It is necessary to get the best shot at it. Anyone who wants to stand further back and avoid reading through the notes and do the blackboard thing can do so, but let me know so I can drop your roll. Thinking through models takes more time than the hands on work, and that will be reflected in a higher failure rate until your bonuses from beating on the material catch up - presuming they ever do. :D
You should know that only working with one set of notes takes a DC 30 check and a months worth of effort. The fact that you have all three sets of journals to reference reduces that time dramatically - and the DC.
Dandi stays focused on finding a cure, though she proves resistant to wearing the masks as they terrify her for some reason she can't name. Instead she opts for spells to help keep the plague away.
Barael keeps his head down, mask on, not a care for appearances, but very aware of where glass items begin and his beak ends. Only occasionally does the mask snare Dandi's hair.
The next day Nikolay will spend part of the day learning spells from the spellbook retrieved long ago.
DC 18
DC 18
DC 18
After that he will approach Briar.
"You have accumulated quite a collection of equipment and materials here. I look forward to seeeing what marvels you will be able to produce."
Nikolay wanders a bit, careful not to disturb anything.
"I was wondering if you might like some company. I believe I might have some skill with crafting wands, but my initial attempt was a bit less than successful. I'm sure with the proper materials and a dash of good advice I will have more luck."
"I really have no idea. Haven't broached it with her. But it might do her, Ruan and me well for her to be occupied for a while."
Ugh...I'm supposed to babysit a human female? A varisian? What are they good for?
Briar doesn't look happy at the prospect.
"So you're saying she has no useful magical talents? Uhm...I'm doing real magical research here," Briar covers up the part of the table where he had been bonking his head and the still unrepaired mask. "Maybe you should talk to Dandi and Fondo, you're Barael, right?, you should talk to them about cleaning up their lab. Their crafts are more susceptible to tainting by dirt. Maybe they could use a maid..."
...or food, the way that rat is carrying on. We might need a sacrifice to slow him down if he escapes form his internment after he turns.
* * *
Briar is *delighted* to take back the Flask of Curses, truly awed that the fool shopskeeper does not recognize the value of the item.
Cursed magic is just magic without proper application. Such is what Nethys teaches.
Briar gladly hands back the money and is excited to return the item back to the Craftorium while he ponders future uses.
We are blessed.
Briar offers to return on the morrow to uncurse the assistant, free of charge.
* * *
"I was wondering if you might like some company. I believe I might have some skill with crafting wands, but my initial attempt was a bit less than successful. I'm sure with the proper materials and a dash of good advice I will have more luck."
*bonk*
*bonk**bonk*
Briar again raises his head from his important bonking against the table to recognize Nikolay's entrance.
"Magesword, are you lost? Welcome," Briar offers a greeting and a bench upon which to sit. He slyly hides the unrepaired mask behind the cursed flask. "Have you come to make use of the standard Imbuer? The magnetic artificer? Ponystone? Waddlekeeper? Isolabpopitope? Or the many grinders or extractors?"
Briar beams with pride over his laboratory. Briar listens as Nikolay explains his needs.
"Indeed! Wands carry much magic...in fact, we could craft wondrous wands here. Maybe, maybe we could share magics. You could make full use of the Craftorium and, if needed, we could share magical resources to create items of power. Indeed, I have in mind a wand...this wand contains the power of the prayer I chanted when we were beset by enemies under the Hospice. Mayhaps we could work together to create one."
Fondo laughs heartily at Briar's futzing. "Careful, Brother Rose. I might have to practice my Elvish on you again. But honestly, I've no clue of the specifics of her art, nor yours. I dabble, where she's a serious scholar. No doubt she'll add much to your... Bonking... Given the chance."
Fondo continues laughing as he returns upstairs and offers to give Deyanira a tour of the Doll Warrens. "Our friend the elf'll likely treat you like a fool. Tis his way. His actions, though... Well, Ruan'd be dead as I'd be, were it not for his help."
Briar reconsiders.
