You will have several days to spend as things seem to have quieted down, although tensions within the city have never been higher. The dock workers continue their boycott protest, and ships now turn away to other ports. Goods within the city are becoming more scarce and even fresh food is harder to find.
The Hellknights patrol the streets, mercilessly enforcing their law. Several protests have ended in bloodshed, keeping further outbreaks to a minimum, but increasing the resentment of the people.
Old Korvosa is especially hard hit, as most of the violence occurs in that district.
I could use a day to rest and get clean from that ship. Ugh.
Well, as long as the guard doesn't need us, I say we look for more information on Tobar. We can also look for those missing kids and get rid of that holy symbol and figurine.
|
Nik slumps against the wall but smiles.
How do you keep this pace?
Nik rises again and continues to follow the group.
I mean on the road we ride, or walk, most of the dead but that's a different kind of tired. Keeping this level of tension for days on end is exhausting. I say we take a night's rest and then we can look for Tobar. Maybe some of these guards could assist in the search while they are out keeping the peace?
It is just after lunch by the time everyone gets rested and prepared. You head out of Citadel Volshyenek several errands to run. The city seethes with a tension that is almost as unsettling as the riots and chaos following the kings death. While then there was open violence that erupted in isolated locations, there is now an sense of anger, resentment, the near palpable stress of a city agan on the brink of erupting in chaos.
|
|
On his way out Nik looks for a familiar face among the guard.
Maybe now that I have worked along side some of these guards, they will be more willing to help with finding Tobar.
Please guardsman, may I ask you a favor? Now that the city is under some sort of control again, would be good and spread the word amongst your companions about my brother? Tobar is his name and he has been missing for some time in the city. I came here looking for him and was caught up in the turmoil of our recent problems. And leads would be a great help. Thank you, and the rest of the guard for the help.
Then Nik turns back to his own companions.
Shall we see about finishing our errands and then seeing what we can find for leads after Tobar and those other troubled children?
The guardsman asks a few questions of Nik and promises to let him know if he hears anything that might be helpful. He at least knows how you are, so that you take that as a good sign.
The rest of the party heads out into the streets. You head into the North Point district towards the temple of Shelyn. You are not far from All the Worlds Meat.
The streets are quiet, and you wind your way through side streets and alleyways.
Ophelia nods to Nik, yes, I think that would be good. Let's go!
Only Ophelia is caught offguard when a trio of figures appears in front of your path, and is joined by another trio to the rear, effectively closing you in.
He said there would only be three of 'em. Wha abou the dwarf? one of the figures asks the man in front.
Hush, Jules, the job is the same. the man in front replies, as he draws a rapier, dripping with something thick and dark.
|
Just great. Now what? Why are these guys after us?
Trisane looks up to the rooftops and sighs audibly as he draws his longsword while withdrawing into position to confront the solo flanker.
Well everyone, looks like another failed ambush. Only idiots would attack the Guard in broad daylight but I doubt these guys will talk without some convincing. Elden, take the front and try to keep at least one conscious for questioning when we're through.
|
|
Can't we just head out for a relaxing day without being attacked?
Rom! Alerta prietenii noștri înapoi la barăci.
Nik steps forward, drawing forth some eldritch materials from his pouch. He speaks some sharp tones and fans his hands out as fire pours out from his finger tips.
A fan of flame leaps from Nik's fingertips.
Two of the thugs cry out in pain, but the center figure remains only slightly singed.
Rom flaps upward towards the open sky then suddenly spins and twists in midair letting out a squawk. He dives between two small houses and disappears out of site. His cry echos from the narrow alleyway.
Feriți-vă de arcași pe acoperișuri! Arcuri pe acoperișuri!
Finally, something to do.
Elden steps forward as he draws his waraxe and prepares to hit the closest thug.
Got it! No promises on the consciousness though, boss.
Elden lands two solid blows on the thug least damaged by Nik's spell. The thug staggers backwards, stunned from the vicious blow, and angry.... or is that fear you see in his eyes?
He swings at Elden with the sword, the blade still dripping in some coating as he backpeddles, not even coming close.
One of the thugs advances towards Nik. His swing is skilled - or lucky, either way he lands a solid blow.
Another thug follows behind Nik's attacker. This thug swings at Elden, but also misses.
From above, a sniper fires at Trisane. There is the unmistakable twang-thunk of a crossbow and a the whistle of the bolt. That is followed by the unmistakable sound of a bolt striking home.
The remaining thugs wait for Trisane to advance so they can outnumber him.
The sniper towards the street fires at Ophelia. He is nothing more than a dark silhouette against the sky.
Party goes!
a couple quick corrections (Trisane is keeping me honest)
Elden would have hit the leader and the guy next to him. Damage to opponents adjusted.
The sniper firing at Trisane would have missed. Ignore that damage Trisane, the crossbow bolt breaks on the cobblestones at your feat.
Ophelia shouts, snipers, be careful!
She then begins casting a spell, fascinare...go home!
Ophelia's casts a spell, causing one thug that had moved in towards Elden in the back to turn and leave. On their turn he will move
Not too bad. Let's try that again.
Elden look determined and slightly pleased with himself. He pulls his waraxe up and swings again.
Small grunt of effort Arrrggg!
The hypnotized opponent withdraws.
