Odric gently lays his falchion and daggers on the ground, then folds his cloak into a sort of cushion or pillow atop the edged weapons. He carefully and lovingly places the Eagle on the top, in an almost reverent way.
As they walk towards the Queen's lady in waiting, Odric smooths down his greasy hair and straightens his garments out as best he can, trying to appear presentable to Royalty, or Royalty's associates as the case may be.
He greets the Queen's handmaiden respectfully, snippets of etiquette and protocol he's learned from drunken tales of meetings with Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses across the world flood into his mind, he has heard some truly outlandish tales which might inform his behavior in a situation such as this. Most of these he discards due to lack of appropriate props, blood sacrifices, musical instruments or fiery cauldrons.
The big man is left with a few reasonable options and decides on what he thinks might be the most respectful, hoping not to offend and deciding to err on the side of caution with such an spectacularly armed and armored Lady before him.
Odric bows respectfully, surprising almost everyone present with the flexibility and agility required for such a deep and sweeping bow. Our humble and respectful greetings m'Lady. We have been instructed by Field Marshall Kroft to present a certain item of value which we have recovered through adventure, bloody battle and strife from a thief, slaver and ringleader of disrepute in the bowels of the city.
Odric continues earnestly, embellishing a bit for the sake of capturing the Lady's interest, assuming she must hear fantastic tales all the time and that the killing of Lamm might not rate all that high on her level of interest.
We came to realize that one of the items he had secreted in his inner sanctum belongs to her Majesty the Queen and took immediate steps to return it to Her Majesty. Field Marshall Kroft said this, Odric produces the brooch with a flourish, is a treasured belonging of Her Majesty. We seek audience with the Queen so we may return this item the Her Majesty, and then we plan to return to the Field Marshall with all haste so that we might aid in the defense of the castle on this night of chaos and danger.
Odric again bows, hoping he wasn't expected to offer to wrestle the Lady as has been the custom by all accounts in certain far away lands. He seems quite confident any violence in this area would be met with swift and deadly response, just based on the genteel but tense feeling he gets from the atmosphere.
Odric retains possession of the brooch, while marveling discretely at the incredible armor and equipment so beautifully adorning this beautiful Lady.
Grym clumsily tries to imitate Odric's suprisingly graceful bow.
dexterity roll
Odric and Grym look around expectantly, waiting for something to happen.
In the yawning silence, Odric begins to wonder if perhaps some ritual of introduction was necessary. He has heard tell of a culture in the far north where upon meeting, a person of lower stature must present a live baby seal to the person of higher status for him or her to club to death. Odric wonders if some variant of this was the correct protocol. he wonders what sort of substitute could be near at hand and comes up blank.
He fingers the crocogator teeth through the leather of his belt pouch and wonder if some gift or offering is required. Truly Odric is baffled. Too many alcohol sodden tales and bits of lore from his days sitting in the bar listening o Adventurers flood his brain, leaving him effectively frozen in time until someone breaks the silece.
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Sabina Merrin is apparently not much for mincing words. Odric's ostentatious display provokes a mildly upraised left eyebrow, and little more. Grym's bow doesn't even register (though it was deftly mimiced). She continues to appraise your trustworthiness and skill, assuming you're reading her stern gaze correctly. with nary another word, she leads you deeper into the castle. As you round the corner, she announces your arrival with a loud, clear voice, then steps aside to allow the you to enter the throne room.
Queen Ileosa sits upon the Crimson Throne. She is a vision of celestial beauty despite the black mourning dress and veil she wears in honor of her husband’s death. A small silver coffer sits in her lap. 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 the others. An immense fireplace offers additional light and heat to the hall, and a silk carpet provides a gently arching path to the throne’s base. Sabina takes the brooch from the Odric, hands it over to her queen with a flourish, then takes up a position at the throne’s left side as Ileosa addresses speaks,
This brooch was stolen from me some time ago—I had not expected to see it again, truth be told. And yet, here on my darkest day, you come before me with kindness. The return of this brooch is much more than an honorable deed. It is inspiration. It is hope.
