"The Queen wanted you to have this as thanks for bringing her in."
A bit morbid, giving us the dead girl's items. She's not even passed over.
Barael moves away from the stern voices, towards the sensible one, and he finds himself asking his questions at the side of Briar. "The whole point of the tribunal was finding the truth of the matter through higher powers than our human senses. No offense, those of elven blood, just an expression." Barael adjusts his belt, and finds no comfort, watching Dandi flee the room.
...
She pled with him, told him it was only acid squeezed from the gossip grapevine. She'd been with no other man, took no refuge in the bed of a friend. He hit her so hard, she'd spun like a dancer.
The first broken bone is the worst. The cold, then the pain, then the shaking, as the surge to fight or run sets in. Barael's wrist snapped, the moment his dad caught it mid-flight. "Remember that, boy. Remember how you tried to defend a whore, her lie bought you that pain." It was two years later, Barael learned the truth of it. How he hadn't wanted his da to be right, and how it burned to know he was.
...
"Trinia's a beautiful girl, Fondo, give you that. Her innocence was tested, and found lacking. The other beautiful girl in the room is Korvosa herself, and her innocence must be restored. Looks like with the death of Trinia, she might just." Barael turns to Cressida, striving to know her mind more fully on this.
"Why is it, I get the feeling that you're not content with the decision, Field Marshall? Shouldn't we be content that Trinia hangs on the morrow? Or is your disappointment only that she failed to name those who may have also had a hand in the King's death?" Barael weighs the tone of Nik and Fondo, and asks one more thing of Cressida. "Is there anything our lot could do at this late hour that would help to convince you that justice is indeed being done here?"
She turns to Barael, "I am uneasy, there is something about this verdict that's off. It's too pat. I like it when things tie themselves off and the city gains, but this feels too easy. Maybe it's the old campaigner in me, but we went through a lot of bloodshed for it to be a simple artist with little motive."
Cressida sits up, takes a deep breath and continues, "Well, be that as it may, the court has made it's decision and it's decision is final. There will be many nobles and dignitaries at the beheading. Between your capture of Trinia and your work for the Guard, I think I can get you in if you wish to watch the spectacle."
Whatever the truth, Cressida understands she knows as much of it as she's likely to and she seems, if not satisfied, at least content for the moment.
Fondo ponders the situation and Barael's words while gazing at Trinia's possessions. Desna's given me but the cards. No direct word of her wisdom. He reflects on the morning's reading.
. . . . . .
The Joke, Inverted
The Publican
The Idiot, Inverted
The Cyclone
On me, a jest to make the heavens roar.
This caravan of friends has kept us warm
And now to stop a wrong ought play the fool
For wrongs there'll be, Fell plots await on morn.
. . . . . . .
"But if the gods be true, like Briar claims, how could their servants' ruling be wrong, ma'am? What twisty plot could fool a god, if gods there were, in truth, within the court?"
"Could be she fooled us all. Trinia, that is. I've no proof otherwise, and we're to believe justice has been thorough. Nothing left but to see it through, and see her possessions justly used. These ill earned possessions ought find their way to easing the suffering of others. I cannot claim them for my own."
Later, he says to his companions, "Korvosa's innocence was lost when Chelish hands claimed this soil. And long before, when Runelords claimed the land. But if you seek the City's innocence, we'll not find it in false judgment against its smallfolk. The verdict smells wrong, just as Madame said."
...some scary stuff...
Briar eyes narrow at Barael while his eyes and mind clearly go off to some unseen place within his own mind.
Where has he gone to? C'mon back here, Barrel.
"We get to watch the hanging? That should be interesting," Briar says, suddenly a bit more interested.
"Trinia's a beautiful girl, Fondo, give you that. Her innocence was tested, and found lacking. The other beautiful girl in the room is Korvosa herself, and her innocence must be restored. Looks like with the death of Trinia, she might just."
Nikolay looks sideways at Barael. "So the city sacrifices a maiden at the temple steps and all will be well? The city bathes in her innocence and regains its own? I don't think there are enough innocents in this city to wash away the current stench."
"Even if Trinia is guilty, no one wonders about who is behind this? The assassin is brought to justice, but the person who hired the assassin remains unknown. Is the new queen safe? Assassins are plentiful and another can be hired."
