Finally free from the arduous meeting, Qiv heads to the Anvil. Walking into the shop he hands over the Mariners Scale Mail and the additional shield, hoping for an appraisal.
On his way out the door, Peri gives Farbern a weary look and replies in Halfling:
"I like you Farbern. I think you're a good man doin' th best with what you've got. But two of your men killed a prisoner, one who had information you cold sorely use, and then the contraband disappears? I'm not sayin' for sure they're dirty, but I'd not put my life into the hands of folks who can't pilot a boat full o' loot 10 miles down the coast."
When he gets to the Wicker Goat he'll grab a pastry and head to the bath. Once he's as clean and presentable as he can get, he'll return to the dining room and settle in for a big breakfast. If he sees Lankus he'll pay for 3 more days + breakfasts, compliment him on his fine establishment, and chat him up a bit. Mentioning his summons to the Town Council, he will ask for directions.
Peri manages to get a bath drawn by a sullen teenage boy at the Goat. The water smells a little metallic, but it's serviceable. Innkeeper Lankus appears briefly while Peri has his breakfast in the taproom, and cheerily accepts his money. The Council Hall, he explains, is the large brick building downtown. Look for the platform and gallows.
Dwal returns to his quarters at the mining company office, and finds a bite to eat. He leaves a second note for his boss. She won't be happy.
Missy finds a courier (a dirty-looking ten-year-old boy who hangs around the barracks most days looking for odd jobs) and sends a note to her old boss. He looks very uncomfortable with the idea of knocking on Keledek's door, but he complies.
Qivys wanders down to the Dwarven Anvil, and finds the mother-and-son duo as busy as ever. They'll give you five gold for the shield. They look curiously at the armor - they offer 30 gp, but they admit it may be worth considerably more. Maffera suggests that Captain Xondros of the Faithful Quartermasters of Iuz might be able to fetch you a better price, but you can tell she is uncomfortable with giving Xondros business. "You might have to go to Seaton to sell this," she concludes.
Keledek's terse response to Missy arrives shortly before noon, via the same boy. "Yes. Bring to me at nightfall tonight." The boy looks a little flushed at having successfully dealt with the scary seven-foot tall wizard. He holds out his dirty hand for his pay (usually 1 cp.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Peri:
The bath and excessively large breakfast having improved his mood, Peri will set off for the Council Hall. Along the way he'll make a quick stop at the Green Market to check for any fresh fruit, candies, or other portable snacks might be available. Being caught out the previous day with nothing but cold rations - shudder - is not an experience he'd like to relive. He'll buy about 10 lbs (no reason to skimp!) of assorted snacks and a pouch of pipeweed for his fancy new pipe after a bit of haggling Persuasion10. Then he'll head toward the Council Hall, happily munching a snack and window-shopping along the way. If he gets there early, he'll park himself in a sunny spot and begin reading "The Magical Properties of Herbs and Flowers."
Peri finds some limp produce and some dark, overly sweet molasses-based candy. There's not much in the way of pipeweed, but there is a sort of chewable dried leaf that seems to be a locally popular mild narcotic. Together with some nuts, hardtack and other snacks, Peri finds sufficient - if not very exciting - snacks to last even a hungry halfling for at least a little while.
You convene at Council Hall at noon. It's a large brick building in the center of town (next to the Snapping Line; across from the Weekly Market; #15 on the Saltmarsh map.) A sturdy but weatherbeaten platform and gallows stands in front of the hall.
Past a couple of bored-looking Town Guards and inside the double doors (capped with a wooden sign depicting a net filled with fish), you find a well-kept interior of hardwood and stone. A number of small offices are evident, and up a wide set of stairs you arrive at the Council Chamber.
Five town council members are seated behind a long bench, chatting. Their names are carved in blocks of wood in front of them: Eda Owland, Gellan Primwater, Eliander Farbern, Manistrad Copperlocks, and Anders Salomar. Another guard, a rather ancient old man, stands motionless nearby, and five or six rows of benches fill the room. They are mostly empty. Butter is here, dressed in his finest (but rather old-fashioned and well-worn) clothing. An elderly couple sits quietly nearby. In the back sits a well-dressed man Qivys recognizes as Wavechaser, personal assistant to Anders Salomar.
