Megan's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Megan Robertson

Damoc leaves his apron behind at the forge. On the way to the manor between listening to his new companions and hurrying to keep up, he casts a few prestidigitations to brighten up his clothing and mask the stains and rips. Pausing at the door to the manor he quickly reviews his appearance, it is not appropriate for a call at a noble's house. Well I wasn't expecting to make any social calls today. He squares his shoulders. A Cheliaxian gentleman can carry any situation with confidence and poise. I wish I had confidence and poise.

So it is with a degree of appreciation that he hears Marcum's invitation to drink delivered without the hint of barely concealed condescension servants often reserve for guests who do not meet their standard. A gem of a man. A prince among butlers.

"The port, please, Marcum," Damoc replies with genuine pleasure.

He is careful to remain standing as he looks around the parlor. Even with a magical makeover, he feels the furniture might be a little worse for contact with his rough work clothes.

The Temple of Iomedae in Magnimar, an imposing fortress in the Naos District. Guards in polished fullplate armor and the gold and white livery of Iomedae stand guard at the gate allowing access through the high stone walls that surround the temple. Within the walls stands the temple proper. There are eleven large windows circling the temple made of colored glass, each showing an image from the Acts of Iomedae. The windows framing the temple's entrance show the 10th (Iomedae sitting on the throne of Kantaria) and 11th acts (Iomedae walking across the Pit of the Starstone on her woolen cloak to the Cathedral of the Starstone). The area is clean. Not only the temple grounds, but the road in front of the temple, the walls, and the men and women that guard it. This is a place where those that serve the Inheritor show pride in all aspects of their person. They stand straight. They look into the eyes of those they address. They demand respect even from themselves for their goddess. Respect is shown by conduct and character.

The Church is always active with the business of Iomedae. Lieutenant-Chaplain Deriven Firelion walks with purposeful speed to the office of Chaplain Tira Ronnova. When one is summoned by the Chaplain, one does not tarry.

Deriven arrives outside the Chaplain's office. He waits only a few moments before he is told to enter by her Corporal-Chaplain.

Deriven stands at attention. "Answering the summons, Chaplain."

"At ease, Lieutentant", Chaplain Ronnova motions to a chair in front of her desk. "Take a seat."

Deriven sits, back still straight, hands on his lap.

"It seems there is trouble in Korvosa. We received a letter from Lieutenant Asherick Whiteplume. You know him?"

"I know, Ashe. Korvosa's his home. He watches over the city. I visit now and again as we came up in the same circle."

"Good to know my memory isn't fading," Chaplain Ronnova laid her hands on her desk, "You are to report to Korvosa and lend your aid to Lieutenant Whiteplume. We do not have a strong force in Korvosa. So it will be you and Ashe along with whoever else he has found."

"Not much to worry about there. Ashe has a flair for playing the hero. I'm sure he's found some capable people. You would have to be capable to survive Ashe's heroics." Deriven stood and saluted Chaplain Ronnova, "I'll send reports one I find out what Ashe has gotten himself into."

"Be sure to do so." Chaplain Ronnova gave Deriven his orders. " Dismissed."

Deriven took his orders. He informed his charges of his orders and handed their care over to the Sergeant that served under him. He paid for passage on a ship to Korvosa. After some days of travel on the sea, he arrived. He made his way to Whiteplume Manor where he was received with courtesy by Ashe's mother Lady Anica Whiteplume. She assured him that Ashe would return home soon.

I figured since I had more time I would throw something a bit more interesting together to show where Deriven comes from.

Ashe's mother was indeed in the arboretum, pruning one of the miniature trees. She turned at his entrance and a smile crossed her features.

"Darling, how delightful to see you again so soon. How are your errands going? Did I hear you have some of your friends with you? You must introduce me... and I have someone you might remember here. You recall Arianna Rothschild, do you not?"

Ashe enters and his expression brightens... recognizing Deriven with a moments pause he casts his gaze over his mother and Arianna. Politely he removes his visored Griffin Crested full helm tucking it under his right arm revealing his tousled head of shock white hair and his frosty blue eyes beam with warm greeting. He is dressed as his norm in his varying shades of grey - cloak, boots, tabard, trousers all save for his priestly vestment/robe of pure white with golden fringe... and, of course, his garishly colored with clashing hues of his Varisian Kapenia - Bladed Scarf hanging it length to his knees from his neck.

"Hail, thee well Deriven... it warms my heart to see thee well - Circle brother!"

Turning his smiling gaze to his mother "Light shine upon thee honored mother, yes I do indeed have companions with me for we are mustering our force to deal with the source of troubles that besiege Korvosa."

