Aardvark DM |
As you and Ishani enter the citadel, the echoes of forcefully spoken but still just-missed words resound off the imposing granite and iron walls of Citadel Volshyenek’s outer curtain. Dozens of red-and-silver-armored guards stand in assembly upon the pitted stone mustering ground here, mumbling in hushed, somber tones. Before them, atop a weathered wooden platform, paces Field Marshal Kroft, her eyebrows arched sternly as she momentarily tolerates the crowd’s murmurs. Behind her upon the scaffold stand three grizzled veteran guardsmen at attention, as well as an ominous-looking group.
These men wear cowled robes of oily-looking leather, supple gloves, and wide black hats. Some grip heavy canes, others dark satchels. Each of them, though, wears a dark-goggled mask tapering to a pointed beak. Among them stand two others.
The first is a middleaged gentleman in a simple black overcoat with streaks of white gracing the sides of his short dark hair. He watches the gathered guards with a soft, concerned expression, his hands tightly clasping a heavy-looking doctor’s case.
The second figure is an imposing one indeed—a woman dressed in full-plate armor, a longsword and shield at her side, and her blank-faced full helm sporting a bright red plume.
The Field Marshal’s fierce tone cuts through the rumble of whispers. “You will escort Doctor Davaulus and his men in their royal duties wherever those might take them. Furthermore, you are to consider orders from any of the queen’s new order of Gray Maidens to be as binding as any superior officer in the Korvosan Guard or Sable Company. You are guardsmen of Korvosa. You will not balk. These are dire times and your city needs these healers. Your city needs you. Your patrol leaders have your assignments. Dismissed!”
As the assembly ends, the guardsmen gathered in the courtyard break up into groups, many reporting for various duties while others loiter for a few moments to quietly gripe about their new orders. The armored woman, one of the queen’s aforementioned Gray Maidens, quickly organizes the guards, silencing bickering words with harsh commands and assigning orders for the day. Kroft and her veteran attendants begin to head into the citadel with Dr. Davaulus and his Queen’s Physicians.
Neva Vallastoi |
The strange, dark-goggled masks of the Physicians made Neva shiver slightly. What's a sick child supposed to think when that beak-y thing shows up?" she wondered with disgust.
But she focused herself on their mission.
"Come, Vaultkeeper", Neva began. "Let's try to catch the Field Marshall while she's talking to these..." she paused, professional pride unwilling to easily grant the title of "...healers. Your work seems to be tied up with theirs, and thus will likely need to be coordinated."
Rutter |
"Grey Maidens? This queen surrounds herself with as many women as I would, if I were in her place." He looks again and the woman in head-to-toe plate. "'Course, mine would wear considerably less."
"Well, let's see if the docs have any plans for the churches." Rutter starts leading the way through the various groups of guards towards the citadel.
Copper Fratello |
"I dont like the looks of this at all." Copper mutters to himself as the group walks on. He looks around, trying to identify as many people as he possibly can, and trying to memorize the faces of anyone he doesn't already know.
Knowledge: Local 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Neva Vallastoi |
Neva smiled and shook her head at Rutter's lewd joke, shared a commiserating glance with Copper, but responded to Felgar.
"If it's alright with you, I'd like to stay and speak with the Field Marshall. We've promised to introduce the Vaultkeeper here" (she politely indicated the priest of Abadar) "and I want to get her take on what we've seen. She's dealt with us squarely and I trust her judgement."
Aardvark DM |
The Field Marshal notices you before she enters the keep and sends one of her aides to ask that you all join her in her office. The leader of the Korvosan Guard appears eager to see you, but she seems guarded in her current company, "Welcome, come join us inside. I appreciate that you were able to make it for the announcement." She introduces you to the newly appointed Queen’s Physician. "Guys, this is Dr. Davaulus. He came with word from the Queen about the sickness going around."
The Dr. is clearly a calm man with a polite demeanor, and he greets you warmly "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I, much like the Korvosan Guard, am here to tender to the success of the city of Korvosa. I hope to ease the concerns of as many of Korvosa’s people as possible in this trying time."
