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I'll check on my shop tell whomever that ill be back after meeting with the Queen. Already going to start bragging about my soon to be Bestie. Then meet up with everyone in the best possible clothes I have in addition I'm going to make something for the queen. Ill namedrop "My friend the Queen" as soon as possible.
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Ilsa does not return to her shop, being concerned that she is supposed to be working, and also that she had borrowed some of the store's consignment items (and was currently wearing most of it).
Instead, she tries to gather some information about a linguistics expert that might be able to decipher the coded ledger they found.
Bashiel and Varor, I will write brief interactions for at the Citadel and the temple, respectively. Everyone else, I'll do a general brief narrative/hand-wave.
We can assume you all have time to visit merchants and purchase/sell goods. I am assuming that the dagger-like key and brooch are not being sold.
I still haven't heard anything on the magical dagger. "Bueller? Bueller?" (Metagame you 99% likely know what it is but still...)
I will then assume y'all meet outside Castle Korvosa to follow-up on the brooch.
Okay?
Bashiel will steal some time to go check on his family too, making sure that his mother and father are safe from the rioting, and that his brother and sister are either with them or somewhere safe. He'll spend as much time as he can afford, sitting with them and reassuring them that the Guard will have things under control soon.
With admonitions to stay inside and not present an obvious target for looters, Bashiel will head back to the Citadel and get updated with the situation. He'll also try to send a message to Mirya in the Sable Company, sending his hopes that she's stayed safe and letting her know that he himself is still in one piece. He'll also ask her what has happened with the Sable Company since the death of the king.
All of you find your time navigating the streets to be somewhat fraught but ultimately free of violence. Some gangs are roving the streets and the Korvosan Guard does what it can to disperse them or quell any outbreaks of violence, but the unrest is diffuse and amorphous.
Your family is well. Though there is some debris on the street near their home, the rioting seemed to be more confined to the vicinity of Castle Korvosa and some of the business districts.
Your message to Sable Company is included with other missives heading out from the Citadel in the afternoon.
Eventually, you are able to check-in with the abbot. He says the Abadarans reportedly locked up their 'Bank' and denied all petitioners. For the most part, the rioters ignored the Temple and, for the handful who did not, miracle-infused displays were enough to send them running. You are asked of your evening and, when he hears of Ilsa's predicament and her missing niece, he shakes his head in sorrow. "It is all too likely the urchin has suffered a terrible end, but the Everlight has put you on this path and you must follow it to the end. Continue to check in every few days, but you have my leave to pursue this calling."
Quinlan finds that Viancarlo's academy is locked shut but appears untouched by any signs of violence.
Ilsa does not check in with her employer. (Perhaps for the best?)
Kalem receives more than a few suspicious glances during the night at the Citadel; from Guardsmen he recognizes just as well as they recognize him. Yet he is not bothered by them and is allowed to leave without hassle. Clearly, the problems outside the Citadel's walls trump any concerns with a former con...
After having run your various errands, it is well into the afternoon and, though the sun still shines brightly on the streets of Korvosa, the shadows are growing longer. As the day has progressed, a semblance of order has been restored by patrols of the Guard, Hellknights and, in proximity to government buildings, Sable Company's hippogriff mounted cavalry. Yet the presence of these paramilitary forces injects a since of unease into the street wherever they are found and, even where they are absent, the air is thick with tension.
The Castle is a terrifying testament to the power of whatever mighty overlord ruled this land thousands of years ago. A magnificent achievement of architecture, its walls and spires rise high into the sky above. the entire structure looms even higher because of its ancient foundation--a Thassilonian monument in the shape of an immense, flat-topped pyramid.
In light of the unrest from the last 24 hours, the Castle is locked down with gates closed and a heavy presence of Korvosan Guard. As you approach the locked gates to the public courtyard of the castle, weapons are brought to the ready and an officer is quick to challenge: "Hold. You approach Castle Korvosa, seat of the Queen Ileosa Arabasti. Be known and state your purpose!"
On the stones of the castle before you pass the shadows cast by a flight of Sable Company in the air above.[/b]
Quinlan gives Bashiel a little nudge, encouraging him to speak for the party since he is a guardsman, but if he doesn't speak up, Quinlan will.
