"When the riots started, I was told," he starts, but doesn't finish that sentence.
"I mean, I realized food was quickly becoming a source of contention. Regular shipments of meat from outlying farms were cut off, and many people didn't have food. Which is why I gathered some friends, and we decided to do something about it."
Baer nods, listening.
"So you left the guard to help provide food, hoping to minimize the riots? That doesn't sound like treason to me. You did not up arms against the Queen, correct? Nor kindle the flames of the riot?"
"Desertion is not treason, but the punishment might be the same. No one gets hung for showing up late to guard shift. Maybe you will explain all this to Cressida and she will understand."
Baer's mind works for the defense of Verik, knowing what she does of Korvosan law.
Prof (Barrister)
There's a reason Verik changed his words here, and he's not telling it.
Mavor leaves Allyph and Kwoon to guard Malder, and goes upstairs. He beckons Baer and Denario to join him in the room next to Verik's, and quietly informs relays the information he learned from Malder.
"I don't think he'll say much more, Mavor says. "What about Verik, has he said anything?"
Allyph's foot accidentally slips, and she kicks Malder in his face.
"Oops," Allyph says as Malder goes unconscious, and figures this is a nice moment to take his gear from his.
Malder has the same possessions as Baldrago: chainmail, a heavy steel shield, a longsword, a light crossbow with 10 bolts, and 20 gp.
"Verik...tsk tsk, you're hiding more than you're letting on here.
It's in your own interest not to refrain from telling the truth. Matter of fact, i won't hold my companion here back if she wants to knock some sense into you."
"I did not lie," Verik says resolute. "If you want to know something, just ask me a question."
"What about my men...?"
"Depends which one you're asking about. I know of 1 who won't be working for you any more. A splitting headache i hear."
Verik looks at Denario is disbelief. "No... Oh no, why did we do this...?"
"What about my men...?"
Baer snorts.
"We tried not to harm you or your men. One resisted overly...and we did what we were asked to do. C'mon now, the rest will be fine and this shop stands. They can continue your work if they want. We are just here to get you," Baer says, trying to help Verik to his feet.
"Now, do you want to walk back with your dignity? Or like the guilty?"
Baer snuffs around, looking again for anything that she might have missed.
"Verik, why did you do all this? Don't trust the Queen to provide for the people? The riots would have died down."
Verik's quiet for several seconds. He seems to hesitate, but finally answers Baer's question. "There was someone... She told me it was a good idea, and... I don't know... It thought I was doing something good, but I... messed up."
Verik refuses to tell you who it was that told him what he should do, and he doesn't resist when you escort him to Citadel Volshyenek. When you arrive back at the Citadel you're approached by guards, who take Verik and his unconscious men and bring them to the cells. You are requested to join Cressida in her office.
"Welcome back," Cressida says to you as you enter her office, "and congratulations on completing your first mission!"
Cressida smiles widely as she offers your seats, but Kwoon doesn't sit down. "There's something I'd like to address immediately," Kwoon says, taking Cressida by surprise.
"I'd like to resign, as I'd much rather be doing something else. For that reason I cannot accept a share of the reward, but I'd like Allyph to return my 27 gold for services unrendered."
"Uhm... Okay," Allyph replies, just as surprised as Cressida by Kwoon's sudden resignation.
She hands over the gold that was supposed to be a part of Kwoon's share for the cure light wounds wand.
"Thank you for returning this to me," Kwoon says as he accepts the gold. "Farewell."
It's awkwardly quiet when Kwoon closes the door behind him, and it's obvious Cressida doesn't really know how to react to it. She eventually scrapes her throat, and continues where she left off. "For bringing Verik back alive, you'll get a reward of a thousand gold. Unless there's something I should know about, you may also keep whatever items you claimed."
"Were you able to extract information out of Verik, or possibly the subordinates that you brought in?" Cressida asks. "I'd also like a report on your approach. This may prove useful for further interrogations."
Baer looks at Cressida.
"What will come of Verik?"
Baer gives a quick verbal report to Cressida about what it took to capture Verik. She notes the brave, almost singular action of Mavor initial incursion.
"...and all that will be reflected in the paperwork."
Baer takes to the paperwork with a snarl, trying to use her love of detail to overcome her hatred of paperwork. Baer commits to paper the details as she remembers, including what Verik told her. It's clear that she doesn't see it as treason, but that Verik merely took an unannounced vacation to deal with matters in the City. She found no evidence that he was acting treasonously, and her report will reflect that.
If I had known there would be reporting, I would have asked for more gold.
* * *
Mavor frowns as the men are taken away and Cressida asks them to 'report'. A slight shiver crawls up his spine.
