Laori is delighted by Kalem’s desire to talk. She says, “There’s this nice little bar in Five Corners called Three Rings Tavern. Let’s meet there around supper in a week’s time. We’ll have LOADS to discuss.”
Kalem can tell that Laori’s interest is genuine, but she seems oblivious to the tiefling’s romantic overtures.
Laori takes the second painting eagerly, but insists on paying for it, even if you insist otherwise.
The elf sighs at Ilsa’s persistence and says, “You’d probably do well as one of our tort… er, interrogators. You don’t take no for an answer. We suspect there may be someone or something in Korvosa that’s causing Scream and the other artists to have this amazing muse of theirs. Someone or something with close ties to Zon-Kuthon. As such, it’s very important for the church to track down this said someone or something. It’s not everyday you find so many exceptional artists in one place, so whoever or whatever sparked their muse must be extraordinary indeed. I really can’t say more without risking revealing church secrets, and I can’t very well do that as a representative of the church. Have to present a good image to the public and all that.”
Once you’ve settled up on paintings , she tucks the paintings under one arm and Scream’s head under the other. She bids you farewell, saying, “Thank you for your help, on behalf of myself and the church. I must report to my superiors now. I suspect I’ll see you again, sooner or later, and I don’t just mean Kalem. I look forward to it.”
After saying her farewell, Laori gifts you another smile before vanishing into shadows before your eyes.
Malen eyed Kalem with serious eyes for a moment, then shrugged. "Death comes for all, good and evil. Pharasma plays no part in that struggle of ethos." He pursed his lips, then continued, "However, my friend, such a choice is a slippery slope. Hardly anyone wakes up one day and decides to be evil...it's a conglomeration of choices, of justifications, of excuses. Just be careful."
The priest offered the priestess of Zon-Kuthon a parting wave before she vanished into the shadows. The cleric sighed and pulled out the painting he had insisted the priestess not have. "Some of you may not know, but The Lady of Graves also holds dominion over Prophecy. After the fall of Aroden, the gift of the Sight grew more erratic, and many of Her priests fail to even have one glimpse of the murky future. Such was the case with me until a few nights ago."
He pointed at the dragon on the canvas, "This beast was in my dreams, having laid all of Korvosa low, the streets littered with the bodies of the thousands who live here. How that ties into our Zon-Kuthonite acquaintance, I don't know, but it gives some added urgency to our mission, I think."
The priest is anxious to move on to the Arkonas' residence once a plan is put in place, though he understands the others might want to rest and regroup and tie up loose ends with Bashiel's family and the young nobleman.
Zamanda too is eager to move on to the Arkonas residence, but is more than willing to wait until morning if we need to tie up loose ends or follow up with other things.
Kalem listened to Malen and nodded along. It was what he expected of the priest. He didn’t want to argue, but more and more it felt like he was damned regardless of his choices. So why not have fun? Still, in his heart he knew the Pharasmite to be right, even if he didn’t want to admit it. Glad to have the conversation move away from his own moral shortcomings, he said:
”After our experiences with tarot reading, I’m not one to ignore prophetic visions. Shall we make our way to the Arkonas tonight? I think that a bit of a rest is well deserved after toppling another crime lord. But if your vision means that this is urgent, I’m good to go now.”
Bashiel waits for the others to rejoin him and Malen, and listens in to interest once Malen describes what he saw regarding the painting. "A dragon? Here in Korvosa? Are you sure you didn't dream of one of the house drakes? It's hard to believe that a dragon would come to Korvosa to terrorize it - no matter how most disorder the Queen manages to engender." A thought hits him and he blanches. "Unless... that's the whole plan... the city is to be fed to a dragon." He shakes his head, putting wild speculation aside.
"I'm ready to head to the Arkonas tonight. We didn't learn what relationship the Seneschal has with them. But I'm guessing if they're a big crime family he might be their captive. In that case the days will count. Same for Vencarlo as well."
Okay. Well, should we stay here tonight, or at Scream's place, or... other ideas? We could stay at Vencarlo's place as well, but I worry that someone will set it on fire again. Also, are we going to try to organize things around here and try to fill the power vacuum left by the Emperor's passing, or just let things play out? I mean, I'm not from old town, and I don't know if there is anyone who could step in. Definitely not advocating or pressuring anyone. Just wondering if it is something you guys think we should get involved in.
