Odric heard that Gaius doen't really discriminate much between males and females.
Ashani is male. I know it's a feminine name.
Post edited to fix the pronoun.
Odric heard that Gaius doen't really discriminate much between males and females.
Au contrare... He needs to know which bag to pack.
Come to think of it... A, "minor acolyte at best", has access to Remove Disease? That's fishy.
Gaius goes to speak to Ashani to take a measure of the man.
Sense Motive:
Then he wants a look at the herbal mixtures Ashani is preparing.
Minor Acolyte refers to his position, but you don't get the impression his modesty is false or that he's hiding something.
Okay then. Let's do this.
Grym pitches in a 100gp purse to help cover costs. He assures Grau that if he has extra money it can go to making sure his niece and her family have plenty and can grow strong and not fall to illness again.
Odric guards the front door.
At the offered funds, Ashani immediately takes the money with a prayer to Abadar and rushes upstairs. The spell is already on his lips, and after mere seconds, the holy light covers the girl. Her coughing fits and restlessness immediately vanish. Tayce is overwhelmed, tears flowing freely. Brienna wakes almost immediately. She’s slightly befuddled by the crowd of strangers in the house and all the fuss before she asks her mother if lunch is ready yet. Now Tayce’s personal heroes, she profuses thanks you all with hugs and kisses. Although the Soldados can hardly afford to compensate the you, Tayce is eager to prepare you a feast—a considerable reward, considering her cooking skill. You are now always welcome in the Soldado house, which swiftly takes on a celebratory air as she alternates between preparing food and hugging her daughter.
XP: 133 Each
Ashani is also moved to tears. "The tenents of my faith are clear as you no doubt know from your Inquisitor friend. Sometimes I wonder if I've made the correct choice in my life. I know I can do more good, and it's not against the Golden One's teachings to assist in charity work. My charitable work sometimes requires the aid of those outside my church’s rigid hierarchies... might you be amenable to me contacting you in the future?
Grym tells Ashani that for good causes he is happy to help.
The ranger is happy to help solve the problem for this family, but he still questions the strangeillness. Where did it come from? Is this just the start of an epidemic? Did someone spread this contagion on purpose? Grym is determined to figure out this riddle.
Morkeleb accepts the grand meal with decent grace. Afterwards, he makes an attempt to figure out the illness.
Tayce, many thanks for an excellent meal! Now, I wonder, since you've had some time to think, is there anything you could tell us about your daughter's illness? When did she fall ill, did she do anything, or go anywhere, out of the ordinary before getting sick? Do you know of anyone else with similar symptoms?
Tayce, No Morkeleb, I have no idea how she got this, nor anyone else with such symptoms. I went upstairs yesterday to wake her and found her like this.
Questioning the girl produces similar results. She doesn't remember any strangers, tastes, anything out of sorts.
when did she fall ill relative to the ship that was sunk in the harbor?
Sandor is glad to accept the hearty meal with the Soldado's. He tries to make sure he takes a spot at the table that shows the good side of his face to the little lady.
He starts to reach for a nice stiff pull at his dwarven ale, when he remembers Grau's former condition. While giving a look of kindness to Ashani, and a glance around the table to the rest...
Lads tis a good thing that we did 'ere tonight. Tayce the food is amazing. Thank you for inviting us to stay for dinner.
Sandor raises his cup A good dinner such as this can't go without a toast
Morkelb blanches at the word toast. Since knowing the dwarf his toasts have been nothing short of XX rated at best. Sandor catches Gaius' smirk as he thinks oh this should be good. Just before Grym and Ferox can cut him off he starts in
Ta the old, long life and treasure;
Ta the young, all health 'n pleasure;he reaches over and taps the head of Brienna
Ta the fair, their face,
With eternal grace;
'N the rest, ta be loved at leisure.
Sandor takes and finishes his cup. Which sits on his pleasently full belly, and then lets out a belch that could be nothing less than a huge sign of approval for the cook. He looks around with a smile realises that Tayce isn't used to Dwarven customs and with what would be a embarrassed shy smile he says with an appologetic shrug See lass I told ya the meal was good
Well spoken says Grym after the dwarfs toast
when did she fall ill relative to the ship that was sunk in the harbor?
Hmm, interesting line of thought muses the wizard. Casual, or causal, relationship?
at Sandor's surprisingly family-friendly toast, Morkeleb also raises his own glass and drinks.
The children become instantly enamored with "Uncle Sandor" after his speach. Indeed, no matter what comes in the future, you're now part of the Saldado family.
Tayce, "I'm not sure when she fell sick. I noticed her condition when I woke her for her daily duties. that was the morning after the ship was scuttled.
