I could... but do you want me to, considering Ashes budding relationship with Trinia?
I vote for you (Ashe) to run her although I'm willing if you'd prefer for somebody else to.
Trinia smiles shaking her head to , "..thank you you have been a wonderful host but you need not look after me anymore; your family is now your only concern. Sir cause is the protection of Korvosa.. and Korvosa is MY home as well. I would have a hand in seeing to its well-being as well. I believe I can be of assistance to the Quest... my lore skills and my knowledge of the Shoanti language may be of vital use. Plus, I can think of no place safer then in the company of veteran adventurers like these."
She casts a knowing smile Ashe's way... that makes him blush to his ears.
Ashe steps forward and hefts Vencarlo's Bag of Holding..reaching in pulls out a Amulet, handing it to ,"..I think it might be best for you and Neolandis to hold on to this.. to hide your movements from magical detection. I'd switch every few days at random as to which of you is wearing it. I'm sure the Queen has sent after me.. and perhaps even .. but we have an entire party of adventurers to help defend us."
Stepping close to Vencarlo he will whisper for his ears only...
, as Ashe casts an affectionate look Trinia's way...
Turning to , "Thank you for your hospitality.. there is one thing I think might help to equip for our journey.. a mastercrafted backpack if one is available? We have a long road ahead of us... so some initial foodstuffs and perhaps a little traveling gear.. bedrolls, tents, blankets a cook pot might be useful.. but only what you can spare of course. We should regardless be able to make do."
"If you could spare a riding horse for Trinia and a packhorse for our supplies? We'll pay for them, of course"
Ashe nods, "Thank you, and yes we do have funds to purchase gear... we can reimburse your efforts on our behalf."
"I think it is indeed wise that we set out on the marrow... after a good night's full rest... we have a long journey ahead."
Akina comes down from upstairs for the first time in hours, her hair a disheveled mess. She announces her presence with a big yawn. She waits for a lull in the conversation before speaking. "Good morning. By the gods you're all up early. You'd think you'd sleep in a bit since we're not likely to get such wonderful accommodations again anytime soon. Master Jansen, you have been a wonderful host. Thank you very kindly for all you've done for us. May I ask for a place to freshen up. A bath would be preferred if that is not asking too much of you."
Akina seems to be keeping herself at arms length from the "personal" problems of the group. She doesn't seem willing at all to entertain any conversation that does not pertain to her own personal mission.
Ashe smirks at , "...hello sleepy-head. You were so sound asleep.. and clearly needing the rest no one disturbed you. Thank you for your efforts on our behalf to bring us safely to our destination here in Harse and Blackbird Farm~ ; it was greatly appreciated! But, you did miss a delightful late lunch though~ however.. I'm sure Mrs could put together something for you! Its only late afternoon.. just turning evening right now. We've decided to stay the night and leave early in the morning."
" told us his discoveries about our Queen's unnatural resilience to damage, he believes her new crown may be associated with an ancient evil relic of the Shoanti once stored in the forgotten vaults beneath the Grand Mastaba of Castle Korvosa called the Midnight's Teeth. He suspects from his research these are the same as the legendary artifacts of the Church of ZON-KUTHON... called the Fang's of Kazavon. was a Ancient Blue Dragon Conqueror centuries ago who was a champion of the Midnight Lord's faith. Kazavon controlled all of Belkazen... and threatened the rest of the civilized world back then with his goblinoid army under his sway. The Fangs were the dragon's teeth potentially still empowered with his evil might. If these and the are the same relics.. the Shoanti may know of how this dragon possessing our queen was defeated and it may give us some clue how to break his hold over Queen !"
"I know for a fact that Queen is not undead ... but living flesh and blood... I held her hand felt the warmth of her touch witnessed her take in and exhale breath... when I spoke with her in Castle Korvosa giving her my report on the events of the riots and disquiet in the city. The crossbow shot my 'Grand' Uncle fired struck her true in the head and drew her blood... though she did not die. If she can bleed she can be killed.. if necessary.. but we must find a way to remove her unnatural resilience to harm... whatever its source; but her new crown.. is Very reminiscent of the ... so this is Very likely the source of her unnatural power! But I think if this is indeed an evil artifact simply removing the crown from her head will be no simple feat. In either case to end its influence we would have to research how to destroy it for no mundane or merely magical means will harm a True Artifact! So our quest for knowledge among the Shoanti Tribes is two-fold."
