thereal thom's
Game Master therealthom

"Perhaps it found you. The Harrow is more than a means of divination. It holds the tradedies and glories of the past, the limitless possibilities for the future, and the fulcrum or pivot point that is the present. By its very presence and your act of turning the cards, the future is shaped like a bowl in the potter's hands. But the potter can not control everything. The bowl's final shape and strength and appearance is decided in the firing.

You are seated at breakfast, talking with Father Corvin who wants to know every detail about yesterday's adventure. Resplendent in a white gown, Bishop deBears stands and rings a ceremonial silver bell for silence.

"Pharasmen, the King Eodred Arbasti lies dead and we have before us one of our heaviest duties, the interment of his remains. (general murmurs of agreement during her pause) Those chosen to serve in this high calling will find white robes and gloves in their cells.

"However, we have another matter this morning. Istas of the Shoanti, step forward." As you walk forward, deBears smiles. "Istas, you have proven yourself of valorous spirit and strong in battle defending our goddess and this sacred plot of land. In token of your victory I give you this dagger, chosen weapon of our goddess. Seventy years ago this blade was dedicated to the service of the Peace-giver. Wear it with pride and honor."

DeBears steps down from the dais to extends to you the dagger and its scaly red sheath. The quillions are unusually long, but not overly so. A black gem is set in the cross of the quillions with the hilt.

Stannus stands behind deBears. For once he doesn't look scornful. He nods breifly when you look at him.

Father Corvin can fill you in on the dagger later. I've got to sleep.

You are seated at breakfast, talking with Father Corvin who wants to know every detail about yesterday's adventure.

Istas does what she can to answer his questions, peppering the facts of her report with interpretations of Pharasma's will in relation to what happened as well as her dreams.

"For a necromancer to consort with derro followers of Urgathoa in the Dead Warrens...and to craft such a monstrous thing as that disease-ridden golem...I can only imagine the danger it would have posed to Korvosa," she finishes, "And yet, I can't help feeling it isn't over. Rolth still runs free. And the derro Stannus and I interrogated spoke of far more dangerous things than what we found in the necromancer's lair."

Resplendent in a white gown, Bishop deBears stands and rings a ceremonial silver bell for silence. "Pharasmen, the King Eodred Arbasti lies dead and we have before us one of our heaviest duties, the interment of his remains. (general murmurs of agreement during her pause) Those chosen to serve in this high calling will find white robes and gloves in their cells.

Istas looks disappointed at the announcement, knowing full well she won't find such garments waiting for her.

"However, we have another matter this morning. Istas of the Shoanti, step forward."

The eyes of the priestess widen in surprise. She casts a questioning glance at Father Corvin's enigmatic smile. 'Where has fate led me now?' she wonders as she leaves her seat to walk forward.

"Istas, you have proven yourself of valorous spirit and strong in battle defending our goddess and this sacred plot of land. In token of your victory I give you this dagger, chosen weapon of our goddess. Seventy years ago this blade was dedicated to the service of the Peace-giver. Wear it with pride and honor."

DeBears steps down from the dais to extends to you the dagger and its scaly red sheath. The quillions are unusually long, but not overly so. A black gem is set in the cross of the quillions with the hilt.

Stannus stands behind deBears. For once he doesn't look scornful. He nods breifly when you look at him.

"Thank you." Istas' stony exterior cracks with the awe of the moment, "I am truly honored, Your Grace."

Any additional words fail her as she returns to her table with Father Corvin. She lays the sheathed dagger next to her plate, tracing it with her fingers as she finishes her breakfast. Over the course of her conversation with Father Corvin, she asks him about the significance of the Peace-giver.

Traditionally a monarch's corpse is taken on a long solemn parade through the city streets so that all may mourn him or her, but, given the unrest, it is deemed unwise to do so at this time. Eodred is laid quickly and quietly to rest in the Arbasti mausoleum in the Grey district.

One continuing source of unease in the city is the continuing iron worker's strike. By long tradition and royal edict trade guilds or unions are illegal in Korvosa. By royal order the Guard virtually cedes them control of eastern Old Korvosa, the impoverished island portion of the city. They establish check points on the bridges and although most citizens may pass through, with a few exceptions food and other goods are not permitted to go to the island. Manning the checkpoints on the many bridges in addition to the extra patrols still leaves the Guard stretched thin, but at least they are getting some sleep each night now. On Old Korvosa Island the Sable Company (the elite hippogriff mounted marines of Korvosa) cordons off the southern end of the island, protecting their base in the old fort and the noble's grounds nearby. Naval ships patrol the river preventing transfer of food to the island by that route.

