Quin's expression shifts, he knows something else but isn't willing to say just yet.
"If you have time tonight, could you come over to my home? You probably know where the Aerakin Mansion is. Anytime after dark would be fine. I need to show you something. You can bring anyone you like."
Conversation shifts to Zaerra and, like most people, Quin is curious about her origins and experiences. Zaerra tells him the usual that she has told many people who have enquired about her so far. She and her people live and sometimes wander in the astral sea, seeing countless worlds, understanding how the cosmology works in those planes, which sit alongside and are part of the material plane. Quin is fascinated, but eventually his questions stop.
Zaerra's impression of Quin Aerakin is that he is a young educated noble, the third child of Chandler Aerakin, so Quin will be looked after but is unlikely to inherit a noble title or any significant riches. Quin is curious, intelligent, and probably kind and gentle. Someone who could easily be taken advantage of, if someone was included to do that.
After more chat, Zaerra takes her leave. She has the information she's after, but is intrigued about what Quin has to show them tonight. It's about time to meet the rest of Amici Noctia at Hoolwatch Tower.
This 60-foot-tall tower was the first defensive building of Saltmarsh, and it still serves as an armory and lookout as well as the official base of the town guard. Once it stood alone as a lookout for threats from the Hool Marshes from the north. Nowadays it is flanked by the farms of Blackbrew Stead on one side and Satch Stead on the other.
Eliander Fireborn spends most of his time here in his duties as commander of the guard. He sometimes has need for adventurers, and at such times he posts jobs on a board hanging by the tower’s entrance.
One of the Town Guard shows Amici Noctia to the office of Eliander Fireborn.
Tall, imposing, and burly, Eliander still bears the air of a seasoned soldier. Several light scars can be seen above his grey beard on his tanned face, and his left leg has been replaced with an ornately carved wooden peg. He still walks with a heavy limp.
"Ah, welcome. Yakeerk accepted this mission on your behalf. We've examined everything from Makaster House, including the parchment with the code and the bullseye lantern, plus we added the information gained from interrogating the Sea Prince smugglers and came up with the following.
A smuggler ship will appear in about two weeks, just off the coast near Makaster House. We will keep a lookout for it.
The smugglers will signal Makaster House with the following code:
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 load/unload; come to the ship.” (The ship confirms a reply with this signal.)
At this point the ship will expect a boat to come out from the caves beneath Makaster House and meet the ship and unload more smuggled goods from the ship to Makaster House. Apparently the ship, called the Sea Ghost, has been away east to pick up an important cargo for some unusual clients. The two claimed to not know anything more about it, and I believe them - they were just lackeys. They were hanged this morning, by the way.
Anyway, I will handle the signalling to the Sea Ghost. You all will be on a small fishing boat sailed by two fisherfolk, heading for the Sea Ghost but coming from the seaward side. The crew of the Sea Ghost won't be looking that way. It will be dark so that will help a lot. You are to board The Sea Ghost and capture it. You can decide what to do with the crew. Ideally capture them as a first option, kill them all as a second option. If you must you can parlay and negotiate terms but the Sea Ghost and it's cargo must be captured. Any information you can get about the Sea Ghost, its cargo, movements, and its crew will be welcome.
Please keep your evening calendars clear for the next two to three weeks.
Yga eyes Eliander with a gimlet stare, "Keeping our calendars closed for the next 2 to 3 weeks may be costly, Mr Fireborn. I'm not a charity, but I do help run one - Kord's Orphanage. It can't be run on fame generated by our heroic deeds alone, so let's talk turkey...."
Yga eyes Eliander with a gimlet stare, "Keeping our calendars closed for the next 2 to 3 weeks may be costly, Mr Fireborn. I'm not a charity, but I do help run one - Kord's Orphanage. It can't be run on fame generated by our heroic deeds alone, so let's talk turkey...."
Eliander Fireborn smiles. "Of course. The Town Council are prepared to offer 250 gold coins for the satisfactory conclusion of this episode. And an extra 10 gold coins per night that you are required to keep your calendars clear. How does that sound?"
"No, I'll contact you through the Snapping Line. If you are out and about if you can let Hanna or the staff know where you are going, my messenger will find you. Thank you."
Eliander Fireborn nods and resumes his perusal of the rosters. It seems like you are dismissed.
"We did say we would visit the tiefling Captain Xendros, when we finished with Makaster House," Yakeerk reminded everyone. "We could do that now before we visit Master Quin Aerakin at his mansion later this evening?"
"Refreshments?" Captain Xendros barks an order in her harsh, native tongue and a man in common clothes appears, bringing berries, grapes, cheese, and crackers on plates. He puts them on the table and leaves.
"So, I tasked you to see if there was a connection between the incidents at Makaster House and the convergence of evil creatures in these waters. What did you find out?"
