Shipwrecked in Saltmarsh

     “Townsfolk have seen rest of us together, best not risk it.  And sounds like you were straight up captured by the smugglers... it was smugglers you said?  I’d rather not mislead at all, I just don’t want anyone claiming we had no right to enter the house,” Fianna answers.  “The gravedigger seemed worried about some of the guard, that’s just making me overly cautious probably.”

“I never even saw no house, miss. I’ll tell the truth then. Makes life simple” 

The party heads across town again. It's early afternoon, but you are hungry and tired, after a bad night's sleep and a long morning's hike with a particularly weighty cargo. It's cold. Sewage flows freely along the open roadside sewer, mixing with scents from the salty ocean air and the fishy harvest being hauled off waterfront ships, to combine into a uniquely potent stink. Mangy rats skitter across greasy, gaptoothed cobbles on the main street. A toothless man approaches the party offering overpriced insecticide of some sort. FIanna and Kelnan again feel vaguely nauseated as they cross the ancient bridge across the river – it seems to happen every time they cross. 

"The tower" is Hoolwatch Tower, the guard tower (#10 on the map) high on the moor on the northern edge of town, not far from the city gates. The path leading up the hill crosses in front of a respectable-looking shop (#11) marked with a neat wooden sign, "Kester’s Leather Goods".

Two old human guards – bald, heavily tattooed, and in their seventies –are posted outside the sixty-foot-tall stone tower. They talk loudly and colorfully with each other as you approach. "Now look at this crew!" says one to the other, as if you weren't there. They both chew wads of something, issuing globs of crimson-colored spit regularly into the dirt. 

The other guard looks the party over and visibly jumps at the sight of Molo. "What... What is this?? A little dragon boy? Does it talk?" he directs this last question seriously to Kelnan, perhaps thinking Kelnan is the owner of such a curious pet.

     Fianna will step up close to the mouthy bully of a guard, getting right up into his personal space, all but stepping on his toes she is so close.  She puts her hands on her hips and looks up into his eyes unflinchingly.  "We are looking for Eliander and or Clay. I appreciate all your help."

Dain will position himself at Fianna’s shoulder glaring menacingly at the pair. His temper is short and he’s itching to return to the house and caves and sees any delay as an annoyance. 

Molo gives a threatening but quiet growl.

"Well, hello there," spouts the old man, visibly flinching at Fianna's invasion deep into his personal space. But he doesn't budge. "Commander Clay is not on duty. Cap'n Fireborn is attending t' important business right now," he responds loudly, barely an inch or two from FIanna's face, enunciating his words. "Onald here can find out if he's available t' speak with you, shortly. Please state yer names an' business."

     "We were attacked.  Assaulted.  One of us killed.  We thought perhaps someone of some authority and respectability would be interested in such.  But if they are not on duty we shall go about our business.  Thank you and good day," Fianna says with a confidence she doesn't feel and then turns to lead the group away.

"Ah, I see. Good day, madam." 
He gives Onald a sidelong glance.

Dain will glare at the two guardsmen. “I warns ye not to cross that one,” he tells them ominously. Then he spins on his heel and follows Fianna. 

"Lovely maul," retorts the old man, tipping an imaginary hat to Dain's back. "Stay outta trouble, now."

     Once out of earshot Fianna suggests "We find our own justice now.  If they give us grief later, we'll return it. Unless the rest of you want to forget about it all?"

Katernin stays behind as the rest leave, "I think I'll stay and wait to talk to him," she says.

     "You think we should wait?" Fianna will ask.  "Anyone else think so?  I'm willing to do what the group decides...  I don't want to force anyone into anything..."

The old man sees Katernin's hesitation. "Ye' forget somethin?" There's a hint of amusement in his voice.

Kelnan spots a small wooden notice board nearby. On it is a small paper statement - a 100 gold piece reward for the apprehension of a wanted criminal: a smuggler who escaped from jail in the direction of the Hool Marshes.

Kelnan rolls his eyes and walks away with the rest. As an elf growing up in a mostly human city, his experience with local guards was largely negative. Until they learned who his master was anyway. No one wanted to be on a wealthy wizard's bad side.

"Hmph, seems about right. If any of them cared what happened up there they would have dealt with it already. Of course they might be friendlier if we took care of this smuggler...

But then again I'd like to burn that house to the ground."

Dain waits until out of earshot of the guards then poses the question, "Back to the house?  And see if it links to the caves?   It's a bit of a tricky climb to get into the sea cave unless it's low tide." (what is the tide now?).  "Perhaps the house is the best option and see if they links up from that side?"

Pleased to have some focus and a feeling that he's headed towards some sort of vengeance, Dain strides purposefully forward.

Molo strums his instrument at a good clip as they travel, trying to get hyped for battle.

(What's Katernin's play, here?)

"I just..." Katernin trails off, "I can't face them right now," she says as the party walks off.

((Sorry I've have 4 tests the past few days))