Kas laughs at Qivys. "No, no more excitement for tonight. We knocked on the door, and Red knew the password." Turning to Red, "And who is Mr. Gellan Primwater? A world-famous musician, no doubt?"
(Nothing else for Kas; he's ready for the Guildhall.)
Red gives the bartender a nod and follows Kas out of the bar, distracted by her own thoughts. She knows it's because of the name she dropped, but as a tiefling getting an invite back is always exciting. Even if they didn't want Qivys back with her - what was their problem with dwarves anyway?
Hearing her name draws her from her thoughts and she looks at Kas as he turns towards her.
"World famous? No, I heard about him in the guildhall." She thinks about it for a second and then asks. "Do you know many musician's Kas?"
(Just tempted to go see the haunted house at night.)
Your walk back to the Mariners Guildhall, across the bridge and through town, is cold, damp, and uneventful. The streets are dead. The only building with signs of life is the other tavern you passed, the Snapping Line (it's larger, but no less grungy or sweeter-smelling than the one you just left, although the music sounds better.) A couple of drunks lay in the empty market square, and a skunk crosses the road in front of you to examine a pile of garbage. Omen spots a couple of places that might be tailor shops, but they are dark, like most everywhere in town. Nothing is open for business.
As you approach the front door of the Mariners Guildhall, a tall, well-dressed man steps out of the shadows and introduces himself. "Good evening," he says. "My name is Wavechaser. I am the personal assistant to Anders Salomar, of the Salomar Fishing and Trading Company." He is lean and tan, with short silver hair and fairly expensive-looking clothing. "I understand you are the party of adventurers who arrived this morning from the wreck?" He speaks with a precise, clipped, very confident, kindly-but-business tone. "I trust you are recovering well from your unfortunate trials?"
The night is dark, and Wavechaser is lit only by the muted glow of the lanterns illuminating the interior of the Mariners' Guildhall. You can hear a lively game of cards within, and the sounds of Marnie yelling at someone distantly for something you can't quite hear.
Wavechaser continues, "Your friends told me you'd likely soon be back. Marnie will put them to bed shortly. I live and work in the Salomar compound to the rear of this property, next door, if you need to find me. I understand you drove off a pair of jackalweres from the Dreadwood this morning. Not an easy feat. Very impressive. Our community thanks you."
Wavechaser pauses, and then continues, "My employer, Mr. Salomar, has authorized me to offer you a small job, if you're looking for adventuring work."
(So, what's everyone's thoughts? I don't want to answer this call to work without talking out our options with everyone first. I really want to find this house that was referenced on pg 6. But also, we promised to visit the temple. And now there's a "job offer". Who's up for what? I say temple first then house. )
(All 3? Definitely. I should've phrased it better. In what order would people like to attempt our current line up of objectives?
For me: Possible long rest to recover Lay on Hands, Temple, Spooky House, Job Offer. With any short/long rests as necessary. That's not taking into account searching for some new clothes for Omen or any other "shopping" etc)
(Sounds good to me. Though I guess that would put visiting the spooky house during the daytime. Might have to go again at night if we don't find anything then.)
(I'm good with that order, but we should hear Wave chaser's offer while he's standing here. His mission might be time-sensitive; the house and Temple we can get to whenever we can.)
Wavechaser clasps his hands. "The timeframe is loose. Let's say one week."
"There is a house outside of town which is causing growing consternation among the citizens of Saltmarsh. The town guard is not interested, and they are probably correct in their assessment that it poses no immediate danger to this town. Nevertheless, it is causing a low-level panic among some, especially the superstitious. People here are increasingly blaming it for their woes. My employer has his own theory, which he is keeping to himself at the moment. He invites the five of you - unbiased strangers - to investigate. Here are your terms. One: You may keep anything you find. The former resident was said to be an alchemist; some people say he stuffed the walls with gold." He shrugs. "Two: If you find evidence of crimes or threats in the form of documents, papers, or other evidence, you bring it directly to the Town Council, not to me. The Council may provide you with a reward if you bring them useful information. Three: While Mr. Salomar is not going to make a secret of this mission, we'd prefer that you do not openly advertise this fact quite yet. He's a modest man. If you serve him well, there may be future work for you, should you be interested."
