Barael contents himself to sit and mirror Glorio's relaxed posture.
"I'm quite full myself. I was telling my comrades about the dinner to which you invited me. The pasta sauce was spiced nicely. The only thing missing at the table was a fine orzo 'n risi. You have any of that in your stores? Ah. My granna used to make a wicked thick pasta when she was with us." Barael frowns a little as his thoughts wander. He looks back to Glorio.
"You must be curious why you've drawn our attention. Unless you already know why. Do you? Know, I mean? It feels like you should know, since you saw me coming from miles away."
"Tis beyond gracious of you to invite us in, milord." Quite a contrast with your reputation... He picks up a pastry and takes a sniff. "This looks like a most interesting meal. These remind me a bit of my Nana's goulash. You know, it's said the Varisians originally traveled here from Vudra, centuries ago. Our ancestors were rajas who had a feud with some naga or rakshaza or what not. But then, there are many tales shared on the winding road."
He sizes up Golario, using his gut to see the magic behind the man. What's making him so casual with strangers in such a desperate quarter?
"My brother here's right. We are here with a purpose. We heard tell you've taken in a friend of a friend. The Seneschal. Well, former Seneschal. Neolandus Kalepopolis. We're concerned for his wellbeing, and that of our friend."
Fondo looks around him at the sumptuous decor, and reflects on the simpler style of Vencarlo's home. As Nana said, a bright scarf in the right hand leaves the left free to wander.
He turns to Barael as he rambles on, "No, I assuredly do not know why you are here." - but his unanswered question is asked a moment later by Fondo.
"The Seneschal, here?" he chuckles softly, "Well, yes, yes he is. Who is the other friend you seek? Lord Vencarlo Orisini perhaps? Why yes, I suppose he is here as well!"
"Imagine your luck, the two you seek, here under our roof." He smiles warmly.
He switches gears a bit however, "It is unfortunate that the Queen has seen fit to quarantine Old Korvosa. I had hopes of obtaining the cure you have all so skillfully wrought and distributing it more widely. Alas, without access to the power of the Acadamae there is a real limit on what we can produce. Still, you are to be thanked, and thanked mightily for what you have done for our city."
"And of course her lack has left a void in the power structure of Old Korvosa allowing the likes of the so-called 'Emperor' to rise." he shakes his head "It is unfortunate."
Fondo smiles and feigns surprise. "What, they're both here? Desna be praised. Their company'd be most welcome just now. Twould be reward enough for all of our work, the Seneschal and Signore Orisini well to see. It surprises me that they're here, and not seeing to the demise of the Lunatic Emperor themselves." Or have you turned them into mango trees? Are we to be jackfruit in your gardens?
Barael turns to Fondo, as he rolls a grape between his thumb and forefinger. "How soon do you think Swastal will need before he's back to his old antics?"
"Are Neolandus and Vencarlo up for company? We'd rest easier if we could rest our eyes upon them ourselves." Barael tosses the grape upward in an arc, and catches it with his mouth.
Briar lets Fondo and Barael speak with their ilk, largely keeping his mouth shut as he looks around while they talk.
Cast Detect Magic.
Look around, concentrating on auras from the couple, but also any effects on the manor.
Nikolay dines and drinks while the others talk.
"This is quite a spread, sir. It seems the quarantine has not cut you off from the finer things of life. Perhaps you could use the same connections to facilitate getting the cure to Old Korvosa."
Glorio ignores the rudeness of Briar as he casts an obvious spell during their chat. But he also ignores the pleas of Fondo and Barael to see Neolandus and Vencarlo.
To Nikolay he says, "Yes, we are less isolated then our neighbors - our wealth protects us to some degree. However no amount of cash can bring in the healing supplies needed without access to the Acadamae wizard who is mass producing the cure. Unfortunately that is being withheld from Old Korvosa by the Queen."
He shakes his head sadly, "The Queen herself seems to be the hindrance." He leaves that hanging in the air.
"Indeed. Though she's certainly not the only one standing between Korvosa's small folk and their liberty. Perhaps you'll join us and our highborn friends in defending the common good...?" Fondo smiles benevolently, attempting to mask what he knows to be true. Just how deep does your evil go, Glorio Arkona?
"I am most thankful for your hospitality. But please, do let us see to Signore Orisini and Lord Kalepopolis. Getting their council is of utmost importance."
Briar happily begins to count auras, then spellcrafting...starting first with the ones on the house, then to any dweomers on the hosts.
