GM Peachbottom's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Peachbottom

Iolana looks relieved that they are least talking about silver weapons.

"You could purchase some silver ammunition or silver blanch it. I need to purchase some silver sling bullets or blanch some ammunition. I hope it doesn't come to that. Maybe we can convince Girrigz Ripperclaws to back down without our needing to fight."

Lucien smiles at Iolana, "Who's Girrigz Ripperclaws? I'm afraid I've never heard about him...". He hunches his shoulders. "Well, maybe my memory is just failing me again."

Nadya pauses from eating a skewer of meat and speaks up after a long period of silence. "I think I'd be nice to stop by Sebastian's place. Zellara has been psionically urging me to do a harrow reading for some time. My head is pounding. I can't stand it any longer. I'm sure his home has a private table we can sit around."

Indeed, I can purchase some silver bullets for my sling. I do have the wand of treating disease in case one of us is bitten by a wererat, perhaps we should buy some antiplague if possible to bolster our bodies before heading down.

It looks like we're about to enter the wild and wooly world of PbP conversation flex-time. Hold onto your butts!

Lucien's question gives Sebastian pause for thought. "Yes, I believe we might. Father made something like that on special order a number of years ago. The man who commissioned it made a hefty down payment but never returned to retrieve it. I expect he'll let you have it for the remainder of the balance, noble paladin that you are. And if you want to have it enchanted, we have some recommendations as well."

Sebastian raises an eyebrow at Iolana's outburst, furrowing his brow as she goes on. When she stops for breath, he lays back into her, not afraid to give as good as he gets. "As a matter of fact, we four are deep into the investigation of this plague, one that the Guard are hard-pressed to conduct on their own. We are close to discovering where the plague came from, and this excursion is only delaying that. But Cressida seems to think it's worth our time, even though it isn't going through her, and that's reason enough for me."

After a breath, Sebastian prepares to continue the quarrel, but a look from Lucien makes him think better of it. Something tells me this one won't be kissing both of us.

Once the group finishes their shopping in the Gold Market, Sebastian leads them to the Merrin Smithy near the northern edge of the Slope ward to acquire silver weapons.

Lucien nods to Sebastian, content with his idea. "I'm fine with that, thank you Sebastian. I don't think I need to have it enchanted, at least not yet. Anyway, since we're here, I'll seize the opportunity to make a few purchases. Trade must be encouraged, after all".

Lucien then follows his words with actions. He stops by all the potion sellers he can find on his way through the Gold Market, trying to buy two oils of magic weapon.

When he's done with his purchases, Lucien nods to Nadya. "Yes, I agree. We could use some rest, too. Let's head to Sebastian's place, then. Lead the way, Sebastian".

As they make their way to Sebastian's place, Lucien stops frequently to talk to beggars. He offers them some coins*, but not too much in order not to encourage their laziness. Then, he also gives away some of his money to the local sellers, in order to encourage commerce in his city**. Remember, when you happen to have luck either in your life as a whole or in your trade, always keep in mind those who have not been as lucky. Father Vargidan was a wise man.
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* He offers coins up to a total of 10 gp to beggars, no more than 1 gp each.
** He offers a total of 50 gp to local traders, no more than 10 gp each.

Relieved that the group has agreed to help, Iolana follows them to Sebastian's place.

"Thank you for agreeing to help. If we work well together, maybe I can help you in your investigations." she offers.

2:00 pm – 6 Abadius 4709 AR
The Merrin House & Smithy

After lunch and shopping, you head to the Merrin House in the Heights. There you are greeted by both his parents.

"Sebastian! How are you doing? It's been a while since you've stopped home. We were worried that you might have caught this blood veil."

Sebastian's mother unceremoniously starts checking Sebastian for signs of sickness, like a child, checking his eyes and throat.

"Well you look healthy. Have you been eating enough? Luckily the plague hasn't spread too far into the Heights yet, but it is only a matter of time. You know your sister was here a few days ago with some of those new physicians the Queen has employed to help stop this crisis. She warned us to stay inside until this whole thing was over. She knew better than to tell you to stay indoors too though, that you'd find some way to get involved. Oh I wish you wouldn't though. This whole plague is terrifying. Sabina looked real fancy in her new armor. She said she was the commander of the Gray Maidens now. Can you believe it? A commander. We're so proud of her."