"We investigated Makaster house as requested. My findings are as follows." Irob pauses briefly before continuing, "First, the house was being utilised as a base for a smuggling operation. This I am sure you are aware of given their recent sentencing" he pauses once more before continuing to his next point "Second, I believe we have neutralised the smuggler threat in Makaster house at this time." He thinks briefly once more "And third, the smugglers smoked their ham. I have noticed this as a common practice of organic beings"
"And," Captain Xendros drives home the point, "in your collective opinion nothing you saw there had anything to do with the recent influx of evil creatures into the area?"
"Not that we could establish," Yakeerk volunteers. "There were undead in the cellars, but they had been there a long time. An undead spellcaster was one, who we believe to be Makaster himself."
Captain Xendros thinks for a moment, her finger on her chin.
"Did you find a book on the Philosopher's Stone, by any chance? If you did, then I would trade you a Hat of Disguise for it, which would be useful for Irob. What do you say?"
(note: The party found a book called "Ye Secret of Ye Philosopher’s Stone", no author acknowledged, in Makaster's inner sanctum.)
"We discovered a number of books while searching Makaster house and they remain currently at our accomodation. I cannot confirm if we are in possession of the book you seek, however we can investigate the matter and provide you an update when we are certain. Is this an agreeable arrangement?"
Back at the Snapping Line, Zaerra reads the Ye Secret of Ye Philosopher’s Stone book.
The book talks about using alchemy and transmutation magic to turn various metals into gold, but it's all theoretical. Zaerra notices some flaws in the magic theory, but it would be a useful book for a researcher in transmutation magic, or someone interested in the history of magic of this world. But there is nothing of use for the party here.
Yga suggests that the book for a Hat of Disguise seems like a good deal, but somehow I feel the Tiefling is being sneaky about it...happy to go ahead with the trade though.
When you return to see Captain Xendros and give her the book, she smiles - you don't think you'll ever get used to seeing a smile like that with so many pointed teeth - and passes over the Hat of Disguise. When asked about her reason for the book, she answers:
"Oh I can get a very good price for this book, but not in Saltmarsh. People ask me to acquire all sorts of things, and I fulfill as many requests as I can. For example, I am after a particular magical item called an Apparatus of Kwalish. If you ever find out where to acquire one, or better yet, bring me one, you can pretty much name any magic item of equal rarity and I will acquire it for you in trade."
Quin's expression shifts, he knows something else but isn't willing to say just yet.
"If you have time tonight, could you come over to my home? You probably know where the Aerakin Mansion is. Anytime after dark would be fine. I need to show you something. You can bring anyone you like."
Conversation shifts to Zaerra and, like most people, Quin is curious about her origins and experiences. Zaerra tells him the usual that she has told many people who have enquired about her so far. She and her people live and sometimes wander in the astral sea, seeing countless worlds, understanding how the cosmology works in those planes, which sit alongside and are part of the material plane. Quin is fascinated, but eventually his questions stop.
Zaerra's impression of Quin Aerakin is that he is a young educated noble, the third child of Chandler Aerakin, so Quin will be looked after but is unlikely to inherit a noble title or any significant riches. Quin is curious, intelligent, and probably kind and gentle. Someone who could easily be taken advantage of, if someone was included to do that.
After more chat, Zaerra takes her leave. She has the information she's after, but is intrigued about what Quin has to show them tonight. It's about time to meet the rest of Amici Noctia at Hoolwatch Tower.
This 60-foot-tall tower was the first defensive building of Saltmarsh, and it still serves as an armory and lookout as well as the official base of the town guard. Once it stood alone as a lookout for threats from the Hool Marshes from the north. Nowadays it is flanked by the farms of Blackbrew Stead on one side and Satch Stead on the other.
Eliander Fireborn spends most of his time here in his duties as commander of the guard. He sometimes has need for adventurers, and at such times he posts jobs on a board hanging by the tower’s entrance.
One of the Town Guard shows Amici Noctia to the office of Eliander Fireborn.
Tall, imposing, and burly, Eliander still bears the air of a seasoned soldier. Several light scars can be seen above his grey beard on his tanned face, and his left leg has been replaced with an ornately carved wooden peg. He still walks with a heavy limp.
"Ah, welcome. Yakeerk accepted this mission on your behalf. We've examined everything from Makaster House, including the parchment with the code and the bullseye lantern, plus we added the information gained from interrogating the Sea Prince smugglers and came up with the following.
A smuggler ship will appear in about two weeks, just off the coast near Makaster House. We will keep a lookout for it.
The smugglers will signal Makaster House with the following code:
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 load/unload; come to the ship.” (The ship confirms a reply with this signal.)
At this point the ship will expect a boat to come out from the caves beneath Makaster House and meet the ship and unload more smuggled goods from the ship to Makaster House. Apparently the ship, called the Sea Ghost, has been away east to pick up an important cargo for some unusual clients. The two claimed to not know anything more about it, and I believe them - they were just lackeys. They were hanged this morning, by the way.
