Dibbets' inspection of the priest reveals something interesting: the tattered robe itself seems to magically disguise items of value and the priest himself as decrepit and not worth inspection. With concentration and perseverance however, the illusion can be pierced and several of the items appear to be of high value including the amulet which looks to be a tiny onyx map with a single diamond eye and spiral of crushed diamond inlay over the mouth.
Dingus' inspection of the bedroom sniffs out the smelly bed and a book hidden under the mattress. It appears to be some type of locked journal entitled "Book of Secrets" with a one-eyed black mask drawn on the cover.
"Corliss, does that mask thing look familiar to you? That looks like priest stuff."
"Hmmm...," the Besmaran murmurs, stalling for time. Looks vaguely familiar it does.... I'm wonderin' if that one-eyed amulet thingee be the key to open yon book."
After taking a closer look at the mask symbol, Corliss states, "That be the unholy symbol o' Norgorber--god o' thieves and secrets--mostly, anyhow. Ain't never seen that swirly mouth before though. Praps an offshoot or specialized cult dedicated to one o' his dark interests."
Kaul casts a beady eye o'er the loot, nodding towards the bemasked book;
"Hur. Secrets could be worth coin or leverage. Crack it open an' get to readin' we says!"
Lopper nods in sage agreement.
Dingus looks at the weird spiral on the mouth. "I wonder if you put a drop of something... like blood or poison, it would run down this spiral and unlock the book"?
He looks over to the freshly dead priest.
"He's probably got some blood he don't need at the moment".
Oddly, the book doesn't seem to be magical, nor does the picture on the cover have a spiral on its mouth like the unholy symbol. Dingus does find that the tattered robes are magical with illusion auras. description
While the mates filch through the belongings and seek to unlock the secrets of the diamond mouthed sqwirly man... Dibbets stumps a wee mite back to check on what the ogrekin's up to...
To the others he notes "Whatevers we needs tae move on like... ken do our yabberin in anuvver spot eh? Who knows fer what Stumpy's cookin up now like."
Dibbets sees nothing on the table other than a simple writing kit and a couple of ill-used quills. Not wishing to overstay their visit to the Dead Depot, he moves back to peer back across the dark hall. His little light reveals the ogre-kin still seated in the same location and looking anxious.
Stumping out towards Cabbagehead Dibbs puts on his best friendly grimace and ventures "Hey there now... ye moight not be likin it but father's gone away an crawlin' things slipped off too... though he might be back an upset laters. No-one 'ere but us'n deaders... ye wants tae stay or ye wants tae come with?"
Anger flashes in the ogrekin's eyes. "Father never go away. Father take care of me even after die. He promise. Little man lie!"
Kaul chuckles menacingly at the scene;
"Hur. Little man lie... Ironic like as Dibbs' probably straightest shooter 'ere."
The thug ambles over, tapping the handle of his hatchet as he approaches;
"Yer pappy was a dallier o' corpses Big' Un. Now reel yer neck back when speakin' to Dibbs lest me and Lopps teach ye some manners..."
:
The big ogrekid gets hurriedly to his feet to tower over Kaul, but takes a step back. "I stay here. Dead don't bother me."
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Dibbets shrugs his shoulders, considering his duty of care absolved "Fair 'nuff... we'll leave ye be. Word o' warnin though would be tae steer clear o' crawly... he's a roight bastich" turning to Kaul with a nod of thanks for the backup and a head twitch t'wards the exit.
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Dingus gathers up the book, and anything else of interest. He is astounded at the magical aura of the tattered robes.
"Who would commit such an evil act. They have created garments that intentionally look dirty and grimy. We should make it our next mission to destroy this evil artifact, but dropping it into the maw of a Volcano".
Dingus then throws the terrible magic item into a corner, and follows the others out.
Kaul pauses at Dingus' words, then shoots a concerned look at the others with a gruff whisper;
"Mad as a bag o' snakes!"
The scarred thug looks to his axe, which "nods" in agreement of his assessment of the sorcerer's sanity.
As Dingus storms past Dibbets looks to Corliss plaintively, conveying with his eyes Could ye pick up tha robes eh? I ain't fer leavin coin lyin around... but ye'd be quicker wi' yer long legs than I would eh? Plus I'm nae sure anyberk would wants tae buy tha bloody things iffin I had tae stuff tha bloody things under me kilt fer safekeepin savvy?... or something along those lines before turning to laboriously follow the longshanks of questionable fashion sense.
Somehow Corliss gets the drift of Dibbets's angsty glance (his brain is scrambled, after all) and stuffs the awful robe into his backpack.
"Anyone else need some more healin' afore we wander into our next fight?"
Kaul grimaces at the fresh scars and abrasions that litter his gnarled form;
"Hur. Touch o' healin' wouldn't go amiss mate. Ol' Kauly still bit frayed about the edges..."
Corliss nods to the half-orc lug and trades out align weapon for a cure moderate wounds spell. Thankfully, Besmara's not as stingy as usual with the healing she grants. The priest then decides Jim's a little worse for wear as well and swaps out a couple lower-level spells to heal the swashbuckler.
