"I was trained by my war priest, by the rod and by strength of arms. Yes there are not many followers of Gorum, but there are plenty of individuals who would fight for a warm meal, as I had to earn my rights of needs. Then my rights of privilege, once again needed to be grasped, finally my mind and knowledge was elaborated once I was able. I can honor the fact of your faith to your goddess, I hope we can mutually fight together. How were you trained?" Graxton tries to explain in the most generic way he was raised and trained, and asks.
Kalvin nodded and kept walking, looking around occasionally to stay aware of his situation.
"As a Cleric originally. That's what Maric was. But I had trouble with the spells. Couldn't quite get them to work right. But I was quick with the sword. I changed styles often, keeping my opponents off balance. So Maric focused on my swordplay and on teaching me codes of conduct. One night Maric tells me I will not be ordained as a Cleric of the Inheritor, that I did not have the patience or blessings of the Goddess in that way." Kalvin paused.
"I was angry, but something kept me from lashing out. Screaming at the old man for wasting my time. I realized it was the code he taught me. To be respectful of others, to show kindness, to be honorable, to accept the legitimate use of authority, even if I didn't like the outcome. I thanked Maric for taking the time to train me and prepared to gather my stuff, when he stopped me and told me that I would not be a Cleric, but I would be something else, a symbol of the Inheritor and inspiration to others in this place. He had me kneel and removed a longsword from his collection. It was marked with the Holy Symbol of Iomedae. He then asked me to recite the code, to tell him what it meant and swear an oath to uphold it's tenets. We I did as he asked, he knighted me and ordained me a Paladin of the Inheritor, tasking me with being a beacon of hope in this wounded city. I try to live up to his commands and expectations, but not everyone wants to hear a message of peace and order. They've been abused by those in power who declare they're doing things in the name of the law. Or they're searching for something, a purpose and can't see that selfishness isn't the way."
As the group makes it's way up the Heights district with Castle Korvosa, that imposing edifice of black marble atop it's great pyramidal base, rising on one side, and the mysterious walled Acadamae on the other, the city has begun to calm down, as a child after a violent tantrum. Fires still burn in places, and storefront windows are broken. Here and there shouts are still heard, but reason seems to have taken over where only madness reigned not long before.
The "Temple" of Calistra is really no more than a large boarding house. A grand front entrance stands before you as you enter the property. Two swarthy guards stand out front, flanking the entrance, but Viviana whispers a word to them, and they let you pass unmolested. As you see the size of their arms and the weapons they carry, you can't but wonder what would've happened had you needed in her without the Inquisitor's escort.
Once inside, the front parlor is decorated quite sumptiously. Men (and a few women) lounge about being attended to by acolytes of either gender. Food and drink flow freely, games of chance or skill are available, and the great curving staircase leads to a whole set of wonders above.
Viviana seeks audience with the Temple "Abbess" who's finely appointed office is down the hall near the kitchens. The Abbess is an elderly woman, with a still striking figure and a piercing blue eyes. Her no-nonsense manner gets right to the point.
"So Viviana tells me you had your revenge on old Gaedren Lamm and his kind won't be hurting the children of the city no more. The Sweet Sting thanks you for that! Tell me what else you've been up to this night and what secrets old Lamm possessed that might be of service to us?"
As they continued walking to the 'temple' of Calistra, Graxton nodded to Kalvin and his story. "A fine way to be raised and tested. It looks like you have the stuff to be a paladin and the mettle to handle it well. I know in different situations we would butt heads, but I hope we can be allies if not companions of steel in the future, I have honor and hold loyalty above all else."
Now at the 'temple' Graxton is tongue tied once more perhaps because he prefers the physical side of encounters or because of the bewitching abbess. Then again he was out for the entire time the group learned about Lamm in his den.
"We avenged the woman that was Lamm's downfall. He left a ghost behind who gathered us together and led us to him. I believe, Vivianna told you the rest."
"Surely you found more than that, you craft wizard." The old woman smiles at you a little knowingly, a little impatiently. "Or do my priestess need to work it out of you? You look like one who might enjoy the whip, eh?"
Chuckling to herself, she quickly comes back to business. "I am afraid with the city in it's chaotic state, Viviana must now stay here with us, and help protect the Abbey. I know this weakens your group, and offer you what little we can in exchange for her service. If you have enchanted items that need identified, we can assist. If you have items you need valued or sold, we can aid with that. If you require healing or curing, and cannot find any other source, you need only come here for aid. We ask only that you share pertinent information with us, and take one of our priestess with you when we can spare them. What say you?"
