Welcome to the gameplay thread. We will begin shortly.
DOtting in.
Orym sighs letting air out centering himself unfamiliar with the trappings of civilization.
"Finally I am here, This is where my decedents will say my story began, Weapons in hand I will scrawl my name into history"
"Cry Havoc!, and let slip the dogs of war."
I too walk the dry land... for now
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Gripping the recent posting in hand, Tessa read it one more time and eyed the sign post pointing towards Saltmarsh.
Adjusting the straps on her pack she set off down the road with the sun burning off the last morning dew and wondering if this haunted house tale was just some creaky floor boards.
Amber scratches her stubbly chin peering into the wine bottle she had. She had not had the time to shave for a few days with all this walking, And now the last of her traveling alcohol was gone.
"Da first thing I'm g'na do when I get there is get a drink. I can'na be far now."
She declared to herself.
Haunted house? Tanya thinks to herself. I wonder if they mean the old Krenshaw place up on the hill? She looks around nervously at the others who had come in response to the advertisement. A dwarf, a halfling, and gods! What is that?! She stares up at the huge figure with wide eyes. Is that a giant? Or maybe an ogre? And what about the green-skinned person over there? What is her story? She fidgets nervously with a bit of food in her pocket and hands it to the mouse that sits upon her shoulder.
Althea keeps her head down, aside from an occasional look about the room to see if anybody is looking at her. She sips something hot, and the slight webbing between her fingers shows from time to time.
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“GOLD OFFERED TO ANY BRAVE ENOUGH INVESTIGATE HAUNTED HOUSE NEAR SALTMARSH!”
“Inquiries answered at The Wicker Goat Tavern in Saltmarsh. Seek out the barkeep for more details.”
“Reward provided by Anders Solmor."
So reads a posting that has appeared in several inns and taverns in and near the fishing village of Saltmarsh along the southern coast of Keoland.
The parchment is crisp and white and the ink appears barely dried.
The promise of gold is too good to resist. Some of you may be strangers to the area, but your inquiries have revealed that this Anders Solmor is a local merchant of considerable wealth and a member of the town council.
Some of you are locals and are intrigued by the work offered. The fact that the reward is backed by Anders is especially attractive. He’s young and brash, but he has a keen mind for business, which guarantees the reward will be good.
You find yourself at The Wicker Goat this cloudy midday. The mood is sour again today, and rumblings among the dwarves and humans at the sparsely-occupied tables is the catch has been poor again.
You approach the barkeep, a greying gentleman of a strong build whom some of you recognize as Lankus Kurrid, a retired officer. You exchange your pleasantries and ask about the posting. He points to a door down the back hallway and tells you that Anders will be there shortly to answer all questions. He suggests the daily fish stew and a cold ale would make a fine lunch while you wait.
You look around the room and see several other individuals who don’t appear to be part of the regular crowd, and you hear a baby fussing from one of the tables, not something usual for any tavern.
Depending on your temperament, this may be a good time to quietly dine and wait for Anders to arrive, or perhaps to ask some questions of these other strangers. Perhaps they've heard something.
Orym having made his way past the village entrance was derisively pointed to the Wicker Goat. He had entered moments ago dipping low under the threshold one arm brushing the top of it as if he was stooping under a large branch in the wood. Head and shoulders well above most of the tallest men stands this grey skinned giant. A solid frame though not bulky. He has blonde hair kept long in loose waves. The hair from the top of his head bound behind his ears in a pony tail with the back of his hair falling free, an elvish style but clearly this is no elf. His gear is natural and worn in browns and greens. His ears jut out to the side of his head wide ending in sharp points. Two read braids drop from his temples down his sideburns he rest of his face is buried in a gnarly beard. His features are not fragile but light save for his nose which is large for his face and looks reddish. His eyes are deep brown like stained wood. He walks with a large walking stick which could easily serve as a club, a sickle hangs on his belt along with a well-made, elven, scimitar, judging from the craftsmanship. Across his back is a peculiar wooden shape with strings that run the length of it beside his large longbow. Orym
His footfalls are not loud for one of his stature but some of the floorboard creak beneath him. Under his arm was bundle he seemed very protective of. Many eyes curious and unfriendly met him as he entered. He moved to an empty table when directed to sit wherever by one fo the staff. He went to sit in a booth but after not fitting comfortably found a table in the middle where seat can be moved back. He set the bundle under his arm on the table before him and began to unwrap a blanket. In the next few moments, the sounds of baby cooing and fusing began.