Kas listens to the agent's pitch with some skepticism. "I'm a bit confused here. You claimed to be offering us a job, but I haven't heard anything about a payment yet. Your boss would like us to break into a house, but apart from being the wealthiest guy in town, I don't know what authority he has to sanction this. Hell, I don't even know that you actually work for Mr. Salomar. We've been in town less than a day and don't need the guard on our ass. If we do break into this house -- which scares the locals enough that they won't go in to collect the "walls stuffed with gold" -- we'll be allowed to keep whatever we find. Very generous. Then we need to collect evidence and take it to the Council, who may give us a reward. Or maybe not, but we will have already delivered what they want, so we'll have zero ability to negotiate. Perhaps I'm missing something, but it seems like we take all the risks, have no guarantee of any reward, and Mr. Salomar gets to be the hero who "hired" us if things go well but deny any involvement if we screw the pooch, all without costing him a copper. This seems like a fantastic deal for Mr. Salomar, but not so much for us. So, how much is this job worth to your boss?"
"Take it or leave it as you wish," responds Wavechaser with a smile. "The owner of that house died twenty years ago; it's being reclaimed by the wilderness. It's open to anyone who chooses to enter it."
He crosses his arms. "But I'll tell you what. If you return after a thorough exploration with a full report and whatever evidence you find, I will guarantee you 100 gold for one day's hard work - twenty each. More than fair. That's a month's pay for most of these fellows." He points his thumb at the Guildhall. "But I understand you have the skills necessary to take of yourselves, and you lack the superstitious mythology that hold so many of our locals back. If you do well, the Town Council might even double that figure. I should add that my employer is a member of said Council, and is not without his influence."
"See? Now that's a job offer! One last thing, though. I understand Mr. Salomar doesn't want to influence our investigation with his own theories, but is there any useful information we should know before tackling this mission? The alchemist's specialty, for example?"
He offers Omen a hand. "Partners, then. Which reminds me, we have our venture's first profit to divvy up!" He gives them each 2 gold pieces from Butts's purse.
(OOC: I vote we take his offer, since we were planning on doing it for free a minute ago.)
"You'll want to head out the city gate, on the northwest end of town. Head east, and then east again at the fork, on the old coast road to Seaton, up along the cliff toward the Mine. About five miles up the road you'll see an old cherry tree and a bit of wall across from an overgrown path. Follow it in about two hundred feet and you'll see it. The only structure up that way. The old alchemist was a hermit, but I've been told he had a grand library. I don't know his specialty – converting base metals to gold, I suppose, according to the legends."
"Right now, though, you should head inside before Marnie locks the door. She snuffs all the lanterns at ten. Come see me next door, tomorrow, if you have any further questions."
Omen turns to Kas for a moment: "Thank you my friend but, I can not take money from robbing another person." Omen says as he hands the 2 gold pieces back.
Omen then turns to Windchaser. "It appears you have employees. Thank for the job offer. I am sure we will endeavor to do our upmost."
With that Omen will turn to the Guildhall and walk inside. As he goes he will say: "Right now, its sleep and food I need. Good Evening."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Qivys
"If this endeavour leads us to those infernal creatures count me in. Their presence is an abomination. If it takes all I have to rid the town of this evil, then that is what I'll give."He stands tall, for a dwarf, and continues "Excuse me Wavechaser, one quick question before we retire. Is there anywhere I might find a weapon that will have an effect on these creatures? My hammer just bounced off during our last encounter. Perhaps Mr Salomar has an armoury that may contain a suitable piece."
Wavechaser responds to Qivys, "Mr. Salomar is a fisherman, trader, and businessman. Not a militiaman, I'm afraid. I've heard that silvered weapons are effective against such beasts, but I don't know how affordable or obtainable that process might be. You may want to check with our local smith. If you're interested in the arcane, well..." he gives a brief, concerned glance at Red, "I suppose you could approach Captain Xondros, of the Faithful Quartermasters of Iuz, although her means are also expensive and time-consuming. I can make some inquiries tomorrow, if you like."
Kasimir:
Kas laughs at Qivys. "No, no more excitement for tonight. We knocked on the door, and Red knew the password." Turning to Red, "And who is Mr. Gellan Primwater? A world-famous musician, no doubt?"
(Nothing else for Kas; he's ready for the Guildhall.)
Red
Red gives the bartender a nod and follows Kas out of the bar, distracted by her own thoughts. She knows it's because of the name she dropped, but as a tiefling getting an invite back is always exciting. Even if they didn't want Qivys back with her - what was their problem with dwarves anyway?