Corliss heals up most of the damage though Jim and Kaul still remain a little bruised and sore. There is nothing else to see at the Crematorium Depot other than a collection of corpses laid out for transport including a couple crew from the Black Dragon.
Once they're free and away, and Dibbs is fairly sure their passage isn't being shadowed by members of the watch... Dibbs postulates "Well now then... off an away tae tha ship? Check in an knuckle heads afore a wee nap an off tae figger out this 'ere book... or we could beg an bother Peg fer an assist on what tha secrety books all aboot?"
"Let's to the ship sharpish. It comes to me that Stumpy knows us, and might try to go after those close to us. Not that the crew isn't able, but Stumpy is a special sort of trouble."
Kaul grimaces at the mention of their tuyewera nemesis, then shakes his no-neck noggin;
"Hur... Reckon Stumpy is gone... leastways for the time-being like... tho' iffy' 'is master is dead then maybe e'll come a knockin'..."
The thug rubs his neck as he notes his grinding voice is more hoarse than usual after Stumpy's strangulations.
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The crew decide an inspection of their new ship and a warning is warranted at the moment and quickly make their way from the Crematorium Depot to look for the Bloody Fortune. The night is chilly for Freeport, but quite clear and the moon hangs fat and silvery above with the last full moon of the year.
They aren't exactly sure where their berth is, but the crew are finally directed down the proper pier and come upon the ship that was once a Magpie now overhauled and renamed. A familiar gurgling croak hails them from the deck. "There you are. I couldn't believe that you'd spurn your first night with your impatient bride to sleep ashore. Welcome home, mates!" The Groom hangs over the rail near the gangway to light the way up with an eerie aqueous light.
With a crooked grin and wink Dibbs returns service "Oh and aye, well met Groomy... seems its a night fer catchin up wi' remnants and what nots"
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Jim grins, relieved. "Good to see you, mate--now I'm a mite less worried about--unwanted guests, let's say. We've had an evening." The bloodstains on the Taldan's clothing are probably not atypical, though, and Kaul's waterlogged state is similarly less than noteworthy.
the Groom gives a nod shedding some brine off his ever sopping wide-brimmed hat. "Aye, Ella has filled me in somewhat on your recent journey. Sounds like you've got a bit more to add to the tale though." Eight bells ring from the helm. "Good timing. That's the end of my watch. I'll hand over to Middle Watch and meet you in the Galley."
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A gnawing sensation is awakened in Dibb's gullet, which inspires his vocal cords to produce a poignant chord "Aye... I guess I could eats" before the wee bugger seeks ascendance on the gang plank. Pausing before he sets foot on the ship proper he mutters something indistinct under his breath and hold his hand out over the deck. A splash of salt water appears from betwixt nothingness, running over the halfling's hand before splashing on the deck.
Pomp complete, Dibbs nods, coughs a gobbet of phlegm into the water and seeks repast.
Corliss hangs back as long as he can, but eventually it's his turn to board the vessel. Approaching the sopping man, the priest feels a strange tug in the depths of his scrambled brain, a feeling that he knows this fellow or at least knows of him.
"Corliss, at yer service," he says, offering his hand to the Groom.
Dingus waves to his old friend, and heads aboard.
"I need to change for dinner, these fine garments are very nearly ruined".
Dingus goes below deck, and pulls out a find black three piece suit and some shiny boots. Topped off by a sparkly red had and a string of giant fake pearls, then joins the others in the galley.
Last up the ramp, Corliss is nearly as tall as the tall, pale sailor, who squints at the newcomer with suspicion. "Are they trying to replace me already? I see you claim to serve the Pirate Queen, but I'll be the judge of that. I'm the Groom." He grabs Corliss' hand in his own cool, clammy hand.
"The lads rescued me from a cage an' a really tight jam," Corliss replies rather nervously. "I owe 'em a debt an' am doin' me best to pay it off."
Corliss knows that Besmara's not only the Pirate Queen but also Mistress of Sea Monsters; he wonders if it's pirate or monster he stands before now.
Wouldn't be polite to ask, he decides.
"Aye. Welcome aboard then. Get to the galley. There'll be grub and grog for you as well." The eerie inquisitor releases Corliss' hand and moves to the quarter deck to be relieved.
Kaul lumbers aboard, grinning like a loon at the sight of the Besmaran apparition.
Touching mechaniclaw to forelock he nods;
"Groomy. Always a sight for sore eyes..."
At the mention of food he tugs on a mutton chop thoughtfully;
"Fillin' me belly sounds a plan lads. Takin' stock o' what we do next an' if Stumpy is to come-a-knockin'..."