Maybe we should explore the hulk of the ship on the harbor floor? Can anyone swim?
when did she fall ill relative to the ship that was sunk in the harbor?Hmm, interesting line of thought muses the wizard. Casual, or causal, relationship?
That is potentially horrifying. I think first thing tomorrow we need to find out if anyone else is ill and then speak to Field Marshall Kroft if we need to contain the disease before it spreads...
Gaius' voice tails off. He looks down at his plate.
DM: What are we eating? Fish?
No, not fish, mutton. Normally not a great piece of meat, but Tayce is a gustatory genius.
Maybe we should explore the hulk of the ship on the harbor floor? Can anyone swim?
The ranger can swim a bit.
I remember on our first adventure together, the one where that Gunslinger guy showed up then left, that I noticed sharks swimming in the water. I wonder if we ought to find some way to magically swim and fight underwater before we look into this.
I remember on our first adventure together, the one where that Gunslinger guy showed up then left, that I noticed sharks swimming in the water. I wonder if we ought to find some way to magically swim and fight underwater before we look into this.
Grym mentions to Odric that he has heard stories about a potion one can buy. Called "touch of the sea". It doesnt last very long and doesnt let you breath underwater. But it gives tremendous speed and agility in the water.
Once 50 gold seemed like such an impossible amount of money. Now its not so much... The ranger muses.
Sandor sensing that it is getting late for the Saldado children offers to help clean up. After things are clean, Sandor takes a dishtowel that is still very wet, he looks around to see who isn't looking. Then he twirls it up and snaps Odric on the back of his thigh while Odric is bending over showing the boys his "flexibility" exercises. The loud crack, and the jump from the big man bring a bit of laughter from everyone and a scowl from Odric. Sandor knows he will pay later for the act.
Now that this towel is properly dirty I will put it in your laundry basket.
As he puts the dirty linen in the wash, he takes 1 plat and wraps it in the towel and then places it in the bottom of the basket. This should help keep the kids in clothes and food.
With a satisfied smirk on his face Sandor waits for a break in the conversation.
Again thank ya fer ya hospitality. May ya daughters recovery happen unabated. Lads I am going to retire to me house, but I think we should sit and talk before the nights end. I do believe the Cracked cup is between 'ere and me house so lets meet there. Sgt Grau, unless ya have something that needs your attention or my house will be a better venue for ya, ya are more than invited to attend
Sandor waits for an answer, then leaves. On his walk he is struck with the events in the little house. The worry of the Uncle and the Mother, the overall relief felt from the entire family and friends alike. The children calling him Uncle Sandor. Dinner time reminded him of his family eating at the community table sharing in fellowship with not just family, but neighbors both near and far.
It is then that the picture spawns in his head. A picture of the future. The future when times in Korvosa have calmed. The time when Cressida and the Crown no longer need his services. His vision includes a forge of his own. 2 apprentices Charlo and Rello if they want to learn a trade and their mother will let them. Talking Master Vencarlo Orsini into a contract to where his forge will provide weapons and armor for his students at a discounted price for the prestige of being associated with his school.
The daydream continues into the mundane steps of how to make it happen... upon arriving at his destination he whispers to himself... It all begins and ends with... Family
With the dwarf wandering down the street towards the Cracked Cup, it is an easy matter for Odric to steadily maneuver himself in front of the distracted and woolgathering dwarf. Upon finding a suitably rancid and disgusting puddle, the human casually bends down to adjust his boot straps and deftly extends his other foot behind him to trip the dwarf in retaliation for the towel snap.
After all around have a hearty laugh at the sputtering dwarf, Odric helps him up genially. The big fighter's plans backfire as the befouled dwarf embraces Odric in a giant avuncular hug.
With the group all laughing and as usual staying upwind of Sandor and Odric, they throw open the door to the Cup and pour inside, the picture of good cheer and camaraderie.
If we're done for the day, Gaius makes an excuse and goes to find FM Kroft. I'll knock on her window and show up Batman-Style with the medieval fantasy equivalent of, "Hey. 'Sup? Wanna go for a walk?"
Perhaps: Greetings, Field Marshall. Are you well? Listen, there are strange things afoot. Can we talk?
I'll use the scuttling of the ship and disease as my, "excuse", and tell her about it. I'll *casually* drop that I fronted half of the cost to heal the child (Grym, I only need 75 GP, I'll put in the other 75), and mention it's possible connection and show honest concern about an epidemic in the city.
Hey lads I brought ya here ta discuss what is on all of our minds. How did that sweet lil lass get sick like that. I may be thinking the worst and worrying to soon. But I have a few questios that need answered. Does it tie in with the ship sinking. Sgt Grau did you hear of anyone on that ship trying to swim ta shore as it was sinking? If not when and where did they get off? Who would benefit wit an epidemic in the city? What can we do to get out in front if it? Ideas anyone?
