INTRO: Meeting with the Council

[OGRE MAGE]

Vhing is leaning back against the wall, soot from his cloak brushing the furnishings like a shadow. Seeing a spitoon in the corner, Vhing clears his throat and speaks up.

"Well I have two requests, firstly furnish us with some kind of deputies badge. The authority to ask questions and snoop around on the councils behalf. And secondly, At least give these virgin soldiers a beer. Last chance for a bit of brotherhood bonding before we head off into the unknown."

The mayor looks at Vhing with disappointment.

So much for me getting my hopes up about you changing your ways, eh young halforc? And do you mind not mussing up the place while we have this talk?

He looks back at the other council members shaking their heads in disgust and then addresses the group again.

There seems to be a misunderstanding here so please allow me set the record straight before we go any further.

You are not being deputized here!

We are not asking you to join the towns militia!

And.......you most certainly aren't acting as private investigators on behalf of the town!

There will be no "badges" awarded! There will be no secret decoder rings given out!

And, If I find out that ANY of you are going around questioning or hassling the good people of this town posing as someone that you clearly are not, you will be clapped in irons and imprisoned instead of going on this mission!

I hope I've made myself clear enough?

Also, there will not in any way be a drunken party to see you all off, either. I fail to see how drinking alcohol before you depart will help with the mission in the least. I think you better realize quickly that you are in no position to suggest beneficial treatment of any kind.

Sergeant! Will you open the door again please?

The guard opens the doors as ordered and you see 6 or 7 townspeople still milling around outside, waiting to see if anyone backs out so they can get their chance to join the group.

Now! Is there anyone else here who wants to make demands of the council?

After a long uncomfortable silence, the mayor continues answering the other questions posed.

No Keilif, we do not have personal knowledge about the place, or of anyone we know being there before.

I don't believe there is any person in town that has ever been in the place, Ben.

Alec, we don't know anything about the man himself but, if he could afford a mansion like that, I can only assume that he was good at what he did.

There have never been reports of anyone going missing or being injured out there, Jonas. What we know of the suspicious activity is limited to the lights and noises. That is exactly what we would like you to go investigate.

Fortunately, the last outburst from Jervis makes the entire council smile and Juli even giggles a little. That lightens the rooms mood somewhat.

There have been no reports of demons to my knowledge young Jervis.

Are there any other questions for the council?

[Mant72]

Keilif Zythanthus:

Keilif graciously bows before the council, knowing that pressing any further would arouse the council's ire. "Thank you very much gentlemen and my lady. I hope we will return to make you proud." Keilif bows and turns to exit.

Keilif will exit the building and make his way across the street, waiting for the rest of the party away from the posted guardsmen.

[Fulci]

Jónas Gillman

Jónas thinks that this whole business is weird. He figures the city council is just too low on resources to dispatch a couple guards to the place, and instead they decided to use the cheapest labor force available - volunteers. But despite the smug intents of the council, he still finds the adventure quite romantic...

He mutters something along the lines of "no questions, thank you, see you", bows clumsily, and leaves.

When he is outside, he walks up to Keilif. Jónas liked the young man's manners (and his idea of getting badges! A shiny silver medallion would surely grab Rose's attention!!), and has seen him around the docks a couple of times.

"I'm... I'm Jónas," he introduces himself, and a bit awkwardly thrusts his right hand forward. Keilif might notice that there is some sort of a rash on the back of Jónas' hand, the grayish pale skin coming off in layers.

"So, umm, what do you think? Is this some wacky adventure or what?" He realizes just how stupid this might sound. "I mean, uncanny. Weird. Lights flashing. And the councilors are acting weird too, ain't they? Why don't they just send over some of those guards?"

[Stirling]

"So what they know are lights and noises. Get some unpaid, unskilled, motley crew to just wander up and have a little snoop around and come back saying everything is fine. Civic duty done.Vhing swings his hammer around like a windmill."But what if it ain't fine. One falls off the cliff, another eaten by rats in the cellar and the chimney bogeyman strangles the both of you. Mr Mayor and his mates are going to just disavow any knowledge of you and your actions. You heard him, no badge of office, no questions asked, no beer." Out of all the above you sense Vhing is most disappointed by that. Vhing shakes the soot from his cloak, "that's all mayor, juli jewels and the other councillors have done to us."

Looking at Mr Doubfut and his cat, Vhing says, "Well you heard the mayor. You're in charge of this fine group, what say we go up and chat with the shepherds and farmers who live nearby. All in the cause of your 'animal welfare'."

