The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh

Each of you has come to the small town of Saltmarsh for your own reaons, but above all, a mystery beckons. Talgris the alchemist lived a hermit's life, with few visitors and fewer friends. But a young messenger once emerged from the house with a story of a grand library containing countless tomes. Retellings of the messenger's tale have varied over the years, with the most popular versions suggesting that the alchemist had discovered a method of transforming base metals into gold. Even if this should prove to be untrue, it might be worth a look to see the library (and perhaps some of the books would be worth money).

Saltmarsh's roughly five thousand residents are predominantly human, with the dwarven mining contingent of about two hundred workers the largest non-human faction in town. Elves and halflings draw no special notice since the Silverstand hosts a wood elf enclave and a few halfling villages are tucked in the hills around town. Half-orcs, deep gnomes, and other rarified beings draw suspicion and fearful glances.

As you approach the town's main gate, the guards hail you. "Well met. State your name and your business." A scribe stands by to record the information.

Map of Saltmarsh You are at 1.

A small, shy voice emits from a small but attractive Forest Gnome with long, straight purple hair with white streaks. She wears calf-high black boots, a black and dark grey marbled knee-length tunic with long sleeves, a light purple hooded cloak with some purple leaf work about her shoulders. She has a quiver of arrows at her side, a composite short bow slung across her back and a gleaming sickle.

"My name is Dorsa Silverthread. I am here to see Krag and Eliander to conduct research into the local history."

As each of you speaks, the scribe dutifully records your names and reasons for being in Saltmarsh.

"Well, know this," the grizzled guardsman growls, "We be a respectable community and don't take kindly to people starting trouble. Just you remember that and keep your noses clean. Now go on, and have a good day." He waves you through the gate.

Continuing along the path, you see two buildings ahead, one to either side of the road. On the left is a small building with a recently added wing (2) and on the right what appears to be a tavern (3). The tavern bears a hanging wooden sign showing a goat made of wicker. Further off to the north (left), you can make out the form of a tall stone tower (12).

As you approach, you notice someone being "helped" out of the tavern, a short, stocky man. He scrambles to his feet, cursing at the two people in front of him: a tall middle-aged man with a stern face and a red-haired female dwarf, burly arms crossed before her. "Hold your tongue, before you say something that really gets me mad, you old seadog," the tall man says angrily. "You're free to visit if you want an ale that doesn't taste like the piss you serve down at the Net, but I'll not tolerate you stealing away my customers right under my nose, Kreb!"

Wearing an angry shade of red under his thick whiskers, Kreb responds with an accusatory finger: "Bugger you, Lankus, I's just doin' me civic duty by informin' the folks o'er 'ere that there'll be free food and drink at the Empty Net tonight, court'sy of Mr. Primewater. Why, Lady Copperlocks, I thought ye and yers was 'posed to keep order 'round 'ere, but ye're letting this landlubber violate me, while ye imprison honest fishermen just tryin' to earn a living wage!"

The red-haired dwarf holds back Lankus with an outstretched arm, as she says: "We've imprisoned smugglers, not fishermen, although I can imagine how ye'd have a hard time distinguishing between the two, with the clientele you keep. And while it is Councilman Primewater's right to hold a banquet in their 'honor' at yer establishment, it is also Lankus' right to forcefully evict unwanted patrons from his private property. Go about yer business now, Kreb, before I report ye to Captain Eliander for disturbing the peace – and my lunch!"

Dorsa sees no fun in a pub crawl at all. She looks around for signs of birdlife. If she finds a bird, she will communicate with it in order to find Eliander. If not, she will head towards the tall stone tower.

The two men and the female dwarf stare at Twilliam for a moment, as if deciding what to make of the newcomer. "A good, old-fashioned pub crawl, eh?" the dwarf seems enthused. "Only thing is, the only place worth crawling to is the Wicker Goat, 'ere." Lankus puffs up visibly at her statement. He glares at Kreb. The shorter man takes offense and snaps, "My establishment beats yours any day of the week, Lankus. You've got Lady Copperlocks here in your back pocket, is all."

"Why not prove it, then? Maybe a pub crawl might be worthwhile. It would certainly net me some new clientele," Lankus laughs.

"Maybe I will," Kreb retorts. "Maybe I'll bring up the suggestion to Councilman Primewater!"

"Right then, tell him he's welcome in the Wicker Goat if he wants a decent ale."

With that, Kreb stalks off towards town. "Sorry for that display, my friends. Welcome to the Wicker Goat. Won't you please come inside?"

Dorsa manages to attract the attention of a gull, roosting nearby. After a brief conversation that revolves around things that belong to it, the gull will give her directions, instructing her to go to the tower.

Dorsa thanks the gull and heads straight to the stone tower.

Dorsa takes in the sights as she walks. She has an almost photographic memory and remembers names and faces very well. She adjusts the weight of her weapons and her backpack a little bit to make it easier to walk.

Twilliam (and anyone else in the tavern): The Wicker Goat is a two-story building with sleeping quarters on the top level. The interior is nice, though somewhat sparse, and the place is neat and clean. The food smells delicious, and your mouth begins to water as soon as you set foot inside. The female dwarf sits at your table. "So, what brings you to our little town?"

Dorsa: You walk briskly, but evenly towards the tower, which looms larger as you approach. Along the way, you pass a large building that appears to be a tannery (11). As you approach the tower, you can see that it is 60 feet in height, with a notice board out front. There are two notices on the board at current.

The first notice reads, "Explorers Wanted: Brave souls needed to explore Shaw Manor and investigate reports of haunting therein. A reward of 100 gp to each surviving member of such an expedition will be paid upon completion of the investigation and proof that the place is cleansed of spirits."

