The group heads back to the Yellow Juggler.
The Inn is subdued even for the Juggler, as it seems like not many people wish to venture out. As you enter one of the servers sees you and heads downstairs.
A few minutes Later the willowy form of Priestess Joy comes up from the shrine downstairs.
Ahh Twilight, Good to see you still healthy. I understand some of your companions have need of my services. She glances over the group as her hand falls to the leather crop tucked into the sash on her her yellow robe. Are they willing to make the appropriate obeisances?
Nargun glances at the Priestess with uneasyness in his eyes, and tries to look away from her female forms for the most part, examining the state of his weapons with utmost care.
Devan was relieved to head back to the Juggler with the others, occasionally stealing a smile with the priestess and looking forward to the promised bath later. How many times had they returned to the Juggler at this point, ready to live life to the fullest before they risked their lives on the morrow? If this was the life of a hero, it was exciting, but also complete rubbish.
When Joy came down and spoke to them, the young man arched a brow as the woman's hand dropped down to the crop at her side. "If by obeisances you mean coin, yes, I have that."
Devan counted out the 380 gold coins, loathe to let them go but even more loathe to let the mild feeling of fatigue and malaise continue to hang around his person.
I don't have enough cash to pay you. That's the cold, hard reality
Twilight gave her superior a respectful curtsy before taking her leave. "I have some things that I need to attend to."
With that she retired to her room. At first she worked the upcoming ritual, ironing out a few minor details.
Then she brought out the partially completed wand she had been working on. It was slow going, complicated both by the newness of the project and the constant interruptions from dealing with the crisis in the city, but she was close to completing the magical device. Once finished, it would contain a spell that could impart a variety of protections from creatures and people with vile intent.
She was enjoying the challenge and having something that she could control to focus on helped her forget for a time the situation outside the inn that she had little influence over.
Atticus also pays the spell.
Better safe than VERY Sorry!
Mirella thinks hard for a moment then pulls over her backpack and pulls out her bag of coins. Bag in hand she stands up and walks over to Nargun.
You also don't be alone anymore Dwarf. she drops he coin bag on the table in front of Nargun. Go get yourself 'ealed.
Then she turns and walks back to her seat just leaving the coin bag sitting in front of the dwarf.
As she heads back to her seat she looks over at Priestess Joy with a smile Mistress there do be enough in that bag for two of us. If you 'ave the blessings.
That won't be forgotten, Huntress. Never.
Nargun gives all the money he can, so as to be not too much a burden for Mirela
Priestess Joy picks up the offered coins and calls each one of you away in turn taking you downstairs individually.
You head downstairs, and when you are alone Priestess joy looks at you with half lidded eyes.
The Savored Sting requires a sacrifice from you Atticus in return for her blessing.
But instead of what you expected she says quietly:
In your case, I've heard from Sister Twilight that you are responsible for revealing the fraud that was being perpetrated by Lavender. You have shut down her business, but she has not paid. To recieve this blessing you must swear that by your hand she will pay for her betrayal of the people in this city. The revenge of the faithful of this city must be worthy of those who suffered at her hand.
Swear this, and she will grant you healing. But know anyone who betrays the Savored Sting will be made to pay many times over.
Do you wish to proceed? If you do, she nicks her finger with a wasp decorated dagger and holds it out for you to do the same.
Once you have committed to the act in blood she preforms a ritual restoring your energy.
Then with a sultry smile she leads you back up to the rest of the group.
You head downstairs, and when you are alone Priestess joy looks at you with half lidded eyes.
The Savored Sting requires a sacrifice from you Nargun Firehelm in return for her blessing. But in your case, I don't think you will find the demands so great.
She runs her hand softly over your arm instead of what you expected she says quietly:
I understand the plague on this city may be the result of the Disciples of the Palid Princess. Swear to me, that if her followers are responsible for the plague in this city, you will enact revenge on them equal to the death they have caused here among my followers. Strike them down, or drive them to despair, but do not let any escape your holy vengeance. Do you swear to do this to the best of your ability?
Do you wish to proceed? If you do, she nicks her finger with a wasp decorated dagger and holds it out for you to do the same.
Once you have sealed this oath in blood she preforms a ritual restoring your energy.
Then with a sultry smile she leads you back up to the rest of the group.
You head downstairs, and when you are alone Priestess joy looks at you with half lidded eyes.
The Savored Sting requires a obedience from you Devan Covaire in return for her blessing. Now down on your knees:
If you get down she will continue pulling out the lash
You will speak only when spoken to. Now last time you were healed with lust, but the Lady requires more from you this time. This time you must reveal to me a secret known only to very few. By this act will the lady know your true devotion and grant you this blessing. But know anyone who lies to the Lady will be made to pay many times over.
