Luckily for Gaius, this one actually understands and speaks common, and stares at the inquisitor hatefully as he wiggles and waggles his hands. Soon, blessed sight is returned to the man's eyes, the sensation causing a strange prickling in the backs of his eyes before fading away. Gaius blinks a few times, narrowing his eyes at the sensory overload, before acknowledging that his sight seems to be back and is as functional as ever.
"Where is your master, Rolth?" asks Zart once Gaius has returned his sight, "I cannot guarantee your safety amongst these folk, but I can assure you that you have no hope if you are not being helpful. While you're at it, why don't you tell us who decided you should have this particular corpse. Its selection was too... unfortunate... to be a coincidence."
Zart will leave the threatening up to Gaius. He is simply stating the facts as he sees them, and helping the derro to see them.
Raamanti paces the room, keeping an eye out for further trouble, "I DO NOT THINK WE SHOULD TARRY LONG IN THIS PLACE," booms the otherworldly shadow in the softest of voices, "IT FEELS WRONG. SO MUCH DEATH AND FELL MAGICS. WE HAVE ALL THE PIECES OF THE SHOANTI'S BODY. MY MASTER, WE SHOULD RETURN IT AND BE DONE WITH OUR BUSINESS HERE, AND SOON. UNLESS, OF COURSE, THAT COWARD ROLTH WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT HIMSELF TO US."
"Rolth??? Hehehe, Rolth ain't here. Rolth is busy, yes he is. That new golem smashed his equipment, yes it did, and now Rolth has to replace it all. Hahaha! Has to get a bit of the bubbly blue, he does, some powder, definitely glass vials. Reagents, definitely needs those. The golem was very thorough! Hahaha!"
"When will he return?" asks Zart, trying to take as much advantage as possible from the madman's bout of cooperation.
I wonder if this creature would even mind facing death. I wonder if my companions will allow it to face justice or just kill it when we're done. More and more, I wonder why I care...
The creature shrugs, mad smile on his face. "When he gets done, I guess. Why would he come back before then? Hahaha!"
What is your name? Well, {insert his name}, what are your plans after this? Do you have a family or do you have another job, perhaps working at a temple healing people? If not, would something like that interest you?
Pyron is madder than this derro! Why, in the names of all of this plane's gods, is he conducting a job interview with the creature who almost killed us and threw a zombie into the room while cackling? Zart is openmouthedly flummoxed by Pyron's line of questioning.
"We should heed Raamanti's advice," says Zart, looking around, "No point delaying any further. There's clearly nothing more down here for us so let's finish our questioning as quickly as possible. I don't know if there's anything else to learn from this madman... but I'm sure Croft has her ways.
"Alternatively, I'm sure the clergy would be happy to have him," Zart says sarcastically, for the first time that any here can recall, "Or maybe he could teach magic at the local College of the Arts."
Narrowing his brows in annoyance alongside Zart he can't help but add "Oh yes, the clergy just love those that can call forth undead." while giving Tolenn a playful grin.
The derro nods eagerly at Pyron, laughing, "Oh yes, I love to make people better than they are. A choice piece here, a stronger arm there, makes a person perform admirably. Just haven't quite figured it out yet...HAHAHA!"
Raamanti draws his hammer and stands menacingly behind the Derro.
"ARE WE DONE HERE?" he asks, prepared to knock the necromancer unconscious again as soon as the assembled companions give him the go ahead.
Where does he get more of his reagents? Pyron asks nicely while ignoring the others.
If he does not give Pyron an acceptable answer: With that Pyron, with his halo still working, looks directly at him. Since you are not worthy to have your soul purified, then this world should be purified from your stench! Pyron take his javelin that he was just grabbing when the derro was felled, and starts to cackle as he lifts the javelin over his head to stab the creature in the heart. While he is taking his moment to really intimidate the creature, Pyron changes his voice into the voice he used when he cackles, Tell us where he replaces his regeants NOW!
If he does get the answer he wants, then he looks smugly at his compatriots. Looking back at the creature, Then I will leave your fate in the hands of this otherworldly creature motioning at Raamanti.
Grinning madly, the creature continues to nod, "Where you tall folk buy things, I suppose. He doesn't seem to think we should follow him around above ground. I don't know why! HAHA!"
At Pyron's bipolar switch, the derro starts to laugh madly, his eyes watery and bulging as his tone changes to match the witch's, the thing's gaze on Pyron's javelin as he cackles along with Pyron, shaking his head.
Raamanti knocks the necromancer unconscious (nonlethal damage, if possible). Gaius can always uncork his smelling salts again if they want another chat with the madman.
At Zart's insistence, and knowing they have a little time now, Raamanti will spend quite a bit of time searching the bedrooms and the laboratory for notes and possible correspondence, especially regarding the purchase of the Shoanti.
