******
Opening Preface:
Korvosa, the Jewel of Varisia, has long sparkled on Varisia’s southern shore. Established 300 years ago by Cheliax at the height of that empire’s expansion, the city now commands its own destiny. A line of Korvosan kings and queens emerged to rule the city, establishing an infamous seat power—the Crimson Throne. Rulers have sat upon the Crimson Throne for more than a century, and the city has flourished. Yet the monarchy always seems on the brink of disaster. The Crimson Throne is not a prize to be won—it is a curse. No monarch of Korvosa has died of old age, and none have produced an heir while ruling. Even though King Eodred II controls Korvosa more fully than any previous monarch, that control remains tenuous, and many secretly count the days until their latest king falls to what they call the Curse of the Crimson Throne...
******
Gritz has spent a great deal of his recent years in Korvosa attending to his little alchemy shop just outside the city proper. On occasion, one can hear an explosion coming from his shop, and a series of bright lights flashing through the windows and doors. But these are now more expected, and long term residents of Korvosa know that when they happen, the shop's closed for the day.
Of course, on the days it was open, it looked like a twister had blown through. Materials, products, failed alchemical concoctions, and everything in between lay strewn about the place. Skittering around is Gritz himself, standing just under 3 feet high and practically vanishing when moving around the counters and shelves. A conglomeration of sweet and pungent smells is always in the air. Of course, in spite of the shop's sorry state of appearance, long time citizens know that when something truly nasty shows up, the goblin mixer has some strange brew to cure what ails. His services are exceptionally popular in the slums of Korvosa; he accepts anything shiny as payment, which makes him very affordable to those with little income.
***************
On this day in particular, Gritz is muddling around his shop dragging bags of curious materials around after him. Twigs, leaves, moss, vials of questionable liquids, all visible (and occasionally dropped) as he mutters to himself. "Gritz need muzzle root... Gritz need more Lich Tonic. Frosty crocodile tongues too... where is mole tails? Gritz lost them again..."
Gaius has lived in Korvosa his entire life and has been raised by his mother and the other faithful of Calistria.
Gaius' mother and some of the other, shall we say "courtesans", became addicted to Shiver, with Gaius' mother ultimately dying.
He sought out what information he could and has only recently discovered that Lamm is to blame for supplying the drug. Here's my background again in case anyone wants to read it/missed it the first time.
He remembers pinning the other child with one hand as he hit him with the other, the blood spattering his features. Even back then, at that awkward age, Gaius was handsome, a unique blend of his exotic parentage. The younger boy couldn’t put up much of a fight, but before another punch landed on the bruised and swelling face, a quiet but stern voice commanded him to stop. He half turned in annoyance, then quickly stood at attention when he saw Sister Rose, her yellow robes matching his own novice’s attire. She was short and slight, but her presence was menacing nonetheless.
What is the meaning of this? she asked with an edge to her voice.
Indignant, Gaius replied: He stole from me, three coppers, so I’m paying him back. One black eye per coin. He’ll have to owe me for the third. Would you keep me from my vengeance?
Quiet, your ignorance betrays your age, she snapped before extending a hand to the hurt boy, who flinched at first before accepting her help. Rose continued: You are Willem, the baker’s son, yes? Tell me, why would a baker’s son steal bread money? Tell me true, or I’ll know.
The child, utterly defeated, couldn’t meet the sister’s gaze as he responded. My father…he owed on a bad wager, so he borrowed some money. He paid the debt weeks ago, but still the men come. They…they’ve taken everything we have. I didn’t know what else to do.
Give me a name, child.
Silas…the man’s name is Silas, the child’s voice quavered as he spoke.
Willem, I expect Silas, or one of his associates, will be returning your money to you shortly. Go home, and remain there.
Gaius watched, thoroughly interested, as Rose put her arm around him and said softly: Gaius, you need not have all the answers, but at least know what are the right questions. Vengeance without cause is just cruelty in disguise, and I promise you The Unquenchable Fire frowns upon such. Come with me to this Silas, and I’ll show you what vengeance is.
Another whimper snapped Gaius back to the present.
Vengeance without cause, ask the right questions. Almost there…
Please, don’t kill me! I didn’t know my guys were supplying the drugs to ladies of the temple. I didn’t…
Give me a name, Gaius, blackjack in hand, interrupted his quarry. The beaten man craned his neck to look through swollen eyes at the inquisitor, speaking with a bloody ruin of a mouth.
