The coast rolls ever onwards, as the Outcasts head northeast from Kintargo. Strong bay winds buffet your cloudy party, giving you plenty of time to survey Nisroch Proper, largest city of obeisant Nidal. Very few ships are currently docked, and the patrols are numerous, almost an ant colony of militaristic control.
The night begins to descend, and with it, the lights of the coastal towns which come to life ahead of you. Brightest of them all, Korvosa, and its highly-defensible harbor. As such, it hosts many more ships that Nisroch would deign to accept.
The air about the bay city begins to show its own signs of life, as you're drawn inland to an expectation of your magical windwalking ability soon wearing off. Every so often, you can see small posses of imps and pseudodragons come and go, sometimes one after the other, sometimes not.
With another half-day's travel, Magepoint is easily attainable. For this evening, you have before you the hospitality of Korvosa, or its countryside. With a slightly more protracted push in your travels, and you might choose the dwarven sky citadel of Janderhoff further north.
How do you spend your evening, and where?
(general customs of Korvosa)
Ascaria wonders if Korvosa is a welcoming port, and friendly city as they get closer.
"I think it might be fun to visit Korvosa, seeing as we're here. Maybe we can even do some buying and selling in the morning before we leave for Magepoint to lighten Mort's burden." he suggests.
"However, if folks want to play it safe, I'm sure we could camp some distance from town safely enough."
"Korvosa, the cursed city-state" Eidi would grin but he is mostly air at the moment "Let's head down and look for a nice tavern where to rest the night. Flying becomes a bit boring after some couple of hours..."
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"Korvosa, the cursed city-state" Eidi would grin but he is mostly air at the moment "Let's head down and look for a nice tavern where to rest the night. Flying becomes a bit boring after some couple of hours..."
"Oh Korvosa!" Solrisa cheers blightly when she can, remembering memories of what her Mum told her. "Mum said she was there when the bad Queen wore Green and was bad. And my Mum and Unky Charlie fought against the bad Queen. And then they stopped the evil that made the bad Queen." Solrisa smiles because she remembered the story so well.
"My Mum is a hero of Korvosa. I'm very proud of her. I hope to be a hero like her one day."
Solrisa thinks more.
"I think Unky Charlie still lives in Korvosa. Mum said that Charlie always sleeps in a place called 'the gutter', I think. If we want to find him, we should check the gutters of Korvosa."
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As Mortimer wafts toward the ground and lands, he bunches up the corners of his sheet to catch the updraft. It billows out above him.
"Look everyone, I'm a giant mushroom!"
"Or maybe white can be our uniform."
Mortimer looks down at his sheet, and compares it to his skin noting that it is not much darker. "Yah, or hey -- in my case maybe I should just fly naked -- though," he pauses pointing to his gunmetal hair. "The carpet matches the drapes, so I'd probably just look like a dirty cloud."
"...so I'd probably just look like a dirty cloud."
"If we wear white uniforms into battle we will all be dirty clouds."
"I think it might be fun to visit Korvosa, seeing as we're here."
"People know our plans. It might be a good idea to stop here to gather our gear if we can. Maybe this will make it a little harder for the devils to find us."
"I still think it might be nice to get some good quality white robes while we're here. Something light to throw on over all our gear."
"And yes Eri, I think you're right. Let's see what we can sell here and buy here. Might be a big enough town."
Ascaira wonders what he knows...
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”Well, Korvosa’s been quiet these many years after the Queen rose up against her people in 4707. They changed up the monarchy back then, and while Glorio Arcona was crowned king, it is with the high council that power settled, run by a high chancellor named Fondo Barondo. There were many arguments in those days about who had the authority to do what, and when, and to whom, but they’ve largely ironed all that out now and Lord Arcona is about to retire, turning the crown over to his son.”
”It is a very lawful place, and a Chellish outpost of sorts, so many things should be familiar to us. Yet it is technically outside Cheliax rule, and has grown more independent since losing their former monarch. So it’s a free city now I guess. Just don’t break the law and we should be fine. Let’s land in the forest and walk in shall we? I don’t want to re-form in some alley or something and freak out some local drunk. Or Charlie.”
"From what I hear, If Charlie is not the local drunk, he is responsible for the local drunks being drunk! And yes, freaking him out would be a bad idea. Making friends with him, on the other hand might make spirits bright or at least plentiful. "
Solrisa is happy to enter Korvosa to shop, explore, roam, and generally cause merriment.
"Mort, listen!" Solrisa says as she keeps an eye on Mort, whom she is totally protecting. "My Mum said that she met Blackquack who was a marvelous hero of Korvosa! She said it was him that inspired them to take on the Evil Queen who wore Green! And Blackquack used a mighty...uhm...paper machete to vanquish his foes! And..." Solirsa tells a few more stories that her Mum told her about her time in Korvosa. Most of the details are wrong, but Sol is very excited about telling the stories.
