Devan flashed an appreciative smile at Twilight as she rendered the wolf who had been meaning to make a meal of him unconscious, but quickly bore a concerned look as the larger wolf brought Nargun to the ground with a savage shake of its maw. Perhaps even more disturbing was the dwarf's ranting and raving about their dead adversary. Maybe it brought forth the rage that seemed to fuel his stout companion. Either way, assistance seemed prudent.
The musician rushed around the unconscious wolf, getting on the other side of the 'regular' wolf that was also threatening the raging dwarf. Hoping the beast's attention was on the gore-spattered dwarf, Devan lunged at the creature with his slender blade, all the while continuing his song. As he extended, he could see his aim was off and adjusted as he spouted out a verse about striking straight and true.
Hopefully having drawn the wolf's attention, he sets himself in a duelist's stance, sword extended and ready to react.
Whirling his weapon Atticus attacks.
Wolves in the Woods - Round 2 - concluded
28 Mirela
20 Blue Wolf (unconscious)
18 Twilight
16 Red Wolf
16 Orange Wolf
12 Dire Wolf (19hp dmg)
7 Devan
6 Atticus (6hp dmg)
3 Nargun
Continuing his inspirational song, Devan slips around the now-unconscious wolf, and behind Red Wolf which has its sights set on the fallen dwarf. Using a bit of magical inspiration, Devan successfully skewers Red, wounding it slightly.
Atticus steps up , whirling around slashing the same wolf, who succumbs to more significant weapon damage.
Tripped by the wolf attack, Nargun has the dire wolf right where he wants him. Slipping into the raging mantra, he gashes the lead wolf even from his prone position. The wound is massive, and the dire wolf cries out in pain and surprise, its feeling of victory changing to immediate need to survive. The wolf is, surprisingly, not killed by the assault, but is very badly hurt, disabled.
End of Round 2
Wolves in the Woods - Round 3
28 Mirela/Whisper (8hp dmg, prone)
20 Blue Wolf (unconscious 2 rounds)
18 Twilight
16 Orange Wolf
12 Dire Wolf (37hp dmg, disabled)
7 Devan
6 Atticus (6hp dmg)
3 Nargun (raging, prone, 13hp dmg)
Whisper! Mirela calls out in worry as she sees the wolf take a large bit out of her companion. She focuses on the orange wolf letting the others deal with the large wolf...
With a yelp Whisper tries to stand and bite back at the wolf that hurt her.
But she only manages to stand...
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 0/1. Pearl Lv1 1/1
Twilight flinched and took a step back as the giant wolf's blood splattered in her direction from Nargun's vicious assault. Even though he had been knocked down, it appeared he was no less capable of savaging his opponent.
Mirela was also doing a remarkable job of finishing off the other wolves. One at a time they fell before her barrage of arrows.
"I didn't even know wolves got this big!" she exclaimed in surprise as the giant wolf survived Nargun's attack. She pointed the wand at the wolf and uttered its magical phrase "Attonitus"
Wolves in the Woods - Round 3 - continued
Mirela sees her new found pet in trouble and pivots that direction, loosing a pair of arrows. The first strikes the last surviving wolf in the flank, hurting it, bu the second is a killshot, penetrating the wolf's throat and ending it in an instant.
Whisper is able to stand and limp back towards her mistress without provoking or being attacked.
Twilight intends to put Trinia's wand to good use, and activates it trying to slow down the massive dire wolf. The priestess/wizard is quite pleased when she sees the savage beast grow immediately still, a glassy look coming over its yellow feral eyes.
Nargun rises to his feet, and lock eyes with the dying wolf.
The savagery in the beast and in the dwarf fades away, leaving the former foes panting and struggling for their breaths, face to face, only inches apart.
The axe rises, shakily, ready to strike. Not as an act of cruelty but as a show of respect between two warriors, to welcome death as quickly and painlessly as possible.
As the others efficiently finish off more of the foes, Devan looked curiously as the larger wolf stopped trying to savage Nargun, its eyes glassing over. Twilight was pointing the wand they had recently procured at the beast...what a handy device. As the dwarf gained his feet and planted his axe at the ready, the bard hustled to the other side of the beast and thrust forward, hoping to end the sorely wounded creature before it could regain its senses.
