Dot away!
I foresee a great gaming adventure.
Korvosa; an once prosperous city fallen on difficult times. Founded by Chelish colonists on land once possessed by Shoanti tribes, the city had grown and prospered through hard times, surviving many hardships, up to and including the fall of the Chelish empire.
For several years, however, the city has fallen on hard times. Under the rule of Eodred II, the Saffron King, or, as the lower classes colloquially know him, the Stirge King, the city’s coffers are being bled dry by His Majesty’s spendthrift ways, not to mention the young concubine of a queen he married a little under a year ago, abandoning his once quite-populated harem in her favor. The citizens are worried for their family and businesses, but refuse to abandon hope.
Still, with every passing day, the slums expand, merchants close shop, and the criminal element grows stronger. The guard is stretched far too thin, and can no longer help everyone.
Korvosa is a worried city, but not one devoid of light and smiles. The townsfolk want to see their town rise anew.
For several months now, King Eodred has been showing signs of ever-worsening illness, and his condition is only worsening. There are those amongst the city who keep hope that the king will recover, those who expect the old man to croak at last, leaving the beautiful young queen to take his place, and, naturally, those who speak rumors of plots and conspiracies.
The king does, after all, occupy the Crimson Throne. Few rulers have led the town for a long time, and fewer have brought forth heirs to take leadership in turn. Once again, the rumor mills whisper of the Saffron King becoming the next victim.
~~~~~~~
A new day rises upon Korvosa, bringing with it the brouhaha of every day city life. As the night guard passes torch and spear to the morning guard, fishermen prepare their boats for another day’s fishing, merchants prepare their stalls, and children roam the streets in mischievous games while they wait for school to begin.
It’s another day of life’s every day strife, toil and trouble but also moments of joy.
As each of them begins their day, a strange surprise awaits six individuals…
A harrow card, perhaps blown away by the wind, flies in, and slows to a stop on the windowsill...
Your copy of the holy book is still where you left it, at your bedside table, but a strange card is tucked within its pages...
As you open its case, you find that a harrow card has been tucked between its strings; more than that, it is not one of your own...
As you inspect the card, you notice that a message has been addressed to you on the its back...
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
~~~~~~~
A mostly uneventful day unfolds. The evening, however, finds a small home in wait of visitors, and any who would come find the door open and unlocked; an unspoken invitation to a group of friendly strangers. Within, a simple hall opens up into a chamber obviously intended to receive visitors.
The cozy chamber is filled with a fragrant haze of flowers and strong spice. The haze comes from several sticks of incense smouldering in wall-mounted burners that look like butterfly-winged elves. The smoke itself seems to soften edges and gives the room a dream-like feel. The walls are draped with brocaded tapestries, one showing a black-skulled beast juggling men’s hearts, another showing a pair of angels dancing atop a snow-blasted mountain. A third tapestry on the far wall depicts a tall hooded figure shrouded in mist, a flaming sword held in a skeletal hand. Several brightly-colored rugs cover the floor, but the room’s only furnishings are a wooden table covered by a bright red throw cloth and several elegant tall-backed chairs. A basket covered by blue cloth sits on the table, next to which a piece of parchment can be found, held by a small stone paperweight.
Thank you for coming. I had to step out for a bit, but shall return shortly. Please, have a seat while you wait. The basket contains bread and drink for you.
~~~~~~~
A tall and lithe human arrives a few minutes before the scheduled meeting time. Her darker skin hints at a foreign heritage, as does the elfish ears pointing out beneath mostly jet black hair. She walks with purpose to the small home, her low cut scale mail hugging her crimson doublet and curvatious figure like a glove while a holy symbol of Abadar nestles in her bosom. On her back, a large shield, enameled in scarlet and gold bounces around over her red cloak. On her hip, a wicked looking morningstar swings next to a sling, the swaying of her hips setting it into motion like that of a pendulum.
