"M-my hand, Marius. I believe you're breaking it..." Wincing, Valamyr takes his hand back once they have safely traversed the dock and spends a moment shaking the blood back into it. "Many thanks for the help. Truly, I have never been in less danger of loosing my grip in all my life." He pats the dwarf on the back of his shoulder and smiles. "You should have warned me the Stonebeard clan was an offshoot of the Rockgrips.
"So whats the plan? Illusion, fire, smoke, water, and bloo? I will reiterate, I very much dislike the idea of engaging him on his terms, I like not having a plan even less."
Valamyr checks his crossbow and readies it. He looks down at the water and back at the docks grimly.
"Now that we've come to it and we know the terrain, I should point out a couple of major disadvantages to the plan as it stands. Firstly, these treacherous docks and whatever lies in the water below. Should Lamm or one of his men fall in, I'd not shed a tear. But if there are children inside, and they panic and come running wildly out this way..." Valamyr trails off, leaving the rest of the party to imagine the potential outcomes.
"The second problem is this: I find it terribly hard to believe that this is the only way in or out. Are we to believe that Lamm funnels all of his and his people's comings and goings through a dilapidated, spider-infested ship? I fear he may have an alternate means of egress, and even if he swallows the fire fable, he might very well run out some alternate route."
"If our collective wisdom says that the fire is the way to go, I will cross my fingers and do my best. But, perhaps it would be wiser to save an illusion to react to events as they unfold once we are inside. Do we have any competing ideas, or shall I begin practicing my orcish?"
"Does anyone have any means or ideas on how we can scout ahead? Absent specifics about what we are facing, any plan we make could ultimately be rendered moot."
The human mulls it over and takes his blunderbuss from his back and readies it.
"I'm open to all sorts of approaches, but as you may have guessed, my personal preference is for the 'shock and awe', variety." He remarks as he gives his weapon a quick inspection, ensuring it is loaded and otherwise in good working order.
"I'm wit him, this is a good gamble. Two ways I see it; we surprise them or they know we're here n'waitin. Ain't no use planning something elabrate if they're sittin ready for it, so I'd prefer to plan tha bare bones of how we'll storm in. Then kick the f##+ing door down n'get on wit it." Von nods to Garth and says his peace, hoping he can get the virtues of surprise and calculated risk across to all of them.
|
"Sorry, I was overcome with...zeal. he says to Valamyr with a chuckle at this remark of "Rockgrip". "I admire stone and strive to to attune my body to it." he says while proudly stroking his beard. "I apologize and trust your hand is unharmed."
"I like the idea of the illusion as the ace in the sleeve. I do also agree it would be easier to make a decision with more information. Does anyone think stealth is viable anymore after the... thunder?" he says while staring at Garth's weapon. "The way orcs talk makes my hair stand on end, but if you think you can draw them out or get us in, I'm on board." he continues as he looks back to Valamyr.
"I apologize and trust your hand is unharmed."
"It's quite alright, my gallant dwarf. I pray Gaedren's throat will know the pleasure of your grip before the night is through."
Valamyr listens intently to everyone's input.
'Ryx would have put the building to the torch and been done with it,' the thrush thinks with a laugh. 'He knew how to make hard choices.'
Enough...
"I could send in the bird to serve as a scout." From his perch on Valamyr's shoulder, the thrush almost seems to cock its head to the side.
'What?! We wouldn't do that to us!' the thrush silently protests in disbelief.
"If he were noticed, it may or may not eliminate any remaining chance we have at surprise. But we would know what the situation is inside. There are risks either way. Not knowing what we face risks us. 'Shock and awe' potentially risks children. Then again, it may very well be that there is no path forward that doesn't put them at risk. There is no silver arrow to be found here, I fear."
"Shall we put it to a vote?"
He takes a deep breath and looks amongst the group.
"Time is against us, so one last idea from me before we make our decision. If it's even possible, you send in an illusion of Bloo going mad to distract them. While they are occupied, our sneaky friend here takes a quick peek beyond the door." Garth suggests with a nod towards Nahzir.
"All we need to see is if there are any kids in there that we could put in harm's way," he adds.
"I can certainly take a peek if we're all ready. Perhaps would be a better to send your feathered friend in for a look. Could even distract them for a moment while we enter depending on how things look," Nahzir says to Valamyr.
"You sure you're ready for another fight? he then says to Garth, noticing how much of a beating he's taken up to this point. "Maybe our Elvish friend here could spare that healing potion before we get inside. Could be much worse for all of us if the man with... whatever the hell you call that thing, were to fall before getting a good shot off. Especially if you're one of the first through the door," he adds, gesturing now to Von.
Through a small gap in the rickety door you can see some of what awaits within.
A large hole in the center of the floor drops out to the sea and shoreline below, through which large wooden beams rise up to support the floor above. You can also see three people within. One is a man with gray hair, the other two are much smaller. All three are silent. The man is holding a small blade, motioning to one of his smaller charges, then the far corner of the room.
The door is unlocked. You do not notice any traps.
While the others are discussing the next course of action Nahzir notices a small gap in the door and peers through.
After a moment he turns back to the group. "Looks to be at least three people inside the room, possibly more but can't say for certain. One of them is bigger, gray hair... could be Lamm. The others are smaller, maybe children. Also, what looks like a hole in the floor dropping down to the water below so we'll have to be careful how we approach them. If they are children... well, we'd better be quick to get between them and their captors," he whispers to the others.
