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.