Heal
Alatáriël gives Lamm one sharp kick in the ribs for good measure before lifting the limp old man off the ground. He's so light.
"No idea who this Yargin guy is, Dhan. Might as well round him up with the others and let Titus hand them in for the bounty. And... Wait a moment, how could Lamm have killed Zellara, chopped off her head, and got it down here in the time it took us to get here? Something about this doesn't sit well with me." With that, Alatáriël will hoist Lamm up through the hole Alexei made and put him with Giggles.
Indeed. There is no way he could have done it without teleportation magic and that Looking at the bedraggled man doesn't seem likely. Oh Riel, this is my sister Anca. Anca this is the paladin Alatariel.
"They, they're in the strongbox that half-elf took. Take 'em. Gods-blasted woman!" he spats. "We aint had nothin' but trouble since Lamm killed her off last week."
@Dhan: You'll notice that in your experience, there's no way this head was removed from a body any time recently. It has a fair amount of decay to it. Hearing Yargin's stammering, you'd agree with his statement of it being offed about a week ago. As you begin to process this new development, you all begin to hear the deep tolling of a bell from outside. It's ominous peals herald no good omen...
Also, Dhan, the strongbox is locked, but you manage to pick it easily. Each item within is wrapped in cloth and tied shut with twine, almost as if these objects were of particular value to the old thief. Included are, a narrow teak cigar case inlaid with tiny bits of jade, a two-pound gold ingot bearing the Cheliax coat of arms, a miniature gold crown, a fist-sized scrimshaw carving of a kraken with garnets for eyes, a silver ring bearing the inscription "For Emmah - the light in my nights", a highly realistic and highly scandalous ivory figurine of two entwined succubi, a perfectly balanced foreign throwing star, an adamantine arrowhead, an alabone-shell holy symbol of Shelyn, a tiny glass tube containing a dose of a pale greenish liquid, an obsidian wand of some sort, a crystalline vial containing a dose of a silvery liquid, and a bejeweled brooch with a broken clasp, and what could only be Zellara's Harrow deck.
Even to the untrained eye (which yours most certainly is not), this brooch is obviously the most valuable object in the entire collection. The circular gold brooch depicts a pseudodragon and an imp coiled around each other in an almost yin-yang pattern. The pseudodragon's eye is an amethyst, while the imp's eye is an emerald.
Alatáriël kneels down in front of Anca and smiles "Hello Anca. It is very nice to meet you. I am glad we were able to save you and many other children. I am sad though that we were not in time to save other children's lives." She bows her head in silence for all the children who have lost their lives to Lamm.
Dhan takes the harrow deck out of the strongbox and hands it over to Alexei.
"Here is the harrow deck. And there are several other items in the box, but that can wait. I want to know how the heck that witch's head can be in this box when we just spoke to her!!
Chuckling Haven't you ever been hired by a ghost before? That would be my guess, but it sounds more like the spirits from stories than typical undead that trouble the world. Let me look over everything quickly with a spell to see what magic we may be dealing with, then we ought to move. I didn't like the bells ringing at this time of night.
Dhan opens the box while Alexei casts his spell. He too does not like the ringing of the bells...it can only mean trouble .
As Alexei looks over everything, he takes a better look everything.
@Alexei: After focusing on your spell, you do indeed detect some magical auras. After a few more seconds, the spell begins to focus your senses, and you know that there is but one object in the box with a magical aura of moderate strength. Continuing to focus your senses, you pinpoint the source as the Harrow deck.
@Dhan: You've never heard this bell toll, but you don't like the sound of it. It fills you with a sense of urgency and dread.
It appears only the deck has magical properties, but I can't determine what they are. Everything else seems normal. Let's move out then. Looking at the children, First thing is to get you to the temple.
[ooc]Anything left before we face the bell...[/dice]
As you all return to the streets from the fishery, it becomes immediately obvious that something terrible has happened. Korvosa is in flames. Smoke rises on the horizon. The frantic clang of smaller alarm bells sing out in harmony with a multifarious cacophony of screams, the clash of steel on steel, moans, and even the periodic detonation of arcane power, all set against the backdrop of the ominous tolling of one large bell. A wing of Sable Company griffon riders swoops overhead, angling toward Castle Korvosa at a breakneck pace. One of the badly wounded mounts rains blood down on the street around you before it finally succumbs to its wounds and crashes headlong into a statue, taking its rider and itself to a bone-crunching demise. The others in the flight do not pause to check on their fallen ally. Amid the chaos, the voice of a Korvosan herald cuts through the din: "The king is dead! Long live the queen!" only to be shouted down by ragged cries of "Hang the queen!" and "The usurper whore must die!" Through an alleyway, you even spot a contingent of hellkinghts clad in dark iron armor and horned helms pursuing a small gang of what appear to be looters. The city has gone mad while you were in the fishery.
"By the gods!! We must get back to Zellara with these findings, then I need to return home to make sure my father is alright. Let's go!"
Rough Beast unchained! Anca, stay close. And don't worry, we'll be fine. To Dhan I concur, let us resolve this first. Alexei check his pistol to make sure it ready if they run into trouble.
