Ophelia smiles at the man, thank you. I'll be sure to return later.
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I suppose it wouldn't hurt to find out a little more about this curious dwarf. Can't say most folks are lining up at the Citadel gates to join the fight. Lamm can't be the only reason.
Trisane scratches his chin a moment as he walks with Elden.
So Elden, tell me of your battles with orcs. We don't see too many here in Korvosa. Have you traveled far?
Elden turns looks up towards Trisane and shrugs. He also sees Silverbeak moving alongside them.
It's not uncommon to be beset by a pack of Orcs when traveling with the caravan. Crude abhorrent creatures, always looking for a fight.
Is that dammed chicken looking at me?
The hippogriff is definitely giving Elden a look, but it is one Elden has seen from the caravan horses and dogs that travel along. Curiosity perhaps. Although, the chicken horse might simply be trying to figure out how you'd taste.
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Not much of a talker, this one. Better than the alternative I suppose... Seems like he can handle himself in a fight.
Trisane continues along in an attempt to get more information from the dwarf.
I can see why you stayed in Korvosa then. It is actually a nice city to live in, all things considered. My family has lived here for generations.
He looks off in the distance for a moment toward the billowing black smoke.
I'd like to make sure there's something left of it to pass on to the next while I'm still around. It is very honorable to serve in the Korvosan Guard, you know. I'm glad you're not in it for the money.
It is evening, and the group has gathered in the Citadel mess for a meal. Particularly bland to Elden, but palatable none the less. A guardsman approaches your table, Field Marshal Kroft send her apologies for the delay in acknowledging your capture of Verik Vancaskerkin and his men. She requests you join her in her office after your meal. and with a nod, he takes his leave.
Upon completion of dinner, you make your way to the Field Marshal's office. When they enter, an older gentleman, handsome rises from his chair. Cressida May I introduce to you an old friend, Vencarlo Orisini. Upon the intorduction, the man bows deeply, and steps aside, clearly offering his chair to Opehlia.
Roll Knowledge Local checks.
Cressidia Although Vencarlo has always been an outspoken critic of Korvosa’s government, he has always been a valued friend and advisor. Particularly in these dark times, his input about the temperament and morale of the citizens of Korvosa is invaluable to me.
VencarloYou flatter me, my old friend. And she is quite complimentary of you as well. I must congratulate you on apprehending five renegade guardsmen alone. That is no easy feat. If Korvosa had more fine folk like you, we’d already be out of this mess. Well done! He smiles and nods.
Tell me, what is your opinion of the role of the monarchy, particularly in these times?
Ophelia will take the seat when offered, thank you.
How interesting! I wonder what he's up to.
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Trisane salutes the Commander as he enters.
Is that who I think it is?
He acknowledges Vencarlo with a courteous nod in return.
Greetings sir, I'm afraid it's not my place to speak ill of the Queen. Though, as I've witnessed in the streets, the citizens seem to disfavor her methods. I would see her take whatever action is needed to restore order to the city as quickly as possible. I'm sure that's why she sent us into the service of the Korvosan Guard personally. I'm also certain the Seneschal is advising the Sable Company accordingly. In a time like this, I believe Korvosa needs all the help it can get.
Trisane turns his attention toward Cressida Kroft.
Commander, we have brought you a new recruit.
He points over to the dwarf.
This is Elden Omek, he is eager to help.
Elden places himself towards the back of the group as her enters. He nods at Vencarlo when the group is introduced. Elden stands stoically and silently, observing the interactions.
When Trisane introduces him to Cressida Kroft, Elden steps forward.
The city is now my home and could use more than a bit of cleaning up.
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Nik seems to be lost in thought as he enters the office.
Need to remember to set some time aside before passing out to write out that...
Hmm, now who is this?
Pleasure to meet you Vencarlo. Personally I do not envy the Queen, trying to rule all these people must be exhausting. Small in number and close in feelings, that is the way of the road.
Nik takes a sit and continues.