"I think it best for you to breach first master dwarf," he says to Marius. "And move directly to intercept the larger fellow before he can get his hands on the kids. Garth and I should follow, and finally you two," he adds, gesturing to Von and Valamyr. "Agreed? Any last thoughts?"
Nahzir waits for an answer or any last ideas from the rest of the group, blades at the ready.
"Fine by me, on your signal Marius." Von whispers, tense and preparing himself for the inevitable.
"Into the Below from below? It does have an odd ring about it... but that shadowy thing in the water.. and I'm not one for swimming personally.. if you're interested I could help you climb into it I guess."
"Intriguing... Perhaps...a monster of a distraction at the door, followed by a surprise from below once he is off guard?"
The wood skiff floats, is dry inside, and has a single wooden paddle. It is tethered to the walkway by a 10 foot length of hemp rope. It can hold two people. The side rails are between two to three feet above the water.
One thing of note is that the floor to Gaedren's lair is about five feet above the surface of the water, so it may require an easy climb from the boat into his lair.
"You can mark me down as volunteer to help cover the door here... It's not a bad idea, but the unknown lurking in the water is far too ominous for my tastes."
|
|
"Though I lament the briny deep and the monsters that reside within, neither shall deter me today, not now, not when we are so close. I would pay almost any cost, sacrifice almost anything to see my friends safe and Gaedren brought to justice. Stir your courage my compatriots and tell me, who's coming with me, or is Torag my only companion for this moonlit voyage?' he says with a mischievous grin "unless of course someone has another plan?"
Nahzir takes a moment to consider the new plan. A stealthy approach... striking from the shadows below... could work very much in our favor.
"As much as I loathe the idea of traversing the water, especially knowing some unknown creature seems to patrol the area, the element of surprise this could grant seems too good to pass up. I doubt very much they'll be expecting anyone to attack from below..." he says, stroking his whiskers.
"Very well, Marius. I'll join you on the boat. Let's finish this," he adds with a nod.
Von gets an uneasy feeling, he instinctively draws a card for this voyage.
'My my, do they have the luck? Is this really a smart plan? Spies find favor in this harrow, those to who move [i]things, secrets and contraband items..'[/i]
The elf gives the two a odd look, as if trying to see a sheen of luck around them, "Very well, be safe. Does anyone have the Message spell? What I would like is for the three of us to open the door once you two are in position. After that you'll be on your own to act as you see fit as the events begin to spiral."
"I don't believe a message spell will be necessary."
Valamyr turns his head towards the bird resting on his shoulder.
Go with them, and trouble them less than you do me.
It quickly darts towards Marius and silently lands upon his shoulder.
"I will know when the two of you are in position. Should there be a problem and you need to communicate with us before we attack, you can speak with the bird and I will hear you. Also, it can speak, so don't be alarmed should it whisper in your ear."
"Garth, would you care to take point when we open the door or shall I conjure some sort of distraction to lead our way inside?"
"I think a distraction might be helpful, then I can move in next." He says as he moves close to the door and keeps his firearm ready.
The heroes successfully defeated the vile crime lord and pedophile Gaedren Lamm and his goons. Within is bedchamber, the found the Harrow reader Zellara’s severed head in a box, and realized she had been dead for weeks. They also found her prized magical Harrow deck, which is imbued with her spirit. They also found an ornate brooch which Valamyr recognized as belonging to Queen Ileosa.
Nahzir, Valamyr and Marius also learned information about the whereabouts of children they seek, or their unfortunate fates.
Following their victory, the characters reached Level 2!
Teak cigar case inlaid with bits of jade: 25gp
2 pound gold ingot with Cheliax COA: 100gp
Miniature gold crown: 350gp
Fist-sized scrimshaw carving of kraken with garnets for eyes: 200gp
Silver ring bearing the inscription "For Emmah - the light in my nights": 150gp
A highly realistic figurine of two succubi entwined in a sexual act: 450gp
Abalone-shell holy symbol of Shelyn: 300gp
(1) Masterwork shuriken
(1) Adamantine arrowhead
Glass vial with dose of oil of keen edge
Crystalline vial with dose of silversheen
Obsidian wand of magic missile (23 charges)
Queen Ileosa's bejeweled gold brooch with broken clasp - pseudodragon with amethyst eye and imp with emerald eye coiled around each other: 1000gp
Zellara's Harrow deck
20lb treasure chest with lock
Kukri
Studded leather armor
Disguise kit
Key to chest
Masterwork dagger
Masterwork hand crossbow
10 crossbow bolts
Ink pen
Vial of black ink
Chalk (2)
Aura moderate divination; CL 10th
Weight 1 lb.
Statistics
Alignment CG; Ego 8
Senses 60 ft. vision and hearing
Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 13
Communication empathy
Lesser Powers identify 3/day, major image 1/day
Special Purpose defend Korvosa
Description
Hand-painted images decorate this Harrow deck, the frames gilt in silver so that under lighting they sparkle and flash. Despite the worn condition of the card backs, the images on the faces are so vibrant they seem to move when viewed out of the corner of the eye. The deck itself handles with surprising ease, almost shuffling itself. A bent, torn, or lost card always seems to mend itself or reappear when no one is looking.
