Despite the unrest, many taverns are still open in the city. Thod, as usual, spends his time frequenting the many such establishments, looking for the best ale he can find.
=====
At the same time, the Queen has begun aggressively recruiting for the Gray Maidens. Not much is known about the recruitment process, however she is specifically looking for beautiful women and is pulling from the ranks of other military orders in Korvosa.
"What the hell? The queen is making some elite guards, and she's looking for cute women? Starting to think these Gray Maidens are all for show and most could barely hold a spear right. And why would the queen want beautiful women guards anyways?"
Thod looks over at Raven Six and ponders for a moment.
"Naaah. You ain't got the right build. Oh, yeah, and she's seen you already."
"You forget the distraction factor offered by nubile females," Raven Six responds, her feelings clearly not hurt in the slightest. "Also, given that beautiful women are often treated as breeding stock for sale, I can see how offering them a chance to crack skulls and take names might inspire great loyalty."
She blinks once.
"Hm. I could disguise myself, but there would be scheduling conflicts. Also, I am not confident enough in my acting skills to construct a persona for a long-term con. Not in person, anyway. By correspondence .... perhaps."
Thod manages to find an excellent establishment that has some properly brewed dwarven ale, imported en masse from Janderhoff to slate the thirst of a local population of dwarven metallurgists. Annie's Ransom is a strangely-enough named tavern, but the ale tastes like home and Thod manages to make a few slightly befuddled friends.
----
It isn't long before you check in on Cressida, who looks distinctly unhappy.
"I... am placed in a difficult situation. Queen Ileosa intends to ... significantly restructure Korvosa's military organization. It is highly likely that several, if not all active branches of the city watch and military will be disbanded and recreated as new organizations."
She drops her voice.
"The business with Trinia is bad enough... but I believe she is making very dangerous decisions as a new ruler. She is simply too inexperienced for changes this significant. Things are moving too fast here, and although I am certain you were not noticed during your ah... assistance during the execution, I would be careful. And most importantly, my budget has been seized. I can no longer finance you, and frankly will be shocked if I remain a Marshall in the coming weeks."
Cressida leans back in her chair, sighing.
"But I will do my duty and I will remain at my post. For all intents and purposes our arrangement must come to an end. However, understand my loyalty is to the city first. I forsee a time when the guard will no longer have the autonomy to protect the city. If you will let me know where you are staying, we may be in contact in the future informally. But for now, I must remain at my post."
Thod still tries out the other bars and breweries in Korvosa. Though an unimaginative and simple dwarf, he does enjoy sampling various ales, beers, whiskeys, and even wine. Still, it's good to have reliable dwarven ale to come back to.
Fortunately, even with the chaos in Korvosa, Thod is just heavily armed and intimidating enough to avoid attention by less savoury elements, while his tendency to march as though in patrol means he looks law-abiding enough for what few enforcers of law exist to not cause him any undue trouble.
=====
Thod grumbles as Cressida describes the new rules being touted.
"Damn girl don't know what the hell she's doing. Already don't know what makes a good soldier by looking for good-looking women, and now she wants to remake the whole dang guard force?"
Though a thought comes to Thod.
"Uhh, Cressida, have you been invited to join the Grey Maidens?"
Being Chelaxian originally, most of the drink consumed in Korvosa is wine and its descended spirits like brandy, particularly since the city is situated near some excellent wine country. However, it is cosmopolitan enough so that beer is still brewed here and Thod is able to find a handful of taverns that make their own.
---
Cressida barks out a laugh, shaking her head.
"I am of the old order - my loyalties are to the Guard and Korvosa herself, rather than its ruler. Monarchs come and go but the city remains. The Guard itself was descended from the regular army troops brought to Endrin Isle long ago by Field Marshal Jakthian Korvosa, who founded this fair city. It's why our ranks are so military." She pats her desk. "The noble families will take their turns at the throne, but the Guard is what created this city and keeps it together. He was the first Field Marshal, and I now carry that rank."
Her face falls.
"Hopefully I am not the last."
