So I was righ', then. More secrets. But at least it was another chance to spare at least someone from the city's madness - and Mouse wasn't about to let Vesper languish in the city only to be captured again. If there was a way out, a glimmer of luck for the unlucky Vesper, she'd see to it. And as the conversation continues, Mouse hits upon an idea.
Pietro? she chimes in softly. Li was speakin' o' sisters, an' y' c'n darken up hair 'n skin...well, if they ain't lookin' f'r two, they for sure ain't lookin' f'r two hor- Shoanti, she corrects herself with a sheepish smile. Make 'er hair 'n skin match mine close as y' can, an' movin' about I c'n stick close to 'er, mebbe even link arms or somethin'. Anyone asks, we're sisters - or, 'alf sisters, I s'pose. Nervously, she fingers the slightly pointed tip of her ear. It'd jus' 'ave t' be 'til we got 'er on 'er way...but it'd throw off th' scent even more.
You'n's 're righ', though - no sense wastin' dayligh'. We'll git what we need 'n be off. Glancing toward the door, her brow knits close. Bes' t' take Vesper wit' us now, or come back? More folk is in th' streets, more chance there is o' someone recognizin' 'er...Pietro? You got your disguisin' things on y' now, or're they all back at th' estate?
You'n's 're righ', though - no sense wastin' dayligh'. We'll git what we need 'n be off. Glancing toward the door, her brow knits close. Bes' t' take Vesper wit' us now, or come back? More folk is in th' streets, more chance there is o' someone recognizin' 'er...Pietro? You got your disguisin' things on y' now, or're they all back at th' estate?
Pietro patted his doctor's bag, which he never left his house without.
"yes, I think I have enough ingredients to make hair and skin dye right now, right here. I think it's a good idea."
He looked at his next... victim, "What type of hair color would you like. The darker color hues will make more sense with a more earthy skin tone..."
----------
”Ah Pietro, I mean no offense! Perhaps this isn’t the time for such jokes. You must forgive an old man his comedic indulges. We haven’t much left to hold on to at my age.”
Ah, my old man told me about this one. The Gentlemen Pirates, I remember that. So, you're the loyal opposition now? Not so sure how much the Queen has respect for any opposition, though."
”Ah, so the story is still told!” Vencarlo’s face lights up in delight. ”No, I don’t imagine she has any temper for such things at all just now. All the more reason to move on this quickly, before Vesper’s presence here can be discovered by the Gray Maidens.”
Vesper pipes up, answering Garvid’s question about the appearance of the men who came for her. ”Not short, but not tall neither. Facial hair, maybe? A mustache… No, a goatee! And peppered gray hair on both. Or was one of ‘em a ginger… It’s hard to say, sir. Whatever spell they put on me left me all out o’ sorts.”
Shoanti disguises!
With a determined nod, the doctor gets to work, excusing all the other men from the room, though Mouse and Li stay to assist. Vencarlo reassures Vesper. ”Don’t worry, my dear, we’ll be just in the next room. You needn’t worry.”
Helping the girl undress and removing her gaudy red wig is easy enough, and Pietro has now had enough experience with this that he works with impressive speed. His eye for color has improved markedly since working on Li’s hair, and he is able to concoct a highly convincing shade of Shoanti-black hair dye, as well as the signature olive tone for the skin.
”My heavens, it’s remarkable!” Vencarlo exclaims, reaching out to touch Vesper’s darkened hair. ”The only things she needs are tattoos. I’d never guess.”
”Very well, then. The logistics. I can’t be seen with you. My presence might draw suspicion. I have been too outspoken against the crown. But here’s what I recommend: a simple, subtle egress. There’s been several patrols spotted near North Bridge, so I suggest a slow, casual walk down to High Bridge and then up to Dwarfwalk Road, mingling with the afternoon merchants leaving the city. You needn’t travel all the way to Harse--that’s sixty miles! Our friend Jasan Andriel will meet you at a wayside inn along the road north called Trots. That’s only twelve miles. He’ll provide you with a night’s stay at the inn so you needn’t rush back or have to camp. As to your payment. Consider this a gift from Blackjack, for seeing the girl to safety.” He hands over a large, heavy burlap sack filled with coins.
”My dear, I wish you a safe journey, and I hope to see you again soon, returned to your home and family once this madness is over. You’ll be safe in Harse and, dare I hope, happy as well.” He embraces the girl warmly. ”I will attend to some private business, then disappear into the anonymity of Old Korvosa for a time. Please, don’t try to find me. I’ll call upon you when the time is right. Thank you so much.”
”Now be off. Hurry, and take advantage of the daylight. You don’t want to travel the roads by night if you don’t have to. Tales of bandits, ogres, and worse are on the rise.”