Nikolay gives a salute to the field marshall. "It has been an honor. Thank you for your hospitality, but I believe I have worn out my welcome."
Nikolay departs and packs his few possessions up. He leaves the grounds and stands staring into the distance. He finally decides on heading to Zellara's. Assuming he finds some other party members there, he will propose visiting Vencarlo. "Maybe the swordmaster will be more interested in finding the truth."
Nikolay finds Dandi sitting on the steps to Zellara's, too forlorn to enter, but with no where else to go. "I couldn't stay."
Nikolay slumps down next to Dandi. "Nor I."
"I'm unsure how to proceed though. While this all stinks, I'm not ready to add jailbreaking to my list of crimes where the ends justify the means. Besides, I don't think I'd be that successful."
"We may have to console ourselves with exonerating her name, but I will not rest until I have the truth. I just wish I knew where to start."
Barael flinches a little at Nik's counterpoint. "I don't remember calling Trinia innocent myself, and neither did those priests. We barely know the girl going to hang tomorrow." Barael points to Trinia's possessions. "I don't see paintbrushes amongst those items. Or a smock." Barael raises the mithral. As he lowers it, he does so gently, and with a sigh. Cressida wrestles with it, so there's that.
"There's a lot to wonder, Nik. 'Wonder' seems like such an optimistic word. Maybe 'dread''s a better." Barael looks to Nik, watching for some sign to follow. Finding none, he remains in the Citadel.
He addresses Cressida in similar fashion. "I'm not sure that I speak for the rest of my cast, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to witness the event tomorrow." Barael mimicks Nik's salute. "At least it will let us see who took time from their schedules to see the deed done."
...
Barael bows his head slightly to listen to Fondo. "False judgment. That makes me uncomfortable, that our courts have been corrupted, that it's not a simple thing to prove innocence. If you smell something wrong, how hard will it be to trace the smell back to the abscess? My nose isn't that good." Barael's posture has shrunk. We succeeded, didn't we? The Shoanti has assured peace, no one died, and each played their part well. And now, one of us has left Cressida's office in horror, the other in disgust. Barael starts to feel stifled.
The climb serves it purpose. The mind studies the next finger hold, the next toe hold. The wind brings the cold, and the clarity. Barael stays on the wall until the sun rises.
Nikolay slumps down next to Dandi. "Nor I."
"I'm unsure how to proceed though. While this all stinks, I'm not ready to add jailbreaking to my list of crimes where the ends justify the means. Besides, I don't think I'd be that successful."
"We may have to console ourselves with exonerating her name, but I will not rest until I have the truth. I just wish I knew where to start."
"I'm not certain. I did not see Master Orisini at the Citadel. It could be coincidence, but mayhap he has similar misgivings and feels as we do?" the young woman gives a shrug, her friend the spider scrambling for better purchase. A stray gust of wind catches at an odd strand, and it almost seems to pet the thing, soothingly.
"I cannot shake the feeling that she is no different than I, this girl. And were circumstances different, it could be my neck in the noose. It leaves me ill."
Fondo lingers a moment after the others have left Kroft's office. He doesn't say anything at first. Just looks at her with a mix of care and regret.
he says quietly, "Will you have them sold and donated? To artists would be fitting."
He turns without saluting but with a kindly nod, and leaves.
. . . . . .
Fondo returns to Zellara's empty handed. Seeing Nikolay, he claps a hand on the blade mage's shoulder. "We'll need more beds. Larger quarters."
In response to Nik's suggestion — Orisini — he nods in agreement. "His council's fair, if a bit disinterested."
. . . . . .
"The cards speak of plots and calamity, Barael. Feeble prophet though I am, they ring true. Yes, my loins did ache for Trinia, but the Queen's also striking fair. Difference is, the Queen has motive and stature to turn the law and even priests to her favor. Trinia's got neither. Just hearsay that the gods said 'yes' and 'no,' such that Trinia loses her head and Ileosa keeps her throne."
"The King was passing fair to the smallfolk of Korvosa, but the people of the road know what it means to mistrust crowns. We tell tales of fantastical lies that Asmodeus himself'd believe. In truth, though, great lies are threads that match the tapestry of truth. And this supposed lie of Trinia's just doesn't fit the weave."