Wolves in the Woods - Round 3 - concluded
Nargun rises, unafraid of the dazed wolf, but also calming some as he knows his previous stroke was a death blow.
While the dwarf stares the great hunter in the face, Devan comes up behind and stabs the dire beast, barely wounding it, but enough for the large carnivore to come crashing down, its wounded sides heaving their last.
End of Combat
Nargun seems shocked by Devan's action, both sad and angry, through not blodshed-inducing angry.
Why did you do that? He was no more a threat, and if he attacked me I would have killed him.
The dwarf sighs
Sorry, Devan. It's just that I can understand a feral beast attacking me to feast on my flesh and bones than people trying to kill me to steal my money, or to advance their plans, or just because I'm at the wrong place at the wrong moment. There was a certain innocence in that big bad wolf that people haven't, and I respect that. But please, Don't put yourself at risk for me. I'm not Worth it. And I could have probably a few more bites from the wolf before dying, and maybe be reunited with my beloved.
Mirela hurries over to examine Whisper's wound, commenting as she goes.
Such Nonsense... You've done kept us safe more times then I can count. You've more then proved you are worth risking ourselves for.
After seeing that Whisper is not in mortal danger, she looks back at the rest of the group.
Now, who is 'urt? Gather 'round and I'll 'eal you.
Once she has everyone together (and a little ways from the dead wolves bodies) she calls out a old blessing pushing a little of Erastil's power into her words and healing each of your spirits.
May the blessings of the light be with you,
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you and warm your 'eart,
till it glows like a great 'arvest fire.
Devan stared confusedly at Nargun for a moment as he asked, looking to Twilight questioningly for a moment. The musician thought the beast had only been momentarily dazzled, not fully taken out of the fight. And with the damage its fangs had done, the bard hadn't been prepared to take chances. Still, the young man understood the dwarf's sad statement about the difference between animal instinct and human cruelty. Even the larger beast had likely been trying to either get a meal or establish dominance in the region.
As Mirela spoke to the dwarf, Devan nodded in agreement. Nargun had taken plenty of punishment and put himself in harm's way more often than the musician could remember. While Devan had plenty to live for, now, he didn't fancy himself a craven, and certainly wouldn't leave the dwarf to fend for himself versus a foe.
The bard gathered with the others away from the wolves' bodies, enjoying the feeling of Erastil's divine essence flowing through him even though he sported no injuries. He smiled at the Priestess before surveying the land around for any further threats. If there were none, Devan would implore the group to continue after the wolves' bodies were dragged away from the road to keep scavengers away from any passers-by.
The rest of the trip back to the city is uneventful. There are few travelers and those there are seem tight-lipped and eager to go about their business rather than chat with strangers on the road. As you arrive at North-Bridge once again to cross back into Korovsa, you notice that the measures to search for Trinia are still in place. Every cart, every wagon, every person leaving the city is searched. The guardsmen employed there wave to you in a friendly way, but you see no sign of your friend Grau Soldado. If you inquire, the soldiers tell you their favorite sergeant is 'away on family business' and that's all they know.
You are weary and bedraggled by the time you make it back to your rooms at the Yellow Juggler, and the sun is just beginning to set over the sea to the west of the city.
In the common room or on the way through the city, you hear the latest gossip of some commotion that occurred while you were away. Apparently, a ship lit by yellow lanterns entered the Jeggare River and was sunk by the authorities near North Bridge. Those in Trail's End across the river awoke to the bombardment in time to see a sleek brig swiftly sinking into the wine-dark waters. The Crimson Throne has remained silent on the matter, leaving the city wags to fill the space with rumor, innuendo and fabrication.
Given your skill at getting folks to talk, you may hear some of the following common rumors:
Your group is sitting down to dinner in your usual private dining room and discussing the stories flying around Korvosa when a harried-looking Sergeant Soldado appears, wrinkles of worry creasing his face.
"Pardon my interruption, friends, but I just heard you were back in the city and unfortunately, I could use your help. I would not ask you if the circumstances were not urgent. Your crew has a reputation for getting things done, and of all the people I know in Korvosa, I think only you can assist me."
