Korriban looks at Selawyn and Lantressa. "Again, I'm siding with Tress on this, Sel. Even if the non-evil Asmodians agree to help, we have to be wary of them." He smirks at Lantressa as he decides to change the subject. "So, planning on sinking your teeth into Leyli, Tress? Should be interesting to see how that develops." He looks at the motley crew. "So, looks like we have enough time to update Kroft on the situation."
Heading back north to Citadel Volshyenek, you cross the bridge into Korvosa proper. The sun is beginning to sink over Conqueror's Bay as you cross over the threshold of the Citadel and make your way to Kroft's office. The Field Marshall is in her office, still reviewing reports from her Guards.
"Ah, you lot," she says dryly when you enter. "I received your pseudodragon. An unusual method of sending a message. It was slightly jumbled--something about creepy creatures, and dead people, and the toy store. And it seemed to expect feeding afterward. What's the latest with you?"
Korriban opens the door to Kroft's office. With a smile and a wave, he says, "Howdy there, Kroft." When she mentions a pseudodragon, Korriban smiles. "Ah. So Majenko did get here alright." When she asks for a status update, Korriban says, "Well, we investigated the toy store. It was locked so we checked the alley. There were some corpses there. Some had signs of the plague and others were... drained of their blood. We found out that there were vampires in the area. About four of them. After we defeated them, we stayed the night and destroyed the corpses this morning. The owner of the toy store was dead when we investigated the inside of the toy store. We then went to Grand Bank to collect some things connected to a key we found and to inform them about the disease. We got in contact with Ishani Dhatri and he said he'll try to get the Abadarians to help."
He then pauses for a moment then continues. "We then did a favor for Master Vencarlo." He tries to not give too much away about that job.
"After that, we talked to one of the Iomedaen priestesses and she said that she'll rally together the other non-evil faiths to provide healing for the city as the disease spreads."
He then takes a deep breath as he finishes his rambling. He smiles. "So, what's up with you? Any of our friends in the cells say anything new lately? The blue guy? The weird face guy? Tallak?"
Selwyn shrugs at Lantressa and Korriban's objection to the Asmodians. Keeping her tone neutral on the discussion. "I'm not saying that we trust them or even like them, but they can provide healers and I doubt they want a plague going around the city. Plagues generally cause disorder and chaos as people flock to try and find any hope for a cure. That being said if you truly think we can not even trust them in this matter of the city's safety I won't press the matter any further."
Lantresa took a deep, calming, breath and said, "If you feel that they would be of help then you can contact them without me, a big part of my reaction is racial in origin," she paused as if considering whether to go on before she continued, "I'm descended from demons and as you know demons and devils do not get along. That heritage does have a strong influence over me and colors my opinions somewhat."
Lantressa, uncomfortable as normal with the authorities, allowed the others to explain things for the time being.
Kroft laughs slightly--though it's not a particularly amused-sounding laugh--at Korriban's questions. "How many different leads can you keep in your head all at once, boy? Tallak has revealed little, but you'll be pleased to know that now that the riots have settled down I was able to get a court date sorted out for him...he, at least, doesn't seem to be of such personal interest to the Queen as Sabor was." Her mouth twists bitterly at the memory.
"As to the others--Vreeg, as the blue one seems to be called, is clearly quite insane, which makes interrogating him...complicated. We consulted a member of the Acadamae, and learned that he is of a subterranean race called the derro. I've...heard stories of them, actually, but I'd always assumed they were myths. Apparently madness runs in the species...anyway, we have been able to confirm that he was some sort of apprentice the necromancer, Rolth, but other than the fact that Rolth apparently has several lairs around the city, nothing. Vreeg and Cabbagehead--which is what the big ugly one calls himself--spent pretty much all their time in the caves where you found them. Cabbagehead is just an imbecile; I suspect ogre blood somewhere in his family tree. He's a patsy."
Straightening up from her desk, Kroft rubs her tired eyes. "So. No, not much truly new with me. I haven't gotten permission from the crown from extraordinary powers in case this plague does break out, but they said that it's 'under advisement, and will receive a response shortly.' So...hopefully something will happen there."
As she wraps her coat and cloak around her, she adds, "I'm curious about this Father Dhatri and what he's planning; do you think you could bring him to my office tomorrow morning? I'd appreciate the chance to consult with him on his plans, should this plague spread."