"Also, lest you forget, a witless fool travels the Shingles unarmed. Many artists are fools, but few are witless."
Briar grabs the offered items, sniffing at the potions.
Maybe I will see if this armor fits me well.
Briar will hold onto them until the group can decide what to do with them.
* * *
Briar will pay Dandi and Barael a visit as they are setting up their alchemical studio at Zellara's.
Briar sniffs at beakers and tubes, admiring the amount of work that one could craft if one had sufficient time and energy and desire to create magic through alchemicals.
"Tis strange that we can create magic through mixing of powders and ingredients. Yet another avenue to Nethys...not necessarily the one I follow, but certainly interesting," Briar says to Dandi and Barael.
Briar turns his attention to the room within Zellara's and the lab therein.
"You know that Nikolay has left the Citadel. That was quite the huff...it surprised me. But you mortals are oft to do that." Briar stirs and sniffs at beaker. "The reason I've come is with an idea. It occurs to me that I might too need to set up a studio to both pursue my magics and my prayers to Nethys. I might enjoin in the creation of my own magical items. What better way to honor magic itself than to bind it to use forever?" Briar smiles.
"I was thinking of the empty tomb complex we just cleaned out. In my mind, I've been calling it the Doll, but any name will serve. But it seems quiet, the Pharasmans pay it no heed and has plenty of space. Might you both want to consider moving there with me," Briar poses.
"There would be plenty of room for the others as well should they choose to join us and I might like to apply my magics to recreating the place in my own image. There are magics that can be used to move earth and stone, shape wood, and servants we can call upon to help us prepare the space. We could take the area from a necromatic tomb to something that honors all facets of magic...even the alchemical."
Briar looks at Barael and Dandi.
"Would you accompany me to go check it out? See the possibilities?"
Sometime later after her conversation with Nikolay...
Dandi makes a lackluster attempt to set up the new (to her) alchemy equipment but finds herself all thumbs. Her mind and soul ache and she spins her ring needlessly, knowing she has spent all of today's webbing on the fight at the complex. For the first time in months, she is stone cold sober, without even a pinch of powder to lighten the blow.
She tries to speak to Barael about what happened at the Citadel, but her mouth runs dry, and looking at him is more effort than she can currently give.
The distant elf speaks, more than she has heard from him in all of this time, but perhaps, it was her listening and not his speech that was less than adequate? Regardless, she nods to his query.
"I will go. We should definitely move. They know where we live."
When he is informed of Briar's plan, Fondo declines to move into Korvosa's boneyards, home of the dead and unfit for the living. "The Lady of Graves will welcome us there soon enough. Let us not invite her wrath upon our heads. Besides, it's good to be known. Why would we fear being found? Our strength lies with friends and community, not in anonymity."
Fluids. Make sure she doesn't fall into irritations, say things she doesn't mean, say things she takes back later. Then try and see that mu... Dandi takes rest. Closed eyes means closed mouth and open hands. "Here, Dandi, sip on this a little, while I try and clean off the glass a bit. Charlie, can you help me with this?" Barael makes sure most of the glassware is solid inches from any ledge in the kitchen, before handing off a cup of tea to the lady on edge.
Barael shuffles alchemical props and listens to Briar at the same time. "Why Doll? What's that mean?" Barael looks at him questioningly. "You want to occupy a tomb? To sleep in? I can see the space serving well to make our preps, and you with your magicks, it could be insulated from the grounds above. Resting my head there would be... interesting, like Fondo says. You think you can make an actual home out of such an affront? That I will gladly see."
Dandi takes the cup, cradling it close as she moves out of the way. "It's all we deserve; isn't it what we've doomed "her" to as well? Why should we be any different. Our hands are no cleaner, and they know where we are; they'll come for us in time." She holds the cup but edges to the window, eyes turned towards the Eel's End. They're still there, likely as not, spinning their dreams for Bezzeraty now...
"Doll? For lack of anything better: Derro. Otyugh. Laboratory. Lair. D.O.L.L.," Briar explains. "We could easily call it BBD for all I care...but let's talk on the way."
Briar, his thoughts still in dream and planning, discusses and answers whatever questions others might have.