Lamm…Ghaedrin Lamm…
Growing up in the streets of Bridgefront, Tolenn was an Empty,an orphan, stealing food and huddling with other children against the cold of night. That was her life;
no parents, no authority figures, just the law of the street.
However, even in such straits, she found a will to be kind; sharing food and helping smaller children against bullies,
often many times her size; getting her share of bruises for her trouble.
It was her ne'er do well uncle, Evaram, who lured Tolenn into the service of his boss, Gaedren Lamm. Tolenn now ran with a gang of other orphans, theiving and stealing;
bringing their spoils back to that evil man.
However, being a ineffectual pickpocket and having a good conscience, Tolenn was a poor thief, frequently on the receiving end of Lamm's viscous temper. The man delighted
in torturing the poor lass for her deficiencies, taking an old straight razor and cutting the left side of her face for each disappointment.
She was still very young, just turned 10, when Lamm's anger got the best of him, and Tolenn. Having beaten her so, that when she finally fell into the garbage and filth
on the floor of the alley, Lamm thought her dead. Spitting upon her still form, he stalked away into the gloom.
Sometime later, groaning in pain, Tolenn pushed herself up and leaned against the damp brick wall. Breathing shallowly to avoid the pain in her side, she realized what
had woken her: screams.
Startled into action, Tolenn ran out of the alley and found chaos. People were begin attacked by men...no not men, these creature were missing limbs and other parts of their bodies.
Horrified, but somehow still able to reason, Tolenn oriented herself and ran to the tenement she shared with Lamm and the other children. Hopefully, she'd be able to sneak in
and get her meager belongings.
Running around a corner she arrived to see a door to the tenement burst open, her uncle's neck grasped in the hands of one of the creatures. With a sickening crunch, the man's
neck hung limp. Turning to Tolenn, the creature began to shuffle quickly towards her.
Turning to run, Tolenn ran into a number of children and an adult. "Follow me!" she said to them, confident in her knowledge of these streets.
However, the pain of Lamm's beating and the horror of what followed them, caused Tolenn to take a wrong turn; into a dead end. Turning to flee, the group saw three of the
creatures reach the alley mouth and begin to approach.
Snatching up a table leg from among the garbage on the ground, Tolenn brandished it in front of her as the monsters grew near.
One was quicker than the others, begin nothing more than bone and sinew. Reaching within herself, Tolenn found an unknown reserve of strength and outrage. Her pain forgotten,
she leaped forward and quickly shattered the creature's knee, causing it to fall the to ground. Clawing at her, it still sought her life. With a cry, Tolenn smashed the
creature's skull into pieces, the table leg disintegrating in the process.
Turning she saw the two slower creatures getting closer. Glancing back at the children , the man; one of Lamm's cronies; all of them looking at her, pleading
for salvation. Facing the creatures with resolve, Tolenn made ready to fight them with her bare hands, when a bright light flared around them, through them, leaving nothing but
dust.
Blinking, Tolenn saw a woman in robes at the end of the alley. Dropping her hands, Tolenn walked slowly forward to meet the woman.
Smiling down at the girl, the woman extended her hand to Tolenn, who tentatively placed her smaller hand within.
Gently guiding Tolenn from the alley, Tolen paused looking back.
"They need me." she said softly.
"Nay, they need each other. You on the other hand have a greater destiny." the woman said as a number of other rescuers entered the alley and at the priest's direction went to assist the poor wretches.
"My name is Solora, I am a priestess of Sarenae. I believe you have her fire burning within you." the priestess said, placing her palm on Tolenn's chest. "Come, I will teach you."
And so it was 10 years or more have passed before Tolenn once again walked the streets of Korvosa. Initially her learning took place in the Temple of Saranea, here in Korvosa. However, Solora quickly
saw that Tolenn's talents needed training she could not provide. Travelling to Absolom , then Orision, Tolenn underwent the strenuous physical and spiritual training necessary to become a Paladin of Sarenae.
Solora kept in touch with Tolenn, having at Tolenn's request, saved her friend Ammi from Lamm's organization and allowed her some education. Finally, having taken her vows, she was freed to travel the land in Sarenae's name.
Many places cried out from injustice, but it was to Korvosa that Tolenn would return. Sending word to Solora of her planned return, Tolenn asked the priestess that which she had burned to ask over
all those years; does Gaedren Lamm still prey on the weak and small of Bridgefront?
After some ten years, Tolenn returns to Korvosa, a young woman wholly different from the waif she was , one of Gaedren Lamm runners, now a servant of Sarenae.
