Spider's Hold - Round 4 - concluded
As Ulgrim enters the room, he is able to duck through the webs without making direct contact, however his bow-shot is ill-aimed and the arrows sails wide of hitting any arachnids.
Gyllan also avoids brushing against the iridescent webs that cover this place from floor to ceiling. Summoning up all his frustration and anger, Gyllan unleashes a mighty blow that catches the ettercap in the cranial area, and slices him open from head to toe. Gyllan chokes back the revulsion as its guts slop onto the floor in a gooey heap, but is satisfied as the inhuman monster falls over dead with one hit.
Arianna continues to lend her magical aid to those trapped by the spider's webs, this time assisting Iozif, who despite his struggle remains entangled.
The remaining spider, one of the small ones that spins the iridescent webs, seems to lose all sense of aggressiveness when the humanoid falls, and skitters off to the corner, seeming to ignore the interlopers.
Spider Hold - Round 5
23 Durriken
22 Corso
16 Ulgrim
14 Gyllan
13 Arianna
6 Dream Spider 3
6 Iozif (entangled)
Gyllan is quite pleased with killing the ettercap so quickly, as he had no interest in a protracted fight with the spiders in their web-strewn retreat. With the same thought in mind, he sheathes his greatsword and slips his bow off his back. "Let's finish these things off," he calls out, "then get out of here." He nocks an arrow, draws back powerfully and lets fly.
Arianna tries again to provide Iozif a bit of magical aid in escaping the webs.
"I'm glad you lot have this under control. I'm well and truly sodding stuck! Save me one of those spiders to dissect later." Iozif continues to struggle to free himself.
Spider Hold - Round 5 - concluded
Gyllan, already deep in the webbed up room, launches his bow at the remaining detached spider. His aim is true, and the arrow splatters the remaining arachnid into little motes.
End of Combat
Eventually, with the combat over, Iozif is able to escape from the webs and can join in the exploration.
Gyllan calls out to his companions, "Stay back a moment, and I'll try to clear the webs out so we can search this place properly." He extends his blade far away from himself to cut the webs safely and clears the room.
Ulgrim waits for the webbing to be cleared before entering the room and helping to search.
As he finally strugges free of the webbing, Iozif mutters under his breath for a moment, "... confounded string... bound like a trussed pig... looked absurd... wretched creature.." Clearing his throat, he turns and bows to Arianna, "Thank you, Miss, for your help. That confounded webbing had me bound tighter than a straitjacket could have."
Stepping into the now-clear room, Iozif glances around in interest before making his way over to the humanoid creature. Studying the creature, he pulls out a journal and begins taking notes and taking measurements with a caliper. After a few moments of study, he finally puts away his journal and begins to carefully search the creature for any items of further interest.
Gyllan clears away the webbing from the room little by little. The others, including a now free Iozif, follow behind inspecting the room. Iozif, stops at the body of the strange spidery-humanoid and makes notes.
Even though the search is detailed and thorough, only bones remain in this place, and not even many of those. There is no loot or valuables, nor any other item of interest.
"You are certainly welcome, Iozif. I only wish I had not been so bloody useless in our most recent fight."
After the fruitless search of the spider's lair, Arianna sighs, "All for naught, eh? Shall we continue the search of the ship or should we just free the dragon and be done with this place?"
"We ought probably leave afore someone realizes we just murder-hoboed their boss. Our work here's done, nae?"
Unless you want to take a dip in the water-filled bilge, it appears you have taken care of Devargo Barvasi and his spider pets. IN the process you freed the psuedodragon, Majenko.
You can either report back to Field Marshal Croft, or just separate until she summmons you again, as she asked previously.
Up to you guys.
"I agree, Ulgrim," Gyllan says as he carefully scrapes the blade of his greatsword along the a doorframe, to clear off the the strange spiderwebs without touching them, "it's time we were gone."
As they leave Barvasi's ship, Gyllan again takes Arianna by the arm and walks as casually as he can away from Eel's End. Once they're well away, he looks around at his companions and says with a smile, "Let's go back to the Field Marshal and tell her our work is done. I like cleaning up Korvosa, maybe she's got another gig for us."
"I'm headed back there anyway. Sounds good tae mae."
