Session 18 - Interlude within Saltmarsh Report

General Summary

Starday 8 Readyr'eat (continued)

Heading toward Council Hall, the try-hard misfits leave The Dwarven Anvil behind. Nar and Karia are discussing how to present information to the council when Nar turns around and asks, "Hey! Where'd Kyra go?" Karia responds, "You know her, always studying. I bet she went to back to the The Snapping Line to read her spell book." Nar despondently states, "That's a shame. She's a good person, but she always pulls away when I hold her hand." Karia quips back, "Maybe you should ask first! But I'm glad we are holding hands." Cheered by this Nar starts to skip along the road drawing curious yet resigned looks from the townsfolk passing by. Moving into the town's governmental building, they can tell that the council is not in session, because the lobby is empty, even of the normal city guard. Proceeding into the actual hall where the councillors sit, they find Copperlocks bent down over the large desk scribbling into a notebook while reviewing other sheafs of paper. Looking up, Copperlocks inquires, "Back from the mine already? The anvil wasn't there, right?" "Actually," Karia begins, "it was there. Some of your dwarves had a misunderstanding of Mafera and felt they had to retrieve stolen materials." Looking at Copperlocks's puzzled expression, Karia continues, "The dwarves were informed that Mafera slaughtered an entire dwarven enclave in the Rakers Mountains." "Our esteemed blacksmith has never been to the Rakers though," Copperlocks pushes back. "Correct. However," continues Karia, "they were given a wanted poster from the Theocracy of the Pale for Mafera. It was a real posting, but someone altered it so that it targeted Mafera directly." "Those dwarves should've come to me," retorts Copperlocks, "or at the very least to Fireborn. I'll be sure to reinforce the messaging that the miners are not the law unto themselves and this should help in the future." Karia responds, "I think they've already learned and Mafera has used Moradin's philosophical teachings to correct them. However, what we did find is that a group of Duergar were tunneling out ahead of your dwarves, removing material, then backfilling it with rocks. When we went into those secret tunnels we saw several important minerals including mithril and adamant." "I knew there would be veins there!" exclaims Copperlocks, "maybe now we can get that mine to turn more of a profit, which should also help Saltmarsh in turn. I thank you for this information, but I've a number of things to resolve, so if you'll excuse me." Left alone, Nar asks Karia, "So now what? It seems our family has gone separate ways." Karia kindly responds, "I'm still here with you and let's head back to the Dwarven Anvil. I want Mafera's expertise regarding this rusty short sword we found." The pair walk back down the dusty roads to the blacksmith shop. Entering it, they greet Mafera, "Greetings again! How close to resuming work are you?" Mafera wipes sweat from her brow as she turns to face the duo and replies, "Ah! Let me thank you again for all of your assistance. I wouldn't be near as ready without your help. And we've not actually stopped work. We've avoided anything that needs the anvil, but there is always work that can be done with other equipment. Is there something I can do for you?" Karia nods, "Yes! I found a rusty sword along the way and I was hoping to get your opinion on it." "Rusty sword? Those are quite common," replies Mafera before Karia hands over her short sword. "Oh! I see now why you held onto it. There is something about this sword. Would you look at this. See how the sword stays balanced even with it being covered in rust? That's the mark of fine craftsmanship as the rust flakes should create an imbalance. I'll have one of my apprentices sharpen it up for you and we'll see what happens...hmmm give us until tomorrow and then come back. This won't cost you anything, since the only real cost is labor." "I appreciate that Mafera," Karia states, "We'll just let you finish getting your shop back in order." Heading back onto the streets, the pair look at each other. "Well," asks Nar, "what do we do now?" Karia muses for a moment before responding, "Let's see if we can find Jed O'Pale. The dwarves said he likes to hang out at the Empty Net, so let's head there." Nar and Karia head across Sharkfin Bridge where Karia again feels the queasiness then walks along the bay to the rough bar known as Empty Net. Passing into the pub, the pair note that it's a slow day with Kreb wiping mugs clean behind a counter and only two other persons occupy the bar who seem to be playing some sort of dice game for copper pieces. "Come on Marcian, roll that 1 and let me have a chance," teases the tall one sitting with his back to the wall. "Charlie you just wait, I'll win those coppers yet," replies Marchent, a shorter scruffier human. Nar approaches the bar, "I'll have a beer! And do you happen to know a man named Jed? He's known to hang around here." Kreb grunts and dips the mug he's currently cleaning into an open barrel before serving it. "That'll be 5 copper." Nar pays knowing that she was overcharged. Kreb swipes it into his pouch and continues cleaning. "So, have you seen him?" presses Nar. "Don't talk about my patrons," slurs Kreb, "Persons don't like to know or be known. Anything