"He is an council member. An Elder then." He looks over the advertisement. He frowns. "Forgive me. I speak the common tongue but my people have no writing. . . ." He looks up sheepish as if he expects judgement, "I can read the language of elves and know the runes of giants. But this is strange to me." He hands the advertisement back with a gesture hoping someone might share what it says.
"You say he is rich. My people value wisdom among our Elders." He is not overtly seeking to offend from his town. Likely unaware that his scorn of economics colors his view, missing the subtlety one can be both wise and rich.
The Triton rises and returns the greeting with a formal Bow.
"Much appreciation for your introduction. I am called Althea in the common tongue. Meeting with thou is a pleasure of mine".
She then sits back down.
"As to my presence here, that is a tangled web still un-weaving. Mine previous method of supporting myself is no longer open to me... which is not in and of itself altogether unfortunate".
She then pauses for a moment to think before continuing. "I must find a new way to provide myself with sustenance, and this opportunity came along... at least to begin life anew".
She then turns and looks at her companion with what she hopes is a genuine smile. "And what brings thee to this meeting of fates"?
Tessa casts a smile in the direction of Althea. "A meeting of fates then. Good enough to call it that and since we got time before our patron arrives a good enough amount of time to let me tell the boring tale.
It's a simple one though. Spent a time at sea among the sails of the Keoish navy hunting down the Princes. But things...can go wrong...almost ended with me sleeping amongst your ancestors if you get what I mean.
Decided it was time to change things. So once I made it back to port I put my papers in and left the navy. Been trying my hand at this and that. Nothing ever seemed to stick. Saw the notice speaking about a reward. Figured why not. I don't believe in ghosts after all, ai."
Tessa looks back to entrance of the tavern. 'This is going nowhere.' she watched as the dwarven woman who had spoken to the giant gather her stuff and pay her tab to the barkeep. 'She has the right idea.'
Turning back to the others she stands up and jumps down off the chair. "This has been long enough and I don't be seeing the reward being much for a house that is full of creaky boards. If the house is spooked then all the best to you. I have some others I need to speak to. Should this Anders Solmor show up and still need my services I'll be by the mariners house trading some tales with some old deckhands." With that the fiery-haired halfling leaves the tavern to the rest of you.
Another hour passes by and your patience begins to grow short. Even the baby can be heard getting agitated. Soothing the child does provide some distraction and launches some of you back into the discussion of just who should be the next guardian of the child.
From the front of the tavern you hear the door open and the barkeep say, "Some people for you in the back, Anders."
A vibrant, confident voice answers back politely, "Thank you, Lankus. Anything they have ordered I will take care of."
A young man enters the backroom where you have all been waiting. You watch as he assesses each of you in the room. Dressed in simple but well made clothes he wears a pristine white shirt under a dark green long coat and a pair of soft brown trousers tucked into polished . On his head he wears a matching dark green cavalier hat with a straw-brown feather sticking out of the right side. While the man is of slight build his sharp features and warm smile make the man an attractive person.
When his eyes fall upon Orym holding the swaddled baby he raises an eyebrow but continues scanning the room until he feels he has all of your attention. "Apologies for being late. Since taking over my family's business things have been quite hectic for me. Let me formally introduce myself. I am Anders Solmor. You are here I would hope because you heard of my need for some curious souls to investigate the haunted house."
"The house in question lies about four miles to the east along the old coastal road. It had been the residence of an aged wizard of sinister reputation. Even then, people avoided the house because of its owner's activities. The house has been abandoned for over twenty years when the wizard disappeared."
"Since then the house has taken on an even greater air of mystery. Some even whisper evil. Every now and then there are tales of hardy souls who have sought entry– supposedly in pursuit of a secret hoard of gold. Yet none have ever returned with this gold. The only thing they have brought back are grim tales of decaying chambers guarded by monstrous perils."
"Or that is what they want the people of Saltmarsh to believe. I have a different theory about the house," as he says this he moves closer and his voice lowers, "The house is a front for slavers from the Sea Princes using it as a base to kidnap local travelers and then sell them into bondage."
"Investigate the house and find evidence that supports my theory. If you find anything I will provide you with three hundred gold coins to be split as you all agree upon. Keep what I have said here quiet. If the Sea Princes are using the house as a base of operations then they likely have agents within Saltmarsh."