Entering the city by the North Bridge, Tolenn makes her way to the Temple of Saranae, seeking out her mentor Solora; for a much anticipated reunion, but also for new on Korvosa and her quarry: Lamm.
A gentleman knocked on Pyron's door. "Pyron, you in there?" Yelled the man.
"Yeah, I am. One moment." A minute later, Pyron opened the door and saw the local deputy standing at his door. "How can I help you?"
"Did you kill Jensen, cut his head off, and tell all the locals that you were here to protect the innocent?"
"Yes."
"Well, it looks like news got to some important people at the next city over, Korvosa. They seem to be having some trouble there. A few groups of people are looking for recruits, and a few people have been pointing them your way. I thought I would would stop by to see you first, if I could."
"Why's that?"
"Well, Korsova's deputies and town guardsmen (ooc: whatever they are) are recruiting. I thought you might want to stay in the light of the law, especially after your recent event. The only reason you are not be punished is because the guy who you killed had been on our list for some time. Think about it. Come talk yo me for transport if you are interested."
"Okay, thanks. I will sleep on it."
** spoiler omitted **...
|
Rakdon got here because he is rich and knows some rich people. People who helped him get here. People who were rich as him and said that he would be chosen for this, they were his friends because they were all rich. They paid for his transportation and he traveled by giant eagles to avoid the obstacles, so he did sightseeing on a whim while getting there. Those who have money sometimes have good connections.
In the morning, Pyron went to see the deputy. "Morning, deputy."
"Morning. So have you decided to join them?"
"Well, i want to know my options. How much money will they pay me and will I have a place to stay if I join? Also, is there an option to not be on staff where I can choose the jobs when they need extra support?"
The deputy smiles and waves to a man standing next to him. "Let me introduce you to Sainjin. He is one of the top seargents."
Sainjin offers a hand which Pyron grasps strongly. "Well, son. If you want security then I suggest being a hired hand, but if you want options at the cost of security, then we will allow you to train in our training grounds and perhaps even to some of our more important training functions. We would then let you know when we need you for the riskier jobs."
The deputy spoke up when Sainjin stopped speaking. "I suggest you take one of the two options to stay on their good side if something trouble does befall you."
Pyron thinks about it. "Alright, I will do that. I would like to have options, and it sounds like a good idea to stay in the security's favored eye. I am ready to go if you have a ride."
"We can leave at once. I have an extra horse I brought with me."
Sanjin and Pyron left for Korvosa. Sanjin decided to speak up. "Pyron, I have a proposal for you."
"What's that?"
"If you train with us for two months, then I can teach you how to be a fighter. It will add to your abilities. We'll feed you and pay you. After two years, you can choose to continue as a guard and move up rank or then choose to either separate or take the riskier jobs at your choosing."
Pyron shook his head. "If you give me one week of training with your men, and one month of rent somewhere and an allowance, then I will do one immediate job with no questions asked. I want to check out the other jobs in the city to see my options."
Sanjin takes a couple of minutes to think about the counteroffer. "Have you ever been on a boat?"
"Yes, but I don't care too much for it. I get seasick."
"I have a job I need you to do, but I would only be able to give you housing in the barracks until the job is done, basic allowance during those two weeks, and 2 weeks additional rent to boot if you do well at the job."
"Pyron thinks about it. Okay, you have a deal."
...
Pyron goes through a week's worth of training with the other guards. During his time off, he went and checked out the jobs around town. Then he was sent on a month-long trip to escort an important official on an overseas trip. The trip did not have any trouble except for the seasickness for Pyron. When he came back, Sanjin made good on his promise.
Pyron now has two weeks of paid rent and time to check out for jobs and see if an adventure will present itself. Otherwise, he'll have to take another job from Sanjin.
The card itself is no bigger than a regular card used to play games, but upon closer inspection, it appears to be a suit from a Harrow deck, a medium used by mystics and diviners native to Varisia to envision the future. On the front of the card, the icon of The Rabbit Prince holds two fingers in a gesture of silence. On the back of the card, a note addressed to you has been scrawled into the paper.
The card itself is no bigger than a regular card used to play games, but upon closer inspection, it appears to be a suit from a Harrow deck, a medium used by mystics and diviners native to Varisia to envision the future. On the front of the card, the icon of The Uprising stares back at you, the men in the painting screaming their silent cries against their oppressors. On the back of the card, a note addressed to you has been scrawled into the paper.
