The morning arrives like a poorly cooked omelet.  Not quite appetizing but palatable.

The villagers are of course a buzz with talk about the undead and Salie's funeral.  They finally get around to towing her out to sea.  Her pyre is lit just on the horizon as the sky starts to rise.

Several of the villagers take time to stop each of you and thank you for what you did.  Several of the young ladies flock around Kozibi, fluttering their eyelashes, smiling at him with mouths that mostly have all their teeth.

You are asked to check out the outlying farms, just to make sure there aren't any lurking zombies or smelly things.  Luckily there are not.  People start to settle back in.

A little before noon, word comes out that Coombs is back and he wants to meet everyone at the fish market, which serves as Salt Lick's village square.

He and Nysene are there as everyone gathers.  They both look tired.  It's obvious they got into some fights.  They have scratches and Moondog is wrapping a bandage around Coombs sword hand.

He watches everyone gather, nods at the four of you, and then steps up onto a table usually used for gutting fish, now used as a podium.

"Morning.  Or Good Afternoon.  Hope everyone got some sleep.  After this, me an' Nys will be going to get ours.

"First, I wanna thank those of you who stepped up yesterday.  I can speak for both Nysene and myself when I say it made our job easier knowin' the folks at home were being looked after.

"Now I'm sure everyone's worried about where those critters came from.  Nys and I did a sweep last night.  There were others out there.  We took care of all the ones we came across.  But I won't say we got 'em all.  There might be stragglers.  So for the next few weeks, let's all be careful.  Make sure you don't go anywhere, especially the woods, alone.  Make sure someone who can fight goes with ya.

"I think we don't have too much to worry about.  There weren't signs of a big mass of them.  All I can say is they came from up north-"

"Bet they came outta the ol' Braker place..."

Coombs sighs and eyes the farmer who grumbled that out loud.  "We aren't gonna make any assumptions.  They could have come from any point up north.  You folks don't need to worry about it.  Where they came from is my problem.  Your problem is fishin' and farming and making sure your family gets fed."

"You forgot about payin' taxes."

Everyone laughs.  Coombs chuckles too.  "Oh I didn't forget.  Figured you were gonna pay everyone else's share this time Lowrey."

Lowrey protests and everyone else shouts that that's a great idea.

Coombs holds up his hands.  "Okay.  Me an' Nys' been up all night.  We need some good hot gombs, a fresh pair of sheets, and about twelve hours shut eye.

"Norvis is doing okay from what Moon here tells me.  He should be back up and cussing everyone tomorrow.  In the meantime, someone make sure he gets fed for me.  You know how he gets when he's hungry."

For a town that was just threatened by undead, the Salt Lickiens seem fairly upbeat.  Maybe they just have faith in Coombs.  Or maybe they just don't know enough to worry.

I am going to give each of you some 'me' time.  Please see the individual post that follows with your name on it.  Thanks.

Jocko has a sandwich.  He’d like to give it you Bellinha.

It is a mighty tasty looking sandwich.

Of course, no sandwich is free.

He came to find you about an hour after the little town meeting, sandwich and a jar of fresh cold tea in hand, offering you lunch.  ”I know you worked hard yesterday.  And I wanted to do something to express my personal appreciation.”

He waits a moment to see if you take the sandwich and what your reaction is before he adds, ”And Master would like to know if you can have dinner with him this evening.”

”And then…and then…you had this big ball of water in your hand!  And then you went like this!  And it went BOOSH!  And smooshed the guy on the head!  And then and then you took that harpoon-“

”Enough Karla.  You’re talking so fast your teeth are going to fall out.  Let Zale eat.”

The two Neshie daughters have been in awe of you since you returned back to their house Zale. The youngest doesn’t know enough words, but her sister Karla makes up for it by talking non-stop.  Mr. Neshie is out, trying to finish up some work that got put off due to the commotion yesterday.

Mrs. Neshie has laid out a good spread for supper.  Fried fish.  Shrimp cooked with garlic.  Roasted potatoes.  Green beans cooked with tomatoes.  They’ve even given your friend a fresh fish all his own.

Hettie spoons some potatoes on your plate.  ”You need to eat more.  You’re too thin.”

The Neshies are obviously grateful for what you did yesterday.

Karla waits until you’re done and then leans closer when her mother and grandmother are busy with the dishes.  ”Mr. Zale…can I show you the bubbles?  I think you need to see the bubbles.  Can I show you the bubbles?”

”You are so charming Mr. Januson!”

”And handsome!”

”And charming.”

The two women who are flanking you Kozibi are a mother and daughter named Lillian and Essie Boregard.  They’re dressed in old finery.  When your mother was in her late teens, around Essie’s age now, these clothes would have been stylish.

They both came to the inn, and listened with rapt attention to your evening performance.  They’ve bought you a few rounds.

From what you can gather, Lillian is Orus Coombs’ sister.  Essie is his niece.  They are the closest thing to socialites that Salt Lick has to offer.

Essie glances at your hand.  ”Your hand is so large Mr. Januson!  Is it from all that sword swinging?”

”Essie.  You shouldn’t ask such a question.”  Lillian gives you a coy smile.
”Please forgive my daughter.  She’s still young and inexperienced.  Educating her in such a…picturesque locale such as Salt Lick has added some challenges in bringing her up.  But I will not give up my efforts.”

Lillian flips open her fan, using it to hide her mouth.  She peers over the top of it at you, her make up not quite thick enough to hide the wrinkles around her eyes.  ”And I’m sure you will agree…experience is what gives a woman her allure. Am I right?”

Nys reaches down to scratch Dillo on the ear shortly after you walk over Ordin.

The meeting has broken up and she signals for you not to ask any questions right now.

”Let’s go home,” she says.  The three of you start to walk back to the small camp you have set up in the woods north of Skeeter Pond.

When she is sure you are out of ear shot, she sighs again.  ”So.  Sure you have questions.”

She chuckles.  ”Pretty much what Orus said is what we found.  There were some undead, but they weren’t acting together.  They were all spread out and…well. Confused I guess is the best way to say it.  We came across a number of zombies and a couple of ghouls.  That’s how Orus hurt his hand.

“Did you notice anything specific about the ones you fought yesterday?”

Bellinha had just finished her daily workout when Jocko made a timely appearance.  There was a moment of hesitation, as she considered the offer.  It did look like a delicious sandwich, so her hesitation did not last long.

Offering up her thanks, Bellinha took a sip from the cup of tea.  "Thank you, Jocko." she said sweetly, trying not to show how hungry she was by taking the sandwich too quickly.  "You may tell my cousin that I would be my pleasure and honour to join him this evening."

"How are you and Thena?  Last night was certainly more excitement than one would expect in such a quiet place as this."

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 5):

Listening in rapture to what Orus had to say, Ordin plays along in his mind what they might have done to the undead they found.  More so Nysene than Orus of course.  He would have to ask her when they were alone how she fought them.

When they got to their slice of paradise just north of Skeeter Pond, Ordin began to speak but then as Nys began he quieted.  When it was his turn he said, "The undead didn't work together which tells me they were probably not being controlled by a necromancer or the like.  It seemed all too random for me.  As for the undead themselves, I can't say for sure."  (Did I notice anything, more so on the Owlbear since I handled taking care of it)

"Do you and Mr. Coombs go all the way north?"  Ordin asked the question because of the comment from the farmer who blurted it out.  He met the man a few weeks back.  He was a pretty nice gentleman by the name of James Hinkelton.