"Well, at the least, we should speak with Vencarlo, since it was him who summoned us. Neolandus is perhaps too touchy a topic for honorable Glorio to address." Barael stops popping grapes.
"I don't mean to be rude, Glorio, but it's late, and I'm pretty sure we're not what you consider to be 'good company'." Barael nods in the direction of Briar and his antisocial behavior. "You've already been forthcoming to tell us that both men are here. Are we meant to barter for an audience with them?" Barael's gaze narrows as he studies Glorio's response, or lack thereof.
"Indeed. Though she's certainly not the only one standing between Korvosa's small folk and their liberty. Perhaps you'll join us and our highborn friends in defending the common good...?"
He chuckles, "The common good? That can be a hard phrase to pin down, but it sounds good in speeches. Never the less, it is clear that the common man needs a way to survive this plague and, soon, needs food and other basic supplies here in Old Korvosa. On that point, at least, we agree and both oppose the Queen I think."
"I don't mean to be rude, Glorio, but it's late, and I'm pretty sure we're not what you consider to be 'good company'." Barael nods in the direction of Briar and his antisocial behavior. "You've already been forthcoming to tell us that both men are here. Are we meant to barter for an audience with them?"
Glorio finally addresses the real queries of Fondo and Barael, "Barter? Well, there certainly are some, ah, difficulties. Three in fact, though I do not expect you to be able to help with one of them. Let us take something more in the realm of possibility."
"I would have you remove the Emperor of Old Korvosa. Kill him if you are willing, though bringing him to me in chains would also be pleasant."
He holds up a very fine looking ring between his finger and thumb. It is a striking gold ring with a deep green bloodstone. "This is a ring of evasion. I would have you take this as a token of my esteem for such an act and a show of good faith."
"What say you, will you destroy the evil Emporer of Old Korvosa for me... and the greater good?" he smiles showing a few too many teeth.
The windows in the walls all bear permanent silent images that prevent them from breaking the illusion created by the room while still allowing sunlight to filter in on the plants. Skylights above do the same, including the large glass dome above the northern portion of the room.
As the ring is brought out it too captivates and is what Glorio claims - a ring of evasion worth 25,000gp. That's as far as you've gotten so far in your identification spree.
Fondo raises an eyebrow, impressed. "If I did not see the ring between your fingers, I would swear you are wearing it. But it is not rings that we seek, though that ring'd be a pleasing addition. We seek the health and liberty of our friend and his friend. If you can promise us that, we may have an agreement in the offing."
Fondo raises an eyebrow, impressed. "If I did not see the ring between your fingers, I would swear you are wearing it. But it is not rings that we seek, though that ring'd be a pleasing addition. We seek the health and liberty of our friend and his friend. If you can promise us that, we may have an agreement in the offing."
"As I say, there are three things of which you may do two. Contrary to popular belief, my house is more, egalitarian, than many believe. I cannot simply grant you that which you so fervently seek. First there must be peace and a history between us."
"As time is short for a variety of reasons, I suggest a thing that will have a greater and more immediate impact than, say, a series of dinner parties, hunting trips, and other get togethers. I too wish to see the right thing done here - that I promise you. We are on the same side I think."
Fondo looks to Dandi, Cbarlie and the others for their assent.
"We already raided his 'palace', freed the artist Salvatore from imprisonment, and destroyed his guillotine. Swastal fled like the cur that he is." Barael leans his forearms to his knees. "Are you seeking more than just kicking the hive? Cause if you are, we'll need more information about where he might have run off to in order to see him taken care of to suit your needs."
Dandi returns to the conversation after having drifted off into one of her fugues,"I have no issue with turning a tyrant's dreams of empire into the nightmare he so justly deserves, but perhaps you have information that can help us do so with as little insult and injury to those innocents he may have shielded himself with?"
Glorio Arkona smiles delightedly, "You've already run him off? Oh that is most excellent. A grand start to the adventure. But it sounds like he's alive and on the streets? That is no good. Still, an enterprising group such as yourselves should be able to find him. Old Korvosa is not so large, and he is not so quiet a figure. I imagine he's on a rooftop somewhere clamoring to a new crowd already as we speak."
"Sadly I have nothing that could aid you. I am not particularly suited for man-hunts. My deal stands though, bring him to me, or tell me you've killed him, and our friendship is sealed!" He smiles hopefully and trusting in your skills.
