"It makes no sense, I agree. I have to believe that it is a forged note too. There's no other explanation. But we need to know who wrote it. Outside of comparing handwriting, I can't see a way to figure that out."
Baghotir looks around the house for more writing by Ingo so they can at least confirm a forgery.
"Hrm. I can't seem to find much. Can anyone find any writing of Ingo's to compare with this latest note? I mean, he could have been forced to write it before his death, but it feels like someone else did it, you know?"
Knowing that proof is more important than assumptions, Belwick decides to take several moments to study the note from Ingo. "Maybe there's something that can be sussed out by this note..."
He reads the note, but just shakes his head. "This is a waste of time. We know these deaths were orchestrated by someone, but this note tells us nothing. I suggest we see Captain Xendros. Perhaps she knows something about the acquisition of this construct. Let's go."
"Sure! A reasonable lead to follow. After all, they will sell to just about anyone. Seems likely to be them."
Baghotir follows Belwick to the magic dealers.
Caelius follows solemnly behind, taking one last look at his mentor since he joined the city. "I won't let your death go without punishing those behind this." He offers a small salute before leaving the room.
You walk through town to The Faithful Quartermasters of Iuz, a somewhat familiar spot for you--a couple of you have made purchases from them.
The Empire of Iuz is an enemy most of the world, but they are actively at war with several of Keoland's rivals, which is why they are permitted here in Saltmarsh. You know that they trade in magic and magic items, and have been using gold and magical items to purchase all the fish they can--entire shiploads at a time.
Tension is everywhere on this walk through Saltmarsh. You can't shake the feeling that the entire town sits upon the edge of a knife.
You arrive at the shop to find a couple of toughs standing guard outside the door. They are trying (and failing) to look casual. They look you over but make no move to stop you from entering.
Inside you are greeted by Captain Xendros, a very curvy Tiefling, stocky, and voluptuous. She has solid gold eyes, with no apparent pupils. She smiles wide, revealing pointed teeth. It is both attractive and frightening.
"Ah, the Saviors of Saltmarsh, Slayers of Sekolah's Supplicants. What may I help you with today? Would you care to make an exchange?"
The shining gold jewelry she is draped with is grim in theme. Pentacles, teeth, arcane and religious sigils. Blades, spikes and chains.
Belwick plasters a smile to his face. "Alas, the reason for our visit today is not one of trade. We are hoping that you can perhaps shed some light for us. In service to the town that provides so much trade to you."
The nobleman cleaves straight to his point. "As you may have heard, Captain Eliador Fireborn was slain. By all accounts it appears to have been wrought by Ingo the Drover or, more notably, a magical Shield Guardian under his control. Now, given that such a construct is not easy to come by, I was wondering... where could Ingo have gotten such a thing?"
Captain Xendros cozies right up to Belwick, his tone and body language bringing her in. She leans forward over the counter and nearly purrs.
"Where, indeed? Oh, such a heinous crime. But alas, I'm don't make a habit of discussing past clients... Oops! Now you know he was a client! Oh, curse these pretty eyes of yours. Well, now the cat's out of the bag. I can tell you that... Yes... We did business for a Shield Guardian the very day he arrived in Saltmarsh. It took me a couple of weeks to source it, of course, that's not exactly off-the-rack. And we were well paid for it."
Belwick maintains the smile, resisting the urge as best he can to move away from the woman. "Ah, yes. Well, very kind of you to share. And I imagine that item fetched a princely sum. Unusual for a drover to have such coin, don't you think? And where did you come across such an impressive construct?"
She picks up on your insincerity. If she's truly bothered by it, you can't tell. Her demeanor shifts into one of professionalism.
"The Empire of Iuz is a land of wonders. I can get you anything. For the right price."
She narrows her eyes at you.
"Surely you know that, 'Drover', was a sort of joke, no? Ingo was a source of hired muscle--mercenaries and marines. A very lucrative business, and perhaps he had family money. That isn't any of my business. I sourced the guardian, he paid for it."
Belwick sighs, obviously crestfallen. "Thank you. I know it's just business. If I'm being honest here, I think someone has used your former client as a scapegoat for a murder and I don't like it. I was hoping that you might have information that could help us find out who. Any ideas?"
She smiles.
"I'm going to ask you again, 'Would you care to make an exchange', ? You can't get something for nothing, you know."
Certain that he's about to get fleeced by the quartermaster, but hopeful nonetheless, Belwick counts out five platinum pieces. "Fair enough. I understand business, and the cost thereof. If you know anything, these coins are yours."
Not losing her smile, she collects the platinum pieces.
"This meets my retainer. Now...
What I offer is the following: Information. I have information about Ingo's final moments that no one else has. Though I have no evidence that would hold up to any court or tribunal, I can tell you a lot. I can sever this knot for you, and send you right to the end. But what do I want?"
Her eyes glitter. She moves to the door to the shop and says something low to her guards outside. Then she closes the door, sliding the bar into place. She flips a sign over in the front window and returns to the desk.
