Replying to Gerrard, "The ship's delivered to port; it's not our problem any longer. And we have our own inventory, which we'll make a copy of and deliver to the Town Council, so if anything goes missing they'll know about it. Beyond that, I don't rightly care what they do with the cargo. And I'd just as soon not be in town if those lizardfolk raise an army and attack the town to get their swords back. And since I find my purse heavier than ever it's been, I think I might treat myself to some fancy clothes. Know any good tailors in Seaton?"
He hops down the gangplank and gives a deep bow to Farbern, flourishing an imaginary hat. "Indeed we are all well, though I regret to inform you that Fossie is not with us. She was on the boat while we were taking the ship, and it sailed off before we'd secured the ship. I fear one of the smugglers - a mage named Punketah - may have taken the boat, and Fossie along with it. Also, your man Pits may have started a war with the local lizardfolk, so you've got that to look forward to. But the smugglers are most definitely dealt with, the ship's in mostly good trim, and some equipment the mining company has been waiting on has been recovered, so all in all I'd call it a win, at least for us. You can deliver our reward to the Wicker Goat, where we'll be havin' our first proper meal all day before headin' off to bed."
The docking of the ship couldn't happen sooner for the armoured dwarf. He stands from his resting place near the mast. "Well Cap'n, seems you've proven what I knew all along. Ye must be part dwarf! Well done lad" he slaps Peri hard enough on the shoulder it pushes him forward half a step.
Before disembarking, he grabs Kasmens cage. "Let's go featherhead. We'll have to see about teachin you a new word or two. Maybe a song. What do ya think birdbrain?"He continues onto the dock talking to his bird. Approaching Farbern he overhears Peri talking of a meal. Immediately his stomach starts to rumble.
Seeing Peri has the reward and official turn over of the ship to Farbern, Dwal will gather his pack and make his way past them and down the gang plank. As he passes Dwal will say "I'll be at the houses. Ye can come and see me there." he says to Peri.
He says to Farbern, "Prior to those" he points to the inspection team "I inventoried the stolen cargo. I'll turn that into the rest of the Council so they can make sure nothing goes wrong this time. I'd say ye have a smuggler problem in the guard and someone is pulling the strings so this ain't the end of it all."
Dwal doesn't wait for any response. He makes his way off the boat.
"Make sure we get paid what we're owed." he calls back.
Once off the boat he makes his way directly to the homes the party has to 1) see how much progress has been made the past couple days. And 2) to start making friends with the little beast in his pack, if he can.
He nods to Dwal. "Aye, I'll come find ya. It'll likely be in the mornin' though, after a coupla good meals and a good night's sleep. Would you like me to bring some breakfast with me tomorrow? Ah, what am I saying? Of course I'll bring the breakfast."
He looks at Qivys, carrying the birdcage. "Are you really bringing that dirty, foul-mouthed, little beast along? I don't know there's room for two of us in the party." He leans close and whispers, "If you're doin' it to get under your kinsman's skin, I'm all for it!"
To Gerrard, "I'm lookin' for a proper set of gentleman's clothes, as befits my new wealth, such as it is. Somethin' real fancy-like. We can talk about it over dinner. Which, by the way," he addresses this last to Farbern,"we are late for. So, if you'll excuse us..." He turns to head in the direction of the Wicker Goat.
Feeling more at ease now that someone of authority (that the others apparently trust) has taken custody of the ship and its cargo, Gerrard happily follows the others to the Sagely Goat, inviting Oceanus to come with them if he so desires. After a mostly sleepless night, he is ready to change into some warm, dry clothes, eat a hot meal, and get some rest, but the weekly market is today and he has something left undone...oh yes—the map!
Before Dwal moves off to his own business, Gerrard asks, “Thank you for the loan of this armor, Brother Fiercehammer—I may need it again if we are to go after those Lizardfolk. What would you like me to do with it for now?” Recalling his other thought, he adds, “And Winston is still awaiting the rest of his property, wanting to reward us when it is returned—do you have that map that was to be delivered to him? I can take care of that for us.”
