Tilliman:

Arlynn

Fane is waiting for the loot amount so she can figure out how many spells she can start scribing in her book. :)

Arlynn:

[There will be some time for selling and shopping after the emergency town council meeting.]

On the appointed evening, it is storming again, though nothing likely to do more than rattle some windows and wet the streets.  The four of you are summoned to the Council Hall.  This large brick building 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 Hool Marshes.  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 has been blowing intermittently for the last half hour.

You notice that there is a sturdy but weatherbeaten platform and gallows in front of the hall.  It appears this is set up for public executions, though it doesn't look like it sees much use.

You're asked to wait in the lobby while the last members of the town council arrive.  There are several portraits hanging of past Lord Mayors, along with some wooden plaques detailing town history and the origins of the council.  Those who care for a local civics lesson by reading the plaques learn the following:

Eventually, you are summoned into the meeting chamber.  The town council of Saltmarsh is already assembled, awaiting your presentation to them.  Stone nameplates are affixed to the table in front of them.

• Lord Mayor Eda Oweland.  This short-haired older woman projects a fierce presence from the head of the council table.  Her skin is deeply tanned and weathered, suggesting she spends some of her time out at sea.  Despite this appearance, she is well dressed and the jeweled bracelet on her wrist suggests she is quite well-off.
• Gellan Primewater.  Considered the wealthiest man in town, this handsome man appears to be in late middle age.  He is dressed well but conservatively, with no fancy rings or jewelry, and his demeanor tonight is one of quiet seriousness.
• Manistred Copperlocks.  The leader of the dwarven mining interests is already known to you.  She looks especially tired tonight.
• Eliander Fireborn.  The captain of the town guard, former Keoish soldier, and acquaintance of Eron.  He is dressed in his guard uniform, his uniquely carved wooden peg is eye-catching for any who haven't seen it before.
• Anders Solmor.  This young man with brassy hair is the finest dressed of any of the men, with a green and white doublet that looks fit for a garden soiree.  
• Will Stoutly.  One of the leaders of the town's marines.  He is dressed in common clothes with his long, curled black hair tied up under a bandana.

An unnamed young woman sits scribing in a corner, apparently recording the minutes from this meeting.

The party is informed the council has already been briefed on what you encountered in the old alchemists house, but you are asked to relate the tale again in front of the group.

[Assuming, for brevity's sake, that at least the following is shared?

• You were hired to sweep the house for 'ghosts' and put to rest superstitions that were interrupting mining travel along the coast road.
• Inside, you learned the 'ghosts' were actually programmed illusions, hiding a den of smugglers.
• Arlynn, one of your number, was found prisoner in the house and freed during the investigation.
• You killed - as far as you know - all of the smugglers.
• Some notes inside the home suggest the smugglers may have been using a lantern to signal someone else, possibly a ship.]

When the party finishes their tale, the council begins to discuss matters.  

Lord Mayor Eda Oweland frowns deeply, her weathered face carved with lines of frustration.  “Its obvious those smugglers had sea borne cohorts.  And if there’s a ship out there, it will only be a matter of time before they discover their den has been found out, and establish another hidden port along the coast some where.  This may be our only chance to oust these rats once and for all.”

Gellan Primewater leans back in his chair, hands steepled in front of his chin. His expression is calm, almost amused, though his eyes are sharp.  “A hasty response could cost us, Eda. We don’t know what this hypothetical ship might carry—or who.  Pirates?  Foreigners?  We’d be risking an incident if we act without proof.”

Eda shoots him a withering glance. "Proof? Gellan, the smugglers are dead in that house.  These young folk found their notes. And you think the people waiting for those signals are friendly?  Or should be granted diplomatic protections?"  She snorts derisively, an amusing sound coming from such a noblewoman.

Anders Solmor, dressed resplendently, leans forward, drumming his fingers on the table.  “We shouldn’t just assume the worst.  What if the smugglers we are dealing with are they type we could negotiate with?  A ship like that could be... useful to the town if approached the right way.”

The storm rattles the windows again, and Eliander Fireborn speaks, his gravelly voice cutting through the din. "Negotiation?   Smugglers with a hidden base are not honest traders.  The law says these people need to hang.  And they know that, too.  If they come back, and we meet them, it’ll be a fight."  His wooden peg knocks once against the floor, punctuating the statement.