With Vesper disguised as a Shoanti, and Mouse staying close to her side, the pair draw hardly any attention as you meander south toward Midland. Groups of guards, now bearing crimson tunics evidencing their allegiance to the new queen, cast sidelong glances. Hellknights and mercenaries can still be seen, and you even spot a group of Gray Maidens, though they turn a street corner several blocks before you reach them. During the walk, Vesper steadies her nerves by talking to you. First only to Mouse, and with soft and timid questions, but after a time she grows more confident in the disguise, and she probes each of you a bit about your past.
___________
”To Harse!? Are you sure?” Fran asks, aghast, as she’s told she should leave the house. ”Gray Maidens? Here? And I was likin’ it here so much, beginnin’ t’think of this as a home.” Still, it only takes a short report of the Gray Maiden’s presence to convince Fran that this is the safest route. With tearful embraces she says goodbye to the manor’s occupants, especially Calcedon. ”You’ve saved me,” she breathes, ”And I won’t forget it. I swear to Abadar I never will!”
Cal stays behind to tend to the manor and maintain appearances, and the rest of you, Trinia and Vesper in tow, set out north toward Dwarfwalk road, and the open trail beyond.
On the way back to the estate, Yaziyah spends the time instructing Vesper in proper Shoanti posture and ways of walking, interspersed with very basic language lessons. If the girl is to pass as one of her people, she needs to teach her how. "Now, you are my niece, you understand? We need to find you a good Shoanti name. Anything you're particularly good at? Any talent or skill that you have?"
At the manor, it is the work of moments to pack her belongings and leave a few messages for Cal to give to her family. She ponders on leaving behind the damned pack of cards, but she cannot bring herself to do so. Strange they may be, and irritatingly vague, but they may yet help them somehow.
At Cal's
Pietro shows Fran his latest accomplishment, "See the hair color and skin tone. Pretty good if ask me."
He gave them a small vial, "Now the changes are permanent unless you wash them them off. But not just a any soap will wash the dye off. You need to take one teaspoon of this liquid and dilute it in 5 gallons of water."
He smiled , "Wash and rinse and you should be back to normal."
Li is almost as upset about Fran having to leave as she is. "At least ya won't be goin' alone. Ya be havin' Vesper an' ya can be each other's family. No one be lookin' fer two of ya."
Li quickly gathers up her belongings before going. She makes sure she has easily accessible crossbow bolts in one wrist sheath and her dagger in the other. She grabbed her pack and slung her crossbow across her back. She scampered down the stairs and met with the others.
She said goodbye to Cal. She was truly sorry that he was staying behind but it was probably for the best that he stayed put and went about his business. The last thing he needed was House Fordyce to draw unwanted attention.
Ain't much t' be sayin' 'bout where I come from - prob'ly soun's righ' familiar t' ya, Mouse responds in a low tone, leaning in close to Vesper in what she hopes looks like a conspiratorial fashion. Fronter empty scrapin' by like plen'y more, 'til... At the prospect of putting the last weeks' events into words, though, she halts. Sent on a revenge mission by a ghost living in a pack of cards? Stumbling into a brooch by chance, and tripping over that brooch straight into conscription in the Citadel? The Shoanti girl wouldn't have even believed it herself, had she heard a bard tell it.
...'til I met Yazi an' Garvid an' them, she finally decides on. Through a frien'. Gave us a job, she did, an' we foun' we worked righ' well together, so we kept on. It was a woefully inadequate description - but it'd have to do. We was workin' wit' th' Citadel f'r a bit...but not no more.
----------
At the Fordyce estate, Mouse waits until the bedroom is empty before pulling out her backpack from beneath the bed. And the weight of it surprises her - she hadn't remembered having nearly so much coin. Ain't doin' no good sittin' in 'ere, though...but carryin' all this mess's f'r miles's gon' be a heck of a thing... A few moments' consideration makes the decision - Mouse emerges with her old familiar backpack over her shoulder, its seams straining under the weight of its contents as she stands by the door waiting to leave. An' this's only half! This's gotta be 'nough t' outfit a army!
And as she ventures through the carts on Dwarfwalk Road, trying to keep her pace meandering, she discovers she's right - you could outfit an army with the gold in her bag. Provided you didn't have any interest in giving them anything better than an especially large kitchen knife. As for the magical wonders she'd glimpsed in shop windows or dreamed of as she went to sleep...those were more. Much more. Still, she does her best to look interested even as she goggles at the costs. A vial of healing tonic from an elf goes into her bag (though she tries to ignore the dirty look he gives her pointed ears). So too does she buy a flask full of a dark brown, gloopy liquid from a huge red-haired man, who claims it could make her grow twice her size.
This's all so spendy...'cept for more o' these potions 'n such, mebbe, ain't no way I'm droppin' th' coin on anything out 'ere. But as she walks past a wagon with a Varisian man atop the seat, a flash of scintillating color catches her eyes. It turns out to originate from a pair of tall boots made of what looks like red leather...until her shadow moves away from them. Then their true color is revealed, a riot of reds and golds she can't take her eyes away from... 'Scuse - 'scuse me, mister! she calls to the man atop his plank throne. What do...what do these do?