Tanya listens intently to Anders, nodding on occasion. So it is old Krenshaw's house! Two decades he's not been seen. I have to admit that I have wondered what might be hidden away there.
"I'm in," she says at length, looking to the assembled. She holds her hand at arm's length before her, palm down.
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Althea takes in the conversation listening carefully. She cringes inside a bit at the mention of slavers, but thinks before answering.
If I'm going to change my life I can't do it halfway.
"If thou will accept me I shall accept thine offer of employment".
She imitates the obviously more worldly gesture of the human beside her, and extends her arm palm downward in front of her as well, not understanding the symbology.
Sits quietly listening to his eyes going wide at the mention of slavery. He looks puzzled for a moment, So they are all against slavery . . . He leans forward and asks rather deadpan serious, "So you are all against slavery? Good. Good to know." He leans back and continues to listen.
Seeing Althea imitate her gesture, Tanya moves to place her hand atop that of the triton and then looks expectantly at Orym and the others.
He looks around as the others seem to glance about expecting responses. "Hearing the danger does not deter me. I will see the matter faced in thanks for the help offered to bring this babe to safety."
"The baby is not yours?" Anders walks over and looks at the face of the swaddled child. "Well of course not. As to why you have a human child with you I will infer you have noble plans. If you have brought this child to Saltmarsh I would be inclined to take this child to Eda Oweland. Her family has taken in many fishermen who have fallen on hard times over the years so she will be able to find a good family for this orphaned child."
Seeing only one who has not spoken he looks Duncan's way. "I have seen you before. You are one of the priest's of Procan are you not?"
There is a slight tap on the door as a stranger enters the room
I apologize for my tardiness, but I was told that my help would be needed. I am Rodlas Windrace he says
Orym chuckles, "The baby was discovered in the Dreadwood. I was chosen to bring it here in hopes of returning the child to its own. Duncan here had hoped we could find such a family if this Eda Oweland is one who can care properly for then that would be splendid."
As Rodlas enters Orym places a hand in the center of his chest and nods in polite greeting, speaking in elvish, "Geron del Belog."
Duncan only answers with a nod. "I am certain it will be good to have one of Prcocan's faithful with you in the likelihood that my theory proves to be true." Anders turns and watches the newcomer stride into the backroom. "Make no apologies we just began talking. The job is not overly complicated and while I strongly believe my theory to be sound I might be wrong."
As he watches the group join in one by one in unified acceptance he walks over to Orym, "I will take the baby to Eda Oweland as promised. You will have no need to worry about the child." Reaching in his jacket pocket he takes out a rolled up parchment leaving it on the table and then carefully lifts the baby into his arms. "Are there any questions you need answered before I leave? The way is simple head out of the east gate and follow the road down for 4 miles. You cannot miss the old house and I am sure the priest can lead you there if necessary. The document there is to inform the guards at the gate that you are on official business for me so they should not delay your comings and goings from Saltmarsh. Upon returning seek me out at my manor and provide me with whatever information you find out."
Orym looks at the child tenderly and holds the baby's forehead to his own. "Obad-hai shelter you beneath the leaves of his Oak. I will see you again tiny one." He leans down and settles the baby into place. He pulls from his bag some linens. At last he adds a small leather pouch, "Some root of eelor. The child cries . . . well, even more as its teeth are cutting in. The root helps."
Orym stands his full height is dizzying. He fidgets with his gear and such, shifting things and changing how things are carried. He slides his weapons to easier to reach places. He sits back down "Do we set out tonight or at light?"
"Better light by day," Tanya points out, "And I don't suppose the spooks will care much either way."
The grey elf shrugs.
"Hmmm it seems there is light left. Is it enough to make it to a safe spot or our destination?"
"I have no obligations that call for my presence this day. I say that we make haste towards our destination, and if nothing else scout out the general area".
There is no need to tarry is there? the elf asks.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Tanya leads the way to the door.
The elf follows, trying to engage the firbolg in elven about his fourest home.
Orym tells of the Dreadwood in general and of the many splendid things there in elven. His tone is friendly despite the deep resonance of the giant's voice. He moves easily stopping often when his gait outpaces others to look about alertly even as he speaks.