"Tell her that I'll meet her at breakfast on the morrow. Ask to be prepared for a magical inquiry. I'll see what she can do before I invite her down. I could use help in crafting, but need to know that she'll be more of a help than hindrance."
"Indeed! Wands carry much magic...in fact, we could craft wondrous wands here. Maybe, maybe we could share magics. You could make full use of the Craftorium and, if needed, we could share magical resources to create items of power. Indeed, I have in mind a wand...this wand contains the power of the prayer I chanted when we were beset by enemies under the Hospice. Mayhaps we could work together to create one."
Barael perks up at the conversation, finally touching on something practical. "Yes, ten times, yes." We can have ourselves a 'Briar in a bottle' with that blessing wand. Barael looks over his shoulder, and realizes that the two aren't paying attention.
The mask. Of course. Didn't hear me. Wonder if those Physicians were murmuring oaths under their breaths, and we just didn't hear 'em.
Barael tests it out, standing from his stool. "Yes." Still nothing. By the time he's standing within the doors of the Craftorium, he simply takes off the mask, walks up to Briar, and pokes him firm in the side.
"The Blessing, yes. That."
Deyanira agrees to talk to Briar in the morning of Wealday, Sarenith 27, 4707. She apologizes, "I have been classically trained, but I'm afraid I've not had much money to properly obtain all the spells I could. My skills are, sadly, a little limited in that regard. Still, I do what I need to do OK." she grins.
- - -
Sadly another day goes by without a cure from those hammering at the texts. It feels tantalizingly close, but you cannot quite reach it.
However, as the day goes by, you have Korvosans from all over the city stopping by to offer modest gifts to the party for their part in taking down the hospice and exposing the evil Physicians. The families of the 20 or 30 Varisians especially are very close, and so many many people stream through the house at various times.
At one point the crowd is so large that the Guard consider calling for reinforcements. The peaceful nature of the groups though is enough to placate their fears. Further there are a few aristocrates in the crowd who also show their thanks.
Fondo greets the visitors warmly, though with an eye for mischief. I know all too well what mischief can hide under glamoured faces... Still, he trusts his measure of others' characters, and warmly embraces the visitors. At some point when there is an especially large crowd, he stands up and makes a brief speech. His delivery is a bit more stilted than it could be, anxious as he is not to cross the line too much. But it is sound enough.
"Thank you for your gifts and company. But it is truly Korvosa's people who deserve thanks—with no small measure of due to Desna. We have faced bravely this plague that kills our loved ones and dims our souls. Praise to all those healers among us who've tended the sick. When you see them, send them here that I may thank them myself." And let my friends know whom might help us spread the cure...
"Praise also to Field Marshall Cressida Kroft, who stood by and protected the people when the evil of Davaulus and his Urgathoan cult became evident. May her efforts to find justice for him bear fruit—he could give his life a thousand times, and still it would not be enough. Let us keep her in our prayers as she toils to bring his deeds to account. Do send her your thanks as well at the Citadel."
"And pray for the Queen, that her love for the people of Korvosa shall be made manifest in a zeal for justice towards Davaulus and his ilk, and support for the healers of her new home, Korvosa, as they do what they do best."
He repeats more or less the same speech later, with a different assemblage, and begins refining it into a sort of stump speech.
Briar approaches Fondo (or Barael, who can tell them apart?) after his magical interview with Deyanira.
"Varisian, the human woman is not without magical talent. It could be that she might be of use in the Craftorium. I could adequately get a read on her full talents or potential."
"I'll see Deyanira tomorrow in the Craftorium. Together, we can channel the energies of Nethys to create greatness."
Barael pulls Fondo aside. "Seems Long-Lived is having some problems keeping track of names. Could that be another side effect of the Veil? Some kind of dementia?" Barael finds a quieter moment, everyone coming and going, to reaffirm plans with Briar.
"Just so happens we still have some thigh bones of use from the pits. I think we're ready, when the time comes. Working over my bedroom in the Warrens should suffice. Barael will be snug for sure."