Garvid harumphs. "Damn magic...", he comments on the spell's affect on the girl's memories. "Well, so we can safely the female half the population of Korvosa, at least.", he chuckles. "Can't follow that thread, though."
As they walk the street, Garvid stares down the guards' new livery with contempt. "Oh that's just great.", he comments quietly. "Only thing the town needed, more peacekeeping organisations."
He spits on the ground, shouldering his halberd. He turns to Vesper, shaking his head. "Well, my folks' been in the guard for, what, four generations now, and I've got me a decade and a half there. Then, Lamm, if you haven't heard of it, decided to kill two birds with one stone, got a noble killed, blamed me." He grunts. "That's how all of us met, actually, going out to get that son of a b~~#&. Been working for Korvosa ever since, one way or the other."
He sighs as he looks at the shopping. "Now, I know that's fun, but unless your fashion sense is good enough to sense bandits on the dark roads, I'd keep it brief.", he mutters unhappily, despite stopping himself to stare at a cobbler's wares.
Vesper listens to Yazi's instructions carefully, trying to replicate the sharp Shoanti enunciation. Her thick city accent proves an impediment, however, and it's soon clear that language isn't her strong suite.
"Now, you are my niece, you understand? We need to find you a good Shoanti name. Anything you're particularly good at? Any talent or skill that you have?"
”Um…” Vesper squints one eye as she thinks hard about her talents. ”I been told I’m good at drinkin’. An iron gut, I has. Also, I can swab a deck quick as lightnin’.”
Trinia proves quite the talented pupil, easily recreating Yazi’s words. The young fugitive’s mood has improved somewhat, especially after you’ve spotted the Gray Maidens just west of market row. She now sticks close to the interior of the group, watching in wonder as Mouse purchases a fine pair of leathern boots.
"At least ya won't be goin' alone. Ya be havin' Vesper an' ya can be each other's family. No one be lookin' fer two of ya."
”Aye, ‘tis a good plan,” Trinia agrees. ”But I hope we aren’t t’stay in Harse forever. Don’t take me wrong, I’m sure the horse ranches are lovely ‘n all, and I’m surely grateful for all yer help. But I just couldn’t live in the country forever. I’m a city gal!”
________
Soon you reach the city gate that leads out onto Dwarfwalk Road. Although the gate is being monitored by a series of crimson-draped guardsmen, none seem to even notice you among the crowds entering and exiting the city. Thief Camp sprawls out to your west, a massive cluster of hovels jamed together on the eastern bank of the Jeggare. Vendors dressed in simple clothes call out, advertising their selection of cured meats, dried fruits, and handmade jewelry to the travelers entering the city. Horses clog the roads as well, their riders and handlers often donning exotic-looking clothes and complexions.
”The horses!” Trinia exclaims, struck by insight. In a bold move, she breaks away from the group, approaching a small stable that’s been erected near the city’s wall. She speaks to the stablemaster for a time, often shaking her head, then grinning ear to ear. She runs back excitedly. ”I’ve leased the, uh, chattels! We’ve got ‘em until sunset tomorrow! That’ll make the trip easier, won’t it?” She grabs Li’s hand, leading her back to the stable just as a handler brings out three black, healthy mares.
_________
Ahead, the road bends sharply east, then turns north toward the Hinterlands. For several miles the trees have been cleared, giving sojourners to and from the city a wide view and a measure of safety from thieves and bandits. After a while, however, the forest reclaims the trail. Not far in, the trail halts at an overturned tree trunk covered in moss.
You dismount to consider your options. Soon, a throaty chuckling emanates from the trees as three large ogres, accompanied by a huge wolf, emerge! Two of the larger wield giant clubs, while the third is slightly shorter but wields a well-crafted greatsword. All don heavy breastplates. ”Fresh meat tonight, boys!” grunts the sword-wielder. ”Get ‘em!” They advance upon you.
Trinia, to everyone’s surprise, pipes up. ”Vesper, stay with the horses! Ya big brutes! Bullies! Pick on someone yer own size!” Then she begins to sing softly, her voice shaky but perfectly pitched.
___________________________
Red:
Blue:
Orange:
Wolf:
Avg= 16
Avg = 11.8
"Oh, I would advise against trying to eat me," quips Yaziyah. "This meat is rather old, and tough. Oh! Look at the pretty lights!" Her left hand gestures surreptitiously and a shifting pattern of colours takes shape in front of the two ogres to the left. She hopes it will be enough to distract the creatures and she watches them intently to gauge the effect of her spell. Should it succeed, she will signal her companions to focus on the other creatures, should they attack.
”I’ve leased the, uh, chattels! We’ve got ‘em until sunset tomorrow! That’ll make the trip easier, won’t it?” She grabs Li’s hand, leading her back to the stable just as a handler brings out three black, healthy mares.
Li eyes the horses warily. They look huge to the rogue as they're brought up close. Being poor in the city all her life meant she didn't have a lot of experience with horses. But Trinia looks so excited that Li gives her a small smile. "Ya be thinkin' true."