Still, there are wonders in the city I could not have experienced on the road. And people I could not have met.
Vencarlo listens to you all. He looks towards Nik and Elden, Yes, there are wonders here, and at the heart of any city are the people who call it home. Those born here, and those that choose it.
He then turns toward Trisane, Very interesting, I was not suggesting that there should be any criticism of the Queen regarding the current situation. I was simply curious how you view the monarchy; whomever may sit upon the throne. Clearly, you see the role then, as a leader to be obeyed, beyond reproach or questioning. Do you believe the Hellknight imposition of martial law; under the queen's direction; is a needed solution? He asks Trisane.
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Trisane's eyes narrow for a moment and he pauses in thought.
What does he want from us? I'm doing all I can to help. Is he actually here to help? If Cressida trusts him, I should too...
I'm sorry sir, I meant no offense. I only reported what I saw and heard. The people of the city are in strife. It's my duty to help keep them safe in any way I can. From whatever enemy threatening them, even from themselves if necessary.
He turns to the Commander.
As always, I am ready to serve.
No offense was taken, nor meant to be given. Vencarlo genuinely smiles. I have often discussed the roles of leaders and law, and what it means to lead a people with Cressidia, Marcus, and Neolandus. Not all together mind you, he seems about to continue when Cressidia interjects, she smiles, a polite formal, and perhaps bemused smile.
As much as I would enjoy continuing the conversation, I fear we just don’t have time. Vencarlo has learned something that could degrade into sanctions, embargoes, or even war against Cheliax if we don’t act now. This problem is a man named Darvayne Gios Amprei,an ambassador from Cheliax whose disdain for Korvosa is well documented, though he’s taken great pleasure in what our city has to offer. Even before this recent unrest, this man was ready to recommend to his government a sanction on trade, or perhaps even an embargo. Vencarlo has learned through his own considerable sources that Ambassador Amprei’s actual goals are to undermine Korvosa’s economy to the point where he can buy up large portions of the city from desperate landholders. He plans to establish himself in a position of power here before advising the end of the sanctions with his allies in Cheliax. We can’t let his bias or personal plans hurt Korvosa. Yet neither can we take drastic action—not only would killing him be wrong, but it’d simply martyr him in Cheliax’s eyes.
Fortunately, the ambassador has his foibles. Again, Vencarlo has learned that Ambassador Amprei has been making fairly regular visits to a place in Old Korvosa called Eel’s End. This den of vice is run by a dangerous man named Devargo Barvasi, better known in Korvosa’s alleys as the King of Spiders. I’d love to put Devargo out of business, but he pays his vice taxes regularly and never causes any problems—in fact, since he keeps his business constrained entirely within the five ships moored at Eel’s End, he’sactually one of the least of my worries. Truth be told, I can’t decide whether Devargo is a stirge or a kraken. He seems like a bloodsucking pest most days,but sometimes I fear just how far his tentacles have wormed their way into our great city. In this case though, his insidious web stretching across Korvosa’s underworld might be to our advantage.
Devargo would never let someone herecognizes as an ally of the Guard into Eel’s End, but your group’s a different case. I’d like you to pay a visit to Eel’s End and secure an audience with Devargo.Find out what he knows about Amprei, get proof of any illicit goings-on the ambassador might be involved with, and bring that proof to me. I can use it to undermine any forthcoming attempts by him to get Cheliax to cut us off. Devargo might not be willing to part with his information easily. I’ll supply you with some gold to bribe him, and whatever’s left over you can keep for yourself. Remember: Devargo is dangerous, but so are you—if things get violent, I wouldn’t mourn his passing.
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hmmm... more undercover work. This sounds even more dangerous than the last assignment.
While I can't say my attempts at disguise recently have been overwhelmingly successful, Commander. I will do my best to ensure Devargo gives us the proof against Amprei you're looking for... one way or another.
Trisane looks over at his three companions for a moment then back to Cressida.
