Baghotir thinks a bit, and does have one or two things to say in support of this action, but two things stay his tongue.
Firstly, politics. The room is full of it, and he doesn't like to get caught up in such things. Second, The Baron really loves this sort of repartee. Might as well let him do the talking.
He turns to Belwick and nods his agreement. Go on...
Belwick, who would normally feel miffed by how Caelius is acknowledged by name but he is not, misses the slight. He is instead caught staring at Iliza for a moment longer than is strictly necessary or appropriate. But when Baghotir pauses to give him the floor, he composes himself and speaks.
"Members of the council, first let me thank you. As you know, I am Baron Belwick Donnamoor. I speak for my friends here when I say that it would be our honour to provide assistance to the city of Saltmarsh. I know I have a deep love for Keoland, something that extends to this great town, and as such am duty bound to defend it from threats."
"Having been involved in some of the recent diplomatic efforts with the strong Lizardfolk of Othokent, as well as with the resilient Locathah and resourceful Merfolk, you are right to seek us out. Our skills are varied, but it is my friends' bravery in the face of danger that will be helpful in seeing this task through."
He pauses long enough to sweep his gaze over each of the council members, his expresssion serious. "In short: you can count on us. But know that there are many details that we will need to work through with the assembled personages to ensure this endeavour is a success. We don't need to get into it this very second, but funding and supplies for our reconnaissance mission will need to be sorted. Alisanne can coordinate that with whatever quartermaster is assigned."
Belwick then looks at the group. "And most likely my friends have additional questions. I would like to give them the floor so that they might ask them now."
Captain Fireborn looks abashed for a moment.
"Baron Donnamoor. Though The Donnamoor is far to the north, you serve His Majesty and as a Knight of Keoland, I owe you deference and honor. My position here puts us in an... Awkward... Position at times. Please forgive my lapse."
Solmor adds,"As for supplies and provisions... You will have all that you ask for, within reason."
Primewater frowns at this but says nothing.
|
Roberts has to agree with the dwarf. She thinks to herself, this room is full of words. Boring words. Reconnaissance? That's like 4 words long!
"Ready to haul out when they" she points to Belwick and Alisanne "give the word."
She does smirk with that, 'give the word'... she is quite satisfied with herself.
"Yes. I have a question. We're not exactly the quiet type," he clangs his armor, worn for the occasion. "I expect we'll be doing some damage as much as investigatin'. So's they don't swarm us, is there any chance of a feint from the water side?"
He chews his mustache a moment, "Nothing serious mind. Just something to get their attention while we're busy on the land side."
Baghotir smiles a bit, considering himself quite clever. The smile fades a bit though as he then worries whether he's just made a fool of himself instead.
He wonders what the others will ask of the council.
Eliander Fireborn meets your gaze with understanding and patience.
"Quiet is the point. We cannot afford to tip our hand so soon. A distraction would let the Sahuagin know that a coordinated effort is working against them. If you're not discovered at all, excellent, but I don't expect that. We need you all to look like a band of freelancers out for a thrill and some treasure. To look like, 'Adventurers'."
Fireborn motions to the Scaleshields and they approach, producing a map. Garurt flattens it on the bench and shows it to you all. He describes the details:
"Sea Devils forced us from our home. This was once Othokent's domain. The Sahuagin attacked, and drove us away. It is caves--three levels--inside this rocky island. The island is at the mouth of the river you call Javan. 50 miles to the southwest. Our People did little to change the inside--we built very simple stairs connecting the levels but we know the Sauhagin have made changes. Somehow the lower levels are now beneath the surface. Magic from their Shark Goddess. There are two entrances now underwater. The only remaining entrance is a new one, built by the Sahuagin. A new set of doors... here. We believe you should approach while the sun shines--The Sahuagin are most active at night. At night, they send scouting parties into the marsh, using this path. A, 'Causeway', from the shore to the doors."
"I can handle our passage in those underwater entrances, if that is of a greater tactical advantage," Belwick says with obvious confidence. "Through my research I have worked out the necessary magicks to give us the ability to breathe underwater. It'll last us the day, giving us plenty of time to gain entrance."
