Randrak thinks for a moment, "We have survived, but it seems I was right you were the next target. Or at least you were one of the next targets. As I understand the situation, they had two drow on board this ship. One went directly to you, and one came here. Which is interesting, because if their plan was to sink this ship, or perhaps even if they were going to steal it, why target you at all?

If I'm not mistaken then the egg is the one that keeps this ship going, if both of them came down here then they would have had a greater chance of success. As it were they split up and gave us the chance to win.

And just where is Salvas any way?"

(OOC: As far as I recall, Randrak doesn't know that Salvas is dead.)

"Salvas is in the halls of moradin. Where I wish you'd visit you brash, bushy bearded, bigot."

“Another member of your fan club.” Blackfire snorts, “..but you are correct. Theft seems more likely that destruction given their tactics. With me under their control they could subdue the crew, or at least have me do it for them.”

The Captain withdraws a metal collar from her belt “The one in my cabin carried this. Smaller than the one used on the green dragons but similar in design. No doubt with it around my neck I would be compliant enough.” She turns to her crewman then,

”Mender are you well lad?”

”He’s dead Captain. Salvas he...I...”

”Aye I know. I know.” And with that she walks over to help the gnome to his feet.

"To bad I just canna snap me fingers and get ride o' this slime," Mercwri grumbles. "Now I'll be tasting drow until the middle of next week. Bye a goats hairy bangers!" He will see about getting himself cleaned up, loudly telling any and all on the way to where ever there is water and soap, "And some ale!"

Uldran gives Randrak a weary look. "I think the Captain has proven herself to be a true dwarf of upstanding quality. I could care less for all your prejudices and political squabbling over this group and that and pirates or mercenary groups and whatever. Give it a rest for Moradin's sake. These people just lost someone close to them and many other crew members and you are still rambling on with conspiracy theories. Ease off."

Uldran takes a deep breath to steady himself and looks to the Captain. "I am sorry for your loss Captain. If there are any prayers or rites you know any of the crew would have preferred I am sure Torvin or I could see to them. Though I think Torvin may have a more direct connection to Moradin than me." 

She places a hand on your shoulder Uldran and offers a grateful smile, “Your prayers are welcome, but we have our own ways out on the fire.”

Randrak she meets your eye then, “There is much to discuss and time is pressing. Once our dead have been offered to the flame we will gather once more in my quarters to consider your theories soldier.”

To Mender then, “Tend to the egg and secure the chamber. I will send some help down to remove this filth.”

Looking around once more she gives a firm nod, “My thanks to you all, a debt is owed this day. I will see you all four bells from now on the main deck for the ceremony, my ship carries too much death to delay overlong. It is an ill omen.”

And with that she makes her way to the ladder and up to the deck above.

OOC: Is there anything you would like to do before meeting the Captain on the deck later that day?

Quote from Krivoi_Rog >>

"To bad I just canna snap me fingers and get ride o' this slime," Mercwri grumbles. "Now I'll be tasting drow until the middle of next week. Bye a goats hairy bangers!" He will see about getting himself cleaned up, loudly telling any and all on the way to where ever there is water and soap, "And some ale!"

 Barely containing his glee, Freak says: "Sorry. Again. You can take the water in my room. I did not wash today."

Hitticus is going to pass out in his quarters clutching his statuette.

You all go about your business for the next few hours while what is left of the crew set about bringing the Firehook back to some semblance of normal. Mercwri you manage to find yourself a bath and after several changes of what you are gore free. Those of you needing a short rest manage to do so, though the splintered doors and the stench of burned Dwarf require some cleaning and clearing before hand. 

At last the call is given and everyone gathers on the deck above. You all see the bodies of the dead crewmen bound in cloth upon the port side of the deck. One of them, who you presume to be Salvas is wrapped in fine silks. Captain Blackfire stands near the edge of the ship,

"So we are gathered," she calls out, "To offer the departed to the flame. First amongst them is Salvas Rune Shaper and friend to all." She goes on then to recall the names of all of the dead in slow precision.

"Before we deliver them to their rest would any amongst you give words of comfort or wisdom in this dark time?"

Uldran steps forward and reaching into the front of his tunic pulls forth a necklace made from some coarse material with several large fangs (if anyone has seen one and looks closely enough they are from a giant spider) attached, sitting crosslegged near the wrapped bodies he speaks for a couple minutes in Druidic and then adds in Dwarvish- "Rest well, the cycle continues and when you return I hope we meet again." Then he walks among the wrapped bodies just saying a couple words for each. 

Hitticus approaches Salvas body and holds a hand out to him. "Sorry we couldn't talk more glyphbrother"

GM

Randrak has known the loss of comrades to battle too often. He is familiar with the emptiness that is created by their absence. The last time he experienced this loss, was only days ago. He saw those he had served with being eaten by a dragon as goblins swarmed the barracks. He only barely got out of there alive himself. He saw the civilians of his home being killed off by goblins as he ran to safety himself. Then he witnessed the city he protected perish under the flames of dragons. But there was nothing he could have done. He knows that, but he can't help but feel guilty.

That guilt has motivated a wave of anger inside him. Anger that he let consume him. And as it consumed him it has caused him to be suspicious and a little paranoid at those who around him. People he barely knows. Now he joins them as they grieve for their lost ones, and he does he allows himself to grieve for his loses, for the first time these past few days.