"We are citizens of Korvosa here to respectfully request an audience with the queen or at least with one of her staff if she is not willing or able to meet with us. We have recovered something that we believe belongs to the queen and wish to return it to her."
Bashiel stands straight backed, as if reporting to a superior. "I am Bashiel Eland, of the Korvosan Guard. Last night this group of brave Korvosan citizens and I managed to recover an ornate brooch from one of the minor crime lords of the city. One that matches the description of the queen's stolen brooch in the recent notices that have been circulating the city. We seek audience with the queen or her representative so that we can pass the brooch on to its rightful owner."
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Ill help. "move along peasants, I have a meeting with the queen. it appears she lost a very valuable brooch. I happen to be a very influential person of the confectionery arts."
Kalem nodded along with Bashiel, looking as open and honest as he could.
"Yes, as stated, we are citizens of Korvosa here to respectfully request an audience with the queen or at least with one of her staff if she is not willing or able to meet with us. We have recovered something that we believe belongs to the queen and merely wish to return it to her."
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Ilsa, despite being somewhat fearful of the guard, looks simple but commanding.
"We are loyal citizens, and have come to return an item to the queen that we discovered she had lost. If you will kindly let us speak to someone with authority, we will return it and be on our way."
She wanted to share with the others the information she had found about a linguistics expert, but this was neither the time nor the place.
The Guards seem to give some measure of respect towards Bashiel's affiliation but it is not automatic acceptance as his speech is inflected with some nervous ticks and jittery movements. Despite that, they seem inclined to let the group forward... until Brin steps forth with his bluster, earning him a meaty palm right in the chest, bringing him to a stop.
"I may not know what 'confectiontary' means, but I don't know you... If you were a noble, I'd know you. I don't, so you're not. Step back."
But when Quinn and Ilsa speak up, the tension softens a little as the guard who blocked Brin's progress sniffs slightly and looks at the lot of them. "Wait here." He looks back at Brin with a hard glare, "Right here, no closer, Mr. Important Confonctary Man."
With that, the guard steps back and moves behind the line of the other guards where he speaks with a crimson cloaked officer in hushed tones. The officer nods, says something quietly while pointing towards the castle, the guard gives a casual salute, then returns to your group.
"Very well, you can head up the stairs to the courtyard, but your weapons will have to be checked here."
Quinlan readily divests himself of his few weapons and prepares to go up the stairs when everyone else is ready as well.
Bashiel sheds his weapons quickly and joins Quinlan and Ilsa. He stares up at the castle like a tourist. He's never been this close before.
"Well thank you my good man, I can see that your Sgt. has obviously heard of me. You know you will never get ahead without a good memory for names, my good man. " Brin takes his single dagger. and places it on the table. the starts moving towards the stairs "Oh and remember my name next time Sgt. capital B, capital R, capital I-N your face!." Brin says as he walks away.
As Kalem checks his weapons in he pulls the soldiers aside and says "Forgive him. He was kicked in the head by a horse. Hasn't been quite right ever since. But we'll keep him on a close leash while inside, don't worry."
The guards look like they're about to clap Brin in irons until Kalem smooths things over. The one guard in particular nods and whispers, "Same happened to my uncle. It's okay. Just...might want to keep a leash on him around the Queen."
Having cleared the initial gate, you enter a lower courtyard where the enormous size of Castle Korvosa begins to sink in. Ahead of you is one side of the ziggurat upon which the castle was built and a massive staircase rises before you...and rises...and rises.
You begin the long climb.
You are accompanied by a contingent of guards armed with short swords and crossbows. Your ascent carries you up what seems to be a ramp built along with the construction of Castle Korvosa rather than as an original part of the Ziggaraut. Though still steep, it's slope is more manageable for small wagons. Up and up you go, the Castle's finer details finally coming into your vision.
Eventually you arrive at a massive landing with a series of portcullises, gates and another gatehouse with murderholes, all designed to thwart a siege. At present, these defenses lay open and lightly defended. Whatever transpires in the city below seems to be of relatively little immediate concern to the Castle's inhabitants.