These features are subtle manifestations of the spirit that haunts the cards. In life, Zellara lived by this deck, and in death, she has become the deck. Although this magical Harrow deck wasn’t created using the standard method for creating magic items, it should nonetheless be treated as an intelligent magic item. Zellara can sense the world around the deck via sight and sound, and she can communicate with anyone who holds the deck via empathy. She can create a major image once per day, often doing so to generate an image of herself manipulating the cards—in this manner, she can carry on conversations with other creatures. She can also identify a magic item’s properties if one of her cards is touched to it, as the spell identify, up to 3 times per day. When she does so, knowledge of the item identified manifests in the mind of one creature she chooses who is also holding at least one card, or she can opt to describe the item’s functions via a major image.
Zellara’s Harrow deck has a special purpose as well: to defend and protect the city of Korvosa, her home in life and in death. In order to attain this purpose, she can periodically perform powerful Harrow readings for those she has chosen as Korvosa’s defenders—the PCs. Consult the Harrow article on page 58 and the notes on Zellara’s reading on page 12 for details on how these potent divinations can help the PCs during this Adventure Path. Zellara can suppress the deck’s powers at will and doesn’t hesitate to do so if anyone attempts to sell the deck or otherwise displeases her. At best, a foolish character could possibly sell the cards as a standard Harrow deck—thus, no pricing information for the deck itself is needed.
Leads:
Nahzir’s sister Knich was sold to Pilts Swastel at Exemplary Execrables.
Orphanage mother Ness recently hired an assistant named Thalia. Gaedren claimed to have “bought” an orphan named Tam from Thalia.
Marius’ friend Dov, Lamm’s most successful Lamb, is on the run from the Cerulean Society (Thieves’ Guild).
The group found a very valuable brooch that Valamyr recognized as belonging to Queen Ileosa
The group found Zellara’s severed head and her prized magical Harrow deck.
Marius has interest in building a monastery where Gaedren’s now-vacant hideout stands. This would require city approval and a deed for the land.
Xyr, Valamyr, Ryx… Who exactly is this man that helped you kill Gaedren Lamm?
Other Items:
What is your next move?
How will loot distribution work?
Some of you are very near death...
What, if anything, do you plan to do with Zellara's and Gaedren's severed heads?
Ness came slowly walking out of the darkness and removed her hood, setting the lantern she carried at her feet beside her. Valamyr took a moment to marvel at how well she had aged. There were wrinkles now, of course. Her once jet-black hair had long gone gray, and her spine had slumped forward. Yet beneath nature's cruel mask of years was the beautiful, fierce little woman he remembered. In her prime, Ness had been a formidable presence. She was a petite woman of little more than five feet, but strong beyond her size and determined beyond normal mortal inclinations.
“I got your message,” she said. “I'm alone. You could have come to me, you know. The bird gives me a queer feeling. And anyway, I'm getting too old for unescorted evening walks.”
“You're quite right. I'm sorry," Valamyr said with a bow. I suppose I was being selfish. Truth be told, there are--”
“Oh, are we telling the truth these days?” Ness interjected.
“Truth be told,” Valamyr pressed on, “there are but a few places in Korvosa I won't tread.”
“Well I don't suppose I understand why you stay away," she said with a wounded look. "You used to visit.”
“Good madam, I'm sure I don't know what you mean.”
“Well, of course not, Lord Aldoran!” She gave him a mocking curtsy. “Why would a noble pay me any mind, anyway? Truth be told, indeed!” Her arms came to rest firmly on her hips, and beneath a frown her keen emerald eyes bore into him.
Valamyr couldn't help but grin. The woman's stern expression brought back memories he'd forgotten he had. Ness was a font of compassion, but years of caring for the city's orphans had left her with precious little patience for lies or nonsense, if she had ever had any to begin with.
“Have I ever told you you would have made an excellent arbiter?" Valamyr asked. "I know the Senior Arbiter, you know. I dare say you could teach even her a thing or two. If I saw that face looking down on me in a courtroom, I think I'd be like to confess to every crime in Varisia.”
His words were met with silence. The woman's stare didn't let up, but she seemed uninterested in his bluster. Valamyr felt distinctly as if were being sized up and puzzled out, and it made him intensely uncomfortable. As the wheels in the woman's head continued to turn, her dark expression slowly morphed into something Valamyr thought looked alarmingly close to pity. He quickly changed the subject.
“At the risk of compounding my selfishness, I'll admit I asked you here because I was hoping you could help me.”
“What could I possibly do to help you?” the woman asked, looking puzzled.
“I am looking for a boy,” Valamyr replied. “I believe he's one of yours. Around nine years old. Human. Chellaxian. Dirty blonde hair. Name's Tam.”
“What...what concern is he of yours?” She asked warily.
“We're...acquaintances. Friends, I suppose you could say. He's bright, a free spirit. Reminds me a little of...someone I used to know.”
“I didn't know you two had met,” said Ness. “I'll have to keep a much closer eye on him from now on. Gods forbid, Valamyr, if you've gotten him caught up in anything--”
“No, I assure you, it's nothing like that. Our relationship isn't business,” Valamyr lied. The old woman eyed him silently, seemingly waiting for the truth. I'm usually so much better at this. “Well...it hasn't been business for some time. He used to tell me things here and there, but...now mostly I feed him, give him coin from time to time. I try to teach him a bit, where I can.”
