. Would Odric the stout member of the Korvosan Guard hero and protector of the city want to risk the death of the one he was sent to rescue just for the chance of more baubles?[/ooc]
Well played sir.
So, what are we doing? I'd rather we not take a week to figure this out when we could be doing something interesting.
Should we take a vote?
Lining pockets is only part of the object… We might find supremely useful artifacts to help us oppose the queen. Who knows what treasures await, what magic is secreted down here. Arkonas is a wealthy man. If he had some fantastic blade or a magic item beyond my imagination I would bet he has it hidden in his "impenetrable" labyrinth.
Odric begins peering into dark corners expectantly, hoping to find a flying carpet or a vorpal sword.
Assuming nothing interesting was seen in the room with the undead beasts and the machinery...
I'm bored. Let's get out of here. We can decide to ice Glorio or not on the way.
After thinking about it for a moment the ranger votes with his comrade Odric. I dont mind making sure we ransack the entire labrynth. I'd hate to leave any other prisoners behind languishing.
My opinion is that exploring further is exposing us--and our charges--to unnecessary risk for undetermined reward. We need to determine how to fix the bigger issue of the Queen's ... affliction.
you're currently deciding to try to kill the most powerful crime lord in the city (who currently opposes the queen if even indirectly.) The party's decision is yours to make, but your characters would have a much healthier appreciation for the power Arkonas wields.
As the group discusses the possibility of killing Lord Arkonan, Morkeleb is looking on with a raised eyebrow--until he realizes they're being serious.
You gentlemen are actually considering attacking Arkonan, in the middle of his own power base?? Even dismissing the fact that he's Rakshasa--and forget not how difficult our fight with a similar beast, by itself, was just hours ago--consider his power. A being with enough wealth and power to simply hand us a potent magic ring certainly has impressive resources to bring to bear against us. You are all more shrewd in reading subtleties of the personality than I am, but did any of you think him bluffing--or even exaggerating--when he stated that he might lose half his regular guard, and a quarter of his elite guard, in a fight with us? That, presumably at full strength, which I for one am not...
Losing sight of the broader goal in order to deal with a lesser one would be foolish. Were we to fall in trying, and failing, to take this Lord down, who then would stand up to defend Korvosa against the rot within? Who then would have the knowledge and the ability to do what needs to be done?
And even putting all THAT aside, he is an enemy of the Queen. It is entirely possible--even reasonable to think--he may provide some cover for us, feeding misinformation ot the Queen's agents on the whereabouts of us and our charges. Why would you squander such a resource?
We are trying to save Korvosa. Killing Arkonan today will not get us closer to that goal; trying and failing to do so will surely mean we've failed--and failed for all time!
Well said, Morkeleb. My vote is to leave. Let's find these Shoanti and figure out how to bypass the Queen's crown.
That makes it 3 (Morkeleb, Gaius, Ferox) for leaving to 2 (Odric, Grym) for ransacking the labyrinth. That leaves Sandor and DeGrog to chime in with an official vote.
I think the wizard has the right of it. I also don't think that the super awesome weapon, or whatever Glorio might have would be down here. No that would be kept closer at hand. Nor do I think Glorio has the secret to bypass the crown, if he did, he would have acted by now. I'm for leaving, but not before I get back to my house and business for a bit. I need to make sure they will still be running.
Well then, assuming this is how things go, you have 2 ways out. Take the dangerous boat from the entrance out, or go back through the Arkonas stronghold.
Well, if we're not inclined to confront Glorio at the current time, let's investigate the boat some more and see how viable an option it is to get us all out of here.
And unfortunately, Sandor, unless your house is in Old Korvosa, we're not going anywhere near it. It was harrowing enough to get into Old Korvosa. Going back into the heart of the Queen's power would be foolhardy. You'll have to trust whoever you left there to keep things running.
I agree, Inquisitor. The Rakshasa can pick the thoughts out of our minds at will, and if any of us are harboring desires to make a few more holes in him, he may not take kindly, and cause us great discomfort. No need to invite that kind of trouble. Is that boat large enough for all eight of us, plus the dog?
The boat can BARELY handle you all with the dog.
Does that mean Donkey Horse is staying here? ;)
Donkeyhorse will not fit. Sorry.
Let's shove off then.
Donkeyhorse will not fit. Sorry.
Off we go in the boat...
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"Donkeyhorse was 8 silver. We should eat him. But he will carry all our stuff to the boat. I'll buy a new donkeyhorse next chance I get."
Odric eyes the beast hungrily.
"Donkeyhorse was 8 silver. We should eat him.
So, after Odric eats some ass (sorry, I couldn't resist), we all clamber onto the boat and head off out of the city?
Apparently, yes.
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All right you scurvy landlubbers, thanks for rescuing me. Can't wait to see if ye have any sea legs!
Sandor is happy that Odric's wasting time cooking donkeyhorse. He was a good mule, but taking the time to eat instead of getting on a boat is always a good choice.