The Council: - Eda Owland is a gruff, grey-haired woman with a weatherbeaten face. Peri remembers learning that the Owland family ran a big fishing business in Saltmarsh. - Gellan Primwater is a dapper older gentleman with a neatly trimmed beard and a fancy wardrobe. Qivys remembers hearing his name thrown around at the Empty Net. Missy had dinner with him a couple of times with her previous employer. - You well remember peg-legged old Eliander Farbern, the captain of the Town Guard, and Missy and Butter's boss. Missy had no idea he was on the Council. - Manistrad Copperlocks is a serious-looking Dwarvish woman and leader of the newly established mining operation in Saltmarsh. She is Dwal's boss. Dwal vaguely remembers hearing that she was a member of the Council; hopefully this means she will be more tolerant of his absences of late. - Anders Salomar is a young, cheery human. Qivys recalls that he runs a fishing and trading company, and had hired them to do the haunted house job, albeit through his assistant.
Owland gives a signal to the guard, who must be pushing ninety. The Council quiets and watches as he climbs a latter in the rear of the room - very slowly - into a tower above the chamber, and blows a huge horn into the damp outdoor air. Then, as everyone quietly (and nervously) watches, he slowly descends the ladder.
The first order of business is a property line dispute between the elderly couple and their neighbors. It's a long and boring proceeding. At one point, the old guard quietly admonishes Peri for eating snacks in the Council Chamber.
The second issue is a set of citizen complaints against the Town Guard for their effort to crack down on smuggling, going house to house in search of contraband. Farbern tries to recuse himself, but quickly gets drawn back into the dispute. Copperlocks backs Farbern, but the other three side with the complainants, and Farbern finally and begrudgingly agrees to dial it back a bit.
Eventually they get to the "issue of the smuggler house."
Eda Oweland, who seems to be the head of the Council, addresses you. "Thanks for coming. Captain Farbern has filled us in on the events of the last couple days. The Town Council wants to thank you for helping the Guard clear out the old alchemist's place - not only of smugglers, but also of the supernatural elements that have been unnerving our citizens. We'd like to give you a gift of two-hundred gold pieces for uncovering and shutting down the smuggling operation." The old guard presents a bag of coins to Qivys.
"We're also very interested in this." She holds up Sanbalet's notes. "It's obviously a signaling system for their suppliers." The old guard returns the paper to Dwal.
"Although the land-based operation of the smuggling ring has been quashed, there must be a seagoing vessel by which the contraband was originally conveyed, and this is still at large. Any surviving smugglers might seek to reestablish their operation from some other base. So we've a job for you. We'd like you to apprehend this vessel and put an end, once and for all, to the smuggling. There'll be a reward of 400 gold for the successful conclusion of this mission."
"We assume the smugglers on the vessel are, as yet, unaware of the deaths of their land-based colleagues, otherwise a return visit might well be expected. Since the last consignment was offloaded only a short while ago, another one is not expected for some time — perhaps during the next new moon, which begins in about two weeks’ time.
"The council will arrange for members of the town guard to patrol the potential rendezvous points each night for the next two weeks in case the smugglers return earlier than expected. As soon as an approaching vessel is spotted, your job will be to board the ship."
"We'll put a small fishing boat at your disposal and provide you with any reasonable equipment you feel you require. The council will also provide the services of two members of the guard to sail the boat for you when needed."
At the mere thought of taking to the seas, a chill runs through his body. Thoughts of the day he 'arrived' in Saltmarsh come flooding back. He looks to the others seated in the row beside him. In a low voice he murmurs "The seafaring life is not for a dwarf, but I'll follow all ye wherever it may take me. I just can't say yes myself".Leaving the decision to the others he steels himself to the response he is sure is coming.
Dwal sits with Peri, half amused half annoyed with the halfling's antics but will try and keep his mind on the proceedings. when asked will respond:
"If I may" Dwal starts, "I would not assume they do not know. There is the matter of the guardsman in charge of helping to deal with these smugglers, Seth and his cohort. If not stated in the report, Seth and his cohort took several bolts of cloth and casts, loaded them into a boat in the alcove of the smugglers lair and left. Have they been found?" Dwal asks.
