Infernal pact, hey? You're familiar with those now, aren't you, Quorthos?
Quorthos is surprised to hear Cressida's report. Dissolving the Sable Company? Unthinkable!
"I'm not surprised to hear of an assassination attempt, given the popular opinion these days," he begins, trying to sort it out. "You saw this with your own eyes? I can't believe you are still safe, then, given that this has unmasked the Queen in front of so many witnesses..."
"Well, I was told you visited him on multiple occasions during the plague," Cressida replies to Mavor, "and Vencarlo told me that you've told him pretty much all you knew about the plague and the conspiracy during your visits to him."
Denario thinks hard and realizes that Vencarlo and Black Jack share quite some similarities. Their physique is the same. Black Jack's main weapon is a rapier and Vencarlo's a renown rapier fencer who owns a fencing school. Both of them openly oppose the queen.
"I was there," Cressida tells Quorthos. "I suspect she didn't saw the attempt on her life coming, and hadn't planned out what to do in case of an attempted assassination. I suspect she'll keep me alive, though. With her display of power she will have convinced most to not oppose her."
Quorthos doesn't sense any ulterior motives or schemes on Cressida's part, only genuine concern for the safety of you and the citizens.
Cressida opens the wood coffer on the table. It contains four potions of cure serious wounds, three potions of lesser restoration, two potions of remove disease, a wand of invisibility , and a wand of cure moderate wounds .
After handing you the gear: "I urge you to make haste to Old Korvosa and Vencarlo — the queen won't take long to recover from the indignation of the failed assassination, and once she does, I fear that the increasingly strict martial law might make things very difficult for those who remain within the city walls. I suggest swimming or taking a skiff from the northern banks of the Jeggare to get on the island, optimally under the cover of darkness to avoid notice."
"Swimming seems like a good option to me. Though not everyone of us is a good swimmer, maybe the skiff is better."
Mavor might picks up one potion of CSW, then leaves the rest for the others to take.
"If everything goes according to plan I won't need to use this. Better to keep swinging than drinking."
"With this wand, we could likely just walk into Old Korvosa, unless they have magical wards," Quorthos suggests, picking up the wand of invisibility. "Although, a skiff from across the river sounds like a good idea. We'd need to sneak out of town, though - if we go out a gate, I'm sure the Queen will hear of it immediately." The price of fame...
Baer thanks Cressida for her aid, knowing that doing such will put her life in danger. She smiles at Cressida as she helps gather the gear.
"I just need to go back and collect some things from our hideout, possibly even sealing it off, before we go."
"I have no problem staying afloat, but a boat might be better."
Tural says to Quorthos.
"We could get out through the sewers, there must be an exit at least close to that part of town. We just need someone to get us a boat ready. Anyone know somebody who could do that for us?"
"Not really, we could just grab one and return it later though. I may know someone who could help us be less recognisable when we need to get out of town."
"Yeah, we'll work it out," Baer concludes. "Is there anything else, Cressida? Again, I appreciate what you've done for us. It's been helpful...and we won't let you down. We'll find a way to help Korvosa."
If there is nothing else, Baer is ready to leave. The first stop will be the hideout, then whatever people want to do to hear what Vencarlo has to say.
* * *
At the hideout, Baer will make sure that she's not leaving anything behind of value or could be used by the Queen against them...then conceals the entrance as best as possible.
"Yes, thank you, Cressida. It's comforting to know that there are still good people in positions of power in Korvosa."
"Mavor, a disguise is probably the way to go," Quorthos agrees. "Then 'borrow' a boat later tonight."
You leave Citadel Volshyenek, head to the lair, retrieve your stuff, seal the lair off, and hide the entrance as best you can.
Tural thinks about Mavor's plan and nods.
"Yes, let's do that. A lot easier than my plan."
He goes to the hide out with everyone and retrieves everything he left there. He helps as much as he can with hiding the entrance of the lair and is ready to set off.
Baer, having finished what she can do to clean up and hide the hideout, is ready to move on. She agrees with Tural about the plan, but also can adjust things as necessary.
"This city cannot hold me. Cannot hold us. Of course, we don't really want to leave but it is for the best," Baer follows Mavor to his people.