Seeing she is the first to arrive, she does not partake of any offered refreshments, nor does she take a seat. Instead, she begins pacing back and forth at the back of the room, a watchful eye set on the door way incase this is an ambush.
Knowledge (local): (for information on the address)
Wary of the unusual summons, Nicolai arrives early and watches the residence from across the street, idly twirling the card over and over in his hand "The Joke, a challenge that can only be defeated trickery and guile or someone having a laugh at my expense. Either way if this mystery person has information on Lamm then I'm willing to play along, up to a point."
As the sun began to set Nicolai crosses the street to the front door of the house. Raising his hand to knock he finds the door slightly ajar. Knocking anyway he pokes his head inside the room and gives a cautious shout hello. As he enters the room and looks around he notices the young woman stalking across the room "You have some information for me?" he says to her. Noticing the look of surprise on her face Nicolai realizes that this must be one of the others that the note on the card had mentioned. Approaching the table he sees the basket and finally the note. Reading the letter Nicolai sits down at the table and uncovers the basket. He absentmindedly tosses his harrow card on the table and pours himself a glass of wine, offering one to the young woman, to await his host's return.
Noting the new arrival, Sera pauses in her pacing, clearly sizing up the man. ”Are you the man who summoned me tonight, or another of the pawns in this game?”
"I? No, I received a summons just as you have, I suppose." He holds up his Harrow card before replacing it on the table "I am Nicolai, Nicolai Fortescu, and you are...?" after the introductions are complete Nicolai sits back down at the table "I guess we wait until Madame Zellara returns. Wine?" Nicolai gestures at the bottle and empty glasses.
”Names Sera, not so humble servant of Abadar. How do you know that’s not drugged? It’s a lot easier to convince someone of your way of thinking when they don’t have their wits about them. Until I see this Zellara herself take a drink, I’m going to refrain from the food or wine.” she says as she resumes pacing.
"Paranoid, much?" Nicolai thinks to himself before saying "Yes, I suppose this could be a ruse by Lamm himself to eliminate some of the people hounding him, but that doesn't seem his "style". Besides, I have heard of Zellara before, not a lot mind you but enough to suggest that she would have no reason to poison anyone, let alone in her own home. So," Nicolai rips a piece of bread off the loaf and dips it in his wine before popping it in his mouth "I'll take my chances."
”Suit yourself.” responds Sera without interrupting her pacing. ”I don’t trust anyone who sneaks into my bedchambers to leave presents. I’ve already had words with the night guards over their lapse.”
"So, you found your "invitation" in your bedchamber when you awoke, eh. If this woman had meant to harm you, would you simply not have awoken then? Seems much easier than going through all this trouble to kill you now."
”That’s part of what concerns me, and one of the reasons I showed up tonight. It is a point in her favor, however, she easily could have just wanted to get me out of the Temple. It’s far easier to move a body around these parts that it would be to try and get one out of an acolyte’s bedchamber.” responds Sera coolly. He’s so quick to trust. If he’d seen what I have, he’d be paranoid too. ”Nicolai Fortescu, what do you do?”
"Me, Priestess? I'm just a simple fortune-teller." Nicolai cuts a wedge of cheese off the brick in the basket with a dagger that wasn't there a second ago and holds over the opening of the satchel he set on the ground before sitting down. A small, weasel-like head pops up from inside and sniffs at his hand before making a strange squeak. Nicolai laughs at the little creature "Yes, Tavi. I know it's not as tasty as a mouse or a snake but it will have to do." Dropping the hunk of cheese in the bag he returns his attention to the young woman "Now, where was I? Oh, yes, for three coppers I could do a reading for you, if you like." he lowers his voice conspiratorially "For a silver I might even tell you the truth" he adds with a wink.
Sera barely contains her snicker over the fortune-tellers offer, ”No mortal man can tell me something Abadar himself cannot. If he wills me to know my future, he will show me.”
