Feroma shakes her head sadly at the news Warfa brings. "Yes Warfa we did all we could, but I fear we were to late to begin with." When she hears the news concerning the other murder victim her jaw sets in determination. "This is indeed a welcome development Warfa, as now we have proof she was not alone that evening. Plus this man is now the primary suspect," her eyes gleam in anticipation, "so we need to visit the docks once again and see if any other dock worker can give a more accurate description of him."
Warfa
Warfa gives the young women a nod in agreement. "If that is your plan I would go at night around the same time. Dockworkers seem to work in shifts so there is a pattern to their habits. I am not sure you would get anything from the ones working during the day. The docks are quiet for the most part at night. Mostly loading and offloading cargo and fisherman getting ready in the early hours to set sail. The Guard and the Watch walk the docks at night as well. Not often as we don't usually have problems. I have to tell you lass there is a good chance we might not see hide or hair of this villain again for some time." He looks around and back at the three of you and Ender. "Many feel whoever this b@st@rd is will get away with it again."
He peers out into the common room listening to the music. "You might try the Full Moon. Not a place a lady should be attending but it seems to me a man like this would like the company of women he can have his way with easily." He pauses...as if he is pondering to go further with his thoughts...
"Are we done pretending this deserted house is the most important thing around town, yet? I could do with another big bowl of fish stew, honestly." He smiles at Naia as he verbally pokes at her.
"Well, now we have the sunken treasure, can we leave this rotting hulk?" she fires back, winking for good measure. Still, you can tell Naia is drained emotionally, physicslly and mentally. "Fish stew. And a shot of something. Something strong!"
Warfa
Warfa gives the young women a nod in agreement. "If that is your plan I would go at night around the same time. Dockworkers seem to work in shifts so there is a pattern to their habits. I am not sure you would get anything from the ones working during the day. The docks are quiet for the most part at night. Mostly loading and offloading cargo and fisherman getting ready in the early hours to set sail. The Guard and the Watch walk the docks at night as well. Not often as we don't usually have problems. I have to tell you lass there is a good chance we might not see hide or hair of this villain again for some time." He looks around and back at the three of you and Ender. "Many feel whoever this b@st@rd is will get away with it again."
He peers out into the common room listening to the music. "You might try the Full Moon. Not a place a lady should be attending but it seems to me a man like this would like the company of women he can have his way with easily." He pauses...as if he is pondering to go further with his thoughts...
Ferona nods slowly as she digests Warfa's words. "We can certainly investigate the docks tomorrow evening, plus pay a visit to the Full Moon. What say you?" She turns to face her two companions with a questioning look.
"Well, now we have the sunken treasure, can we leave this rotting hulk?" she fires back, winking for good measure. Still, you can tell Naia is drained emotionally, physicslly and mentally. "Fish stew. And a shot of something. Something strong!"
Thout
He nudges himself up on his elbows enough to get a look at the four as they walk out the door with the chest and place it on the ground.
"Well we got a wooden chest for all of our trouble."
He turns to Edan. "I am not much for walking but I will give it a try."
Edan
Edan kneels down and checks on him. Taking his time he looks him over. Finally he turns to Naia and Rabalar. "I am not sure he should be walking a great deal. We might want to build a drag liter as Rabalar suggested. I do think that Soros has a good point about our friends that were shadowing us and them being the same we took down. It would help if our friend over there would wag is tongue a bit more."
Thout
"I am fine...I can walk if I need to! No backstabbing coward and his little sticker is going to keep me from getting back and making a report to my uncle!" He says that and all of you can tell it took a lot out of him. He lays back down on the ground...frustrated and weak.
D'Og almost sounds apologetic for leaving Rab's rope tied to the house, garnering little more than a grunt in response.
"Let's build a stretcher. Shouldn't take that long. If we've got another rope."
Once preparations are complete, Rab will be happy to start moving back towards town.
"Rab. In my pack by the fire. Coil of rope." Naia calls over her shoulder still giving the human prisoner the benefit of her stolid stink-eye and promise of her harpoon's point.
"We should perhaps try and check the contents of the chest before leaving" - Grond reasons - "They may not be worth the haul, and thus we can leave them behind"
D'ogryn- Botted
He looks to Narciso and then to the rest and seems to agree.