"Oh she also said that she was looking for your friend, Nadya, and if you stopped by, to ask her to come by the castle."

She turns to Nadya. "Oh there you are dear. It's not every day you get invited to the castle. It must be important."

"Did you all eat yet? I wasn't expecting so many visitors but I can put something on the fire if you'd like. Oh, but I'm just rambling on again. Come in, come in. Relax. Stay as long as you'd like. Was there something you needed?"

Ayako buys two antiplagues(100 gp) to help against whatever lurks in the sewers. as well as 2 doses of bodybalm (50 gp +5 treatment for Poison/Disease)

When arriving at Sebastion's house, she giggles inwardly at the parenting he is receiving. Noone can make someone guilty of not visiting like a mother.

Quietly smiling at the embarrassment parents put their children through, she shakes her head at the food question. "Thank you madam. Food isn't necessary. We just finished eating." Iolana steps to the side so the rest of the group can complete their business.

Sebastian, reduced to barely more than a child, can do nothing but tolerate the humiliation. He nods and mumbles answers to her questions while she pokes and prods at him, and breathes a sigh of relief when she turns her attention to the others. "Thank you, mother, but no. We're in need of silver weapons, and I could hardly let them purchase them in the Gold Market, could I?" Sebastian motions the group toward the smithy before realizing something. "Did you say Sabina was here? When did you see her?"

Sebastian will also purchase two doses of antiplague.

"Silver weapons, you say?" chimes in Sebastian's father. "Why don't you take your friends around to the smith and show them all the daggers you've made? Take whatever you need."

"And who's this lovely lady you brought with you?" Sebastian's father smiles at Iolana. "We haven't had the pleasure of meeting her before. You are becoming quite the ladies' man, Sebastian." He smiles at Iolana again. "You know, Sebastian is a very talented blacksmith as well as a swordsman. Did he tell you that he is training with the prestigious Vencarlo Orisini? And if he is anything like his father, he knows how to wield his sword, if you know what I mean." He winks.

"Enough of that." Sebastian's mother pokes his father. "Yes, Sabina was here. You two seem to keep just missing each other. She was here, oh maybe three days ago."

Nadya speaks up. "So Sabina said to meet her at the castle? I wonder what for. I have no idea why she'd ask for me specifically. Whatever it is, once we are done here, I'll head that way and find out."

Iolana looks a little uncomfortable at Sebastian's father's words, but she goes along with the teasing. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Iolana Altumas. I'm the widow of Manius Altumas, though I doubt you have heard of him. Sebastian and I have just met. I haven't had a chance to see his sword, er swordplay in action yet. He and his friends have been kind enough to help me with a little problem. It's one of the reason's we need silver weapons."

Smiling reassuringly at Mrs. Merrin "Nothing dangerous of course. A diplomatic mission if you will." she pauses for a moment. "Trained by Vencarlo you say. Then I shouldn't be the slightest bit worried about any danger that may befall us."

Ayako just rolls her eyes at the words of Sebastion's father

Luciens nods, content with Sebastian's father words. "I'll take a look then. I'm looking for a greatsword. I know, it's not the easiest weapon around to wield, but I managed to learn how to swing it appropriately...although my instructor was not nearly as celebrated as Mr. Orsini. It was my father: an excellent guard captain, a decent swordsman but a poor teacher. Anyway, I insist to pay for the weapon: the Master of the First Vault wouldn't like me to profit that much from your generosity".

After offering his explanations and waiting for the others to end their conversations, Lucien turns to Sebastian with a broad, slightly eager smile. "So, will you show me your silver friend?"

"Father!" Sebastian's face burns with embarrassment. He stammers out objections, floundering badly. Once again, Lucien comes to his rescue. "Y-yes, Lucien, I think that's a fineidea. The smithy is just outside." He practically pushes the others out the door, trying to get them all away from his parents as quickly as possible. We should have just gone shopping in the Gold Market.

2:05 pm – 6 Abadius 4709 AR
The Merrin House & Smithy

You head around back to the smithy. Inside is a neatly kept workshop. Finely crafted weapons of all kinds rest of racks around the walls. The air smells of fresh soot and ash from recent use. It is cool and quiet in here.

You can find whatever silver weapons you are looking for and they can be of regular or masterwork quality. You can acquire them for half cost. The Merrins won't charge you more than the cost to craft them.