Sandor is quietly contemplating making his way back out the way he came in. Rather than get on the rickety boat.
...Can't wait to see if ye have any sea legs! Shocked Sandor out of his contemplation.
Eyeing the orc, yes he is an orc right now thinkin that any self respecting dwarf is gonna get in that boat willingly. Ya dunna mean ya really considerin gettin in tha contraption do ya? I'll take me chances headin back up tha way I came in
DeGrog actually does think there are some repairs that ought to be done. Otherwise the added weight of bucho would have resulted in swimming the last 100 meters or so.
Odric unloads donkeyhorse and slaps the now naked beast on the rump. With a nod and a slight frown he cleanly beheads his mule and moves to limit the amount of blood that would otherwise soak him.
"Better than leaving the poor creature to starve or be terrorized in this dungeon."
Though totally understanding the need to put the poor beast down, Grym lets Odric take care of it. Instead the ranger attempts to help the 1/2Orc with any needed boat repairs.
To honour yon Donkey-beasts' sacrifice, let's utilize what sinews and hide may suffice to make shift for sail, um, Arrrrgghh.
I slump to the ground, motionless.
Meanwhile, it'll be a short trek through the wilderness (Vencarlo wants to avoid the road). You're headed to a small village known as Harse. You can feel free to chat with Vencarlo and Neolandus on the way
Vencarlo, tell us how you came to be the renown Blackjack. That must be quite the interesting tale.
Neolandus, you mentioned that the queen had killed the King's brother in order to access the vaults. Was this before the King's death? When did you discover her involvement in the murder?
Vencarlo: "Well young Ferox, that is a story indeed. I'm not one for dramatic flare in words, only deeds, but seeing as we have some time, hear my tale." Vencarlo then sinks into a memory. His eyes close, his nostrils flare, and he takes a deep breath before beginning.
Neolandus:
- When Neolandus confronted Queen Ileosa about King Eodred II’s death, her response was to send Red Mantis assassins after him—proof enough of guilt to Neolandus. Through a combination of luck and knowledge about the castle’s layout, Neolandus barely managed to escape with his life and went into hiding with his friend Salvator Scream in Old Korvosa.
- with his friend Salvator Scream in Old Korvosa. After he recovered from the attack but before Salvator
handed him over to the Arkonas, Neolandus spent much of his time in Old Korvosa researching the situation by interviewing key people, poring through records in Endrin Academy, and piecing together information and rumors he heard to try to determine what caused Queen Ileosa’s sudden personality change from a petulant spoiled queen to a scheming murderous tyrant. - Neolandus’s suspicions grew, but until Queen Ileosa’s first public appearance after the plague, he tempered his suspicions with hope. He knew that Queen Ileosa had been “borrowing” the treasury key to look through Korvosa’s holdings. Neolandus was also familiar with several old and obscure legends about the chambers below Castle Korvosa— chambers, it was whispered, that were old even when the Shoanti dwelt here, and that used to hide something of great power or evil. There was little more information to go on, but he did uncover mention in some documents from Korvosa’s earliest days of something called Midnight’s Teeth, and that these teeth were believed to be some sort of sacred relic of great import to the Shoanti. Circumstantial evidence indicates that the Shoanti kept these teeth in the chambers inside the pyramid that now serves as Castle Korvosa’s foundation.
- Neolandus’s further research uncovered an old legend that chilled his soul. Several hundred years ago, a powerful blue dragon and agent of Zon-Kuthon named Kazavon brought the orcs of Belkzen to their knees and began conquering the neighboring nations of Ustalav and Lastwall, until he was finally defeated and his remains scattered. Some of these remains, according to certain Zon-Kuthonic scriptures, contained fragments of Kazavon’s essence. One of these relics was the Fangs of Kazavon.
- By piecing together his evidence, Neolandus suspects that Midnight’s Teeth were none other than the Fangs of Kazavon. The description of the queen’s new crown sounds to Neolandus as if she now wears the Fangs of Kazavon on her brow, the implications of which troubles him greatly.
- Neolandus wasn’t able to gather much more information before the Arkonas took him, but he doesn’t suspect there was much more to learn. Hard facts about Midnight’s Teeth were sparse to begin with—Korvosa’s founders didn’t think it important to preserve much in the way of Shoanti culture. Yet there is still some hope. The Shoanti have very strong oral traditions, and if anyone knows the truth behind Midnight’s Teeth, that truth is doubtless hidden among their historians up in the Cinderlands.
The conversation will likely lead you into Harse. Founded in 4536 AR by Sarwin Harse, the village of Harse is an important gateway between Korvosa's inland holdings and its seaward settlements. Positioned at the junction of the Sarwin and Falcon Rivers, the village's twin ferries provide the easiest means of crossing both rivers for travelers in the area. The village is built on a narrow strip of land between the Sarwin and Falcon rivers, and has been a river crossing since the time before the Chelaxians came there. It contains only a few dozen buildings, including a church of Erastil, two grocers, and two taverns (the Spotted Pony, and the Nag Bag). Most of the inhabitants do not live in the village proper, but on isolated farms and ranches spread about the local countryside. The town is known for its horse and livestock breeding, and holds a large rodeo at the Harse Market each year to determine Varisia's top riders and animals.