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At the Groom and Corliss circling each other and sniffing at respective divine rears, Dibbs can't help but comment "Jus remember iffin it gets tae a p1ssin contest tae do it up-wind so ye ken gets tha Skylord's blessin as well eh?" before following Kaul galleywards "Hold up ye biggun, I dinnae wants ye thiefin all tha bestest tidbits an morsels"
The crew find the galley empty, but for a strong kahve left to warm on the stove and leftover biscuits nearby. They don't have long to wait before young Rafe rushes in shouting a welcome to "Master Dibbets". Estabo follows with a wide grin and hastens to throw together a fine fish stew for the returned officers.
the Groom is next with a bottle of rum and finally Belinna, still shrugging into her coat. "Welcome Back" she greets her mates. "As you can see, Bloody Fortune has been patched and properly hulled. Good to have just about everyone back, except poor Drake, may Besmara take him aboard. Oh, and Jenkie has disappeared. Though I can't say I miss that one. Zossrov hasn't reported back either though the others say he was with them after their stop at the Crematorium Depot." She adds with a bit of foreboding.
Dibbs throws Rafe an exaggerated wink as he plonks his scabby arse down on a pew and claps his hand round a tankard of kahve... slyly diluting the brew with a snifter and tot of grog... before adding a pony for good measure.
As Belinna joins then he tips an imaginary cap before scratching at some inbred and inbedded lice that seem to have taken up roost in his hair "Bugger... Zoss missing ain't fer good news like..." pondering the state of the moon for a few moments "Bloody hope it ain't got nothin tae do wi' tha business we' been knee deep inna today."
"And what business is that? C'mon now, tell the tale." the Groom gurgles.
Kaul rams some biscuits into his misshapen maw, then chuckles dryly at the Groom's question.
"Hur. It be a Stumpy story Groomy... Legless basterd came back fir Ol' Kauly..."
He taps at the lash scar decorating his no-neck.
"Ah, the amputated abomination. I thought you might be referring to Dibbets' new condition for a moment," he nods to Dibbets' pegleg.
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Jim finishes swallowing, raising a hand. "Getting ahead of ourselves, here. This all started when we went to return the bodies of those rich elves. After a bit of chatting over drinks, the subject of the Gilt Club came up. We were invited there by a gent named Millant Lefevre, who--let's say that were his bunghole any tighter he'd explode. However, he asked us to do him a small service. It seems that three of his fellow members had had someone close to them killed. Well, it's Freeport, but what Millant was somewhat concerned about was that the Watch appeared almost immediately and took the body away with them to the Crematorium 'fore telling anyone else.
"Now, one of these associates got himself a blackmail note but a few days past, filled with lots of juicy and accurate information of the sort that might be known by a trusted servant or bodyguard. Odd, no? Millant then confided to us that his bodyguard had just been slain yesterday. Happened in a robbery attempt, or so the Watch said. What he wanted us to do, as you may guess, was to investigate the matter ourselves. So we spoke with the bodyguard's neighbor, and found out that the supposed robbers smelled like--how did he put it? Like burnt flesh and rot. We searched the apartment and found a couple of fingers which also had a bit of a scent of carrion and ash about them. Corliss here figured that they were dead when they were cut off, which put me in mind of a tale out of the Mwangi. Juju zombies, it was, walking dead that keep mind intact.
"We went and talked to our old pal Dolo, the Hell Hound. He had an idea that we might consider checking the Crematorium, as that's the only place he knew of that burned the dead. Off we went--used Dingus' magic to sneak in, met some poor ogrekin, fought some of those zombies--some dressed like the Watch--found one missing a couple of fingers, encountered and killed a priest of Norgorber who had some interesting items, and fought old Stumpy. He recognized me, by the bye.
"So that's the tale, 'less I forgot anything. We have some items from the priest, which you might want to take a look at."
the Groom listens intently, rum forgotten at his elbow. "Nice work," he nods thinking. "Norgober is a foul fish. Four foul fish, you might say: toxic as a scorpion fish, murderous as a frenzied shark, slippery as an eel, and deceptive as a cuttlefish. Still, I'd be surprised to hear the priest was allied with 'Stumpy'. Secrets lie within Norgorber's portfolio, but not the undead. Let's see what you found. "
"The amulet and the book are of the most interest, I'm thinking. Who's carrying them?"
The Taldan suddenly stops. "Feck me, I forgot something important. Drake was there--'least, his body was, animated by some witchery."
"The amulet and the book are of the most interest, I'm thinking. Who's carrying them?"
"Aye, Ella said that they had dropped Drake there to be cremated. Unfortunately, sounds like that priest may have put his body to other uses. I'll need to speak to the Captain's Council about new management at the Crematorium." He reflects some more on what Jim has said. "Juju zombies are quite powerful. I wonder how the Norgorberite managed that. What's in the book?"
"We haven't cracked the covers. It seemed to be locked, and there wasn't much time to consider it carefully 'fore we were aboard."
Corliss brings forth the necromancer's robe and other items. "Hey--what of that weird armor, weapons, an' whatnot we found the sea devils tradin'...an' the plunder from Elf Cult Isle? We gonna take a closer look at that, too, an' sell off what we can't use?"