"Mort, listen!"
Mortimer wanders around Korvosa listening to Solrisa, happy to be in a free state. Unsure if he as ever been in one before, he looks around carefully to see if anything strikes a cord of familiarity, but not too closely as to appear like a complete tourist. He occasionally nods in grunts as Solrisa tells her tales, asking questions such as "He wore sparkly shoes?" and "Why green? Was it bright, or dark? Is that a royal color in these parts?".
Evening descends on Korvosa, as do you. The city lights begin to burgeon, until the city-state is awash in street lights, home lights, and traveling lights both along the streets, and above. Your travel further north has brought clear skies, encouraging you to land at a distance from the city walls, and travel into the city from the south. The gnome's advice seems sound. There are three main ways of entry, from Field Marshal Way, Citadel Road, and Bloodsworn Road.
For its activity, all gates are well-guarded, though for this hour, there is light traffic at best. The colors of the Guard are somewhat familiar, black and red, lending a slight unease for its similarity to Egorian, but the similarity ends there, as you sense the ease of the Guard as it interacts with the human traffic both entering and exiting the city.
Where will you enter, and how will you proceed?
"I suggest we descend on those woods to the southeast and enter through the citadel road" comments Eidi "I would appreciate a walk in the streets, perhaps check that old temple of Aroden and see what have they done from it. For the rest, whatever quite tavern would be enough for me. Uaaaahm! I am so tired after all... just eat, and go to sleep"
"Yes, good call Eidi." Ascaria follows the old man down and into cover before changing back to his own form and tucking away his pillowcase.
He checks his gear, and walks unevenly at first, not quite used to it. "Gotta get my land legs back!" he chuckles.
He moves to the citadel road with the group, confidently approaching the gates - excited to visit a new city!
"Aroden? Oh that's good to hear! Are they big worshipers of ... " unwilling to mention the name 'Asmodeus' so far from Egorian, he simply says, "any one in particular here? Are they going to recognize us as the Outcasts? Do we want that? Will we be welcome here?" Despite his concerns, Mortimer's eyes blaze with excitement. "Can we find a pub? Have some pretzels and mustard? Maybe take a rest, then hit the Church and Market Place tomorrow morning?"
He nods as Eidi speaks. "Yes, yes! Let's do that!"
"He wore sparkly shoes?" and "Why green? Was it bright, or dark? Is that a royal color in these parts?".
Solrisa enjoys walking through the streets, taking in the experience and trying to match it to her Mum's stories.
"Mum said that she only knew the Queen was Bad because of the green dress, nothing about the shoes. But she also told me that they met because a strange spiritual 3-card monte dealer had called them together to rescue the sea urchins from around the docks," Solrisa continues to explain. "The sea urchins were hungry and needed food and were being put to work somehow...and she rescued them."
"For the rest, whatever quite tavern would be enough for me. Uaaaahm! I am so tired after all... just eat, and go to sleep"
"Eidi, yes!" Solrisa claps her hands, eager to eat. "Maybe they will have ham! I love ham! And then we should go shopping! This will be fun. I wonder if Mum and Rae are here?"
Entering Korvosa is no great affair. You are questioned for your purpose visiting the city, your city or cities of origin, your likely duration of stay, and your arsenal of weaponry. The woman soldier standing before you gives you measured looks, at times almost inviting you to question the burn mark covering most of her neck. The angry red of the skin matches the short-cropped red hair of her head.
Following your brief interrogation comes your law lecture, which gives you a rather thorough explanation of Korvosa's rules and regulations, spoken briskly, but pronounced cleanly, to make sure that you understand the true Lawful nature of Korvosa's courts and citizens, and the respect demanded of you non-natives. It doesn't take more than an hour all said and done, for you to gain admittance through the gate.
Before you stretches the Midlands district of Korvosa, the more cosmopolitan and friendly district of the city. Home to both the Sable Company and the Korvosan Guard, it is considered reasonably safe, though the thieves' guild of the city does brisk trade throughout the businesses that thrive off of Eodred's Square.
Beyond Pillar Hill, you can see Castle Korvosa tower above the city upon its Grand Mastaba. Its size is immense, even from where you can view it. Taking to its grand stairs, you can imagine its vantage across the entire city.
The walk along Citadel Road eventually brings you into Eodred's Square. Further north, you're told by a local that you can find a room for the night at the Creaky Hammock- cheap and loud. Or you can travel further into the city, and into Eodred's Walk, where you can lodge at Aram's Crown, which nestles among several robust businesses within three-story, whitewashed buildings with upper floors overhanging the ground floors, providing a covered pavilion.
Where do you head?
"I vote Aram's Crown but I think we should set a watch regardless of where we stay tonight. They'll probably have a better idea what the local magic market is like."
