"Commander, allow me to place a good word for Verik. His actions, other than the absence of duty, have been commendable. He's kept his loyalty for Korvosa - helping to contain the riots and quell the need of those who suffer the most in these times. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for those that used his actions for their own twisted means. Parns and his companions have done the unthinkable - butchering beggars and peasants and used their remains to prepare goods in the butchery. We have found meat samples and implicating documents as evidence, and Aliandara can testify as a witness on how she was threatened by these human abominations."
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Sollus produces both the documents Panish refers to, as well as a stained cloth containing the most visibly human(ish) of remains, visibly pale as he presents the grisly remains.
I recommend that these unfortunates, and the remains of many others at the scene of the butchery, be given a proper burial, even if we do not know their names, to stave off their possible return as vengeful spirits... he says, his tone suggesting that his 'recommendation' is not, in his view, optional.
Aliandara listens to the retelling of what happened at the butchery, thinking about how she could have ended up as someone’s meal. When her name is mentioned she is a bit startled but speaks:
The men that did this have no regret, they made jokes about serving people as food and only later I realised they threatened to do the same to me if I asked any more questions. They would slaughter anyone that bothered them in the slightest. I can testify on Verik’s behalf that he knew nothing of their dealings, as the men obviously tried to hide this from him as is evident from some of their conversations as well as how they hid valuables and this ledger. She hands the ledger to the Commander.
Sgt. Drakus removes his helm, ramrod straight marches to precisely three steps before crashing to a halt and giving a crisp salute.
"Ma'am! Mission accomplished. Verik and his men are apprehended, his men's cannibalist butcher meat business has been stopped."
He salutes again, steps back and assumes parade rest.
Marra remains silent, watching the reports of the others with interest. She seems to have found worthy new companions, but her thoughts drifted to her old companions, particularly the noble who so recently lost his sister, and though Lamm was dead, and justice had been delivered, it was fleeting, for the damage inflicted by Lamm was still felt...as Marra runs her hands over Calliope's war razor.
Field Marshall Cressida:
The Field Marshall listens as the adventurers give their pass-downs of the information. Her sense of pride is eventually replaced by anger when she hears of the actions of Parns and the Cow Hammer Boys. As Drakus finishes his report, she shifts from anger to fury, drawing her bastard sword and advancing on Parns. She rests her blade on his neck as he looks on indignantly.
"You Monster! I should cut you down where...you...stand." her eyes narrow. "I will see you hanged for this if these ledgers prove correct during your courts martial. Not only that, but I will personally pay to have your soul trapped, you will not see a priest to absolve you of these crimes, your body will be destroyed to afford no chance of resurrection, after your head is piked and put on display for your heinous crimes."
She lowers her blade and looks to Verik. "And you! Your actions led to this, whether or not you're personally behind these crimes, you created the situation which led to this. You should have been at your post, keeping the city safe, regardless of your personal convictions in regards to our new Queen. You can explain your case at the Tribunal as well, whether you hang, are imprisoned or exonerated is out of my hands, you deserted the guard in its most urgent time of need Vancaskern, and that you WILL pay for."
"Guards, take them to their cells, make sure all but Vancaskern are held in the most secure location. Silenced, Double Chained and magelocked!"
"As for you, 'Heroes of Korvosa' another task you have performed valiantly for the city. Go clean yourselves for lunch, we have further business to discuss."
"Dismissed" she says as she heads back to her chair.
Sgt. Drakus snapped a salute, barked "Yes Ma'am!" turned and marched out of the Field Marshall's office. Once out he headed to the armory to tend to his equipment before relaxing in the Legion baths. Later he would change into a new uniform before appearing for lunch.
Panish visibly brightens at the prospect of lunch. In his best imitation of Sgt. Drakus he salutes with a firm "Yes Ma'm" then - beaming - leaves the office. He runs a few minor errands with respect to the church of Iomedae; then gets himself cleaned up and presentable before returning to Cressida's call.