The card itself is no bigger than a regular card used to play games, but upon closer inspection, it appears to be a suit from a Harrow deck, a medium used by mystics and diviners native to Varisia to envision the future. On the front of the card, the icon of The Publican stares back at you with a stoic expression as he pours himself a drink. On the back of the card, a note addressed to you has been scrawled into the paper.
The card itself is no bigger than a regular card used to play games, but upon closer inspection, it appears to be a suit from a Harrow deck, a medium used by mystics and diviners native to Varisia to envision the future. On the front of the card, the icon of The Empty Throne stares blankly at you as the sole person in the painting kneels before a monument to a monarch of eons past. A note addressed to you has been scrawled into the back of the card.
The card itself is no bigger than a regular card used to play games, but upon closer inspection, it appears to be a suit from a Harrow deck, a medium used by mystics and diviners native to Varisia to envision the future. On the front of the card, the icon of The Courtesan stares at you with an eerie smile behind her mask. A note addressed to you is scrawled on the back of the card.
The card itself is no bigger than a regular card used to play games, but upon closer inspection, it appears to be a suit from a Harrow deck, a medium used by mystics and diviners native to Varisia to envision the future. On the front of the card, the icon of The Wanderer stares back at you with wanderlust in his painted features. A note addressed to you is written on the back of the card.
@Gritz: You remember the name as the name that street urchins would tell you when you caught them steeling reagents from your shop.
@Rakon: You know the name from street urchins that tried to pick-pocket you the other day, who begged to have some coin or else they would receive a lashing from their cruel masters, including Gaedren Lamm.
@Pyron: You recognize the name from one of the various posters tacked onto the wall of the Korvosan Guard's Headquarters. His crimes range from conspiracy to kill, murder, robbery, defamation of a city noble, kidnapping, and a very long list of various misdemeanors and felonies that reaches the bottom of the billboard.
|
|
Rakdon makes sure everything in his gear is there, this is what he should have this is beforing taking into account what he spent, he remembers. was anything stolen?
Gear:
20 PP, 6 GP, and 9 sp left over
Traveler's outfit free outfit
Spellbook: free, for Magus. 100 pages. 21 pages used.
Spellpouch 5 GP
Bedroll 1 SP
Waterskin: 1 GP
2 Trail rations: 1 GP
Masterwork studded leather: 175 GP
Masterwork composite longbow +1 strength: 500 GP
Masterwork backpack: 50 GP, adds 1 to my str carrying capacity:
10 Arrow(s), lodestone: 100 GP
20 common arrows: 1 GP
He then goes to the local authories with a name, stating who tried to pickpocket him and shows them the note, but won't let them keep it.
On another note, how attractive was the girl on a scale from 1-10?
"Well then Vuk, I think the hunt is truly about to begin." He says as he pats the wolfhound's back.
Gritz happily goes about his business, satisfied at finding his needed supplies, before the card catches his eyes. Odd... he didn't remember making a Gambler's Pinkie poison recently. Looking at the royal rabbit indignantly telling him to be quiet, he muttered something about a "stupid bunny" before looking on the other side and squinting his eyes at the words.
Gaedren... Gaedren... why did that sound familiar...? Oh! Right, something having to do with the little humans who pretended to be baby sheep! Stupid little sheep humans, they were always trying to swipe stuff from his shop! This stuff was hard to get, darn it! Still, even Gritz was aware that the little humans weren't to blame... entirely. It was why he hadn't eaten any of them yet (apparently, city guards frown on such a delicacy). They had a bigger sheep telling them what to do. This guy. This "Gaedren."
Gritz scratched an ear as he thought a little. Justice was not a concept goblins generally dabbled in. Revenge, on the other hand... no, this wasn't quite it. It was... "opera tuna tea"? Was that the word? Close enough. Gritz grabbed as much stuff as he thought he might need to cook this grubby sheep leader and locked up the shop, on his way to the address listed on the card.
He knows his belongings at his place will be safe, and he already has his normal weapons and gear on him. So, he takes the card, tells the sergeant that he is checking out a mission someone offered him and gives him the name of his target. He asks him if there is a bounty on the named guy that he can collect if he either takes the guy dead or alive.
Gaius reads the note hastily, then crumbles it into a ball and lets it hit the floor.
He moves to leave but steadies himself. You've waited this long, be patient a bit longer.
He finishes his duties as quickly as possible and returns to his room an hour before sunset.