He puts his hands on the chest and gently follows the seam around the lid. He checks the hinges on the back and then looks to Narciso.
"I don't see anything that would point me to a trap. However, the seal is overlapped and it will not open without help."
He pulls on the ring and the lid is clearly jammed on to the base.
Leaving the cook to this work, Rabalar goes about the process of building a liter, trying to make one sturdy enough to survive dragging, but that could be carried instead of the group is up for the work.
Antas leans back listening to all that is said and then leans forward his hands tapping the table a bit and he says Ifn tha dock workers know more then we had best learn it and ifn a den of easy women will tell us more then that is where Heironeous bids uas go. Let us do this then for justice.
Ferona sighs softly as she was looking forward to a moment to relax here. Still she knew the night was fairly young and the docks were a short walk away. "I suggest we check at the docks first and if we get a promising lead here then we can follow up on it at the Full Moon."
I certainly pray I do not have to whore myself to draw that murderer out!
Grond takes two steps forward, takes a look for himself at the chest, then grasps the ring and pulls.
"Definitely stuck" - he grunts.
Narciso Your spells could be of use here. A spell to fix and maybe even a spell to clean...do you have a spell that could do such a thing as clean off the chest? of the mold that is.
"Maybe I should check the dock myself. Fisherpeople are close-knit and do not suffer strangers lightly. Perhaps with my background, I might be able to get more from them than I could with you two with me.
That will free you up to go and check this tavern out together. What do you think?"
Narciso moves up to the chest, examining the mold first. "Hmm. Mold can be dangerous. I hope you didn't inhale much."
He starts by casting Prestidigitation to clean the area where he will be working more. Then he switches to casting mending, trying to get the rusted and crushed areas back to better functional condition. "Does anyone have any oil? I've cleaned and repaired it but the lock might be easier to open with a couple drops of oil."
”How you doing Rab? Soros - can you help Rab with Thout’s litter?It has to be strong, he’s likely heavy enough without his armor on...”
"I'm fine. Help never hurts, though. Hard part's always getting the frappings tight enough."
Once his work on the chest is done Narciso backs out of the way and focuses on himself. He cleans up with his magic and casts his minor healing spell on himself.
"Maybe I should check the dock myself. Fisherpeople are close-knit and do not suffer strangers lightly. Perhaps with my background, I might be able to get more from them than I could with you two with me.
That will free you up to go and check this tavern out together. What do you think?"
Ferona considers the situation carefully. "It is a risky idea to separate now especially as our actions have drawn the attention of unwanted sort. Still," She pauses twirling a lock of hair thoughtfully, "I believe it is a necessary risk, plus it will allow Antas an myself to pose as a...ahem...couple." Her face reddens slightly here. "Antas and I can stake out the Full Moon and await for your arrival. We certainly have not enough information to ferret out the killer until you meet up with us."
Narciso moves up to the chest, examining the mold first. [dice=knowledge-nature]1d20+5 "Hmm. Mold can be dangerous. I hope you didn't inhale much."
He starts by casting Prestidigitation to clean the area where he will be working more. Then he switches to casting mending, trying to get the rusted and crushed areas back to better functional condition. "Does anyone have any oil? I've cleaned and repaired it but the lock might be easier to open with a couple of drops of oil."
Narciso looks at the chest and can tell that the bulk of the danger appears to be gone. He is unsure if he can tell what specifically is on the chest other than a lot of dust, mildew, and common mold.
Narciso begins a sing-song chant weaving his hands quickly and suddenly as if a broom or brush was running of the top and sides of the chest the remaining dust and mold are sweep away and towards the ground. As quickly as it started it ends. He then begins a second spell...it to sounds sing-song and quickly you can see the side rings look cleaner, tighter, and in better condition. The hinges on the back appear as if someone with a wired brush is scrubbing them. They look as if they are in much better condition. Even the seal seems much cleaner..at one point the lid seems to rattle and shake as if the lid was being lifted but that didn't seem to work.
Grond steps forth and tries again, snarling with the effort.
Grond
The lid pops open with a large metallic scratching/rubbing sound and then a big
Inside is a chest full of old documents and parchments laying on top of each other. There is a layer of dust and cobwebs over the top of the documents.
Soros
Soros complies with Naia's request and turns to help Rabalar. Drawing a dagger to and assisting with an extra pair of hands. He looks at Rabalar and can tell the olf is injured.
