With plans to teleport back to Korvosa tomorrow, the Upturned Cup sets about the task of clearing and looting the Sunken Queen.
Ooc- is it safe to assume we can move about in here without risking combat? If so let's fast forward through a thorough search of all rooms.
Odric empties the party's portable hole And stares at the treasure inside the crystal globe. He asks the others to stand back and tries to smash the crystal with his Earthbreaker.
Yes, it's safe to assume the pyramid is empty. We can also hand wave returning the stolen assets of Korvosa.
Odric's plan with the Earthbreaker is slow and messy, but ultimately effective...
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I think I can take myself and three others back with Wind Walk. What's the distance back to Korvosa?
And presumably Mork can teleport us with a couple of trips?
Gaius takes the harp on the way out.
I've got 1 teleport prepped and 1 scroll. So, no multiple trips today.
However, if you've got Wind Walk prepped, that and 1 teleport should be enough.
I've also got 1 water breathing left, so we can get out of the pyramid safely (assuming no significant delays in the swim--20 minutes per person for the spell) in order to use the teleport.
We must make sure we bring back proof of the queen's death--will her head suffice, do you think?
The brilliant flash of light burned into Sandors memory Serinthal's victorious slash.
The adrenaline still pumping in his veins, and the Upturned Cups magic still pushing him to be greater than he ever was, the dwarfs head was on a swivel waiting for whatever was next.
The simple question of "Are we dead?" by Odric snapped Sandors head around to get him to take stock of what the others were doing.
He could feel his chest pounding, the heavy breathing, the tension of all the quick twitch muscles releasing. The beginnings of the adrenaline crash to come.
He drops to his knee axe flat on the ground, head bowed touching his shield.
Torag, I know I've not been tha best or most consistant at prayin to ya, but thank ya for puttin me in tha right place to be part of this Upturned Cup. Several of the gods have representation here, and we worked together ta stop a terror of Zon-Kathon, my prayer goes to you and the rest of the gods that lent their power to this cause. I pray for guidance, guidance and intuition of getting back to Korvosa and rebuilding it to the beautiful city it can be.
After his prayer, Sandor feels a touch on his shoulder, and the inquisitor's magic flows into him clearing the cobwebs from witnessing the forming of Kazavon. He nods his head in thanks, then chuckles at Bucho draging Grym around the room.
The laughter breaks the solemn prayers, and the Cup gets down to business after a quick celebration with Sandor adding his favorite stein upside down on the floor of the Sunken Queen.
As the discussions begin and Morkelb goes over the treasure that we have won, Sandors eyes light up at the mention of the amulet of protection, and the belt of physical might. He raises his eyebrows at the headband of mental prowress, and the iridescent spindle ioun stone. But his eyes really beam at the ring of splendid security.
Returning to the city now or tomorrow makes no difference to Sandor, but if pressed to make a choice, it would be to inventory this place, and recover from our battles. If we do get to explore this place Sandor wants to see what he can figure out about restoring this Sunken Queen to it's operational capabilities.
His smile returns when talking about the weddings. They will have to be a grand affair, maybe a double wedding. We can celebrate it at any one of several places. In Korvosa, we have the Keg and Eagle, Castle Korvosa, the mansion where we killed the dancing zombies. We could have it at Scarwall, now wouldn't that be a grand place for a wedding or two with some fixing up?
Sandor also weighs in on Odric taking the throne. While he thinks that Odric would have the best intent for Korvosa and her citizens, he doesn't think that Odric would best serve the city in that aspect. Odric in Sandor's view shouldn't be chained to the throne, he should be the power behind it. Let someone else who knows the "political" game be the face, take the risk. Also, there is the fact that not one person has sat on The Crimson Throne has died of old age, to which he points to the bifurcated body of the young queen, and he rather wants Odric to die of old age.
He also reminds the Upturned Cup that the Shoanti were considering war with Korvosa, so putting Odric in a position of power will hopefully smooth those rumblings. But bah enough of this serious talk right now lets have another drink and celebrate ourselves before we return to Korvosa and start the hard work of rebuilding.
_____________________
Edit: Morkelb how did It (points at Illeosa) get in and out of here? Did she swim every time? There has got to be another way in.
and are you SUUUUURE there aren't about 10,616 XP worth of baddies in here somewhere?
Grym has a silent chuckle over Ferox and Morkeleb's upcoming nuptials. The ranger has no personal interest in marriage (at least anytime soon), though he wouldn't mind paying a visit to a certain buxom lass. At least their arrangement was very clear. Money for "services".