This strange sight a near giant addressing the needs of a small human baby. He stands and again pulls the baby under his arm and approaches the bar. "Peace to you." He speaks to several people before him though hoping to get the attention of the man behind the counter. He is calm but apprehensive. "I have traveled here with a child. Do you have any milk?" He looks staring rather blankly a moment. He then remembers, "Oh yes you require coin." He pulls out a few coins more than would be needed.
Tanya is a small and wiry human, with red hair and blue eyes. Her hair falls in ringlets around her shoulders and her freckled face peers out from beneath a mass of tangles. She is dressed in a well-mended simple chemise that, despite having seen better days, is still serviceable. A tiny white mouse is usually perched upon her shoulder and she occasionally talks to it.
She looks at the assembled and seems to shrink a little. Each seemed to be trying to keep to themselves. I guess someone has to start the conversation, she shrugs. "M-my name..." she squeaks, then stops and clears her throat. "My name is Tanya." She offers her hand to the one of the company that appears the most sociable, the halfling. She attempts a disarming smile, but it comes off like a frightened half-frown.
Orym turns from the bar to look toward Tanya. He looks at her and then at the baby. Back to Tanya then to the baby. I don't see a resemblance but these small folk have such variety. Who knows?
Orym moves closer to where Tanya stands, he speaks calmly and addresses the room. "I am Orym called Rednose by those who hunt the Dreadwood. I am here with purpose. This child was found in the marshlands of the Dread. It is a human child. As such we seek to return the child to her own." He awkwardly shows the baby to the crowd.
Amber had arrived in Saltmarsh two weeks prior, her personal reasons for journeying out was a desire to see the world beyond the moutainhomes and to seek personal glory, But as an Acolyte of Silverbeard she took advantage of a mission to Saltmarsh to establish a shrine for the growing dwarven population there, A Small industrial lot, they had done silverbeard proud with the life they where building here, Etching out a living in a such a place was a battle in it's own right after all.
She had arrived with a few possessions, And after being granted a small plot of land near where the general dwarven population lived, she spent the first two weeks chiseling a simple stone shrine from a large boulder she had found, as well as looking for local dwarves willing to become her wards in faith, She completed both these tasks, Finishing the shrine after week of meticulous work, and recruiting two young dwarven lads and instructing them in the maintenance of the shrine.
With her basic duties done she could turn to more personal matters, first and foremost, dealing with her dwindling coin purse, She considered doing some work in the mine or as warehouse security on the docks, but then the poster for the Haunted House Job caught her eye, Anders Solmor was a name of note with a reputation, So the money would be good for sure, And a haunted house sounded far more adventurous than any of the other options and Glory was the reason she was out here, And with that it was settled, she took down the poster and headed to the Wicker Goat to meet up with Anders and anyone else who took the job.
-
Amber scratched the day old stubble on her chin as she looked over the poster she had in her hand. Sipping from a mug, Turning to look at some of the odd Fellows who had joined her "Amber, A'ye service." She said in shaky common, her grasp on the tongue was not perfect, didn't have many opportunities to speak it before leaving the moutainhomes. She reached out the shake the Wizard's hand.
Orym looks about at the patrons. It was a long moment of silence. When the dwarf woman breaks the silence he looks down toward the dwarf. This one is shorter . . .but bigger than the wee ones . . . and squarer than the humans. . . is a female? He looks quizzically.
He shakes his head. "Peace to you Amber."
Tanya shakes Amber's offered hand. "Pleased to meet you," she says, somewhat shakingly. To the giant firbolg, she can only stare mutely. Is this what an ogre looks like? No, I've heard that ogres eat babies, not deliver them. A giant, then? Are some giants friendly to humans? I should have paid more attention to Koresh's lessons.
Amber nods to the firbolg, though to be honest she's not too familiar with other folk and would peg him as some sort of giant Elf unless told otherwise. "Aye, and ta'ye Orym. What is this Abou'ta babe? Is it a little Lass or Lad?"
Orym looks to Amber, "She is a gir . . . a lass as you say. She was found floating in the bog in the south Dreadwood. No sign of others about. My people wished to see her returned to her own kind." He looks to the girl and bounces it a little as it seems to be stirring.
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Althea discreetly enters the chamber, and overhears just enough of the conversation to know what's going on.
Poor little thing. I know what it's like to be left alone.