Any ideas how we might gain an audience with the King of Spiders at Eel's End? What kind of business does Devargo Barvasi deal in?
Elden listens intently and nods at Trisane when he looks over.
Never done anything like this before, sounds interesting. Wouldn't mind the opportunity to hit something...or someone...
This sounds like fun!
What about Devargo's vices? Surely he has some that we can use to our advantage.
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Nik smiles.
I hope we can have some kind of advantage. I don't look forward to taking on a man known as The King of Spiders.
Nik looks worried for a second as if he realizes something.
Commander, any chance we can get some antitoxin from the armory here? Spiders use poison, and the last time we encountered something with poison kind of went south for us, well me really.
Cressida opens a desk drawer and draws out a small worn leather coin purse.
Here is 1000 gp to use as a bribe. I have no idea how to gain an audience with Devargo, but brute force won't work. He has broken no laws that we have evidence of, so if things come to blows, your fellow Marines may be called in to stop you. Being agents of the Korvosa Guard may save you from their swords, but it also means you are accountable for upholding any laws and might does not make right, so be careful not to go all paladin-y. As for vice, he is the King of Spiders and Eel's End. It is a haven of gambling, drug use, and prostitution. Devargo is the master of vice, but is careful not to get caught up in his own webs. Ask around, quietly. If Devargo suspects you are with the Sable Company, the Guard, or are rivals; he would not hesitate to do everything possible to make you disappear.
Cressidia scribbles a note and hands it to Nik, Show this to supply captain, you may buy a supply of antitoxin, assuming there is a supply left.
She rubs her, eyes and seems to relax for a moment before a soldier knocks and enters.
Pardon the interruption Field Marshal, there is another matter requiring your attention. He presents her with a rolled parchment. Agents, please follow me.
As you depart, Cressidia calls out And Agent Omek, welcome to Korvosa Guard.
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Once the group leaves the office, Trisane will suggest a meeting to gather and discuss plans.
This isn't exactly the type of mission I was hoping for... still, we've got a job to do.
Once settled in somewhere with some privacy, Trisane will begin. He looks at Nik, Ophelia and Elden as he speaks.
It seems we've been assigned once again for some undercover work. We've got to get into Eel's End quietly and get the intel we need from Devargo Barvasi with minimal casualties and without alerting anyone to our purpose or who we work for...
Trisane shifts uneasily in his chair.
Let me be the first to admit that espionage is not my specialty. We've got some bribe money to loosen Devargo's tongue if needed but that may not be enough. Anyone have any other ideas on how to get what we need?
When Trisane asks for a meeting, Vencarlo approaches.
My friends, I am returning to Old Korvosa. While I have some skill with a blade, there is safety in numbers. Would you provide me the honor of your company? Assuming the party agrees, Vencarlo indicates he will be waiting in the mess or barracks, and departs with a bow.
This isn't going to be easy.
Ophelia looks Trisane over, firstly, you need a disguise, we all do. We'll need to ask around, see if there's anything special he can provide for desperate folks, like us. Maybe something he doesn't often offer, maybe a specific hard to get drug. Gambling is the easy way in, but we'd need to be careful with how many coins we spend. I may be able to get in with some of the prostitutes, especially if any worship Calistria.
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Nik looks a little somber as he speaks up.
The spirits may be giving us a blessing in disguise, literally maybe. I started on this course with the intent of finding my brother, but that plan has been derailed of late. This man, the King of Spiders, may have such information. Perhaps it would be appropriate for me to approach to ask that question, gaining us an audience.
Nik looks over at Trisane with a smile.
Trisane, I have faith you can pull off a better disguise when you try. We just need to roll you in the dirt to hide the shine on your boots.
Before they left the office, Elden acknowledged the Commander's parting words with a nod. Agent Omek...heh...
Elden listens intently to the ongoing conversation.
I'm not quite sure what I can do it help... I've never been terribly fantastic at being discreet.