Fondo thanks one of the priestesses of Desna for her kind gift of a wand . "Poor'inedra, you are too kind. We shall put this to good use."
Later, to Briar, he says, "You have need of the wand for crafting? Perhaps Deyanira can help you. She and I were talking about the wand, actually, and I've offered to help her acquire a similar spell. I've heard tell of belts that can add a bounce to one's step. Might you be able to create such?"
A bit later, when he's craving a moment alone with Ruan, Fondo gives Deyanira some gold for purchasing spells for her spellbook. "Saul's a good friend. He should be able to help you get the best materials. Mind also picking up some arrows for me?"
Cat's grace - 150gp + 40gp
Mage armor - 25gp + 10gp
Keen edge - 375gp + 90gp
20 blunt silvered arrows - 4gp
20 cold iron arrows - 2gp
Fondo also has on order a +1 to his mithral shirt, and now a belt of dex +2 if Briar agrees. He is putting money in for a Wand of Blessing of Fervor, as well.
Briar nods to the Varisian's request.
"I can, with Deyanira's help...or that of the wand at your belt. However, it will cost money to purchase and craft the arcanics needed to make such a belt. And I need time to work within Nethys's domain to infuse the belt with magics."
Briar squints in thought.
"I am here to spread the work of Nethys with every step I take. However, you may not feel that way. I can built the belt with or without a maker's mark to honor Nethys...the choice is yours."
"Regardless of what you choose, I'll require Deyanira's aid in crafting a second belt as well."
vs DC 16
vs DC 17
vs DC 18
Fondo smiles. "I should be happy to have a subtle, unobtrusive mark honoring Nethys, on the interior of the buckle, or hinted at on the outside. But not too bold. I wouldn't want to make Desna or the Lady of Graves jealous." He'll happily pay a bit more, if his standards for the mark's design don't satisfy Briar.
If it pleases you, feel free to have Deyanira buy on Fondo's dime some trinkets at the market and components for however many extra glowy friendship tokens you think she'd want to gift the party at this point. Not sure which other PCs she likes. I'd also like to add Commune with Birds to her book, if you don't mind. I could envision her whistling to the birds from the rooftops... Not that I want to intrude on your RP of her. Just evoked a nice image. :-) 150 gp + 40 gp.
Charlie, pushing himself to find a cure, is both fatigued and suffering from blood veil by the end of Wealday.
- - -
Around mid afternoon, two Queen's Physicians escorted by a couple Korvosan Guard come to the Harrow House. Em'rak is one of the Guard. He's known to the party as being one of Cressida's personal aids and close confidant.
He tells you, "Cressida has cleared these two and thought you might need some help with your research. Both these men are eager to do what they can to end the plague on Korvosa and Cressida would appreciate it if you could make them feel welcome. She also asks that you stop by and see her tomorrow, at your convenience, with whatever you can report. Good or bad news."
He leaves the healers and returns to the Citadel. The Physicians express their desire to do whatever they can to aid you, however menial the task. "We do not expect to be able to do much as you're likely already deep into your research, but we are skilled and can perhaps aid your work in some small way."
Fondo doesn't hesitate for a moment. "Ah, excellent. Your help is most welcome. We have need of a survey out in the neighborhoods. Gather information from those healers with whom the Queen's Physicians have had contact. Er, bring me back their names and locations, that we might measure patterns. What has worked for them. Which sorts of people seem most sturdy. Any unusual success stories. That sort of thing. It matters not if they've license to treat patients, or the Queen's censure. Got that?" He smiles as he shuffles them back out the door.
"Don't be so quick to dismiss these two, Brov." Barael stops them from leaving. "Charlie's wearing himself to the bone, the distillates require observation, and unexpected temperature fluctuations will set us back hours, if not days. They are at least good enough to watch the rise and fall of fluids in the flutes." Barael doesn't look at Fondo even once, his eyes trained on the two individuals called Physicians.
"What were you called, before you called yourselves Physicians? Are you native to our Korvosa, or have you come from the same lands as Davaulus? What were your privileges in his ranks?" Barael's hand is raised, finger extended and waving between the two men.
