Tyrandro's arrow do no harm, but when Sebastian plunges Serithtial into the Everdawn Pool, the pool suddenly explodes in a blast of gore that is just as quickly consumed by a nearly blinding radiance.
With the defeat of the manifestation of Kazavon, things finally grow silent in the Sunken Queen.
Although Ileosa has been defeated, the Crown of Fangs remains, and Kazavon’s spirit remains strong in the evil artifact.
Tyrandro carefully listens into the silence - not believing yet, that it is over.
Ayako is battered by the flailing light and chains and her teeth rattle as the noise send her reeling. She vaguely sees Sebastion leap into the air and impale the Everdawn pool with his holy blade, causing it to explode and vanish.
Ayako pants, recovering her breath as her eyes dart around looking for more threaTS.
Iolana comes out of her daze and looks around. "What happened? Did we win?" She moves up an kicks the Queen's body away from the crown.
What do we do with that thing? I don't think it can be destroyed by any of my spells. I suggest we give it to the Cinderswarn. They can guard it again."
Seb is shocked as the pool is destroyed. He looks at Serthial. "Thank you for your help."
Give it to the Archons to take to the heavens?
Give it to the Archons to take to the heavens?
"I thought of that, but I would think that those who hid the bones would have thought of that the last time we had to deal with the fangs. They clearly discounted sending it to another plane."
The archons revive Laori. And they tell you, "We will not bring that artifact of pure evil to our home plane. The gods will not allow it. This is a mortal problem. While us outsiders may be called upon to aid in your fight here, we will not extend the battle into the planes."
Laori says, "There is a simple solution. You could honor the deal you made with me and entrust the Crown into my care. It will be brought to the Brotherhood of Bones for safekeeping as a holy artifact of our god, Zon-Kuthon. As we speak, agents are seeking out the other six relics. We will may sure that no one else ever uses them again."
"That doesn't sound that great to me. You have seen what one of those artifacts can do. Now you'd give all six parts to the followers of the god that sent that unholy abomination to Golarion for 'safe keeping'."
"If we do that, I can clearly see what our next job will be to save the humanity from great evil." Tyrandro objects.
"Cast it in tons of stone, somewhere, where the original guardians of the artifact can do their job again."
"Well just to play devil's advocate." says Laori, "If you truly wanted to destroy the artifact instead of hiding it, the only way for the Fangs of Kazavon to be destroyed is by uniting all 7 relics which would reincarnate Kazavon. Then you'd just need to defeat him again and before his soul can disperse back into the relics, sunder each of them with Serithtial. Easy peasy, right?! I'm sure I could convince the Brotherhood of Bones to allow it. Just seeing Kazavon's full, raw, unbridled power would be reward in of its own. Just thinking about it makes me juicy. Ooh."
Laori..you are dribbling on the floor.
What do you think? Ayako asks her companions. A rest for us and then looking for the other artifacts? We deserve a break from all this and then we can put down Kazavon down for good.
"We did make a deal with her. I agree with Ayako. Let her take it to the Brotherhood of Bones. It may be many lifetimes before they find all the pieces." One can hope, and then it will be somebody else's problem.
"I'm tired. We did what we set out to do. I'm ready for a rest." She leans against the wall.
Seb looks like he wants to argue with both Ayako and Iolana, but stops himself. He takes a deep breath. "As much as I hate to agree with Laori we don't have the ability to deal with the crown. At least the Brotherhood has the ability to keep others from taking it."
We can certainly aid in finding the other artifacts. Also we can research Kazavon and what abilities he possessed and properly prepare.
"If this is settled then, we can as well prepare the crowning ceremony for the next king or queen Korvosa. The queen doesn't have a heir, does she?" Tyrandro thinks aloud.
"With the Sklar-Quah, the one who kicks the most ass gets to be the leader. And the oldest wise guy the advisor. Which translates to one of us becoming ruler. But we have a serious lack of old advisors here. I guess you don't get old in this line of duty." Tyrandro ignores the part, that Laori is probably older as all the rest combined, as she doesn't look the part.
