Morkeleb explains that Odric's nobility puts him over 50th in line from the throne, but he does have the right to stand in noble only meetings with the monarch. He also gets to pass on his title to his heirs.
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Ahhh.... maybe if we approached the statues in complete darkness we could put them into a bag or something? Or destroy the statues in the dark?
Sandor has natural darkvision. Grym can cast the darkvision spell (maybe twice). I think some other party members may have the same ability.
Grym nods that Odric has a good plan. (At least in theory...)
The ranger is up for it and would like to finish clearing the bugger castle.
Ok so based on the evidence we have (or think we have) we are going to try to defeat the children in pitch black, assuming they won't manifest.
In the meantime, let's get Sabine and Croft here to get the populace moving in our direction. Also, Mork will send some sort of entreaty to the Academae in hopes of securing some sort of backing.
Odric is curious about what it might take to get cerulean backing...
Ok so based on the evidence we have (or think we have) we are going to try to defeat the children in pitch black, assuming they won't manifest.
In the meantime, let's get Sabine and Croft here to get the populace moving in our direction. Also, Mork will send some sort of entreaty to the Academae in hopes of securing some sort of backing.
Execute
Also, Mork will send some sort of entreaty to the Academae in hopes of securing some sort of backing.
The likelihood of that is slim to none, and Slim left town. The Academae are apolitical and dance to their own tune. I could, though, go there to research the Shining Children and see whether what you're proposing is feasible.
I have enough Invisibility scrolls to get there. May I do so? Meet back here in the AM? (I can also prep some Darkvision spells)
Odric thinks the geopolitical Powers in the city ought to be considered:
Anyone, the Ceruleans?
Noble houses in the city? (Besides apparently Odric's)Odric suggests Mork contact Vencarlo, Croft, and Sabine via magical meams. Gaius via sneaky-sneaky if the magic won't work.
Grym & Odric ought to take lead in getting Grau looped in. The guard has been disbanded, but we should lay the groundwork for reestablishing it. Perhaps under Sabine's leadership? Maybe use the Grey Maidens as a framework to rebuild, assuming they can be trusted.
There is a game mechanic for spreading rumors- let's use it aggressively to foment rebellion.
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While the group is assembled around the gleaming wood of the largest table in the Keg & Eagle, Odric decides to lay out some of the longer-term plans he has been thinking about.
"The troubles we have been dealing with, ever since we figured out that Ileosa," Odric's disdain is palpable as he spits out the name. "killed the King and usurped the throne, can all be traced to one fundamental problem I think."
Odric leans back and gestures vaguely to the common room they sit in. "If I were to suddenly lose hold of my reason and start ruining this fine establishment, whether by looting its coffers or through willful mismanagement, the blame would fall squarely on my shoulders. I have the sole responsibility for this place, and sole authority. I could utterly ruin it."
Odric glances at Grough and winks, "While my able Seneschal would protest, the fact is that as the business' sole proprietor I am essentially a tyrant. A benevolent tyrant, but a tyrant nonetheless.
With a sigh, the warrior brings his point back around to the Queen, "Concentrating the authority and responsibility for the City in one person is different. While Korvosa has had many rulers and monarchs, the fact that our fate as Korvosans rests in a roll of the dice as to whether the monarch is a benevolent or a malevolent tyrant," Odric flips his hands over in a 'this one or that one' gesture to emphasize his words, "is unacceptable. The fates of too many good people, and the fate of the City we all call home and love, are too great to risk."
"The concentration of power in the monarch is the root cause of Korvosa's current plight. We need to find a way to devolve that power from one to several, or even many. I propose we work towards crafting Korvosa into a Free City, a Republic with some alternate form of governance once we rid ourselves of the usurper-tyrant."
Odric looks around the room, noting some faces are contemplative, some show a bit of shock at the treason Odric has just uttered, and some seem opposed. "Regardless of the form of our governance after we slay the usurper-tyrant, we need to ensure the simmering discontent beneath her heel doesn't explode into chaos as the rebellion blossoms. A riotous period, a bloodletting in the streets would only damage the City we are trying to save. I want to revitalize the Korvosan Guard, maybe the Sable Company Marines and their Hippogriffs, in order to manage the transition from what we have today, through the convulsions of our revolution, and into a prosperous future.