Therefor there was only one other option, which was swimming. Which would've been an incredibly foolish plan considering all the gray maiden's patrols, were it not that you found someone willing to give you a potion of invisibility if you'd first take care of a rabbit dog terrorizing his fancy rose garden.
So then you found yourself at the edge of the Jeggare, standing at the narrowest part of the river. Which was the moment when you suddenly recalled sucking at swimming. A log helped you stay afloat though, and now invisible you finds himself at the halfway point. The only issue is a ship coming from your right, heading straight at you.
You head out to the north bridge and, on your way there, are often recognized by citizens. They call out to you, thanking you for what you've done for the city, or walk up to you to also get a handshake while they offer their heartfelt thanks. After a while you pull the hoods of your cloaks over your heads and people stop bugging you.
North Bridge is heavily guarded by gray maidens, but they let you pass without a problem. Only Old Korvosa's currently off limits, and for now people are still free to enter or leave every other part of Korvosa freely. A little later you're in Trail's End, knocking on the door of the guy Mavor knows.
The door opens, revealing a scruffy guy with a bald patch on his head. His eyes nearly pop out when he sees who are standing at his door. Mavor explains you're at his place to call in a favor the guy still owes you, and he quickly lets you in.
"Business has been bad," the guy explains once you're inside. "I can't cross the river anymore, there are too many gray maidens patrolling in ships. My boat's useless to me nowadays so you can have it. Your best bet to cross the river into Old Korvosa it at night, but your chances of not being seen might be slim. I can disguise you in case they see you, but you might have to swim if they sink you."
Wide eyed, the fiery Imoya struggled to move faster. His arms were meant for throwing weightless fire...not the drudge of water's pull!
"Damn...water!" He mumbled.
It was just then his eyes narrowed in disbelief. As if he suddenly recalled he had powers...and he didn't need this damn log or water...
Casting Fly, Imoya made his way to his destination shaking his head, arms crossed and silent cursing his own stupidity.
You reach the island Old Korvosa sits on in no time and lands on the dry soil. Now to find the fencing school of this Vencarlo, who's apparently not a big fan of the queen.
Walking around town, the Ifrit's invisibility eventuallty wares off. His crimson skin, black hair and fiery orange eyes perhaps cause startle. He adjusts his long, sleeveless coat, gripping it and pulling it to straighten. Its collar flipped over his neck. It's golden trim against the black cloth accented neatly.
A flare of drying flame cycle around him like wisps of red/orange spirits.
Mavor points towards the ship that's heading their way.
"We have too move quickly. As long as they haven't seen us and don't hail us, we should be fine. Anybody have a way to make this go faster?"
Mavor says before grabbing an oar tighter and using his strength to propel the boat faster forward.
Quorthos agrees that disguises and cover of darkness are the best plan. Before we leave aboard our new boat, he prepares his spells and makes sure his gear is packed into his waterproof bag.
Mavor sits tight as his acquaintance disguises him to appear more human in nature.
Afterwards he sees the same transformation happening to Baer and the rest.
"You've still got your skills, no doubt about that. Hopefully we won't be noticed. Else I hope they don't see through your disguise and perhaps a bluff of mine."
Mavor packs his belongings together and fastes them tightly to his armour, belt and backpack.
"If the need arises guys, I'll help push us forward. I'm a reasonably strong swimmer, perhaps it could make a difference."
You're approached by two gray maidens, one of whom addresses you. "Where are you headed?"
"And please don't come bring it back!" he hisses before he leaves. "I'll just say it was stolen. I don't want any of my contacts to see me with you guys, they'll think I'm with the guards."
The boat's a rowboat, and barely big enough for all five of you. There are two separate peddles, but getting the boat to move will be a tough job with your combined weight.
The Jeggare is heavily patrolled by the gray maidens. Their ships are clearly visible due to the beacons on the ships. You wait for the best moment to enter the water. When it comes, you quickly move into the water and start to cross the river.
Turning to see the Grey Maidens, Imoya sized them up curiously.
"Huh... You really are women. I was told, but I didn't believe it until now." He shakes his head in mild disbelief.
"You wouldn't happen to know why this place is cut off form the city, would you? I'm a bit...behind on current affairs."
Neither of the gray maidens replies to your own question.