Somewhere in Korsova, a pig knows his time has come and rallies the livestock for a march on the throneroom.
"Let's get this Crown out of here and report to our allies. They'll know what to do next, and who is in line for the throne." She looks at the crown. "How are we going to get it out of here? Do you think just touching it makes you power crazy?"
Roll it into a sack with a stick. Ayako will do so.
Iolana holds open the sack. "Ready to go back to the city? I think we should head to Cresseda first." She offers everyone a teleport.
Ready.
Ayako rolls the crown into a bag to carry with you. It seems inert enough to handle right now but you can never be too careful, especially with evil artifacts.
Once ready, you all teleport back to Korvosa.
When you arrive, your success is already known to the public, if only because Neolandus and the rebels have reclaimed control of Castle Korvosa. Any remaining devils have been drawn back to Hell and any remaining Red Mantis Assassins and Gray Maidens have gone into hiding.
You head to Cressida first and she happily greets you. She informs you that she has begun rebuilding the Korvosan Guard and talk of restoring the Sable Company is on many lips. She is eager to hear how things went at the Sunken Maiden but assumes it went well.
"Well, it was the usual. A big fight, this time with a lot of magic involved and Laori died. That's becoming a habit of her." Tyrandro summarizes the event.
"Yes, it's fun. You should try it too sometime." Laori replies. "Oh wait, you did! Wasn't it to your liking you big sissy?"
Mushu is there with a crown and cape, surrounded by several big boars who wear helmets.
Oink oink oink oink
Lord Mushu says that he is pleased at all our hard work in saving his city and delares today to be a holiday. Ayako translates
"You, um, want to crown the pig king? Well given our last ruler, the sentiment is amusing. But that does bring up a topic that needs to be discussed. The Crimson Throne is empty. We need to find someone to rule. There is no one with direct lineage to inheret the position so the next ruler will be determined by the people. Seneshal Neolandus is too busy aiding with the restoration and does not desire the role anyway and the same goes for me. Needless to say, if any of you stepped forward, many of the population would support your nomination. Otherwise, if you have any serious suggestions, your council is greatly appreciated." says Cressida.
"I'm sure they wouldn't support ME. Not that I wanted the job. That throne is cursed. What's the longest a king survived sitting on it?" Tyrandro comments.
"But if it's about the people's choice, it won't be a king or queen anyway, but some other title like Lord Mayor, with only half the prestige."
"To be honest, I have no clue who should take up that position."
After a pause Tyrandro changes the topic. "There is another thing I wanted to ask of you a long time already, but the opportunity hadn't arisen. I heard you got some incriminating letters from Darvayne Gios Amprei. I would appreciate if you would part with them and hand them to me."
I am afraid I have no skill at political matters since I have been a mere assistant healer at the temple of Pharesma. I know a fair amount of the healing arts and magical matters to lend.
As for choosing who will lead the city, I have little idea. Apologies.
I'm afraid that I don't think I would be the best to rule the city, but Sebastian. He could do it. He's honest and upstanding. He has good relations with all levels of people within the city, and his sister was the leaders of the Grey Maidens who turned away from the Queen and helped us. I think he would be a great king." Iolana gives Seb a shove forward.
Seb looks stunned. "I don't think I'm good enough for the position. Though I know I'd have the people's best interests at heart." he has to avoid Mushu who tries to bite him.
Oink oink oink oink
Lord Mushu accepts that he needs someone who can best bring his rulings to the city and believes Sebastion would make a fine candidate
Ayako also speaks up. I would also be willing to lend a hand in regards to diplomacy and magical matters.[/b] Ayako smiles and gives a curtsey. All hail Sebastion, first of his name.
"I have a feeling that Sebastian will make an excellent ruler. I will prepare a formal announcement. Of course, as I said, it is ultimately up to the people of Korvosa, so other contenders may appear, but Sebastian's deeds give him the stronger claim to the throne in my opinion." says Cressida.
"Whatever happens, we're still here to take care of every ruler that cares more for their own profit than for Korvosa." Tyrandro comments.