The first depicts a full portrait of a thin humanoid wearing shadows as he stands framed by a dolmen of great size. The figure’s brilliant blue eyes are the only true points of color in the piece, and they seem to almost glow with anger. This painting is worth 450 gp.
The second picture depicts a rugged mountain range above a desert under a harsh blue sky. In the foreground, a quartet of Vudrani tusked camels ridden by N’darr tribespeople race across dunes that, upon closer examination, consist of tiny skulls. This picture is worth 1,100 gp.
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"If we feel as a group we would be better prepared to rest and go in the morning, that's what we should do. There was a great deal accomplished today, and Korvosa is better for it."
Malen thought about the words of the two warriors for a moment, then continued, "I'm not sure exactly how urgent it is, but it can't be a coincidence that the artist was drawing an exact replica of the beast I dreamt of not long ago. Not similar...it is exactly the same. Down to the gnarls on the rib bones and the number and size of the teeth." The priest shook his head at Bashiel's question. "Not a house drake...a dragon. A skeletal one...although I admit that could be the dream symbolizing death coming from the creature. I don't know..."
When Zamanda mentioned where to stay, the cleric pondered a while, then responded, "If the mold is gone, then perhaps the artist's abode? I'd rather not stay here in case the remaining thugs gathered their courage and decide to go join their Emperor in the Boneyard. The best thing we can do for Old Korvosa is find the Seneschal and Orisini and work with them to bring some semblance of order back to the city as a whole. These people suffer, it is true, but it would take our time and energy to keep things in line here, and we have more productive things to do for the city as a whole. Perhaps we can at least threaten the remaining brutes, though...that might buy a little time, if nothing else."
”Threatening them will only buy time while we can see them. A power vacuum will always be filled, and we don’t have the time to do it. And not many here have the mindset to do it anyways. Best to just leave it be. The people will have a respite anyways while the lieutenants fight each other.”
"A skeletal dragon. Are the Urgathoans maybe not done with our city? Or maybe-" He puts a fist on his chin. "If we're going to make outrageous guesses, maybe Scream's source of inspiration was your dream? Maybe he had some ability to see other people's dreams while they were dreamt? I've heard of stranger stories."
When the conversation moves to the plan going ahead, Bashiel nods in agreement. "Resting it is then. We'll be of no use to any of them if we're killed somewhere along the way."
"How about we return to Vencarlo's student and my father and brother? They deserve to know that Pilts has been dealt with, and staying together may be a good way to make sure they're safe." He looks to Ilsa. "We can gather anyone else there if you think they might be at risk. Friends and family."
"I suspect Amin wouldn't mind a few guests."
Laori, of course, takes the offered painting eagerly. She pays you the normal price (1100 gp) for it.
-----
After getting a good night's sleep, Zamanda made careful use of her grooming kit combined with prestidigitation and her sleeves of many garments to make herself look every inch a noble. Nothing frilly of course, but beyond her natural ability to look clean in any circumstance, she wanted the perfect haircut/color and the cut, the cloth, the workmanship, the expensive dyes, and the custom fit of her clothing that would impress anyone who was looking for such things. She wasn't sure whether it would impress the Arkonas family, but if it didn't, Kalem probably would, so she decided to play the other side and see who could get through.
After decisions had been made regarding who to talk to and inform of the Emperor's untimely demise, Malen quickly healed everyone up from the various wounds that had piled up throughout the day. Truth be told, his allies had doled out far more than received, but it wouldn't do to count on that always being the case.
As before, Malen lets Bashiel and the others lead the socializing with the paladin's family and the young nobleman, the priest politely answering questions and joining the conversation if engaged but otherwise letting the parties who knew each other speak without interjecting himself.
Upon waking the following morning, the cleric went through his ritual of prayers to Pharasma, thanking Her for the opportunity to serve her for another day on Golarion. While he didn't fear his ultimate reward, he felt there was still plenty left on this world for him to do, especially in light of recent events. Once done pondering over Korvosa's plight and his small part to play in it, he joined the others once they were ready to go to the Arkonas'.
"How are we playing this? Just knocking and asking about our missing friends?"
Bashiel ends with "The remnants of his gangs are still going to be out and about, so I think you'll be safest here for a while yet. That and... well, the Queen's Maidens are blocking the ways out of Old Korvosa. It'll be very dangerous and risky to try to get you out. I think she'll be forced to lift the blockade once order is restored here. But..."
