"Anytime" Says Grunyar as you leave the store.
You leave the facility and head over to the Orphanage, just a short hop away. A knock on the door has you greeted by an attractive young woman. She looks at each of you, pausing when she sees Ryder. It's clear from the look on her face, that she's seen him before and is trying to place just where it was that she met him.
"Can I help you, gentlemen?" She says in a gentle voice.
Dylan says"Good Day to you madam. I am just here to drop off a donation from Loki and myself." He hands her the five gold from Loki and ten more from Dylan. "I hope this helps, I will try to get back here in the future hopefully with more. I have some medical training, if any of the children have any injuries, I can do what I can to help before we leave."
Ryder thumbs five more gold pieces in his hand, making them visible to the woman at the door, but not offering them to her. He stands behind and to the side of Dylan, turned sideways from the door, looking down the street, and says, "Hello, Inara. I too may have a donation for the orphans, but first I'd like to know why you couldn't join me for dinner the other night. Seems to me, since you didn't make good on your end of the deal, that you still owe me for my performance here at the orphanage... Maybe I'll just deduct it from my donation?"
She suddenly realizes whom it is that is outside her door. "Oh dear, you were serious? I thought you were joking. I.. What... I mean.." She begins to fumble her words as she looks for an appropriate response.
"I thought you were jus.... ...I don't know what to say." Her cheeks start to flush as an obvious look of embarrassment sweeps over her face.
Trying to regain her composure she turns to Dylan. "Yes, kind sir, we have a young boy whom we rescued from an abusive father just this morning. Any help you could give us would be greatly appreciated." She steps aside to allow you entry. "Please, come inside."
She leads you to a small room where one of the older children is seen wiping the young boys face with a damp cloth.
Dylan heads over to the boy and looks him over checking on his injuries.
Heal check to see how injured boy is
"Here is an extra money if the boy needs anymore medical care." Dylan gives Inara 2 gold coins for additional care.
"Madam, I am glad I was able to help. If you need any more help, I am staying here. Send word and I will try to help as much as I can." Dylan give her a small slip of paper with the name of the inn.
Ryder hands 5gp to Inara and says, "How about I let you make it up to me? I haven't been by since everything went to the Abyssal Plane in a bag of holding, but I'm scheduled to do a performance at a little tavern near the Acadamae called The Acada-may-not - come to my show, and we'll get something to eat afterwards?"
Dylan's heal check reveals he is indeed seriously injured. His face has bruises and lacerations. His arm is broken in two places. The thought of whomever could do this to an innocent child sickens you.
You channel energy, healing the boy, but his injuries are severe enough that he is still in a bit of pain. You manage to suppress his pain through your heal check. The boy and Inara are ever grateful in their gratitude towards you.
"You are a saint, Sir" Inara says to Dylan.
--
Inara takes the gold from Ryder, blushes at the prospect before her. She says, "This time, I promise to be there."
Dylan tells Inara "He should be ok now, but if his father comes looking for him or something, we will be heading to the castle after we leave here, send someone to get us and we will come running. Stay safe."
Dylan heads out the door ready to head to the castle.
Ryder says to Inara, "I look forward to it." as he follows Dylan out the door.
You leave the orphanage and head towards the castle to return the Queens brooch and claim your prize. The streets are difficult to navigate given the riots, small fires, and looters that still ravage the city. You are able to avoid the larger mobs as you make your way over to the castle.
Castle Korvosa's long shadow looms over the city. A magnificent achievement of architecture, the castle walls and spires rise high into the sky above. The entire structure looms even higher for its ancient foundation—a Thassilonian ruin in the shape of an immense flat-topped pyramid. Although one corner of this impressive foundation has fallen into ruin, the additions built onto the sides by eager and talented Korvosan masons have created one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Varisia.
The castle can be approached from all sides as the pyramid steps encompass the entire structure.
Ralof knows that normally, petitioners to the monarchy (such as yourselves) would approach from the Great Ramp, wait in the Public Courtyard to speak to the Korvosan Guards on duty, and hope for a chance to be heard. Ralof guides you to the typical entrance.
As you approach the castle, you can see it has been buttoned up tight with pikes and crossbows setup for defense. It seems a logical precaution given the tumultuous situation going on outside the castle walls.
You don't get too far before a guard in well-polished armor immediately steps up as you approach. "Halt! State your Business!" the guard says in an authoritative tone.
Dylan steps forward and says"Good day to you sir, we are here to seek an audience with the Queen at her earliest convenience please."
