"This creature must be stopped."
for
for
Because of the otyugh's prone position Denario's attack misses it.
Kwoon declares the creature must be stopped, and stops it with his next punch. The otyugh collapses to the ground, and does no longer move.
Baer gives the otyugh a few more clubs, then a few more as her fury subsides.
She is angry for the wound she received, but moreso for how poorly she fought.
When she is finished, she goes to tend to Mavor.
"I hope you do not mind the blood of the contract to bring you back. All is bound by law," Baer says while healing and waiting for Mavor to awake.
Orcish
"The blood of the Contract?"
Well, since Hung Hei Kwoon doesn't speak orcish, he's going to go over and tend to Mavor and apply first aid.
Baer offers a hand down to help Mavor up.
""Welcome back, Mavor. We are going to need more of your blood if we are to survive this city if things like this are running around," Baer says. "Besides, your bleeding kept the thing distracted until we could take it down."
* * *
Orcish
"Denario, I thought you studied at the Academy? Did you not learn that some gods taint their magics with their own influences? Though God-magic pales in comparison to True-magics, there are times when they blend. Such is the case of the Contract healing."
Denario smirks.
"Well i didn't study there.
I work for the academy as an inspector for when they wish to buy new items, to see if the things are genuine or fakes, quality or trash.
The magics i learned are bits i picked up during the job, i didn't take classes. So i'm not knowledgable on all specifics. But thanks for the explaination."
"Ah, seems our friend here is coming to.", pointing his thumb at Mavor.
Mavor comes to slowly and the first signs of him being conscious again is his hand mvoing to his head and a soft grunt-like moan.
"Oww...Darn it... My chest feels like it's empty and my head feels like all my organs got squished into there..."
When Baer offers him a hand to stand he accepts it, though he grimaces as he is pulled up.
"No problem there Baer. First time I become noticed and I nearly die. Must be this shiny new armour."
Mavor still looks a little weak as he stands there, holding his stomach with one hand and slowly catching his breath. Then he starts looking for his dropped equipment and gathers up his whip and greataxe. He hangs his greataxe on the straps on his back and keeps his whip firmly in hand, obviously feeling not as well or fit to get up too close.
"Perhaps you should smear some mud on your armor. That'd take away the shine," Allyph says to Mavor, using Common.
Allyph grins when she reveals that she actually understands Orc, but does continue in the Common tongue: "Good to see you're still alive. You made me worry for a moment."
After Mavor's back on his feet the party continues its way to Castle Korvosa, to return the queen's stolen brooch.
As a terrifying testament to the power of whatever mighty overlord ruled this land thousands of years ago, Castle Korvosa’s long shadow looms over the city. A magnificent achievement of architecture, the castle walls and spires rise high into the sky above. The entire structure looms even higher for its ancient foundation—a Thassilonian ruin in the shape of an immense flat-topped pyramid.Although one corner of this impressive foundation has fallen into ruin, the additions built onto the sides by eager and talented Korvosan masons have created one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Varisia.
Castle Korvosa can be approached from all four directions—ramps or stairways allow access up the sides of the pyramid to the courtyard surrounding the central structure. Normally, petitioners to the monarchy (such as people seeking to return a stolen brooch) would approach from the Great Ramp, wait in the Public Courtyard to speak to the Korvosan Guards on duty, and hope for a chance to be heard. In these frantic times, the Castle itself has been locked tight and bristles with pikes and crossbows.
"State your business at the castle," one of the guards demands as you approach, blocking your path as he steps forward.
"Well, I'm glad you survived that strange beast Mavor. These streets are the worst. I hope we get off them soon."
As Kwoon follows this strange group of orc speakers along, he decides to chime in at the castle. "Uh, do we have business at the castle?"
Diplomacy
"Step aside, human. We have business with important people above," Baer says as diplomatically as she feels after the fight with the otyugh.
Not quite the diplomatic type either, Denario tries to bring the situation plain and brief.
"We have come to request an audiance with the queen.
The matter is delicate. Escort us if you feel paranoid with recent events, but it is of importance to the queen."
Baer's words have an opposite effect on the guard, and Denario doesn't make the situation much better.
"If it's of importance to the queen you'd better state what it is, or leave!" the guard replies rather annoyed.
"No one gets near the queen without escort, but we're not escorting everyone who just comes up to us and demands it!"
"I did not demand it. Fine...."
Denario shows his academy's sign.
"As a representative of the academy i request to be escorted to the queen. We have come across an item her majesty the queen will be interested in. I'm sure that, like with the academy, you are not the only guards who see the entrance. As such, usually one of the others informs somebody within the castle, if it is known you rejected an academy official people would ask questions.
So, again i humbly request an escorted audience with her majesty. Guards all around ensures her majesty's safety do they not?"