After cleaning up and eating a hearty lunch, Gerrard will be interested in finishing up the errands so the previous loot can be shared, then taking his share to the weekly market to see what he can find of interest here in Saltmarsh. An early dinner, then an early bedtime to recover from last night’s activities.
OOC: Does Gerrard know of any clothiers in Seaton who make fine noble’s garments, or are those imported from a larger city?
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
((Also OOC: Peri grew up in a small town/village and has been a sailor his entire adult life. His idea of "fancy-like" is not exactly refined. Imagine a US sailor winning a $25,000 shopping spree on Rodeo Drive -- it's not going to be subtle and sophisticated. There will be bling. But hey, maybe Gerrard can steer him right. He's going to need some new courtin' clothes too, right?))
Oceanus responds that he would like to join the party, at least to see the current situation through. However, he has no currency or other surface resources to maintain himself in a human city.
Farbern frowns at Peri's report of Fossie and Punketah, but he nods and seems reasonably satisfied with the overall outcome.
Peri recalls that there are a row of mostly squalid tailor stalls on the bridge, specializing in drab, boring, but practical clothing. For something fancier, he'll need to ask around, or plan a trip to Seaton to follow Gerrard's leads (Gerrard knows a number of fancy tailors and dealers in fine clothing in Seaton, but that's a full day's travel from Saltmarsh.)
Exhaustion is beginning to set in. And hunger. Unless you have further business on the docks, the party, plus Oceanus, will move next to the Wicker Goat for a meal (you can invite Elbin and Mortly, too, if you choose, or let them dissolve into the crowd) and then to your respective rooms to catch up on sleep.
Before you leave the wharf, Farbern requests that you attend the next Council meeting, six nights from now, to report to the Council and receive your reward, and that you come by the Tower before that time - preferably tomorrow morning - to give a full report to him.
Gerrard hands Oceanus five gold pieces so he can pay for his immediate needs, attempts to retrieve the map from Dwal, then goes to clean up and eat a hearty lunch. He still wants to get the reward from Winston, divide their spoils from the previous adventure, and spend some time in the early afternoon exploring the weekly market...Beyond that, he will be more than ready to go to sleep right after an early dinner to recover his strength from the last grueling 24 hours.
OOC: If we got in late afternoon or evening, Gerrard can wait until tomorrow for the errands and will be sad he missed the market. I am hoping we made port before lunchtime, as we set sail an hour or so after dawn, and I think we were only a few leagues from town...
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
(We're going to speed up time here shortly. It is noon, and the Weekly Market is open for business today – items from the Player’s Handbook costing up to 150 gp are available for purchase here. So let me know if there's anything you want to do, or buy, for the rest of the day. I'll resolve Dwal's and Gerrard's actions shortly.
(Next, Tomorrow: Tell me if you plan to meet with - or refuse to meet with - Farbern in the morning, and how you want to handle that. Do you plan on telling him the whole story? If not, what will you change or omit? What do you want to get across to him, or ask of him?)
(Third, unless you have immediate business you want to take on, we'll have some downtime activity options. More on that soon!)
OOC: If we aren't getting the reward money until the town council meeting, Gerrard will not have enough coin this afternoon to purchase a replacement horse, even should one be available at the weekly market. He may do some scouting for next week's market, though, seeing what horses are available. He'll probably just do some minor shopping, may pick up something small that catches his interest and enjoy himself. He also invites Oceanus to come along with him to see the market if he desires (everyone else is welcome if they wish as well).
Unless convinced otherwise by the group, Gerrard will treat Farbern as an ally and give full disclosure on the events in which Gerrard was directly involved. He would also be interested in consolidating their maps and Oceanus' knowledge as a way of figuring out where the smuggler's home port is, where the lizardfolk meeting point is, and perhaps other points of interest. He will emphasize to Farbern that an undersea ally will be critical if the lizardfolk are preparing an attack, so Gerrard will push to have Oceanus included in their debriefing. A smuggler base's location would warrant a letter home, unless Farbern wants us to deal with it ourselves.
Once they have recovered, Gerrard would be interested in investigating that hole the goblin was in--if he can convince the others to go with him.