__________________
Li's crossbow was at the ready when their 'ambush' appeared. Her concern was the ginormous wolf to her right, trusting in the others to deal with the ogres. Taking aim at the animal, she takes advantage of its slow reflexes in comparison to herself.
Pietro immediately reached for his special items and echoed Yazi, Oh really bad choice of menu guys. Go back now. This dinner is liable to give you stomach ache."
He then palmed a a bluish, smoky liquid and tossed at the ogres.
-----------
Mouse reaches for the sling at her belt...and then realizes it's not likely to do much good. With the time it would take to undo the slip knot that holds it in place, fish out a bullet, and get it seated correctly, the brutes could already be next to her - and indeed, that seemed to be their plan, from the way they moved. Garvid, git 'tween everyone an' th' wolf! Stolidly, she plants her feet into the earth, waiting for the ogres to come close enough for her to move in and get a proper chance to swing - and hard.
Garvid spits on the ground, nodding at Mouse. "Tell you what, you big ugly f+%+, you can eat your inbred mutt after I'm done with it!", he says, unshouldering his halberd and running towards the wolf, swinging the blade madly.
The halberd's blade dives deeply into the wolf's stomach, as Garvid lets out a roar. Blood starts flowing onto the hill, as he wrenches the weapon, free, sending splatters of blood all over his torso.
Yazi’s swirling miasma of colors fogs the air around two of the ogres as shimmering hues of indigo, vermillion, and apricot lure their gaze. The larger of the two falls prey to the spell, his jaw hanging open as a large mass of drool flows down his chin. The other merely shakes his head, growling in annoyance .
Li’s reacts even faster than the wolf, shooting a crossbow bolt that slams solidly into its shoulder. Garvid takes advantage of its wounded state, thundering through the grass to slash savagely with his halberd. . The wolf succumbs to its wounds, falling unconscious on the ground. Meanwhile, Mouse adopts a protective stance at the front.
Pietro palms a frost bomb and thumbs the cork off of the concoction before lobbing it toward the ogre near him The potion explodes, coating the ogre in a sparkling layer of rime. He gasps and shivers but retains his composure .
One ogre storms toward Garvid, enormous club raised over its head. It screams in rage at the sight of its wounded wolf and slams its club down toward him. Garvid manages to twist arrow, narrowly avoiding being smashed .
The frozen ogre grips his enormous greatsword and stumbles through the colorful fog. His eyes burn with hatred and focus on Mouse, the closest edible thing. He steps to within ten feet of her and swings hard with his sword . The sword cracks heavily against her bone shield, causing her to stagger sideways, though she’s fortunate to keep her head .
___________________________
Red:
Blue:
Orange:
Wolf:
fail
pass
pass
miss
miss
Mouse tumbles forward as the sword cleaves down, jumping up to her feet while simultaneously lifting her fist into the air. She catches the ogre under the chin, loosening a tooth or two. It spits blood but remains standing .
[ass
The fate of the wolf barely registered with the rogue before she loads another bolt into her weapon and takes aim at the ogre moving towards her and Garvid.
The force and ferocity of the ogres is quite terrifying to behold. Fortunately, none of their swings have connected with her friends yet, but Yaziyah can imagine only too well the devastating effects that such a hit would have on a frail human body. She takes a slow step back, focusing on keeping ensorcelled the brute she has snared with her colour pattern. A single bead of sweat trickles down one side of her face as she concentrates.
Garvid cracks his neck, turning towards the ogre. "Should've taken the hint, pal.", he says, swinging his halberd for a recklessly brutal swing towards the ogre's crotch.
He turns the flat of the blade in the last moment before the strike, as a loud thud is heard, followed by a howl from the ogre. "If you run now, I'm not going to chase you.", he grunts.
Vesper tries her best to keep the horses under control as they react to the sight and scent of the ogres.
Trinia turns to help her, but snaps her head back around to the brutes. She pauses humming her melody to call out to the big ogre facing Garvid. "Hey you! Smelly! What's the difference between an ogre and a flying pig? The letter 'F'!" She chuckles merrily, mischeviously skipping her way through the interior of the fight, but keeping her eye on Vesper.
Pietro smiled; his companions knew what they were doing.
He palmed another brittle flask, the greenish glowing fluid swirled within.
He tossed it to the ogre in front of Mouse, "Watch yourself Mouse."
------------
Yazi continues her conjuration of the hypnotic cloud. The cloud’s reflection dances in the pupils of her eyes as her lips move silently, conducting its movements. Li steadies her hands and loads another bolt, taking advantage of the nearest ogre’s focus on Garvid to plant it solidly in its ribcage . It howls in pain. it bellows, lifting its club. Garvid swings the flat side of his halberd toward its head, but the creature pulls itself upright just in time, avoiding the blow . Trinia’s joke only draws a simple, blank look, its humor flying completely over the ogre’s head .
Pietro’s alchemist’s fire whistles through the air, but bounces off of the ogre’s shoulder and crashes into the log just behind it. While the brunt of the flames are wasted, a bit of liquid fire splashes onto the ogre’s leg, burning and sizzling .
