Gerrard:

OOC:  Gerrard was hoping someone from the group would stick around long enough to give him a tour of the town, but he can manage by himself as needed.  How much was his share of silver from the Ogre's sack, anyway?  Or should we divide it up at lunch after Gerrard has finished his errands about town?

Departing from the Hoolwatch tower, Gerrard heads for the Weekly Market (#15), where the guards said the halfling farmers typically sold their wares.  He describes the wagon and the halflings to the people he finds there in an attempt to track down the survivor and let him know his wagon and produce were at the guard station.  Even if he can't find the survivor, he leaves word at the market that the farmer should be told where his belongings are should he show up later.

Persuasion:  14 if needed.

Gerrard dimly remembers Peri speaking about the mirrors possibly being the trader's goods, and wanting to stop by the general store to ask about the lost goods.  Whether Peri neglected to mention the name of the general store or Gerrard was just too tired to remember, he can't recall, so he asks those he meets at the Weekly Market if they can tell him what the name of the general store is.  If he can find the name (or Peri is with him and can lead the way), Gerrard makes his way to the general store and asks about the missing shipment / boxed mirrors.

Second Persuasion if needed:  12

Qivys

Waking to another lovely Saltmarshian day, Qiv heads down to the bar to grab a decent meal. The adventuring has worn thin on his taste buds what with rations and all. He orders the graviest, meatiest meal they serve for breakfast and a tankard of cider. He will sit and enjoy his own company until one of his companions joins him.

When Gerrard finally emerges from the stairwell, Qiv will greet him in a typical Dwarven fashion - he chugs his cider to the last drop and orders another. "What'll have bud? What plans for the day?" After hearing of his intent to cruise the town and hand in various items/tasks he offers to join the new man. 

As the two walk the well worn streets of Saltmarsh Qiv will try to determine where the purple stain came from and will answer any questions Gerrard may have about the town. Arriving at Hoolwatch Tower, Qiv asks the guards about the escaped prisoner that had been mentioned last night at the Goat while Gerrard hands over the sack of Goblin ears. With the quest successfully completed and reward taken he will continue to join Gerrard around town, assisting with locales and names when needed.

Gerrard:

”Master Qivys,” says Gerrard, smiling broadly as he is greeted in the morning, “it is a good day to be alive!”  The now-well-rested noble joins his comrade for a hearty breakfast and discusses what the dwarf knows about the town.  With Qivys offering to give the tour and help carry the items they need to deliver, Gerrard starts his day with a new spring in his step.

OOC:  A brief blurb on each of the locations would be helpful to give Gerrard a general knowledge of who runs each location and what is done there.

By way of explanation, Gerrard says, “I have some inks I use for writing, and one of them broke open as I was struggling to get out of the ogre’s sack.  Hanging upside down as I was, it naturally dyed my hair and scalp—a nice color for writing, but quite unfortunate for cosmetics.”

As they move through the tour during the morning and accomplish what they can of tying up some loose ends, Gerrard says to Qivys, “So this seems to be a recovery day—fair enough.  Should we arrange to meet everyone for dinner, split the earnings, and plan for our next steps?  I am intensely curious as to what may be down that mysterious hole and, well, ready to try my hand at an adventure—on purpose this time.”

Qivys dines on a massive slab of greasy pork, served with some sort of indeterminate grey gruel and a sweet, water-down breakfast wine (out of cider, currently, sorry.) It is incredibly dense and over-filling.

He accompanies Gerrard on his walk through town, and on the errand to Hoolwatch Tower. (OOC - I believe Qivys has kept the inventory of party treasure items?) The gang of surly teenagers who evidently make up today's watch at the tower claim to know nothing of any escaped prisoner.

The duo then crosses town again – the Weekly Market is an empty plaza today, occupied only by a pair of stray dogs and an unconscious drunkard. Following an inquiry with an old toothless woman standing in a nearby doorway, you learn that Weekly Market will be held tomorrow. 

But Winston’s Store is open, on the far side of town, high on the bluffs overlooking Crabbers Cove, next to the cemetery. Winston is an older halfling, with a deeply wrinkled fact and a wild head of curly hair. He has a very odd collection of items in his store - a smattering of everything from artwork to weapons. He is keenly interested in whatever you want to share about the fate of his missing shipment. No mirrors, as far as he knew (although he'll offer you 25 gp apiece for them) but he was expecting an "important document" and asks if there were any papers found, or any other items.

Gerrard:

     “This shipment you were expecting, good sir, was it by wagon driven by halflings?  Apparently they were attacked, but after defeating the local thugs we were able to find the wagon and bring it here to town.  I haven’t seen any sign of the halflings, but they have a sturdy wagon full of overripe fruit at the guard house.  Do you know where they are that they might go and claim their property?” asks Gerrard, thinking back to yesterday in a bit of a haze.