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Sollus is unhappy with the disrespect shown to the dead, but swallows his commentary and cleans himself, in preparation for what will surely be a harrowing meal.
What sort of madwoman would think that the proper response to wading through a gore-soaked abattoir, filled with dismembered human remains, is to take a break for lunch? he rants to himself, while scrubbing his hands futilely, attempting to wash away the memories as readily as the tangible remains.
If he can find a messenger, he sends a short missive to the Bank of Abadar, in North Point, alerting his superiors to the need for a *discreet* investigative and funerary presence at the butchery, stating in obscure terms many remains will require removal, and suggesting that the Grand Cathedral of Pharasma may well become involved, as these matters fall within their purview, although it wouldn't be *his* place to contact them directly.
Perhaps such matters are already being tended to, but he does not wish to take the chance, as it seemed that punishing the guilty was the primary focus of the leadership, instead of ministering to their victims.
As you meet in the great hall for a somber meal, Field Marshall Cressida is nowhere to be seen, though there is food laid out for you. A small plate is set out with a chunk of bread, a small portion of meat, and an apple which looks to be a day past ripe...
After waiting several minutes, one of the guards tells you to go ahead and eat, as the Field Marshall got held up.
Sgt. Drakus obediently chows down.
Panish is visibly disappointed with the dismal fare. In a slightly less than serious grin he thinks to himself, if there ever was a reason to end this blight on Korvosa...
Sgt. Drakus accepts the food.
"Hey Sollus! Ain't you gonna eat? We're probably goin' right out again."
The field Marshall enters the room once more, [b]"Hello again my friends, I have the reward for your capture of Verik and the Cowhammer Boys. I and the city thank you for loyalty to the crown, the days of anarchy are nearly at an end."[b] As she hands you each a pouch of coins.
Marra eats as the Field Marshall enters the room, food of this fare is pretty good compared the the refuse she used to eat when she was one of Lamm's Lambs. She takes the pouch handed out from the Field Marshall, she looks into the pouch, immediately her eyes shoot open, and then dumps the contents onto the table, fifteen platinum coins dump onto the table with a clatter and clank.
After the Field Marshall finishes handing out the coins, a tall handsome man enters the room, dressed in the finery of nobility. He bows with a flourish.
"Heroes, this is one of my oldest friends and advisors, Vencarlo Orisini of House Orisini. While we don't always agree on the politics of the city; Vencarlo has always been there for me."
Knowledge (Nobility) DC12 or Knowledge (local) DC15
He glaces around the adventurers sitting at the table, Vencarlo looks to the deformed face of Marra, then turns his attention to Aliandara. "You actions for the city of Korvosa have been of noble purpose. His eyes linger on Aliandara while he talks."
The field Marshall interrupts...
“As much as I would enjoy continuing the conversation, I fear we just don’t have time. Vencarlo has often come to me with news of important changes on the streets, and this is no different—indeed, what he’s learned could degrade into sanctions, embargos, or even war against Cheliax if we don’t act now. This problem is a man named Darvayne Gios Amprei. You might have heard of him—he’s an ambassador from Cheliax whose disdain for Korvosa is well documented, and yet he’s taken great pleasure in what our city has to offer. Even before this decent unrest, this man was ready to recommend to his government a sanction on trade, or perhaps even an embargo. Vencarlo has learned through his own considerable sources that Ambassador Amprei’s actual goals are to undermine Korvosa’s economy to the point where he can buy up large portions of the city from desperate landholders and establish himself in a position of power here. Whatever the ambassador’s reasons, we can’t let his bias or personal plans hurt Korvosa. Yet neither can we take drastic action—not only would killing him be wrong, but it’d simply martyr him in Cheliax’s eyes."