Though Solrisa is not expecting any trouble (why would she in the city where her Mum was a hero), she does stay close to Mort to protect him.
"Oh yes, Eri! Aram's Crown sounds like the best place ever! Let's do that!" Solrisa cheers happily.
She enters and procures rooms for the party. "I should sleep with Mort so the rod he carries is protected," Solrisa explains cheerily to any who ask.
When that is taken care of, she will see to food. And ham. And cheese.
Ascaria answers truthfully, but simply - they're traveling from near Egorian to Magepoint, and this is just a pleasant stop on the way for civilization and shopping. He doesn't talk about flying on the clouds.
Once inside, he relaxes a little. The laws seem simple enough. he considers as he walks through the twisted streets of the city.
"Yes, Aram's Crown - better to stay in some style, than in some hovel. We'll do our standard watches." he adds.
"Dinner first, and then a relaxing evening by the fire I should think. We can shop in the morning."
The woman soldier standing before you gives you measured looks, at times almost inviting you to question the burn mark covering most of her neck.
Mortimer nods a respectful acknowledgement to the woman soldier.
"I vote Aram's Crown but I think we should set a watch regardless of where we stay tonight."
"Oh yes, Eri! Aram's Crown sounds like the best place ever! Let's do that! I should sleep with Mort so the rod he carries is protected,"
Mortimer turns to look a look of double-eyebrow raised surpise at Solrisa before attempting to conceal a grin and moving on. Who'd have thought that the rod would be a Half-Elven Maiden Magnet?
Nah, she just wants to protect the rod. Stay focused, Morty!
"Aram's Crown sounds good to me too."
Eidi nods as the decision for the night stay is done "Well... I have not been in Korvosa for decades. Mmm... I would not be surprised if faith in Aroden is totally lost by now. But there might still be some old temple now consecrated to a new god. Iomedae perhaps" the elder looks around trying to locate a prominent temple.
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Mortimer's wordless diplomacy doesn't worsen your circumstance with the female guard at the Gate, and you are welcomed through, and into the city.
Your stroll through the southern part of the Midlands proves entertaining enough, with the city's denizens a might happier to be out and about in the early evening air. You're only tested once, by a young male Dancer, who tries to lift a pouch about Eidi's waist, though he fails to do so. The boy seems to tug intentionally, drawing the half-elf's eyes to meet his own.
Likely, this one is green, and there are several eyes watching both him and you all to see your reactions to the blatant attempt at theft.
The boy doesn't tarry, and is lost within the crowd in mere moments.
Aram's Crown looks quite inviting from your entering vantage into Eodred's Square. Field Marshal Avenue stretches directly at Castle Korvosa, giving you an eerie deja vu, from your time in the Smallcask Estate, under the shadow of Thrune Manor. The vivacity of Korvosa Herself quickly dispels the feeling. The central market is currently quieting down for the evening, as the day traders take their leave, leaving the patrons and shop owners to gather themselves.
Entering the Crown, you find yourselves jostled about by the customers of a full tavern. That doesn't stop a large, buxom woman behind the bar from recognizing a new group of potential patrons. "Hullooo!! Find yourselves a table, and I'll be right 'round! Please, don't feed the pigeons, and mind the mess!" It takes you several minutes of waiting, both for a table, and for the woman's personal attention, as she finally makes her way from table to table, to address you more intimately.
"Name's Alaah! What brings you to the Crown? Hopefully it's our glowing reputation, and a deep thirst for expensive wines!" She smiles a grand, genuine smile, revealing a decent set of white biters. "We can feed you and drink you til the late evening, until we politely refrain from serving, to respect our Korvosan law, and the health of our citizens." She stands ready for orders.
...
"Well... I have not been in Korvosa for decades. Mmm... I would not be surprised if faith in Aroden is totally lost by now. But there might still be some old temple now consecrated to a new god. Iomedae perhaps."
The Heights host both a Temple of Asmodeus, and a Temple of Sarenrae.
Located in Old Korvosa, the Church of Aroden has apparently weathered its god's death gracefully. Across the Narrows, on Endrin Isle, it is easily enough located.
Word has it that the Church of Aroden has a wealthy patron, an anonymous donor who makes sure the Church is kept up, the priests well-funded for community service in Aroden's name.
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"Eh! You!" Eidi attempts to stop the thievery "Are people so badly fed in this city as to not respect an elder's funeral funds?"
Eidi smiles "Nice to meet your place Alaah! I will have a hot milk. And, I will be pleased to have some licorice root as well" the half-elf grins and waits for the drinks.
Once the drinks arrive he asks "I have heard Aroden's church has seen some nice funding in the last years. I would be pleased to see such a wonder, but how could I reach the Endrin Isle Alaah?"
Ascaria laughs as Eidi is robbed, or rather a clumsy attempt is made. He shifts what wealth he carries to a more secure location on his person though from the attempt. So it's that sort of place is it?