There is little of value in the room itself. Any papers that might have been stowed here have been removed. From what it looks, it seems that Rolth had a hungry appetite for corpses, and the Shoanti just happened to be one he purchased from the simpleton.
”Well, my friends,” says Zart, looking far more downcast than any of those assembled have seen him since the recovery of his daughter, Donna, ”Ethical differences aside, I have sensed a divide between us. Donna’s absence has also been weighing on me. We had been apart for so long, and now I have sent her away because this city is failing. What if I die, as we nearly did below, trying to save it only to never see my daughter again, and to have her never return to this place? What would become of Donna should I never see her again? How can I, a lone and not even so powerful summoner, possibly hope to work against the forces at play here?
”No, I do not like the answers to these questions at all,” Zart shakes his head slowly, ”I will be leaving Korvosa to follow Donna. She needs me and this city does not. I helped avert war, and my duty to it is now done. I pray that Trinia is alright, but fear that she will not live much longer. Daud, I don’t believe you can get the justice you seek in this city. Maybe someday I will return and discover that I was wrong. I just can’t take that chance today.”
Zart moves away a little, and allows Raamanti to say his farewells.
”I ECHO MY MASTER’S SENTIMENTS,” Raamanti’s voice is as though a colossus were shouting from a distant mountaintop, ”THOUGH I CANNOT COUNTENANCE HIS COWARDICE AT RUNNING AWAY WHEN HE IS NEEDED MOST. AS EVER, THOUGH, I AM A PART OF HIM. I WILL ALWAYS BE MY MASTER’S DARKER THOUGHTS PERSONIFIED - THOSE THINGS WHICH HE CANNOT BUT WISHES HE CAN BE.”
Raamanti looks to Zart, as though daring the shadowcaller to contradict him. Zart stands impassively as Raamanti continues.
”IT IS TO BE FAREWELL THEN. I WISH YOU SUCCESS IN YOUR ENDEAVORS. MAY THE SHADOWS EVER BE YOUR ALLIES,” Raamanti recites, as a traditional form of goodbye.
”BEST TO BE MAKING PROGRESS, MY MASTER,” booms Raamanti softly, hefting his hammer as he prepares to leave, "WE HAVE A LONG JOURNEY AHEAD.”
”Thank you my friend,” says Zart, as a tear rolls down his face, ”But I think I need to make this part of my life’s journey alone.”
Even as Raamanti begins to object, Zart closes his fist in a gesture that ends Raamanti’s tie to this world. Struggling against the dismissive magics for the first time in his life, Raamanti claws at the ground. He tries to cling to this plane even as his body elongates and flattens, drawn inexorably towards the waiting fetchling shadow caster. After several painful and tense moments, the eidolon becomes a shadow once more. The newly returned shadow does not exactly mirror Zart or his movements - it wavers and twists, and seems more bulky at times than it should.
Another tear falls to the ground at Zart’s feet. It is the last piece of himself that he leaves behind in this city that was his home for so long. Silently, he walks off and blends into the night.
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While glowering at the man Daud holds back any cutting remark that might have normally lept from his mouth. Listening to them both speak and then when Zart dismisses Raamanti Daud's expression starts to crack and become dour and forlorn.
"I won't hold this against you, you deserve your daughter and she deserves you. You both deserve safety and happiness. So you take care of her, okay? And Raamanti? You take care of Zart." he finally manages to say, his voice as dour as his face.
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After the Derro has said all it has to say, and Raamanti drops him into unconsciousness, Gaius draws his dagger.
I understand that...some of you would see this man tried for his crimes. But we are acting on behalf of the law and he has openly confessed to murder and reanimation of corpses. I will pass my judgment on him in the name of Korvosa, rather that worry about him escaping his bonds or afflicting us with his magic. Or would it be more humane to sever his hands and tongue to ensure he complies? He made his choices, he must live with the consequences.
Later, at Zart's words:
You may be right--perhaps the city is past hope. I don't fault you for leaving--good luck to you, and Raamanti. Keep your daughter close, and may your own shadow weaving keep the darkness at bay.
Gaius shakes the man's hand, then begins the grim work of leading a cart laden with body parts back to the field marshal.
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Watching the questioning of the obvious mad man, Tolenn looks pensive, as if worried she'd forgotten something.
"This one won't be answering any questions, at least not so as to be understandable. If only his master had been here...." she says, then turning to Gaius, "This one's been twisted beyond it's natural inclinations, a quick death will be a mercy, I think. Be quick about it."
She pauses to say a small prayer over the Derro's body, then helps keep the cart of Shoanti upright as they leave the complex.
At the entrance, she straightens and listens carefully to Zart, nodding at his well thought out reasons for moving on.
"Fare thee well, Zart. You may even catch Donna on the road if you hurry." Tolenn says quietly to the strange man, taking him into her arms as she would a brother.