"We appreciate all that you've done for us, Field Marshall, and that you've respected our desire to help this city and its less fortunate citizens in doing so. You can find us in a small house along Warehouse Way, though I would appreciate it if that information was not shared about. If you must reach us via messenger, Sevenspawn and myself can be reached reasonably quickly in a number of venues."
Here, Donnell rattles off a quick list of names and places that he and Sevenspawn trust, and where they are known.
"Certainly, feel free to call on us personally if you need our help - either for future missions, or if you need a place to lie low. I do not envy your position - I have a feeling that the Queen knowing who you are is unlikely to be advantageous in the near future."
Taking her hand in farewell, Donnell has the decency to look sheepish: "And... I'm sorry if we gave you a hard time. I do not trust easily, and it was easier to see you as an agent of the Queen than for who you really are. Take care of yourself."
Being Chelaxian originally, most of the drink consumed in Korvosa is wine and its descended spirits like brandy, particularly since the city is situated near some excellent wine country. However, it is cosmopolitan enough so that beer is still brewed here and Thod is able to find a handful of taverns that make their own.
=====
Cressida barks out a laugh, shaking her head.
"I am of the old order - my loyalties are to the Guard and Korvosa herself, rather than its ruler. Monarchs come and go but the city remains. The Guard itself was descended from the regular army troops brought to Endrin Isle long ago by Field Marshal Jakthian Korvosa, who founded this fair city. It's why our ranks are so military." She pats her desk. "The noble families will take their turns at the throne, but the Guard is what created this city and keeps it together. He was the first Field Marshal, and I now carry that rank."
Her face falls.
"Hopefully I am not the last."
"You, uh... You didn't answer my question. Has the queen asked you to join the Gray Maidens? I mean, sounds like she's not the sort to care about traditions, so all that proud heritage don't mean squat to her. And if she's remaking every group that swings a sword under her rule, sounds like you may well be the last. But you look like you can use weapons and wear armour. Kind of wondering if you fit who she's looking for."
"'Cause, honestly, I'm curious as to what's going on with those Maidens. Be nice to have somebody who could report what the process is like, you know?"
"This is indeed regrettable," Raven Six says, as she watches the Field Marshal over steepled fingers. "To be fired now, when the aegis of legal authority might indeed be very useful, especially with the Spider King apparently out for blood..... This is counter-productive. However, I concur with Donnell; you know where to find us and we should be available to you, for whatever comes to pass."
Cressida blinks. "I did after a fashion, no. I have not been asked and will not be asked. Their purpose and intent is... unknown. Even the recruitment practices are opaque. All I know is they're selecting women based on appearance and... potential I suppose? If I knew more I would tell you. Good luck to all of you. I will look to you if your help is needed."
---
With your meeting with Cressida over you return to discuss your next step at Zellara's home. When you arrive, you see a note has been slipped under the door.
"My friends, I hope this note finds you in good health in these dangerous times. In light of the recent unrest, I feel that I could provide some tips on self-defense to adventurers such as you, and would be most gratified to meet with you for these lessons, offered gratis, at Orisini Academy, 16 Hillcrest Street. I eagerly await your arrival."
-Vencarlo Orisini
"Interesting. I vote we go see the gentleman. He seemed interested in high alchemy; we should get along swimmingly."
Donnell sighs heavily: "Does everyone know where we are hiding? So much for remaining covert... Yes, Raven6, I agree, we should seek him out - just let me check on that poison brewing upstairs."
Always anticipating things to go completely sideways, Donnell will also spend a few coins and early mornings making sure that his more secure boltholes contain a small collection of clothing, coin, and extract ingredients.
"Uhh... Sure, let's go."
You make your way to the northeast, onto the Encarthan Island which houses Old Korvosa. 16 Hillcrest Street is near the centre. Affixed to the front door of the academy is a sign that reads "Classes Cancelled Today". The door opens almost just as you knock on it. A serious-looking Vencarlo appears, and he quickly ushers you inside.
"Thank you for coming, I apologize for the strange pretense but I have a task for you of some great urgency."
