Crux purchases some things for Majenko then shows him to their suite. [b]"This is my room. Our room if you'd like.[/ooc]
Kalvin goes to visit his mother and father, for a nice home cooked meal.
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Keeping to the sides of the thoroughfares, Marnos approached the square. Ahead he could hear the sound of a woamn singing, and he paused a moment to savour it's beauty before rounding the wall to see her. A small crowd had gathered to appreciate her voice, while a young man played accompaniment on a flute behind her. Finishing her song, the crowd broke into applause and the young girl thanked them all and begged their indulgence while she had a short break, while the young man went around the crowd with his hat, seeking money.
Slipping around the crowd brought Marnos to the side of the awning behind which the young girl was resting. Spying him approaching the girl, the young man shouted out "Oi!" but Marnos ignored him. Stepping around the awning, he spied the young girl sitting and eating a hunk of bread. She looked up at him and smiled.
Meanwhile the young man had come racing over and put a hand on his shoulder to pull him away, "Oi!" He shouted again, "We don't want the likes of you disturbing the young lady".
"It's all right, Adam," the young girl said, "He's my brother. Hello Marnos."
"Oh. Okay then." Adam turned back to the audience, only slightly mollified.
"Hello Meggan. You're looking well." Marnos said. "Tell Malik I'll be over for dinner tonight. If he can find time off duty, that is."
"Don't you have time to chat now, Marnos?" Meggan asked. Marnos just shrugged. "You look like you've been doing well," she said. "Is that a new bow? You always were good with a bow, ever since Lerron taught you. How is Lerron? What do you think of my new boyfriend? handy with the flute; makes a lovely accompaniment to my singing." Marnos just looked at her. "Go on, then I can see you're itching to get away, we'll catch up later tonight."
Smiling, Marnos turned and walked off the way he had come.
Graxton turned to his new compatriots but found himself alone again. Perhaps it was what Gorum wanted for him, but he had hoped it would be different with this group, Kalvin and Crux at least but not yet. Kalvin had family and Crux his new friend that ignored him.
He took his time to make his way to the sewers. He gave to the needy and gave to the beggers, they were his eyes and ears when he was away, they knew to alert him to any changes for pain awaited betrayers. He had used spiked gauntlets last time. 36 copper pieces and 3 silver pieces later, giving the silver to the fellow worshiper and guard of their little temple to Gorum.
She was a thug like he would have become if it was not for his grandmaster. She lacked the convictions that Gorum demanded and would only stay a guard. She locked the door and barred it getting ready to spar with Graxton. He stepped up to the alter of weapons, laying his greatsword in the place of honor. Maces, chains, spiked gauntlets, kukri, daggers, hammers and many other blades were placed around the basin of clean water and the metal holders holding his greatsword. This was his mentor's alter to Gorum. After saying his god's name he turned and began to spar with her until they were exhausted. The alter was simple as was demanded, it would only become more rich as its priest would.
An hour passed and they taught each other about grappling. She was a human who had her face smashed and most of her body burnt in an accident. He had pulled her from the wreckage of the building and did what he could to heal her. His powers were too little at the time, now they grow together more as brother and sister than anything else, helping sharpen each other with force and honesty.
He spent a day in the scriptures of Gorum, the one holy book his mentor trained him with. It was a thick tome and seemed to have new lessons or new approaches each time he read it. He read aloud so she could hear as well.
He thanked her for watching the alter and for being strong in these troubled times. He would be back in a few days.
Back at the rooms he would be open to his companions. Willing to listen and to talk. He wants to learn more about them and to see what they are made of, if they will bend, break, or stand resolute. He would pray most of the time not engaged with a companion. He prays by practicing the art of war.
While you all go your separate ways, finding old friends or family, or settling in familiar places, a few threads of story seem to find their way to you, and are soon on everyone's lips.
The first story you hear is that the old King, Eodred II, didn't die of illness, but rather was poisoned. The leading culprit in the rumors you hear is none other than Queen Ileosa herself. Many go so far as to call her a regicide and a usurper.
It isn't long after that story comes out, when another related story follows. Apparently, Castle Korvosa has announced the King was indeed poisoned. Unsurprisingly, the Crown points the finger at a different person for the King's murder.