"Though I might suggest that we equip ourselves for battle underwater. Spears and other pointed instruments of death. That sort of thing."
There are murmers of impressed chatter at Belwick's boast of power. Iliza smiles proudly.
"That would be an option. Though the Sahuagin will have better fortified those entrances as well. You may encounter less resistance and fewer sentries going in by the causeway--The Sahuagin cannot breath out of water for very long. And there will be sentries outside the fortress beneath the waves. The choice of approach is yours, of course."
Garurt adds to the map, showing you the two underwater entrances. One on the north side--an old guard room. The other on the south side. Both are on the 3rd level, down on the seabed. Garurt cautions you...
"The southern entrance is the main for the Sahuagin, we suspect. The Merfolk tell us that one is a barred gate, behind which the main host of Sahuagin makes camp. That entrance is certain death."
"Well, I can say that 'certain death' is not an option we prefer," Belwick says with a chuckle. "But the goal is to know their strength, yes? A scouting mission. If we have no need of knowledge for that particular entrance, then we will give that area a pass."
Remembering something Baghotir said, the nobleman looks at his friend. "I also have a spell that can, for a time, grant someone nigh complete undetectability. It's not simple, and requires intense concentration, but it might help us keep the element of surprise."
Alisanne gives Belwick the side eye.
With a grimace, she adds, Indeed, I can coordinate with your quartermaster once we've determined our needs.
Alisanne salutes Belwick.
Perhaps we can discuss specific tactics separately. I wouldn't want to hold up this august body from their other responsibilities. How we decide to fulfill our mission is likely outside their interests. We've accepted and we should confine our questions, I think, to gathering as much info as we can so that we take up as little of their time as needed and can make our own informed deliberations later.
She curtsies to Belwick.
Iliza and most of the Saltmarsh council can't hide their chuckles at Alisanne's curtsy.
"We will do what we can to help. Is there anyway for us to send word bck in case we are overwheled and fail?" Caelius asks.
Baghotir listens to the response and shrugs. So we're chum if it goes wrong. He's fine with that, it is a good plan, and won't tip their hand if the party is caught out and ground up.
He doesn't think that will happen, but best to be on the safe side either way. Not sure about this stealthing thing, especially now he's not the only one in plate armor. Still, maybe there's something magical that will provide cover.
He remains in support of the plan - even if he has to buy and, sigh, use, a spear.
Iliza speaks to Caelius.
"Wizard Belwick has a way to cast a Sending Spell to keep us informed. He can message directly to me."
Anders Solmor reclaims the chair.
"It sounds like you accept. You have our thanks. You are all the hopes of Saltmarsh, and all the good peoples gathered here. When you return with the information, we will plan our strategy and launch the assault as soon as possible. Is there any other way that we, gathered here, can assist or inform you?"
Baghotir has no further questions and is ready to meet the quartermaster person so he can get some spears in case they end up underwater.
As the party walks away, he reminds, "I can make us capable of walking on water for an hour or so with a ten minute preparation. We should go into the fortress with that in play just in case."
"I'll also think about any other spells that might be helpful in this. I can cast silence as we enter as well. So long as I can concentrate on it, it'll be 10 minutes of quiet."
"Nothing from me for the moment. Let us take advantage of the daylight and begin preparations immediately."
The assembled people wrap up the war council. Anders Solmor, Gellan Primewater and Eliander Fireborn approach you. Anders reaches to clasp your hands.
"Friends of Saltmarsh. Thank you--You've proven your mettle a few times over now and you have the trust of the Lizard and Merfolks. I've no doubt you will return victorious with the information we need, and that will save Saltmarsh lives! My own House will cover any general equipment you need. Please equip yourselves and I urge you to depart as soon as possible. I suspect there are enemy ears listening when we least expect it, and while the Sahuagin threaten them as well, I do not put it past The Sea Princes to take advantage of our being distracted and profit off of our war."
Gellan scoffs.
"Anders, that's just silly. The Sea Princes are far away and even pirates know when to lie low."
Anders frowns, but says nothing.