He shuts the door and, if offered, sits ready to relate his tale. You are pleased to see Grau looks much better than he did when you first saw him. He is shaved, bathed, and sobered up. He wears his uniform with pride, and while his distress is evident, it, so far at least, has apparently not lead to a return to the bottle.
Twilight raised an eyebrow in surprise at Nargun. She wasn't sure where this moment of introspection had come from and gave Devan a subtle shrug as he looked to her.
"Nargun, the spell was momentary, just long enough for you to get back on your feet without risking another bite." She rested a hand on the Dwarf's shoulder. "If you had wanted to give the wolf a chance to flee, you should have spoken up. I can't guarantee that there wouldn't have been words between you and Mirela on the matter, or that the wolf would have been allowed to run, but at least everyone here would have known your wishes."
She stood up and took on a sterner tone "As for me, my wish is to not see you suffer unnecessarily. I suspect that is a sentiment shared by most here. If it is within my power to prevent you from getting hurt, I will do so."
Mirela joins the others having just picked up an order of drinks for the group.
I don't be remembering the city sinking ships often when I was little. Do this be something that 'appens often now? And do any of you be knowing what is special about the ship 'aving yellow lanterns? People seemed to be thinking that was important out in the main room.
As soon as she hears the Sergeant's voice Mirela pops up out of her chair.
Of course, come in an sit down Sergeant! Do you be wanting some food? The Bouillabaisse is wonderful tonight.
She drags the another chair over to the table for Grau.
The trip to the countryside was refreshing and mostly enjoyable, but Twilight was happy to be back to the familiar city. She had done more walking over the last two days than at any other time and she was ready to get off her feat and enjoy a nice soak in a hot bath.
Back at the inn, she asked around a bit about the rumors that she had heard while waiting in line to get into the city.
After getting cleaned up and settled in, Twilight joined the rest of the group for dinner.
"It seems that it might have been some pirates from Riddleport trying to sneak into the city. I'm not a pirate, but it seems odd that they would have lanterns lighting up their ship if they were trying to be stealthy. If the Queen wants to stay quiet about the incident, maybe it is something we should have a look at."
Twilight looked up as Grau entered. "Sargent, it's nice to see you again. We were told you were away on family business. I hope everything is OK."
Grau sits and but doesn't really eat. He is troubled and begins to relate his story, after closing the door to the private room.
"You see, my niece, her name is Brienna, is sick. I don't know what she has and neither does anyone in Trail's End. She has broken out all over in red pocks and can barely keep down any food or even the swill that good-for-nothing herbalist gave her. Her mother, my sister in law Tayce, is talking about going to the Bank of Abadar, but she can't afford to pay the prices the clerics would demand. Then I remembered how you handled yourselves during the riots, and how you helped me, when I was low. I figured you could help. A bunch of resourceful folk like you, I'd bet you already know a way to fix this or you must know who can. Surely, you can't sit by while a child suffers?"
Grau does not mention that he waved you through the bridge with Trinia just a few days ago, but you all remember that he likely saw through the disguise then.
He takes a gulping drink, water only this time, and looks at your a bit sheepishly. "So will you help? I'll take you to my sister-in-law's house in Trail's End in the morning, if you will come?"
Dont get me wrong, I didn't wanted the wolf to flee, I was ready to finish it. I'm not the best at words, I shoudda have told you my intentions clearly.
The dwarf seems both moved and amused when the Princess tries to get all stern about him
I do have kind of a deathwish, you know? So I'm bound to suffer a little more, and you'd better accept that sooner or later I'll die. In a meanwhile, I'm here to kill, destroy and maim whatever attack us. So, no, there is nothing you can do prevent me from getting hurt. You're already doing more of your part by kindly healing my wounds.
After a few moments reflexion, Nargun adds
I realise now that, even with my so called deathwish, I must want to live, deep inside me. Or else I wouldn't accept your healing after each battle. I've been so single-minded about killing Lamm, about how sad I was when my beloved died, how empty a life without her seemed...Maybe I should give it a thought. Maybe I should just shrugged it out, and drink until I sleep a dreamless sleep. Maybe I should find a new purpose. I don't know yet. It's easier to scream at you foe on the battlefield, charge him and get physically wounded than to get a good look at your lonely, broken heart in a peaceful room.