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Harold says in an aside to Grym, "Interesting that he suggests revitalizing the Sable Company Marines and the Guard... If I'm not mistaken, his ancestor Waydon Endrin was an easy-going middle-aged marine sergeant-at-arms. Under his guidance, Fort Korvosa's marines became the elite Sable Company and Korvosa’s regulars formed the Korvosan Guard. Universally loved by both the marines who served under him and the pioneers who trusted him for their safety, Endrin remains one of the most popular figures of Korvosan history.
Including the island and military academy that bear his name, memorials to the popular sergeant-cum-commander are scattered throughout town. A statue of the fort commander stands in New Dock, members of the Sable Company and Korvosan Guard still occasionally name their sons Waydon, and a popular nursery rhyme sung to children all across Korvosa speaks to his bravery."
The Academae are apolitical and dance to their own tune. I could, though, go there to research the Shining Children and see whether what you're proposing is feasible.
I have enough Invisibility scrolls to get there. May I do so? Meet back here in the AM? (I can also prep some Darkvision spells)
"Mokeleb, before you leave for the Academae, we will likely need you to magically summon Vencarlo, Croft, Sabine, and Grau to us. Or to communicate with them to send runners. The roving patrols loyal to the usurper-tyrant control the streets, so some sort of magic is preferable. Can you do it?"
Odric turns to the core members of the Upturned Cup and lists the "prufe" in preparation for presenting it to the figures he referenced to Morkeleb,
"The signed contract and the devil's head are the big ones that prove diabolical collusion. The book we found proves Ileosa murdered the King. Do we have definitive proof of the blood collection scheme?"
A great deal of my most potent magic is already spent, and I only prepared one Sending spell--already used to contact Cressida. I am certainly willing to prepare four Sendings tomorrow--but know that that would be four rather potent spells I could not use in combat.
I *do* have one scroll of Sending, and will gladly use it to contact one of our allies. the question is, which one?...but hold a moment. Since we are at a crossroads regarding exactly what to do in the next few days, I believe it is time for...well. Please sit.
Once they are all seated, he stands his staff against the wall within easy reach, and steeples his fingers. Perhaps I'm being overly dramatic--perish the thought!--but the final Card has not been played. Something is telling me that now is the time. Pay attention.
He extends his right hand, and the air above it glows a light blue, coalescing into a fine mist. Morkeleb's voice, quiet but strong, intones I CALL UPON THE POWER OF THE HIDDEN TRUTH!
A phantom of the final card drawn from that fateful Deck appears out of the mist, lazily floating above the mage's hand.
The blessing of this card, my friends, is such that I am allowed a single question to which I will be entitled to a detailed, straightforward answer. I would have you all bear witness.
He looks at the card, addressing it--or more precisely, the magic guiding it. His voice takes on an odd, resonant tone, and sounds as if it is coming from his own mouth, but also issuing from the card itself, as if it is borrowing his voice, his will.
Sandor listens to all the conversation. His chest heaves occasionally with a silent grunt and nod in the affirmative when he agrees with a point, and a.sharp exhale and shake of the head when he doesn't. He tries to leave Cricktik alone as much as possible, it doesn't seem right relying on him/her/it. Every so often Sandor will concentrate on the location of the queen as long as she remains where she is everything is ok. He knows there is a ticking clock, there has to be with all this blood magic. We need to hurry, but just like normal dwarves a slow steady pace normally gets the job done.
Harold says in an aside to Grym, "Interesting that he suggests revitalizing the Sable Company Marines and the Guard... If I'm not mistaken, his ancestor Waydon Endrin was an easy-going middle-aged marine sergeant-at-arms. Under his guidance, Fort Korvosa's marines became the elite Sable Company and Korvosa’s regulars formed the Korvosan Guard. Universally loved by both the marines who served under him and the pioneers who trusted him for their safety, Endrin remains one of the most popular figures of Korvosan history.
Including the island and military academy that bear his name, memorials to the popular sergeant-cum-commander are scattered throughout town. A statue of the fort commander stands in New Dock, members of the Sable Company and Korvosan Guard still occasionally name their sons Waydon, and a popular nursery rhyme sung to children all across Korvosa speaks to his bravery."
Grym listens to Harold's words as he chews idly at a crust ofbread before tossing the rest to the dog. The ranger cant help but think about the hippogriff egg they have warming and getting closer and closer to hatching.