Elden's swing misses the thug nearest him.
The flask slips from Trisane's hand and spins into the building in front of the intended target, splashing him with alchemists fire.
The divine power of Nik's request gives you heart.
The remaining thugs facing Elden swing, both landing blows. Elden feels the itching sensation from the substance on the leader's blade.
The sniper at the back of the alley fires at Trisane, but a poor angle sends the bolt wide.
The remaining rear guard is hesitant to go one on one, and hangs back, hoping to gain an advantage against him.
The sniper at the front of the alley fires at Ophelia. His bolt strikes home.
Party goes!
Omule, naibii ca asta doare
I need to get rid of that sniper, sorry Nik.
Ophelia takes a step back, using Nik as cover against the sniper. She pulls out her wand and points it up at him and unleashes its magic.
Dammit. Ack!
Oh, wait, that's better. Let's try that again.
Elden swings his waraxe towards the same target.
|
|
This is unbelievable. How can this band of civilians be so organized against the Guard? I fear the civil unrest in Korvosa is just getting worse... Time for reinforcements.
Trisane lets out a loud set of shrieking whistles to call his companion. He then takes a moment to size up his opponents and braces himself against any oncoming attacks.
Ophelia's spell strikes the sniper in the front. Although she attempted to use Nik as a meat-shield; he deftly retreats further to call on Desna to heal you. Elden misses with his axe, the sound of the blade causing a whoosh. And Trisane whistles.
The sniper above Ophelia, now wounded, and looking annoyed, reloads and fires; hitting Ophelia again.
The thugs on Elden press their advantage, but seeing the poisoned blade have no affect on the dwarf, shakes their resolve, both miss.
One of the thugs finally advances to face Trisane, but he misses.
The sniper above Trisane reloads and fires; finally landing a blow on Trisane.
From above them you all hear the cry of a hippogriff and a shadow swoops past. The cavalry, or at least the mount, is soon to arrive.
rds.
Damnit, that hurts! Let's try this again.
Ophelia aims the wand again and activates it, sending the missile towards the sniper.
She moves closer to the building, unfurling her whip.
What the holy heck are you doing?! Just hit the flipping flapping guy already, ya jerk!
Elden is beginning to get frustrated with himself and makes a series of loud growling noises as he swings at his target yet again.
Grrrraaaagggggghhh grrrp
|
|
We're losing ground here. And fast. We'll need some support quick from the Guard or we're certain to be captured... or worse. I fear these are more than just common thugs. They look tougher than the enforcers guarding Devargo's boat.
Trisane calls out to Rom in his best Varisian.
ROM! Probleme greșite. Mergeți la ajutor. Sunați la Garda Korvosan!
Trisane stands firm and does his best to deflect incoming attacks.
Everyone! Close ranks and hold your ground!
Rd 1 of 2 before Silverbeak arrives.
Rom continues to seek help. rds.
The sniper in front does not fire and remains in position.
The thugs facing Elden swing, both miss.
The sniper at the back of the alley fires at Trisane, but the shot is off target.
The thugs facing Trisane swings, and misses.
Party goes!
This is not going well, at least Nik occupied that sniper, maybe I can help Elden.
Ophelia takes a step back and lashes out with her whip at the thug standing near Elden.
Dammit! Did you forget how to fight all of a sudden? I hope it's going okay back there, because I'm staying here until I take out at least one of these guys.
Elden yells, yet again, and swings his waraxe at the thug directly in front of him, hoping to stay on target this time.
Rd 2 of 2 before Silverbeak arrives; Hippogriff inbound - Silverbeak acts next round.
Rom and the Guard arrival in 4 rds.
The sniper in front does not fire and remains in position.
The thug Ophelia tries to trip remains standing, Elden misses and Trisane hold his position.
Elden overextends on his swing, giving the thugs opportunity to get past his defenses.
The sniper at the back of the alley turns his crossbow skyward, firing at the arriving hippogriff.
The thug facing Trisane swings, and misses. Behind him his companions shout encouragement, but advance no further.
Party goes!
Dammit! I need to practice with this more.
She lashes out with the whip again.
|
|
Great Dreamer I am not cut out for this hero business!
Nik clasps his holy symbols again and prays.
May the starlight ease us in our time of need.
With the wave of positive energy the parties wounds are healed. Then Nik begins to follow Ophelia and Trisane.
Elden cries out in a mixture of pain and frustration. Aaaarrrrrggg!
This isn't working. Better find out how things are going for the rest.
Elden calls out to Trisane. What's the plan, boss?
Elden then stays put and swings at the same thugs, hoping for better results.
If this hits, cleave attack against adjacent target.
Ophelia's whip cracks, but leaves the thug standing.
Nik's spell eases your wounds
Trisane continues to hold the thugs at the rear at bay. In the Shingles, Silverbeak lets out a battle cry, an unnerving screech.
Elden swings and hits the first thug, carries the blow forward to hit the second thug, impressively, they both drop to the ground leaving the way forward clear.
Silverbeak's bull rush sends the rear sniper tumbling over the ledge and lands flat on his back with an unceremonious thud and groan.
The last thug takes a defensive stance, not eager to match blades with Trisane.
Wow, great hit Elden!
Time to move.
Ophelia runs forward as fast as she can, trying to escape the alley.