The other notices says, "Rescue! Bandits of the Dreadwood have captured one Ameri Lordquist. Her family is offering a reward of 200 gp to anyone who can return her safely. They will pay 50 gp for proof of her demise."

What are the rest of you doing?

Most of what you overhear is talk of the recent catch, but one piece of information does catch your ear. "I heard that Eliander is looking for brave souls to explore the old manor house. Wouldn't catch me going in there for a million gold pieces. I heard about what happened to Dirk. They say it turned his hair permanently white!"

"The old manor house up the road a piece, to the north. It used to be the home of an alchemist, but he disappeared years ago. Been deserted since then. Most folks says that it's haunted, and I believe 'em. Dirk went up there once, came back ravin' about ghosts and spirits. Poor fool's hair went stark white from terror!"

"Peter? You mean Dirk? He hangs out at the Snapping Line, when he isn't out fishing. He's usually telling his story in exchange for ales."

Dorsa makes mental note of these notices and calmly walks back towards the party where she hopes to explain to them what she read on the notices.

Marcellus: You follow the road to the Snapping Line (13). As you enter, a young woman standing behind the bar looks up. "Welcome to the Snapping Line. What can I get for you?

Twill and Pebelmis: "Talgris, the dwarf ponders over the name for a moment. Seems to me I've heard that name before. Oh yes, the alchemist! He used to live in the old manor to the north o' town. I believe that the town council is looking for some people to enter the house and put to rest rumors of ghosts and spirits. Offering a pretty sizable reward for it, too. I'd go meself, but my adventuring days are behind me," she sighs wistfully.

Marcellus: "Dirk? Aye, that's him over there, telling tall tales," she points to a corner where a man sits by the fire, surrounded by several children listening wide-eyed. The man's hair is stark-white.

Twilliam: As you enter the Snapping Line, the woman standing behind the bar looks up. "What'll you have?"

Marcellus: Dirk notices your approach and pauses in his yarn spinning. "Yah?"

Pebelmis: "Person to talk to would be Eliander."

Marcellus: The man takes the coin and bites down on it. Seemingly satisfied, he pockets it and replies, "I wuz esplorin' the old Shaw place about a week or so ago. Never put much stock in it bein' haunted, until now. I see'd some lights in the windas so I thought I'd take a look see. I came in tha back door, on the patio, and I heared this eerie voice telling me to get out. I did, and I didn't look back! I swear that all the demons in the Nine Hells was chasin' me!"

Pebelmis: "Eriander is usually in the large tower to the northeast of town. "

Marcellus: So far as you can determine, he is being entirely honest. He seems genuinely frightened, and his hair is stark white.

After hearing this, Dorsa turns on her heel and heads for the large tower to find Eriander.

Suzetta! Yes! I was wondering if I could speak to Wallace if he's awake. Twill grins stupidly big. If not. An ale and a room for my stay?

"Yes! Are you coming with me?" she asks Pebelmis.

Twilliam: The girl cocks an eyebrow and says, "I'm Hanna. Wallace retired six months ago and sold me the whole business. I'm the new owner of the Snapping Line. He went north to Seaton, something about wanting to see the world before he died. Given what I paid for this place, I'd say that he is well on his way to the Nyr Dyv, but now."

There is a decided lack of volunteers among the patronage. Most give a casual glance up, then return to their beers. "Up the road ta th' north," Dirk replies. "'Bout three miles from town."

Marcellus: Dirk sneers. "Yer goin' up there on yer own? Who's yer next o' kin sos I can notify 'em?" This elicits a chuckle from several of the patrons, though they quickly sober up if Marcellus glances at them.

Dorsa smiles at Pebelmis and walks twice as fast to keep up with Pebelmis' stride.

Dorsa and Peblemis: The walk back to the tower is fairly short. A knock on the door of the tower brings a giant of a man in response; barrel-chested and sporting a peg-leg, with dark hair and dark eyes. "Can I help you?" he asks rather pointedly.

Marcellus: You head out of town on the North road, in the direction you have been given. A few curious townsfolk (mostly children) follow you for the first mile or so, but as you near the place, they trail off until it is just you. (If you are going to go it alone, I'm going to open a new thread for you.)

Pebelmis and Dorsa: "Well then, you've come to the right place. I am Eliander. I assume you are inquiring about the haunted house?"

Marcellus: The manor stands at the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. It appears run-down, but still quite sturdy. A small wall surrounds the grounds, and you can see the remains of a small garden (now overrun with weeds) and a well just behind the house.

Nope, no apparent traps. Let me switch you over to a new thread. Stand by. Okay, this is it.

"You've heard right. the town council is interested in having the alchemist's house investigated. And yes, there is rumored to be a library there, though I don't put much stock in rumors. It's also rumored to be haunted by the spirits of the dead. The council is offering a reward of 100 gp to anyone who will investigate the house and put to rest these rumors of spirits once and for all. You would be entitled to anything you find."

"You're welcome to keep any books that you may find, as well as other items, but certain goods, mostly textiles, have to be taxed. So if you were to come across, say, a bolt of cloth that you wanted to retain, there would be a nominal fee of 5% of the value of the object. I don't expect that you'll run into any ghosts," he scoffs, "But you can never be too certain of anything. And if for some reason, you want to purchase the place, that can be arranged as well."

Dorsa nods and the two of you set off towards the haunted manor. The walk takes about two hours and when you arrive, the skies are dark and threatening rain. [continued in Haunted House thread.]