Gellan shrugs and leans back casually.  "Well, Eliander, maybe we should make sure to peg them as pirates first, before we hang them."

The room goes dead silent, and all eyes turn toward Gellan. Eda slowly blinks, giving him a long, flat stare. Will Stoutly pinches the bridge of his nose with a groan, muttering, "Gods, Gellan..."

But Gellan grins, clearly pleased with himself.  "What? Too soon?"

Anders chuckles under his breath, but the moment is short-lived as Eda slams her hand on the table, bringing the conversation back on track. "Gods dammit... Focus, people.  We need a plan before it’s too late."

Manistred Copperlocks shifts, rubbing at her eyes with her calloused hands. “I don’t care how they’re dealt with, so long as they’re not still skulking around when my workers go back to the road.”

Eda nods at the dwarf.  “Exactly.  We’ve had enough disruption.  Your mines are already far enough off from the King's schedule."  This draws a sharp look from Manistrad.  "We need to act fast before they regroup.”

Will Stoutly, seated quietly for most of the discussion, finally speaks up.  "If you plan to go after this ship soon, we won't be ready..." He pauses, scratching the back of his neck beneath the bandana. "I've got half of our marines out scouting the coast, making contact with merfolk and looking for sign of those sea devils that raided during the hurricane."  He glances at Eliander, clearly torn.  "But I’ll back whatever plan we decide."

Gellan gives a small smile, his tone soft and reasonable.  "Which is why we need to think this through.  Send word to our scouts to check the sea for this mystery ship, see what’s there.  No need to rush into danger."

Eda slams her hand on the table again.  "We don’t have time for that!  If we wait, and we miss them, they'll be lost in the wind.  We have a chance to catch them once... when they return for their next meeting with the destroyed port beneath that house."

The debate continues, the council torn between cautious patience and swift action.  Anders, leans toward negotiation or delay, while Eda and Eliander argue for an aggressive plan—intercepting the ship if possible, or at least ambushing it at sea.  Manistred doesn’t care about diplomacy, only that the problem is dealt with before it disrupts her business further.  Gellan, meanwhile, urges caution.

The four of you are free to chime in, though it remains to be seen how considerate the council we be of your opinions.  You know the most about the smugglers so far, having fought them directly, and your input could sway the council’s decision.

Arlynn:

Eron clears his throat steps forward and nods respectfully towards the council, “If I may point out there was clearly an armed and very well armored individual, shot by crossbow, beaten as evidenced by his gear and left to rot as a deterrent just outside of the gang of smuggler’s living area.  Also it is very clear they were not acting alone as the location of their signaling was also discovered with in the manor proper.  I myself would be willing to lure in the rest of this miscreant operation and put a stop to the obvious theft and violence they are responsible for!”  He once more nods to the assembled council members.  Meeting the eyes of both Eliander and Will.

Once Eron is done speaking, Fane stands.

“I admit that I am new to you lovely town. But in the few days I’ve been here, I have seen Saltmarsh attacked by Sahuagin, have its search and rescue efforts plagued by demon rays, and have seen your workers too scared to go to work. Now, you can add an organized, and from what we’ve seen” she looks at the others in her group “ruthless band of smugglers, pirates and cutthroats working your on and off your shores. I, along with my friend here” she gives a quick look to Eron, “would be willing to continue our services to help uncover and stop this threat to your town.

She bows, and continues, "With all due respect, I would ask that you decide soon, before the currents take the four of us in a different direction."

With that, she sits.

Tilliman isn't quite paying attention. He's too busy scanning the room, assessing an inventory of valuables and potentially magical items. All the while, he continues to gently caress the Luckstone in his pocket.

Suddenly a thought occurs to him and he breaks from his revery to address the council. "I wonder..." He drifts... "...if there is any connection between these miscreant smugglers and the rumored influx of erm... unique items of an arcane nature entering the black market in this region. Because, if that were the case, then I would be-em... Duty-bound  as it were to pursue the smuggler's allies and reappropriate their ill-gotten hoard... For, em... academic purposes, of course."