"I personally agree to your terms it is always better to have more allies, I was out cold when they found out about Lamm, was she a ghost?!" Graxton agrees with the abbess, then turns on his friends with a question.
"No, ma'am. Lamm has managed to take all the joy out of that for me. I prefer softer methods of being persuaded. I will add that the ghost left us a gift, a deck of Harrow Cards."
"Harrow Cards, eh? No other treasure was recovered that you need sold, no other enchanted items? If that is all you brought with you from Lamm's it was poor trade indeed, for he is rumored to have a storehouse of valuables in his possession. Rumor also has it that he may have an exceedingly valuable object that belongs to someone quite important. Did you find something like that?"
She nudges you, asking politely, but you can tell there is a firmness about her manner that belies the niceties spoken.
Viviana shifts uncomfortably, but barely perceptibly nods at you, trying to indicate that you can trust the abbess.
"Well there were some other minor items we recovered that I felt were not worth mention to a woman of such august stature as yourself, except, of course, you ask specifically about them. There is one item of magic, a wand made of obsidian, that I have so far failed to identity, but I know in time I will come to know its secrets." Crux's glare at Vivanna's imploring look seems to suggest that he either misunderstands her nod or just doesn't want to show his true prize. But he does. "The only other item of any note at all would be this statue here. We believe it is an item that was taken from the queen. It is our intention to return it to her as soon as the uproar dies down some more."
Kalvin shakes his head.
"Unless of course, you believe that Lamm came about this by honest means."
The abbess looks amused. "I am not sure Lamm had an honest bone in his body. Surely one of his agents pilfered this brooch, not knowing it was royal property, and then what would he do with it? Every fence knows the queen is looking for this jewelry and there is reward for returning it. The Queen's favorite it is said, and, not to be indiscreet but, I can tell you I have seen it myself in this temple. I encourage you to return the brooch and gain the reward. The queen will be quite grateful."
"I will look at this obsidian wand, if you like, if not, it matters not to me. As I have said, our network of agents and friends is deep here in Korvosa, and we would sell or help procure any other items you may need."
She looks expectantly to see if you have any requests.
"As I said, ma'am, it was my intention to return it. As for the wand, I would appreciate your assistance in this matter."
After stepping back for a moment to talk with Rodan and those in the back, whispering, Graxton asks, "Do we have anything to sell that we got from Lamm, it might be good to unladen me."
At the mention of the brooch, "Um, how would she knew that we were not the ones who stole it, thus being imprisoned for a crime we did not commit? Any suggestions Abbess, perhaps you could intercede for us, on this delicate situation."
Diplomacy check
"I will be coming back here to assist as needed and for such help in the future. Perhaps if you could keep an ear out for some mithril, that would be great..."
... Thank you Abbess..." Graxton stops himelf and tries to recollect her name, but does not remember it. Sorry Abbess, what is your name if you don't mind telling us, I am Graxton Soth."
The Abbess smiles again, this time a warm smile. I am Mother Tianna, Graxton Soth, and I thank you for your courtesy."
She takes the obsidian wand from the wizard and concentrating on it for a bit, tells him:"It is wand of Magic Missile. It has 23 uses left. Use it wisely, master wizard."
As to the fear that you will be held out as the thief: Theives don't often return property and claim the reward. Act honorably and tell the truth, the Queen will have those around her who will sense your goodness and honesty. I would not be afraid of such a charge."
Rodan lays out the treasures garnered from Lamm's stash and leaves them with the priestess of Calistra, who will appraise and fence. "come back tomorrow and pick up your coin, I'll take my share out of it," Viviana says.
Crux gratefully takes the wand and secrets it away in his robes.
The abbess dismisses you and one of the bodyguards leads you out to the street. The streets are quieter than before, although a flare of fire can be seen down in West Dock still. Seems order has been mostly restored (for now).
It is dark, and drawing late, what are your plans?
"I suggest we return the clasp tomorrow. In the chaos of today, the guards are probably on edge."
"Sounds like a decent idea, Crux would you like an escort to your loft?" Graxton asks. "Unless you want to head out and quell some rioting or put out a fire." He laughs at that thought.
