Saltmarsh (Time of Flowers 1)

[Kara Winters]

Their journey was a few days long than the crew had expected, but eventually they had made it to Saltmarsh. The location was... a different experience depending on who it was.

For Sai, Saltmarsh, while familiar with its docks and workers who hurried to unload the ships before the fishing vessels return at the end of the day, was small. Sai was use to much large coastal cities than this place which felt small and out in the middle of nowhere. It probably didn't help that it lacked the diversity he was use to being from a city. Elves and halfings would pass them by on occasion, but it was clear other races were very rare.

For the twins, it was the opposite, not because the Greenwood was small, but because it was more spread out, and blended in more with nature. Especially the docks felt a bit crowded. Now that they were in Saltmarsh though, the group had to decide where they as individuals wanted to go.

Beloved and Jahi, parted ways, because it was their intention to start traveling south as part of Beloved's pilgrimage. Whereas the others... as Sai had told them, he was wanting to find his fortunes, whereas Caelynn wanted to help Ana to grow more, whereas Ana wanted to... well she wasn't sure what she wanted but probably not want Caelynn wanted.

Maybe it was because the cleric and the bard were so different from the group, there wasn't enough in common to keep them there. However, at least the three elves (at least Sai could be mistaken for an elf) had their heritage as a common point. Maybe this is why they stuck together and decided to find an inn, and maybe work before deciding if they too should stay or leave.

[Nara-pyon]

Sai was ready to bid farewell to the (in his opinion) too-friendly human and tiefling, though he had to admit that they weren't the worst companions he'd ever had. Still, he had no interest in anything religious, so wherever they were going, he wasn't interested.

The elven sisters, on the other hand ... they were looking to train Ana, and from the conversations he had overheard, it seemed that part of that training would include trying to find paying jobs. That interested him. And even if he ended it staying briefly one place, at least he wouldn't be alone if his former mentor came after him.

"Why don't we ask around if there are any jobs anyone needs doing?" he suggested to the girls as they started into the city. "We could pick up some coin for supplies and such, and Ana would have the opportunity to get in some training."

At the mention of training, a frown creased Ana's brow, and she looked away. Caelynn, on the other hand, was delighted at the suggestion.

"We aren't used to cities," she told Sai. "Where would you suggest we go to look?"

Sai thought about it. "A town square usually has a job board of some sort," he mused aloud. "Or there may be people asking around at the inn. Maybe even someone around the docks."

[Kara Winters]

The dock workers (the ones who weren't hurrying to and fro getting crates off of the ships), weren't particularly helpful. A lot of what they spoke about were rumours (or maybe ghost tales in this case). Such as tales of drowned sailors trying to get home, and if you helped them you'd get a wish, otherwise you'd drown.

Besides ghost stories, dock workers admitted there was a job board near Hoolwatch Tower that they could go look at if they were willing to do shops for Fireborn the captain of the guard, and if they were looking for work from merchants or people traveling through, most stayed at the Wicker Goat inn.

[Nara-pyon]

Ghosts weren't something that anyone in the party was interested in dealing with, at least not at the moment, and so after a brief discussion, they decided to look for the job board near Hoolwatch Tower. Asking around at the Inn would be their last resort for looking for work.

Sai was by far the most comfortable of the three in a city setting, and so he led the way into Saltmarsh, asking for directions whenever he felt he might be going the wrong way.

[Kara Winters]

As it turned out, the town was split in two by a river, as it appeared it was settled along where the river met the ocean. They had to cross a bridge to get to Hoolwatch Tower. The other side of town had more specialty shops for adventurers, the inns and larger homes (probably for wealthier folk). However, once pointed out to the group, they couldn't miss it.

It was a 60 foot tower built clearly to be a defensive structure. The marked stone suggested that the tower was as old as the town, and had been outfitted to be now the base of operations for the town guard. The town guards the group saw walked like they were marching, and all wore a badge with a green reed on it.