Since the ranger got the Celestial Armor and Serethial, he feels he has no place to lay claim on any of the treasure. However, the pale green prism ioun stone does spark his curiosity.
Thinking more about treasure Grym ponders the moment when Ferox nominated the ranger to carry Serethial for the UpTurned Cup. Grym had agreed to wield the incredibly magic blade at least to defeat the Queen and Zon-Kuthon's influence. Now that things were over, Grym wondered if there was a safe place for him to set it down. For the moment the safest place seemed to be at his hip, but perhaps in a future where Odric held the Crimson Throne...
I've got 1 teleport prepped and 1 scroll. So, no multiple trips today.
However, if you've got Wind Walk prepped, that and 1 teleport should be enough.
I've also got 1 water breathing left, so we can get out of the pyramid safely (assuming no significant delays in the swim--20 minutes per person for the spell) in order to use the teleport.
We must make sure we bring back proof of the queen's death--will her head suffice, do you think?
** spoiler omitted **
Her body, the plundered spoils of Korvosa and our tales should suffice.
Cressida Kroft returns the sending, "Gods! Korvosa is saved! Many questions remain. Return and we can discuss. Good news on our end. City is safe. Normalcy has returned."
Are we ready to go back to Korvosa
"Before we do, I'd like to either have your support or at the very least know you wouldn't actively oppose me." Odric eyes Gaius and looks to Ferox for his input...
"I think perhaps our arrival should be on foot. Perhaps we teleport outside the walls and walk to the castle."
The Crimson Throne is cursed, and maybe the lesson from all of our journeys is that we're better off without it. The Magistrates, Arbiters, and Peerage Review do most of the real work. All the Monarchy has done is die without a clear successor again and again. Oh, and this most recent lawful ruler tried to sacrifice the entire city to fuel the resurrection of an undead horror. I think it's time for a change, don't you?, Gaius says, before a wicked smile overtakes him.
There is one I would throw my support behind, but that's only because I would make an *exquisite* Queen's Consort, and I swear that I'd dedicate all of my efforts to breaking the curse and providing an heir. Alas, I'd be surprised if her fortunes played out so.
Let us speak no more of this for now. Let us return and see what has happened in Korvosa, and go forward one step at a time.
Odric's proposal is to bampf to just outside the city gates and walk to the castle, walk up the front steps, walk in like he owns the place and either summon or find Kroft, Sabina, Neolandus, Captain Oso, and Blackjack/Vencarlo
Well before we go, Sandor insists that he takes care of everyone's arms and armor.
The Crimson Throne is cursed, and maybe the lesson from all of our journeys is that we're better off without it. The Magistrates, Arbiters, and Peerage Review do most of the real work. All the Monarchy has done is die without a clear successor again and again. Oh, and this most recent lawful ruler tried to sacrifice the entire city to fuel the resurrection of an undead horror. I think it's time for a change, don't you?
"I appreciate your candor Gaius, but I have no intention of sitting on that throne again. Been there and done that, and I didn't find it too comfortable. I would rule like I've built the Keg & Eagle, fairly and methodically, with an emphasis on the product.
"In the case of rulership, the product is a prosperous and peaceful city. But like my brews, this city will have a punch. I would improve our defenses and military might to dissuade Cheliaxian ambitions.
"I can claim a friendship with one of the most respected Abadarians in the city, and ask Ferox for support of the bank.
"Although he hasn't said it, I suspect Morkeleb will find himself in the Academae if only for speaking engagements, but his friendship can only support the city I would lead.
"I would ask Grym to take a leading role in the city as a guardian of the downtrodden, perhaps forming a new orgamization entirely to compliment the Guard and the revitalized [insert name of hippogryph sky knight guys here].
"Sandor may not be interested, but if I stepped into the role of king, I would turn over the Keg & Eagle, as well as Stout Manor to him. The forge and smithy there would certainly produce the most incredible work to fill it's armories. I'd ask in return only that a table near the fire, big enough to accommodate our friends, be made available on occasion. That, and a frosty beverage now and again.
"If I were to lead the city, Gaius, you would see a true leader. One who has been in the gutter, who has suffered at the hands of the powerful and prevailed. With that experience in my memory, I would truly dedicate my life to service. Service to this city, and a dedication to each other, has brought us through literal hellfire alive. You would see a king who comes from the common folk and who supports them.
"I mentioned before I advocate a much reduced role for the Monarch... I'd propose a parliament to ensure the laws and path of this city comport with the interests of her people, both noble and common.
"Finally, I hope it goes without saying I wouldn't attempt a city-wide blood sacrifice...