"Well I'm not sure how I should put this, seeing as the neither Baer nor Denario seemed to catch my explanation earlier. That Malder fellow... He said that most of the meat they had was pork or beef, but there was also the addition of people that would like to help among that meat, but who proved to be more trouble. More concisely put, they sold and distributed human meat... I don't know if Verik truly knows nothing of what happened, but Malder said out of his own will that Verik knew nothing of it."
Mavor glares at the others, awaiting to see what their reaction is, now he put it so bluntly.
"It's disgusting, to be sure. Sadly there's no telling whom it was given to. But to me Verik seemed kind of oblivious to that detail."
Baer seems equally shocked at Mavor's revelation, quickly agreeing with Denario.
"If that had been happening there, then Verik knew little of it. Not that that excuses him, of course. If he was in charge, then he could be guilty of more than I thought."
Shock and disgust are written all over Cressida's face when Mavor tells about the human flesh being distributed. At a loss for words to describe what she feels, Cressida decides to postpone her comment on it by taking a small chest from below her desk. From it, she takes several platinum and gold coins. "Here's your reward. 250 gold each."
When the money's handed over Cressida finally addresses the issue. "I'm not sure where this human meat... scandal... puts Verik. We'll continue interrogations."
"Before I send you on your next mission, I'll have to find someone to replace Kwoon. It's not something I want the four of you to deal with without an extra pair of hands. You're free to do as you wish the remainder of today. Keep in mind you can stay at the Three Rings Tavern, where you have a tab."
Denario takes his share.
"Thank you. Where it puts him is a gray area, he's the leader of the men doing bad for the sake of helping the populace, but lacking knowledge of their actual doings."
He exchanges looks with the others.
"Well, i'm sure you'll find an adequate replacement for the moody one."
Baer thanks Cressida for the assignment and takes her share of the money.
Once outside, she tries to get consensus on next steps.
"We might have enough time to sell our loot from Veriks, yeah? I'm getting tired of carrying it around. And maybe..." Baer's voice trails off, losing her train of thought.
"Sounds like a fine plan, Baer," Allyph replies. "Let's do that."
When the party arrives at the large store from before Allyph goes over the loot. "Hmm... Anything you want to keep? Mavor, you want to keep that shield?"
"And maybe we could get better gear in the process, but drinks seem like a good place to start."
Mavor takes over much of the loots and carries most of it in a sack over his shoulder, he's still torn about whether he should keep the shield or not.
"So are we going to see the same man as before for the selling of our items? He might be glad to see us back with more things to sell. And do you have any specific tavern or inn in mind or do we just go to the Three Rings Tavern and see what's happening there? I'd like at least a pint of sweet ale before I do any more of these jobs."
"Well, I'm not too sure Allyph, although the shield is nice, I'm more used to attacking with my greataxe. I'm not one for look of the flashy knight in shining armour type, though it comes in handy when facing tough opponents."
"Why not keep it for now, and decide later?" Allyph asks. "You can always sell it when you decide you'd rather not have it."
"We'll just take its sell value off your share of gold, hah!" Allyph grins while pointing a finger at Mavor.
"I know of a good tavern close to here. While it's light I'd also like to stop by another place, the orphanage where Baer and I brought the kids from Lamm's place. Would you guys mind coming? I'll show you the tavern afterward."
Baer helps herself to the mw composite longbow (+2 str), intending to buy some 'normal' arrows at the store later. She's content to sell the magic arrows and everything but the pot of CLW.
Baer accedes to Allyph's choice of inn, but questions it out of habit.
"Allyph, I thought we were supposed to stay at the Three Rings Tavern so that Cressida could find us. Why would we go elsewhere?"
875 gp: +1 Arrows [x19]
4 gp: Bolts [x40]
600 gp: Chainmail [x4]
300 gp: Chainmail, masterwork
80 gp: Heavy steel shield [x4]
140 gp: Light crossbow [x4]
45 gp: Longsword [x3]
22 gp: Silver dagger
302 gp: Spear, masterwork
12 gp: Warhammer
--------
2380 gp/2 = 1190 gp + 80gp = 1270 gp
1270/4 = 317.5 gp share + 250 gp = 567.5 gp
That all make sense? Errors?
"Hmm... Cressida said we were free to do what we wanted? Though we could just go to the Three Rings Tavern instead..."
Allyph thinks it over for a second, then nods her head. "Yeah, Three Rings may be better. We haven't even seen the place, despite it being our base. So let's go there after the store and the orphanage?"
Baer nods at Allyph and goes to the store to sell crap, then follow Allyph to the orphanage.
"Why are we going back to the orphanage, Allyph? The whelps there cannot be better or worse than they were yesterday."
