Ghosts of Saltmarsh (cbaer8) - Campaign Thread

Gerrard:

Furrowing his brow, Gerrard responds, “Ah, the unknown threat that dogs our steps—the minions of Iuz?” his voice dropping to a whisper as he speaks the cambion’s name.

OOC:  Does Gerrard know about the Seaton banking system or where he can deposit money safely for drawing against it with paperwork?  He may not want to carry around 2k in gold everywhere he goes.

”This payment, Aubrek, do you plan to deliver it in coinage, signatory paper, or perhaps do you have access to gems or magic items?” Gerrard asks with interest.

Aubreck shrugs at the mention of Iuz. He doesn't seem to have an answer.

"I will provide payment in coins or in gems - what would you prefer? I'm afraid I'm no magic broker, however. Or I can give you stock in our new manufactured pearl enterprise, if you are interested in making more money."

Gerrard's family has always had royal banking privileges - the family has close servants within the household who take care of finances and banking. But Gerrard's a little reluctant to approach them, as it would undoubtedly require the involvement of his mother or his brother. As to public banks, he has no idea if they even exist in Seaton.

Dwal

Dwal sits and listens to Aubreck's explanation, or lack of one, with his arms folded across his chest. 
"If its all tha' same to you." he says "I'll take mine in gems if'n your offerin' ta pay each of us individually." 
Dwal strokes his beard and thinks, saying little else, allowing others to get what they can from their mysterious employer. 

Gerrard:

"And you'll do right by the crew of the Soul of Winter, as well, Master Aubrek?" asks Gerrard.

Smiling at Aubrek's anticipated response, Gerrard says, "I'll take half my share in platinum, and half my share as a stake in your company.  I assume there will be regular profit sharing, yes?"

Kei 

Listening with great interest up to the point that the gems were mentioned, beyond that he pays little attention. He scoffs at the offer of a business of some kind. "No business stake for me. I'll take the money or gems, whichever is easier, and quicker, for you to part with. I've never waited this long for payment before. Be thankful the kindness of this man" he gestures to Gerrard "has worn off on me". He thinks for a second, adding things up in his head before continuing "So, for us putting our lives on the line, again, to get you here I gather our costs here in town will be covered?"

Aubreck nods to Dwal in approval. Gems it is.

To Kei he winces and shrugs. "I'm afraid that's on you," he offers. "But the hotel is top-tier accommodation, no? I promise - payment in three days' time. No more, no less. Guaranteed. If you need a small deposit for lodging, I can offer a little something if you'd like, but I'm afraid I'm a bit tight myself until the deal goes through." 

To Gerrard, he responds ernestly – "I am absolutely taking care of the Shellgrim. It's a tough blow to their clan." – and then, enthusiastically: "Yes! A believer! You won't regret it. This whole coast will be awash in artificial pearls in six months' time. You'll be swimming in money!" He beams in appreciation. "A smart one, here!" Addressing the others, he taps his temple and gestures toward Gerrard.

Vertheg continues to silently eat. More food and porter arrives in your private room by a badly-scarred old gnome.

Gerrard:

     Partaking in the food and drink sparingly, Gerrard smiles at Aubreck's enthusiasm, saying, "I certainly hope so.  I need to start building my own independent wealth if my mother's career aspirations for me are any indication."  Continuing, he says, "What else of note is going on in town, Master Aubreck?  Anything...unusual?  I am particularly interested in determining if there is any local trouble we might help rectify, or perhaps any information or rumors about the local noble families."  In his own rather unsubtle way, Gerrard is trying to steer the conversation to the chewed bodies discovered and/or any news of his fair Esmerelda.

Gerrard is considering their timeline and adds to Peri, "Master Fenwader, three days from now will give us plenty of time to get your ship ready, perhaps we should check on it soon."

"News?" replies Aubreck. "I'm afraid I've been paying more attention to business than to the local news. The longshoremen have been acting up over their pay, I hear. Only a matter of time before the City cracks down on them. I hope they're not punished too severely - we need good longshoremen to keep business afloat."

Gerrard knows that "the City" is a common euphemism for "the Feldrens and their political operatives".

"I'm afraid I have to eat and run again," he says, standing. "Meet back here in three nights' time. No less, no more. Three nights. Your tab is covered here. More fish and porter should be coming soon. Candied turnips, too! Enjoy yourselves!" Vertheg stands, too, and they prepare to leave.

Unless you have further questions for Aubreck or Vertheg, they depart. A server bringing more food and drink confirms that their bill is indeed paid for their dinner tonight.

And unless you have further business this evening, the party returns to the hotel without incident, and spends a second night in Seaton, enjoying the rather opulent luxuries of that fine establishment.

What would you like to do next?

Gerrard:

Suggesting they go to the docks and check on the upfitting of their boat that evening before heading back to the hotel, Gerrard starts making plans for a visit to Esmerelda’s family manor in the morning, assuming the others do not have a plan for tomorrow.

