Blackscale Lagoon: Part I Thieves in the Night: A Bloody Welcome

"Mostly marshland. You got saltgrass and canals that run deep and some what are so shallow you'd think you could step into that mud and walk a bit, but you don't want to do that unless you know for sure there's some bedrock below, or you'll end up in mud up to your waist and maybe can't get out. You'd be better off with a guide. If you head over to the Biting Bitters, you'll find two of me mates over there. Cumwold, and Therin. I'd trust them two with me lock box. They know the lay of the land and are most likely the only one's brave enough to aid ye. That and a bit of good luck," she says.

Biscuit: "I am always up for some food. And maybe a beautiful lass."

You arrive at the Biting Bitters just in time for the roasted pig to be cut and served with baked beans and fluffy hot rolls. The Ale is cold and the food is good and hot. You see the two old guys they've pointed out to you as Cumwold and Therin. They are in their cups and laughing up a storm.

Biscuit will ask around for Cumwold and Theron.

Both of the men comve over with mugs in hand and sit with you.
"Oi lads, I be Cumwold and this 'ere be Therin. Pleased to meet ya mates," he says and shakes your hands. Therin does the same.
Therin, looks at you all and says, "So...how can we help ya lads? I'm all fer killin' goblins, but I'm not so good with a sword, more of a fisherman and a trapper meself."

Biscuit: "Please, let me buy you both a drink. We don’t need you to fight. We need you to guide."

"Erm...whaddya know. Well, we can do that," says Cumwold.
"And we can also do with another drink. It's near lunch anyhow," says Therin with a wry grin.

"By the way, where we headin'?" says Cumwold.

They both look at the map and then at each other.
"Only a fool would go the old ruins," says Cumwold stroking his beard.
"I agree, and only the foolhardy would approach Weeping Hollow," says Therin rubbing the tip of his nose with his index finger (you notice there is no nail, the tip of his finger is gone.)

"We'll do it," they say in unison.
"5 silver a day, each," says Therin.
"And a small retainer, let's say 10 silver each," says Cumwold.
"That'll get you our services," says Therin.
"And our boat, i.e. transportation," says Cumwold.
"Aye, transportation through the swamps," says Therin.

Cumwold on the left; Therin on the right.