"The town has gone insane! We all better stick closely together otherwise we are bound to lose each other in this madhouse that has broke loose on the streets. However I also agree we must get back to Zellara's house and put to rest our first contract."Alatáriël readies her bow for the first sign of trouble that may stop them from accomplishing their goal.
Henric stares, slackjawed and speechless at the chaos around him. Weapon drawn, he takes a few meagre steps toward the hellknights, turns to the sound of screams in a nearby alleyway and then lunges out of the way of another unlucky rider.
Henric stays silent through the exchange. "The ghost?" he snaps. "When there are living people we could be helping?" He grits his teeth, expression softening in the face of his friends. He breathes out deeply. "I am sorry. You'll have to forgive this young fool." he says, apologetically. He stares distantly at Citadel Hill. "I don't know where my loyalties lie in this madness."
"Come, lets away!"
As you make your way across the chaos-filled streets of what has become of your home, you are surprised (and more than a little relieved) to not come across any riots on you way back to Lancet Street. You're about to praise you fortune when, just as you round the corner onto Lancet Street, a wild-eyed, sick-looking old man stumbles into Dhan. "The Eye of Groetus has turned from the Boneyard to look upon Korvosa! All shall rot under its dark gaze! Behold its harbinger!" he says pointing an accusatory finger into Dhan's chest. "Lo how he came to me in a dream and now walks the streets in Korvosa's darkest hour!" The old man then plows into Dhan with all the strength he can muster.
Dhan reels back from the mans attempted attack. "What the hells is this now!" he blurts while trying to stay away from the distraught man. "A little help here!! I do not wish to harm this fellow."
You sling the man off of you. He's really quite frail, but as he clatters onto the street, the only thing that seems injured is his pride. He climbs unsteadily back to his feet, looking suddenly very sad. A tear rolls down his cheek from a bloodshot eye, and he continues to mutter "It's all over," over and over again to himself. He gets back up and continues on his way, seemingly defeated.
With the doomsayer behind you, you continue the rest of the way to Zellara's home only to find the formerly mystically comfortable home abandoned and looking as if it has been empty for weeks. There is no sign of food, the wall hangings, the rugs, or Zellara herself. The furniture is in pieces scattered throughout the room. As you all begin to scratch your heads in confusion, the Harrow deck begins to glow. Slowly, a translucent image of the woman who sent you on this task appears before you.
"I suppose I have some explaining to do."
Intimidate
Henric steps in, gently pushing past the half elf and standing in harms way. "Sir. Stand down, and stop spouting nonsense or I WILL detain you." he says, firmly.
He leans in close, his voice taking a fervent, patriotic note. "In Cayden's name, show some backbone, man! You call yourself a Korvosan? The Great Fire, The Shoanti Wars... Gods know we've endured worse than this!" He draws himself away, the fire leaving his eyes. "Go home, lock your doors, and whatever you do, don't come outside."
Henric pales at the sight of the apparition. "I..." he grits his teeth and curses the gods under his breath. "Can we protect noone?" he mutters, solemnly, clutching the bracelet firmly in his fist.
He stares, distantly as she speaks, visibly paling at the sound... "I... yes. Make it quick."
He backs against the wall and glances towards the streets outside.
Seeing Zellara, Alexei tries to remember what kind of spirit this might be.
softly to Henric We saved Anca. You protected my sister. That is no small thing.
Smiling Alexei steps forward, We return, Oh mysterious one. We return with Lamm and henchmen away in chains, and children saved. More somberly Thank you. Explaination would be kind, but we must hurry. There is disaster in the streets and we must go about our duties.
Pulling out the Harrow deck These cards seem real to me, as did the ones that we first handled. Are these cards the same ones you sent us, if so how did such a thing occur, if not, what did you send us.
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"First, I would like to apologize for my unusual method of obtaining your services, but, as you can see, I really had no choice in the matter." Zellara looks pained for a moment. "As you probably noticed, Gaedren Lamm ended not only the life of my son, as I said, but my own as well. I am not well-versed in the arcane, nor am I an expert on religious matters of this type. I do not know how I came to be in the position I find myself in now. What I do know is that my Harrow deck is my link in this world. In a way, it and I are now the same. It is very real, but no, the cards I used to contact you were illusions. You have avenged me on Gaedren, yet here I am still. I do not know why I have not moved on, but I believe that it has something to do with you. The reading I performed before you left has me concerned about events to come. Please, keep my cards. You may use them to call upon me when you have need of my aid." With that, Zellara fades from view and the deck of cards ceases to glow with its eery luminescence. It is late, and you have all had a very interesting day. What do you do now.
Reverently putting the cards back into the box. Alexei looks at the others Hmm. Well, that was different. Looks like we have to some decisions to make. I want to take Anca to some of our people outside the walls, and get these other two someplace safe. After that, I need to report to the temple. And you Henric? I imagine they've put everyone on active duty considering the chaos outside. Riel. Dhan. What are your thoughts?