"I need adventurers. Obviously, you all have current business in Saltmarsh, and that business will take precedence. As it so happens, I'm on your side in this matter, and I have no wish to impede you. But when you are done, and when these dark deeds are brought to light, you will perform an errand for me--An acquisition. A curiosity, nothing more, nothing that will swing the balance of power one way or the other. Nothing that will burden your conscience. But I need brave souls to follow my treasure map to the end. What say you, Heroes of Saltmarsh? Fancy an expedition? To The Barrier Peaks?"
Belwick inhales deeply. He doesn't like the debt, but sees no way around it. "As long as this errand isn't counter to the interests of Keoland, I will do it."
Belwick knows that The Barrier Peaks are part of the Crystalmist Mountains, near the Grand Duchy of Geoff, and that Geoff swears fealty to Keoland. The peaks are part of the mountain range that makes up the border with Ket.
Belwick inhales deeply. He doesn't like the debt, but sees no way around it. "As long as this errand isn't counter to the interests of Keoland, I will do it."
"I have no interest in acting against Keoland. You have been gracious hosts."
And as long as the information you provide does indeed lead to resolution of the current situation. I don't want us to committed to anything in payment for fairy tales and dead ends.
Baghotir squirms a little - he does not want to work for Iuz. However, they really could use the information, so he struggles with his conscience. In the end, he choses to trust the Baron…
”Alisanne speaks the truth of it. The information needs to be of value, and I’ll add another, ah, suggestion. Nothing we do to get you your item, whatever it is, will involve evil deeds on our part. If we’re stealing this from some good dragon’s hoard, the deal is off. Fair?”
Uncomfortable with not only the identity of the broker and her connection to the Old One, Venn scowls at the thought of heading to such a storied and ...infamous location. "Speak and be clear about what you ask of us. I passed by the mountains on my journey from the Gnarley. This geas is no mere errand."
Her mouth smoothes into a smirk. She lightly touches one of her bangles, with a dangling gold symbol--a grinning skull.
"My Lord, Protect me from such Heroes."
She raises her hand and pledges to you, "Though I suspect my word won't mean much to you, I swear that the only evil on this journey will be what you bring with you."
Lowering her hand, she continues.
"Since I must be explicit: What I'm offering is the last few minutes of Ingo's life. What he was thinking, what he was feeling, what he was experiencing, and... The identity of his killer. I do not have any evidence that will convict. I can only tell you what happened--as I witnessed the crime. After a fashion, anyway. You can use that information however you wish. Now, what I'm asking: When I said before that I can get anything? Sometimes I hire runners for what I need."
She produces a pouch of tobacco and starts to roll a cigarette.
"Have you heard of Wizard Kwalish? He disappeared many years ago, somewhere in The Barrier Peaks. He went with an expedition, searching for arcane secrets related to his work with machines. Legend has it that the entire expedition was lost, but the truth is that there was one man who escaped and he tells a tale of a lost temple of some kind where Kwalish set up a new lab, intent on some mad new work. I have a map to that temple, and I need an Apparatus of Kwalish, one of his machines, for a buyer. Agree to this contract and I'll tell you how Ingo died and who killed him. And once you deal with that, I'll give you the map. Retrieve the apparatus for me, and I'm also willing to trade for anything else you retrieve on this errand. It will be dangerous, but there is also likely a good deal of plunder or artifacts to sell. Now... Do we have a deal?"
Seeing no conflict to his loyalties, Belwick extends a hand. "The killer's identify for an item in a lost temple. If this needs be how we get justice for Saltmarsh, so be it. I accept."
She doesn't shake yet, looking to the others for their assent.
"The journey is perilous. It will require all of you, not just you, Baron."
"Sure, I'll go. Sounds like someone has been scrying on the citizens of Saltmarsh."
Baghotir grumbles, but it glad for the information to come and he agrees to the deal.
"Sounds fun. I'm all for plunder. And to be clear, we keep everything we find besides the Apparatus, right?"
"Sounds fun. I'm all for plunder. And to be clear, we keep everything we find besides the Apparatus, right?"
"That's right. All I need is the apparatus, but should you find anything interesting, you may find a great deal of profit trading with me for gold or other curiosities."
"Well, it seems terms have been agreed to. Please, enlighten us, Captain."
Venn actually abstains from verbalizing any agreement.
Noting Venn, Belwick shakes his head. "Don't mind the good ranger, Captain Xendros. He's practically mute, and he'll come with us all the same."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Despite his reluctantly discovered fondness for Belwick, the quip comes without hint or preview, "Why speak when aristocrats will gladly do it for me?"
"This man who survived and set up the lab. Is he still alive and are we going in looking to plunder and steal in his eyes?" Caelius asks curiously as there is always a catch.
"I do not know if Kwalish lives, though I doubt it. How I get the apparatus is unimportant. Diplomacy will do, as will skullduggery. His reputation is also not a clean one--he cared for his machines far more than he did his people."
This seems to satisfy her.
"I find it wise to keep tabs on buyers, especially when they purchase items as powerful as a Shield Guardian. The amount of destruction he could do with it is not small. I sold him the guardian but altered it a little, permitting me to probe into his thoughts as long as it was in his posession. And as luck would have it, I was checking in on Ingo the evening he was killed.
