Captain Xendros pours some of the rum into the sea-elf's cup and looks directly at Susk.
"I initially thought you must have part of this secret war, why else would they attack you? But now I don't know. Is there any light you could shed on why you were a target? Something you were carrying, maybe? But.." she holds up a finger, "I understand most of you have only just met, so you may not want to answer that, right now. But I would be interested to know."
"I think that is perhaps a conversation for another time and perhaps in private, but we will see how our relationships progress"
"Will you take this on? And," she gestures to the amulet on the table, "please take the amulet as my gesture of good faith and a reminder of further rewards."
Susk will take the amulet, if no-one else wants to take it.
"The Snapping Line it is then", motioning to those that need lodgings "It has been a long night and morning will come soon enough. As thanks I will cover your lodgings for the night including breakfast"
Twosday, 2nd day of Deepspring (last month of Spring), Year 591 CY.
The next day was a warm, but grey and overcast day. Rain threatened from dawn, although it had yet to materialise.
Yga's Temple of Kord, and Zaerra's Temple of the Wanderer are next to each other, so it is a simple matter for them to meet up before heading down Hool Hill towards the Snapping Line.
The inn and tavern turn out to be created from decommissioned boats, all joined together. Hanna Rist is the widely loved and respected owner of the Snapping Line, the most popular inn in town, as it is a nautical-themed place for sailors and fishers created by a respected fishing family. The Snapping Line is the place to relax and enjoy good food, a local delicacy, and meet the true people of Saltmarsh. It is a hub for Traditionalists as well, being the center for fisherfolk to gather and speak freely.
When Yga and Zaerra arrive the others are all there, and the next half hour is taken up with ordering food and general chat, as the group get to know each other.
The inn specializes in coastal comfort food like clam chowder, lobster mac n' cheese, and the Fisher's Special breakfast - a bowl with a layer of gravy and a biscuit-boat with sausage masts and cheese sails.
People notice that Yakeerk prefers to eat smoked fish for breakfast.
Irob sits in the early morning darkness of the Snapping line oiling his joints as he waits for his companions from the night before. The faint glow of a candle accompanied by the soft squeak of joints in need of more oil are the only things that indicate his presence in the corner. Watching the patrons eat breakfast he marvels at the wonders of an organic body and the sustenance required to sustain one.
Once his companions begin to awaken and arrive he greets them all identically. "Good morning, I hope your rest was adequate. It is my belief that we have a long day ahead of us."
To Yakeerk he asks "As I do not gain sustenance or pleasure from the consumption of organic material, may I inquire as to the benefits of smoking one's fish?"
Irob sits in the early morning darkness of the Snapping line oiling his joints as he waits for his companions from the night before. The faint glow of a candle accompanied by the soft squeak of joints in need of more oil are the only things that indicate his presence in the corner. Watching the patrons eat breakfast he marvels at the wonders of an organic body and the sustenance required to sustain one.
Once his companions begin to awaken and arrive he greets them all identically. "Good morning, I hope your rest was adequate. It is my belief that we have a long day ahead of us."
To Yakeerk he asks "As I do not gain sustenance or pleasure from the consumption of organic material, may I inquire as to the benefits of smoking one's fish?"
The owlin pauses to consider Irob's words. Yakeerk was getting the impression that having Irob as a companion would mean considering one's own choices that had previously been taken for granted.
"Smoked fish gives it a flavour I find pleasing in taste," he responds.
"I can add to that," the owner of the Snapping Line, Hanna Rist was bringing out bread for the table. "Smoking fish started because it makes the fish last longer, meaning that it doesn't go off as quickly." She gives Irob a curious - but not unfriendly - look. "I don't think I've seen the like of you before. You will attract attention, not all of it friendly. Like your dragon friend," she nods at Rask. "But Yakeerk can tell you all about that. Know that you are welcome here, anyone is, as long as you act civil."
She bustles away, calling out instructions to her staff. Hanna seemed young for someone in charge of a large business like this inn and tavern.
"I was an object of curiosity and even suspicion," Yakeerk says to Irob. "There are no other owlins here in Saltmarsh. It wasn't until I had been here for a couple of years and proved myself with my actions that I was accepted."
An old man in a faded and torn blue robe comes up to your table. He is skinny and pale with large, hollow and hungry eyes, a bald head surrounded by an unruly shock of white hair, and a short, unkempt beard. Everyone remembers seeing him last night at the inn, hunched in his seat, carefully nursing a bottle.
Rask briefly glances at the man. He looks dishevelled but doesn't appear particularly dangerous, at least not at present. If he frequents the inn he might be a source of information. She takes a few coins out of her pocket. "Here," she offers. "In exchange for some information that might be of use to some travellers."
