Devan's eyes lingered on the redhead as she busied herself with getting dressed and taking care of the recovering wolf, his shallow chest still heaving from the morning's test of his recovered endurance. The young man remembered the feeling of warmth permeating his body, washing away the lingering effects of the disease and venom he had been fighting off. The magic had left him feeling vigorous and had washed away the lingering aches and longings from the period directly before his initial meeting with the group at Madame Zellara's home. The young priestess didn't match Devan's thoughts of the clergy or priesthood of a deity, yet her faith was obviously strong, as she channeled Erastil's power with a dignified, down-to-earth humility that the bard found quite appealing. Perhaps he would talk to her about her god later.
The musician got to his feet and joined his lover in getting dressed and prepared, both to bear witness to Trinia's execution and to satisfy their agreement with Kroft. Perhaps the Professor had changed his mind during the evening and they could possibly even save the woman. If not, the execution would proceed and Trinia would become yet another corpse supporting the Throne of Korvosa's monarch. Devan wondered what the popular reaction to this event was, and found himself eager to take to the streets to judge the general mood of the city.
Atticus in the end shakes his head and continues.
"I will aid you. But alas, I do not feel comfortable doing it."
Sipping his drink, Nargun listen to the priest of Calistria
I can't be the voice of the voiceless. I can't be anything else that I am now. But someone has to fight for those that cant fight. Someone has to defend those who are powerless. I can be that one. Till my death, which will be seen as Glorious, or as stupid, I Don't care. Could I worship Calistria? I Don't know, honestly. There are a few things they do
and there, Nargun blushes
I'm quite unconfortable with. Things I Don't agree with. The carnal pleasures… I would have been faithful to my wife, you know, if she hasn't been murdered. Now, being an ally of you personnaly, I see no shame in that. Helping those who have been wronged, and need a stronger arm than their own, I am able to do that.
Pressure from the Calistrian priestess makes the Professor agree to help in the treasonous scheme to free Trinia before she can be executed.
Preparing as best they can, the group moves through the streets of the quiet pre-dawn city. Everywhere, signs of the citizens expecting the worst are evident. Boards cover many street-facing windows, carts filled with families are headed for the exits of the city, and the streets are quiet, perhaps too quiet. It is as if the whole city is perched on the edge of a precipice, just waiting for something to tip it over into ruin.
The obsidian presence of Castle Korvosa looms before you, a long queue of people outside lined up to get in to view the spectacle of the murder of the regicide. Expectant conversation buzzes among the who's-who of Korvosan society, but the faces of the common-folk are long and drawn; while the aristocrats may be celebrating this day, it's clear the people are not.
The Castle's courtyard is enclosed on 2 sides by the high curtain wall, and open to the air, where the first light of the sun is just beginning to creep over the city. Dozens of Sable Marines, in their signature black uniforms, patrol the walls and stand guard at the entrances. Another flight of at least 3 marines, soars through the air overhead, looking quite majestic on their winged hippogriff steeds.
Before long, the throng is installed in the courtyard, where a man in a black hood, with a mighty large axe stands motionless on the hastily constructed platform. A wooden block rests at this feet. He seems unaware of the crowd or the mood and stands stock-still waiting to carry out the Queen's command.
The royal box stands empty, for the moment, though the grey-mailed figure of Sabina Merrin stands next to the Queen's seats, her sword in hand, and mailed helm covering her lustrous hair and face.
All you can do now is wait for the Queen's entrance, and ultimately the presentation of the accused.
"Devan, you mentioned the guards. How many guarding Trinia do you think Atticus and I could slip past if unseen? Four? Five? I think if there are more than four I will have to reconsider. Even invisible it would be difficult getting close enough otherwise.
Atticus, how long would it take you to open a set of manacles? The mists will last quite long, but the vanish spell wears off quickly.
Are there any ideas anyone else might have?
I would strongly suggest not bringing her to your aunties Mirella. If she is caught there it would bring undue suffering to them."
Atticus shrugs and replies. "depends on the manacles. Regular a few moments. But if they gave her special ones, as a kingslayer or used other forms to incarcerate her. Well, we have to see."
