As Gyllan shoulders his way through the crowd - a bit more roughly than strictly necessary, due to his frustration over his failed first attempt - he ponders what he knows of the church of Abadar and shares the information with his companions.
"We'll help " Gyllan says to the priest, nodding along with Ulgrim.
"I do indeed recognize it and I'd come to the same conclusion yesterday." Iozif responds evenly, then continues to listen as the priest outlines what the situation. After Gyllan and Ulgrim have agreed to help, Iozif stands for a moment with an odd smile on his face. He finally responds, , "I too will help, as we will need to make a city wide effort to clear the disease. What I find odd, however, is that the Bank did not mobilize to aid those requiring healing of this disease until the city itself was under threat. Just an observation, though it makes me wonder what else might have come to pass had those who could not afford your fees had been healed. Diseases are known to spread, as is explained in 'Aegritudo et Sanitas' by the Chelaxian healer Manius Krupt. I suppose I shall have to further study Abadaran tenets, however."
As he concludes his observation, he runs a hand over his chin a moment, thinking, then exclaims in satisfaction as he recalls, "I believe you sent a messenger yesterday. I'd like to speak with him before we leave."
Assuming Corso's exhortations are overruled, the group readies to escort Ishani to the headquarters of the Korvosan Guard at Citadel Volshyenek. The trip, on an ordinary day, would be little more than a stroll down one of the cities fine avenues, but with the threat of Blood Veil and the masses of the city becoming agitated again, you realize anything can happen.
Soon, Ishani is ready to depart. Instead of his usual pristine white robes and gold trim, he stand in a dark cloak and sackcloth tunic. The golden symbol of Abadar he brandished so proudly before is carefully tucked under the cowl and cloak so that not a single golden link protrudes. Shrugging the priest says, "One can never be too careful. If the reception in the plaza is any indication, anyone wearing holy symbols or other outward signs of healing is going to overcome this day, and for many days to come."
The young messenger seen yesterday at your tavern appears at the priest's side. "Aye, master? You summoned me?" he bows courtly and low again showing the proper manners for a page.
"Come now, Corso, you would die of boredom in the countryside long before any virulence managed to take you to Pharasma's Court here. Our best bet is to rally the city and see it healed in a timely manner. Chaos and random fleeing will only prolong the pain as people flee into the countryside only to return with the sickness in tow." He pauses, looking at this noble companion critically, then smiles, "Besides, how many in the city who are already infected will share your plan? I think you will find no safety in the countryside until you reach the very borders of Cheliax."
Iozif gives Ishani a once over, looking for any missed details that would betray the priest for what he is.
Seeing nothing amiss, he nods, "A wise precaution. I suppose I shall have to be similarly cautious with my own attire." Spotting the young messenger from the evening before, Iozif smiles and nods greeting, "Hello, young man. I have your coins if you have for me an answer to my questions from yesterday."
“Have yeh nae thought for the collective, lad? We kinnae just sit by doin’ nothin’ while our city rots away!”
Ulgrim wears a similar “outfit” to the priest - something completely nondescropt. He says nothing but its clear that he’s ready to go.
Gyllan listens to the arguments back and forth between Corso and the others, a quiet grin on his face. "You don't want to spend another night out in the wild any more than I do, Corso," he comments with a chuckle, "and I know once we get within sniffing distance of the Field Marshal, you'll bully your way through a crowd of red-faced beggars to get to her."
He turns to the Abadaran priest and says, "Ready to go."
Ishani's fears to the contrary, reaching Citadel Volshyenek poses little problem for the PC's. Although many in the city still attempt to conduct life as normal, it is evident a looming cloud hangs over the place. Stilted mumblings and quiet conversations replace the raucous sounds of the city's bustling byways.
Noting the strange undertones in the city doesn't slow you down, and the disguised priest draws no reaction either outside the bank or in town.
Soon you stand at the Citadel's gates. There one of the watch sergeants notices you, recognizing many of you from previous visits to Field Marshal Kroft.
"The Marshall is being introduced to the Queen's Physicians. Hurry if you want to catch 'em." He points the way to the ceremonial courtyard of the bustling headquarters.