Lantressamfinally found a topic she was comfortable addressing and said, "I don't know that he'll be able to or have much by the morning but I'd suggest not only meeting with him but also the leaders of the other faiths that Priestess Leyli said she would speak with. I'd suggest trying for closers to lunch time, maybe hold the meeting over lunch. It will take time to gather them anyway and the discussions might go more smoothly with a distraction. If you have a suggestion as to where then I can try and take care of the arangements for you."
Korriban looks at Selawyn. "Again, if the Asmodians are willing to play nice, then they can help."
Kroft laughs slightly--though it's not a particularly amused-sounding laugh--at Korriban's questions. "How many different leads can you keep in your head all at once, boy?"
Korriban smirks. "Well, I like to keep track of people. Especially when they have tried to kill me. It really helps to know about them."
"Tallak has revealed little, but you'll be pleased to know that now that the riots have settled down I was able to get a court date sorted out for him...he, at least, doesn't seem to be of such personal interest to the Queen as Sabor was." Her mouth twists bitterly at the memory.
Korriban smirks. "Good. A*****e will finally be put away. Good riddance to garbage."
"As to the others--Vreeg, as the blue one seems to be called, is clearly quite insane, which makes interrogating him...complicated. We consulted a member of the Acadamae, and learned that he is of a subterranean race called the derro. I've...heard stories of them, actually, but I'd always assumed they were myths. Apparently madness runs in the species...anyway, we have been able to confirm that he was some sort of apprentice the necromancer, Rolth, but other than the fact that Rolth apparently has several lairs around the city, nothing."
Korriban frowns. "So, we got crazy little blue people running around the underground? Great. And this Rolth guy... I know this is going to sound weird. But I went back to the Gray Quarter after that mission and the place was dark and looked ransacked. It felt wrong. I'm now a bit worried that I had just missed this Rolth guy or that he was there while I was snooping around."
"Vreeg and Cabbagehead--which is what the big ugly one calls himself--spent pretty much all their time in the caves where you found them. Cabbagehead is just an imbecile; I suspect ogre blood somewhere in his family tree. He's a patsy."
Korriban makes a disgusted face. "Ew... Ogre blood? How does that work?" He shakes his head. "So, Cabbagehead is an idiot. Good to know."
Straightening up from her desk, Kroft rubs her tired eyes.
When Kroft rubs her eyes, Korriban tilts his head. "How long have you been working, Kroft? Ever think about taking a day off?"
"So. No, not much truly new with me. I haven't gotten permission from the crown from extraordinary powers in case this plague does break out, but they said that it's 'under advisement, and will receive a response shortly.' So...hopefully something will happen there."
Korriban grumbles. "Well, that's reassuring. Looks like we're on our own for now."
As she wraps her coat and cloak around her, she adds, "I'm curious about this Father Dhatri and what he's planning; do you think you could bring him to my office tomorrow morning? I'd appreciate the chance to consult with him on his plans, should this plague spread."
Korriban listens to Lantressa as she makes her suggestion. Korriban smirks. "Sounds like a great idea! We can get Father Dhatri, Priestess Leyli, all of the heads of the faiths, hell, we can even bring my mother since she's a somewhat high priestess of a church and she knows the situation. We can make it a party! Food, drinks, the whole works!" He gestures to Teodor. "Hell, we have a priest of a faith with us right now!"
Before they meet with Kroft, Korriban warily looks at Teodor. "Hey, Teo. It was a good idea to go to the Pantheon of Many. Also, are you okay? I mean with the splotches and everything..."
"Thank you, my lad. I'm feeling a bit under the weather but the Lord is with me. I still say we can't trust the devil worshippers. If they're half as wise or powerful as they believe, they'll find out soon enough." Teodor coughs up some phlegm onto the street. "However ...perhaps we can warn the Hellknights ..."
"Like them or not, they are charged with keeping the peace and order."
"All I suggest is that we see what they can do for us. If they make unreasonable demands then we can say that we tried and give up on using them, but if their demands are simple and easily enough fulfilled then we can get more assistance in fighting this plague." When Teodor mention the Hellknights though Selawyn waves her hand dismissively. "They've already been informed of the situation there is no more need to warn them."