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 already done my heart a great service in returning this bauble to me on this dark day, and you shall be rewarded. 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 guards when you leave here—they can see to your safe journey back to Citadel Volshyenek. I shall send word ahead of you to Field Marshal Cressida Kroft to let her know that she is to field commission you immediately —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 the kindness you have shown me, and I hope your days of serving the crown are only just beginning."
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Odric executes a similarly spectacular bow and manages to mumble something unintelligible followed by Your Majesty to the Queen's retreating figure.
His forehead geared with sweat, his face flushed, Odric's new friends do not know what his bar mates would have recognized in a heartbeat; Odric is in Love. He wipes his sweaty palms off on his trousers and mutely follows Lady Merrin out of the throne room. As his physical distance increases, his physical symptoms decrease proportionally.
By the time they have traversed the throne room and are exiting, Odric has regained his demeanor and appears fit to fight.
I'm fit to fight! He announces, Although it has been almost a full day since we ate any non-illusory food, is there somewhere we could get some rations before joining forces with our new comrades in arms? Odric looks at Sabina hopefully, without much hope in his heart...or his stomach.
. . .Now, I need to retire to my personal quarters—my grief has drained me. Again, I thank you for the kindness you have shown me, and I hope your days of serving the crown are only just beginning.
Morkeleb makes a deep bow as the Queen makes to leave. Your Majesty has our condolences in this time of woe. It is our hope that the return of your treasure might give you some small measure of comfort in this darkness.
As they leave, Morkeleb addresses his new companions. I have no problem with aiding the guard in quelling this unrest. what say you all?
(assuming they actually take advantage of the mess hall suggestions--it's true, they haven't really eaten much in a while!!)
While at thier quick meal, Morkeleb is clearly thoughtful as he regards each of the gentlemen he has known for barely 2 days, yet whose fates seem to have intertwined. While not one for sentimentality, he *is* one for pragmatism. Aiding the crown in keeping law is an excellent way to curry favor and gain a reputation. But in order to get a reputation, the doer of deeds must be known . . .
Gentlemen, I have a proposal. We should take full advantage of the situation. We are in something of a rare position to aid those in power. in doing so, we may gain some fame and influence. To expedite this, I propose that--assuming we *do* want to stick together--we give our little group a name.
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May I suggest "The Wolves?" Seeing as how we slaughtered a Lamm and all, it seems both appropriate enough to honor what brought us together, yet nondescript enough to not give anything away.
Morkeleb then sits back and nibbles on a biscuit to give his companions time to think about it.
Across the table and through a mouthful, How about something more... descriptive? We should add an adjective or something in there if we really want to stand out.
By his tone, Odric is obviously in favor of all three ideas: helping, getting famous, and having an awesome group name.
Maybe "The Wolves of Justice!" or "The Dread Wolfpack of Doom!!" or what about "The Shadow Wolves of Korsova?!" Anyway no famed pirate or hero ever got by with such a simple moniker. I think we ought to continue to discuss our group name while we dash the brains of an unruly mob for the Queen!!"
At the mention of the Queen, Odric's cheeks flush and small beads of perspiration appear on his forehead.
In an awed tone, almost a conspiratorial whisper, Odric suggests, What about "The Queen's Own Wolves of Korsova"
Grym is also wiping sweat from his forehead and palms of his hands but isn't from the incredible beauty of the Queen or the hotness of her lady-in-waiting. Grym is amazed at his fortune with this new group. He has never had so much wealth. Not to mention his new improved sense of self worth and feeling of accomplishment for dealing with Lamm. But now they would be in direct service of the Queen herself...
The ranger is happy to take on whatever the city wants throw at them. He has visions of a new dog in his future. As he tears into some food at the chow hall, he ponders buying a Cheliax guard/fighting dog or searching out a worthy mutt to accompany him with his new comrades.
I like your enthusiasm, Odric--but I must protest my unwillingness to tie myself to "the Queen." Let's think about it. I'll pick up a couple scrolls and meet you all back at the citadel when you're ready. May I recommend being prepared to use non-lethal force to subdue citizens?
