Romnez

Anders Solmor

Quest giver, you have not met him, only known by the words of a messenger. You are to meet after the investigation at Saltmarsh. He is a young Councilman that fell into power by bloodline, after his mothers death.

Locale Background

Saltmarsh is a quiet fishing village known for its superstitions. The “haunted house” looms on the cliffs just outside town, abandoned for decades. Locals whisper of strange lights, eerie noises, and sailors gone missing near its shadow. Anders, a wealthy merchant and aspiring noble, believes there’s more to the story and has offered this reward to uncover the truth.

Waterdeep docks

are a loose collection of pirate gangs that onced banded together for territory and loot. The islands off the coast of saltmarsh are basically the Caribbean Sea.

You’ve all accepted a quest to investigate a supposedly haunted house in Saltmarsh. While the townsfolk believe in the haunting, Anders is skeptical. He seeks adventurers to uncover the truth, as no one in town dares to venture there. That’s where you come in.

Initially - wrote this as you’ve assembled individually; but happy for you to paired or trio if you want to join backstories; open to re-writes. But can arrive individually. Note: You’re going to fuse as one group to keep story goin’ (after you set sail)

To the players / characters

- 150 GP per person upon completion (with potential bonuses depending on your findings).

Anders specifically sought adventurers from outside Saltmarsh, believing that outsiders would approach the mystery with open minds—and fewer fears. Why did you take the job? Was it the coin, the thrill of adventure, or perhaps a desire to prove yourself? Answer here to let others understand each others motiviation.

You’ll board the Sharkfin, a ship docked at Waterdeep’s port. The journey to Saltmarsh will take three days by sea.

- 20 GP up front to cover travel expenses.

- The ship’s captain, Grendanna Stormbreaker, is expecting you. Payment for the voyage is required before boarding.

Meet Anders at the Saltmarsh.

- A half-dozen crew members will accompany you, including her first mate, Rack Stormbreaker.

Romnez is running as far away as he can from his previous city, so this deal came at a right time. Going to Saltmarsh will surely get them off his track. The coin is whatever, he’s stolen

Kaldrak is looking to gain additional followers and influence to challenge his parents for the throne and win the right to marry his true love.

Everyone feel free to do so as well

You hear some shouting and see a hooded person in dark clothes leave a nearby building, they turn a corner and slow down. They lean next to the wall in a shadowy spot, and take off their hood. A subtle glow emanates now from their neck. He’s wearing a black top that fits slimly, and baggy pants that are quite worn but still in one piece. A few seconds later you see two men turn the corner and hastily run through the docks, trying to find someone. They split up, but don’t seem to find who they are looking for here, so they run further. He pulls out a sandwich from his pocket, and eats it. You can see now that this man is a triton, around his twenties, his body is toned, but still slim, and has a light, muted green skin, and a tail with blueish-purple fins. After finishing his food he walks towards the ship, quite comfortably, even if he was being chased five minutes ago. As he walks closer you notice his facial features. His face is human-like, the only triton feature being his ears, he has yellow eyes and a hair color similar to his fins. He has gill-like openings near the lower part of his neck which emanate a blue glow with changing intensity like breathing. His scarred nose is dripping blood, which he wipes, and then sits down near a wall, playing with a coin, and waiting for the captain of the ship you are also about to board.

Kaldrak steps out of the dock house after meeting with a small group of common folk—fishermen, laborers, and outcast traders. The gathering had been more than just conversation; it was a calculated effort to turn their discontent into loyalty. Through his natural charisma and genuine care, Kaldrak had succeeded in earning their support. As he left, their words of gratitude and quiet pledges of loyalty echoed in his mind, strengthening his resolve. He wears a well-tailored coat of dark crimson and gold embroidery, the color a nod to his heritage but the design understated enough to signal he has no desire to flaunt his lineage. The coat is worn over a fitted black tunic, sturdy trousers, and polished yet travel-worn boots—practical attire for someone ready to face danger but unwilling to abandon a noble’s dignity. Strapped securely across his back is his trusty crossbow—sleek and well-maintained, a weapon that speaks to Kaldrak’s preference for precision over brute force. Tucked carefully into a loop on his belt is his wand, his arcane focus. The wand, carved from blackened wood and adorned with faint, fiery runes, is a symbol of his pact. Its presence is subtle but unmistakable to those who recognize its arcane significance. A heavy cloak with a hood drapes over his shoulders, its edges lined to fend off the chill of the sea breeze. Around his neck, a simple leather cord holds a small trinket—something given to him by Seryth, a reminder of why he fights. His gait is purposeful, his back straight, and his golden-scaled face a picture of calm confidence. To anyone watching, he looks every bit the nobleman—save for the intense fire in his amber eyes, a sharp reminder that Kaldrak is not one to be underestimated.