Ralof adds, "We are just here to return item to its owner. We know you are probably just worried since we are all kind of all here asking for her. You can watch to make sure we don't do anything."
Ryder whistles a happy tune.
The guard looks skeptically over the well armed party, however, Dylans diplomatic request combined with Ralofs mention of returning an item piques the guards interest.
"Exactly what 'Item' are you referring to, good elf? And, no-one sees the Queen without the approval of Sabina. If you have a case to make, make it now or leave the premise!"
"It's a broach - a real nice one. We have reason to believe it was stolen from the queen. We're here to return it and collect any reward offered."
I just learned something today. If the DC is 10 or lower, you can make a knowledge check untrained. hmpf.
Yes.. Most of you know Sabina Merrin to be the Queen's Bodyguard, and Handmaiden.
Ralof's trained check reveals more info:
She is well trained in the art of swordplay but after a bitter falling out with Vencarlo Orisini, her teacher and mentor, that resulted in him losing two of his fingers and leaving her with a scar on her face, she left the school permanently, taking a job as a local guard.
The Queen witnessed Sabina in a ferocious battle that saved both the King and Queen. Since that day she has been serving as the Queens personal Bodyguard and Handmaiden
This probably isn't an appropriate place to inform the others of this information, but when you get some time to yourselves you can certainly share what you know if you wish.
The guard waves a second guard over, whispers something inaudible into his ear. The second guard then runs into the castle.
"Wait here for a moment" The guard responds in a stern, yet less abrasive tone than before.
*Assuming you wait...
A few minutes goes by and the second guard returns and gives a nod to the first. The first guard says, "You will have to leave your weapons with us. I cannot allow you inside so heavily armed. Your backpacks as well. We wouldn't want any secondary weapons inside."
The second guard approaches you ready to accept your weapons and backpacks.
Amendithas looks at his comrades. He is hesitant to give up his sword.
The second guard looks back at the first after encountering hesitation from the Half-Orc. The first guard speaks up. "You have my word, Sir, that your items will be returned to you when you leave"
The second guard turns back to Amendithas with a bit of a nervous look on his face as he stands before the menacing Half-Orc.
Dylan responds "Of course we will cooperate. We bare no ill will against the queen. . Dylan quickly gathers requested items and hands them over.
Amendithas reluctantly hands his sword to Dylan. To the guard he says, I meant no offense. The sword has been in my family for years. I do not hand it off lightly.
The irony of Amendithas words becomes apparent as he hands the massive sword to Dylan. You find it too unwieldy to be carried effectively. He has obviously had plenty of practice with this family heirloom.
Dylan then hands over the equipment to the guard whom struggles under the weight of the load. He takes it behind a locked room inside the compound, that looks to be a storage area specifically designed for just this type of scenario.
*Assuming the rest of you also hand over your equipment with the exception of the Queens Brooch.
The guards lead you inside the outer gate doors and up the impressive flight of stairs. They keep their crossbows clutched to their chests and a hand on their swords. It's clear, that even unarmed, they consider you a potential threat.
As you reach the top of the pyramid you find another set of wide stairs curling up to the castle’s third floor, where, presumably, the Crimson Throne awaits. At the base of the stairs, you are greeted by a beautiful woman dressed in magnificent full plate armor.
She nods curtly at the heroes as they approach, then says, “Greetings, my name is Sabina Merrin. They tell me you've something that belongs to the queen. Is this correct?”
Dylan replies "Yes, m'lady, we do indeed have something that is rumored to belong to the Queen, but without the queen to confirm whether the item is or not, it is just a rumor.
Sabina looks at Dylan with a noticeable look of annoyance. "I'm not one to play games, good sir. Do you have the brooch or not?"
Ralof says, " Yes it is the Brooch."
Ryder takes the brooch from his pocket and shows it to Sabina, holding it tightly and keeping his distance.
Upon seeing the Brooch, Sabina immediately recognizes the item. She smiles and steps aside, a hand gestures to the hero's to ascend the final set of stairs towards the Castle.
As you begin to climb, the two guards that have escorted you this far continue to follow. Sabina immediately stops them. "You may return to your posts. These heroes pose no threat to the queen, they are to be commended for their skill and trustworthiness."
At the top of the stairs two more guards stand at a large set of tall ornate double doors. Sabina nods to them and the guards swing open the very heavy doors allowing entrance into the castle.