Duncan nodded to Anders "I am indeed a priest of Procan, a God that is as wild and forgiving as the Sea itself." Duncan reached for the document that would allow them to pass in and out of the city. He read it briefly before folding it and placing it into a pocket. Ducan looked out the nearest window staring off "Yes, I know where the house is and I can take us there. I am curious though is there anyone in town that you know that has been there recently? Anyone that might be able to give us any new information?"
As everyone is getting ready to leave for the house, Duncan hailed Anders before he left inquiring about any recent visits to the house in question. Anders pauses, "None that I know of sorry." With that the man leaves with the baby in his arms.
As you all move to leave The Wicker Goat the man behind the bar, Lankus – you remember hearing Anders call his name – says, "So the house is where you want to make a name for yourself? Well then if you need to talk with someone find Carlin at the Snapping Line. It's a decent inn run by Hanna Rist. Carlin's been mentioning to anyone who would listen about surviving the house."
The elf nods in understanding.
"Carlin you say? Thank you for the information. May Procan bless your establishment." Duncan added as he motioned a blessing.
Looking at the assortment of characters in front of him Duncan addressed them "Well if anyone wants to come I will be heading to the inn to talk to this Carlin fellow. I suggest we spend the night at that inn and leave at the crack of dawn."
"I am happy to make new acquaintances. If thou would have me I would be glad to accompany you to thine new lodgings".
With no other suggestions from anyone else Duncan leads the group out of The Wicker Goat towards the Snapping Line. Duncan confirms what Lankus has to say about the Snapping Line adding that it is popular among the sailors and fishermen who typically trade stories and drink well into the night.
It's also locally known for the drink they make called claw wine. It is a drink distilled from lobster meat and potatoes. The ingredients definitely raise an eyebrow among many of you in the group as you contemplate what the taste of such a concoction must be like.
Nearing a rather large bridge Duncan lets you know that it is called the Sharkfin Bridge . This bridge spans the river and a number of shops and homes have been built along its length. The bridge is large enough for laden carts to pass two abreast. Crossing over the bridge you all marvel at the bridge's workmanship when Orym watches as Rodalas begins to sway his hands quickly finding a wall to brace upon.
Crossing the bridge you feel a faint wave of nausea pass over you
Orym assists Rodalas over the bridge and within a few minutes, you find yourself outside of The Snapping Line. Pushing open the doors the inn seems to be built from the planks and hulls fishing ships. Its decor is predictably nautical in theme and you can the lingering smell of fish in the air as soon as you walk through the doors.
A server smiles your way and tells you to sit wherever you'd like. Taking a quick scan of the common room you see there are several people in here, only one man with disheveled brown curly hair sits by himself at the bar with his back towards you. He mumbles to himself his head lowered.
Unlike the others, this man's attire seems to be just a little better than rags. He wears a sleeveless hide coat that has been poorly stitched up quite often to cover some gaping holes. His pants dyed brown are torn and frayed at the bottom falling right to his calves. He also wears a pair of worn sandals on his feet that are just hanging by the straps.
"Its another drink stop. . . . you small folk have no end of need for refreshment."
Duncan chuckled at Orym's comment. "Well we do indeed enjoy a drink or two. It helps when the pain gets too much." Duncan seems lost in thought. "Now, you will all have to try the Claw Wine when we get to the Snapping Line. It's an acquired taste, but once it's acquired it's fantastic."
As soon as they could see the Snapping Line inn Duncan remembered how much he enjoyed the decor of the place. It reminded him of being on a ship again.
Duncan approached the barkeep. "Ho! Five glasses of your ripest Claw Wine please!" Taking the glasses from the bartender and handing them to his companions Duncan turned back to the barkeep. "Now would you happen to know where I can find someone named Carlin?"
Orym sniffs the Claw Wine then looks around to see if others are actually drinking it. He takes a tentative sip.
Wondering if the human cleric is addressing her or not Althea takes the offered wine, and loudly proclaims...
She then takes the offered wine.
"Mine thanks... whatever you are Orym". Then taking a tentative sip...
"Not bad. Needs salt though".