When the party arrives at the store they see there are still guards in front of the store. Inside, they're greeted by the same old man. "Hello! You brought more goods? Let me examine them..."
"Ah... yes... I can give you 1190 gold pieces for this. Is that agreeable?" If the party agrees, they each get their share.
Baer: 342gp 5sp + Composite longbow (+2 Str), masterwork
Denario: 642gp 5sp
Mavor: 632gp 5sp + Heavy Steel Shield
"Is there anything you'd like to buy?" the old man asks. "We have many fine goods, as you've seen when you last came here."
Baer tucks the coins into her purse, marveling at the weight of it now. It's more money than she is used to carrying around.
She shops a bit...undecided on whether to buy anything or not.
"I'd like to give Illya some more money," Allyph replies to Baer. "I figure we'll be there 5 minutes, maybe?"
"It also worries me how they're doing with these riots. When we spent the night there, I constantly worried about the mobs passing through the street. Just seeing the building's still there, with its inhabitants, will set my heart at ease."
Allyph places one of her potions of mage armor on the counter of the store, together with 725 gold. "I'd like a wand of shield, please."
"I'll have a potion of shield & a scroll of Mirror image."
I plan to get hit less often.
Mavor greets the man as they meet again and lets Baer and Allyph do their talking first, then looks grimly at his trusted greataxe noticing the dents, bloodstains and chips on it.
Though I've been through much with this thing it shouldn't hold me back to sell it. It's still hard though to get rid of it.
With a deep sigh Mavor puts his greataxe on the counter and looks at the man grimly.
"I'd like a better version of this. A finely crafted one."
After the man tells him the price he hands over 310 gp along with his greataxe.
"Of course! Let me get the items." the old man goes to the back of the store, and returns with the items you've requested.
"A wand of shield for the lady. A potion of shield and scroll of mirror image for the young man, that'll be 200 gold please. And a new greataxe for the green muscleman, here you go."
The old man takes the items you sold and places them behind the counter. "Come again soon!"
------
After your purchases you head for Illya's orphanage. The building's still intact, and Baer and Allyph see a familiar face when the door opens.
"Girls, you've back!" the old woman in the door opening, Illya, exclaims cheerfully. "Oh my, are those your boyfriends? Want to come in for a cup of tea?"
Denario looks at Mavor with a raised brow and half a grin.
"Let's have the ladies answer that, shall we."
"Uhhh, no they're not boyfriends..." Allyph gives a nervous stare at both Denario and Mavor. "They're just... uh... friends I recently met."
"How are the kids, Illya? I hope all is well?" Allyph quickly asks to change the subject.
Allyph retrieves 27 gold, and some change , from her pockets. She hands it over to Illya. "You have many more mouths to feed than you used to. Baer and I gave you some money a while ago, but I hope this'll be enough for you to buy food and other necessary goods for a prolonged period."
"We can't stay for too long, but I hope I'll be able to come back for a proper visit some time soon. If you ever need something, let me know. I have a job now, you see. You can contact me at the Three Rings Tavern, where I'll be staying temporarily."
"I see," Illya says grinning. "Well you never know!"
"The kids are doing fine, considering they have just escaped from the clutches of that Lamm. I had them help Cecile build their own beds. Some of those boys turned out to be quite skilled with a hammer, you know. They each have a place to sleep now, thanks to the money you and Baer gave us."
Illya reluctantly takes the gold Allyph offers, then gives her a hug. "Thanks girl. You didn't have to... but thank you so much..."
A couple of tears escape the old woman's eyes as she lets go of Allyph. "Please do visit some time. And bring your friends, if they want. Thank you."
------
You leave the orphanage, and head for the Three Rings Tavern. The streets around the orphanage seem much calmer than a couple of days ago, and during the journey toward the tavern you encounter only a single mob. The mob's easily avoided by taking a small detour, and you soon find yourselves in front of the Three Rings Tavern.
"Oy!" an old woman with a cigar in her mouth, and dressed in several layers of colorful clothes, says as you enter. "Take a seat! I'll be there soon!"
A while after you've taken a seat the woman comes up to you, followed by a wall of smoke from her cigar. "Name's Theandra. Theandra Darklight, that is. I run this place. Is there anything you'd like to eat or drink?"
Boyfriends? Baer's sneer is unhidden, glancing at both Mavor and Denario. I would crush them like hammer to melons. I need a real partner.
Baer says nothing at the thought, but only gives Illya half what she had initially thought to give the woman.
* * *
At the Three Rings Tavern, Baer orders a full meal and mead, reward for a day's work well done.
"...and with extra bones. I feel the want of marrow."
Mavor sniggers as Allyph is put into a difficult position and whispers back to Denario.
