Nevynxxx's CotCT (Inactive)

Game Master Nevynxxx

"Oh, you mean the plague?" Erik assumes an innocent expression. "I could have sworn you were referring to Roj and Tayce."

Ducking ahead as if expecting a backhand from the paladin (but knowing it wouldn't of course be coming), he laughs and turns to walk backwards, grinning at the group. "Roj! Remember your friends when you're called to dine! I promise we'll be discrete at the far end of the table, and won't make any comments!"

He laughs again and then turns into a pot bellied, weather-burned gnome with an orange cap and a bright red pipe, his voice adopting a rich, rolling country burr. "Oh arr, but I do be thinkin' Master Borden has the right of it. We'd best be making our little way to the Marshall, I reckon, to report this one in."

Lets check back at the house for Basil first - want to get him up to speed

You make it back to Zellera's, well your house, after dark, but by no means late. Basil is pottering about but doesn't seem to have noticed a note, pushed under the front door. It's quite obvious to all of you that it's there as soon as you walk in though.

Also, Zellera's ghost is sat in a chair in the living room, the Harrow deck in hand, waiting rather impatiently for you.

Oi! Zellera! This is our house now - whatcher here for?

"It will be mine so long as Korvosa in in peril, boy. You are welcome to it while you help her though."

Basil looks up when the rest of the party arrives.

"Ah! There you are. Was you trip successful? Zellera's been here for a while, but she didn't want to discuss *why* she was here until everyone had gathered together..."

"Zellera..." Erik stops, taken aback. He looks surreptiously at his friends. "You guys never mentioned that she was still around?"

He seems completely taken aback. "Erm, hello. I'm Erik Copper. I, ah. Am staying here with my friends too? I hope that's all right?"

Turning to the closest compadre, he whispers behind his hand, "Can you tell me why she's still here? Who is she? Why is she so... at ease with us?"

I never got the Zellera story!

"So far as I know, Zellara was the previous owner of this home. She's dead now, but for some reason she keeps haunting this place, and so far her advice hasn't been too bad. Maybe she's here to help us out with something new." Roj takes a seat across from the ghost. "What do you have today?"

"Close, but not quite correct Rojerick. My spirit is attached to the Harrow Deck that young Gwen there carries. Korvosa is in a time of need, and until that need is met, my spirit will remain. I can help in many ways, but the future, as ever is still unclear to me."

"Ah, you mean this deck?"
Gwen steps forward and takes the deck out of her backpack.
"Oh, by the way, I'm fine with you being here Zellara. How do you like the place now? We've made a few improvements here and there. It's comfier this way, don't you think?"

"You've done a good job girl. It's not quite how I would have it. But you should be comfortable. You deserve that much. Now, for those of you who haven't done this before. First, we perform a choosing."

Zellera takes the top nine cards from the deck, and spreads them in a fan, "Please take a card each.". Please roll 1d9

The harrow point page has been updated too.

Card?: 1d9 ⇒ 2

Roj hesitates, then reaches out and plucks the number two card, carefully not looking at it until instructed. "She didn't say to peek..."

Zellera beckons Roj to turn it over for everyone to see.

"The Mountain Man, a strong card."

Gwen looks at the deck, then picks the most hidden card of the bunch and turns it over.
and the winner is...: 1d9 ⇒ 6

"The survivor, the card Suits you Gwen. Rebirth through ordeal."

With a shrug, Basil takes a card.

1d9 ⇒ 3

"Ahh, the Trumpeter basil, a card of personal power."

Card 1d9 ⇒ 1

Erik hesitates, waggles his finger, and pulls a card

Harrow: 1d9 ⇒ 5

Card 1d9

"Hmm, the brass dwarf. Usually shows invulnerability to your current peril."

Erik hesitates, waggles his finger, and pulls a card

[Dice=Harrow]1d9

"For you dear, the Desert. You will be traversing a bleak passage in the near future boy, steel yourself!"

Zelerra takes back the cards and shuffles them into the deck. Anyone looking closely can see that the cards are moving in ways that defy reality, even blending between one card and another in the ghosts hands. Finally, she lays out nine cards, face down in a three by three grid.

"The columns represent past, present and future. The rows, Good, neutral and Evil." The first card to be revealed is the top left, as far as Zellera is concerned. It shows a man in shining armour, and a whinged helm. Although upside down.

"The paladin, in the Positive Past, not only miss-aligned, but in an opposite match. It would seem that even the good you have accomplished in recent times has turned sour. Saving the girl did not end well, or as most believe. Discovering the tainted meat sellers lead some to starve, despite your best intentions. Proceed with care my friends."

The next card down reveals a cricket, playing an accordion. "The unclear past hmm, the cricket represents speed and quick passage. The cards believe you have completed the events of the recent past quickly. I only hope quickly enough."

The final past card reveals a pale woman, holding leeks -a traditional healing herb- and dice, to show the odds of survival. She is surrounded by flies. The card represents Sickness. Zellera looks aghast. "The negative past, true to form, but ever so close to the present. This card, as you can see, is never any good. Disease of the body, or the soul. In this case, I suspect both. You have seen disease of the body this day. Korvosa suffers from disease of the soul I fear."