Then his attention is drawn to Arianna... at first he almost did not recognize her ... but the line of her face the cool green shade of her eyes brings back his memories of the few times he had met her at court and the Varisian Galas his mother had a regular schedule of putting on. Yes he had passing spotted her on occasion at the Royal Galas put on at court but his attention was always focused on his escort duties to whatever current young {or not} lady of court was his charge for the event.

The Varisian events his mother put on for the common folk were not the usual events that most of the Chelaxian Noble Houses of Korvosa were very interested in considering them 'gypsy rabble rousings' but big affairs where many of Anica's family and relatives as ALL Varisians traced relationship to almost everyone else at some point. Anica would invite all Varisians and any others open to such affairs into Whiteplume Manor for a week long festival of garish bright Varisian colors, dancing, songs, jongluer displays of skill & trickery, and the cultural spicy foods so favored by the common Varisian people. Oddly enough... nothing was ever stolen from the Manor when so opened to the public Varisian families.

Ashe remembered the young Arianna shyly who was always near... pretty but never holding his attention with the sensuously womanly form of the Elven 'Lady' Terresa Kalissreavil, the Meirani Elven ambassador's daughter who always attended the wild galas of the Varisians hosted at Whiteplume manor and always held Ashe's youthful affections with her exotic elven beauty...

But Arianna certainly held his attention now...

"Uhm, Arianna... its nice to see you... you've grown! Er, Welcome Milady... and my thanks for answering our request for aide!"

A little taken aback, he bows deeply and somewhat awkwardly... her green eyes reminding him of another pair of deep green eyes framed with short blonde hair...

[OOC: Just adding a little history to help couch Arianna's entrance... and looked at her character profile. A 20 Charisma is high! Approaching stunning!]

Deriven stands at parade rest allowing the ladies to converse with Ashe free from interruption.

"...and that is what I know, Lady Whiteplume. Several of my acquaintances have mentioned things in passing that seem to indicate something is happening, something sinister." Arianna sits demurely on a wrought iron bench in the arboretum, her legs tucked underneath her skirts, her slipper on the ground next to her. "My sources also mentioned these self-styled "Heroes of Korvosa" that the people are talking about. If word of them is true then they may be drawing unwanted attention to themselves and they should be more ...circumspect in their actions"
As Ashe enters the garden, Arianna rises from the bench her muscles stretching as she stands with the grace of years of dancing. She crosses to the young man and taking his hands in hers, gives him a quick peck on the cheek "Lord Asherick, always a pleasure to see you. It has been awhile and I hear that we are travelling in much different circles these days." She smiles up at the young man as a crimson blush spreads across his cheeks.

LOLS! Well played! :)

Ashe's eyes widen in surprise as Arianna advances on him so directly to lightly place a soft kiss upon his cheek...setting his visage afire with crimson!

"Ah... yes, thank you... milady. But please.. I'm no lord. It has been... some time, yes... my distractions as a Pathfinder.. and service to IOMEDAE do keep me oft away from Korvosa."

He shifts his gaze to his mother trying to look anywhere else than at those enchanting green eyes and the shapely form of the most certainly mature woman before him!

It is at that moment that Majenko flutters in from above to land upon his shoulder his powerful telepathic speech heard by all. The amethyst scaled tiny dragon perching possessively upon his shoulder regarding curiously the pretty woman so close to his companion... forked-tongue fluttering rapidly to take in her scent.

{"Ashe! Ashe! I bring message to brood mother Aannicaa! See, see...! Find pretty bard she did!!"}

Taking the que Ashe collects his scattered reason tearing his mind away from thinking about the brief softness of her lips, "Er.. Yes, let me please introduce my companions..."

Reaching up to scratch the Pseudodragon between the wings, eliciting a joyful thrashing of his stingered tail and a trilling purr of pleasure from the tiny dragon.

"This is Mejenko.. my dear draconic friend, the elf is my friend Varrel a Magus-Hexcrafter, his dwarven companion Graxer Firebeard an Inquisitor of GORUM, and our newest companion 'Transmuter' Damoc Oberigo a Wizard previously of the Acadamae. We indeed could use your services to aid our efforts in combating the threats arising in Korvosa. Indeed the threat posed are worse then you might even fathom and we are aware that we have gained the notice of dangerous foes."

Deriven punctuates, "And these foes have gained the notice of Iomedae. Good to see you as well, Circle-Brother."

Varrel stands a little confused.
He sets his caged future familiar on the mantle and feeds it another bit of fish to keep it placated while they spoke. It was a jittery thing and would require calming until the bond was completed.

He eyes the newcomer, obviously a worshipper of the inheritor by his bearing but otherwise unknown to the Magus.
Drawn the notice of a God, or the God's clergy? For surely the response is different depending on the distinction. At the minimum some direct intervention would do more to combat the plague spreading at such a rate the combined efforts of the various faiths are struggling to keep in check. Forgive my curtness Sir, but you are unknown to the rest of us.
The lovely Ms Rothschild, Ashe has told us about. You are a new variable. Your purpose here is a visit, delivery of a missive or something greater?