Yga notices the old man looks fearful for second. Strange. What does he know that would make him nervous and what does he have to lose? He has nothing.
The second passes, everyone else except Yga passes it off as perhaps anxiety.
"I can tell you to stay away from Crabbers Cove, people go missing from there. It gives me the creeps. I hear... voices.. or rather.. a voice sometimes. Or think I do. I'd say it was because I'm drunk, but I'm drunk everywhere and it's the only time I hear that voice. Not that I can ever remember what it says. It was soothing and... frightening at the same time. I don't go there any more for.. other reasons." That flash of fear again, so faint Yga would have missed it if she wasn't looking for it.
"Dredge, are you bothering people again?" Hanna Rist has returned with some of the party's breakfast order. She puts the tray down on the table and addresses the party.
"I'm sorry, he means no harm. He's good natured and doesn't harm anyone. He's homeless, so I let him stay here, feed him, we always have left over food." She turns to Dredge. "Go see Annalee, she'll give you some hangover food."
Dredge heads off, giving a look back and catching Yga's eye he quickly turns away and sees a woman who hands him a mug of blackbrew and a bowl.
Then Yga knows what he has to lose - the only thing he has left to lose. His life. He has some information that could get him killed.
The owlin pauses to consider Irob's words. Yakeerk was getting the impression that having Irob as a companion would mean considering one's own choices that had previously been taken for granted.
"Smoked fish gives it a flavour I find pleasing in taste," he responds.
"I can add to that," the owner of the Snapping Line, Hanna Rist was bringing out bread for the table. "Smoking fish started because it makes the fish last longer, meaning that it doesn't go off as quickly." She gives Irob a curious - but not unfriendly - look. "I don't think I've seen the like of you before. You will attract attention, not all of it friendly. Like your dragon friend," she nods at Rask. "But Yakeerk can tell you all about that. Know that you are welcome here, anyone is, as long as you act civil."
She bustles away, calling out instructions to her staff. Hanna seemed young for someone in charge of a large business like this inn and tavern.
"I was an object of curiosity and even suspicion," Yakeerk says to Irob. "There are no other owlins here in Saltmarsh. It wasn't until I had been here for a couple of years and proved myself with my actions that I was accepted."
"Interesting, I will note that for later. Smoking food does seem a beneficial act."
Looking to Yakeerk at his comment Irob states "I am not from around here, but I am used to being regarded as unusual. I'm not expecting to be liked. But I will not tolerate disrespect towards myself or those I ally with." He nods to Rask as he says the last bit before going back to his morning preparations.
Yga digests the exchange and shares the insight with the party...."That old guy knows more, but deep fears hold him back from talking."
Yga also thinks he could be fearful of the ogling he gave the coins that Rusk handed over to him. "You can only spend a copper piece once, Rusk" she chides.
Yga will keep an eye on Dredge and if there is an opportunity for a discreet cantrip to be cast (Resistance) she will do so and gently touch his shoulder to enact the spell, and enquire some more with her best bedside manner. "Some say a burden shared is easier to carry....tell me if you feel you can."
Zaerra picks at her food, it tastes lovely but she isn't much of a breakfast person. She much prefers a good hearty brunch and robust conversation. She sits watching and listening to what is going on around her. Mental notes are being made.
Yga digests the exchange and shares the insight with the party...."That old guy knows more, but deep fears hold him back from talking."
Yga also thinks he could be fearful of the ogling he gave the coins that Rusk handed over to him. "You can only spend a copper piece once, Rusk" she chides.
Yga will keep an eye on Dredge and if there is an opportunity for a discreet cantrip to be cast (Resistance) she will do so and gently touch his shoulder to enact the spell, and enquire some more with her best bedside manner. "Some say a burden shared is easier to carry....tell me if you feel you can."
"I believe you are correct Yga. There is something that he isn't telling or is very afraid to tell. We'll have to pick our time, we don't want to scare him off from the one place he seems to have sanctuary. "
After a while Yga, who is keeping an eye on Dredge, notices he finishes his mug of blackbrew and wipes the last of the food from his beard, and with a worried glance around, makes eye contact with Hanna and points to the door to the kitchens, and she nods. Yga takes this as "I'm going to head out the back door." Dredge looks at the coins Rask gave him in his palm and closes his fist around them then heads to the back door, taking his time.
Zaerra turns to speak to Yga and notices her attention is elsewhere. She follows her gaze and sees Dredge moving without haste towards the back door.