Apparently, Queen Illeosa plans to starve out the malcontents. She also begins a campaign condemning the strikers as a conspiracy of greedy anarchist villains seeking to profit during the city's grief and to weaken or overthrow her government.

Against this backdrop, a week after the king's death, Dorman Vander invites you all, including Darthen and Inigo, to dinner. For Istas's benefit Dorman's daughters are introduced:
"This is Terre. This is Marga. This is Philomina. And this is Janetha." Each young lady courtsies in turn. Terre is reserved. Marga says, "you may call me Maggie. Everyone else does." Philomina smiles happily; Janetha asks the priestess if she really threw her spear right through that dreadful otyugh.

The meal is a little more substantial than your first with him, and is well-prepared. Apparently, Dorman is doing well with the goods he's sold from the Maggie Bright. In fact he makes a point of telling you so and thanking you for your efforts. He has also had other good news. The family's fourth ship was seen by one that docked yesterday and will be in port within a week. He's barely begun to tell you his plans for rebuilding the family's fortune when Maggie intervenes, "Father, I don't think our guests want to talk business all night ...." Dorman chuckles and concedes the point.

Darthen is looking pallid except for the dark rings under his eyes. His tunic hangs off a frame, that is it was lean before is now positively gaunt. His illness was apparently quite serious, but he doesn't want to provide the gruesome details at dinner. He eats little.

Inigo looks well. He is the target of some needling from Dorman on his church's position on recent events and replies curtly that the Temple of the Iron Fist stands solidly behind the Queen, rightful ruler of the city, and furthermore that he personally deplores the illegal and unseemly actions of the strikers. Surprisingly, perhaps, Dorman agrees with him in substance, weighing in heavily on the evils of trade guilds or unions and their tendency to fix prices than on the subject of the Queen, but the merchant has doubts about the blockade of Korvosa Island. He thinks that starving the iron workers may actually cause them to dig in their heels, and may win them sympathy elsewhere in the city. Daughter Philomena apparently has no doubts. She looks at Inigo as if he were a golden hoard and she, an indigent dragon.

The Queen declares a state of emergency and indefinite extension of Marshal Law. To ease the redoubled demands on the Guard and Sable Company, she asks the city's women to volunteer to serve in a new military force, the Gray Maidens. "Let all true daughters of Korvosa proudly come forth to aid their home in its hour of need. The new force will report to the queen through her bodyguard."

Another few days and crime is on the increase in the city as the desperate poor struggle to find money to make ends meet. The Guard is forced to make more patrols to keep order and your services patrolling the streets are once again in demand.

Father Corvin is grinning broadly as you return to the table. "Congratulations, lass. You were due some recognition. Even Stannus thought so. I swear fighting is the way to that man's good will.

"May I? " The old priest takes the dagger. "Peace-bringer. It's an old appellation for laying to rest the unresting dead. Several minor champions of Pharasma have taken the title. All won their fame combating the undead. Most came to unhappy ends themselves. This blade belonged to the third such champion, the wizard Lenora Leocoure. A devotee of this very shrine, though not one of the clergy. Some fools thought to cage a wraith in the city to guard some treasure or other. They didn't bind it well enough. She managed to slay the wraith, but it broke her power. Nothing good happens without some bad it seems. It's said the naked blade glows in the presence of undeath."

Neil, this is a +1 magically enhanced dagger. Unsheathed, it will glow if undead are within a 15' radius. Also regarding patrolling with the party, while the Church of Pharasma doesn't need good press like Azmo or Erastil, Croft is paying pretty well. It would also keep you in touch with Heather who also seems to want Rolth badly and would give you continued access to Croft to remind her about Rolth from time to time. It's an excuse to get out of the graveyard and poke around the city. You could always contribute a large portion of your earnings to the church. Also, way to dodge the Gray Maidens.

"Congratulations, lass. You were due some recognition. Even Stannus thought so. I swear fighting is the way to that man's good will."

"So it would seem," Istas nods, "It is much the same in the Cinderlands among the Shoanti. Though I can't say I ever dreamed of being a warrior, it is certainly in my blood...and perhaps my future."

"Peace-bringer. It's an old appellation for laying to rest the unresting dead. Several minor champions of Pharasma have taken the title. All won their fame combating the undead. Most came to unhappy ends themselves. This blade belonged to the third such champion, the wizard Lenora Leocoure. A devotee of this very shrine, though not one of the clergy. Some fools thought to cage a wraith in the city to guard some treasure or other. They didn't bind it well enough. She managed to slay the wraith, but it broke her power. Nothing good happens without some bad it seems. It's said the naked blade glows in the presence of undeath."