”if that was your shipment, I believe it had a protected package that we also recovered,” he adds, rubbing his right hand, saying, “I think it had some halfling-sized clothing, some dice, and a map.  I was bone-weary last night, but I think the package may still be at the guardhouse or our friend Brother Fiercehammer may have it—I lost track of things at the promise of a hot meal and a cold ale after the day I had yesterday.”

Gerrard:

”What do you think, Qivys, should we sell these four mirrors? And what of that golden locket?” Gerrard asks.  Opening the locket, he takes a look at the picture with newly-rested eyes. Does he recognize the picture or any engraving?

History. 18:  

Winston lights up. "Yes - the dice and the map. Those are mine. I would be much appreciative of their return. I'll certainly provide you with a little something for your help." He looks around his shop in thought for a moment.

He adds, "My courier was a human on horseback, not a halfling wagon. Was there any sign of her fate? I'm familiar with a few of the local halfling farming families outside of town, but I'm not originally from these parts. I don't know anything about your wagon, I'm afraid."

Gerrard looks again at the ugly old man in the gold locket – he's never seen this face before. The locket looks quite old - at least a century, by the style.

Gerrard:

“I can’t say how how your package carried by a human courier on horseback ended up in a trapped compartment in a halfling’s wagon, but I was traveling on horseback myself and was ambushed by the ogre...and his cave showed evidence of previous victims,” shuddered Gerrard in response.  “We will fetch your belongings, but it may take an hour or two.  In the mean time, can you appraise this locket for me?” Gerrard asks, showing Winston the golden locket.

OOC:  I say we sell 3 of the mirrors (Gerrard would like to keep the fourth one as his share), go by the Mining HQ and get the map from Dwal ( after he has had the opportunity to make a copy if he wants to), go by the wagon at the guard post and get the rest of the items and return them to Winston.  Gerrard is likely to want to keep the locket as part of his share as well if it isn’t too expensive...we shall see if there is enough silver from the ogre to make it even out.

The rain ends, but the day remains dark and gloomy.

Dwal has been at work at the docks all day. ("It’s only a matter of time before the dwarves dig too deep and unleash something horrible!" is evidently today's conversational theme among the gossipy human longshoremen, whom as a whole are rather hostile toward their mine and toward dwarves in general.) After work, he begins to clear rubble from the cabins at Crabbers Cove and establish a small shrine. Some of the rather territorial crabs require some encouragement from Dwal's warhammer to clear out, but it's only a matter of time before they return. He'll need to build a wall to keep them out permanently.

Gerrard and Qivys, unable to locate Dwal and his map, are nevertheless able to swing back and convince the guards at Hoolwatch tower to release the dice, which they return to Winston. (Unless anyone objects, they also sell him three of the four mirrors for a total of 75 gold. OCC: Let me know if you need my help determining party treasure totals.) Gerrard learns that the Guard also seem to have a monopoly on riding horses in the city; he can purchase a riding horse from the guard for 75 gold if he chooses to. Stabling fees would be included in your lifestyle expenses, which you should be deducting for each day spent in Saltmarsh.)

Peri, as is sometimes his wont, sleeps most of the day away.

Gerrard:

OOC:  I don't know that we ever got a total of the silver from the ogre's sack, and we need an appraisal on the locket.

Gerrard will be frustrated that they can't find Dwal, but he gets a good tour of the bulk of the city during the day.  Hoping that they will all meet for dinner and resolve the matter of the map, Gerrard thanks Qivys for his companionship during the day and asks what he and the others typically do during the course of their days.  If any of the shops or markets they visit have a talented artist, Gerrard will pay for a small picture of himself in a dramatic pose--as if he is fighting some fearsome creature--that would fit inside the locket they are having appraised.

If questioned by Qivys about the picture, locket, and mirror, Gerrard will admit that he intends to court the amazing beautiful Lady Esmerelda, and he confides that she prefers dashing adventuring heroes to spoiled nobles, so he wishes to make a name for himself--with Qivys and his heroic companions, if possible.  He wants to eventually give the gorgeous lady the ornate mirror, then if she favors him, the locket with his picture in it. 

OOC:  Assuming they return the map the next morning and get their reward, Gerrard would like to split their earnings evenly and perhaps go to the weekly market to see what he can find there.  If he has enough cash, he will buy a replacement horse as well, and he will help the others with their tasks that day,  but he would like to coordinate with them to go explore the hole the following morning.

(Newly acquired party loot:

100 gold - Goblin reward 
100 silver - found in the ear sack
600 silver - found in cave
4 mirrors - found in cave. Three of them sold for 75 gp profit; one remaining valued at 25gp
+1 spear - found in cave.  Peri has it.
Gold locket with a painted portrait inside - found in cave. Value=?

Did I forget anything?)

Quote from cbaer8 >>

(Newly acquired party loot:

100 gold - Goblin reward 
100 silver - found in the ear sack
600 silver - found in goblin cave
4 mirrors - found in cave. Three of them sold for 75 gp profit; one remaining
+1 spear - found in cave. Peri has it.
Gold locket with a painted portrait inside - found in cave

Did I forget anything?)