[Spectreman17]

Ermulf Jormundson:

Ermulf watches this whole exchange and is shocked by the demands these people are making, quite the self serving bunch, it's our civic duty to help the town and compete our mission. it's not about the rewards. but it's not my place to interfere, better just to do our job and receive what reward they grant us.

I leave as the others do and rejoin the conversation after Vhing proposes visiting the farmers. "The council specifically said not to bother the locals, shouldn't we just head straight for the keep and do our investigation? I have to return to work soon, so I don't see much point in dilly-dallying..."

[hedgeknight]

Burly...the Baker

Burly shakes his head when the Mayor asks for any more questions. With a nod, he turns and follow his companions out into the street. "We're expendable fellers. At least that's what the council thinks. Guess we need to go and prove 'em wrong. I'm ready to head out when everybody else is. By the way, the name's Burly."

[coil23]

Doubtful

While many of his peers' requests seemed to veer off the point, the questions asked were pertinent and ,admittedly, badges might have been a bit much but they could have facilitated an investigation. The mayor's outburst considerably soured Doubtful's attitude on the entire audience and he cast a long, withering look on the panel before departing with the rest.

Outside with the group, Doubtful cocks an eyebrow at Vhing's animal welfare comment and asks, so will you be the one eaten by rats or will you fall off a cliff? A few long seconds drag on before a faint smile follows this. I'll have to keep an eye on this one. Cocky arsonists are just trouble...unless they can be aimed in the right direction.

The council does not seem to think much of us. They may see an unwashed gaggle of inexperience but I see the promise of different perspectives put together with purpose. Let's enjoy proving them wrong but first we put in the work. I'll help guide this group if that is what is wanted but we need all of our ideas to put together.

I like Ermulf's suggestion. Let's go check out this area, during the day to get the best first impression with the least risk, and then proceed from there. After that we can have better questions to ask-of people I know who aren't going to run crying harassment to the council. Now let's hear from the rest of you.

[Stirling]

Vhing Cranepool

"no I eat the rats!"Vhing responds to Dorn."and less of Doubtful, we should have more faith. Like fishboy here, he could make a fine priest. Not me, I don't believe in cod."

The half-orc smiles at Ermulfs' enthusiasm to run headlong into the unknown."Spooky old chemists' place has been abandoned for several years. How many years did he say? Still maybe some old shepherd fella or crotchety village hag who gathered his herbs or dwarf plumber who fixed his leaks; could still be around. Anyone who knew the place or owner before it fell into disrepute."

[Mant72]

Keilif Zythanthus:

"Good evening, gentlemen.", Keilif addresses the two boorish guards as he quickly exits the meeting hall, pulling the hood of his cloak up to combat the brisk night air blowing in from the sea. Obviously disappointed in how the Council responded to the group's requests, he hastily makes his way across the cobblestone street and stops just outside of the pool of lantern light that spills from the eaves of the meeting hall.

He stands waiting, watching the Council Hall door in hopes that the others will soon follow suite.

A few moments later, as he is waiting on the outskirts of the lantern light, Keilif spots a figure leave the building. As the figure steps into the light, he recognizes the odd half-elven man, Jónas, he believes was his name. The young man approaches Keilif and introduces himself, extending his hand in greeting. Keilif notices an strange rash on the back of the young man's hand, but he is unperturbed by it. "Perhaps the young man has some sort of skin ailment, and besides, the doctrines of the The Sea Mother preach giving aid to those in need.", Keilif thinks to himself as he returns Jónas' handshake, smiles warmly, and responds, "Well met, friend. I am Keilif Zythanthus. I've seen you around the docks a few times. You're a hard worker, and I think you're right. I too find something odd about the Council's behavior. It is almost as if they are hiding something... Perhaps I am reading too much into things. Anyway, I say we wait here to see if the others take their leave and then we can make our way to Tortuga's Inn to discuss our further plans over a cup of mead. What do you think?"

Sorry guys! I posted this before I saw that some of you already posted. Didn't mean to throw a wrench in the plot sequence. Hey Ogre, what time of night is it?

[wolfpack]

Jervis snaps to attention and slams his fist over his heart then extends his arm in asalute to the council.

We shall infiltrate this fortress of evil and annihilate its denizens for the good people of saltmarsh.

With that he spins on his heel and marches out of the chamber.


Joining the others

We should make haste to this ancient haunt, the longer we wait the more time our enemies have to prepare. There are always spies about and it is likely word has already reached them of our quest.

[Fulci]

I gather it is daytime? We were probably invited to the council in the morning and only spent a short time there.

Jónas Gillman

"This fellow is probably right," Jónas says, pointing to the zealous Jervis. "Let's take a quick look at the mansion by daylight. We can go to the, umm inn afterwards."