It could be a trap. I was careful, but maybe one of these dealers got talkative. I have to be vigilant.
Gaius set aside his temple robes and weaponry, donning his armored coat over his clothes and strapping only a dagger at his waist.
I have to look the part.
The half-elf throws a travel-worn hooded robe over his clothes and steps out into the street for a bit, rubbing some dirt on his clothes and face before reentering the temple. He lets his hair fall over his overlarge ears, and draws the hood up about his face. He takes a look at his appearance in a mirror, satisfied with the effect.
That should serve, for now.
Gaius moves at a swift pace to the Lancet Street residence, arriving 30 minutes early and staking out the place. He stands across the street with a view of the front door, trying not to draw attention to himself while seeing what he can about these "others" who are supposed to arrive.
Tolenn looked down at the card in her hand, multicolored light from the stained glass window illuminating it. Frowning, she glanced around, yes she was alone. Flipping the card over, she read the message written there, her frown deepening.
Glancing up at the statue of Saranae, her eyebrow raised in ironic question, "Does this stem from you , My Lady of the Dawn? Or is this from another agent..." she says quietly, re-reading the card.
Closing her eyes, she calms her mind and heart and allows her Lady to guide her intuition. Eyes opening, she looks to the light streaming into the chapel, "The note says sunset, I've not much time if I'm to make my appointment."
Rising with a fluid motion, Tolenn bows to her Lady once more, then leaves the chapel.
Gathering her gear, she leaves the Temple and makes her way across the city to Lancet St.
As she walks, she marvels at how different and experience it is to walk Korvosa' streets. When she was a child, she ran the rooftops or skulked in the alleys, an anonymous child of the streets. Now she walked openly as a Sister of Sarenae, her tabard emlazoned with Sarenae's majestly. Now people noticed her, many nodding respectfully, some actively avoiding her presence. In all, a different experience.
A few minutes to sunset, a warrior strides confidently down the middle of Lancet St, obviously checking house numbers until she stops infront of #3.
The woman is obviously a servant of Sarenae, as she stands gazing up at at the house. After a moment, she looks about to see if any others were arriving as well.
Noting a poorly dressed wretch standing opposite the address she sought, her gaze lingered a moment, then moving on.
After going over the note multiple times Wednesday will hurriedly gather his belonging before he and Vuk make their way to the house on Lancet Street, with Vuk having to do most of the leading as Wednesday continually flips the card over and over, examine both sides thoroughly. Vuk will alert Wednesday when they arrive in his usual manner with a quick nip at the man's legs. Coming out of his thoughts he'll take note of the slums rat as well the follower of the Dawnflower. "Apparently I am the Publican. Who is it that you are supposed to be?" he'll say to the two nonchalantly as he holds up the harrow car for them both to see.
After going over the note multiple times Wednesday will hurriedly gather his belonging before he and Vuk make their way to the house on Lancet Street, with Vuk having to do most of the leading as Wednesday continually flips the card over and over, examine both sides thoroughly. Vuk will alert Wednesday when they arrive in his usual manner with a quick nip at the man's legs. Coming out of his thoughts he'll take note of the slums rat as well the follower of the Dawnflower. "Apparently I am the Publican. Who is it that you are supposed to be?" he'll say to the two nonchalantly as he holds up the harrow car for them both to see.
Waddling up the street to the duo of the Sunflower servant and... whoever that person was. And some bum, but he was over on the other side. Stupid bums.
"Gritz not here to bother longsh- erp... bigg'uns. Gritz here about sheepies! Little human sheepies not important to Gritz. Gritz cook the mama sheep!" he declared, noticing they carried similar cards to the one he had... well, they were cards, anyways. Hey, how come they didn't have a dumb bunny on them? Not fair!
Standing in the middle of the street, Tolenn watches the man and his dog approach.
At his comment, she withdraws her card and flashes it towards the man "'twould appear I am the Empty Throne....hmmm, another appoaches."
she says as a gobin ambles up to them.
"Greetings, ser Gritz, I am Tolenn, and you are?" she asks the man.
"Hello, Tall 'un." The goblin replied, completely mishearing her name. Whatever, that seems to be what sticks to his little goblin noggin. Gritz looked at the card in her hand. "You here about sheepies too? Gritz after big mama sheep! Gritz want to be the one to eat big sheep... but Gritz can let Tall 'un help cook it."