As the others gather to look at the cooing infant, a slender woman approaches. She takes a glance around the room to see if anyone is doing anything suspicious, then speaks in a low archaic accent.
"Are thou trying to sell the infant, find someone to care for it, or do thou seek a mate"?
The words are spoken followed by the lowering of the hood to a pale grey water proof cloak. Startling amber eyes seek out the big creatures for a moment, before glancing at the other interested individuals.
Insight
"Perhaps the private room might be a more suitable place to discuss thy plans with this infant"?
The new arrival has grey/green tinted skin, long thick black hair, and bright amber eyes. She wears dark green leather armor, and has a two daggers clearly arrayed about her torso. As she goes to retrieve her gear from a nearby table and head towards the private room you can see she also owns a crossbow, and a long spear which she casually holds in her hand as she moves towards the room. She proceeds as though everyone will naturally follow her lead.
Besides that there's less chance of anyone recognizing me if there are less observers.
Orym turns as another speaker approaches. Her strange appearance he notes. A Nyad? No perhaps some strange elf. I have heard tales of sea elves. Strange to find one among those who build stonewalls.
He cannot help himself as she speaks and blurts out in disgust as she speaks, "SELL?" His eyes flash with fury. He instinctively cradles the baby protectively. But he steadies himself. Sell? its bad enough that these folk cannot share or barter fairly among themselves. But to sell their young?
While the obvious rage has stayed Orym looks about not understanding. "If I had considered that a child might be openly sold among you I would have advised my elders that perhaps a greater curse would be on us to return the child than keeping it among our own." He looks around the room pleading for eyes that understand him. "No I do not seek to sell a life. I seek a home for her among its own kind even better if her family could be located. I thought I have stated this plain. What good secrecy would play I do not see."
Althea takes a step back at the big creatures outburst.
"I did not offer to buy thine child, I only questioned your intentions. Why react so vehemently to one of my three suggested options? I certainly did not intend my query to incite such outrage... and if I've offended thee then I offer my apologies".
The young Triton steps away from the riled beast, and continues to the private room.
I was only offering to help... gee.
Orym looks about, "I am not familiar with your ways. I had not considered that a life could be sold." He shakes his head at the idea. "I seek a home for the child." He address the room, "Has any of the families of Saltmarsh lost a child recently, in the last moon?" He looks to them. "Perhaps a family that would care for the child."
"No one's trying to sell the baby, Though the blue lass has a point, even if we can't find the family it would be best if we found it some caretakers, I reckon I could find a nice Dwarven lass to keep watch over her, Feed her goats milk. I would not feel right letting a babe be brought into a haunt."
"Right caretakers. Do dwarves often welcome human children?" He looks at the babe, "Goats milk does that sound good?"
"A haunt?" Orym looks confused. "What is this?"
Amber nods, Holding out her arms, offering to hold the baby. "Aye, there are some humans who are raised by dwarfs, Ain't much diffrent'en dwarf children for the most part, Just n'so hairy and you know, Can't give'em watered down ale like ma's are want to do with dwarf babes. I Reckon I could find an old gal who's had a few babes herself, would make a good wetnurse till we find her kin."
If she is allowed to hold the child, she cradles it in her arms and sticks her finger in it's hand, chuckling at the little guy. "it's your call, the gods chose you to find the little lass, you're her father by fate till you choose otherwise"
Orym allows the baby to be held by the dwarf. "Her father? My people had not considered that. The omens placed the burden on me. The elders met with the elves and council was to bring her here to what was hoped her own." He looks at the baby differently. "I welcome finding someone who can care for the child. You have given me much to think on."
Amber hands the child back to him. "Hope it leads to somthin good."
Duncan looked out at the large merchant ships docked at the relatively new pier. He spent a lot of his time here marveling at the new ships that had been coming to town, the likes of which he had not seen. He often offered his services to make repairs, it earned him coin as well as study up close the design and engineering of the massive vessels. As the salty sea air blew past him Duncan felt that ever present desire to be at sea again. "One day..." he thought to himself as he dreamed of his own ship and crew.
As he stood there lost in thought he felt someone poke him in the side. A little startled he turned around to see one of townsfolk children he had seen at temple. "Father Umber!" The child cried "Have you heard? The creepy old house that's full of terror's! They finally want someone to do something about it. You should go!" The boy extended his hand that held a piece of paper flapping in the breeze. Duncan read that advertisement and patted the young boy on the head. "Well now, that does sound like something Xerbo would want me to do. He dislikes disturbed land spirits as much as sea spirits. Now run along, I'll see what I can do. I will see you at the next sermon."