The ogre before mouse once again draws back and delivers a powerful swing, but Mouse ducks low. The massive weapon whooshes over the back of her head, taking a bit of hair but leaving her skin .
Garvid is not so lucky. As his torso twists around in recovery from his own swing, the ogre he is fighting draws back and rams the head of its club straight into his gut. Garvid doubles over, the breath knocked out of him .
The ogre chuckles darkly. it drawls in a deep basso tone.
___________________________
Red: fascinated
Blue: injured
Orange: injured
Wolf: unconscious
pass
hit
miss
Garvid's grunt of pain breaks Yaziyah's concentration. Hoping that the bewitched ogre won't escape her spell right away, she shifts her focus to the one attacking the former guardsman. If Garvid takes another blow like that, it might be the end of him. She entreats the spirits to befuddle the creature so that it will find it more difficult to hurt her companions.
The attack on Garvid gives Li pause but she continues her ranged assault, knowing it was the best she could do to help. However, she knows that if Garvid goes down that she'd be in real trouble. She takes a quick look at her surroundings and makes note of possible escape routes.
The rogue releases another bolt at the ogre, staying quiet as to not draw its attention.
Mouse can't help but shake some soreness out of her hand as she lands. Bastard's got some kind o' hide to 'im! An' muscle... Ducking quickly to avoid the weapon whooshing past her head, she bobs forward and aims a couple of kicks at what she hopes is still a sensitive area on the monstrous creatures.
The tide of battle was turning against them and what looked to be an easy victory no longer seemed so.
Garvid had taken a nasty hit so Pietro pulled out his stronger stuff again.
He sent his frost bomb at the ogre fighting Garvid hoping to put an end to him or stagger him if not.
-------------
"Abadar... you're one tough bastard...", Garvid manages to let out, gritting his teeth and going for an overhead swing.
"I've seen little girls hit harder than you...", he blurts out, spitting out a red mass.
Trinia lets out a small gasp as Garvid is struck. Her copper bracelet jingles as she ducks and rolls toward him. Staying low and out of the ogre's rage, she deftly reaches out with her hand and grabs Garvid's ankle, a surge of positive energy knitting some of his wounds. She hops up and cartwheels away. Her laughter dances musically through the woodland air and lends hope to her allies, even amid the violence.
At Yazi’s command the shadows on the forest floor seem to separate themselves, rising up and whirling in a storm cloud around Garvid’s opponent. The ogre bats at them with his hand, clearly distracted . ”
As a consequence of his erratic movements, Li’s next bolt misses him entirely. Garvid’s blade also only strikes his armor, bouncing off harmlessly . Pietro’s frozen bomb strikes, however, knocking him square on his noggin . Mouse also finds her mark, ricocheting off of her own opponent’s oversized knee to land a solid kick to his jaw . She lands on her feet, fist and shield raised defensively.
Garvid’s ogre flails wildly, the shadows enveloping him interfering with his aim . Mouse’s opponent rubs his jaw, frowning. Then he takes a calculated stab and manages to bypass her shield, cutting her deeply through her armor .
The third ogre remains enthralled by Yazi’s hypnotic lights. A puddle of drool has begun to form on the forest floor.
___________________________
Red: healthy, fascinated
Blue: quite a few wounds
Orange: quite a few wounds, staggered, misfortune
Wolf: unconscious
fail
fail
miss
hit
Li contemplates climbing up to get a safer vantage point for shooting at either ogre but doesn't want to take the time just yet. Instead she loads another bolt and takes aim at the ogre that was already sprouting one crossbow bolt.
Garvid lets out a howl, wincing slightly as he strains his battered chest. He grabs the halberd in his left hand, swinging the hilt into the ogre's kneecap.
A loud noise of bone breaking is heard as the weapon and the knee collide. He follows up with a stomp to the foot, and he turns to the ogre fighting Mouse, chuckling. "I'd suggest you to pick someone your size, but you look way too incompetent!"
Pietro holds a flask of alchemist fire in his hands but waits to see if there are any opponents left.
"Leave now on your own two feet while you still can."
------------
Yaziyah curses at the ogre that has landed a heavy hit on Mouse. She thinks furiously for a few seconds; the shadows distracting Garvid's opponent are already dissipating, so she has a choice between keeping that one out of the fight (although she doubts that the same trick would work twice) and trying to distract the one that threatens Mouse. As she ponders, Trinia bounces in, bolstering Garvid. Her choice made, Yaziyah takes a few steps forward, taking care to avoid the creature's wild swings, and invokes the spirits' wrath against the other ogre.
"Hold tight, Mouse, I'm coming!"
Li’s nerves get the better of her and another crossbow bolt goes sailing into the treetops . Garvid has a better go of it, shattering the big ogre’s knee . The creature groans in agony, collapsing from the pain .
Yazi turns her attention toward Mouse’s opponent, the shadows around it shifting ominously .