Turning a corner, you step into an entry hall furnished with several side tables on which stand marble busts of previous seneschals, kings and queens. Most of the guards stop here and turn back, but a pair of them continue as your escort. It is apparent there are plenty of other guardsmen about; opportunities for mischief are vanishingly few.
You are taken through a pair of double doors into an antechamber of some sort where there awaits a stern woman wrapped in magnificently crafted full plate. She nods curtly at your approach.
"Greetings. I'm told you've something that belongs to the queen. Is this correct?"
Quinlan nods. "Yes, Ma'am, we believe so. It matches the description."
Bashiel stares at the woman for a moment before snapping to attention.
"Yes, as Quinlan here says, we've recovered a brooch that matches the description of the one stolen from the queen." He pulls the brooch out and shows it as evidence of what the party is claiming.
In fact, both Quinlan and Bashiel recognize the woman, or at least know of her. This is Sabina Merrin. Once a protege of Vencarlo Orsini, she had a falling out with the weaponmaster ending with a bitter duel. She left to join the guard before she was hand selected by the Queen to serve as Her Majesty's bodyguard and handmaiden. She is said to be fiercely loyal to the Queen and never far from her side.
She takes a few steps forward, her plate armor clanking on the stone floor. Without taking the brooch from Bashiel, she gives it a brief visual inspection, grunts in acknowledgment, then asks how you would like to be introduced to the Queen. That done, she starts to walk you into the throne room when the guardsmen who'd accompanied you from the public courtyard in the city below begin to follow. She pauses and holds up a hand in dismissal. "You may go. These heroes come in friendship and are welcome in the Queen's court. Return to your posts." The guards snap off a salute, pivot smartly on their heels, and departing the antechamber.
Sabina brings you into the throne room -- an open area with a vaulted ceiling, stained-glass windows of past kings and queens looking down from the eastern wall, and crimson tapestries hanging along the others—is pristine but strangely empty. An immense fireplace offers additional light and heat to the hall, and a silk carpet provides a gently arching path to the throne’s base.
Despite the room's opulence, what immediately draws and holds your attention is a woman seated on the throne, the Queen herself. Stunningly beautiful and draped in a black mourning dress and veil, she watches you and Sabina approach. Sabina pauses and introduces you, each as requested but with an additional flourish and a small dose of flattery, turning even drab or common backgrounds into something worthy of a royal court.
Sabina takes the brooch from Bashiel, hands it over to her queen with a flourish, and then takes up a position at the throne’s left side as Ileosa addresses you.
“This brooch was stolen from me some time ago -- I had not expected to see it again, truth be told. And yet, here on my darkest day, you come before me with kindness. The return of this brooch is much more than an honorable deed. It is inspiration. It is hope.
“I love Korvosa, as my husband did before me. His death has shocked the city as it has me, but I will not see his legacy destroyed in death, and I shall not see my city torn apart. All Korvosa stands at the precipice of a disaster wrought by her citizens—these riots cannot continue. You have already done my heart a great service in returning this precious heirloom to me on this dark day, and you shall be rewarded. Yet perhaps you can serve your city more.
“The Korvosan Guard is stretched thin, and it could certainly use the aid of heroes such as you. If you so choose, I shall have Sabina see to it that you have an escort of guards when you leave here—they can see to your safe journey to Citadel Volshyenek. I shall send word ahead of you to Field Marshal Cressida Kroft to let her know you are on the way. Guardsman Eland, henceforth you shall carry the rank of Sergeant and I am ordering you detached from the Guard for special service to the crown. In this, you shall be released from your obligations of patrol and other routine matters, while still subject to calls for muster and defense of the realm."
"Now, I need to retire to my chambers—my grief has drained me. Again, I thank you for the kindness you have shown me, and I hope your days of serving the crown are only just beginning.”
She then nods towards Sabina who takes the silver box from the queen, walks over to the group, and holds forth the box to any who will accept it. As her handmaiden does so, the Queen withdraws from the throne room, leaving no opportunity for questions or dialogue, though Sabina remains with you.
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As the group walked through the castle, Ilsa was overwhelmed by its majesty and grandeur. She had only seen it from outside, and a commoner like her would have little reason to enter its walls. Yet here they were, walking through its halls.
When Ilsa meets the queen, she is speechless. Though she wants to bring up Briget, there does not seem to be a good time, and when the queen leaves, the moment is gone.