Captain Fireborn nods at you and says, "Gentles. Good Hunting."
Adventurers, what now? I am ready when you are.
Baghotir, assuming the party is leaving in the morning, arranges for a few spears for the trip from Anders. He's very polite and appreciative, even if it is only a few gold.
He'll meet the party the following morning, ready to head out - unless folks are leaving early!
"Let's not leave anything up to chance and set to work right away, yes? Sea Princes are always a challenge, and one I agree Saltmarsh would not want to contend with simultaneously."
When making a melee weapon attack, a creature that doesn’t have a swimming speed (either natural or granted by magic) has disadvantage on the attack roll unless the weapon is a dagger, javelin, shortsword, spear, or trident.
A ranged weapon attack automatically misses a target beyond the weapon’s normal range. Even against a target within normal range, the attack roll has disadvantage unless the weapon is a crossbow, a net, or a weapon that is thrown like a javelin (including a spear, trident, or dart).
Creatures and objects that are fully immersed in water have resistance to fire damage.
Belwick will ensure that he has a crossbow and a case with 20 bolts in it. Once he has what he needs, he makes a point to study his spellbook to ensure he has the magic needed to protect himself and fight sahuagin.
And then he'll say his goodbyes, in particular with Iliza.
Belwick acquires any mundane gear from the PHB he wishes. Anders Solmor pays the tab.
BUT... When he goes to the cove to say goodbye to Iliza, he needs to wait a very long time for any response. Ultimately, Belwick is greeted by Iliza's Lady-In-Waiting, Aryn.
"Wizard Belwick. I apologize but Salvager Iliza is ill. She wishes you luck and a safe return from your mission. She bade me give you this."
You are handed a small, heart shaped purple shell that has been etched with flowing designs.
Belwick is crestfallen when Iliza doesn't see him. She looked well during the meeting with the council, and I have a thousand questions about just how she got to be standing there.
To the lady-in-waiting his words are formal. "Thank you, Aryn. For the message, and for passing along this gift from Salvager Iliza. Please sent along my wishes to her for a speedy recovery."
Once away he'll whisper the words to a spell that allows him to detect the presence of magic. Should he find any within the shell he will perform the ritual casting necessary to identify the nature of the magic.
The Shell isn't magical. It is just hande made. Someone took a lot of effort to shape and etch it.
Determined to at least express his appreciation of the gift, Belwick retrieves the shell he has been using to communicate at distance with his merfolk lover. He take deep, completely unnecessary breath, and says the command word to activate the magic.
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"I will be ready in the morning to head out." Caelius heads to the market in search of a small bit of magic. He goes from vendor to vendor in search of a magical spear. It is a long evening as some magic is difficult to find.
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"I will be ready in the morning to head out." Caelius heads to the market in search of a small bit of magic. He goes from vendor to vendor in search of a magical spear. It is a long evening as some magic is difficult to find.
Magic Weapons would need to be purchased from Issac or The Quartermasters of Iuz. Let's see...
,,,
Caelius, you learn that The Faithful Quartermasters of Iuz have a magic spear for 300 Gold Pieces. The shop is run by Captain Xendros, a female Tiefling.
Issac can get you one, but it'll take weeks.
Do you wish to purchase?
Caelius sets a bag with 300 gold pieces on the table. "You have a deal Captain Xendros."
"Glad to see Issac and I don't necessarily need to be enemies. I'm always looking for enchanted items to purchase, and my wares change each week. Should you find anything you'd like to sell... Come see us. I'll purchase almost anything, though I'm on the lookout for something special. I hear you're headed to the Sea Devils' lair. Should you come across an Apparatus of Kwalish, I can pay you a disgusting amount of gold for it."
As Belwick leaves the cove, uncertain, he literally bumps into Bayleaf.
"Woah there... My Lord. Where are you headed in such a hurry? May I be of service?"
Belwick is taken aback by the appearance of Bayleaf, but quickly decides that this is good fortune. "Bayleaf! A pleasure to see you again. I am to leave Saltmarsh shortly on an important mission for the city. And... it's possible that you may indeed be of service to me. Though I must warn you that what I and my companions are about to do will be dangerous. It's something of a scouting mission involving... Sahuagin. I am expecting that conflict with occur, but perhaps not."
