Male Human (Varisian) Druid 3 HP 21/21 | AC 15(17) | T 12 | FF 13 | CMB +4 | F +5 | R +3 | W +6 | Init +2 | Per +8
Barely able to keep up with the proceedings, it all too unfamiliar to a man such as himself - Niv gathers himself as the masked man comes to the prisoner's aid.
He watches in awe at the turmoil created shortly after the bandit's arrival and with Bosch's call, a rush of adrenaline kicks in. Seconds become minutes - actions become a linked order in a chain, either well spent or spent too late. Niveus quickly discerns where Bosch is located, as the broad man paving his way through the crowd is a sight easily seen by perceptive eyes.
"Maybe my companions know this man, though if so - I wish they had indulged me as to what was going to happen this day."
The druid quickly rushes towards the stage, twirling his left hand in a circular motion as he strides. A barely visible green window of some kind is barely seen flickering in the circular area orbited by his left hand, and he punches his right hand through it - forcefully dragging it out again; releasing the energy close to Blackjack and the prisoner.
"Loscann Mhór, iasacht dom do chabhair."
Druidic:
"Great Frog, lend me your aid."
"Nature, guide your creature and give our friends safe passage from this place."
Mechanics:
30 ft. range,
Spontaneus Casting, Summon Nature's Ally, Giant Frog
Spell Ripped from his daily list, Shillelagh.
As the executioner's axe decends upon Blackjack, Bosch's cry rings out. Blackjack ducks out of the way of the axe, dragging 'Trinia' behind him. The executioner chases after, but stumbles as Majenko claws furiously at his eyes. Meanwhile, a frog the size of Roscoe appears between the executioner and his prey, further impeding his progress.
Typhon has a difficult time struggling through the frantic nobles. But he notices a rope holding banners and flags just overhead. The other end connects to the top of the wall near Blackjack. If he could just cut the rope, it would fall, making a climb up the castle wall that much easier for Blackjack and 'Trinia.'
From this distance and amid the chaos, Bosch is not able to get a detailed look at Blackjack's sword. He can tell that it is a well-maintained, well-crafted rapier. Its owner uses it with such ease that he is probably practices his swordsmanship frequently.
"Damn... damn... damn..." Bosch muttered, changing direction and trying to force his way through the crowd again. Blackjack was escaping, but escaping what? What did he really want with the masked man? Was he going to stop the man's escape after he had done what Bosch had so dearly wanted to do? Was he going to confront the masked man and demand answers? Aid his escape and earn an enemy of the Queen? If he could just get close enough to see that sword, the quillion, the pommel, anything.
When he broke free from the crowd he ran, unimpeded by his armor for the first time in a long time, trying to catch up with the sword-wielding rogue. Again he had to question just what he planned to do here, unarmed and unarmored.
Ty will reach up and grab the rope, Sawing thru it as fast as he can with his knife. (taking 20 if I can, 10 if not)
Yelling as he does so...
" The rope! The rope!"
Blackjack hears Typhon's shout. The rope falls to a nearby wall and he clambers up it with the aid of the rope, Trinia scampbering behind. As the two reach the top of the wall, Blackjack drinks something, bows to the crowd while backlit by the setting sun and raises his rapier. He seems to look at each of you in turn as he gives a salute. Then both he and Trinia leap from the wall to make their escape into the city.
Bosch is able to get another look at the man's sword as he flourishes his rapier, but the bright sun backlighting Blackjack makes it difficult to see any details. Bosch's perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Most of the guards have retreated into the castle with Queen Ileosa. A few remain in the courtyard, but are busy seeing to the wounded executioner and trying to determine where Blackjack went.
Bosch leaves the castle grounds and heads back to the Fishery but instead of going inside, he sits outside by his makeshift forge and studies the cold furnace. It was easy to tell he was troubled and lost in thought.
Although the weather in Korvosa during Sarenith (June) is typically quite sunny and mild, Bosch sees storm clouds rolling in. The temperature will likely drop overnight and it will probably rain most of the day tomorrow.
Trinia Do you tell Trinia about any of what's happened outside the Fishery, such as 'her' execution?