Anyway, I will handle the signalling to the Sea Ghost. You all will be on a small fishing boat sailed by two fisherfolk, heading for the Sea Ghost but coming from the seaward side. The crew of the Sea Ghost won't be looking that way. It will be dark so that will help a lot. You are to board The Sea Ghost and capture it. You can decide what to do with the crew. Ideally capture them as a first option, kill them all as a second option. If you must you can parlay and negotiate terms but the Sea Ghost and it's cargo must be captured. Any information you can get about the Sea Ghost, its cargo, movements, and its crew will be welcome.
Please keep your evening calendars clear for the next two to three weeks.
Do you have any questions?
Yga eyes Eliander with a gimlet stare, "Keeping our calendars closed for the next 2 to 3 weeks may be costly, Mr Fireborn. I'm not a charity, but I do help run one - Kord's Orphanage. It can't be run on fame generated by our heroic deeds alone, so let's talk turkey...."
Eliander Fireborn smiles. "Of course. The Town Council are prepared to offer 250 gold coins for the satisfactory conclusion of this episode. And an extra 10 gold coins per night that you are required to keep your calendars clear. How does that sound?"
Irob quickly calculates the total compensation of Eliander's proposition before speaking.
"I believe this to be an acceptable arrangement. Do you have any further requirements of us before we depart?"
"No, I'll contact you through the Snapping Line. If you are out and about if you can let Hanna or the staff know where you are going, my messenger will find you. Thank you."
Eliander Fireborn nods and resumes his perusal of the rosters. It seems like you are dismissed.
Amici Noctia spend time at the Snapping Line.
"We did say we would visit the tiefling Captain Xendros, when we finished with Makaster House," Yakeerk reminded everyone. "We could do that now before we visit Master Quin Aerakin at his mansion later this evening?"
"Let's do it," Yga agrees.
Captain Xendros smiles when she opens the door, and sees Amici Noctia outside. Her smile is genuine, broad, and shows far too many pointed teeth.
"Ah, Amici Noctia, Friends of the Night," she says in her deep but feminine voice. "Please, come in, if it pleases you."
"Refreshments?" Captain Xendros barks an order in her harsh, native tongue and a man in common clothes appears, bringing berries, grapes, cheese, and crackers on plates. He puts them on the table and leaves.
"So, I tasked you to see if there was a connection between the incidents at Makaster House and the convergence of evil creatures in these waters. What did you find out?"
Irob steps forward to address Captain Xendros.
"We investigated Makaster house as requested. My findings are as follows." Irob pauses briefly before continuing, "First, the house was being utilised as a base for a smuggling operation. This I am sure you are aware of given their recent sentencing" he pauses once more before continuing to his next point "Second, I believe we have neutralised the smuggler threat in Makaster house at this time." He thinks briefly once more "And third, the smugglers smoked their ham. I have noticed this as a common practice of organic beings"
"And," Captain Xendros drives home the point, "in your collective opinion nothing you saw there had anything to do with the recent influx of evil creatures into the area?"
"Not that we could establish," Yakeerk volunteers. "There were undead in the cellars, but they had been there a long time. An undead spellcaster was one, who we believe to be Makaster himself."
Captain Xendros thinks for a moment, her finger on her chin.
"Did you find a book on the Philosopher's Stone, by any chance? If you did, then I would trade you a Hat of Disguise for it, which would be useful for Irob. What do you say?"
(note: The party found a book called "Ye Secret of Ye Philosopher’s Stone", no author acknowledged, in Makaster's inner sanctum.)
"We discovered a number of books while searching Makaster house and they remain currently at our accomodation. I cannot confirm if we are in possession of the book you seek, however we can investigate the matter and provide you an update when we are certain. Is this an agreeable arrangement?"
"Of course. Let me know. Now, I have the packing of salted fish to supervise. Thank you for the update."
Captain Xendros shows you to the door.
(from group chat)
Back at the Snapping Line, Zaerra reads the Ye Secret of Ye Philosopher’s Stone book.
The book talks about using alchemy and transmutation magic to turn various metals into gold, but it's all theoretical. Zaerra notices some flaws in the magic theory, but it would be a useful book for a researcher in transmutation magic, or someone interested in the history of magic of this world. But there is nothing of use for the party here.
Yga suggests that the book for a Hat of Disguise seems like a good deal, but somehow I feel the Tiefling is being sneaky about it...happy to go ahead with the trade though.
When you return to see Captain Xendros and give her the book, she smiles - you don't think you'll ever get used to seeing a smile like that with so many pointed teeth - and passes over the Hat of Disguise. When asked about her reason for the book, she answers:
"Oh I can get a very good price for this book, but not in Saltmarsh. People ask me to acquire all sorts of things, and I fulfill as many requests as I can. For example, I am after a particular magical item called an Apparatus of Kwalish. If you ever find out where to acquire one, or better yet, bring me one, you can pretty much name any magic item of equal rarity and I will acquire it for you in trade."
Irob will look at the hat of disguise before taking it from Captain Xendros. He will turn to the party and state
"I believe this will be of most use to myself given my current predicament. However if anyone else wishes to wear the hat you only have to ask"