But here they were, with more gold than she had seen in her lifetime, all in one box. Though the queen was certainly mistaken about this shop girl's heroic capacity, this treasure trove would prove invaluable in finding her niece.
With the queen gone, she tries to process what just happened. "What did she mean, the guard will see us safely to Citadel Volshyenek...I don't even know where that is..."
Brin will step forward to accept the silver box. "Thank you my Queen, I see that your busy.......but.........have a good day..." as she leaves.
Sabina replies to Ilsa's question, "It is the headquarters of the Guard, located on the banks of the Jeggare." The queen's handmaiden seems willing to answer any other questions you might have before guiding you from the throne room and arranging for your escort (should you want one).
Varor lets events play out around him in silence, knowing it is better to not speak, then to speak and risk making a fool of oneself. Her Majesty appears sad but is holding herself well, I had not expected it of her. Perhaps her husband's death has ignited a spark of true leadership inside of her. The weight of a crown can change a person in many ways.
Wow she's... nothing like what the stories said. Surprisingly proper. I don't get the sense that someone like this could have killed her husband, the way the rumors talk. But... it could be an act? Hmm. Bashiel muses as the queen speaks about the city and her husband.
Thinking deeply (but fruitlessly) about the queen's motives, Bashiel almost misses the sudden topic switch to the Guard's actions in the town. He's thrown completely off balance by the sudden promotion, diving into a deep bow with a stammered "Th-Thank you, your Majesty"
Sergeant? Special service? How...
As the queen retreats, Bashiel is still visibly reeling. He holds his bow until she leaves and then when he rises up his face has a clear flush to it. A few moments pass while he processes this stark change to his life, done so easily by the queen's whim. He stares ahead blankly as his ancestor spirits conduct their usual commentary on the world around him. This time, congratulations and warnings rattle about his skull in equal measure.
Old Man Samir, voice clearest out of all of them due to the meditation earlier in the day, delivers a ringing endorsement. ~GOOD ON YA BOY, FINALLY MOVING UP IN THE WORLD! I THOUGHT I'D DIE A SECOND TIME WAITIN FOR YA TA SEE SOMETHIN OTHER THAN THE DIRT AT YER FEET! AND TAKING A LIKING TO THE QUEEN ARE YA? SETTING YER SIGHTS HIGH IS GOOD FOR THE SPIRIT! HA HAAAH HA HAAAAH~
Old Man Samir's hacking laughter rings in the back of his head.
Bashiel opens his mouth to speak to Merrin, only to realize that he doesn't know what title the woman now holds. Instead he clears his throat and says "Thank you very much for your kind words towards the queen regarding our actions. This is really an honor. I, ah..." He seems to grasp futilely for the right words "I just don't yet know what the queen meant when she said that I'll be on special service to the crown. Is there some kind of special duty that will be assigned to me? With the field martial? Or are these orders from the queen?"
He eyes Merrin's armor with sudden curiosity.
Sabina listens to each of you, speaking only when necessary or called upon but otherwise keeping her counsel to herself. When Bashiel addresses her, she nods in a single tight motion and replies, "While we did not know you had found the brooch, both the queen and I have our own networks throughout the city. I had heard through old acquaintances at the Citadel that your group had something to do with ridding the city of Gaedren Lamm."
She pauses, considering her next words. "The crown cannot endorse vigilantism, but the Queen also recognizes there are some who able to do what the Guard cannot. And when Korvosa experiences this much turmoil, the Guard will be even more preoccupied than it usually is. They do excellent work, but there are limits to what it can accomplish. Field Marshall Kroft will be able to give you particular assignments that her regular patrols are unsuitable for..."
She looks at Ilsa then volunteers an additional bit of information. "The Queen is also aware of the disappearance of your niece and extends her sympathies. We have no information specific to her disappearance, but the criminal networks within Korvosa tens to be somewhat intertwined. By working with Kroft, you may gather the information you need to find your niece."
Brin steps up to Sabina "well since the Queen don't want to try my wonderful deserts perhaps you can try some and tell the queen?"
Brin gives her a basket of sweets.