"If not, assuming the smugglers do not have an idea what has happened might not be the best belief." he states.
"As for your offer, I have a prior contract with the local mining company and that may negate my ability to respond."
Farbern clears his throat and responds to Dwal. "Yes, we are aware that two of the Guard have gone missing. We have search parties out currently. We'll update you when we learn more, if it impacts this mission."
Copperlocks speaks next. "As to your employment with the Company, you'll be provided paid leave for any time you'll need on this job, including any special preparation. But of course, we'll need you at the docks in the meantime."
Peri nudges Dwal and whispers, "That's double-time for you, then. Can't beat that with a stick!" He hands his apple core to the elderly guard, then rises to address the council. "Will we be havin' any say over which guards' services we'll be usin'?" He gives Farbern a significant look, pointedly not calling out his errant guardsman in front of the Council.
((Antics? How is a halfling having a snack "antics?" As well call breathin' "tomfoolery!"))
Farbern responds to Peri's question: "Butter and Missy will be assigned to you. Butter is an experienced seaman and will remain with your vessel. Missy will join the boarding party. If you have any equipment needs, leave them in writing with the clerk downstairs within the next two days."
The guard stands uncomfortably nearby, holding Peri's apple core with thumb and forefinger.
Owland concludes, "Unless there are further questions or new items, this meeting is adjourned."
An enormously rotund, red-faced man begins bringing in tankards of ale and plates full of cakes.
He turns to the dwarves. "Looks as though our little company has some business to discuss. Either of you know of a suitable location for a discrete business meetin', preferably one that serves tea and cakes? Aye, and Missy, you're welcome t' join as well, as your fate seems t' be tied up with ours."
"Thank you Perri, I think I will." She pauses, snags one of the cakes. "You said you might have something for me to look at, was it just the notes you handed over?"
(Also she gave the messenger boy 5cp for being so brave.)
A lot of ale seems to be consumed rather quickly by the Council and their staff, but the party soon begins to break up.
Primwater, the older bearded gentleman with the fancy wardrobe, comes over to pump everyones hand with gratitude. "Your service to the people of Saltmarsh is much appreciated, much appreciated. That frightful house was scaring the wits out of our citizens. You must all please come to my home sometime soon for some good food and fun, not all this boorish business." He waves his hand dismissively at the council bench, jingling several of his silver bracelets.
Eda Oweland soon joins him. "You each will need to keep in close contact with Farbern and the Guard," she directs, sternly. "When we get word the ship is approaching, you will need to move quickly."
"She's the boss," adds Primwater, smiling warmly and pointing his thumb at her.
"Your boss, maybe. But I'm a self-employed, independent contractor, and with a pocket full of coin I can afford t'be a bit choosy. Beggin' your pardon, Ms. Oweland, but I don't recall hearin' any of our party accept either your mission or your terms. I'm not rejectin' your offer, but it's a tall order and one that we must discuss amongst ourselves. We'll let Farbern know of our decision presently."
With that he'll turn to Missy. "Somethin' for you to look at? Oh, the books! Aye, I'm readin' the one about the flowers, but you're welcome to either of the others. There's one about Gems and another about Mathematics. I might swap you for the Gem book after I'm done with the Flower one, but I've no use a'tall for the Math book. I'll show you over lunch -- where's the best place in town for a decent meal and a discrete chat?" He'll pocket a couple of cakes on the way out.
With that, you are all escorted out of the Council Hall, and out onto the cold, smoky afternoon streets of Saltmarsh.
As for meals, you have limited options. There's the Snapping Line next door - a popular place for fishermen, sailors, and laborers; The Wicker Goat, of which several of you are familiar; and the Empty Net, which Qivys well recalls has a bad reputation. None are ideal for discrete chat.
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Missy
Missy will send Keledek a letter, or a note really. "Got an alchemy book that details how to turn things into gold. Interested?"