He pauses to ask his party "Will the blockade on Old Korvosa really be lifted even if things are under control here once more? Or should we start planning on how to start sneaking people out?"
Kalem left, and spent some time just wandering the streets. It was barely past noon, afterall. So he walked, wandering through his thoughts as much as he did the streets. He was, in a word, conflicted. Conflicted about the path he was walking. Conflicted about how he saw his comrades. While he was willing to die for them, in many ways he was also jealous of them. Of their families and social ties. And he brooded on the idea that the only reason they tolerated him was because he was so good at hurting people. That but-for the disaster hitting the city none of them would have given him the time of day. Conflicted about what it was that he wanted. At first he had wanted revenge. Then social acceptance, but that was always just a dream. And now? Now he didn’t know. Power, he assumed. But if he was honest with himself, that was just a means to an end. His eventual conclusion was that he just wanted to feel something. Because it seemed like the only times he felt alive were when death was a real possibility, and the only time he was happy was when he was in the process of killing someone. Maybe the elf’s crazy cult had the right idea. At the very least they wouldn’t look down on him. Then again, Malen’s warning did haunt him. Was he really so needy that he was willing to damn his soul? The hard truth didn’t sit well with him either. So in the end he decided that what he really needed was a drink. What he needed to do was stop thinking.
He woke up the next morning in the novel that he called a home. The one nice thing about the plague was the lack of rent. He wondered if the landlord had died or fled the city. Not that he really cared.
Putting on the cleanest of his clothes he made his way back to the group. Seeing them he put on his best fake smile, something he was quite good at. ”Another day, another crime family. You all ready?”
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Ilsa is glad the 'Emperor' has fallen, and wonders what will become of her home and neighborhood. As the others prepare to settle in for the evening, on a whim she finds herself wandering the neighborhood, finally ending up in front of the old second-hand shop she worked at.
It was boarded up, but she could still picture herself, trying on the slightly too-tight leather armor and picking up a sap for the first time. She could still remember the strange note she received, and wondered how she could have come so far, so fast.
I don't even feel I'm the same person--what is this Thing turning me into? Something like It.
A tingle runs down her spine, and as darkness begins to press in, she feels a memory of her fear of the dark. But instead of running home, or conjuring light for that matter, she waits in the deepening dusk like a gargoyle or some other creature of the night.
When it is much too late, she returns to the others.
The following morning, Bashiel spends a full hour in prayer and communion with his ancestors, seeking advice and guidance for swiftly saving the Seneschal. Unfortunately, his ancestors are as unsure as he is about how best to approach the Arkonas. Once he's done with his prep, he turns to his allies.
"We could just go and knock. But I feel we don't know much about them yet. I think asking some questions first might be safer." He gives a slight grin. "That said, I bet we're going to end up knocking at the end of the day. We just don't know much about their relationship to the Seneschal OR Vencarlo. Not enough to go on to just Lets hope they're happy to get visitors."
Bashiel asks around the district where the Arkona Palace lies, looking for information about the family (?), both general and specific.
Bashiel asks around and finds out the Arkona family is currently headed by Glorio and Meliya Arkona, brother and sister. They oversee the family and its operations from Arkona Palace, which is perched at the highest point atop Endrin Ilse in Old Korvosa in the Fort Korvosa district.
From what you hear, Fort Korvosa has fared the best of Old Korvosa’s districts thanks to the Arkona family’s stewardship. While it has undoubtedly still suffered due to its isolation from the mainland, Fort Korvosa has mostly maintained a sense of civility and order thanks to regular patrols by Arkona guards.
Bashiel is able to verify from multiple sources that the Arkonas are involved in organized crime and Korvosa’s underworld. They are said to have ties to the Cerulean Society, the city’s thieves’ guild, and have multiple assets throughout Old Korvosa and the mainland. Despite these ties, all the people you speak with seem to have a generally favorable view of the Arkonas. Most of the crime the family's involved in is apparently out-of-sight and has very little effect on the average citizen of Old Korvosa. Residents see the Arkonas as a stabilizing force in the city.