"Do you have any questions are are we all good to break until the morning?"
"I have no questions. North it is. I hope the Shoanti hold such knowledge and will be willing to share it. I will do everything I can to help convince them."
Yes.
Ashe will take Trinia and Vencarlo aside and discuss with her the following...
" dear, you have heard all the terrible things going on in Korvosa ...done by our possessed Queen and I'm sure as you have already declared you wish to do something about it by assisting us. That is admirable, but I think there is also something else you can do as well taking the next step. You want to help those oppressed by the tyrannical and insane queen and are willing to stand with us for that. When we came seeking you on the grounds to arrest you for the Queen... it seems so long ago now, I remember talking to the people of your neighborhood.. they ALL had nothing but sterling praise for your kindness and self-sacrifice on the part of others less fortunate... that is the hallmark of a heroes heart! Well Mr. has been doing that for years standing up for the people of Korvosa opposing the tyrannical and he has a secret..."
Ashe pulls from the ... a Dagger of Blackjack with the monogramed B on its pommel and hands it to her...
"But Mr. is getting on in age... not weak or elderly as yet still with much vitality and years of life remaining.. but its time he passed that responsibility onto someone younger to carry on the tradition and inspire a new generation of heroes!"
Ashe steps close to look her deep in her pretty green eyes, "..I Believe that new Heroine can be YOU ! I saw how well you navigated the roofs of Korvosa.. you have the ability, you have the heart... and with a little training from me and eventually you can have the skill.. to be !"
Trinia is ...to say the least ..stunned and shocked...
She blinks and gets a somewhat frightened look in her eyes, ".. but I'm no warrior.. I can wield a rapier well enough to fight off the occasional street ruffian... but a hero of the people... to be ?!?"
Then she looks at , "..I would think would be the better choice to be .. ...why not him? He's clearly a righteous warrior a Paladin of the Inheritor... and all his deeds ..you don't find much more heroic than that!"
Turning back to , "I'm sure I would not know where to begin to be a hero of legend dearest .. to fight the evil tyrants of Korvosa alone!"
Then she smiles playfully, "...besides isn't a man, I'd expect people would notice... even on my slight figure!"
Ashe smiles and answers, "You rate yourself too shortly dear!"
"You think a Hero needs to be a warrior? Far from it! A hero is just someone who wants to help others who can't help themselves.. does that mean fighting...not always.. but it does involve inspiring hope and giving of yourself to their needs... something YOU already do! A hero is determined by the strength of their heart not the strength of their arms!"
Ashe gets a solemn, deeply respectful look on his face casting a glance Vencarlo's way and answers, "... never asked me to be because I took up the cause on my own... when I put on my Andoran Eagle mask, clad myself in all greys and raised my dueling sword to stand up for righteousness; its was what every hero desires.. to see their actions inspire others to take up the cause of justice even if it is unpopular! It is their victory to see someone else inspired to stand for their same cause on their own! The cause of goodness will conquer the world the day everyone is inspired to stand for righteousness and justice. did not ask me to be ... I think because I have already made the choice to be the people's hero... it matters not what I call myself or who wears the .. but that someone is willing to stand for the cause of justice! My doing so means efforts as have not been in vain but have been justified in the hearts of those he has inspired with his deeds.. me included!"
Turning back to , "The people know and he has a heritage of heroes.. it has not been the same always.. but men... And Women who hold the freedom and happiness of the citizens of Korvosa highest in their hearts! had been considering turning the mantle of over to his student until she came under thrawl to Queen ! You have done that with your daily acts of charity for the people of your home, you prove that already you know where you should be by coming with us to find a means to break the Queen's power and end the tyranny of her rule. We only ask you 'adopt' the rest of Korvosa as your charge to help and fight for. Were you to return to your home in Korvosa... would you now refrain from helping those in need? Of course not!"
Ashe takes her hand in his, "...an as for alone.. you will NEVER be alone, dearest. I'll be right at your side..either as Asherick, paladin of the Inheritor or if need be as defender of the downtrodden!"