Graxton is fine with being done for the night.
Done for the night is good.
Deciding to separate the remaining group chooses to meet up outside the Castle Korvosa at the foot of the Grand Stair, leading up the ziggurat-style pyramid that makes up the base of the castle.
Rodan begs off citing urgent business of his own, now that he's settled up with Lamm. He insists he'll come back to join up with you once the business at hand is behind him.
@Main Group: In daylight, the city seems to have returned to some sense of normalcy. While there are broken windowfronts and smouldering buildi ngs, the city that lives by routine, keeps its routine.
As you gather at the foot of the Grand Mastaba (the pyramidal strucutre upon which Castle Korvosa rests) you see the Korvosan Guard is taking the unrest seriously. Crossbow and pikes bristle from the fortress and the guardhouses are all manned with double sentries.
As you ascend the stairs, you find the Grand Gate locked shut. A guard challenges you, pike at port-arms.
"You there, what is your business in the Castle this morning?"
@Lazlo: You rest uncomfortably in an anteroom in the Castle. You received summons late last night from a sergeant of the Guard to be here at dawn.
Unsure exactly what a royal summons means for you, you sit and wait nervously. A few minutes later, a door opens....(see below).
@Marnos: Malik told you to get yourself to the castle this morning. He didn't say why, and you didn't ask (questioning him was out of you long ago), you just packed your gear and went. Arriving early, you found the Castly an armed camp, soldiers scurrying everywhere and the heightened sense of danger in everyone's eyes. After explaining, as best you could, to the Guard-Sergeant, you were taken to an anteroom on the third floor. As the door opens, you find another man is already there, pacing nervously.
The sound of unhurried and rhythmic footsteps echoed across the over decorated room, the individual who was causing this noise, was too far detached from his surroundings to notice or consider anything, his thoughts was snatching him from one theory to another, from one scenario to the next. Lazlo took a deep breath as he continued the unintentional but highly precise movement across the room and back, surprisingly avoiding any collisions with the ornate and highly stylized furniture and decorative baubles that littered the room.
Lets take this from the beginning; a noblewoman came to my home in the Shingles, informed me of these individuals who have taken down one of Lamm's many hideaways and just before I planned to leave to meet this group...a royal summons at an exceedingly late hour of the night, what could it all... The sound of a door opening was enough to welcome back the former noble to the perfumed and extravagantly furnished room. Lazlo's eyes caught the sight of a surprisingly well armed half-elven peasant, with white hair and amber eyes.
He can't be an agent of the queen... Thought Lazlo dismissively as he turned his body to fully face, the man who just entered the room Could the queen have summoned him here as well? A former noble and a peasant? Has she gone mad? Lazlo shortened the distance between himself and the stranger.
"What brings you here?" Asked Lazlo bluntly, not wasting anytime with pleasantries, the grim tone of his voice replacing the sound of footsteps that had been ringing through the room moments before the door was opened.
Kalvin motions for Grax and Crux to let him handle the guards.
"An audience with the Queen or her Captain of the Guards. We have recently dispatched with the notorious Lamm of the Shingles and found in his possession a missing treasure of her Highness. With the recent unpleasantness, we wished to bring her a bit of good news with the return of her property."
"As a Paladin of the Inheritor, I felt it was my duty to return this stolen item to her highness, personally."
Graxton grunts in response to letting Kalvin take care of the guards. He rests on his greatsword, which is sticking into a groove in the stairway.
|
Marnos looks over the young human, his piercing gaze noting everything in a glance. Young, athletic, trained at arms? Has had the time and money to get training, but looks as though he has fallen on hard times. Has been around. Not one to be on the wrong side of in a dark alley, I'd wager
His face a mask, he gives nothing away even when the young human speaks to him.
"Orders." He replies curtly, and takes to gazing around the room, while surreptitiously keeping his eye on the young human. He is hoping that his sharp ears will pick up a clue as to this hasty gathering.
Something's afoot here, and it's more than just the riots in the night. The guard may not be the best at rooting out criminals, but they are good enough to spot trouble and restore order. Why am I - We - gathered? Will there be more of us? The only clue to his thoughts a faint frown appearing on his forehead while he leans on his bow and waits.