Gritz reached into his pouch and pulled out a half-eaten playing card, similar to the others, but this one of a rabbit... notably with the head bitten off along with the rest of the card. "Gritz got stupid bunny. Bunny not tell Gritz to be quiet! Gritz be loud if Gritz want!" Looking around at the fact he was surrounded by much taller individuals, however, his volume lowered back. "Gritz... don't want to right now."
Gaius observes from his vantage point, noting a diverse gathering outside the door to 3 Lancet Street. He sees the cards they take no care to hide, and hears the goblin's voice carry across the street, talking of "sheep". The inquisitor looks around to see if anyone else seems to be observing the gathering...
before crossing the street to join the others.
Gaius keeps his hood drawn as he approaches, speaking quietly but firmly, like a parent trying to scold a child in a hushed voice.
I've a card too, but I don't need to show it out in the street, do I? And what's this talk of lambs? Gaius asks caustically, eying the goblin Gritz.
This is no petty thug--he has eyes and ears everywhere. Save your talk for inside, lest you keep me from my vengeance.
He knocks firmly on the door three times, then turns his gaze again to the street to look for any signs of an ambush.
When the loitering wretch detaches himself from his resting place and joins her fellow card holder in the street, Tolenn is far from surprised; impressed however with his skills in appearing anonymous.
At his impertinent advice however she merely smiles and nods, then follows him up to the door of #3.
Rakdon will go to the house after having gone to the local authorities, assuming this town has any local authorities, they might be nothing more than just guards.
They merely shake their heads, saying that their forces are spread too thin to deal with petty crime on a case-by-case level. They give you a looking-over, and suggest that they're willing to turn the other way and let you "take matters into your own hands."
With that, you set off to your destination where you see a group of individuals outside of the apartment.
The sergeant hesitates before nodding and allowing you to represent the guard. You make your way to the apartment where you see a group of individuals gathered in front of the door.
*******
Rakdon would see if they met on their way, as well as everyone else when Pyron and Rakdon arrive at Door #3: A 6'0" 160 lb, lean and cut man. He is red with silvery-blue streaks and is bald with red horns that has silvery-blue tips. He is wearing a soldier's uniform, hide shirt, and an armored kilt. He has a buckler on his left arm, a morningstar on his right hip with a cord going from the weapon to his right arm (for those with the perception to see the cord), a couple of javelins in a javelin quiver on his back, a belt pouch, and for those looking hard enough a canteen on his belt bouch, a compass, and a second pouch secured to the belt.
A grim smirk spreads across Wednesday's face as he heads up the steps. What a strange gathering, well hopefully a useful one.
When they arrive, Pyron sees that there was a group of people at the door apparently waiting for someone to answer. He approaches the group with a smile. "I see you guys are already here. It would seem that this task is requiring quite a few professionals. Don't worry, I am a professional too. I just happen to be representing the guards on this mission. Also, I may have some personal stake in the matter. By the way, if anything happens, we have the go ahead from my sergeant to take care of this individual and his dealings."
Gaius nods in understanding of the newcomer with the hellish appearance.
A servant of Sarenrae, a conspicuous guardsman, and a loud goblin--they have their uses, but this will prove difficult, he thinks.
He looks at Wednesday as he responds to Pyron: We welcome the help of law enforcement, and hope to deliver swift justice.
"Hahaha! The last time I delivered swift justice, my parents' murderer ended up with his head on a pike in the middle of town square in my hometown." Pyron takes a moment before continuing. "This fellow may be behind their deaths. I want to question him. Does anyone else intend to question him?"
"The guards have had their chance." Wednesday will nonchalantly say after hearing both Gaius and Pyron speak.
"Well, whether you like it or nor, I also received a harrow card, so the person here is giving me a chance." After that He knocked on the door himself.
The door is unlocked when the knob is jiggled. You all enter, I presume.
"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 under the table contains bread and drink for you."
Rakdon takes 10 on his perception making it a 12 to make sure the food isn't poisoned.
Aside from the bread being slightly stale for being out in the open, you can find nothing wrong with the poison.
Pyron steps in, takes a look around, and reads the note aloud. He goes over to the food, removes and casts the cantrip, "Purify food and water." He takes a piece of bread, a cup of water, and takes a seat at a chair. He casts the cantrip, "detect magic" to get a good idea what is around him; he will cast it as long as he thinks is necessary. Afterwards, he eats the bread and looks closer at the tapestries and other items of interest from his chair, adjusting as necessary. If he has the time to take a 20, then he will, the dice roll is if there isn't enough time.