"Did you use your magic to defeat the undead or did you change into a ferocious beast?"  Ordin wanted to know and perhaps asked a little too eagerly.

The undine tries to back away from all of them, looking like a deer caught in headlights. He watches the child talking about him going after the undead. Zale starts to eat, but looks up at the others and protecting his food. The otter barks out and he's tossed a fish. A pause as Karla quietly talks to him. He finishes up and just nods.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 6):

Jocko sighs dramatically.  "It was a trial.  Poor Thena is exhausted from all the soup and bread she made for everyone yesterday.  So dinner will probably be very simple.

"The Master is well.  The Ladies...they say they've found a new project.  I haven't asked."

The two of you make chit chat and then go your separate ways.  You don't see him again until he answers the door that night.  Smiling, he greets you and leads you to the dining room.

Orus is seated at the head of the table, packing some tobacco into his pipe. He gives you a wane smile and invites you to sit.  Seems like it's just the two of you this evening.

You notice his sword hand is still wrapped.  He's using his off hand.  Luckily you're having a fish stew.

"So I guess I'll just ask," he launches in without much preamble.  But that is how he is.  "What're you gonna tell the family about all this?"

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 7):

You don't recall anything unusual from what you saw.  Wait.  Now that you think about it, all the ones you fought seemed to go down rather easy.

<green>"Orus and I didn't go too far from the village.  We were looking for tracks.  To see if we could figure out where they came from.  But the tracks were too spread out.  I think you are correct.  There is no central controlling agency.  These just seemed to be wanderers, for lack of a better term.

"And they were all very damaged.  I didn't have to shift or use much magic.  Orus is actually a very competent warrior.  And most of the ones we fought were already quite weak.  Although it's always hard to tell with the undead, some of them had fresh wounds.  Did the ones you fought go down fairly easily?

"What concerned me were the ghouls.  Zombies are a problem, yes.  But we found three ghouls.  One of them was very intact and tough.  It's the one that wounded Orus and I had to use fire on it.  Always be careful with ghouls as their touch can freeze you in place.  Even more so for ghasts who also stink like all get out.

"Anyway.  We have work to do."</brown>

She sighs as she sits by the fire.

"I was able to determine one thing.  The undead came down in two large groups and then seperated.  It looks like a bear attacked one of the groups.  I found it's body.  The other group seems to have just split apart naturally, if you can use the word 'naturally' with their likes.

"In any case, I want to follow those tracks a bit more.  But we need to work quickly.  So I'm going to follow one set and you are going to follow the other.

"Do Not do anything else than track them more than five miles."  Nys leans forward, eyebrows raised.  Her sign that she means it.  "And if you see any more, particularly a large group, you do not engage.  Fight if you must.  But return quickly.  Information is more important at this point than notching up kills."

She details where to find the bear corpse.  "I want you to track north from that spot.  Back as far as you can, but no more than five miles.'  She considers.  "If you find their source, again, do not investigate.  Come back and tell me and Orus.  Questions?"

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 8):

Karla shouts to her mom that you guys are going out to play.  Mrs. Neshie smiles at you and asks if you need to borrow a coat.

Karla tugs at your arm.  "This way this way."

She scampers over the hill and towards the beach.  She stops at a small stand of trees behind one of her neighbors house.

Like a thief checking to make sure there aren't any guards around, Karla scans the area.  She then kneels at the base of one of the trees.

There's a small hollow under one of the roots.  From inside, she pulls out a bundle made out of a tied up rag.

With a fierce look of determination, she attacks the knot and finally undoes it, beaming at you when she does so like she's just found the answer to why fools fall in love.

Inside the rag are three small glass looking objects.

None of them are larger than your palm.  They look fairly delicate.  They're clear, actually a little shiny, like soap bubbles.  That may be why Karla is calling them bubbles.

One of them is purple and shaped like a clam.

One of them is red and shaped like a crab.

The last one is greenish blue and resembles a manta ray.

Karla touches the crab.  "I like them all.  Cos they're pretty."

She looks up at you.  "Zale.  You saved my granma.  So I want to reward you.  Papa says if you do good work, you should get a reward.  So I want you to have one."

As you study them, they all look...familiar.  They aren't bringing up any memories.  But there is a faint sense of these being something you've seen the likes of before.

Kozibi wasn't one to mind, or shy away from, attention. He was pretty and knew it, after all. And he liked pretty boys and girls as much as the next bard. He always suspected the real reasons why many adventured. Fame. Glory. Money. Sex. And good music.

The 'safety and pep rally' wasn't too long and it was a little inspiring for this type of place he assumed. He beamed and straightened a bit when thanked. The uncertainty, aside from a vague direction, of where the undead had come from was a bit troubling, though. And he suspected he would be asked to investigate along with the other 'town heroes' in the near future.

---

Later, he had gone back to the inn and 'sang for his supper' again, though some had wanted to buy him drinks and hear him tell of his zombie adventure instead. It was all the same to him, making music or talking about himself - those were two of his five favorite things to do, after all.

He looked from one woman to the other, smiling widely. "Why thank you both. You're too kind. Stop now, though, before you make me blush." Clearly, he wasn't close to blushing yet, and he enjoyed hearing about himself. But they had said charming twice, and repetitive compliments could get boring so quickly, so he wanted to head them off.

He let out a small laugh at the question. "No, no, my dear. It's all about playing instruments. Anyone can swing a sword, but...plucking" He emphasized a few words as if they were innuendo of a sexual nature, "the strings, massaging the instrument, squeezing every drop out. Pouring myself in to the effort." He nodded. "Strength. Determination. Delicacy. Passion." He nodded several times. "That is what a Bard needs. And to give the music, the stories...the passion...the sheer heart-bursting enjoyment...that only he can. Yes. That is what these hands and mouth are for, ladies."

He gotten caught up in what he was saying and flirting he'd completely missed the questions they were asking him. No matter. Not important in the larger scheme of things.

Ordin listened to his Mentor closely.  He was a sponge to her teachings and he craved the knowledge to make himself better to serve those he swore to protect.  When he was asked again about anything he noticed about the undead, he did say, "Yes, they did seem pretty easy to fell, well except for the bugbear zombie we fought.  He took a bit more punishment.  But even he was in bad shape when we saw him."

As Nysene mentioned the ghoul and what they were capable of, Ordin nodded.  "I saw that happen to one of the others who helped take down the undead in town.  He stopped moving completely.  I will make sure to teach some things to Dillo as well so he is careful."

Ordin listened further as Nysene laid out a plan for the two of them.  He didn't know if she meant he should do it now or wait for her to get some rest.  She had been out all night after all and even now looked pretty tired.

"I will do as you ask.  Do you want me to leave now while the sun is still high in the sky?"  It didn't matter either way for Ordin for he could see in the dark and Dillo could track anything with his keen senses.

Shaking his head that he doesn't need one, he follows Karla outside for some time. He watches the odd items, kneeling down to the young girl and Zale seems surprised. He didn't expect a reward-he did it to protect people but not sure why. The man tries to remember anything besides waking up on the beach and meeting some of the others. All fighting with the undead. He doesn't even know what the undead /are/ but everyone seemed to be afraid so he acted. The undine focuses on each of them and goes to take them one by one, of course returning them to Karla. Which one...if any...

