I'm not sure we should leave this complex until we can be somewhat sure that he's not coming back. The only thing I can think of that might smooth things over with the Shoanti beyond returning their son for burial is bringing them the head of the culprit.
I'm not sure we should leave this complex until we can be somewhat sure that he's not coming back. The only thing I can think of that might smooth things over with the Shoanti beyond returning their son for burial is bringing them the head of the culprit.
A good thought Krenn...Bring him the head of the Derro mage.
After some searching with Jerin you don't find anything new. The only thing magical was the skull trap which you manage to leave the room before the acid starting spitting once again. Looks like you've scowered everything.
Sounds good, we follow Curnach's plan and head back to Croft.
As you return to the group and explain they are free to go the people sigh and thank you. Some managed to smuggle a few coppers and offer it as payment as they have nothing else to offer you, but Tiora had nothing on her now to offer to you, but she smiles and promises you that she will pay you all back somehow.
As you exit and make your way through the city you all hear whispers and open shouting in the street about the news. The trail of Trinia Sabor is concluded and the queen herself has announced the execution for at sunset.
As you arrive at the Citadel Cressida Kroft meets you all at her office.
"I assume you have all been successful in retrieving Gaekhen?" she asks as she looks at the group and notices the visable wounds on some of you. "I am sure I have a medic nearby if any of you are seriously wounded?"
As you return to the group and explain they are free to go the people sigh and thank you. Some managed to smuggle a few coppers and offer it as payment as they have nothing else to offer you, but Tiora had nothing on her now to offer to you, but she smiles and promises you that she will pay you all back somehow.
As you exit and make your way through the city you all hear whispers and open shouting in the street about the news. The trail of Trinia Sabor is concluded and the queen herself has announced the execution for at sunset.
As you arrive at the Citadel Cressida Kroft meets you all at her office.
"I assume you have all been successful in retrieving Gaekhen?" she asks as she looks at the group and notices the visable wounds on some of you. "I am sure I have a medic nearby if any of you are seriously wounded?"
I would like to be present for the execution. Curnach says simply. His eyes seem to flare red for a moment with restrained anger manifesting through his druidic powers, before returning to normal.
Looking to krenn she nods.
"I'm glad to hear. If you hand me the body I can take it to Thousand Bones and try to mend ties with his people so we don't have a worse riot on our hands." she explains to Krenn and then looks over to Curnach as he mentions that he would like to attend the execution.
"I was just getting to that. I want you all to attend the execution, this whole thing doesn't sit right with me as you have brought your evidence to me I would've assumed they would let her go. I want you all to attend, also, because I fear a riot may start up." as she explained this she looks over you all. "You will take the best position by being with Korvosa's nobles. Here is your payment and remember to get there before sunset. The queen will address the crowd at the same time and as I have to deliver the Soanti boy's body to his grandfather and fill out the paperwork I won't be able to attend."
Cressida Kroft offers the sack of 1000 gold as promised once you hand over the body.
"I will take care of...him. Head over to the castle. I have told the guards to be expecting you."
Spellcraft
1d20+7 Spellcraft
You manage to find that the flask is a Elixir of Vision. Gives you a +10 on perception checks.
You manage to find that the flask is a Elixir of Vision. Gives you a +10 on perception checks.
1d20+7 Spellcraft
You manage to find that the flask is a Elixir of Vision. Gives you a +10 on perception checks.
1d20+7 Spellcraft
Oh yeah, it lasts for an entire hour too.
The execution it is not an affair to be missed. The toast of Korvosa is in attendance in garish gowns, fine capes, and enough jewels to blind a common man. The overall feel of the event is that of a grand ball or party, not an assassin’s public execution. Everyone here appears to be of noble birth or of some importance in the city. Even if you do not have knowledge of nobility, you still would've heard atleast a couple of these people in passing.
One notable personage who is not in attendance is Vencarlo Orisini, however as you have heard him giving his outspoken disdain for the queen it's only natural he wouldn't appear her.
Queen Ileosa emerges amid a great flourish and pomp as heralds announce her arrival with a fanfare of music and drums. This queen is not the subdued mourner you met earlier after killing the man responsible for the trageties that brought you together. Queen Ileosa has fully accepted the mantle of sole monarch now, and carries herself with poise, style, and grace. She wears a green and white silk dress worth thousands of gold coins, and is attended by a small army of servants. Chief among these is Sabina, her expression neutral but ever watchful for possible problems in the crowd. Ileosa takes her seat in a high throne-like chair at one end of the public courtyard, while the headman’s block stands ominously at the other.
The executioner is a towering, muscular man wearing an executioner’s helm and idly holding an immense axe—he remains motionless until his services are called upon.
On the way to the execution, Curnach says in a hushed tone to the others (NOT including the Captain)-
I simply don't believe the girl is guilty- and i'll be looking for the first chance I get to get her away and out of the castle. I understand completely if this isn't something you wish to help me with, but please do not stand in my way I beg you... This is not justice...
Here is my plan- before the headsman takes Trinia's head, i'll already be invisible- all eyes will no doubt be on the execution or speeches before hand. I will conjure a cloud of fog while invisible to cause confusion, then put two potions down Trinia's throat- one to hide her from sight, and another for her to fly out of the courtyard...