The ranger ponders Odric's words...
He isn't sure he a mute could effectively lead the Guard or the Sable Marines. Though perhaps some sort of "silent" role among them. Either way, he was sure he could make improvements. Maybe even have the time to take on the smaller jobs for the little people that fall into the cracks. Try to make justice stand for ALL the people, not just those with money.
The ranger absolutely has plans for the hippogriff egg. He has never tried to raise or train such a creature. He looked forward to it.
Odric looks over the assembled treasure with an appraising eye. After Morkeleb explains what each item is and what it does, the warrior expresses an exceptionally keen interest in the following items:
And he would be pleased to acquire these items:
Gaius is anxious to get back to Korvosa. He proposes that they make all due haste to Field Marshall Kroft and The Resistance. After we learn what has transpired in the city during this last adventure, we can plan for the future. Gaius has plans, all with the goal of protecting and ensuring the prosperity of the city he loves.
The teleportation will work easily. Gaius would prefer to not do the victory walk in, but he also sees the value in it so we can come to terms.
Morkeleb points out the Rod, the Bracers, adn the Ring of Spell Storing as what he would like.
He also picks up the iridecent spindle ioun stone. Maybe I should take this as well. He looks at Gaius. Since I don't have your training, this could prove invaluable on my honeymoon.
I'm for going back to Korvosa now (or in an hour or so, once we've cleaned everything up here) using my spell for everyone but one guy who uses the Boots.
Kroft indicated that there seems to be nothing but good news, and that things have returned to normal. We have no pressing need to return immediately--aside from wanting to.
Odric stops within hailing distance from the gates and calls loudly, "Commander Odric the Stout of the Korvosan Guard requests admittance to the city for himself and the companions of the Upturned Cup!"
Upon entry, Odric dispatched a runner to summon Harold the Herald to him.
Once inside the Castle, Odric will summon the luminaries discussed.
The Upturned Cup returns to Korvosa. The guards happily let you in. The streets are filled with people talking, trading, boasting, and smiling. With the death of Queen Ileosa, the city of Korvosa is without a monarch for the first time in a century. The repercussions of this vacancy have swift and unexpected effects on the city. What could have been a descent into the chaos of Galt, has instead become an opportunity for hope.
The party convenes in the Castle to hugs, handshakes, and whatever repast is requested. Apparently once word spread of your undertakings, many of the Queen's personal guard defected. Sabina discovered that many of them had their families threatened in exchange for service. The city swiftly turned on the queen as the rebellion grew.
Such a rebellion, Neolandus explains, could only have come from your efforts.
Currently the city has a provisional government. It's essentially the shadow government that was formed back when you left for Castle Scarwall. Neolandus Kalepopolis has been acting as City Administrator, with the recently atoned Sabina in charge of the militia.
Vencarlo has been training Trinia Sabor in the ...finer points of being a vigilante so that she can become the latest incarnation of Blackjack.
The meeting is one full of hope, but there is much to be done.
Neolandus is the one who broaches the subject first, "Who is to be Korvosa's monarch now?"
The ranger looks at Odric. Though as has been his habit of late, he remains mute.
He wonders vaguely for a moment if the city needs a king. Then his thoughts are already turning and he wishes to check in on the hippogriff egg as soon as these formalities are finished...
"What do you say, friends? Is this something you would support? Would you counsel me against the idea for any reason? And if so, I'd listen to your thoughts with an open mind. I've learned to trust you all implicitly, if I've learned nothing else. Even you, Bucho."
Ferox stands from his prayers and obeisance to Abadar. He shoulders his bow and takes a deep slow breath.
He turns to Odric.
Odric, you're a capable warrior. I consider it a privilege to've journeyed with you so far and to have shared in this triumph with you. But I can't support your claim to the throne. Please allow me to explain.
My duty and loyalty lie first and foremost with Abadar and then with Korvosa. I seek most of all to take Abadar's guidance and see Korvosa thrive. I want order and prosperity for Korvosa's citizens. It is not my position to place opinion on how Korvasa is governed nor who should do so. While you will likely have a lot of popular support, if you do express a bid for the throne, it is my understanding that your claim is rather weak and there are those among the peerage of the city who would have a stronger claim and the support to back it. I do not want to see the city devolve into some sort of civil war now that we've just freed it from the evil of the Queen and Kazavon. You are a fine adventurer, but I have no insight into how effectively you would govern, even if I were to express my support for someone.