Mirela sticks near Devan as they head to watch the execution.
She does not bring her longbow or quivers, she does however wear her armor and morning star, and tries her best to strap/hide her dagger up her sleeve in case they try to confiscate her weapons.
She also makes sure to put her holy symbol around her neck so she can cast spells if need be.
'Opefully I won't be needin' any of this, but given the mood in the city...
The execution is an event not to be missed. Despite the early hour, the toast of Korvosa is in attendance, decked out in garish gowns, fine capes, and enough jewels to blind the common citizen, who are simply not allowed inside the courtyard. The overall feel of the event is that of a grand ball or party, not an assassin's public execution.
After a worthy delay to build excitement, Queen Ileosa emerges from the ebon-castle amid great flourish and pomp as heralds announce her arrival with a fanfare of music and drums. She carries herself with poise, style, and grace befitting the head of state. She wears a green and white silk dress, probably worth thousands of gold crowns, and is attended by a small army of striking guards. Chief among these, as you noted before, is Sabina Merrin with her plate and helm, which sports a flowing crimson plume.
Ileosa takes her seat in a high throne-like chair at one end of the public courtyard, while the axe-man stands ominously at the other end. Whispers run rampant through the assemblage -- admiring comments on the Queen's attire, predictions on how the traitor Trinia might comport herself, speculations on the identity of the armored guardian at Ileosa's side, and even remarks about a new group of irregular Korvosan guards who have been performing feats of derring throughout the city recently (that means you...)
An ominous drum beat begins, and the gawkers fall silent. The drum sets the pace for Trinia's procession to the executioner's block. As they reach the block, a guard removes her shackles and hood, revealing a very frightened woman who bravely holds back tears. Trinia stands resolutely before the axe-man, her arms bound behind her back as Queen Ileosa addresses the crowd:
"Fellow Korvosans! You have suffered greatly these past few weeks. Homes have been burned, family members have died, and fortunes have been lost. I feel your suffering, for not only have I lost a beloved husband, but with each act of anarchy that followed, my heart bled more. This has been a trying time for us, yet the torment is now at an end. Before you is the source of your anguish and pain. Do not be deceived by this murderer's timid nature -- she is a black-hearted assassin. I offer you her death as a salve against the hatred and hurt you have suffered."
"And so, without further delay, let us usher in this new dawn with justice! OFF WITH HER HEAD!!!"
Knowing the moment to strike is now...or never... Twilight is about to summon up the courage to make the pre-arranged signal and begin casting the obscuring mist when something altogether unexpected happens.
Before the executioner forces Trinia down to the block, the stoic man cries out in pain as a hurled dagger embeds itself in the back of his hand. As the executioner's grip on Trinia falters, a cry echoes through the crowded courtyard. "By the gods! It's Blackjack!"
An instant later, a man dressed in a hooded cloak and black mask springs up on the platform beside Trinia. Using a dagger he cuts the bonds on her wrists and then throws the same dagger into the executioner's left foot, pinning it in place against the wooden platform. he then turns to address the shocked crowd:
"Yes, indeed, my Queen! Let us usher in justice, but let that be justice for Korvosa, not this shambles you call a monarchy! Long live Korvosa! Down with the queen!"
Blackjack's words cause the crowd to erupt into chaotic action. Some demand he release the assassin while others call for the Queen's resignation. Queen Ileosa stands stunned for a few moments, whispers something to Sabina, and then quickly turns to flee into Castle Korvosa. Sabina Merrin and a dozen guards behind her cover the retreat of the newly crowned monarch. The remaining guards in the courtyard move to apprehend Blackjack, but the gathering nobles, thirsty for blood, make it difficult for them to move in as a coordinated force. At the same time, the wounded executioner lifts his axe over Blackjack, who seems to have momentarily forgotten the man in his delight at having forced the Queen to flee.