The priest is not surprised to hear that many of the residents of Old Korvosa have a higher-than-expected opinion of the crime family. They were apparently quite clever and in it for the long haul. Instead of acting like despots like the ridiculous Emperor, they were actually doing good for their part of the City. Of course it was likely for their ultimate gain, but still a good strategy. And showed they were likely reasonable people. Perhaps they could be bargained with more effectively than Pilts.
As Bashiel went about trying to gather information before they moved out, Malen spent his time moving amongst the decaying, crumbling buildings of the district, pausing to say a prayer to Pharasma over the corpse of an unfortunate who hadn't made it after the blockade. There were far too many of them, a testament to the effectiveness of the Veil and the subsequent blockade. He shook his head, returning to the others with his resolve again at a high. Death was the end for all things...but this suffering had to cease.
Bashiel returns to the party with the information he's learned. "For a crime family, people sure like them just fine. Either that or they're dangerously good at silencing their enemies and any who would speak out against them." He shrugs uncomfortably "I'm going to hope it isn't that second option... but I wouldn't be surprised if it was."
"Considering their connections to the Cerulean Society and other institutions, I'd guess they have little love for the crown. If they know anything about the Seneschal, once we make it clear we're not working for the Queen, they should be willing to part with what they know. Of course, I doubt it'll be that easy." He frowns "I just hope there's no more blood sports."
"So, with what little we know, my vote is for just talking to them. If they reject us... well, then we can consider other ways to get information from them."
----
To Malen, Bashiel asks "Do you think you could spare a casting of water walking? We could try to get Amin and my family out across the river quickly that way. If you're not opposed, we could do that before heading to the Arkona Palace."
In addition to what Bashiel learns through asking around, Zamanda also learns that Glorio Arkona and his younger sister Meliya Arkona aren’t on the best of terms as of late. While they’ve kept their conflict mostly civil, the two have developed a bit of a rivalry.
Glorio and Meliya came into power in the family when their parents died suddenly about a decade ago. Together, the two picked up where their parents left off and have continued to maintain the family’s influence and wealth. Not only are the Arkonas said to have ties to the Cerulean Society, some believe the family may have even taken control of the thieves’ guild. In addition to the family’s underworld activities, trade with distant Vudra remains another significant source of income and power for the Arkonas.
Glorio is said to be philanthropic, helping those in poverty or with a large amount of debt. Meliya is said to be more private, spending most of her time in the Arkona Palace.
-----
Once matters with Amin and Bashiel’s family are handled, you proceed to the Fort Korvosa district to see the Arkonas at their palace. As soon as you pass into the district, you notice an immediate difference. The homes and shops still appear mostly functional and very little trash fills the streets and alleys. You even see a few people stick their heads out windows to get a look at you. On your way, you pass a couple guard patrols as well.
As you near Arkona Palace, you’re approached by a group of four human men and two human women. The six figures are well dressed and outfitted with longswords and chainmail. Bashiel and Zamanda recognize their clothes to be in the same colors as are traditionally worn by the Arkona family. These four look nothing like the Emperor’s thugs in Old Dock.
One of the men hails you as the group draws near. He says, “You’re approaching Arkona Palace. Please state your reason for coming to the manor.”
____
Zamanda steps forward, smiling (and looking absolutely perfect, as described previously).
Well met. My name is Zamanda. This is Bashiel, Kalem, Ilsa, and Malen. I'm not sure if you have heard of us, but we are the ones that recently dispatched the pretended "Emperor." We seek an audience on an errand of some importance, as we are trying to find some friends of ours that we think came this way. Would you like to escort us?
Malen nodded to the paladin. "Indeed, I asked Pharasma for that particular blessing again. My hope was that we would finish our business here and leave with the Seneschal and Orisini, but when is it ever that easy? I can cast it upon nine people total, and it will last more than long enough to cross the Jeggare. Perhaps it would be best to wait until nightfall, though, before the attempt? I doubt the guards overly care about people going TO Old Korvosa, but would probably be more vigilant with those trying to come from the island. Or do you have another plan?"
Malen noted the difference in scenery as the group passed into the area of Old Korvosa that fell into the envelope of the Arkonas, the place seeming almost normal. When the party was stopped by the patrol, the priest let the stunning aasimar do the talking, certain that if her honeyed words couldn't sway the guards they were in for a fight.