"You understand, we are somewhat paranoid about your association, so do not take this personally when I threaten you. If you 'assist' us, and we find anything resembling tampering or sabotage, you're not long for this world." Barael points at both of them, for emphasis.
Briar nods to Fondo.
"I'd like no more to know of the DOLLhouse. We already have too many," Briar holds off the last word, "...already."
"I might need to take additional steps to guard and protect this against interlopers. Maybe we should move the disease books to the HarrowHouse so that we may craft and study magic in private."
Barael looks at Briar, and snorts. "They don't have to know. They only have to submit." He points at Majenko, and hopes the elf can connect the pox.
Briar considers.
"I'm thinking about warding the downstairs doors. If any but the 7 of us try to enter..." Briar makes the boom signal with his hands.
Boom!
"Brov, Brother Rose, you mistake me. As Brother Rise was saying to me earlier, we have real need of the knowledge these two shall seek among the healers. They have much to offer that we haven't time to research. Sirs, forgive me. We must discuss your service briefly among ourselves."
Fondo takes Briar and Barael aside. "Beside the fact that the Warrens needs must be our secret bolt hole, there really is value in having then collect the data I seek. When we find the cure, we shall need avenues to distribute it that we can trust. Yes, we shall share it with Cressida and the churches. But we need another route as well. Their inventory shall give us that."
"Keep them out of the DOLLhouse. Move the research if you need to."
Fondo continues his aside comments, putting his hand on Barael's shoulder. "And Brov..." His finger comes dangerously close to tapping on Barael's scarred chest, but he catches himself and withdraws it. "I'm not your master, but I'm your friend. If I speak for us all, I've my reasons. In this case, I've use for these men and an eye toward the safety of our home." He winks. "And I daresay you'd rather they're absent when you sprout your first hairs."
He takes his hand off Barael's shoulder and faces him squarely, chasing the shorter man's darting eyes until he has a lock on them. "Let me be plain. When you naysay my words before our rivals, you make us all look weak. I ask you, for I can't tell you—draw me aside if we must disagree, or show a measure of trust and cooperation if time won't allow. That's how brovs are with each other. Now what do you need from me in return?"
Fondo and Barael make a few rude comments, then Fondo apologizes and leaves the Physicians in the foyer while the party retreats to the dining room to discuss this new development. It is hard to gauge their mood behind the masks, but the Physicians make polite noises while you withdraw. They seem to wait patiently.
I should mention that the doors in the Harrow House are heavy, and the walls thick. You will not be overheard even if you were to shout.
A 3-day Briar recap:
Briar worked with Nikolay on the wand of Blessing of Fervor. Briar is delighted to blend his magics to Nikolay's crafting, using the Craftorium equipment to full effect.
I guess the Spellsword doesn't want to work this day.
Seeing that he is alone, Briar begins work on his secondary project: a nice protective cloak.
Take 10 spellcraft + 12 + 2 = 24 vs. DC 10.
After his meeting with Deyanira, Briar returns to the Craftorium to think upon his meeting and possibilities and return to finish his cloak.
Take 10 spellcraft + 12 + 2 = 24 vs. DC 10.
Briar places the last two stitches on his maker's mark on the interior of the cloak...a wonderful icon of elf, god, and magic combined.
Briar should now have a +2 Cloak of Resistance.
I should like to get back to work on the wand. And what shall we do with Deyanira?
Barael opens his mouth to reply to Fondo, but his stomach makes the louder noise. "This won't do." Barael proceeds to the kitchen, and rummages through what little is stored, until he sees the table's boon. The food that's been brought by the visitors, it looks fit for kings and queens, and Barael takes the first piece of fruit that catches his eye. He turns back to Fondo and Briar, letting the peristalsis of his throat silence him before the thoughts fully form.