I don't trust these guards, but a hand should be played with caution.
Baer's nostrils flare at the rebuttal to her thoughtful request. She tries again.
Diplomacy
"Listen, friend. You should do what we ask. Take us to the important people. We should be talking to them," Baer says as her lip catches on her jagged tooth and it flapped around sounding like a wet fart.
Mavor walks up to the guard, resting an hand on Baer's shoulder to indicate it's better for her not to speak to the guard as he is quite agitated already.
He then stops next to Denario and looks at the guard.
"Forgive my companions, we've had a rough night last night with the riots and a tough morning as we were beset by imps and otyughs. We've found something important to the Queen and I believe there was a reward for recovering said item. We would like an audience with the Queen herself and won't give the item up otherwise unless we can deliver it to her herself. So if you would be so kind as to arrange an escort for us."
Mavor looks to the guard again, sizing the man up, then grins.
"If you're unwilling to do that, I might take it up with your superior. I think they would not be amused to find out that people are coming to bring back what belongs to the Queen and you turned them away. That would not do wouldn't you agree? Besides we've got the order to deliver it from the city guards themselves, we're here on official business."
The guard looks at Mavor and frowns. "You do realize I simply try to do my duty, which is protecting the queen? We can't just let anyone inside. Threatening doesn't help you, especially because you won't even be seeing my superior if you can't pass me."
"You speak of an item you want to return. Why don't you just state what it is?" the guard asks Denario.
"The item's an item that went missing. We want to return it, because we're good people, " Allyph says as she steps forward.
"I mean, just look at my face. Do I look dangerous or evil? No, I don't. I'm totally harmless. So let me and my friends here pass, will you? You can rest assured we'll do nothing to harm the queen."
"Uhm... yes... uhhh... okay..." the guard gives her fellow guards a quick look, then looks back at the party.
"We'll escort you to the queen, but you'll have to leave your weapons with us. Standard procedure, to ensure her safety."
Denario would leave his throwing axe, switchblade and morningstar if they have to give them over. Hey..playing cards ain't weapons.
Allyph hands the guards her rapier, short bow, arrows, and dagger. She has to suppress the urge to grin as she does.
Totally harmless.
Hung will drop off his crossbow and tag along. "I can assure you, I'm not a threat to you or your Queen. I will come along peacefully."
The guards ask those who've given off their weapons to spread their arms so they can frisk them. Allyph and Kwoon are clear and may pass.
Mavor hands over his greataxe, his whip, his greatclub and his sap. Looking quite satisfied at the guard as he does so.
"I'm not threat to the Queen...not to her at least." He says smiling.
Kwoon tries not to get blood all over the guard during the pat down.
Baer hands over her quarterstaff, dagger, and whatever else the guard wishes. He tries to keep her temper in check.
She gives a look to Allyph after they pass through the checkpoint.
"Do you think it was my or your words that changed his mind? You are like me, people to whom others pay attention to."
"I think a bit of both," Allyph says to Baer, grinning.
"We both made some valid arguments."
The group of obviously nervous guards, armed with heavy crossbows and swords, escort you up to the castle. As you reach the top of the pyramid and the wide stairs curling up to the castle’s third floor, where the Crimson Throne awaits, you're greeted by a beautiful woman dressed in magnificent full plate armor—the queen’s handmaiden, bodyguard, and closest companion: Sabina Merrin.
Sabina nods curtly at you as you approach, then says, "Greetings. They tell me you’ve something that belongs to the queen. Is this correct?"
Hmm...can't argue with taste in armor here.
"We do. We believe this brooche is yours."
He motions to whoever has it to present it.
"We came across this after a fight with a criminal and his henchmen.
Various stolen goods were stashed away, including this."
Sabina's appearance catches Mavor's eyes immediately.
Well now... That's a sight for sore eyes. That's a far better sight than an otyugh.
Mavor grunts as Denario mistakes Sabina for the Queen.
"My friend means we have something that belongs to our and your Queen. This brooch is hers right?"
Baer keeps her trap shut, waiting for when she is needed to explain.
She nod at Mavor's words, hoping this new Queen isn't some kind of kill-the-messenger type jerk.
Kwoon takes a close look at the item as they pass it/show it. Interesting...
Sabina takes the brooch for a moment and inspects it. "This is definitely the queen's brooch. For you to return it during these dark times... If only everyone would be that kind of heart."
She hands the brooch to Mavor. "You may present it to the queen. I'll escort all of you to her now."
You start walking again, and as the guards make to follow Sabina steps in. "You may return to your posts. These heroes pose no threat to the queen."
Sabina Merrin is not much for mincing words. You've barely started walking when she curtly asks you how you'd like to be introduced to the queen.