Do you wish to proceed? If you do, reply to me with spoilers of the secret you will tell. If you say anything else she lashes you with the whip. When she has your secret she preforms a ritual restoring your energy while forcing you to remain silent kneeling on the cold stone floor. When she finishes she kisses your ear and whispers softly. Good boy. Maybe next time, I'll introduce both you and your lover to the joys of the unquenchable fire. Now rise.
Then with a sultry smile she leads you back up to the rest of the group.
Finally she takes Mirella downstairs, and both women return a bit later with small smiles on their face.
Devan sank down to his knees at the woman's bequest, eyeing the lash but saying nothing. If getting this sickness washed away required a bit of a beating from Calistria's chosen, he would accept it.
The request for a secret caught him by surprise, and he pursed his lips, wondering what to tell the woman. After a pregnant pause, he began, looking up at the woman. "When I was a young man my mother caught the wasting sickness. She faded away, right before my eyes, ranting and raving to the end. Talking pure madness. I always wondered, though, if she was seeing through the veil between the living and the dead, and it only was madness to me because I couldn't see the other side."
The musician remained silent as the priestess then performed the ritual on him, feeling the nagging feeling wiped away by the Savored Sting's grace. He chuckled as she whispered into his ear, stating as he rose, "Perhaps, priestess."
Devan came up the stairs with a smile on his face, giving Mirela a brief kiss on the lips before stepping aside so she could be led down below.
On my own life, I swear these words about whoever willingly unleashed that plague on the city:No one shall survive.I'll do my utmost to kill them all. I'll protect Twilight, Mirela and the others, or avenge them if I fail to protect, even if that means my own death. And please consider myself an ally of your priesthood.
Nargun comes back, feeling better already, and with a new resolve.
He walks toward Mirela
Once again, Huntress, I thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Mirela looks seriously at Nargun.
Dwarf, you 'ave saved all our lives multiple times over just in the last few weeks. You do be throwing yourself in front of everything dangerous, taking the abuse and keeping all of us from 'arm.
Do you really be thinking that after all your sacrifice we wouldn't be doing the same for you?
We do be making a good team together. Let's make sure it do be staying that way.
And don't forget I taste every alcoholic beverage to make sure it is not poisoned, just to keep you safe and in good health
A glimpse of a real, warm smile, quickly disappear, as if Nargun was feeling ashamed of smiling
A dwarf will more gladly depart of his blood and flesh than from his gold, or so it is said. Nevertheless, your gesture is appreciated, but I guess you already understood that.I would be, if not happy, at least in peace with the idea of dying, and joining my beloved in the realms of Pharasma, but getting my life sucked on by a vampire, becoming a creature of undeath, forever condamned to be apart from my late Kaertin, that would be eternal torture, that is what I would fear the most. Hence my gratitude, Mirela.
For once, Nargun seems calm, and reflective, his eyes lose their hard edges as he looks with true love at his wedding ring, and his face seems to soften. You see the dwarf that could have been, hadn't tragedy stuck.
After listening to your secret Priestess Joy says:
Many have died in the city lately. Of those sick, I have seen some raved in what is thought to be fever dreams. In return for this blessing, I charge you to look to see if there is any pattern to this raving. Report back to me anything you might find. Do you agree?
"By my word, I will see that she pays if I find her!"
Devan thought about the request, then nodded his head. In truth, he wasn't too sure about the priestess's motives. Calistria was a fickle goddess, he knew, and perhaps it was just the whimsical nature of the deity. If he found anything, he'd filter it first and determine if he should pass it along or not. He'd talk it over with his lover, first, and make sure there wasn't more to this than he might be aware of.
Devan nodded at Mirela's words, smiling at the dwarf. After Nargun had spoke, the young man felt that any words he might have added would only sully the moment between Mirela and the dwarf. Putting an arm around the woman's shoulders after a minute, he glanced over at her with a mischievous grin. "How about that hot bath, milady?"
Mirela sighs longingly.
Yes, a 'to bath is very much needed.
Merela stands up and looks back at Nargun. Voice firm.
Dwarf, as long as I have a say in it, you will never be cursed to be undead.
Then she snuggles into Devan.
Lead on Sir.
Later in the bath Mirela relaxes leaning back against the edge of the tub eyes closed. As she sits she quietly asks:
Devan, can this be getting any worse? The Jester escaped, there be vampires in the city and the plague do seem to be getting worse. Nobody seem to be able to be stopping it, not the Bankers, not creepy doctors, not the guard, not us. How long is the city going to be able to 'old on against all this?
