With such a large number of enemies, dividing the crew does not seem a very good option. "Mateys mus' stick together" Entering through the passage seems safer at first sight, but Argy will let Baldbeard choose the entry and goals of the mission, and vote the same as him.
That night, she'll prepare hot cocoa cups and spicy soup, served with hot grog and rum, to help everybody stay warm. She'll also reserve a big potato for Captain Benkii, as a kind of apology for the other night's scolding.

Count agrees with Baldbeard, also if not mostly due to being pragmatic. He has no experience with fighting ghosts, and the idea of fighting incorporeal foes which can't really be killed in a conventional way doesn't sound very appealing. While vampirates, as nasty they wouldn't be, are already quite familiar enemy and even the mage didn't stop us before. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.

As for approach, using northern passage seems safer overall since we don't know where enemy watchmen are, and boat could be spotted too early while not getting us any closer to the goal than land route. Stealth strategy to quickly take the treasure and escape via boat is not an option either due to vampirates ability to detect living beings.

Before leaving, Count will drink Ginger Lemon tea and hot soup, as well as will wear thermal clothing under the armor.

Technical question: how long does Cat o' Nine Tails' special power (tentacles) last? And I presume it can be also used as normal non-magical weapon?

Grog'tial knows that that only good vampirate is a vampirate turned to ash from a distance - one less asset for his half-brother and that ugly fish to use in their plotting against him - while Ghosts, Haunts and Specters have never yet shown themselves to be allied against him, and would be unable to be so once lain to rest, so he's completely in favor of retrieving the treasure.

He does ask if anything was learned about the suspected Ice Elementals, and wonders out loud who those might be in league with.

It varies. Like all Cursed Weapons the Cat o' Nine Tails works once, but in that once it grapples an enemy (or several) like a squid and stays on it until either that enemy manages to break away (dice roll) or is dealt with. So depending on dice rolls, up to several turns. It is sentient and might consent to act as a normal weapon, but squid tentacles make a rather limp fleshy whip.

Good question and it was supposed to be part of the Turn post above, but last night the forum was throwing fits refusing the post. After several hours I had to just eliminate some paragraphs until I could rework them today and find the words that are stopping things. These are very bare bones compared to what was written, but contain additional info for Crew. I will be editing things in the Turn post above as well.
_____

An hour later Sensei reappears with news. The innkeeper is another ghost, and Captain Baldbeard's bosun, and the ship is now both their prison and a spectral casino. Sensei only scouted the ship itself briefly so to not attract too much attention. Captain Baldbeard's body has been moved to a place of honor below on the casino deck (hammock deck on map) in full view of the tables. His body is the crew's tie to the ship and their afterlife along with the oath they made which keeps them here. His body is also near worshiped as the lucky idol for the gamblers as Baldbeard's massive treasure and profitable exploits were well known. The bosun and crew will entertain parlay, but will not give his body up easily, unless the Crew promises to help honor their vow and his body which will free their souls and put them to rest. The problem is the visiting specters and ghosts may not appreciate the living Crew taking their lucky idol and interrupting their gaming.

Sensei did not reveal that Captain Baldbeard is with the Crew, only that he has known and worked with Captain Baldbeard before. He mentioned Cap'n Sam No-Bell-On-Me and that likewise Captain Aylar the Red Mane and the Crew have sailed with Captain Baldbeard as allies and have come to honor and tend to Baldbeard's body so his spirit may know release also. As far as the bosun knows, the parlay will be with Captain Aylar the Red Mane. Sensei does not know what seeing Captain Baldbeard might do, but it is his opinion that the bosun is loyal to Baldbeard.

Sensei also reports he did not see any Ice Elementals, but they are good at staying frozen until approached. The innkeeper did not mention them beyond the magical ice keeps the ship trapped, and that only when asked. He got the impression Captain Baldbeard's ghostly crew and the Ice Elementals do not associate with each other. He cannot say if the Ice Elementals are in league with the vampirates or not, but many elementals, unless associated with a mage, are independent to their own natures. There is a vampirate mage, and both hate fire, so it is possible they have an association, but not known.

EDIT: All the info has now been edited into the Turn post (only Sensei's findings).

(This sounds simple enough to me, we all need to work together to get Baldbeard's Treasure first to make getting his body back from the casino ghost ship easier. Question is, where best to approach the treasure? By boat or secret tunnel? The tunnel does look shorter and might be stealthier so that's my vote.)