An attractive young artist named Trinia Sobor has been hired to paint the King's portrait at or near the time of his death. The newest rumor is that this lithe painter was a conspirator in the death of the regent. There is even the story of one of the Korvosa Guardsmen who claims to have seen the painter slipping poison powder into the King's evening tea.
The fact that this eyewitness has since had an apparent suicide, leaping from the tallest of Castle Korvosa's towers has done nothnig to calm the story. In no time, Trinia Sabor is a household word across the city, and the riots threaten to erupt in the streets once again, this time looking for the young girl, and hoping to lynch her for murder of the king.
How long was it since he stood the side of the gates of the Eastshore district? He didn't know, he was just compelled to stay there...since he failed at his original objective which was entering it; this failure didn't occur because he couldn't lie to the guards about being called to perform a service or whatnot, it was his own doubt and worry that made him stop at the last minute, so here was instead, standing near the gates, and hoping that he may catch a glance of his sister and her new family, news had reached him that she was the mother of girl and a boy...he was an uncle now, but he doubted he would ever be a part of these children's lives, even he could muster the courage to visit her after these years, he didn't think that she would ever want to see him again Hate me for every waking moment of your life dear sister, if it means your safety, I will handle the burden of your hate With that thought he left the wall he was standing against and walked away.
Of course news of his sister was not the only thing to reach his ears, over the week he had heard talk of royalty, illnesses, assassination, poisons and possible suspects Typical how the suspects shifted so quickly Lazlo walked out of the alley and into the street, the light of day covering his now unprotected form, then his green eyes picked his companions, after a moment, he walked to them in neutral strides, easily shifting between the people who walked the street with him.
After nodding to them in greeting, he looked them over "I assume you heard the news? He asked in a manner that didn't seem to fit the tone of an inquiry "A painter was a conspirator in the king's murder, and the only eye witness just happened to commit suicide, it seems the grieving queen is quite in desperate in her attempts to push suspicion towards this girl" He continued, his voice being slightly marred by his mocking tone.
Lazlo shook his head "I don't claim to know who poisoned the king, but if they are trying to push the blame on someone, when their only witness is a man who committed suicide, then the crown is protecting someone" Lazlu paused "The obvious answer would be..." He stopped once more when he saw a guard walking by "The grieving widow, but then again she could be trying to protect someone else"
The cowled wizard, in his raspy voice, replies. "You are quick to see conspiracies. It could be just as is said, could it not? This painter woman could have some hand in the kings death. It is also possible that she is innocent, but might have seen something that could lead to the actual culprit's capture. I am not yet ready to make accusations. There's too little actual information known."
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After a day spent haggling with the merchants to get the best possible price, Marnos returned to Malik's small apartment. The smell of cooking from within told him it was occupied and Marnos knocked. Meggan opened the spyhole to check him out before unlocking the door to let him in.
"Malik's late. Again." She said before bustling off to the kitchen. "Sit down. I've made some stew" she added over her shoulder as she went.
In a short while, she brought out two bowls of steaming stew; plain but filling. Marnos tucked in.
"So...Malik tells me you've joined some special squad, and that you're no longer under his jurisdiction. They must be paying you well. Is it true that you were appointed by the queen?" Meggan asked.
Marnos shrugged. "More or less. There was a group that took out Gaedron Lamm, nasty piece of work, and the queen assigned me to them and sent us out on a few odd jobs that her guardsmen couldn't do."
"Does this mean you're the queen's man now?" added Meggan slyly.
Marnos smiled. "Not really. I serve Erastil as ever. Let us just say that at this moment we are both going the same way, but it may not always be so."
"Were you at the riots?"
"Riots?"
"Yes. In old Korvosa. There was a rumour that someone had seen Trinia Sobor, and the people started tearing the place apart looking for her."
"Trinia Sobor?"
"Yes, you know - the artist that was painting the Old king's portrait. They say she poisoned the king, and it was witnessed by one of the guardsmen. Shame he committed suicide. He must have felt terrible for not stopping the king from taking poison."
Marnos frowned. "Do you know the guardsman's name?" He asked, the faint sound of a warniing from a guardsman ringing in his ears ...If you turn me in, they kill me...