At the mention of his name, Damoc bows slightly. "A Wizard previously of the Acadamae", what a tactful and charming way to describe my less than charming experience.

He remains courteously silent as befits as stranger while old friends and family greet each other. He listens and watches the interchange while appraising the new members of the band.

"Hello pretty girl.. Names Graxer Firebeard.. So you are to sing songs that will make me fierce eh? Good.. One can never have to much of that.. And well met Deriven.. The Inheritor be with us indeed.. Now that we're all here, whats the plan for beating some asses?" At his question his tone goes from happy to serious..

"They are one and the same, Varrel. If one attracts the attention of the clergy of the Inheritor, one attacts the attention of the Inheritor herself. Unlike a practitioner of the arcane such as yourself or Damoc, our prayers and powers are the manifestation of the will of the Inheritor. If she did not find our cause worthy of her notice, she would not provide us with the means to complete it. Most assuredly the Inheritor took notice the moment Lieutentant Whiteplume took up the quest. I am but here to serve her will with Ashe."

"Ashe was unaware that I had been dispatched. He sent a letter some time ago to the temple in Magnimar informing Chaplain Ronnova of affairs in Korvosa. She felt I could be of assistance to Lieutenant Whiteplume. I will lend my full capabilities to the effort to set matters right in the city."

"And well met Graxer, Swordthane of Gorum. Well met, Damoc. Well met, Varrel." He shakes each of your hands in turn with with a firm grip.

Deriven looks to Arianna, "I see now that you will be joining us, Lady Arianna. It will be a pleasure to have such a fine voice lending strength to the soul during the hard times."

He takes up a position next to Ashe and stands at parade rest awaiting a briefing and preparations.

Ashe turns grateful for the distraction to Deriven, "Well met indeed Circle brother... so my frequent reports to the high clergy of the Inheritor have afforded my efforts some added aid? It is good to hear!"

"Yes a briefing of what has transpired... and what we have uncovered."

Ashe stands tall passing his eyes over those present measuring calmly. Regarding his mother his eyes sadden slightly.. but knows she must know the truth of it all.

"But first let me introduce you all to Mistress Zellara, her spirit resides now within her Harrow deck... something of interest I'm sure to you mother and possibly you as well... milady Arianna..."

Ashe reaches into his belt pouch and pulls forth a ornate weather palm-sized wooden box opens it and set a beautiful ... if equally weathered set of Harrow Card upon the arboretum snack table... they flutter as with a life of their own almost...

Whispering affectionately to the placed deck of cards, "You should hear this as well faithfull Harrorwer Mistress Zellara..."

... ...

"...You take on a great risk to join us.. are ye still interested?"

"Great risk indeed. This is treason you are talking about. Not just death for us, but ostracism, perhaps even exile, for our families. I can well believe Ileosa would persecute them for our sake. She was always a vengeful, spiteful girl.

"Still, I can't believe her capable of a plot of this magnitude. I met her in Westcrown the year she came out.* Exceedingly vain, selfish, prickly, and anxious to climb socially. A quiet 'no' would not content her if she could publicly embarrass you instead. But mental horsepower was not her strong suit, only a low cunning which could be employed at will against fools disarmed by her beauty." This last said bitterly.

"And you recall she did not react normally when confronted. (A brave if rash action I would say.) Perhaps she is bound to another's desires. Some enchanter has stolen her will. This doctor Devaulus or the dread and fabled Red Mantis perhaps."

"There must be many possible explanations which leave us the Queen's loyal subjects devoted to her aid."

"I urge you all to ponder deeply. Pray to your gods for guidance, and speak only after I speak again."

Megan and anyone who makes a DC 16 Spellcraft check definitely check the spoiler. Anyone else may check it too if they wish or maintain the illusion of a thin and shabby mystery, as they wish.

I have no idea how long the examination will take. It could be several minutes, but I will assume Damoc's fears are groundless or he's just not good enough to find what he seeks. Assuming you all give hiim the time :

After a few minutes, Damoc sighs heavily. "I think it is safe to speak or we are all dead. I found no watcher."

* - Into society. Not the other way.

"what you have said dovetails nicely with what my contacts have already said and fills in a lot of what has been unsaid. If this goes as high as you say then the queen must be opposed before she turns this city into a giant graveyard. No one but the insane would unleash a plague upon their own people."