Qivys
Finally free from the arduous meeting, Qiv heads to the Anvil. Walking into the shop he hands over the Mariners Scale Mail and the additional shield, hoping for an appraisal.
Peri:
On his way out the door, Peri gives Farbern a weary look and replies in Halfling:
"I like you Farbern. I think you're a good man doin' th best with what you've got. But two of your men killed a prisoner, one who had information you cold sorely use, and then the contraband disappears? I'm not sayin' for sure they're dirty, but I'd not put my life into the hands of folks who can't pilot a boat full o' loot 10 miles down the coast."
When he gets to the Wicker Goat he'll grab a pastry and head to the bath. Once he's as clean and presentable as he can get, he'll return to the dining room and settle in for a big breakfast. If he sees Lankus he'll pay for 3 more days + breakfasts, compliment him on his fine establishment, and chat him up a bit. Mentioning his summons to the Town Council, he will ask for directions.
Peri manages to get a bath drawn by a sullen teenage boy at the Goat. The water smells a little metallic, but it's serviceable. Innkeeper Lankus appears briefly while Peri has his breakfast in the taproom, and cheerily accepts his money. The Council Hall, he explains, is the large brick building downtown. Look for the platform and gallows.
Dwal returns to his quarters at the mining company office, and finds a bite to eat. He leaves a second note for his boss. She won't be happy.
Missy finds a courier (a dirty-looking ten-year-old boy who hangs around the barracks most days looking for odd jobs) and sends a note to her old boss. He looks very uncomfortable with the idea of knocking on Keledek's door, but he complies.
Qivys wanders down to the Dwarven Anvil, and finds the mother-and-son duo as busy as ever. They'll give you five gold for the shield. They look curiously at the armor - they offer 30 gp, but they admit it may be worth considerably more. Maffera suggests that Captain Xondros of the Faithful Quartermasters of Iuz might be able to fetch you a better price, but you can tell she is uncomfortable with giving Xondros business. "You might have to go to Seaton to sell this," she concludes.
Keledek's terse response to Missy arrives shortly before noon, via the same boy. "Yes. Bring to me at nightfall tonight."
The boy looks a little flushed at having successfully dealt with the scary seven-foot tall wizard. He holds out his dirty hand for his pay (usually 1 cp.)
Peri:
The bath and excessively large breakfast having improved his mood, Peri will set off for the Council Hall. Along the way he'll make a quick stop at the Green Market to check for any fresh fruit, candies, or other portable snacks might be available. Being caught out the previous day with nothing but cold rations - shudder - is not an experience he'd like to relive. He'll buy about 10 lbs (no reason to skimp!) of assorted snacks and a pouch of pipeweed for his fancy new pipe after a bit of haggling Persuasion 10. Then he'll head toward the Council Hall, happily munching a snack and window-shopping along the way. If he gets there early, he'll park himself in a sunny spot and begin reading "The Magical Properties of Herbs and Flowers."
Peri finds some limp produce and some dark, overly sweet molasses-based candy. There's not much in the way of pipeweed, but there is a sort of chewable dried leaf that seems to be a locally popular mild narcotic. Together with some nuts, hardtack and other snacks, Peri finds sufficient - if not very exciting - snacks to last even a hungry halfling for at least a little while.
You convene at Council Hall at noon. It's a large brick building in the center of town (next to the Snapping Line; across from the Weekly Market; #15 on the Saltmarsh map.) A sturdy but weatherbeaten platform and gallows stands in front of the hall.
Past a couple of bored-looking Town Guards and inside the double doors (capped with a wooden sign depicting a net filled with fish), you find a well-kept interior of hardwood and stone. A number of small offices are evident, and up a wide set of stairs you arrive at the Council Chamber.
Five town council members are seated behind a long bench, chatting. Their names are carved in blocks of wood in front of them: Eda Owland, Gellan Primwater, Eliander Farbern, Manistrad Copperlocks, and Anders Salomar. Another guard, a rather ancient old man, stands motionless nearby, and five or six rows of benches fill the room. They are mostly empty. Butter is here, dressed in his finest (but rather old-fashioned and well-worn) clothing. An elderly couple sits quietly nearby. In the back sits a well-dressed man Qivys recognizes as Wavechaser, personal assistant to Anders Salomar.