"That sounds acceptable. I can rendezvous with Majenko a little later." Iozif finishes his notes and nods that he's ready to leave.
"Very well. We'll go see the Field Marshall." Turning her attention to Corso she adds, "Though that drink sounds pretty good too after today."
Gyllan grins at the lovely Varisian's answer and says, "Another fine idea, Corso - drinks, then the Field Marshal. I know just the place." He leads the group to a favorite spot of his, some distance from Eel's End, where they serve a fine, fresh pint and a good roast pork with figs.
The group ascends to the throne room, then opens the door to the deck of Eel's End. A few guards have gathered round the spot, but when you come out, they step back hands in the air. "We don't want no trouble, masters. If you want outta here, that's fine w'us. We'll see what becomes o' this place without The King of Spiders to run it."
And you withdraw to Gyllan's favorite tavern for dinner and drinks. After a few hours of relaxation and revelry, you make your way to Citadel Volshyenek once again.
There you find Field Marshall Kroft at her desk reviewing reports from various sections of town.
"You again? I didn't expect to see you until summoned. To what do I ow the pleasure of your visit?" She does seem surprised to see you, but not unpleasantly so.
The grin on his face only slightly lop-sided from their celebrations, Gyllan pats the hilt of his sword and says, "The Spider and his beasts are dead." He gestures broadly at his companions and says, "We took him down fast, and his guards are leaderless and lost. You'll have no more trouble from Eel's End for a bit, though someone may try to step in and grab the reins if you're not careful. In any case, we worked well together and have a taste for doing good for Korvosa. So, what else ya got?"
Ulgrim nods, confirming Gyllan's words.
"It also seems worthy of note that Barvasi was making a drug that I gather is called Shiver. He had some form of lab set up in the hold of his ship." Iozif adds to Gyllan's explanation with a disgusted grimace. "He besmirched the good standing of Korvosan alchemist's the city over with that. Foul bastard."
Kroft seems quite pleased with your actions, but she says "I cannot officially condone such wanton violence against a tax-paying merchant and I cannot reward you monetarily for something I'd rather not admit knowing." She shuffles in her desk drawers for a moment and pulls out a teak wood case.
"But, nothing prevents me from awarding you these for going above and beyond the call of duty in true service to Korvosa." She flips open the box revealing 6 small medals in the circular shape of a pseudo-dragon. This mark is a well-known medal rewarded to those known as "champions of Korvosa", lately this has been the right donor, or well-connected fogies, but historically, the military and diplomatic heroes of the realm wore this symbol. This gold medal is worth 400 gp, but more importantly adds a +2 to Diplomacy checks with citizens of Korvosa if worn openly.
She begins pinning the medal on each of your tunics, kissing you each on the cheek as she does so. "Your service is turning out to be invaluable. The city is stable, if still restless. The latest rumor is that the king's death was not by natural causes, but rather poisoning, with Her Majesty as the murderess. I am loathe to believe such a tale, but it does make for some uncomfortable moments when the queen is still hailed as 'usurper' or 'murdering harlot' when she appears in public."
"For now, take some well-deserved rest. Spend your hard-earned gold, relax and recuperate. I will call you again when I have the need."
With that she dismisses you to your own recognizance.
Ulgrim actually blushes when Kroft kisses his cheek. He mutters a "Thank'ee, mam."
Gyllan accepts his medal with pride, pleased to have some recognition of what he has done for the city he loves. His eyes widen in disgust and alarm, however, when Kroft speaks of the king's death, and then narrow in determination as he responds, "If what you say is true, you can call on us to avenge the king, Field Marshal, though I hope it does not come to that. In any case, it seems you serve Korvosa above all, as I wish to - I will come when you call."
Arianna looks curiously at the medal she has been presented followed quickly by a nod of thanks toward the Field Marshal. Having been released, she returns to the simple room she had rented before all of this had begun.
Ulgrim spends the next few days climbing high buildings and jumping off them with his new magical ring. Practicing gliding from roof to roof. In the evenings, he returns to the Guards' bar near the citadel, making it known to the others that they are welcome to join him.
Cocking an eyebrow at Kroft's unwillingness to openly praise their removal of a dangerous criminal, Iozif maintains an otherwise calm demeanor. When the Field Marshal pulls out a set of medals from her desk. As always, those who do right by the city can't be openly praised, but it's perfectly fine to do so in the shadows. Why should the citizens of this city have hope for change when so few seem to make a real change at the entrenched criminals.