It's probably no surprise none of you have heard of this man, as he does not appear to be Korvosan. His voice and appearance mark him as Chelish, from where the Queen herself hails.
Neva Vallastoi |
"Well met, Dr. Davaulus", Neva said as she bowed slightly. "I am Neva Vallastoi, a midwife and devotee of Pharasma. I look forward to hearing your plans to 'ease the concerns' of the people. I hope that I might aid what I imagine are your impressive healing skills."
"I will let my friends introduce themselves, in the Varisan fashion...I hope this will not upset your sensibilities too much. Our customs here are a bit different."
Rutter |
Rutter nods, and introduces himself: "Hi, I'm Rutter. You from Cheliax? You come here with the queen? Oh, hey, so did you examine the king after he died? Hey, what kind of poison did she use? The painter, I mean. Obviously not the queen." He chuckles at how his phrasing could have been misunderstood.
Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9. The ambiguous "she" was intentional. Rutter wanted to try to read the doc's reaction. Sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Copper Fratello |
Sense Motive on Rutter's Bluff 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Copper looks startled for a brief moment before realizing Rutter's intent. The young man lookks down towards the halfling and responds, "Why don't you just make it sound like we think the Queen killed the King. Sheesh!" Looking up, he addresses the doctor, "My apologies for my friend here. I am Copper Fratello. I am an arcanist, and am at your service, sir."
Bluff 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 convince those listening that Rutter was faking, lol.
Pravlox |
Pravlox didn't enjoy being around pretentious doctors, or pretentious nobles, and this man was clearly both, making Pravlox extremely uncomfortable, especially when the others started going into a dangerous territory of conversation. He remains quiet, not trusting his own tongue in the matter.
Sense Motive 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Aardvark DM |
You guys are the best players I could ever have. I have been horribly remiss about posting, and have no reason for it. I've just been lazy and am easily distracted.
The good doctor takes each of the introductions in stride, remaining cordial throughout. Even when Rutter decides to add some snark, and Copper tries to cover for him, the doctor merely lifts an eyebrow. He maintains a level gaze at the halfling's comment, but lets slip an almost imperceptible derisive snort at the addition. Maintaining a friendly air, he responds nonetheless, "No, sadly I was not present at the time of the King's untimely demise, and therefore was unable to determine the exact nature that the fugitive used to murder the husband or her royal Highness. I have only just arrived to help her with this most devastating spread of disease. At the queen's behest, the assistance of all of you will be greatly appreciated." As he speaks this last he draws a rolled writ from his satchel, handing it to Neva.
Aardvark DM |
No, sorry, that's supposed to be 'the husband of her royal highness'. He is responding to the basis of the question, without dignifying Rutter's comment by taking offense, while making a dinstinction between the queen and the fugitive Trinia.
Pravlox |
Pravlox just shrugs, "So now what? I've yet to see anything that suggests that you and your cronies are any better informed about this disease than anyone else, and I find the "any assistance requested" part to be both vague and a bit disturbing, to be quite honest."
Neva Vallastoi |
Neva suppressed a grim smile at Pravlox's comments...and she didn't give voice to her alarm over the tone and terms of the writ.
Instead, she put on what she hoped was her best look of concerned gravity and responded to Davaulus. "Obviously, we pray for success in your efforts to heal the sick. Please let us know how we might help in that most important aspect of your remit. I look forward to seeing the beneficial impact of your work upon the health and mood of the city."
Turning to Kroft, she continued. "Field Marshall, we have brought a Vaultkeeper of Abadar for introduction. We'll wait until you finish with the good Doctor, so that he won't be kept over long."
Stepping back with a slight bow, she waited on the others to comment, or the Field Marshall.
Rutter |
After the doc's explanation, Rutter explains his question to Copper as a means of continuing the ruse that it was an innocent question. Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Maybe I'll just stick to stealth and acrobatics. Call me if you need someone to do a somersault.
"Meh. Just thinking maybe I should look into fighting dirtier after that stitched up corpse knocked me on my butt. If some poison's good enough to fell a king, it's good enough for my blade."