"Indeed lets, I wonder who the old woman would pair with who."
***
"I agree with Baer, I'd need something to sink my teeth into as well. Any sweeter tasting ale would also be great if you have any."
He answers Theandra, he then continues to the others.
"It's something I grew up with, even as a kid I drank sweet-tasting alcohol, I think some of it was ale, other was cider if I'm not mistaken. I kept the preference for sweeter things then. So who do you think we'll meet at this tavern? Cressida said she would have Kwoon replaced but I'm wondering what kind of person that would be."
Denario whispers back.
"With that obvious sneer, she mustn't think us prime material. That's okay though, there is someone who might take my fancy."
To answer Theandra:
"If it's only alcohol you have, i'll have something light. Otherwise i'll have some orange juice."
If there are questioning looks about that..
"What? It's healthy and less breath affecting and not intoxicating than alcohol."
"I... I will," Allyph replies to Illya last words, waving her goodbye.
Once Illya's out of sight, Allyph gives the guys a destructive glare. "Why you... whispering behind my back!"
------
Allyph's calmed down by the time the party arrives in the Three Rings Tavern.
"I'd like beef stew and milk, if you have it," she tells Theandra. "We're the ones hired by Cressida, by the way. She told us there'd be a tab for us?"
Denario shrugs, smiling sheepish.
"Hmm? Guy talk, just like ladies have women's talk. Nothing special."
Theandra laughs as she writes down the party's orders. "We have more than just alcohol, lad," she says to Denario. "Don't worry about that. Drinking what you like is nothing to be ashamed of."
"Cressida...? Oh, Kroft! Yes, one of her errand boys came to give me the message."
Theandra bends over slightly, and beckons for you to come closer. "Between you and me... You can get as much has you want for free. Make use of it. It's good for both your bellies and my business, get it?"
"Your food and drinks will arrive shortly!" Theandra gives you a wink as she walks off.
You went outside and took the card, which is when you noticed the text on the back:
”I know what Gaedren has done
to you. He has wronged me as
well, but he is no more! Those
who took care of him can be met
in the Three Rings Tavern this
evening. If you truly want to bring
change to your fate, meet them
there. Gaedren was only the
beginning. They will need your aid.”
And so you went to North Point, where the Three Rings Tavern is located. You had to avoid a single angry mob on your way there, but that was nothing compared to the chaos the city was in three days earlier.
You now stand in front of the tavern, The Cricket in your hand. Once again, your life's course was altered by the Harrow.
Holding the card in his hand and idly twirling it between his fingers, Uriah walks into the bar.
I'm looking for the ones responsible for Gaedren Lamm's death. he says with a Varisian drawl to his voice.
Denario was the first to look up.
Hmm, another player at the table. Good first impression there, he likes cards.
"That be the four of us.", taking a sip of his orange juice and gesturing at Baer, Mavor & Allyph.
"Might we know whom we have the pleasure with?"
He said so with a sarcasm undertone which is just to see what reaction he would give.
Baer sneers with shock as Denario answers, letting some guttural speech loose with harsh tone.
"Don't become a liability in that by letting your tongue wag. You don't want to be seen that way." Baer lets her threat stand...to all who hear her.
Baer looks at the newcomer.
"I don't know what he's talking about. Or you."
Bluff - outright lies
Being threatened in the lower classes during childhood, Denario shrugged.
"Ever heard of situations people say something just to see a reaction? If not, then you've just misunderstood me. This may sounds crazy to you, but usually people don't bluntly say it out loud. Hence the undertone in my voice."
"Naw, just messing with you man. We're mere hired help around town relaxing at the moment."
I sent him your way, a familiar voice rings inside the heads of the 'old' party members.
Uriah, who's idly twirling the Harrow card he found between his fingers, will notice it's suddenly gone.
You found them, Zellara's voice says inside Uriah's head. You should go with them. Have faith in the Harrowing.
Allyph's about to reach for her rapier when Zellara speaks to her.
"Did you also hear her? Zellara, I mean?" she whispers to the others.
Mavor nods slowly at Allyph then focuses his gaze upon the newcomer.
In a softer tone of orcish he replies to the other two.
Then when the newcomer approaches he looks at him grimly, then speak in a soft and harsh voice.
"You'd do well to not bluntly say those things out loud in every tavern. It might get you killed in a dark back alley by his old accomplices. But so you've found us, what of it?"
I didn't say them in every tavern, I said them in this one. The cards said that you would be here, and that I would be safe in asking for you. I trust the Harrow. Uriah says and moves to sit at the table with the foursome. I am Uriah Lewis, late of the Acadamae, but no longer thanks to our recently deceased friend