He sets down his glass, "It is late, but not so late that the Emperor may still be up. You should hunt for him immediately - without delay! He is out there somewhere, I know it. Find him! End him!"
Briar nods at the illusions, trying to define the underpinnings of the magics. He continues to filter aura and dweomer, happily feasting on the rainbow of magickery.
* * *
Briar is happy to go find the Emperor and recover Briar's magic rod that Briar has yet to liberate from the Emperor.
"I'm sure we can find him. And then I'll have a new rod and maybe a new ring," Briar opines.
Barael smirks as Briar joins the conversation. "Back to the tenements then? Hang out long enough to see him come to collect his heads? Don't mind the rooftops much, but we're likely to draw the attention of those toothed carpets again if we're too bold in our approach."
Barael turns to Glorio. "If we manage somehow to bring him back to you, what do you propose to do with the man? Wouldn't it be cleaner for you to have word of his demise at the hands of others?" There is a cold turn in Barael's voice as it breezes over the blatant conversation of pre-meditated murder.
Fondo gives a look to Glorio that is at once friendly and threatening. Or so he hopes. "For a man who would incite others to murder with but a word, whether or not its their true will, there can be no quarter. We'll see such a man dead."
Barael turns to Glorio. "If we manage somehow to bring him back to you, what do you propose to do with the man? Wouldn't it be cleaner for you to have word of his demise at the hands of others?" There is a cold turn in Barael's voice as it breezes over the blatant conversation of pre-meditated murder.
"Bring him to me and I'll kill him. If you would prefer to kill him that's fine with me, I trust your word."
Fondo gives a look to Glorio that is at once friendly and threatening. Or so he hopes. "For a man who would incite others to murder with but a word, whether or not its their true will, there can be no quarter. We'll see such a man dead."
"We are of like mind then."
Glorio has a pair of wands, a ring, his Kukri, an amulet and a pair of boots to identify.
"The arm of the law does not seem to stretch to these parts. If we act in their stead we have a chance to make his exit merciful. I think this would benefit the greater good. Who would replace him I wonder?"
"As for other matter I think we are already in the process of doing just that. All for the greater good."
Briar doesn't pry too much into the man's personal effects, preferring to put his concentration to the house and what magics protect it.
Fondo nods. "Well then. We'll be off. Thank you for the fine meal and this most precious boon. Please give my regards to your ho... Your guests."
Just to be clear - the ring is yours when you bring back the Emperor, or news of his death.
That said, how do you propose to find the Emperor of Old Korvosa?
"Maybe his rooftop home is an indication that he like to have a view. Can we start with Majenko doing a little aerial reconnaissance? On the other hand, he may have been spooked by our flight abilities and gone underground, literally. Let me think, are basements common in O.K.?"
"Kako, Lord Arkona here has the right. Piltsy'll be busy surrounding himself with his subjects. He and me have one thing in common: there's safety out in the open when you have numbers about you. So let's follow the noise, but with care. He'll be riling them up against us."
You know of his Rod of Wonder, his ermine robe, his crown, etc. All items you could locate I should think.
Charlie would know, even with that roll, that the vaults extend beneath Old Korvosa, though they are even more twisted and complex than the ones under the rest of the city. So yes, he certainly could be underground.
Briar will opine openly about potential ways to track down the Emperor.
"We could rest and I could reset my magics to enhance our search capabilities. Or we could wander until we find him. I'm not aware of any need to rush, is there?"
Distancing themselves from the Arkona Estate, Barael listens to the others in the discussion of Swastal. "Arkona is holding those men against their will. You said it yourself, Brov. Hostages. And he's conniving with us to kill for him in order to possibly do something else for him, in order to possibly..."
"What are we playing at here? Taking orders from Cressida is one thing. Taking orders from Glorio, quite another."
Barael rubs his forehead, trying to arrange his thoughts on the shelf. "Swastal is corrupt, no doubt. I would have taken his life with no hesitation. I don't like Glorio telling us to do it. If Swastal plays at emprer, then so does Arkona. He gives us no reason for keeping Vencarlo from us. What does 'egalitarian' mean, anyways?!"
Briar rolls his eyes at the rat.
Who cares who we kill? That one is a righteous evil prick who deserves to die. It gets us to our goal and we're getting magic in return. I bet if cheese were offered, he wouldn't complain so.
"The man wants to contain or kill his rivals. Like as not we'll come to blows afore it's done. Best we find out more about him while we're taking care of Piltsy." Fondo shrugs. "Rest'll be a good thing, but we may as well use the intervening time to search withour eyes. Or Maj's. Off with you, you rakish drake."
