Sloop, ordered to stay back on the boat (against his desire to be the Captain’s valet...in order to have insight into just what the heck their mission is), disappointingly wears his perfectly starched, crisp white uniform as he stands guard on the boat. Longing to visit the town (he’s been here many times before with his father in trade missions), he lazily stands at attention and gazes longingly across the dock and into the town. 

Carrhae politely smiles at Anders' greeting and allows him to kiss her hand. "Sune's Blessings, it's a pleasure to meet you as well. Saltmarsh has been welcoming to us, I look forward to spending more time here, but you called us here to speak about business, not about my vacation plans. How can my crew and I be of assistance to you?"

Bored after talking to the sailors, Sana mumbles a curse as she realizes she's missed her chance to strike up a proper conversation with Syltra, the firbolg previously having been too busy to casually chat. Instead, she settles for sitting on top of a crate, splitting her attention between watching the port and trying to copy Sloop's fur, which has fascinated her all trip.

Anders motions to come into his office where you all can talk privately. He sits down behind his desk and begins to pour an alcoholic beverage of your choice. Misha gladly takes one and downs it like water, much to Anders' pleasant surprise.

"I have been blessed with the grace of fortune from the Gods of the Sea." he begins, "Since the untimely death of my mother, Petra, I have inherited my family’s fleet of fishing boats and I am the youngest person ever to be elected to the council here in Saltmarsh. Some consider me brash and inexperienced, but my recent forays into trade have made me somewhat of a local celebrity. Since I now own both a fishing fleet and several trading vessels, I can sell my daily catch at a highly competitive price, which i've enjoyed for a while now. But with all of my good fortune, I have run into a bit of a problem.."

EPISODE ONE - THE SINISTER SECRET OF SALTMARSH

"Four miles east of Saltmarsh, just inland of the old coast road, stands a haunted house. Until twenty years ago, it had been the residence of an aged alchemist of sinister reputation. Even then, locals avoided the house because of its owner’s mysterious activities. Now, two decades after the unexplained disappearance of its occupant, the house has taken on an even greater air of evil and mystery. Dilapidated and long abandoned, the house presents an unwholesome appearance. Those hardy souls who have infrequently sought entry all returned with naught save grim tales of decaying chambers presided over by monstrous perils. Indeed, such is the reputation of the house that the fields around it, though prime agricultural land, remain untended and rank with weeds. To be honest, this situation requires attention, it could be bad for business, for our reputation, and I have suspicions that..the Scarlet Brotherhood might be involved."

Anders looks over you all, and stops at Misha, giving her a smile.

"Miss Praskovia comes from a society where they practically specialize in dealing with threats from Hell, and now that all of you are here, i'm hoping that you would assist me with finding out what is really going on at that house..and put an end to any evil you might find. Do so, and your reputation within Saltmarsh will increase, and I shall personally reward you all each with 200 gold per person. (Plus keeping whatever you find in the house)" 

Carrhae sips on a glass of wine as Anders gives them the details of their mission. "I was just about to ask you about compensation. The crew of the Belle is of course ready for combat, but naturally we'll need some compensation if we're going to risk our lives. I believe that your offer is enough, unless anyone has objections."

Misha turns to Carrhae, arms folded and serious. "Any opportunity to smash meenions of Hell, I do for free for the Glory of Bane." she quickly smiles, the serious facade crumbling apart, and winks. She's ok with the payment.

Carrhae smiles back. "For the Glory of Bane, eh? Sounds like someone's eager to give their share to the rest of the crew." She teases.

She smiles back, and makes a face that says don't be ridiculous - of course you can have her share. (Money doesn't mean much to her)

Erriviel thinks for a moment, A haunted house? Not the first place I would have looked for her.

"Very well, I can go ahead and scout, as it is night. I will bring a report in the morning."

We're it any other member of the crew Carrhae would have objections, but Drow did work better in dark environments and she trusted that Erriviel was smart enough to know when something was too much for him to stick around. "Very well. Find out what you can, but be safe. Information is nice, but you're a valued member of this crew and it's rather difficult to get scouting information from a corpse."