Once you've acquired what you are looking for, Nadya breaks out her harrow deck and starts shuffling. "This seems like a nice out-of-the-way place to do this. Shall we?"

Ayako purchases some silver sling bullets, her thin arms were ill suited for melee so she decided to hone her ranged abilities.
Indeed Nadya, I think it is high time.

Lucien purchases a masterwork silver greatsword and pays the amount of money needed to the Merrins, praising them for the quality of their craftmanship. Then, he takes a long look at Nadya. "I'm kind of skeptical on these divinations...we're in the Age of Lost Omens after all. But I'll guess we could give it a try anyway. Let's do it, Nadya"

Iolana looks at the silver sling bullets with envy.
A Harrow reading? I haven't had one of those since my last visit to my Great Uncle. I would be honored to join."

Nadya drags a wooden workbench into the center of the room and pulls up two stools to sit beside it. The magic of the harrow deck manifests throughout the room with illusory images. The bench becomes a round table covered with a red cloth and the stools, high backed chairs. The brocaded tapestries and brightly colored rugs that you saw in Zellara's home now decorate this room. A fragrant haze of flowers and strong spice permeates the air. And Nadya herself is transformed and appears to now be wearing a more traditional Varisian garb of colored scarves and gaudy jewelry.

Nadya motions for Ayako to take a seat first.

Ayako's Reading

Nadya selects the 9 "shields" cards, shuffles them together, then draws one and places it face up before Ayako. The Brass Dwarf.

"The Brass Dwarf shows an azer who represents invulnerability to a current danger. Although others might fall, he remains hale and strong. The Brass Dwarf can also mean a failure or dark fate for one, which in turn might save all others around him from a greater danger."

"People are falling all around you due to this mysterious plague. As a priestess, you have the power to cure. You will need to find the strength to overcome this disease and help carry your allies through to the end."

Nadya scoops up the card and shuffles all over them back together. She then lays down nine face down cards in a 3 by 3 square. She flips over the first three cards on the left. "The first three cards represent the past. The Winged Serpent, The Keep, and The Unicorn."

"The Winged Serpent is a powerful being. Knowledge and prudence are separate keeps bridged by understanding. The couatl represents this bridge, knowing whether now is the time to strike. Misaligned, this card means either not seizing a moment or doing so ill-advisedly."

"The Unicorn is a card that generously offers that which the subject seeks, just as the charger in the picture offers up its fruit. When misaligned, the card means betrayal, poisoning, or a false friend."

"These two cards refer to a recent event dear to your hear: Madam Halvara’s death by Devargo’s hand. You thought to use her friend to create an opportunity to strike at Devargo but ultimately the plan had flaws and Halvara lost her life. But you shouldn’t despair too much. Halvara went willingly and perhaps knew that outcome better than you did."

Next she flips the three middle cards. "These cards represent the present. The Queen Mother, The Locksmith, and The Vision."

"The Locksmith presents the subject with the keys she needs to unlock her destiny. He grants the tools to access a new location, clue or treasure. He does not grant insight into how or where to use the tools granted. This card often represents a strange, ancient or magical object."

"The poor Soldado girl was the first to discover the Death’s Head Coffer. Typically locked boxes require keys. But in this case, the box is the key to solving the mystery of the plague. Discovering the origin of this magic object should be one of your goals."

Finally, Nadya flips the remaining three cards. "These last three cards represent the future. The Courtesan, The Waxworks, and The Inquisitor."

"The Courtesan is the card of political intrigue. Her mask embodies the social niceties that must be followed. If it slips, negotiations can take an unexpected turn. The card can also indicate a woman of power who shapes events. How she is treated decides the outcome of the situation."

"The Waxworks is a place of helplessness and physical entropy. The mind might be willing, but the flesh is frozen in this place of horror. It is also the card of torture and imprisonment, signifying literal inability to move or a paralysis of a more prosaic kind. Misaligned, this card indicates an abundance of energy at a crucial moment that changes all."

"I see an attractive, pale-skinned, and ebony-haired woman, not unlike you, Ayako. Yet unlike you, at her waist, her flesh begins to rot and wither away, leaving her little more than a blood-soaked skeleton from the hips down. The woman stands over the citizens of Korvosa. They are bound helpless and suffering from disease. As only a partial match, their fates are yet unknown. You will play a part in determining how many survive."

Next, Lucien takes a seat.