The echoes of forcefully spoken, but still just-missed words resound off the imposing granite and iron walls of the Citadel's outer curtain. Dozens of red-and-silver armored guards stand in assembly upon the pitted stone mustering ground here, mumbling in hushed, somber tones. Before them, atop a weathered wooden platform, paces Field Marshal Kroft, her eyebrows arched sternly as the momentarily tolerates the crowd's murmurs. Behind her upon the scaffold stand three grizzled veteran guardsmen at attention as well as an ominous-looking group. These men wear cowled robes of oily-looking leather, supple gloves, and wide black hats. Some grip heavy canes, others dark satchels. Each of them, though, wears a dark-goggled mask tapering to a pointed beak. Among them stand two others. The first is a middle-aged gentleman in a simple black overcoat with streaks of white gracing the sides of his short dark hair. He watches the gathered guards with a soft, concerned expression, his hand tightly clasping a heavy-looking doctor's case.
The second figure is an imposing one indeed -- a woman dressed in full plate armor, a longsword and a shield at her side, and her blank-faced helm sporting a full bright red plume.
The Field Marshal's fierce tone cuts through the rumble of the whispers. "You will escort Dr Davalus and his men in their royal duties where ever those might take them. Furthermore, you are to consider orders coming from the Queen's new order of Grey Maidens as binding as any superior officer in the Korvosan Guard or Sable Company.
You are the guardsmen of Korvosa! You will not balk! These are dire times and your city needs you. Korvosa needs you! Your patrol leaders have their assignments. Dismissed!"
As the assembly breaks up, the guardsmen break in to small groups, many reporting for various duties, while others loiter for a few minute complaining about their new duties. A sharp word from the armored woman, and the bickering words and invective ceases immediately. The woman begins assigning orders for the day.
Kroft and who you assume to be Dr Davalus and his cronies head inside the Citadel tower. "Follow them!" cries Ishani as the assorted physicians begin to disappear inside the tower.
Ulgrim goes after the Field Marshal and the doctor. He tries to appear as if he belongs there.
Gyllan watches the scene unfold before them, and is reminded forcefully just how grim things have become in the city he loves. When Ishani calls out to follow Kroft and Davalus, Gyllan hustles after them, calling to Corso, "No time to chat! We've got to catch the field marshal!"
Iozif frowns at the mention of this new order devoted to the queen. I mislike the gross consolidation of power that seems to be the standard of late. The guard should be beholden to the people of Korvosa and its laws, not the queen in her own right. Distracted, he is left behind as the others begin dashing off after the field marshall. He rushes off after them, curious to learn what Dhatri had in mind.
The guard sergeant Corso asks about the strangely dressed newcomers grumbles a profanity-laced reply "Effing Queen's Physicians. Don't like them one effing bit. They march in here like their shite don't stink and act like they run the effing place. Blasted outsiders now have authority over us an' can order us around like effing dogs. What can we do about it? They report to the high-flutin' b#*~% queen, and her armored watchdogs there will report any who backtalk. Don't like it, sir. Don't like it one bit." He points to the woman warrior on the blank grey mask and red plumed helm.
Following quickly so to not be excluded, you catch up with Kroft and the Queen's Physicians in her office. Iozif does not recognize the leader of the physicians, this Dr Davalus, which is a little strange since knows most of the physicians in the city, especially those of any rank or merit. The rest are either hidden behind their plague masks, or unknown to the medical student as well.
Kroft gives the group a wry smile, seemingly glad to see them. She notices Corso stare and nods at him politely. She seems guarded around the physicians, perhaps unnerved by their strange dress and mannerisms. She introduces you to Dr Davalus, leader of the Queen's Physicians.
"Well met, Reiner Davalus, physician at your service" says the Doctor in a calm voice and with a polite demeanor. "All who can help Korvosa are welcome here, and the tales of your exploits are becoming well known. I hope to ease the minds of as many Korvosans as possible during this trying time. Your aid would be invaluable. Simply priceless." he claps his hands excitedly and then sits down to the meeting that was about to take place.
By this time, Gyllan is instinctively suspicious of anyone associated with the queen, even over Corso's protestations. As a result, he only introduces himself briefly to the doctor, focusing his attention on the man and his motives.