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
My intentions for Peri; if anyone wants him to handle things differently I can change it:
Peri will explain to Farbern that Mortly and Elbin were members of the smugglers' crew. He will tell him that Mortly did shoot at them, but that he doesn't bear any animosity towards the man as he was defending the ship from boarders. If the Crown wants to try the sailor for smuggling it's fine with Peri; otherwise he'll give the man 5 silvers and wish him luck. As for Elbin, the boy is too young to face the full consequences for falling in with the wrong crew. Peri says he didn't see the boy attack anyone (splitting some hairs, but technically true) and asks Farbern to let the boy go. Peri will put the boy up at the Wicker Goat or one of the other inns, and tell him to be at the Goat at first light.
He will browse the market with Gerrard (I'll see if there's anything he needs and post his shopping list later) then head back to the inn for a big meal, a good pipe, a bath if possible, then an early bedtime. The next morning, after a good-sized breakfast, he will report to Farbern at the Tower with Elbin waiting outside. He doesn't see any reason to withhold any information, so he will give a full report of their encounter, emphasizing that everything was under control with the lizardfolk until one of the Guards panicked and started a fight. He will not mention Dwal's suspicion of the guard's involvement with the smuggling ring, but won't object if Dwal wants to broach the subject. He'll also not mention the electrum ingots, figuring they're not really contraband so much as the spoils of war.
If Dwal chooses to skip the meeting with Farbern, Peri will get second breakfast for both of them plus Elbin, then walk down to the cottages to meet him.
I too would like to explore the goblin hole, but would probably take a day or two off to rest and recover.
(Peri's weekly market purchases: Block & tackle - 1 gp; set of traveler's clothes (his sailor's clothes were a bit foul from the bilge, so he'll get some nicer duds and have his old ones cleaned) - 2gp; 3 flasks of oil - 3 sp; and 10 torches to replace the ones he burned on the ship - 10 cp)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The reward, alas, will not be forthcoming until the Council meeting, evidently. Until then, your bank remains the sum of whatever you had before your maritime adventure, plus whatever you personally liberated from the ship.
Farbern listens respectfully to Peri's explanation of Mortly and Elbin. ( Persuasion: 10 )
Farbern explains that both smugglers will be taken into custody overnight and interrogated. Presuming nothing new comes to light, they will be released in the morning at Peri's recommendation. He promises they will come to no harm.
Dwal bids his leave, and goes to check on the Crabbers Cove cottages. The two carpenters he hired are wrapping up their second day on the job - mostly clearing rubbish and rubble, starting a long retaining wall to keep the crabs out, and some reinforcement of some of the main structural timbers. (Did anyone ever pay for them? 30gp wages + 50gp materials.)
Dwal finds he is developing an increasing telepathic bond with the injured creature in his sack that he is nursing back to health. He finds he can communicate with it, somewhat, wordlessly - simple ideas, emotions, and images.
Gerrard returns the map to the wreck of the Marshall to Winston. The old halfling is very appreciative. He gives Gerrard a troll skull, reworked as an oil lantern - impractical, but impressive. He said he personally saw the troll die thirty years ago in the Hool Marshes.
Afterwards, Gerrard and Peri stop by the weekly market. Gerrard learns that while there is livestock here, the sale of riding horses is reserved for the Crown. You can purchase (and stable them) at the Tower. Oceanus, tagging along, is keen to purchase armor, a crossbow, and a trident. He spends the entirety of his new coin on the trident, leaving him penniless once again.
The day ends at the Wicker Goat with a meal and bed.
You are now Level 4! Update your characters accordingly.
OCC: To my understanding they were paid. I may have been mistaken.
Dwal
If the workers have not been paid Dwal will reassure them they will be paid on the marrow and if needs be he will pay them 20 gp. for their wages right then.
After which, Dwal will enter the most finished house and start going about setting up shop-as it were. He will open his pack and tell his new friend "Come on little one, we've made it away from those humans and you are safe for now." Dwal will then set out himself a place to sleep and get some rest and eat. In the morning he will not be going anywhere as he has a new book to study and work out. He may miss a couple of meals along the way.