Graxer listens quietly and then all the sudden explodes, startling everyone there.. "I've heard enough! This b*&@~ has got to go.. Not in all my 85 years have i heard of such depravity.. There's some asses need cleaving in this town and i'm here to do it.. GORUM bless me for finding such a nest of evil to hack to pieces.." Briefly winded by his outburst, he continues before anyone can interject.. "Red Mantises you say? Good! I've always wanted to add one of there pretty masks to my collection.. Puny assassins... Dammit Varrel i need a beer! All this fight talk has got me plum worked up.." Finishing his ale he slams the mug down.. "Ashe have your man bring me another if you don't mind.. So when does the fun start?"

"The queen does not follow the teachings and example set by Iomedae when it comes to the rule of her people. She sounds like a treacherous woman. The Inheritor despises rulers that betray their duty to their people. Such betrayals create much injustice and cruelty."

"How shall we proceed next, Lieutenant?"

Damoc is so startled by the dwarf's outburst that he nearly drops the sifter of port, but quickly recovers his suavity.

"But which asses to cleave, honored Firebeard? Whether it is the queen or some puppetmaster behind this plot, they have the resources of the city behind them. Will you carve through the Guard, the Sable Company, and Ileosa's Grey Maidens to reach them? Sir Whiteplume is right. We need incontrovertible proof of her culpablity. Then she may be deprived of some support."

Ashe ponders his companions words, "Well... not that I am the leader or as such.. but I'd suggest we speak to the field Marshal forst for she has need to know of our discoveries from yesterday as well so she may make necessary ajustments and precautions in organizing the Guard's efforts to care for the city. She may have need of us to look into certain tasks that can't be handles by less capable Korvosan Guard. We know that the corruption and plot go high... but we do not know what new developments have transpired int he spread of the plague. Yes, I want to punish the guilty and responsible as well... but protecting the populous from growing threat of the plague needs to take precedence - I feel."

Turning to Damoc, "...and I agree with you Master Transmuter.. the Queen IS acting well out of character for her.. to destroy the city she so coveted is madness... there may indeed be some aberrent influence being exerted upon her... perhaps the Red Mantis."

Then address the group, "But we must not act in haste.. or uninformed. For we do not wish to tip our hand that we know ...or at least conjecture what may be going on before we are ready to take direct decisive action."

"...At least that seems prudent to me. Does anyone else have a better or different view on this?"

Then turning to his mother he admonishes, "However, Honored and beloved Mother... I feel that Master Oberigo has the truth of it... our families are going to be at risk... when we do act openly. I would request mother that you send word to the 'Windrunner', our family's faster Merchant-man Vessel, to come to Korvosa and make plans for you , my dear sister and our household to seek refuge in Magnimar care of the Grand Cathedral of the Inheritor IOMEDAE. It would do my heart glad to know you will be safe and untouchable without great effort by the queen or her minions. House Whiteplume MUST survive... even if Asherick should fall~!"

"A question I would like answered...Does this plague resist the curative power of divine prayer and blessed hands? It would seem a city this size with many temples would have the divine power to check a plague. Yet as you all tell it, this plague spreads unchecked? How can this be?"

"Have you seen with your own eyes a divine servant attempt to cure it? If so, did their efforts meet with success?"

Excellent stuff... carry on!

Visibly disheartened that he does not get to immediately kill something.. "I see your point manling.. Although i have no problems killing the body to get to the head, im sure that the rest of you would not go along with that, which is fine.. Visibly calming himself down.. "Whomever is resposible must pay and i figure if we poke our heads around enough, they'll come and find us.. As far as the plague goes we're all here to help.."

"Come now let us go talk to your Field Marshal.."

The coins which carry the plague were checked by Ashe and I using both Arcane and Divine means. They are magical and radiated evil. While curative magics seem to work just fine, I feel you are grossly overestimating the capabilities of the local clergy to keep up with the rapid spread. Ignoring the fact many churches charge a tithe that most commoners cannot afford I takes a cleric of REAL skill to cast a divine prayer to cure disease. Well beyond the capabilities of the most common church acolyte. Those that do have sufficient experience and faith are probably only able to save a few a day even if they devote thier prayers only to that. As near as we can tell there were hundres if not thousands of these coins on the ship that bought them here and the coins had DAYS of a headstart to get among the populace. Consider how many times a single coin could change hands in a market during a single day, then multiply that by a hundred fold. Add a day for those who came into contact with a coin to pass it to their families via shared toilets and wash basins and food utensils. No my friend, the quarantine is sadly the best course and while they may try valiantly to halt the spread, those locked down areas will see many deaths of anyone without the money or constitution to stave it off. In these circumstances it is the poor who suffer disproportionately the greatest casualties. I am starting to think THAT may be part of the goal. If the queen was to cull the population of the poor that would create less strain on the city reserves of food, less crime because of less poor and desperate to commit such acts, less drain on the city's coffers from needing to provide services etc. This may simply be a means to increase her coffers and perhaps eliminate thousands of disenchanted voices who don't like her rule. Her 'supposed' attempts to stop the plague and martial law serve to provide evidence to the nobles, the only people of any real means, that she IS in fact capable and prepared to take the necessary actions to rule. Gaining support from those that matter and removing those who don't. The course is reprehensible and evil, but a logical one. The question is how best to combat her actions and keep our necks. Rebellion is one option, but rallying a bunch of peasants against trained city forces would result in slaughter of those who cannot fight and only serve to strengthen her hold. A number of notable symbols and leaders of means and troops would be needed.
A more effective means is assassination. Presenting it's own difficulties but significantly easier if she can be caught away from the palace.
There is also the issue of her possible service to another. I detected a spell upon her when we checked. I am sure I was not fooled, but I find it VERY concerning that while I could tell she was under a spell effect I could not id what school of magic it was....

