The Reading...
OOC: Sorry for the delay...
J. Murdle addresses you all. "Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for coming on this solemn occasion. I have been appointed executor of the local estate of Ambrose Wythwindle who passed in this very Inn less than a month ago. It should be noted that the bulk of his estate is in the Free City of Greyhawk and that his legal representative there will be handling that part of the Estate and any bequests thereto. I am only responsible for the portion of Mr. Wythwindle's Estate which he had here in Saltmarsh where he had been living some weeks." He looks up to see if anyone has questions at this point. Seeing none he continues on. "The local Will was brief and to the point except for a letter to be read to you all. And I quote, 'Good day my old friends, I trust you've been enjoying the hospitality of The Lizard's Boat. I hope the journey to Saltmarsh was not an arduous one. I have included you all in my Will because I have finally discovered one of the Great Tombs of antiquity. This is the legendary resting place of Acererak, a ruler of terrible power and cruelty long centuries ago. I believe his Tomb lies deep in the Hool Marshes. I've actually seen what I believe to be the hillock where the Tomb itself lies. Unfortunately, I seem to be too late. Old age and illness have finally caught up with me just on the eve of my greatest find. I simply could not pass from this life without trying to arrange an expedition into the Tomb. That is why I have called you all here. I hope to persuade you to work together and explore the Tomb. To that end, I've placed some money in the local bank. If you choose to join the expedition then you will be given 3000 gp each to equip and sustain yourselves for the duration of the expedition. In addition to that I have several other items which I had gathered in preparation for the exploration, which will be at the disposal of the group. At the conclusion of the expedition you may dispose of this gear and any remaining funds as you see fit. Now I do understand that poking about in old Tombs is not an occupation all of you would choose to pursue. However, I feel that each of you brings a unique set of skills to the group. The reasons for the journey into this Tomb are many fold, academic curiosity was much of my own motivation. Acererak was perhaps one of the most interesting historical figures in this part of the world. There is little about him in the historical record. Second, he was a darkly evil force, indeed some say half fiend by birth. His legacy lives on, for I believe much of the evil that stems from the Hool Marshes and the Dreadwood is a result of his lingering influence in the Tomb. To destroy that influence could allow good to proper in this once forsaken land. Saltmarsh sits on the edge of a dark forbidding wilderness. For civilization to truly flourish here, that evil will have to be removed. If you prefer baser motivation, I think you'll find the Tomb is filled with untold wealth. What little I have learned about Acererak and his Tomb suggests that he was interred with vast wealth. Finally, the Tomb is filled with challenges great and small. Acererak was a cunning and vile person in life. There is reason to believe that he protected his Tomb with a variety of traps and other challenges. Few could succeed against such tests. I have carefully selected you all for your outstanding ability. Are you up to the test?'" The Attorney pauses here, puts down the letter, clears his throat and says, "I am instructed to pause at this point to give you time to consider the challenge presented by the late Mr. Wythwindle. If you choose to accept, our fine Innkeep has agreed to provide a base of operations here including lodging, meal and this room for planning and meeting for up to three month. She will of course be compensated handsomely for this." He pauses to hand over a small jewelry box with a lock and key. Kailee looks inside and pulls out a part of diamond solitaire earrings and places them in her ears. They are very large diamond, clearly worth a considerable sum. There seems to be other items in the little box as well. She nods and he continues, "She is also quite knowledgeable of the area and can provide many contacts. There are native guides, and a collection of scrolls, potions, wands and other gear at your disposal as well as the funds mentioned earlier. If you do not wish to participate Mr. Wythwindle has asked me to award you 250 gp for your trouble in coming here and to further bestow 1,000 gp on the charity of your choice. He will also pay for up to one weeks lodging in the local Inn of your choice while you arrange for passage home; however, he was very specific in saying that you must agree to leave The Lizard's Boat immediately and Saltmarsh within the week if you are to receive the aforementioned bequest." He looks up from his notes, "You must decide now before I continue. If you will not be joining the quest for the Tomb I must ask that you leave now. I will give you the cash and take down your charity of choice." He looks expectantly at the group. Kailee speaks first, "I already told Ambrose I'd lend a hand." You suspect there is a hint of wry humor in the way she says, 'a hand'. "We agreed I won't be going into the wild, but I'll support you to the best of my ability from here. Who's in? I'll pour you a drink for the road if you don't want to join the quest."
