Session 3 - Deals and Documents

General Summary

While his companions were off exploring the Helmont Mansion, Grey went to visit the Serene Temple of the Ennead. There he introduced himself to one of the prophets as a new arrival, and began to question the official about the relationship between the faith of the Ennead, and the Pelorian sects, one of which was dominant in Hool Colony. The prophet explained that Hool Colony was relatively tolerant in comparison to Covenant and Destiny Colonies, which were governed by exclusionary Harpers. Grey also inquired about possibly getting some sort of paid position at the temple, and the prophet replied that the would be willing to take him on as a lay brother if he lacks a means of survival.
After the prophet inquired whether Grey would be interested in purchasing some votive candles, the conversation turned, and Grey began to press the attendant about the political situation in the town, specifically the conflict between Salley and Crugg, and the possibility of its spillover into violence. The prophet replied that Crugg was a major contributor to the temple, but added that he was not concerned with politics, and that Grey would be better off speaking to First Prophetess Felicia Beaurepaire. Felicia confirmed Crugg's connection to the temple, and added that Crugg, despite his gruff demeanor, was an honest and pious man. When asked how Crugg could maintain his import-export monopoly despite being a dwarf, and unpopular, she said that Hool Colony abided by the King's law, and that Crugg purchased his charter fairly.   
After learning what he could, Grey returned to the Scale and Tail to wait for his companions. They returned toward evening, full of stories about their foray. Carl restated his belief that the town, despite appearances, was a den of iniquity, and that unless they found some good work soon, he was inclined to leave and seek his fortune elsewhere. Perhaps, if they were correct about their supposition that the haunted house was actually a base for a smuggling operation, they could get Crugg to invest in the endeavor. Grey added that they should inquire about the house's legal standing with the town notary, to see if anyone actually owned it.
The following morning, Carl and Grey, along with Aelius, went to see Bartholomew Brocksby, the notary. He turned out to be an old man, not particularly fast on his feet, and with a peculiar system of organizing records. As he searched for legal documentation, he revealed that the house had been empty since soon after its construction over 15 years ago. The owner, Trevisian Helmont, was an alchemist. If he left no will, the mansion would have reverted to the crown. After much searching, Brocksby did discover a deed and a notarized will, which stipulated that the mansion had been willed to a spouse, one Idonia Berkhead. No one present had ever heard of her, and Brocksby was unaware of her current location, and whether she was still alive. He said he would initiate an inquest, both in the colony and the Kingdom of the Albi across the ocean, but given the colossal distance, this would take time. The members of the self-proclaimed Grey Company said they would also look into the matter, and the visit concluded with Brocksby inviting them to stop by for tea at any time. 
Subsequently, the group went to call upon Crugg for a second time. Though he was initially gruffer than before, saying that if he had work for them, he would reach out to them. But Grey, who as the speaker of dwarvish, and experienced in dealing with notables, took the lead in the conversion, and said that they had learned since their arrival that there were smugglers operating in town, and they suspected that they were operating out of the Helmont Mansion. If they were to investigate, would Crugg be willing to support their endeavors? The dwarf indicated that if they find solid proof of this, he would be willing to pay each member of the company 50 pounds, but he would not put this in writing, or even acknowledge that he had met with them. Considering this a qualified success, the Company immediately agreed to the terms, and took leave of the dwarf, to prepare for a second foray into to the mansion. But for this, they would probably have to find more people...

Missions/Quests Completed

• Helmont's will discovered
• Preliminary deal reached with Crugg 

Character(s) interacted with

• A prophet at the Serene Temple of the Ennead
• Felicia Beaurepaire, First Prophetess
• Bartholomew Brocksby, town notary
• Ferdous Crugg 

Report Date

23 Jun 2021

Primary Location

Saltmarsh