I don't have much experience with this kind of thing, but...Elden looks down at himself. ...I don't think I'll have much trouble fitting in, in my current state. Also, recently I've found it rather easy to move around without gathering much attention. No one pays much mind to the quiet, angry looking dwarf.
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Hmmm... not much of a plan but better than nothing I suppose.
Nik, Do you really think your brother could be mixed up with Devargo? It's a good reason to be there at least. You should take the lead and I suppose we'll find out the truth soon enough.
Trisane looks over himself and his companions once more.
As far as disguises, I think Elden's right. He already looks the part without too much work. I've got some old rags I can toss on instead of my uniform. Silverbeak can soar the skies nearby while we're inside. We should try stay together on this one in case something goes wrong. We'll leave when you're all ready but we shouldn't keep Vencarlo waiting too long.
Rom ruffles his feathers and pecks Nik on the shoulder.
N-ai lăsa să se întâmple. Tu nu ar ști ce să facă fără mine.
In the morning the party can meet up with Vencarlo to return to Old Korvosa. At the agreed upon hour Vencarlo is waiting in the courtyard. He smiles up on your approach and bows, then offer his arm to Ophelia.
Good morning, my friends, it is good to see you upon the eve of this fine day. Come, let us begin our journey, and perhaps continue our discussions. Aside from Private Imphawke, you do not seem to be typical recruits for the Guard. Please tell me, what divine providence led you to serve my beloved Korvosa, eh?
In the morning, Ophelia will dress in her peasant outfit. She'll tuck her wands out of sight, and leave the whip behind.
Ophelia takes Vencarlo's arm and walks with him. Do you believe in harrow readings? Whether you do or don't, it is the cards' fault that we've been thrown together. She pauses a moment to look at the dwarf, then continues, well, mostly.
Elden looks to Vencarlo.
I was looking for the man who killed my family and found this group instead. No use in going back to the mountain. Time to find a new purpose.
Elden surveys the rest of the group and continues.
I didn't have much use for cards or any of that nonsense before Elma went missing, but in the aftermath I tried everything I could get my hands on. After that experience, I'll give anything a try, so long as it doesn't take up too much time or delay more active pursuits.
Vencarlo smiles, I trust in steel, as he pats the pommel of a finely crafted rapier, but I have seen enough to beleive that there are powers greater than I, so I would not object to a harrow.
Vencarlo looks to Trisane, I am sure we can make time for a reading, eh? A glimpse of what might come, how can you resist!
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Again with the cards... Oh well. I've said Nik can lead this mission so I won't protest.
Trisane shrugs at Vencarlo then looks over to Nik.
Nik, you already know how I feel about it... I won't waste any more time arguing. You're leading this mission now so it's your call. I promised I'd help you find your brother so I'm with you no matter what happens.
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Nik takes Zellara’s deck from a pouch and leads the group to a table. He begins shuffling the deck as he motions for everyone to take a seat. Once he feels the spirits have something to say, he puts the deck on the table.
Let us see what the spirits say of our new assignment.
Then under his breath he whispers.
And what my chances are of finding Tobar.
Nik then draws a single card, this one upside down, and places it to his left. He then places a second card, right side up, just above the first.
The Wax Works, turned this way, it seems our journey is set and the spirits see us trying to free the city, or just one man, from torture by another. Set above it, The Inquisitor, our journey has justice on it’s side.
Nik then draws three cards, all right side up again, and places them in a line, left to right, next to the first two.
The Mute Hag, The Juggler, and The Foreign Trader. The spirits warn that our trials ahead will see us negotiate for the information we seek, yet another will try to silence us with false wisdom. At some point we will be required to demonstrate our own skills as well.
Nik points at the middle card and looks at Trisane. Nik’s finger rests on The Juggler, right below a row boat on the card.
Perhaps the spirits have a sense of humor. Either that or we really should consider taking that boat out again.
Nik at last draws two more cards and lays them one over the other to the right of the three, forming what appears to be a bridge. As he turns the last card his hands shake.