Drawing his dueling sword, Silvio creeps quietly to the door at the stated address, wary of some plot by Gaedren. But within the home, he hears the muffled voices of a man and a woman, apparently strangers to each other. Tucking his sword back into its scabbard, he enters the rather inviting home. "Well met friends, I take it the two of you also happened upon one of these cards." Silvio pulls out the card and flicks it on the table to reveal a picture of The Juggler. "Very funny, to give The Juggler to a man with only one hand for juggling. The name is Silvio. You may have heard it?" The man bows gracefully at the waist.
Silvio enters the room wearing a flamboyant blue outfit with gold trimmings that shimmer in the torchlight. However, the left sleeve on the outfit ends abruptly in a bundled knot. It is apparent that Silvio is missing the better half of an arm.
Sera sizes up newcomer with an appraising eye, ”Can’t say that I have heard of you Silvio.” she says, turning away from the fellow half-elf Wonder if he knew his father… ”Odd that we all have unique Harrow Cards. I also wonder how many more will be joining us. I doubt this house can hold someone for each of the 50 cards in the deck”
Nicolai strokes his beard in thought "Can't say that I've heard of you either, or that I wouldn't have in due time, though. I am Nicolai, an itinerant fortune teller, and this young lady is Sera, from the Bank of Abadar. Yes, we two also received the mysterious "invitations" he nods at his card lying on the table next to Silvio's. "The Juggler, an odd card indeed for a one handed man. It seems Mistress Zellara has a perverse sense of humor." "The Juggler, hmmm. Fate, destiny. Can you keep your rhythm and balance you can achieve your goals, one misstep and your world will come crashing down around you. Interesting, indeed"
Nicolai says under his breath "54, actually."
Silvio admires the curvaceous half-elven woman. "It is uncommon to find a lady that shares my elven heritage, yet rarer still to behold such beauty as you possess." Seeing Sera without drink, he pours out two glasses before taking one into his hand. "Shall we enjoy some refreshment while we await our host?" He seems unaware that Sera's refusal of drink is intentional.
He turns toward the fortune-teller. "A fortune-teller, you say? Tell me, what fortune - or misfortune - brings you here this evening?
Nicolai nods at the gallantry of the young man "She believes the wine to be poisoned" he stops to take another sip "and as such refuses to drink."
"As for what brings us here tonight that remains to be seen, whether the card were meant to be aligned or misaligned in the first place."
Silvio's eyes follow the pacing woman for a moment. Her anxiety was making him nervous as well. He turns back to the seated man. "Well, I don't know who decided to throw this party, but I know what's really bringing me here. It's this." Silvio points to his stump. "That's Gaedren's work. Here's hoping today's the beginning of the end for that lowlife scum." He lifts his glass as a toast, then takes a large gulp. He then takes a seat himself.
"The house belongs to Madame Zellara, a medium of some repute, who seems to out running errands and has left her guests to fend for themselves." he points to the basket of bread, fruit, and cheeses.
At the mention of Lamm, Nicolai's face darkens "Yes, we all seem to have an axe to grind with Gaedren Lamm, don't we Sera?"
Sera pauses a moment and shoots Nicolai a cool look when he answers for her. When he then asks her a question, she responds "If you are a fortune teller, you should know." Adjusting her armor and weapon, she continues to her pacing, "It is interesting that we have two people who have that axe to grind with Lamm, and another who represents the law. I will admit that I would sleep better at night knowing that a dirtbag like Lamm would be off the streets."
Sera stumbles a moment, catching her breath after Krujun nearly crushed the life out of her, "Krojun.. *pant*.. No I did not...*pant*... But it is good to see a friendly face... *pant*" Having found her feet again, she stands upright once more, unconsciously making sure nothing popped out during the embrace. "You did not suffer much after returning home from our last encounter I hope. Also, this is Nicolai and Silvio." she says, motioning to each man in turn. "There is a theory going about that this is a collection of various elements in the city with the purpose to end Gaedren Lamm."