She turns in her chair, clicking her fingers twice at the group in the hopes of capturing someone's attention. Zaerra begins casting a spell. (Casting mage hand to try and 'Hodor')
Irob will stand as he looks towards dredge, perhaps a conversation is in order. Pushing through the morning crowd Irob says with a low tone to Dredge
"Easy there friend, we do not wish to hurt you. We can help you out of your current predicament and protect you from whatever dangers you may be facing"
Irob will stand as he looks towards dredge, perhaps a conversation is in order. Pushing through the morning crowd Irob says with a low tone to Dredge
"Easy there friend, we do not wish to hurt you. We can help you out of your current predicament and protect you from whatever dangers you may be facing"
Persuasion: 23
Dredge looks from side to side, seeing who might be watching. He gives a sigh.
"Not here, there's a room next to the kitchen, to the left! Follow me in two minutes!" He opens the door with a pull of desperation and heads down a hallway, past the kitchen and opens a door just past it. He looks back at Irob watching him. Dredge looks fearful and sad at the same time. He goes through the door and closes it behind him.
"Eight bells it is. That gives me time for morning service and some contemplation time. I'll see those of you who show up at the Snapping Line."
"Yga can you point it out to me in the way back to temple? If you are heading that way now if course. "
Irob looks to Yga and whispers "I regret to inform you I am unaware of Biggus' last name. Is there information that I have missed in my predictions?"
Turning to the rest of the room: "I shall see you at 0800h. Perhaps earlier if you wish to spend time at the Snapping Line."
If nobody requires anything further of Irob he will book a room at the Snapping Line and begin his rest.
Yga responds to Irob, "I think his last name will be Nose, so if you see a guy with a big hanky, that'll be him."
To Zaerra, "Certainly, your temple is that way".
"See you at 0800". Yga turns in the direction of her temple and ponders this strange evening full of stranger people.
"I think that is perhaps a conversation for another time and perhaps in private, but we will see how our relationships progress"
Susk will take the amulet, if no-one else wants to take it.
"The Snapping Line it is then", motioning to those that need lodgings "It has been a long night and morning will come soon enough. As thanks I will cover your lodgings for the night including breakfast"
Twosday, 2nd day of Deepspring (last month of Spring), Year 591 CY.
The next day was a warm, but grey and overcast day. Rain threatened from dawn, although it had yet to materialise.
Yga's Temple of Kord, and Zaerra's Temple of the Wanderer are next to each other, so it is a simple matter for them to meet up before heading down Hool Hill towards the Snapping Line.
The inn and tavern turn out to be created from decommissioned boats, all joined together. Hanna Rist is the widely loved and respected owner of the Snapping Line, the most popular inn in town, as it is a nautical-themed place for sailors and fishers created by a respected fishing family. The Snapping Line is the place to relax and enjoy good food, a local delicacy, and meet the true people of Saltmarsh. It is a hub for Traditionalists as well, being the center for fisherfolk to gather and speak freely.
When Yga and Zaerra arrive the others are all there, and the next half hour is taken up with ordering food and general chat, as the group get to know each other.
The inn specializes in coastal comfort food like clam chowder, lobster mac n' cheese, and the Fisher's Special breakfast - a bowl with a layer of gravy and a biscuit-boat with sausage masts and cheese sails.
People notice that Yakeerk prefers to eat smoked fish for breakfast.
Irob sits in the early morning darkness of the Snapping line oiling his joints as he waits for his companions from the night before. The faint glow of a candle accompanied by the soft squeak of joints in need of more oil are the only things that indicate his presence in the corner. Watching the patrons eat breakfast he marvels at the wonders of an organic body and the sustenance required to sustain one.
Once his companions begin to awaken and arrive he greets them all identically. "Good morning, I hope your rest was adequate. It is my belief that we have a long day ahead of us."
To Yakeerk he asks "As I do not gain sustenance or pleasure from the consumption of organic material, may I inquire as to the benefits of smoking one's fish?"
The owlin pauses to consider Irob's words. Yakeerk was getting the impression that having Irob as a companion would mean considering one's own choices that had previously been taken for granted.
"Smoked fish gives it a flavour I find pleasing in taste," he responds.
"I can add to that," the owner of the Snapping Line, Hanna Rist was bringing out bread for the table. "Smoking fish started because it makes the fish last longer, meaning that it doesn't go off as quickly." She gives Irob a curious - but not unfriendly - look. "I don't think I've seen the like of you before. You will attract attention, not all of it friendly. Like your dragon friend," she nods at Rask. "But Yakeerk can tell you all about that. Know that you are welcome here, anyone is, as long as you act civil."
She bustles away, calling out instructions to her staff. Hanna seemed young for someone in charge of a large business like this inn and tavern.
"I was an object of curiosity and even suspicion," Yakeerk says to Irob. "There are no other owlins here in Saltmarsh. It wasn't until I had been here for a couple of years and proved myself with my actions that I was accepted."
