Narakkas clicks his tongue as he catches the gold piece with one hand while the other passes along the first 5 to the boy officially, figuring they we're in an accord. "Would rather not spend coin at all, especially gold!" Narrakas admits. "Whole point in us going is-" He catches himself there, side-eyeing Kaelen, or at least where the youth and his trainees had been moments ago. Regardless of which case it may be, he awkwardly clears his throat before saying, "Since we know where Elton is, we'll go scoop him out and search for Fizz after. Couldn't have gotten that far away from there. Then we'll meet back here 'fore head off for the net." With a plan thus decided, an otherwise eager to be on the move goblin slaps down some copper to the bartender for the drinks head thus far before hurrying his way outside. 

Mads and Narrakas head out of the the Snapping Line to find their partners Eldon and Fizz among the activity in port.

((Eldon and Fizz go ahead and describe what you have been up to or trying to do while the other two were in the tavern))

fizzkilk would likely be trying to take a more direct course of action to find the dark ship. he is going to walk up and down the docks looking for it. he figures that with his soulforged armour dismissed he doesnt look too out of the ordinary, an orc in simple clothes with orcish weapons. exotic, but not too much so for a port. and attempts to appear down on his luck, as if looking for a job (im unsure what checks this would be, maybe society?)

Eldon has been searching the port and rhe harbor, wirh the aid of his hawk.   he catches up with the others after a thorough search, with or without any leads. 

Eldon and his hawk search the waters, but see no vessel near that matches the description of the merchant ship.

Fizzkilk on the other hand, strolls along the docks, blending in as just another worker in the bustling port. His orcish features and armor dismissed, he indeed attracts less attention than he might otherwise. He keeps his eyes open, scanning the ships and dockworkers for any sign of the elusive Nebula.

As Fizzkilk moves with purpose, a few shiphands take notice of him. They see an orc in simple attire, and he appears as a potential addition to the labor force. One of them, a burly man with a beard as rough as the sea, approaches Fizzkilk.

"Oi, looking for a bit of work, are ya?" the shiphand asks, eyeing Fizzkilk up and down.

Fizzkilk, playing his part, nods and responds with a gruff tone, "Aye, times are tough, and I could use a coin or two."

The shiphand, introducing himself as Gruffdan, laughs heartily, slapping Fizzkilk on the back. "Well then, you're in luck, friend. We've got a job for the likes of you. We're moving some crates tonight, and if you've got the muscle, you're in."

Fizzkilk feigns gratitude, "Sounds good, where and when?"

Gruffdan leans in and lowers his voice, "Midnight, mate. Dock stalls across from The Black Fish Chandlery. Look for a man named Wim. He'll tell you where them crates need to go. Good pay for a night's work, I promise you that."

Fizzkilk grins, trying to match the rough camaraderie, and then nods his thanks. As he continues his stroll along the docks, he notes the location and time in his mind. The shiphand Gruffdan returns to his work, shouting orders to the crew, and Fizzkilk disappears back into the crowd. He heads back in the direction of where his companions had last been seen.

Mads, Narrakas, Fizz and Eldon find each other on the dock road south and midway between the Council Hall and The Snapping Line.

24

"There you are! Was wondering if we'd spend part of a day try'na find'ja!" Narrakas jest and gives a big, yellow-toothed smile at the pair. "Get lucky? 'cause if not, all ain't lost. Found a local ratty that aughta be able to set us on the trail we need." His smile immediately falls into a frown as he looks away muttering, "Practically cost me an arm 'n leg tho'." If left to stew on that note, it takes him close to a minute, but eventually he shakes his head, dismissing the annoying memory to again smile up at the group. "Either of you been to the Empty Net before by any chance?"

"cost you an arm and a leg?" fizzkilk grins at the goblin and jokes "reckon the two of us could find a couple, long as they dont have ta match! empty net, doesnt ring a bell, sorry"

Narrakas narrows his eyes and scowls at first, only to snort and roll his eyes a moment later. "Yea, well, sounds like you've been living more on the straight and narrow than I suspected, eh? 'cause something of a den for the less, eh.. repa... rupa... Rep-er-types that don't let a few made up rules keep'em from trading what they want to trade 'n all that. Though! Keep in mind they do have their own solid one, in not to get too too rowdy.... or something like that."

As Mads, Narrakas, Fizz, and Eldon come together on the dock road, they exchange glances, reassured by the familiar faces. Amidst the discussions and plans, Mads and Narrakas, with their seasoned instincts, notice the subtle presence of Kaelen and the other Salty Scoundrels. The urchins, displaying a mix of curiosity and caution, attempt to blend into the surroundings, darting behind barrels and crates as they observe the party.