He stalks through the academy towards a study, his genial and flirtatious manner much muted. He quickly checks the windows, and ensures they are well-shuttered. Turning to you, he raises a hand, and calls out. It is immediately apparent why you are here.
"Trinia, our guests are here!"
The alleged assassin of the King, Trinia Sabor arrives, wearing a wide-brimmed rider's had and a wig of long red curls, which services as a decent disguise. She looks nervous and excited and lets out a squeal of joy as she sees you.
"It is so good to see you - thank you for all you've done. And ah, sorry about the trouble at the Shingles."
Vencarlo gestures for you to be seated, and begins.
"You were all at the queen’s debacle, so I don’t doubt you recognize this charming young woman. I had only just reached my home the night of Her Majesty’s morbid gala when that troublemaker Blackjack and this startled woman arrived at my doorstep. The so-called “people’s hero” and I have had some dealings in the past, but it’s been some years since I’ve seen the scoundrel. He was quick with his words and soon swooped off, doubtlessly to right some other festering wrong, but not before entrusting Miss Sabor to my protection and care. Although I don’t know Blackjack’s motives or politics, I trust his judgment and have seen much right done by his blade. He says Miss Sabor is innocent of the crime she’s been accused of, and I’m more disposed to trust a hero of the city than the tantrums of some bloody-minded child playing at queen.
"The matter is simple: Korvosa is no longer safe for Miss Sabor. I’ve arranged for friends in Harse—a couple of well-respected ranchers—to take in our beautiful renegade until this whole ‘assassination’ foolishness blows over. It’s the first leg of the journey where we find our problem, though. Ever since the queen’s put a price on her head, mercenaries, soldiers, and the queen’s new Gray Maidens have been searching for the young lady tirelessly. They’ve stopped by here three times so far, and each time I’ve only just barely been able to turn them away without inviting a search. My most reliable contacts have gone to ground in light of the recent uprisings, and Her Highness’s bounty for Trinia’s capture makes the use of new agents inadvisable. Thus, after
some time to let her trail cool, I turned to you resourceful lot. Care to escort a lady home?”
Donnell grimaces magnificently at Vencarlo (which is his way of masking his apprehension about leaving the city - vastly outside of his comfort zone).
"F&*! it. Fine, let's journey into the wild. I'm sure that, between Raven6 and myself, we can sufficiently disguise Ms. Sabor. We will need a few hours to tie up some loose ends and gather our belongings. Master Vencarlo, are you able to supply or recommend where we can procure horses, a cart, and .... hmm... has the city descended far enough into madness that we will need an excuse for leaving? Perhaps there is something in short supply in Harse that we could provide as travelling merchants? Does anybody know anything about being a merchant? Or perhaps we could just be travelling alchemists - that's probably best, actually. By the way, is anyone else thinking that Blackjack and Vencarlo are one and the same?"
"Miss Sabor. Good to see you again," Raven Six says, giving Trinia a polite handshake and a faint smile. "I am glad you are well."
The Alchemist raises an eyebrow at Donnell's quick planning.
"I have an extract of disguise prepared right now. The only excuse we need is that we are going to gather herbs not available inside the city. Miss Sabor need only drink the potion if there is too much interest in us upon departure."
"By the way, is anyone else thinking that Blackjack and Vencarlo are one and the same?"
=====
"It is so good to see you - thank you for all you've done. And ah, sorry about the trouble at the Shingles."
"We did something? I remember tackling you, and then some moving you around. Uh, thanks, I guess? Don't worry about the chase. Good workout."
Thus, after some time to let her trail cool, I turned to you resourceful lot. Care to escort a lady home?”
Thod stares blankly ahead. Either deep in thought, or trying to process what's going on. Then again, one does not preclude the other.
"So, uh, sounds like we're good. Disguise her, and leave town. Don't have to hide her in a box or anything? 'Cause my dad mentioned one time he, uh, was bringing... something... into someplace it wasn't supposed to go, so he hid it in a... coffin, I think? I forget how the story goes..."
"By the way, is anyone else thinking that Blackjack and Vencarlo are one and the same?"