“Fortunately, Darvayne has his foibles. Again, Vencarlo has learned that Ambassador Amprei has been making fairly regular visits to a place in Old Korvosa called Eel’s End. This den of vice is run by a dangerous man named Devargo Barvasi, better known in Korvosa’s alleys as the King of Spiders. I’d love to put Barvasi out of business, but he pays his vice taxes regularly and never causes any problems—in fact, since he keeps his business constrained entirely within the five ships moored at Eel’s End, he’s actually one of the least of my worries. Truth be told, I can’t decide whether Devargo is a stirge or a kraken. He seems like a bloodsucking pest most days, but sometimes I fear just how far his tentacles have wormed their way into our great city. In this case though, his insidious web stretching across Korvosa’s underworld might prove to our advantage."
“Devargo would never let someone he recognizes as an ally of the Guard into Eel’s End, but your group’s a different case. I’d like you to pay a visit to Eel’s End and secure an audience with Devargo. Find out what he knows about Amprei, get proof of any illicit goings-on the ambassador might be involved with, and bring that proof to me to use to undermine any forthcoming attempts by him to get Cheliax to cut us off. Devargo might not be willing to part with his information easily. I’ll supply you with some gold to bribe him, and whatever’s left over you can keep for yourself. Remember: the man is dangerous, but so are you— if things get violent, I wouldn’t mourn his passing.”
When the Field Marshall enters, Sgt. Drakus snaps to his feet and stands rigidly at attention. When offered the pouch of money, he takes it without looking at it (though he does weigh it in his hand before putting it away).
Looking at the fancy boy...
Knowledge (Nobility): ...nope, I've never heard of this guy before.
Listening to the mission brief, Sgt. Drakus winces a little. An undercover job. His professional weak spot.
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Sollus stands, a bit more leisurely than the Sergeants abrupt snap to attention, and after the Field Marshall has said her piece, bows to the new arrival,
"Master Orisini, your swordsmanship is legendary. I only hope that the information you have provided us allows our investigation to strike as true as your blade."
Smiling warmly at Vencarlo, "It is a pleasure to meet you again - you might recall a young recruit to the church of Iomedae some 4 years ago bungling the reception for Lady Keilov of Cheliax." (here Panish bows) "Your's truly."
Vencarlo chuckles."No, no I don't recall that specific event, of course I do attend so many galas and celebrations, and so many make fools of themselves, one can never remember a single event..." And his gaze shifts back to Aliandara...
"Just to be clear ma'am, do I understand that we are NOT to go in uniform?"
"I'm worried, facing Barvasi by himself is likely to be difficult. Trying to take on that spider in its nest, surrounded by lesser spiders... this won't be a mean feat."
Even though Aliandara does not recognise Vencarlo or his name, as he is not the type of clientele that would normally watch her dancing. From her companions she gathers that he is a noble and an exceptionally skilled swordsman. She looks to see if he is carrying his sword of choice with him.
Aliandara listens to what Cressida has to say, noticing Vencarlo watching her and she glances back with an inviting smile, letting him know his glances are welcome. She asks as she turns to Vencarlo: We’ll be treading into Barvasi’s domain, its best that we know what to expect from him. Why is this man called the King of Spiders ? And what advice do you have when dealing with this man?
"Just to be clear ma'am, do I understand that we are NOT to go in uniform?"
"You understand correctly Sergeant, you wouldn't get within 50 feet of the dock without arousing suspicion, and possible armed response. Do not overstep your bounds on this, if you find no evidence of crimes, I can not help you in any way." She says to the entire room.
Aliandara: you notice Vencarlo's weapon of choice is the rapier, a beautiful example of which rests on his left hip, telling you he's right handed, a main-gauche dagger rests at his back.
Vencarlo Orisini is a tall man of advanced years, yet with
a twinkle in his eye and a bounce to his step that hints
at a vibrancy and inner fire of a man under half his age.
He wears his salt-and-pepper hair pulled back tightly into
a bravo’s top-knot. His eyes are a cast of deep green like
the ocean after a storm. He is of Old Chelish blood, and
it shows. Orisini wears black leather gloves to ensure the
oils of his skin don’t rust the pommel of his shining steel
rapier.