Sabina looks at Brin with an arched brow, her gaze not even dipping towards the proffered basket. In a clipped voice, she replies, "Thank you, but I..." Brin places the basket in her hand even as she prepares to reject the offer and her lip twitches slightly. "I gladly accept your gift on behalf of Her Majesty."
"Come my good friends, lets go to Citadel Volshyenek." and Brin gathers his things and pauses to see whom is going.
Bashiel bows to Sabina "I'm happy to be of service and will do what I can to help the Field Marshal. I have to admit though, I'm surprised to hear that the queen is aware not only of our efforts against Lamm, but of the kidnapping of Ilsa's niece. Surely neither of these two things is important enough that the queen has taken interest? There must be hundreds, if not thousands, of such events taking place in the city at any one time."
He pauses, measuring his words a moment to make sure he doesn't accidentally insult anyone "Is there some reason the queen has taken particular note of these? Or..." He trails off, but his mind is abuzz with speculation. Could this be the prescient knowledge granted by a god? Or a pact with a devil? I've heard of clerics or summoners calling for divinations.
After Sabina answers, he stares as her for a moment before saying "This might be my only opportunity. I know a lot of the Guard back home will want to ask... how did you manage to ascend up the ranks so fast and become the queen's own guard? And do the rest of us have any chance?"
Regardless of how she responds, Bashiel nods to Brin and says "I think so." He turns to Sabina, nods while saying "Thank you for your time" and joins Brin.
Sabrina studies Bashiel a moment as she guages her words and considers the rest of the party in turn. Her lips purse slightly, then she gives the barest hint of a shrug from within her armored casing and answers. "Do not take this the wrong way, but you do not come before the Royal Court of Korvosa without Their...Her Majesty knowing something of you." Old habits of speech die hard, even for the Queen's own handmaiden.
"Much of it is public knowledge. Miss Ilsa, for example, has made multiple inquiries of her niece around town, including to the Guard. Despite the unpleasantness of the King's death, the business of the Crown continues, and that includes keeping an eye on what transpires within the city and the crown's subjects. When the dwarven sergeant submitted her report, other information was attached to it."
As to the question of her position, she looks a little cross at the impertinence of it. "It is a personal matter, but what I will tell you is I gave her loyal service, and she has rewarded me with her trust. My advice to you and the Guard would be to serve the Crown loyally in all things but to not blindly follow the orders of commanders of questionable wit or integrity. The Queen needs people who are thoughtful and can take the initiative, not marionettes. Perhaps she sees something of that in you."
Bashiel looks embarrassed at having mistaken the situation, but then beams at the off-hand praise regarding his thoughtfulness and initiative. It seems that Sabina is looking for people who really want to make a difference, not just those who follow the old order. I suppose it's not just the queen that seems to have a level head on her shoulders.
After thanking Sabina, (as mentioned before) he joins Brin.
As everyone begins to file out Varor says to Sabrina, "Thank you for your time Ma'am and-" he drops his voice to a whisper, "-I recommend giving away those candies. They're not poisoned or anything but Brin seems to have a low opinion of thin people," he finishes with a quick little bow before turning to follow everyone out.
If Kalem's face could go pale it would have. Was he admitting to trying to, well not poison, but to give something harmful, to the queen? Why, Brin could be executed for that! He walked over and said "What he means by that is he might not have given his best batch. I'll take them if you don't want them, I'm quite fond of them." His voice didn't quite have its usual confidence. He cursed inwardly, afraid of being arrested as an accessory to a crime against the crown.
Sabina takes in what both Varor and Kalem say with a cross brow indicating a mix of confusion and concern. Her eyes slip back to the withdrawing baker, then she simply hands the basket to one of the castle's many servants. She whispers something to him, he nods, then she follows the rest of you back to the main entry chamber. There, she asks if you would like an escort back to the Citadel. If the answer is in the affirmative, she instructs a junior officer to assign a patrol of guards. If not, she simply nods in bland acceptance.
Either way, she presents you a writ that can presented to Field Marshall Kroft or anyone else in the Guard, indicating that by order of the Queen you have been instructed to report directly to Kroft for assignments. It is embossed with the wax seal of Her Majesty.