”I think a day off, perhaps so I may pay a visit to the fair Esmerelda, is in order tomorrow, unless we have a lead on the chewed bodies,” remarks Gerrard once they return to the relative privacy of their rooms that evening.

Dwal

Dwal nods as Aubreck and company leave. He drinks little, keeping his wits about him and thinking things over. As the party makes it's way back to where they are staying he continues to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
Perception: 21

When Gerrard remarks on his pl;an to see his lady love, Dwal speaks up.
"That's fine an' well but, yer family and name are known well around here an' there were a few that took note of yer passin' and who ya were dinin' with. I don't think yer ma' is gonna just let ya go about doin' what ya want after her temper tantrum earlier. It might be best ta find a way ta smooth things over before yer older brothers coma a callin' or be less obvious in yer comin's and going's." he says.

Dwal strokes his beard a moment then says: "If'n these two are set on findin' out about that cannibal's here about, ya might want ta find a way ta use that so yer family will leave ya alone. Maybe make it official ta look inta it and all." 

Dwal thinks for a moment. "Do ya have a say with someone that yer family might respect or defer ta?" he asks. 

Peri:

Peri says little throughout the meal, feeling well out of his depth. He shovels down a heap of perch but nurses his beer, not wanting to get too tipsy until the group has settled on a plan. After their hosts depart he joins the discussion. "I can't get a read on them two. Shifty, yes -- but just normal merchant shifty or tied up with evil shifty I can't tell. I just want to get paid and walk away from all this. Though I'm still pretty mad about that ambush what killed the dwarves. Reckon we might never learn the truth o' that, though.

"Meantime, we got three days o' shore leave. Aye, we should stop down to check on the boat, but it's a pretty straightforward fittin' out. What do we do with the rest of our time here? You say you got a line on some magic kit? Might wanna do a little shoppin' myself."

Gerrard:

Answering Dwal first, Gerrard says, "Over the past year or two while I was learning to fight, I paid anyone willing to give me lessons, and that included several of the sergeants in the guard.  Perhaps one of them would be willing to let me help out with an investigation into the chewed corpses, but my family connections are more likely to be a hindrance than an aid in the actual investigation."

Turning to Peri, he says, "Father Los from the temple of Procan has offered what help he can with our endeavor."  Gerrard relates the details of the available items (in messages).

Gerrard takes the group down to the docks. Guards are posted regularly but there's a sense of danger in the air, as it's clear that not much legitimate business is done after dark near the wharves. The guards, perhaps recognizing Gerrard or differing to Peri's outfit, watch them carefully but leave them be, and the other denizens stick to the shadows or ignore them completely. The find and rouse Pickles on her newly repaired vessel, and discover that the skiff is fully outfitted with sails and other equipment, and that there is a 40 gp bill awaiting them for the upgrades.

Gerrard:

     Handing Peri 10 gold pieces, Gerrard says, "Here is my contribution to the boat's repair.  Shall we head back to the hotel, or do you want to do some more investigation tonight?"

Dwal

Dwal nods. "Here's mine as well. I hope it's more seaworthy than tha last boats we been on." he says handing Peri 10 gold.

Dwal pauses then says. "I hate ta mention it but I still got Bjorn's body in tha bag. I'd like ta find a place ta bury 'em."

Gerrard:

With a pained wince, Gerrard recalls poor Bjorn’s demise.  “What kind of location do you think best befits him, Brother Fiercehammer?”

Gerrard tries to think what locations nearby might be appealing to Dwal for the pseudo dragon’s final resting place.

History:  9

Kei 

Still aching from his day and night of debauchery, Kei sits relatively quietly at the table as the group discusses their movements for the next few days. He chimes in on Peri's wish to do some magical shopping - his appetite whet by Gerrard's gift. Other than that he contributes little to the conversation.

Upon reaching the docks he hands over his share of the bill to Peri. "Here you go Captain Shortpants, sorry it ain't for the grand armada you once spoke of, but at least it's a start" he says with a more familiar sarcastic tone. Talk of the dead pseudodragon stiffles his mood though. That poor little dragon had been a great friend to Dwal and, although he wouldn't admit it out loud, that meant something. "If you like Fiercehammer, I can say a few words when the time comes".

As pseudodragons are very rare in Seaton, there is little tradition to draw upon. But Seaton is nestled in hills, and the dead tend to be buried at relatively higher elevations. Gerrard knows that there are lots of rustic, boulder-strewn vistas east of town with sweeping views of the sea and the city. But nighttime is not the best time to attempt this.

Gerrard:

Heading back to the hotel for the night, Gerrard makes plans for the morning, asking, "Brother Fiercehammer, there are rustic, boulder-strewn vistas east of town with sweeping views of the sea and the city that would be perfect for Bjorn.  Shall we bury him at sunrise tomorrow morning before I head off to pay court to Esmerelda?"