Eron nods when Fane follows his offer with one of her own, and smiles when she says the four of them may stick together and perhaps go where they may.  Then as Tillman, oh Tillman suddenly gives voice to a need for a collection of enchanted artifacts 'duty bound' Eron's hand goes up to cover his smile, but this nonsense with Iuz and having a recent interest, Eron and Tillman are gonna have to level with each other soon.  Arlyn seems a little distracted, curious.  He really wonders what her thoughts and intentions are.  He hopes she will bond as Fane implied 'the four of us'.  Eron really likes the sound of that.

It seemed a little odd when councilman Primewater was jesting at the expense of Eliander's missing leg, left a little sour taste in Eron's opinion.

The town council sits in thoughtful silence for a moment as Eron, Fane, and Tilliman finish speaking.  Rain patters against the windows of the council hall, and the occasional gust of wind whistles through cracks in the old building.

Eda Oweland leans forward, her weathered hands clasped on the table.  “I think we're all in agreement that we need to take action here,” she says, her gravelly voice steady and firm.   "May we proceed, or does anyone wish to call for a vote first?" she asks, giving pointed looks to Gellan and Anders.  Neither of them offer much in the way of reaction, other than a resigned headshake from Gellan. 

“This town has been through worse, and we’re still standing.  But I’ll not sit idle while criminals prowl just off our shores.  We’ve spent enough time waiting for problems to sort themselves out.”  She gives a quick glance toward Eliander, who raises an eyebrow but says nothing.

Gellan Primewater shifts in his seat, resting one ankle across his knee.  “I admire your boldness, truly, and I must concede you are right.  I would hate to see an opportunity to squash these smuggles go squandered." He glances at Eda with a sly grin. " After all, if we play this right, we might find ourselves with control of a shiny new ship.”  He winks, causing Anders to stifle an awkward chuckle.

With a smirk, Gellan continues. “So, I wholeheartedly support the plan to capture this ship—assuming, of course, our brave friends here can handle it.”  He gestures toward the party, his expression carefully neutral.

Eliander Fireborn taps his peg leg against the wooden floor in a steady rhythm, considering the discussion.  “A capture is a sound plan if you’ve got the stomach for it.”  His gaze rests briefly on Eron, and then Will.  “Though if it’s more trouble than it’s worth, I’d say scuttle it and be done.  No sense throwing good men’s lives away for a ship we don’t need.”

"So, how's this sound, then?"  Eliander continues. “We post a watch at the house and wait.  If this mystery ship returns, we’ll call in Eron and his friends to signal it and approach by jollyboat.  If it’s friendly—unlikely—we play along.  If not...” He rests both hands on the table. “We commandeer it.  Or sink it.  Whatever’s necessary or expedient.”

Will Stoutly, seated next to him, shrugs.  “Aye.  We are short-handed, but I’ve got two marines I trust to get you there and back—if this is what we’re doing, they’ll crew the jollyboat and help as they can.”  He rubs his bandana, giving Eron a small nod of approval.  “If things go sideways, cut her below the waterline or start a good fire.  We’ll get you out.  No sense letting heroes go down with the ship.”

Anders Solmor perks up, straightening in his seat. “It’d be a shame to waste a perfectly good vessel, though, wouldn’t it?  This ship — it might be an asset.  Saltmarsh could always use more deep-hulled vessels for trading... or for privateering.”  He grins, the enthusiasm of youth coloring his voice.  "Please... at least try to take it.”

Eda snorts.  “Privateering, Anders?  That’s all we need—another excuse for you to chase pirates.”

"Well," Anders replies with an impish grin, “someone’s got to keep the Sea Princes on their toes and off our backs...". 

"Unless his majesty intends to offer the services of the Royal Navy?” he asks of Eliander with one eyebrow raised and his grin reaching practically devilish proportions.

Gellan leans back with a satisfied smile.  “An elegant plan.  Simple, efficient, with just the slimmest of chances for this to break down into shenanigans.”

Eda shakes her head but lets it go.  “Then it’s settled.  We’ll station the watch and see what turns up.”  She gives the party a curt nod. “You’ll be our response team.  When the ship shows, we’ll send word immediately.”