"A wraith, you say?" Istas smiles sardonically, "My surname given to me by my people is Wraithscar. It seems fitting to carry such a weapon. And, if Urgathoa's followers and this necromancer Rolth intend to raise the living dead so they can walk among us, this should prove useful."

Neil, this is a +1 magically enhanced dagger. Unsheathed, it will glow if undead are within a 15' radius.

Cool. Istas won't need to activate her deathwatch ability quite as often to detect undead anymore. :-)

Also regarding patrolling with the party, while the Church of Pharasma doesn't need good press like Azmo or Erastil, Croft is paying pretty well. It would also keep you in touch with Heather who also seems to want Rolth badly and would give you continued access to Croft to remind her about Rolth from time to time. It's an excuse to get out of the graveyard and poke around the city. You could always contribute a large portion of your earnings to the church.

Done!

"You know," Istas suggests to Father Corvin, "Field Marshal Croft has taken to the heroes who helped clear out the Dead Warrens quite well now. She's turned to them for help in all kinds of matters the Korvosan Guard can't handle for various reasons. She's asking them to assist with patrolling the city. I'd like to join them, if you think the church could spare me. It should give me ample opportunity to watch for signs of Urgathoa's minions...and the sorceress, Miss Heather, I believe...she too has an interest in putting down the necromancer, Rolth. I might be able to aid her. And in so doing, put an end to the one who violated the sanctity of the Gray District by disturbing those laid to rest and entrusted to our care."

She stands from where she was sitting on your steps. "Keliwyn, Keliwyn! It's me, Tiora." She walks up to you and leans in slightly. An invitation to a hug? Then she straightens. She speaks stiffly, as if her speech has been rehearsed just enough to lack all spontaneity but retain all the awkward self-consciousness of someone trying to say something they think is really important when their are unsure of its reception, "I wanted to thank you properly for rescuing me, all of us down there really." She thrusts a thin sliver of wood into your hand. "Here. This can cure wounds."

The Guard captain nods curtly to Keliwyn and bows low to Heather. "Master T'Alios , Miss Whiteraven . What a pleasant surprise! We've been catching up on old cases. I've a couple questions for you about that Lamm business, and about the body we found out behind Lamm's factory."

Darthen waits downstairs, "Jeorik, good. I've got news. You remember how Darvyl disappeared at Lamm's? Well, we should have gone looking for him. The Guard is asking questions. They almost picked me up last night. We've got to get everyone together and get our story straight."

Keliwyn is, as always, on guard.

Sense Motive 1d20=3, Perception 1d20=19+6=25

The two weeks following Iñigo's triumph in the Dead Warrens are a mixture of good and bad. Grandmaster Ornher Reebs is well-pleased with your success, and is very concerned with restoring the prestige and finances of the church lost under Morten. He seems especially eager to court the nobility and queen's favor. Iñigo continues as a favorite of the Grandmaster. Morten's favorite, Owlen, remains in virtual exile, serving at the Pantheon.

Vertas, the old Inquisitor, departs one morning. Uncharacteristically, he smiles as he takes his leave from you. "Watch your back, Iñigo. The adversary before you, you can guard against." Then he shoulders his bag, visibly bowing under it's paltry weight. "Duty calls us all. Listen hard for your call." He turns and steps away, and suddenly appears to be just an old man wandering among the populace.

Iñigo goes on patrol with the rest of the party a few times. Then, at Reebs instigation, he is put in charge of organizing a patrol from among the young laity of the temple. Reebs thinks it will be a splendid gesture, a symbol to the city. Young Azmodean citizens working to keep the city safe through this great turmoil.

The idea may have merit, but your troops don't. Perhaps your standards are too high, but they don't meet them. A dozen privledged second or third offspring of noble families or social-climbing merchants, they have some little skill with weapons, mostly the rapier and dagger currently fashionable among the rich, but they have little true discipline if it requires anything other than the servants obey their orders, and even less work ethic. And the one time they are actually challenged by the rabble, they break and flee, leaving you to face down the gang of thugs on your own. It's almost enough to make you long for the company of infidels.

