You stand on the docks of the greatest trading city of Freeport. Your journey here was long and uncomfortable, so it's with a sense of freedom that you walk the bustling dockside. Unfortunately, you are not laden down with gold, or even silver. The merchant that hired you on had to cut you loose after his shipment of foodstuffs went bad during the voyage. You were supposed to travel to ports beyond, but now it seems that you're going to have to fend for yourselves in Freeport-at least for awhile.
The action on the docks is mesmerizing. There are ships in port from all over the world, carrying every manner of exotic goods. Sailors and merchants of all races and backgrounds mingle on the wharves, with money changing hands so fast you can barely even follow. The sights and sounds are so overwhelming that you almost don't notice the group of men that casually coalesce around your party. They are a rough lot, scarred and crusty sailors armed with saps and belaying pins. The leader of these scurvy dogs, a toothless man with tattooed knuckles, smiles crookedly and says, "You've all just volunteered for an exciting life at sea. Do you want to the easy way or the hard way?"