He feels a bulge form in his throat as holds back his emotions so they don't consume him again. He screws up his hands into tight fists, to the point of where his nails digging in his palms hurts.

You all stand and watch as one by one the bodies are lowered reverently into the fire. Words and prayers are sounded and even a song or two is sung as the minutes slip by. At last the crew are standing in sombre silence and Torg sounds a blast on a sharp whistle to call them back to their duties. Many of them turn aside to clasp your hands, or slap you backs in thanks. Your acts this day have earned you a level of respect on this ship given to few Stoneborn Dwarves. 

The Captain is last to walk up and she eyes you each in turn. "We arrive at Duragath in the morning, we have much to discuss before then. The Firehook will not be docking for long. The events of this day cause me to worry over the rest of the fleet and the other ships must be warned. Meet me in my quarters when you are ready, the day wares on." she takes a few steps away and then turns with a grin, "and Randrak my lock and hinges are currently being repaired. Might I trouble you to knock this time?"

OOC: If there is anything you want to do before the meeting with the Captain post it up, otherwise the next post will be in her cabin.

Hitticus will catch up with the captain for a single question. "Captain, if I may be so bold, was any of Salvas research or arcane equipment salvaged? I mean to honor his memory by ensuring whatever knowledge he had in the arcane arts is not lost to the fire." This of course is completely untrue and Hitticus is just a greedy bastard.

Deception: 17

Mercwri, now all spiffy, will try and figure out how the drow got aboard, before he goes to confab with the captain and the others.  He will concentrate on anything big enough to hide at least one drow, maybe two.  Chests, bundles, bales, empty cabins, looking for the slightest sign.

Investigation  11

Perception   9

OCC According to 'Features & Traits' Mercwri's Investigation gets a doubled proficiency bonus, which I had not realized before.  Woo! Hoo!  I think he uncovered the secret of the _______s

Hitticus your ill disguised enquiry earns a raised eyebrow and a wry smile from the Captain, "You will need to take that one up with Mender, he now serves as Rune Shaper and as such all of Salvas' belongings have passed to him. I doubt he will be looking to part with them though." she shakes her head in amused disbelief and heads to her cabin.

Mercrwri, you recall that the goblin interrupted your search in the cabin prior to the explosion and you resume your investigations there. The dead dwarf has been removed now but conferring with the nearby crew it is clear that the large crate she had been stuffed in had also been used as a bolt hole. Rations and wrappings had been found inside along with a half empty water skin. You see evidence that the crate had been force open and putting the facts together you suspect the drow had used their invisibility potions to gain entry and had then found their hiding place below, but when?

You found the invisibility potion after the goblin attack and decide to start with that. Finding Voros in the galley he offers you two more facts to aid your investigation. One, the stores had been checked and double checks after leaving Baldenvelt to guard against any goblins who may have snuck aboard; and two, the stores are swept daily so the potion must have been used and the vial dropped in haste within a day of its finding. Conclusion? It would appear the Captain was right and the Drow came aboard with the goblin attack and crept down below in the confusion. One puzzle remains, why did nobody detect their magic?

 Hitticus will nod to the captain and head off to find mender in his quarters.

Hitticus you find Mender in his new quarters overseeing the fitting of a new door. Dwarves are a pragmatic folk and so no time is being wasted getting the ship back to a new normal. Mender however, is not a Dwarf and is looking somewhat flustered by the whole affair. Seeing you approach he brightens,

"Oh come in, come in. Hitticus isn't it?" you see that much of the room has been stripped of damaged furniture and belongings and what is left of the old Rune Shapers possession is currently stacked in the far corner ready for redistribution. 

"Doesn't seem right does it?" Mender follows you gaze around the room, mistaking it for sympathy.

"It doesn't, the old wizard passed before his time and it must be such a burden on your shoulders to have to take over for a friend. If there is anything I can do to assist in getting his belongings in order please don't hesitate to ask."

Hitticus tries not to get distracted by the pile of belongings.

Quote from Dreamhobbit >>

Hitticus your ill disguised enquiry earns a raised eyebrow and a wry smile from the Captain, "You will need to take that one up with Mender, he now serves as Rune Shaper and as such all of Salvas' belongings have passed to him. I doubt he will be looking to part with them though." she shakes her head in amused disbelief and heads to her cabin.

Daughter of whores we should slice her open and tip her over the side. I wonder what trinkets the gnome has hidden away.

 

Mercrwri, you recall that the goblin interrupted your search in the cabin prior to the explosion and you resume your investigations there. The dead dwarf has been removed now but conferring with the nearby crew it is clear that the large crate she had been stuffed in had also been used as a bolt hole. Rations and wrappings had been found inside along with a half empty water skin. You see evidence that the crate had been force open and putting the facts together you suspect the drow had used their invisibility potions to gain entry and had then found their hiding place below, but when?

You found the invisibility potion after the goblin attack and decide to start with that. Finding Voros in the galley he offers you two more facts to aid your investigation. One, the stores had been checked and double checks after leaving Baldenvelt to guard against any goblins who may have snuck aboard; and two, the stores are swept daily so the potion must have been used and the vial dropped in haste within a day of its finding. Conclusion? It would appear the Captain was right and the Drow came aboard with the goblin attack and crept down below in the confusion. One puzzle remains, why did nobody detect their magic?

 Mercwri will ask the various crew what sorts of magic detection is normally used to keep undesired things off the ship.