Lucien's Reading

Nadya shuffles the "shields" cards and places down The Teamster.

"The Teamster is a driving external force that keeps the subject going, no matter what. This force can be physical or mental, as a person who exhorts others to continue on when they have no more strength to give. The force can be for good or ill but cannot be ignored. The half-orc depicted is leading a life of constant toil, but for his own betterment."

"Disease holds no power over you but the same does not hold true for his allies. You may be called upon to keep driving them forward when they feel they cannot do so."

After reading the role card, she places down the array and flips the first three cards. "The Betrayal, The Rabbit Prince, and The Sickness."

"The Rabbit Prince is a quirky fellow who represents the vagaries of hand-to-hand combat. The Prince is battle personified and nothing if not capricious. As his broken sword symbolizes, any combatant can fall in battle, no matter how brave or skilled. This card sometimes stands for younger members of royalty or other powerful households."

"The Sickness represents plague, pestilence, famine, and disease. It can also indicate corruption of the soul or of a multitude of souls. If misaligned, The Sickness represents either great health or a chance to stop such a disaster."

"You were noble born and trained in combat. But tragedy struck and your wife and daughter both died of disease. The current plague is a constant reminder of your past. Will it haunt you and leave you weaker or will you come out stronger because of it?"

She then flips the next three cards. "The Publican, The Snakebite, and The Owl."

"The Publican represents fellowship and camaraderie, and a place of refuge for those in need. Most would find the cyclops inconsequential, but he had insights relevant to the reading or a quest. Misaligned, The Publican represents refuge unfound or false information given at a crucial moment."

"The Owl represents the eternal wisdom of the natural order. It is the harsh realism that causes a pack of wolves to cull the weak in the herd. It is tragic for the culled deer, but through such actions the herd grows stronger. The needle the Owl holds binds life together, but just as easily can pick that life apart."

"Many new friends and companions have recently come into your life. They will rely on your wisdom. Your guidance has the power to bind or destroy this fragile alliance. Think carefully about the decisions you make."

Finally she flips the last three cards. "The Marriage, The Juggler, and The Vision."

"These cards together indicate you are confused about your future. You’ll need to successfully juggle conflicting feelings and tests of faith or they might just drive you mad."

Next up is Sebastian.

Sebastian's Reading

Nadya places down Sebastian's role card, The Brass Dwarf.

"The Brass Dwarf shows an azer who represents invulnerability to a current danger. Although others might fall, he remains hale and strong. The Brass Dwarf can also mean a failure or dark fate for one, which in turn might save all others around him from a greater danger."

"No one is safe from this city-wide plague. You will face many of his former acquaintances who have recently fallen. You’ll need to be strong or meet the same fate as them."

She lays down the array and flips the "past" cards. "The Cyclone, The Empty Throne, and The Rabbit Prince."

"The Cyclone is a force that tears through whatever it meets. This disaster does not come in the course of natural order but it one that comes from the plots of intelligent beings. The Cyclone signifies war, arson, or other plans that destroy everything they touch. Misaligned, this card can indicate renewal."

"There was indeed chaos and riots in the recent past. But misaligned the card indicates renewal. Your idol Blackjack was missing for many years but his return may indicate a positive turn of events."

Next, the "present" cards. "The Queen Mother, The Peacock, and The Twin."

"The Peacock is a creature of astonishing beauty, but it is a beauty that can only be retained if frozen like a cockatrice's statues. Smarter people accept the passage of time and dance out of The Peacock's way. Its appearance always signifies a sudden personal shift in attitude or societal change."

"You have been very trusting of the Queen and others perhaps frozen in his belief that the queen serves the people’s best interests. I sense your feelings are beginning to change."

Lastly, the "future" cards. "The Betrayal, The Waxworks, and The Idiot."

"The Waxworks - helplessness and entropy, The Waxworks is a place of helplessness and physical entropy. The mind might be willing, but the flesh is frozen in this place of horror. It is also the card of torture and imprisonment, signifying literal inability to move or a paralysis of a more prosaic kind. Misaligned, this card indicates an abundance of energy at a crucial moment that changes all."

"The Idiot is a card of grave foolishness and greed. It can mean bribery, blackmail, or naivety so grand it can see no evil. The goblins have captured a foolhardy man, representing the knowledge that loss of dignity can precede loss of life. Misaligned, this card might indicate feigning of idiocy to disguise one’s gifts."