If any of you can cause a distraction or assist me in any way i'd be grateful. The headsmen is my biggest worry...
Curnach does no mingling, merely standing at the back and waiting for his moment...
Arianna will accept the dagger if no one else wants it.
After leaving the citadel Arianna will spend the remaining hours before the execution getting ready. She will retire to her room at the Three Rings without saying a word to the others. She will put on her courtiers clothing and various jewlery before wrapping her scarf around her waist and placing her new dagger onto that.
On her way with he others Arianna listens quietly to Curnach's plan. "A bold plan and I wish you well. Unfortunately we will never see you again. For successful or not the queen will not be happy to see spectacle ruined and will spare no expense in brining the perpetrator to 'justice'."
While at the execution Arianna will keep an eye on the queen and the assembled nobles in order to gauge their moods.
Perhaps... Perhaps not. I won't be directly visible while doing any of this, so we'll see. The queen will likely assume Trinia herself engineered an escape. Anyway... i'm not finished with Korvosa...
Arianna will accept the dagger if no one else wants it.
After leaving the citadel Arianna will spend the remaining hours before the execution getting ready. She will retire to her room at the Three Rings without saying a word to the others. She will put on her courtiers clothing and various jewlery before wrapping her scarf around her waist and placing her new dagger onto that.
On her way with he others Arianna listens quietly to Curnach's plan. "A bold plan and I wish you well. Unfortunately we will never see you again. For successful or not the queen will not be happy to see spectacle ruined and will spare no expense in brining the perpetrator to 'justice'."
While at the execution Arianna will keep an eye on the queen and the assembled nobles in order to gauge their moods.
Jerin clearly looks shaken when you talk about your plan. Are you sure you want to try this Curnach? I am one of the ones that believes she is innocent, but you are talking about attempting an escape for someone who will be heavily guarded. The Queen guards and who knows what else might be there. What if the execution activities last for hours? You only have a potion that lasts minutes? What if some cleric or mage is there that can just dispel your invisibility. I understand wanting to free her, I want the same thing, but this is madness...
After a little time he works up his nerve...
If there is anything I can do I will attempt it. The only things I have left to me are a Vanish spell and a scroll of Obscuring mist to help hide you as well. As soon as I see you drop the fog cloud, I will go invisible and try to drop it around the Queen, that will cause her guards to panick to protect her and will cause additional confusion. I hope you don't get me killed.
I will be off to the side as near to the Queen as I can get, maybe 40-50 feet away if I can get that close.
Does the queen have those at her side who could counter your magic, or pierce the veils? We might be better off recovering her for reincarnation or restoration to a just life.
We simply do not know. Perhaps it will not work Jerin, but I am going to try- theres no chance we'll be able to get hold of the body afterwards if the queen has considered this at all. Its a ceremony for nobles and honoured guests- I do not believe they will have many measures in place; after all, if shes simply a scapegoat as I believe she is who would they expect to rescue her?
We can talk about if's and maybe's all day- but I am doing this.
As sunset draws near, the expectant excitement in the crowd builds. When the ominous beating of a single large drum begins, the assembled gawkers fall silent. The drum sets the pace for Trinia’s procession to the headsman’s block. As they reach the headsman’s block, one of the guards removes Trinia’s shackles and the hood, revealing a very frightened woman who nonetheless bravely holds back her tears, if only barely. Trinia is led up onto the platform, her arms bound behind her back by a leather cord, and she is forced to kneel over the wooden block before the headsman as Queen Ileosa stands and addresses the crowd.
Curnach makes his way to the area after drinking his potion, unseen by anyone else and sneaking past the guards who remain at they're posts and keep a watch on the immediate area as the queen begins her speech.
“Fellow Korvosans! You have suffered greatly these past few weeks. Homes have burned, family members have died, fortunes have been lost. I feel your suffering, for not only have I lost a beloved husband, but with each riot, each burning home, each act of anarchy, my heart bleeds a little more. This has been a trying time for us, yet the torment is at an end. Before you is the face of your anguish and pain. Do not be eceived by this murderer’s timid nature—she is a black-hearted assassin, a seductress and sinner, a viper amidst us all." as she says this she stops as a strange thick fog begins to fill the area. Curnach moves to give Trinia the potion and the queen screams at the top of her voice. "Quickly! OFF WITH HER HEAD!" and before she disappears the executioner raised his axe, however the axe then falls from his hands and he falls to the floor, impaled by some strange force.
You see the infamous warrior of peace and protection of Korvosa appear, Blackjack. Blackjack had peiced through the executioner with his rapier. A man who stands up for the innocent and he starts seaching the area where Trinia was before shrugging.
"Whoever you might be, take her out of here quickly. I'll take her off your hands and somewhere safe if you meet me in the alley. I will find you. For now however, It's time for Blackjack to make his re-appearence." the man is wearing a black cowl and you can't see his face, but then again he can't see you and he runs off the edge, jumping out of the mist for all to see.