Eliander glances to Will, who gives a brief nod.  “My marines will be ready.”

Manistrad Copperlocks, who has been unusually quiet, offers a tired sigh.  “Fine by me. Just make sure none of this mess interrupts the mining crews.”

Eda raps her knuckles on the table. “Right then.  We all know what to do.  Dismissed.”

With that, the meeting draws to a close, and the council members begin gathering their papers and preparing to leave.  As the party stands, Gellan Primewater gives them a friendly smile.  “Try not to sink it, eh?” he says casually.  “Would be a shame to waste a perfectly good ship... but all the same," he finishes with a tired sigh, "do whatever you need to.”

[Is there anything else to say before the councilors disperse for the night?] 

Tilliman, looking a bit green at the thought of another ocean voyage whispers to the others, "I'm sorry-erm... Were they suggesting we'd actually fight these maritime scofflaws out there, on the water?"

Before he gets an answer, Tilliman realized the meeting is breaking un. "Oh dear..." He mutters as he moves away from his companions to get the attention of Gellan Primewater, calling to him. "Oh-em... Mister Primewater. Yes... If you have a spare moment, I'd love to speak to you privately on another matter. Ehm... To wit, the collecting and appreciation of unique artifacts from across the land of Oerik. As you may know I am something of an expert on the matter... Erm. Anyway. If you would be so kind, I would be forever honored to coordinate a viewing of your collection whenever you might find it convenient." He finishes with a broad, toothy smile, his glistening gnomish eyes looking large in his thick glasses.

Eron catches Will and Eliander’s attention before dispersing.  “I have some news you may find of interest.  Recently I’ve commissioned a translation of a journal I found in the Drowned Forest.  Seems there is an artifact being hunted, one significant to Iuz and Zuggtomy.  When this smuggling fiasco is wrapped up.  I’m planning to get back to where this literature was found and see what else turns up.  Didn’t want you thinking I just disappeared, plus it seems like I’m part of a party here now.”  Eron smiles thinking how Fane matter of factly suggested it.

The blue-haired half-elven lady had quietly been watching and listening during the council, simply giving a firm nod of agreement as the others had offered their services to the town of Saltmarsh. She hoped of course there was some sort of reward at the end of this but she was also fairly confident there would be something making it all worthwhile other than the satisfaction of fully dealing with the wretched smugglers who had had the insolence to keep her prisoner in that awful old house.

Her dark azure eyes discreetly follows council members Primewater and Solmor, not being able to shake the feeling at least one of them knew more about all this than they let on. Even if they knew nothing about this operation, there was clearly a risk that the smuggling operation had an informant in town and that they would be aware of that the house had been put out of operation. The team would definitely need to be careful of what they walked into.

Insight checks regarding
Gellan: 13
Anders: 14

As Councilmember Primewater leaves the Council Hall, Arlynn would approach him, after discreetly casting a spell around the corner of the building. "Excuse me Councilmember Primewater, but isn't there a risk that the smugglers have someone in town that will be able to alert the smugglers of the Council's plan?" She asks with a concerned look, hoping that the concilman's surface thoughts when hearing this question will divulge something of interest. "My friends and I wouldn't want to go abord that ship with a full smuggler crew ready to attack us."

Cast Detect Thoughts
Stealth if needed: 10
Deception if needed: 24 

She would then go through with the same procedure with Councilman Solmor.

Cast Detect Thoughts
Stealth if needed: 11
Deception if needed: 8

Her curiosity over local politics piqued, Arkynn would later discreetly try to delve more into that, using her inforamtion gathering skills to get a deeper understaning into what had transpired during the council and the meaning of the comments about the king and the navy for instance.

Persuasion: 15

Fane gets up, ready to leave the meeting, and looks over at Tilliman, about to ask if he'd like to know about the spells she found in the new spell books they acquired, but the gnome is already off talking to the council

So she turns to Eron, asking what he found out about his journal, but he too has waded into the council to ask individuals questions.

Looking around Arlynn, Fane sees she is also engaging Councilman Primewater.

With no questions of her own, at least not any for the council, she waits for the others, and walks around the meeting hall, listening in where she can. Out of curiosity, she will cast Detect Magic as she scopes out the room, and the council members.