Bashiel stands straight, but looks nowhere near as well put together as Zamanda - his long duties in the guard and the recent couple of weeks have beaten down care for his appearance to a back corner of his mind. Despite that, he strikes a composed, determined figure. "Right, we would appreciate that opportunity, if you're willing to take the time out of your routines."
The guard who spoke before looks back and forth between Zamanda and Bashiel. Then he studies Ilsa, Kalem, and Malen for a few moments each.
Looking back at Zamanda he says, “You’ve done us all a favor by ridding Old Korvosa of that filth. The island may be under lockdown, but the Arkonas have not shut their doors to Fort Korvosa’s residents. Please come with us and we’ll lead you into the manor.”
The six guards lead you through the gate at the base of the hill leading up to Arkona Palace. The palace grounds are immaculately landscaped. The paved path curves steeply upward before leveling off at the top. You finally get a clear view of the Palace as you near the hilltop. Two outbuildings lie on either side of the palace, but both are dwarfed by the manor itself. The two-story palace is a breathtaking structure built in the Vudrani style, with golden pillars, high windows that rise to tapered points, minarets, and domes decorated with slender spires.
Still showing the way, the guards guide you inside. Double doors made of mahogany lead into the palace. Within the palace, walls are made of ebony and carved with depictions of elephants, tigers, monkeys, and peacocks, all with shimmering mother-of-pearl eyes. Each of the mahogany doors is carved with the image of some exotic deity.
The palace is well-lit, each room illuminated by everburning torches. Exotic plants in clay pots are abundant and the palace is rich with their scents, mingled with that of sandalwood incense burning in brass censers that hang in various spots along the ceiling. The rooms inside the palace are spacious and grand - ceilings twenty feet high. A rich, red carpet fills most of the floor.
A tall, pleasant man wearing an eye patch appears at the palace entryway to greet you. He says, “Welcome. My name is Carnochan. I’m the palace’s majordomo.”
The lead guard says, “These people say they were responsible for the Emperor’s demise. They would like an audience with Lord Arkona.”
After the lead guard speaks, all the guards give polite bows before taking their leave and returning back down the hill.
Carnochan’s smile widens at the news and says, “Well, then. I’m sure Glorio will be eager to meet you. The Emperor has been a thorn in our side for quite some time. It’s good for the city to be free of his taint. Please, come with me.”
Carnochan leads you to a side room off the main hallway. The small, but cozy room has a burning fireplace in the middle along with several comfortable chairs and a large sofa. Windows are interspaced every few feet along the walls, giving excellent views of Old Korvosa and the Jeggare.
The majordomo says, “Please wait here while I see if Lord Arkona is available. It should only be a few minutes.”
Carnochan leaves the doors to the side room open as he departs. He rounds a corner in the hallway and you find yourselves alone.
Malen was pleased to see that the guards were civilized and thankful for the group's work at the Emperor's 'palace'. Reminding himself that these Arkonas folks cavorted with thieves and their ilk, the priest remained watchful as they were led to the large mansion where the family made their home.
He walked along with the others, just offering the majordomo a respectful nod as he introduced himself and then took them to what appeared to be a waiting room while Carnochan fetched Lord Arkonas. The cleric looked about idly as they waited, the graphics tickling at his memory but not ringing a bell.
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He turns to his Father, brother, and Amin. "When we arrive, head for the Citadel and seek out Cressida Kroft, the field marshal. Let people know that Bashiel Eland sent you if you get stopped. If for some reason the Guard no longer has control over the Citadel..." He pauses to consider how far things might have gone in the couple of days they'd been in Old Korvosa. "... head to the Pantheon of Many. At the shrine of Cayden Cailean, ask how to get in contact with Pellius Alazario. He or his allies will be know where its safe to stay for now. And may be able to help you get out of the city."
The sumptuous decorations and exquisite landscaping of the Arkona Palace are initially calming to Bashiel after all the chaos and decay of the Emperor's base of operations. But its not long before the opulence gnaws at him uncomfortably. Wealth like this didn't come out of nowhere. And what little he'd learned of the Arkonas suggested that it wasn't their honest business that managed to produce all this.
He couldn't help but think back to the desperation in the streets elsewhere in Old Korvosa and compare it to the waste evident here. It turned his stomach.