"You two know each other?" remarks Silvio, surprised as Krojun grips Sera in a bearhug. That was probably a good thing, to keep the big, intimidating man friendly. Silvio boldly takes Krojun extended hand, hiding his apprehension. I hope he doesn't crush it, I've only got one left.
"Well met, Krojun, the name is Silvio. And this is Nicolai, a fortune teller. I was fed no poison, but I know Gaedren deals in many things. I'm not surprised you endured it all, though. Come, have some refreshment while we wait for our mysterious hostess." Silvio motions toward the basket of food and drink on the table.
"There is no future in divining the past." Nicolai smiles, as he manages to draw Sera into the first real conversation since they arrived here.
At Krojan exuberant entrance "I take it you two know each other? ..."the Red"? an interesting name."
"Speaks-With-Thunder? I can see where you got that nickname" Nicolai says as he clasps hands with the big stranger. "Shiver, no, never touched the stuff. Lamm took...something important from me and for that he shall pay with his life. Although death is too quick a mercy for one such as him"
”Yes, we know each other. I helped Krojun with a trouble in his past, and we both became stronger because of it. If he chooses to, it is his story to tell.” she responds, ceasing her pacing as the room is growing more restrictive with each new occupant. ”You comment on my moniker. I go by Sera, and I’ve worn red every day for about a decade. Eventually people started including that as part of my name. I do not dislike it.” Leaning against a wall, she remains wary. Krojun’s presence calms her somewhat, but she still dislikes the causation of this meeting.
Sera’s cheeks take on a hue similar to her cloak over Krojun’s praise. ”I simply do what Abadar will’s for the sake of Korvosa. He grants me the strength to bear what I must, even if they’re a barbarian who shows their appreciation by crushing your vital organs.”
Nicolai will take Krojun's card and look at it before tossing it on the table with the other two The Keep. A foundation of stone yet changeable when necessary. Built to withstand great hardship yet capable of falling to a greater foe." he looks Krojun in the eyes "Hmm, interesting. The house belongs to a woman named Zellara, a fortune teller such as myself. No one has a clue as to why she summoned us or what her game may be but it seems we all have a common foe. Perhaps when she arrives we'll know more."
Her curiosity reaching its limit, Sera pulls out her card, the Winged Serpent, and adds it to the pile. ”Since you are telling us what these cards mean for free, what about mine?” she asks with a wry grin.
Another figure comes through the door way of the small home. Chelaxian by descent, the soft jingle accompanying the newcomer's footsteps give testament to the scalemail he wears before he is even fully in view. The high shine of that armor is obscured partially by purple temple garb bearing the symbol of Shelyn on a tabard.
While his features are warm, even handsome (To some), they currently wear an expression of caution mixed with curiosity. When he sees the others here, he smiles a bit, "Pray pardon, my name is Staryth Valdian. I was told I could learn more of a man named Lamm here?"
Ruke awoke that morning and saw himself fed at the first opportunity, because there are few things as important as starting the day off with a good meal or two. As he prepared himself for the day's work, which would entail more information gathering and perhaps even a bit of sport, he came across the card tucked within the strings of his worn violin.
Hmmm...how curious. Someone has managed to get the drop on me in my sleep, and left a token no less.
As he studied the card its meaning slowly dawned on him, and he knew at once that this was an important omen.
Wait. This card. This is me. My twin of the harrow. How could anyone? And the meaning, not to be missed. There is information to be had, and the sender is willing to part with it.
Reading the text he confirmed that to be the case indeed, as if the card itself did not spell it out for him clearly enough.
Not one for waiting, nor for blindly trusting anyone who would steal into his chambers at night and leave cryptic messages for him, Ruke burst into action. He gathered his belongings, stuffing and stashing everything into pockets, packs, and sheaths, and immediately rushed down the stairs of the end to the common room. With the card tucked neatly into a pouch he hit the streets, ducking down a nearby alley and grabbing bits of old clothing hung out to dry as he went, changing his form and appearance with each step. When he arrived at the location indicated it was just past midday. He put the finishing touches to his disguise in place and was now a happy child playing in the streets. He watched the house for a few hours, then when no information presented itself he ducked back into another alley, tore away the pilfered bits of clothing, and step up along the street with his violin, playing for those that passed by, a copper cup at his feet, properly seeded with a few coins from his own pocket.
