Lith studies the map he's been given, turning it round before saying 'Ah, yes, I see where the confusion came from; the compass is pointing right rather than upwards.' Passing it to anybody else who wants to take a look, he then lists off the facts one by one (speaking aloud helps him to think and remember): 'Go east to the haunted house and clear it of anything supernatural, with some haste. We can take any valuables we find in there to split amongst us, though we need to then give any documents we find to you at the Wicker Goat afterwards. All sound good?' He looks around to his fellow party members for a reply.

Teddic nods affirmatively, wiping away his matted hair and glancing at the map. The thought of monetary gain raises an eyebrow although he believes the supernatural is a cause for hesitation. “Do you know the fate of the ‘Other group?”, he asks having grown weary of the marsh over his short journey.

Quote from The_call_of_Ktulu >>

Teddic nods affirmatively, wiping away his matted hair and glancing at the map. The thought of monetary gain raises an eyebrow although he believes the supernatural is a cause for hesitation. “Do you know the fate of the ‘Other group?”, he asks having grown weary of the marsh over his short journey.

 'No need for you to worry about that,' Says eda nonchalantly 'they went west to the Hool Marshes trying to investigate rumors about a dangerous lizardfolk group. We still haven't heard from them after two weeks. Chances are they got lost searching for the lizardfolk and a marsh creature got them. It would be a waste of time trying to find them, only experienced adventurers would have even the slightest chance of surviving them.' she continues in an almost disturbingly matter-of-fact manner. After she finishes talking about the other group the barkeep chimes in 'I've heard that those monsters out there are terrifying, my dad says things out there have rock hard skin and can swallow you whole, if you werent crushed before that' she exclaims abruptly.This causes a stir between the other groups at the tavern, murmurings arise but before anything else is said Eda, clearly bothered by the interruption, begins speaking again 'I'm sure you boys will be fine.The only threat for you is maybe some ghosts. You're clearly able to deal with them'

Well, we should get going. I have a feeling this will be a bigger challenge than we expect, but nonetheless, we need to see it through since we accepted the contract. Is there anything else to prepare, or is everyone ready to go? Chimono says calmly.

Lith nods. Best not to worry about the other group for now. He turns to Chimono and says 'I'm all ready to go. Unless anybody needs to do anything else, I'm happy to head out.'

Quote from Cicado >>

Well, we should get going. I have a feeling this will be a bigger challenge than we expect, but nonetheless, we need to see it through since we accepted the contract. Is there anything else to prepare, or is everyone ready to go? Chimono says calmly.

 

 You really think so? I can't imagine that a few "ghosts" can do us any harm. We can go now if it's up to me

You exit the tavern, the jolly, bustling weekly market and docks lie ahead of you. To your right Is the shark fin bridge across the river. Despite the town’s remote location, it is still busy and clearly popular with travellers and fishermen alike. As there was in the tavern, there is a lingering scent of dead fish throughout the town. Especially near the docks where you stand. Saltmarsh town map in GC 

Lith takes a look at the map and then up and down the street. He tells the party ‘We can take a very short walk north and then turn right to continue straight east, avoiding all the main streets and instead going along the outskirts of town, or we could head south towards the sea, before turning off left to go east and continuing up. It’s a longer walk but we’ll get a look through some of the town as we go. Which way do you reckon we should go?’ 

Chimono looks thoughtful for a moment, then glances at Lith.

I think we should take the longer path, heading south toward the sea. It’ll give us a better sense of the town, and who knows what we might notice along the way. We’re not in such a rush that a bit of extra time exploring will hurt. Plus, we might find something useful.

Lith nods ‘Okay then, we’ll go with that!’ He then starts heading south, or left from where they are on the street, heading past the market and keeping an eye out for anything intriguing. [Perception: 5 + 3 = 8 (in game log)] 

As you pass by the market, you look through the crowd to see if any stalls interest you. A few of them sell fish and fishing equipment. Some others sell other  things like tools or other food, but one stand in particular grabs your attention. Behind the merchant there are pristine weapons that would be of great use to you. It would be good to remember this stall. On your left and just a bit further down the street is the council hall made of sturdy stone with a sign above the doors depicting a net filled with fish. In front of the hall there are weathered gallows. Atop the building is a small tower with a horn on it. After going around the corner, you see a blacksmiths called ‘The Dwarven Anvil’ which only has one anvil. The smiths make hooks, nails, harpoons and fishing weights among other things. Across the street is an old building that emits a rancid fishy smell similar to the one in the tavern m, but much stronger, you can’t help but hold your nose as you walk down the road. East of the building is a large mansion, clearly owned by someone of high importance in the town. You continue past the mariner’s guildhall, which is mostly empty as the fishermen are out. You then go up the cliffs to a small store made of wooden planks. Behind the store is a cemetery, filled with well kept gravestones. Next to the cemetery is The Temple of Procan, a temple dedicated to a sea god. Outside the temple is an old, one legged man who waves to you as you pass.You have now left Saltmarsh( say if you want to interact with anything listed here or if you want to continue to the haunted house).

Lith enjoys taking time to wander the streets and have a look around, and thinks for a second to maybe buy some cheap fishing nets at a stall to capture any creatures they might find, so they can subdue them or at least have an easier time at fighting them, but then remembers that they're after 'ghosts' (he's still sceptical if that's really the truth), so a net would probably pass straight through them and waste everyone's time. He'll save his coin for another day and just continue through town, happy to stop and wait for any other party members if they want to buy something or look about closer.

Chimono notices the weapons stand nearby and decides to take a quick look, hoping they might have a decent quarterstaff. He scans the items on display, considering if anything might be useful for the journey ahead.

Quote from Cicado >>

Chimono notices the weapons stand nearby and decides to take a quick look, hoping they might have a decent quarterstaff. He scans the items on display, considering if anything might be useful for the journey ahead.

 Walking through the market, you see stalls full of almost all of the adventuring gear, tools, armour and weapons you could need for your adventure. At the weapons stall, you see a few quarterstaffs behind the seller, who is showing another adventurer a sword along with all sorts of other weapons. When he sees you looking around his stand, he seems noticeably keen to serve you 'Eyeing up the quarterstaffs, are you? I can assure you they're great weapons. They'll help you defend yourself even out in the dreadwood' The shopkeep examines you, he might be trying to see if you'll steal his weapons, or trying to charge you a higher price. You aren't quite sure. ' How about 5 silver pieces for one of the best quarerstaffs in all of saltmarsh? You won't regret this deal'  he adds.

At the weekly market, all items in the PHB under 150gp are available to purchase. Add a post saying if you buy something.

Chimono eyes the staff's but none catch his attention. No, thank you, but I'll keep my eye out for other deals, says Chimono to the shopkeeper in a disappointed tone. Has anyone found anything they are interested in or should we head to the house?, asks Chimono, the group.