Hearing her name draws her from her thoughts and she looks at Kas as he turns towards her.
"World famous? No, I heard about him in the guildhall." She thinks about it for a second and then asks. "Do you know many musician's Kas?"
(Just tempted to go see the haunted house at night.)
Your walk back to the Mariners Guildhall, across the bridge and through town, is cold, damp, and uneventful. The streets are dead. The only building with signs of life is the other tavern you passed, the Snapping Line (it's larger, but no less grungy or sweeter-smelling than the one you just left, although the music sounds better.) A couple of drunks lay in the empty market square, and a skunk crosses the road in front of you to examine a pile of garbage. Omen spots a couple of places that might be tailor shops, but they are dark, like most everywhere in town. Nothing is open for business.
As you approach the front door of the Mariners Guildhall, a tall, well-dressed man steps out of the shadows and introduces himself. "Good evening," he says. "My name is Wavechaser. I am the personal assistant to Anders Salomar, of the Salomar Fishing and Trading Company." He is lean and tan, with short silver hair and fairly expensive-looking clothing. "I understand you are the party of adventurers who arrived this morning from the wreck?" He speaks with a precise, clipped, very confident, kindly-but-business tone. "I trust you are recovering well from your unfortunate trials?"
Omen
Omen nods to the man. "I think more sleep is in order for us all."
Omen pauses for a moment then asks: "Why would the personal assistant to......Anders Salomar you say......be inquiring on our well being?"
The night is dark, and Wavechaser is lit only by the muted glow of the lanterns illuminating the interior of the Mariners' Guildhall. You can hear a lively game of cards within, and the sounds of Marnie yelling at someone distantly for something you can't quite hear.
Wavechaser continues, "Your friends told me you'd likely soon be back. Marnie will put them to bed shortly. I live and work in the Salomar compound to the rear of this property, next door, if you need to find me. I understand you drove off a pair of jackalweres from the Dreadwood this morning. Not an easy feat. Very impressive. Our community thanks you."
Wavechaser pauses, and then continues, "My employer, Mr. Salomar, has authorized me to offer you a small job, if you're looking for adventuring work."
(So, what's everyone's thoughts? I don't want to answer this call to work without talking out our options with everyone first. I really want to find this house that was referenced on pg 6. But also, we promised to visit the temple. And now there's a "job offer". Who's up for what? I say temple first then house. )
(OCC: not sure anything is keeping us from doing all 3)
(All 3? Definitely. I should've phrased it better. In what order would people like to attempt our current line up of objectives?
For me: Possible long rest to recover Lay on Hands, Temple, Spooky House, Job Offer. With any short/long rests as necessary. That's not taking into account searching for some new clothes for Omen or any other "shopping" etc)
(Sounds good to me. Though I guess that would put visiting the spooky house during the daytime. Might have to go again at night if we don't find anything then.)
(I'm good with that order, but we should hear Wave chaser's offer while he's standing here. His mission might be time-sensitive; the house and Temple we can get to whenever we can.)
Omen
Omen looks at Windchaser, waits, then asks:
"I can not speak for the rest but I would ask what does this "job" entail?" Omen pauses. "Mind you, I do not steal nor murder.' he states.
"Is there a time frame for the job in question and what is the reward offer for the jobs completion?"
Omen waits for the others to chime in with their questions.
Wavechaser clasps his hands. "The timeframe is loose. Let's say one week."
"There is a house outside of town which is causing growing consternation among the citizens of Saltmarsh. The town guard is not interested, and they are probably correct in their assessment that it poses no immediate danger to this town. Nevertheless, it is causing a low-level panic among some, especially the superstitious. People here are increasingly blaming it for their woes. My employer has his own theory, which he is keeping to himself at the moment. He invites the five of you - unbiased strangers - to investigate. Here are your terms. One: You may keep anything you find. The former resident was said to be an alchemist; some people say he stuffed the walls with gold." He shrugs. "Two: If you find evidence of crimes or threats in the form of documents, papers, or other evidence, you bring it directly to the Town Council, not to me. The Council may provide you with a reward if you bring them useful information. Three: While Mr. Salomar is not going to make a secret of this mission, we'd prefer that you do not openly advertise this fact quite yet. He's a modest man. If you serve him well, there may be future work for you, should you be interested."
(OCC: seems like we have been given an answer to our next move :D)
Omen
Omen thinks on the matter a moment then looks to his companions.