"Uhh... Huh? No. Why would you think that?"
Thod's comment snaps Donnell out of his running commentary, forcing him to realize that he's let his inner thoughts bubble to the surface again.
Turning to Vencarlo, Donnell bows: "Apologies, sir - no offense was meant. Sometimes my tongue sails on without me."
Raven Six looks puzzled.
"I am sorry, but I do not see the significance. Moreover, identifying Blackjack is counter-intuitive. If anyone he does not trust to reveal himself to finds out his civilian identity, he loses the shield of anonimity and much of his effectiveness. I would not pursue the matter without a better reason than idle curiosity."
Raven Six looks puzzled.
"I am sorry, but I do not see the significance. Moreover, identifying Blackjack is counter-intuitive. If anyone he does not trust to reveal himself to finds out his civilian identity, he loses the shield of anonimity and much of his effectiveness. I would not pursue the matter without a better reason than idle curiosity."
"What she said... What did you say?"
After Donnell makes his remark, he studies Vencarlo, who seems to be teling the truth. The elderly fencer just shrugs. "Honestly, anyone who is anyone has been accused of being Blackjack. I do not know who Blackjack is, but I have a reputation, and he knows who I am, which is what matters in this case."
Donnell recalls what he knows about the area around Korvosa. Harse is a narrow village located on a strpi of land at the point where the Sarwin River empties into the Falcon River. The village is a few dozen buildings with under a thousand people. It is fairly unremarkable, and around sixty miles northeast of the city.
"Now, Trinia and I don't need you to escort her all the way to Harse. I have an ally who owns a horse ranch in Hrase. He is going to meet you at Trots, a wayside inn around twelve miles out of Korvosa. The real challenge is just getting her out of the city. This is your decision to make, however I recommend being simple about it. She wears her outfit, and you quietly leave with an easy pretense."
Trinia pipes up cheerfully.
"I'm game for whatever you have in mind. I can put on all sorts of voices if needed!"
Looking to Raven Six, Donnell nods approvingly: "Actually, that's brilliant - it's not even a lie. We could certainly use the opportunity to bolster our list of extract components with fresh material."
Glancing around at the others, and hearing no dissenting opinions, Donnell turns back to Vencarlo and shrugs: "Ok, well, to Harse or to Trots, it sounds like we are game either way. Perhaps give us a description of your friend, but also where we can find his place in Harse, in case there are any mishaps along the way. As I mentioned, we can be ready to leave fairly quickly - when will your friend be in Trots?"
"As for you, my dear Trinia, let's maybe hold off on the voices for now and rely on our ability to disguise you as our primary means of deception."
"Thank you, alpha male Halfling Donnell," Raven Six says, briefly bowing her head to the Fox.
To Thod, she explains: "If just anyone knows who Blackjack is, he'll be chucked in a dungeon and/or killed. It's better if his secret identity remains a secret."
The Alchemist's lips twitch at Trinia's enthusiasm.
"I believe the phrase is .... 'less is more'? Less is more. Especially when escaping. We must project a casual air. Small changes are better, as they appear more natural than a complete overhaul."
Trinia pouts a little, but shrugs. "Well I suppose you're right. If I don't want to be noticed I suppose my brilliant Qadiran accent will have to go wasted."
============
============
The atmosphere in the city continues to change as you move on. It's quieter now, with the riots now yesterday's news. However, there is a stifling air to the place. An uneasiness as people move about. Most notably as you press through Old Korvosa, there is a certain misery to the city's non-Chelaxian inhabitants. The native Varisians and Shoanti or those who look close enough to them have become particularly guarded.
Trinia, however, is all smiles and cheer. Despite her false imprisonment and near-certain demise at the hands of Queen Ileosa, she is a bubbly, cheerful companion who has to work fairly hard to not just chat endlessly and draw attention to the group.
You make your way off of Encarthan Island onto the mainland, and head into the North Point neighborhood. North Point fucntions almost as a government district nowadays, including many temples including the massive Bank of Abadar, the City Hall, and several older non-noble homes. You stride by Whitecaps, the oldest inn in Korvosa - one of the few places that served good beer to Thod's reckoning, and finally come to the North Gate, your exit.