Rutter takes his turn reading the writ when Pravlox gets his hands on it. "Why would anyone want to harbor or hide someone from treatment?"
Neva Vallastoi |
Neva suppressed a sad sigh at Rutter's last question.
I'm sure we're going to find out, she mused sullenly.
She'd seen too many quacks, dire-snake-oil salesmen and budding necromancers-playing-doctor in her time to fully trust this mysterious "Physician". But she clung to the hope that she was wrong, and that the complete lack of compassion in the writ was due to the Queen's tin political ear, and not to Dr. Davaulus's methods.
Aardvark DM |
The Field Marshal grimaces at Pravlox's outburst, but changes the subject based on Neva's information. "If the priest is here about what his church is doing about the plague, send him in. The Doctor and I will be discussing the logistics and planning processes for administering care for the citizens. I would welcome this Vaultkeeper in on the conversation, as it may help us to know what all is at our disposal." She looks at the group, suggesting in a way to imply it's not required "You all are welcome to sit in on the meeting, but I'm not sure how long it will run, and I would prefer to keep any disparaging opinions to a minimum. Otherwise, I have no other work for you, and you can have the rest of the day to yourselves."
Rutter |
Rutter thinks about joining the meeting for a moment, but then realizes the Doctor's not going to reveal anything too sinister to Kroft. He's still wondering what the treatment might entail that would make people hesitant to seek it out. But perhaps that information would be easier to obtain elsewhere.
"Well, I got no disparaging opinions, but I don't really have any interest in patient care, either. Call me if you need someone stabbed in the jimmy." He turns to the rest of the crew to hear if they're staying or going.
Pravlox |
Pravlox will stay in the area, but at the word "meeting," he clearly lost interest in the immediate proceedings. He'll stay around the barracks, finding a quiet corner to summon Rex, and, after a brief discussion on the current situation, work with his serpentine friend to better understand the powers inside of him.
Neva Vallastoi |
As the others lost interest, Neva reluctantly pulled herself away from the deliberations with the Doctor. She followed the others out and soon began checking Rutter for any further signs of the disease.
If time permits, I'll try another Heal check on Rutter to give him a bonus on his next saving throw
Heal Check: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 2 = 20 +2 circumstance for use of one "charge of the healer's kit.
Copper Fratello |
Copper follows along with the others, trying to get as much information from Neva as possible about this disease, "So do you know how it's spread? I mean, should we be worried about having to push through that crowd this morning? How long to you think it would take before it starts having an effect on a person?" He puts a hand to his forehead, then replaces it with the other, "Do I feel warm to you? I think I'm a little warm. Is a fever one of the symptoms? Oh geez, I hope I didnt catch it from all of those sick people!", he rambles on quickly, obviously paranoid about catching something like this.
Rutter |
Not sure if I have any other saving throws. The ability damage is healed.
Rutter waves Neva off under his breath. "I'm fine! 'Sides, what if they do something to people who have it? Kill 'em or something..."
As he talks, he scans the area to see if he can find any of the bird-masked doctors still in view. He whispers to Neva, "I wanna follow one of those docs. See how they treat their patients."
"Hey, Copper, do that whisper trick for me, so I can keep in touch."
If the docs aren't in view, Rutter will ask one of the guards still milling about in the courtyard. "Which way did those docs go? And hey, did they tell y'all what's the deal with those masks? That some Chelish religious thing?"
If Rutter manages to catch up to one of the doctors, he'll stay out of view, and just follow him/her on his/her rounds. If he needs to sneak up to a window to see what's going on inside a house, he'll do it. Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Copper Fratello |
Copper quickly mutters the words to a message spell for Rutter, though after being reminded that the halfling also has or had the disease, the young man takes a step back from him, and tries to avoid coming into any contact until he is sure the halfing isnt contagious.
Didnt design Copper to be a bit of a germaphobe, but this is pretty entertaining. His worst save is Fort, so he is probably aware that the disease could hit him pretty hard. Makes sense for him to be wary of it, I think.