Durik sided with the idea of helping the ghosts and fighting the vampirates.
The tunnel seemed a stealthier approach than using the ship, BUT it depended on how the undeads would have reacted by seeing the living crew passing nearby..

He asked if it would have been possible to make only the bosun meet with Baldbeard. That would have cleared that the crew was on their side. Otherwise, going that path could backfire.

Anyway, Durik noticed that the others were putting on thermal clothes, so he did the same.
And he drank his potion of Necrotic Resistance potion too.

Devin be most happy to assist his lady for the day with her Craft. He will do his best to stand still for the measuring as long as the string behaves itself. *Devin narrows his eyes at it then arches his brow at his lady's playful smirk.* (Surely M'Lady, it should not be that hard.) It be his pleasure to sing her ballads to inspire her, tell tales to make her laugh and provide tea and scones or biscuits to refresh her. Should she wish it he will gently warm and massage her hands. If he deems it will ease her mind, he will tell her the cat watched over Aeshma overnight and continues to do so discretely. Being a witch, Aeshma well knows what the cat be and didn't seem to mind it.

When the new jacket be finished and fitted to him it be sure to be perfect. To prove it he will bow deeply and perform whatever moves be requested to assure her. Devin be thrilled with his new jacket and admires the moon phase buttons(!) and Crafting.

Devin agrees with Captain Baldbeard and the others. As Count has pointed out, vampirates can be killed, ghosts must be put to rest. Going after the treasure and killing the vampirates, which they know are DRM and thus servants of Beckett or the "ugly fish" as Grog'tial put it, has the benefit of also putting the haunts and ghosts to rest, leaving only the specters if they are forced into that fight. It be the simplest way to take care of the most forces, gain them the advantage and deprive the true enemy of another piece on its chessboard. Triple win if all goes well. Looking at the maps, Devin also agrees the tunnel should give the most advantage.
1) They will not be in the open facing possible cannon, balista and vampirates while assaulting the fortifications.
2) They should not face Ice Elementals within, or would be able to see them easier.
3) They should be able to possibly bait and ambush or trap some vampirates in the tunnel before going in and fully revealing themselves.
4) Assuming the tunnel doesn't have other branches, the vampirates should not be able to come at them from behind threatening their healers or spellcasters right away.

The main concern would be possible traps, which he should be able to take care of, explosives and cannon aimed at the tunnel's end. For that a stealthy scout should be able to tell them more. He'll send the cat in first and have it stick to shadows. If Argy also uses one charge of her bat ring, they would also have sonar to tell them if any vampirates are coming on them from the ceilings using their spiderclimb ability. The drawback being it might be heard, bats do not natively live in icy caves and vampirates cannot become bats, so it may need to be reserved until they be discovered. He also suggests everyone, except perhaps Count, take a clove of garlic with them as the Ship loaded up the galley with it, and slit or crush some on their weapons and outer woolens once they are detected.

Devin enjoys Argy's hot cocoa and hot spicy soup. He will forego the grog for warmed mulled wine and grab a clove of garlic. He is already dressed in silken thermals and light woolens that don't bind and his new jacket. His flash powder and holy water will be near to hand in his sash. He will drink his Necrotic Resistance potion just before they leave. Once they leave the Ship his Rapier and silvered dagger be ready. Moonbow reserved against Captain, mage, major shadow or dire circumstance. Devin will first send the cat to scout for traps, magical and non, and Devin will disarm any that are found. If there be a door at the end of the tunnel and no key available, Devin will check it for traps, magical and non, and attempt to pick it. His fighting priorities be to kill mage quickly if possible, Captain next. He will defend Crew, especially watching out for healers, and then those most in need of assistance.

Did you figure out which words were the culprit? I know university and occult are on the blacklist - would be good to know about others.

Grog'tial follows this suggestion.

The thing is while some variations of these words work, others don't, so I've marked these root words to check any variation of in future: Illuminate, earn, the last was a form of reverence I changed to worship.