"No doubt that it will need some cleaning up, but that's where magic comes in," Briar's eyes burn bright as he discusses the magic. "While Fondo thinks we need community, there is a logic in that...however, for some of the things you two seem on planning, sometimes safety and anonymity might be better."
Briar ponders.
"I don't know what path Nethys and my brother have planned for me, nor Cressida or life itself. However, I do know that I would like solitude to pursue my research. Remember those books we found? We can sell them or keep them, but if we keep them, they might prove to be useful to us."
* * *
Upon approaching DOLL, Briar will draw his bow and kneel at the opening to see if anything or anyone has been by, specifically any changes to the wheelbarrow tracks that they left just yesterday.
Perception
Upon entering, Briar will ask Barael to unleash his ioun torch.
"Now then...just one thing..."
Briar will pause at the entry way and draw with his finger upon the doorway/entry, speaking words of divine power. He then whispers into his drawing.
Magic Mouth: "If small or medium humanoid besides the X of us passes through this door, speak the following: 'ALERT! By order of the Guard, this area is off limits while investigations conclude. ALERT! This area is closed.'"
Briar will then turn to the party.
"Let's see if that works or is needed. But our backs should be covered."
The lair seems uninhabited and unchanged since your last visit just one or two short hours ago.
"Fare thee well then. I might urge you, though, to at least consult with the priests of Pharasma. Tis their territory, after all."
Fondo looks visibly crushed when Dandi says she'll go, but then covers it with a goblet full of mead down his gullet.
"Fare thee well then. I might urge you, though, to at least consult with the priests of Pharasma. Tis their territory, after all."
Fondo looks visibly crushed when Dandi says she'll go, but then covers it with a goblet full of mead down his gullet.
If she was quiet before, Dandi is positively silent on the way to the gravesite, err, new abode. Over and over again, she sees Fondo's face as they leave. Why doesn't he see, Wraith? He should come with us, hide with us, within the bowels of the DOLL....
"You don't think the priests will come, do you, Briar, and run us out? Fondo thinks so. But it has more room than the apartment." and the dead keep their own counsel.
"I already have an apartment, but will join you on the journey while I collect my thoughts and hope for inspiration on assisting Trinia. Spirits have already assisted me once. Maybe it will happen again. I just hope it won't be Trinia's tomorrow night."
This elf is positively impy.
Agreed.
Nikolay examines the dagger as he walks.
"I used the scroll you provided me, Briar, but the magic of this dagger still escapes me. Perhaps you should take another look at it."
Fondo thinks upon the dollhouse a bit before the necrophiles depart. If it's really what they want, I could at least help clear the way for them.
"If you like, I'd be happy to speak with priests there. Perhaps they might see your presence there as a positive thing, if you ask their consent. The Lady does keep guards in her necropoli, after all. For my part, though—I will not make my bed among the dead. It is inviting trouble." He draws the butterfly upon his chest, warding away ill fortune.
I do not understand these folk. They've quickly become like family to me, and I've left enough family behind. But what they intend is sacrosanct. Grandmother would curse them unto their graves for such blasphemy.
Briar takes the dagger from Nikolay and turns it over in his hands.
"Weird thing, huh? I'll try again on the morrow...perhaps the whispers in the dark will have some answers about it."
Briar smiles and looks at Nikolay.
"That's the sort of magic I would unlock or create when I get a proper magical temple built. You think this is puzzling? I'd like to create a staff that turns into a snake. Cuz that'd be really useful."
Cast Detect Magic. cast Identify.
Spellcraft on Dagger
* * *
Briar walks back through the complex, trying to re-envision it.
"This place needs to be cleaned. But we have ways to do that. And the walls need to be worked, but magic can do that. There is lots of space."
Briar stops short of the otyugh room.
"Yeah, this room is going to need some special consideration. I do not know what to do about it yet. But it's quiet here. And somehow those derro were able to come and go from here with ease without being seen. And the Pharasmans clearly had no clue about what was happening here. This place could be safe."
Briar walks back to the laboratory.
"See this? It could be fixed up more, but there could be a lot of good magical research done here. Think of the things we could create."
"I just left the Vault and am not anxious to return so soon. I would prefer to stay above ground if it's all the same to you. Would you offer a bolt-hole should the need arise? I would very much appreciate it."