"I have been rash. I have allowed the uniforms to inform my reactions, more than the circumstances. In our foyer stands two individuals who have come to represent in my mind the very scourge and carrier of that dread disease that we research. Gave it no thought that they stand vetted by Cressida as safe from the corruption." Barael continues to devour the fruit, unaware that some of it has pouched into his cheeks a bit.
"The other day, when the Maidens came a calling. It was a long day in the papers, but my mind, it played tricks on me, and I could have raised my voice to Aroden to swear that there were marionette strings passing from the Maidens' arms and heads. The notes speak of them not knowing what they protect. And them showing up that day was the Queen showing up herself." One fruit finished, Barael reaches for a second.
"So, if the Maidens are to be pitied, for they know not what they do, we need to look at those Physicians the same way. But to dismiss them from the House will look the worse of the two options, don't you think? If they have any training whatsoever, we'll be throwing Cressida's assistance back in her face, and I won't go that far. Let's make use of the second room, second floor. Get 'em working, and keep a guard on 'em at all times." Barael reaches into his right cheek, and pulls a rather large seed, unchewed, and sets it on a cloth.
Barael relents a bit further. "Brov, you speak truth. You are our speaker, and I should trust more in it. I would know who you think our rivals are these days. When we spoke before the Physicians, I saw them as potentially corrupt servants, not fully trusting Cressida in her vetting. The shrine, the horror, Andaisin. The hospice, the sadness, Davaulus. These are our rivals, right? Well, were. And it's likely that until we see this through, our next rivals are going to know our strengths, and our weaknesses, and use them against us." Barael quiets down.
"I'll do as you say, Brov. When the next time comes that something needs chewing over, I'll try my bluffs before I try words." Barael thinks it over a smidge more. "It would be good to know your mind, all our minds, without others knowing it too." The third fruit finished. "Too bad we don't have Maj about us all the time to link our minds."
"What say you? Keep the Physicians here in the House, or send them out like errand boys? How would you have us accept Cressida's assistance?" Barael's cheeks still have a roundness to them.
"Rivals need not enemies be. Your love in the citadel is friend and rival both. Think on what'll happen when we deliver unto her a cure. This woman who 'regrets' but upholds a law that favors a Davaulus over a Trinia—delaying it, applying it with more fairness than most, but still upholding it as what's natural and good. Are you certain, given her record, that the cure'll get the right people? Certain enough to make it our only plan?"
"These birds in our halls might be of use, but not in our warrens, and not with those damnable masks on their heads. They can be of use to us on the streets. It's no slight to them, and no waste neither. Cressida asks we trust them. No doubt she show trust like trust for us in their use." He pauses. "That's my view, at least. Briar?"
He pauses again. "Or if we keep them here, we let spill to the public: we're on the verge of a cure. Rumors passed through channels. Let the people know and thereby demand their rights."
Briar dangles his gift in front of his eyes, admiring both the auras involved, but the thoughtfulness by which it was given.
The Snapleaf, mostly likely given by an intelligent, thoughtful, and wise individual (aka an elf), brings a smile to Briar's face.
Tis a worthy gift. Probably from that trueblood I saved.
Briar affixes the Snapleaf to his new cloak so that it is within easy reach.
Nikolay continues to help with the research and the wand while others take their turn with the doctor's masks. Finding it a bit crowded in the house, Nikolay will spend any free time out and about.
Charlie will start sleeping a bit more but will focus all his time on finding the cure. What rolls do you need? Here's a bunch.
I forgot to add Charlie's healing to his save, so that should have a +4
Thanks for the rolls Charlie, I'll apply them to Othday. I still need to know what is going on with the Physicians however before we can proceed. There has been much discussion throughout the house, but still the Physicians wait in the foyer for your answer.
Seems like Briar is fine with them in the house, as is Barael. Fondo seems more upset at even that intrusion however. Charlie and Nikolay are mute on the subject. Since the Guard have descended on the house, Dandilion has been holed up in her room.
I will caution you against spreading rumors about a cure though. You do that, and your house will be mobbed by people. You could still be a week from a cure at this point... if you ever find one.