In the absence of the Inquisitor, your isolation deepens. The other junior priests and acolytes tend to avoid you, perhaps fearing that like Owlen under Morten, you are a spy set against them by the Grandmaster. The Grandmaster may be better than Morten, but familiarity across rank is nearly unthinkable. The Hellknights have been banned from the city until memory of the massacre at the bridge fades so you are denied the company of Graves and Levy.

Vander's dinner a week after the king's death provides a welcome break and a chance to socialize without hierarchical constraints. And Once or twice in the following week Jeorik and Vander's third daughter, Philomenia, wander past the temple.

The next day Ornher Reebs commands your presence. The Grandmaster is waiting expectantly for you and after you close the door he begins immediately. "Iñigo. Good. I have a very special job for you. One that will require the judgement and discretion that of our patrons, Ambassador Amprei, lacks at times. Amprei is being blackmailed by Devargo Barvasi. He runs a brothel and gambling den in Old Korvosa, on an old jetty called Eel's End.

Amprei is ambassador from Cheliax. In the months following her arrival in the city he was high in favor with the queen for their agreement on the superiority of all things Cheliaxian over Korvosan. He continues in her favor today.

"Amprei has heard about your recent exploits. He thinks you are just the man to handle this matter. Retrieve two letters of his that Barvasi has stolen. What do you say?"

"You know," Istas suggests to Father Corvin, "Field Marshal Croft has taken to the heroes who helped clear out the Dead Warrens quite well now. She's turned to them for help in all kinds of matters the Korvosan Guard can't handle for various reasons. She's asking them to assist with patrolling the city. I'd like to join them, if you think the church could spare me. It should give me ample opportunity to watch for signs of Urgathoa's minions...and the sorceress, Miss Heather, I believe...she too has an interest in putting down the necromancer, Rolth. I might be able to aid her. And in so doing, put an end to the one who violated the sanctity of the Gray District by disturbing those laid to rest and entrusted to our care."

Corvin seems pleased by the idea. "That would do you good I think. I've seen you staring out toward the river or over the wall into the city, and I've wondered if Gray isn't sometimes a cage for you. I'll talk to the Bishop about it."

Within a hours it is arranged. Istas is detached from regularly scheduled household duties, but is expected to perform them voluntarily as she is able. Her primary mission outside of Gray is to track down Rolth. She has carte blanche to perform other worthy deeds at her discretion.

Aside from the occasional patrol, any plans?

"The truth seems like the best answer to me. We were there to find this Lamm. He turned violent, as did his men. Our companion went missing and in the excitement of the moment and the subsequent death of the king, we failed to locate him. And surely our subsequent actions in aiding the guard have helped to establish some credibility for ourselves."

Darthen pauses, brow furrowed. He looks around at the house. "That might be so up here. But by the docks and on the island there's some in the guard who think justice is better swift than right. Still it looks bad, leaving Darvyl behind like that. He was a friend of mine."

Jeorik shakes his head regretfully, "I am sorry for your loss. But still. I think truthfulness is the best policy. We did not kill him. I would swear I did not on Erastil's Bow... or in this by Abadar if they would prefer that."

Within a hours it is arranged. Istas is detached from regularly scheduled household duties, but is expected to perform them voluntarily as she is able. Her primary mission outside of Gray is to track down Rolth. She has carte blanche to perform other worthy deeds at her discretion....Aside from the occasional patrol, any plans?

Istas begins to make it her personal mission to safeguard the city against whatever malevolent plans Urgathoa's minions have made. She spends her time among the city's patrols keeping a watchful eye for signs of uncontained undead, sickness, or suspicious cult activity.

In her downtime, she studies the books taken from Rolth's laboratory. Although the subjects of disease and necromancy sicken her, she stoutly learns as much as she can about them...all so she can better identify and counter them at the appropriate time. 'After all', she surmises, 'Pharasma wouldn't have this any other way...'

Relevant skill checks for Istas' research...
Knowledge (nature)... 1d20+8 = 27
Sense Motive... 1d20+7 = 25
Heal... 1d20+9 = 16
Knowledge (religion)... 1d20+8 = 15
Perception... 1d20+3 = 14
Knowledge (planes)... 1d20+8 = 9

The priestess also hopes the information will help her get into the mindset of Rolth. Occasionally, she discusses her findings or theories with Heather, believing the sorceress shares her interest in putting down the necromancer. And she informs her that she is looking into the matter with the full blessings of her church.

Istas ... spends her time among the city's patrols keeping a watchful eye for signs of uncontained undead, sickness, or suspicious cult activity.