"Come Fondo, my lad! let us toast their new abode and get blotto! Tonight, we party!"
Ugh, what a lousy turn of events. A few casualties some imagines some very real. Poor girl. Scapegoats are supposed to be ugly.
Nikolay will return to his apartment in the Five Corners for the night. He'll stay up late studying from the recovered spell book.
8-9pm - scorching ray vs DC 19
9-10pm - darkness vs DC 19
10-11pm - chill touch vs DC 17
11pm-12am - ray of enfeeblement vs DC 17
12am-1am - feather fall vs DC 17
Nikolay will also spend time getting to know his sword before retiring for a couple hours sleep. In the morning, he prepares the following spells (color spray, color spray, vanish, vanish, darkness, darkness).
He then goes to see the field marshall, apologize for his outburst, and ask about being present for the execution.
We've failed. At least we can be there at the end.
Yes. We can be there...
Dandi nods quietly at Fondo before the go, "Do you think they will allow it?" for aren't we half dead already?
******************
Within the confines of the caverns, she follows Briar's lead, trying to see as he sees.
"Could you not create a tunnel to Zellara's? Link both homes into one?" Prala baro will not come here, that much is clear, but if we could close the entrance from the tomb, and open one from the apartment...maybe he would like it better She peeks into the room of the Otyugh, then pulls back quickly, her nose wrinkling. "I mean, if we can salvage that, then surely a tunnel would not be too too much?"
Briar ponders.
"A tunnel to Zellara's?" Briar steps back, considering.
"In theory, with magic, all things are possible...and tunnels are simple things. Even low creatures like halflings and gnomes can craft tunnels...let alone what can be accomplished with magic. I can summon creatures to help us dig...or spells that move the earth itself. Or smooth stone as it is cut." Briar's eyes get a bit wild.
"Definitely. It could be done. And would be extremely useful."
Briar's mind works on the possibilities.
"I think we just might fill in the Otyugh area...and dig new ground were necessary. Hmmm...."
Briar stares off, considering.
"Yeah, we could close off the main entrance with magic. And then..." Briar mutters to himself, making more plans than he has access to active magic.
Briar concludes his tour.
"I can make this work. For the time being, on the morrow, I begin to clean up...and attend the beheading."
* * *
As they walk back...
At the remembrance of what might happen tomorrow and understanding Nikolay's strong feelings on the matter, Briar tries to offer help/solace.
"I know you feel that you failed Trinia, Nikolay, but there are solutions and ways to help. Now, I believe in the power of Gods and the servants who found Trinia guilty. I have no evidence to prove otherwise...however, I'm happy to help you find either peace or a trail to find the answers you seek." Briar breathes deep.
"It is said that the head of the dead can still speak secrets even after death...and they tend to lose their glibness. If, perchance, you want to situate yourself to grab the head when it goes rolling off the headsman's block, we should be able to find those who could speak to Trinia, even after death. From there, we might get confirmation of her innocence or guilt, now that her mortal soul no longer binds her to lies."
Briar smiles helpfully.
* * *
"Shall we go to see Saul? I don't think this robe suits me after all. And I wish to sell it and a few extras."
Briar will go visit Saul.
Nikolay imagines catching Trinia's head and shudders at the thought.
"I expect even the condemned are collected and buried by the State. She had no answers in life. I don't expect any in death unless they come in a way similar to Zellara's guidance. If her spirit gains some knowledge of events, I'm confident she will find a way to communicate it to us."
He tosses the wand of acid splash to Briar. "Please try to sell this, too."
Fondo communes a bit with his cards after his companions in arms leave for the cemetary, evidently uninterested in his offer to help negotiate with the Pharasmites.
Should I stay here, Desna? Zellara? Am I a fool to seek family in the company of these goats? Should I just leave Korvosa, and make amends to my true kin? They've cursed me and cut me out, but perhaps there is a way... What should I do, Púridaia Zellara?"
The Harrow speak back to him in turn.
The Carnival
*nix* duplicate
The Demon's Lantern
"Eternity doth tread where fox and wolf
have wed. This parting may division sow,
but dread calamity shall hearts repair."