OOC
Casting Detect Magic

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 12):

The two ladies squeal in scandalized delight.

"Well I imagine you've plucked quite a bit Mr. Januson."

"Shush now.  Let the man speak."</red.  The older woman bats her eyelashes.

<red>"Please tell me sir, what's your favorite kind of instrument to play on?  One you pluck, pound, or blow on?"

Perception check please sir.  Thank You.

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 13):

"The sooner the better.  Go quickly and quietly.  You and Dillo's safety is the most important factor.  Be wise."

---

A quick march brings you to the site with the bear's corpse Ordin.  Nys seems to have understated the scene.

The bear was a large male.  There are six corpses littering the ground around it.  Large chunks of flesh are missing.  You would guess the bugbear was in on the kill or at least came by afterwards.

You start the task of tracking...

Survival test please.  Thanks

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 14):

They all glow softly under your spell Zale.  Each seems to shine just as bright as the others.

The crab feels like anger.

The clam feels translucent.  Almost ethereal.  Of the three, it feels the most like an actual bubble.  So delicate it might pop.

The manta has an odd feeling to it.  It almost reminds you of the tide, rushing in and rolling out.

As you ponder them, you get a vague sense you've seen chests of these before.  It was at some occasion where people were happy.  But you can't recall which people or what they were happy about.

Taking a deep breath, Zale puts a hand on each and he holds them to Kayla "I did what needed to be done. Keep them close. I don't want a reward. She is safe." Its the most amount of words he said since he was 'saved'. He slowly move to her and gently kisses her forehead. Question is-why does he not want any? It remains unknown...

Bellinha had worn a good dress, her only good dress, for the dinner.  That was how she had been raised.  Dinners were as important as social gatherings to project an image of power and desirability.  That same training had her wondering why it was only Orus and herself at this dinner, but perhaps she was reading too much into the absence of Lillian and Essie.  Jocko had said that both women had found a new 'project' and Bellinha briefly wondered who they could have their sights on, but in the end it didn't really matter to her.

Bellinha takes a sip of the fish stew, looking over at her cousin as he asked his question.  "I wasn't going to say anything." she replied calmly.  Now the reason for the dinner was becoming clear.  Orus was concerned that last nights undead activities might affect his standing in the family and thusly in the town.  "There was an incident and it was handled.  No significant loss of property or life, so there is nothing to say."

She dipped the spoon into the stew.  "Unless there is something that you'd like me to report back on?  Perhaps something about how successfully you addressed the problem?"  Bellinha let the question hang in the air between them as she brought the spoon up to her lips.  What was Orus looking for?  Was he concerned that she would say nothing, or that she would say something, and perhaps something about him?

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 16):

Making their way out to the bear carcass was a pretty easy task with the directions given by Nysene.  Thankfully, Ordin hadn't found any trouble.

Looking over the carcass Ordin noted a few things about it and logged it in his mind.  From there he let Dillo sniff the bodies of the dead zombies and the pointed to some tracks he saw on the ground.  "Okay my friend let's show Nysene what we have learned.  Follow the tracks!" Dillo will use his scent ability to follow the tracks.

For his part Ordin too followed the tracks as he had learned.  He was always looking up and about for trouble though as he went.


08:30, Today: Ordin Oakbranch rolled 20 using 1d20+4.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 18):

Karla looks a little disappointed, but giggles and grins at the kiss.

"Okie dokie!  But lemme know if you change your mind!

"Hey!" She says as if she remembered something else.  "If you don' wanna bubble you wanna picnic?!  Mom'll make us sandwiches and I'll show you our secret hideout in the Mercil'es!"

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 19):

Orus laughs.  It might be the first time you've heard him laugh.  Or maybe the first time he's ever done so.  From the creakiness in his voice, it sounds like he's long out of practice at doing it.

"Oh gracious, no.  But thanks.  Sorry.  I guess my question came out kinda...you know."

He picks up the basket of still warm dinner rolls, helping himself to one and passing the basket to you.  "The nice thing about Salt Lick as a post is that no one else wants it.  We're so backwoods, most of the family considers it a punishment post."

He is right.  You know a lot of family members who would jump off a cliff rather than be assigned here.

Orus shrugs, starting to work on his own bowl of soup.  It's fairly good soup.  "I like Salt Lick cos it's peaceful.  Well.  Usually.  But if the family's gonna start pokin' at us over this...well.  You probably get what I'm sayin'.  I wouldn't ask you not ta say somethin' if you see something to actually be concerned about.  But this..."

He shrugs.  "That pirate attack a few years back was much worse.  And we had an owlbear wander into town last year.  Both of those were more concerning.

"I do wanna ask you something though."

He studies you a moment, then soaks up some broth with his roll.  "Why didja comme to Salt Lick?  You hidin' out from family politics?"

He asks this in a more or less curious manner.

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 20):

The tracks are pretty easy to follow, even by site Ordin.

Just as Nys had said, it appears the undead more or less shambled this way in a common direction.  You feel the number of undead in this group was around 8.  You don't know how many are in the other group she's tracking herself.

Dillo suddenly growls.  Your 'sense' pings.  You hear a rustling sound and see it well before you stumble across it.

A zombie is pulling itself across the ground.  It looks like both it's legs are crushed to the point of uselessness.  The corpse is of a woman, probably half elven.  Her dress is disintegrated from age in spots. Her white hair is so long, she could be mistaken for a giant wig somehow come to life and roving the forest, looking for combs to eat.

The zombie doesn't put up much of a struggle.  A quick claw from Dillo or arrow from you dispatches it easy.  The impact causes the body to roll a bit, flopping over on it's side.

As it comes to a stop, you can see a silver chain and locket hanging from it's neck.

Kozibi smiled but restrained a chuckle at their reactions. He pretended to think for a moment but then looked down for a moment and shook his head. "No, no. It's not fair to ask me to choose. There are so many in the world, and I like to try new things. If I were to limit myself, start picking favorites..." He spread his hands and made a face of 'how could I?' to them. "Jealousy is an ugly thing, ladies. I try to be open and willing."

He smiled once more. "And going further, speaking in more detail whilst in public, could be scandalous. Trade secrets. My reputation. You know how it is."

OOC: What? Huh? What's that?
12:33, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 24):

The two ladies titter.

Then the younger one, Essie, leans closer.  "Well.  Could you speak about it in private?"

Not one to take a hint or give up, this Essie.

Her mother doesn't reprimand her.  She seems curious what your answer is as well.

Essie continues.  "We...might have a proposition you would be interested in Mr. Januson.  But as you said.  Voices carry in public settings..."

"Keep then safe. I might need them alright?" The undine tilts his head "Whats Mercil'es? Whats a picnic?" He pauses and kneels down, the otter nowhere in sight which is odd "You want to see a secret?" Something bugs him about the bubbles but not sure what. Why can't he remember anything? Heck he doesn't remember much since he awoke on the beach.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Tue 19 Oct 2021.

Kozibi was fairly certain he was either going to very much like where this was going, or he was going to regret it very much. Or possibly both.

He smiled, looking from one to the other. "Oh, is that so? Well, I might be interested depending on what it is. But we should retire and have a drink. I promise nothing more at the moment, but I am, as I said, usually willing and open."

He stood and then offered hand to the mother first, then the daughter, to help them up.