The Council:
- Eda Owland is a gruff, grey-haired woman with a weatherbeaten face. Peri remembers learning that the Owland family ran a big fishing business in Saltmarsh.
- Gellan Primwater is a dapper older gentleman with a neatly trimmed beard and a fancy wardrobe. Qivys remembers hearing his name thrown around at the Empty Net. Missy had dinner with him a couple of times with her previous employer.
- You well remember peg-legged old Eliander Farbern, the captain of the Town Guard, and Missy and Butter's boss. Missy had no idea he was on the Council.
- Manistrad Copperlocks is a serious-looking Dwarvish woman and leader of the newly established mining operation in Saltmarsh. She is Dwal's boss. Dwal vaguely remembers hearing that she was a member of the Council; hopefully this means she will be more tolerant of his absences of late.
- Anders Salomar is a young, cheery human. Qivys recalls that he runs a fishing and trading company, and had hired them to do the haunted house job, albeit through his assistant.
Owland gives a signal to the guard, who must be pushing ninety. The Council quiets and watches as he climbs a latter in the rear of the room - very slowly - into a tower above the chamber, and blows a huge horn into the damp outdoor air. Then, as everyone quietly (and nervously) watches, he slowly descends the ladder.
"Let us begin," announces Eda Owland.
The first order of business is a property line dispute between the elderly couple and their neighbors. It's a long and boring proceeding. At one point, the old guard quietly admonishes Peri for eating snacks in the Council Chamber.
The second issue is a set of citizen complaints against the Town Guard for their effort to crack down on smuggling, going house to house in search of contraband. Farbern tries to recuse himself, but quickly gets drawn back into the dispute. Copperlocks backs Farbern, but the other three side with the complainants, and Farbern finally and begrudgingly agrees to dial it back a bit.
Eventually they get to the "issue of the smuggler house."
Eda Oweland, who seems to be the head of the Council, addresses you. "Thanks for coming. Captain Farbern has filled us in on the events of the last couple days. The Town Council wants to thank you for helping the Guard clear out the old alchemist's place - not only of smugglers, but also of the supernatural elements that have been unnerving our citizens. We'd like to give you a gift of two-hundred gold pieces for uncovering and shutting down the smuggling operation." The old guard presents a bag of coins to Qivys.
"We're also very interested in this." She holds up Sanbalet's notes. "It's obviously a signaling system for their suppliers." The old guard returns the paper to Dwal.
"Although the land-based operation of the smuggling ring has been quashed, there must be a seagoing vessel by which the contraband was originally conveyed, and this is still at large. Any surviving smugglers might seek to reestablish their operation from some other base. So we've a job for you. We'd like you to apprehend this vessel and put an end, once and for all, to the smuggling. There'll be a reward of 400 gold for the successful conclusion of this mission."
"We assume the smugglers on the vessel are, as yet, unaware of the deaths of their land-based colleagues, otherwise a return visit might well be expected. Since the last consignment was offloaded only a short while ago, another one is not expected for some time — perhaps during the next new moon, which begins in about two weeks’ time.
"The council will arrange for members of the town guard to patrol the potential rendezvous points each night for the next two weeks in case the smugglers return earlier than expected. As soon as an approaching vessel is spotted, your job will be to board the ship."
"We'll put a small fishing boat at your disposal and provide you with any reasonable equipment you feel you require. The council will also provide the services of two members of the guard to sail the boat for you when needed."
"What say you?"
Qivys
At the mere thought of taking to the seas, a chill runs through his body. Thoughts of the day he 'arrived' in Saltmarsh come flooding back. He looks to the others seated in the row beside him. In a low voice he murmurs "The seafaring life is not for a dwarf, but I'll follow all ye wherever it may take me. I just can't say yes myself". Leaving the decision to the others he steels himself to the response he is sure is coming.
Dwal
Dwal sits with Peri, half amused half annoyed with the halfling's antics but will try and keep his mind on the proceedings. when asked will respond:
"If I may" Dwal starts, "I would not assume they do not know. There is the matter of the guardsman in charge of helping to deal with these smugglers, Seth and his cohort. If not stated in the report, Seth and his cohort took several bolts of cloth and casts, loaded them into a boat in the alcove of the smugglers lair and left. Have they been found?" Dwal asks.