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The group says their fond farewells to Zart and his shadowy companion, all seeming to understand in their own way and parting on good terms, wishing the shadow-mancer well. The wizard departs, dismissing Raamanti as he strides towards the gate and a more permanent reunion with Donna, the daughter he had lost and found again. Perhaps time would lighten his heart and he would return to help salvage what could be saved of Korvosa, but for now his heart yearned for family...and a safe home for them.
Pyron looks longingly towards the other two. Zart, Raamanti, it was a pleasure trying to save Korvosa with you. I You have surely aided is with the last two missions. I am glad we were able to help save your daughter for you. The both of you deserve happiness. Enjoy it. You have inspired me to think about some things for myself, but I need time to come to a conclusion.
As the group starts on their way towards the Citadel, they hear a loud commotion in the distance. The sound of a large crowd of people who are excited. A couple of teenage boys dash past, looking at the group with grins on their faces.
"Have you heard?! The Queen has decided that King killing b#*&+ is gonna die today!" The boys continue running along, leaving you guys in an empty street.
Although he had expected it from the start hearing it from another person in finality hits Daud like a hammer to the head. That or maybe it was the genuine joy in the teenagers voice. Blood starts to drip from his nose as he holds his chest. "I think I'm gonna be sick..."
Pyron puts his arm around Daud. What would you have us do? Do you want us to save her or not? You know the consequences.
"If I thought we could save her don't you think I would have been trying to get us to do that? She can't be saved. We sealed her fate. I sealed her fate."
Try not to be too hard on yourself. You did not know that your actions would have caused this. The queen sealed her fate not you.
"And we hand delivered her to that fate." is all Daud can muster in response.
Pyron doesn't comment after that knowing Daud needs to grieve silently. Let's go to Sergeant Croft first to take return this Shaonti body, then, if you want, we can be there for her if you wish, or not.
Cringing at the thought Daud nontheless nods in agreement with Pyron as thry make their way back to Croft.
Hearing the boy's announcement, Tolenn shakes her head "It is as we feared. Would that we had spirited her away..." She takes a deep breath, looking compassionately at the angquish on her friend Daud's face, "We did what we thought was right, Wednesday. That is all we can ever do. Beyond that , well, we are as helpless as any other." as she says this she hold his arm firmly, as if to pass to him her strength of conviction.
With a squeeze, she releases his arm, nods to Pyron for his own kind words, then notices a tatoo-ed arm dangling from the cart. Pushing it back up under the cover, she lead the others towards the Citadel.
The group makes their way to the Citadel. Quickly, that is, for executions aren't known for opening acts. They are quickly admitted to Croft's office, who has a weary expression. She views the contents of the wheelbarrow, and nods. "Excellent work! I'll have someone stitch his back together before we present him to Thousand Bones."
She reaches under her desk, retrieving a bag laden with coin. "A reward for a job well done. You have my thanks!" Inside the bag are 1,000 pieces of gold. Croft does not look pleased, however. She grows pensive, then continues.
"As you likely know, Trinia's trial is concluded and she has been found guilty. Her execution is in an hour or so. I would like for you to attend." She holds up a hand to forestall the PC's, paying particular attention to Wednesday.
"I know, I know, I do not like it, either. But my duty is to Korvosa. Such an occasion might cause another riot, and I would like you to be there to stop it, and to keep an eye out for any other sort of funny business, as well. Good or bad."
Looking from both Pyron and Tolenn and their attempts to comfort him Daud attempts to force a smile on his face but only manages a pained... something.
As they reenter the citadel though the morose is replaced with dour agitation as they meet Croft. Even as she hands over the bulging sack of gold all he can manage is to glare daggers, and only glare them, at her when she makes her request.
Stewing for a moment he deflates with a sigh and an exasperated "Fine!" as his nose continues to bleed and one of his eyes flood with red.
Croft eyes Wednesday's predicament with concern, but, noting his agitation, remains silent. She wordlessly hands him a handkerchief, nodding.
Turning to the others, "You have my thanks, my friends. We shall all be wiser in the future, I would like to think."
Tentatively taking the cloth with some confusion he wipes his face reflexively incase he had something unseemly on it and Croft was being too polite to say it aloud. The confusion only grows worse when he notices the stained red hankerchief and immediately presses it to his face and furiously begins cleaning the area around his nostrils and mouth.
Blank for a moment the agitation returns with her utterance of 'friends' and 'all be wiser', the hemorrhage in his eye perfectly matching the natural red of his iris to make one pure seething crimson orb.
Gaius puts a hand on Daud's shoulder.
Very well, I'll go. At least we can be there when it happens.
When they are outside and away from any guards, he whispers to the others.
And if there's a chance we can steal her away before the noose drops, all the better.