Rather than the typical city guardsmen, two imposing armoured women are checking people as they pass through, Gray Maidens. They are currently giving a Varisian family travelling by wagon a hard time, and searching it thoroughly.
Trinia's face becomes a mask of calm, and she shoots the rest of you an easy look before she turns to chat to Sevenspawn politely about their cousin that doesn't exist.
"'E's an 'alfwit, an' not worth a plug copper," Sevenspawn argues easily with Trinia, taking a contrary position to their imaginary relative. "Not tha' 'e'd 'ave one either, thinkin'. 'Ow 'e landed Jeni, I'm not knowin'. Got 'er good 'an ripe on the grapes, thinkin', an' what he get fer it? The child's as thick as 'is fadder. Now annuder on th' way? Phaaaahh..."
The cleric spits on the ground superstitiously and smiles inwardly. Trinia is good company, as a bard should be, and he will be sorry to see her go.
Noting the Maidens, he takes a moment to study them warily, averting his eyes when it is their turn to pass through.
Donnell will amble (or ride?) easily up to the gate and, with Raven6, will explain the need to seek fresh herbs (etc) for alchemical preparations (if pressed, he'll just let Raven ramble on about scientific esoterica).
Thod sticks to what he knows best. Holding his polearm like a guard, he marches forward, eyes straight, and lets others do the talking.
Though he does try to size up the Gray Maidens at the gate, this being the closest he's been to one. He's still not wholly convinced they're particularly competent.
Trinia's eyes light up as Sevenspawn plays along.
"I tells ye if y'd put t'three o'em together ye'd get a single idyet. Dumbest sack'a fools I'd ever done meet. She shoulda known better but after she took a thwack on the head... well..."
Thod takes a bit to look over the two Gray Maidens, relying on his military expertise rather than any knack for sussing out human behaviour. One of them is green, real green and the other doesn't seem too comfortable with this setup. However, they put on a good show as you step up, after finishing with giving the Varisians a hard time. They seem keenly interested in Donnell and Thod.
"Routine checks," one of them says in an attempt to sound disinterested. "Who are you and why are you leaving Korvosa?"
Donnell quickly launches into his explanation.
"Herbs? What do you mean herbs? For what?"
"Well... have either of you heard of Alchemist's Kindness? No?"
Donnell quickly pulls out two envelopes of white powder from a pocket in his bag.
"Let's say that you've had a bit of a celebratory evening - maybe you had a good evening of dicing and you are overindulging. Oh no! You forgot that you have guard duty, and when wake up in the morning your head is pounding and you can't even keep your breakfast down. Well now" giving the packets a little flick "add a bit of the kindness to some water, and all is forgiven. That, my dears, is the kind of thing for which we use herbs."
"Some herbs resist deliberate cultivation and must by necessity be harvested from the wild," Raven Six adds. "As we are currently going out, I also wish to take comparative soil samples for anslysis. With luck, we will be able to then mimic the natural conditions in a controlled environment and thus circumvent the need for such escapades. Apart from economical considerations, the efficiency of our experiments and execution of known processes would become more optimal."
Thod takes a bit to look over the two Gray Maidens, relying on his military expertise rather than any knack for sussing out human behaviour. One of them is green, real green and the other doesn't seem too comfortable with this setup. However, they put on a good show as you step up, after finishing with giving the Varisians a hard time. They seem keenly interested in Donnell and Thod.
Thod gives a quiet snort. Untrained and unready, just like he thought. Still guards, though, so best not make any scenes.
"Routine checks," one of them says in an attempt to sound disinterested. "Who are you and why are you leaving Korvosa?"
"God. Thard... I mean, uh, Thod. Guard. I'm Thod. I'm guarding them, he finally clarifies, giving a slight gesture to the other three. "And carrying things, I guess."
Their helmets make it impossible to see their reactions, but as Raven Six starts waxing scientific you can immediately tell that their eyes are glazing over. Finally one of them cuts off Raven Six.