Henric looks conflicted. "Would little Anca be safe inside the temple for now?" he mutters, grabbing Alexei by the shoulder. "The districts will be cordoned off. Bridges raised. Trying to get her out now will just put her at risk."
He stops, and kneels down by Anca, smiling at her gently "Little Aaron... Was he brave?"
Anca's eyes become haunted as she remembers Aaron. "He... he..." She looks as though she's about to burst into tears, but she instead becomes almost hollow-looking. "He wanted to keep some of the treasure he got. Hookshanks found out and got mad. He cut him, but Arron wouldn't tell him where he was keeping it. Yargin used some of his acid, but Aaron still kept shut. I guess he was used to it by then. So they took him to Gaedren, and he... he gave him to Gobblegut." She squats down in the fetal position as she finishes the tale. She holds out a Korvosan Guard badge. "He just didn't want them to have it."
Dhan stands to one side, uncomfortable with the story that is playing out. While his friend had died by the poison sold by Lamm, he was no child. If Lamm died today, it still would not right the balance.
Turning to go, his foot hits the chest brought out of the fishery.
"Oh, we still need to decide what to do with all this stuff!"
Bending down to cradle Anca The temple would definitely be safe, but perhaps not the most welcoming... If this trouble goes on, I want her with family and those outside the wall are kin. You're right though. Safety first, worry about the rest later.[b] Alexei begins to sing softly in Varisian
As Dhan hits the chest [b]A good question. I think we should see if we can find the original owners. The holy symbol might be recognized by the priests at the temple. Perhaps a jeweler would be able to tell us about the broach?
"I always said he had a little soldier in him... His father would be proud." he says, misty eyed. He absentmindedly ruffles her hair, staring at her distantly.
"Thank you, little Anca. I promise we'll keep you safe."
He stands. "Whatever we do, we can do it away from the dust and leaky ceiling. Let's find somewhere safe for the young ones, and I'll escort the prisoners to the citadel." he smiles wearily at the children. "Stay close, now."
As he walks through the streets, locked in the familiar dance his spirits return for a while, as well as his crusader's spirit. Before long he has a fire in his eyes and a spring in his step once more. "Let us hurry, I'm eager to do my part for fair Korvosa..."
It pains Alatariel to listen to Anca's tale. She begins to fall into her sorrow as the memory of her own experiences begin to flood back, but is shaken from her reverie as Dhan stumbles into the strongbox. "Yes, let's have a look at what stolen goods Gardren has hoarded for himself. He always kept the best loot for himself," she says almost as much to herself as to everyone else.
At Dhan's suggestion, she adds, "That's a good idea, Dhan. We need to take Anca somewhere safe, and the Bank has most likely locked up to keep out any would-be looters. Baker's Street should be safe. Now, let's have a look at this brooch. What's so special about it?"
Alatáriël, make me a Knowledge (Nobility) check.
Alatáriël, you think long and hard. You know you've seen this before. All of a sudden it hits you! You know to whom this belongs. This brooch is the property of none other than Queen Ileosa Arabasti herself! The rest of the stuff looks like it could fetch a decent price (which could be especially useful in these turbulent times), but aren't royal property.
Dhan watches as Alatáriël looks over the loot. "So what do you thing? I think I could probably find buyers for most of this stuff, and get a pretty good price. I also offer my home as shelter to all who need it! I am sure many inns are closing and barring their doors at this moment. The kids can stay there too, my dad wont mind a few extra hands to help out around the place!"
Alatáriël looks up at Dhan."This is the brooch of the queen herself. We have to get this back to her even through all of this craziness. However the rest we could definitely get a pretty pinch for."
"Well maybe it would be best if we retired back to my place and caught our breath, so to speak. We can then plan to get this item back to the Queen, as well as sell off the other items here. A little money in these crazy times cannot be a bad thing!"
So, you all go to Dhan's. You notice that things have calmed considerably as you cross town. Most likely everyone got tired and wen home for the night, but regardless of the reason, your journey goes smoothly. After a brief rest, you all prepare to head out again. Anca sniffles and hugs Alexei's leg as you head out the door. Henric looks impatient, every moment that he is not actively protecting the people of the city seems to pain him. However, you all head out from Dhan's home going...
I propose we head to Castle Korvosa. Carrying around the Queen's stolen property seems like a bad idea, now especially.
@Dhan:
Dhan awakens early in the morning. Finding it difficult to sleep, he sets out on his own to get some business done before everyone else awakens. He quickly finds buyers for the items not belonging to royalty , but more importantly, he finds information. The people are not happy, Dhan. Not only has their king died (the fact that he wasn't well-liked is irrelevant), but it's obvious to any right thinking person why the beautiful young queen married the old man. And now their stuck with her as their ruler! And all the end-of-the-world prophets on the streets aren't helping matters. People are upset and getting whipped into a frenzy. Merchants are afraid, and only the bravest open their shops. Districts have check points at all their borders, making life miserable for Korvosans right now. The streets of Korvosa are a dangerous place right now. Fortunately for you, most of the trouble makers seem to have gotten tired and went home to recharge.