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 23):

When Ordin saw the trinket around the dead womans neck he reached down a d plucked it from her.  "I will keep this for you since you won't be needing it any more.  Rest in peace."  Ordin then went back to tracking the dead to whereever they came from.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 26):

"Silly Zale!" Karla laughs.  "Picnics are where you eat sandwiches outside which makes them taste like one thousand million times better!"

At your offer to show a secret, Karla's eyes go wide.  She leans forward, nodding her head vigorously.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:28, Wed 20 Oct 2021.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 27):

Eyes follow the three of you as you head out.

Lillian drapes a hand over your right arm.  "Perhaps a stroll along the beach?"

Essie titters as she hangs on to your left arm.  "Oh!  The moon is lovely tonight!"

They more or less guide you outside and towards the beach.

They make small talk.  Nothing very heavy...or suggestive.

How about a sense motive check for me please?  Thanks

"I meant to ask.  Have you travelled much along the Redtide Coast Mr. Januson?"

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 28):

The tracks move to the northeast in an arc.  They are definitely leading you towards the coast.

You have a chance to look at the trinket.  The locket isn't all that spectacular.  The silver chain is probably worth more.  But the clasp on the locket still works.

Inside are two small portraits.  You recall hearing about such lockets before.  Lover's Kisses or something like that.  Couples would give each other such lockets, each of their portraits on one side of the locket.  So that when it was closed, their portraits would be on top, or "kissing", each other.

The woman's portrait makes you think she was the zombie.  It's too small to tell for sure.  But there seem to be traces of the portrait's face in what you recall of the zombie's face.

The man is a rather dour looking fellow.  A knight perhaps, in what appears to be black armor.  He has thick eyebrows and hair the color of pitch.  There's a scowl on his face.  If that's his version of a smile, you almost feel a little bad for the young lady whose face is pushed against his when you snap the locket shut.

Dillo suddenly stops and freezes.  There's no ticking sound in your head which would indicate undead.  So what has Dillo all up in arms...

Perception check please.  Thanks

Zale holds his right hand out, covered in what looks like a otter tattoo in the ocean. And then, the otter is in his hands formed from it. He smiles "See?" He tilts his head "one thousand million times better?" Apparently he never heard of picnics.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:15, Thu 21 Oct 2021.

Bellinha smiled as she accepts the basket of rolls, feeling a small sense of relief come over her.  She had half expected Orus would ask her to send something back to the family for his own benefit, but she was happy to see that she had misjudged her cousins intentions.  It had been difficult to get a handle on Orus, but perhaps that was the influence of Lillian and Essie.  In any case, Orus laugh lifted a weight from Bellinha shoulders.

Bellinha tore a roll in half and dipped it into the stew.  "I'm not hiding out...exactly.  You know how Coinhaven and Aunt Liza can be at times.  It seemed like all that I was good for was entertaining suitors, being the prize to be given to the best fit for the family.  I thought that I'd try to be the dealmaker instead of the deal for a change.  Salt Lick seemed like a good place to start.  I mean, if I could do a little trading with the scrimshaw or those spices that the Gombs use, then maybe I could be a little more valuable to the family."

"You know, it's nice to sit here and enjoy a meal with you, without the pressure of trying to please Coinhaven.  I can see why Salt Lick would be attractive."

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 31):

When Dillo froze, Ordin knew it wasn't anything undead but the woods had other dangerous things in it like the bear that had been killed.

Ordin immediately looked around while pulling his weapon.  Depending on what it was he would either flee or attack.


13:46, Today: Ordin Oakbranch rolled 19,11 using D20+8,d20+3.  Perception check

Kozibi was a little curious, maybe a little suspicious, about the choice of destination but did not disagree. "Of course. What could be more...fitting...than a romantic moon-lit stroll along the beach with two beautiful women at my side? It's almost as if I'm a hero in one of the songs."

He took the time to smile at each one of them...and used the opportunity to look at them and look around a little. It could be nothing. It was probably nothing. But he was a little suspicious by nature.

"Oh, not too much. I've traveled some but nothing too noteworthy unfortunately. Not yet at least."

11:22, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Sense Motive.

"Squeeeeeeee!" Karla squees.  You haven't heard her make that sound before Zale, but it seems to be a good thing.  Her face lights up when your friend appears.

"Oh!  That is super great perfect stockings!  Can you do that all the time?"

She nods.  "I'll ask Mom to make her best sandwiches then!"

---

The next morning, Mrs. Neshie hands you two parcels wrapped in butcher paper.  "Don't let her take you all over the beach.  And you two come back before the boats come in."

Karla almost drags you by the hand down towards the beach.  She stops as you crest a small rise.  Pointing, she beams, "Isn't it the bestest?"

There a wrecked ship on some rocks.  A caravel or something similar in size.  It must have had two decks under it's deck and probably crewed around twenty or thirty men.

It's now broken into two pieces, almost right in half.  You can see a few children on the upper deck, using a fallen mast as a sort of diving board into the ocean.

Karla looks back at you.  "You ever seen anything so cool before!?!  It's our secret base."

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 33):

Orus raises his wine glass.

"To a lack of complications."

He waits until you clink it Bellinha, and then downs it in one gulp.  He refills both your glasses.

"Not ta be a raincloud...but you not bein' around might actually make it easier for them to set up a marriage for ya.  Though your thinkin' is right.  Liza's more inclined to give the ones who bring in the coin more leeway.

"You ain't gonna get that spice blend outta Lori.  The Grats have been parked on that recipe for generations.  Scrimshaw might be doable.  Have you met Clevis?  No?  He's the best carver in town.  I'll introduce you tomorrow."

He rings a bell.  Ganna clears the plates and serves up a baked apple tart for desert.  After she leaves, Orus continues.  "If you don't mind the observation...your most immediate need is a lack a' capital.  Liza's not gonna buy you startin' up trade if you don't have a decent amount a' capital.  Do you got that?  A decent amount a' capital?"

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 34):

Ordin, you spot it.  About one hundred feet ahead and up on a rise.

A big, ugly looking owl bear. It seems to be dining on something.  As you watch you can see it rear backs it's head, what might be an arm caught up in it's beack.

The owlbear is too intent on it's meal to notice you.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 35):

You don't think the two women pose much of a threat Kozibi.  Well.  A physical one.  Well.  A violent one.

Essie seems to be smitten with you.  In a school girl crush kind of way.  Who can blame her? You are one steaming hot pleasure muffin after all.

Lillian...she's not as smitten.  You would guess this lady has not only been around the block, but taken the stroll all around the capital.  She's got something more than a very awkward tryst with you and her own daughter in mind.  Which is probably a good thing.

"You ever been to Coin Haven? I would figure that a man of your talents would be well known among the social circles around the Redtide Coast."

You get the feeling that your answer will determine how well you will fit into Lillian's plans.  Though which answer would get you out of her plans...who can say?

Stopping in his tracks, the undine watches the ship. He puts his hands over it, like molding it and then lowers them. Strange. Putting down his pack, Zale nods to Karla and then runs into the water!

Bellinha grinned and downed her wine glass in two gulps.  She wasn't used to drinking wine in anything larger than a generous sip, having been raised to be cultured and refined, or what could amount to it so far on the edge of any nation.

