives a bit late from his early lunch at the Wicker Goat, trying to discreetly find a place with his friends at the back. After about half an hour snoring can be heard from the back as Elwyn completely loses interest in the debate. As the council meeting is over he quickly informs himself of the decisions made concerning him. "So no new assignments for us then. That's a pity. I guess we should take a couple of days off then, or what do you say there Kulogall?"
Ruby - Winston smiles and says, "True, true. Tell you what, you've got moxie and I like your style. I'll throw in a quiver of bolts for free. Deal?" You leave with a brand-new light crossbow and 20 bolts.
Wake - Winston says, "Take it or leave it friend. I only want the crystal bauble because it'll look good holding down the papers on my desk. As for the mushrooms, I'm really not even sure what I'm gonna do with them." Winston gives a smug smile as you cave and he slides the 6gp across the counter top to you. He leans back in his chair, feet on the counter, tossing the bauble in the air and catching it, then holding it up to his eye and watching you through it as you turn to leave.
Ariana is out of place in such a social endeavor as a council meeting, and is wide-eyed at the start. However, like Elwyn, she quickly grows bored and sits idly, petting Wesley or playing with her (unlit) pipe. At the mention of a 400gp reward for capturing or otherwise dealing with the slavers, she perks up. "400gp, Wesley, did you hear that!" she thinks, and she suddenly has a lot of energy again.
Wake overhears Elwyn and counters,
”Maybe we can go back to the house and clear out the attic. We could also perform a dry run on how we’ll approach and board the smuggler’s ship. Determine which of us will play the part of slaves and which will be slavers.”
Wake thinks for a second and adds,
”Between Kulogall and I, we could freeze up the vessel for a short time. Shape Water to freeze a five foot cube of ice around their rudder and another five foot cube of ice at the water level around their anchor chain or rope to add almost 300 pounds for them to try and hoist. Just a thought.”
Wake switches back to the original suggestion,
”Would we want to buy or borrow a ladder to access the attic?”
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
"That´s a great idea Wake!" Ruby says cheerfuly, catching up to Wake. "I could probably play the role of a slave, since they were mostly kids and I am.. well, quite small." She adds and then thinks for a bit. "Do you think they´d know about Gorik? The word about a captured dragonborn would fly fast, wouldn´t it?"
Wake - Winston sells a ladder (10 foot) for 1sp.
Ruby - Daveth offers, "We could pretend you, me, Gorik, and another of us are slaves so we gain easy access to the ship, only our bonds will be loose and we'll have our weapons and armor hidden under dark ratty cloaks. Perhaps someone can then cause a distraction while the others climb aboard? I'm not sure if they're expecting Gorik or not, but I'd like to have him nearby if we plan on pretending to be slaves."
"Mm, yes, I think I can take care of that distraction Daveth." Elwyn says, scratching his beard. "I can swim out there and take care of that as you all board the ship."
Ariana offers, "I wear no armor and have no problem being up close and personal. I can enter as a slave and defend myself if need be. Even if I'm shackled, I can do some damage with these." She kicks some nearby wooden thing, but not hard enough to break anything.