The concise answer, the manner he carried himself and the studious gaze Marinos gave him, immediately shifted the thought process of Lazlo. The barely audible sound of metal only helped seal the new way he perceived this individual An undercover agent of the guards? Possibly the queen herself Finally strange and odd pieces, became more familiar and fitting of the puzzle before him, but the one thing he didn't comprehend was how he fit in this grand mystery. For a few moments he considered asking the now seated second guest, but one look was enough to tell the rogue that Marnos was not one to give information, unless he was directed to by a superior.
"Understood" Replied Lazlo, his voice still serious, and his face still carved in a grim scowl. There was nothing for him to do but wait, looking to Marnos once more, he considered what type of inquiries this half-elf would be willing to answer, as his thought process continued, he began pacing the room unconsciously once more, and once more he did not bump into any of the furnishings around them.
After about a minute, Lazlo arrived at the resolution that if this agent was truly instructed to withhold information, then he should be able to tell him so. Pausing his restless strides, Lazlo turned to face Marnos "Were you ordered to keep any information you have to yourself?" Asked Lazlo, this particular question aiming to uncover whether he should bother asking the man with the strangely shaped sword any further questions or not.
|
|
The manner with which this human carried himself intrigued Marnos, As he paced the room, Marnos noted his unconscious ability to avoid the hazards that a clumsy man would bump into. Definitely a player. But nervous, though he keeps it from his face. Not used to dealing with the guards and their 'hurry up and wait' mentality. When the human eventually addressed him again, Marnos blinked slowly as he considered the question. "No. Let's wait for the briefing. Then we will know." he nodded to himself as he said it. No point in planning until we know what to plan for.
@Main Group Despite casting you a suspicious glance, the guardsman calls for his sergeant. The soldier and NCO confer, gesturing at you, and pointing.
Eventually the sergeant approaches. He is a large broad man with powerful arms and a uniform that looks like it might split off him. He grins in a friendly way:
"So you've got a bauble of Her Majesty's do yeh? Well she wants anyone returning it to come up to the chamber. I'll lead yeh up, but yeh gotta leave yer weapons down here at the guard house. No armed strangers allowed in the Throne Room, I'm sure yeh understand."
He motions to the guard room that has a lockbox where you can leave you gear if you so choose.
Marnos and Lazlo
As you are getting used to the uncomfortable silence and terse words, the door to your chamber opens, and an extraordinarily lovely woman in full plate enters.
Her eyes and hair are raven dark, her leonine grace only exceeded by her self-assured bearing. Her eyes are hard as diamonds as she enters, and while she smiles at you, it looks more raptor-like than friendly.
"I am Sabina Merrin, handmaiden to the Queen. You have been called to the service of your monarch and city. The Queen herself will meet with you in a few moments to discuss the nature of this meeting and the use you have been called for. I am assuming you will accept her request, correct?" She nods, not particularly interested in any response but the affirmative.
"Good then, I will be back to bring you before her audience. Prepare yourselves as best you can."
With that, she sweeps from the room, with a swish of her luxurious dark hair, her fine form gliding down the hallway in a feline manner.
Nodding once to the answer of the mysterious half-elf, Lazlo made his way to one of the adorned and overly decorated chairs and sat down, his back parallel to the chair's back support, but neither leaning on it more than he should or shifting away from it, his hands rested neatly on the handles and his eyes stayed on other person in the room beside himself.
If that is his answer then probably knows as much as I do or slightly more...but he has the right of it, we will know of why have been summoned here in time Lazlo began piecing together what he already knew, partially to pass the time, and partially to insure that he was ready to give his opinion...if the queen desired it.
..................................................................
The swing of a nearby door revealed to the them, a stunning beauty of dark hair, and armor of plate. The words she spoke were of service, requests and an audience with the queen no less. Lazlo kept his eyes on her the entire time, the gleam in his eyes hard and displaying some of the impatience that the former noble was feeling, but he remained silent, awaiting the end of her speech to them, but when she it had reached a conclusion, he couldn't even nod in confirmation as she made her way to leave, her exit rivaling the speed of her entrance.
Once more Lazlo and Marnos were the only people in the room, and once more lazlo returned his eyes to the equally silent bounty hunter "Have this been mentioned to you?" Inquired Lazlo, if Marnos was a low ranking operative of the Korvosan Guard, then the likely answer was no, but on the off chance that he had known about this, then it was worth seeing his reaction to this question or to the words of Queen's handmaiden.
Kalvin disarms.