I sensed that he knew he was going to die, and that he'd committed some kind of betrayal. The man was in agony. I pushed deeper into him and yes, he was near death, and The guardian was heavily damaged. He had just used it to kill his only friend. Then fear, pain, he felt helpless and certain he was dying. The physical pain faded, and was replaced with shock and then rage. 'The Scarlet Brotherhood!' he thought. 'The wine!', and finally... Despair. 'Yes! I am weak! Damn you to The Nine Hells! Wait, I know you--You're Solmor's butler... It was you?!?!', and then nothing but void."
She lights her cigarette and takes a long drag, regarding you all.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"The butler did it!"
Xendros laughs--it's pretty and warm, despite what you may be feeling about her.
Belwick curses. "The bastard sent us after Keledek! We need to track down Skerrin Wavechaser. And investigate the wine. We should move. Now."
He nods to Captain Xendros. "Thank you. The debt will be repaid."
"Damn butlers. A position of trust too!"
Baghotir moves quickly to follow the Baron.
With Baghotir and (hopefully) the others following him, the baron leads the group to the residence of Anders Solmor. "Like before, we arrive as if we mean to speak with Anders, knowing that, if Skerrin is there, he will be the one to greet us."
You arrive at the Solmor estate. There are more guards on duty than there were last time--nearly double you think.
Nearby is the home of Eda Oweland, the gruff and pragmatic Senior Councilwoman. Her home is a sprawling home, with varying styles of additions added on.
Also nearby is the Mariners Guildhall, which is large enough to service all the towns along the coast.
You are stopped at the front gates of the Solmor compound by a pale guard who looks to be of rank. He wears a breastplate and a tabard with Solmor livery. He is armed with a sword and shield, and clutch of javelins.
His voice is monotone, with little emotion behind it. "Halt. What is your business here today, Friend? The estate is closed and we are locked down for security reasons."
Rank-and-file guards are nearby at various posts.
"We are investigating the recent deaths, and Solmor will want to see us. Summon his butler, and we will explain it to him. He can act as go-between if you wish. But turn us away, and you'll find yourself wanting for employment sure as I stand here." Baghotir growls, before softening, "It's nothing personal mind, it's just been a rough day. Please summon the butler and we will chat."
You are flatly denied, your gruff threat getting you no where.
"No. Now move along."
Belwick bristles at being so thoroughly rebuffed. "I am Baron Belwick Donnamoor, servant to the crown. To King Skotti of Keoland. You may think you are doing your job right now, but what you are interfering in is well beyond your understanding. We have been more than accommodating, but you are directly hindering the king's command. Consider well what you say next."
Several of the guards are now taking an interest. The Guard Captain before you actually smiles and tries to hide it.
"I assure you, I understand. Probably better than you. Move. Along."
The hand casually rests on his pommel.
Alisanne tosses her hair back and, whistling a little tune, approaches the Guard Captain.
We are here on very important business. You want to take us to see Solmor. It's so important that it supersedes any of your standing orders.
The pale guard captain stands impassive, moving not a muscle, not twitching in the least. His eyes are still locked on Belwick, though you see them dart to Alisanne for a brief moment, before he decides Belwick is still the real threat.
A nearby guard snickers at this, a youth with a blonde goatee and mustache that haven't quite filled in. He speaks up.
"Captain Lorinar doesn't like women... Or men... Like that, Love. Duty is all he cares for. 'Sides, Master Solmor isn't here--he's in special session of the town council."
"To the town council then..." Baghotir mumbles, disappointed that their attempts should be so fruitless. He half considers taking on the guard, confident in their success, but the guard are not the evil ones here.
He waits for the others, but prepares to depart.
Belwick considers the guard captain, gaze focused on the man. "I would tell you that you've made an enemy this day, but I suspect that we were at odds even before this meeting. So instead I will wish you well for the remainder of your days."
He then turns to leave.
You turn, and to your back, "Thank you my lord! And the same to you and the Lady Mermaid."
Caelius' hand releaxes from his pommel as he was ready to draw his blade against the hired guards. He keeps his eyes on the men as they turn to depart. Once out of earshot he says. "We should alert the city guart and town council to gain access. But by that time they could have the butler well out of the city."
Belwick's stop is sudden, his back ram rod straight. They wouldn't dare. Would. Not. Dare. But I need to be sure.
He retrieves his conch shell, activates the magic within, and whispers a message. "Love, where are you? I think you are in danger. Beware the guards, especially newer ones. Might be best to head to water."
It feels an eternity before the conch warms and faintly glows.
"Oh! Hi! Um, I'm IN water, but nearby. I'm sorting out the dissolution of my engagement contract. Saltmarsh guards... Damn... Ah... Upset... Be... Careful... Love."
From behind you,
"Oh! Is she safe? Is she well? Or does she have the ick? *tsk tsk* a fish with The Ick isn't safe for eating... Or *anything else* I'd imagine! Is it catchy? Never seen a man with The Ick before."
There is a series of snickers coming from the crowd of Solmor guards, who have pointedly not crossed off the property.