“I'm not sure you're qualified to be giving lessons to impressionable young men.”
“Madam, please. Surely you'd agree that I could have some useful knowledge to impart. I know this city. And I like to think I've done quite well for myself!” Valamyr gestured vaguely at his attire. He insisted to himself for the third time that day that he hadn't dressed so noisily to impress an old woman from the poorest ward in Korvosa.
“If you're doing so well, why are we meeting on the edge of the city by nightfall like pesh merchants?” The old woman was as sharp as ever.
“Listen,” Valamyr pivoted, ceding the point. “I haven't seen Tam in nigh on a month. I'm worried about him. Have you seen him?”
“I...saw him last...maybe three weeks ago?” Ness's face didn't hide her concern. “There are just so many now, and Cayden knows I try, but it's all I can do to keep track of them all; had to take on extra help this year. But, even with the extra eyes, he wanders sometimes. I chalked it up to youthful exploration at first, but now...”
“Where did you see him, three weeks ago? At the orphanage?”
“No..." Ness paused for a moment to think. "It was in the market, actually. He was with another boy, about the same age. Didn't know him though, he's not one of mine. They were at the end of an alley on the edge of Midland, poking around what looked like a merchant's wagon. Ran off when I spotted them. It reminded me of...Val, what did you teach him?”
“Mostly, I told him to spend more time with you," Valamyr replied, this time only half-lying. "Perhaps I'm not much of a teacher after all.”
“Valamyr...you must find him,” Ness implored. “Please. My heart may be willing, but my body has grown too old for chasing children through alleys.”
“I will do my very best.” It was the firmest promise Valamyr felt comfortable making. “Now at least I know where to begin looking. I'm sure I'll find him in no time. When I do, I'll send him straight home.”
“You could bring him straight home, you know. You would be most welcome. You haven't had my dragon soup in years,” she said, smiling for the first time since she'd arrived.
Valamyr smiled instinctively, but stopped himself as he took a paranoid glance into the darkness around them. “I'll find him.”
The old woman stared at the man in the crimson cloak for several long, silent moments. "Now...I answered your summons, Lord Aldoran. Will you answer me a question?"
Valamyr stared back in silent dread. You don't have any questions for Lord Aldoran, Ness. Please don't do this.
"Is it Lariah? Is she why you won't come?” Ness finally asked. “Still, after all this time?”
Valamyr frowned. “No. No, I--I'm sure I don't know what...” He broke eye contact and stared down into the dirt. More memories came flooding back, but they weren't so pleasant as the thoughts of dragon soup. They were jagged, poisoned remembrances, and each one felt like a stab to the gut.
A girl with blonde braids in a green dress sang as she awkwardly plucked at a lute missing one string. The silhouettes of two young lovers merged as they kissed on the pier by moonlight. The sound of laughter mixed with the sickly smell of stale ale and vomit. There were stern faces, cold steel, and blood pooling on cobblestone. Dark words, dead flesh, and black eyes. Blinding pain, screaming...numbness. Valamyr's gloved grip on his cane tightened as he tried to push it all aside.
“I'm sure I don't know what you mean,” he finally managed. Ness took her hands off of her hips and took two steps closer.
“It wasn't your fault." Her voice was soft and reassuring. She took another step forward, bringing her within arms' reach.
“I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about. Now, if we could--” The old woman raised her arm and pressed her palm against Valamyr's cheek.
“There is nothing you could have done,” she consoled.
“Enough,” Valamyr grumbled, his eyes still fixed to the ground. “Please...”
“She wouldn't want to see you this way, you know--skulking and lying. She loved you for who you really--"
“ENOUGH!” Valamyr bellowed, trembling with anger as he pushed the woman's hand away with a strength he didn't think he still possessed. She reeled backwards and nearly toppled over.
“I—I didn't—I didn't mean--” Ness stammered. In the dim light of the lantern, stooped over and peering back at him with fear etched across her wrinkled face, the woman suddenly looked every one of her seventy-some-odd years. Valamyr was instantly overcome with guilt, and the rage quickly subsided. He dropped his cane, stepped towards her and gently clasped her shoulders with both hands.
“I am...so sorry. Forgive me, Ness. Please. It has been...a trying time for me.” Without hesitation, the woman wrapped her arms around his chest and pulled him close. It was the first time anyone had embraced him like that since... I can't remember how long.
“I suspected,” she replied. She mussed with the hair on the back of his head and pressed her cheek against his. “I've been worried about you. Worried about a lot of things. What's happening to this city? Something doesn't feel right.”
The woman's instincts had always been a marvel to Valamyr. She may not be wrong about the city. But it's far more likely the “something” that doesn't feel right is me.
“I'm sure I don't know what you mean,” Valamyr replied, patting her on the back. “Everything is fine. The city is in good hands.”
“You don't believe that.” She brought her mouth to Valamyr's ear, and this time she whispered: “Where is the seneschal?”
“Where did you hear about that?” he asked, pulling back from the embrace to lock eyes with her.
“It's a big city. But it's a small city. People are talking.”
“And what exactly are they saying?” Valamyr pressed.