Fondo furrows his brow. What family is this to be, born in tragedy? I'll have none of it. He strews the deck across Zellara's consulting table, ready to have done with the whole situation. One card turns up — the subject of his daily harrowing.
The Tangled Briar, Inverted , portending some ancient evil returned, with equal measures of ill and hope in tow. If he saw the card, no doubt he'd say to himself, "Beware the ageless elf who would dwell beneath the ground." But he does not see the card, and instead departs the apartment in search of meaningless company.
That evening Briar stops by Sauls after his underground exam and sells a portion of the parties loot (2,634gp).
Night falls on the party, and the first of two DC 12 saves vs Filth Fever must be made by Fondo and Majenko. Charlie has tended to their health so you have a +4 bonus to the save. Two saves must be made to avoid the crippling disease, but just one for tonight.
- - -
The following morning Nikolay requests and audience with Cressida. His wait is fairly short as there doesn't seem to be much of a press on her time this morning.
"Yes Nikolay, I understand your feelings. No harm done. I too am unsettled by this event. Regardless of her guilt it seems likely that someone else was involved, likely someone with power - someone in the aristocracy. Maybe even the Queen. It's unsettling..."
"Still, if we keep our eyes open - eh?"
She hands 6 invites to Nikolay. They will get you access to the public square of the castle this evening for the execution.
Nikolay delivers the invitations to the others.
"I will go and be there for her. Perhaps those behind this will also be present and betray themselves as they watch the execution. I know not what else is to be done."
At the execution, Nikolay will try to work his way as close up to the front as possible. He will try to catch Trinia's attention and mouth the words, "I'm sorry." Then he will scan the crowd for any who might seem to be relieved by the impending execution.
perception
sense motive
"Are you sure you don't want to get *a-head*?" Briar smirks.
Briar seems disappointed by Nikolay's response.
Tut tut. We could learn so much.
"Well, maybe we should try to find where they are burying her body so that we might visit it in the future. I assure you that the answers to our magics will be more truthful and might provide guidance on whom she suspects set her up," Briar shrugs.
Try and be helpful...
Briar is happy to attend and watch the spectacle of the beheading. Unlike Nikolay, he will be away from the center crowd, instead seeking a place wherein he could watch the crowd as well as the event.
Though he does not share in some of his companion's belief that Trinia is innocent (there is no evidence of such), Briar will nonetheless try and aid Nikolay in finding the real culprits in the King's death.
Perception
Sense Motive
Dandi attends, though there is no joy in her. She cannot even mouth the words, but can only say prayer for the girl, that if it must be so, it be swift and merciful.
"I don't know, jel'enadra. What you're proposing would be heresy to grandmother and other Varisians of the road who make offering to Pharasma. But these city clergy... I do not know if they hold to the same practices."
"But you're mistaken. You're not half dead. Life and wonder fill you, even while we are surrounded by sadness. I too feel terrible for Trinia's fate, but we acted in good faith. Tis nobler heads than ours who have wrought her doom."
Later though, alone with his thoughts, he asks himself the same question. Have I failed her? Trinia? Has my heart shrunk as I play soldier?
. . . . . .
Later in the day, Fondo connects with Nikolay, sharing a solemn handshake and perfunctory clap on the shoulder. He stands next to Nikolay at the front of the crowd, his face a picture of shame and sorrow. If she looks at him, he begins to mouth, I believe you. But his lips are quivering too much for her to read them.
The party makes it's way to the public square of the castle. You're weapons are not confiscated, though using them will obviously bring the Guard and the Marines down upon you - both of whom are heavily present.
The toast of Korvosa is also in attendance in garish gowns, fine capes, and enough jewels to blind a common man. The overall feel of the event is that of a grand ball or party, not an assassin’s public execution. Queen Ileosa emerges amid a great flourish and pomp as heralds announce her arrival with a fanfare of music and drums. The queen is not the subdued mourner you met earlier - Queen Ileosa has fully accepted the mantle of sole monarch now, and carries herself with poise, style and grace.
She wears a green silk dress worth thousands and is attended by a small army of servants. Chief among these is Sabina, her expression neutral but ever watchful for possible problems in the crowd.
Ileosa takes her seat in a high throne-like chair at one end of the public courtyard, while the headman’s block stands ominously at the other. The executioner is a towering, muscular man wearing an executioner’s helm and idly holding an immense axe - he remains motionless until his services are called upon.