Despite his irritation, Iozif blushes faintly as the field marshal pins the medal onto his tunic. Clearing his throat, Iozif says, "I'm simply glad the city is a better place, Field Marshal." Idly fingering the medal, Iozif listens with interest as the guard commander discusses the state of the city. Nodding as he's dismissed, Iozif turns on his heel and leaves the castle, idly thinking about Kroft's words. The queen an usurper and a murderer? She's always struck me as ruthless but that seems extreme even for her.
Turning to his companions, Iozif asks, "So, we've freed Majenko and we've dealt with that spidery thug. I'd say it was a decent day's work. If none of you have objections, I think I'd like to take my leave. My studies are doubtless in shambles by this point and I'll want to recover them as best I can. If any of have injuries, I'd be happy to take a look. In any case, I look forward to seeing all of you in the near future."
After concluding his conversation with his companions, Iozif returns to his tiny studio. Looking around the room warily as he enters, he gently calls, "Majenko, are you here? You made it safely out of that bastard's nest?"
Over the next few days, Iozif resumes his studies as best he can. Distracted by the excitement and knowledge he'd gained in the short time he'd been away, Iozif manages to learn little enough, though he does find the time to make a few additional alchemical items.
Given the downtime and ability to study the objects in great detail, the party is able to identify the magic items: a scroll of Blur and Dust of Appearance x2.
Iozif ponders the value and properties of the mundane jewlry and finds the values after a limited time. The Varisian alchemist is pleased to find the pseudodragon, Majenko, making a nest in the rafters outside his loft apartment.
Gyllan takes the valuables to the fence network they have been dealing with and soon had loose coin to distribute to the group. It is 385 gp per person.
Your downtime will be something like a week, so all damage is healed, all spells returned, and Iozif has some time to create in his laboratory if you like.
About One Week Later...
As you spend time in the city, either studying, drinking, learning new spells, or the like, the politics of the Queen and her supposed treachery is not far from anyone's lips.
However, soon a new story is heard. The Queen's bodyguard, Sabina Merrin whom you remember well from your visit to Castle Korvosa, and the Korvosan Guard soon reveal that the king was indeed poisoned, but the murderess was not the Queen. Instead, new evidence, including a confession from a bewitched Guardsman, points the finger directly at a pretty young artist, one Trinia Sabor, who was painting a portrait of the King upon his death.
Word of the confession of the implicated guardsman and his subsequent suicide -- committed by jumping from the tallest tower of the ebony castle -- spreads quickly throughout the city and soon all of Korvosa is burning for revenge against the king's true murderer - Trinia Sabor. There are even more riots in the streets demanding her arrest and execution.
It comes as little surprise when a breathless guardsman arrives to each of you bearing a message. Field Marshal Kroft wants to see you immediately. You are each summoned to The Five Rings tavern that evening for dinner. The fact that the busy Marshal is coming to you, is not lost on you...something big must be in the works.
Ulgrim reports immediately, disguised as a mercenary archer. "M'am," he says with a respectful nod once he locates the Marshal.
Gyllan has returned home to The Shingles and is enjoying a quiet afternoon pint when he's surprised by the presence of a guardsman rushing into the room and asking after him. Don't keep much of a low profile, do they? Well, it'll keep people 'round here guessing to have the guard asking after me without taking me away in shackles, like they do most Shinglefolk. He tells the guardsman he'll be there soon, and enjoys the puzzled looks from the tavern's other patrons as he finishes his beer.
He heads out the door, thinking to himself, Five Rings Tavern? Not Three Rings? Not sure I know it, but I've no doubt I can find it. For dinner with such a beauty, and the chance of decent work, I'll find it for sure. Bet it's a nice place, too.
Ulgrim rolls his eyes at the dandy's behavior and nods to Gyllan as he wanders in, looking like he's double checking he's in the right place. "Over here, lad," he calls out to Mr. Dow.
After receiving the message from the breathless guardsman, Arianna informs the messenger that she will be there.