Nargun listens, intensely, even forgetting to drink.
Ah, little ones. What we wouldn't do for them. Count me in. do you know how much the Abadarian charges for an healing spell, Princess, and how effective these spells are? Or should we try to heal the sickness without magic?
As Grau's story goes on Mirela reaches under the table and grabs Devan's hand and starts to squeeze it a little as he gets to part about going to the bank for a loan.
I can't 'eal 'er can I? I know the most faithful of Erastil can do that as well. But is my faith strong enough?
But instead of voicing her doubts she just says to Grau:
'Ow long 'as your niece been sick? Is she the only one around who 'as this, or 'ave others 'ad this red pox?
Grau shrugs at Nargun's questions. "I don't know what the banker of Abadar would charge to heal a sick little girl, but however much it is will be too much for Tayce to pay. She is a widowed mother of three and works as washerwoman for other families to make enough money to feed the children. Even the boys have started to work as apprentices with a local wheelwright. She has no savings or windfall to "donate". I visit them once a week, to help out around the house, and to supplement their income and larder whenever I can in my fallen brother's honor, but it never seems to be enough."
Responding to Mirela's query he says:"I don't know for certain. Tayce called on me this morning. The child, Brienna, fell ill quickly-- it started a few days ago, I think. Tayce is a wise woman, even if poor, and did all her common parenting sense would tell her to treat the child. Raising three children, she has seen the usual childhood illnesses but this time nothing seemed to soothe the little one. Next Tayce contacted the local herbalist woman, but despite her ministrations and nonsense, my niece's condition only worsened. After a long night with no respite, Tayce came to see me at North Bridge and I took leave to go with her back to Trail's End. I am her only family left in the city, and now I am at a loss of what to do."
When Mirela asks about others who might be ill, he answers directly. "Neither Tayce nor the boys, Rello and Charlo are ill. There house is small. They all sleep in the same room together. I have not heard of anyone else being ill like this, with the red pocks like a veil."
Twilight listened to Grau explain the situation. She had never been instructed in the healing arts. Except for the treatment of those specific afflictions that sometimes plagued those who frequently took numerous partners, Callistria was not a goddess one would normally entreat to cure illness or petition for charity.
"I'm afraid I likely have little to offer you unless you want to settle a grievance with the ineffectual herbalist, but Mirela probably has experience tending to ailments, and the Professor might have an academic contact if it turns out to be something more exotic."
Devan settled into the group's almost permanent table at the Juggler, relaxing after the harrowing trip to spirit Trinia away from the Throne and hopefully beyond the headsman's ax. He regarded Nargun sadly as the dwarf spoke with an almost wistfulness of passing into the next life, to be reunited with his lost love. He certainly understood the older man's frame of mind, and hoped that he could be encouraged to one day accept a role for himself on Golarian with his remaining years. The musician wished he could provide that purpose for Nargun, but only the dwarf could pull himself out of the emotional mire he was in. For now, rage would have to do.
As the conversation turned to the recent excitement with the sunk ship, Devan snorted. "Piss poor pirates, I agree. I'm not sure what the yellow lanterns are for, but it certainly wouldn't be any kind of invasion or attack. Why announce yourself with light, then let your ship be bombarded without even a thrown spear? Perhaps the Queen is manufacturing enemies for her populace to turn their ire against." The young man shrugged, taking a sip of his water as Grau entered the area.
Devan offered the watch sergeant a smile, though the man's demeanor made it seem as though something was off. As Grau spoke of his niece and then played upon their sense of obligation due for letting Trinia slip out of the city, the bard understood, and would leverage the same if the situation was reversed. He squeezed Mirela's hand back gently as Grau talked of loans with the priests of Abadar, the bard certain that the bank's clerics would charge handsomely for such a miracle.
The musician listened as the sergeant answered questions as best he could, the situation a bit puzzling. A disease would spread to those in proximity, the young man thought. That's how it happened in the poor sections of town, anyway, and Trail's End certainly counted as such. Giving Mirela's hand a final squeeze, he rose to his feet. "We certainly will go with you and do all we can, Sergeant. The gods know we're in your debt...for keeping Korvosa safe."