Trinia remains indoors for a few days. She jumps every time the door opens and tries to remain out of sight of the windows. Wren, Bee, and Kester are entertained by her storytelling and she sketches on paper from time to time, but the young girl is clearly trying to distract herself. After three days, she finally asks "Do you think it would be safe for me to leave the city? I have some family who own a farm in one of the outlying villages who I could stay with until this all blows over. I'm getting cabin fever stuck in here and I'd love to let them know I'm okay."
.
Corwin
About a week after you return from Trinia's execution, Corwin receives a letter from the Academae. Excitedly, he explains "An archaeologist has uncovered some ancient Thassilonian artifacts, and brought them to the Academae for study. They've requested my help in identifying them. I should return later this evening."
Corwin does in fact return later that evening, but rises early every morning over the next week to visit the Academae and study the artifacts further. Occasionally, he takes Wren with him to attend classes at the Academae while he works.
.
Tiora
About two weeks after the execution, an ordinary wooden carriage, pulled by two elegant black horses pulls up outside the fishery. Tiora, the young woman you saved from Rolth's prison, hops out of the driver's seat and knocks on the door. She looks in much better health and has gained back some of her weight - you remember her being extremely gaunt when you found her. She is dressed in a simple red and black uniform. She knocks on the door and greets whoever answers cheerily. "G'day, friends! Took me a bit to find your address, but here I am! Found a few things I had stashed away that might come in handy for ya."
Tiora offers you a wand of cure moderate wounds (29 charges remaining), an elixir of fire breath and a feather token, swan boat.
I'm still writing up other stuff, so it will get posted once this stuff is taken care of.
AC 14 | FF 13 | T 11 | HP 45/45 | Init: +1 | Percep: +8 | Fort: +6| Ref: +3 | Will: +9
Trey spends most of her time continuing her field work helping with homeless and stret kids to stay out of trouble.
She continues working with Toby, teaching him to read and write. Trey is more of aa visitor to the fishery than a resident. Still residing in her small room at the shelter.
She sends several letters to the church requesting to be evaluated for ordiination to the the title of Deacon or even priestess.
She asks Bosh and Niv to speak on her behalf to the church as well
In the days following the botched execution the king’s accused assassin, the Korvosan Guard has been scouring the city for the fugitives—thus far to no avail— and the enraged queen has set a royal bounty of 5,000 gold pieces for the capture of Trinia Sabor. Wildly embellished news of the event spreads quickly to every corner of the city.
Typhon had previously spent some time fixing up the barge anchored next to the Fishery. It is no longer in danger of sinking, and would make pleasant, albeit stationary, house boat. It would still need new rigging, sails, and significant cleaning of barnacles and algae from the hull before it could sail again. Ty mentioned this before, and I didn't address it with the other fishery stuff.
Typhon:
Typhon hears several rumors about Sabina while out visiting with his contacts, chief among them that Sabina is secretly Queen Ileosa's lover. Typhon hears many speculative tales of what the two women do together behind the closed castle doors.
.
Kester is fascinated with Typhon's owlbear skull. "Wow! Is that the skull of a giant eagle? Abadar really likes eagles. I bet Arbiter Zenderholm or one of the other priests would bless it for you. Can I show it to her?"
Trey:
Trey finds that Korvosa's three orphanages are happy for her help. In particular, The New Dawn Orphanage, near the temple of Sarenrae focuses the children on a regimented lifestyle suited to train them for the Korvosan Guard, Sable Company, or the ranks of the Church of Sarenrae. Approximately 30 children reside there, ranging from infants to 17 year olds.
I'll respond to the question on ordination after we hear from Bosch and/or Niv.
Tessa:
Tessa receives a letter, addressed to her in small, loopy writing. It bears the seal of the Academae.
Dear Miss Alee,
It sadly came to my attention that you were wrongfully expelled from the Acadamae. I would like to offer my sincerest apologies and remit you to the school if you are intereseted. It would be a terrible waste to let someone of your talent go untrained in the arcane arts. Please visit me at your convenience to discuss and allow me to apologies in person for the terrible transgression our administration has made. You can find me in my office in the Hall of Lies.