Ulgrim also feels extremely suspicious of the doctors. The fact that they are so quiet just makes him think they are hiding something. Probably too many years as a guardsman. Either way, got tae be careful here.
He keeps his eyes on the other doctors, watching them for strange behavior, and ignoring Davalus for the moment.
Iozif nods politely to the man responding, "Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir. I am Iozif Vasile, medical student at the Korvosan University." Iozif takes a seat, puzzling over what it indicates that he doesn't know the man. Odd that I don't know this supposed expert who will lead the city's response to the plague. Odd indeed.
Corso and the guards
"Since when did someting being legal stop the Queen from doin' it? Ain't no one happy about workin' for them quacks in teh strange masks, but orders is orders. As for the dame in the armor? She's another of the Queen's. One o' them Grey Maidens what is her personal guard these days. They say they scar 'em up on purpose, but I ain't seen one wifout the helmet mask on.
With Dr Davalus
The doctor smiles at Iozif patronizingly. "A student! Very good. Very good indeed. We'll pay attention, youngster. We are here to formulate the Queen's plan to keep her city safe. She has taken a personal interest in the health of her citizenry and asked me to intervene on her behalf. You'll see how these kind of problems are dealt with, first-hand. No better teacher than that, I'd say. Now please excuse me, I am quite busy after all." And with that the doctor turns a begins conversing in a low voice wiht the other strangely-dressed doctors in the room.
As they speak together, Ishani speaks up. "Might I be of some service in coordinating the city's efforts with those of the Grand Vault of Abadar? I speak for the Archbanker himself when I say we would like to work together to stem the outbreak that is upon us."
Kroft agrees welcoming Ishani into the meeting. She turns to the assembled group of heroes and says, "You can stay and listen as we formulate a plan, but it will be rather long and boring, I am afraid. Davalus may be a great physician, but implementing anything in a city as complex as Korvosa will take some doing."
Ulgrim gets close to Kroft, "Pardon me, mum. But, where did this doctor come from? Have you seen his face? Ah get a right bad feeling in meh gut from that one." he whispers to his superior. She's acting out of character as well, being so passive.
Iozif grits his teeth, managing to keep his temper in check albeit barely. He nods curtly, managing a moderately civil, "I'm afraid I can only lament that I'll be learning under these circumstances, Doctor." He sits, listening to the back and forth, with no indication that he intends to leave.
Gyllan can’t help but feel uneasy about the physician, and he doesn’t think it’s just the man’s superior attitude, and he notes that Ulgrim seems to share this feeling.
Corso
The stoic female warrior barely glances your way. "Out of my way, fool. I have work to do and no time for your laughable attempts at wooing even if I was interested in you. Stand aside!" And with that the mail clad woman stalks off without so much as a turn of the head.
Kroft hears the dwarf's whisper and inclines her head by way of acknowledgement. She excuses herself from the room as the meeting begins and calls all of you to meet.
"I do not know what these doctors have planned, but so far this"...she holds out a handbill flyer (text below)"is all they have come up with. They seem more keen on exerting their authority than doing anything practical. I don't know this Davaulus but he has the Queen's personal seal. I don't trust them to act quickly enough to stem this, if needed it is a plague on our hands. I will need you to act as my special operatinos team again through this crisis. Don't go far."
With that, she turns roundly and re-enters the meeting, sighing loudly as she does so.
Iozif exits the room when called by the Field Marshal. He listens attentively while she explains what she knows of the doctors. As the handbill passes around the group to him, he arches an eyebrow and whistles softly. I don't see how they could be more blatant. Entering private homes and buildings seemingly without oversight, these new soldiers devoted only to the queen, and the ridiculously severe punishments. It would seem that things can be made worse. At least this Queen appears to be good at something... if courting disaster can be claimed as a skill. Iozif hands the bill along to his other companions, saying, "Lamentably nothing revelatory to be seen here. Things are likely to get worse before they get better."
Gyllan chuckles and shakes his head at Corso's enthusiasm and dedication, though it seems unlikely his wooing will bear much fruit with the cold-faced warrior woman.