Deriven's expression changes from indifferent discipline to grim anger. " You believe the Queen is attempting to 'cull' the population by leaving the poor to die due to their lack of income to pay for curatives." He pauses for a moment as though he is doing all he can to contain himself, "If this is true, she must be removed and executed."

"The local temples should be receiving funding for the production of scrolls and potions for the removal of disease. There should be sufficient trained healers to contain a plague this size. I see the use of coins as a means of delivery to quickly build the numbers to a hard to manage level along with inadequate funding are creating an environment where the death toll will far exceed what it should. If the Queen is responsible, she will have the deaths of thousands on her head. The sentence for mass murder is death and damnation."

"We must be about our business at once. Every second of time we waste, a death occurs. Plagues are merciless. Even children will die. Where to now? We must set off immediately." Deriven shakes with rage. His face flushes. He has fallen out of parade rest, his hand now rests upon the hilt of his blade. "Where to next? Let us go talk to this Field Marshall if that is our next course. Let us go now."

"If this Queen is evil than i have no doubt she would/could do something of this magnitude to protect where she sat her ass.. If she under a geas or similar magic than the person behind her is deffinitely capable of this.. As far as the spell goes there are several forms of magic to concel auras etc.. You say her physicians are URGATHOAIANS and this Lady Andasian runs them all, than why not go after them? If we stop the plague spreaders and maybe we can at least halt it from getting any worse.."

"Sound plan, Graxer. Find the ones that manufactured this plague and put them to the sword."

Damoc hears with interest that the queen was the subject of an unknown spell. It apparently supports, or at least doesn't contradict, his theory that the queen is beguiled in some fashion.

And the state of plague among the lower classes is apparently much worse than he had thought, certainly much worse than among the wealthy and minor nobles who formed his family's social circle.

"Before we talk to the Field Marshal, I think we should have a plan of campaign to present to her. Honored Firebeard's idea is sound. Disease is the Pallid Princess' special provenance, hers to cure or worsen. Yet employing Urgathoan doctors is like setting foxes to guard the henhouse. Investigate the doctors and see what turns up."

Honored Firebeard? I must find the proper forms of address for Graxer. Maybe Philo's Lexicon of Titles will have something.

[ooc]Edit: Ninja'd by Maddigan. I'll leave the post as it was though.

We DO have a lead on the good 'doctor' Duvaleus she bought in whom was tied to the ship by the documents we found upon it. He is the highest ranking Urgothan we know of in the city and under a different guise he is the man officially in charge of the queen's physician' s.
They have a warehouse, Una and I did a night time scout but were unable to get inside. I did not a Magical Aura beneath the flagstones likely the sewers beneath the building. From my detect magic to pick that up through dirt and rock must mean the strength was significant. Majenko found a possible entrance at a sewer outlet but the water was too high and he was unable to get in. I believe a daytime entry made give us new insights into the warehouse's purpose if they mean to use it as a place to operate. Forcing any confrontation there would be risky since we are known to the queen. Perhaps a clandestine approach by our new members? Ashe and I could disguise ourselves via mundane or magical means. If it is open we could use a MESSAGE spell and Majenko to keep in contact and approach separately.

I live in Australia btw. Bed time for me. 10.31pm

"Is the warehouse openly accessible during the day? If it is, we will enter and look about. If it is not, then a nighttime assault would be preferred."

"If you believe this warehouse to be important to the investigation, we will enter it and search it. I am not interested in operating in a clandestine fashion. This is an open threat against the city. It must be dealt with. The Queen cannot publically do anything against Iomedaen's of mine and Ashe's repute without inviting serious censure. We are trying to save the city. We will not be stopped by evil seeking to disguise itself as reputable in the full sight of the people they are murdering."

"If you feel this warehouse harbors evil, then let us enter it and bring the light into that dark place. What is the worst they will do to us? Cite us for trespassing in the pursuit of saving the city? I will gladly defend myself against such charges."