Perhaps Grym could be a hippogriff rider and have some sort of position within the Sable Marines someday...
The spirits form and look about at each before rushing into Morkeleb. When the Enchanter speaks it is not his voice, it is many voices, and not all of them speak in Taldane.
"THE UPTURNED CUP MUST PREPARE THEIR LAST WILL AND TESTAMENTS."
Given Morkeleb's description everyone's hopes sink.... Then he continues, "The People must gird against the Queen's plan. Odric's holdings will be attacked by the sum of the Queen's forces and one in ten citizens will be murdered by sleeper agents. Each member must prepare to fight Odric and Gaius to the death. Odric must prepare to fight Powerful Evil to the Death."
It seems as if he is done, but one more burst of the voices sounds, "The queen will bring her full vengeance upon you at the completion of the ritual. She will then have the power to stop you regardless of your preparation. You have 48 hours to prevent this fate."
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Grym is clearly annoyed as he doesnt understand the answer given.
The spirits form and look about at each before rushing into Morkeleb. When the Enchanter speaks it is not his voice, it is many voices, and not all of them speak in Taldane.
"THE UPTURNED CUP MUST PREPARE THEIR LAST WILL AND TESTAMENTS."
Given Morkeleb's description everyone's hopes sink.... Then he continues, "The queen will bring her full vengeance upon you at the completion of the ritual. She will then have the power to stop you regardless of your preparation. You have 48 hours to prevent this fate."
It seems as if he is done, but one more burst of the voices sounds, "The People must gird against the Queen's plan. They must be made aware of these events so that they may have the resolve to resist. At the completion of the ritual, Odric's holdings will be attacked by the sum of the Queen's Devil forces and one in ten citizens will be murdered by sleeper agents. Each member must prepare to fight Odric and Gaius to the death for their doubles guard her Majesty. Odric must prepare to fight Powerful Evil to the Death for the cards have chosen thus. The path includes a watery grave, so you must be ready to combat your foes in water. Finally, you must be ready to resist the mindwarping powers of the queen, who can twist your mind as Morekeleb does to those who oppose you."
Morkeleb slumps into a slouch, motionless--spent by the powers of the Hidden Truth. After a couple of beats, he comes to himself with a sharp, deep intake of breath.
That...was enlightening. He gives a small, self-satisfied smirk, apparently pleased at something.
We are clearly on a timeline. Given what was just revealed to us, I believe we can brook no delay in contacting our people, presenting our evidence, and spreading the word to the rebellion. I have the means to talk to one now...how do we reach the rest safely and quickly? While he's speaking, the wizard rifles through his possessions until he finds the desired scroll and unrolls it, clearly making ready to cast the spell thereon.
We still have time, perhaps, to try to find the missing Priest, considering how much of the Castle we have uncovered and how little is left, if engineering can be trusted. I can try, first thing in the morning, to research the Shining Children using the Academae's resources, and determine whether Odric's excellent idea to fight them is correct. Then, we must prepare to assault the Queen forthwith--or we shll all perish in a sea of blood and ash. He says this last with the same intonation and urgency of the rest of the statement--this is something as believable as having said "or the sun will rise tomorrow," so it's a little jarring and creepy.
If we contact one, can't we have them gather everyone else for us?
If we contact one, can't we have them gather everyone else for us?
Perhaps...
Vencarlo, Sabine, and Croft are all at the secret Rebellion headquarters. Grau is an unknown
I shall tell Croft to bring Vencarlo, Sabine, and Grau if he can be found, here with all haste. Any additions or other requests?
He makes eye contact with each of the Cup before reading the scroll...
Odric shakes his head. He dispatches Jinksy to see if he can find Grau, or perhaps get word to him. Before the Halfling departs, Odric gives him Grau's home address and a description of him and his wife.
barring objections...
Garu is gonna be surprised when Croft drags him to a random tavern...
Odric dispatches Jinksy, as Morkeleb makes his sending. The reply is swift.
Trio on way. Do not send to us via streets, location found. Do not exit building. Trap set. The Queen is going for checkmate.
Within the hour a wind picks up in the private room. Each member of the Upturned Cup steps aside as a trio of figures appear.
It's Sabine, Vencarlo and Croft herself. Grau is no where to be seen. Croft wastes no time. "You're alive! All of you! Something happened around the time of your last spell. Devils, previously roaming the streets all headed here. They're mostly hidden. It looks like they're going to take down your base and all your men! Please, please tell us what happened in the castle."