"No, I don't. Why, do you know something about it?"
"No. You know; without the guardsman's testimony. there is no way to prove This Trinia Sobor did it. or prove she didn't. It smells like a set-up. The guardsman's death seems awfully convenient."
"I'm glad you said that" Meggan said. "I met Trinia a few times, and she never struck me as the sort to turn to assassination. If you get the chance, will you help her?"
Marnos thought about it for a brief moment, but could see no violation of his oaths to Erastil. "Yes." he nodded. "So... another boyfriend?..."
Graxton spent some time in the markets speaking with those who sell higher end merchandise. He was looking for a way to reduce his load, he found several options but knew they were presently out of his reach. A Handy Haversack could carry most of his gear making it weigh nothing, mithril armor or a shield made of the material would lighten either of those but still pricing in the thousands.
Graxton followed Crux from their apartments. A tower in a sea of cloth, even his greatsword on his back made him seem even taller. The peasants and merchants alike separated before Crux in seeing the armored halforc coming.
He stood to the side listening as they spoke watching for threats or those listening to their conversation. He had little to contribute and they seemed to have all the questions already.
Then he would turn to focus his few words to those assembled, "Yes it looks like we need to speak to them personally and find out the facts for ourselves."
As word of the suspected regicide spreads like a virus through the city, you each are contacted by a breathless Korvosan Guard (guess he needs an inhaler...) bearing a message: Field Marshal Cressida Kroft needs to speak with your select team immediately. She has arranged a meeting at Three Rings tavern in one hour's time.
The fact that the Field Marshal is in a hurry and is actually coming to meet you outside the Citadel comes as a surprise. Grabbing your gear, you hurry to the tavern.
There you find the rest of your group assembled. At the appointed time, the Field Marshal arrives, posting soldiers at the door and taking you to a private room in the back: "Eat up," she says dryly. "I've a new mission for you and you'll need it."
As you gather food from the prepared trays, she begins her briefing. "You've doubtless heard the stories that the king's killer has been named. Yet there's something more going on here, I'm afraid. Queen Ileosa could have quietly had this Trinia Sabor arrested at any time, yet the way in which she revealed the information to the city seems to me like she wants the riots to come back. Certainly, with the mob and the Hellknights out on the street, the girl doesn't stand a chance at a trial -- they'll lynch her the moment they find her. And even if she did kill the king, mob justice isn't the way. Worse, if she's innocent, the real killer can use this distraction to throw us off the trail forever."
"Before Trinia is executed, we need to be absolutely sure she did this thing. And that means we need to catch her before the mob. We know where she lives -- a flat in Midland at 42 Moon Street -- but soon so will the mob. The Hellknights don't seem to care as much about catching her as they do about containing the mob -- something about the "order of Law" makes it a greater priority for them to contain than a possible assassin. I can't say I disagree completely, but the problem is, the Hellknights are only making it worse. The mob's covering most of Midland now, and Trinia's flat is near the middle of the mess. I've got all available guards at work keeping things from getting worse -- and if I were to send them into Midland, they'd trigger a riot."
"I'm sure you can see where this is going. I need you to get into Midland, find Trinia, and bring her back to me so we can deliver her, safe and sound, to somewhere where she can be interrogated -- preferably with magic, so we can be absolutely sure about her role in Eodred's death. Get in there, catch her, and get out without letting the mob get it's hands on her. I'll have agents and officers nearby. If you can get her to them, we'll be in the clear. Any questions?"
"Who are these agents and officers. Where can we find them?" He simply asks knowing that might be harder to do once they have her. He grips his club to steady his blood and the call to action in her voice.
"I will have Guardsmen and allies along the edges of Midland. Just slip the girl to one of them when you have her safe. You will know friends of the City by the pseudodragon emblem they wear."
"Oh yes, and I almost forgot. If you successfully turn over Trinia Sabor unharmed, I will reward you with your customary 1000 gp. Now be quick, every minute you delay brings the mob closer to our king-slayer."
She rises and departs, all business once again, taking the soldiers from the doorway with her as her personal guard.
"Just a moment, friends. I need to gather something from my room." Crux hurries off to his limp not seeming to hinder him as it normally does.