"Let's plan the assault on this warehouse and see what rats crawl out."

I'm assuming we will have a day to prepare?

Varrel and Ashe, you never went into the warehouse? What is the background on our relationship with the guards? Will we be arrested? Does the queen know you are against her? Is she spying on you? Do the documents you have say for certain that something is in the warehouse worth our time?

"Warehouse assaulting sounds like my cup of tea.. Perhaps we should speak with the Field Marshal first.. I think if she is ok with it than we're less likely to be looked upon badly by the gaurds.. Regardless we should do this asap.."

From what i gathered the Field Marshal runs the normal guard. The queen has her own unit called the Grey Madians, who are most likely in on this debauchery since they were hand picked by her.. I think as long as we can convince the Field Marshal that this warehouse could hold the key to stopping the plague there will be no repercusions.. At least from the good guys.. Let the others seek there deaths if they wish..

Ashe listens to the discussion accepting the conclusions his new companions have come to on the matter... conclusions he had already come to before hand.

Speaking up, "Yes, the warehouse is likely the source of some evil plot ...at least of the Red Mantis. However, we have no idea where this cult of 'The Pallid Princess' is secreted or the location of this High Priestess... 'Lady' Andasian."

"The Church of Urgathoa is not a proscribed religion here in Korvsa... 'The Pallid Princess' has a regularly maintained shrine in the 'Pantheon of Many' - Temple Complex. But there is certainly no high-Priestess maintaining that shrine - as human sacrifice, even to the large temples like the Cathedral of Asmodeus, is Illegal here in Korvosa. There must be a temple with quite a few acolytes somewhere in Korvosa to hold the patronage of a High Priestess!"

"Problem is we have no way of knowing where that is.. and no guarantee that Reiner Davaulus actually knows where it is. We must proceed with caution.. it is more likely that the cult is the source of the plagued coins. But we do not want an attack upon the Red Mantis HQ at the warehouse to encourage the Cult to go to ground... or worse scatter!"

"I have an idea how we might infiltrate the Warehouse when we need to... I have one of the Masks of the Physicians. If I disguise myself as one you can all follow me in under cover of Invisibility spells..either from scrolls or cast by our spellcasters so we can look about while I open doors unhindered to hide your presence. There will need to be more planning of our direct objectives before we attempt such an infiltration... and when we do it. I'd prefer a night time infiltration when the crowds outside it will be less. Remember, it IS a Hospice.. there will be innocents in the way when we attack... I'm sure the wicked Red Mantis will not fail to use that to their advantage. But that we should do AFTER we have informed all we know to the Marshal and consulted with her on any new more pressing threats."

Turning to Deriven, "...and I must stress more pressing because we have many suspicions about Reiner Davaulus, but no red-handed evidence of his wrong doing... paper can be forged or denied and as a minister of the Queen unless Ileosa backs an effort to investigate and put him to magic question all we have is speculation, that can be denied and upheld by royal decree. We need obvious solid irrefutable proof he is spreading disease in Korvosa. We have suspicions.. but if other efforts may more directly and immediately save the lives of innocents of the city... those MUST come first! Remember, it is not illegal the worship of Urgathoa ...nor being a Red Mantis operative. Small distinctions yes, but important ones... we do not want to tip our hand prematurely before what we uncover demands action by the law and the throne."

"I suspect the Queen knows we are a threat.. but she does not know how much we know in truth.. I saw to that. But it will not be long before the Red Mantis are after us... if they are not already. The Queen may not take direct action without raising suspision against such public figures as you and I... but she has many resources that do not serve the rule of law she may employ if needed."

"...but, indeed Master Graxer, the time for discussion is over let us report tot he Field Marshal and then decide how to proceed."

Turning to his mother Ashe steps to her side and kneels to take her hand, "Honored mother please consider my request to make ready to flee Korvosa ...at least for a brief time... I must need do what I can for the city. I promise to be careful, farewell."

A light kiss upon her hand and he stands donning his helm to obscure the emotions on his face.

Gathering Zellara's Harrow deck he nods, "Let's go."

[OOC: Hey Meggan I was hoping Zellara would make an appearance, and does Ashe's mother remark about the three card reading Cyclone, Sickness and Paladin{inverted}?]

Deriven addresses Damoc as they make their way to the Field Marshall, "Are you skilled in the writing of scrolls or creation of wands? I believe we will have need of them in the coming days."

As they leave the stately Manor Ashe will tell Marcum, the house lead manservant, to begin subtly packing the affairs of House Whiteplume to prepare from his mother and sister's departure to safer abodes for the time being. Sending a missive to Magnimar care of the Cathedral of IOMEDAE there to request secure their arrival.