The limping Crux gives up his wands and weapons. He does keep his walking stick (club) unless the guards insist on that as well. If they do, he will walk very slowly, emphasizing the limp.
|
|
Marnos shrugs.
"First time for me."
He pulls out his sword and lays it in a corner, then places his bow and a quiver full of arrows beside it.
"Best not go before the queen armed."
He steps away from his weapons a few paces and stands waiting. He adjusts his sleeve a few times before finally settling.
"Indeed" Replied Lazlo as he unbuckled his rapier, short sword and dagger. Placing his bladed tools of combat next to his short bow and holster of arrows that he had originally propped against a wall when he came here. Following this he stood up straight, his hands to his sides and his face towards the door that the handmaiden exited from. Lazlo remembered standing this way many a time when he was taught the manners of a gentleman as a young boy, his body took to it almost instinctively, leading to him looking almost presentable in such a castle...if it wasn't for his cheap clothing.
"A word of advice" Said the former noble to the man standing next to him, without turning his face away from the door. Electing to not bother with the obvious 'do not speak unless spoken to, keep your eyes and ears open to all that is around you', as he guessed someone so disciplined would be used to such things by now. Lazlo began with the much less obvious "Most of the people in there will look at us with judgmental eyes, pay them no mind and give your attention to the queen" Continued Lazlo, his words betraying little emotion and his eyes still facing forward.
Graxton drops most of his weapons: Dagger, Longsword, Greatsword, Morningstar, a handful of bullets and two Javelins. He shrugs, also leaving his backpack. Though he smiles at the guard and leaves his shield on. He keeps his garb on with his belt and the belt pouches. A sling with one bullet is his backup if needed. Though if they mention it, "It's harmless, did you just see everything I dropped off?" Diplomacy Check.
|
|
Marnos notes the way the young man stands Definitely Noble-born, or at least used to dealing with nobles. He tries to imitate the young mans poise with some success . He grins to himself at the mans suggestion As if I would care what a bunch of jumped up nobles would think of me. He glances at the young man Present company excluded, I think.
Main Group
The guards shrug at Graxton, not willing to make a big deal out of it. One of them leads the group through the Great Courtyard and into the keep itself. Climbing up a sweeping staircase, the adventurers are met at the top by the same lovely woman in plate mail that Marnos and Lazlo saw previously --the Queen's bodyguard Sabina Merrin. She turns to the guard that escorted you up the stairs. "You may return to your posts, these heroes pose no threat to the Queen."
Sabina looks the group over with unflinching eyes. "Greetings, I am told you have something that belongs to Her Majesty, is that correct?"
Assuming you show her the brooch, she says:"How came you by this bauble? And how have you withstood our night of tribulation?" She continues to take your measure as she leads you to the anteroom, listening to your replies.
"We pried it from the cold dead hands of a vile creature named Gaedran Lamm" Crux's vitriol is obvious in his voice. "All in her majesty's service, of course.", he thinks to add.
Graxton once again does not remember, for he was out for most of the time. He gives Kalvin and Crux time to say something both before he offers what he knows.
"Greetings I am Graxton Soth, and you are? ... Last night found us well, we proved that our might was more than the rioters could handle, we protected several priests. Besides doing what we could to quell rioters and protect certain locations." Graxton says with as much charisma he could to this representative before him. Diplomacy check. Graxton gives her time to respond before regaling her with some ambiguous statements of exploits.
"We were informed about the location of the Brigand Lamm by a concerned citizen," Kalvin adds. "And as each of us had first hand experience with the late bandit's viciousness and evil, acted to bring him to justice. Sadly, we were unable to bring him alive and force him to pay for his crimes before the city he has done such ill too, but he has gone to Pharasma to meet his judgement none-the-less. As for the troubles, a few rioters had to be set straight as they harassed a band of Abadar's priests and a few imps had to be driven back to their Arcane masters with cold steel, but for the most part —and by the Inheritor's grace — we passed unscathed."
The woman leads you down the hallway standing before a set of ornate double doors which you surmise lead to the throne room of Korvosa. She moves with an ease and grace considering the weight and bulk of her armor. Her dark eyes search each of you over as she speaks: "I am Sabina Merrin, the Queen's bodyguard and handmaiden. Her Majesty is most interested to meet a group of civic minded adventurers, especially if they are returning her favorite jewelry." smiles the darkly beautiful warrior.