“They say he's gone missing. Him, and his people,” she continued with a nod towards Valamyr. “Of course, there's lots of rumors past that. Nothing I'd put trust in. People saying he's sick, people saying he's dead. Heard a drunk saying he found a secret passage in the castle that leads to an underground city and got lost down there. One of my girls heard he got stabbed in a whorehouse down by the docks. There was a Hellknight said he was arrested for trying to burn down the castle with the King and Queen inside."
All nonsense. Valamyr waved the rumors away with a dismissive hand. “The lack of intellect employed by those we trust to patrol our streets is sometimes quite frightening. Who would believe such a thing? What kind of fool would put their own castle to the torch?”
“A fool with a bigger fool for counsel,” she replied with a quick jab to his ribs.
“You know--” Valamyr began as he knelt to pick up his cane. “--you'd be surprised what a well-dressed fool can get away with.” He raised the cane to his lips and blew off the dirt. “But enough about me. And no more worrying about the city. You have more pressing concerns. You should be getting back home. I wouldn't want the children to miss out on their dragon soup. I will keep eyes on you as your walk ho--”
“Lord Aldoran?” Ness interrupted. Her face suddenly seemed incredibly sad.
“Yes?”
“I brought you something,” the woman said, digging through her robes and producing a small leather pouch. She began to fumble with the ties.
Quickly and silently, the thrush came out of the darkness and landed on a nearby branch. Valamyr glared it as it cocked its head to one side and studied the old woman intently.
'We warned us.'
She reached into the pouch, grabbed Valamyr's hand, and pressed something cool against his palm. She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears. “Please...please take it: a reminder of who you are. Deception may take you far, Lord Aldoran. It may bring you power, fine clothes, rich friends, and soft beds. It may even allow you to do some good for a time. But please believe me when I tell you...your lies will burn you to the ground in the end." She wrapped his hand around the gift, then pulled his head down and placed a kiss on his forehead.
“Please, find Tam. Be safe. And remember: lies do not become you.”
"Lies? I'm sure I don't--" Valamyr cut himself short. You may be the only person I truly hate lying to. "I...Thank you."
The old woman gave him a final sad look, picked up her lantern, and slowly walked off into the night.
I never deserved her.
The thrush flew from the branch and landed on his shoulder. 'Of course not. We never did. Poor old thing doesn't know: lies became us long ago. Already burning. Burnt crisp. Already ashes.'
Valamyr finally opened his hand and looked down at the gift Ness had left. It was small and flat with rounded edges, and the sheen of copper glinted faintly in the moonlight. As Valamyr realized what it was, the thrush began to laugh. It quickly fled from his shoulder and into the night, but in it's wake the laughter continued inside Valamyr's mind. It grew louder and louder as he stared into his palm, building and echoing and feeding on itself until it was an unbearable cacophony.
Valamyr turned on his heel and walked swiftly away from the Gatefoot and towards the sea, stopping at the edge of a short cliff overlooking the rocky shoreline. He looked down into his palm one last time and, with a wail, cast the gift into the cold, black water below.
As Marius enters Gaedren's room and unlocks the chest to begin digging through its contents, Valamyr follows closely behind. He sets two severed heads on the left side of the small desk and sits down. From his pack, he prouduces a pen and a piece of parchment. As blood slowly begins to pool upon the unfinished wood, he tears a small corner off of the parchment and begins hastily scribbling a note in tiny script. From atop Gaedren's battered head, perched amidst the whisps of of greasy gray hair, the thrush watches as we writes.
The responsibility for this most heinous of crimes lies at the feet of two individuals. I have seen justice dispensed upon on the first of these. I most urgently warn you that I have good reason to believe the second of these individuals, in league with the first, is under your very nose. Thalia is not to be trusted. Watch her closely. Better yet, find reason to offer her some time away from the orphanage. Above all, give nothing away. I do not know what other scum she might be involved with, and would not have you put at risk. I will verify the veracity of my intel in short order and proceed accordingly.
Finally, in the pursuit of justice, I came upon two children who were victims of the same monster who took Tam. I beg that you forgive my presumption in this matter, but I am sending them to you this very evening. They have witnessed horrors beyond reason. They are broken, if not shattered, but if there are still futures to be had for them, there is no one in The City who I would trust to ensure them more than you.
I will be in touch when I know more. It could come to pass that I or associates of mine will come to take Thalia for questioning. If I am not with them, you will know they are mine by my sign. Until then, feed this note to the flame, and DO NOT TRUST THALIA.
Leaving the note unaddressed and unsigned, he rolls it into a small scroll and holds it before the thrush, which clamps its beak down upon it.
Take this to Ness, and be quick about it. If there are any other adults around, wait until she is alone.
'We shouldn't go to her!' the thrush insists. 'We failed. Failed her and the boy. She'll never want to see us again. We promised to find him.'
We--I promised to try. There is nothing more I could have--
The face of the broken child he'd seen in another life flashes before his eyes. Wordlessly the boy asks, as he had all those years ago: "Why didn't you save me?"
Just...just do as I say, before I add your feathered head to my growing menagerie.
The thrush quickly darts out of the room, out the door of the fishery, and into Old Korvosa's night sky.
Valamyr leans back in the chair, lets out a long sigh, and looks towards the heads. Gaedren's dead eyes stare back at him. Somehow, even now, Valamyr still hears his mocking, calling him Ryx from somewhere beyond the mortal plane. Wincing, he runs his fingers along the shaft of the crossbow bolt still lodged in his shoulder.