I pick up 2 scrolls of Sleep I'd prefer to pen these myself, but I don't have time!! and get back to the citadel to await the group, and instructions.
Ferox stands silent in the presence of the Queen. Her professed love of Korvosa and call to service to protect the city speaks to him. He is eager to talk with Field Marshall Kroft to learn how he will be of most use in protecting the city.
He grabs a quick bite with the others.
While I appreciate all of your abilities, my loyalties lie with Abadar and Korvosa. You're all capable men and I expect Field Marshall Kroft will likely deploy us together into the city. I think it's a little premature to be naming our little band, though. Circumstances are keeping us allies. I'd rather wait 'till this business with the riots is settled to see where the disposition of our group lies.
I think you make a good point, Morkeleb. I'l try to prepare myself for some non-lethal force.
After the quick meal, Ferox grabs his share of the reward and heads into town to better equip himself for the task ahead.
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A guardsman of perhaps 30 summers slides his tray towards you, " excuse me gents but I couldn't help overhearing, and you look like trig fellers. Don't expect the marshall to use you for peacekeeping. That's kind of work is for us. Likely she will stick you with targets that don't need due process, if your sails catch my wind....
Zellara's eyes light up at the brooch, "that belongs to the queen! I overheard some guards talking about it. It went missing a score of days ago. There is a 2000 gold coin reward for its return."
Odric has been lost in thought, seemingly counting his fingers repeatedly, looking around and repeating hte process. This activity when coupled with gorging on the abundant feast before him has resulted in a bit of a mess but, nonetheless he manages to speak around a large hunk of bread, Wait a minute... didn't Zellara say the reward was 2,000 gold? Have we been snookered? What should we do? This last to just his comrades, excluding the grizzled veteran purposefully.
A guardsman of perhaps 30 summers slides his tray towards you, " excuse me gents but I couldn't help overhearing, and you look like trig fellers. Don't expect the marshall to use you for peacekeeping. That's kind of work is for us. Likely she will stick you with targets that don't need due process, if your sails catch my wind....
Huh. Good to know--as long as we're under the direction of the Field Marshal and the guard!
240 GP each,
1040 GP Odric.
Finders Keepers
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...After your return from shopping and eating, the citadel is still abuzz with work. The Field Marshall seems to have an inexhaustible supply of energy, but the frequent visits from the Abadarans hints that her energy is magically enhanced. She doesn't seem to find the time for you guys, but sends a handwritten note,
Gentlemen, I have much to do tonight that you can't help with. Meet me in the morning, and we'll get started. I've already got something suited to your talents.
-Cressida
P.S. Welcome to the guard
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In the morning you break fast at the citadel, and meet with the Marshal.
Heroes of your caliber are exactly what Korvosa needs now. You’ve been on the streets. You know better than me how bad things are out there. It’s breaking my heart to see Korvosa tear herself apart like this. Every little bit of aid we can get from upstanding citizens like you helps. If you’re willing, I’d very much like to retain your services as agents of the Guard. I don’t need to say, of course, that you’ll be well compensated for these services.
Korvosa’s got enough troubles as it is without my own men losing their way and going rogue. As much as it pains me to admit, though, this has happened several times already. Many guards have deserted their posts, more concerned about friends and family than the city. I can understand this, yet not all of the deserters have family—some of them are simply using the riots as an excuse for personal gain. One such man is Verik Vancaskerkin. Worse than a lone deserter, he’s convinced a small group of fellow guards that Queen Ileosa is going to ruin the city.
