Well the Troll had our number that is certain. Wiped out my whole caravan, I thought I was next. Fiz stepped in to aid me Mardigan gives the Orc a nod. Then Narrakas? Elton and Fop I think his name was,  joined us. But as Fizzkilk  has already said, it was too much for us to handle.. We awoke in an apothecary of sorts. Left our 5th man to recover Came here for a chance to earn some gold, and maybe pay back a debit. That's my version anyhow. Mardigan gances around at the others, then returns to resting against the wall.

 Narrakas had remained quiet since entering, and seemed to concern himself more with examining their surroundings and looking for possible escape routes in a pinch over idle jests. But in response to Mardigan's question, all the goblin could really be bothered to answer with is grunt and shrug without pausing in his scanning. Not until the Lord's startling arrival had him immediately hopping a step back and bear his teeth.

Quickly recognizing the lack of threat for what it was, he relaxes his posture, crosses his arms, but can't the bit of eye twitching for a while over being called an 'adventurer'. "He more or less has the right of it. Before the troll we were already pretty worked over dealing with Lady Othmor's guilty consciousness over a couple missing spratlings. Who unfortunately... we hadn't rescued in time." He admits, though pointedly leaves out the details that might've suggested an opportunity to try had the party been a touch a braver upon spying the cave. "Dumb saps got lured in by a Daemon of some kind. Elton can better describe it. But suffice to say, it ain't take too kindly to us snooping, and we ain't take too kindly to it in turn. So after bashing it to death, we discovered an altar in its cave." Narrakas proceeds to spit off to the side. "Never discovered who was the crazy **** that made it -- BUT, /I/ made sure they wouldn't be using that altar again any time soon. And all it cost me was my favorite club."

Lord Othmor listens to each part of the telling with the attention of children listening to soldier's tales before the fire. He does not interrupt, except for delighted squeaks and giggles. Even the most matter-of-fact or downright grumpy retellings are taken in like some bardic retelling of ancient legends. He stares with wide eyes for a moment before realizing the telling is done, then claps his hands again.

"Ooooh hoo hoo! Wonderful," he gasps. Leaning back with his head up to the ceiling in thought the party hears him murmur, "... oh she still can pick the good ones!", then looking back at the party as if remembering that they are all still here, he says. "Yes. You may be perfect for a little job I need doing. Nothing nearly so terrifying as daemons and trolls mind you. You notice our redecoration. Well, we are waiting on a shipment which was supposed to have come in with many fine things for us. However, the captain claims he never received any of it. I think they are smugglers and are trying to sell off our goods to other buyers. But I need proof. I can't well go snooping around myself. I need some new brave faces. Do you think you can go down to the docks, look around, listen to what you can and find out where the cargo of the 'Nebula' has been taken?"

 While the exuberance of Lord Othmor left much to be desired out of the goblin, Narrakas promptly buried personal feelings (as much a goblin can burry such things anyhow) at the new job prospect. "Smugglers, huh? Tricky bastids, but, eh... we'll manage well enough I think. Although-..." He look about the party. "Some of us might still stand out a bit. But hey! Maybe we can work the 'muscle' or somethin' -- I dunno." Narrakas shrugged. "Beats waiting here for Lady Othmor to return anyhow. So, unless the rest of you are of a different mind-" He whips around to face Lord Othmor and extends a hand. "You have yourself a deal! But what else can you tell us about the Nebula or its Captain?"

"stand out?" fizzkilk asks sarcastically "us? IMPOSSIBLE! but yeah, working as muscle might work, and worst case scenario we can try to fight our way out" 

he seems uninterested in the job, and annoyed by lord othmor, but he signed on with the party, figuratively at least. so he will abide by majority decision

Mardigan feels there is more to this story. The hairs on the back of his neck suggest to him something doesn't add up.

Perception check to see if I can tell he is trying to deceive us 19

Mardigan:

Mardigan turns toward the others and whispers something doesn't feel right here. Then turns back toward Lord Othmor, smiles and enthusiastically says I'm in.

"Excellent! You are really worth waking up for today. I wouldn't worry too much about sticking out when you are near the docks. We get all sorts of colorful individuals coming and going of all races, species and allegiance in the port. Out toward our farmlands, well, that may be a different story. The captain is Zephyr Blackthorn, known as "Shadowwind Zephyr". He is a wiry and weathered figure - but aren't most ship captains? Zephyr has a reputation for sailing through storms that others dare not challenge, and his uncanny ability to avoid both naval patrols and supernatural dangers has made him a legend among smugglers." Lord Othmor pauses then grumbles "Which is why I hired him. Little did I think he would double-cross me." Tutting away the useless thought he continues, "As for the ship, I am afraid I am not so much an expert there... some sort of schooner I think? It's a dark ship, all dark wood, black and blue sails - dreadful! But, probably good for sailing undetected at night."