Gilius turns to Aylar : "Cap'n ! The DRM fleet be our enemy, not these poor souls from Baldbeard's crew ! We should go for the hidden cave to retrieve the treasure. Goin' through the hidden tunnel seems to be the most quiet an' easy approach at first, however ye can be sure that they have secured it one way or the other : sentries, alarms, traps, wards, ... I would be surprised if going that way would be a piece o' cake, that would be all too easy. What about an infiltration with the longboat undercover o' the night / fog to the west beach ? (3) Or to the beach inside the cave ? (SW 10) That would lead us pretty close to the treasure too. Kyp could easily act as a recon from the water."

Black voodoo magic, I tell ye !

Led by Captain Baldbeard, so far it seemed the Crew was voting to parlay and help the haunts and ghosts of Baldbeard's old crew. Most also agree the tunnel seems the safest entry option.

Captain Baldbeard has doubled up on thermals and the woolens (loosely over his new jacket, it be well fitted to him and no use getting it dirtied or ashed in his first battle wearing it). He is confident they can defeat the vampirates again and encouraged that so far many in the Crew support him in this. Before they go he'll sip his Lemon-Ginger tea while perusing the Book on Dancing one more time.

Argy votes with Captain Baldbeard, then prepares hot cocoa and spicy soup, much to the delight of Clíodhna (huh, who knew the sorceress enjoyed cinnamon cocoa and chili soup together), along with hot grog and rum, to the great pleasure of the Crew. She even reserves a big potato for Captain BenKii, as a kind of apology for the other night's scolding. Just before leaving she drinks her Lemon-Ginger tea, with a tiny drop of rum (for added warmth of course, carrying that Magic Lantern will be even colder).

Count Karnstein also pragmatically agrees with Captain Baldbeard. The Crew (and he) have no experience fighting incorporeal foes, while vampirates be the devil they know and are already quite familiar fighting. Why, even the mage didn't stop them before. He also agrees the passage seems safer overall. Count drinks his Lemon-Ginger tea and has some hot soup, while looking over the Book of Plots, Intrigue, and Politics (having already donned the silk thermals under his new armor).

Grog'tial knows the only good vampirate is one turned to ash by his crossbow, preferably from a distance, and one less asset for his half-brother and that ugly fish to use in their plotting against him. He's also with Captain Baldbeard, completely in favor of retrieving the treasure. Although he does ask about the Ice Elementals, wondering who they may be in league with. (roll dice) Grog'tial passes on the cocoa, but does enjoy Argy's hot spicy soup and hot grog. He's wearing the provided silk thermals, woolen shirt and breeches and has a fur cloak ready nearby. Before they leave he follows Devin's suggestion and takes a clove of garlic with him.

Captain BenKii believes all it will take is working together to get Captain Baldbeard's treasure first. The tunnel looks shorter and stealthier to him, so that's his vote. As the others enjoy the hot cocoa, hot soup, hot grog and rum and even their teas, (sitting warm and cosy in their thermals and woolens while waiting for the mission to start) Captain BenKii seems to have his mind still on other things ... or maybe it's a lady. He startles a bit when Argy puts a big potato in front of him.

Durik sides with the idea of helping the ghosts and fighting the vampirates. He also thinks the tunnel seems like a stealthier approach depending on how the undeads react to the living Crew passing by. He asked if it's possible to make only the bosun meet with Captain Baldbeard, otherwise he's afraid that path could backfire. Seeing the others, Durik puts on thermals also. Luckily there are some in his size so he doesn't have to wear humie clothes like when he first came aboard. He drinks his Lemon-Ginger tea and has some of tiny's hot spicy soup. He pats the Music Box, then makes sure to pet Dakka so Dakka won't get jealous. He also checks his fire weapon oil, remembering to put it on just before the fight because Refyx told him it only lasts 4 turns once it's applied. Before he leaves he drinks his Necrotic Resistance potion.

Devin also agrees with Captain Baldbeard and the others, believing helping the ghosts takes care of the most forces and strikes a blow at the true enemy. He agrees with the tunnel approach for several reasons he states, but also warns of possible traps. He proposes to send the cat to scout first and he will disarm any traps found. Devin proposes Argy's bat scout may be able to warn them of vampirates using the ceilings, but cautions it could be heard so may need to be reserved until they are already discovered. He also suggests everyone except Count, take a clove of garlic with them to use on weapons and outer woolens once they are detected. Devin enjoys the hot cocoa and soup, dresses in thermals and light woolens that don't bind and drinks his Necrotic Resistance potion just before they leave.