Selawyn stayed silent on the matter of the leads instead focusing on the talk of the prisoners. She did nod her head in agreement in bringing in Dhatri since he might be a helpful person to have assisting them.
"Ah, I nearly forgot! In that case, perhaps the two of us could warn the church. You make a good point about their love of order. I should learn to be less prejudiced."
Kroft laughs at Korriban's question. "I'm the Field Marshall of the Korvosan Guard. Days off aren't really my thing, Korriban." Turning more serious, she leads you out of her office and into the dusking courtyard of the Citadel. "Regardless, I'd welcome priests of any faith that is willing to help--and perhaps you're right, Lantressa, later in the day might be better. I'm most interested in speaking to Father Dhatri, though, as the one who sounds like he has some sort of idea...since you know the fellow, please make sure he gets here. What shall we say to...one o'clock?" She gazes off into the distance for a moment (presumably reviewing her schedule) then nods firmly. "Yes. One should work well. I'll dispatch a messenger to this Leyli at the Pantheon of Many tonight, so that she knows to encourage the others to come. In the meantime..." she gives you a wan smile as she reaches the gates of the Citadel. "I'm going to go home and get some rest. I recommend that the rest of you do the same." With a firm nod, she wraps her cloak around her and heads into the night, leaving you to your own devices.
"Thank you, my lad. I'm feeling a bit under the weather but the Lord is with me. I still say we can't trust the devil worshippers. If they're half as wise or powerful as they believe, they'll find out soon enough." Teodor coughs up some phlegm onto the street. "However ...perhaps we can warn the Hellknights ..."
"Like them or not, they are charged with keeping the peace and order."
Korriban looks at Teodor. "Good to hear you're doing okay. If this sickness gets any worse, we may need to see someone with the ability to cure it with magic."
Selwyn smiles at Teodor's change of heart. "Great! We'll head over to the temple of Sheyln first to get you cleaned up, we should also go get some new clothes, and then we can head over to the temple of Calistria they should have a few tips on how to get on the Asmodians good side. Before visiting we'll see if maybe the temple of Calistria might cure you of that cough. Then we'll visit them and see if we can't convince them that they should help out."
Selwyn just wants to use Teodor as an excuse to get some new clothes right now.
"Oh ...m'lady ...there are more worthy than me for such gifts. I will gladly accompany you on your personal journey to Asmodeus."
Korriban looks at Selawyn. "The new clothes thing. Does that include me? I mean, this is my coat. It completes my look. I wouldn't even know what to look for or where to look. To my knowledge, I don't think Bridgefront has any stores like that."
During the night, Korriban informs his mother about the meeting between the faiths and Kroft and asks if she would be interested in attending.
Selawyn smiles at Korriban's suggestion. "Sure, why don't we all head out to get some new clothing." Selawyn looks over at Lantressa giving an unspoken invitation to join them. "I know of a few places that sell some nice clothing up near Gold Market that should still be open around this time. Also, Teo don't worry about who's worthy of gifts or not this is a time for relaxing a bit before we have to deal with the Asmodians."
"Perhaps I could use a jaunty cap. Make me stand out to the ladies."
Lantressa's eyes lit up at the idea of shopping and she said, "Sure, I'll come along, I can always use more clothes, I'll tag along to the Calistrians too but you can deal with those devil worshipers on your own." She sighed a bit, "I also need to work tonight, I've been busy the last few days and Madame Halvar gets annoyed if I miss too many nights in a row at the brothel, I'm one of her biggest money makers after all due to my," she tossed her head and shook her hair out, "most exotic girls." There was definite pride in her voice as she spoke, but a tinge of sadness too.
Korriban looks at Selawyn and shrugs. "Alright. I'm game. I better not look like some sort of overstuffed, exalted peacock or something. I imagine you will probably help me with that."
Korriban smiles at Lantressa. "Well, losing your job wouldn't be good. Everyone needs money, unfortunately. As for clothes, I'm sure you can find something that suits you. I bet the shopkeepers will be stumbling over each other to find you something." He chuckles a bit. "Anyway, I bet you'll pull off anything in that store."
When Lantressa speaks in sadness, Korriban looks at her. "Hey, Tress. Something wrong?"
The next day, you can feel that the disease has continued to play havoc with your health...