"I will see what I can do." Caelius only intends for this to be a simple payment for an item to possibly save his life. He will speak to the others on what to do if tey happen to find said item. "Any chance you can procur this item a lot quicker. Like today for a disgusting amount of gold?" He smiles back, jiggling a large sack of coins containing 1000 gold pieces.
"I will see what I can do." Caelius only intends for this to be a simple payment for an item to possibly save his life. He will speak to the others on what to do if tey happen to find said item. "Any chance you can procur this item a lot quicker. Like today for a disgusting amount of gold?" He smiles back, jiggling a large sack of coins containing 1000 gold pieces.
"The spear is here and in stock. Here you go. Would you like to see what else I can show you?"
Belwick is taken aback by the appearance of Bayleaf, but quickly decides that this is good fortune. "Bayleaf! A pleasure to see you again. I am to leave Saltmarsh shortly on an important mission for the city. And... it's possible that you may indeed be of service to me. Though I must warn you that what I and my companions are about to do will be dangerous. It's something of a scouting mission involving... Sahuagin. I am expecting that conflict with occur, but perhaps not."
"Sounds dangerous and likely profitable. If you're looking for a companion, I'll be in for an equal share of plunder and reward with 500 Gold Pieces guaranteed. And I want my name left off of any sort of official reward from Saltmarsh. If they choose to throw you a parade afterwards, I'm just a joe, you know? But if we can't come to terms on that, that's fine. And I'm available for any other errands you need doing while you're aware. Research done, skulls cracked, whatever."
Belwick considers the offer for a few seconds, frowning. "I don't think we can come to an accord, as I don't expect this to be mission laden with treasure. It'll be difficult sell, if I'm honest. Especially for someone who is, as you say, 'just a joe'."
"Still, I appreciate your willingness to help. To date, you have earned very good coin from me without needing to so much beyond participate in a single fight though. No offense meant, but what skills do you bring with respect to research? How far are you willing to travel? If I set you a task, I need to understand what degree of initiative you will take. Can you give me an example of a time when you researched a complex topic? Or protected a high profile individual?"
Seeing Caelius sporting a new spear, Alisanne considers her immediate needs. She first heads over to see Isaac and inquires if his stock includes a bag of holding and any protective gear. If not, she'll head over to see Captain Xendros and inquire after the same.
Issac has...
Boots of Striding and Springing 300 Gold
Staff of The Adder 300 Gold
Greater Potion of Healing... 300 Gold
Oil of Slipperiness... 300 Gold
Potion of Frost Giant Strength... 2500 Gold
Potion of Supreme Healing... 25,000 Gold (yes that is correct)
Another Potion of Supreme Healing.
Xendros has...
+1 Weapon (bought thank you come again)
Pearl of Power 300 Gold
, , ,
Potion of Healing 50 Gold
2nd Level Spell Scroll 300 Gold
Potion of Healing, Superior 2500 gold
Horseshoes of a Zephyr 25000 Gold
and...
8th Level Spell Scroll... 25000 Gold
Belwick considers the offer for a few seconds, frowning. "I don't think we can come to an accord, as I don't expect this to be mission laden with treasure. It'll be difficult sell, if I'm honest. Especially for someone who is, as you say, 'just a joe'."
"Still, I appreciate your willingness to help. To date, you have earned very good coin from me without needing to so much beyond participate in a single fight though. No offense meant, but what skills do you bring with respect to research? How far are you willing to travel? If I set you a task, I need to understand what degree of initiative you will take. Can you give me an example of a time when you researched a complex topic? Or protected a high profile individual?"
"I remain untested. I hear you. I think they'll be plenty of plunder in that Sea Devil fortress, but I get it. As for the other stuff... Knowing... Is what I do. I have contacts all over The Flanaess, and I'm a bard of significant skill. Why don't we call this a trial run, eh? Set me to get you something. Information or something else valuable. We'll talk payment when I prove myself to you. How does that sound?"