Once at the bar though, he really warms to the task. He orders a tall stout to start off the evening with a good foundation. and greets Alaah warmly. "We're also hoping for rooms for the night, or a common room we can call our own without other guests - if such a thing can be arranged? We can pair off too if we need." he suggests eyeing Mort and Sol with a giggle.
When Eidi brings up a church, he's in total agreement. "There's a church of Aroden here? Wow. It is an old city. I wonder if old 'Cayden has a presence here?" he says with a casual voice but his usual fear of the official religion keeps him from inquiring further. Perhaps in the morning...
"So, Alaah, is this a usual crowd or is there a special occasion? Good mix." he admires the bus boisterousness of the tavern.
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You're only tested once, by a young male Dancer, who tries to lift a pouch about Eidi's waist, though he fails to do so.
Mortimer raises an eyebrow at the lad. He looks at Eidi, then back at the boy. "Perhaps you should try a less spry elderly target -- or better yet -- just stick to dancing," he admonishes.
~~~
"We can pair off too if we need." he suggests eyeing Mort and Sol with a giggle.
Mortimer politely pretends not to notice or hear Ascaria.
"What brings you to the Crown? Hopefully it's our glowing reputation, and a deep thirst for expensive wines!"
Oh, good! They don't know us here! Finally, a town big enough for the lot of us!
"Indeed, Alaah!," Mortimer replies. "We're expanding our uh - palates," he explains, winking at his companions at the inside Artist pun. "What do you have by way of the Pale Ale?"
He looks over some of the lighter fare.
I need to watch my cloud figure... better to not get too carried away.
After they are squared away with ordering food, he asks "Should we contact Ilya -- let her know we're here?"
Solrisa smiles and relaxes as much as she can as she tries to keep Mort safe. She smiles and seems happy, making small talk.
"It's nice to be in a big town that is not smothered in evil, or people being complain-ey."
Eri happily tucks in to vittles and booze.
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""Eh! You! Are people so badly fed in this city as to not respect an elder's funeral funds?"
"Perhaps you should try a less spry elderly target -- or better yet -- just stick to dancing."
The Dancer smiles, a couple of teeth crooked and discolored, before making a mute facial expression for sincerest of condolences and apologies for even thinking of depriving an elder of his pension. He hardly gives the giant a glance.
...
"Nice to meet your place Alaah! I will have a hot milk. And, I will be pleased to have some licorice root as well."
""Indeed, Alaah!, we're expanding our uh - palates. What do you have by way of the Pale Ale?"
Alaah collects two of the five possible beginning bar orders, nodding to Eidi for her competence in securing the commonplace items, while she turns to Mortimer to discuss his. "Watered down stout, you mean?" She smiles at the giant, pouting her lips full to show her patron that she only teases. "Well, if you're looking for something golden, you could try our Crown Jewel, brewed in-house, or you can partake of a heartier Janderhoff Lager, which might give you what you're seeking. The dwarves have a skewed way of brewing that sneaks up on you."
"Now, I'm going to make your first decision for you, when it comes to sampling our spirits. You can't go wrong with a plate of Alikan oysters, only two sails. An even six, but I'm sure you'll be wanting another plate shortly after. You looking to enjoy some more seafood, and we'll order you up some reefclaw pasties, with some thileu-bark sauce on the side, only seven silver shields."
"We're also hoping for rooms for the night, or a common room we can call our own without other guests - if such a thing can be arranged? We can pair off too if we need."
Alaah pauses before she considers answering the gnome's request. "I've only got one room left, and it sleeps four. Suppose you could try and share, or lay a pillow on the floor, if you're not too picky. And I'll only charge you eight gold sails, instead of ten."
"I have heard Aroden's church has seen some nice funding in the last years. I would be pleased to see such a wonder, but how could I reach the Endrin Isle, Alaah?"
"Well, you'd be best visiting the Isle, and the Narrows, when the sun is up. It's easy enough, as long as you know Old Korvosa. If you're new to the city, I'm sure I could arrange for a guide to see you safely there and back. Just let me know before breakfast, either way."
"So, Alaah, is this a usual crowd or is there a special occasion? Good mix."
The evening does seem to be constant in those entering Aram's Crown, and those departing. As Ascaria raises the question, Alaah gives the common room a brief lookabout, before answering. "Oh, I'd say this is pretty usual, love. The Breaching Festival's still a month away. Given the season, we see a fair amount of traders arriving in the Bay, and they always seek out a good time while in port. I aim to see them well and truly satisfied with their choice of stay."
Something occurs to Ascaria as Alaah speaks, "Oh! Alaah, we are traveller and do not have any gold sails or silver shields. Our gold is good though, and stamped with the Chelaxian seal - is that still good here?" he takes out a pouch, counts 30 gold, and pushes it to Alaah to start their order and room. If she accepts it.