Devan sat behind Mirela, his hands on her bare shoulders. He leaned down and kissed her forehead before sitting up, bearing a look of contemplation. "It would be worse if we weren't here, I can guarantee you that. How many people have we potentially saved through the bit we've done? And surely there are more like us, too."
The young man looked back down at the redhead, continuing, "But you're right...it's not enough. Korvosa's dying, and it's being helped along by this Andaisin woman. And what she's up to is in that Hospice, I can feel it. Or it will lead us to her. If the doctors are real, she can't allow them to undo her work. We have to hope that the city can last long enough for us to unravel this plot. I'll be glad when this is over and we can get to some semblance of normality."
Mirela leans back against Devan.
Normalcy, That would be nice.
She looks up at Devan's face with a contented smile.
As long as this is normal.
Come on. Let's head to bed. I'm exhausted.
She stands and dries off, before wrapping a robe about herself and letting Devan lead her back to her room.
In the morning you all wake up feeling refreshed. The expernces of the past few days have made you feel you are in better shape to handle the challenges ahead then you would have expected.
When you each head out of your room, it is clear something happened over night.
All the normally very reserved staff at the Yellow Juggler are talking in the common room, discussing the news. They pause when a new person enters the common room, but the conversation starts again moments later in hushed tones, rapidly spreading back to excited talking.
You don't even need to ask, as each of you come down you can quickly make out the news from the conversation.
It seems that in the dead of night every wooden bridge between the city and Old Korvosa had been destroyed. The one remaining bridge to the island is blocked by the Grey Maidens who are telling people that the entire district is under quarantine.
In addition, when you enter your private dining room, you find that a cloaked figure is waiting for you in the far corner. This is a surprise as normally the staff would have told you about any visitors well before you entered.
When Twilght woke up, she knew something was different. When she performed her morning prayers she felt Callistria's favour more strongly than ever. She had done well, her connection to the divine had never been stronger. With this newfound font of power, Twilight knew that tonight was the night. All of her studies and preparations had led to this point, the penultimate expression of her devotion.
After this, only one last step to bring everything together, but that would be a much easier task.
When she was done Twilight instructed Serea, one of the shrine attendants, to instruct everyone involved that the ceremony would be happening that evening. The precise time might be somewhat in flux as she didn't know exactly when the attendees would be done with their activities today, but everything needed to be in place when needed.
Then Twilight returned to the common room, a small stack of letters in hand. "Good morning. Before we get too distracted with today's activities, I would like to invite each of you to a very special event this evening."
To each of her friends she handed a letter wrapped with a length of yellow silk ribbon and sealed with black wax stamped with the sacred symbol of Callistria.
"I know that the timing is perhaps not entirely convenient. Like many things in life events don't always unfold according to our schedules. It would mean a lot to me if you were all able to attend."
As she waited to entertain any questions about the invitation, she took in the hushed conversations about the room.
Devan woke up feeling a little tired from the previous day's marathon but otherwise in good spirits as he caressed the redhead next to him. He was a man of action, and this morning the group would get the information from the ratfolk and hopefully get into the Hospice and see what was going on. He was always more comfortable with doing rather than waiting.
Walking downstairs, the musician's brow furrowed at the strange happenings in the Juggler, his eyes widening slightly in shock as the reality set in. Old Korvosa had been sealed off. Vencarlo was probably out there. He mentally wished the old man luck, hoping the fencer wouldn't fall victim to the Veil.
When Twilight approached him, he took the invitation curiously, waiting until the end of her speech, opening it and then reading the contents. He nodded his head in acceptance, smiling at the half-elf. He wasn't sure what the ceremony entailed, but he trusted these others completely and wouldn't begrudge any of them his company should they request it. He had done the lonely road thing...and it sucked.
Once any others had asked questions, he said, "As if we didn't already know, things are getting bad. If they've quarantined the whole island that means the plague is spreading like wildfire. We need to meet with our contact and then try to get to the bottom of this."
Mirela wakes up feeling the caress of her lover.
She snuggles up next to him, wanting to spend a bit more time waking up slowly. But after a few minutes she sits up feeling the call of duty.
After rising she gets dressed and does her morning devotions to Erastil, giving extra thanks that he has kept her and Devan strong as the plague raveged the city, and asking for strength to protect others in the community. Her connection seems stronger then normal, and she feels the ability to help more people granted to her.
Heading downstairs she is shocked to hear about the news. So shocked that she leaves the invitation unopened at first. I can't be believing that the Grey Maidens are leaving the entire island to its own devices. No doctors helping them, cut off from the Bank of Abador. It may save the city but all those people...