((OOC: I believe we agreed to pay the carpenters from the party loot, but I don't think Dwal ever explicitly paid them. Go ahead and pay the full amount and update the party loot.
Are we picking up before or after the morning meeting with Farbern? If it's after, Peri will give Mortly 5 sp and I'll deduct it from his sheet. Also, at some point in the next couple of days we should try to sell the golden objects recovered from the alchemist's lab (minus the rose, which Gerrard wants) to the Quartermasters of Iuz.
Day 10 ends with a meal and a well-deserved rest, Dwal at his quarters at the Mining Company; Peri, Qivys, and Gerrard at the Wicker Goat. Oceanus slept in the harbor.
Day 11.
The party, together with Oceanus, reconvenes in the morning at Hoolwatch Tower. Mortly and Elbin are there; Mortly is in chains. Mr. Fowler is there as well, together with a motley assortment of other guards. Farbern leads the proceedings, and starts by listening at length to your story.
Some highlights of the meeting:
1) Mortly will remain in jail until a trial can be held. Peri's testimony will be taken into consideration when his fate is determined. Elbin will be released immediately, but Peri will be held accountable for his behavior in Saltmarsh.
2) The sketched map of the lizardfolk rendezvous point found in the captain's quarters matches Farbern's knowledge of old stories regarding a lizardfolk colony that once stood ten miles southwest of Saltmarsh, at the mouth of the Dunwater River. To Farbern's knowledge, this old settlement was abandoned long ago, but he speculates that it could have been resettled. Farbern worries that the lizardfolk might be preparing for war against Saltmarsh. (Oceanus quietly shares this same fear to Gerrard - that the lizardfolk could be a potential threat to this city. He pledges to discover the truth behind the lizardfolk’s purchase of smuggled weapons.)
3) From the questioning of Mortly, the homeport of the smuggler's ship is the city known as The Styes, a decaying port fallen on hard times. It is located far to the east of Seaton, across the Azure Sea, well outside the reach of the Crown.
4) Farbern is concerned about the disappearance of Fossie and the Stone, and has a search party already out this morning.
5) The kegs of brandy in the hold were stolen from a royal shipment meant for the Dwarven mine, together with the crate of drilling equipment; the silks were originally destined for a royal trade mission to an island settlement far south of Saltmarsh. A representative of the Crown in Seaton will be arriving in a few days to pick up the silks, and may have a generous reward to give to the party, in addition to the Council's reward.
6) A portly old guard whispers to Gerrard that a human musician named Kei has just arrived in town from The Styes yesterday; he was inquiring for work at the Wicker Goat late last night.
Do you have any questions or concerns you want to bring to Farbern before the meeting concludes?
- Gerrard will share with Farbern his willingness to go and scout out the Lizardfolk threat, and he also translates for Oceanus as needed, suggesting to the two that an alliance may be of use to the two cities.
- He will ask if Farbern knows the name and/or title of the representative coming from Seaton (since he may actually know the person).
Other items for the rest of the party:
- If the others will allow him to keep the Mariner's scale, he will give his studded leather armor to Oceanus. In any case, he will give the sea elf another 5 gp for expenses.
- He will speak with Peri quietly about the musician in town from the Styes, suggesting that they follow up and try to determine if he might be a smuggler or spy for the pirates.
- Gerrard will suggest that once they rest up they should investigate the goblin hole.
- He will suggest they use the troll skull lantern as a centerpiece for the party's new digs, as it would be in poor taste to try and sell a gift/reward. He will also try and help settle up the accounts so we each have some cash for the next few days (OOC: I will work on it tonight in our separate thread).
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
What is the status of the ship? Do we own it? Has it been seized by the Crown? Are we able to go back aboard if we want? The cloth and brandy are being returned to the Crown, but can we have everything else (we could at least get a crossbow for Oceanus)? When is the Town Council meeting?
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Dwal
Dwal stays where he is, saying little, letting the rest of the party sort out what they have to.