"We are the ones asking the questions here!" the one that spoke before sneers. "Now tell us where you're headed and, while at it, where you're from! You're obviously not from around here!"
Mavor pushes the boat into the water and then trudges along on the ground to push the boat as the rest rows it.
"I'll be fine, just warn me of any sharks coming my way."
Mavor moves a dagger to a swifter place to grab, then starts pushing the boat.
"Verisia...well Jelmary before but...the point is, I've been around."
He says simply.
"As for why I'm here... It was once one of my favorite water holes... And is now a filthy den of scum and..." He pauses. "Does my presence bother you?"
"I could just fly over and meet you on the other side," Baer grunts at the boat and the small confines. But then she sees the two oars and hears that Mavor wants to swim and push.
Baer climbs in and grabs an oar, not trusting the rest of the noodle-arms to get halfway across before needing rescue.
She puts her back into an oar when someone else is ready. Her new belt makes this work a breeze.
Str
Str
She wonders if the other oarsman will do better.
Not being strong at all Tural decides it's best if he flies close to the ship. He jumps and keeps hovering in the air as the boat takes off.
"Can't carry anything else, but this should take my weight off of the boat as well."
Seeing baer struggle with the oar he casts bull's strength on her, hoping to aid her just enough to not make the boat go round in circles.
Denario takes one of the oars.
"Let's hope nothing decides to swim up to Mavor.
Grey Maidens patrolling the streets, who knows if they've unleashed anything in the waters."
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The gray maidens obviously don't share your sense of humor.
"That's it, you're under arrest! Come with us quietly, or we will apply force!"
It's a miracle, but despite the constant echoing sound of paddles smacking water and the presence of a flying tree disguised with a mustache hovering alongside your boat, you manage to reach Old Korvosa's docks without being spotted by any of the patrol ship.
Quorthos keeps watch for anything in the water, ship or shark, during the harrowing passage. As the boat approaches the shore, he shifts his gaze to the docks, keeping an eye out for any people who might see the boat dock.
As we reach the docks, Quorthos will help the others to land if required, and then tie the boat off to the dock.
If at any point I spot something moving, I will alert the others with a whisper and then cast false life.
"I see... You're apart of the sickness that crumbles this city from within. I had feared as much."
He sighs, bolting (running with due haste) down the way into darker ally ways. IF, due to their armor, he can gain a distance, he'll try to make it seem he goes one way over the other.
Eventually taking flight and making his way to the school.
Baer looks ready to Vanish at any moment, even flying away as needed.
"Now what?" Baer whispers to the boy Boy.
Mavor says as he shakes off the water from his clothes like he was a dog. He shakes the last remaining droplets out of his ears and cracks his neck and knuckles.
"Everybody set?"
Tural lands safely on the ground next to the others and checks if his mustache is still in place.
"Let us get to his house as quickly as possible."
He says as he inspects their surroundings.
"I'll walks up front and check for patrols."
Baer nods at Tural, happy to take the lead on the way to Vencarlo. She smiles at the be-mustachio'd fern and moves in that direction. She is ready to Vanish as necessary.
You arrive at Vencarlo's fencing academy not much later and knock on the door. A Varisian gentleman with gray hair tied in a ponytail opens the door. He's a couple of years past middle-age, and his dark eyes have a friendly shine to them.
"Good evening, I don't think we've had to pleasure to meet before?" the man asks. His voice is smooth and friendly, and he certainly sounds well-spoken.
"My name is Vencarlo Orisini. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, my dear man?"
Vencarlo looks out into the street, then steps aside and motions inward. You hear footsteps down the street, accompanied by the sounds of people in full-plate armor. "Please do enter. I have a hunch we'd better continue this conversation inside."
Tural tries to get past the maidens but his hair keeps rustling in the wind, he tries to tie it up so it makes less noise but that makes even more noise than before. He decides it's best that he stands really still, hoping they might look past him.
Giving a nod, the ifrit slides inside, looking around before speaking.
"My name is Imoya. I heard the city was ravaged by sickness...And it seems to be grey." He said with a stoic sense of humor.
"Rumor's are all I have sir. But I am here to assist in the removal of this grey malady and burn away the necrotic tissues that may be the head of state...You were my first point of contact."
He turns, looking to the would-be fencer.
Denario casts invisibility.