Sandor waits to hear everyone's answers and then gives his own.
Excluding external threats, I am sure there are several people who would benefit, but with her strange behavior the queen would highly benefit. She could impose martial law. Any of her detractors could disappear and be blamed on the disease. And if she opens her coffers she could be seen as the savior of the city. Not saying she is complicit. Just saying she could greatly benefit. Same with any of the faiths they could benefit as well.
External threats: do we know of any that practice the pestilence approach? Or trying to weaken our cities economy?
ta get out in front of this we need to get all of the faiths on the same page. Which is the survival of Korvosa. Once it is confirmed send out criers to stop the snake oil false cures from preying on te weak and feeble. Get medical and such supplies away from looters and a good plan to deal with the bodies to keep them from piling up haphazardly
Sandor goes on a bit more and finishes up with ohh and while the rest are handling that. We will be eliminating those behind this if it was intentional
Do you really think one of the faiths is behind this? Surely none of the good ones would do this. Abadar isnt good but is neutral, however law and fairness is sort of thier thing. Are there any openly evil faiths operating in Korvosa? The ranger ponders a moment...
That fallen paladin we vanquished. He was a follower of Norbinger, I think the god is called. An evil god, is associated with the color gray and favors the short sword. Thorgrym looks around the room. Reminds me a little too much of these "grey maidens" the queen has running around. They all carry short swords dont they?
Seeing the antics of his comrades on their way to the Cracked Cup reminds Ferox of the pranks he and the other boys pulled on each other back in his youth. The stench wafting from Odric and Sandor reminds him of when he, Pidge, Renny, and Neko stuffed poor, little Idej down the 3rd story privvy chute. The headmasters didn't find him 'till morning; not 'till after the faculty on that floor had used the loo after evening mess and that morning's ablutions. As the group laughs with Sandor and Odric, Ferox laughs with them but with tears of sadness in his eyes.
He wipes his eyes as he follows his companions into the Cracked Cup. As they sit down, Ferox offers to buy a round of drinks for the table. When they are served, he lifts his mug to his friends. Sorry about the poo. He drinks his mug down in one big gulp and calls for another.
After hearing Sandor speak, Ferox offers, I think it prudent to wait 'till morning. We have only one case of an unknown illness. That its timing coincides so closely to the sinking of that ship is certainly cause for concern, but I want more information before we act. Tomorrow, we should find out as much as we can about any other afflictions similar to Brienna's. See if we do have an epidemic on our hands. If we can examine more patients, maybe we can determine how it is spread. Find out what precautions the populous can take. If we determine the illness is unnatural, then we can examine our options then.
After listening to the inquisitors wise words Grym suddenly blurts out Norgober!
He now looks a little embarressed but goes on. Sorry, the evil god is called Norgober, not Norbinger. Ive heard him called the Grey Master. I might be grasping at straws but I dont like those grey maidens. I like them even less if they are disciples of some evil god.
Morkeleb sits quietly, fingers pressed together, thinking intently.
DMS, does Morkeleb think, considering the actions and appearance of the Grey Maidens, that there's any credence to Grym's hypothesis re: them and Norgober?
Knowledge (religion):
Grau, It seems way to big of a coincidence that my niece got sick so close to the sinking of the ship. But I can't fathom (He doesn't notice the pun) how they would be connected. Brie was asleep in bed at that time. IT's worth looking into. Maybe we ought to to try the Bank tomorrow. I'm sure Ferox could get some answers.
Thank ya gentleman it has been a fine evening. I'm off to the bath then ta me house. Ferox meet you at the Bank 1 bell after daybreak. If anyone needs anything sooner please send a runner.
Gaius enters and stops Sandor dead in his tracks at the door of The Cracked Cup.
Hold, Master Dwarf. We've one more matter to discuss before we all retire.
He holds up the note, waving it at the party.
We've been summoned
I pass the note to the others and tell them about the 5,000 Sail reward for the capture of Trinia. He sits at a table, puts up his feat and orders mead.
** spoiler omitted **
Ah. She is stingy with her graces, and it appears more skilled at this game then she's let on. Nevertheless... The game is afoot.
We've been summoned
I surmise that it is not more work for the good Field Marshall, as she'd have spoken directly to us. Who summons us, and for what purpose?
Well I fer one am not interested in capturing her even for 5k Sails. I mean if the person is important enough I will go and umm accept the mission but I doubt I will ever make much progress on it
Well I fer one am not interested in capturing her even for 5k Sails. I mean if the person is important enough I will go and umm accept the mission but I doubt I will ever make much progress on it
Lets go see what she says. Could be important.
The reward and the summons are 2 different things. The "note" is located in a spoiler for Gaius.
Sandor listens to the Sting of Calistra and ponders a moment.