Given the fact that he has basically zero friends, Jónas never really goes out drinking. But maybe this quest will help him to bond with some of his peers as well!

[Nordbo]

Danny Cruester

Danny, too mesmerized by the sight of Juli, completely forgot to speak up when asked about his name and reason for joining. As he follows the others out, he instead makes a mental note to himself about his purpose in life: "Slavers. Yes - kill all slavers. That's why I'm here" - but immediately feels surprised and apprehensive about harbouring such dark thoughts. Where did they come from ? He firmly grips his fillet knife in his pocket for reassurance - the only reassurance available right now in a rapidly changing world. He joins the group outside to see what happens next.

[Stirling]

Vhing Cranepool

Vhing counts the group huddled together. "Ten of us. We should have a name....the Gangbangers, the Martians, the Beetles,"Vhing attempts to foster some group togetherness.

"listen guys, I never arsoned no house, tea-leafed some trinkets mind. And always came out carrying the pups,"Vhing lifts Shoo-fly up by the scruff of his neck and gives him a little shake.

"One thing we always did was buddy up, have someone watching your back. Dibble did mine, but then Dibble dobbed us in cus he was ex-lawman and once a pig always a pig. Anyways I suggest we buddy up on the ways and it'll go smart for us if we do. How about Keiliff and Jonas already shaking hands together, Ermulf and Jervis our gallant knights to be, Ben and Dan two sailors, Burly baker and Alec the Burly dwarf, leaving me an the cat."Vhing gives the cat back to Dorn, "does that work boss?"


'tea-leaf' is orc rhyming slang for thief

[Mant72]

Keilif Zythanthus:

Keilif cracks a smile at the half-orc, "You certainly have a way with words my friend." He extends his hand to shake the hands of all of his comrades in turn. "Yes, I agree that we should be wary of calling attention to ourselves, and we should probably try to get a look at the manor and its surroundings prior to entering; however, I stress caution. I do not care to be 'clapped in irons' as the mayor so eloquently stated. The inn may provide us with some rumors, and I would also like to speak with my uncle, Darn, before we enter the manor." Keilif recounts the events that he and his uncle experienced on the beach to the party (see Character Stories section). "Whatever we elect to do, I am willing to follow in step with the rest of our group." He turns to Dorn looking to the elected leader for direction.

[coil23]

Doubtful

Eyes narrowed at the half-orc, Yes, I can see you were the one who carried the pups and man-handled the cats.

Let us take a walk around the grounds and manor, outside only mind you, and then head back to talk with Keilif's uncle and perhaps others. At that point we will likely have a better idea how to proceed.

And Vhing's idea of pairing up seems wise council to me, both for protection and for dividing up assignments. I guess I will be the awkward third wheel with Vhing Cranepool and the cat.

[Nordbo]

Danny Cruester

doesn't quite get what's being decided at the moment or if it includes him - but sticks around to see if things get clearer soon.

[wolfpack]

Jervis

I am not sure exactly what you said half-orc but I think it was that our group needs a name and we need to be sure to mov ein pairs of two if we split up to protect each others flanks, I agree with both.

For the group name I submit The Knights of Shining Glory!

As for moving in pairs I care not who I am paired with, but I swear on my honor will do everything in my power to protect that perosons back.

After hearing Keilifs story Jervis clenches his fist

BY THE GODS! it is as I suspected some great force of evil is gathering in that desolate place to surge forth a horde of the living dead and destroy the people of this good city. We should move quickly, which direction is this evil keep?

[wolfpack]

Jervis

I am not sure exactly what you said half-orc but I think it was that our group needs a name and we need to be sure to mov ein pairs of two if we split up to protect each others flanks, I agree with both.

For the group name I submit The Knights of Shining Glory!

As for moving in pairs I care not who I am paired with, but I swear on my honor will do everything in my power to protect that perosons back.

After hearing Keilifs story Jervis clenches his fist

BY THE GODS! it is as I suspected some great force of evil is gathering in that desolate place to surge forth a horde of the living dead and destroy the people of this good city. We should move quickly, which direction is this evil keep?

[Nordbo]

Danny Cruester

steps up next to Jervis, clenches his fist too, then punches the air while cheering: "The Knights! Against the horde - 'oooray-y-y!" as bravely as he can.

[hedgeknight]

Burly looks at Jervis and Danny as if they've grown two heads...each!
"Names won't do us no good if we don't accomplish what the council wants. We can name ourselves after. Let's first get some info about the old place. I'm all for taking a look around the grounds too."