Duncan recognized the name of the man offering the reward. Anders Solomore could often be seen at the docks, especially now that the larger vessels were making port. A reward would go a long way to helping Duncan achieve his goals of one day having his own ship. He took one last deep breath before heading to the Wicker Goat.
Having lived in Saltmarsh for some time now he had been to the Wicker Goat on several occasions. Duncan approached Lankus greeting him warmly. Upon learning that Anders Solomore would be in soon to provide more information, Duncan took Lankus up on his suggestion of the fish stew and cold ale for lunch.
As Duncan waited for the stew his attention was first drawn to the sounds of a baby crying, which he had certainly never heard in the tavern before. When he found the source he saw a small group of people passing a baby back and forth. Duncan couldn't help but notice that everyone seemed a little awkward with it, as if it didn't belong to any of them. His curiosity peaked he took his meal and sat a table so that he could eat while listening in on their conversation.
Duncan finished his last mouthful of stew and took a swig of ale before standing up and facing the strange assortment of characters "Excuse me, I couldn't help but over hearing your ordeal about this poor abandoned child. I admire your willingness to find her a home, Orym was it? But perhaps I could be of assistance. I am a man of faith, I could certainly bring her to my temple of worship. The people there are kind and there would be a place for her either within the temple walls themselves or in the home of some of the kind townsfolk that worship there. Or if this child was abandoned perhaps the people there can assist finding her real parents" Duncan paused to drink more ale and continued "I will have to leave her though as I am about to journey to a location that would not be suitable to a child. Unless of course the rumors are false, but you see people in town say an abandoned house nearby is haunted and I seek to rid it of those spirits. There has been a reward posted if any of you are interested?"
Quietly eating the plain but quite tasty smoked fish and bakes Tessa eyes the group of newcomers arguing over the selling of a child.
Taking a quick sip of her water, Hows it the big man came about a child? Nah it makes little sense. And now the dwarf maid thinks she can find the child a better home than the giant. And among her kind? Tessa shakes her head when she looks closer to see that one of the speakers is actually a waterfolk. And what brought her kind this way?
"Next thing I'll be watching a a merrow walk into this place. A diverse group of people I'd never expect to find in one place. I'd likely see the sails of Destiny's Tide billowing from both sides before expecting to see the lot of you. And with a child that none can claim."
At first you cannot see who is talking until you see a figure no bigger than a small human child stand up on her chair and turn to face all of you. Her complexion does nothing to hide the fact that she has spent many days outside under the high sun. Her hair is crimson red and has been cropped at the sides with the rest of it being neatly oiled back.
Dressed in a short sleeved leather jacket with a pair of matching leather breeches you notice the heraldic symbol of the Keoish lion stitched on the upper left shoulder. Under her leather jacket she wears a fitted pristine white colarless blouse with buttoned sleeves that end at her elbows.
She turns her attention to the giant taking a bite of her bake, "Take her anywhere but here. The Wicker ain't the place to be finding a breast for the babe to suckle on. Find a temple. Make them priests do something of worth instead of giving us their empty prayers and tired words."
Orym looks to Duncan, "Such help would be appreciated. I am not sure what reward you speak but if help is offered to this child I would seek to return aid." He looks between Duncan and Amber, "Both of you have offered aid. I thank you for this. I am a stranger here. I would not wish to turn down kindness offered. . . .," He trails off not knowing the right words to end the thought with not wishing to offend either by accepting the offer of the other.
Try this list. It hits the majority of them.
Duncan raised his hands innocently "Oh the reward had nothing to do with the child. I merely suggested that I would not be able to ensure the future of the child as I am committing myself to another unrelated venture. A venture that did indeed promise a reward. And I believe that myself and..." Turning towards Tessa, the small but seemingly ferocious half elf "Sorry, what was your name? I am Duncan Umber. Pleased to meet you. And I believe we are in agreement that the temple is the best place for a lost child."
Tanya watches the proceedings in silence, secretly glad that she is not the focus. She starts to speak, but thinks better of it and keeps her mouth shut. Instead, she settles for feeding Crispin another morsel of food.
Still standing upon the chair Tessa taps her fingers against her chin.
So the godspeaker is here to fill his purse? No reward in suckling the child I guess? Still every person needs to feed their belly.
"So introductions are in order? Tessa Tanglerope is my name. So are you here at your temple's request? Jus know my portion won't be used to help you buy any sacred wine."