[Lest there be any confusion about the how rules are applied to spells here, I looked it up, I swear.  Arlynn's detect thoughts is from the Telepathic feat and it explicitly states it doesn't require components.  As long as she casts it just the once, and talks to both Gellan and Anders within 1 minute, she can do this without any outward evidence she has cast a spell.  Going outside, trying to cast in secret, and then approach and question the men within the 1 minute limit of the spell, before hiding and repeating for the other man seemed like it would be more trouble than its worth.  But its doable if she just questions them quickly and quietly in the council hall.  Fane's spell, meanwhile, has both verbal and somatic components, hence the reaction.]

As Tilliman makes his request of Gellan Primewater, they nobleman pauses, halfway through adjusting his coat.  His handsome, slightly weathered face softens into a smile as he takes the measure of the gnome.  He flicks a glance toward the other council members, ensuring no one is paying attention, then leans down slightly, lowering his voice to just above a whisper.

“Well now... a fellow appreciator of rare treasures, eh?  That’s a language I understand, Master Tilliman.  And you say you’re something of an expert?”  His smile grows.

“Ah... yes, yes, I do keep a modest collection of curiosities.  Nautical artifacts, mostly—pieces with a bit of history attached, you know.  Stories, my good gnome, are half the value of an artifact.  The other half, of course, is actual value.  I have a few pieces that I wouldn't mind get a professional's opinion over how much I paid for them.”  He straightens, adjusting his cuffs as if already savoring the thought of showing off.  “And, I’d hate to disappoint someone with your discerning taste... so I imagine a private viewing could be arranged.”

He gives Tilliman a small but meaningful look.  “Provided, of course, you’re discreet.  A collection like mine... well, it’s not the sort of thing one parades about, if you take my meaning.”  His tone is warm and friendly, but there might be a hint of an edge beneath it.  “Let’s say... tomorrow afternoon?  I’ll send a lad with directions.   And perhaps...” Gellan’s eyes twinkle with amusement, “you could help me keep an ear to the ground for anything interesting coming through town.  I do so enjoy staying ahead of certain... rival collectors.”

He offers Tilliman a small, knowing wink before stepping back, his hands resting comfortably in his pockets.  "Tomorrow, then."

Before Gellan can quite complete his turn to escape, Arlynn steps up to him and asks her questions.  

He pauses, one hand resting on the doorframe of the exit as Arlynn’s words stop him in his tracks.  He turns slowly, a practiced, politician's smile already forming on his face.

"Ah, yes. A fair point."  He taps the edge of the door lightly with his fingers as if weighing his words.  "But that’s a risk with any operation, isn’t it? Saltmarsh is a small town.  Loose lips and all that." He shrugs, as if to say, What can you do?  "That said, if the Council’s decision leaks out... well, it won’t be from me, I assure you."  His smile lingers, warm but noncommittal.  "Besides... I’ve always believed fortune favors the bold, don’t you?"

Arlynn:

 She then approaches Anders Solmor and asks him a similar question.

Anders, still seated near the door and fidgeting with the ornate buttons of his doublet, blinks in surprise when Arlynn approaches. 

"That’s a good point," Anders says earnestly, leaning in to keep their exchange quiet.  "If there’s someone in town helping the smugglers... well, we need to catch them before they can do more damage, don’t we?"  He furrows his brow, as if the idea is genuinely new to him.  "We can’t let them tip off that ship.  I'll... I'll have to talk to Eliander about that."

He smiles, clearly pleased with himself, but it’s the smile of someone out of his depth—more bravado than understanding.

Arlynn:

 Anders shifts in his seat and lowers his voice conspiratorially.  "If you find anyone suspicious—or, you know, if you think of someone—let me know.  I’d be happy to... um... take action."

When Eron approaches Will and Eliander, both of them sour at the mention of of Iuz and Zuggtmoy.

"The Drowned Forest, eh? Ain't never heard any good come from that place," Will mutters. "Now you’re telling me it’s tangled up with godsdamned Iuz and the Demon Queen of Rot?" He shakes his head grimly. "That’s more trouble than we need."