As you emerge from the Castle back onto the ramp, all of Korvosa and the surrounding lands sweep out before you. Fresh air carries on a soft breeze and the sounds of the city are muffled by distance. There is a sense of peace and even serenity here beneath the Castle's battlements.
As you begin the march back to the Citadel, perhaps three blocks from the base of the Castle, you hear ahead of you the murmuring of a crowd and, over that rumble, the screeching voice of a man.
Clearly the last obstacle the scene reveals itself as that of a doomsayer street preacher shouting dire portents at the crowd. The man is wild-haired and sick-looking; almost certainly a lunatic. Most seem to dismiss the rantings, chuckling or outright scoffing, but others pay him rapt attention, nodding in agreement or whispering in echoing concern.
He sees you and his preaching takes on an added fervor. "The Eye of Groetus has turned from the Boneyard to look upon Korvosa. He looks upon us and oblivion shines in his eye!"
He then points at Kalem, "And you, dark one, are his herald! For I have seen you in my dreams!" He steps off the crate he was standing on and totters towards Kalem, the crowd parting to make way for him.
"This doesn't look good... why don't we find another route, and avoid this crazy man... the crowd could turn on us with a whim if he were to say the wrong thing."
Bashiel looks at the preacher and the crowd in concern and then answers Quinlan with "I don't like the look of it either, I think I saw a side street back there we could take" Bashiel looks to make sure their group is close together and then starts glancing back up the street the way they came.
As an aside to Kalem he asks "You don't know him, do you?"
"Ignore him Kalem. He is either a thief or a fool and is not worth anyone's time." Varor says, while thinking back on the time that he ran the preacher bed himself with... and there goes my good mood.
Kalem looked at the raving madman, and shrugged his shoulders. "Ok." Then to the group he said "Let's just go."
You begin to walk around the crowd, trying to keep your distance, but the mad prophet continues to approach, ranting and raving the whole time. "Disease and famine shall come and bring you lo'! Korovsa shall fall with you, for you are the herald of our doom! Doom! DOOOM!"
Some of those in the crowd seem truly rattled by this and begin to join him by yelling and screaming at you, particularly Kalem. A few even try to toss some rocks. So far it's nothing serious, but it could grow out of control.
Seeing crowd start to turn, Kalem looked around nervously. Turning to Bashiel he said "Your a watchman. Do something."
Varor ushers Kalem on as he turns to the crowd. "Yes yes doom doom doom we get it, but here's the thing, all of you throwing rocks, this man is either right and it doesn't matter or he's wrong and you're making yourself look like a bunch of fools. What proof do we have that this doomsayers even right, his word? Aroden gave his word that he would return and that ended great. His clear magical divination? Aroden. The God he worships? anyone who knows anything about Groetus knows that everything he just said is completely illogical in any school of thought."
Bashiel lowers his voice and speaks quietly to the team "I'll try, but mobs like this are blind to reason, ready yourselves to run if they don't like what they hear."
He listens to Varor's speech, and as it ends he steps in to try to direct the mob's thoughts elsewhere. He slaps a hand on Kalem's shoulder, throws his cloak back to make his Guard armor very clear and says "I'm taking this fellow here to the Citadel, where he'll be doing no heralding, for Groetus or anyone else." He makes it clear through his body language that he's not too worried about Kalem. "If anyone here is a heralding doom and talking about Groetus as if the old moon isn't shackled to Pharasma's boneyard, its him." He gives a pointed look at the mad prophet. "Isn't he the one calling Groetus' name over and over, bringing its attention to the brave citizens of our city?"
He whispers to Brin and Ilsa "Got a distraction for us?"
Seeing Bashiel's plan, Kalem decided to play along, glad to have a role to fill. "Hey now, the lot of you cutters. Bugger off. Got the watch WRONGLY calling me a looter just because of my skin and now I have to deal with this garbage? I'm a Tiefling, fine. But that doesn't automatically make me a criminal-" he shot a pointed look at Bashiel -"or some prophet of whatever. So stop staring so I can go and get this sorted out and get back to work."
Brin takes about five steps to the left away from Kalem and the rest of the group. as quietly as he can.
"Sorry Basheil, I might be able to cause them to go to sleep but I am hesitant to use it because it might cause more of a stir." Brin says as he leans forward then moves back again.