"As a Bard you can do things ...just a man, a warrior~ if you will, could NEVER do! Your bardic magic, your ability to inspire courage and your powerful sonic mastery.. you are perfect for the role of defender of the weak and hopeless! Yes, your fighting skills may need a little polishing.. but you will have me and to help build your skill and confidence in your many abilities. If you awaken the courage... I know is in your heart to stand with us!"
Trinia blushes smiling as she closes her hand over Ashe's and stepping into his embrace rises up on her tip-toes to kiss him, her other hand slipping behind his neck to pull him close.
The solid paladin melts at her touch.
"Thank you, my love, for having such faith in me! If YOU believe in me that much.. how can I not say yes? With you at my side.. as my example... I can stand for the cause of Justice as well. Your right, I have no intention of not helping those in need..."
"I will be for the people of Korvosa."
When Trinia finally release Ashe from her kiss his cheeks a flush with emotion.. and desire.
But he clears his throat ...gathering his dignity again smiling, "..well you need to have the proper gear to augment and make that task of helping the people of Korvosa that much easier...!"
With that Ashe begins removing gear from ...
+1 Human-Bane Rapier
Cloak of Charisma +2
'Skull-shaped' Amulet of Natural Armor +1
Gauntlet's of Ogre-Power +2
Much of it items that were part of Ashe's loot from the many adventures in Korvosa...
And finally the ...
+2 Keen, Mithril Rapier
Black Leather Boots of Elvenkind
Weapons Belt & Harness of 12 Blackjack Masterwork Daggers
The remaining regalia... the black hooded , the black leather , and the black leather were left unused... as options depending upon the needs.
Ashe helped Trinia settle and arrange the weapons and gear to suit her needs and shapely figure then both Ashe and Vencarlo stood back to admire the young woman.
Ashe smiled broadly and spoke up first to Vencarlo's nodded agreement, "...I think you will do just fine as the New !"
To which Vencarlo said, "So, no time like the present then?"
Ashe grinned nodding in reply, "Yes, you are correct... let's begin with some simple sword forms Trinia.. we will be leaving early tommorrow but I think an hour or two of some swordswomanship instruction would not be too taxing...?"
Vencarlo turned to leer at Ashe, "...Aye.. as long as you two love-birds stay focused eh?"
Both Ashe and Trinia gave him an affronted look that turned into a when their eyes were drawn to each other...
But before they could voice any rebuttal .. the fencing master turned and walked away yawning saying over his shoulder, "...I'll leave it to ye... to worry over it. These tired ole' bones need their rest for the journey's start tomorrow! Don't 'stay-up' too late... youth should not be squandered eh?!?"
Ashe really has no rebuttal for the Fencing Master... for he would be lying if said the though had not crossed his mind.. several times; but he turned to Trinia and went on with her swordplay instruction without saying anything.
To which he found that Trinia was much better than she had let on... clearly being more than just passingly proficient with the rapier.
They practiced and sparred for about an hour and a half before retiring to Ashe's room for the evening... to cuddle a bit but mostly fall asleep in each others arms.
{End of Day}
I'm good to go
Having slept through most of the day, Akina gets a brief description of what she missed. She is only focusing on her specific role in any future plans. Once she has a satisfactory understanding of their future, she finds her way upstairs again and offers her aid to the hosts insisting that no job is to big or too small for her. She'll spend the day taking on the hardest cleaning projects she can trying to tire herself back into a normal sleeping schedule.
The next morning, Akina rises early hoping to wash herself once more before setting out. Baths are a rare commodity on the open road. After cleaning herself, she pulls on the tight black wrap she has warn for so many years, finding it even more difficult to climb in to than usual. "I may have overindulged at their dinner last night" she thinks with a chuckle. She pulls her hair tightly back and ties it with the lace black ties to keep it from falling in her face should danger arise. Finally, she checks her wrist sheathes to confirm they are properly aligned and hidden before making her way downstairs. She finds she is the first to come down so offers to help with the preparations for breakfast.
"Yes ma'am, your hospitality is greatly appreciated. I would love pancakes, is there any way I can help?" Akina asks trying to busy herself.