*Edit* During the day, while feeling sorry for himself and Trinia, Fondo also idly asks around about large spaces that might fit his friends' needs—somewhere that isn't a graveyard, but still offers privacy. Abandoned factories in remote areas, or maybe even wealthy patrons who might not look too askance as his creepy companions.
He resolves to try again another day, when he's not distracted with sorrow.
Fondo edges as close to the headsman as possible, a steely resolve filling him to look his failure in the eye.
Nikolay watches the procession and sulks. His mind spins with bad ideas, but he remains calm and doesn't act on them.
Not even Dandi's ring spins as she watches from the edge of the crowd; she is still as death.
Briar watches the show with interest.
Why not exile the guilty instead? Why murder? Leaves no chance of redemption. Foolish mortals.
The color. It unnerves Barael. The event is one of death, of loss, of cold justice, and the nobles in attendance are gathering socially. What message does it send to those ruled from those who rule?
Barael gravitates to those members of the Guard present towards the front of the gathering. He nods to familiar faces, makes pleasantries through asking after family members' well-being. Barael's height soon makes itself known through obstructed views of the stage. He then tries to maintain a modicum of tranquility, trying to not hold a grudge against those who laugh during the ceremony.
Barael tries to secure a position that will allow himself a chance to witness Trinia's disposition through the entirety of the ceremony. He also tries to keep an eye on Ileosa, to see how she revels, or declines to participate in the revelry.
Death comes to us all. Right, Aroden? Look who I'm asking.
The guards treat Barael coldly. "I'm on duty!" one of them hisses has he tries to make pleasantries. Perhaps the guards in the back are more relaxed, but those near the front are keyed up, prepared, and definitely at work.
As dusk draws near, the expectant excitement in the crowd builds. When the ominous beating of a single large drum begins, the assembled gawkers fall silent. The drum sets the pace for Trinia’s procession to the headsman’s block. As they reach the headsman’s block, one of the guards removes Trinia’s shackles and the hood, revealing a very frightened woman who nonetheless bravely holds back her tears, if only barely. Trinia is led up onto the platform, her arms bound behind her back by a leather cord, and she is forced to kneel over the wooden block before the headsman as Queen Ileosa stands and addresses the crowd.
“Fellow Korvosans! You have suffered greatly these past few weeks. Homes have burned, family members have died, fortunes have been lost. I feel your suffering, for not only have I lost a beloved husband, but with each riot, each burning home, each act of anarchy, my heart bleeds a little more. This has been a trying time for us, yet the torment is at an end. Before you is the face of your anguish and pain. Do not be deceived by this murderer’s timid nature - she is a black hearted assassin, a seductress and sinner, a viper amidst us all. I offer you all her death as a salve against the hatred and hurt you have suffered. Her death will not rebuild Korvosa, nor will it bring back the king, yet tomorrow will be a new dawn - a dawn over a city ready to rise from the edge of anarchy to become stronger than ever before!"
“And so, without further delay, let us usher in this new dawn with justice! OFF WITH HER HEAD!”
As the headsman hefts his axe, the already silent crowd freezes in anticipation. Yet just before he swings, the headsman gives a strange little grunt and staggers. His raised axe falters as he reaches with one hand to the small of his back and then brings it to his face, the fingers dripping with blood. An instant later, he cries out in pain and drops the axe as a dagger embeds itself in the back of his other hand. The axe sinks itself in the block inches from Trinia’s head, and the headsman doubles over in pain, revealing a second dagger that’s already embedded in the small of his back. Trinia rises to her knees, glancing up at the executioner in shock as a scream echoes through the crowded courtyard: “By the gods! It’s Blackjack!”
An instant later, a man dressed in a hooded cloak and leather armor springs onto the executioner’s block. He wields a rapier in one hand and a dagger in the other. Blackjack cuts the bonds on Trinia’s wrists and then throws the dagger down to pin the executioner’s left foot to the wood below. He quickly helps Trinia to her feet and then briefly turns to address the shocked crowd.
“Yes indeed, my queen! Let us usher in justice, but let that be justice for Korvosa, not this shambles you petulantly call a monarchy! Long live Korvosa! Down with the Queen!”