Devan watched as the grim procession wound its way through the throng, counting the number of guards and shaking his head miserably. Too many to try to sneak past, and the press of people would make Atticus' work that much harder. The musician listened to the red-headed Queen's speech with a scowl, paying more attention to the woman's bodyguard and other attendants. The number of guards escorting Trinia to the block was truly astounding, and the bard gulped nervously as his eyes flitted back and forth between the escort and the headsman's block. As the Queen cried out for Trinia's head, Devan looked frantically at Twilight, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he got ready to move.
The arrival of Blackjack caught the young man off guard as it did the rest of the crowd, though a smile crept onto his face as the masked hero spoke to the Queen as he cut away the bonds holding the small blonde woman captive. Devan's dark eyes followed the Queen's retreat back to Castle Korvosa for a moment, but when he looked back he saw the headsman now looming over the unaware Blackjack.
Devan quickly sang a short tune, sending a small wave of energy at the burly axe-man in the hopes that it would buy Blackjack enough time to collect Trinia and go...wherever it was he was going.
Devan attempted to push through the masses around him, watching the unfolding scene helplessly. The logical part of his brain was already working through the fact that with the Queen retreating with a sizable portion of guards, the group could possibly still enact their escape plan if Blackjack bought the farm. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that, though. The musician yelled out, hoping his voice would be lost in the crowd, "Blackjack, look out!!!" The bard made sure to keep his eyes forward and away from his companions, on the chance that some sharp-eyed guard spotted him.
Nargun was in a grim mood.
No, let me rephrase that: Nargun was in an even grimer mood than usual.
Seeing the woman walking as calmy as possible to her grave was bringing tears to his eyes.
Did my beloved knew she was about to die? Did she felt fear? Was her death painful and bloody? How can this painter show so much sad calm, knowing that in a few seconds the only thing she will draw will be her last breath? I can't let her die...
Then chaos cames, a man known by the crowd as Blackjack jumped onto the execution scene. And the axe man, who didn't took too kindly about the interruption, was about to strike
Nargun takes his own, bigger axe, and tries to pass the guards, with a savage, mad grin on his face. He calls the would-be regal killer
You call that an axe? This is an axe!
Looking around Mirela shouts:
No, we 'ave to keep this from getting out of 'and!
On impulse Mirela prays for peace.
Old Deadeye, save this community from itself.
Let none rashly raise a hand in anger.
Or strike the innocent among us.
Though they may not deserve it,
Grant all your peace!
Wizard 0: Acid splash, Mage hand, prestidigitation, read magic. 1:Mage armour, Vanish, Disguise Self, (S)Vanish.2:Vanish, Blind/Def, (S)Silent image | Subtle misdirection 6/6. Bonded item 1/1.
Dressed to blend into the crowd and conceal her identity, Twilight watched the procession for an opening to exploit. Trinia was indeed manacled and without closer examination there was no way of knowing whether Atticus would actually be able to open them. With only vanishes to work with there may not be enough time to free her, and that was a risk she wasn't willing to take.
But suddenly, an opportunity did present itself as they took off the manacles leaving just plain rope binding her hands! If she was ever going to attempt this, now was the time.
She bent down as if to pick something up. With all eyes glued to the events on the platform nobody was going to glance down and notice her disappear. A quick magical word and she vanished from sight. Now time was of the essence as she snaked towards the block leaving a few spectators a little confused by what just pushed past them.
Just as she got to the platform and was ready to shroud the proceedings in mist to shield the events from the onlookers there was a cry from the stage. She looked up just in time to see Blackjack make his grand appearance. Her shock was momentary as events started to unfold. This wasn't part of the plan, but it was a welcome addition. She just needed to improvise.
There were still guards about the platform and griffon riders in the sky. She had no idea if there were archers but it would be safe to assume there were. The act that solidified her decision was Nargun's charge. If he was seen assaulting the guard then regardless of the outcome here it would go very badly for him. She stuck with the original part of the plan and summoned up a large bank of fog to block the stage from everyone's sight. The act would break her invisibility, but she made sure that she was far enough away from anyone that the mist would still conceal her before she was able to cast vanish again.
Atticus stays a bit back. His mind tells him he is doing the right thing his soul tells him different.
Still his duty and comradie made him join this lunatic adventure.