He nods firmly to Carnochan, but when the man's gaze is elsewhere he surreptitiously judges the weight of his soul with Detect Evil. Once the group is in the waiting room, Bashiel gives the rest of the team a sidelong glance. "What do you think our chances are to get this audience? And what are our chances that the Arkonas appreciate our visit?"
Bashiel’s family and Amin nod at Bashiel’s words. His father replies, “I wish you could stay with us, but I know you have other things to do for Korvosa. Please be safe, Bashiel. Lying in my shop after Pilts’s thugs nearly split open my head, I wondered if I would ever see you again. You make it back alive so we can see more of each other, okay?”
Amin replies, “If you find Master Orisini, please tell him I’m okay. And if you get the chance, I would like to receive word when you find him. I would like to know he’s well.”
Bashiel doesn’t detect evil from Carnochan.
Zamanda looks at Bashiel and says
We're getting the audience, because if he has any spies worth having, and I'm guessing he does, he knows we're telling the truth. Whether he wants us to perform a task for him or answer our questions out of the goodness of his heart, I think he will at least see us.
However, if he does not, there is a possibility that we can play on the rivalry between the two Arkona siblings. If Glorio won't see us, perhaps Meliya will.
As for appreciation... if they were going to throw us out or have us killed we wouldn't have gotten this far. We're an opportunity, and as long as we show that we appreciate that they are actually taking care of their people, unlike the Emperor, and that *we* appreciate them and the good that they are doing holding this place together, whatever their means of funding, then I suspect we will also get respect in return.
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As they walk through the palace, Ilsa has mixed feelings about this crime family. She had heard of them, of course, living in Old Korvosa her whole life. They weren't like the 'Emperor,' that was for sure. But she still didn't like the fact that they lived in such luxury while surrounded by so many without.
"I feel like we may be able to work with them," she says quietly to her companions. "Though I wonder which of the siblings would be easiest to sway."
"They don't strike me as the sort that would outright try to kill us. But the Arkonas are obviously powerful. The fact they left the Emperor to his business makes me think they didn't mind him around." And we got rid of him. So...
Bashiel shrugs, adding quietly "You're right though Zamanda. They would have thrown us out earlier if they didn't think there was something worthwhile in us showing up." And at her suggestion he adds "The rivalry? We can give it a try. Let's hope they don't see us as a potential pawn to jab at each other."
He waits with an eye on the door, before his gaze wanders across the room, inspecting it for any unusual features - maybe even traps?
Malen patiently waited with the others, eyeing the opulent surroundings with curiosity. There were those, like the Emperor, who ruled through fear and didn't much care about the rest. And then there were these folks, the Arkonas, who made sure from the moment you walked through the door that you were in the presence of wealth and success. Listening to the conversation, the priest added, "While lulling us into a sense of security by inviting us in is a possibility, I feel they mean to at least speak to us. If for no other reasons than to find out our motivations for being here. Once we tell them...well, then it is bound to get interesting."
The cleric paused, then continued, "For instance, Scream didn't seem to indicate that the Seneschal had been snatched from the Emperor. If the artist believed he was likely here, then how did he get here if Pilts' thugs waylaid him in Scream's house? Let's be open-minded, but careful."
About five minutes pass before Carnochan returns with another exquisitely dressed Vudrani man with shoulder-length black hair and a trimmed goatee and mustache. A kukri sheathed in an ornamental case rests at his hip.
Not waiting for Carnochan to introduce him, the other man says, “Greetings to all of you! I am Glorio Arkona, the lord of this Palace and its domain. I hear you are the ones responsible for slaying the false king. Old Korvosa owes you a debt for your service. A foul man like that should never be allowed to masquerade as a ruler. It is good that the city is rid of him.”
Glorio moves toward an open seat when he notices something and feigns looking appalled. He turns to Carnochan and says, “Are our guests not worthy of Arkona hospitality? Fetch some wine and cheese at once.”
Carnochan, looking embarrassed, nods before hurrying away to obey Glorio’s command.
Turning back to the group, Glorio finally takes an open seat before saying with a smile, “My apologies. It’s hard to find good help these days and there’s not exactly an easy way to find replacements at the moment. But enough about that.”
All of you get the distinct impression that Glorio is subtly communicating his disdain for the isolation of Old Korvosa. He doesn’t seem at all happy about the matter.