Oh Gods, we need to hope someone finds a way to fix this soon.
After the discussion she opens the invitation and before they go up, she tells twilight softly:
That she would be honored to join her tonight and thanks her for thinking to include them.
I think it would be wise if I was on my best behavior tonight, so. I may be forgetful, or ignorant, but what is the purpose of the ceremony, if it's not too inquisitive?
says the dwarf with a smirk
And probably take a bath, before the evening. Usually, by daytime, I live in violence, and gore, and .. well, my daily existence IS a bloodbath. But someone has to stand for those who can't.
Twilight almost missed Nargun's question as she started to realize what had people talking in such hushed whispers. These were certainly trying times to complete such an ambitious project.
Twilight could see that everyone else was concerned about the closing of the bridges, and it was something that deeply troubled her as well, but Callistria's core tenet was that you come first above all else. And that was something that she often struggled with. So today, at the culminations of her own studies, she had to see that her own desires were first and foremost in her mind, even under these circumstances.
Perhaps it was a final test?
"Since I became a priestess, I was always fascinated by how different divine magic was from the arcane. One of the things that I found curious was that even the lowliest wizard was taught to forge a bond between themselves and an item or familiar to assist them with their pursuits, but I had never heard of such a thing for divine magic and I wondered why."
She took out her silver holy symbol.
"I had already transferred my arcane bond to my holy symbol when I joined, but when I first felt the touch of divine magic I soon attempted to craft a similar bond with that power as well. And I quickly discovered why it was not going to be an easy task. But at the same time I realized that it was not impossible either.
Even before I met all of you I had been spending time working on this project. Bonding divine power is almost nothing like weaving arcane magic, but I think I finally have developed a strong enough link to attempt it. So, that is what I am going to do this evening: Attempt to craft a divinely bonded item.
And unlike a dusty study or lab in which an arcane bond would be built, this will have much ceremony involved and I believed that because we have all shared in an event that was uniquely sacred to Callistria it would be significant if we were all in attendance."
Devan replied to Mirela bitterly, "These doctors were supposed to be helping, but they've apparently thrown in the towel on Old Korvosa. Convinced the Queen to amputate the limb instead of trying to save it. Especially since this particular limb is full of the poor..." The young man shook his head, caressing Mirela's shoulder for a moment before listening to Twilight speak about her ceremony that evening.
The musician didn't understand much of what the half-elf was talking about with arcane and divine bonds, but it was obviously important to her and therefore important to the rest of the group, as well. "I'm glad to attend, Twilight. Hopefully we'll have some answers about these doctors by that point, as well, and we'll have multiple reasons for rejoicing."
Mirela looks in awe at what Twilight was saying.
You actually do be thinking that you can create an item bonded to Callistria? That would make it a... Yes, Twilight you would be making a relic! That's amazing!
Then she pauses and thinks for a second before continuing.
Umm, would that mean we 'ave to call you by a new name? Like St. Twilight or something? Almost all the relics I know do be associated with Saints or very powerful priestesses.
Pondering for a moment the Professor chirps in.
"My dear Twilight, I think the process is different, because the approach is different. Arcane magic is by its nature a force of will to take the magic that surrounds us and reshaping it into the desired results. As such, it is easy to make a bonded object as your conduit, to better access the forces of magic.
Divine Magic is focused on your believe. You pray to your god for spells, and in return you receive the magic. As such forging a bond is much more difficult. Because your faith is your conduit!"
Twilight laughed "Oh no, its nothing so grand. Though Saint Twilight does have a nice ring to it. It might be a unique application of knowledge from one discipline to another, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it is that significant.
That being said, I did think that you would be interested in the process." she said, turning to Atticus.
"Thank you all for accepting my invitation." she glance about the room and sighed. "But until then, it sounds like the Queen is making a bad situation worse for a lot of people. I see Ben over there, we can continue our investigation of the hospice, but I don't know what we can do about collapsed bridges."
Lets see Ben first. Bridges can be built again. But were these one destroyed to keep people out, or to keep people in? Perhaps both..
Ben lurks in the corner of what you now think of as "your" private dining room.
As soon as the door shuts he lowers his cloak hood and looks at you with his beady eyes.
In his gravely voice he says simply.
My kin looked into the building as you asked about. The doors on the front and back seem to be the only ways in and out. There are no windows at all, and the sewers do not run under that building.
However one of my kin did say, that while she was passing by that area in the sewer a fortnight ago, she heard banging sounds coming from that direction through the sewer wall. So while there is no connection to the sewer, there may have been some construction happening in the basement under the warehouse.