He will try to find cornerstones of the guards, sergeants who would direct the defense or wizards. Ready to intercept them with words and deeds.
All hell breaks loose as Blackjack arrives on the scene in spectacular fashion, rescuing Trinia from the executioner's axe. With his back turned, Blackjack is threatened by the axe-man who holds the weapon over the masked hero's head.
At that moment, Devan bursts forward, casting a spell that roots the killer in place. Blackjack sees the effort, salutes Devan with his drawn rapier, and moves Trinia down the platform to a safer location.
At the same time, Mirela casts a calming spell on the crowd near the platform, trying to keep things from getting out of control. The spell is somewhat effective, but there is enough chaos that its a small island of calm in a big storm. Most of the nobles and dignitaries move away, fleeing the scene, while guards crowd into the courtyard trying to stop the rebel and recapture the king's alleged killer.
The Professor knows enough about the Sable Marine's rank and insignia to identify the officers and NCO's who lead the platoon of guardsmen who attempt to fight through the milling crowd towards the platform.
Just as the first soldiers set foot on the dais, a cloud of thick fog fills the courtyard, blocking vision of any kind from farther than 5' away. Twilight smiles as she sees her plan come together, if not exactly as she planned. When she can, she casts another disappearing spell on herself, blinking out of sight basically unnoticed.
Under cover of the fog, and with the threats neutralized temporarily, Blackjack spirits Trinia towards the corner of the courtyard, throwing a grappling hook and rope to the top. Throwing the lithe artist over his shoulder, the folk-hero scrambles to the top of the wall, just as the soldiers fight through the mist, waving their weapons at him, as he stops atop the wall.
He salutes the crowd, eyes looking at the PC's especially, then leaps from the wall to safety on the other side. The pell-mell crush of the crowd keeps any of you, including the invisible Twilight, from doing much else to either aid or hinder the escape of the prisoner and her rescuer. All you can do is smile, as the most-likely innocent girl is spirited away.
Once the action is clearly over, the crowd starts buzzing with the news. From what you can hear, the reaction, even from those calling for Trinia's blood, seems to be in favor of Blackjack, the legendary hero of Korvosa come to life once again. If that worthy hero is in opposition to the Queen, then maybe everyone needs to re-examine their own loyalty.
Clearly, things have taken a most interesting turn...
End of Chapter 1
With the immediate danger to the crowd and Trina passed, Mirela pushes through the throng to where Devan is now standing.
A goofy grin appears on her face as she says:
I can't believe we saw Blackjack! Come on, lets get out of 'ere to someplace we can talk!
Then she tries to go with him and find the rest of their companions. The whole while, a small smile keeps appearing on her face as she processes what just happened.
Atticus smiles and joins with Twilight.
Somehow he can´t hide his feeling of relieve.
"It seems someone has had the same idea. And he seems to be interested in us."
Maybe we better get off discreetly and have a few drinks far away?
Mirela's smile is infectious, and Devan's expression quickly matches, the high emotions of the event threatening to overwhelm. As the duo stumbled across the other members of the group, the musician grinned helplessly at Nargun's suggestion, but followed along, knowing that becoming scarce was probably for the best for the moment.
There had been a lot of confusion going on as Blackjack performed his daring rescue, surely, but being identified as a possible accomplice because the party had foolishly remained by the platform seemed like a bad idea. Devan threw his arm around the priestess' shoulders and went with the others to find someplace more quiet to reflect on what had just happened.
Playing the part of a confused spectator whenever a guard nears, ( ) Twilight says "I'm headed back to the Juggler, I'll see whoever wishes to join me there."
She then furtively makes her way out of the confused mob in the courtyard and heads back to the inn.
There she makes preparations for a celebratory dinner that evening.
The chaos around the escape of Trinia takes a while for the guards and authorities to unscramble. It is easy enough for the party to slip away in the confusion and meet back up at the Yellow Juggler. If their actions in support of Blackjack were noticed by the crowd, there seems to be no sign, the confusion, the obscuring mist, and the spectacle of Blackjack appearing in the flesh all seemed to provide enough distraction for them to go unnoticed by all, except perhaps by Blackjack himself.