The day wore on and as the indicated time arrived he prepared to approach the house when he noticed the curvaceous woman approach and enter.
This must be the contact! And my eyes will not complain one bit for it either!
He tucked his violin away and gathered his cup, only to see yet another person enter the home, this time a man, dressed a bit finer than the common folk of the city, and who moved with the presence of one who was familiar with the streets and knew how to handle themselves.
Confidence. This man has knowledge, and he knows that knowledge is the only true power.
He studied the streets for a moment, yet there appeared to be nothing amiss. He had been certain that this meeting would lead to answers, answers he could use to track down the man responsible for his friend's death. Answers that would provide the means to bring about his revenge. It was then that Ruke noticed the one handed man, cautiously approaching the dwelling. He had the tell tale signs of a man of the streets, obvious by his deliberate movements and practiced step. And the blade in his hand, he held it with the grace and finesse that betrayed him as a master of its use. As the man slipped into the house the unfolding mystery only deepened.
That one, a surprise for someone he will be one day. Think him a cripple and you will already be defeated.
Three people, this complicated things. Was this a ruse? Could this be a setup by the man he sought? As he pondered the notion a third man appeared, a giant of a man, with a hint of the exotic about him. He moved with the ease of someone who feared little from the dangers the city streets had to offer, and pounded on the door loudly before entering.
Four? And this one, such a brute. No casual meeting is this. Beauty, power, skill, and brawn. These people have been brought here for a reason. And I? What part do I play in this? It certainly will not be the fool...
He began to make his way across the street yet again, with another appeared!
Good gods above! Is this a meeting to exchange information or a dinner party?
He watched as the newest man approached and entered the building, moving with a bit of apprehension, as someone a little out of place. Yet still with an air of confidence and grace. A square peg in a round hole he seemed, yet with his proximity game a distinct feeling of...what? Peace? Ruke shook his head, not knowing what to make of it all.
Determined now to see just what could be going on with a gathering of such people he stepped to the street, ready to find out just what was waiting for him within the mysterious house.
As he entered the home, he found himself drawn to the room from which a conversation was already in progress. Seeing that this gathering of people was far too strange to be any sort of ruse, his confidence was high as he straightened himself up and turned to enter the room they all stood or relaxed in.
Speaking in a clear and perfectly pitched voice, his words carrying an inflection of melody and tempo, he spoke as he entered, "I came here tonight in the hopes of solving a mystery, and instead I find one of the most fantastic gatherings of beings I have ever had the privilege of laying my eyes on." He allowed the words to hang for a moment before continuing, "Am I to guess that all of us were brought here on the same pretense? A mysterious note of sorts perhaps? Because this, my friends, is no coincidence.
Ever one for a flair for the dramatic, Ruke paused long enough to be sure that he had gained the attention of the group before introducing himself, "Ruke Brightonspinner, at your disposal. And a pleasure it is to find myself in such amazingly diverse company."
As the newcomer arrives, Krojun looks around the room and seeing that nobody else seems to recognizes him, handles the greeting.
”Well met Staryth. I am Krojun and this is Sera, Nikolai, and Silvio”, the hulking shoanti says while offering an enormous hand to shake. ”There’s no friends of Lamm here I’m afraid.”
Staryth is not a small man, and is well muscled, but his hand is swallowed by Krojun's nonetheless. The Paladin smiles as the handshake commences, "In truth, there still is not, I have reason to speak with this Lamm, and if possible, end his evil ways," His smile fades for a moment, replaced by almost a reluctant resolution.
Krojun shoots Nikolai a knowing glance and then looks to the newcomer again.