Asherick and Trinia come down to breakfast bright and early thanking Mrs. Jasan for breakfast and helping with Akina to clean up afterward. Both are eager to put some distance from to not bring danger from the stalking them as well.
Ashe dons his armor and readies 'Red Hoof' for travel... helping Trinia pack her steed, graciously provided by Mr. Jasan, as well... whom she names 'Stepper'.
Ready to begin their travel Ashe bids Neolandis and Vencarlo with a traditional Varisian goodby, ", ... may The Inheritor protect & guide you...'The Road is long and weary, but the heart never wanders.'* Until we met eyes again, Good journey."
With that the Ashe and Trinia wait for everyone to join them.. before they begin the long journey to .. and on to the .. and the Cinderlands of the Shoanti!
Inelukii joins the others for breakfast and clean up afterwards. She dons her own traveling clothes and collects her horse, but not really looking forward to the days of riding. Once mounted she bids her farewell to those going elsewhere, by simply wishing them the "blessings of the Dawnflower to you in your travels... Go with the grace of the gods."
Garridan addresses Jasan and his family
"I am very grateful for the hospitality that you have shown us. As Desna tells us "Feet are for walking" and I will be glad to venture on but I will remember this place with fondness."
To Neolandis and Vencarlo
"May the blessings of the Butterfly be upon you. I hope that your troubles are at an end, at least until we know how to defeat Ileosa"
Asherick pulls out his Wayfinder hanging at his neck, consulting it for but a moment then looking at the terrain surrounding...
Then assured of his direction and location turns 'Red Hoof' by her rains in the direction toward distant Kaer Maga.. and the Storval Steps...
Without a word.. he takes lead.. 'Red Hoof' starting into a canter..
Trinia smiles and follows along on 'Stepper' falling in beside him.
"If we're heading for Kaer Maga it is a lot quicker to take the Halflight Path"
Inuksuk thanks our host and joins the others on the road toward Kaer Maga. Nini stays close at the start of the journey, but ranges further afield as the group moves further from civilization.
Ashe nods to , "...I will differ to your survival skills, friend ,... as I'm sure your expertise far exceeds mine in these matters! I only wanted there to be three distinct trails from the Blackbird Ranch... to make tracking us even more tedious for our pursuers."
He shrugs, "...But I'll trust your judgement in this."
"I too know little of wilderness, but in the stories, the heroes often travel until they find a brook or large stream, then travel up or down stream for awhile, only to emmerge a considerable distance away and hide evidence of their emergence. Could not a similar trick work for us?"
"I don't think we'll have too much trouble losing pursuers unless they have powerful magical aid." Inuksuk casts pass without trace.
Akina guides her horse along with the others. She's spent a fair amount of time over the years on horseback and seems comfortable enough. She stays out of the discussion of how to hide their tracks lost in her own thoughts and missing the silence and precision of her old companions.
Seeing the wall ahead. "I have to say, your paranoia made me think our trip would have been wrought with more danger than we faced. Not that I'm complaining, mind you."
"I'm not going to complain either. We might be at more risk here though. Let's move on to the Storval Plateau as soon as we can."
"Is the only reason that we are here to shop? If that is the case, may I suggest that we send in only a couple of us newcomers? We're a lot less likely to be noticed than are the original members of this group.
Since you, as yet, have little reason to trust us with 10s of thousands of gold I'd be willing to leave much of my gear behind as assurance that I won't just take your money and go"
"I have no need to shop and if others do not, we could just go up the Rise. But if you have need of me going into the city, I will."
"I would be happy to go as well, if you need me to, though I have no need to shop for myself, other than to maybe pick up another week or so of travel rations. Not a necessity, by any means though."
Ashe ponders the approaching wall of the Storval Cliffs and the even higher walls of the 'Asylum Stone', "It is not paranoia but purposeful planning that made our journey without event... it was not my plan to have encounters with our pursuers. It seems our efforts... for now, have been successful, but rest assured.. the WILL find us .. it is only a matter of time. I only wanted to avoid bringing their wrath upon us while innocents might be caught in the crossfire... specifically fine family. But I think we have more to give thanks to efforts than anything to eluding our pursuers for the time being."