Whether she does or doesn’t isn’t the point—right now, we’ve got a city-wide crisis on our hands, and I need all of my guards working with me to see us through. A deserter is worse than a lost resource—it’s an infection. I can’t afford to pull any of my other patrols off duty to deal with Vancaskerkin, and I’d rather not expose any of them to him anyway, since I neither want Vancaskerkin to infect more guards with his talk of secession, nor do I want some overly patriotic guard killing Vancaskerkin outright. I need impartial, skilled talent. Like you. “Vancaskerkin and his men have holed up in an abandoned butcher’s shop up in Northgate—the place was called All the World’s Meat. I need you to check out the place. Try to avoid killing any of the deserters if you can, but if you must, they brought it upon themselves when they threw in their lot with Vancaskerkin. For him, I’d really prefer it if you could capture him alive and return him to me for interrogation, but if he makes that impossible, I’ll accept his body as well. Finally, see if you can find out why Verik deserted—if there’s more to it than simple personal politics, I need to know immediately. Bring me Verik alive, and there’s another thousand gold in it for you. Dead, he’s only worth half that.”
I've taken the liberty of starting you a tab at the Three Rings Tavern in Five Corners. Room and board are on the house. I realize that this needs to be taken care of, but I suggest you spend a couple of days casing the area, stocking your supplies, and planning. Your credit runs as long as you need it. I ask only that you get to the bottom of this sometime this week."
I'm pretty familiar with the area. I have a room not far from the Three Rings Tavern. The Bank of Abadar is nearby as well. As such, I've had my fair share of meals at the Three Rings. It's a good place to stay if you've no other and a great place for us to base our search out of. I'll be staying in my own room, considering how close by it is, but I'll make sure to be at the tavern early for breakfast and to coordinate what we're doing each day.
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Are you asking us to list what we purchased?
4 CLW potions
1 flask of Holy Water (Sarenrae)
Grym also went looking for a good high quality dog. Breeding and pedigree matter little to the ranger. However short of happening upon a worthy looking street mutt Grym is more then ready to spend up to 3 times the standard price of a guard dog (up to 75gp), for an excellent specimen.
Assuming Grym can find a good dog he starts right away with training it. The ranger will be working on training for the hunting skills. This is a several week process so initial training will be to heel and to not bark, (using a quieter method for alerting/warning the handler).
handle animal roll if needed
It's a good place to stay if you've no other and a great place for us to base our search out of. I'll be staying in my own room, considering how close by it is, but I'll make sure to be at the tavern early for breakfast and to coordinate what we're doing each day.
Very good. I shall get to work right away, preparing for the upcoming . . . arrest. I shall be at work throughout this day--please don't disturb me unless it's emergent. I'll meet you all in the Three rings common room this evening?
After getting good directions to the Three Rings from Ferox, I pick up ample scroll scribing supplies. I intend to make *copious* use of my magical training . . .
After buying a bunch of parchment, high-quality ink, and exotic quills, I secure my room at the Three Rings, and get to work.
Ferox hits the stores to gear up...
Scroll of Persuasive Goad x2
Scroll of Cure Light Wounds x3
Manacle with Simple Lock x2
Tanglefoot Bag x2
Courtier's Outfit (appropriate style and color for Abadaran clergy) with appropriate jewelry
Gents, what about subterfuge, pose as guardsmen willing to join their seditious movement then drug the keg or something one night? I could see about getting a guard uniform or two, then a couple of us could infiltrate the group while the rest stand ready as backup. Or we all join as a platoon or some other permutation of the idea. I think it stands a lot better chance of taking Verik alive.
A very good idea, Odric. Another option is for me to Charm Verik, and thus persuade him to turn himself in--and perhaps even get him to persuade his followers to do the same. That is probably unlikely, but still a possibility. Posing as guards doesn't preclude me from trying that tack.
The main problem I have with infiltrating the group is our ability to pass for members of the Korvosan Guard. The Guard isn't so large that we can expect to just pass ourselves off as some unknown grunts. If pressed about who our commanding officer is or which district we're coming from, I don't think our stories are going to hold much water.
At the very least, I think Grym, Gaiuss, and myself should do a little reconnaissance of the butcher's shop. We can get a better idea of the layout of the shop and the disposition of the group; how many of the Guard Verik has around him and what resources they have.
OOC: Yikes. Lots to catch up on. I'll try to get back up to speed today. I'm back.