"If not, assuming the smugglers do not have an idea what has happened might not be the best belief." he states.
"As for your offer, I have a prior contract with the local mining company and that may negate my ability to respond."
Farbern clears his throat and responds to Dwal. "Yes, we are aware that two of the Guard have gone missing. We have search parties out currently. We'll update you when we learn more, if it impacts this mission."
Copperlocks speaks next. "As to your employment with the Company, you'll be provided paid leave for any time you'll need on this job, including any special preparation. But of course, we'll need you at the docks in the meantime."
Peri:
Peri nudges Dwal and whispers, "That's double-time for you, then. Can't beat that with a stick!" He hands his apple core to the elderly guard, then rises to address the council. "Will we be havin' any say over which guards' services we'll be usin'?" He gives Farbern a significant look, pointedly not calling out his errant guardsman in front of the Council.
((Antics? How is a halfling having a snack "antics?" As well call breathin' "tomfoolery!"))
Dwal
"Seems to be" Dwal responds to Peri.
(munchin during a serious meeting like its evening at a play....:P)
Farbern responds to Peri's question:
"Butter and Missy will be assigned to you. Butter is an experienced seaman and will remain with your vessel. Missy will join the boarding party. If you have any equipment needs, leave them in writing with the clerk downstairs within the next two days."
The guard stands uncomfortably nearby, holding Peri's apple core with thumb and forefinger.
Owland concludes, "Unless there are further questions or new items, this meeting is adjourned."
An enormously rotund, red-faced man begins bringing in tankards of ale and plates full of cakes.
Peri:
He turns to the dwarves. "Looks as though our little company has some business to discuss. Either of you know of a suitable location for a discrete business meetin', preferably one that serves tea and cakes? Aye, and Missy, you're welcome t' join as well, as your fate seems t' be tied up with ours."
Missy
"Thank you Perri, I think I will." She pauses, snags one of the cakes. "You said you might have something for me to look at, was it just the notes you handed over?"
(Also she gave the messenger boy 5cp for being so brave.)
A lot of ale seems to be consumed rather quickly by the Council and their staff, but the party soon begins to break up.
Primwater, the older bearded gentleman with the fancy wardrobe, comes over to pump everyones hand with gratitude. "Your service to the people of Saltmarsh is much appreciated, much appreciated. That frightful house was scaring the wits out of our citizens. You must all please come to my home sometime soon for some good food and fun, not all this boorish business." He waves his hand dismissively at the council bench, jingling several of his silver bracelets.
Eda Oweland soon joins him. "You each will need to keep in close contact with Farbern and the Guard," she directs, sternly. "When we get word the ship is approaching, you will need to move quickly."
"She's the boss," adds Primwater, smiling warmly and pointing his thumb at her.
Peri:
"Your boss, maybe. But I'm a self-employed, independent contractor, and with a pocket full of coin I can afford t'be a bit choosy. Beggin' your pardon, Ms. Oweland, but I don't recall hearin' any of our party accept either your mission or your terms. I'm not rejectin' your offer, but it's a tall order and one that we must discuss amongst ourselves. We'll let Farbern know of our decision presently."
With that he'll turn to Missy. "Somethin' for you to look at? Oh, the books! Aye, I'm readin' the one about the flowers, but you're welcome to either of the others. There's one about Gems and another about Mathematics. I might swap you for the Gem book after I'm done with the Flower one, but I've no use a'tall for the Math book. I'll show you over lunch -- where's the best place in town for a decent meal and a discrete chat?" He'll pocket a couple of cakes on the way out.
With that, you are all escorted out of the Council Hall, and out onto the cold, smoky afternoon streets of Saltmarsh.
As for meals, you have limited options. There's the Snapping Line next door - a popular place for fishermen, sailors, and laborers; The Wicker Goat, of which several of you are familiar; and the Empty Net, which Qivys well recalls has a bad reputation. None are ideal for discrete chat.