Gabra and Cunorix head for The Broken Plough, and enter the large establishment, which is pretty busy. They don't recognise several people, but some are indeed known to them, loafers and idlers in the main.

A tired looking woman with a dead expression stands behind the bar.

"Do you want something?" she asks with an air that suggests she doesn't care either way.

"Beer and a man called Vildaf, please."

Ghindor would like to sell some of his equipment to help pay for the upkeep of the newest adventurer. Are there any such shops that could oblige?

Ghindor would then like to impress his friends with the stalwart specimen of his newest retainer. He feels somewhat important to have a bodyguard of sorts, or at least a paid man working for him, because Ghindor remembers his days as a slave. If Ghindor could provide very fashionable clothes and weapons for the group or NPCs, all the better to enhance his own image.

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OOC: Just watched the movie, "Amazing Grace." Fantastic story based on true events. Very inspiring and highly recommended to all!

Not having much luck at the Market, Byggvir takes the advice of the locals and heads for the tavern.

Sorry for the lack of posting lately. Been a busy couple of days.

You could also ask the other members of the group if they wouldn't mind pooling some money for Gavyn's equipment.

Byggvir arrives at the tavern to see Gabra and Cunorix talking to the woman behind the bar.

Ghindor tries to find local merchants willing to buy or trade equipment. After his fourth such attempt, he considers asking his fellows for the promised money. Of course, his team will welcome the strong arm of another mighty warrior, Ghindor proposes.

He begins to search for his team and once he uncovers their whereabouts, heads there straightaway- his newest "addition" in tow.

As if on some pre-ordained signal, Ghindor also comes into the tavern, with a well-muscled youth in tow.

The barmaid raises an eyebrow, and says, "Quite a bunch of you... Vidalf's over there," she thumbs at an old boy in a corner, with a scraggly white beard, and the look of someone used to the outdoors.

Gabra, deduct the cost of a beer please.

Seeing Ghindor and the youth enter, Byggvir heads over to them.

"Ghindor, tell me, who is your young friend?"

"Name's Gavyn." the man grunts, "So, you gonna tell me what the big deal is?"

"Gavyn. Welcome. Join us if you will, we must ask old Vidalf about certain rumours. You do not look as if old wives tales will scare you."

Gabra makes her way towards Vidalf, and offers him the beer. "Vidalf, will you drink with us and share a tale or two?"

Aside to Ghindor she finds a moment to congratulate her old friend on his recruitment skills and offers to help pay for Gavyn's equipment and keep.

"Name's Gavyn." the man grunts, "So, you gonna tell me what the big deal is?"

Byggvir looks to the barmaid, pulling his hood further forward to ensure his features are hidden.

"3 beers please!"

Money for the beers marked off.

Gavyn grunts and looks askance as Byggvir conceals himself. Nonetheless he raises his mug a little and mutters, "Cheers,"

"Generous mates yer got, boss." he says to Ghindor.

Gabra approaches the crusty old man, who looks up with a start, "Nuthin' tae do wit me! Oh, er, ey, whatta ye want?" he add suspiciously.

"You are known to be the keeper of old stories Vidalf. Rhun the halfling sings your wisdom. She said you knew of the haunted mansion - is that so?"

"'ey? What ye blatherin' about? I dinnae know no stories! Will ye talk plainly an' keep yer voice down!"

Cunorix recognises the old boy as a poacher who ranges about a bit; certainly not a wise loremaster.

In a low voice Cunorix says, "have you been near the mansion? Is it true that it is dangerous there?"

Slightly embarrassed, Gabra lets Cunorix do the talking.

The old man coughs and points to his empty stein.

Exchanging glances with Cunorix, Gabra keeps things simple.

"Tell us what you know and we will buy you beer."

Vidalf bites his lip and then says, "Eh, alreet, but them's dangerous things ye be talkin' aboot. Ay, I went there, couple o' years back... a chill night it were, 'n' ah thought tae be acquiring some grub, ye ken? So, I goes through the back door 'n' I sees some stairs. 'A cellar' I thinks tae meself, aye... mebbe some wine, ye ken? So, I goes down, and as I sets foot on them stairs... I hears... a chitterin'... like so many rets it were... all beady eyed in the dark. And I hears a wail like a soul in torment it were... . And I ran, so."

As he has been telling the tale, his eyes have been getting bigger, and bigger, and his gestures more fervent. He seems quite genuine in his fear.

He looks at the mug expectantly.

Ghindor looks wantingly into his own mug...and sighs...

"Barkeep, a mug of your finest, if you please," asks Cunorix.