Mads, with his keen eye, catches a glimpse of Kaelen in the periphery, a knowing look shared between leader and adventurers. Narrakas, always quick to sense a watcher, locks eyes with one of the younger urchins who, startled, quickly disappears behind a stack of wooden crates.

Lead on goblin, take us to your den of inequity says Mardigan, as he gives his belongings a good once over.

It's a moment or two longer than Mads or anyone else might've expected, but eventually the goblin peels his ways away from Kaelen's hiding spot long enough to give the man grunt in agreement. Narrakas hardly takes a few steps however, before calling back over his shoulder, "When we get to where we're going, I best see you chicklings front and center, earning your keep! Or as the gods above and the nine aside as my witnesses, my foot will find some scrawny butts before the day is through!"Trusting his seeming off topic warning would suffice, Narrakas cracks his neck as he carried on his way, fully intent on leading the party to the Empty Net, and leaving any further discussion to be had along the way.

Kaelen and three other scrappy urchins hastened forward, scuttling from their hidden positions with a mix of excitement and determination. They converged upon the party with a sense of purpose, each of them displaying varying degrees of enthusiasm.

Kaelen, being the leader, assumed a more authoritative role, stepping confidently to Narrakas's side. He was followed closely by a wiry, dark-haired boy with sharp eyes that darted around, absorbing every detail of their surroundings. Behind them, a girl with an unruly mop of curls and a quick, mischievous grin joined in, while a smaller, scrappy lad brought up the rear, his curiosity and anticipation evident in his eager posture.

Eldon:

As the party followed Kaelen and the other Salty Scoundrels westward from the bridge, they passed through the Green Market, a collection of stalls offering various goods from goats to eggs, cloth to marsh plants. It was a bustling, yet quaint space that painted a vivid picture of daily life in Saltmarsh. Kaelen, in his role as the group's guide, explained its significance with an air of authority, although Narrakas knew the area all too well, as evidenced by his grunted acknowledgment.

Beyond the market, the shore curved inward, revealing a small, peculiar beach. The sand was strewn with fishing wherries and boats, giving it a somewhat unkempt appearance. However, it was a specific feature that caught their attention: a modest building perched on stilts over the harbor waters, isolated on the small beach protrusion.

Kaelen led the way toward this lone establishment, and as they approached, he lowered his voice to address the party more discreetly. "The Empty Net," he announced, gesturing towards the rickety tavern that bore this enigmatic name.

Beyond the tavern, the shore curves back inland, the beaches replaced with a long row of shacks, warehouses and weathered, gray buildings of non-evident utility.

Approaching the ominous-looking tavern known as The Empty Net, the party couldn't help but feel a certain level of unease. The building, perched on stilts above the harbor waters, seemed to exude an air of secrecy and danger. It was clear that this was no ordinary establishment.

As the group drew nearer, Kaelen took charge once more, stepping forward to interact with the formidable bouncer who guarded the tavern's entrance. The bouncer was a burly, imposing figure who looked like he had seen more than his fair share of brawls and bar fights. His arms were thick with muscle, and he wore a scowl that could intimidate even the bravest souls.

Kaelen approached the bouncer and engaged him in hushed conversation, the clinking of gold coins filling the air as they exchanged words. It was evident that some of the gold paid to Kaelen served as a persuasive bribe to gain them entry into this den of intrigue.

With a nod from the bouncer, Kaelen ushered the party inside, past the tavern's swinging doors. The atmosphere within was immediately palpable. The interior of The Empty Net was dimly lit, and the air was thick with the scent of sweat, alcohol, and secrets. The patrons were an eclectic mix of individuals, some hunched over tables in hushed conversation, others nursing their drinks in solitude, and a few engaged in raucous brawls that seemed to erupt and dissipate with alarming regularity.

The low hum of conversation filled the space, punctuated by the clinking of mugs and occasional bouts of laughter. The tavern's owner, Kreb Shenker, a grizzled-looking human thug, stood behind the bar, exchanging words with a customer while keeping a watchful eye on his establishment.

As the party stepped further into the tavern, they couldn't help but feel that they had entered a world where discretion was paramount, and alliances were forged in shadows.

Kaelen, made his way through the dimly lit interior of The Empty Net, his footsteps steady despite the tumultuous atmosphere surrounding him. He reached the worn wooden bar where Kreb, stood in conversation with one of the patrons. Kreb's grizzled countenance bore the marks of a life filled with rough experiences, and his demeanor hinted at a no-nonsense attitude.

As Kaelen approached, Kreb glanced in his direction, acknowledging the presence of the Salty Scoundrels' leader with a brief nod. There was a familiarity in their interaction, suggesting a history between the two that extended beyond this particular visit.

The exchange between Kaelen and Kreb was mildly animated, conducted in hushed tones as they leaned in closer to one another. Kreb's rough voice carried an air of authority, while Kaelen's words held a hint of urgency. Nods and subtle gestures punctuated their conversation, and the group couldn't help but notice Kreb's occasional glances toward a shadowy corner of the tavern.