Eliander’s reaction is more measured.  "Zuggtmoy..." Eliander says quietly, almost to himself.  "Right.  We'll need to keep an eye on this.  If dark forces are seeking something in the Drowned Forest, it could spill over into Saltmarsh."  Eliander straightens up, adopting the tone of a soldier giving advice to a subordinate.  "But don’t go alone.  If the forest harbors Abyssal magic, it’ll take more than muscle and steel to get out alive." His gaze flickers briefly toward Will, but he holds back for now.

"Finish what you started here with the smugglers. When that’s done..." Eliander pauses, clearly weighing his words carefully. "Come see me. If this is as dangerous as it sounds, I’ll want to know more details before you set off."

 Will adds a final thought.  "Look, Eron... you’re part of this town’s defenses now, and if you’re runnin’ off in demon-touched lands, you’d better make damn sure you come back in one piece.  We don’t have enough folks who can handle themselves, let alone against the likes of that kind of magic."

Before the rest of the council members can leave, Fane begins to softly chant and perform the verbal incantations of a spell.  In the enclosed space of the meeting hall, there are several gasps.  Will Stoutly's hand goes instinctively to his sword, while Eda and Gellen both quickly step back several paces.  Anders goes so far as to drop to the ground under his desk.  Only Eliander and Manistrad conceal any reaction.  Once it becomes clear that no fireballs are incoming or elementals are being summoned, Eda clears her throat.

"Young lady," she scowls, "this is a place of government and civil discussion.  Any spellcasting should be forewarned - at a minimum - or better yet, done on your own time and in the privacy of your own quarters.  I have half-a-mind to have Eliander write you a summons for this statutory violation."  There is real bite in her words, betraying how much she had just been spooked.  

"What statute does that violate, again?" Eliander asks, giving a reassuring look to Fane outside the view of Eda.

"Any number of statutes!" Eda barks.  She bristles, pulling up her topcoat and gathering her things.  "In any case, we are adjourned.  Good evening, everyone," ... those words are phrased like a farewell, but sound like a command to go sod off.

The council departs from the meeting hall into the soft rain and the dark streets of Saltmarsh.

Fane:

Fane begins to say, "I apologize, as I mentioned I am new here, my mistake. In the Fairy Kingom of my home, magic is, more common. I appreciate your forgiveness here."

Though sincere, she is not sure who heard it, as the councilmembers scuttle from the room. She will move slowly, hoping that all the councilmembers leave before she does, if so, she will move to investigate the divination circle in the corner of the room. If any of the others of the group are with her still, she will raise her finger to her mouth, a sign to be quiet.

She will try and determine the cause and abilities of the circle. Is it a spell, an object, any origin, etc.

[skill]Arcana[skill]: 15

After the investigation, she will leave to join the others.

Fane:

 Will adds a final thought.  "Look, Eron... you’re part of this town’s defenses now, and if you’re runnin’ off in demon-touched lands, you’d better make damn sure you come back in one piece.  We don’t have enough folks who can handle themselves, let alone against the likes of that kind of magic."

Eron offers a handshake, or a clasping of arms, “You have my word Will.  And yes Eiliander we are long overdue for a drink and some catching up.”  Then with the excitement of Fane’s casting and Eiliander’s quick defense, Eron heads out to get a meal at the Wicker Goat.

[I'll leave things for a bit in case there is any post-council discussions or planning necessary among the PCs.  Then I will post the results of your sale of salvage/treasure, there will be a chance to shop if desired, and then we can move on to the next story-beat...]

When the four of them are all together, I assume back at the Wicker Goat, having a drink and a bite, talking about their adventure.

Fane will say, "one second" and cast Detect Magic. Assuming she see's nothing that appears to be watching or listening, she will explain what she saw in the council room at the end of the meeting when she cast the spell.

"A few of the council members contained magic items or possessed something radiating magic. But the most important thing I saw was, there was a divination spell present in the corner of the room. Someone or something was most likely listening or watching the meeting. Whether it was harmless curiosity, someone aligned with the smugglers, or another reason, I don't know. But we should be aware, that others may likely be watching us as we continue."

"What do the rest of you think? Learn anything interesting?"