You all see a shadow jump from the fog and there appears for all to see is the infamous hero, Blackjack. A man of myth who was a protector of Korvosa, but his appearence here has everyone in total shock, even many of the nobles' jaws hit the floor. One of them nearby muttering
"By the Gods, it's Blackjack!" Blackjack is wearing a hooded cloak and leather armour weilding a rapier in one hand and a dagger in the other.
"Interesting words, my Queen. The Queen who is doing everything in her power to tear this city down! Down with the Queen!" after these words they spread like wildfire across the population in the area who start demanding for her head and others demanding she step down from the Crimson Throne. She stands stunned for a few moments, both by the appearence of Blackjack and the sudden turning of the crowd. She whispered something to Sabina and they begin to retreat back up to the castle, turning they're back and escaping with a dozen guards, however those left behind decide to deal with Blackjack and out of the mist emerges the huge figure of the executioner with his axe, joining the frey. He appears to be outnumbers but so far he's holding off the guards, but for how long? The fact that Blackjack, champion of the city has stood against the queen is out of character.
Well... That was unexpected. Trinia, it is I, Curnach. the Druid said to the girl he held by the wrist, so as to not lose track of her.
I was going to fly you out of here but with this distraction, you should be able to slip away- wait for me and this Blackjack fellow in the third alleyway to the right from the castle. See you soon...
Curnach follows Blackjack out of the fog, and uses his last prepared spell to heal the man of some of his wounds, or readies an action to heal him when he takes one.
Jerin's first action is to move about 30 feet from the fight and blend into the chaos.
Next he would daze the executioner (DC 18 willpower).
He would then turn invisible once it worked and then lay down the obscuring mist next to blackjack so that he and Trinia can escape. He would then flee himself.
Seeing the exectutioner wielding his axe, Arianna will surreptitiously
cast a Grease spell on it. DC: 15 Reflex save to retain a grip on it.
The great Blackjack is outnumbered by the guards, yet he manages to hold his own against him. They attack him from all sides, surrounding him and he takes a beating, but Curnach's healing forced the wounds to seal up and he stabs back at the soldiers, cutting them down one by one.
The executioner makes his way, however he is hit with a daze spell and drops his axe, stipping up the guards in heavy armour who continue to squabble about.
The obscuring mist also surrounds Blackjack, making it impossible for other guards in the distance to fire they're arrows at him as all they see if a thick mist that has surrounded him.
"Time to get out of here." he cuts down the last two remaining guards, stabbing one through the chest with his rapier and slicing open the throat of the other guard. As he makes his escape he does a undignified salute with his rapier at the guards saying "Have a nice trip, sir." a few of the men managed to recover, however he dissappears back through the mist which is still strong even now. Arrows are fired into the fog just after he dissappears inside, but they stop firing as the other guards enter.
Chaos continues as the guards have no idea where he went in the fog, but charge in, hearing culttering and smashing of armour against swords whilst those outside with bows remain aiming, waiting for the fog to vanish.
Arianna will pull out her wand of Cure Light Wounds and goes up to the execution platform to begin healing those guards that are still alive.
Meanwhile to the other guards she sees milling about she shouts pointing to a direction roughly 90 degrees from Blackjack's actual direction
Seems that most of them were okey, but only one needed a charge from the wounds. Not seeing a reason to disbelieve you they turn in that direction and run off in hopes of trying to find and apprehend Blackjack.
Chaos still goes on with the crowd and guards who are keeping them back who havn't noticed the marvelous spectecal that just happened.
By this point, Curnach has slunk away and is moving towards the alleyway, still invisible. If he sees Blackjack en route, he will attempt to test his theory that Blackjack is Vencarlo by grabbing for the two non-moving fingers...
You see him en route and running to the area. You reach out to grab his fingers and manage to grab at the two fingers you believe were the ones Vencarlo had 2 wodden insets in place, but instead you find two normal fingers in place and he spins around, looking for the invisable person who attempts to grab his fingers.
"If you are the one who saved Trinia then please, drop this spell and show me where Trinia is so I can take her somewhere safe." he looks around causiously and smiled as he managed to see Arianna off in the distance pointing the guards the wrong way.
Curnach lets the spell drop and introduces himself swiftly before moving on to the alleyway.
Curnach lets the spell drop and introduces himself swiftly before moving on to the alleyway.
I'll find them later- for now lets just get Trinia to safety.
Krenn, grab Arianna and lets get out of here before they start detaining people for questioning, I think we have done enough here today. He waits for Krenn and Arianna and head back to the Tavern to wait on Curnach?
"Alright." he heads off, down the path and as you arrive at the spot Trinia emerges from the shadows. For a few moments she runs over to Curnach and embraces him in a hug.
"Thank you. I'm so greatful you saved my life!" she cried out and hugs curnach tightly and then even gives him a kiss softly on the cheek. Blackjack then decides to interupted this thanking. "I will need to take her somewhere safe. Can you trust me? She will be safer with me so you and the rest of the group can protect Korvosa." at this Trinia seems somewhat sad but also blushing from the kiss she just gave Curnach.
I... er... yes. But Trinia, send me a letter once your safe? Curnach asks, somewhat at a loss and unsure how to react. He gives her the address of the tavern and an awkward smile before leaving...