"I am an Investigator by trade and without an official backing and far from home I am on my own." he pauses for a moment.
"I would put to each of you, that we form a partnership in this endeavor, and if things go well between us, for some future endeavors as well."
"Would any of you care to share in this endeavor and partnership?" he asks.
Kasimir:
Kas listens to the agent's pitch with some skepticism. "I'm a bit confused here. You claimed to be offering us a job, but I haven't heard anything about a payment yet. Your boss would like us to break into a house, but apart from being the wealthiest guy in town, I don't know what authority he has to sanction this. Hell, I don't even know that you actually work for Mr. Salomar. We've been in town less than a day and don't need the guard on our ass. If we do break into this house -- which scares the locals enough that they won't go in to collect the "walls stuffed with gold" -- we'll be allowed to keep whatever we find. Very generous. Then we need to collect evidence and take it to the Council, who may give us a reward. Or maybe not, but we will have already delivered what they want, so we'll have zero ability to negotiate. Perhaps I'm missing something, but it seems like we take all the risks, have no guarantee of any reward, and Mr. Salomar gets to be the hero who "hired" us if things go well but deny any involvement if we screw the pooch, all without costing him a copper. This seems like a fantastic deal for Mr. Salomar, but not so much for us. So, how much is this job worth to your boss?"
"Take it or leave it as you wish," responds Wavechaser with a smile. "The owner of that house died twenty years ago; it's being reclaimed by the wilderness. It's open to anyone who chooses to enter it."
He crosses his arms. "But I'll tell you what. If you return after a thorough exploration with a full report and whatever evidence you find, I will guarantee you 100 gold for one day's hard work - twenty each. More than fair. That's a month's pay for most of these fellows." He points his thumb at the Guildhall. "But I understand you have the skills necessary to take of yourselves, and you lack the superstitious mythology that hold so many of our locals back. If you do well, the Town Council might even double that figure. I should add that my employer is a member of said Council, and is not without his influence."
Kasimir:
"See? Now that's a job offer! One last thing, though. I understand Mr. Salomar doesn't want to influence our investigation with his own theories, but is there any useful information we should know before tackling this mission? The alchemist's specialty, for example?"
He offers Omen a hand. "Partners, then. Which reminds me, we have our venture's first profit to divvy up!"
He gives them each 2 gold pieces from Butts's purse.
(OOC: I vote we take his offer, since we were planning on doing it for free a minute ago.)
"You'll want to head out the city gate, on the northwest end of town. Head east, and then east again at the fork, on the old coast road to Seaton, up along the cliff toward the Mine. About five miles up the road you'll see an old cherry tree and a bit of wall across from an overgrown path. Follow it in about two hundred feet and you'll see it. The only structure up that way. The old alchemist was a hermit, but I've been told he had a grand library. I don't know his specialty – converting base metals to gold, I suppose, according to the legends."
"Right now, though, you should head inside before Marnie locks the door. She snuffs all the lanterns at ten. Come see me next door, tomorrow, if you have any further questions."
Omen
Omen turns to Kas for a moment: "Thank you my friend but, I can not take money from robbing another person." Omen says as he hands the 2 gold pieces back.
Omen then turns to Windchaser. "It appears you have employees. Thank for the job offer. I am sure we will endeavor to do our upmost."
With that Omen will turn to the Guildhall and walk inside. As he goes he will say: "Right now, its sleep and food I need. Good Evening."
Qivys
"If this endeavour leads us to those infernal creatures count me in. Their presence is an abomination. If it takes all I have to rid the town of this evil, then that is what I'll give." He stands tall, for a dwarf, and continues "Excuse me Wavechaser, one quick question before we retire. Is there anywhere I might find a weapon that will have an effect on these creatures? My hammer just bounced off during our last encounter. Perhaps Mr Salomar has an armoury that may contain a suitable piece."
Persuasion: 10
Wavechaser responds to Qivys, "Mr. Salomar is a fisherman, trader, and businessman. Not a militiaman, I'm afraid. I've heard that silvered weapons are effective against such beasts, but I don't know how affordable or obtainable that process might be. You may want to check with our local smith. If you're interested in the arcane, well..." he gives a brief, concerned glance at Red, "I suppose you could approach Captain Xondros, of the Faithful Quartermasters of Iuz, although her means are also expensive and time-consuming. I can make some inquiries tomorrow, if you like."