"Hold tight, Mouse, I'm coming!"
”I’ve got her!” Trinia chuckles as she makes a great show of dancing between Yazi and Pietro. With a laugh, she playfully slaps Mouse on the back, her hand glowing white. ”Now get in there’n show ‘em who’s boss!” Trinia claps her hands in excitement, retreating once again to the interior of the group.
Mouse smiles as she flies back into the ogre’s personal space, punching and kicking . The ogre backs up against the log behind it and Mouse takes advantage of its positioning, slamming her pretty new boot into its kneecap . It roars in fury, lifting its sword over its head for another swing, but Pietro’s latest concoction crashes into its forehead. The ogre stands shivering only a moment before collapsing, unconscious.
The enchanted ogre blinks his eyes, returning to reality. As he takes in his friends’ defeat, he must realize this meal isn’t worth the effort. He turns and stomps heavily back into the woods.
The horses scream in excitement and rear up on their legs. Vesper tumbles to the ground as one breaks free. ”Vesper!” Trinia runs back to help her calm the animals.
___________________________
Red: healthy, fleeing
Blue: unconscious
Orange: unconscious
Wolf: unconscious
fail
miss
hit
Garvid grunts as he shoulders his halberd, nodding approvingly of everyone. "Good work, everyone. At least we're getting those forests safer.", he says as he ties down the ogres, and with heavy grunts and groans drags them to the middle of the road, the dog included.
"So, what are we doing with them. Punishment for banditry is death, same for cannibalism, and I'd much rather have them dead than preying on the next passer-by.", he mentions grimly, sitting down. "I'll do it. Hate to be the jury and the executioner, but we're not really sitting in a lot of options right here. If you want, you can go up the road, and I'll catch up in a couple of minutes. If not, you can stick around and make sure I do everything by the books."
"I'll stay. Death is no stranger to me, and while they may be brutish creatures, someone should still guide their spirits into the beyond." Her features composed, Yaziyah seats herself with her back to a thick tree trunk, waiting. "When you're done, maybe the good doctor can take a look at that wound of yours."
Pietro had nothing to say about death of the ogres. Death was not a strange phenomenon for a doctor. He nodded his silent approval.
He then neared those that had been hurt, especially Garvid, and pulled out his healing stick, "Here let me see those wounds..."
------------
Garvid nods solemnly, making quick work of your assailants with a practiced hand.
Searching the bodies, you find the following :
scroll of cure moderate wounds
potion of cure light wounds
potion of invisbility
alchemist fire x2
mwk breastplate (size L) x2
+1 greatsword (size L)
javelins (size L) x6
greatclub (size L)
300 gold sails tucked into a large belt pouch
an amulet of natural armor +1
Pietro wordlessly binds the injured, his healing wand cauterizing wounds and leaving the smell of burnt flesh hanging in the air.
Li stays along with the others. There's no reason why anyone should have to shoulder the burden of executions alone. "Ya bein' a better person th'n I be, Garvid. Worryin' about doin' it by tha books an' all. I be stayin' if'n ya be needin' anythin'."
After it was over and they looked at what the ogres had been carrying, Li asks, "Anyone else be findin' it surprisin' that tha ogres be havin' such nice weapons an' other magic stuff? I didn't be thinkin' they be havin' tha money robbin' people outside tha city ta be buyin' such things."
"I doubt they bought them. They probably used to belong to some unfortunate travelers. Although I admit that the armour and the sword are of finer make than I expected from ogres. We should keep our eyes and ears open." Yaziyah eyes the pile of items thoughtfully. "Good thing we have horses to carry all this."
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Mouse eyes the pile as well. Prob'ly righ' they took th' weapons an' armor an' stuff...but 'f they did, they sure ain't took it from others like us. Least, I sure ain't gon' be able t' swing tha' sword round - 's longer 'n I am! 'Less...well, is it magic or somethin'? Jumps size 'round t' fit whoever's holdin' it? Things c'n do that, righ', when they're 'chanted an' such? With a slight air of hope, she grabs the huge sword handle almost ceremoniously, lifting it from the pile...but while she's just able to get the wicked point clear from the ground, it's abundantly clear it's more than just a lack of familiarity keeping her from using it with any sort of skill. And even clearer that it hasn't changed to match the slender girl's height - it remains stubbornly the length of Mouse's Bridgefront apartment.
Well...s'pose not. She lets the sword fall back onto the pile with a clatter and idly grabs at a dinner-plate size disc on a heavy chain. She'd meant to make a joke about how silly the gigantic amulet looked, hanging against a torso not much wider than the pendant itself was. But to her surprise, the second she lifts it free of the pile, the chain suddenly shrinks from the thickness of rope to the thickness of twine, and she finds that the pendant now rests comfortably in the palm of her hand. Or...mebbe it does? 'S it somethin' I said? Or a...I dunno, a wave o' my fingers or somethin'? The next several moments pass in a haze of concentration for Mouse, as she tries to remember every gesture she'd made grabbing the necklace. Finally, she gives up, huffing one word under her breath in a mixture of wonder and bemusement. Magic.