At the stables Ashe will offer 'Redhoof' to Arianna to ride as he leads the way out of Whiteplume Manor.

Ashe sets a urgent pace on foot {or a sedate pace if mounted, in difference to Graxers short legs}. He makes no side journeys as they make their way into Midland heading the quickest route to Citadel Volshynek.

Once there he requests an immediate audience with 'Field Marshal' Cressida Kroft.

Graxer will cast Expiditious Retreat, so that he does not slow the procession down.. "I guess i need to get me one of them horses.. Do they make short, stocky ones?"

I am sure we could find a stout pony or even a riding boar of similar temperment to yourself. With a suitable mount and an equestrian belt, you could make a passable rider.

The elf walks easily beside his old dwarven friend. He still carried his familiar with him. He realized the others were too keen to see combat this day so he would leave it with the Marshall and bond with it later. One more day.

Deriven addresses Damoc as they make their way to the Field Marshall, "Are you skilled in the writing of scrolls or creation of wands? I believe we will have need of them in the coming days."

Damoc follows along. His short legs require him to trot continually to keep up.

"I can certainly write scrolls. ~pause~ At least those of an arcane nature. I have a good supply of scrolls with the spells I know. I've also engaged to provide magically enhanced armor to Ashe and Varrel. That's a lot of work, and it will take days. We will have to prioritize what needs to be done. I also know some mages who could supply us with wands or scrolls for spells still unknown to me."

"So you are from Magnimar? I've never visited the rebel City of Monuments, but I've heard great things. Does the Arvensoar truly touch the clouds? Is the Irespan large enough for three true dragons to walk abreast?"

Unless Megan has changed the scale, Korvosa isn't that large. We should be able to walk end to end within an hour, probably half an hour from Whiteplume's manor to anywhere in the city.

Varrel perks up at Damoc's admission.
I had not broached the subject earlier BUT since you remain with us, perhaps it would benefit us both to share the knowledge within both our spell books. I have not reached the 3rd tier yet but I am close and we could effectively double the number of spells we learn if we help each other, think on it at least.

We can learn spells cheaply out of each other's books where our spell lists overlap.

uhm. Actually korrvosa is rather large. Look at the guide to korvosa

Deriven keeps step with Graxer, his breastplate constraining his walking speed. He addreses Damoc, "Excellent. Scrolls will be very helpful."

"The Arvensoar? It is a very a tall tower. I do not believe it touches the clouds. The Irespan could hold three dragons or an army of giants. It has stood for ten thousand years. One of the remnants of Ancient Thassilon. You should visit Magnimar some time. It is an impressive city."

You arrive at the Citadel without incident by mid-morning. Field Marshal Croft is on the drill square, reviewing some very tired-looking Guards before they go out on patrol. She looks even more tired as she gestures to you to go into her office.

"I'll be along in a moment," she calls. "I see you have new companions... look forwards to meeting them."

Ashe walks up to the Marshal, smiling, and places a hand supportively upon her shoulder in passing very briefly, "Very Good Field Marshall Kroft... we'll await you in your office."

...The touch was brief... but there was no missing the soft golden light that suffused his hand and the shoulder of the field Marshall... and the grace of IOMEDAE settled upon her like a mercy - banishing away her fatigue filling her with divine vitality.

Lay On Hands - Mercy {Fatigue} - 1 use expended
* I know... that is one more person not cured of disease... but the Marshall needs to be sharp to direct her troops to be effective!

Leading the way into the Citadel Ashe heads up into the Marshal's Office politely saluting the Marshal's male half-elven Adjutant Lieutenant Erin Greenleaf, before entering her office to await her arrival.

Varrel perks up at Damoc's admission.

I had not broached the subject earlier BUT since you remain with us, perhaps it would benefit us both to share the knowledge within both our spell books. I have not reached the 3rd tier yet but I am close and we could effectively double the number of spells we learn if we help each other, think on it at least.

"An excellent idea, Varrel. Knowledge is power and all that, but there can be real joy in the learning. I would be most happy to sit with you and go over our books. It's been many years since I had a study group of the mystic arts. My student friends' lives are all consumed with business and family now."

Meant to get to this last night, but the wife called me away mid post.

****

As Damoc follows the party up to the Marshal's office he considers Ashe and his companions. He is so much more than a simple fighter. There was reviving power in his touch upon Croft. Deriven is also an Iomedean. Could they both be god-touched? Graxer, too, has magic, the simpler speed spell, but called through his god. Varrel's power is something I can understand, but he wields it through his sword. If I could learn that, it would be like youthful dreams coming true. Arianna is truly beautiful, I wonder what surprises she holds. She must have power of some sort for Ashe to ask her to join us....

****

Once in the Marshal's office, Damoc will cast detect magic, looking for scrying devices.