Alisanne thanks Xendros for the Pearl of Power.
Baghotir is disappointed elements of the party is dealing with those evil folk, but it's not his place to say anything.
He does eye the boots of striding and springing though. He'll buy them, but see if anyone else would prefer them before donning them. It's not a huge difference in speed, but the jumping is fine!
He practices not falling on the descent.
Baghotir is disappointed elements of the party is dealing with those evil folk, but it's not his place to say anything.
He does eye the boots of striding and springing though. He'll buy them, but see if anyone else would prefer them before donning them. It's not a huge difference in speed, but the jumping is fine!
He practices not falling on the descent.
Captain Xendros does, indeed, work for The Faithful Quartermasters of Iuz. Items purchased and monies collected are sent back to Iuz. The nation of Iuz and Keoland are currently on OK terms.
"I remain untested. I hear you. I think they'll be plenty of plunder in that Sea Devil fortress, but I get it. As for the other stuff... Knowing... Is what I do. I have contacts all over The Flanaess, and I'm a bard of significant skill. Why don't we call this a trial run, eh? Set me to get you something. Information or something else valuable. We'll talk payment when I prove myself to you. How does that sound?"
"Very well. I would ask you to provide protection for Salvager Iliza, but I don't know that you can swim quite that well. But I do have an interest in the movements of the Sea Princes, who are a potential threat for Saltmarsh. And if you are up for a real challenge, see if you can learn anything about the Scarlet Brotherhood in this region. I suspect the former will be an easier task, but good information on both will be rewarded."
"I remain untested. I hear you. I think they'll be plenty of plunder in that Sea Devil fortress, but I get it. As for the other stuff... Knowing... Is what I do. I have contacts all over The Flanaess, and I'm a bard of significant skill. Why don't we call this a trial run, eh? Set me to get you something. Information or something else valuable. We'll talk payment when I prove myself to you. How does that sound?""Very well. I would ask you to provide protection for Salvager Iliza, but I don't know that you can swim quite that well. But I do have an interest in the movements of the Sea Princes, who are a potential threat for Saltmarsh. And if you are up for a real challenge, see if you can learn anything about the Scarlet Brotherhood in this region. I suspect the former will be an easier task, but good information on both will be rewarded."
He smiles wide, his eyes sparkling. He holds out his hand.
"Consider it done!"
Belwick shakes Bayleaf's hand, then makes his way back to the others. He is quite pleased with himself.
Caelius attaches his new spear to his pack. "Just in case." He cinches the strap. "I am ready when you all are." Though he was hoping he wasn't underwater for long.
The party departs.
You are assigned a keelboat flying Keoland colors. It has been modified slightly: two pairs of oars, two rowboats and a step-down mast. Aside from yourselves, it is crewed by two town guardsmen.
Temperatures are mild and there's no rain in sight. There is a slight breeze and the travel to the area is easy.
The island is bare of vegetation other than mosses, lichens, seaweed, and the occasional clump of coarse grass. No wildlife appears present, but for a few clouds of insects and small mollusks. In stark contrast to other sites along the coast, no seabirds can be seen near the island.
As reported by the scouts, a long stone causeway leads southward from the marshy coastline, crossing the entire span just above the waterline. By looking south from the coast, you can see that it ends at a ledge with a set of large stone doors just beyond.
The guardsmen prepare a rowboat--they have no intention on bringing the keelboat too close.
One of them approaches the party.
"Fah. Red Sky. Can't be helped. Here we are, Sirs. I dare not apporoach any closer. You should take the rowboat either to the island, or to the mainland and cross the causeway. That part is up to you. We can meet back at this position for the extraction. We will need some kind of signal... Or I can be back here at an appointed day and time. I'm told you have a way to message the merfolk? That may be an option."
He looks to you for orders.
"I suggest we cross the causeway. The quicker we're away from the water the better as they'll have the advantage there." He considers casting water walking, but they might need to enter the water and swim so he holds off.
He looks to the others for a better suggestion then checking in once a day - his preferred nonmagical option.