The musician was out of his element, but perhaps the girl had an obscure disease he had seen in his youth, or something the priestesses could identify, or that the learned scholar could research. If all else failed, Devan was thinking along Nargun's lines that they could just pay for the damnable bankers to cure the disease. The group was by no means poor at this point, and Trinia's escape was an almost priceless event. At the same time, Devan hoped Grau understood the slate would be clean between them after this.
The Guard sergeant seems satisfied and suggest he meet you in the morning at North Bridge once again. He has oversight duty there in the search for the Queen's fugitives (he makes oblique reference to Trinia, but nothing specific) but he can break away for a while to visit Trail's End which is not far from the far side of the bridge in any event.
With that he bows and thanks you, and turns to go.
Wizard 0: Acid splash, Mage hand, prestidigitation, read magic. 1:Mage armour, Vanish, Magic weapon, (S)Colour spray.2:Spectral hand, Blindness/deafness, (S)Blur | Subtle misdirection 6/6. Bonded item 1/1. Pearl Lv1 1/1
"Have a good evening Grau, we will see you in the morning"
Twilight watches him leave and finishes her glass of wine "Look at us, liberating orphans, saving small animals and now tending to sick children" she said wryly. "If it weren't for the queen I'd be expecting some kind of royal recognition for being such selfless and upstanding citizens." She grinned as she got up "I have some preparations to do for tomorrow. I will see you in the morning."
With that she took her leave and retired to her room. There she spent the rest of the evening poring over the old books and arcane tomes they had recovered from the graveyard. Sometimes necromancy dealt with diseases so she looked for anything that seemed like it might be of help given the description Grau had provided.
The next morning, Twilight descended to the shrine and performed her daily observances. While the previous evening she had mused that one tended to only call on Calistria to be relieved of a certain type of disease, it did bring to mind a small prayer that was sometimes used to help keep those sacred prostitutes that could afford the service free from such afflictions. The minor miracle would allow her to detect the presence and nature of the disease and hopefully allow her to lend credible assistance to whoever was going to attempt to treat it.
Atticus massages the brow of his nose and looks at Grau.
"Well I do know a few people, but I am not sure how much they will charge. But alas, let me inspect the patient, maybe I can help."
Mirela starts planning how exactly she can help the girl as soon as Grau leaves. But for the moment she keeps those plans to herself. Instead she joins Devan and rises on her tip toes to whisper in his ear.
Do you 'ave any idea how sexy it is when you take charge of the group and make a decision for us all...
Then she backs off a few inches and smiles up at him as she announces to the room in general:
You know, I should probably get some basic supplies for tomorrow. She looks up at Devan as she continues, Do you want to join me on a brief shopping trip?
. . 2nd—calm emotions (DC 14), feather fall[D], gentle repose (DC 14), lesser restoration
. . 1st—bless, command (DC 13), diagnose disease[UM], protection from evil[D], remove sickness[UM] (DC 13)
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, guidance, purify food and drink (DC 12), stabilize
Devan managed to not blush at Mirela's whispered words, though he did return her smile as addressed the room. He nodded immediately at her question, "Of course, my love. I make a poor pack mule, but I'll do my best." He got ready to leave with the priestess, thinking over his words as he looked at the redhead, wondering if there was perhaps a hidden rebuke in the whispered phrase. He'd have to talk to her later to make sure...the musician was not above communicating to determine such things. As he remembered something, he looked at the priestess excitedly. "Maybe while we're out we can see if that other Key dagger has been sold? If not, we can purchase it back and see if there's a bigger picture?" The bard turned to regard the entire room, wanting to make sure the others still thought such a thing was a worthwhile endeavor.
Nargun wasn't really happy, and prefered to wander the streets alone.
Sick children, children forced to beg or steal, like the Little Lambs... Children whose innocence and youth was stolen from them, whose future was endangered.
It was a torture to him.
Everytime, he couldn't imagine the children I would never have with his wife, the children he would never been able to love, the children he would never have to care for, the children he would never have to worry about.