The group meets in the private room for a morning meal and to debrief about events that transpired at Castle Korvosa. The servants bring food and drink and the good cheer in the room from the escape of Trinia is palpable.
A knock at the door interrupts the reverie, and you are surprised to see Field Marshal Cressida Kroft at the door. She is wearing a grey cloak that covers her uniform or any insignia, and she looks worried (as usual, I suppose).
"I am sorry to intrude on your celebration. But I have something to share with you that you should know or at least consider, as events unfold after today's...scene. May I come in?"
Devan was in a fabulous mood after the spectacle of Blackjack and Trinia's daring escape and the group's ability to melt into the crowd and get lost in the confusion (if their assistance had even been noticed). The musician sat next to Mirela, and even allowed himself to indulge in a watered-down glass of wine, exchanging banter about the events that had unfolded with any of the group who cared to listen.
When Kroft knocked and entered, Devan's first instinct was to search the area behind the woman for a contingent of guards, thinking that their culpability in Trinia's escape had been noticed after all. When the dark-haired commander entered alone, the bard relaxed somewhat, though he still remained wary as he motioned for the Field Commander to come inside and join them. "Of course, Fiel...ma'am." Devan noted the woman's obvious attempts to hide her insignia. "Perhaps you could close the door behind you, as well."
Mirela jumps up, hurries over to the door, and opens it wide.
I have the door Ma'am. You sit. She motions to her no vacant seat.
Then as soon as commander Kroft comes in, she peaks her head out the door, checks around the area beyond for anyone watching her enter or trying to listen in before ducking back in and closing the door. She then leans against the door guarding against anyone who might try to intrude or listen in.
Twilight was in a good mood during the celebratory dinner. However as Kroft made her entrance, her tone changed slightly taking on an icy undertone. Those keen observers who had been dinning with her moments before would notice the subtle shift in tone that someone just arriving might miss.
"Why look who's here" she laughed pleasantly as she motioned a half full glass of wine in Kroft's direction "They'll let just anyone in here these days!" she said, not quite fully in jest.
"But since you're here, please, have a seat. Would you like some wine?" Twilight asked, her emerald eyes regarding Kroft cooly.
When the Princess mention some more wine, Nargun adds
I'll ask for another bottle. Bottles, in fact.
Looking at Cressida Atticus takes a deep breath.
"You are incognito, the city is a powderkeg and blackjack has been seen. Looks like you have some major problems."
Kroft enters, closing the door behind her as suggested. She frowns slightly at the icy welcome from Twilight but nods when wine is offered, and sits where indicated by Mirela.
Mirela sees nothing suspicious when she scans the common room, and hears nothing unusual as Kroft speaks.
"Major problems is right; though I think we may share in them before we are done." She stops and drinks a heavy quaff of wine, before continuing. "I appreciated your efforts on the behalf of Korvosa, so I only thought it fair to warn you. I have it on good evidence that the Queen is about to restructure several elements of the city's military organizations. The rumors are that she intends to disband some or even all the existing institutions in favor of something new. That means the Sable Marines and even the Korvosan Guard may go by the wayside."
"I will try to tenaciously defend the Guard, but the Queen holds all teh cards as usual. Certainly, for the time being, my ability to finance special missions for you will almost certainly be diminished. My goal is not to make waves and to try to protect the men and women of the Guard as much as possible." She drinks more wine, a blush of red rising in her cheeks.
"All that to say, you can no longer consider yourselves official agents of the Guard. I know you have a loyalty in your hearts to the city, and I hope that you will continue to fight for the city and her citizens, but I cannot officially sanction you any longer. I will provide what aid I can, should you continue to fight, and it should be clear now, more than ever, that the city needs you. The Queen's inexperience, ignorance, and naivete about governing is dangerous for us all. I am worried about the future for you, for me, and for Korvosa." She toasts you as she says these last few words and downs the rest of her glass in a one long swallow.
"If I run across something you can aid with, I will contact you here. Fair enough?" she rises quickly, a bit unsteadily you notice, and holds on to the table edge till her balance returns, giving you a chance to comment or ask questions if you like.
