PlanetADnD.com

Shortly after Brax leaves, while the group is still eating and discussing, Fergus Cousland comes into the inn, followed by a man that Amon vaguely remembers, but cannot put a name on right now. Fergus looks around and, seeing Amon, approaches him, speaking loudly enough so that those next to them can hear him well.

"Hello, Amon" he says. "I think you remember my friend Roland? He came for a visit today, and he has disturbing news. Maybe it has something to do with what you're looking into."

Roland extends his hand to Amon in greeting. "Nice seeing you again" he says.

Amon stands, accepts the man's hand, and shakes in greeting. "Hello, Roland. What is this bad news that brings you all the way to Saltmarsh?" he asks.

Roland laughs a little and shakes his head. "It wasn't the news that brought me here, I came to discuss fishing procedures and fishing rights. But then your father and brother told me that you had cleared up the old mansion and discovered a smuggling ring, and I told them is happening around Dunreese, and they suggested I come here and tell you all. Maybe these things are linked."

"Have a seat," Amon offers. "And tell us all about it."

Roland sits down, and once he seems to have the attention of most of the group, he begins to tell the story.

"What we know, really, is very little. It's only that the number of people not returning to port has become unusually high in the last few months. I mean, there's always bad weather or other accidents, but lately, we've had three boats manned by strong young men that did not return. Also, last time a caravan came in from the east, they asked around in Dunreese if some of our young men would be willing to come along as guards, because the night before, three of their guards had deserted them. And on one of the beaches, human bones have been found among the flotsam.

Fergus has told me you've discovered that the old mansion that was supposed to be haunted was, in reality, a hideout for smugglers. Now I am wondering what might be behind the strange things happening at my home, and thinking that maybe you might want to come and help us find out?"

Amon considers this. "Hmm, it sounds worth investigating. Even if it turns out to not be connected to the smugglers, it would only be right to try and help those in need. What do the rest of you think?" he asks, looking to each of the others in the group except Drake, who he makes a point to avoid.

Martin likewise makes a show of ignoring Amon, and sits idly spinning silverware around his fingertips, although he pays close attention to the conversation.

"How far away is Dunreese?" Echo asks. She has never been out of Saltmarsh, and it really wasn't until recently that she started to consider the idea of leaving the town once all of this was over. "We have a time frame to keep track with after all."

"It's only two days to the east, Echo. Dunreese is practically our neighbor," Amon reminds her.

"I say we investigate if for no other reason than to see a little bit more of this... lovely countryside you've got. That and I am incredibly bored in this area."

I agree, if all we're going to do is sit around this tavern for two weeks we might as well check this out and see if the two are related. besides, i could use a nice stroll!"

"If there's a boat to spare, we would need only a day" Roland adds. "It's faster because there are a few rivers and swamps you have to avoid when going by land."

"I'm sure Father wouldn't mind loaning us one for the trip," Amon says. The idea really appeals to him. Although he's been to Dunreese before, he never had the opportunity to really explore it. And he is eager to see the world beyond Saltmarsh, even if it isn't very far.

"Yeah, all right. Let's go," Echo says as if she didn't really care one way or another.

"Woooo! Lets go see the sights! I love having new rubes to gamble with!"