Tuesday, 8th of Rova, 4708 AR
The next day is blustery, though warm, and you all meet up in the morning hours in Old Korvosa. Although it seems that everyone is trying to conduct business as usual, you can detect a certain tension, a certain hesitance in the air as people go about their work...
Korriban arrives early. He stands around, waiting for the others. When they arrive, Korriban says, We ready to go?" In the store in the Gold Market district, Korriban looks around, not sure what to specifically to get. He does spy some nice black shirts that help accentuate his figure. There is also some nice white shirts. He figures that if he gets some white shirts and pair them with his black pants, he could look a bit like Vencarlo. Obviously, he can't decide all that well. So he takes one black shirt and one white shirt. As for pants, he decides to get some nicer black pants. One thing he knows for sure: he's keeping the coat on.
While everyone is out, Korriban decides to sell off some of the things that he has been holding on to. He sells the 5 vials of the blue whinnis to a local apothecary. He then sells the masterwork thieves' tools.
He also distributes the coins from the deposit box amongst the team.
Korriban also tries to stop at some toy stores to try and sell the toy diagrams.
At the clothing store, Korriban puts the shirts away and continues to look around. Korriban decides to go with a nice, finely embroidered white collared shirt. It's open a bit, showing off the small part of his chest tattoo that has the symbol of Calistria. He also dons some nice black pants, embroidered with gold designs. He does seem to enjoy the clothes. He decides to purchase these particular clothes and wear them.
Korriban also decides to purchase some jewelry to help bring the outfit together. He heads to a nearby jewelry store and purchases some simple gold rings and a gold chain necklace, all of which amount to 50 sails.
Korriban immediately returns to his home to get changed. When he comes back out, he's dressed in the finer clothes and wearing the jewelry. He's also removed his bandana and hair tie, his hair loose, flowing, and adjusted to not go into his face. However, he still wears his coat, absolutely not going anywhere without it.
Lantressa gave Korriban a slight smile and said, "No, nothing is particularly wrong, this just wasn't the life I necessarily wanted. I never wanted to be a lady of the night, I don't mind it really, I actually kind of need it to satisfy my darker urgings, nut it wasn't what I wanted to be." She gave a sigh and then quickly changed the subject, "So, shopping, let's do this."
Korriban's sale of most of the equipment goes well, although unfortunately the toy store he finds in Old Korvosa isn't very impressed by the diagrams.
"Cor, these're awful," the owner, a plump Varisian woman with a silver nose ring exclaims. "Lookit this, this kite could never fly! And this doll ain't got any articulators. Sorry, love, but I do better'n this meself, so I'm not much interested."
Korriban sighs as the designs don't go over well with the toymaker. "Well, I thought that someone could get something from them. Thank you for looking at them." He takes the papers and leaves.
Lantressa met up with the others the next morning before they went shopping with an apologetic look on her face. She said, "I'm sorry but I have to cancel on the shopping and visiting the Calistrians and Asmodeans," again that last word was spoken with disgust, "it turns out that Madame Halvara scheduled me for a rather extended appointment with a client this morning. I'm headed there now and will be busy until close to 11 bells. I'll meet up with you to pick up Ishani at the temple before the meeting. I'll see you then."
Korriban nods at Lantressa. "Well, maybe working with us will help out. Get you to that better future."
Korriban looks to Lantressa and nods. "Well, it's going to stink not having you around. But, okay. We'll meet up later."
With Lantressa heading back to the House of Clouds, the rest of your intrepid band makes their way down to the Heights, a good place to shop and your ultimate destination in any case. Once fine clothing, jewels, and other necessaries have been procured, Selawyn, Teodor, and Korriban make their way toward the large, star-shaped building made of black stone that is Korvosa's temple to the Prince of Lies.
The door is situated at the apex of two of the points of the star, spanning a narrow corner. When you pound on the heavy, iron-bound wooden doors, a small slot opens in one and a pair of eyes peer out.
"What fealty would you pay, or promises extract, from Asmodeus?" a deep voice rumbles gravely.
Korriban looks at the pair of eyeballs. "Uh... no fealty or promises. We just want to talk to whoever's in charge or whoever we're allowed to talk to. We're with Field Marshall Kroft and we have a message."
Selawyn nods sadly at Lantressa's words. "Well it will be sad to have to go without you, but I'll try and find something nice for you as well."