Devan's eyes drifted over to Mirela as Kroft took a seat, but he relaxed when her posture indicated that she didn't perceive a threat. The musician turned his attention to the dark-haired leader of Korvosa's Guard, tilting his head slightly at the mention of a restructuring of the military. Surely not the Hellknights? Even the Queen had to realize how overbearing that group surely was.
As Kroft descended into speculation on the matter, Devan shrugged internally. Beyond Kroft herself and maybe that Grau fellow, the bard didn't have much use for the Guard at any rate. That still didn't take away the slight sting as the Field Marshal let the party know that they were no longer agents of the City. When she mentioned Korvosa needing them, however, his dark eyes lit up and he nodded once briskly in the affirmative.
When Kroft had finished and stood (and nearly swooned), Devan briefly glanced at all the others before addressing the woman. "Of course, Field Marshal. We'll be around should Korvosa have need of us." Left unsaid was the obvious question of just what exactly they might be fighting, but for both Kroft and the party's sake Devan let it go. Perhaps things might still calm down after Trinia's escape. Devan and the others had just acquired a decent amount of wealth, and as he looked over at the radiant redhead, he realized that things were indeed going as right as they ever had in his life. He placed his hand on his chest, gently rubbing the outline of the ring resting on his breast through the clothing, before rising and walking over to Mirela, guiding her back to the table after the Field Marshal had made her exit.
Could you give us, or at least me, some informations about the Blackjack fellow? I'm not from the town, you know. Seems to me the Queen isn't too much loved in her own Queendom, and that her decisions will be met with reluctance, some might say resistance, from her "people". Do you know much about that?
Despite having drink most of the alcohol on the table by himself, Nargun seems sober still, and his mind is unexpectedly sharp.
Mirela also pipes up with another question before Kroft leaves the room.
'Un thing I don't be understanding: Why the secrecy? If you do be cutting bait with us, why not do it all offical like? Instead you hide your uniform and come to us 'ere. Do there be some some reason you not wanting to be seen with us?
Because you Don't know who to trust yet among the guards? Some might be happy to work for the Queen?
Kroft sighs. "I mostly came incognito for your protection. I am nto sure the Queen knows your identities, though the scene at the Castle today surely pointed someone in your direction. I wanted to 'cut you loose' in the least obtrusive way possible, so that if I end up in the dungeon tomorrow, perhaps you will still walk freely."
"As for Blackjack, he's always been a folk-hero among the people, going back dozens of years, but I would not have believed he really existed if it hadn't been seen by so many today. Exactly who he really is, and what his motives are-- well, that's still unclear. But it's something I'm working on."
When Devan reinforces the group's commitment to Korvosa, Kroft smiles, if a bit wanly. "Thank Abadar and all the graces. Things are going from bad to worse in this city, and we'll need someone looking out of the common people. Glad you will be there. Now, I really must be off. There is an active investigation afoot, after all."
The Marshal wraps herself in the grey woolen cloak, making sure none of her scarlet armor or insignia shows beneath, and, unless you have more questions, heads for the door.
Looking at the marshall Atticus clears his throat and speaks up.
"Marshall, do you feel well. It seems you are unstable. Please sit down and we get you somethong hot. I know you feel uncomfortable, but you have no time for hastiness!"
Devan waved pleasantly at Kroft as she left, thankful for the warning. In truth, the musician was so pleased with how things had played out earlier that he really hadn't thought any more about working with the Guard. Long-term work hadn't been something he had thought about in some time, honestly. He peered over at the redhead near him, realizing that his future was something he needed to invest a bit of brain capital into.
A new set of colorful boots and a matching cloak...now that could create a dashing figure. Why dress all in black? The bard resolved to go shopping when he found the time...if he was going to get into this business of city-saving, he might as well look the part. No sense in letting Blackjack have a monopoly on vigilantism.
Looking at the marshall Atticus clears his throat and speaks up.
[Dice=senseM]1d20+1d6+11
"Marshall, do you feel well. It seems you are unstable. Please sit down and we get you something hot. I know you feel uncomfortable, but you have no time for hastiness!"