Nor will I endorse a new form of government in place of the monarchy, as others may suggest. I have no preference for the type of government we might see rise up in the city as I consider all to be fallible. The people are as susceptible to be governed by a corrupt and unjust elected politician as they are to be ruled by an equally corrupt and unjust monarch, or council of elders, magicians, priests, what have you. As long as the people prosper and thrive, I will support whatever government is in place, as I suspect the Bank will, as evidenced by their, if not support, acceptance of the Queen.
So, I will remain silent as long as Korvosa remains stable and any transition of power is peaceful.
With the castle under friendly control, Ferox is going to take some time to determine what happened to his Brother who west missing while the castle was under Ileosa's control.
He'll also want to return to the Bank to report and learn how it is faring.
"Ferox, I appreciate your candor as well, and I accept your praise for my skill as an adventurer and warrior with humility, coming from you who have proven so resourceful and forceful yourself."
There is no time of flattery in Odric's voice, simply appreciation and admiration.
"The point you raised about corruption in the form of a monarch being equally likely as in an elected figure is true. I see it as a fundamental flaw in the system, where power is concentrated in the head of state; it is a roll of the dice each time power transitions as to whether that individual and therefore all the power of the state is used for good or for ill. My thought in proposing a parliament is to diffuse that concentration of power, to act as a bulwark against a reckless or evil monarch. Not a new form of government, but an addition to Korvosa's tradition of monarchy."
Odric eyes the Abadarian and says with absolute sincerity, I'd appreciate your support, but even without it I swear to you these things: I will not allow a civil war to engulf our home; my goal is a stable and proseperous Korvosa. I will not allow my ambition to overtake my prudence or my love for Korvosa. My reign will be just and will be remembered for strengthening the city, not destroying it. Finally, I will endeavor to lead in such a way as to earn your support in this role, just as I earned your respect upon the field of battle."
Sounds a lot like King Odric (the Usurper...) :-)
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Thorgrym the Tracker, hero of the UpTurned Cup had several people to meet up with after the initial business was taken care of upon return from the Sunken Queen.
Grym went to the temple of Sarenrae where he left a sizable donation and gave his thanks not only to his goddess but to his old mentor Alyiah. If it wasn't for her taking a chance on a poor street urchin, Grym wasn't sure where he would be.
Being in the neighborhood, Grym stops into to see young master Kip and the old dog he left in the boy's care. He is satisfied the boy is doing well and thanks him for giving old Gramps a nice life for his final years. Bucho gives the old dog some sniffs, but Gramps barely wakes up to give more than a few thumps of his tail.
Grym stops by the Fencing Academy to see his master. He firmly believes his life was still his own mostly by his skill with blades, skills he received by training at the Academy. The ranger assured him he would be back and fencing soon. Both to continue his own training and to assist with noobs.
The ranger also returned to his old place at the Cracked Cup. No longer wanting to live in the shed out back, he reserved a permanent room on the second floor. The old man was happy to have such a distinguished hero staying at the inn. While the occasional rowdy drunk would need to be thrown out, only once did anyone ever give the bartender at the Cracked Cup any real trouble. A few days later the man dissappeared. He was returned a day later white faced a shaking, he would never say what happened, but he was well mannered the rest of his life.
Now Grym feeling he could relax for a few days went to down to the brothel he had frequented a few times. He was saddened to learn that his favored girl had moved on. But being a hero of the UpTurned Cup (with a heavy gold purse), he had a large group of willing ladies willing to do whatever he needed. He picked a well fed buxom woman to take care of him for a few days...
In the days to follow Grym stayed out of politics for the most part. Though he kept his word and stood by his old friend Odric whenever he was called. The mute ranger was something of an odd figure occasionally showing up in the background around the noble Odric the Stout. He often made others nervous around him and the Stout used this to his advantage when needed.
Grym took a loose position and was attached both to the Guard and the Sable Marines. He served as one of the primary trainers for sword, dagger, and unarmed fighting. It only took one foolish guard to make a crack at the strange mute teacher. Grym faced him with SharkSlayer alone and showed him that he could snuff out his life at any time he chose. It was rumored that Thorgrym occasionally did secret assignments straight from Cressida or other shadowy figures. The mute ranger would never confirm or deny anything.
Grym raised the little hippogriff from the egg they had found. Heidi the Hippogriff served as an able mount, and a fierce flying steed. In fact Grym learned a spell that shrunk Bucho down so he could easily ride hippogriff-back. Soon the criminals of Korvosa learned to greatly fear a tiny brindle dog that could be dropped from the sky to land and turn into a massive tracking and killing machine.
The ranger enjoyed enormous freedom in his position. The people found out that he would help them and he often took the time to followup on "little" investigations that the Guard didn't have time for and help the poor who were often afraid to speak with law enforcement.
