You can make a heal check. The stairs lead to a ruined, caved in area. The only way out is the way you went in. Laori seems keen to be quick so that she can begin asking questions of Salvator.
He's not physically injured, simply abused and in shock. It'll just take time, a highly skilled diplomat, or magic.
[ooc]I appreciate the enthusiasm you all have for crawling, but this place is ransacked. We're done. Except for whatever the red star in the corner is, but even mentioning that may be too much metagaming. Let's get out of here and back to Salvator's house.[ooc]
Let us away. Laori... Pick out the art that you think we should save. If we can't carry it all, we can come back tomorrow and clear out the rest--I'll help you. The battle here likely scared away the locals for now. We should have a little more time before any thugs move in.
Diplomacy to improve her disposition to me: plus Savior of Korvosa if that does anything--I can't put my hands on my notes.
Dungeon Master: Before we leave, I want to put Pilts crown on the guillotine and use it to cut it in half. Then I'll take 20 on a Disable Device check to make the guillotine inoperable. Then I move Pilts and his gnomish headsman over next to it and position them in a creative way--say a tender embrace. I'll then pen a note, and leave it pinned to the machine.
People of Old Korvosa- See the fate of all tyrants and pretenders to The Throne. We will see it done.
We can carry one, as soon as I know where you're going to hole up for the night.
<--BOOOOOM!!
Morkeleb strokes his chin for a moment. I wonder if my colleague Yuri is in this area, I seem to recall he dwells here. Perhaps he can point us in the right direction to find a place to hole up safely.
Why can't we just go back to Salvator's and crash there?
Actually why don't we go to "party members" house here in old Korvosa if he doesn't mind. If he's as important as we think there might be more Assassins there or worse
Grym lives in Bridgefront. Thats Old Korvosa right? The party can go there.
Just checked the Map, and yes Grym's house is just a few streets E-NE of Gaius' old house. I would say we should recover there.
Just checked the Map, and yes Grym's house is just a few streets E-NE of Gaius' old house. I would say we should recover there.
The party moves to Grym's "house".
Odric assist's the ranger in walking 10 feet in through the kitchen entrance of the Cracked Cup. Grym lays down some coin. They bring back several pitchers of beer, along with some bread and cheese.Odric is too polite to complain about the beer but makes a mental note to possibly supply the Cracked Cup with a few kegs of Stout.
Gaius calls over a barmaid, flirts overtly, and orders wine for himself.
On the way to the Cup, Morkeleb suggests...Perhaps we should store these piles of weapons and other treasures somewhere safe, say Grym's house, before sitting for a drink?
When Gaius orders wine, Morkeleb holds up two fingers--the universal sign of "I'll have what he's having/get 2 of those"
Gaius calls over a barmaid, flirts overtly, and orders wine for himself.
Grym lives in a shed built off the back of the Cracked Cup. I said ten feet because thats how close it is to the back door which leads into the Inn. But in truth Gryms "house" would be extremely cramped for 8 people plus a dog. Grym is on very good terms with the owner of the Cup so it works if we are sitting inside the inn rather then sitting on each others lap in the shed.
Laori and Scream are with you. She's ....looking intently at scream, but hasn't started the questioning. scream is in a daze, shuffling his way along with you. the frenetic begging for rescue has given way to shock.
We are heros of Korvosa, its all in a days work.
Sandor sits and takes a look at everyone. Downs his first and second mug of ale. The foam still bubbling off of his beard and mustache.
Well dunna we be lookin like a fine lot. He takes a sip from his third mug. Says with a lower voice I think we should all go take a small dip in the Jegarre n clean up, and get our guest here outta sight. Nev'a know who can be watchin
Sandor's words point out the fact that while the regulars seem to view you as heroes (and view Laori with fear), there are others who aren't so impressed. More than a few faces look like they might have been at Pilt's, but it's impossible to tell.
So... Where do we go from here?
Well we quench our thirst, get some rest. Then in the morning you see if Calistra can help you get our friend to open up a bit and talk ya us. I think Odric and I need to take the majority of watch tonight while those that need to recover spells and/or pray get sleep
Sandor's talking to Gaius and the group, but he's trying to subtly watch the room. For danger or anyone who's nervous about us especially if they get up to leave.