Steadying himself as Gaius gripped his shoulder he gingerly folds up the now very red soaked handkerchief and places it on Croft's desk and rounds and leaves with the others.
Outside he nods along with Gaius' hopeful idea, anger, sadness, hope, and bitterness all playing across his face and thus leaving it seemingly blank but furtive and irritated.
It's time to get going then to the appropriate place. Perhaps we can scout around while we keep everyone in line to find it who wants to create a riot for our own purposes.
Tolenn watches the silent drama between Daud and Croft's handkerchief, takes the bag of gold from their employer and nods her acceptance of Croft's next request.
At Gaius' comment of rescuing Trinia, Tolenn's gaze sharpens "Aye, keep on the lookout, an opportunity may present itself. Otherwise, we do our best to ensure no more innocents die this day."
Dalud chuckles slightly at Tolenn's suggestion. "Well that won't be that hard. We're going to an exceution that's bound to be flooded with nobles. I can safely say you and Trinia would be the only innocents there."
The group agrees to Croft's request, some with less enthusiasm than others. The Field Marshal nods and makes her exit, a half-dozen guards following in her wake as she makes her way towards the public courtyard of Castle Korvosa.
There are hundreds, if not thousands in attendance for the event as the companions approach the area. A short platform (a foot in height or so) resides at one end of the area, an ominous headsman's block resting on top along with a huge man with a greataxe that can only be the executioner. He wears all black in the cool afternoon breeze, the only part of his exposed his lips and nose and dark, cruel eyes.
At the other end of the courtyard sits a magnificent throne, which is currently empty. Near the throne Korvosa's highborn mingle, the lords and ladies of the city not wanting to miss the coming attraction. Hundreds of common-born murmur closer to the headsman's block, their reactions ranging from eager excitement to clear disdain.
As the Group approaches, Queen Ileosa emerges from Castle Korvosa, a horde of retainers surrounding her, chief among them Sabina Merrin in her magnificent plate armor, standing a few feet on the Queen's left. Gone is the grieving woman the group first spoke to mere days ago. She walks with style and grace, flashing her lovely smile to the lords and ladies she passes on the way to her throne. Her dress of green and white is clearly worth thousands of gold coins by itself, her red hair obviously having taken hours to style and braid in its current configuration. In short, the woman looks lovely and powerful as she takes her seat.
Ignoring those gathered Daud is forlornly drawn to the headsman's block, aproaching as close as he's allowed and simply staring at the grim altar, his eyes completely dead. He doesn't even move as the queen arrives, probably the only one present to do so.
Should we split up or not? Pyron looks around hesitantly. Seeing Daud obviously wanting to be as close as possible. He has his hand on Daud's back as he walks him forward and gently moving people out of their way.
Tolenn makes her way through the crowd to arrive closest to the headman's block. She intends to witness Trinia's final moments and if possible show the woman that there are those in the crowd that do not desire her death.
She tries to gain a spot where she can also see down the courtyard and also observe the royal entourage.
The group finds a spot near the front of the crowd, near the headsman's block, jostling through the mass of people to get to the front. The hordes are quite raucous, some calling for the b%&## to get served her just rewards for killing the king, others perhaps more quietly saying that Trinia was innocent and being set up. Regardless, the people reach a fever pitch at dusk, until a single large drum starts to pound.
The crowd falls silent, seemingly entranced by the slow, steady beat of the bass as all eyes look to Castle Korvosa. An escort of twenty guards escort a small figure who shambles along, feet shackled together, hands bound behind its back, a black hood over its head. A guard on each side holds an arm, both steadying the figure and keeping it moving inexorably towards its doom.
The crowd parts silently, some having a look of righteous satisfaction, some a look of disgust, even more a general look of apathy. After a long few minutes, the grim procession makes it to the base of the platform, where the shackles are released and the hood removed, revealing a very frightened Trinia. She blinks back tears, but manages to hold her shoulders straight, keeping her courage for now.
Tensing Daud keeps his eyes locked on the hooded figure as they march her to the chopping block. When they remove her hood it's all he can do to keep standing, meeting her eyes he begins weakly whimpering "I'm sorry." repeatedly.
Pyron keeps his head covering over his head. He takes time to look around discretely to check for the available exits and the "security" placed at those exits.
Wednesday quietly berates himself and apologizes to Trinia repeatedly as the woman meets his eyes. She puts on a brave face, a weak smile coming to her lips as she is gently pulled up onto the platform, arms still bound behind her back.
Pyron notes that the area is relatively open, with walls on two sides and the castle looming on the third. The remaining side is completely open, though there is a fairly large guard presence there.
The small blonde woman is marched forward, a guard's foot placed behind her knee, pushing her to her knees in front of the block. At this point, the Queen rises from her throne to address 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!”
This last the queen practically screams, green eyes intense as the crowd quiets down, all eyes on the platform.