A cure is still likely to be far from a sure thing in any event (short of magic which is severely limited and expensive). Get peoples hopes up and then dash them? There will be rioting and deaths on your hands.
Before returning to the foyer, Barael looks to Briar. "Can you detect the Physicians for magicks? I'm not sure I could be as welcoming if they share the plaguebringers with us."
Barael looks to Fondo. "Are we ok, then, allowing them to stay? I'm going to set them up, by your leave."
...
Barael returns to the foyer. "Pardon the delay. There is much activity in the wake of all this violent discovery. Please, take off your masks, and tell us your names. We consider you our guests here, and would know you better." Barael extends his hand, and shakes the Physicians' hands with vigor.
Barael begins the hours' worth of relocation the research to the second floor of the Harrow House.
"I would rather they prove themselves by gathering the information I've requested. I don't fancy having them in the house, but as long as they're well away from my chambers and the entrance to the Warrens..."
"Also, we do have guards stationed around the house, and are trying to keep them from learning of the passage to the Warrens. Moving our entire laboratory without them noticing'll be a challenge and take time."
. . .
Fondo joins Barael. "Yes, you're welcome here. I'm Fondo. And you are?" Once they take off their masks and give their names, he extends his hands and continues.
"As I was saying, our efforts'd be much helped by whatever information you can gather about what's working in the field. Once you've returned with that information, we'll be ready to put you to work in our laboratory."
"This house is not a home yet and won't be until everyone is gone. I don't care where the physicians go as long as it's not into our personal rooms. Fondo's ideas seem good to me. It's already crowded enough working on the cure."
"I... I'm not sure I want more people in the house. I know I don't want people downstairs, It's the only real refuge left now." Dandi says, her hair twitching and curling about her.
"But if they would help and IF they must have access to the house... I can move downstairs completely until we have this under control. I agree with Nikolay, tis no home now."
"The sooner we have the cure, the sooner this place quiets down. The excitement will follow it to the council, and then continue to the places of distribution, and so forth." Barael pulls his hair from forehead to nape.
"Unless we choose to hand the papers over now. Maybe it's too much for us at present. We're already sending away knowledgeable Physicians. Every day there is no cure is another day that dozens die in misery."
"There is no true refuge in this house, mind you. Rolth is still about, the same necromancer who walked the very halls of the Warrens, and is just as like to slit our throats in less lit locations, locations he's familiar with. And the Queen will bide her time, once the Guards are removed from their post here. It's likely this will never be home to us now."
The two gentlemen remove their masks and shake hands all around. The older one (a Varisian Korvosan for those keeping score) introduces himself as Nicko. He has pox scars on his face - he's clearly been a victim of the Blood Veil. The younger (just a plain everyday Chellish Korvosan) introduces himself as Yennem. Aside from a few polite comments, he largely remains silent and subservient to Nicko.
Nicko replies to Fondo's suggestion, "I appreciate you do not wish us in your home, in your lab, and if that's your decision that's fine. We'll return to our work and let Cressida know you weren't interested. But please don't insult my intelligence with some fact finding mission on the streets. If you need that done, have Cressida gather some less skilled men to do it."
"I may be the most highly trained healer the city has to offer right now. Many of my cohorts have already been killed, or died to the disease. I will not waste my skills knocking on doors. That's a path leading to more deaths, not fewer and that is how I gauge every decision these days."
"I hold no animosity toward you for your decision, these are trying times for us all. Farewell."
The two doctors put their masks back on, turn, and leave heading back to the Citadel presumably to report to Cressida before returning to whatever tasks await them in their own efforts to alleviate the suffering of Korvosa.
Briar rolls his eyes at Barael, but is otherwise happy to help.
Briar will walk to the room in which the physicians wait and give them a very pointed stare for about 18 seconds.
He will then duck out without a word.