Wolf makes sure to tell Misha, “Let me know what has to be fixed I’m going to find the tea tavern.” Before he sets out exploring the town and attempting to find where all the dwarves gather to drink.

Sloop's guard duty Perception check: 5

Erriviel smiles beneath his mask, "I appreciate your concern, captain. Rest assured I will return."

He then turns to Anders, "Thank you for the welcome, councilman. If there is anything else that you may need, I'm sure that we can be of use."

With that he slips off into the night, heading towards the haunted house.

Stealth: 18

Advantage (if he gets it): 23

Perception: 15

As Carrhae walked back to the ship, she had a question for Misha. "So I know that you don't have to sleep, but do you sleep? Because I'd imagine that one would do it even if they didn't have to, as it must be pretty boring the be the only one that's awake while everyone else is asleep."

“I can think of a few things that can tire out little red to get her to sleep good at night.” Kali quips quietly to herself followed by a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lip. 

Wolf: Misha acknowledges your request and you head over to The Wicker Goat (AREA 3). Bearing the dubious honor of being the oldest tavern in town, the Wicker Goat is owned by Lankus, a retired officer of the Keoish army who caters to the dwarven miners and town guard. The two-story building has sleeping quarters for rent on the upper floor, usually sufficient to accommodate the slow stream of travelers making their way through Saltmarsh on the way to somewhere else. You overhear a slightly drunk dwarf talk about how "sometimes on a moonless night, you can meet the ghost of a drowned sailor trying to get home. Lead one to their home, and you’ll get a wish. Fail, and they’ll strangle you."

Sloop: All is calm. For now. As you patrol, you can hear music and merriment echo through town.

Erriviel: The road south to the house winds through the rocky coastal terrain, often offering a view of the sea below. Low clouds press upon you; and it is very dark. A stiff wind blows in off the waves, carrying the briny stink of churning salt water. The decrepit house sits on the highest ground in the area. Around it, a stone wall has crumbled in many places, exposing the interior grounds. An ornate metal gate lies open at the end of the road, swaying slightly in the wind. Wild flora grows throughout the inner yard, but all the years cannot hide the evidence of a well-tended garden that once sat here. Near the house, the rotted wooden roof of a water well rises out of the tall grass. You think you see lighting coming from in inside of the house, and decide to head back. Something is in that house.

Carrhae, Kali, and Misha: Misha smiles as Carrhae asks her question. "I can sleep. Sometimes, I do. Bek home there was always something to do, never bored. Here is leetle deefrent, ya? Eet ees nice to be eenvolved with peeple who are not at constant war with something. Eet ees nice to have moment to relax, to know, for a leetle beet, what peace ees. Eef need be, I can sleep about once a week to, eh, how you say? Recharge? But not really required. Tired, yes, like after ten hour workout - but sleepy ees not een programming." 

AWAY TEAM MISSIONS

Leaving the Belle unprotected is a bad idea, as is everyone going on away missions. We're going to do something a little different for this campaign, and that's have groups of teams take bites of the campaign to make it more challenging, fun, and realistic. The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh is basically divided into three parts. Two parts of the house, and the finale. Everyone will participate in the finale, but we will have two different groups of 4-5 people led by an officer for each part of the house so everyone gets to play. Those who are "benched" will have things to do in town, or on the ship. 

First part of house - one officer and 3 to 4 others
Second part of house - one officer and 3 to 4 others
Finale - Everyyyooonnneeee.

Carrhae is the one to decide who goes at what parts. Once the first part of the house is complete, that team reports their findings back to the Belle. Once the second team has finished, they also report back to the Belle. Once the first team has been chosen, the expedition begins.