Aeshma isn't thinking about anything but the mission, and wondering now if she has gone from being an asset to a liability. She's removed the furs and one layer of woolens as she enjoys the hot cocoa, but waves off the hot grog and rum having learned that maybe she doesn't have as much of a tolerance for it as she'd thought. She agrees that helping Captain Baldbeard's crew is the thing to do, and Captain Baldbeard would know his crew best, after all. She'll let the others more experienced plot the methods, she's there to heal and help, not spearhead an assault. With that on her mind, however, she turns to Captain Aylar with the question that bothers her.

"Captain Aylar, with the ghosts I could be useful for communicating and banishing and I have my own defenses against spirits," she says. "But vampirates are very fast and I'll be slowed by the clothing, even with a Cold Resistance potion. I will be happy to heal and do what I can, but I don't have many offensive options and don't want to be a liability distracting others who should be fighting," she glances at BenKii and Devin and pointedly ignores Count, "into defending me instead. I'll leave the decision to you." (If Aeshma goes, she bundles up warmly but will be disadvantaged in speed, agility and dexterity.)

Gilius agrees with helping the ghosts, but prefers to assault from the water. "Cap'n! The DRM fleet be our enemy, not these poor souls from Baldbeard's crew! We should go for the hidden cave to retrieve the treasure. Goin' through the hidden tunnel seems to be the most quiet an' easy approach at first, however ye can be sure that they have secured it one way or the other: sentries, alarms, traps, wards, ... I would be surprised if going that way would be a piece o' cake, that would be all too easy. What about an infiltration with the longboat undercover o' the night/fog to the west beach? (3) Or to the beach inside the cave? (SW 10) That would lead us pretty close to the treasure too. Kyp could easily act as a recon from the water."

Admiral Clíodhna listens quietly, then addresses Durik's question. "Aye, it be good for Captain Baldbeard to meet with his bosun, but it cannot be alone, Durik. They have called for parlay, and parlay is done between a captain and highest ranking officer of another group. In this case that would be Captain Aylar with Captain Baldbeard along, and probably Captain Baldbeard's First Mate of his crew with the bosun along. It would also be better if we secure the good will and assistance of Captain Baldbeard's crew of ghosts to distract any specters from noticing our sneaking across to the tunnel."

As Aeshma and Gilius have addressed Captain Aylar directly, she'll wait and let him speak to their concerns first.

[Most of the Crew seems to vote to help Captain Baldbeard's ghostly crew and use the tunnel to go fight the vampirates and retrieve Baldbeard's treasure. Some questions, suggestions and decisions are discussed. Crew dons warm clothing and prepares their teas and potions before leaving.]

BenKii had been mulling over his head what he had said wrong to Aeshma until he realized that he hadn't touched his food while everyone else had downed theirs. He drinks up the hot cocoa and soup quickly while relishing in how it tastes.

"Damn fine stuff Argy! Some of the best soup n' cocoa I've had in ages! Thank ye for the dinner and replenishing me potato. Here o' a few pieces of 8 to show me appreciation." said BenKii. BenKii gives 3 pieces of 8 to Argy.

After that, if BenKii hasn't already, he will find the warm fuzzy thermals and put them on as well as grab a few cloves of garlic at Devin's suggestion.

Just before embarking on the mission he will drink his Lemon Ginger Tea to up his ice resistance.

Argy smiles at BenKii, refusing to take the money "Save yer silver fer the dice games, matey"

Argy will also put on thermal clothing and gloves, recharge her pepper grinder and take a clove of garlic.

"Tiny, me forgot, do ye have a garlic also for me?

Even if Durik hopes vampirates can't smell, or this is bad idea"

For the record - you cannot truly sneak up on a vampirate unless you are a non-living entity, purely ethereal, or magical summoned spirit. Vampirates sense living beings probably further then they smell garlic. They'll know once Crew comes within a certain range of them. So by sea or by tunnel, at a certain distance there will be no hiding from vampirates and they'll know. Remember from last year, there is an environmental effect to vampirates. Once you feel that slight drain and weakness, they're in range of you and will start to feed off you and weaken you slowly. (That's why the cat and bat scouts, those are summoned spirits.) So once they start really draining you, you'll want to get in and kill them quickly before they can drain you into being too weak to fight. The garlic (at least the real garlic, vampirates are not affected by garlic powder or garlic pepper) will hurt and burn their skin and senses if it touches them. ;)