Manistrad Copperlocks is angry and frustrated over the missing cask, not because of the whiskey itself, but because it undermines her authority at a crucial moment. She has promised wealth beyond silver, but doubts are growing among the mining representatives. This meeting is her chance to reassure them, and the stolen cask feels like a deliberate insult—or worse, a sign of deeper problems. If it isn’t recovered before the meeting, she’ll see it as a failure of leadership in Saltmarsh, and she won’t forget who let it happen.

• “This wasn’t just theft—it was sabotage.” – Manistrad believes someone took the cask to embarrass her or weaken her position before the meeting.

• “Saltmarsh is sloppy.” – The theft confirms her frustration that the town is disorganized and lacks discipline, making her question its reliability.

• “The mines must succeed, no matter what.” – She sees this as a minor setback, but if it signals larger problems, she’ll take drastic action to protect the operation.

• Blunt and Impatient – Manistrad has no time for excuses and expects results, not delays. “I don’t care how—just get it back before the meeting.”

• Respects Competence – If the party proves capable, she’ll trust them with more important tasks in the future. “If you handle this right, there may be more work for you.”

• Unforgiving of Failure – If they fail or waste time, she’ll see them as useless and won’t offer them work again. “You had one job. Clearly, I need more reliable people.”

Manistrad wants the cask recovered before the meeting, with no drama, no excuses, and no delays. She doesn’t care who took it or why—she only cares that it’s returned in time to smooth over negotiations with the mining representatives. If this theft is part of a larger issue—sabotage, smuggling, or internal dissent—she expects the party to find out and deal with it. Success will earn her respect, but failure will confirm her doubts about Saltmarsh’s reliability.

Lankus is furious that the cask was stolen under his roof, and even more so because it was meant for Manistrad Copperlocks—someone he respects but doesn’t want to owe a debt to. He sees this as an embarrassment to the Wicker Goat’s reputation, and he wants the issue resolved quickly and quietly before rumors start spreading.

Lankus isn’t one for politics, but he knows a debt to Manistrad could come with strings attached, and he’d rather avoid that. If the party can return the cask before she raises hell, they’ll earn his respect and a few free rounds at the bar.

• “This wasn’t random.” – Lankus believes the thief knew exactly what they were stealing; it wasn’t just any cask.

• “Dwarves or smugglers.” – He suspects either a drunken dwarf who took it as a joke or a smuggler looking to sell it off.

• “Time is running out.” – If the cask isn’t found soon, it will either be sold, drunk, or gone for good—and Manistrad won’t be happy.

• “Find it fast, keep it quiet.” – Lankus wants the cask back before rumors spread or Manistrad loses patience.

• “Someone knew what they were taking.” – He suspects dwarves or smugglers but is open to proof.

• “Do the job right, and you’ll drink free for a month.” – A solid reward if they handle things efficiently and discreetly.

Lankus wants the stolen cask found quickly and quietly, before Manistrad loses her temper or word spreads through Saltmarsh. He doesn’t care how the party handles it, as long as there’s no unnecessary trouble in his tavern. Whether it was a drunken dwarf, a smuggler, or an inside job, he expects the culprit dealt with and the whiskey returned. If they keep things discreet and efficient, he’ll be grateful and generous, but if they make a mess of it, they’ll have to earn back his trust.

Mira is less concerned about the theft itself and more worried about the fallout. She knows how important this meeting is for Manistrad and fears that if the cask isn’t recovered in time, it could damage trust between the miners and the town. She also doesn’t want Lankus stirring up trouble by accusing the wrong people, especially the dwarves, as tensions are already high.

• “This is bigger than just a missing cask.” – Mira believes the theft could cause political tension between Manistrad, the miners, and the town.

• “Jumping to conclusions will make things worse.” – She worries that Lankus blaming the dwarves or stirring up trouble will only escalate the situation.

• “Someone in town knows something.” – She suspects a local, whether a barmaid, miner, or smuggler, had a hand in this or at least overheard something useful.

• Calm but Firm – Mira doesn’t panic, but she makes it clear this needs to be handled discreetly and without accusations. “We need to find that cask before this turns into something worse.”

• Observant and Insightful – She pays attention to small details and people’s behavior, offering clues if the party asks the right questions. “The barmaid’s been nervous lately… maybe she saw something.”

• Prefers Diplomacy Over Force – She encourages the party to ask questions, listen, and avoid unnecessary conflict, especially with the dwarves. “We need solutions, not more problems.”

Mira wants this resolved calmly and discreetly, ensuring that the Wicker Goat’s reputation remains intact and that no unnecessary conflict arises between Manistrad, the town, or the miners.