She moves on quickly, turning the top centre card next. The card shows ab angel in flight, playing a trumpet. "The trumpeter! This card represents a declaration of power. It remains to be seen if the declaration is yours, or some others. That was your card, was it not Basil? Perhaps the power is yours, perhaps an enemy you face will show power over you."

The next card, called the peacock, is represented by some zombie beast, with a key right in the centre. "The peacock, strongly aligned, in the unclear present. This card represents a strong personal shift. That shift could be in your perception, your emotion, or possibly even something else. It is, unclear. Something is going to experience a shift in power though."

The final card in the present set, the eclipse, is inverted. "Inverted, hmmm, this represents unheralded abilities. The present is suffused with disease, shifts of power and new abilities to be seen. I hope this last relates to yourself, not to those who ail the city. But I fear I am too optimistic."

"Onto the future, the part I am sure you will find the most important." Another inverted card, this one shows a cyclone blowing destruction. "The future shows renewal after a trial. Your present looks troubled, but this hints at success if you can hold your nerve, and keep strong."

The next card shows an avalanche in the mountains. Zellera hisses as it is revealed. "This meshes not at all with the last card. Your future holds unmitigated disaster, but in the unclear future. So strong, and yet hidden, disaster, but success. I... " she moves to reveal the last card, even as her thoughts race.

"An impossible situation." She says as she sees the last card, a swamp with eerie lights floating above abyssal waters. "Your future holds an impossible situation. This could not be more clear, or more strong. Even as you succeed, you succour your enemies. Your every success embeds their power. But you must hold firm through that, or even the success that is there for you to take, will elude you."

Erik listens with intent focus, nodding and watching as the cards are revealed, and when Zellara finally finishes he sits back in his chair, eyebrows raised.

"Well. That is indeed a grim prognostication. Impossible situations, victories that will only make our enemies stronger, disease, shifts in power, but ultimate success if we keep our nerve."

He looks a little overwhelmed. "I guess this means things aren't going to be calming down into a state of city-wide tranquility after all."

Looking around at his friends, he smiles weakly. "Anybody for a vacation? I hear the Land of the Linnorn Kings is nice this time of year."

"Even as you succeed, you succour your enemies. Your every success embeds their power. But you must hold firm through that, or even the success that is there for you to take, will elude you"
Zellara's last words ring loudly in Gwen's ears.

"Looks like we're helping our enemies. Well, we have been working for the Marshal lately, so ultimately for the queen. We have been trying to help our city in this time of trouble, but who knows, perhaps we haven't, not really."

Gwen starts pacing back and forth, a deep frown on her strong face.

"I think, while still working for Korvosa, to try and keep peace and order, we should start to investigate, to find out if someone inside the government, or maybe even at the top of it, is actually working against Korvosa's best interests. That's the only logical explanation I can find for your words, Zellara!"

"Beware logic, or direct meaning in the cards My Dear. You have been doing good, despite the grim words here spoken. Keep up your good deeds." With that last, Zellera fades away, her magic spent for the time being.

You also found a letter on your way in....

Erik turns around and checks the letter. "Anybody mind if I open this? No? Good."

He tears it open and reads it out loud.

"I for one refuse to believe these cards, at least not as literally as Gwen sees them." Rojerick shakes his head as Zellara vanishes, standing and closing his eyes. "Besides, it doesn't matter if our every move helps our foes, whoever they may be, or if there's disaster in our path. It's still the right one to walk." He shakes his head one last time, waving his hand as if to clear the air. "Erik, what does that letter say? Maybe we can learn something real."

Travelled a bit, seen and heard some mighty strange things over at the Grand Lodge of the pathfinder society. The old ghost may have something to her reading.

Erik takes the latter, and in his best speaking voice reads:

"My friends! I hope I can call you that. I wish discuss a matter of quite sensitive nature, and have little other option o a place to turn. Please, visit me as soon as you can. Vencarlo Orisini"

Never rains but it pours... lets see whats up there after we get word back on the plague to the Captain.

"Ha! Vencarlo Orisini! He seems to pop up here there and everywhere! First with Kroft, then inside the shrine of Sarenrae where we brought the girl, Trinia, do you remember, Basil? You saw him too! And... well, uh..."

Gwen stops for a few moments, trying to remember something.

"... I seem to recall something about a scandal, involving Vencarlo, Sabina the queen's bodyguard, and our good friend Grau... and lo and behold, Vencarlo summons us right after we save Grau's niece. Lots of coincidences here guys!"

Basil makes a face.

"Too many coincidences, if you ask me... Still, it is probably worth checking out."

So is the plan to visit the field marshal, then Vencarlo?

Yup, sounds like a good plan

I agree. Sorry for lack of posts, it's been a rough week at work.

yep

Works for me!

Ok. Mad work day for me too, but post coming up later

The trip to the citadel is simple, and event free. Unfortunatly, when you get there, you are given short shrift. It would seem the Field Marshall has left orders not to be disturbed, even by you.

Erik frowns and turns to the others. "So. On to Vencarlo?"

Lets leave her a note then.