"You should have Edan take a look at your back and shoulder Rab."
He picks up a long branch that the olf cut and drags it over to where Rab is building the liter.
Edan
"Narciso if you need I can take a look you seem to be favoring your leg. If you fell hard it would be wise if I take a look at it before we venture back to the town."
He looks over to Rab. "That goes for you to my friend!"
Coughing in slight discomfort and amusement in Antas' sudden realization as to what Ferona has said, the fisherman turned priest attempts to move past the awkward moment.
"I will head out just as the fishermen are returning and offer my help with offloading their catch. It should allow me to question them without making it look like an interrogation. If I finish early, I might wander down to this..umm..tavern to see how you are doing."
Antas sits for a long minute trying to wonder why a couple would go to a house of ill repute and then for the first time you stun him to silence and he.... Blushes
Seeing Antas blushing here only causes Ferona's own skin to redden. "Ahhh, it is nothing like that. We are just putting on a deception for the others who observe us, so I am not accosted by ny unwanted male attention. You do not even need to hold my hand, if that is your wish."
Ender
The entire time this discussion is going on Ender he became more and more uncomfortable. His face is now as red as a beet root and his fingers are tapping all over the table in front of him.
He leans over in a whisper..."That place is a brothel! You know that right? I have heard some unsavory tales about what goes on in that place!"
Warfa
Warfa seems to laugh to himself and chuckles to everyone's discomfort. "When you get to my age you realize that is just part of life and part of the nature of men...and women."
He turns to Ferona and Antas. "It is a lively place...I have not been there in a while..." He realizes that everyone is staring at him at after he said that. "On business...not pleasure...just business. Ask for Aydi, she is the owner and the mistress of entertainment. She might be busy but her daughter Zadi or her companion Umsa will talk to you if they are there. Be mindful that Umsa is a very large Touv and highly protective of both the ladies. Zadi is young, your age, but don't underestimate that lass she is dangerous. I have seen her fight two men and easily put both down in moments. She fights like a cornered tiger. Both her and her mother are sly but they are good folk. Ferona, I am not worried about you but you keep an eye on Antas in that place. He might walk out of there with an empty purse and an engagement." At that he stands. "Aydi Zarastian, remember the name. She has Bakluni blood in her and she is a beautiful women as is her daughter. She is not from around her but from the northwest. Be cautious what you say and what you promise. Oh...hide your pouch as well."
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Antas takes what few coins he has and puts them in a long pouch and puts that down his armor like a holy symbol and says Lady Ferona it would be an honor to be your protection and escort to this place and holding your hand to seem your paramour or husband a kind gift on my behalf for you to be so kind
"Whatever. I've had enough of this house for now, and just want to get beck in the wild, where I can relax." But he follows that up with a deep sigh. "But, yes, you're right. No need to go out any more hurt than I must. Let's get this frame a little tighter and secure some blankets around it to support him first."
Once the drag stretcher looks done, and tests well with them holding it up and both stepping up onto the bottom crossbar without it moving, hr'll drag it over to Thout as he moves to Edan.
Edan
Seeing his friend is frustrated as well as Soros he lets them finish their task. Once they get the stretcher over to Thout he moves over to Rab. He inspects the olf carefully. As he checks Rab's shoulder and back the ranger winces in pain.
Ferona's face reddens slightly as the true nature of the place they will be heading to dawns upon her. This will be a...challenge, but we must learn more her.
"You do me the honor Antas by being my escort this evening. Allow me to retire to my chambare briefly so I may prepare myself for the occasion!" She smiles reassuringly at the Oerdian.
Once the others have left she will do the same, returning to her room and putting on a nice dress for the evening while also making up her face and hair.
I hope Antas will keep his eyes where they are supposed to be!
"Yay. [*sneeze*] Papers. Mebbe one is a map to hidden... overdue accounts." Naia moves over to the bound man and jabs him with her harpoon in a not friendly manner, jutting her head toward the gate and road to Saltmarsh.
"You. Walk."
Edan
Seeing his friend is frustrated as well as Soros he lets them finish their task. Once they get the stretcher over to Thout he moves over to Rab. He inspects the olf carefully. As he checks Rab's shoulder and back the ranger winces in pain.