Once he's read the flyer that Marshal Kroft shares, Gyllan's whistle of astonishment echoes Iozif's. "Imprisonment for distracting them?" he asks, "Where have we landed up? And since when did a bunch of doctors need 'military support'?"
He turns to the field marshal and says, "If you need someone to work for you because you don't trust these doctors and the Grey Maidens, I'm your man. They don't seem like they're really here to help the city so much as to take it over."
Knowing there is trouble brewing, and being able to little about it is worse than ignorance. You leave the Citadel, worried about the infectious agent spreading through the city, but are yourselves powerless to stop it. Worse, it seems, those charged with keeping the City safe have agendas more to do with power and influence rather than duty.
With little else to do, you return to your rooms at the Three Rings and wait for things to go from bad to worse.
The stories from other districts of Korvosa, and the response of the Queen's Physicians only frustrates you more. From what you can learn in the tavern, folks are starting to die from Blood Veil, not just one or two, but by the dozens. It also seems to spread quite easily and more and more infections are reported. The only response so far as been to close some streets where the infection seems worse, with guardsmen sent out to patrol the perimeter. Rumor has it the physicians are working on a cure, but nothing has been forthcoming so far. People begin to take desperate measures to avoid the infection, shutting themselves in their homes, shunning the infected, or even fleeing the city.
”Sounds better than sitting around, waiting for things to go from bad to worse,” Gyllan replies to Corso’s suggestion. ”As long as you’re straight that we’re following the healers and not that Grey Maiden who caught your eye,” he adds with a grin.
“Ah’ll watch your backs, lads,” Ulgrim says. He grabs his gear, ready to follow the men.
Iozif snorts in amusement, saying, "That's something of a change from what you wanted earlier. Instead of fleeing into the countryside, you want to follow plague doctors around in the 'plague-ridden' streets to see what they're doing as the allegedly heal the plagued sick." Still amused, Iozif finishes the sweetened, cool tea he had been drinking, "In any case, I'll be happy to join you."
Gyllan gives Corso a wink and says, "'Measure her character', is it? First time I've heard anyone call it that. In any case, I'm ready to take a look around."
Tired of waiting and watching, the few days later, the boys finally make the decision to find some of these physicians, and follow them around. Just as they are making plans, Ishani himself arrives at their rooms.
"My friends," he says looking quite weary. "I have need of your aid. The Archbanker has given my authorization to offer you 10 trade bars if you help." He shows you a heavy and ornately wrought iron coffer he carries.
"There is a woman named Vendra Loaggri who is making claims that she has a cure to Blood Veil. We healers don't have time to go investigate her claims, but a self-styled alchemical cure is likely a sham. Will you go to her perfume shop, Lavender, and investigate this cure? The shop is near the Acadamae in the Heights."
"Well, for all I know this city like the back of my hand, I don't know a thing about perfume shops" Gyllan observes. "Guess the back of my hand never had much to do with perfume...anyway, never heard of the woman or the place, but I'm up for checking it out. I can certainly find the Acadamae."
He turns to the others and says, "Well, we weren't for sittin' around, how about we take on this assignment? We know they're good for the money."
"Sound aight tae me, lad," Ulgrim agrees. "Ah dinnae ken the perfumerie either."
Iozif clears his throat, chiming in, "I recall having heard about this shop. It's fairly well known and it has a reputation for its exotic creations. I try to keep tabs on those who also have an interest in the alchemical, should I need to bounce an idea off someone." He looks at the Banker, "I for one would certainly be interested in investigating, though I'm somewhat more dubious about its efficacy then Master Gaczi."
"Right, then," he says, turning from the interplay between the doctor and the dandy to speak to Ishani. "We'll take your job, and your trade bars. See you soon."
"Yes, let's be off. I'm curious what this would-be apothecary has cooked up."
Lavender turns out to be a very small storefront with a few small apartments in the back. As you approach during the day, a queue of eager Korvosans stands in a line that stretches nearly four blocks from the perfumery's distinctive amethyst-shaded windows. Many of these people look healthy, but several bear the obvious hacking, blistered symptoms of Blood Veil.
the line threads through the street and into the store, where two large, well-dressed men in purple cravats discreetly hold saps and keep their eyes on the long line of store patrons, ready to put down any trouble.