Merrin pushes open the doors and announces in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, I am pleased to present the heroes we discussed. They wish to serve Korvosa, and humbly await your request."
She ushers you forward and instructs you to bow. In front of you on the Crimson Throne of Korvosa sits Queen Ileosa. She is a vision of celestial beauty despite the black mourning dress and veil she wears in honor of her husband's death.
The throne room itself is pristine but strangely empty -- an open area with a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows of past kings and queens looking down from the eastern wall, and crimson tapestries hanging along others. An immense fireplace offers additional light and heat to the hall, and a silk carpet provides a gently arching path to the base of the throne. Sabina takes a position at the Queen's left side as she address you.
"I love Korvosa, as my husband did before me. His death has shocked the city as it has me, but i will not see his legacy destroyed in death, and I shall not see my city torn apart. All Korvosa stands at the precipice of a disaster wrought by her citizens - these riots cannot continue. You have done my heart good by standing up for Right on this dark day. Yet perhaps you can serve your city more."
"If you so choose, I shall have Sabina see to it that you have an escort of guard when you leave here -- they can see to your safe journey to Citadel Volshyenek. I shall send word ahead of you to Field Marshal Cressida Kroft to let her know you are on the way -- the Korvosan Guard is stretched thin, and it can certainly use the aid of heroes such as yourself. Now, I need to retire to my personal quarters -- my grief has drained me. Again, I thank you for your service to Korvosa, and I hope your days of serving the crown are only just beginning."
Marnos and Lazlo
As the door on the opposite side of the anteroom opens, again you see the lovely leonine features of Sabina Merrin. [b]"Your audience is at hand, come with me both of you. She leads you to the carpet in front of the Crimson Throne, where stands a motley collection of three others. A tall youth in shining armor seems the only normal one there. Alongside him, a tall powerful half-orc leers and to his side, grotesque figure that you take to be a thin man.
The Queen looks a vision of mourning in her black dress and veil, which can only partially obscure the ravishing beauty you have heard about or seen from a distance. Careful not to stare, you hang on her every word as she speaks...
A moment was all Lazlo had to see the occupants of the throne room, which appeared fairly bare if one didn't count the queen, Sabina and the three strangers, who Lazlo couldn't focus on, but if his eyes didn't deceive him one of them did have the look of a mummy. Before the queen began her speech, Lazlo's gave her his attention, and listened carefully to the request of the only surviving royal of Korvosa and remained mostly silent until the queen left them.
Despite her loss, she places the grief of her city above her own, it is disappointing that not many would act this way With ample time to study these three strangers, Lazlo turned to face them. They seemed a varied lot, with some experience, but he still had trouble believing that they took down Lamm; but he decided to remain silent about these doubts for now, lest they prove themselves through action later and he would appear as nothing but a fool.
Once more Lazlo shifted his body, but now he was facing Sabina. His eyes were serious but showed respect to the queen's bodyguard "Lady Sabina Merrin, I for one see little need for us to utilize the guards services when they will clearly be needed elsewhere, if there is nothing more to discuss I think it best if we collected our weapons and took our leave" Spoke Lazlo, His words as grim as the gleam in his eyes, while he understood that many would misunderstand his lack of greeting or introduction, he firmly believed that there was a time and a place for everything and an empty throne room was hardly the place a group strangers should use to exchange their names salutations.
When the queen is finished speaking, Crux bows low, thanks her for beneficence and mumbles that it is an honor to serve. He looks over the other two and wonders what sort of heroics they could have performed to have earned an audience, however annoyingly brief it may have been, with the queen.
|
|
Hmmm. The Half-orc is clearly used to heavy weapons, though it wouldn't surprise me if he had secreted a dagger about his person. That looks like a holy symbol of Gorum. A war-priest perhaps? The Mummy has his walking stick, though he doesn't look like he he has trained extensively in weapon play. No calluses on his hands, but the inkstains suggest a scholar or maybe a Wizard. The armoured Human looks like he too is dedicated to a deity. Is that a holy symbol of Iomedae? Perhaps another Cleric? Doesn't look like he has secreted a weapon, though it could just be well hidden. Marnos automatically assesses the individuals present.Well, the Queen wants us to report to Field Marshall Cressida Kroft for our assignment. What a bunch of misfits we are. When he hears the young humans suggestion that they don't need guards, he nods agreement.