Oh dear, that would cover quite a bit. We should consider less permanent consequences unless they decide to pull a Mad Queen.
"You don't have to go for the once and for all solution. If someone can be nudged in the right direction, that works too for taking care." Tyrandro qualifies his statement.
I suppose so. Hopefully we won't start too many wars.
In the coming days, word quickly gets around that the heroes of Korvosa have returned victorious against Queen Ileosa and how the people of Korvosa were saved from a terrible fate. Crowds gather in the streets wherever you travel and soon a huge parade is organized in your name.
When the city learns that Sebastian is seeking the title of King of Korvosa all seem eager to accept him as their new ruler. Not even the Arkonas or other noble families have anything to say. Without any opposition plans for a coronation ceremony begin.
As everyone is busy with catching up with friends and relatives, Tyrandro goes for another visit to Cressida. After the usual niceties he addresses the topic that was dropped the last time again. "I mentioned, that I'd like to have the incriminating letters about Darvayne Gios Amprei. But you seemed to have forgotten that request when we all were here and discussing the new rulership of town."
"Oh yes, I apologize. You did mention that. It seems like an odd request. But I can hardly refuse an askance of the hero of Korvosa, can I? I trust your discretion on the matter if you don't care to share the reason you have to protect this man. The protection of the people of Korvosa always has been and always will be my primary concern. You have proven yourself as a like-minded individual and I will leave it at that."
Cressida retrieves the requested documents from the evidence locker and hands them over to Tyrandro.
Ayako has decided to dress up for the coronation ceremony. Rather than the armor and robes she had always worn since the night they struck against Lamm, she was wearing a custom designed kimono in Tien-Xa style and her hair was coiffed perfectly.
Mushu was squeaky clean as well with some fancy pig blankets and headdress adorning his piggy head. Ayako had convinced him that being the secret ruler of the city was not yet the time, and to focus on bettering the lives of the animals and House Drakes of the city. Even now, he was thinking up plans to build a home in old Korsova and bring an end to Blood Pig once and for all.
You look quite dashing, Sebastion. We'll have to give you a crash course and sniffing out all the lies other nobles will tell you and make sure you will be properly kingly.
Iolana goes shopping and finds an amazing gown of Varisian make for the Coronation. She stands next to Sebastian, and straightens his robe. "Quit fiddling you're going to be the new king. You'll have to do this kind of thing all the time." She turns and smiles at the crowds. "We'll be here with you as you begin your rule. You can do this. I'm positive you will be the best ruler for this city."
Sebastian finds himself swept up in the preparations for the coronation. He manages to sneak away and speak to Vencarlo. "All I wanted to be was a hero. I don't think I can be king." He shrugs, "I understood how to be Black Jack, but the King. I'm not prepared for that at all. Would you be one of my adviser? I'll need someone I trust and who can have the ear of the people when they won't tell me what I need to know. My sister will also be an adviser as well as my friends, if they wish to stay."
The day of the coronation Sebastian looks very uncomfortable. He keeps tugging at his formal robe until Iolana straightens it and tells him to stop fidgeting. "I think this is a terrible idea. I don't really want to be king." He pauses. "I guess that might make me a decent one. I don't want the power so I won't abuse it hopefully." He looks to Ayako, "You have my permission to "heal" me anytime I get out of line."
"Tyrando, I know you'll tell me what you think. If you choose to stick around for the aftermath of this party."
Tyrandro takes the letters. He flies over the words and the disgust is clearly visible on his face. With a smirk he answers the Field Marshal "I must have forgotten to properly introduce myself. Tyrandro Amprei at your service. I won't tell my father that you don't have the letters anymore, but I have to live with that family name, and don't want that dirt thrown at it anytime."
"But I strongly believe that my position in my family is now such that if some Chelaxian intrigues against Korvosa come your way I can intervene there personally."
He thanks Creassida and leaves to prepare for the coronation.
Back at home Tyrandro enjoys the merits of being of noble heritage. The servants prepare a bath and formal Chelaxian garb for him.