An old man in a faded and torn blue robe comes up to your table. He is skinny and pale with large, hollow and hungry eyes, a bald head surrounded by an unruly shock of white hair, and a short, unkempt beard. Everyone remembers seeing him last night at the inn, hunched in his seat, carefully nursing a bottle.
"Spare a few coins?" he asks, hopefully.
Rask briefly glances at the man. He looks dishevelled but doesn't appear particularly dangerous, at least not at present. If he frequents the inn he might be a source of information. She takes a few coins out of her pocket. "Here," she offers. "In exchange for some information that might be of use to some travellers."
Yga notices the old man looks fearful for second. Strange. What does he know that would make him nervous and what does he have to lose? He has nothing.
The second passes, everyone else except Yga passes it off as perhaps anxiety.
"I can tell you to stay away from Crabbers Cove, people go missing from there. It gives me the creeps. I hear... voices.. or rather.. a voice sometimes. Or think I do. I'd say it was because I'm drunk, but I'm drunk everywhere and it's the only time I hear that voice. Not that I can ever remember what it says. It was soothing and... frightening at the same time. I don't go there any more for.. other reasons." That flash of fear again, so faint Yga would have missed it if she wasn't looking for it.
"Dredge, are you bothering people again?" Hanna Rist has returned with some of the party's breakfast order. She puts the tray down on the table and addresses the party.
"I'm sorry, he means no harm. He's good natured and doesn't harm anyone. He's homeless, so I let him stay here, feed him, we always have left over food." She turns to Dredge. "Go see Annalee, she'll give you some hangover food."
Dredge heads off, giving a look back and catching Yga's eye he quickly turns away and sees a woman who hands him a mug of blackbrew and a bowl.
Then Yga knows what he has to lose - the only thing he has left to lose. His life. He has some information that could get him killed.
"Interesting, I will note that for later. Smoking food does seem a beneficial act."
Looking to Yakeerk at his comment Irob states "I am not from around here, but I am used to being regarded as unusual. I'm not expecting to be liked. But I will not tolerate disrespect towards myself or those I ally with." He nods to Rask as he says the last bit before going back to his morning preparations.
Yga digests the exchange and shares the insight with the party...."That old guy knows more, but deep fears hold him back from talking."
Yga also thinks he could be fearful of the ogling he gave the coins that Rusk handed over to him. "You can only spend a copper piece once, Rusk" she chides.
Yga will keep an eye on Dredge and if there is an opportunity for a discreet cantrip to be cast (Resistance) she will do so and gently touch his shoulder to enact the spell, and enquire some more with her best bedside manner. "Some say a burden shared is easier to carry....tell me if you feel you can."
Zaerra picks at her food, it tastes lovely but she isn't much of a breakfast person. She much prefers a good hearty brunch and robust conversation. She sits watching and listening to what is going on around her. Mental notes are being made.
"I believe you are correct Yga. There is something that he isn't telling or is very afraid to tell. We'll have to pick our time, we don't want to scare him off from the one place he seems to have sanctuary. "
After a while Yga, who is keeping an eye on Dredge, notices he finishes his mug of blackbrew and wipes the last of the food from his beard, and with a worried glance around, makes eye contact with Hanna and points to the door to the kitchens, and she nods. Yga takes this as "I'm going to head out the back door." Dredge looks at the coins Rask gave him in his palm and closes his fist around them then heads to the back door, taking his time.
Zaerra turns to speak to Yga and notices her attention is elsewhere. She follows her gaze and sees Dredge moving without haste towards the back door.
She turns in her chair, clicking her fingers twice at the group in the hopes of capturing someone's attention. Zaerra begins casting a spell. (Casting mage hand to try and 'Hodor')
Dredge tries to open the door to the kitchen area (which leads to the back door) and looks surprised, then frowns and tries again.
This has delayed him enough so if anyone wants to try and stop him or engage him in conversation again they can try.
Irob will stand as he looks towards dredge, perhaps a conversation is in order. Pushing through the morning crowd Irob says with a low tone to Dredge
"Easy there friend, we do not wish to hurt you. We can help you out of your current predicament and protect you from whatever dangers you may be facing"
Persuasion: 23
Dredge looks from side to side, seeing who might be watching. He gives a sigh.
"Not here, there's a room next to the kitchen, to the left! Follow me in two minutes!" He opens the door with a pull of desperation and heads down a hallway, past the kitchen and opens a door just past it. He looks back at Irob watching him. Dredge looks fearful and sad at the same time. He goes through the door and closes it behind him.
Irob will inform the party and wait exactly two minutes before following dredge into the back room.
"I think we may be able to arrange an alliance of mutual benefit between us and Dredge"
The party can note that while Irob doesn't appear to have consulted any sort of timekeeping device his timing is impeccable.
Yga will follow Irob