The brief break was an uneasy peace for the young Paladin of Iomedae. He worked his body to exhaustion daily at his father's forge, aiding him in completing a rather large order of horse shoes, swords and other mundane military equipment. The city seemed on the verge of eruption, even as it should have been beginning to settle under the rule of the new Queen.
Meals were a welcome respite from the rumor-mongering of his father's customers. His mother forbade discussion of the impending riots at her dinner table and rather shared news of Kalvin's extended family. Regaling the duty-bound lad with tales of wedding celebrations and birth announcements, while gently chiding her only son with not providing her with grandchildren of her own yet.
The evenings were filled with lessons at Marius's. The old man was determined, it seemed to share all his knowledge with Kalvin before the week was over. And while he felt at peace reading the Acts of Iomedae, his mind was constantly returning to his duty. To the riots and to the people he was bound to serve and protect.
There was no surprise, among Kalvin's loved ones, that the young Paladin was packed and ready to go within moments of the Guardsman's summons. He kissed his mother, shared a warning about Barvasi with his father and asked Marius for his prayers, before bidding them farewell.
He arrived at the Inn, but remained uncharacteristically silent during the briefing. He yearned for action, and for the peace he found when meting out Iomedae's justice.
As the Marshal spoke, Kalvin listened, not just to her words, but also her tone.
"If we find evidence pointing us in a different direction, should we follow it, or report it immediately?"
"I trust you to do what is right, but you must bring that girl to safety. Without your intervention, I have no doubt the mob or Hellknights will take her, and she will die soon after, guilt or innocence won't matter. If it looks like there is another culprit, still save the girl, then apprehend who you think is guilty should the opportunity present itself."
"I am ready, we can go with Crux it may speed the process." He suggests looking for action over waiting.
Crux does not take long to return. He does not stop at the table, but continues on out the door. He has a small bundle with him.
"We will be off then" Said Lazlo as he got up from his chair, but then he stopped, his eyes still on the marshal "Marshal Kroft, before I leave is there anything else that you could tell us that would help us in this matter? I realize that we are told what we are needed to know, and I realize that this matter is of greater importance than the previous mission we've accomplished...but that does not explain the worry I see on your face, I mean no disrespect but if something is causing you of all people to worry, then it must be grave indeed, especially if it relates to this case" The rogue's voice rang with its usually hardness, but that sternness was equally matched by a respectful and slightly empathic tone.
"it is nothing more than worry over the Queen and the safety of the city. It seems this time that Her Highness has taken a mis-step announcing the king's killer publicly. I am still trying to get a read on the situation internally. Best thing you can do is spirit the girl to safety, and that's with us for now."
Being a soldier is not easy Lazlo gave a simple nod and followed his companions out Forced to say that this was mis-step from the queen, hardly...I met the queen and she hardly seems like a person who would make such a trivial mistake He quickened his till he finally caught up to those in the lead.
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"Does anyone have any suggestions on how we should approach this?" He asked his companions, his green eyes shifting across all of them as he awaited their responses.
"We find her. We disguise her." He pats the small bundle he is carrying, "We leave with her."
Kalvin shrugs.
"I've got nothing better."
As they walk he considered what he's learned in the past few days, and things begin not to make as much sense.
"So there was a guard who witnessed her poison the King, but did nothing to stop it. He then confesses after the King is dead and once he confesses leaps to his death. It doesn't add up." He says to the group.
"If he was a conspirator, why come forward and tell of what he saw. If he was uninvolved, why not save the king and be a hero? I get it, people do strange things at times, but this is beyond strange. Do we know who this guard was?"
No one knows who exactly the guard that was part of the consipracy then turned himself in, then committed suicide in his dispair actually was. It may be no more than a mere rumor or allegory, but an effective one that draws the frame around Trinia Sabor all the more.
The group makes ready to depart the Three Rings, and head for Midland once Crux returns with his "disguise".
Midland is the part of Korvosa everyone thinks of when they consider the City. From the bastion at Citadel Volshyenek to the busy moorings at Westdock to the commercial hub of the Gold Market, this part of the city is usually low to middle class and friendly, but today it seems imposing and stern.