"Enough! Fine, go get your herbs."
You pass through the gates of Korvosa without incident, and although a good enough actor, Trinia's relief is pretty obvious - once she's a good fifteen minutes away from the city.
"Thank you!" she enthuses. As she goes along, she peppers you with questions, deeply interested in all of you. Trinia is chipper and extremely chatty.
"Why are you called Raven Six? Are there five other Ravens? how did you learn so much about herbs?"
"I've heard about the Fox! What's the most interesting case you've had?"
"Why do you carry so much ale on you? That must be handy. Having ale.. uh, whenever you need it."
"Tell me about the Dead Kings! Vencarlo mentioned you ran with them, and I know their reputation a little bit but I'm from the wrong part of the city."
"Why do you carry so much ale on you? That must be handy. Having ale.. uh, whenever you need it."
"Cause, uh,... I like having a drink on hand when I need it?"
Why did she ask a question and then immediately answer it herself? Thod was in the middle of a celebratory swig, and then decides to take another swig to help puzzle out what Trinia meant.
Donnell smiles at Trinia's good nature, wondering how anyone manages to stay so cheerful after being framed for regicide and forced to abandon their home, before launching into a well-worn tale of the dock-worker who'd lost his wife's ring - a family heirloom.
"I spent days crawling under docks or diving off the end of the pier. Every night, I'd meet him at the tavern, swearing that I'd peel off his fingernails if I found out he'd hawked it. Then, one morning, I hear a fishmonger calling his wares, except this time, instead of "Herring! Mackerel!" he's spouting some nonsense about cure-alls and magic sea-stars. Well, it turns out, this starfish managed to crawl halfway through the ring and was stuck!
"That fishmonger did not want to give up his 'magic' - threats and bribes be damned. But, a fish on the line is worth a dozen at sea, as they say, and once I'd cut the starfish in half, he was a lot more convinced to let me have it for a reasonable price.
"Of course, as it turns out, that bastard really had sold his wife's ring, and the one from the starfish belonged to some other poor sap..."
"That works seven times out of ten," Raven Six says as soon as the group is out of earshot from the Grey Maidens.
She frowns a little. "Although I fail to understand why it works."
"Why are you called Raven Six? Are there five other Ravens? how did you learn so much about herbs?"
Raven's footsteps falter for a moment and she stumbles, her eyes glazed over, and she mutters something in a foreign language.
But the Alchemist rallies, blinking in confusion. "Oh. How very odd. My apologies. To answer your question, I have always simply been Raven Six for as long as I can remember. I do not recall a number One through Five. It might be nice if I did. I learned about herbs and basic alchemy from my benefactor, my stepfather. He was a kind man and a good teacher, but having five sisters to exchange experiences and work together with would have been most agreeable."
Raven Six looks slightly wistful....
Sevenspawn listens to the answers of his companions, glad to have heard them finally asked. He has been remiss in asking some of them himself, especially of Raven Six, who he finds perplexing. He remains no less so upon hearing her answer and distantly guilty that he has not made the time to ask her himself.
"The Dead Kings exist to protect the Korvosans living in the Shingles," he begins automatically, reciting almost by rote. "The poorest left to their own devices by those that rule. They are at risk to any number of evils. We try to keep some of them at bay." He pauses, thinking to himself a moment about who may have betrayed Trinia and whether or not the Broken Crown or Right Hand may have any knowledge of it. He silently prays otherwise, and changes the subject.
"I will be sorry to see your departure, necessary though it is. Your enthusiasm seems to pull us together. Up, perhaps. You would make a fine addition to our band. Have you any skills or spells that we may need to call upon if we meet trouble?"
Trinia smiles encouragingly at Thod, utterly unable to find a way to make small talk with the dwarf.
"Good to know... ah. Do you have any brothers or sisters? How big are dwarf families normally?"
---
Trinia pauses for a moment, looking over Raven Six with some curiosity. "So you're just called that then. Interesting and ah.. what language was that?"