I deserved worse than this.
"Lord Stonebeard, would you believe that this isn't the first time I've been shot? I think I may be in need of a cler--" he stops short as he turns his head just in time to see Marius pull an ornate brooch out of the chest. Wide eyed and bleeding heavily, he gingerly rises to his feet. He lets out a short, sharp laugh. "Ha! The gods may be fickle, sometimes even cruel. But never let it be said that they are without a sense of humor. Marius, might I see that brooch?"
The moment Zellara's head was revealed within the old hatbox Von began to fade a little from the Earthly world and recede into his own mind. Looking out of his own eyes felt like he was wearing a mask. His heartbeat began to reverberate within his chest and his blood noticeably pulsed through his skin.
Von didn't make any effort to pick up the Harrow deck, his hand moved for him, or the cards moved to him. He couldn't tell and before he could notice it was odd there was a voice in his head. Sweet and with that cute Varisian charm, the voice was strong, close, feminine, ethereal..
'I quite dislike this place. The feeling of your own severed head resting atop you is an unpleasant one. Finish what you will but I would appreciate it if you could help me with an escort home.
The harrow cards seemed to shuffle themselves in Von's hands, circling in a dizzying fan through the air. He slowly closed his hands together and the cards' pattern became tighter and tighter until they coalesced into an unmoving deck.
It, would be m'pleasure. How?.. Are you
'Shhhhhh, you are hurt. Let's leave this place and patch you up. We have much time to talk ahead.'
Von staggered into the small side room a bit behind the others.
"I,..feel a bit ill. Let's gather all this up, sell if off here. Should be morning before too long, eh?.. Call it five ways and be done with this. I.. need to be somewhere tomorrow." Von says finally as he places Zellara's head back into the hat box and covers it.
"Yes, well maybe. We'll bring it up, they were quite useful here at least."
"It's not quite my style, might look better on you though."
Still wide eyed and doing everything he can to hold back a grin, Valamyr takes the brooch and spends several long moments studying it closely, turning it over in his hands and studying it from all angles.
My, my... Initial looks did not deceive. Queen Ileosa's brooch... An exceedingly lucky find. Almost...too lucky. Did that old woman's ghost know it was here? Did she want us to find it? Did she want me to find it? And...how is it possible that filth like Gaedren came to possess it?
I wonder...if I returned it...might I be "safe" again? Might I find myself in the Queen's good graces? Under her protection? Would I even want to be under her watchful eye? For all I know she's the reason we left. Oh, this is utterly maddening. There are simply far too many unknowns inside the castle. Dammit, Neolandus, where are you? Even the actual ghosts I've met lately have provided more answers than you did...
Valamyr snaps to and remembers where he is.
"That, uh, yes...that is a kind sentiment, Marius, but...I wouldn't wear this if you paid me in golden whores. This...this isn't any old brooch, my dwarven friend. Nor is it fodder for fences. Suffice it to say: the owner is a woman with considerable means and a long reach. It must be returned, preferably before we are found with it."
Being caught with it would likely be a death sentence. And where I'd have to go to see it returned...well, it would be wise to have allies who I know aren't trying to kill me. Besides, if half of what Lamm said about this punished lot is true, they could probably all use a brief moment of glory. I know Ileosa too well to fall prey to her charms, but the smiles and well wishes of a beautiful, grateful queen might mean something to them.
Valamyr tucks the brooch into his robes as Von enters the room.
"So now that Gaedren is A HEAD of himself, what of his defiled trove of possessions?"
Valamyr gives Marius a smirk.
"I,..feel a bit ill. Let's gather all this up, sell if off here. Should be morning before too long, eh?.. Call it five ways and be done with this. I.. need to be somewhere tomorrow."
"Have a date with that head?" Valamyr asks as Von packs what's left of Zelarra into the box.
"Anyway...five ways SUITS me fine." Valamyr looks to Marius with a wink and gestures towards Von's new deck of cards. "With the exceptions of any functional items that will be put to good use. After all, could be that some of us have not seen our last fight, there still being missing children about."
No more broken boys and girls. No more Tams. No more dead Children of Korvosa...
"Speaking of which, perhaps I should check on our bewhiskered compatriot; give him some encouragement. He seemed understandably...distressed about his sister. And closer to the edge than might be productive. I wouldn't want to see the young man do anything rash..."
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Marius nods to the suggestion of splitting the loot 5 ways.
He then slowly takes a knee, touches the ground, closes his eyes and says "Please forgive me Leena, I wasn't fast enough. Watch over and protect your brother till I can reach him. Your family will have justice soon."
He then sits cross-legged, extends his arms out, and begins a Dwarven funeral prayer.
He then stands and opens his eyes. "We have much to do, and precious little time. First things first though, I fear we may have more casualties if some people don't find some rest soon."
Nahzir slowy paces back and forth outside the small room where the others have begun to divide Gaedren's belongings amongst themselves, Lamm's blood still dripping from ends of his blades. At first fearing the worst upon hearing Gaedren's claims of being "too late," a wave a relief had come over him after learning that Knich hadn't been fed to the beast beneath the waves after all. Normally he would have been captivated by the valuables that had been revealed, but in this moment he is lost in thought.