Bones is looking to walk the world and see what things are like outside of the swamp he calls home. He knows of the world’s history through books, but isn’t particularly street smart/savvy

Kaldrak Vorzath

After leaving the safety of the swamp, Bones was overwhelmed by what, to him at least, was the hustle and bustle of a major city with it’s pulse on international trade and high finance. But what was in fact a small fishing port. To make ends meet he’s been bartering his services as a local neighborhood healer. Trading for fish and produce with cures for scurvy and whatnot. Doing the same old everyday made him a bit grumpy. It’s not why he left the swamp. The magic of the world he’d read about had been a let down so far. So after seeing the flyer for adventure, he leapt at the opportunity to explore a haunted house

Done!

Chapter one

The Sharkfin

The salty tang of the sea hangs thick in the air at Waterdeep’s bustling docks, mingling with the sharper notes of tar and fish guts. Seagulls wheel overhead, their raucous cries punctuating the clamour of workers unloading cargo, sailors shouting orders, and the occasional splash of water against the creaking hulls of moored ships.

Kaldrak steps onto the docks of Waterdeep, where the sharp scent of fish and tar swirls in the air, mingling with the briny sea breeze. The smell is foreign to him—an assault on senses accustomed to the refined halls of noble estates. But he straightens his back and forces himself to breathe it in, willing himself to appear unshaken. This, too, is part of the path he must tread to gain the loyalty of the people and earn Seryth’s heart.

Romnez, seeing a rich person who has probably spent all their life in a fancy palace, lets out a grunt, which is a bit louder than he expected it to be.

Seafaring terms

“Yeh, I wouldn’t expect to see me here either.”

Romnez stands up, walks past Kaldrak, completely ignoring him, and walks around on the docks with his hands in his pockets, looking around impatiently, trying find the person who made him come here.

As you make your way toward the designated meeting point, you notice a small commotion near one of the cargo staging areas. A merchant’s cart has overturned, spilling crates of what appears to be exotic fruit across the dock. The merchant, a well-dressed halfling, is frantically trying to salvage what he can while dock workers navigate around the mess. Several dockhands are already helping, but more hands would certainly speed things up.

Romnez steps closer to the cart

May I help you?

I start gathering fruit and placing it back in the cart.

The halfling merchant dabs his forehead with a silk handkerchief, not bothering to look up.

History 13 + 4 = 17

“Yes, yes, fetch me any fruit you see!” he snaps, then mutters,

“Those blasted Aarakocra rascals... Where are the dock guards when you need them?”

Helping placing back the fruits back into the now up right cart, thanks to

With your powerful build, you effortlessly right the cart and its cargo. As you stack the remaining scattered crates, one catches your eye - a newer trade mark partially scratched away. Beneath the current emblem of a pearl wrapped in seaweed, you glimpse an older symbol: a serpent coiled around a spired tower, water flowing from its mouth. Under this, you see the Draconic script: ′Kra’ssk Tor′ Draconic Language required to read. But you manage to lock it into memory.

Years in the criminal underbelly have taught you well. A fluid motion - natural as breathing - have refined your

As usual Bones arrives late to the party. Hearing the merchant in a tizzy and seeing others already helping or stealing the fallen fruit, he instead attempts to lighten the mood

- Lunar Guidance: Grants an innate sense of direction under the night sky, aiding navigation through unknown lands

“tell me about it. It’s so hard to do honest business in the city. Why do you think it’s the Aarakocra?”

You can pick an assortment to make the 5: - Moonscale Fruit - Blood pearl - Serpents Kiss Berry

- Faerie Fire: Causes the eater to faintly glow with an ethereal blue light, making them difficult to hide in shadows.

The merchant starts to snap, but his demeanor shifts upon noticing your halfling heritage. He straightens his collar with practiced precision.

ya lets do that, so 11 for

“Ahhhh yes, indeed, quite laborious work around these docks,′ he forces a laugh, adjusting his fine vest. ’They topple my cart like clockwork, all because I suggested they scram! As if they could afford such delicacies. I hear they run with some local gang...”