The field marshall waves the Professor's concerns away. "It is nothing, just too much drink too quickly. I will be fine. I am sure we will see each other again." She nods curtly to each of you and departs, leaving you with something else to ponder.
After the departure of Kroft, and the words she said about the future of Korvosa and the unlimited power of the queen mixed with a definite lack of governing experience, Atticus starts to feel the itch to bring out the haunted harrow deck again. To the Professor, who is becoming more in tune with the occult, the itch starts to become a compulsion which quickly turns into an obsession. While the others finish their meal, he rushes to get the cards, and returns ready to read the Harrow, shuffling the cards frontwards and backwards in a style eerily reminiscent of the Zellara, the Varisian fortune-teller who brought you all together in the first place.
Ummm Professor? Are you alright? Mirela asks looking concerned at how he oddly seems to be playing with the cards.
Everyone's attention is drawn to the manic card-shuffling actions of the Professor, and as you watch in fascination, a ghostly figure seems to lift from out of his body and move to the chair next to him. The form is none other than Zellara herself. Now she holds the Harrow Deck and begins spreading the cards for the choosing, which initiates the Harrow.
"My friends!" she says, her Varisian accent heavy even in death. "You have done well protecting our city and rescuing an innocent girl from certain death. Madame Zellara is proud of your accomplishments. But...there is a peril out there of which you are unaware. A danger that will bring this city to the edge of ruin. Madame Zellara cannot stop it, nor can she directly you tell you the nature of the concern, but she can read the cards and perhaps their riddles will provide enough answers for you to act, once again, to save the city. Shall we begin?"
The spectral fortune-teller folds and unfolds the cards, but finally holds them out to you, fanned out, for you to choose one.
Nargun starts, curious to see what will happen. Or just being fed up with it already, it's hard to tell.
Mirela stares wide eyed at the ghost.
'ow are you back from the Boneyard, and possessing the professor?
We never figured that out last time!
Mirela racks her memories for any references to "good" ghosts coming back from the dead.
Twilight listened to Kroft, but said nothing during the exchange. As Kroft left Twilight saluted the woman with her glass of wine "Have a good evening Field Marshal" were her only words before taking a sip and watching her go. Despite everything having turned out more or less for the better, Twilight was still somewhat unhappy with Kroft.
After the field marshal left, she was a little more subdued as she mulled over the ramification of the new information. It looked like her work for the guard wasn't going to be something she was going to be able to leverage into a position in the court. "Oh well, no use dwelling on it. It was a longshot to begin with. I'll just have to find another opportunity."
Her thoughts were interrupted as Atticus suddenly seemed to fall under a spell. Zellara's appearance took her by surprise "By Calistria's barbed words! I thought we laid your spirit to rest!". She hadn't had any time to properly study the new necromancy library they had recovered, but she carefully studied the apparition intending to see if she could learn more about it to determine if it was a danger.
She watched with fascination as Atticus, under the sway of the spirit dealt out the harrow.
Devan watched the Professor hurriedly excuse himself from the table with a bemused expression, wondering what had the man acting so erratically. Perhaps the prospect of steady employment as the Guard's 'fixers' had been appealing to the studious man, and maybe this time of uncertainly was rocking him. The musician shrugged, going back to conversating with the others.
At least for a short time, until Atticus returned with the Harrow Deck that had brought all five of them together. He watched as the man handled the cards with the ease and practice of someone with years of experience, then the bard's dark eyes widened as the apparition of Zellara seeped out of the Professor and took over the card-handling duties.
Devan, of course, wanted to start peppering the Varisian seer with questions when she mentioned a new threat that the group would have to meet, but he also understood that was not how a Harrowing worked. The cards would explain, and they would have to interpret the meaning correctly if they were to succeed.
Here are the cards selected during the Choosing, and the meaning ascribed to them as explained by the ghostly Lady Zellara.
Atticus: The Brass Dwarf. The Brass Dwarf shows an azer who represents invulnerability to a current danger. Although others might fall, he remains hale and strong. The Brass Dwarf can also mean a failure or dark fate for one, which in turn might save all others around him from a greater danger.