There isn't much more we can tell you, other then the fact that on most days we do pick up a cartload of bodies from that location to bring to the grey district.
Devan listened to the ratman speak, glad he hadn't let his hopes spin out of control about waiting for the intelligence. While it was always nice to have the entries and exits confirmed, it just meant that the group would have a hard time infiltrating, it sounded like.
Thinking quickly before Ben left them, the young man asked, "Do you think you could get any of those masks that those doctors wear? Or maybe we can pose as a body collection party? Any particular password or phrase?"
Ben considers the questions then says:
The only masks we have seen is on the doctors. I have not seen the doctors take their masks off either in or out of that building.
As for being a body collection, if you want to take our place that could be done.
We simply show up in the afternoon with a cart and go through the front door. Then we tell the mean Molly inside that we are there to collect the bodies. If we are respectful enough, she will let us go through to the main room. There the doctors point to those we need to take to clear the beds for the new sick. Then we just carry the dead out.
Turning to the others, Devan inquired, "What do you all think? Pose as the body collectors to gain entrance and then improvise?"
I'll push and pull the cart, you'll do the talking, Devan. If we try it the other way, neither the cart or the plan will go very far. I'm sure inside, things will go awry soon. We should try to hide our weapons and armor probably to gain entrance, if we don't rely on magic or if the ruse falls apart
"Are there other corpse collectors that frequent the building? Will it look suspicious if individuals of our stature suddenly show up in your place? And how much do you get paid? If we do go through with this we will need to have our cover story straight."
She cast a glance at the rest of the party "Will heavily armed individuals in general also raise suspicion?"
We do not carry weapons. Ben says simply.
What do we be wanting to do in there? Does this just be a scouting mission or are we looking for something more?
If it just do be scouting, should we even bring 'eavy weapons?
The professor looks at Mirela and shrugs. "Even if we just scout, maybe one could stay behind with all the goods and dash in if we get an opportunity."
Devan thought it over for a moment, then said, Perhaps a short scouting mission first, to get a lay of it. Then a brief planning period and then we head in to get the information we seek." He looked to the others to see if they were in agreement.
Twilight nodded. "I agree, just a quick look inside to begin with. We were only asked to have a look at what is going on after all. I'll see about gathering up some heavy clothing and items to conceal our identity." She paused in thought for a moment. "We might still want to bring something concealable to defend ourselves if something goes wrong. Ben's people have natural talents that they could rely on if they needed, we don't have such benefits."
I agree, bringing some small weapons would be wise. Better to be 'aving something in case things do be wrong in there.. She pulls out her mithral dagger and looks at it.
Yes, we could be 'iding this easily.
"Ben, is there anything special about the way you approach the building? Any sort of protocol or understanding that needs to be observed, or do we just show up with a cart and there are no questions asked?"
Devan listened to the suggestions, then spoke up. "If we can push the cart through and into the building, we should maybe just hide our gear under some blankets and rags that we'll presumably use to cover the dead. That way we can be ready in case things get dicey. If we cover up with robes and cloaks we should be able to keep our armor on."
Ben Responds gruffly:
The front door is always open when we get there. There's no special words, just be respectful.
We carry the bodies back out the front door to the cart. We couldn't get the cart through the door. Plus it's not that hard to carry the handful of bodies out they always have.
Devan nodded. "Understood. Then I feel it should be a pure reconnaissance mission, then. Daggers for protection should things get hairy, but otherwise in and out and taking in the area for how many guards and that sort of thing."
Twilight nodded and began gathering up what ragged and disheveled clothing she could find for the group. A few daubs of soot or dirt here and there to complete the disguises and everything looked good. The fact that wearing a heavy scarf or rag around one's face was almost to be expected made obscuring their identities even easier.
She wrapped her whip around her waist, wearing it as a crude belt and tucked her dagger in among the folds of her clothes.
"Do you mind if we use your wagon Ben?" she asked while she waited for everyone else to finish their preparations.
It will be dropped off here at noon.. Ben says nodding.
Devan left the disguises to Twilight, as she had proven quite adept at the process before, chuckling as he looked around at the others and their now-humble appearance. It suddenly occurred to Devan just how wealthy he and the others were. If Mirela wanted to, they could run off to practically anywhere on Golarion and live comfortably for the rest of their days.
But the City he had grown up in was in terrible danger, and the bard was determined to find the source of the rot before he contemplated any such action. Taking a couple gold coins, he went to a nearby shop and purchased a dagger, leaving his other weapons back at the Juggler before meeting up with the others and the wererat at noon.