Perception:
"Cressida, have you received any word of Blackjack during this turmoil? This anarchy seems to be right up his alley, toppling the evil nobles, restoring the power in the city to the peoples. I know it's been ages since his last appearance, but we can hope."
Knowledge Local DC10:
nobles, and greedy merchants have been part of Korvosa’s
culture for two centuries, and although he hasn’t made an
appearance in the last decade, Blackjack stories remain as
popular as ever among the peasants. Because Blackjack
has existed for centuries, few believe him to be a single
person. The most popular rumor surrounding Blackjack
places him as a series of human men, with one training
a replacement each generation.
Marra slips into deep thought, remembering her dreams of Blackjack rescuing her, valiantly fighting off all of Lamm's henchmen, the children all cheering him on as Lamm was humiliated before Blackjack slipped his rapier between his ribs, blood streaming from a dozen tags. Oh how she wished that had been truth...as her thoughts drift to Calliope's broken form a tear falls down her cheek.
"Vencarlo, you know we don't need that kind of "hero" at this time, he would probably send the people over the wall killing every nobleman in the castle! No no reports of that vigilante have surfaced thank Iomedae."
"Any suggestions on what constitutes evidence? Do you have suspicions that we can confirm?"
"Evidence linking Barvasi to Cheliax, violations of law which are not covered under the Vice taxes such as Murder or Slavery, most of all we need to get evidence that keeps Korvosa from being sanctioned by Cheliax, thousands could die if we're cut of economically on top of this anarchy.
The purser comes in, holding a small coffer. He looks to the Field Marshall for instruction, and is directed to place it on the table.
"Thank you Lieutenant Belkaz, you're dismissed."
"In this coffer, you'll find 100 platinum pieces. That should be enough to loosen the tongue of The King of Spiders; who, you'll find has a penchant for arachnids."
Panish's mouth curls in distaste. "Ah. I'll have a look at the church, maybe I can still obtain a vial of antitoxin somewhere. I think everybody will benefit from trying to get one of their own as well."
"No worries, Panish is it?, I'll have some vials of anti-venom brought up here from the medica. In addition I believe we could afford to part with some healing potions, just in case."
"Whilst our fresh food supplies are in sore supply, I made sure this fort was fully stocked with healing supplies."
Panish, too, is relieved to hear that. "I'll ask for a vial of antitoxin and a potion of cure light then. Do your supplies have any other more exotic potions that can aid us? A potion of invisibility or barkskin for example?"
Potions of Barkskin? Invisibility? We are supposed to go there to talk. I know dealing with a crimelord is distasteful, but potions or items that will help us in negotiations will be more fitting the situation.
Aliandara shakes her head, worried about how their encounter with the Spider King will turn out.
Panish nods, "You are correct. But Barvasi is a nasty piece of work - and if worst comes to worst Iomedae teaches to be prepared: In time of plenty, harden yourself - so that your aim strikes true in time of wanting."
"I'm afraid those types of potions aren't very useful in treating the wounded and have little use in the Medica. You will be left to your own devices as far as the diplomacy with Barvasi goes. I'll dispatch a runner to the inn with the potions. You'll have the best luck near sundown when the night life truly gets started, I'm sure the only ones active at Eel's end right now are the guards on duty. I have provided you with the 100 platinum pieces for the bribe, whatever you don't use on the bribe you're free to keep. "
"If you have any other questions ask now."
Suddenly Marra stands, both hands on the table. In a matter of fact tone.
"I know this man's kind, having grown up as one of Lamm's Lambs, 100 platinum may not be enough, especially if it puts Barvasi at risk. We best not have all the coins on us either, that would tempt him into killing us merely for the coins."
Panish hears out what Marra has to say, then voices his own opinion: "I agree that Barvasi cannot be trusted; but I also believe that he's a man of sufficient reason to understand the necessity of aiding Korvosa. If this city has its economic ties cut from Cheliax, then his kind of gambling establishment will suffer financially."
"Very well then, if there are not other questions or concerns, head back to the Inn, the potions will be round before sundown. If all goes well, I'll expect to see you here tomorrow."