Tanya accepts the wine graciously, but only sips at it.
As Althea voice booms throughout the room all heads turn to her except one, the disheveled man, and then a few turn their heads towards the same man at the bar.
Maybe sesnsing the attention shifted on him he answers without turning towards Althea, "What's the interest? A man like that is probably too busy to talk to someone who he doesn't know."
Orym looks puzzled. "You are welcome?" He finishes the drink and looks back at the Triton even more puzzled. "MORE salt." He coughs a little. "Me? I am of the Dreadwood. My people are called Firbolg by the elves. . . .I believe their word is generally applied among other peoples."
Orym looks up, when the man speaks, "If you do not know the man we seek I don't know as knowing our business is necessary." He looks around, "Is there somewhere else Carlin might be found if not here." Orym looks around hoping for help that has already been given.
Assuming from the looks in the bar Duncan approached the man that spoke. “Are you by chance Carlin? We don’t want any trouble I assure you. We only wish to swap stories.”. Duncan paused and turned to the barkeep. ”Another claw wine if you please for this gentleman.” Offering the glass to the stranger Duncan continued “If you are the man we seek, rumour has it you have been to the old house 4 miles up the road; the one everyone thinks is haunted. If you have been there and lived to tell of it we would love to know what you saw. “
When the man hears Duncan order him drink he turns to face him. The man's haggard face shows him to be close to forty winters. A full beard covers most of his face and lines of gray streak through the tangled mess of black hair.
"See I told ya lot! My bravery is spreading." the man seems to direct this at others in the inn as if he were standing on a grand podium. "Yes. I am the man that you are seeking and I've been in that dreaded house." he brings the cup of claw wine to his mouth and downs it in one gulp, "Ahhh that was good. Could do with a couple more been a time since I told the tale. The wine helps me remember."
What can you tell us about your visit to the dreaded house? inquires the grey elf.
Now fascinated to hear the tale, Althea hastens to the bar to bring the man another cup of the saltless wine.
"Yes please hasten with your tale, as our own adventure awaits us. Mayhaps this shall moisten thy throat so that thy might speak".
He smiles as he takes the glass from Althea this time taking a slow sip as he savors the interest in him and his grand story.
"Hmmm where to begin? It was that Westin and his gang of fools! They think their better than me. Old and washed up they said. They challenged me and I wasn't about to back down from the likes of them!" He takes another sip and looks about the room looking for someone,"Well I went in the house – by myself nonetheless. Found a way in through the backdoor. There was a well nearby if I remember right and the door led to the kitchen and the scullery where the dishes and laundry are washed. Must be why the well was so close by."
[b]"Wasn't anything worth finding in the kitchen or the scullery so I looked about and then found a staircase heading to the basement. I took two steps and then out of nowhere a scream blasted from the darkness stopping me right there, right then. And that is when I saw them. A horde of spirits came swarming up the stairs. Their faces once young withered away into old dead flesh. I ran as soon as fast as my feet would take me but tripped upon something. Those creatures stretched their hands out and I could feel their cold grip want to rip at my throat. I got back up and stumbled at the door falling outside. The ghosts they just stood there looking at me. It is something I couldn't forget even if I wanted to. After that I ran for town and let them all know what happened."[b]
Duncan felt the hairs on his neck stand up as Carlin described the spirits that chased him off. Duncan put his hand on Carlin’s shoulder ”Approaching a house with the reputation it has by yourself is certainly a fine example of bravery.“ Raising his glass Duncan said aloud “To Carlin the brave!” Duncan took a big swing of his claw wine. “Well if there is nothing else you can tell us then we will be off. I am bringing friends and the power of Procan with me in the hopes that we can put an end to this haunting.”
Duncan ordered a bowl of stew and when he was with his new companions in a low tone he said “Stroking that drunks ego left a bad taste in my mouth.” As he brought a spoonful of the hearty stew to his mouth. “Well at least we know now that we should be on the lookout when we enter the basement. We should rest up tonight, there is a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”
Orym looks around confused when Duncan speaks of Carlin's bravery. He lifts his glass late and mumbles along when others toast.
Tanya lifts her glass, but only sips at the wine.
The lifts a glass of wine and takes a little sip, especially if it is not elven wine.