Because you are looking for it, you find the city far unhealthier than you'd ever noticed. Especially when walking the poorer crowded parts of town, it seems that a quarter of the population is coughing, picking their nose, scratching rashes, or just oozing somewhere. Most of these seem petty ailments, but .... There are no signs of

Gray remains the most likely place to find undead, after all that's where they're buried.

As for cult activity -- there's no obvious signs, but then there wouldn't be, would there. The best plan might be to stake out Urgathoa's shrine at the Pantheon, but that would require far more time than you personally have.

In her downtime, she studies ... Although the subjects of disease and necromancy sicken her, ... so she can better identify and counter them at the appropriate time.

Relevant skill checks for Istas' research...

The reading is hard going, because of the subject matter, because of the writing style (usually either drily academic or incoherently enthusiastic), or because most of the books, (none of which are suitable for mass publication, some of which should never have been written at all) are hand-written.

One of the few printed books, Davaulus on Disease is much thumbed and annotated by Rolth. It is written in the dry academic manner and is largely a catalog of diseases, their symptoms, progression and possible complications. Rolth's margin annotations read almost like a conversation with the author, occasionally adding information from other sources, complimenting Davaulus on a particularly sharp observation, or, rarely, amending Davaulus' text. In one note Rolth even goes so far as to write, "Quack!!" beside an objectionable entry.

The priestess also hopes the information will help her get into the mindset of Rolth. ....

This is not a place she wants to be. ;-p Perhaps a description of select boks from Rolth's library.

The bulk of Rolth's library is technically oriented. Necromancy in general, constructs, particularly (carrion and flech) golems, and disease are the primary subjects. Building functioning things from previously living matter seems to be the preponderant subject. Disease might be merely a hobby, or an unhealthy fetish. Oddly for a necromancer, few of the books are on the creation of undead. Some of the texts have a religious tone or author. Dieties represented include :

• Desna - a travelogue including descriptions of exotic ailments
  
• Rovagug - a prophetic fantasy describing at length the Rough Beast's final triumph
  
• Norgorber - a philosophical essay on the effects of unexpected deaths, a treatise on disease as a substitute for poison.
  
• Sarenrae - 2 books Rolth's annotations seem to focus on symptoms, not treatment
  
• Zon Kuthon - one work, not on disease per se, but rather on short and long term effects of physiological damage from various instruments and how to treat such wounds, with an appendix on differences between damage caused before or after death.
  
• Urgathoa, 4 books - a manual of minor undead creation; a celebration of disease, nauseating in its breezy, easily read style; a discussion of common diseases, their growth, and magical and environmental factors that limit or aid their growth; a technical paper on disease humors and how to concentrate them.

The captain's visage darkens in response to Heather's tone. Nonetheless he appears to listen carefully, occasionally glancing at Keliwyn to see how the elf reacts to her story. When she's through Champagni replies, "We found another body on the scene. One you didn't report. Seems to have been a mercenary by his gear. Any idea who that was or why they were there?"

Keliwyn stands with his hands on hips at an angle next to Heather that affords him a view of as many guardsman as possible as he listens to the young sorceress' report. Upon hearing Captain Chamagni's mention of another body found, however, he drops his formal posture and his features soften as he steps forward. At a loss for words, a rare thing for someone who finds conversation and social interactions endlessly interesting, he turns at the sounds of Heather's voice.

Heather stops and thinks..."A mercenary?"...she looks at Keliwyn her mind working to remember the events of the night.."There was a man with us... a friend of Jeorik and Darthen I think...I had not seen him since that night true but with the kings death and the confusion thereafter we lost track of his whereabouts....I don't think I even learned his name..did you know him Kel?"

"Darvyl is who you are thinking of, my dear. His name is Darvyl, and I was as responsible as anyone for his presence. He's a friend of mine and we've helped each other out of a number of situations in the past." Turning to Champagni, he regains his composure, and says, "Captain, I do hope the body you found is not that of my friend. Although I haven't heard from him since we all tussled with Lamm and his . . . gang, I have no reason to believe he met an untimely end. Darvyl was troubled of late, and although I don't know the cause, I figured he was merely dealing with whatever it was, and that in good time, I would see him again."

"Admittedly, I don't have cause to leave the Gray District as often as I would normally like," she begins, "But even I detect a subtle change in the populace...and not just the smoking embers of dissatisfaction from the riots. Look there!"

She points to a coughing street vendor selling fruit that will likely spread whatever sickness has taken him.

"And there!"

She directs the sorceress' attention at a languid beggar with open, festering sores.