Little activity covers the regions streets and the sounds of a mob chanting a few blocks away is evident. The hobnailed boots of a squad of Hellknights passes on a sidestreet at a run. As you follow the winding avenues to Moon Street, the area becomes more poor and run-down and densely built-up. Where you find her 3-story tenement, you note that little if any sunlight actually reaches the streets below. Above, jury-rigged catwalks, overhanging roofs, lines of laundry, and home-made bridges of rope and wood create a tangled, multi-level mess of gutters, upper floors, and rooftops. This is the slum above -- a place known as The Shingles.
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"I heard about that. Still trying to find out from my sources, but my mind immediately goes to a certain guardsman who said he would be dead if we returned him to the guard. Anyone know what has happened to that cow hammer boy we brought in? Either way, we keep our suspicions to ourselves for now. If someone is behind this apparent suicide, they will have reason to attempt to kill anyone they think knows or suspects the truth."
"Ah yes the Shingles, one of my stomping grounds. Though we should find her fast anyone know where that location is, I believe it is this way but I am not for sure?"
to find her apartment or at least the right direction towards it.
As the group sets foot in The Shingles, a group of unrulies turns the corner wielding pipes and hunks of lumber, they have before them a dandily dressed nobleman who cowers and trips away from their blows.
"Queen's man!" one calls. Another shouts, "Yer kind ain't welcome here." and a third says. "Get back to the Castle, pretty boy."
You can see the man has taken a few lumps already and is walking unsteadily, when he can.
"We find her. We disguise her." He pats the small bundle he is carrying, "We leave with her."
"That is an idea, but I was thinking more along the lines of how will we approach her first" Replied the rogue, his eyes showing signs of interest.
"So there was a guard who witnessed her poison the King, but did nothing to stop it. He then confesses after the King is dead and once he confesses leaps to his death. It doesn't add up." He says to the group.
"If he was a conspirator, why come forward and tell of what he saw. If he was uninvolved, why not save the king and be a hero? I get it, people do strange things at times, but this is beyond strange. Do we know who this guard was?"
Lazlo turned towards Kalvin "I am glad you share my suspicions, there are far too many coincidences and plots in the story that we've heard" He paused, his mouth forming an emotionless line "What is more maddening is that the crown would just released this information instead of dealing with it in secret, I do not believe that this Trinia poisoned the king, I believe that she is a convenient sacrificial pawn for someone's game" There was much loathing in the previously serious tone of the rogue.
"And if the Arkona's could buy off some guards, you can be sure that whoever wants this girl to be punished for the supposed murder of the king, will be able to get to her, even if she was with the guards, after all where did the information about her come form?" Lazlo crossed his hand in front of his chest "From the queen herself...who in her wisdom chose to let the mobs tear her apart" He shook his head in disgust.
"You think Marshal Kroft will refuse the queen's command even if the girl is found innocent? She's a soldier, she will follow orders" Said Lazlo, as they continued on their way.
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"I suggest we approach the matter with subtlety, Marnos and I can go to her room, it would be better than barraging in with five armed individuals" A vision of how Kalvin handled the angry mob flashes before Lazlo "Should a mob appear we might need you to hold them back till we can get her out, Kalvin" Before he could continue any further, the former noble caught sight of the thugs.
Wonderful Lazlo behind the cover of the boxes and unsheathed his bow, and within moments released an arrow towards the red thug.
Kalvin's hand goes to his sword as his feet push him forward. He quickly cuts off the path between the mob and the wounded noble.
"Crux," He shouts to the wizard. "Funnel them toward me."
His rises in a defensive readied position as he glares toward the thugs leaders.
"No reason anyone has to die today. Just walk away."
Mob Fight - Round 1
19 Kalvin
17 Crux
16 Gold Thug
15 Head Thug
14 Marnos
13 Lazlo
11 Red Thug
11 Blue Thug
4 Purple Thug
1 Green thug
1 Graxton
Kalvin rushes to intervene, his hand going to his sword, but his words trying to calm the mob. Unfortunately, they are out for blood and his words have little effect on the unruly group.