Lift the cart // help collect the scattered fruit and toppled crates (DC 12 Athletics check to lift the heavier crates)

You quickly assess the situation, and your sharp culinary instincts spot one fruit immediately: the Serpent’s Kiss Berry. Known for its sweet-burning sensation, it’s typically used sparingly in cooking. You’ve only ever worked with small amounts, but consuming a whole fruit is rumored to have magical properties.

Attempt to calm the agitated merchant (DC 10 Persuasion)

Alt+Drag the box to not disturb cards. This can be any size, but it should aim to contain only the most recent messages from anyone.

“Indeed, I am. Appreciate the help, friend.”

Or simply observe and continue to the ship

Keep an eye out for opportunistic thieves (DC 12 Perception)

while scratching my brow innocently, and occassionally scratching my chin, in an attempt to sound innocent

oh that sucks , well hopefully it all works out for you, and your insurance is on point.

otherwise they might ask why a local gang would knock over a cart full of expensive merchandise and yet not even attempt to take of it..

Romnez replies, in a slightly irritated way

“Yeah. Don’t tell me you two are also coming”

Adjusting the multiple luxury rings on his fingers, the merchant’s bravado barely masks a tremor of underlying anxiety.

“Bah, it will be fine,”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m not excited about associating with you either.”

(with inner rage burning inside again - he gets lost in thought)

“These winged bandits... insurance will be complicated. I hope the city guards catch them.”

Here! take a fruit - pay me no mind. Just lost in thought...

“My name’s Mordrin Silverbatch”

Insight works better here. So ya trying to get a sense of trustworthiness or if he’s being racist or something lol

My character has 4 insight if it’s relevant (0 pursuasion)

“Ah thank you kind sir. Please, help yourself to some of my fruits. Free of charge! Only one....”

Stoking his chin in thought.

Ah they are some what indeed. Close to regions of Saltmarsh. These are meticulously imported by my trade routes. A big hit with the nobles here in waterdeep.

The merchant - Reshifts focus as he sees ...

Romnez rolls his eyes and goes to take back a batch of the fruits he picked up, which he puts down next to the merchant in a very visible way, to make sure they see it.

He then goes to the merchant and looks down to eye contact with them. He speaks in a cold, calm voice, offputtingly dissimilar from how he first spoke to the merchant.

Surely you won’t let me go empty handed after helping you out so much, right?

“What he means to say is we’d appreciate some recognition for our assistance, but it’s not necessary.” Glares at Romnez

(Word travels fast, especially for his merchants like him)

Notices Kaldrak’s purposeful stride and refined bearing, adjusting his merchant’s pitch with subtle deference (You see him pay greater attention to Kaldrak)

Morbin’s gaze respectfully acknowledges Kaldrak’s nobility, and knows that he has cultivated local allegiances.

“Your help was most appreciated. These fruits aren’t going to gather themselves, and a merchant’s day is never simple. A small token of thanks might be in order - please take some fruits, more than one!”

I take two and express my gratitude.

Morbin’s returns his gaze to the Triton.

Add any two from this list to your inventory

“Your help is also appreciated. You ... take only one!”

Romnez squats down and looks down at the merchant. He speaks in a quiet voice:

You have a problem with the Aarakocra, right? I can get rid of them, if you pay me now.

Fruits choices if you’ve been granted - or trying to steal...

Def don’t want that Moonscale one, so I’ll take a Serpent’s kiss and a Blood Pearl

Your criminal experience revolves around the dockside districts of cities/villages. Including Waterdeep. You learned how the pirates wield influence through trade and their network of compromised merchants; the weight of your “Sea Witches” Medallion is still unknown. (Exploration through Roleplay is needed)

Morbin’s ears perk with the mention of Aarakocra’s

Side note: Some merchants use pirates as a way to save coin - yet Illegal, there is no harm* other than profit. *Caveat: This also means undocumented cargo and unknown contraband could fall into the cities/village market.

And sees the Triton, The gold medallion dangling before him. He he stares at it ... admiring the craft, curiosity of market value but also remembers ...

Descriptor of the

This medallion is made of gold. On the front is a ship’s helm pressed into it, with a blue gem in the middle and green gems on each of the handles. On the back, there’s a trident with two mermaids on the sides, both holding it in the middle. The medallion has two holes in it, one at the top and one at the bottom, so it can be hung upright or upside down.

bones has been listening to the exchange of lore while he adds a berry to his inventory

With the original text - this isn’t apparent

as for

Intimidation checks usually falls iun the camp of aggressive so... use with care:

Ugh, only an 8 (7+1)

Mordrin’s fingers twist his rings as he studies the Medallion, a memory flickering across his face. His voice takes on a measured, calm tone.