There was a board hanging by the entrance of the tower which had pinned to them slips of paper with requests written on them. Paper stamped with the green reed were requests from the captain of the guard, all written in precise and neat handwriting. While other slips varied in handwriting suggesting the town also used the board to make requests.

[Nara-pyon]

Ana kind of held back behind the others, her eyes on the sky, looking for birds and other wildlife, while Caelynn and Sai looked over the papers that were pinned to the message board. They weren't sure entirely what they were looking for, whether it was something that would net them a fair amount of gold (which Sai would have preferred), or something that would give Ana more experience in fighting. Caelynn knew that they would have to find something that would suit both their needs, and it was with this in mind that she looked at all of the postings.

[Kara Winters]

There were actually two requests gold wise that interested Sai, because to him at least it was high paying. While for minor nobles like Ana and Caelynn, the 10 gold pieces from the last journey was not a lot, for Sai who had lived in poverty as a thief, 10 gold pieces would have allowed him to live carefully for 20 days.

So when there were two jobs stating that the reward was 150 gold pieces, that caught his attention.

The first job, was from a merchant requesting for help in getting his goods back from goblins that had fled into the Hool Marshes. No one in the group knew where that was, but that clearly required them to be on the road again, which might not be a bad thing because being on the road might mean fights. This job can be taken and confirmed with the captain of the guard.

The second job, was written in elegant handwriting that indicated there was an old house an hour or two travel east of Saltmarsh. The home was rumoured to be the home of an alchemist who had disappeared a long time ago. The writer wanted to see if any of the alchemist's work was left but needed others to join them on this venture as the house was abandoned for well over a decade so wildlife has probably moved in and made it dangerous. The writer was also willing to pay a 150 gold pieces and indicated that anything of value found that the party wanted to keep, they could, as long as there wasn't any indications it was the alchemist's work. This slip was signed by Nakos Medani and he was staying at the Wicker Goat.

(There was also a set of symbols at the corner of the slip, only Sai could read it, it was Thieves' Cant, but it was odd. Maybe a dialect thing since he wasn't from around, but it sounded like there was a second reason for this job, or the job was a front, the person wanted a rogue and was wiling to pay extra.)

[Nara-pyon]

Sai pointed out the two notices to Caelynn, who studied them both.

"The one from the merchant seems a bit safer," she mused aloud, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the two. "And perhaps a bit quicker, which will help with supplies ... and if we were to perhaps attempt the other job afterwards, Ana may have a bit more experience to help her ..."

She looked at her sister, who didn't seem to be paying the least bit of attention to the discussion.

"So to the inn?" Sai asked, reaching up and taking the slip of paper off the board.

Caelynn nodded. "To the inn," she agreed. So, after asking for directions to the inn, they made their way there.

[Kara Winters]

The Wicker Goat was a large two story building, that was considered by some to be the oldest tavern in the town. Though when the group asked locals about it, the locals didn't seem that impressed. In fact, it was duly noted when the group walked into the building that it seemed to primarily serve the town guard and dwarven miners.

There were a few travelers like themselves, such as an elven man who had hair coloured like the twins, but his skin tone was a shade lighter. He was well dressed with brown breeches, cream coloured shirt and a deep brown vest with gold buttons on it. He was watching the coming and goings of the people around him as he sipped his ale.

[Nara-pyon]

The elven man was the first person to catch the attention of both Ana and Caelynn, as he was the first to look anything like them that they had seen here; but Sai took in as much as he could of the inn before really stepping forward. Being as the elf was so well dressed, he wondered if he might be the merchant who had posted the job notice.

"Excuse me," he said, approaching the man and smiling. "Would you be Mr. Medani, who is looking for some help?"

He held up the notice he had taken from the job board.

[Kara Winters]

The elven man smiled as he put down his drink, considering Sai for a moment.

"Yes I am, interested in going ruin diving with me? Well... it's an old house, not much of a ruin to be clear," he added, "But the rumours around the place is interesting."