The Fiend is next, the spirits say our goal will us control over the evil we seek. To gain it though…
Nik places his hand over the last card.
In order to gain what we need, I fear we may need to sacrifice The Bear. Rather we may be forced to sacrifice the strength of a beloved performer or slave.
Nik’s eyes close as tears fill them and then he begins to gather the cards.
Nik
Vencarlo speaks softly, I have seen several readings, but none of this manner, you must tell me of where you learned this form, if it is something you can share. He then smiles at the group, Come my friends our fate awaits us in the city beyond.
After everyone has gathered their things and completed any last tasks, it is time to head out into the city. The trip is similar to those previously, squads of heavily armed Hellknights patrol the streets alongside the Guard as the Sable Company patrols above. In their wake the discontent and violence flares up again.
As you travel, Vencarlo ask each of you about your thoughts on the situation, how to bring peace to the city, and any other side conversations that happen.
The city is in dire trouble. The efforts being made aren't enough, and only bring temporary peace. I'm not a ruler, I don't know what I'd do differently to maintain peace, but something else must be done.
He asks a lot of questions, yet I haven't heard him offer his opinions, yet.
I'd like to know your thoughts on the current situation, and what you would do to maintain peace.
Vencarlo smiles again, I am but a humble swordsman, and as such the burdensome weight of the crown of Korvosa does not fall upon my brow. But it does weigh upon Queen Ileosa. I for one would have spared the people from the Order of the Nail. Perhaps some simple reassurances that that the Queen was part of the city, and not above it would have been helpful. In the end peace must come from the people.
As you approach the Narrows, the Strait of St. Alika, you see that Old Korvosa is much worse than many of the other section of the city. Many of the bridges have been burned or destroyed and clog the strait. Of the few the remaining crossings, all have Hellknight or Korvosan Guards posted.
Vencarlo leads you across one such bridge, and bows deeply.
You can find Eel’s End to the east, on the first pier after the last bridge over the Narrows. You will be able to identify it is you approach. It has been my pleasure to travel with you, good luck and safe travels. As he rises, he spins on a heel and is lost in the crowd, such as it is.
As you head east, a sprawl of light and sound marks the last pier of Old Korvosa. Glowing lanterns in the shape of dream spiders and coiled eels hang from pilings or lampposts, flickering through all hours of the night.
The pier itself is 70 feet long, although its last 30 feet widen into a large square platform on the water. A ship and four smaller vessels are permanently moored to the pier; the ship is the Eel’s End.
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Nik looks among his companions as they approach the pier.
This looks like a caravan of our people, I have even seen such boats used by certain bands that travel the waterways of Varisia. Perhaps this will not be as bad as we think.
Nik smiles without confidence.
Perhaps we should have a bit more of a plan? I know I will lead my way in and ask to speak with the Kind of Spiders about my brother. Should we all appear together or do we want to travel seperately, and only work as a team if the need arises?
Nik will do fine, I'm not sure about the others.
We shouldn't go separately, this is a dangerous place. Nik, why don't you take Elden with you, he can be a friend who's helping you look for your brother. Trisane, why don't you come with me? I want to see if I can find any information among the workers, and maybe a gambling sap would help. She then smiles at Trisane.
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Trisane looks over at the boats for a while before joining in the conversation.
I wonder if there might be another way in...
He nods at Ophelia.
Ok. We can try it that way but I don't think splitting up is a good idea. It's probably too cramped on those boats to move around in a hurry. We might just look filthy enough to pass for regulars and we have loads of weapons so maybe Elden and I can pretend to be thugs or something. Like I said before, disguise really isn't my area of expertise. Marines usually crash the party not join in. Hopefully, it doesn't need to come to that.
Elden looks from Ophelia to Trisane and gives him a once-over.