Without looking to Mardigan, Narrakas just nods in agreement, but looked otherwise no less enthused by the idea of the job. "Mn. Makes sense! Ands hould be easy enough to spot the ship or ask around for'em then. You mind us roughing him up if need be to make him squeal?" The goblin quickly holds up his hands in a halting gesture. "On the sly of course~ 'cause we can't be making bad our rep with the guards here on the first day." 

“The Nebula… OK,  Certainly we can see what we can find, thank you.”’ Eldon says.  He’s been a bit lost in thought following along with the group.     He also studies the house, lord and grounds as he has walked in.  9 perception.

“Sometimes there are ways to get information without making a bad name for ourselves” he says to the goblin, with a smile. 

(He’s never corrected the name Elton, BTW) 

Ooc I think that's hilarious that Mardigan actually thinks that's your name

lol yeah

((Eldon notices nothing more than the others have already)).

Lord Othmor smirks wanly at Narrakas' suggestion, then he yawns, not bothering to hide it. "As the day is late, you best get going. I'll let my sister you stopped. Good luck on your task!"

The party takes its leave of the Othmor manor. Stepping back to the mainroad, they can now hear and smell the harbor and docks ahead. They proceed on to a single large bridge spanning the river which runs into the harbor, with shops and homes along its length. Many laden carts pass two abreast on the bridge, as the party joins the traffic over it.

Part way over the bridge Eldon stumbles slightly.

Eldon:

As the party crosses the bridge, they are met with the lively and bustling atmosphere of Saltmarsh's main docks. The wooden planks beneath their feet creak slightly with each step, worn by the constant traffic of sailors, merchants, and adventurers. The scent of saltwater permeates the air, mingling with the distinct aroma of fish, tar, and the occasional whiff of exotic spices from distant lands.

The market square adjacent to the docks, usually reserved for the weekly market, is repurposed today into a hive of activity. Crew members rush to and fro, hauling crates, barrels, and bundles of goods on and off the various ships. The rhythmic clatter of chains, the calls of sailors coordinating efforts, and the distant gulls' cries create a symphony of harbor sounds.

Ships of varying sizes and designs line the docks, their hulls bobbing gently in the water. From humble fishing boats to grandiose merchant vessels, the harbor hosts a diverse array of maritime craft. 

The Council Hall stands tall, a sturdy structure overlooking the docks and market. Its stone facade, adorned with symbols of the town's maritime heritage, exudes an air of authority. Several dockworkers linger near its entrance, engaged in animated conversations or taking short breaks from their labors.

The surroundings are a mix of maritime-themed shops, waterfront taverns, and well-maintained homes of prosperous merchants. A few establishments catch the eye, such as "The Snapping," a popular tavern built from the planks and hulls of half a dozen decommissioned fishing ships, and "Treasures of the Tides," a curio shop filled with marine artifacts and mystical trinkets.

In the midst of the organized chaos, the party observes sailors hoisting colorful flags, each representing a ship's allegiance, cargo, or status. The docks are a mosaic of cultures and trades, making it both an intriguing and challenging place to navigate.

While not entirely a stranger to more maritime atmospheres, this fact alone did not preclude Narrakas' eyes from lingering on the most prominent aspects of the dock and its inhabitants. If, however, it's pointed out at all, the goblin waves a hand dismissively and claim to be on the look out for the captain. And who could blame him from being extra thorough barrels that smelled strongly of fish. A barrel perhaps left just a smidgen... unprotected...

"Lotsa ground to cover.Plenty enough to warrant splitting up a bit if'n ya fancy? Either way, I'm heading to "The Snapping" over there, and see if a few loose lips are the day's special." The goblin declares after wiping drool away from his mouth, and barring anyone interceding or making a strong suggestion, he picks up the pace a bit while making his way over to the tavern.

Mardigan will make his way toward the docks, to see if he can spot a dark ship with dark sails. And if possible chat up some of the folk trying to gather information on it's Captain and crew.

Eldon tries to keep up with the others, and appears visibly pale.  “Sorry, not feeling myself fully. I can see what my hawk can see, if youd like”. he says.   He sends tbe hawk swooping around the harbor for any ships that might fit that description. 

Narrakas approaches the tavern and sees that the signage has been damaged. Lying to one side is the remainder of the sign which would declare the tavern "The Snapping Line" rather than just "The Snapping". It looks like the sign and the tavern front sustained damage in some sort of assault - the end of a wicked looking spear still deeply embedded in the signage that still hangs.

With its proximity to the Council Hall, Narrakas also notices that there appears a bulletin board there that a lot of the idle workers seem to be mulling around.

((OOC - each PC trying to collect information take the Gather Information action with a roll on Diplomacy. Eldon - your hawk takes the Seek action - it flies over the docks of the port where you are, but does not see any ship matching the Nebula's description))

Diplomacy 21