The ranger lived in Korvosa for almost the next decade. At times sleeping in the barracks with the other Sable Marines, occasionally staying at a small reserved room at Stout Manor, and the rest of the time he lived in his private room at the Cracked Cup where he kept a permanent "assistant" hired out from the brothel.
One day he took Bucho and Heidi the Hippogriff and left Korvosa. Occasionally rumors of his adventures would drift in, he was fighting frost giants in the north, or he had helped unearth some long lost treasure in the desserts, or at one point a merchant was sure it was Thorgrym who rescued a very expensive merchant princess from a band of pirates. When Odric heard these tales he would smile and lift a glass in silent toast. He always kept the ranger's small private room open and dust free because he would come back someday...
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During Grym's time the city of Korvosa gave him the unique title of Ranger Lord. Largely honorary, it included livery that Grym mostly eschewed, but Heidi and Bucho both seemed to enjoy wearing it. Additionally, the fencing school received such demand that Vencarlo had no choice but to offer classes in "The School of Grym" a fencing style of longsword and dagger that was all the rage.
The Inner Sea is vast place, and rumors of Grym passing through are always enough to inspire kids to grab whatever tools they can and swinging them.
For the next ten years, "Bucho" was the most popular dog name in Varisia.
You have no problems procuring such components.
Do it.
On the day after the UC's return to Korvosa, Sandor and Grym each receive a magical missive from Morkeleb.
Would you like to speak again? Come see me.
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On the day after the UC's return to Korvosa, Sandor and Grym each receive a magical missive from Morkeleb.
Would you like to speak again? Come see me.
Grym accepted a wish spell to cure his muteness. However, he did conceal this from most people. Only his closest friends and allies knew he wasn't truly mute.
At some private time and place, Morkeleb takes Sandor aside. The wizard draws forth a diamond of astonishing size and beauty--the size of a pomegranate!! His eyes glow in the telltale green light, which engulfs the gem. It takes on its own glow, until the wizard is holding a tiny green sun in his palm
He looks in the dwarf's eyes, and speaks in barely a whisper--but the power the voice carries seems it will bend reality...because it DOES.
It is my Wish that my friend and shieldmate, Sandor Stouthammer, regain his ability to speak.
The green glow flashes to incandescence, forcing all present to blink away the spots...and when sight is returned, the gem is gone. The dwarf gasps, and his first words are...
a sound that Morkelb didn't think possible. It was a dry croak mixed with a cough combined with the crackling voice of a teenage boy.
For the briefest second Morkelb doubted his magic, but Sandor grabbed the mug of Stout[sup]TM[/sup] next to him and took a long draw, and produced some froth when he tilted his head back and gargled the strong brew.
After a swallow and a big breath the dwarf opened his mouth and belched loudly.
The smile that grew on the dwarfs face was priceless, his eyes were shining with joy.
LAD I CAN KISS YA!! and he did, Morkelb didn't stand a chance at the embrace and dwarf love that he was receiving.
Sandor released his friend and savior. Do ya know how hard it is ta be a proper dwarf and not be able to belch? DO YA??
What do I owe ya lad? I know the cost of the gem, but let me make something for ya. I have found a way that I can craft magic weapons and armor. Ya want some bracers, dagger, claymore?
After wiping the second-hand-beer residue deposited by Sandor's whiskers on his face, the wizard smiles at his once-again-voiceferous friend.
You owe me nothing. However, I do lack an appropriate wedding gift...maybe a mithral circlet would look appropriate on blue skin?
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Circlet of adaption, or glamour. She would be able to change her outfit at any time. Lord forbid someone else show up in the same dress she is wearing. Consider it done.
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Circlet of adaption, or glamour. She would be able to change her outfit at any time. Lord forbid someone else show up in the same dress she is wearing. Consider it done.
Best wife gift EVER!!!
Oh that's right we've two weddings ta get ready for. 'N Morekelb,
I might need some of ya magikin abilities, along with Gaius and or Ferox.
The dwarf spends all of his waking moments in the forge getting the Circlet done. He then talks with each couple, and crafts them their wedding rings, or whatever they choose to exchange.
The next set of items he creates, are medallions/ pins. Each item is an Upturned cup, personalized for each member. Then magicked with the following abilities on a trigger, and command word. The trigger will go off if the character is reduced to less than 1 hp, It will cast the following spells- 1. Cure Critical Wounds 2. Word of Recall each set to their rooms at the Keg and Eagle. 3. Cause the other medallions to vibrate when they are used.