Majenko is not keen on flying blind through Old Korvosa at night scanning the rooftops, "It'd be like finding a needle in a haystack!" He does fly ~40' above you as you walk though and scans the immediate area as he flies lazy circles around the party.
Where does the party head?
"I'm not aware of any need to rush, is there?"
"Aye. Spooked mice need time to feel comfortable enough to poke their heads out again. Kinda wish we don't have to worry about that gnome, but it's likely we'll see him again too." We're leaving too many loose ends around.
"Do that thing again, Briar. Where you locate him by his rod. That worked well the last time. Knowing Swastal, he probably grips that thing tight. Shows his position of power when he's among his people."
Briar nods, considering.
"I can use my magics to locate the rod, no doubt. I'll need rest so I may speak to the Whispers." Briar begins to walk back to Vencarlo's.
"I too require rest to better prepare for this task." Dandi falls in behind the person most likely to lead her to sleep.
Fondo considers the options for places to rest. "Mayhap the old Sable barracks that I looked at while we were considering our future home. It's been abandoned, though it's possible others've made it their abode since then." He trudges in that direction, alert for signs of life and Pilts in the streets.
"There is food, wine, beds, a roof over our heads, and we're not breaking and entering. It's a perfect spot for another night of rest. And maybe by now, the smell of the accelerators is gone," Briar says as he continues to walk to Vencarlo's, instructing Majenko to keep watch on their route there from above. 'Besides, someone needs to water Vencarlo's plants while he's gone."
"The search will begin at the second hour past sunrise at Vencarlo's."
Too off-balance from his run-in with the Arkonas, Barael sighs and scrunches. "If we encounter more Mantis at Vencarlo's, keep your distance, elf. My blade might accidentally on purpose join theirs in running you through." A bit of rat flatulence punctuates his declaration. "Excuse me. I hit the asparagus a little too hard back there." Barael resigns himself to a return to Vencarlo's.
Fondo shrugs. "You're right, of course. We've less reason to find bolt holes than our enemies. Mayhap we'll find some more clues about the Arkonas."
Once the party arrives at Vencarlo's (assuming neither Mantis nor Piltsified mob await), Fondo indeed sets about searching for any notes that the signore may have kept on the Arkonas. "Surely he keeps a private diary—something. No doubt he'll thank us later for the intrusion. Anyone care to help me search?"
"I suppose I can help for a bit, but I truly need to sleep before long."
Declining the opportunity to work collectively, Briar does his own 2 hours of happytime searching.
"What are we looking for again?"
Perception
"I found a rug!"
Perception
"Look, a window!"
Perception
"Will this help?"
Perception
Barael watches the others begin to search what has already been searched before, and decides to begin his rest immediately. They'll be needing to bed down themselves shortly. Let's close our eyes, Aroden, so that they may close theirs after.
When it comes time to sleep, Briar will again alarm (magic mouth) the upstairs broken window.
* * *
Assuming morning comes and Briar still draws breath, he will speak to the Whispers in the Void as per his usual routine.
When the party is ready, Briar will confirm Majenko's aid in orientation, cast Locate Object (Rod of Wonder), and begin an ordered search for the Emperor.
Dandi searches for a quiet corner to bed down in.
In the first half hours search both Briar and Fondo find a secret panel in the closet of Vencarlo's bedroom. Do you breech his privacy and open it?
As for documentation it's rather thin. It seems Vencarlo kept most of his records in his head. That said most of the documents you do uncover pertain to his fencing business. Apparently up until the death of King Eodred II, Vencarlo’s Academy was doing rather well, but then things turned bad as students failed to show and Vencarlo himself took an increasing number of breaks from teaching.
He also has some private correspondance with various other nobles and Cressida Kroft. Do you read them?
If Nikolay becomes aware of the secret panel, he will open it.
Otherwise, Nikolay goes to sleep quickly to get his two hours of sleep so he can stay up the rest of the night guarding the others while perusing more books.
Nikolay opens the panel to find a small iron and lead box well locked. Also a healers kit and a bag with some rations, a water skin, a wayfinder and a few other odds and ends that might be good for overland travel (tindertwigs, etc).
Fondo glances through the private correspondence, and joins Nikolay in the opening of the panel when it's found. "I hate to pry, but if it'll help us get him free... Brov, we've need of your tools."