Page 173 - ghosts-of-saltmarsh

If she's reassured that the characters aren't trying to SKUM ONE, SKUM ALL
make the militia look bad.Jute gives a frank account of Sgothgah has a number of minions called skum, humans
her discovery ofjarrne in the area of the Alchemists' that are warped by an aboleth's magic and become faithful
Quarter known as Hemlock Pit. She remembers that servants of their master. As part of his arrangement with
Jarme was cooperative when apprehended, which was Mr. Dory, Sgothgah pledged several of the creatures to
surprising considering the state of his mutilated victim. Dory's service. Skum wear long robes and heavy overcoats
If the characters win Jute's f ult confidence, either to hide their true nature. Only in a city as wretched as the
Styes could they move about unnoticed. Although the
through roleplaying or with a successful DC 15 Cha-
skum are loyal minions, they can spend only a short time
risma (Persuasion) check, she admits that she doesn't
away from water before their skin starts to slough away. If
believeJarme was the sole killer- if he was the killer at
necessary, they can endure that pain for the time it takes to
all. She is aware of the murder that took place the morn- complete a particularly important task.
ing after Jarme's execution, and of how quickly its inves- Mr. Dory gained a variety of powers from Sgothgah's
tigation was dispensed with.Jute doesn't know why her patronage, though he was too clever to allow his mind to
superiors are acting the way they are, but she suspects become compromised. The transformation came with a
that powerful interests must be involved. price. Similar to the skum, Dory's body is now dependent
Though she's reluctant to name names, a little prod- on a hot, wet environment, such that his body begins to
decompose if he spends more than an hour away from
ding inspires Jute to disclose that one of the councillors,
his chambers. When he appears in public, he wears heavy
Mr. Dory, has had numerous closed-door meetings with
perfume and thick clothing soaked in water to forestall
militia commanders recently. These visits did not occur
the effect, then rushes back to his lair as soon as he can
during the day whenJarme was executed.Jute can also
to recover.
tell the characters that Mr. Dory can be found in the
warehouse that is his home and business (area 7).
Dory's unique home is in the center of the Alchemists'
SCENE OF THE CRIME Quarter, perched at the edge of a large swath of mud
Constable jute can show the characters where she known as Hemlock Pit. His ruthless business practices
caughtjarme, but there are no further clues there. The are well known, inspiring in the townsfolk a mix of
same isn't true of the scene of the murder that took respect, fear, and mockery. People know that his ware-
house is well guarded, and protected at night by "vicious
place the day after jarme's execution.Jute can escort the
guard dogs" (a trio of manticores whose snarling can be
characters to that site, or they can find it in a few hours
by asking around the Styes. heard from the street). Getting that information out of
any local requires a bribe of at least 10 gp.
This latest murder was committed on Mr. Dory's or-
Bribes and questions on the streets around Hemlock
ders by one of his skum minions (sec appendix C). Dory
Pit also inform the characters that lwo figures in the
wants to maintain the momentum of fear in the Styes
Styes have strong dealings with Mr. Dory and are good
while he searches for a replacement for Jarme.
potential sources of information: Master Loquid, a local
The deed took place in an alley in the northern end
perfumer, and Grotten LongAint, a gnome burglar.
of the Alchemists' Quarter. The body's immediate cre-
mation was ordered by Mr. Dory, but the site holds one
STRANGE HOUSEKEEPING
important clue. No effort was made to clean up the area,
with the expectation that local rats and gulls would The perfumer Loquid (N male human commoner)
take care of any remains. But a careful inspection of the supplies Dory with large quantities of perfume from his
site is sufficient to locate unfamiliar, webbed footprints shop in the Merchants' Quarter. He loves to talk about
nearly obscured by the tracks of the m ii itia and gawkers. himself and his well-off clients. and he responds well
A character who has proficiency in Survival can at- to simple flattery and chatting up. Tn conversation, he
tempt a DC 15 Wisdom (Survival) check. On a success, cheerfully describes Dory as seeming to carry an un-
the character determines that the odd tracks were made pleasant, mildewy odor.
by at least three separate creatures. Anyone can try During several of Loquid's long talks with Dory, the
to follow the tracks by making a DC 17 Wisdom (Sur- councillor has enigmatically mentioned his ''beauties
vival) check. On a failed check. the trail is lost after a in the pool" {the creature's skum and golem servants)
few dozen yards. On a success, the trail leads through more than once. Loquid also knows that for inexplicable
muddy, reeking alleys to Dory's warehouse (area 7). reasons, Dory Hoods the inside of his home with water,
and keeps stoves burning day and night to maintain the
PART 3: HEMLOCK PIT place at a stiflingly hot temperature.
Although Jarme's murderous actions were controlled by
WAREHOUSE SECRETS
the Whisperer, no clues yet point toward the aboleth. Jf
the characters don't learn about Mr. Dory's seemingly Grotten Longflint (NE female gnome spy) describes
suspicious activities from Constable Jute or from the herself as an adventurer, but her current trade is burglar
physician Emil Trantor. and if they missed the trail lead- and pickpocket. She is understandably circumspect
ing from the latest murder. they might need to resort to about her business, and discusses nothing without re-
divination or commune spells or similar magic. Use the ceiving a "consulting fee'' of 100 gp up front. A character
cryptic results from such magic to steer the characters who succeeds on a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check
toward an investigation of Mr. Dory, his warehouse. and can get her down to 50 gp, but no lower.
his residence.

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