else?" Switching tactics, Nar asks for four beers and together Karia and her move over to the two men playing dice. "Oof! That's a 1. I'm having rotten luck today," grunts Charlie as the Karia and Nar hover near the table. "Thanks for the beer," quips Marcian as he rolls the die, "Now to get the rest of your coppers Charlie!" "What are you playing there," asks Karia. "Pig" answers Charlie. "What did you call me?" Karia retorts. "Nothing" replies Charlie, "We are playing Pig. First one to roll up to 80 wins and I'm having rotten luck! There's another 1. Your turn Marcian." "Hey, we're looking for our friend," Nar inserts, "Have you seen Jed lately?" "Jed?" muses Marcian, "Naw. He usually sits in that corner, but we've not seen him today." "Maybe he's out working the docks," chimes Charlie. "Or over at the Society of Carpenters and Woodworkers. But maybe he's out in the fields or who knows maybe he's working on a ship today." Marcian talks over Charlie, "Point is, he's not here. He could show up in five minutes or next week. We don't keep track of 'im." Nar and Karia examine the corner where Jed normally sits and notices that poor construction of the building. Streams of light peek through small gaps in the boards of the building. As they search for additional information, Charlie and Marcian stand and state, "You know it's just gotten a bit too crowded in here, I think we should head off to somewhere else." As the pair exit the building, Nar states, "It doesn't look like we're going to find anything useful here. They mentioned he works the docks, so let's head there. maybe Capt O'Donahue will know something." The pair leave the Empty Net and ask around on the docks. Most workers seem to know of Jed, but don't know much about him other than he works odd jobs and loves to share drinks with everybody. Reaching the Harvest Bounty, Nar yells out, "Ahoy Ship!" And get's the expected reply, "Ahoy Shore! Who be there?" "It is I! The bearer of claw wine!" Nar answers. "May we come aboard captain?" "Ah yes! Do please come aboard wee one!" O'Donahue replies. "What be brinin' ya to my boat? Be there another job?" Offering her mug, Nar asks, "Would like some flat sour beer from the Empty Net?" O'Donahue visibly winces as he responds, "Uh thank ye, but that not be to my tastes. I'll take a bit of claw wine if you be having it." Nar pulls out a bottle from their bag of holding and passes it over where O'Donahue takes a long drag. "Ahh! That'll take the edge off. You say you came from the Empty Net that means you crossed over Sharkfin Bridge, yes?" Karia perks up and quickly asks, "What do you know of the bridge?" "Nothin' much." responds O'Donahue, "I know that those of fey origin feel right weird on it, but otherwise it's been here since my granddah's time and before." Karia slumps dejectedly as Nar asks, "Do you happen to know Jed. Jed O'Pale?" "Aye I know of that drifter," O'Donahue answers. "That lad always be havin' too much gold but I never see where he earns it. He does odd jobs around town, but nothin' should keep him that flush. He smells of trouble, so I don't go too near 'im. Why the interest?" Nar explains that he was behind the disappearance of Mafera's anvil and he nods along having heard of several points of the story. He also confirms that he hasn't seen him in the last week or so and that he doesn't know where he sleeps. Jed just seems to show up and then disappears randomly. Left without a discernable lead on Jed, Nar and Karia debate if there's anything to drive them forward. Finally, Karia's states, "I'm tired and hungry, let's head back to the Snapping Line and get some food and maybe check on Kyra." Hanna greets the group as they enter the main hall stating, "There's been someone looking for you. She's sitting over there by herself if you want to chat with her. I'll get food sent over soon." Sitting at the table, a young lady dressed in greens and a cloak greets them, "Are you the Try-hard Misfits? I'm Adlia, Adlia Siannodel, andEhlonna, my goddess, bade I assist you in upcoming trials. And by assisting you, I will spread the word of nature and the good it does." A late lunch is brought over by Hanna and the group quickly sets to eating while talking with the newcomer. Nar asks, "That's all very well, but we've already had a cleric who left to serve her goddess a different way. Why should we trust you?" Karia also speaks up, "We are wary of new people. Our lives are rough and we travel at a moment's notice. Are you worthy of that challenge? We depend on each other so we'll need to think on adding you as a member." As they finish their repast, Karia states, "We've been here too long already. We need to go get additional tasks done. We'll think about your proposal as we do, you could consider heading out to the Sea Grove of Obad-Hai just down the road." "We who worship Ehlonna," begins Adlia, "don't always get along with those who worship Obad-Hai. Our gods disagree on the fundamental nature of nature." As she leaves the inn, Karia quips back, "Suit yourself. We'll catch up to you soon." Nar and Karia head across town to Aubreck's residence. After knocking on the door, a large half-orc answers it. They remember Vertheg as Aubreck's body man and request an audience with him. Vertheg responds, "One moment while I check to see if he's available." A few minutes pass before Vertheg opens the door and escorts