Thank Abadar she's still alive... Pilts Swastel... Exemplary Execrables... The E? Could this be the place those fools in the tavern spoke of? I need more information... and possibly more help.
Nahzir stops in his tracks and looks to the rest of the group, seeing just how close to disaster some of them had come.
"It seems that some of you may have accomplished what you had set out to do here tonight," he says to the others. "Yes, Lamm is dead," he continues, turning to spit on his headless corpse. "But I'm afraid my sister is still in great danger. I must seek out this Pilts Swastel fellow. If he has taken her then I must not stop until I have freed her from whatever vile intentions he may have."
"I understand if you feel you must go on your way, but I don't know what I may be facing in the days ahead and I believe I may need help," he says, pleading now with the rest of the group. "Rest now if you must, regain your strength. But if you find yourself willing to help this foolish ratfolk make his family whole again... and clean up a bit more of the scum of Korvosa in the process, then I would be in your debt."
The figures, imp and pseudodragon, are common themes within Korvosa. Pseudodragons are native to the land and inhabit some of the tallest buildings and towers in the city and often nest in the shingles. Imps are a common sight around the Acadamae, as graduating students are required to summon a demonic being as a final test. They also represent the infernal Cheliaxian influence over the city. Furthermore, every few years swarms of imps and Pseudodragons take to the sky and battle over the city, though nobody (that you know of) is quite sure why.
It has been so long since I felt the warm touch of life. Gaedren never handled me with such fondness. His touch only caused me pain. You will never hurt me, will you?
I have only just met you, but your presence is so familiar. So long as you keep me close, our truths will mix like salt and the sea. I am so thankful that you saved me, Von.
Most of you are beat, bloody and tired. Still, you feel a wholesome warmth knowing that Gaedren Lamm is dead and he will never harm another like he did each of you. Now all that remains of his cruelty is untangling and binding together the loose ends.
"I could probably make good use of that arrowhead and Gaedren's weapons if no one has their eye on them." He says, addressing the group.
"Beyond the useful things, I think five ways is fair indeed."
The gunslinger looks to Nahzir and gives the ratfolk a nod. "As you can see I'm a little worse for the wear, but after I've had a day or two to get my wounds patched, I will assist you. It could prove to be a good opportunity." Garth comments sternly, as he limps about in the aftermath of the encounter.
He takes his hand off the deck for a moment while he mvoes the head box and thinks to himself, 'How the hell do I explain this if I see Tasha again? Well, f&$~ it, if anyone would get it a gypsy would... right? They're not really the jealous type are they?' He then picks up the deck again and pockets Zellara.
Von sighs at Valamyr's comment, "You're a morbid f!%!a, huh? I just want ta take her home is all, check on the place maybe.. sounds like no one is expected to be home so I'll probably rest up there..Hey, what is your real name anyhow? Xyr, Lord Valamyr, Ryx?" Before he lets Valamyr respond, Von holds up the blue vial and gestures it at Valamyr and Garth,"One of us should drink this. Then once we sell the lot ov dis we can get more scrolls like it for whoeva else. Better economy that way, though they can be trickier to get off.."
"I had to wait nearly 90 years for this justice, I wouldn't walk away from this right if I let some of you toil in what ifs after the help you've given me tonight. Wouldn't be fair, wouldn't be even. Let's rest at Zellara's, it sounds like it should be empty. Sell this stuff in the morn, heal up, fix what's broken n'tha like. Then pick a lead and follow it as night returns tomorrow and scum comes back out."
As Marius finishes his prayer, Valamyr lays a hand briefly on the back of his shoulder.
"Hey, what is your real name anyhow? Xyr, Lord Valamyr, Ryx?"
So much hard work...in danger of unraveling due to a simple broken mask. Lies are such delicate things. No matter. It was worth it to watch Lamm bleed out. If it's the last thing I ever do, so be it. Besides, I've bandied wits with better than this busker. Give him nothing, and perhaps he'll grow weary of prodding.
'If he doesn't, best he underestimates us.'
Yes.
"One of us should drink this. Then once we sell the lot ov dis we can get more scrolls like it for whoeva else. Better economy that way, though they can be trickier to get off.."
"Be my guest. I think Garth has the right of it. I wouldn't trust anything that came out Gaedren Lamm's medical supplies."
"Rest now if you must, regain your strength. But if you find yourself willing to help this foolish ratfolk make his family whole again... and clean up a bit more of the scum of Korvosa in the process, then I would be in your debt."
"The scum of this city has been left to fester for far too long. If only I'd known the extent of their infestation sooner, perhaps your sister wouldn't be in this mess. Perhaps none of us would be. Once I'm whole, you will have my aid."
"Let's rest at Zellara's, it sounds like it should be empty. Sell this stuff in the morn, heal up, fix what's broken n'tha like. Then pick a lead and follow it as night returns tomorrow and scum comes back out."
"Agreed. I will meet you there in an hour's time. In the meanwhile, I must see these children safely to their new home. I will come shortly thereafter."
With the wave of his hand, the blood from Valamyr's cloak vanishes. He reaches into his robes and pulls out the amulet that he took off of the doorman and tosses it in the pile of loot.
"Think that's everything," he mumbles.
He turns to the child still in the basement.
"Well, child, what do you say? Shall we gather Kester and take you both someplace safe?" He extends a hand to the boy.