"I wasn't thinking about getting the secrets of the spice blend, but maybe trying to sell it as a complete item.  Put it in a little container and see if I what interest I could garner." she said, taking her fork to the edge of the apple tart.  "I'd appreciate you introducing me to Clevis.  Maybe I can do something with the Scrimshaw while trying to close a deal with the Grats."

The young lady took a small bite of her dessert before continuing.  "Capital is the problem.  It's not like I left Coinhaven swimming in funds.  Hey, this tart is really good.  Maybe I'll have to hire out on a fishing boat or join the Watch.  I'm decent enough with a blade and a spell, I think.  I don't know." Bellinha added with a playful chuckle and flash of her teeth.  "I don't suppose that you know of any buried treasure or sunken gold in the area?"

Kozibi walked along with the two women. He didn't think there would be much beyond tonight with them, though he assumed Essie might be hoping for something more long term - though he could be wrong, he WAS only a Bard after all, and not some landed and monied noble.

Lillian, though. She gave him pause. He wasn't sure the game she was playing. Not yet.

"Coinhaven? Hm, yes, I have been through there before. I rarely stay in one place too long though. People can tire of even one such as me, and I am not nobleborn." He then allowed, "Not that I am aware of."

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 34):

Dillo is standing stock still Ordin.  You may be as well.

You have a map in your head of the area, gained after months of tromping around the woods with Nys.

You've come about 2 and a half miles from Salt Lick.  First, about a mile north, and the rest in a sort of northwestern arc.  The tracks are obviously taking you towards the shore.  You might only have about a half mile to go before you could see the ocean.

You could try to go around the bear.  It's obviously busy.  If you swing around, you feel pretty sure you can pick the trail back up .  Or you could just cut to the shore from here.

Nys should be at the coast herself.  You would guess her set of tracks probably ended up going right up the coast.

Her instructions had you go no further than five miles.  But she did make it clear she didn't want you to engage in anything dangerous.

You could head back now.  Or circle around the bear and pick up this set of tracks ahead.  A last option would be just to cut over to the coast and head north along it, looking for the point the tracks wander off the beach into the forest.

The problem with the first option is Nys did ask you to go no more than 5 miles.

The problem with the second option is there is a chance you could lose the trail.

The last option has two problems:  first, you are assuming the undead came down in one big group and then split at some point.  Some coming down the coast and others heading into the woods.  In that scenario, your tracks would be the ones that went into the woods.  But you could be wrong.  Your group might not have come down the coast.  And, assuming the group did split up at some point, you would have to find that point.

Decisions, decisions.

Hope that made sense.  Let me know if it doesn't.

Thanks

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 40):

The kids diving off the mast are delighted you're there <puprle>Zale</purple>.

They swim around you, most as comfortable in the water as you or your friend.  Karla wades into the ocean up to her knees and wobbles there.  But you notice a couple of the older kids come up to her and seem to be helping her out.  And keeping an eye on her.  Salt Lickians do seem to take care of their own.

The ship seems to have long since been picked clean.  There are a few crumbling remains of chairs or hammocks.  A couple of barrels.  But overall, the decks visible through the split in the hull seem bare.

More interesting is the area around the split.  You can see what appears to be signs of large marks near the fracture on each side.  Claw marks maybe?  But if so, whatever it was that did this to the ship would have been huge.

One of the kids paddles up.  "Hey!  How long can you hold your breath?  If you dive down you can see the bones down there!  It's kinda cool!"

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 41):

Orus smiles Bellinha.  There's maybe a little bit of slyness to it.

"Hmm.  I kinda wondered.  I figured if you had some coin, you wouldn' a' picked Salt Lick."

He finishes up his tart.  "You want some coffee?

"Anyway.  I can't help with the capital.  Our budget's kinda tight.  Buuuut..."

He pauses a moment as the maid comes in to collect the plates and serve coffee.  Orus takes his black.

"You musta noticed we got us a bit of a situation yesterday."  He sighs and takes a sip from his cup.

"The town's only got me and Nys and Norvis.  Most of the fisher men can throw a harpoon.  And the farmers can use a bow decent enough.  But when somethin' actually bad happens, it's usually just me an' Nys an' Norvis.

"But now Norvis is down.  And I got this..."  He holds up his bandaged hand.  "Moon says it'll heal okay.  But she's told me to use it for a week or so.

"So I'm worried.  If they had just been bandits...I wouldn't be thrilled.  But undead?  Undead don't just wander around in packs.  If somethin' is goin' on, I wanna meet it head on.  Or rather...I'm askin' you to meet it head on.

"Nys and her student Ordin are followin' the tracks now.  But I have a hunch I know what they'll find.  The tracks probably came from the ol' Braker Estate.  It's an old ruin up north on the coast about six miles.  Usually when we do get bandits or gnolls, they're camped up in it.  And me an' Nys an' Norvis go chase 'em out.

"But..."  He frowns.  "There's also one a' them standing stone circles by the  old estate.  Nys has always said it's harmless. But I've never been real comfortable with it.  And if undead suddenly come up...

"Anyway.  You probably get the idea.  Talk to them folks you worked with the other day.

"Ordin's a good guy.  For a dwarf.  He'll definitely help out.

"That undine...I was kinda worried about him at first.  He washed up on shore one day.  Doesn't say much. But the Neshies who are takin' care of him love him to death.  Hettie Neshie treats him like a grandson.  And Hettie's as mean as a mule with a beehive up it's ass.  Pardon my vernacular.  I think he's trustworthy.

"I don't know about that bard.  Don't have much use for them pretty types myself.

"I'll talk to Moon.  Ask her to go too.  Between her and Ordin, you shouldn't have to worry about cuts and brusies.

"I'll pay 50 silver for yourself and 20 to each of them that goes with ya.  I'll give everyone an extra 20 silver when they get back."

He shrugs, finishing off his coffee.  "It's a good chance to get some capital."

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 42):

Lillian stops and points at a point on the beach.  "I think that's a remarkable shell over there.  Essie?  Go see if that's what it is."

Essie stops and frowns at her mother.

"Go on."

Essie glances at you, smiles awkwardly, and trudges off towards the spot her mother indicated.

Lillian turns back to you Kozibi.

"So...have you entertained in the noble courts at Coinhaven?  I ask for a reason.

"I have a particular proposal I would like to make.  But it would depend on you not being recognized by a certain gentleman named Olex Byder.  Have you heard of him?"

You know the name.  Vaguely.  You know the Byder family owns one of the higher end trade houses in Coinhaven.  But you don't recall ever meeting him in person.

"In short, I am willing to pay you to act the part of a noble from Ladder's Ending who is here to propose to Essie.  And you would have to do so in front of Mr. Byder when he is here for a visit.  Is that something you think you can do?"

"Coffee would be nice, thank you."

Silver was hardly the coin that Bellinha was hoping for, but she couldn't exactly be picky about the amount of money that she was earning at the moment.  Trekking into the woods would be more interesting than trying her hand on a fishing boat, if not more dangerous.

"I suppose that if I'm going to be here for a while that I'd like to see the village safe."  She took a sip of her coffee as she considered the offer.  There really wasn't much to consider.  "I'll speak with the others and see if we can gather a posse to check out these ruins."

"I have to ask though, if the Brakes Estate has been causing so many problems, why hasn't someone gone up and dealt with it?  Maybe tear the place down?  And living so far out from the town, who were the Brakers?"