He uses the opportunity to tell his father a nice story of what happened to a Chelaxian woman, who became queen in Korvosa and tried to abuse the city for her own advantage at the expense of the citicens. "So I'd appreciate if you attend the coronation of the new king, who is a friend of mine, and cut all the political schemes you're usually after."
Ever the scheming diplomat Amprei senior is no friend of open confrontations and agrees.
And so Tyrandro enters the court as part of his family, before he joins his adventuring companions and the new king to be again. "I never liked such official occasions. But now they look more fake than ever. A lot of hot air hidden behind pompous clothes."
To Sebastian's self consciousness he replies "Either you become a good king, and put Blackjack out of business. Or you suck and have to fix it with nightly excursions in your disguise. But if you don't agree to what some politicians whisper into your ear before discussing it with someone who usually disagrees with that person, you should be fine."
"Once you got some practice, tell me if the stuff you have to put up with as king is worth it."
I must have forgotten to properly introduce myself
Sebastian finds Vencarlo at his home in Old Korvosa. Makeshift bridges have been constructed to once again connect Old and New Korvosa until a proper stone bridge can be rebuilt once again. Vencarlo is working on repairing the fire damage done by the Red Mantis Assassins. With him is Trinia Sabor. ”Well, I was hoping to retire to a nice farm in the countryside, but I suppose if the city still needs me, I can put it off for a little longer. You would have made a good Blackjack, Sebastian, but you’ll make an even better king. You are just the right kind of person Korvosa needs right now leading them. I understand your hesitation, and you can always speak truthfully to me, but once you are sitting on that throne, you’ll need to display unwavering confidence. I know you can do it. And don’t worry about that Blackjack legacy. Things have a way of working out.” Vencarlo puts Trinia on the shoulder. ”There will always be a Blackjack when the city has need of him…or her.”
On the day of the ceremony, Sebastian prepares in is chambers with Sabina’s assistance who has agreed to maintain her position as the king or queen’s right hand woman. No longer does she wear the Gray Maiden armor that she donned during Ileosa’s brief reign. Inside, choosing a ceremonial suit worn during the previous era. ”You’ll do great, Sebastian. We all have faith in you. If you can face down demons and dragons, you have nothing to fear in the courts of Korvosa. Except maybe poison. Just kidding. That was a bad joke. Just don’t drop the crown or the scepter or whatever else they hand you. And don’t slouch. Otherwise, you’ll be fine. You know, mom and dad will be out there watching too. I know they are so proud of you. Who would have thought that little brother would one day be king. I always thought you’d wind up as some wastrel swashbuckling his days away and never amounting to much but look at you now.”
The ceremony drags on for hours. It is a very formal affair involving all the noble families and heads of all the prominent churches in the city. As fellow champions, Ayako, Tyrandro, Iolana, and Mushu get front row seats. Even Tunstall is allowed a spot much to the displeasure of the four nobles displaced to fit the giant wolf. All the while Sebastian plays the part perfectly, sitting and standing on cue, and reciting all the lines to be sworn in properly. Although the entire affair goes by without a hitch, he can’t help but worry in the back of his mind that the curse of the crimson throne hasn’t afflicting him the second he sat down on that red cushion.
Tunstall looks bored, first sitting and later lying in that prominent position. It doesn't mean anything to him. Which displeases the nobles even more, that would really like to be in that spot.
Ayako makes sure to coach Sebastion on proper etiquette during the coronation, or at least be able to fake it well enough. The finer points of appearing polite even when you don't want to will come later.
I am sure you will fine, Sebastion. You have a good ethical center and some budding skills with detecting the problems that will come with your position. I am also sure you will not fall prey to any curse and go mad with power.
Ayako manages to attend the coronation with a minimum of twitching, while Mushu joins Fluffy in dozing when the voices go on and on, his nose making a little whine every so often.
Iolana sits in the front row smiling up at Sebastian so very proud of what the four er six of them have accomplished. She is quite happy to have Tunstall displace the nobles. They just so happened to be her former in-laws. She made very certain that they had to move to the back of the seated section.
"Looks like we both have challenging relatives." Tyrandro jokes.