"I fear Urgathoa and her followers may have already begun their work in the city, aided by Rolth and his foul necromancy," she says, "I've been reading some of the books we took from the wizard's library. There's one particular treatise written by a man named Davaulus. Rolth seems to have placed great trust in his findings on disease. There's also another book devoted to Urgathoa. It outlines a multitude of illnesses...and thankfully, provides further information on how to impede many of them."

"I'll be studying the book carefully," Istas shares, "You would do well to read it, too. In case something happens to one of us, at least someone will be familiar with Urgathoa's handiwork. I feel certain Pharasma has warned me of what will come. My dreams are my own until the Lady of Graves unlocks them for me. And then, they feel very much like...prophecy."

"My last dream showed a red mist...spreading outward...from Castle Korvosa...touching and choking everyone it touched," she explains, "I fear the King may have been the first victim. One of Rolth's books is also devoted to Norgorber, the god of assassins, and it speaks of disease being used as a silent weapon to slay those one wishes dead. From what I've heard, many in the streets call for the Queen's head, believing she may have had something to do with the King's passing...so she could lay claim to the throne."

"I don't know the truth of those claims," she continues, "But it does seem certain pieces of information in Rolth's possession could indicate someone else sought to kill the King before his time. I will meditate and pray to Pharasma for insight on this matter. Perhaps you should consult those Harrow cards again and see what your arcane divinations can provide as well. I think we may be onto something important. And if we can prepare ourselves for the future, we may have some ability to better influence our fate and the fates of those we love."

She looks around at the sick..the destitute..the flotsam of the world hurled up on Korvosa's shores and sighs.

"Not all this is the doing of outside agencies...too many of these people have troubles which arose at home.You are rightin that perhaps you have spent too much time sheltered in Grey. The city has been sick for a long time Istas...some say it's linked to the curse on the Royal family" Heather goes on to explain the curse of the Crimson Throne in some detail

"As for the Queen...I'm fairly certain she wasn't behind the King's death..Ileosa is...not the brightest star in the constellation if you get my meaning...everyone knows she only married the King for his money...her advisors will be running the city now mark my words. Most of these new regulations will be theirs just issued in her name.Even so they do show the classic Chelaxian love of...order at all costs. I worry about the Queen Istas, my half sister is her bodyguard and, some say, lover. If harm came to the Queen then it would be over her dead body and that I wouldn't put my Mother through for the world"

"...Perhaps Inigo too should be given the information for, much as I dislike the church of Asmodeus, he is a champion of the Law albeit a harsh and unforgiving one and would do as much to ensure the survival of the many..if only to persuade them better to sign away their souls."

"I have trust issues," Istas replies, "Trusting you is a first step. Trusting Inigo, however, would require a leap of faith I am not yet ready to take."

"...The city has been sick for a long time, Istas...some say it's linked to the curse on the Royal family." Heather goes on to explain the curse of the Crimson Throne in some detail....

Istas listens attentively for quite some time. When at last she speaks, it's with the conviction of someone fully devoted to her faith.

"The teachings of the Pharasmen say there's no curse the goddess of Fate cannot undo," the priestess states, "It simply takes faith and a conscious choice to change. Perhaps the leaders of your city should have turned away from the god of gold and their fascination with the spawn of devils? Don't you think they would have done better to put their trust in She who controls destiny itself? Doubly so, if they find themselves suffering from such a curse..."

"As for the Queen...I'm fairly certain she wasn't behind the King's death..Ileosa is...not the brightest star in the constellation if you get my meaning...everyone knows she only married the King for his money...her advisors will be running the city now mark my words. Most of these new regulations will be theirs just issued in her name. Even so they do show the classic Chelaxian love of...order at all costs.

"Hence, they put their trust in the heavy-handed Hellknights..." Istas agrees, "But if Ileosa didn't take part in the King's demise, those who believe they can pull her strings must have certainly done so. And perhaps, that's where Rolth comes in...?"

"...I worry about the Queen, Istas. My half-sister is her bodyguard and, some say, lover. If harm came to the Queen then it would be over her dead body and that I wouldn't put my Mother through for the world...."

"We all make choices in this world," Istas replies, "For good or ill. And it is those choices that lead us down the path Pharasma has traced for us. Like a rivulet cascading down a mountainside. As it strikes each rock or encounters each obstacle, it chooses which way to go. And that determines where the flow finally takes us. If your sister finds herself caught up in the choices of others...she must make her own choice, swim against the current if she must, and find her way. I will pray the teachings of your mother and your own considerable influence will aid her wisdom when the time comes to make that choice."