Just as the loud footsteps approached the door, they suddenly turned and heading towards what seemed the back of the room. Another door was heard, opening then closing as the footsteps faded away. Gash slowly follows the sounds around the corner of the building, creeping her way in the darkness as to not alert anyone nearby. Scarr and Koko follow suit, being sure to keep as quiet as possible. When Gash and Scarr step on the creaky boards of the dilapidated walkway on the side of the Old Fishery, Koko feels super hesitant. Scarr decides to take Koko onto his shoulders, but when the both of them step onto the boards, the planks start to strain severely under the combined weight. With that, the duo separate and Koko finds himself towards the front of the trio, leading the way into the darkness.
Koko suddenly senses that there is "something" in the water ahead. He makes mention that there is a fin in the water, possibly looking for its next meal. Gash and Scarr ask for some more details, such as size, to which Koko describes the battle-worn look of the giant fin, complete with chunks of flesh missing and some deep scarring. Koko then asks for the rest of the team to possibly turn back because of the unsettling feeling the fin monster gives. Gash mentions to Koko that he might need more blood, so what better chance than this? Dismissing the dreadful feeling in the pit of his stomach, Koko presses on, looking for a way out. Gash moves behind Koko and suddenly pushes him into the watery depths below. Scarr, upon seeing this transaction take place, shouts to him that he should just start stabbing the shark. Sputtering in the cold water, Koko frantically stabs the shark with the knifeboot after having a close call with it's teeth. Seeing that Koko might not fair well with the shark encounter, Scarr asks Gash to tie her whip around his midsection, just in case she needs to rescue Koko and needs a way out. Gash looks to Scarr and sheepishly, Scarr mentions he can't swim. Sighing, Gash replies to Scarr "Just throw me in with Koko". With that, Scarr picks Gash up and tosses her into the water. Clambering to get on top of the shark, Gash mounts the wounded shark and stabs it with her sawtoothed saber. Striking the final blow, Gash feels the life leave the shark and starts swimming back towards the dock. Koko, having a judgemental glower towards Scarr and Gash, awaits for Scarr to toss the other end of the whip into the water. With that, the party reunites on the docks, 2 of them soaking wet.
Resuming their mission to finding another way in, they come across a door that seems easier to open. Upon inspection, they realize it would be pretty simple to unlock it with a lockpicking set, which none seem to have on their person. Seeing that Koko could use some healing, a lockpick set to be purchased, and a few other items, the party sets off back into town before another attempt. Their first stop will be the tavern, looking for information from Neolandus.
Scarr runs up to Neolandus, asking where a good store would be for procuring some items, such as a lockpick. Neolandus looks at Scarr with thoughts that this group just might be the real deal. He gives Scarr directions to a nearby general goods store and asks if they needed anything else. Gash speaks up and mentions that she could go for some food and Scarr orders a roasted chicken and water. The party and Neolandus look towards Scarr as if he just did something horrendous, but ended up dismissing his weird ways. As the party goes to sit down and wait for their orders, Gash starts planning out what to do next. "We need to find the store first, but what about the thing inside the building? It sounded HUGE." Scarr looks towards the group. "Well, whatever it was, it moved a table next to the first door. Best chance we have now is to try lockpicking that second door we found." He turns to Koko "Do you know how to lockpick?" Koko clears his throat "I mean, it's been awhile but I think I'm up for the task. Would be nice if I could get a towel to dry off though. Also, I'm not going to pay for the lockpicks." Gash, seeing that Koko is still upset about being pushed into the water "Alright, we can both pitch in and buy the lockpick set for you." As the conversation dies down, Neolandus approaches the table with their orders. Worried about the answer he might receive, Neolandus looks at Koko and addresses the party "Uh, I hate to ask but uh...what exactly happened at the Old Fishery?" Koko mutters under his breath about killing a shark. "Oh, you managed to kill that old thing? Usually when someone fails to make Gaedren happy, they get tossed into the water and basically fed the shark." Koko mentions that he was pushed into the water as well, glowering at Gash and Scarr. Neolandus pips up "So...does that mean you've MET Gaedren?" Gash chips in "Possibly, but we don't really know for sure. See, the door we found was locked but someone was inside. They blocked our path for that door with something heavy. Now we've got to pick a lock on another door just to gain entrance." Neolandus ponders about this whole situation. Gash asks Neolandus what he plans on doing with Gaedren's head once they bring it to him, to which he responds that the head will be used as a victory symbol for the city. Nodding for understanding, Neolandus parts ways and leaves the party to eat.
As the party departs the tavern and wanders towards the store Neolandus pointed them towards, Gash makes small talk with Koko. "I hope you understand that what happened earlier with the shark and pushing, it was because I needed a distraction for the shark. I hope this means you won't leave with harsh feelings." Koko snorts "I'm just sticking around for the money." The small talk dwindles down yet again.
Arriving on the doorstep of the merchant shop, the party enters. The lights are a pretty welcoming sight, showing all sorts of items on the shelving. By the back counter, a dark skinned human is seen tending various ledgers. Hearing the door bell chime, she pips up and offers assistance to the new customers once she is done with an order. The adventurers split up and start perusing the inventory, looking at everything that strikes their fancy. Scarr looks for ropes and potions while Gash looks for lockpicks and weapons. Koko's eyes grow large when he sees a shiny butterfly knife. Bringing their items to the counter, they make the transaction. Upon completion, Scarr turns to Landrima and inquires "Hey, we're new here and have a job. Do you have any information in regards to Braiden, Laiden Jamm, or something like that?" Landrima's response is one of confusion. "I'm sorry but none of those names ring a bell." Gash nudges Scarr in the ribs. Scarr clears his throat "My mistake, do you know of a man named Gaedren Lamm?" The face on Landrima changes to one of fear. She shakes her head, clearing her throat "I don't recommend that you get involved with that man in any manner." Koko nudges Scarr in the ribs this time, indicating that he needs to have a word with him. Leaning down, Scarr puts an ear to Koko, making sure others cannot overhear the conversation. "Hey, just a thought but MAYBE we shouldn't be asking random strangers about a big baddie here. They might be in cahoots with him and tip him off that WE are looking to kill him." Scarr, nodding in agreement, stands back up. Waiving thanks and goodbyes, the party dispatches from the shop.
Rushing back to the Old Fishery, the trio performs a quick check around the perimeter. Nothing seems to have changed from their disturbance earlier. Koko makes his way to the side door and starts attempting to pick the lock while Scarr and Gash keep a lookout. Once the lock pops, Gash moves the hinges away, alerting someone or something of their presence just on the other side of the door. Upon entering the room, the party is met with Yargin, a visually upset blonde human. "Who the hell are you and why the hell are you here?!"
Tune in next time for what is in store!
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