Baer, with little patience for sneaking or being quiet, is quite happy to have advanced warning of the approaching patrol(s).
"This is pointless and stupid. I'll meet you on the other side," Baer grumbles, wondering why *she* needs to hide when she has done nothing wrong and the Grey Maidens get to act as if they are in charge and on the side of right. Pfft.
Baer first takes flight, then vanishes and flies to a safe spot on the other side wherein she will pearl back her spell.
Mavor slides into the shadows and tries to make his approach as stralthily as possible. Then he sees Tural not really blending in as much and he grunts.
Well there you have it, maybe we'll need a diversion next. Hopefully those Maidens are as blind as they are Grey.
Quorthos follows Mavor, keeping his eyes open for Grey Maidens or anything else suspicious. Before the group splits up to evade the maidens, Quorthos casts message and includes everyone. As we approach Vencarlo's place, he'll use the spell to ensure everyone can regroup without breaking stealth.
"Should we just knock? Or send someone in first to make sure it's clear?"
Vencarlo leads you to a living room and offers you a seat.
"I have asked some friends over, and I expect them to come over this evening. They are the ones who have cured the plague the queen's servants spread all over Korvosa."
"It is the queen who is killing the city, and the martial law she has imposed on us serves to starve Old Korvosa. She has to be stopped, somehow."
Two gray maidens walk straight up to you. For a moment they stop to look at the beech in the alley, which they're sure wasn't there before. And apparently someone figured it'd be funny to attach a mustache to its trunk, and draw eyes above it.
One of the gray maidens moves over to inspect the beech, meanwhile commenting, "How peculiar... You sure this tree wasn't here before?"
"I'm sure! And anyway, it's in between two houses. Who plants a tree in the middle of such a narrow alley?"
"Yes, but," the maiden shakes her head as she stops right in front of Tural and stares him straight into his eyes, "why the silly face on its trunk...?"
"I had hoped people would not stand idle when their head of state has clearly become necrotic... Do your friends share your view?"
He asks, viewing his surroundings before taking a seat.
"Can they rise to the challenge of removing their own monarch and this...'Grey Maiden' non-sense?"
Via message spell: "If it comes to fighting, don't let them call for help."
Vencarlo sits down in the other sofa as he replies, "My friends are the ones who discovered the corruption of the queen, and I'm sure they feel the same as both you and I do. the queen has to be removed from power, for the good of the city."
Very well. Ready an action to summon a lantern archon (occultist archetype's SLA, standard action, no sound) to attack them if they attack Tural, or if he surrenders himself to them.
Lantern Archon CR 2
XP —
LG Small outsider (archon, extraplanar, good, lawful)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +4 Aura aura of menace (DC 13)
DEFENSE
AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 15 (+4 natural, +1 size; +2 deflect vs. evil)
hp 13 [17] (2d10+2) [2d10+6]
Fort +4 [+6], Ref +3, Will +0; +4 vs. poison, +2 resistance vs. evil
DR 10/evil; Immune electricity, petrification
OFFENSE
Speed fly 60 ft. (perfect)
Ranged 2 light rays +3 ranged touch (1d6)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 3rd):
At Will—aid, continual flame, detect evil, greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only)
STATISTICS
Str 1 [5], Dex 11, Con 12 [16], Int 6, Wis 11, Cha 10
Base Atk +2; CMB -4 [-2]; CMD 6 [8]
Feats Improved Initiative
Skills Diplomacy +5, Fly +14, Knowledge (planes) +3, Perception +4, Sense Motive +5
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
"Greater Good... That's how I operate." He gives an approving nod. waiting for the mentioned heroes who exposed the queens corruption. No easy task, for sure.
Darn it, I knew that would case trouble. Guess I'll need to break cover.
Mavor moves over to a cross-section of the roads and calls out.
"Oh my! Look! Isn't that Blackjack?! The infamous vigilante?! Oh, yeah it is! He's crossing that building over there. Great athletics that man!"
Then Mavor makes his way into another side street or dim-lit porch as soon as he can, hoping his bluff may have fooled and distracted the Grey Maidens from Tural.
Tural tries to stand really still and starts sweating profusely from the effort. He hears Mavor start a distraction and sighs from within.
Please... Please move away... Can't... Hold...