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The mysterious Tortle led the group to a small grove where a few small salt-water pools and a hut stood. He entered with the group, leaving Morrigan outside. Morrigan's step-father Hector sent Morrigan a few castings of Sending which she later relayed to the group, Anders Solmor from the Saltmarsh town council had been found dead at the hands of unruly orc patrols, unfortunately losing a potential ally against Bards Gate.
The Tortle revealed himself as Namas, claiming to be a worshipper of the Grandfather Turtle Tumetenga. He explained a mission for the group and specifically Zelem, and promised a great reward should they accomplish it and warned of peril should they fail. At night, Morrigan noticed the signs of a fire to the north and smelled smoke, but deciding it unwise to pursue now. As night fell, Morrigan began to conduct a ritual to beseech her deity for aid in warding off the wererat lycanthropy some of the group could have contracted. After a suitable magic-item sacrifice, Hecate revealed a few reagents and ritual to conduct, and the group rested in preparation for the upcoming day.
The first ingredient was said to grow in an oasis that only moonlight shown upon, so the group traveled back to the desert and after some searching found the strange goblin tribe. They had tunnels walled with salt that led to an underground village, where a single opening in the ceiling led to the sky. They negotiated a bit and agreed to take the mysterious vial (of colored water) from Zelem in return for the berries. With the first ingredient gathered, the group left and began to make their way to the Abbey.
Upon arrival, it was torched to the ground and a few of the Stoneheart Valley Trading Company were poking through its ashes. While heavily armored, eventually the groups attacks withered them down. After clearing the rubble, entry was gained into the cellar and a surprised group of Orcus cultists confronted the group. Their leader slain and having little useful info, they were dispatched and investigation was began into the mysterious Abbey. A few journal entries were discovered in the wind-swept halls, discussing the war of years ago and other strange happenings. Panics wife's Grandfather Hanfred Vel appeared frequently in these stories, and the group began to wonder what evil had befallen the Abbey of Muir.

Important Characters

Morrigan Oweland - After the untimely death of her mother, Morrigan is now the Matriarch to the Oweland estate and The Oweland Family. She is the half-elven daughter of the late Eda Oweland and cousin of Robin Oweland. As a worshipper of the evil deity Hecate, she keeps this dark secret between her and her closest allies. Her and Zelem have teamed up to oppose the influence of Bards Gate on the region and have made enemies of the powerful trading empire it commands.

Zelem - Tiefling, conman and swindler. Accomplice and partner in crime of Morrigan, has numerous alter-egos including Valor Windsail who is considered upstanding and is liked by the Saltmarsh guard. Involved romantically with Priscilla Primewater, the sorceress daughter of the council member Gellan Primewater. While his powers come from the sea, he dreads the return to its perilous waters. He is unhappy with his recently gained notoriety.

Panic - A tiefling more like a moth than a devil, the charming Druid joins the group in an effort to save her beloved from a terrible affliction. She has acquired enough funding from her perilous adventures in the south to charter passage to the Abbey Isle, hoping the clerics of Muir can perform miracles to provide the cure she needs. Unfortunately it seems her wifes-grandfathers Abbey has fallen to evil, though what dangers lurk in its depths are unknown.

Ruven - A trusty half-elf that has worked with Zelem in the past, after her adventures with the Snake God in the south she has ventured to the north with her friend Panic in an effort to aid her on her quest. She seems distrustful of the significantly more evil companions Zelem has found himself in the company of, but has reluctantly continued to journey with them.

Pink - Former captain of the Lady Matilda, she has been disposed by her old crew and seeks revenge. The ferocious Satyr carries a large pole-arm and hopes they can aid her in her desire to get her old ship back.

The Stoneheart Valley Trading Company - The vast trading empire of Bards Gate, this organization has made an enemy of the group and their naval forces have had direct conflict with the group. They have expanded their influence greatly in the region, and many oppose the empires grip on their shores.

Robin Oweland - Morrigans cousin, her spirit has been crushed after the death of her Aunt and wife. She now serves at Morrigans request as her enforcer.

Valafar Corvo - The uncle of Zelem, he has served his sentence and seeks a life outside of the prison he spent much of his time in. He has found an interest in Morrigan Oweland, and has tried his best to make a good impression on his nephew and the rest of the crew.

Namas - While his purpose on the island is unknown, he knew Zelem by name and called for the group to follow. After a brief discussion he gave Zelem and the group a strange quest that he emphasized was of great importance.