Ascaria will then relax and have a good meal and drink, though he doesn't get as drunk as he did that night not so long ago. He doesn't fear the devils here, but it is a foreign land, and he feels he should keep his wits about him.
But he does sample the local fare, and he enjoys it. We should travel more often! he thinks as the evening stretches on.
That night, he tucks a pillow off to the side and curls up - when not on watch.
"Assuming we can pay for it," Mortimer says, glancing at Ascaria hungrily, "and we're not off to a bank instead -- I'll have a pint of the Crown Jewel Alaah!, and two plates of those oysters, please -- and two for the table to start, please. Those reefclaw -- what did you call them? Those sound... formidible. Yes please, some of those as well, please."
"I've only got one room left, and it sleeps four."
Mortimer is less successful in pretending not to hear this, as a frown crosses his face. All jammed up together in one room? There will hardly be enough swinging room if something were to occur on our watches... The Rope Trick has more room it in. Maybe we should set it up in the room for four, let the watches take place in the room itself... I'll mention this if no one else does, I guess. He tries not to look disappointed.
He turns to Eidi, "Do you know Old Korvosa? We should go to the Isle and check out Aroden's church. Didn't Raziel said he was from here? Maybe we should look up lore on Theadorus too while we're here... maybe we can find Raz a nice girl pseudodragon maybe... if she'll have us." Mortimer tries to make small talk.
As he readies for bed, he makes sure the Rod is safely tucked into the haversack, which he then uses as a pillow for his head, both arms wrapped tightly around it.
Eri uses message and relies on the detect scry spell he cast earlier in the day "Yeh, let's use the rope trick
When food is offered he asks, "What is the dish that people long for when they go away? What is the first thing they ask for when they come back? What do you wash it down with?"
Eri probably orders that unless it is live octopus.
Solrisa smiles and coos and cheers and then smiles more, enjoying her time in the fancy city immensely. She offers to help Ascaria pay for the rooms and the food, then is keen on seeing more of the City, if they have time.
”Oh yes! I want to go see the Temple to the Dead God. He wasn’t a bad god. I have half a mind to like him very much, Aroden!”
Eidi consumes the hot milk with fruition once it arrives. The elder cuts one slice of bread, dips it on the milk, then tucks it into his mouth where to enjoy, he then proceeds to cut another slice and so on. Still with full mouth he nods and attempts to talk his way through the conversation "Yempfff... fourf room with ffthef disccountf should bfe good" he winks an eye and whispers "Frope frick should fdo good"
He then focus on Mortimer conversation "Ooff ya. It ffffseemfffs ffffar more complicatefff than Iff fffthoughtff if ffwe need guidfffe. Perhapffs we should leaveffff it for fffanotherff time. Bfffut it should bffeee good to fffind aboutff Theadorus orff Raziel"
During the late evening, Eidi creates a rope trick in the room and works on the last touches of Solrisas's headband.
"Oh! Alaah, we are travelers and do not have any gold sails or silver shields. Our gold is good though, and stamped with the Chelaxian seal - is that still good here?"
Alaah smiles brightly, as she recognizes the seal. "Of course, my dear! You've come a ways. What brings you to Korvosa, if you don't mind me asking?" The matron asks the question as a matter of courtesy, as she must ask it of many patrons.
The gold covers the food order, and then some, as she listens intently to Mortimer, without the need to write anything down. Within minutes, the spare table is brimming with warm seafood, and the drinks arrive within short order, when called for.
"What is the dish that people long for when they go away? What is the first thing they ask for when they come back? What do you wash it down with?"
"My, we have some good questions here. You must know that the 'people' are wonderfully diverse, and so are their tastes. I'll suggest the Jigsaw Fin Mahktasha. Deep-fried, with plenty of Vudrani spices. It's an indulgence. As for the pairing, you can't go wrong with a light Vudrani wine. We've got plenty." She smiles, and waits for the sorcerer's confirmation.
The guide that preoccupies Eidi is an assurance of safe passage, especially during the evening hours under and over the Shingles, as the guide is typically a liaison with the Thieves' Guild of the city, and extends a protection to those he/she escorts. During the day, it's less likely to be a concern, for the patrols both along the streets and in the skies. Finding the Church of Aroden is easy enough.
You sense no attempt at Scrying your party the entire day.
...
The morning comes, and with it, a light rain that greets you through the roof, with a constant patter of traveling sheets of precipitation. The early rise of a party with purpose, and you're greeted with a more subdued common room, various merchants and vendors partaking of a pastry tray and fresh kahve, before they take their leave for the new business day.
Where do you go, what do you hope to accomplish?