Nodding at Yazi, Garvid shrugs. "I've had worse. My ribs are complaining, though." He chuckles darkly at Li. "It's not about the books, it's about society, and how far we've all reached as sentients. If a damn ogre came into Korvosa, and decided to become a, say, butcher, I'd be giving him the same suspicious look I give to everyone. All of us included.", he chuckles. "It's how damn society's supposed to work, we're not killing them because they tried to kill us, we're killing them because they're a threat to civilisation, no matter how minute one." He shrugs. "That's what the guidebook says, at least.", he remarks, dragging a couple of stones to serve as a makeshift executioner's stand. "Well... It's a bit grim, but I'd need someone to make sure they're not moving, for their sake."
As the ogres are placed, Garvid sharpens his halberd, then stands next to them, kicking them all awake. Let's see if you remember all that wordy bullshit, Garvid. He clears his throat.
"I, Garvid Krein, as a former member of the Korvosan Guard, and a citizen of Korvosa, appointed by Korvosan Law, Article 12 on Criminal behaviour, am serving as the juror of your case.", he says, his voice unflinching. "You'll be tried for the crimes of armed robbery, cannibalism and attempted murder."
"For the crime of armed robbery, I judge you guilty. For the crime of cannibalism. I judge you guilty. For the crime of attempted murder, I judge you guilty." He pauses. "In the name of Abadar, and the name of Korvosa, for the crimes I've listed, you've been sentenced to death." He clears his throat again. "Any last words?", he says, before picking up his halberd. As the ogres burst into a barrage of foul words, Garvid nods to Li. "Cuff their mouths, please.", he says quietly, grabbing the halberd in hands.
As the grisly deed is done, he takes a moment to go to the pyre, picking up his quill and parchment and putting a small note to the bodies, with his notes from the event, for anyone who can read to read. "Well, that shit's done.", he mutters. "F#++, now I know why the executioners are such grim bastards..."
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Moving over to the pile of weapons and armour, Garvid shrugs. "Yeah, but... who would you take that sword from?", he asks curiously, nodding at the twelve-foot monstrosity Mouse is swinging. "How do you even lift that thing?", he asks with an arching eyebrow. "Well, if you can magic that thing about twice as small, I'd use it. Don't like greatswords all that much. A halberd, you can use to ruin some berserk bastard's day, but if it's magical, it means it's got to be better than mine, right?"
While the clubs are little more than felled tree trunks, the armors and the greatsword are of very good quality. While both breastplates and the sword are enormous and fit for the hands of a huge creature like an ogre, you honestly can't tell whether these items were forged by the ogres themselves or looted from rivals. All you can identify with certainty are the symbols of Lamashtu.
This bloody business behind them, the group loads the horses with their claimed treasures and sets off again. While the woodland continues on, dense and undeveloped, you aren't bothered by additional threats. The miles pass quickly as you re-live the excitement of the battle.
Before long a squat, plain-looking complex comes into view. The unremarkable inn, a single-story wooden affair, sits innocently off the main road, a series of adjacent buildings nestled against it. A large, weathered sign reading "Trots Welcomes You" creaks in the wind. A large vegetable garden grows off to the side. Two young boys in straw hats tend to it. On the front stoop of the inn an old woman rocks gently in her chair, a loaded light crossbow resting on her lap. "Food'n'ale! Food'n'ale! C'mon in. Rest yer bones, now. Dun' be shy!" She smiles a near-toothless grin and extends a spotted hand to wave you toward the door. "Dun' mind this," she says, waving to the weapon. "Jus' can' be too careful nowadays. Wolves'n thieves everywhere the eye turns. Paw! We've fresh arrivals!"
“Paw” doesn’t respond, though the busy main hall is welcoming enough. The floor is dirt covered in straw. Simple wooden tables and chairs fill the space. The northern wall is made of newer, unfinished lumber. The roof and surrounding walls are blackened, suggesting reconstruction after a fire. A small fireplace is nestled into the eastern wall. There is no fire, but cut wood rests inside, waiting patiently for its moment to shine. Only about 4 people were here before you, so of course you draw each gaze as you enter.
Vesper pipes up. ”I know what t’say.” The girl clears her throat before mentioning in a conversational tone, but a little too loudly: ”Well ain’t this a welcome respite from the dangers and perils outside. A girl’s in need of sanctuary!”
”Well, come in then!” huffs an overweight female halfling, her hair drawn back into a bun. ”Dinner’s wheat porridge, boiled mutton with turnip. Got mead, ‘o course, but nothin’ stronger.”
As you claim a table in the rear of the building, the patrons return to their chatter, though of course all eyes glance your way. One of the children from outside comes in, dusting his boots and pants off at the doorway before heading to the fireplace and kindling a small fire. After dinner is brought a wide-grinning, barrel chested man with a salt-and-pepper beard plants himself at the table. He reaches for Vesper’s hand. ”An’ how’re you, old girl? You must be Vesper. Carly done told me all about you. Cousin! I’m Jasan. Adriel. Horse rancher from outta Harse.”