Vencarlo and Sabina quickly draw weapons and begin looking around the room.
Odric whispers to Oso, who sprints for the door.
Odric whispers to Grough. He nods and sets to work.
I am glad to see that you're all well. I know time is of the essence. Our ordeal within the castle was fraught with devils, assassins, and evils that should not reside within those walls. But we did not come away empty handed.
Ferox lays in front of the trio three items: the contract between Sermignatto and Queen Ileosa confirming beyond doubt her collusion with devils, the copy of Ileosa's official contract with the Red Mantis Assassins, and lastly the book, Truths of the Sihedron, flipping to the various pages outlining the ritual Ileosa plans to implement and all of the individuals she has taken blood from.
There can be no doubt now that Queen Ileosa has put the soul of every citizen of Korvosa at grave peril. None shall survive if she goes uncontested.
And don't forget the proof she poisoned King Eodred... her diary wasn't it?
while we cannot prove this, it may be helpful to know that the queen also has enough sleeper agents to decimate the city's population--which is her plan two days hence. She plans to complete the Blood Ritual then, and move in force against Odric's holdings with her devil forces, in 48 hours. Her power will be too great to stop then...so we must stop her before that! The citizens' knowing of the blood ritual may give them the verve to resist, as well
Odric asks Gaius to produce the elegant teak and ivory potion rack containing 3 doses of fool’s leprosy (which her notes seem to indicate are how she killed the king) left over from the king’s poisoning, along with a short note on how to administer the venom.
Here is the evidence that shows Ileosa murdered the king.
Odric reminds the group of the connection between Neolandus and Scream, hoping to tie the whole plot together.
Finally, just to make sure everyone is on the same page, Odric summarizes the Fangs of Kazavon and the evil power corrupting the usurper-tyrant. Odric leans forward awkwardly and in am uncharacteristically shy manner asks Grym's blade if he missed anything.
Grym draws the blade and holds it aloft for a moment before smoothly reversing it and gently bringing the point down to floor.
Via Criktik: The great sword has never spoken to me before, though it has given me feelings in the past. Not in so many words but I believe this blade is one of the keys to bringing and end to the Queen's power and perhaps her life if need be.
At the mention of devils heading to the Keg and Eagle Sandor sighs heavily a few times. His head droops down for a few minutes. Why Torag, Why?!? The dwarf has visions of flames engulfing the Keg & Eagle, of it's destruction. The lad's worked so hard at redemption for not only himself but his family name but for Korvosa as well. and when it rises you can see tears fall down his face as he looks at each of you.
Well Torag if this is another test that your putting in front of me, then I shall meet it. No we shall meet it and venture forth to finish Illeosa.
He starts dons his armor, and gathers his fightin supplies. When he's done he then remembers that Odric has dopplegangers too. Through Cricktik Lad ya have twins out there, how would ya like to be marked?I don't want me axe to accidentally draw your blood.
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As the conversation continues, Odric becomes acutely aware that Jinksy is long overdue...
When presented with the evidence the consiprators' confidence grows. Croft is the most animated, "YES, THIS. This will be enough to convince the nobles to rebel. This will be enough for us to take to the streets. The Usurper will know that Korvosa stands resolute and will not genuflect to evil!"
Sabina's reaction is more subdued and bitterssweet. She shes that she was on the side of wrong for so long, "Ileosa, I'm sorry." She speaks more to the Gods than you, "It has come to this. You are not the woman I love. That woman died a long time ago."
Vencarlo doesn't speak at all. He simply takes out his blackjack mask and puts it on with a smile....
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After further discussions, Croft seems ready to blow the doors open on the rebellion. She'll spare what guards she can. To Lord Odric she adds, [b]"If you do not stop the queen in time, I fear that your men will not be safe. The incident with the Blood Veil proved that Ileosa knows the underbelly of Korvosa as well as the wererats do. Your only hope is to stop her before it's too late.
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With his future plans for a Free Korvosa in mind, he corrects Croft on one point, "Usurper yes, but let us label her The Usurper-Tyrant, so all will know that the throne she stole is sadly linked to the absolute power she wields."
Odric shows Sandor the brand of his crossed weapons, the Kegerator and the Eagle. It is on my shoulder though, under my armor.