Openly weeping in the street and gulping alcohol from a bottle as if there would be no tomorrow, the dwarf they called Nargun Firehelm was having a rough day.
Oh yes. Your right, we should buy that back before it gets sold again.
She pauses for a moment and says:We should probably take Whisper out for ‘er evening walk too.. Her eyes sparkle as she continues, That way we ‘ave the whole evening free.
The pawnshop where you sold your items previously still has the key-shaped dagger. You can repurchase it for the 250gp value. "You're a collector of macabre memorabilia eh?" asks the man behind the counter. "Not much traffic for these foul-things I can tell you."
Nargun's lonely sojourn was miserable, and despite his deathwish, he makes it back to the Yellow Juggler safely just before dawn, about the time the others begin to awaken.
You recall the instructions from Grau, to meet at North Bridge. When all are prepared, you head out.
In the morning Mirela snuggles close to Devan just enjoying the warmth and feel of his body as he sleeps. As she does once again the feel of cold metal reminds her of that ring he always wore on a silver chain around his neck, once again setting her mind wondering.
She quietly flipped over and raised her head up on one elbow to examined the emerald ring he held so dear.
What's the story behind this? Clearly it's important, but is it something 'e would want to share?
It's too delicate to be meant for his hand.... So someone else's...
Family 'eirloom?
Lost love?
Sign of future commitment?
Am I stealing 'im away from someone?
Maybe I'm just standing in for 'er?
If you are, do you 'ave a problem with that? I mean 'e's fun but do you really want more? Does 'e?
She looks intently at the ring, lost in thought and not really noticing if he wakes up.
Twilight observed Nargun with some concern as he joined the group. Ending Lamm should have allowed him to move forward, but instead he stubbornly chose to cling to the past, allowing it to hold him back.
She needed to know about dwarven customs regarding loss, but that would have to wait until later. Today there was a sick child that needed to be tended to.
Devan chuckled as he and Mirela spoke to the shop owner as they counted out the coins to repurchase the key dagger. "Seems to be the in thing these days. Just trying to corner the market before it can really take off." The musician walked close to the priestess after they left the shop, the dagger already half-forgotten in his pack as they procured the medical supplies that might save the sick child's life. As the redhead mentioned taking Whisper outside the walls, he nodded his assent, relishing the idea of getting time to pursue his own ends instead of saving someone or something.
..........
As the bard woke, he found Mirela's lovely eyes fastened on the ring he wore about his neck. He lay there for a few moments, wondering what the look of curiosity could mean. After a minute, he closed his eyes once more, then yawned and made a stretching motion before opening his eyes, allowing her to avert her gaze if that was her wont. The young man was looking forward to the future, but didn't want the priestess to feel as though he were emotionally troubled, so he said nothing about it otherwise unless she brought it up.
After a nourishing breakfast, the group heads out for North Bridge, all lost in their own thoughts. It's not long before they see the smiling and waving figure of Grau Soldado. He thanks them again, profusely, for coming, and requests leave to take them to Trail's End just a few minutes out of town.
The walk to Trail's End is brief, and as you leave the main road, you see a half-dozen or so young Varisian men hanging around on a stoop. One of them calls you, "Ahoy, buckos! Looks like you lot could be lost, eh? Well, there's a finder's fee to be paid if you get lost in Trail's End. Now, I'm thinkin' 10 gold crowns a head'll do nicely. Get you the bes' directions out of town, I believe, and right quick too. Now, yeh all feel like payin' or seein' what's behind door number two?"
As he speaks, 3 or 4 of the thugs circle behind you. At least one blade is visible but most have saps or other bludgeoning tools near at hand.
Begone. I have no quarel with you. We have a sick child to heal, and no time to waste with minor nuisances. Now, if you want to draw blood...
Nargun readies his big axe.
I'm willing and able to paint door two a nice crimson red.
Mirela goes on high alert and draws her bow.
Sensing her sudden change of emotion Whisper crouches down and starts to growl.
But rather then start anything Mirela take the moment while the others are talking to scan the area for any hidden threats that may not have be obvious. Quietly calling out any additional threats she sees.