Peri:
Replying to Gerrard, "The ship's delivered to port; it's not our problem any longer. And we have our own inventory, which we'll make a copy of and deliver to the Town Council, so if anything goes missing they'll know about it. Beyond that, I don't rightly care what they do with the cargo. And I'd just as soon not be in town if those lizardfolk raise an army and attack the town to get their swords back. And since I find my purse heavier than ever it's been, I think I might treat myself to some fancy clothes. Know any good tailors in Seaton?"
He hops down the gangplank and gives a deep bow to Farbern, flourishing an imaginary hat. "Indeed we are all well, though I regret to inform you that Fossie is not with us. She was on the boat while we were taking the ship, and it sailed off before we'd secured the ship. I fear one of the smugglers - a mage named Punketah - may have taken the boat, and Fossie along with it. Also, your man Pits may have started a war with the local lizardfolk, so you've got that to look forward to. But the smugglers are most definitely dealt with, the ship's in mostly good trim, and some equipment the mining company has been waiting on has been recovered, so all in all I'd call it a win, at least for us. You can deliver our reward to the Wicker Goat, where we'll be havin' our first proper meal all day before headin' off to bed."
Gerrard:
”The tailors in Seaton focus mostly on military clothing, but I’m sure they could make you some fine nautical clothing,” replies the young noble.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Qivys
The docking of the ship couldn't happen sooner for the armoured dwarf. He stands from his resting place near the mast. "Well Cap'n, seems you've proven what I knew all along. Ye must be part dwarf! Well done lad" he slaps Peri hard enough on the shoulder it pushes him forward half a step.
Before disembarking, he grabs Kasmens cage. "Let's go featherhead. We'll have to see about teachin you a new word or two. Maybe a song. What do ya think birdbrain?" He continues onto the dock talking to his bird. Approaching Farbern he overhears Peri talking of a meal. Immediately his stomach starts to rumble.
Dwal
Seeing Peri has the reward and official turn over of the ship to Farbern, Dwal will gather his pack and make his way past them and down the gang plank. As he passes Dwal will say "I'll be at the houses. Ye can come and see me there." he says to Peri.
He says to Farbern, "Prior to those" he points to the inspection team "I inventoried the stolen cargo. I'll turn that into the rest of the Council so they can make sure nothing goes wrong this time. I'd say ye have a smuggler problem in the guard and someone is pulling the strings so this ain't the end of it all."
Dwal doesn't wait for any response. He makes his way off the boat.
"Make sure we get paid what we're owed." he calls back.
Once off the boat he makes his way directly to the homes the party has to 1) see how much progress has been made the past couple days. And 2) to start making friends with the little beast in his pack, if he can.
Peri:
He nods to Dwal. "Aye, I'll come find ya. It'll likely be in the mornin' though, after a coupla good meals and a good night's sleep. Would you like me to bring some breakfast with me tomorrow? Ah, what am I saying? Of course I'll bring the breakfast."
He looks at Qivys, carrying the birdcage. "Are you really bringing that dirty, foul-mouthed, little beast along? I don't know there's room for two of us in the party." He leans close and whispers, "If you're doin' it to get under your kinsman's skin, I'm all for it!"
To Gerrard, "I'm lookin' for a proper set of gentleman's clothes, as befits my new wealth, such as it is. Somethin' real fancy-like. We can talk about it over dinner. Which, by the way," he addresses this last to Farbern, "we are late for. So, if you'll excuse us..." He turns to head in the direction of the Wicker Goat.
Gerrard:
Feeling more at ease now that someone of authority (that the others apparently trust) has taken custody of the ship and its cargo, Gerrard happily follows the others to the Sagely Goat, inviting Oceanus to come with them if he so desires. After a mostly sleepless night, he is ready to change into some warm, dry clothes, eat a hot meal, and get some rest, but the weekly market is today and he has something left undone...oh yes—the map!