"I propose the number 5. Either say or flash a number of fingers between 0 and 5. The response is either saying or flashing a number so the two added together equal 5. It's an odd number so simply mirroring what the first one showed would not work."
Odric looks around for concurrence.
I propose the number 5. Either say or flash a number of fingers between 0 and 5. The response is either saying or flashing a number so the two added together equal 5. It's an odd number so simply mirroring what the first one showed would not work."
Morkeleb blinks. Outstanding. he holds up two fingers to Odric with a serious look on his face.
Now the only question that remains, I believe, is do we go straight for the Queen, or do we try to find the missing priest first? I regretfully opine that we do not have the time to find the priest--particularly if we must face the Shining Children again and we are wrong in how to protect ourselves from their blinding attack. Ferox, I'm sorry, but I must vote that we go for the throat. Considering the upheaval that will ensue in a few hours, that will likely be our best chance to begin to move undiscovered.
No matter what we choose, though, I need to rest, and restore my magical powers...
I believe you're right, Morkeleb. Time is of the essence. Either we stop Ileosa now or everything is lost. I can hope that I'll discover the fate of my Brother when this is over.
I think we're all in agreement that rest is needed. We should head out at first light. We have a map of the area where Ileosa will be performing the ritual. And if I remember correctly, Sandor knows exactly what direction she's in. Between those two things, can we determine exactly where she is? Do we have a map of the surrounding area we can cross reference these with?
Can we get some way to prevent her from knowing where we are also?
The ranger sits in silence. He studies the map one more time.
Knowledge Geography
He is pretty confident the party can find it, especially w/ Sandor's "know direction" thing going.
Via Criktik: Will los diablos attack as soon as we leave the Keg&Eagle? Or are we fairly confident we have 48 hours?
Grym advises he has a Wand of Protection from Evil that could be quite handy if battling devils. Mork could hit everyone w/ it.
Thorgrym is quite relaxed considering they are standing on the brink of Triumph or Utter Destruction. He takes one more long pull on a large tankard of StrangeBrew. He savors it.
Then feeling he can't possibly not share this, he holds the tankard low and tilts it so Bucho can finish the rest of it. The big dog seems to heartily enjoy it, lapping noisily. The ranger strokes the dog's blocky head and smiles. Now he knows the source of his calm.
His faithful dog, SharkSlayer and Serethial at his belt. AND the amazing comrades of the UpTurned Cup. As if nobody else in the room exists, he tilts his head back and blows a kiss to Sarenrae confident in her blessing.
Odric grins and provides Morkeleb a single digit response.
The coconspirators raise eyebrows at Odric's tyrant comment. Blackjack speaks up, "You sure you're a noble boy? You sound like an Andoran." Despite the setting and circumstances the vigilante gives a hearty belly laugh.
Grym, coupled with the compass that is Sandor, is utterly confident that he knows where you're all going.
---------------------------
Rest.
Ready. Spells prepped...2 Water Breathing; each casting gives the party 40 mins. Hope that's enough.
Via Cricktik
We do need a short shopping list. Potions of water breathing at least 2 doses each, wand of Prot from evil (maybe hire a Paladin to go with us), Heroism potion or 3. What can we do to say see invisible creatures for a long time? I say we go to Vigil since it's a much safer city, then assault the Sunken queen from there.
Odric, we need a way to quickly identify you without signals. That is an awesome idea, but when the axe is swinging and I have to make a choice I want to be confident in that choice. If we can get this done and assault before 48 hrs is up I feel that we and Korvosa have a better chance of survival.
Grym HAS a fully loaded Wand of Protection from Evil.
Grym also has been carrying around 2 potions of waterbreathing since that one time the party went underwater and SharkSlayer earned it's namesake.
Grym strongly advises that we need at least two Wands of CLWs. The ranger paid for the last two himself.
Grym is also ready. He has 2 Dark Vision spells prepped
The coconspirators raise eyebrows at Odric's tyrant comment. Blackjack speaks up, "You sure you're a noble boy? You sound like an Andoran." Despite the setting and circumstances the vigilante gives a hearty belly laugh.
With comedic timing born of a thousand nights in taverns just like this, just as the laughter starts to die down Odric looks sidelong at Sandor and deadpans, "Off with his head" in his best hoity-toity accent.