He motioned for Sai to sit as he moved to sit properly instead of the lax position in he had while people watching.

[Nara-pyon]

Sai sat down, tucking his bag into the folds of his cloak to hide it from the view of the other patrons so that it would be less of a target while he spoke with the gentleman.

"It does sound interesting," he told the man, "though I have to be honest. The coin is what interests me the most."

He gestured towards his companions. "Caelynn and Ana, my traveling companions. We saw your notice. It really caught our eye."

He started to chat about the notice, telling him a bit about himself (very little) and the sisters, phrasing things in such a way that he was really using Thieves' Cant to explain that he also qualified for the potential additional pay for bringing a rogue's skills to bear.

[Kara Winters]

"Of course, why else adventurers dive into unknown ruins?" the man smiled as he nodded along to what Sai was saying.

He nodded at this and replied back to Sai.

"Well, if you've all been traveling together longer than a tenday," as in, if Sai trusted the sisters, "Then drop by my room later this evening for more details. Of course I understand if only one of you come, preparations must be had after all."

[Nara-pyon]

Sai smiled back at the man and nodded at him. "Just let me know the room number and we will be there this evening. Is there anything we should prepare beforehand? Equipment we should procure?"

After their job guarding the ship, they had a bit of gold, and it was possible that they could fill up on supplies if necessary. Maybe nothing expensive, but a few things nonetheless.

[Kara Winters]

"I'm in room 1, I've been here for a long while," his voice sounded a bit exasperated at this, like he wasn't expecting to have been here that long at all, "As for preparations, that is for tonight's talk. We won't go tonight, but I'd rather fill in the details in private. You know how 'treasure hunting' can get."

It wasn't cant, but it was clear that the man was using the idea of ruin diving or treasure hunting as a front. Not unusual, there were unfortunately a number of old ruins or 'dungeons' that existed in the world. It always felt to anyone who was a city folk that civilization seemed to take one step forward and two steps back at times depending on which generation one talked to.

"Though if you want to prepare during the day today, so we can head out tomorrow, just make sure your weapons are in good condition. If you can afford the coin for it maybe a healing potion or two. Unless my judgement is wrong," he glanced over at the girls and then at Sai, "None of us have healing magic. I don't expect trouble, but," he knocks on the table, "Better safe than sorry."

[Nara-pyon]

Sai nodded. Always better safe than sorry. "Until tonight, then."

He stood up and gestured to Ana and Caelynn to follow him out of the inn. Once outside, Ana took a deep breath and smiled softly. Clearly she much preferred being outside than in.

"So what do we do until tonight?" she asked Sai and her sister. She might not have seemed to be paying attention, hut that didn't mean she hadn't heard the discussion.

Caelynn thought for a moment. "It may be wise to find some healing supplies. We really don't know what we may encounter. And I have a feeling there may be more to this than the posting indicated." Just something about the way Sai and the gentleman had been speaking gave her a feeling. That was all.

[Kara Winters]

The group asked around about places to resupply though it depended on exactly the question they asked. When asking about general supplies they were pointed to Winston's Store which was on the other side of town (from where they came from) up on a trail leading to a cliff. It could be found near the Temple of Procan for some reason. That was the town's general store and it wasn't a large enough town for a second closer store.

Though there was promising talk of an alchemist who lived on the side of town they were on who sold things out of their house. A bit craggily (and might drink a tad too much) but he was good at what he did. Alphonse was his name.

[Nara-pyon]

The group decided first to check out the alchemist names Alphonse, not only because he was closer but also because he would be more likely to have the supplies they most needed. If they still had time (and gold), they would go to the general store and check it out.

Again, Sai was the one to lead the way, knocking on the door of what they had been told was the alchemist's house.

[Kara Winters]

To Ana it sounded like complete silence, but she wasn't really paying as much attention. They were in a city after all, what could happen? Her sister and Sai on the other hand could pick up the sounds of uneven footsteps that would pause for a moment and start up again.