Before Dwal moves off to his own business, Gerrard asks, “Thank you for the loan of this armor, Brother Fiercehammer—I may need it again if we are to go after those Lizardfolk. What would you like me to do with it for now?” Recalling his other thought, he adds, “And Winston is still awaiting the rest of his property, wanting to reward us when it is returned—do you have that map that was to be delivered to him? I can take care of that for us.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Gerrard:
After cleaning up and eating a hearty lunch, Gerrard will be interested in finishing up the errands so the previous loot can be shared, then taking his share to the weekly market to see what he can find of interest here in Saltmarsh. An early dinner, then an early bedtime to recover from last night’s activities.
OOC: Does Gerrard know of any clothiers in Seaton who make fine noble’s garments, or are those imported from a larger city?
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
((Also OOC: Peri grew up in a small town/village and has been a sailor his entire adult life. His idea of "fancy-like" is not exactly refined. Imagine a US sailor winning a $25,000 shopping spree on Rodeo Drive -- it's not going to be subtle and sophisticated. There will be bling. But hey, maybe Gerrard can steer him right. He's going to need some new courtin' clothes too, right?))
Oceanus responds to Gerrard in Elvish:
Oceanus responds that he would like to join the party, at least to see the current situation through. However, he has no currency or other surface resources to maintain himself in a human city.
Farbern frowns at Peri's report of Fossie and Punketah, but he nods and seems reasonably satisfied with the overall outcome.
Peri recalls that there are a row of mostly squalid tailor stalls on the bridge, specializing in drab, boring, but practical clothing. For something fancier, he'll need to ask around, or plan a trip to Seaton to follow Gerrard's leads (Gerrard knows a number of fancy tailors and dealers in fine clothing in Seaton, but that's a full day's travel from Saltmarsh.)
Exhaustion is beginning to set in. And hunger. Unless you have further business on the docks, the party, plus Oceanus, will move next to the Wicker Goat for a meal (you can invite Elbin and Mortly, too, if you choose, or let them dissolve into the crowd) and then to your respective rooms to catch up on sleep.
Before you leave the wharf, Farbern requests that you attend the next Council meeting, six nights from now, to report to the Council and receive your reward, and that you come by the Tower before that time - preferably tomorrow morning - to give a full report to him.
Gerrard:
Gerrard hands Oceanus five gold pieces so he can pay for his immediate needs, attempts to retrieve the map from Dwal, then goes to clean up and eat a hearty lunch. He still wants to get the reward from Winston, divide their spoils from the previous adventure, and spend some time in the early afternoon exploring the weekly market...Beyond that, he will be more than ready to go to sleep right after an early dinner to recover his strength from the last grueling 24 hours.
OOC: If we got in late afternoon or evening, Gerrard can wait until tomorrow for the errands and will be sad he missed the market. I am hoping we made port before lunchtime, as we set sail an hour or so after dawn, and I think we were only a few leagues from town...
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
(We're going to speed up time here shortly. It is noon, and the Weekly Market is open for business today – items from the Player’s Handbook costing up to 150 gp are available for purchase here. So let me know if there's anything you want to do, or buy, for the rest of the day. I'll resolve Dwal's and Gerrard's actions shortly.
(Next, Tomorrow: Tell me if you plan to meet with - or refuse to meet with - Farbern in the morning, and how you want to handle that. Do you plan on telling him the whole story? If not, what will you change or omit? What do you want to get across to him, or ask of him?)
(Third, unless you have immediate business you want to take on, we'll have some downtime activity options. More on that soon!)
OOC: If we aren't getting the reward money until the town council meeting, Gerrard will not have enough coin this afternoon to purchase a replacement horse, even should one be available at the weekly market. He may do some scouting for next week's market, though, seeing what horses are available. He'll probably just do some minor shopping, may pick up something small that catches his interest and enjoy himself. He also invites Oceanus to come along with him to see the market if he desires (everyone else is welcome if they wish as well).
Unless convinced otherwise by the group, Gerrard will treat Farbern as an ally and give full disclosure on the events in which Gerrard was directly involved. He would also be interested in consolidating their maps and Oceanus' knowledge as a way of figuring out where the smuggler's home port is, where the lizardfolk meeting point is, and perhaps other points of interest. He will emphasize to Farbern that an undersea ally will be critical if the lizardfolk are preparing an attack, so Gerrard will push to have Oceanus included in their debriefing. A smuggler base's location would warrant a letter home, unless Farbern wants us to deal with it ourselves.