Thug? You? Even with the tattered clothes and dirt, you still look too straight-laced for a thug. It may be easier to keep a low profile in pairs, at least to start. They'll know we aren't regulars, but might not care if we don't go crashing around too loudly. I don't mind going with Nik, maybe we'll actually get some useful information about his brother. With any luck he may be more fortunate in his search than I was.
Trisane looks around, but short of a waterborne or aerial approach - both of which would be obviously spotted, walking up the pier is the only entrance.
The sound of carousing booms from the elegantly painted barges moored to this long pier. Large signs painted in several languages are nailed to pilings and hang from ropes slung between barges.
The closest barge to the east bears a sign that says, “The Twin Tigers—Take the Tiger by the Tail and Try Your Luck!”
Opposite that, to the west, a boat’s sign says, “Welcome to the Goldenhawk—No Safer Stay in Old Korvosa!”
Further to the southeast is “Dragon’s Breath Corridor—Dream the Dragon’s Dreams at Affordable Prices!”.
Opposite that is the “House of Clouds—The Caress of Our Lovelies Will Take You Straight to Heaven!”
Only the largest vessel, an old warship to the south, bears no signage at all.
Short rope bridges or gangplanks provide access to the decks of these ships from the pier and from the decks of other ships.
A few drunks, stagger about amid others under the influence of other things and thus quickly moving from one place to another trying not to attract attention. From the deck of the House of Clouds, the staff calls to those passing by, including Nik and Elden, and few comments to Ophelia and Nik.
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Nik walks along towards the Dragon's Breath Corridor with Elden keeping an eye out for anything dangerous.
Elden my friend, this seems to be quite a place. While time spent on the road is far from virtuous, I have never seen this level of vice collected in one place before. Do people in cities find it easier if such things happen together, perhaps to keep a better eye on them?
Ophelia smiles at Trisane, Good idea, let's check it out. You do know how to gamble, right?
I probably should have found out before, though, if he doesn't he'll certainly be an easy mark. That could be useful.
She leans in close and whispers, If I say anything unfamiliar, just go with it. I'll try to clue you in as best I can. Remember, we're undercover, so we'll need to lie. Best not give out your last name, just in case.
She'll take Trisane's arm and start walking towards The Twin Tigers.
Elden follows Nik's lead, while scanning the scene frequently for signs for trouble.
I suppose its more like anything else, like things tend to congregate together. All the same types of shop, creatures of the same species and such like that. Safety in numbers. Also, easier to draw a bigger crowd, everyone benefits, so to speak.
A skinny, and roughly just 3' tall man wanders languidly about the smoky room, wheeling a large hookah to and fro on a cart. He calls Get smoked! and bids you to enter.
Nik and Elden make perception checks.
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Some people can't even find food and these folks are just throwing their money away. I could likely arrest everyone in here. Better let Ophelia do the talking...
Trisane leans in and whispers to Ophelia.
Don't worry Ophelia, I'll keep my mouth shut and follow your lead. Just be careful if you decide to play knivesies. Dangerous game from what I've heard.
DC 15 Local or you could also ask, but asking would identify you as a newcomer and potentially easy mark.
Spectators place bets on who will win, and the wagers are piled around the dagger. The bettors then stand at the end of the table near their chosen winner.
Play starts at the count of 10. The game ends as soon as any of the following happen:
One contestant is knocked out, dead, or knocked off the table.
Any coin is knocked off the table.
All of the coins have been snatched up by the players.
An unconscious, dead, or de-tabled contestant automatically loses. Otherwise, the contestant who pouches the most coins wins.
After the game "ends" all of the coins are piled back onto the table, with the winner keeping half and the rest split between the winning bettors. Beyond that, anything goes. The initial move is usually a lunge for the dagger, forcing the other player to grab for coins; most games then devolve into a bloody brawl.
Ophelia smiles and whispers back, you be careful, you'll be gambling, I'll be carousing. She'll try to lead Trisane to a table, while looking around for onlookers.
After finding someone watching the game, she'll approach. With a big smile she'll ask, How's this table? Is there anyone to watch for?