While carousing, I spread rumors that Pilts was assassinated by Devargo Barvassi and his crew.
Interesting play, and one I want to see played out. Gaius, make a Bluff check. Add in whatever modifiers you have to (Gather Information) to the roll.
Bluff:
I'll spend some sails to purchase drinks for people. Lubrication may very well make my lies more believable. Ale is listed in the book as being 4 coppers, so... Two GP? Figure a round for the house, maybe a second. You'd have to tell me how crowded the place is.
The specifics will be compelling and interesting. Territory encroaching, seduction of a trusted follower (on each side), Bloodpig with high stakes, gone wrong and finally... Murder! Murder most foul.
Grym is also keeping a careful eye on the crowd.
Perception
Grym perhaps we should take Mr Sal, and wash him from the rain barrel, and then keep him outta sight at ya place that is soo very very far away Sandor says with an eye waggle. Odric would ya care to help us? Mayhaps the rest of ya can see if anyone leaves shortly after we do with an intent to report something important. Well those that aren't helping Gaius with his ingenious plan
Grym perhaps we should take Mr Sal, and wash him from the rain barrel, and then keep him outta sight at ya place that is soo very very far away Sandor says with an eye waggle n[/b]
Grym nods, lets do it.
Morkeleb also nods, and stays at his seat, sipping his wine, keeping an eye on the crowd--particularly if anyone leaves right after our new friend. If so, Morkeleb will follow and try to persuade a different course of action.
Odric helps Gaius with impressive tales in the barroom style he is used to. Expansive exaggeration, colorful language and outright lies all designed to entertain and inform. The big man has so much fun he only reluctantly assists the other warriors in evacuating their charge.
The coast seems clear to those who stay behind. Eventually you reconvene. Scream seems to be coming back to reality a bit. Laori is eager to talk to him, but is grudgingly waiting for you. Once everyone is together in private, the painter opens up,
"I know Seneschal Neolandus Kalepopolis. It seems a strange connection, but I do. The man showed up at my home, desperate, bloodied, and poisoned, early on the morning King Eodred II died. Neolandus was delirious, but managed to convey to me that he needed a place to hide. I nursed him back to health, whereupon Neolandus confided in me that Queen Ileosa had murdered her husband." Scream stops here to make rather unnerving eye contact with all of you before continuing. "Regicide! Furthermore he told me that she’d entered an alliance with the Red Mantis. They were the ones who tried to assassinate Neolandus, and his escape was as much luck as anything. Worse, Neolandus said that there was something about Queen Ileosa that wasn’t quite right— that she’d changed recently. Grown 'worse,' whatever that meant. Neloandus refused to divulge more to me, saying that “the less I knew, the safer I’d be,” and that the seneschal needed more time to think things through and do some research before he decided on the proper course of action."
The painter wasn't done. It's as if a sluice had been opened. "My simple home wa not a secure hideout— both Neolandus and I knew this. I had connections with the Arkonas (they were one of my greatest patrons), and when I suggested that Neolandus seek them out for asylum, the seneschal begrudgingly agreed. I escorted my friend up to the Arkona Palace late one night, just a few days before the quarantine occurred, and hasn’t seen him sense. The Arkonas seemed friendly enough, and at the time I felt they could be trusted to hide Neolandus from the queen. Who knows, they haven’t given him up yet may be proof that they were the best choice at the time. Yet after my meetings with Vencarlo, who revealed to me his theories that the Arkonas were more criminal-minded than I suspected. I have come to believe that I might have just traded my friend’s first danger for a different one. I suspects that Vencarlo might have tried to infiltrate Palace Arkona to find out more. Please tell me that Vencarlo is safe!"
The normally quiet Grym blurts out at his talk of regicide, Sarunrea's sweet snat... uh... smile.
Bucho comes up and places his blocky head in the ranger's lap. Thorgrym scratches his ears clearly wondering if the fencing master is alright.
Gaius's eyes are alight with lust both for Sarenrae's Sweet... Smile (indeed, the very thought is warming) and for the chance to break into Palace Arkona!