"A matter of formality," she explains. "I am Sabina Merrin by the way. I'm the queen's bodyguard, which is why you met me first."
After leaving the school, Sabina entered the Korvosan Guard, where she quickly climbed the ranks.
Formalities huh.....allright, i'll think something up.
"Thank you miss Merrin.
I am Denario Vasquez, the magic academy's aquisition agent."
Mavor sniggers at the mention of formalities. Rumour has it she has some 'formalities'with the Queen herself. No matter, it's not really my business now is it?
"I guess you could introduce me simply as Mavor. Other people usually mention me as that big green fellow over there, so I'm not that used to formalities myself."
That hero part is also a bit exaggerated, we've only brought back a brooch. Why should we be called heroes over that? I wonder though, what that fight between her and Orisini was about, Vencarlo was the best swordfighter ever in the city if I recall correctly.
Mavor tries to look at Sabina's scar as inconspicuously as possible, though with a good deal of interest.
Know (local)
Baer snorts as she meets Sabina.
I wonder if she finds me as lovely.
"Tell me, Sabina. How long have you served the Queen? What do you make of these riots? We have been most inconvenienced," Baer asks.
"Oh, you may introduce me as Baer Mytr, formerly of the Academae, now of the Avenged."
"My name is Hung Hei Kwoon."
"Allyph Yssal. That'll do, I'm just a farmer's daughter who moved to the big city..."
...after being hunted for being what I am.
Allyph has some trouble keeping her eyes off the brooch.
It's very pretty...
"I see," Sabina says as you let her know how you want to be introduced.
"I've been queen Ileosa's bodyguard for about two years now. These riots, you say you're inconvenienced. I believe that is quite an understatement. The queen's our rightful ruler. She wishes these riots to stop for the sake of her people."
As they round the corner to the throne room itself, Sabina announces your arrival with a loud, clear voice, then steps aside to allow you to enter the throne room. "I present you with the following people: Denario Vasquez, acquisition agent of the Academae. Baer Mytr, the Avenged. Hung Hei Kwoon. Allyph Yssal. And last, but not least, the person who carries your lost brooch: Mavor the Green."
Queen Ileosa sits upon the Crimson Throne. She is a vision of celestial beauty despite the black mourning dress and veil she wears in honor of her husband’s death. The throne room itself is pristine but strangely empty—an open area with a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows of past kings and queens looking down from the eastern wall, and crimson tapestries hanging along the others. An immense fireplace offers additional light and heat to the hall, and a silk carpet provides a gently arching path to the throne’s base.
Sabina takes the brooch from Mavor, hands it over to her queen with a flourish, then takes up a position at the throne’s left side as Ileosa addresses you.
"This brooch was stolen from me some time ago—I had not expected to see it again, truth be told. And yet, here on my darkest day, you come before me with kindness. The return of this brooch is much more than an honorable deed. It is inspiration. It is hope."
"I love Korvosa, as my husband did before me. His death has shocked the city as it has me, but I will not see his legacy destroyed in death, and I shall not see my city torn apart. All Korvosa stands at the precipice of a disaster wrought by her citizens—these riots cannot continue. You have already done my heart a great service in returning this bauble to me on this dark day, and you shall be rewarded. Yet, perhaps you can serve your city more."
"If you so choose, I shall have Sabina see to it that you have an escort of guards when you leave here—they can see to your safe journey to Citadel Volshyenek. I shall send word ahead of you to Field Marshal Cressida Kroft to let her know you are on the way—the Korvosan Guard is stretched thin, and it can certainly use the aid of heroes such as yourself."
With this, the queen directs Sabina to hand over the reward for returning the brooch—the bodyguard swiftly does so, handing you a small silver chest (itself worth 50gp). Inside the red-velvet-lined interior rest 12 gold ingots imprinted with the royal seal of Korvosa—each bar is worth 100 gp.
Denario's eyes vaguely grow a bit wider.
*Faint whistle*
"Your majesty, since i am under employment of the Academy and you wish us to help the Korvosan Guard, could you inform the Academy?
With the city as it is, it is currently on lockdown, i'm the only one walking "free", sort to speak."
"If I am not mistaken our guards are stationed to protect the Academae?" the queen asks Sabina, who replies with a curt nod.
The queen continues: "It will be arranged so the guards that escort you to Citadel Volshyenek will take a route that includes the Academae. You will be given the chance to discuss this matter with your employer, and it will be arranged you can return to your former job whenever you wish. Send your employer my regards, Denario Vasquez."
"I'll be honored to serve the city, your majesty."
I've never seen this much gold on a day! And now I'm offered a job?!
Denario nods visibly.
"Thank you your majesty."
Baer nods, liking this new Queen.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Baer says with a bow. "I shall do my best to make your reign long and happy for as long as I am in your employ."