The Touv places his hands on the injured areas and begins to say a prayer to his goddess Berna. Asking her for the grace to heal the injury of his friend. Rabalar feels the warmth spread through out the area offering a bit of relief. Edan's hands glow a light blue to white light around Edan's hands and Rab's shoulders.
Edan & Narciso
Edan walks over to Narciso as well and looks over the man as he works with D'ogryn.
As Narciso gets a moment Edan clears his throat and speaks up. "Let me take a look at what that fall did. I might be able to offer some quick relief to you."
D'ogryn - botted
The young man looks a bit perplexed. He leans over and slowly scans the inside of the box. He then puts the tip of his dagger down the far corner of the left side of the box so that the blade is nearly flat with the wall of the chest. He runs it down to the front and then across the front wall of the chest and back up the far side and across the back.
He then takes the dagger and slowly probes the bottom of the chest. Once he is done he lifts about half the documents out of the box and rechecks the bottom and edges. The box doesn't appear to have anything dangerous in it or any hidden bottoms.
As he does he can see that most are in Keoish or common but he is unable to read the text.
Ender
Ender wipes his hands and finishes putting away his handkerchief. "Mistress Ferona, Antas, Peran I wish you well. Please be careful. I will begin my research as well and meet up with you sometime tomorrow to offer whatever I discover. "
He gives a quick and gentlemanly bow and walks towards the stairs and down into the common room.
Warfa
"Be careful on the docks. If you like I will have Parva go with you. He knows the docks well enough as he picks up goods for us nearly every day."
Smiling at Warfa, Peran shakes his head.
"Not necessary. I grew up a fisherman's son. These people are no different than those fishermen of my youth...I should be alright, but thank you for your most generous offer."
Grond watches as D'Ogryn peers over the papers, then pipes in - "I can read Keoish, so maybe I can help with checking those documents - shall we pack them and get moving, and we pour over them later?"
Grond watches as D'Ogryn peers over the papers, then pipes in - "I can read Keoish, so maybe I can help with checking those documents - shall we pack them and get moving, and we pour over them later?"
"Someone help me with Pisssface. He's slipperier than an oiled up eel in a barrel of fishguts, an' I'm not keen to take chances."
Naia looks the man up and down with cool estimation. "Even as wounded as he is."
The whaler then yells at the goblin in her common Keoish. "Goblin. Move!" she swings her harpoon in an arc to indicate it should get in formation.
Goblin
The poor creature nearly pisses himself...he just might have. He can't get up because he is hogged tied but tries none the less.
Me not want to be fooooood!!!! me slave for you me slave for you!!!
He shakes and tries to crawl on his feet and hands as he tries to grovel and plead but he can't get up and his groveling just sounds like a pig trying to squeal. He is slobbering all over the ground in front of Naia's feet.
Naia frowns.
"Oh. Yep. Wait a minnit. Jus' sit tight. SIT." She turns to the bound human.
"You. Wait.
She crouches down, looking the goblin in the eye.
"I take rope off legs. You run, I kill. You walk, you live. Understand?"
The Stranger
The man, all trussed up and in obvious pain, spits towards the goblin.
He looks over at Naia and smiles...black and brown teeth and a bloody mouth show through. He puts his head back down...a grimace of pain washes over his face.
Naia frowns.
"Oh. Yep. Wait a minnit. Jus' sit tight. SIT." She turns to the bound human.
"You. Wait.
She crouches down, looking the goblin in the eye.
"I take rope off legs. You run, I kill. You walk, you live. Understand?"
The thing keeps wailing and whining...not understanding anything you are saying. He begins to cry..."Me no tasty good...me no tasty good...WHINING.....WHIMPERING...
D'ogyrn- Botted
He puts all the documents back in the chest so they don't blow away. "Does anyone have a bag?"
As D'og puts the old documents back in the chest he notices that there are two unusual documents in the second half of documents sitting in the chest. They are folded and sealed. There is writing on them but the writing is nothing he has ever seen before. It is completely foreign to him. He starts to lift the rest of the documents and place them back in but the two caught his interest.
"My pack. On the ground. There's a...mapcase-thingy in there in case you find any treasure maps to lost ledgers."
She turns to the goblin.
"Ok! Ok! No kill. Sit! Quiet! Shhhhh!" she implores.