---
With Sevenspawn, she smiles broadly. "That's wonderful. Particularly with that nasty Queen, the people of this town need to look out for each other. If the Dead Kings are a way for them to do that, so much the better." She blushes at his next comment. "Thank you. Well, I am a trained bard in the classical style. Songs of power, some magic, and I am all right in a fight althoug---"
Trinia cuts off abruptly with a bit of a yelp. She clamps a hand over her mouth and points down the road.
This creature has a vaguely humanoid head, the body of a lion, and the wings of a dragon. Its tail ends in long, sharp spikes.
The creature feasts on what looks like a wagon it has destroyed. A wagon lies overturned, and the corpses of a man and three horses are on the ground.
"That's a manticore," Donnell fiercely whispers. "They are vicious predators and noted for the spikes they can throw from their tail."
The manticore has not noticed you yet.
"Good to know... ah. Do you have any brothers or sisters? How big are dwarf families normally?"
What's with all these questions? Thod looks puzzled.
"Got four sisters and one brother. Dwarf families are... I don't know, average? People usually have a few kids, right?"
Fortunately, the group is interrupted by the beast currently occupying the road before more questions follow.
Thod draws his lucerne hammer and holds it at the ready.
"Right. So, we approach and attack?"
"What language?" Raven Six asks, nonplussed .... and then the group chances on the manticore.
"Given that the beast has a capacity for ranged attacks, I would recommend we soften it up from a greater distance than it can cross," the Alchemist says. "If possible, cripple its wings so it can not fly out of reach and strafe us."
The manticore continues happily eating its horse.
"Uh, sure, ranged. Looks like it's gonna close the distance real quick, though. I got javelins, but, eh, probably better I stand in front, and you guys just shoot it."
Thod readies his lucerne hammer, and stands in front of the group.
"Excellent," Raven Six says as she applies a sticky, blue liquid to a crossbow bolt and fits it into her crossbow. "An opportunity to test this concoction."
The Alchemist rests her crossbow on Thod's shoulder, says "Hold still, please" and, as soon as the rest of the group is ready -- fires.
Raven aims carefully at the manticore, and lets fly with the bolt. The manticore perks up as the bolt sails harmlessly overhead, and it leads out a roar! However, the manticore looks extremely full and slowed by its meal, and everyone can act.
Sevenspawn
Donnell
Thod
Trinia
Raven
---
Manticore
Despite his recent improvements working with Master Six-Picks, Sevenspawn remains unconvinced of his effectiveness in combat following the harrowing affair in the Dead Warrens - especially with ranged weapons. Instead, he calls upon his deity to lend him power and, speaking some arcane words, casts Bless upon the party.
Thod, still holding his lucerne hammer, slowly and cautiously advances forward, still giving space for the rest of his group to bombard it at range.
"Such a shame," Raven Six sighs as she rapidly reloads and fires. "I was quite looking forward to seeing the effects of that poison on a magical beast."
Sevenspawn, trusting his God more than his own martial abilities, blesses the party. Raven's crossbow bolt flies true, thumping into the manticore to its great annoyance. Donnell carefully watches over the manticore before firing a crossbow of his own. Which just snaps on his hand, drawing a yelp from the halfling.
Trinia suddenly bursts into song in a surprisingly powerful soprano. The power of the music courses through your veins, empowering all of you!
The manticore roars again, and rises up, trying to fly into the air. However, it is completely weighed down from eating a horse and a half, and it thumps back on the ground. Groaning, it instead flicks its tail, firing a volley of spikes at the group. Thod, Trinia, and Raven Six are all struck by the spikes.
Bardic song is active - +2 to attack and damage for everyone.
Sevenspawn
Donnell
Thod (-10)
Trinia (-8)
Raven (-10)
---
Manticore
Sevenspawn announces for everyone to stay relatively close to him a moment, as healing is coming. He moves towards Thod, touching him and casting Bull's Strength as he readies his holy symbol.
***
The spell grants a +4 enhancement bonus to Strength, adding the usual benefits to melee attack rolls, melee damage rolls, and other uses of the Strength modifier.