Why would an artist have it in for the king? Why did her accomplice kill himself? Certainly someone bold enough to commit such an act would not be as weak as to end his own life at the first sign of trouble... the young witch thinks to herself, reaching for at first her grandmother's Harrow deck but then chooses to use Zellara's deck instead, hoping that its connection to Korvosa would provide greater insights as she begins to lay out the Tapestry.
Having conducted her reading she heads for the Five Rings. Upon her arrival, she notices Ulgrim and Gyllan first before seeing the ever infatuated Corso.
"Good evening, gentlemen. Good to see you again."
Relieved to find that Majenko had located his home, Iozif invites the little psuedodragon to roost inside, if it prefers. He spends the intervening week focusing on his work, idly chatting with Majenko as he fiddles with alchemical formula and otherwise preparing himself for the days ahead.
A week after having defeated the scoundrel, Barvasi, Iozif looks up from his careful work as a frantic rapping rebounds from his door. Sighing in frustration, he stands, careful not to displace any of his work, and answers the door. Unsurprised to find a guardsman at the door, he mutely accepts the proffered paper. Idly waving away the guard, Iozif begins immediate preparations to meet with the Field Marshal. Once he's finished strapping on his gear, he sends to Majenko, Going to speak with the captain of the guards. I don't know how long I will be gone. Seek me out if you hear of disturbances. Farewell for now, friend.
Hustling through the city, Iozif makes his way to the Five Rings tavern. As he strides through the city, people skirting out of the path of the well-armed and determined alchemist, he can't help but wonder what was going on. This seems to be a first. A civil servant seeking us out away from their base of power. This must be delicate for it to require her to leave her normal post. Odd. Damned odd. Finally finding the indicated tavern, Iozif enters, looking around for the rest of his companions.
"Ah, I see you beat me here. My apologies for being late. I see the... Cressida- hasn't joined us yet." Aware of the field marshal's implied desire for discretion, Iozif catches himself at the last moment.
The Field Marshal receives the embrace from Corso in an embarrassing fashion, trying her best to step away from the amorous bard.
"I see you are all well. But there is little time for pleasantries. You've doubtless heard the stories that the kings's killer has been named. Yet there's something more going on here, I'm afraid. Queen Ileosa could have quietly had this Trinia Sabor arrested at any time, yet the way in which she revealed the information to the city seems to me like she wants the riots to come back. Certainly, with the mob and the Hellknights out on the street, the girl doesn't stand a chance at a trial -- they'll lynch her the moment they find her. And even if she did kill the king, mob justice isn't the way. Worse, if she's innocent, the real killer can use this distraction to throw us off the trail forever."
"Before Trinia is executed, we need to be absolutely sure she did this thing. And that means we need to catch her before the mob does. We know where she lives -- a flat in Midland at 42 Moon Street -- but soon, so will the mob. The Hellknights don't seem to care as much about catching her as they do about containing the mob -- something about the "order of law" makes it a greater priority for them to contain than a possible assassin. I can't say I disagree completely, but the problem is, the Hellknights are only making it worse. The mob's covered most of Midland now, and Trinia's flat is near the middle of the mess. I've got all available guards at work keeping things from getting any worse -- and if I were to send them into Midland, they'd trigger a riot."
"I'm sure you can see where this is going. I need you to get into Midland, find Trinia, and bring her back to me so we can deliver her, safe and sound, to somewhere where she can be interrogated -- preferably with magic, so we can be absolutely sure about her role in Eodred's death. Get in there, catch her, and get out without letting the mob get their hands on her. I'll have agents and officers nearby. If you can get her to one of them, we'll be in the clear. Questions?"
When most people think of Korvosa, they think of the cosmopolitan and friendly district of Midland. Situated on the leeward side of Citadel Hill, Midland stretches from the end of Enderin’s Wall south to Gray District and the Pillar Wall. It rises from sea level to climb the eastern slope of Citadel Hill, where it ends just below the summit line. Midland encompasses the wards of High Bridge, Pillar Hill, Slope, and West Dock. As the home district of both the Korvosan Guard and Sable Company, Midland has the fewest gangs and gang battles in the city. Despite that, the thieves’ guild does a brisk trade in the district thanks to the disproportionately high number of merchants, banks, and other commercial and financial concerns.
Pillar Hill, West Dock, High Bridge, and even Citadel Volshyenek (HQ of the Korvosan Guard) are all parts of Midland.