He nods and smiles in appreciation of the Erutaki hunter's divine gifts.
Regarding , "Yes, the through the 'Twisted Door' is the.. fastest, if not safest, entry into the City of Strangers. I've had dealings with the as contact doing... business as a Pathfinder on behalf of Master . The Faiths of and are not... liked in Kaer Maga.. but I have garnered a modicum of tolerance with my past dealing with the City."
"The city is ruled by no central authority.. which is how the locals like it.. but it is controlled by many vying factions and street gangs. My business is with the Church of . In Kaer Maga they serve as the only order alongside the Church of ASMODEUS to maintain the vital trade agreements that the city needs to survive. The Church of ABADAR serves as a 'broker' of trade deals and, for the wealthy, can make contact with interested parties for the purchase of anything one would seek to spend gold on. Literally, if one has the gold... anything can be purchased in Kaer Maga."
"It is my intention to travel the city disguised in my Hellknight persona... ~ and no.. I never identify myself as a Hellknight.. that would be lying, but my dress and acting behavior lead many to believe I am a Hellknight... I just do not bother to correct their assumption."
"Regardless, my dealings will exclusively be with the Church of ABADAR and will be openly as myself. None of the rest of you.. save perhaps need worry over much of being recognized... the still know nothing of any of you. My purchases shall be quick as most of my inquiries are of divine magical gear in any case. Anything else.. the of Kaer Maga make swift trade in arcane magical items.. but working through the Church of ABADAR exclusively.. I need never really meet any of those I'm purchasing from, and it behoves the Church's reputation to ensure my purchases are... reliable and descrete. It should not take more than a day or two to secure my purchases."
Turning the regard , "Master .. you might consider using the Church of ABADAR for your purchases as well.. but I'll leave it to your wisdom."
Smiling at , "Any of you are, of course, welcome to accompany me... though I will likely be only traveling the city out of necessity to the Church and back to whatever Inn we stay at until we are ready to leave."
Addressing the party, "It will give us all some time to prepare for the Cinderlands... as long as we keep a low profile, we should not attract any attention or provide much to our pursuers to follow in a city full of strange travelers and Asylum seekers. I will also be purchasing some area maps of the Cinderlands to assist in our navigation of the Cinderlands."
"If you've had dealings in the past then the Mantis may well know of them. Paladins are hardly renowned for their abilities to deceive. For example, you chose as your alter ego somebody who would stand out in Kaer Maga like a sore thumb.
But, as always, you seem determined to never follow advice and to always do things your way and needlessly endanger the mission. I will wait outside, the larger the group that travels there the higher the chance of it being noticed.
Unknown to the rest, Garridan will then follow the group into the city, ready to help them if they run into trouble.
Ashe gives Garridan an odd expression... clearly baffled!
"What do you mean friend ? Did I not follow your advice in using the Halflight Path into Kaer Maga, and let YOU set the course to Kaer maga? Did I not follow advice in the way to conceal our path to Kaer Maga? Did I not accept suggestion that we use the wagon of dead to cover our leaving Korvosa... and though I felt it unnecessarily risky for time's sake... let the party rest on the road to Harse?"
"The only reason and I did not make our purchases in Korvosa is because clearly it would have been foolish to stay there and draw attention to ourselves and make it that much easier to pick up our trail by our pursuers! Unlike you all, who have had a chance to provide for your gear and equipment.. we had been on task the whole time seeking and ... fighting Rakshasas and evil outsiders~ we were and STILL are in severe need of upgrading our gear least we not be prepared for future challenges! What would you have suggested go to Janderhoff to make our purchases.. where and are seeking to take refuge? It seemed risky to stay with them and only provide two trails for our enemies to follow.. best to complicate their task by having three separate paths they must investigate!"
"You offered to go into the city to purchase what I seek.. but what I seek you would likely not be sold... cause you are first not a worshiper of IOMEDAE, and second not me. As I said, most of what I seek to purchase .. are religious items... that will take some minor negotiation I'm sure- to prove I have a right to such items for such relics to be provided... especially since you are not a representative of her faithful.. it is unlikely your request would be accepted. I have been here in the past and have garnered some small regard as a 'trustworthy adventurer'... it is on this reputation that I'm hoping to expediently make my purchases so we can leave and get back on mission."