With a sudden chuckle and as sly a smirk as you have seen from Sandor yet he looks at each of you and says quietly so that only you all can hear. Lads.. if she is willing to pay that much for information leading to her capture well lets keep all of her agents very very busy and start a misinformation campaign he tilts his head a lil hmm only one thing wrong with that.. we really don't know where she is, so we might accidently tell the truth, but I am sure we can keep the Grey Maidens very very busy if that is who she sends to collect and track down any leads.[/b
[b]I will share one more cup before I take my leave and for those that want to go I will meet you at the Osirini acadamy in the morning.
He then hands Grym 5G and whispers Grym this be ya hole in the wall, add this ta the tab so as ta keep it a safe place for ya
After a fitful night's sleep, Odric makes his way to the appointed meeting place with Field Marshall Croft. He is clean-shaven and bathed, to the group's mild surprise and delight.
Odric looks around and sees every member of the party, standing by ready for pretty much anything.
Anticipation hangs heavy in the cool morning air.
Goodmorning says Grym in a quiet voice to Odric. The ranger is squatting down petting Bucho. Then he stands and starts throwing a stick for the brindle dog waiting for the meeting.
The fight with Valay happened the night of 27 Calistral, the morning of 28 Calistral we were given 7 days down time (28 Cal - 5 Phar) bringing it to 6 Pharast the day we were called to FM Kroft.
DATE UPDATE
6 Pharast -> Longest day. Trinia chase, Dead Warrens7-20 Pharast -> Profession Checks for 14 days of downtime.
21 Pharast -> Dat of "execution"
22 Pharast - 25 Gozran -> 5 weeks of investigations
26 Gozran -> Harrowing
Midnight on 26 Gozran -> Ship sunk
3 Desnus -> Grau's niece, family dinner
4 Desnus = Today
Abadius (January)
Calistril (February)
Pharast (March)
Gozran (April)
Desnus (May)
Sarenith (June)
Erastus (July)
Arodus (August)
Rova (September)
Lamashan (October)
Neth (November)
Kuthona (December)
After a fitful night's sleep, Odric makes his way to the appointed meeting place with Field Marshall Croft. He is clean-shaven and bathed, to the group's mild surprise and delight.
Odric looks around and sees every member of the party, standing by ready for pretty much anything.
Anticipation hangs heavy in the cool morning air.
I don't know that The Field Marshall is showing up. The meeting is for us and the mysterious, "B", who may or may not be Blackjack.
When everyone is assembled, a nondescript man in a wide brimmed hat approaches. When he tilts his head up, it's Vencarlo. Good morning lads, quickly come inside.He unlocks the school and places a sign on the door reading "Classes closed for the day." He leads you through a salle that is familiar to some of you. He leads you into the back room (which no one has ever seen.) There is a small table, and the smell of a hearty breakfast wafts your way.
A ....mutual friend of ours delivered to me a package some time ago, a package I need help delivering to its final destination.
And with that, and based on her astonished expression at seeing you, Trinia steps out of a kitchenette around the corner to serve coffee...
Cha-Ching! Keen Falchion here I come!!
Morkeleb blinks. Well, this was unexpected.
Gaius, to Morkeleb: Expect the unexpected.
Gaius nods and is nonplussed. Good Morn, Lady Trinia. Are you well? I don't suppose you can confirm your innocence for us before we break our fast. Clearly, we're here and open to the theory that you are blameless for His Majesty Eodred's death, but let's all get fully undressed before we get into bed together.
I am innocent! She starts with a burst. "I was simply a painter. I've never had physical access to the king, besides...who would want that? What I don't know is who framed me. I don't believe that they're all evil, but someone close to the king is the guilty party. It may be the queen, yes. But I also think her handmaiden Sabina is equally likely. I'm just not sure. I'm here now, and I'm not on the run. If you have divinatory magic, I'm an open book to all...well, all of you anyway.
Vencarlo, The day of the ...execution... Blackjack showed up here and dropped her off. He knows that I'm no fan of the queen, and knew I'd be here. His goals are inscrutable, well actually it's not his goals as he's always just wanted what's best for Korvosa. It's his plans and methods that I know not. Either way, he assumed correctly that I did not belive that Trinia was guilty. What he didn't figure was that he was dropping her off to someone who is too well known to help get her out of the city. I can't go through the gates without questioning. This is, I believe, where he wants you to come into the picture.
While I'm glad to see that you are well, Trinia, I'm reluctant to take any action before we know definitively of your innocence. You say that you are an open book. Very well. If you will indulge me, I need to make a quick trip to the Bank. When I return, I hope to be able to determine the truth from you. If you are indeed innocent, I will happily aid in your escape and redouble my efforts to discover who truly assassinated the king.