Sabina leads you through the doors and down a 50 foot tall magnificent hallway with beautiful ornate statues and tapestries adorning either side. As you make your way down the hallway Sabina says, "The queen has been through so much lately, I'm sure this will cheer her up. You've done the Korvosa a great service." Sabina's eyes seem to soften at the prospect of increasing the queens happiness.
As you reach the end of the hall where a smaller set of double doors await, Sabina stops, and curtly asks the heroes, "How do you wish to be introduced to the queen?"
Ralof says, "Ralof the Great or just Ralof for me.
Dylan says "Dylan Arroway, cleric of Tulis"
Amendithas follows suit. "I am Amendithas."
Ryder says, with a wink and a smile for Sabina, "Ryder Koss."
She nods her approval then opens the door to the throne room. She takes a few steps into the chamber and announces in a loud clear voice. ”May I present to you, four loyal subjects of Korvosa: Ralof the Great, Dylan Arroway Cleric of Tulis, Amendithas, and Ryder Koss” Sabina then steps aside, allowing the heroes to enter the room.
Queen Ileosa sits upon the Crimson Throne. She is a vision of celestial beauty despite the black mourning dress and veil she wears in honor of her husband’s death. A small silver coffer sits in her lap. The throne room itself is pristine but strangely empty—an open area with a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows of past kings and queens looking down from the eastern wall, and crimson tapestries hanging along the others. An immense fireplace offers additional light and heat to the hall, and a silk carpet provides a gently arching path to the throne’s base.
As you approach the queen Sabina motions for you to take up position at the base of the stairs leading up to the throne. Then in a flourish Sabina takes the brooch from Ryder, hands it over to the queen and takes up a position to the left of the throne. Her eyes light up if only for a moment as she recognizes the brooch as hers. The queen then addresses you.
”This brooch was stolen from me some time ago from a former handmaiden of mine, Emmah—I had not expected to see it again, truth be told. And yet, here on my darkest day, you come before me with kindness. The return of this brooch is much more than an honorable deed. It is inspiration. It is hope.”
“I love Korvosa, as my husband did before me. His death has shocked the city as it has me, but I will not see his legacy destroyed in death, and I shall not see my city torn apart. All Korvosa stands at the precipice of a disaster wrought by her citizens—these riots cannot continue. You have already done my heart a great service in returning this bauble to me on this dark day, and you shall be rewarded.” She taps the silver coffer sitting in her lap.
Sabina then takes the coffer from the queen and hands it over to Dylan.
The queen continues… ”Yet, perhaps you can serve your city more?”
“If you so choose, I shall have Sabina see to it that you have an escort of guards when you leave here—they can see to your safe journey to Citadel Volshyenek. I shall send word ahead of you to Field Marshal Cressida Kroft to let her know you are on the way—the Korvosan Guard is stretched thin, and it can certainly use the aid of heroes such as yourself.”
”Now, I need to retire to my personal quarters—my grief has drained me, but I had to meet the heroes whom returned my brooch. Again, I thank you for the kindness you have shown me, and I hope your days of serving the crown are only just beginning.”
The queen then stands up, and with a whirl of the hem of her mourning dress, leave the room and is gone from sight.
Sabina says to no one in particular, ”It was good to see the queen happy. I only hope this is the beginning for her.”
She then turns to the heroes. ”What say you? Will you serve your queen and join the Korvosan Guard?”
Dylan replies"I will help the guard. The tenants of my faith is to help the helpless. Protecting individuals from mobs who outnumber them qualify. Bringing peace to the city should help prevent any further injustices like we helped to avert earlier this morning."
if she asks
Ryder interjects, "Whoa... I'm all for helping restore order to Korvosa, but I'm not about to join the Korvosan Guard! I'm happy to help the Guard, but join them?! ...I think not. Perhaps we could provide our services as independent contractors?"
"May I ask, what happened to Emmah? We also recovered this." Ryder hands Sabina the inscribed ring.
"There are a lot of rumors milling about regarding the King's death. Care to enlighten us on what really happened?"
As you are escorted towards the exit, Sabina does indeed ask about what happened earlier that morning. "Oh my!" she says when informed of the vitriol spewed towards the queen by the mob. "That is indeed disturbing. Of course as a member of the Korvosan guard, you would need to arrest the fellow."
After Ryder's Comment
"Our forces are stretched pretty thin. We will honestly take any help we can at this point, even if it's mercenary help. The Korvosan guard is of course well compensated for their duty to the crown. We could certainly make an arrangement wherein you don't need to join officially."
She takes the ring from Ryder and examines it closely.