"I see a pale elf dressed as a harlequin-harlot. She dances unseen among nobles in a masquerade ball. I sense an evil about her like another disease just waiting to spread. But it is but a vision and I cannot warn those naïve to her presence. Will you be able to save them? Only time will tell."

Last up is Iolana.

Iolana's Reading

Nadya smiles as Iolana sits. "A reading for our newest ally."

She places down The Brass Dwarf.

"The Brass Dwarf shows an azer who represents invulnerability to a current danger. Although others might fall, he remains hale and strong. The Brass Dwarf can also mean a failure or dark fate for one, which in turn might save all others around him from a greater danger."

"Another Brass Dwarf. This bodes well that you all may just come out of this alive."

Nadya slips The Brass Dwarf back into the deck, shuffles the cards, and lays down the nine cards for the reading. She proceeds to flip over the first three cards for the "past". "The Mute Hag, The Eclipse, and The Courtesan."

"The Eclipse represents self-doubt and loss of purpose. This card afflicts those with faith in the divine, as their talents can wane under this stress. It can also indicate a loss of way along a path. If misaligned, it can augur an unheralded ability coming to the fore or a concealed location revealed."

"A shadow has fallen over you with your husband’s murder. You wear your mourning on the outside through your clothes and facial expressions. However, like the moon, even the darkness times will eventually give way to light."

Nadya then flips over the three middle cards for the "present". "The Trumpet, The Paladin, and The Brass Dwarf."

"The Trumpet is a declaration of power. This archon is an aggressive force who wades into the direst situations without hesitation in the cause of right. Misaligned, it suggests the motives aren’t noble, bringing injury and crumbling strength. It is a card that grants all or nothing at all."

Finally, she flips the last three cards for the "future". "The Empty Throne, The Joke, and The Crows."

"The Empty Throne has a sense of loss that is palpable. The ghost signifies that those who are gone will always be with us. They taught us important lessons, if only we choose to listen. This card can bring information from a far-off or ancient source. If misaligned, the ghosts of the past are restless, and might require effort to set at peace."

"I will be leaving you for now to see what the Queen wants of me. But my presence will still be with you. Zellara whispers to me to leave the Harrow deck in your capable hands. Your Varisian blood makes this a natural choice. Use the cards wisely and listen to what they tell you. You and your allies will need the guidance they provide if you are to succeed on your quest."

After the reading, Nadya returns the cards to the box and the illusions vanish, returning the room to its original smithy form. Nadya hands Iolana the deck and she instantly becomes intimately aware of its abilities.

Ayako sits stone faced during the readings, her expression unknowable but a small sigh escapes her lips.

Iolana accepts the deck with a bit of surprise. She nods to Nadya, "I will take good care of this deck. I'm sure the deck will take care of us." She carefully puts it in her belt pack for safe keeping.

Sebastian is unnerved as the familiarity of the smithy is transformed into Zellara's Harrow parlor. Looking over his shoulder, he spots the tapestry of the heart-juggling monster in a place where it most definitely should not be. Once again, he's forced into pretending to be unfazed, which proves to be more difficult for being in a place that was supposed to be his home.

As Nadya sits them down one by one, Sebastian reflects on the events since the last reading. The intervening months had been better than those preceding. But living in the light had caused him to forget the darkness he came out of, that all of them came out of. Even now, in the midst of plague, he and his loved ones were safe and healthy while potentially hundreds were in danger. The atmosphere dredges up memories he thought he had put behind him. Laughing and playing with Vincent as children. Memories of Vincent, now a young man, descending into the depths of addiction. Of swearing vengeance upon Gaedren Lamm and those like him. And of the events directly following the last Harrow reading they'd had. The hunt for Lamm, and the showdown at the fishery. His skin was still mottled from the acid. Vincent. How is his family? Are they well?

Sebastian is pulled from his reverie when his turn finally comes. Sitting in the seat, it feels differently than before. In the past, he'd occasionally have a reading done for some laughs, and even last time he had dismissed it as a parlor trick. But the world had been shifting so much these past few months, Sebastian was no longer sure what he believed.

As the spread is laid out before him, he winces inwardly. He doesn't know what to make of the Brass Dwarf, but he and Ayako seem to be connected. But many of the other cards look macabre. There's the Rabbit Prince again. Unconsciously, his hand goes to the hilt of his sword, unbroken in its scabbard. And the Waxworks, too. And in the future again?