Carrhae listens to Misha as she responds. "Once a week? That's rather lucky. For me it would be torture to go sleepless for only a night. I suppose that's one of the benefits of Acheronian programming." Carrhae bids Misha goodnight, as well as the rest of her crew. The next morning Carrhae keeps her promise to a Syltra, giving her the details of the mission, as well as a cup of coffee from Chef Indigo. After breakfast, Carrhae fills the rest of the crew in and chooses a team to do scouting on half of the house. "Syltra, since I told you that I'd bring you along with me on our next assignment. Sana and Wolf, since I'd like to see the two of you in action. Aaaaand, Grishkar, since that whole business with the painting is coming along slowly. Everyone else is free until we return. Your only orders are to keep the ship in good shape and not upset our hosts. Other than that eat, drink, be merry, and enjoy everything that Saltmarsh has to offer."

Sana grins. "Sounds like a plan, Captain. Let's go peek around a creepy house!" Her eyes flash gold again for a moment.

TEAM ONE - FIRST PART OF HOUSE
Carrhae, Syltra, Sana, Grish, Wolf

TRAVELLING TO THE HOUSE

The road to the house winds through the rocky coastal terrain, often offering a view of the sea below. Low clouds press upon you; occasional patches of sunlight appear out over the water. A stiff wind blows in off the waves, carrying the briny stink of churning salt water.

The house is located four miles up the coast from Saltmarsh and is accessible by an old road. Curious townsfolk follow you all for part of their journey - clearly, you guys are a little different than the typical townsfolk. These escorts engage you in casual conversation, and ask about your intentions. As soon as the house comes into view, the townsfolk grow grim-faced and retreat toward Saltmarsh.

The house is 35 feet tall from ground level to roof peak; the roof is gabled and has several holes where the slate shingles are missing. I HAVE MARKED THE FRONT DOOR AND FIRST ROOM WITH A BLUE X ON THE MAP BELOW. 

THE HOUSE EXTERIOR

The decrepit house sits on the highest ground in the area. Around it, a stone wall has crumbled in many places, exposing the interior grounds. An ornate metal gate lies open at the end of the road, swaying slightly in the wind. Wild flora grows throughout the inner yard, but all the years cannot hide the evidence of a well-tended garden that once sat here. Near the house, the rotted wooden roof of a water well rises out of the tall grass.

THE WALL

The stone wall is 6 feet tall and more or less encloses the garden. It has partially collapsed in several places, so access to any part of the garden is simple even if characters decide not to enter through the main gate.

THE GARDEN

Someone, at some point, attempted to grow a garden around the house. Now, a few broken gardening tools and a tangle of weeds are all that remain. A single rosebush near the gate has overgrown the wall and choked out most of the other plants.

THE WELL

There is a well at the side of the house.

(Those of you who are NOT on the away team can do whatever you'd like while they are away. The Belle is currently docked in the port at AREA 19. So you can role-play away, and anything else you'd like in the town.) 

Misha returned to the ship, scarfed down dinner, and spent the evening laying on the deck watching the sky and the stars in her casual clothes. She daydreamed about a time when there would be peace on her world, but was anxious to make a dent in the Suel Imperium. She stayed awake all night, and could hear that Saltmarsh was alive with activity. In the deep hours of the night when things settled to a murmur, they sky was littered with stars and was hypnotized by it's cosmic beauty.

Morning came, and she watched the sunrise that was so beautiful it made her eyes water. For an Acheronian who rarely cried, she wondered what the watery discharge was from her ocular organs, but set the curiosity aside because the sun and the colors it produced in the sky was beyond words.

"Be careful, Kapitan." She told Carrhae, and the rest of the crew as everyone had breakfast. She watched them go as they left for the haunted house. Who knows what sinister secrets they would find within.

While Sana was away, Misha inspected their new arcane cannons. Magnificent weaponry. Before the journey, the large weapon that shot huge arrows and the..thingy that threw rocks on fire was too simple, too archaic. So, she pulled a few strings back home and had Acheronican cannons mounted on the ship. Four in total. They were heavy, sleek, black, and powerful - firing large hull piercing Acheronian arcanite shells powered by magic. They could even be upgraded later, but Misha would have to get some work done before that was granted to her, and she would need Sana's help to get the technology installed. 

She spent the day working out, eating, walking the deck, conversing with the crew, and making sure everything was in working order.