"When last I was in Kaer Maga... it was as myself clearly a Paladin of the Inheritor-IOMEDAE... my entry now will be disguised with magic... not likely will anyone know I'm here... save for those I wish to deal with. I chose a Hellknight persona to use as there is a powerful ASMODEAN church in Kaer Maga... seeing someone who looks like a Hellknight enter the city will not likely draw as much attention as you might think~ only obvious followers of SARENRAE and IOMEDAE are ostracized here."
"The last time I was in Kaer Maga.. it was as a Pathfinder on a mission to seek the Shadow Lodge. My actions last in Kaer Maga had no dealings directly or partially with those I wish to consult with on this time.. but my reputation was widely known as the efforts of the Pathfinder Society's Agents int he city on that occasion was well documented. It was a successful mission with very little disruption of the city's residents or business.. and specifically.. no 'righteous crusades to 'clean up' the city as they seem to expect ALL Paladins would try to accomplish here. My respect for their structure of doing things here ..was noticed and appreciated by the powers of the city...at that time."
"Plus, If there was any city it is easy to, and most people flee specifically~, to get lost in; it is Kaer Maga... for there are many a strange visitor to this city! It is not called the 'Asylum Stone' for nothing!"
"I appreciate your offer.. but I don't think you can accomplish what I will need to prove the veracity of my identity to achieve, I'm not ignoring your advice... at least that is not my wish to convey! I apologize if it seems so."
"Ah. Those reasons for having to go in make perfect sense and I completely agree with them. But you will note that is the first time that you chose to share those reasons with us. I hadn't realized that it would have to be you that bought the items. In fact, what you said previously about the Church of Abadar strongly implied the reverse, that anybody could buy them for money.
I'd suggest that you adopt a persona other than a Hellknight though. They are likely to recognize their own and notice a stranger. Go in as a non descript mercenary warrior, they are a silver piece a dozen. The secret to not attracting attention is to not attract attention :-)"
Unknown to Ashe Garridan will STILL follow them into the city in case of trouble.
Ashe smiles a bit embarrassed, "Oh! Ah yes... forgive me. My... previous party of Adventurers were not very ..well-disposed to when I would 'wax-on' about my previous adventures as a Pathfinder and Paladin of the INHERITOR~ they seemed to take it as if I were bragging or trying to say I was better than them. I've gotten out of the habit of relating my past deeds. I'll try to be more forthcoming in the future."
"But if you truly believe that a less conspicuous 'persona' would be best..."
Ashe taps his Griffin-crested, winged helm- and suddenly his shiny full plate armor becomes a set of battered stained and rusted Banded Mail, the helm changing into a patch repaired open basinet with no visor... equally battered and clearly having been 'repaired' once before, his clothing is now road dusty blood-stained raiment of a Low-Templar of the Mendevian Crusades... symbols of GORUM here and there, his weapons clearly battle worn from heavy use. Ashe himself, his features shift to that of a purely Varisian man perhaps 10 or so years older than Ashe with sandy brown hair and olive toned skin... with old battle-scars upon his cheeks and exposed flesh. Clearly a man who is a sell-sword and mercenary by profession.
"Will this suffice, do you think?"
Edmund taps his tweed newsboy cap which morphs into a fine, though travel-stained, gentleman's top hat. His tweed coat and vest change into dusty velvets, and the scales of Abadar appear on a gold chain about his neck. His gentleman's cane remains largely unchanged, though the brass duck of a handle turns into a snarling wolf's head. Finally, his face smooths somewhat, with the laugh lines around his eyes shifting to frown lines around his now-stern mouth.
"I am open to suggestions for a name for this rather disagreeable banker if Abadar," Edmund says.
"Father Stixup Buht," Kris mutters under his breath with a chuckle. Edmund levels a disapproving scowl at his son, who affects not to notice.
"I think those are excellent disguises. My personal suggestion for a banker of Abadar would be an acquaitance of mine, Arasmes. Quite a boor until he married and his wife removed the stick"
"Perhaps it would be best not to impersonate an actual person. I shall simply be Banker Lawrence from Magnimar."