"Where did you get this?"
*Assuming you tell the tale of riding Korvosa of a criminal such as Gaedren.
*If you lie, make your bluff checks
About the King
"What 'Really' Happened? The streets sure have an imagination don't they?... The official account, the King was ill. We brought in the best Clerics we could find, yet none were able to save the king from death."
"The queen has stepped up remarkably since his death. It's like she is a new person. She has assumed the leadership role with poise and grace. Korvosa is lucky to have her as her leader."
"An 'unofficial' support role is much more agreeable to me - I'd hate to be hung for treason over some disagreement about who ordered who to do what, you know?"
Ryder indeed tells Sabina the true story of their interaction with Gaedren, and regarding Emma's husband, Ryder replies, "I'm sure he would. If you like, I would return the ring to him, if he can be found. How long ago did she go missing?"
After Sabina's comment about the king
"...and what of the Seneschal? We heard he's gone missing?"
Sabina seems puzzled over the comment about treason, but quickly brushes it off and moves on.
"The queen chose me to replace her some 4 years ago. I'll have Cressida look into a current residence when you get to the Citadel."
When you mention the Seneschal Sabina gets a surprised look on her face"I wasn't aware that information has left the castle. We're still looking for him. It was thought he died in the initial outburst, but our investigators have turned up nothing so far.
"It appears the queen was right to choose you all. You have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Keep your ears and eyes open, friends. It shall serve you well in the future."
"Now if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do. These two guards will accompany you to the Citadel if you wish"
And with that, Sabina heads back up the stairs, presumably to assist the queen in whatever she needs.
Dylan says "She still may be alive, held up in some dungeon as a security blanket for if anything went wrong."
Ryder stops to watch Sabina climb the stairs. Once she's out of sight, he responds to Dylan's comment, "Unfortunately, I doubt that very much. I'm sure Gaedren killed her and took the Brooch, and that was that."
You are all given your equipment back as you reach the outer gates of the Castle. The guards then offer to escort you to the Citadel, or to wherever you wish to go.
You are carrying a pretty valuable horde. If you haven't opened the chest by now, you will find 20 gold ingots each stamped with the royal seal (each bar worth 100g). It appears the reward was even greater than what the drunken Grau had remembered. The guards offer protection from looters and mobs as you move to wherever you plan to go.
Dylan discusses with the group as they walk after he peeked inside "Hey guys, there is a significant amount of gold in here. It would be wise to store it someplace. I don't feel comfortable leaving in our rooms at the in. I suggest we talk to the merchant about leaving it with him and write up a letter of credit. He seamed fair and honorable. What do you think?"
Amendithas is relieved to have his sword returned to him.
He nods his agreement to Dylan's suggestion. "That sounds like a good course of action."
Ryder asks one of the escorts, "Could this be kept safe for us at the Citadel?" He turns to Dylan and adds, "Even if we get a letter of credit, we'll need someplace safe to keep it."
I'm going to assume all this is fairly public knowledge for you all:
You have several options if you don't want to carry around 10 lbs of gold bars each.
Option 1) Find a bank to exchange the gold for platinum or gemstones. They will do so for a 1% fee. There is a list of gemstone exchange types here: Building a Treasure Horde. (Scroll down to Medium/High Quality gemstones.)
Option 2) The line of credit option would work and he would love the option of getting the money up front. However, with the city the way it is, this option might backfire if looters were to ravage his shop.
Option 3) The Citadel has a barracks and these rooms likely have foot lockers that you could to store your stuff. While this option is more permanent if you join the guard, you may be able to persuade the guard to let you stay temporarily.
Option 4) You could keep the gold at Zellara's since nobody officially knows you're there. However, that option could also run into the random looter problem.
Dylan getting tired of carrying the gold asks the escort to lead them to a bank to exchange gold for platinum
The guards take you to the nearest bank, which is literally just a few hundred feet from the outer gate of the castle.
It's a well fortified structure with a full-time guard outside it's main entrance.
The guard sees you with a royal escort carrying a small chest and immediately opens the door for you. (It would appear you are not the first travelers to have come from the castle looking to exchange currency)
On the inside, there are several customers as well as tellers behind a fairly secure looking iron gate structure. Seeing the guards and chest, one teller perks up and immediately motions you over.
"A royal escort! How nice. I take it you have some gold you'd like to exchange? Or where you looking for our vault services?"
Dylan tells teller " We would like to exchange for platinum coins. Could you also divide coins into 4 equal shares please."