Vencarlo has a contact, but he's not there yet. The two taverns are across the street from each other. He leaves it to you to pick. The contact isn't coming in, just walking by.
The Spotted Pony has a better ring to its name. Let's head in there.
The inn is a large single story timber framed building, with a blue tile roof. Accommodations consist of several large rooms with beds and straw mattresses and several hammocks in the common room. The innkeeper is a short female elf named Leina. There are about 10 people in the room. The meal of the day is a "Roasted Mutton and Rye Bread, Tankard of Cider."
No one really looks up, but Vencarlo gets a few nods of respect.
Been here often, Vencarlo? Come, let's grab a table and fill our bellies. It's been a long day.
Ferox helps the group pull a couple of tables together. Once seated, Ferox orders the meal of the day.
With the excuse to take his dog out for a poop. Grym and Bucho do a quick scout of the small village. The ranger is a careful to check their back trail to make sure that nobody followed them into town. Grym also checks the back of the Spotted Pony before heading inside to join his comrades.
Perception
You're quite confident that you don't have anyone trailing or tailing you.
What time is it? Are there mules for sale?
Odric eats and has a modest amount to drink (nurses a mug of warm ale). He tips well but not ostentatiously. He relishes the fare and engages in friendly banter with the staff or other patrons if that seems reasonably normal given the atmosphere.
He is not shy about his mark of office, and if anyone asks or seems to object he certainly tries to diffuse the situation. Is there a likely candidate for conversation?
Early afternoon. Negative on the mules, but there are horses for sale.
The people here are quiet, but polite. Odric, you think that your badge is actually making them a bit nervous, as they're not sure what to expect from you. your money spends as well as any, and the barmaid seems to treat you with warmth beyond simple courtesy.
Vencarlo turns to Ferox, "Not often, but I do have an old friend here. He's from another life of mine. I have a feeling you will like him. He switches to a language not all of you understand."
"He is aware of the danger of the times, and I've been communicating with him via code for some time. Once I see him walk by, we'll go to his demense."
Be ready to follow Vencarlo, everyone.
also, what does the local attitude toward a man-orc seem to be?
After the meal, Ferox offers Leina a blessing of Abadar for her inn's continued prosperity.
DeGrog, you don't have time to check, but from the description of the others, it doesn't sound hopeful. Korvosa is not a kind mistress right now. An orc-y prayer might be the only thing they get...
No one in Harse seems to much care. It's more about your dress than your skin.
Lol DeGrog is wearing a dress.
Thankful to be at an inn with warm food, and wet tasty ale Sandor does enjoy himself for awhile.
Then after his stomach is full, and the ale has it's desired effect, the slap of reality hits.
The cold hand of the mistress's mysteries has a grip of his mind. His mind wanders from subject to subject. The common concern is how is his investment doing. Sandor's vested in the smithy because he loves working with his hands to create, and he loves to create them in Korvosa, for Korvosians.
Barely hearing the wizard speak the sullen dwarf whispers I think this is just a bit o crap. From the tales that ya told on the way here Sandor nods towards Neolandus it's obvious that we be needin ta go to the Shoanti to cypher this stuff out. Now how's it here that I'm the only one rememberin that we dun a favor for a Shoanti Shaman not to long ago. With the situation in Korvosa I'm sure that we could have convinced him to come with us and lend some credibility to us from the Shoanti.
The volume tapers of of him grumbling about lost life dreams ....
Grym sits quietly while everyone eats and talks. The ranger nurses a mug of cider as he slowly slips scraps down to his dog lying nearby.
Grym is slightly annoyed when Vencarlo switches to Celestial. Grym recognizes the language from his old mentor who often preferred to pray in Celestial. The ranger listens to the wizard's warning to be ready.
Taking his last pull of cider, he shuts his eyes. Taking a few moments concentrate on the flavor the ranger centers himself. When his eyes open, he is ready. Ready for the signal, ready to slay the wagon load of enemies who may be about to pour into the inn, the ranger is not sure. For the time being he is simply one with the present moment.
A keen observer can notice the change in the large brindle dog. No longer relaxed and enjoying scraps. The dog lies still but alert with the change in his master's scent.
Vencarlo: "You speak true Sandor, but not now. Please let us not discuss.... our day jobs."
While keeping an eye out for lurking enemies or hidden dangers…
Odric seems oblivious to the interplay among his companions and remains keenly interested in the other patrons and staff. He spends a bit of time trying to improve the feel of the room from one of sullen indifference to a warm and enjoyable tavern where drinks and money flow freely. If the proprietor appears, Odric nods and grins.