Roll me a

“Sea witches...”

“I haven’t seen these in quite some time.”

“I do apologize for my tone earlier. Though now I understand why...”

love it. It chaos reign.

Don’t recall anything about the berries - You just used in cooking in the past - rumors that it was paid handsomely by other chefs you were working with.

“Pirate,”

“Yes, yes, I’m happy to pay for your services. Thirty gold pieces if you can capture one of these creatures.”

“May I have your name Triton?”

Between the bustling dock workers and conversation between

As you watch Mordrin’s fingers work his rings, you notice the movements aren’t random fidgeting – three precise turns of the silver, two of the gold. Like a clockwork signal, perhaps to alert someone... or something. A pattern too deliberate to be mere anxiety.

Romnez, seeing that the merchant recognized his medallion, pauses for a moment. He looks down to the ground and thinks for a little.

Snaglak, you seem to paying attention to the exchange between

The Mordin’s willingness to pay for the capture seems a little too casual, like they’re trying to downplay something.

Romnez straightens his posture.

Sure, I’ll take care of them. I want the payment up front, this job is more dangerous than collecting fruit.

Hmmm... Perhaps that purple orc is involved?

Hearing the commotion behind him, Romnez turns his head back for a second, then tells whispers to the merchant, while pointing towards the others behind him:

I’m sure you don’t want to pay each of those four to do the same.

ya i’m not really about capturing crims. I’m more of the healer/adventurer sort. But it seems like all these other guys seem pretty hyped on the prospect so I guess I’ll come with to make sure things don’t get out of hand

I point out the orc walking down the pier.

also did someone say parrot? I’ve never seen one of those!

A sharp clang cuts through your conversation— the bell at the end of the pier rings out, three times, loud and deliberate.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

Heads turn.

Looking at the group behind you and the sharkfin .

“Look like she’s ready.”

“Alright Fine, 30 pieces for the capture, alive.”″

“Light this under clear moonlight. I’ll find you—and you’ll be rewarded.”

The purple orc at the pier’s bell rings it three more times.

clang, clang, clang.

She turns and bellows in a rough voice,

“Sharkfin’s takin’ cargo! If you’ve got crates and coin, load em in! Get to the shark fin now!! — we don’t wait long!”

Then begins carting his supplies towards the ship; couple feet in he turns back.

“Alive, Triton.”

Roll me a

The orc places herself between the ship and the cargo, arms crossed, one hand resting near the hilt of a curved blade. She watches each crate with a sharp eye, letting nothing pass without her nod.

Sure, sure

(I want to “accidentally” slip with my hands and throw the candle over the pier into the water, while Morbin isn’t looking.)

You do this; the candle makes a small ‘splosh’ sound - briefly sinking before rising up the surface of the water. No has noticed this.

Romnez continues to walk towards the Sharkfin, as he reaches the ship, he sits down on the edge of the pier. He looks at the cargo and the others who he’s going to board the ship with soon.

The dock’s bustle resumes—cargo loads piece by piece, with payment of coin before boarding. You see the orc bites a coin with each bag given and waves them in.

🎲7 Eyes on the back of Mordrin - As you begin walking towards the sharkfin, you notice he slightly keeps turning his head to the right. Looking towards that direction, you see another ship docked on the other side of the pier. Another ship, similar size. Assorted crew men by the looks of it. Stocking supplies; not cargo.

Mordrin Silverbatch approaches.

“Well well, if it isn’t Mordrin Silverbatch in the flesh. What brings your face here to the docks.” A smirk reveals the orc’s golden tooth.

“Nice to see you too, Stormbreaker, Rackha...”

“Here to personally to deliver my cargo this time; as cleared by your captain.”

Hands Rackha folded parchment and a velvet coin bag of what to be a larger size than what you’ve witnessed from other contributions given.

Partial answer - awaiting party to answer before adding reply.

Rackha scans the paper, and signals the sharkfin crewmen to load the cargos from Mordrin’s cart. Then handing back the paper back.

“Pleasure doing business with you as always, best of luck with your affairs Mordrin.”

⬅️ Latest happening

Mordrin gives a nod of goodbye, turning around and eyes each of you. His gaze lingers ... memorizing your faces, before he departs with a final nod and one final statement:

“Till we meet again...”

then fades into the bustling crowd

Rackha still examining the coins and without looking up. Hand gestures for the next lot to move up. Biting down on coin and with a muffled tone:

“Neexsihht!”

Romnez stays where he is, waiting for the end of the cargo and for the others to go to the ship first.