Selawyn has a ball as they head out from shop to shop looking for nice clothing. She tries to rope each of her companions into getting something nice for themselves while she admires several of the newest fashionable dresses. When they arrive at the temple of Asmodeus Selawyn finds her happy mood abating and she glares at the small slot. "We're looking to extract a promise from the temple for assistance."
Teodor says little during the shopping trip. The excess and indulgence are not for him. "They speak for themselves. I offer information as fealty. Rather important information."
The heavy wooden door swings suddenly open, revealing a slight, goateed man in dark red and black robes. He gives you a short bow, smiling. "Emissaries of the Field Marshal. With information, and a request? A most unusual day. Please, enter." He stands aside and ushers you in with one hand. His voice is far deeper and more resonant than you'd expect in such a slight man; clearly, the person who answered the door. As you step into the temple, he shuts the huge door behind you.
The main room of the temple is shaped like a giant star, and a dome of red glass in the center of the room gives the whole place a rather eerie, Hellish look. In each point of the star shape lies an altar, with a few short rows of pews before them, but the center of the space is clear. It's also mostly empty, at the moment; aside from an acolyte in one corner lighting candles, the three of you and the priest seem to be the only ones in the building. Said priest precedes you into the central pentagon, smiling slightly.
"Forgive our barren appearance, please, my friends. I do not recognize any members of our congregation, so you may not realize that our services are held mostly at night. But if you have information and a request, why then, perhaps this is the best time for such as you to visit us. Pavo!" he bellows suddenly at the acolyte. "Seats for our guests. Wine as well. And a lap-desk." The young man scurries into a small door that leads to a space between two of the points (you notice there's one at each junction) and returns a few moments later lugging a stack of functional but rather ornate chairs. As soon as the chairs are spread out, he bolts away, and reappears a moment later with a pitcher of wine, some crystal glasses, and the requested desk. With a deep bow, he returns to his other duties.
The priest gestures for you to sit, though he remains standing momentarily. "Allow me. Since I know none of you, I will assume you do not know me; I am Alexite Leroung of the Sixth Circle, deacon under Archbishop Ornher Reebs of the Eighth, high priest of this temple whose authority derives from Thrune itself and thence from the Planes Below." Apparently satisfied with his own importance, he sits. "Now, whom have I the pleasure of addressing? And what is it you wished from me and my colleagues?"
Behind Leroung, one of the doors opens, and a figure cloaked in black and cowled appears, crossing swiftly from one inner wing of the temple to another. It glances your way briefly, giving a glimpse of a blank, dull iron mask.
Although it's early in the day for the brothel business, the House of Clouds (indeed, Eel's End as a whole) is never wholly empty. As you proceed up the gangway and between two of the smoking, serpentine braziers sending out clouds scented with cinnamon, rosewater, and anise, you hear several customers flirting with the scantily clad young women and men on deck. Your attention, as you gain the main deck, is immediately arrested by another sight, however.
At the far end of the deck, Madam Halvara is engaged in a quiet but clearly tense discussion with a tall, muscular man with close-cropped black hair and blue eyes. The spider baldric on his chest leaves little doubt as to whom he might be: Devargo Barvasi, the kingpin and landlord of Eel's End. As you approach, he rolls his eyes at whatever Halvara is saying and turns away, leaning on the rail. His eyes widen when he catches sight of you.
"Well, well, Hallie. Didn't know you were offering a damnation specialty these days," he says with a smirk.
"Quiet, Barvasi," the half-elf snaps. Turning to you, her ire rises. "You're late! Where've you been off to now? I need your derriere and your tits on deck, girl. Got a house call for something 'exotic,' and right now you're about as exotic as it gets 'round here."
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Korriban enters the Temple. As he walks into the main room, he looks around. "Oh, boy. This place looks really cheery. I really like how... uh.... red the lighting is?" Korriban takes the offered seat and a glass. He pours himself only a little wine. He smirks and shrugs. "Not much of a drinker."
As the priest goes through his name and long list of titles, Korriban's eyebrow slowly raises. 'Really? Gods, who walks around with that many titles?' When Alexite asks for his name, Korriban simply says, "Name's Korriban. Anyway, we have come because there are large events going on in Korvosa. Not good ones. We have done some of our own investigation into the matter. And we have been talking to people about it. Kroft is gathering together representatives of the more non-evil faiths together to discuss the situation. Our friend here..." He indicates to Selawyn. "...suggested that we talk to you and ask for your help." His tone is curt and polite.