Nargun: The Sickness. The Sickness represents plague, pestilence, famine, and disease. It can also indicate corruption of the soul or of a multitude of souls. Perhaps it references the madness in Nargun, perhaps something darker to come.
Mirela: The Survivor. The Survivor represents a person who has been through an ordeal of some kind. Surrounded by his fallen comrades, the man represents someone or something thought lost forever, but found once more. It can also represent rebirth.
Twilight:The Teamster. The Teamster is a driving external force that keeps the subject going, no matter what. This force can be physical or mental, as a person who exhorts others to continue on when they have no more strength to give. The force can be for good or ill but cannot be ignored. The half-orc depicted is leading a life of constant toil, but for his own betterment.
Devan: The Waxworks The Waxworks is a place of helplessness and physical entropy. The mind might be willing, but the flesh is frozen in this place of horror. It is also the card of torture and imprisonment, signifying literal inability to move or a paralysis of a more prosaic kind.
After the Choosing is complete, Zellara shuffles those cards back into the deck, and once they are mixed in well, she begins laying out the Spread in a 3x3 grid.
"Recall," the spirit-woman says in her accented speech. "That the pattern of the spread is important. The top row is for things that have good effect. The bottom row for those things that have bad or evil effect, and the middle row, things that have effect that may not be either good or ill. Even so, the columns of the Spread are also important. The first column are things from the past. The middle column are things from the present, and the last column is things that will be, in the future." As she speaks she lays nine cards out face down in the pattern she indicates.
"In this way, the top left card is something good from the past. The bottom right card, something bad in the future, and so on." The ghostly form looks at each of you to make sure you understand, nodding to each in turn.
"Further, where a particular card lies will indicate its importance. Some will be critically important, while others merely trivial. Additionally, some cards may be misaligned. That is, if a traditionally good card ends up on the bottom (or evil) row, that card will have an opposite meaning than is usual. Last, if the card that you selected in the Choosing comes up in the Spread, that part of the Harrow will have very strong and specific meaning for that individual. Shall we begin?"
Devan frowned as he picked out the card depicting the bound man hanging upside down over the boiling vat. Listening to the description attached to it didn't make the musician feel any better, but all Harrows were possibilities, not certainties. The interpretation might be totally different.
The young Varisian bent forward slightly as the ghostly woman laid out the spread, familiar enough with the layout to know the basics of which card was for good/evil or past/future, but ignorant of what the actual cards meant. He exchanged a glance with the others, then smiled and patted Mirela's leg next to him as they awaited Zellara's words to enlighten the group as to the new peril the City faced.
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The Varisian fortune teller lays out the the Spread with a flourish, her spectral hands moving rhythmically, almost hypnotically. When the 9-card figure is complete, she reaches for the top card, flipping it slowly and deliberately.
Position 1 - Past, Good - The Trumpet. This card is a declaration of power. The archon is an aggressive force who wades into the direst situations without hesitation in the cause of right. This card is perfectly aligned, which means it is quite powerful. Zellara says this card represents your appearance on the scene in Korovsa, a powerful new force that has acted for Good.
Position 2 - Present, Good - The Twin. This card is partially aligned, which means it has strong indications. The Twin signals indecision, as a person or group wavers between very different options. It can also mean divided loyalties abound. Zellara relates this card stands for the present situation with Queen Ileosa. While she intends to rule, much of the city is less than happy with her on the Crimson Throne. If any place had divided loyalty, it is Korvosa, right now.
Position 3 - Future, Good - The Courtesan. This card is also partially aligned, and likely to be very meaningful. The Courtesan is the card of political intrigue. The card also indicates a woman of power who shapes events. How she is treated decides the outcome of the situation. Zellara shrugs when this card is overturned almost as if to say this card needs no explanation in the present situation.
"It is obvious that yoru presence creates a challenge to the Queen. This spread indicates that for the good of all, this challenge must continue. The messages on this line of the spread are very strong and not very ambiguous."
As Madam Zellara explains the meaning of the Courtesan, Mirela breaks in.
Challenge the Queen? How could we be a challenge to ‘er?