Return to Messori Harbor
Quick Recap
After clearing out the frog people from their cave as per their agreement with Silas Marrow, Captain of the city guard, the party prepared to return to Messori Harbor. They had planned to rest briefly near the cave before traveling back to town at night, avoiding potential confrontations with the city guard. As usual, their plan went sideways.
Silas Marrow refused to pay the party for their services, citing dissatisfaction with the mission’s outcome.
Next Steps
The party planned to:
- Return to the smugglers’ hideout in town to inform them about clearing the cave and potentially negotiate payment
- Warn smugglers about the dinosaur and brain leeches in the cave
- Inform smugglers about Flint’s arrest and show them the contract between the city guard and frog people
- Make a copy of the contract using Frankie’s new scribe cantrip
- Consider breaking Flint out of jail around the first of the month
- Be prepared for potential conflict with smugglers or city guard
- Raid ships for a valuable item and obtain a smugglers’ logbook
- Consider leaving town before authorities catch them
- Compensate smugglers for their lost member
Party Leveling
The party reached level 4, allowing for attribute increases and new feats. Gore explored spellcasting improvements and strength bonuses, while Frankie learned the ‘scribe’ cantrip. The team discussed character abilities and spell upgrades including Poison Volley and Tree Running for agile movement. Halvor explored new wild shape transformation options.
Clearing the Frog People Cave
The party had agreed with Silas Marrow, Captain of the city guard, to clear out the frog people in the cave for 500 coins and identify the new smugglers to the city guard. Before heading back, they planned a short rest near the cave on a knoll. They remained alert for dangers, particularly dinosaurs and brain leeches in the area.
Returning to Town
The party decided to travel back to the city at night. Vyth offered to guide them stealthily. They avoided overnighting in the swamp due to potential confrontation with the city guard.
The team considered splitting up to navigate past potential ambush areas - some swimming underwater while others walked on land. They planned to proceed only after receiving signals.
Scouting Ahead
Halvor used his wolf form to scout ahead along the shoreline because he could move faster. Splinter considered riding along. While scouting, they noticed an armored figure with a greatsword, prompting discussion on how to approach the potential threat.
Encounter with Silas Marrow’s Watchmen
The party encountered watchmen on a hill and discussed going to town to see Silas Marrow, who had originally hired them. Rock noticed other guards on a hilltop. They talked about a missing patrol and ensuring no guards escape.
Flint’s Capture
The party encountered guards who had captured the smuggler Flint. They planned to either let her escape at the town gates or turn her over, depending on the guards’ actions. The party speculated about someone being involved or on the smugglers’ payroll.
Arrival at Guard Headquarters
After a chaotic encounter, the group was ferried across a river to the city by guards. They were unsure if the guards were assisting them or were part of the smugglers’ group. At the guard headquarters, they were told to wait for the captain while being watched by firm but non-aggressive guards.
Dealing With Captain
The party discussed plans to deal with the captain and decided to gather more information through a thieves’ guild. Splinter suggested a potential jailbreak if necessary. They debated the rank of the guard captain whose job they took.
During exploration of the guard facility, the DM guided them through various rooms and scenarios. Frankie’s unsuccessful attempt to blend in with the city crowd was noted, and the group decided to join up with Frankie to explore further.
Failed Payment from Silas Marrow
Silas Marrow was not satisfied and refused to pay. The team considered options to recover their lost payment, including trying to rescue Flint and negotiating a discount for the failed mission. They discussed how their quest was severely impaired by their competition and the possibility of a frog sorcerer’s involvement and divine intervention.
The party planned to return to the restaurant where Flint was captured to gather more information. They also discussed strategies to rescue her from the city guardhouse and planned to return to the hideout where they first met the smuggler.
The Damaged Ledger and Ancient Egg
The party examined a damaged ledger containing a contract between guards, frogs, and a priest named Crawgast. They speculated about the location of an ancient egg and discussed “one beneath” - considering this entity’s origins and its control over the smugglers.