Korriban looks at the new figure (and Alexite) in suspicion, looking at them and the surroundings.
The priest leans forward slightly, dabbing at his lips with a crisp white handkerchief as he gazes at you. "What is it you offer?"
Barvasi smirks and runs his tongue over his top teeth when you curtsy to him, giving you a little jerk of a head nod in appreciation. Halvara sighs, deflating slightly. "Sorry for my snappishness, Lantressa. Just a long morning. You're to head to a store in the Heights: Lavender. It's just off Summoning Street--great curtains and a big sign all in, you guessed it, lavender, so it shouldn't be too hard to spot. The storekeeper, Vendra Loggari has requested your services...something about catching the eye and holding the attention of a bunch of strong men. I laid down the ground rules for her, so she knows the limits, but I don't know exactly what she wants. Could be a present for her boyfriend, could be something to make some young man jealous or even just to spite him...regardless, she's paying well. She's agreed to 45 gold sails if you stay until 11, which is easily 150% of what we'd normally make with you on deck that long. Sound fair enough?"
Selawyn takes a look around marveling at the splendor of the Asmodian temple. She makes sure to school her face to stillness remembering some of her fathers old warning about the Asomdians. Don't show any emotions, flatter them, and remember to quintuple check any contract that they might have you sign. She did allow herself to have a moment to admire the building though. They may be evil, but they did have a nice sense of style. As The priest introduced himself Selawyn waited for Korriban to finish before offering her own introduction. "We are honored to meet you here today Deacon Leroung. My name is Selawyn Grimmuald of the Korvosan Guard, daughter of Alexite Grimmuald Hellknight of the Order of the Nail, aspiring armiger to the Order of the Nail whose authority derives from House Thrune as well, and models itself after the armies of the Planes Below. May Order and Law prevail." As the priest asks what their offer is Selawyn makes sure to remain still not allowing a single emotion to cross her face as she waited for Korriban to use his silver tongue to charm the Asmodians.
Once the last of the details were done Lantressa prepared herself, put her hood up, and took her gear with her. She arrived at Lavender right on time and entered the store front and, once in the doors she began to look around the store both at their wares and for this Vendra Loggari.
"Well, I've learned never to refuse a glass of good wine, for we know not which will be our last," Teodor says and lets his host pour him a drink. He takes a sip and coughs into his glasa as he chokes, unused to such fine vintage.
"So you've heard of this plague. Always starts with the poor, doesn't it? I'd say we offer gold, but I think that isn't hard for you to get. Perhaps an advantage over those gold-worshipping Abadarians? Lord knows they'll charge coin for their cures. You could charge mere souls. True control of a city must start with the peasantry. Devil is in the details, eh? And those will be worked out. For now a toast? To a profitable alliance."
Leroung leans back, eyeing Teodor somewhat suspiciously--not about the drink, apparently, but about his statement. "If you knew whereof you spoke, you would not call them 'mere' souls. They are quite valuable to the right buyer...although, admittedly, my masters would be unlikely to be interested in converting them into cash. More to the point, the purchase of souls is of...dubious legality, in Korvosa, and I would prefer not to run afoul of the courts. But I'm sure something else could be arranged..." He trails off, seemingly lost in thought.
"What about blood?" he asks idly. "That is a substance that those we aid can donate to the church, and it would be of great interest to us to study."
"Loggari? I only got messages from her, but she's the proprietess so I'd imagine you'd find her behind the desk of the shop," Halvara says. "And yes yes, of course you'll get paid!"
As you leave, Devargo sucks his teeth and gives you a low whistle that's clearly meant to be appreciative, though it comes off more as creepy. You can feel his eyes following you down the gangplank and back onto the shore, until you disappear into Old Korvosa and leave the floating brothel behind. The journey to the Heights doesn't take too long, and Lavender is, indeed, easy to spot: everything about the damn building is purple.