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 43):

Makes total sense, thank you.

Ordin watched a moment as the owlbear tore into whatever it was eating.  Magnificent he thought to himself before shaking his head and then while placing a hand on Dillo, Ordin began to move towards the shore.  Having made the decision to skirt the owlbear and try to catch the trail again once he was far enough away.  One thing Ordin did make sure to note was the wind direction.  He wanted to remain downwind so that the owlbear wouldn't pick up his scent.

So taking option 1 to skirt around then try and find the trail again on the other side of the owlbear.

Bones? Zale treads water for a moment. He decides to hold his breath as long as he can and dive down searching the reckage and more importantly the bones.

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 48):

Ordin, go ahead and give me a Survival roll for form's sake.  I will grant a total of +5 to the roll due to your familiarity with the area.

Basically, I just need to know if you roll a 1 or 2.

Thanks

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 49):

Snatching up a large lungful of air Zale, you dive under.

The water is refreshingly clear.  You have good visibility.

The ship is parked on an outcropping rock.  Only about the bottom ten feet of the ship is actually underwater.  If the Merciless had broken fifteen feet or so further out, it would have sunk deeper, as the shelf doesn't jut out that far from the shore.

The ocean floor past the shelf is about another twenty feet down.  You push downwards and can see what the child was talking about.

Scattered on the bottom of the floor are what looks to be the skeletal remains of two or three men.

The flesh has long since been picked clean.  A few fragments of metal or scraps of thick cloth cling to the remains, but overall it's just white bone.

One of the men looks like he must have been cut in two.  Another one appears to have been crushed.  His ribcage and pelvis are flattened.

The potential third one is missing half it's body.  Especially the skull.  If there was one, it's long gone now.

There is one more thing:  the flattened body is clutching a pouch, the pouch's strap more or less caught on the skeleton's boney hand.  The pouch is empty, but there is an interesting design on the front of it. It's somehow still visible despite the age and weathering from being underwater.

It looks like two sharks, swimming in a circle.  They both have each other's tail in their mouth.  You're reminded of a ouroboros.  The snake eating it's own tail, symbolizing eternity.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 47):

Orus shrugs.  "Couple a' reasons I've never gotten around to demolishing the place.

"First, it'd be a pain.  I'd have to conscript a bunch of guys to trek up the coast for six miles.  The estate is pretty well made.  Lots a' brick.  It wouldn't be somethin' we could finish off in one afternoon.  So I'd have to have most of the men from town at least overnight up the coast.  Etc.

"The other reason is, there's a bit of advantage to leavin' it standing.  If bandits or gnolls or whoever come into the area, they'll most likely set up camp at the estate.  So we know where to look for 'em first.  Saves us havin' to truck around the woods, lookin' for a cave or some such."

He shrugs.

"And to be honest, I think every town needs it's haunted house.  The Braker place is ours.  As far as the history...

"You're probably too young to recall the Clear Glass Trading Company.  They were an independent house that sprang up in Coin Haven.  The Brakers were the family that owned it.  For a couple of generations they were pretty small time.  Mostly known for importing fine glass ware.  Hence the name.

"Then this fella named Gustav Braker took over the family.  This was...what?  Five generations ago?  Four?  Anyway.  Long before either of us was born.

"Gustav was one helluva merchant.  He turned the family fortunes around quicker than a pig takes to rollin' in shit. Pardon my vernacular.

"He built that estate as a kinda summer home.  Though I think he wanted to set up a town there.  Course our family didn' take too kindly to that.  There were supposedly some incidents.

"When Gustav died, his son tried to keep things goin'.  But it was like all the talent in that family was born at one time under Gustav.  Clear Glass suffered some set backs.  By the time I was a kid, they were mostly just runnin' market stalls.  Last I heard a' that family, I think the last Braker died...twenty years ago?  Ain't been one at the estate since my grandpas's time at any rate."

He picks up a pipe and starts to tamp it with tabaco.  "That answer your questions?"

Merciless. Maybe he's seen it before. Think Zale -think- of the past. He attempts to grab the pouch and bring it to the surface, looking like a fish. What did this? Who did this? Maybe it hit a bunch of coral and a reef. The undine needs to find out and must find out. The otter swims around with the kids above. He keeps searching for as long as possible till he swims quickly to the surface. And he has to tell someone about the wreckage and bodies. Maybe they will know who they may be but there is little left, probably eating by sharks and other nasty things....

One eyebrow rose up at the obvious 'go fetch!' way she used to get rid of Essie. Kozibi watched for a moment before turning back to Lillian as she laid out what was certainly a strange proposal, at least from his perspective.

He frowned as he pondered things. "Am I allowed to know the why of this...strange...affair?" He waved a hand. "Making believe what I say is the truth is not the issue, though I suppose it could help to know my motivation beyond coin. Also, I am curious."

He shook his head. "To your questions, however, I may have heard the name but I know I have not met that person, and I sincerely doubt they have met me." Or even heard of him, for that matter. He was no court bard. Yet.

09:08, Yesterday: Ordin Oakbranch rolled 19 using 1d20+9.  Survival.

Could have sworn I posted that... the message got eaten.

"Those are....good reasons."  Bellinha had to conclude.  At least they made sense when Orus explained them so simply.  It still seemed like a source of trouble to keep such a haunted place around, but it wasn't as if she was in any position to act upon these thoughts.  She had to secure her own fortune first and if that place acted to attract trouble then that would make finding it all that easier.  Dealing with it would be another thing altogether.

"Would you happen to have a map of the ruins?  Something to help me plan out the expedition?"

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 53):

There is indeed little left Zale.  You don't find anything else that seems of any interest on the shore bed.

Examining the boat seems to confirm something in your mind.  It was not a reef or coral that broke the ship.  Something did.  The marks on the hull seem to be talon marks.  Large ones too.  Whatever did it.  Your memory is drawing a blank.  It's not like with the 'bubbles'.  There's no dim image to help guide you along.

You doubt any of the kids know much about the wreck.  Maybe Hettie.  Or one of the people you've met.  Like Mr. Orus Coombs, since he seems to be in charge.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 54):

Lillian sighs and frowns in a wisfull manner.  "No.  You have a right to ask.  I would, were I you.

"I don't want to go into it too much.  But the short answer is, I want to make sure my daughter is cared for.

"My husband made some bad decisions and the died.  The family took it out on us.  That's how we ended up in Salt Lick."

She waves a hand towards the village.  "The people are nice.  And it's friendly.  But I didn't raise my daughter to be a fishwife.  She wouldn't adapt to it well.  My brother took us in, but once he's gone, I don't know what will happen to us.  If it were just me, I'd deal with it.  But Essie..."

She shrugs.  "You don't have children I am guessing.  But I hope you can understand a mother's concern for making sure her child is cared for.  I need to find a good husband for my girl.  Mr. Byder is a good man and attainable.  He just needs some...inventive."

Lillian meets your eye Kozibi.  "Is that sufficient enough of an explanation?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:42, Thu 28 Oct 2021.

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 55):

You pick up the trail easily enough on the far side of the owl bear Ordin.

You can smell the ocean when Dillo suddenly springs forward, obviously happy about something.  You can soon see Nys heading your way.

She waves at you and reaches down, patting Dillo.  "Hello there friend.  Did you get a good walk?"