Aardvark DM |
The masked doctors seem to be milling around the Citadel's courtyard. They look to be waiting for Dr. Davalaus to finish at his meeting to find out what they are up to. If you want to talk to them let me know.
Rutter, I messed up on the ability damage. It does not heal under normal conditions as long as the affliction is present. Sadly, you are one save away from being free of the illness. Not like I'm going to backtrack the damage, but for the future, now I know.
Rutter |
I'm okay with putting the damage back on. Not like my rolls can be any worse, anyway. But I did kinda think Rutter would use the way he was feeling as the gauge of whether he was better. Was it -1 or -2 to dex and con?
Seeing all the docs accounted for, he approaches one. "Hi! Rutter, of the Korvosa Guard's Special Services. Can't come out with y'all early on. I might try to catch up with y'all later, though. So what's the story on those masks? Is that a religious thing?"
Let me know if you need a Diplomacy check. Better yet, roll it for me, since mine have been so bad lately. Modifier is +5/+7 for gather info.
Neva Vallastoi |
Neva sighed a bit at Copper's squeamishness, but since she couldn't allay all his fears, she just put a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"It'll be alright, dear" she said, trying to sound comforting.
She them turned to watch Rutter, nervous as he approached the physicians.
Aardvark DM |
The doctor closest to Rutter turns and replies, his voice coming deeper with a hint of muffling from the mask itself "Well met Rutter. The masks are to keep the plague from us while we tend the sick. It covers our mouth and nose, and the end is filled with herbs to prevent nausea brought on by the odor of plague-ridden patients, and the unfortunate death that often accompanies it." The answer comes clean and smooth, almost as if explaining its very purpose is included in part of their physician's training. He does not continue, merely staring out through the dark lenses, as emotionless as some Shoanti-carved bird totem.
Aardvark DM |
The man's blank stare through the mask gives no decent read on his reaction to Rutter's questions. He responds rather dismissively. "We should not discuss the particulars without the good Dr's insight. We would like to keep any more rumors or paranoia from alarming the citizens."
Rutter |
"Ah, yeah. That's understandable. Alright, maybe I'll see y'all out in the field."
Rutter walks back to the others. Looking around to make sure no one else is in earshot, "I might follow one of these docs from a distance. See what the treatment entails. Did y'all have any plans?"
Copper Fratello |
"Mmhmm, I think sticking together might be the best idea right now. Rutter might be able to follow one of those doctors by himself, but I doubt he would have much success with all of us tagging along. Anyone else have any other suggestions?"
Rutter |
Rutter nods in appreciation of Pravlox's suggestion, then shrugs his shoulders. "That's up to Nev. I wouldn't know how to start." Turning to Neva, "If you want to investigate it yourself, you've got a couple of your own patients," he looks sidelong at Copper with a mischievous grin, "and if you need another, I can cough on Copper over here for you."
Neva Vallastoi |
Neva snorted at Rutter's grim humor, but stepped to console Copper. "Now boys, let's stop this right now. A slap fight in the street is the last thing this city needs."
"Your idea is good, Pravlox. Where should we go to investigate? I'm afraid I'm not an expert on such things. If, however, its simply a matter of finding some more sick people and questioning them, that shouldn't be a problem."
This thought saddened Neva a bit and she sighed, looking around the area with renewed dread.
So, should we start meeting some random sick people and see if we can trace back to the disease's source? Or should we revisit some previous NPC and follow up there? The sick girl across the river, or maybe even that ganster guy on the boat? "Eels End" wasn't it?
Copper Fratello |
Named/reoccurring NPC sounds more promising than random guy on the street, though I guess we could just go around asking people who the first person they knew of to come down with this disease was, and track it from there back to the source, if possible.
Knowledge Local to know what section of the city the disease seems to have come from? 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Aardvark DM |
Copper has heard enough of the mutterings to be able to determine that no one seems to agree where it came from, but plenty know where it's at its worst. Old Korvosa, and most of the smaller holdings outside the city, like Trail's End, seem to have the most reported issues.