"I suggest we approach the matter with subtlety, Marnos and I can go to her room, it would be better than barraging in with five armed individuals" A vision of how Kalvin handled the angry mob flashes before Lazlo "Should a mob appear we might need you to hold them back till we can get her out, Kalvin" Before he could continue any further, the former noble caught sight of the thugs.
"That would make sense to send the two of you in, though it would make sense if she was looking for defense against the mobs or the Throne, just a thought." He was thinking aloud as his mind was on multiple things.
Graxton not seeing the scene unfolding as he turns the corner last and looking at a particularly strange thing on the roof of a nearby shanty, 'just wood,' he finally thought when he heard movement from his party and others.
Round 1
"Shall I enlarge anyone?" He asks as the others begin to act.
Crux will take this opportunity to cast Mage Armor and move up a bit.
Mob Fight - Round 1 - continued
As Kalvin advances and admonishes the mob, Crux thinks defensively and throws up his arcane warding spell as a protective barrier.
With the paladin of Iomedae now in their sights, the mob shifts focus swinging their makeshift clubs at Kalvin instead of the wounded nobleman.
"Shouldn't get involved in something that don't concern yeh!" shouts the leader, a pock-scarred man with a huge lead pipe. That man's swing misses, but Kalvin cannot block the other, which clips him in the shoulder, leaving a bruised mark for 2 hp.
From his spot near the rear of the group, Lazlo fires an arrow into the oncoming mob, but it flashes past any of the targets, not slowing them down a bit.
Mob Fight - Round 1 - continued
As Marnos rushes forward slipping the wand in his hand, he casts Bless over all the party giving them a divine boost to their abilities.
The rest of the mob flows forward falling on Kalvin and the nobleman like a wave but the well armored knight is able to block and parry all the attacks. One thug connects with the nobleman, knocking him senseless to the ground.
Graxton moves forward to aid Kalvin in battle, he double moves to purple thug. Club and shield in hand he shouts as he comes, "For Gorum! Graxton Soth to battle! You fools flee or feel the wrath of the god of battle."
Mob Fight - round 1 - concluded
To end the round, Graxton advances forward into harm/s way, but to support his friend Kalvin.
End of Round 1
Mob Fight - Round 2
9 Kalvin
17 Crux
16 Gold Thug
15 Head Thug
14 Marnos
13 Lazlo
11 Red Thug
11 Blue Thug
4 Purple Thug
1 Green thug
1 Graxton
With the nobleman out cold, the fearless paladin finds himself beset by foes. He and Crux are next up for the heroes.
Kalvin power attacks the ring leader.
If it hits.
Cast Grease (DC 15) so that it targets the mob leader, blue, and green.
Forgot the +1 for Masterwork weapon, sorry.
Mob Fight - Round 2 - continued
Kalvin swings at the leader of the riot, but his weapon misses connecting with the athletic firebrand.
meanwhile, Crux just finishes casting grease on the ground at the feet of several of the bad guys. While the leader maintains his footing, the other two spill over, unable to stay upright in the slippery goo.
Gold Thug swings on Kalvin once again and catches the beset paladin with his guard down. The side of his face stinging and nose maybe broken, Kalvin remains standing if a little dazed. the leader, still a bit unsteady in the grease, misses with his attack.
Confirmed!
Swiftly the bow surrendered to the chains of gravity as Lazlo unhanded it and brandished his new rapier. He moved in haste and stood next to Marnos, his eyes scanning the chaotic battle that awaited him "You" Lazlo pointed his rapier in the direction of the mob leader "Surrender or I will present you as a meal to the rats and ravens of Korvosa" He said in his stern tone, his green eyes boring into the man.
Mob Fight - Round 2 - continued
Marnos drops his magic wand and fires his bow at the prone Green Thug. The arrow flies harmlessly over the fallen rioter.
Lazlo threatens the mob leader, demoralizing him and putting fear into his heart.
Red Thug steps forward and swings his club at Graxton, smacking the war cleric right upside the head.
Blue Thug tries to stand up in the slippery greasy goo, but fails to rise, and falls back on his backside, provoking an AoO from Kalvin
Purple Thug, still flanking, swings again at Kalvin, bashing the paladin in the shoulder.
Green Thug also attempts to stand in the Grease, but ends up falling again as well.
I'm at -1 actually.