Atticus looks at the thugs around him , he smiles.
"You are less than us, and you have horrible arms. Do not try to do pick a fight that has only one result!"
The man stares at Nargun for a long, quiet moment sizing up the threat here. You can almost see the calculations behind his dark eyes - is this worth the trouble, if not, how do I get out of this without losing face, etc.
After the long moment has passed, the man smiles in a very disingenuous manner. "Oh, a mission of mercy is it? Well then, if it's charity you are here for the tax is waived. Isn't that right, boys? Waived, this time, mind you. Next time, no such luck." His words are thick with threat and malice and you can see the flash of anger there. "You must be head to Tayce's house. Heard one of her rugrats was ill but didn't know it took an army to heal her...If you see that little lass, you tell her that Vasily says hello, eh? If she plays nice, maybe you all can get a free pass through town next time too. Or maybe one of these lovelies will pay the fare?" He motions to Mirela and Twilight with a lewd gesture.
His hand on the hilt of his sword, Grau whispers, "Let's keep moving. I don't think they are any harm but words at this point." He starts off in the direction of the house in question, which is only about a block away.
As the thugs call out their thinly veiled threats, Nargun & Atticus promptly replied, and Whisper growled in dismay, Devan nearly snickered at the bravado shown by the group's leader. If left untended, he could have ended up like the young man, or one of his cronies, a product of the nature of the streets. He even managed a shallow bow of thanks when the boys offered to let the group through free of tax.
The musician's good nature fled quickly as Vasily implied that certain favors from the girl's mother or his two companions could continue to grease the wheels, and only Grau's whispered words cut back an angry retort. The bard continued forward, fuming now, as the small band continued on into Trail's End and the sick child.
With the threats already made, Twilight decided to sit back and let events play out. The thugs didn't look desperate, so she was confident that they wouldn't have the stomach for a fight with a heavily armed group.
She was pleased enough when they decided to let the group pass and their leader's lewd suggestion didn't bother her in the least. The suggestion that Tayce might suffer the consequences of this confrontation was a step too far.
It was convenient that Vasily had volunteered his name if she needed to find him again.
Unfortunatly...
There are some words you can't say in front of Nargun without paying the consequences, and threatening a woman's life and honor are those kind of words.
The pain and anguish of his lost love, stabbed into a dark street after who knows what horrors make the dwarf instantly snaps.
Lamm..Lamm.. LAMM...LAMMM...
Axe raised high, mad with grief, he charges Vasily
Atticus lowers his head and sighs. Whirling his polearm into ready towards the next thug
"Well, then bloodshed! If I were you, I would run!"
Damn It! No!
Mirela readies an attack but does not fire unless she sees someone move to attack the rest of the group.
Ready Attack:
Twilight is completely taken off guard by the sudden eruption of violence.
"By Calistria's heaving bosom, did Nargun just snap?"
Not being able to discern the reason for the attack and fearing the possibility that the thugs had just tried to take the group off guard in some manner that she simply hadn't seen, Twilight uttered a quick spell. In an instant she vanished from sight. Better to figure out what was happening from the safety of invisibility.
"Nargun! What's going on!?" she called out before realizing that her question was likely in vain as the dwarf had already succumbed to his bloodlust.
She shuffled over near Mirela "What happened?" she asked, still trying to figure out what the proper response should be.
Even as he nursed his dark thoughts, Devan was still taken aback by the dwarf's raging charge at the strongman, though the recitation of their common and now deceased nemesis' name should have been a clue. As Atticus warned off the other fellows and the two ladies reacted with astonishment as they prepared for a possible fight, the musician drew his blade pensively, standing in front of Mirela, but slightly to the side to allow a clear sight line if needed as he thought furiously about how to de-escalate the violence here.
Perhaps it would be better to simply allow Nargun to fuel his rage with the blood of these highwaymen and rid Korvosa of some of its vultures. However, calling attention to themselves wasn't exactly high on Devan's list, and executing toughs on the streets would almost certainly do that. The bard called out, "Nargun, you've made your point, man! For the gods' sake, we have Grau with us!" Too little, too late, likely, but the musician still tried to talk sense to the dwarf.