OOC: Okay... I think I'm back up to speed. I'll purchase gear today/tonight and then post some actions.
Chris, I'll check Obsidian Portal, but are there any restrictions on purchases?
If Ferox is correct, then it doesnt sound like a good idea. Unless we are just trying to get in the door for a blitz attack.
Im up for some stealthy recon with Ferox and Gauis.
OOC: Almighty DM, what is the roll of the dice? Am I able to find a dog that looks worth training for adventuring?
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Ahhhhh.... The dog, my apologies for slacking.
You manage to find a couple of possible specimens, both of the same breed.
They're headstrong pups, but loyal and friendly. They're both Malthunian combat dogs. One brother has a particularly strong set of jaws (his feat is weapon focus bite). The other has a stronger back (he will be easily trained to wear barding.)
The breeder was going to ask for 40 Gp, but your fame precedes you. Your reputation for taking care of them is known. He'll part with one for 25.
Grym takes the smaller of the two dogs (I'm assuming the one w/ the stronger bite). As stated before he starts right away with training for the hunting skill group. He concentrates on heeling and training him not to bark. Grym starts calling the dog Bucho.
The ranger begins showing up at the Three Rings Tavern with a new dog in tow. Grym is happy fill in w/ his turn helping to "case the joint" over the week.
Stealth roll
Diplomacy (gather information)
Perception
Knowledge (engineering)
When not taking his turn Grym is working w/ his dog and offers to do some sparring w/ Odric. Besides sword and knife work the ranger is quite good at brawling (improved unarmed combat feat) and is happy to practice his skills and show Odric a move or two he doesn't know.
For everyone's mental imagery. Grym's new dog Bucho is on the small side, only coming up about knee high but with a compact muscled build, (55-60lbs). He has a dark brindle, very short haired coat. The dog is some sort of pitbull type breed.
Stealth:
Diplomacy (Gather Information):
Perception:
Knowledge(Engineering):
Ferox spends his time in the shadows watching who comes and goes from the butcher's. He notes any equipment that they may bring in and how well armed everyone is. He takes the opportunity to shadow some of them, to see where they're getting provisions from, where else they're recruiting from, see if there are any other hideouts their working from. He'll work the locals some, see what he can learn about Verik's recruiting pitch, who else might be helping him, etc.
Gaius will definitely be casing this joint:
Stealth:
Diplomacy (Gather Information):
Perception:
Chris, I'll lay some bribes around to aid my Gather Info roll. 5 Gold. And if there is some sort of City Planner or Builder's Guild I'll go speak to them. I want to see if we can get any kind of sketch or rough plan for the Butcher's Shop and surrounding buildings.
OOC: What... The... Frell!?!?
OOC: That is what I was Frelling about. Frell. STEALTH AND DIPLOMACY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE WHAT I DO, DAMMIT.
Monte's announcement is not filling me with warm fuzzies though. Let's not discuss that here.
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It's exciting to be out on an Official Mission, though you're still clearly wet behind the ears. Nevertheless, your reconnoittering does produce some useful intelligence. "All the World's Meat" is a large two story building with a pen on the western side. You can track at least 4 workers. Each bears the fading countenance of a city guard. They've stopped shaving, and their hair is no longer spec.
The front of the storefront displays a sign bearing the image of a fat, smiling cow. Inside, a long counter runs over half the room’s width. Traffic in and out of the building is heavy for the first hours of the day, as locals arrive in large numbers for free meat. Stragglers wander by now and then throughout the rest of the day, but the free meat goes fast and most of those who arrive after noon leave empty-handed. Once the sun sets, the doors are locked and lights burn in the windows of the second floor for several hours before going out. Livestock (usually skittish-looking cattle or pigs) is brought into the pen every morning just before the shop opens. The animals are butchered after dark. Based on the amount of livestock going in, Ferox believes that there is a
strangely large amount of meat coming back out.
You've also heard that the "workers" hire themselves out for "work." All one needs to do is ask for "The night's special cut."
The map of the area is here.