The doctor sat back and enjoyed a hearty dinner. Although used to the best culinary affairs of Korvosa, he enjoyed the simple fare of country food.
He looked at Fran and her twin, "I guess this is where both of you stay, right?'
"Lamashtu... Who was that, Yazi?", Garvid asks as he's informed of the symbols. "Think if it's someone weird, we can always give them off to the Gray quarters. If Zellara's to be trusted, priests are going to need all the help they can get."
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Garvid grins to the old woman at the front. "Bit less of both now, miss.", he says, nodding at the massive sword strapped to the horse's side, as he dismounts and grunts unhappily. "Whoever said riding in full armour is glamorous is a..." He stops himself. "Person indescribable in polite conversation." He grumbles. Damn horses.
Walking in, he carefully sits on the table, and starts removing pieces of his armour, placing them in his bags. "Abadar, that feels good.", he remarks, taking a sip of mead. "If it wasn't for all the horses, I might be convinced to stay here.", he chuckles. "How's the town going?", he asks Jasan, standing up to shake his hand.
"Lamashtu... Who was that, Yazi?"
The shaman sighs. "Do you want the short version or the long version? The short of it... Lamashtu is bad news for the likes of us, a goddess of chaos and evil, the Mother of Monsters. The long of it is that she was once a demon lord, who ambushed and slew a god and stole his powers. She often takes the appearance of a pregnant, three-eyed jackal-headed woman wielding two blades and it is said that she birthed many monstruous races like the gnolls and goblins." She looks around, eyes slightly glazed over as it is not the real world she is really seeing. "After the girls are safely delivered we would do well to search this place more. If there is a cult of Lamashtu around here, we should root it out."
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At the inn, Yaziyah raises a few eyebrows as she asks the innkeeper for a saucer of water and a scrap of raw mutton. She sets to feeding and watering her weasel and only after the animal is curled up contentedly on her lap does she allow herself to relax, legs stretched out towards the fire and a mug of mead in her hand. She lets out a long sigh as she gives their hosts a crooked smile. "Indeed, horses are no friends to old women with bony arses." She swirls the mead and takes a deep draught, smacking her lips with pleasure. "What's the word around here, my friends? Any troubles, new or old? Anyone ailing? I'm a midwife and my companion over here is a doctor, if you are in need of our services."
Li ducks her head as Vesper announces her need for sanctuary. Not being one for drawing anyone's attention, she keeps to the back of the group and takes a seat quickly.
The rogue enjoys the home cooked meal along with everyone else. She's just starting to relax when Jasan plops down at their table. Li's wrist twitches slightly as she decides whether or not to release the dagger hidden in her wrist sheath. When she realizes who it is, she nods at him instead. "It be nice of ya ta be takin' in yer cousins fer a time. Or did Carly fergit ta tell ya Vesper's sister be comin' with her?"
"It be nice of ya ta be takin' in yer cousins fer a time. Or did Carly fergit ta tell ya Vesper's sister be comin' with her?"
”Sister?” Jasan replies uncertainly, looking from Vesper to Trinia to Li to Mouse to Yazi and back. ”And which of you blushing beauties is the sister?” He gives Yazi a slight wink . ”Truth be told I was only expecting one cousin. Carly only mentioned the one in his letter. But Carly knows what he’s doin’, I reckon… This ain’t the time to argue. Like pissin’ on a cold firepit. Pardon m’language, ladies.”
”We’ll be off at first light,” he continues. ”Word is the road isn’t safe by day, much less by night. That gives us the night to relax, anyway.” He sits back, resting his boot on the table then, realizing this might be bad manners, quickly places it back to the floor.
"How's the town going?"
"Can't really say," Jasan replies with a drawl. "Livin' up in Harse, we ain't seen the catastrophes I keep hearin' about in Korvosa. That's a right good thing, I think. No news is good news."
After dinner, Yazi spends some time speaking to the barkeep. The old lady out front turns out to be the owner. The Widow Gaufrey is her name, and she’s stricken with a touch of dementia. “Paw” has been dead for several years, though she can’t seem to accept it. Her children and grandchildren maintain Trots now. At Yazi’s mention of medicines, she and Pietro are asked to tend to the widow, whose arthritic joints render her largely immobile. One of the grandsons, a farmhand, also has a broken ankle that never healed right.
Yaziyah is happy to help the widow and her grandson, keeping up a steady stream of chatter all the while. She imparts news from the city and bits of gossip, asks the widow about her family and takes an interest in the grandson's plans for the future.
Jasan's words about road safety concern her, however. "Wouldn't it be better if we came with you to Hearse? If the roads are really that bad, we can come along as escort. Not many would dare to attack such a large and well-armed party, and even if they did... well." She leaves the rest unspoken, but glances meaningfully at Garvid's halberd leaning behind the door.