”Do you happen to have a card with you?”
"Yes, how did you know?" Handshake over, he reaches into his tabard and pulls forth a Harrowing card which he holds out openly.
peaking in a clear and perfectly pitched voice, his words carrying an inflection of melody and tempo, he spoke as he entered, "I came here tonight in the hopes of solving a mystery, and instead I find one of the most fantastic gatherings of beings I have ever had the privilege of laying my eyes on." He allowed the words to hang for a moment before continuing, "Am I to guess that all of us were brought here on the same pretense? A mysterious note of sorts perhaps? Because this, my friends, is no coincidence.
Ever one for a flair for the dramatic, Ruke paused long enough to be sure that he had gained the attention of the group before introducing himself, "Ruke Brightonspinner, at your disposal. And a pleasure it is to find myself in such amazingly diverse company."
Card still on display, Staryth turns to the clear spoken Ruke, "Clearly we all were it seems, but which of you placed this card in my armor?"
Sera was about the greet the new warrior when the Halfling appeared. As his introduction completed, Sera glared at the smaller man, ”Brightonspinner? The same Brightonspinner who is being sought for the robbery of three houses? No, I doubt even that one wouldn’t be so foolish to introduce himself as such in front of unknown company. Well, do you both have cards? And what of your business with Lamm? Those are the two common factors among the gathered so far.”
Realizing how foolish she’s begin to sound, she returns to a normal conversational tone, ”My apologies, tonight has been eventful, and I feel it will only become more so. I am Sera, this is Krojun, Nicolai, Staryth, and Silvio.”
The Winged Serpent. Knowledge and Wisdom brought together. Knowing when the time is to strike like the snake or to foolishly hesitate and lose the opportunity."
"Come on in, the more the merrier. Our hostess should return soon. I hope, and we can find out what this is all about together" Looking at the card Nicolai looks Staryth up and down "The Paladin, it fits you. Stand fast and do whats right, despite the cost or, reversed, stay the course and be made a fool."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ruke contemplates the woman's response for a moment, unsure how to continue. Surely no one within the family has been so slack as to get caught with their hands in the offering plate. But then again, her tone shows a fair bit of familiarity.
Honestly Ruke, you can't keep track of them all you know! Gather yourself and stop standing there like a goon.
"Mistress, Sera is it, I assure you that no cove of my blood heaved a cough in this city to be sure. More likely some bottle head who got into his cups and was going upon the dub. My family are but entertainers, not nappers."
With that he produces his card and quickly flashes it before stuffing it back into his pouch. "So it would seem we all have one, maybe we should start a club?"
"Come on in, the more the merrier. Our hostess should return soon. I hope, and we can find out what this is all about together"
"Our Hostess seems to have need of quite a lot of help, judging by our numbers. I wonder what wrong Lamm did to her?" He looks about for a moment, genuine concern in his voice.
With that he produces his card and quickly flashes it before stuffing it back into his pouch. "So it would seem we all have one, maybe we should start a club?"
Staryth smiles at that, "Truth, these Harrowing cards that some rely on always make me nervous. I prefer to leave my future in the hands of my goddess. I can't help but admire the artistry on some of them though."
Ruke's hand disappears within the meaty fist of the large man, and he does all he can do to not let the exaggerated motion of the shake throw him off balance. He grins up at the giant and adds, "Indeed it is, and we still have yet to greet our host. Let us hope they require even less space, or we will have to take this gathering out into the streets for the public to enjoy as well."
”While I know you speak in jest, taking this meeting into the streets would not be beneficial. Lamm has eyes and ears everywhere, and surely word of such a gathering as this would get back to him.” she says as she closes the main door with a quiet click. ”Six foes gathered under one roof. We’d have his assassins on us before the night is done.” Gazing down at the collection of cards on the table, she works them around into a small circle. ”Tell me, someone more experienced with these cards. They are said to represent attributes of a person, part of a six pointed star. There are six of us here. Is each point represented by one of us?”