Orym smiles he is about to speak to Duncan and then looks down, shifting around he finds where the voice comes from, he smirks astonished at the size of Tessa. "Well hello tiny one. Tessa, it is good to meet you. I am Orym called Rednose seemingly among people of the village."
He looks back at Duncan, "Hmm . . . I have much to learn of the common tongue. I expect no reward for the child." He shakes his head, "I mean you mentioned a problem of an evil house. You said there was a reward there." He looks at the baby, "Hearing that there are those here that would assist me in finding a place . . . a home for this child. I would seek to return this kindness. By helping in return. If I can."
"My name is Tanya. Just Tanya," the human girl says at length. "I'm from Saltmarsh, and this," she points to the white mouse sitting on her shoulder, "Is Crispin."
Orym smiles, "Hello Crispin." He chuckles. He seems to warm somehow comforted that someone has a small rodent friend.
Tessa turns to Tanya when she introduces herself. "So you grew up in the Salt did you? Maybe you or the priest could give us something about this haunted house that brought me here. I can't believe it to be true just some rickety boards creaking in an old house more likely ai?"
Duncan nodded to each of them in turn. "I recognize you Tanya, I have seen you around town. Although this is the first time I believe I have seen your little friend, he must hide himself well normally."
"Everything I have heard about the the house is all rumor. Some say it's been haunted for about 20 years. Lights can be seen and screams can be heard apparently. I haven't been there myself so who knows what is true. The legend is that an old wizard was experimenting in the house and met a terrifying fate." Duncan paused taking a long swig of his ale before continuing. "Anders Solmor has been the advertising ridding this house of it's evils. I always thought his concern was the docks and the ships that come in to town. I am curious why an old house miles from town would interest him. All in due time he should be here at some point."
"Thought as much but its good to hear it from the tongue of a Salt'er. It'd be good for this Anders to show up soon. What say the rest of you? Did you come this way for the job as well? Don't be skittish let us know now." Tessa resumes tapping her fingers against her chin as she eyes the crowd seeing which ones raise their hands.
"Aye, I'm here for the job," Tanya says, raising her hand. "I expect that the haunted house refers to the old Krenshaw place up the hill. Gods know, it's been said to be haunted for as long as I've been around."
Orym listens a stern look on his face, "Such tales are sadly sometime true. The recklessness of those who twist fates can bring corruption. Corruption spreads. This is the first I have heard of it. I would see such corruption ended rather than spread to the surrounding land."
Althea would raise her hand, but she's already entered the back room to wait. She's afraid she'll make another social Faux-Pas, and is uncomfortable around crowds.
Althea enters the meeting room, looks around, and chooses an advantages seat... preferably in a corner.
Perception
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you all. Glad to know I am not the only one that would be venturing to such a place. Who knows what we will find there."
"Now if Anders would just show up we can find out what this is all about. And more imporantly we can find a care taker for that child." Duncan added as he looked at Orym awkwardly holding the baby. The sooner the better... He thought to himself.
"I'm guessin the waterfolk is with us as well," Tessa watches as Althea enters the empty backroom, "That makes five of us, ai? What about you dwarf. You don't like no nursemaid or child-rearer. You here for Ander's reward to then?" Tessa climbs off the chair and grabs the last of her smoked fish and shovels it into her mouth. With her cup in hand she heads to the backroom where she saw the triton sit down.
Waterfolk are too quiet but she has a tongue so let's see what she is about. "Well come on then let's wait for Anders in the back. Enough of our business has been shared with this docktown. Ai! Barkeep send some more fish and bakes to the backroom."
In the backroom Tessa sees the triton sitting there. She heads right for the triton and sits in the closest chair to her. "So what's your business here, waterfolk? Your kind isn't usually found walking about the dryland. I'm Tessa. Tessa Tanglerope. What name do you go by?"
Waterfolk? Is that what she is? Tanya listens intently to the response to Tessa's question.
Orym follows toward the back room and settles in with the baby. "So someone is coming to tell you more of the evil house?"
Duncan handed Orym the flyer that the child in town had given him. "Yes this was the advertisement. Anders is a town council member, as well as one of the towns richest citizens. He inherited a fleet of fishing and trade ships which have made him quite wealthy. I have worked repairing many of his ships. I too hope one day to have a ship of my own. To live on the sea, experience the wonders that Xerbo has created for us and protect my crew from his wrath when he is angry."