 

 OOC:  Looks good to me.  I think we just need the appraisal on the locket and the reward from Winston after he gets his dice, clothes, and map back (once we track down that elusive Fiercehammer), then we can split the treasure in time for the Weekly Market.  Oh, unless there is a reward for killing the ogre...

Qivys

"So you want to be a hero me lad? 'fraid you've joined in with the wrong crowd then, we ain't heroes, we're just a group thrown together by fate. I mean, I was shipwrecked here, Dwal works for a mining company and Peri...well, Peri is just Peri. Ordinary folk is what I'm tryin' to get at." His voice braking just a little as he mentions his own fate. In a more chipper tone he continues " But if you need to be a hero to woo ya lady friend, then by Pelors might I'll help ya become one." He slaps Gerrard on the back as they continue to walk the streets of Saltmarsh - destination unknown. Qiv is glad for the conversation, he hates downtime. It gives him too much time to think. Where would he be now if it weren't for that slave ship. Why on earth did Pelor insist on him being stuck in the dark dank seemingly cursed town. What fate did the White Stag have in mind for him. Too many questions, no answers. Snapping back to reality Qiv realises they've ended up walking to the front of the Snapping Line. "Well look at that, me feet have answered what me brain didn't ask. Must be time for a drink. Care to join future mister lady's man?" He asks with a laugh.

Gerrard:

"Sounds good to me, Master Qivys.  Let's hoist a mug or two and discuss our options," says Gerrard, ready to take his ease after scouring the city fruitlessly for Brother Fiercehammer and the missing map.

Dwal 

While at the Carpenter's Guild Hall Dwal will inquire: "I got me some work to do on two properties down near the beach." he says, "I'm a fine enough carpenter meself but the work is a bit much for 1 dwarf who wants to be moved in my months end. So, how much to hire a few capable lads to do a bit of work for me?" he asks. 

Gerrard and Qivys continue trudging back and forth through the muddy streets of Saltmarsh running errands.

- They get a vague smile and a vacant nod from the guard at the Tower regarding the killing of the ogre. "Ain't no reward for that," replies one of the old men stationed outside the Tower doors. 

- Trudging back again across town to Winston's, the old halfling takes a close look at your locket. History: 6  
 Winston grimaces at the face in the locket. "Where did you find this? I think this is Xolec. He was sort of a well-known nobleman in these parts, long, long ago. Died a good century ago, or something like that. But hard to mistake a nose like that!" Winston offers 25 gold for the locket, for the case alone.

- The fine arts are not highly valued in Saltmarsh, but Winston offers to try to set Gerrard up with a sitting for a local painter next week sometime, if he's interested in a portrait. He'll make some inquiries and let you know.

Ending the day at the Snapping Line, the pair discovers that this well-patronized inn and tavern is built from the planks and hulls of half a dozen decommissioned fishing ships. Its decor is predictably nautical in theme, and the smell of fish seems to permeate every plank. There is a lively group of human fishermen and sailors drinking here. A young woman appears to be in charge, flanked by a couple of older, burly longshoreman-types. They serve a spirit made from lobster meat and potatoes called "claw wine".

Quote from cbaer8 >>

Gerrard and Dwal continue trudging back and forth through the muddy streets of Saltmarsh running errands.

- They get a vague smile and a vacant nod from the guard at the Tower regarding the killing of the ogre. "Ain't no reward for that," replies one of the old men stationed outside the Tower doors. 

- Trudging back again across town to Winston's, the old halfling takes a close look at your locket. History: 19  
 Winston grimaces at the face in the locket. "Where did you find this? I think this is Xolec. He was sort of a well-known nobleman in these parts, long, long ago. Died a good century ago, or something like that. But hard to mistake a nose like that!" Winston offers 25 gold for the locket, for the case alone.

- The fine arts are not highly valued in Saltmarsh, but Winston offers to try to set Gerrard up with a sitting for a local painter next week sometime, if he's interested in a portrait. He'll make some inquiries and let you know.

Ending the day at the Snapping Line, the pair discovers that this well-patronized inn and tavern is built from the planks and hulls of half a dozen decommissioned fishing ships. Its decor is predictably nautical in theme, and the smell of fish seems to permeate every plank. There is a lively group of human fishermen and sailors drinking here. A young woman appears to be in charge, flanked by a couple of older, burly longshoreman-types. They serve a spirit made from lobster meat and potatoes called "claw wine".

 I think you mean Qivys :D

Two harried and sweaty guards – an old woman with a thin face, and the cross-eyed younger guard with the funny teeth – tentatively barge into the Snapping Line, attracting some cold and rather hostile glances from many of the sailors and fishermen.

"We've been looking all over town for you. Where's the other two?" says the older woman to Gerrard and Qivys.

They approach the table, where Gerrard and Qivys were still daring each other to try the "claw wine" first. In a hushed voice, the elder guard announces, "They're here. It's time to go."