the two to Aubreck's sitting room that doubles as an office. "Ah!! Greetings!" Aubreck states, "I've been terribly busy with all these promissory notes. They are rather old and a few of the signees have passed away which complicates exchanging them for gold. Ah no worries. I've got lawyers already on the case, but that's not why you are here. You are here regarding your reward, which you readily deserve. However, I can't make a full payment today, but I can provide a bit more, would 500 gp suffice as a new down payment?" The group thanks Aubreck for his time and heads out toward the Mariners' Guildhall to scope out what their quest entails. As they exit Aubreck's manor, they see Adlia half-hidden around a corner. Karia calls out, "We were just heading to look for you. Nice bit of tracking you've done. You sure you want to join us for our next job? If so, then let's head toward the Mariner's guild together and we can all learn about the details." Adlia assents and the group heads across the street to the large wooden structure that houses the guild. Passing through a boot room, Karia sees a torn poster regarding the Emperor of the Waves and pulls the remaining bit from the wall. She turns toward Adlia stating, "We've already completed that job, so this isn't valid anymore." Proceeding into the main hall, the party can see a smattering of chairs and tables along with one wall serving as food service offering several seafood entrees. Noticing a wooden office sign on a door, the group knocks and enters. An older veteran sits behind a desk with his left wooden leg sticking out to the side. He nods in greeting, "Mornin' to you. What can I do for ye ladies?" Karia speaks up, "We've heard tell that you are having difficulty with a building a lighthouse, is that correct?" "Sure!" replies the man, "More specifically a group of cultists have been resisting us adding a lighthouse to the island. We were in talks with them, but a sizeable group of pirates attacked them first. There was smoke seen on the horizon and then the pirate ship departed. We've tried to send a few more explorers, but they've all been repelled by undead from the only landing site on the island, the Skull Dunes. What we need is an inspired party to go ashore, develop a path through the dunes, and then ensure that we can build a lighthouse there. Don't matter much to us how that's accomplished. If you are able to clear the island so that we can build the lighthouse, then we'll provide a contract fee of 2000 gp. If that goal isn't met, then you won't get the two grand. Depending on what you accomplish, like a safe path through the beach, then we'll still provide some nominal fee as a reward. That what you need to know? The name's Ursa by the way. Major Ursa to be precise." The group asks a few clarifying questions, but there's too much unknown for Major Ursa to be more specific. He knows that after the pirates left the island, the local mariner's guild attacked them, sank one ship and forced the other to turn sails and run. But no actual survivors were found and so there's no first hand account of what happened on the island or how the dunes work. Karia then asks, "Sounds like we'll need a bit more muscle, do you know where we might find an enterprising soul to join us?" Major Ursa sizes her up for a moment then says, "Check the main room. There's almost always a lost soul or two looking for coin there." Entering the sitting room, the group surveys the chairs and notices one promising looking fellow sitting hunch forward at a table while cleaning his boots. Approaching him, Karia inquires, "Hey friend, what are those boots made of?" The guy looks up with a perplexed expression and responds, "Don't know. Not my job." "Funny you should say that," begins Karia. "We're looking for a bit more muscle for a job. Are you up for it?" "My rate is 10 gold per day with a 15 day minimum. If this job of yours gets me killed, then you'll owe an additional 50 gold to the Sea Mariners guild. Do you accept my terms?" asks the man. "Seems fair to me," Karia concludes. "What do we call you?" "The name's Armando." he states while accepting the 150 gold pieces. "Where are we headed?" Karia answers, "For now, let's get supper and a night's sleep at the Snapping Line." The party heads back to the Snapping Line where they grab a light dinner and then Nar begins to play her lute. Surprisingly Armando joins in with his Lute and together they encourage free flowing Claw Wine and a dozen silver. After an extended performance, the group heads upstairs for the night.

Sunday 9 Readyr'eat

Rising early, the group grabs a quick breakfast before Karia leads everyone over to the Dwarven Anvil where Mafera greets her with a knowing smile. "Hail Karia! Well met this day! We've got your sword ready and you were correct to bring it to us." Reaching into a nearby bin, she pulls forth a short sword whose blade gleams in the light of the forges. "This was a very well made blade. Look at these runes etched into the blade. They bind eldritch power within the blade making it sharper and swifter than normal." Taking the sword, Karia lightly swings it around feeling the heft and weight as it cuts a path through the air. "Nice! Thank you for this." Heading back down the road, the party heads up to the Temple of Procan where they donate ten gold to the temple for safe travels to Abbey Island.