Equipped = None
Conditions = Magic Vestment (1/13h), Heroes’ Feast (1/12h), Wind Walk (1/13h)
Life Link (12)(100’) = Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol
Channel Energy (9/9)(7/7) (DC: 24)(Avoid 7, 35’r, 1/1 swift) (7d6+1+2d6 phylactery)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, re-roll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (3/3)
Vest of Surgery (1/1) (Heal DC 20 to heal 1d4 ability damage)
Melee Attack: BAB +9/+4, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +9/+4, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 13, Concentration +19)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (8/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (8/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Protection from Evil Communal, Status
Third (19): (5/7) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Dispel Magic, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer, Speak with Dead*
Fourth (20): (7/7) Blessings of Fervor, Brightest Light, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration, Speak with Haunt*, Terrible Remorse
Fifth (21): (7/7) Air Walk Communal, Breath of Life, Cleanse, Burst of Glory, Cure Light Wounds Mass
Sixth (22): (3/5) Cure Moderate Wounds Mass, Heal, Heroes’ Feast, Wind Walk
* Caster Level +2
Alaah smiles brightly, as she recognizes the seal. "Of course, my dear! You've come a ways. What brings you to Korvosa, if you don't mind me asking?" The matron asks the question as a matter of courtesy, as she must ask it of many patrons.
"Oh, this is just a stop over on our way to Magepoint. Gotta stop somewhere you know? And Korvosa seemed an excellent choice. I'm glad we did!" he hoists his glass and takes a swallow of the rich drink.
He looks at Eidi, "The guide is for thief protection as much as anything - but that shouldn't be a problem during the day... or less of one anyway."
"I say we see what the shops have to offer first thing, take a load off Mort if we can, and then visit the church. We can leave anytime after that and make Magepoint by supper. Sound good?"
In the morning he makes his own breakfast in the room before departing. Once again it is a feast fit for kings, if a little cramped. He casts Heroes' Feast He then ensorcels his buckler and Sol's shield. Finally, he casts the Wind Walk now, as it far outlasts their traveling day, and they may need to leave in a hurry if something goes wrong.
Where do you go, what do you hope to accomplish?
After finishing her food, Solrisa ponders what she wants to do & what she wants to accomplish. She leans back in her chair, full of food and happiness after the meal.
She smiles as she thinks.
"Ascaria, think!" Solrisa cheers. "Do you think there is anyone in the city who might be able to fix the sword...so, you know, it's *longer*? I like longer swords." Solrisa thinks of the sword they got from the windy tomb.
"Maybe we should do that here if we can. Might not be anyone in Magepoint who can do it, you know?"
Solrisa looks to see if Alaah is around to ask. When the nice lady comes back, Sol will address her after politely getting her attention.
"Miss Alaah, you seem to know soooo much. You're so smart! Do you also happen to know who might be good at fixing swords with magic? It's a tough thing to do, I think, so we'll need someone very very very good."
Eidi spends some time familiarizing himself with the room, making a clear image of it in his memories, just in case he needs to hurry up his return to Korvosa.
After the heroic breakfast the half-elf attempts to orientate himself in the streets looking for a way into the Endrin Isle and into Aroden's temple where to pass the day within sacred texts and meeting other followers.
”I'll suggest the Jigsaw Fin Mahktasha. Deep-fried, with plenty of Vudrani spices. It's an indulgence. As for the pairing, you can't go wrong with a light Vudrani wine. We've got plenty.”
”That pairing sounds perfect. As far as your supply of wine is concerned, let me see what I can do about that!
Eri sips his wine as he awaits the food which he eats slowly and to the last morsel.
”Thank you for lesson in Vudrani. It was delicious.”
The next morning Eri imagines Vudrani spices on all manner of foods, even the kahve. He casts Mage Armor and Detect Scrying
Mortimer is pleasantly surprised when he arrives in the group's room and discovers that Eidi has set up the Rope Trick.
"Aw, wow! It's perfect!" he exclaims. And wow! I didn't even have to say anything!
He is even more pleased the following morning with the Hero's Feast though he tries to stick to fruits and lighter fare.
"Ascaria, think! Do you think there is anyone in the city who might be able to fix the sword...so, you know, it's *longer*? I like longer swords." Solrisa thinks of the sword they got from the windy tomb.
"Sword?!" Mortimer suddenly blurts out, dribbling blueberry jelly from the current doughnut he's eating over his Mithral shirt. He looks at Eidi. But I was gonna -- He looks at Solrisa. But I still want to -- "Ah -ah -- Sword? what sword would that be?" he asks weakly, his voice cracking at the very end of the question. He resists the urge to look at it hanging in its sheath on his side.
"Miss Alaah, you seem to know soooo much. You're so smart! Do you also happen to know who might be good at fixing swords with magic? It's a tough thing to do, I think, so we'll need someone very very very good."