The physicians have a variety of magic on them, but the masks are not magical. Nor do they have an item between them that is a duplicate. (so they aren't both wearing amulets of nondetection for example)
Fondo calls after the physicians as they depart. "You mistake me, sir. We've different approaches to the research, but you're welcome nonetheless. However, if you're unwilling to take some direction, you'll be less so. If you'll consent to following our lead, come back tomorrow, when we've had some time to prepare for you. And if you can, bring a list of healers, that we may canvass them with less skilled men, as you suggest."
The Physicians make polite noises, but they do not accept Fondo's offer and depart.
- - -
Othday sees another day of research. Charlie recovers somewhat from his exhausting schedule, overcomes his own affliction, and presses on with the others searching for a cure. The Physicians do not return that morning. However a dozen men and women show up, sent by Cressida, ready to undertake some sort of canvassing. They're not clear as to what they're supposed to do - only that you requested more help.
The day is frustrating for the would-be healers in the basement - you feel so close! You have made many connections and you have a solid understanding of the disease, how it works, how it's spread, etc. You can probably even reproduce the disease from it's origins in Ustalav. But a cure? You are closer, but you're not yet there…
Barring any dissent, it is evening of Othday and you know the solution won't be found today. You have yet to report to Cressida as she requested the day before. (You're not late, she just wanted a report, she didn't specify a time. I figured you'd wait to see what progress had been made that day before reporting.)
Fondo says to the canvassers, "Come with me to the market. We shall get you started on your project. Once you've begun, I'll need you to gather the following information: who do the smallfolk turn to for help with the Veil? What has been their experience in treating the Veil? Have any of them had success, even with mild cases? Get their names, their locations."
He pauses and smiles warmly at the assembled men, but then turns serious. You must make very clear that the names they share shall not incriminate anyone. And you must not share what you find with the Queen's physicians or Grey Maidens. Is that clear? If they try to waylay you and take your records, I want you to do your best to evade them, and report it to me."[/b] He looks into their eyes, assessing whether he can trust them to follow his instructions.
Once he has gotten their agreement, Fondo goes with the men to key taverns in each of the town's neighborhoods. If Ruan is feeling well enough, he invites him along.
"My good people," he says, "may I have your attention?"
He stands on whatever stage is available, or a soap box. "My name is Fondo Barondo. Recently, my comrades and I discovered a dread coven of Urgathoan cultists that had infiltrated the Queen's Physicians. Thanks in good measure to Field Marshall Kroft, we brought an end to the cult's schemes."
"As a son of the road, I have no special love of the Guard, but the Field Marshall's fairness and care for all Korvosans—noble and smallfolk alike—moves me greatly. Let us drink a toast to her!!" He hoists a tankard and drinks—though not too deeply.
"I ask you to join me in supporting the Field Marshall and her loyal guard. To start, I ask you to help these men gather stories about the Veil. Who among your neighbors do you turn to for care when sick? What success have they had in caring for those struck by the plague? What has worked for them?"
"The information you share will help us hone our fight against this accursed plague. Please give these men your trust."
He assigns two or three men to each neighborhood, and leaves them to their work.
Briar looks up from his crafting, surprised and annoyed by the interruption.
"We have to go where and do what?" Briar confirms as he rises and affixes his new cloak. "Cressida? Again?"
"Is it time for more work?"
With more money, I'll have more crafting. With more crafting, I'll have more magic.
Brilliant.
Briar shrugs and gets ready to go, taking his bow with him.
Fondo knows (sense motive) that they will not lie for him nor will they refuse an order by the Queen's own guard. These are simple men and women, and you're asking them to potentially disobey a direct mandate of their Queen's. A treasonous act punishable by death. Not going to happen. Other than that they seem excited at the prospect of trying to help fight the disease.
- - -
That evening most (all?) of the Harrowed head over to the Citadel. A tired Cressida greets you warmly in her office and invites you all to sit. She sits as well and asks if you've made any headway on the disease.
"It's too bad you couldn't work with Nicko, but I understand. He didn't want to work with you either." She laughs. "So what do you have? Anything useful yet?"
. . . . .
Fondo bows to Cressida. "We certainly would have liked to work with Nicko, but he did not seem willing to follow our lead."