Ok, note left, you can fill in the details ;)

A little asking around gets directions to the centre of Old Korvosa, and Hillcrest St, and the Orisini Academy. A sign hanging on the door reads "Classes Cancelled Today". A few moments after you arrive, a very serious-looking Vencarlo appears at the door, and ushers you in, almost as though he were looking out for you.

He ushers you inside, and upstairs.

"I am sorry for the rather cryptic note. I have a job for you, that is vitally important. I remembered the faith the Field Marshall put in you and hope beyond hope that you can help. I have another friend here."

At his final words, a girl enters from another room, wearing travelling clothes, and a wide brimmed, floppy hat and wig. A close look reveals Trinia. She grins a little sheepishly, "Sorry for the trouble I gave you and the disappearing act."

Vencarlo continues. "“You were all at the Queen’s debacle, so I don’t doubt you realised that the queen was about to hang a scape-goat. That act was the final evidence to me that Illeosa is up to no good, and that I must help this charming young woman. I had only just reached my home the night of Her Majesty’s morbid gala when that rogue Blackjack and this startled woman arrived at my doorstep. What he did with the other girl I do not know. The people’s hero and I have had some dealings in the past, but still, 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 into 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 the girl 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 harlot 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. Its the first leg of the journey where we find our problem, though. Both the Korvosan Guard and the Sable Company 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 considerable 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?”

sounds like an invitation to get caught, hanged, drawn and quartered... When do we start?

Erik is all wide eyes and gaping mouth.

"Trinia! Here? You're safe!" He grins and then glances around, realizing that he should be playing the part of the seasoned veteran by now. "I mean, I'm glad. To see that you're safe. And Blackjack? Have you heard from him since?"

Then he hesitates again and motions to his friends. "Mr. Vencarlo, will you allow us a moment?"

Taking his friends aside, he huddles in close and whispers.

"Look, if we help her out, we're going against the queen. Is that something we want to do? Turn against the city? Cause that means we're traitors and if we get caught, we've got no excuse. And would that mean we no longer help the Marshall? Are we picking sides here?"

"I'm not picking any one side for now, Eric. I do, however, have a few questions that I'd very much like to ask to Orisini and young Trinia, before I make up my mind. Like, what does Trinia really know about the King's Death, and about BlackJack? And what was the true story behind the scandal involving Vencarlo, Sabina and Grau? Does Vencarlo think the Queen had something to do with our King's demise?

I'm telling you guys, I'm sick and tired of being kept in the dark about what's really happening in this city. If they want my help, full disclosure is my price."

Trinia grins at Eric, and then frowns at Gwen, but she's interrupted by Vencarlo. "That's quite a story, and it's getting late. Shall we eat while I tell it, well, as much of it as I know." he motions to the seats in the room.

"Yes, let's have a seat." Rojerick finds a chair and then looks Vencarlo dead in the eye. "I'm conflicted, and it's rare that I feel that way. On the one hand, what Eric says is indisputably true. To turn Trinia over, however innocent she may be, is to side with the side of justice and law. At the same time, though, if she is innocent, Sarenrae would frown on handing her over." He looks around for food, then stares first at the girl and then back at Vencarlo. "Convince me. Both of you."

Trinia's grin disappears at what looks to become an interrogation. Vencarlo puts a hand on her shoulder and says "Tell your story, girl. There is nothing to hide."

She grins weakly at him, and begins. "There isn't a lot to tell. I'm an artist, I make some money in the wealthier bits of the city painting portraits of people, children, that sort of thing. One of my pictures must have captured the old king's notice. He invited me in to paint him. I had three or four sittings over a few weeks. He was nice enough, although a little creepy, and he stared at me like I was some sort of plaything sometimes. Illeosa was furious, called me a harlot in private, but was nice as pie around the king or anyone else."

"That's it, the last time I saw him, he was alive. I have no idea how he died, or what magics they must have used to keep him dead."

"My story is somewhat longer, Especially if you bring Sabrina and Grau into it. I have seen neither in a few years. It's enough, I should think to know that I have known Blackjack for many years. That he has, to my knowledge, only ever worked for the good of Korvosa, and that I trust his word as I would my own. I'm sure you can measure the truth of my words Rojerick."

Basil raises an eyebrow.

"Well Roj? Is there truth to his words?"

This is going to end badly...

Gwen ostentatiously cleans her right ear with her forefinger.
"I must have some trouble hearing, miss. I could swear I just heard you say "what magics they must have used to KEEP him dead". Surely I'm mistaken... right?"

"Well," says Erik to Gwen. "King's are rich. Gotta be some reason they ain't successfully used a Raise Dead spell on him, hasn't there?"

Gwen ostentatiously cleans her right ear with her forefinger.

"I must have some trouble hearing, miss. I could swear I just heard you say "what magics they must have used to KEEP him dead". Surely I'm mistaken... right?"

Yeah, this is one of those things that makes assassinating royalty a PITA, Raise Dead costs less than 1,000GP *worst case*. That's nothing to a widdowed queen.....

"Well, yes, he was in his prime, he was well liked, why would the queen not try to revive him? Whatever killed him must have made that impossible."