"Hmpf, suit your self." Von says then drinks the potion.
Von then hollars at Xyr as he leaves,
"Say, I might know of a fence that's open this late. You got everything you wanted to keep and mind if we try to sell this lot before we see ya in an hour?"
Valamyr stops in his tracks and turns around. He squints as he ponders Von's question.
"Kind of you ask. Actually...that wand may prove quite useful, if there aren't any objections. I believe I could employ it to its full effect. And I very nearly forgot..."
He walks back into Gaedren's room, takes a sack out of his pack, and plucks the head off the table by its hair. He re-emerges, grunting in pain as he momentarily raises the head for the rest of the group to inspect.
"I...ahhh...I also mean to take this. I think it's high time that those who inflict suffering on the Children of Korvosa be put on notice. And the severed head of Gaedren Lamm is the kind of promotion you simply cannot buy."
"I care not for the rest. As far as I'm concerned, the rest of you take what you see fit and sell what's left."
"Oh, and Lord Stonebeard, I seem to still have a bolt sticking out of my chest. Might I persuade you to put that rock grip to use in breaking it off for me?"
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(In Dwarven) "I am...sorry for your loss. For what it's worth, if Torag is as just a god as other dwarves have told me, I trust your efforts here have made him proud."
" Thank you and Torag is indeed just. However, if I want to truly appeal to the Father of Forge, I know there is much more that needs to be done. First I would like to accompany you to deliver these children to safety. With any luck my young friend Dov will soon be safe, perhaps this place could shelter him as well. But I don't want to count my geodes before they crack. Once everyone is fit, I think trying to find Nahzir's sister at The E would be the best course. If said facility houses the patrons of cruelty I suspect, perhaps someone there knows something about young Dov."
"Say, I might know of a fence that's open this late. You got everything you wanted to keep and mind if we try to sell this lot before we see ya in an hour?"
"By all means if you think you can"
Marius nods "Fear not Valamyr, this isn't my first arrow wound, and it won't be the last."
"Many thanks," Nahzir says to the others with a bow. "I must say, I haven't known much in the way of goodness towards a ratfolk such as myself from most folks above the Vaults. I feel truly fortunate to have crossed paths with the likes of you all in such trying times."
"I am very sorry we were too late to rescue the young one whom you sought. If there is anything I can do to help you find the other, when the time has come, I will be there to assist," he adds to Marius. "As a dweller of the Vaults, I've had my share of run-ins with the Cerulean Society's... representatives. If your friend has found himself on their bad side, he could be in more danger than you may realize."
Nahzir now finally takes a moment to peruse the loot that was found.
"A fine horde for a deviant such as Lamm. These treasures should fetch a nice price..." he says, a distracted gleam in his eyes, whiskers twitching for a moment. "I shudder to think how someone like him came to possess these items."
Nahzir then notices the disguise kit. "Ahhh, what do we have here? This could come in very handy, indeed." he says, moving to stash the kit beneath his cloak unless anyone objects.
Marius breaks the bolt off with just a few inches still protruding from Valamyr's chest. The enchanter does his best to mask the pain, and the Dwarf does well enough to stop any further bleeding. A true healer will likely need to remove the remaining length to avoid puncturing a lung or worsening the wound.
Nahzir, the weapons look human-made and none are small sized.
Say the word once you're ready to move out and we will continue onward and upward.
"Fear not Valamyr, this isn't my first arrow wound, and it won't be the last."
"My...oww...my hero," Valamyr musters with a pained smile as the bolt is broken off near the wound. When its done, he gives the dwarf a short bow. "You have the eternal gratitude of House Aldoran."
"I would like to accompany you to deliver these children to safety. With any luck my young friend Dov will soon be safe, perhaps this place could shelter him as well."
Dammit. No. More complications. It would be best if no one saw me near that place. I hardly want to go near that place by myself, let alone with an audience...
"I--I actually don't think..." Valamyr starts, looking upon the dwarf. Marius' earnest expression gives him pause.
Gods. Look at him. How do we say no? Well...I am nearly dead. Should something be amiss at the orphanage, it would be good to have backup. And, unless my senses have gone wholly awry, the dwarf's intentions seem about as noble they come.
"...I actually don't think it would be wise for me to go alone. It is a fortuitous thing thing we that we met, Marius. Come, let us make quick work of this task while the others shop and regroup at the haunted house. If you wish, tell me of this Dov as we walk."
Valamyr watches Nahzir take the disguise kit. He tries to imagine what a ratfolk in a false mustachio might look like and smiles to himself.
Von nods and turns to Nahzir as Valamyr and Marius delve into their plans with the orphanage. "Wait you said you're a merchant from the Vaults right? Know of a fence down there ya trust?" Von then picks up Zellara's hat box in an oddly comfortable way considering there is a severed head inside.
Garth, I know you had expressed interest in gathering metals and other materials you could use for alchemy or gunsmithing. I'm not fully clear on how the system works, but I found the following:
To me, that makes the crafting cost more like a fee that you had to pay for the specific parts and materials required to make a gun. However, if you want to collect raw materials and count their value against the cost of making a gun, that seems fair to me.
For all the scrap wood and metal you find throughout Gaedren'so lair, you can roll 4d10 and count the total against the cost when you do craft or work on a gun. You will have to take 8 lbs of metal with you, though.