Mortimer quickly looks at Alaah!. "Alaah!! I mean, maybe nevermind -- there's no sword. I mean -- " ah, geez... I thought she forgot all about it... "What I mean --" he looks back at Solrisa, and explains gently, "I thought we looked into that a bit, and discovered that it can't be fixed. Right? We did that, didn't we?" he pleads.
"Ah -ah -- Sword? what sword would that be?" "What I mean --" he looks back at Solrisa, and explains gently, "I thought we looked into that a bit, and discovered that it can't be fixed. Right? We did that, didn't we?"
”Oh Mort, remember!” Solrisa smiles at Mort’s joke or mis-remembery. ”I thought you were going to have one sword and I might have the other sword and we might clash them together to make wind? I thought. Maybe I’m confused,” Solrisa smiles brilliantly in pre-asking for forgiveness in case she is wrong, as she often is.
Solrisa turns to Eidi.
”Eidi, do you think the long sword can be fixed? Can it?”
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"Miss Alaah, you seem to know soooo much. You're so smart! Do you also happen to know who might be good at fixing swords with magic? It's a tough thing to do, I think, so we'll need someone very very very good."
Alaah frowns lightly as she contemplates the query. "Well, I know the city as a whole, to be sure, but you sound like you need a specialist, and I am really only familiar with the local vendors here on Eodred's Walk. Hedge Wizardry deals in magic, in general I think. You can inquire with Jessamine Skoda, she might be able to answer your needs. Slicing Dicers deals with weaponry, broadly, magical or otherwise. Does that help, at least?"
...
Eodred's Walk, or somewhere more serviceable to your shopping needs, falls away, as your group travels northward, through Midland, then into North Point. This district holds some of the oldest houses of non-noble families, as well as Korvosa's seat of municipal power, the courthouse, and the Bank of Abadar.
With the constant fall of rain, you find yourselves able to move with a more determined flow of traffic, which leads you to the strait which separates Endrin Isle from the rest of Korvosa proper. Crossing the bridge, you spy the Temple of Aroden quite easily, as its central spire rises well above the adjacent buildings, and it flies a beautifully-crafted banner depicting the Eye of Aroden.
Arriving at the Temple, you find a well-manicured courtyard, behind iron-wrought fences. The gates are open, allowing you passage along a smooth stone path to the front doors. In the courtyard to your right, you spy a water fountain continually pouring upwards, its founts sprinkling its base, which resembles an eight-point spiderweb.
The oak doors require opening, as they are currently closed against the rains, but they open smoothly enough, and you enter a cozy antechamber. Marble floors, luxurious carpets, colorful tapestries... for a dead god, the Church seems very well-appointed.
In moments, a young female acolyte comes to greet you, likely summoned by the sound of the doors opening to the inclement weather outside. Her garb is ascetic, portraying her rank in the Temple outwardly.
"Welcome, all. Please, come in, warm yourselves, and enjoy the quiet to contemplate. Have you come with any needs?"
"I thought you were going to have one sword and I might have the other sword and we might clash them together to make wind? I thought. Maybe I'm confused," Solrisa smiles brilliantly in pre-asking for forgiveness in case she is wrong, as she often is.
"Wind? No, it's a sonic thing -- which is kind of like wind but -- really different..." he "explains", pulling his cowlick back in the rain. His breathing calms a little, and he adds, "For some reason I didn't think you were interested in either sword. So I held onto both of them anyway, thinking you might change your mind."
"I was just hoping that I could get it adjusted to your liking before you changed your mind -- so that I could present it to you as a surprise."
He stands unmoving for a moment while the rain pelts him in the face.
"Anyway," he says at last, "it would be less of a surprise, but I'd still like to do that for you, if you would allow. Either here, or Magepoint." He flashes a grin, before scampering off into the rain looking for the right shop, which he'll find either in Korvosa or Magepoint with the help of his Magic understanding companions.
Arriving at the Temple, you find a well-manicured courtyard [...].
The oak doors require opening, as they are currently closed against the rains, but they open smoothly enough, and you enter a cozy antechamber. Marble floors, luxurious carpets, colorful tapestries... for a dead god, the Church seems very well-appointed.
Stepping into the antechamber, Mortimer quietly exclaims as he detects the quality of the carpets through his Elvinkin Boots. He quickly sidesteps the carpet in a futile attempt to not soil it.
"Welcome, all. Please, come in, warm yourselves, and enjoy the quiet to contemplate. Have you come with any needs?"
"Uh, nice -- Eidi, Everyone -- but I think I should wait outside!" He carefully starts tracking his way back toward the entrance to patiently wait for the others.
Mortimer imagines retreating from the comfort of the church, only to find himself frozen solidly in place, stunned merely by the welcome and the question. He blinks.
- - -
Ascaria steps into he temple and is awed. This is what its supposed to feel like. he contrasts it in his mind with how he feels in an Asmodean church. When the acolyte speaks, he looks to Eidi to respond. This is his trip, let him do the talking.