Dervien nods at the Field Marshall, "Well met, Marshall." He will follow Ashe to her office and take up position at parade rest near Ashe.

Varrel remains quiet and walks past the Marshall with merely a respectful bow. Both out of habit (slaves were forever bowing) and genuine respect. The Marshall had been one of the few completely fair minded people in power he'd met to date.
As an unclaimed slave, it was Chelaxian law that he be returned to his lawful owner. The Marshall had set him free instead.

Graxer looks at the woman.. Boy she looks could use that sword of hers.. Bet a tossle with her'd be fun.. "Well met, names Graxer Firebeard, Swordthane of Gorum.. Came here at the request of my old fried Varrel here.. Hope i can be of assistance in all this mess.."

Erin Greenleaf inquires politely if you wish for any refreshment - he's about to bring tea for the Field Marshal if you'd care for a cup, or he can fetch something else if you prefer...?

The Field Marshal comes in and tosses her helmet onto a chest. It bounces once and falls on the floor - at which point Kroft demonstrates that she can at least swear like a trooper! She takes her usual seat behind her desk.

"Welcome, Sir Asherick, Varrel... please introduce me to your new companions. And where is Una? What news do you have for me?"

"Light Bless and keep you Field Marshall. Lady Therlmagne is not feeling well today, nothing serious I'm sure... but is at home currently indisposed. I'll take your confidence from the last time we reported to you on our investigations that we are secure from prying eyes here..."

{Page 85 - Ashe's 8th post}
http://paizo.com/campaigns/MegansCurseOfTheCrimsonThrone/gameplay&page= 85

"I have had the Physician's Mask we retrieved from the corpse of the Urgathoan/Red Mantis Cultist, Rois Vindmel, identified to determine its magical properties. It not only masks the wearer from having their moral alignment from being detected, obviously used to conceal their wicked hearts... but also specifically protects the wearer from contracting one singular disease. In this case 'Blood Veil', confirming at least in no short conjecture that the Queen's Physicians have foreknowledge of the plague and how to protect themselves from it. To be absolutely sure we would have to accost one of Reiner Davaulus' 'cohorts' - securing one of their masks to compare the magic on their mask with the one we already have to be completely sure they are the same but, I think we know already what we will discover. The Queen's Physicians are indeed aware of and are in fact in collusion with this cult of Urgathoa to spread Blood Veil in Korvosa."

"Last night Varrel and Una did a exterior search of the Hospice of the 'Blessed' Maiden, Varrel detected a source of powerful magic from deep underground under the Hospice. Magic so powerful as to radiate even to a caster's notice under so much earth is Powerful indeed and ...unsettling to say the least! But there were no easy ways to proceed further without raising obvious suspicions."

Ashe pauses... his expression troubled.

"Crissida, we are coming to a point where direct, provocative action is going to be needed, but once we start this... there will be no turning back. All that we have discovered can be denied and or refuted by the Queen professing ignorance... and who could force her to answer under truth magics? But if we act to reveal this dire plot of evil, it will put you in an very tenuous situation. Before we commit to infiltrating this Hospice with force... is there anything else you may have need of us to do while we can still act without drawing direct Queen attention to our actions for the benefit of the citizens of Korvosa on your behalf?"

"I concur with Lieutenant Whiteplume," Deriven maintains a stern expression. "If you have Urgathoans actively spreading a plague in your city, they must be stopped."

I some fashion, I concur. We have uncovered enough to know the queen would likely not listen to any public denounciation of the doctor and his minions. What'smore the people would riot again. They almost did when we shut down the snake oil salesman at the fragrance store. It took an overt display of power to keep that calm and it is not a thing I wish to chance again. Perhaps a compromise, though disguises WOULD be better, an overt patrol by our Imoedaens while the rest of us work the crowd through other more stealthy means. IF and only IF we find conclusive proof should we make an overt arrest. Know well Ashe, the risk we take though. Your family and any caught in the crossfire of open battle. You cannot expect them to go quietly. Maybe we take a look and I can hide inside and let you all in at a quiet period. If we can do this without public scrutiny, we can spare many bystanders, preserve our cover and remove Devaluis anyway.

The elf hopes the 2 Imoedaens will listen to reason. Graxer likely wouldn't care either way, so long as fighting was involved. Damoc and Arianna hopefully were not shorsighted either.

"Am I to understand this warehouse is a hospice? If it is a hospice, then I would think they would welcome Ashe and I as we are both capable of caring for the sick. Could we gain entrance as faithful of Iomedae seeking to lend aid to the sick? Then we could take a look about without arousing too much suspicion. If they deny us entrance, I think that would be a clear sign they are unconcerned about the sick and are using the hospice for other purposes. If that turned out to be the case, I think an assault would be our next course of action."