I deducted 4 cp for the beer.

The wench* serves you the beer sullenly.

* "The bar wench, mind you!"
Has f'ing in it. A lot.

"Cunorix, I think it's going to be a long evening. Let's just by a gallon of the stuff."

Gabra pays for a gallon of beer.

"I really need to work tomorrow. Do you think there's a market for boat rides? Reading runes is not going to pay for all this."

The old man greedily slurps his ale, "So, er, that be all ye be wantin' tae know?" he asks.

"Boatta rides?" Ghindor spews precious beer from his orange-bearded lips. "Monstas, Gabra...dis town is full of hidden dangers. Old man, be sharing where beasta be hiding. Whatta makes you cry atta nighta?"

Ghindor appears impatient, but this may be his steady decline into drunkeness.

"Ghosts!" the old man says with fear, "I tell ye, that place be haunted. Ye're not goin' there, are ye?"

"How else can we lay unquiet spirits to rest?" The words come out before Gabra can stop them.

"Eh? I dunno?! What more d'ye be wantin' to know aboot the place? If yer're goin' there, you'll see a well afore ye get tae the back door. That's how ye'll know it's the back, ye ken?" the old man says as he slurps his ale.

Byggvir smiles at the prospects of ghosts and haunted places, this was the kind of adventure he hoped to find. In a low whisper he leans close to Gabra, Ghindor and Cunorix.

"I may have to postpone working for Ynyr Glasseg. What say you all? Will you head with me to inspect the validity of Vidalf's claims of ghosts?"

More than half hypnotised by Byggvir's words, Gabra just nods. The presence of this traveller from another realm is having a curious effect on her.

"I am no swordarm, but the dead should rest."

"Agh, an' enough restta dey'll be getta...more dan me, no doubtta."

"Aye, I'll go. I'll do anything to bring some peace of mind to Saltmarsh."

The group confer and agree that they will investigate the haunted house. Vidalf describes the general layout of the kitchen/scullery and the back entrance to the house. I will provide a map later.

Gavyn snorts some phlegm and for the first time, looks concerned, "'ere, this is gonna be worth every damn silver shilling." he mutters.

Will you be looking for other hirelings, men at arms, henchfolk, now that you have a mission?

I personally think we should be OK. If it turns out that the mansion is too deadly, we can always come back and recruit more.

Gavyn says to Ghindor, "Reckon I might need to be kitted out, boss."

Are you going to pool money for gear for the lad? If so, I assume leather armour, spear and shield are the order of the day? Ghindor, if you wish to pop Gavyn in your profile he has the following stats: 5HP, +0 to hit.

How much does it cost to kit him out? Gabra will share expenses.

The price of the equipment - 21 gp for leather armour, shield, and spear. Equipment lists are p11-13 in the Core Rules.

Gabra's contribution will have to be rather minimal in that case as she's down to her last 3gp and some small change. Who does one go to for a loan in Saltmarsh?

I'll contribute 10 gp

I could throw in the other 11 gold to get him outfitted if you want.

Byggvir leans in towards Ghindor and whispers in his ear.

"My friend, if you need some help with getting our new friend some weapons and armor, I have some gold I could give you to obtain anything he might need."

Gabra's contribution will be accommodation for everyone while we're in Saltmarsh. Plus of course the free boat rides.

So, Cunorix and Byggvir are getting Gavyn's gear? If that's ok, I'll fast forward to later in the day...

That's cool.

Sounds good to me. I'll mark off the 11 gold.

To his companions, Ghindor extends his thanks. He grabs the newest member of the group by the wrist and clasps his shoulder. "We should buy ya plenta of good stuff. We'll need ta make sure da suitta fits."

Gabra's world has changed beyond recognition since her chance meeting with her old friend Ghindor. Her name and purpose have changed, she has a boat, new comrades and a different task on hand. It's all overwhelming to her.

"Truly, the fates are a spiral, just as Rhun said," she comments.

Yup. Fast forward is fine.

OK, it's now the afternoon and Gavyn has been outfitted. Ghindor - if you wish to, please note Gavyn now has leather armour, a spear and shield, as well as his knife. He has the damage dice of a Fighter and an AC of 15.

You are all back at the Full Moon Inn, planning your expedition to the haunted house, with Gavyn looking dubious but hiding it well. Gwalachmai comes over, "Pardon me, folks, but it's got about that you lot are headed over to the old alchemist's place. If that's so, I know the town council would like to have a word with you." he says seriously.

"Willingly."

"Hmmm. Perhaps it would have been better if we talked to earlier. Ah well, it's not too late to sort things out."