It was a few seconds too long until the door opened to reveal a red headed man with stubble, shirt stained and smelled faintly of alcohol. There was a faint sigh as the man ran his hand over his face and squinted at them.

"Oh... here for... potions I'm guessing?" he spoke clearly, but it did sound like he probably had a bit of a hangover.

[Nara-pyon]

Hungover people were not new to Sai, and it didn't faze him at all. Being as they were in a port, he was sure many adventurers came in search of potions, and if he was the only alchemist in town he was probably quite used to people knocking at his door.

"If you have any in stock, sir we do hope to make a trade," he affirmed.

[Kara Winters]

"Ah... sure," the alchemist ran a hand through his hair as he side stepped the door and let them in, "Come on in. Don't touch anything."

Sai and Caelynn would have noticed there was a large scythe (grim reaper style) folded up near the door. If they checked behind them or near any the doors there would see archaic runes carved into the door frame and window frames.

Once they were all inside, he shut the door and motioned to follow him into his kitchen. Fortunately it was not the place he was brewing potions from the looks of it, but he did look like the kind of guy who might have taken food home from the local inn on quite number of days as there were no pots or pans in the kitchen but plenty of dirty dishes.

"So," he muttered as rooted around in his cupboards, "What can Al sell you?"

[Nara-pyon]

"Well," Sai began, watching the man rummage around, "some healing potions would be much appreciated, though I think we would also be interested to know what else you may have available."

Who knew what they might need? Healing, definitely, if this job ended up being what it sounded like to him, more than a simple house exploration. But he was open to other ideas, too - depending on the price.

Caelynn looked around the room, and she couldn't hide the disgust she felt at the sight of all the filth around her. To keep from offending the alchemist, she turned so that he would not easily see her face.

Ana, on the other hand, moved closer to some of the most rank-looking dishes, curious to see what might be growing on them.

[Kara Winters]

"Huh... well there's a few choices there... depending on what you can afford," Alphonse murmured as he grabbed a key from somewhere in the cupboard and went over to a locked cabinet.

The dishes Ana was looking at was growing some sort of green mold that looked like it could be petted it was so thick.

"Okay," he muttered as he grabbed a bunch of clay and glass bottles and a box from it.

Despite the sounds of thumping dishware onto the kitchen table he did put everything down as carefully as possible.

"So... standard healing potion, I personally sell it for 25 gold pieces each, pricey I know, but even the merchant traders will sell it for 50. If that is too pricey, I do have this healing salve for 10 gold pieces, it has two doses, doesn't heal as well as a standard healing potion but well..." he shrugged, "Or... with the help of some other locals, I have a specialized healing kit for 10 gold pieces, unlike normal healing kits it can heal as much of a standard healing potion but... if you don't know much about medicine it won't do much good."

He scratched his chin for a moment and then remembered.

"Oh right, and if you do have coin to spend," he tapped another clay jar but until the healing salve which was sealed with a cream white wax seal, this one had a red seal, "This restorative ointment is the best, it has 4 doses and cures poison and most mundane diseases but it's 200 gold pieces."

[Nara-pyon]

Ana tuned in when she heard Al talking about medicine, and she turned to join the conversation, distracted from the fuzzy green mold she had been about to reach out to touch.

"Caelynn," she murmured, nudging her sister's elbow. "I could use that. The kit."

Caelynn turned towards the alchemist again, also distracted from the filth. "How many kits do you have?" she asked him.

Sai meanwhile was counting out his coins to see how many healing potions he could buy. He knew they couldn't afford the most expensive ointment, but he would take what he could.

[Kara Winters]

"I have only four of them," Alphonse told the group, "It takes a bit to put together, even if the items are more common than what you find in potions and salves."

He waited to see what the group would say, he didn't seem to be in a hurry.

"Take your time," he told them.

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