Once again, Blackjack appears in Sebastian's reading, setting his mind a bit more at ease. But Nadya's interpretation of the his attitude toward the Queen has all the appearance of simple cold reading. Everybody I trust seems suspicious of her, even Sabina! It hardly takes a fortune teller to guess that I might be seeing things differently. But the final part of Nadya's reading grabs his attention. Another vision? An elf, dancing at a masquerade? As he vacates the stool, he feels he's got more questions than he started with, and not a lot of insight to make up for it.

After the readings, Sebastian breathes a sigh of relief as the illusion of the Harrow parlor fades, returning them all to familiar smithy. "Nadya, if you're going to the palace, you're sure to run into Sabina. Would you be so kind as to deliver a letter to her for me?"

"Of course, Sebastian. Once you write it up, I'll head out and you can go search for this wererat Girrigz."

Thank you very much for this reading, hopefully the insights will help us ending this disease on the city.

When Nadya agrees to deliver the letter, Sebastian disappears into another room for a few minutes, returning with a letter. "Does anyone have further business? If not, we'd best be off."

"I am ready to go." While waiting for the others to be ready Iolana checks her bag to make sure everything is there, and in the proper pockets.

She studies the three through her eyelashes as she sorts through her bag. I'm putting my life into these people's hands. I hope this goes well.

Suddenly something occurs to her. "You said something about fighting vampires earlier today. Did you need to rest or pray to regain spells before we head into the sewers?" She speaks quietly not wanting to upset Sebastian's parents.

I am fine, how is everyone else?

Nadya pockets the letter and embraces each of you before heading out. "Good luck down there. I'm make sure to deliver this letter and we'll meet again soon."

It's a good idea to rest first but I'll give you guys the final call.

A rest before we head into unknown territory would be a good idea.

What kind of rest? Are we delaying until the next day so spells can be refreshed? A couple hours won't really do much for our resources, unless I'm missing something.

Ayako has used one spell so she isn't too hard hit. Has anyone been drained by the vampires?

Lucien's eyes widen as he listens to Nadya's reading. A lot of different thoughts pass through his mind in those moments, as he unwillingly admits to himself that those cards are saying something which could actually become true. Responsibility...Guiding my companions...I need to be strong.

"Thank you, Nadya" says Lucien with a broad smile, trying not to betray the strange feeling slithering inside of him at the thought of his own future. "I'll do my best to act as a worthy guide to our group."

---

As the group discuss about the next move, Lucien chimes in: "I think we should rest properly. Every hour we lose the plague spreads, but we cannot hope to fight it if we're not at our best. Personally, the vampires drained out some of my resources, forcing me to use some of my strongest abilities."

You say goodbye to the Merrins and make your way back to the Three Rings Tavern to prepare and rest for the remainder of the day. The tap room is practically empty all afternoon and evening and those who do come in, eat and drink in grim silence, a stark contrast to the rowdy, lively tavern just a week or two ago. Tauk Par, the bouncer sits on a stool by the door bored. The owner, Theandra, is still happy to talk if called upon but it seems the only current news is how far the plague has spread and who has died recently. You overhear a couple of patrons talking about how the Grey Maidens and Queen's Physicians are forcible entering and searching people's homes. If they find someone sick from the Blood Veil, everyone in that household is usually put to death on the spot for knowingly harboring or hiding the infected as per the Queen's writ. Entire neighborhood are being quarantined and there is a growing rumor that the Queen soon plans to quarantine all of Old Korvosa.

Everyone wakes up rested the next day. Luckily no of you show any signs of the disease yet.

7:00 am – 7 Abadius 4709 AR
The Three Rings Tavern
Weather: Cold and Rainy

You eat a quick breakfast of sweetbread and tea while rain batters against the windows of the tavern. You already know it is going to be a dismal trek south through Midland to find the correct sewer entrance.

Ayako sips her tea and frowns at the news, this was going much to far with the slayings of those harboring the sick, just what was happening?

Tugging her hood over her head, Ayako looks to the others. Well. let us get going. make sure to drink your antiplague before we go into the sewers.

News of the Grey Maidens executing those infected is certainly grim, but the plague posed a threat to the whole city. If people continued to cower in their homes rather than seek treatment at the hospice or allow themselves to be quarantined, the disease would only continue to spread and devastate others.

