The Shark Hunter eases into the wide mouth of what Captain Kai informs his passengers is the Restin River, a waterway that flows through the center of the village, dividing the settlement in half. The ship is steered toward a series of docks on the eastern bank.

Gathered on the deck, the adventurers can see that the harbor is busy, even at this early hour. Many of the docks are occupied by fishing vessels, their crews preparing nets for the day’s catch. Another merchant ship is anchored at the end of the row, a steady flow of workers traveling to and from the vessel, its cargo being delivered to the westernmost of a trio of warehouses that sit a short distance from the harbor.

”I expect the word of myself and my crew will be sufficient to levy charges before the Baron against those who sought to mutiny,” Kai says, ”but if he requires more witnesses, could I call upon some of you to tell what occurred?”

“We should remain here in port for around five days.” he continues, ”If I can be of help, you can find me aboard.”

The Shark Hunter drifts to a slow halt at one of the vacant docks. As the wide sail is lowered, a cloaked man in chain armor approaches the vessel. He is met by the captain and the two converse briefly. The official nods to Kai, then approaches the members of the company.

”Good morning. I am Carlton, a member of the guard of Grellus, Baron of Restenford. May I inquire what brings you to our settlement?”

Hrothgar has been surprised when the live bodies of the mutineers had not joined the headless one of their leader in its plunge into the swirling sea. It's what he would have done were he the ship's captain.

                                                          ~~~

"Why captain, it's not your settlement that draws us here, but the promise of what lies beyond it," the half-orc adventurer answers, the sea breeze tossing about his black locks in a passably attractive fashion.

"The big man is correct, we come seeking fame and fortune and knowledge! Can you point us in the direction of the Inn of the Dying Minotaur? Time to find lodgings for a bit, clean up, and eat and drink!" Yngvar says to the guard.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Sat 01 July 2023.

Although remaining silent, Hoya moves up to stand next to Hrothgar placing her hand on his shoulder in solidarity as he talks to the local constabulary.

Conkin rolls his eyes slightly as Hrothgar and Yngvar speak to the soldier. He then steps forward and says, "Best of the morning to you Master Carlton. As my comrades have noted we are here to explore the mysteries of this island.

We plan on basing ourselves in Restenford. The Dying Minotaur has been recommended as an inn worth our coin, and we will also need to purchase supplies from some of the establishments in the town."

Yngvar nods, and smiles at Conkin, he  wasn't quite as verbose as he, and was glad the halfling took over. He appeared to be the face, perhaps, of the group.

"Also, Captain Kai has no doubt informed you that he has some mutineers locked up below deck, ready to be brought to justice. It was we who discovered the plot against the captain, and then both informed him of the situation and dealt with it accordingly. We would thus put ourselves forwards to deal with any other evils of which you - or the Baron - may be aware. Otherwise, we will be at the inn."

Duranor bowed his slightly as a show of courtesy.

"We also appreciate you welcoming us to your land," Pasha added, dipping his head to Carlton.  "For those of us from the mainland, Lendore Isle is a place of stories and wonder.  I am excited to have made landfall here at last."

He relinquished the conversation back to Conkin and gazed around the townscape, spying most notably the keep that rose above the trees, businesses and homes on their side of the river.

From the dock, the adventurers can see that Restenford has been built in and around a trio of hills. Overlooking the village, atop one of the hills to the north, is an imposing square stone castle, doubtlessly the residence of Baron Grellus of Restenford and home to the settlement’s garrison.

Homes dot the forested hilltop to the east of the castle. The third hill, which lies west across the Restin River, is occupied by what appears to be an abbey.

Carlton listens politely as the adventurers greet him. To Duranor, he says, ”Yes, Captain Kai informed me of what transpired. Some of the guard should be along shortly to bring those who sought to mutiny to the castle. I anticipate the Baron will consider their fate on the morrow.”

“The captain and his crew have long done honest business here in Restenford. I am certain that Baron Grellus will be appreciative of the part each of you played in keeping The Shark Hunter from falling into dishonest hands. I will be sure to communicate your offer of service to him.”

He points to the road that leads north, away from the docks and warehouses. ”Follow that road, turning west at the first junction you come to. The Inn of the Dying Minotaur is just a short distance away.”

“Gellcuff, the owner, runs a fine inn. He has an excellent wine cellar and his ale is good. I have never stayed there, but visitors have told me that the rooms are clean and well furnished. He does not tolerate rowdiness, though. Any who cause trouble are quickly put out.”

He raises an eyebrow. ”It stands to reason that you have voyaged far to visit our village. Drawn by legends, no doubt. Some seasons ago, we often had many of your profession come here, most hailing from the Lordship of the Isles and the Sea Barons. But no longer. You are the first to travel here in some time.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:41, Mon 03 July 2023.

Carlton's last words snagged Pasha's attention back from his perusal of the town about them.  Iron League and Great Kingdom adventurers both had descended upon this place several seasons ago, then stopped?  What had brought them?  And why had they not continued arriving?

"Begging your pardon, but do you know why they stopped coming?" he asked, curiosity etched on his face.  "Did they succeed in what they came for in the first place?"

Carlton frowns, visibly hesitant to answer. ”The last group that arrived were a small company of well armed mercenaries who hailed from the Sea Barons. They sought to explore an ancient ruin to the west.”

“They perished. All of them. Word of what had occurred spread and those seeking to explore the wilderness ceased to arrive.”

Yngvar alerts to the new conversation and beins listening raptly, very interested in what the answer might be. He had heard that many of the early adventurers never returned. He wondered how many had, and what they had found!

Hoya leans closer when when the topic of conversation changes to the last adventuring group to visit Restenford. She waits for a reasonable pause in the to and fro, then catches the soldier's eye. "Are there any here that might know a bit more about that group, where they went, and what they were seeking?" she asks.