Inside, you discover that the store is a perfumery: a menagerie of heady scents twists throughout the cramped but stylish room. A dizzying assortment of bottles--from gaudy ceramic containers to graceful crystalline vials--lines a variety of lace- and ribbon-strewn tables, shelves, racks, and an eye-catching display in the wide front window. Across from the front door's orchid-tinted glass panes runs a long counter, stacked high with hundreds of slender steel tubes bearing slender magenta caps. Behind the counter, violet flourishes swoop across a sign reading: "The Devil's Kiss: LEAD HIM INTO SIN."
"Oh excellent! You're here!" A pale woman woman with short-cropped dark hair hurries out from behind the counter. "Let's see, let's see..." Not even pausing to introduce herself, she hurries up to you. "Wonderful! You're so sexy and...and dangerous! Are those real?" She reaches up and runs a hand over your horns before you can stop her. "Oooh they are! That Halvara really does work wonders. Let's see, we'll have to make a small adjustment here, though..." She reaches down and tugs your neckline rather lower. "There! Now you look ready to work..."
"Oh, tis not I who undervalues souls but those who still have them. As for blood, I offer my own." Teodor slices his finger with a dagger.
Korriban is blissfully unaware of Teodor's actions. He scrunches his nose a bit. "Blood Veil? Ugh... It even sounds gross. It sounds like... curtains made out of blood and disease, poisoning everything." He scratches chin. "Actually, that's a very accurate metaphor."
Korriban looks at Leroung warily. "Uh... blood for donations? I don't know. That sounds... awfully messy." He leans forward a bit. "How about helping out the poor and with the disease... just to help them? I mean, it can only boost your reputation." He puts his goblet down and continues. "I mean, if the blood veil is rapidly spreading among the poor, then it will climb up on the social ladder and infect the middle class. Then, it will hit the nobility."
He continues, making exaggerated gestures with his hands and tilting his head from side to side. "It'd probably infect the merchants and the caravans. It might also infect the merchandise. Then, it will spread to other cities, and then possibly Cheliax. It'd probably start up again in your homeland, infecting the poor, the middle class, then the nobility. Eventually, it'll infect your Queen and Cheliax will wind up being a den of disease and death. And since you're of the Sixth Circle, deacon under Archbishop Reebs, and your orders come from Thrune, and all that, it'd probably be in the best interests of you and your Church to help out and bite this thing in the butt as soon as possible."
"As for you..." he turns to Korriban with a slight sneer. "I wager you do not understand the teachings of the Prince Below. And I'll wager that you're a Korvosan, born and bred. You have an exaggerated idea of this city's importance to the world at large. Might some merchants and so on become infected? It is a risk, yes, but merchants tend to have the financial wherewithal to find themselves healing in an emergency. And when news of blood veil spreads, merchants will begin avoiding Korvosa's markets altogether. The chances of the sickness reaching Cheliax's shores is quite remote.
"As to the poor...if they are sick and would rather die than give a little bit of blood for their healing, because of a prejudice against the Asmodean church, then they had better die, and decrease the surplus population. After those virgins years ago, everyone thinks that when we talk of blood we mean corpses on an altar, but really I'm only interested in small samples like the one your friend has offered. Do not forget that the Lord of Darkness is also the Scribe of Magic; blood has many valuable properties that could aid our magical experiments, but it is in sadly short supply."
Recovering her pep, she uncaps one of the tubes lining the counter, revealing a rather bold, dark purple lipstick. "So here's the plan: you'll be modeling the lipstick, and anytime a customer comes in, you just need to beckon them over and say, 'Welcome to your new, secret life...of sin.'" Vendra really sells that line, clearly proud of her script. "Then you lean in and kiss 'em! If there are couples, go for the man--jealous women always want sexy lipstick! Go for the lips whenever possible, and try to put some real muscle into the kiss, if y'know what I mean. If they won't let you do the lips try at least to get one on their cheek--I want everyone to have purple marks! And, ah, this is an upper-class establishment, and you're clearly, well, so I'm guessing you're used to the occasional wandering hand, so please don't make a scene of anything playful. We want people riled up, remember! But if you do feel unsafe, or if you see someone who looks unsavory, please tell Lalo there." She nods at a big, muscle-bound Varisian man in a ridiculous purple beret who stands unobtrusively in one corner. He gives you a curt nod as Vendra catches her breath. "Well, I think that's it! Pop on some 'Devil's Kiss' and we're ready to go!"
"Oh, and don't lick your lips once you've put it on."