She nods at you and listens to your report.  "I think we can head back.  I figured out where they came from.  I am pretty sure they headed down from the Braker Estate."

She sighs.  "If they didn't originate from there, they passed by it.  And it's too much of coincidence for them to have just 'happened by'.  I am afraid someone or something may have set up residence in it."

Nys glances towards the north.  "Orus thought we would have to head up there.  Knowing them he's already started making plans.  I can't fault him."

She turns in the direction of Salt Lick.  "Let's go home for now.  We need to talk to Orus in the morning."

I will let you have any reactions or ask any questions of Nys you wish.  Thanks

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 56):

Orus nods at your request Bellinha.  "I don't know if we gotta map, but I can sketch out what I recollect.  I'll ask Nys too.  We both been up there a few times."

I need to prep said map, but will post it as soon as I can.  Any other questions Bel?

Thanks

Getting up on the shore, Zale watches the kids play. He seems out of it, bothered perhaps as the otter slides out of the water and barks slightly. It nudges Zale and he picks it up "Time to head back. You okay here or come with us? I need to talk to Hettie." He walks over to the girl.

Bellinha nodded as she nibbled at her tart.  "I think that should be fine."  Her mind started to drift towards the task that was before her.  She was pretty sure that she could convince the others to go along with her to the estate, but there was always the chance that they might say no.  The only way to find out would be to find them and ask.  Something for tomorrow.

"It was nice having dinner with you Orus.  I hope that we can do this again sometime."

When Dillo sprang away Ordin follows the path he had gone and soon he saw his mentor.  When she explained what she found Ordin did the same.

"The Braker Estate?  Hmm I guess that makes sense.  Well, found the corpse you told me and around the area I also found a moving corpse of a woman in half.  She had this necklace on.  Ordin showed her the necklace then before continuing.

"I kept moving after laying her to her final rest and came across another owlbear that was feasting on something.  I couldn't get too close for fear of being spotted.  Anyways, I skirted along and caught the tracks up again which led me to you.  Did you find anything else besides the tracks?  Any other evidence?"

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 61):

Hettie smiles when you and Karla come back in Zale.  She asks her granddaughter if they had fun.  When Karla says she took you to the Merciless, Hettie frowns a little but sighs, as if she's too tired to lecture Karla about something.

Just to save us a little bit of time, I am going to assume you start by asking her a general question about the ship.

The frown returns when you ask about the ship.  Hettie shakes her head, and checks to make sure the baby is still asleep and Karla is out of earshot.

"That damn ship.  How long ago was it?  I can't even recall now.  But yeah.  It was a pirate ship.  We sometimes get raided by pirates.  Not often.  There's not much here to steal.  But these guys must have been pretty hard up.  They came at us during the early winter.  The seas tend to get rough during those days.  Lots of storms move through.  Those pirates tried raiding us under cover a' one of those storms.

"My job then was to help corral the local kids in a safe place.  So I wasn't on the beach that day.  Didn't see any of the fighting.  But I'll tell you what was told me.

"Anyway.  I think it was a little before noon that day an' this storm just rolls in outta nowhere.  A really bad one.  I'd say it was one of the worst ones I can recall.  The lightnin' was everywhere over the ocean that day.  Looked like one of them fancy candle stands.  You know the ones that can hold like twenty candles all at the same time. The wind was starting to get bad.  Everyone knew it was just gonna be a humdinger of a blow.

"Then the warnin' bell started sounding.  Usually, when a pirate is sighted or we get wind of a bandit raid, they'll ring the chapel bell in three, short peals.  Somehow, someone saw that pirate comin' in and got to the bell.  I think that was what saved us, cos if they hadn't, we woulda been caught with our pants down and asses hangin' out.  Pardon my vernacular."

Hettie stops and studies the ceiling a moment.  "Huh.  I can't recall who it was that rang that bell...well.  I guess it doesn't matter.  Anyway the bell started ringin' and everyone got busy.  When they come callin', you gotta get with it.

"Them that had bows lined up on the ridge.  And them that could swing an axe got ready behind ol' Redrick Potts...he's Norvis' daddy.  Was head of the patrol back then.  A Potts man has always been head of the guard.

"So they got all lined up and this ship comes runnin' up the coast line, which was pretty ballsy cos they were sailin' across the wind.  Guess they were shootin' for the docks.

"Our hunters jumped the gun and started showerin' them with arrows soon as they got within distance.  If you get up on the ridge, you can hit any ship goin' by ya know.

"Them pirates dropped anchor at that point.  Some of their guys started leapin' off the boat.  Guess they figured they had to make a run at us before we could cut down every one on deck with just our bows.

"That's when the wave hit.  The waves were pretty rough that day is what I recall. But supposedly this really big nasty one rolled in and hit that ship on the side.  It started to tetter over and then came back the other way somehow.  Then it just split open.

"Well.  Our guys were a little surprised.  But when you got pirates wadin' ashore, swingin' their blades around, you get unshocked pretty quick.  That wave had taken out a lot of their men.  So our guys were able to subdue 'em pretty quick and easy."

She shrugs.  "I kinda wish they'd burn that thing down. But Orus says it's good for the kids.  Gives 'em a place to get together and is pretty safe.  I suppose.  I...I just don't like pirates is all."

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 62):

"We should," Orus says smiling.  "Let's do it tomorrow.  I'll send an invite to them others.  Might as well corral them all together so you can make your pitch.  Fair enough?"

Jacko greets you at the door as you prepare to leave.  "So nice to see you Miss.  Thank you for joining us.  Master asked me to introduce you to one of our local artisans.  Would it be alright if I came to collect you tomorrow morning after breakfast?"

---

let me know if there was anything else you wanted to do that night.  Otherwise, let's move on to your meeting with Clevis the next morning

The piece you're examining is a whale.  It's not the best scrimshaw you've ever seen. But it's certainly not the worst.  Actually, you'd rank it pretty high.

Clevis is watching you study his work, hands folded in front of him, eyes scrunched up like he's waiting for the girl he just proposed to to answer yes or no.  He's really nervous.

The half elf is young. Maybe in his early twenties.  His shack is just that.  A shack.  ANd it's almost overrun with scrimshaw.  There's little birds.  A moon.  A couple of sharks who are moving in some kind of circle.  A few flowers.

Most impressive is he seems to be working on a replica of Salt Lick.  He's got some old crates pushed up in a rough make up of the town's hills.  And he's carved out little people and built little houses with logs and brick walls made out of scrimshaw and stacked together.

Clevis licks his lips nervously.  "So...uhm...whaddya think?"

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 63):

Nys studies the locket, stopping in her tracks.  She's frowning deeply.  Tapping the man's portrait, she says, "He...looks familiar for some reason.  But I can't say why."

You don't recall recognizing him for some reason.  And it would be surprising if he was someone Nys knew personally.  The locket looks like it's at least fifty years old or so.

"And it was on a woman?  A zombie woman I mean.  Huh.  She was wearing it?"

Nys hands you back the locket.  "I got a premonition of sorts.  Keep that close.  I just get the feeling it may come in handy."

She watches you put the locket away.  "While we've got a moment to ourselves...you're pretty close to being able to hold your own you know.  Have you thought about what you want to do next?  If you stay here in Salt Lick, people are going to expect you'll take over from me when that time comes.  I'm fine with that.  I think you'd be perfect for it.