Sebastain enjoys a warm chai with breakfast, not looking forward to trudging through the sewers. It was wet, cold, and dreary outside, and the only thing likely to change once they got under the streets would be that it would smell even worse.

"Ms. Altumas, I can only hope that your source can live up to her end of this bargain. I won't take kindly if we're risking the wererat's curse for nothing."

I think you would look quite handsome with whiskers. Ayako teases.

Iolana looks groggy, and leans heavily on the table. She is clearly not a morning person. She sips her black tea with milk and a bit of lemon along with a breakfast cake.

She responds to Sebastian, "She will. She's in just as much danger from this as everyone else." I hope I'm right, but I'll act confident until proven otherwise.

Upon hearing Ayako gentle teasing, she shuts one eye an tips her head slightly studying Sebastian. She grins suddenly as if seeing him with whiskers. "I'd look amazing with silky black ears." she laughs.

Vimanda might agree...

Sebastian glares at Ayako, hardly in the mood for jokes. Besides, he was handsome enough as he was.

8:00 am – 7 Abadius 4709 AR
The Three Rings Tavern
Weather: Cold and Rainy

Once you finish up breakfast, you head out into the rain. You are the only ones out on the streets in this soggy weather as you walk south towards Midland. The directions Eries gave Iolana appear to be accurate as you are able to find a sewer entrance at the location she provided.

You climb down a slimy metal ladder and into the sewer tunnels which offer you a refuge from the rain above. The tunnel itself is twenty feet in diameter and the ceiling is a semicircle arch above. A ten foot wide channel runs down the center and divides the tunnel in half. Filthy sludge and refuse mix with the rain water that flows in from systematic grates above. You get the impression that the channel is not terribly deep but the water is opaque and you can't be certain of its depth without testing it. Every fifty feet or so, a narrow bridge links the two sides of the tunnel to allow crossing from one side to the other.

The tunnel is pitch black (except for some dim light shining down from the hole you entered through) until you create a light source. And the smell is a nearly unbearable mixture of human waste and rotting corpses. Most of you are able to keep the contents of your stomachs down but Sebastian keels over and pukes adding to the putridity of the water. Although, once he is done cleansing himself, he begins to get used to the stink. It is relatively quite down here except for the occasional drip of water from above or the squeak of a rat somewhere in the distance. The water in the channel flows too slowly to make any sound.

As you proceed, it quickly becomes obvious that the sewers of Korvosa are a huge labyrinth with more tunnels and side passages than the streets above and with no landmarks to discern one corridor from the next.

After following Eries' directions for about 10 minutes, you here in the distance the echoes of someone giggling. The giggles are broken up intermittently with a hacking cough and a moment of weeping before the giggling resumes.

Ayako whispers to the others. I could go ahead in pitch darkness for a look, I can see in the dark.

Sebastian nods and waves her on, grabbing a vial on antiplague from a pouch on his belt and imbibing it. Is there anything about her that isn't deceptively unsettling? Remembering his early experiences with Ayako's healing magics make him grateful for the wand they've been using for such tasks.

Forgot to mention it any point previously, but Sebastian purchased a crossbow and used silver weapon blanch to make twenty silver-tipped bolts during the day's downtime. Price should be 12 gold sails (2 stacks of 10 bolts at 1 gp each and two doses of silver blanch at 5 gp each).

Ayako becomes the niggghhhtttt and edges down the walkway.

Ayako proceeds ahead of the party and is surprised to see a familiar but not necessarily friendly face. The one-eyed half-orc Giggles sits on the walkway ledge. His legs dangle down and are submerged in the muck below. He appears to be in very poor shape and shows symptoms of late-stage Blood Veil. He continues to cough and giggle, seemingly oblivious of Ayako's approach.

The last time you saw him, he was locked up in a cell below Citadel Volshyenek.

Ayako heads back to the others.The half-orc Giggles, who was Lamm's lackey is ahead. I do not know how he got out of prison but he has late stage Blood Veil and is just sitting on the walkway with his legs in the muck. he looks broken and uncaring that he is going to die.

Sebastian scowls, his hand going to the pommel of his rapier. "Perhaps we should put him out of his misery," he growls.

I'm not really sure where non-lethal Sebastian went. Maybe the vampires know.