Blackjack’s words spread like fire, causing the crowd to erupt into a frenzy of activity. Some demand that he release the assassin while others call for the queen to step down from the Crimson Throne. Queen Ileosa stands stunned for a few moments, whispers something to Sabina, and then quickly turns to flee into Castle Korvosa, Sabina and a dozen guards behind her to cover her retreat. The remaining guards in the courtyard move to apprehend Blackjack, but the gathered nobles, thirsty for blood, make it difficult to move. At the same time, the executioner recovers from his wounds and lifts his axe once again over Blackjack, who seems to have momentarily forgotten the man in his apparent delight at having forced the queen to flee.
Fondo finds his hand on his own rapier as the headsman raises his axe. There'd be no escape, but death is worse than this agony. He hesitates, caught in Trinia's mesmerizing eyes, until Blackjack's struck.
A look of hope dawns on his face, and he begins to chant, "The Queen lies, and smallfolk die! He gives a friendly enough nod to the guardmen and turns to raise the rabble.
I might not have been brave enough to start this, but we will help.
If Nikolay is within 15', he will color spray the executioner (DC 14)--unfortunately "missing" Blackjack and Trinia--while shouting, "Look out!" Otherwise he will just shout and move forward.
Fondo! You fool!! They're marking you!!! Shut... your... trap!!!!
Hearing no orders, Barael raises his own voice, in the proximity of the Guardsmen.
Barael proceeds to scurry amongst the closest guardsmen, and feigns assisting any aggressive guard heading at Blackjack by clapping him on the arm, attempting instead to disarm him. "Careful, man! Your weapon's protection is pointless in my possession!" Barael waves the guard's own weapon in his face, while punctuating each "p" in his dress-down with spittle, aimed at the guard's eyes.
Briar stands awed at the rioting humanity before him.
Now that escalated quickly.
Who knew humans could be so entertaining? Briar watches to see what side he should be on: the Guards or Blackjack's? Sense Motive
Seeing Nikolay act and hearing Fondo's words, Briar shrugs.
What the heck? This could be fun.
Briar thinks quickly and remembers the whispers in the dark, a arcane set of principles to follow.
Briar reaches out from across the crowd to attempt to call the Headsman's Axe to his hand.
CMB Disarm
Dandi, realizing that her hair is very nearly the color of Trinia's, frees it and lets it grow. She flicks it out, letting it snake low, then shoot up 10 feet away from herself and in directions where Trinia is not. She points then, at where the hair flickers and waves, shouting, "There she is!" and "Oh no! She's over there!". She continues to move away and misdirecting.
Nikolay - it'll be a DC 11 concentration check to cast in the middle of the somewhat riled crowd around you. However the real problem is that Blackjack is between you and your target. His back is to you, but I don't think that matters for the spell. Oh and you'll hit a large number of the Guard in the cone as well which also probably doesn't matter. ;)
There is a wall of the Guard keeping the crowd (at first) 10' from the platform. For now they've formed a shield wall that will be tough to penetrate. Between the parties efforts and the general unruliness of the crowd, the Guard are flummoxed and unable to aid the executioner.
Blackjack, now aware of his impending doom thanks to the parties shouts and various aids, easily dodges the blow meant to silence him. The nearby crowd, and Guard, are plenty muddled by the parties actions and can provide no real opposition to Blackjack.
He flips his hand in thanks toward you as he grabs young Trinia and leaps impossibly high up the castle wall behind the scaffold. He scales the rest like a spider and leaps off the edge as the Guard closes in on either side of the wall. Gone from view the crowd is silenced for a moment before various small skirmishes break out between supporters and denouncers of the Queen.
The chaos begins to subside almost as quickly as it rises as hotspots become unnaturally calm near the gate and the Guard and Marines move in all around. Clots of fighting are broken up quickly (some would say the nobles have no real desire for fierce fighting anyway) and the crowds begin to move peaceably, if noisily toward the gates - ushered by the various troops.
While there seem to be plenty among the nobles who oppose the Queen, none are willing to lay down their lives this day for the cause.
Concentration check.
Nikolay does his best to remain unnoticted and allow himself to be ushered out with the rest of the crowds.