But he's all smiles and sunshine as he waits in the warm antechamber.
"Have you come with any needs?"
Mortimer blinks.
'Needs'? I -- well. There's lots of things that I want, like a nine-ringed broadsword, a bastardsword and a maybe a buckler or a new belt... but need? Mortimer blinks again. You probably mean... besides a girlfriend... Mortimer quietly but quickly strides into the antechamber and takes a chair.
He blinks again, clearly lost in thought.
"Sword?" Eidi inquiries as prompted by Solrisa and Mortimer "Oh well, we should check with this Jessamine Skoda. There might be some able crafter whom we can help with our magics to twist the weapons to our needs. Perhaps to reforge it into something better for Solrisa"
------------------
The rain slides down Eidi's hood as he waits with the group for the doors to open. The half-elf does not wait for the acolyte to complete, he is already in at the first glimpse of an invitation "Oh, yeah, a cup of hot water would be just great" the elder removes the hood and looks with wide smile all around "Good job here"
"We would like to check the temple library. We are looking up for information about Theadorus and Magepoint" Eidi opens up his tunic slightly letting the Eye of Aroden symbol to sneak through "I would like to peek at Aroden's sacred writings as well"
"Anyway," he says at last, "it would be less of a surprise, but I'd still like to do that for you, if you would allow. Either here, or Magepoint." He flashes a grin, before scampering off into the rain looking for the right shop, which he'll find either in Korvosa or Magepoint with the help of his Magic understanding companions.
Solrisa seems very confused by Mort's elaborate explanation, her eyes crossing even as if she smiles and nods at everything Mort is explaining. She doesn't follow most of it, but her eyes follow Mort's intentions down to the swords.
And she jumps with surprise as Mort starts to run off. She chases! It's a game! NO! It's not a game! It's not right at all! She's supposed to be protecting Mort!
"Mort, remember! We had a deal!" Solrisa chides as she scampers after Mort, unable to keep pace with the man if he fully runs. "We had a deal, Mort! If you're going to carry the Rod, then I'm going to protect you! That was the deal!"
When Solrisa finally catches up to Mort (at the first shop or when he finally stops being rude and running away) and looks very seriously at the man.
"Yes, fixing the swords is good, but I also have to protect you. We had a deal. Or do you wish for me to hold the Rod?" Solrisa asks very solemnly because she takes her duty to protect things very solemnly.
"Mort, remember! We had a deal!"
Huh? Deal?! He slows down and looks over his shoulder to see her scampering after him. He stops running.
"We had a deal, Mort! If you're going to carry the Rod, then I'm going to protect you! That was the deal!"
That was a 'deal'? He reaches out to catch her from nearly running completely past him.
"Yea, you're right Sol. We had a deal," he says, wicking his cowlick out of his eyes with a toss of his head. "Sorry about that, actually," he smiles. "I didn't mean to not invite you along. I just got really excited. C'mon, let's go!"
~~~
Then there was the time I *thought* I needed to remember who I was, but I figure, I'm just me, so it doesn't matter, right? [...] Nope. Can't think of a thing other than the girlfriend one.
"Oh, yeah, a cup of hot water would be just great ... We would like to check the temple library. We are looking up for information about Theadorus and Magepoint"
Mortimer suddenly stands. "Oh! Right, that!" he exclaims in relief, finally to have an answer. "The Information .. and the other thing! What he said! That's what we need!"
Eri's head spins with the sword discussion.
I'm just glad to be free of the rod. It's seems to call the devils. I hope Mot is up to the challenge and I hope Ascaria can keep him upright.
"Have you come with any needs?"
"The Information .. and the other thing! What he said! That's what we need!"
"Yes, that. I also need some magic stuff. I suppose we can head there after we discuss the other stuff. Ooh, yes, a cup of tea would be great. This place is really cool, and welcoming."
Solrisa doesn't seem too put out that Mort forgot about the deal. It's not like Solrisa hasn't forgotten lots of things in the past. She was just happy that Mort was honoring the deal now.
"This reminds me of that time my favorite sister Rae and I were..." Solrisa walks along with Mort, guiding and escorting him from shop to shop as she tells her story. "...Rae said that I broke Mum's..." Solrisa again pauses to give Mort time to ask questions of a store owner.
"...of course, just because I didn't remember breaking it, but Rae said *she* remembered me breaking it which is just as good..." Solrisa smiles and waits, then continues again. "...grounded for two weeks but that was the deal...and then Rae said to Mum 'It's my body and I can do what I want with it'...and then with no clothes on at all...and I couldn't stop laughing with all the peas coming out of my...and then that was broken too and Mum was so mad...and so that's why you make sure you honor your deals."
Solrisa seems to have a delightful time walking through Korvosa looking for the exact right shop to get the swords fixed. She continues to walk with Mort, protecting him and the Rod, as was the deal.