He grins. His smile is wide and a little eerie.
The Maestro... Was going to hit The Arkonas! That's a tough one to crack. I wonder if he had found a way past the outer wall. Arkona made their fortune importing from Vudra. The treasures inside must be...
Gaius looks up and sees the disapproving looks from his companions.
...A nice added bonus to rescuing Master Vencarlo and learning more of the King's murder.
Gaius coughs.
The outer wall is enormous. Black marble and wrought iron. They have many guards. Human, and... Otherwise, Gaius says with a another wicked grin.
How are you disposed to this news, Gentlemen?
I'm game
We should begin scouting immediately.
Please tell me that Vencarlo is safe!
Unfortunately we cannot say that with any certainty; we came seeking him, and our trail led to *you* thinking *you* could help us find *him.*
Turning to include everyone in this question, the wizard frowns. If Vencarlo were captured by the Arkonas, would they have any reason to keep him alive? What would prevent them from killing him outright?
Seeing Gaius' glee at the thought of infiltrating such a rich stronghold, Morkeleb tries to offer suggestions of a different course. While I'm certain a successful venture such as what you are suggesting would be very lucrative, might we not consider diplomacy instead? The chances of successfully breaking into this place, getting what we need, and getting out again, sound daunting to say the least. Might we consider persuasion and talk over thievery?
"...But talking and persuasion yields far less loot."
The dwarf is pacing and tugging a bit on his beard. Obviously contemplating what's been said. He stops like he's about to say something several times, only to shake his head tug on his beard and continue pacing. Giving the others a chance to break in before he starts.
At Odric's grumblin about a cash grab he gives the lad a slightly disapproving shake of the head and sigh.
Fer once I'm gonna cast me vote with the Wizard. I be thinkin that if the defenses of this Arkona palace are as staunch as Gaius alludes too, than breakin in quietly would be a bit difficult remember how that went last time He shakes his leg a bit till the armor rattles giving everyone a reminder.
'sides lads, I don't think Vencarlo went sneakin in to the palace, cuz if'n he did, he woulda used what we found at 'is house. He pauses to let that sink in.
Now I'm happy that my conclusions have been verified by Salvatore, even if it's only 2nd hand story tellin. So I suggest we make this a duel rescue of both the sceneschal, and Vencarlo. Now what do we know about these Arkona's n red mantis?
The ranger seems to be brooding as he strokes Bucho's flank. The dog leans into him as he receives his attention.
After some silence Gryms speaks his opinion. I dont mind using words to accomplish our objectives. He lets a long pause tic by. Yet I worry if words fail then we may have tipped our hand when we must raid the place.
Well, that's why we feel out if the Arkona's are happy with the Queen. My bet is that they aren't since she has isolated Old Korvosa from the rest of the city. So an enemy of our enemy is our friend... possibly
But your right Master Grym if we fail at the words then yes it might make raiding harder. But at least if we get invited in to talk we can get the lay of the land. Anyone have any special abilities to scout the place from the air, or scry palace Arkona?
"The only spells I have prepared are Expose Innards and Greater Blood Explosion, sorry"
Hmm, there are some divinations that I am not yet able to cast, but am close to understanding which could help--but I would require time to add them to my spellbook, once I can discern their secrets, that is.
.
The spell Fly is within my capabilities, but I do not have that inscribed in my books yet.
Odric slaps the back of his neck and irritably asks, "I hate flies, why learn a spell to summon them? We do that well enough with mundane means" He gestures significantly with a slight head movement and arched eyebrows over expressively pointing eyes toward the ripe dwarf whose plate mail keeps pointy metal out much better than it keeps odors in.
If we treat with the Arkonas, we need something to offer. We have nothing to trade. If they have Vencarlo, they have no reason to return him to us.
If they are so fancy and sophisticated, maybe they might want a Scream original? Odric suggests.
Ha who said we have ta provide anything? If we can get rid of tha queen, aren't they old enough to try for the crown?
So... You're offering Regicide in exchange for Maestro Vencarlo? Because breaking into Her Majesty's home will be so much easier than breaking into the Arkona's?
If you're serious about this, please elaborate.