In that dimly lit corner, a pair of desperate-looking thugs tried to blend into the shadows, their mugs of ale held close as they exchanged low murmurs.

Kaelen rejoins the party, his steps cautious as he leans in to share his discreet findings. He speaks in a hushed tone, a conspiratorial glint in his eye that suggests something intriguing.

"The men in that shadowy corner," Kaelen begins, his voice barely above a whisper, "they might just have the information we need about the Nebula's cargo. Kreb and I go way back, and he's let me in on a little secret. Those two gents over there have been talking, and it seems like they know something worth hearing."

(OOC: Not wholly sure if folk are waiting on Narrakas to take point on everything or just busy peeps. But for now at least, I'll have him act.)

Narrakas eyes narrows as he glances back and forth between Kaelen and the so called suspicious gents, before eventually settle on Kaelen. "Suppoze will see. But for now, you've done well in keeping your word. But stick around the net for a tidbit, if you don't mind, as it could be will be calling on you shortly. And if not, eh... we'll talk later regardless. Gents-" He turns to look at the rest of the party after whispering back to Kaelen.

"Let's go introduce ourselves. Only proper as you civil folk might put it. And by the ninez, could just as well be they too were hired, and the Lady's kinfolk wanted us on this as added comfort or somethin'." Narrakas shrugged, before on that note made his way boldly towards the men as directed with excitement barely contained behind a grin. And if noone else acts first or interjects, the goblin is fairly to the point upon reaching easy speaking range. "You two. I have it on good authority that you're interested in earning a bit of, uh, coin? If so, perhaps you can do me and my friends here sort somethin' out." He says. "Namely... due you know of Nebula?"

Knowing full well Narrakas' abilities instead of keeping an eye on the 2 gents, Mads glances around the room at the other ears that might be tuned in.

Perception? 21

If I detect anything suspicious I would make a gesture to Fizzkilk or Eldon to keep an eye on the target I gesture too.

The two men, initially guarded, found their tongues loosened by the sight of the offered coin.

They shared their clandestine knowledge, their voices lowered conspiratorially:

"The Nebula," one of them began, "she was here but briefly. Docked for a spell, then sailed offshore."

The other chimed in, "Aye, that's right. Smuggled cargo's supposed to come back on smaller tenders after midnight tonight. They're to deliver it to one of the shanties or warehouses in the black market."

He leaned in closer, his tone growing even more secretive. "The goods are up for sale or auction tomorrow night. The black market's entry point changes daily, but it's always from one of those half-dozen 'doors' in the buildings to the west."

He glanced at the coin in Narrakas's hand, a silent request for compensation for their willingness to divulge more valuable information. "I might have heard something about which door will be used tomorrow."

Mads, ever the vigilant guardian of his party, keeps a watchful eye on the patrons of The Empty Net. This rough and tumble establishment has its own unwritten code - a respect for the hushed exchanges that transpired in its dim corners. No one wants to be caught eavesdropping and risk the swift and brutal consequences.

The party's conversation with the two informants remained shrouded in the dark recesses of the tavern. The regulars, while perhaps curious, knew better than to interfere in matters that didn't concern them. In The Empty Net, secrets flowed like ale, and those who sought information knew that they merely needed to approach the right individuals, often brokered by the taciturn and formidable Kreb Shenker himself.

Mardiagan, flips a gold coin in the air to catch the man's attention, Then smoothly says And Which door might that be friend? Keeping his eyes on the man, and one hand on the pommel of his sword.

Seeing their interest piqued brought a bigger grin to Narraka's face. Though realizing seconds later that more of his personal funds might be depleted in the transaction, the expression falters and wavers as the duo spoke until eventually the goblin looked away while chewing on a nail. But with Mardiagan stepping up, the goblin looked almost... thankful? Hard to say, because a moment later any small smile of gratefulness soon turned a smirk as he turned on the mystery pair. "Yea, yea, yea. Do tell. And if you can add a bit more about the captain and his usual crew of the Neb, maybe there be a bit more in it for ya."

((OOC: I will need a Diplomacy roll from Narrakas)).

(OOC: I'd say Narrakas is about to have many of the regurts were it not for the fact that he's a goblin.)

-Diplomacy(U): 12.

The men go silent and exchange a glance, reluctant to share more info about the captain and the crew. "That's not the information we are providing.", says the one who spoke last. With a deft move, he waves his hand and an odd gold coin appears in his hand. "I'll trade you, this coin for that one.", he begins, "But this one is not a coin. It is a key. Tomorrow night, go to the courtyard between the second and third buildings to the west of the Empty Net, and you should be able to figure out how to use the key to open the right portal."