"But I don't want to assume it's what you want.  Ordin.  I have to make sure there is someone who can follow me.  Salt Lick doesn't have much.  But it needs someone in this position.  I need to know if you are willing to take on that responsibility some day.  If not, that's fine."

She smiles gently. "But that means I have to take on a new student.  You don't have to give me an answer now of course.  But...just wanted to ask what your initial thoughts on it might be."

The undine pulls out the pouch and traces it as Hettie talks. He watches her for a moment, listening patiently while abstonently tracing it with his hand. One. Two. Three. A dozen. Zale tilts his head. Waves. Arrows. A lot of fighting. Thats the reason why he saw the dead bodies. He lowered his head once she is done talking and stares at the pouch before looking back at her "I ride the waves." Thats pretty odd "Thank you for letting me know. I saw unliving bodies." He leans back, the otter jumping into his lap and the creature hope onto the table as well. No shame, like a cat wanting attention and his eyes open wide as he stands up, hands on the table "Pirates. I don't want to ask for more but is there the dead bodies that were killed around?" Perhaps two and two....

Kozibi listened and watched Lillian carefully as she replied - and for someone who 'didn't want to go into it too much'? She kind of did. Which was very helpful in decision making if he was being honest, which he rarely was.

The sentiment was sweet, sort of, though wrapped in layers of deception and politics. The perfect foundation for a long-lasting marriage, he was sure! He gave a sympathetic nod about the bad decisions. He could relate to that, certainly.

"Lots of tragedy in your life, I see. I am sorry to hear of it." He thought that was what people said to that sort of thing.

He shook his head. "No children I know of." He said it with a bit of a smile as if it were a joke. The thought of offspring...gave him mixed feelings.

He thought over the proposal - HA! Terrible pun., he thought to himself - and then looked Lillian back in the eye. "That is good enough for an explanation, yes, thank you. How long until this would be occurring?"

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 67):

Hettie scrunches up her eyes Zale, seeming to not quite sure what to make of the question.

But she shrugs and scratches her chin.  "Let's see...We did bury the ones we could a' course.  Even if they're pirates, man's gotta right to rest in the ground.

"You know where the cemetery is?  We bury bandits and the like past there."

She describes the area.

I will add it to the map Zale.  See the Adventurer's Almanac thread please.  Thanks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:51, Tue 02 Nov 2021.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 68):

Lillian smiles like it's a done deal.  "He should be in next month.  His ship stops by every three months.  I trust I can count on you being here at that time?"

Kozibi spread his hands out and shrugged. "I cannot promise you, but I will do what I can. I am often pulled by the wind and fate, and tossed about like a ship in a storm, but I will try to be here."

He then smiled and one eyebrow rose up. "Depending on the payment."

Bellinha turned the whale over in her hands again, scrutinizing the craftsmanship.  "This is very good." she replied.  "Most of what I've seen in Coinhaven is pretty rough and cheap looking, but what you've done here is much better quality.  The fluting on the tail is really good.  A nice touch."

Coinhaven being the place that it was, Bellinha had seen scrimshaw that was of better quality than what Clevis had produced but that was a minority.  This whale was not the best quality work that she'd seen but it was certainly high up in the list.  Even if the quality was a little lacking, Clevis certainly had the quantity to make up for it.  The mans shack could have been exploding with scrimshaw.  How he was able to live in here with all of this was a mystery.

"I'd like to take some of this with me the next time that I am travelling to Coinhaven.  I guess we need to figure out how much I can take and what you would be looking for?  Admittedly, I don't have much so maybe we could do a consignment deal?"

Looks like the man that wanted to live alone turns detective. Or did he want to live alone? Was he a family man? A killer? It was such a blur but he needs to help them out. Zale nods his head "Maybe the pirates are the deceased I removed." He doesn't say killed as the girl might be nearbye. The otter jumps onto his back and peeks over his shoulder "I will come back." He then departs for the cemetary.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 71):

Lillian nods. Quickly she pulls her earrings off and places them in your hand Kozibi.  They're small jade pieces with a mother-of-pearl inlay.

"Consider this a down payment.  It's not terribly expensive.  Costume jewelry.  But it's worth a handful of coins.  I have better pieces.  I will let you take the pick of my jewlry box.  One item the night you show up and play your part, and a second item the day we get Mr. Byder proposes.  I need someone who can convince him he needs to act now."

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 72):

Clevis considers your offer Bellinha.

"Well. You're one of the family.  So if we get a...whaddya call 'em...contract, I think I can go for that.  Is...is there anything you think I should work up?  That might sell well?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:03, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 73):

Past the town's cemetery is a small area near the tree line.  There are simple headstones, but no names Zale

Here lay the four that tried to loot the Gregor's Farm 1002

Here are the goblins that came down the coast- and so on.

You find a marker that says

Fourteen souls from The Merciless here.  May they get a second chance to live better lives

"A contract....That could work." Bellinha looked thoughtful for a long moment, her eyes dancing about the small shack.  "We need to come up with something...something that would set your work apart from anyone elses..."

Her eyes landed on the rough model of Salt Lick.  "....something like that...hmmm...or maybe something that could be considered a good luck talisman..."

When Nys asked about the locket Ordin had confirmed it was on a zombie.
"I will wear it around my neck just as she had," Ordin remarked.


When Nys began to talk about how well he had been doing an observant eye could see just a tinge of redness in his cheeks. He hadn't even thought about what he would do once Nys thought he was ready to become a druid of his own until that moment.

"I hadn't thought about it to be honest.  I mean I do like the people and have gotten close with them but I don't know if I am ready to be responsible for a whole town and their well being.  Do you think that I could do a good job?"

As stupid as it may sound, Zale watches the area for a few moments. He then goes to find the one in charge and states what he believes-that perhaps the pirates came back from the dead to attack the town. He doesn't seem to really believe in it and the undead isn't something he knows much about but that is what he believes. He does ask if there is some sort of blessing that can be done to keep them from returning or put them at peace-he's had his share of pirates for quite awhile and maybe in the past. Damn memory. Once done he goes back to the cemetary, watching it again and then back to where they are taking him in. He just seems out of it and keeps wanting to go back to the water.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 77):

Clevis turns thoughtful.  "Good luck talismans...huh?  I think I can do that.  I'll work some up.  You come up with that...whatchamacallit...contract."

Seems you have a parter Bellinha.

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 78):

Nys grins at you Ordin.  "I think you'd do a fine job.  Take some time to consider.  I think you have a lot of potential. And I trust you.  Just follow whatever path feels right to you.  That's all any of us can do."

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 79):

The caretaker for the cemeteries is the father of the family that lives closest to the area.  You ask about the blessing Zale.

He considers.

"Well...usually Nys will perform a ritual. But a blessin'...That might be a good idea.  I'll talk to Mr. Coombs about."

He seems genuine in his appreciation.

Kozibi hesitated for just a moment, out of...propriety? He felt almost a little bad for accepting someone's jewelry for work. It was almost unseemly. But it wasn't really. Money was money, even in different forms. He accepted the earrings with a bow of his head

Plus...they weren't real. Costume jewelry. Disappointing, though he smiled despite that. He would have to see if there was any other angle to the job. But, he supposed, he was helping out a woman in need. Two women, in fact. That surely counted for something.

"You will find me worth every penny you pay, milady." THAT was well-said and could be taken different ways.