Once they have recovered, Gerrard would be interested in investigating that hole the goblin was in--if he can convince the others to go with him.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
My intentions for Peri; if anyone wants him to handle things differently I can change it:
Peri will explain to Farbern that Mortly and Elbin were members of the smugglers' crew. He will tell him that Mortly did shoot at them, but that he doesn't bear any animosity towards the man as he was defending the ship from boarders. If the Crown wants to try the sailor for smuggling it's fine with Peri; otherwise he'll give the man 5 silvers and wish him luck. As for Elbin, the boy is too young to face the full consequences for falling in with the wrong crew. Peri says he didn't see the boy attack anyone (splitting some hairs, but technically true) and asks Farbern to let the boy go. Peri will put the boy up at the Wicker Goat or one of the other inns, and tell him to be at the Goat at first light.
He will browse the market with Gerrard (I'll see if there's anything he needs and post his shopping list later) then head back to the inn for a big meal, a good pipe, a bath if possible, then an early bedtime. The next morning, after a good-sized breakfast, he will report to Farbern at the Tower with Elbin waiting outside. He doesn't see any reason to withhold any information, so he will give a full report of their encounter, emphasizing that everything was under control with the lizardfolk until one of the Guards panicked and started a fight. He will not mention Dwal's suspicion of the guard's involvement with the smuggling ring, but won't object if Dwal wants to broach the subject. He'll also not mention the electrum ingots, figuring they're not really contraband so much as the spoils of war.
If Dwal chooses to skip the meeting with Farbern, Peri will get second breakfast for both of them plus Elbin, then walk down to the cottages to meet him.
I too would like to explore the goblin hole, but would probably take a day or two off to rest and recover.
(Peri's weekly market purchases: Block & tackle - 1 gp; set of traveler's clothes (his sailor's clothes were a bit foul from the bilge, so he'll get some nicer duds and have his old ones cleaned) - 2gp; 3 flasks of oil - 3 sp; and 10 torches to replace the ones he burned on the ship - 10 cp)
The reward, alas, will not be forthcoming until the Council meeting, evidently. Until then, your bank remains the sum of whatever you had before your maritime adventure, plus whatever you personally liberated from the ship.
Farbern listens respectfully to Peri's explanation of Mortly and Elbin. ( Persuasion: 10 )
Farbern explains that both smugglers will be taken into custody overnight and interrogated. Presuming nothing new comes to light, they will be released in the morning at Peri's recommendation. He promises they will come to no harm.
Dwal bids his leave, and goes to check on the Crabbers Cove cottages. The two carpenters he hired are wrapping up their second day on the job - mostly clearing rubbish and rubble, starting a long retaining wall to keep the crabs out, and some reinforcement of some of the main structural timbers. (Did anyone ever pay for them? 30gp wages + 50gp materials.)
Dwal finds he is developing an increasing telepathic bond with the injured creature in his sack that he is nursing back to health. He finds he can communicate with it, somewhat, wordlessly - simple ideas, emotions, and images.
Gerrard returns the map to the wreck of the Marshall to Winston. The old halfling is very appreciative. He gives Gerrard a troll skull, reworked as an oil lantern - impractical, but impressive. He said he personally saw the troll die thirty years ago in the Hool Marshes.
Afterwards, Gerrard and Peri stop by the weekly market. Gerrard learns that while there is livestock here, the sale of riding horses is reserved for the Crown. You can purchase (and stable them) at the Tower. Oceanus, tagging along, is keen to purchase armor, a crossbow, and a trident. He spends the entirety of his new coin on the trident, leaving him penniless once again.
The day ends at the Wicker Goat with a meal and bed.
You are now Level 4! Update your characters accordingly.
OCC: To my understanding they were paid. I may have been mistaken.
Dwal
If the workers have not been paid Dwal will reassure them they will be paid on the marrow and if needs be he will pay them 20 gp. for their wages right then.
After which, Dwal will enter the most finished house and start going about setting up shop-as it were. He will open his pack and tell his new friend "Come on little one, we've made it away from those humans and you are safe for now."