Glorio removes a ring from his right hand before handing the gorgeous piece of jewelry to the group. The ring is intricately carved and is topped with a deep green bloodstone. “In thanks for your service to Old Korvosa,” he explains. “A ring of evasion. For individuals as industrious as yourselves, I suspect it will come in handy.”
Leaning back in his padded seat, Glorio says, “Now, then. I assume you didn’t come to my palace just looking for a reward. How might I be of assistance?”
Zamanda bows and says
Thank you for the kind gesture, sir. It is nice to be appreciated for our good works. You are correct however, that we have come here on another matter. Our good friends Vencarlo Orsini and Neolandus Kalepopolis have gone missing, and in looking for them we were directed here.
Perhaps you offered them shelter, and if that is the case, you have my thanks. I must tell you clearly that we are not friends to the Queen, and in fact know firsthand of her evil deeds. We wish to help Vencarlo and the former (and rightful) Seneschal, and Vencarlo will vouch for us if you tell him that we have come.
Bashiel nods and bows, following Zamanda's lead. "It is good to meet you, especially after our experiences in Old Dock. We spoke to people on our way here, and the townsfolk nearby seem to think very highly of you and your family."
"As Zamanda says, we're hoping you may be able to help us locate Orisini and Kalepopolis. They're both proving very difficult to find. Maybe with your networks you'd know more, even if you and your family haven't come across them first-hand?"
Kalem, for his part, stayed silent. And listened to their hosts, trying to get a read on their true motives.
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Malen smiled as the man introduced himself, finding it a bit odd that his first action was to demean his servant. It didn't speak well of the nobleman/crimelord, but he supposed most highborn folks were quick to criticize those they thought of as their 'lessers'. As Carnochan went to fetch some food and drink, the priest understood part of it was the frustration of being isolated. In addition to being short on help, Arkona was probably also short on information.
As Zamanda spoke for the group and Ilsa and Bashiel chimed in, Malen remained silent and near the back of the group. Instead of coming up with charming things to say or clever questions, he instead acted nonchalant, though he was intensely studying their host's tone and body posture to see if he was shooting straight with them should he answer.
Carnochan returns bearing a bottle of red wine and a variety of cheeses. He offers to pour some wine for any who ask for it, starting with Glorio, of course.
Glorio listens silently as you explain your reason for coming to the palace, nodding occasionally when appropriate. Once you’re finished, he says, “We do what we can for the people of Fort Korvosa. It’s certainly been more difficult of late. I’m sure the Queen is doing what she can.”
You get the distinct impression that Glorio definitely does not think the Queen is doing what she can.
Continuing, Glorio smiles and says, “As for Orisini and Kalepopolis, they’ve both come to be guests in our household, but handing them over could be a trifle complicated. You see, both men have been sent below into the Vivified Labyrinth. I apologize for the difficulty, but I won’t be able to retrieve either guest for you. However, I will do the next best thing. Shall I show you the way to the labyrinth?”
Kalem and Malen both believe Glorio is telling the truth, at least for the most part. Glorio’s use of the term ‘guests’ might be a bit questionable.
Malen also suspects that playing along with Glorio’s suggestion will get the group closer to Kalepopolis and Orisini than if you ignore his suggestion and take a different course of action. It's hard to say why Glorio is performing this ruse, but he definitely has some reason in mind.
You recall rumors of the notorious Vivified Labyrinth. It is said to be used by the Arkonas to torment and test prisoners and agents alike.
Glorio doesn't seem to be referring to a good place, so Zamanda asks additional questions.
The "Vivified Labyrinth"? Can you tell us a little bit more about what we would be getting ourselves into, should we choose to enter such a place? The name Labyrinth suggests that it is not easy to get in and out of. So three basic questions: 1. What are the dangers? 2. Do you have a way out? and 3. How long have they been down there? ... I have many other questions, but since it doesn't seem clear whether our friends are even still alive, I thought I would jump to the most pertinent ones first.
Despite not knowing what the Vivified Labyrinth is, Bashiel is very sure that its not the name of the deluxe guest quarters. He nods along with Zamanda's questions, adding "I hope you don't mind the question, but why exactly did you place both of your guests in a Labyrinth, vivified or not? As far as we know, one or both of them may be injured. And a labyrinth really doesn't seem like the kind of place that has a surfeit of rest and recuperation." He raises an eyebrow, skepticism clear on his face.