Dwal will then set out himself a place to sleep and get some rest and eat. In the morning he will not be going anywhere as he has a new book to study and work out. He may miss a couple of meals along the way.
((OOC: I believe we agreed to pay the carpenters from the party loot, but I don't think Dwal ever explicitly paid them. Go ahead and pay the full amount and update the party loot.
Are we picking up before or after the morning meeting with Farbern? If it's after, Peri will give Mortly 5 sp and I'll deduct it from his sheet. Also, at some point in the next couple of days we should try to sell the golden objects recovered from the alchemist's lab (minus the rose, which Gerrard wants) to the Quartermasters of Iuz.
Day 10 ends with a meal and a well-deserved rest, Dwal at his quarters at the Mining Company; Peri, Qivys, and Gerrard at the Wicker Goat. Oceanus slept in the harbor.
Day 11.
The party, together with Oceanus, reconvenes in the morning at Hoolwatch Tower. Mortly and Elbin are there; Mortly is in chains. Mr. Fowler is there as well, together with a motley assortment of other guards. Farbern leads the proceedings, and starts by listening at length to your story.
Some highlights of the meeting:
1) Mortly will remain in jail until a trial can be held. Peri's testimony will be taken into consideration when his fate is determined. Elbin will be released immediately, but Peri will be held accountable for his behavior in Saltmarsh.
2) The sketched map of the lizardfolk rendezvous point found in the captain's quarters matches Farbern's knowledge of old stories regarding a lizardfolk colony that once stood ten miles southwest of Saltmarsh, at the mouth of the Dunwater River. To Farbern's knowledge, this old settlement was abandoned long ago, but he speculates that it could have been resettled. Farbern worries that the lizardfolk might be preparing for war against Saltmarsh. (Oceanus quietly shares this same fear to Gerrard - that the lizardfolk could be a potential threat to this city. He pledges to discover the truth behind the lizardfolk’s purchase of smuggled weapons.)
3) From the questioning of Mortly, the homeport of the smuggler's ship is the city known as The Styes, a decaying port fallen on hard times. It is located far to the east of Seaton, across the Azure Sea, well outside the reach of the Crown.
4) Farbern is concerned about the disappearance of Fossie and the Stone, and has a search party already out this morning.
5) The kegs of brandy in the hold were stolen from a royal shipment meant for the Dwarven mine, together with the crate of drilling equipment; the silks were originally destined for a royal trade mission to an island settlement far south of Saltmarsh. A representative of the Crown in Seaton will be arriving in a few days to pick up the silks, and may have a generous reward to give to the party, in addition to the Council's reward.
6) A portly old guard whispers to Gerrard that a human musician named Kei has just arrived in town from The Styes yesterday; he was inquiring for work at the Wicker Goat late last night.
Do you have any questions or concerns you want to bring to Farbern before the meeting concludes?
Gerrard:
- Gerrard will share with Farbern his willingness to go and scout out the Lizardfolk threat, and he also translates for Oceanus as needed, suggesting to the two that an alliance may be of use to the two cities.
- He will ask if Farbern knows the name and/or title of the representative coming from Seaton (since he may actually know the person).
Other items for the rest of the party:
- If the others will allow him to keep the Mariner's scale, he will give his studded leather armor to Oceanus. In any case, he will give the sea elf another 5 gp for expenses.
- He will speak with Peri quietly about the musician in town from the Styes, suggesting that they follow up and try to determine if he might be a smuggler or spy for the pirates.
- Gerrard will suggest that once they rest up they should investigate the goblin hole.
- He will suggest they use the troll skull lantern as a centerpiece for the party's new digs, as it would be in poor taste to try and sell a gift/reward. He will also try and help settle up the accounts so we each have some cash for the next few days (OOC: I will work on it tonight in our separate thread).
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
What is the status of the ship? Do we own it? Has it been seized by the Crown? Are we able to go back aboard if we want? The cloth and brandy are being returned to the Crown, but can we have everything else (we could at least get a crossbow for Oceanus)? When is the Town Council meeting?