Sincerely,
Professor Zifford Zazzleglam
Tessa remembers from her brief time at the Academae that the Hall of Lies is the seat of the illusionists at the Academae. She vaguely recalls Professor Zazzleglam, an exciteable gnome who heads the school's Illusion department.
Trinia "If you think you'll be safer there, we'll do what we can to help you get there," Bosch says resolutely.
Tiora "Thank you, Tiora, I'm glad things are on the up and up for you," Bosch said, genuinely smiling and the woman they had last seen emaciated and sickened.
Tessa
At some point, Bosch stops her and tosses her the coin purse and holds up her note.
"What is this?" He asks calmly.
Osirini Academy
Bosch lets the others know he is heading for the academy and heads out with Roscoe in tow.
Going to talk to Osirini himself and train up hit points
" No, not an eagle skull. Its an Owlbear skull! Cool huh?
If you still think they would be interested, sure take it to them. Its not ready yet anyway. Be sure to bring it back tho yeh?"
Fishery " Sure Trinia, we'll take you. Lets do a disguise first, wouldn't want you caught in place of the fake you, now would we."
---------
Returning from another fruitless day of roaming the city, Ty spots Tiora as she turns to head back to the fancy carriage.
" Looking good, Tiora! Seems escaping those pits was a nice career change." Ty tells her, flashing a bright smile.
"Whats the uniform? Got a new job?"
-----------
Disgruntled about the rumors he has picked up around town, Ty returns to working on the barge. Finally the finishing touches are done, now its livable.
He promptly moves his meager belongings into the barge and sets it up as his private residence.
Orsirini Acadamy
Ty will also head out to talk to his friend and trainer Orsirini.
Said so in the discussion thread, thought I'd make it official here.
Upon receiving the invitation to return to the Acadamae, Tessa grins mirthlessly. With a brief thought and touch of magic, she summons an ink pen from one of the fishery's desks and writes a concise letter.
"Dear Professor Zazzleglam,
I would be more receptive to your invitation had the Acadamae not dumped me on the street at a moment's notice and confiscated my tuition. That was my life savings, by the way. I find the study of magic comes naturally to me, and with every measure of success and fame I achieve without you, you can wallow in regret that my talents are not at your command.
P.S. go f##+ yourself"
Folding the letter and sealing it, she turns to her pseudodragon friend.
"What do you think, Majenko? Clear enough?"
Bosch
Looking slightly embarrassed, Tessa tucks the pouch away.
"I was... about to do something drastic to get that innocent girl off the chopping block, before that Blackjack fellow showed up. Wasn't planning on having much freedom after, and figgered you'd better have my coins than the headsman."
Trinia "A disguise sounds great! A wig or something might really throw them off. I'm sure I can find some other clothes here to wear, and maybe a big hat. Maybe some of you could accompany me a ways past the gate, so it isn't so obvious that I'm traveling alone?" Trinia looks nervous but hopeful and begins rummaging around the fishery to put together some parts of her disguise.
Tiora "Hiya, Typhon! I found thieving wasn't getting me far. Now I drive all sorts of folk around the city, hear all kinds of interesting stories, and I love training the horses. I'm saving up for a nicer carriage, then I can chauffeur all the rich folks about. If you ever need a ride, just holler!"
Typhon, Bosch & Roscoe:
You arrive at Orisini Academy in the center of Old Korvosa. A sign hanging from the front door reads "Classes Cancelled Today." A few moments after you arrive, a serious-looking Vencarlo appears and ushers you inside into a study, the windows of which are tightly shuttered and curtained.
"You were all at the Queen’s debacle, so I won't repeat that part of the story. I had only just reached my home the night of Her Majesty’s morbid gala when that rogue Blackjack and a startled woman arrived at my doorstep. The people’s hero and I have had some dealings in the past, but still, it’s been some years since I've seen the scoundrel. He was quick with his words, and soon swooped off—doubtlessly to right some other festering wrong—but not before entrusting Miss Sabor into my protection and care. Although I don’t know Blackjack’s motives or politics, I trust his judgment and have seen much right done by his blade. He says the girl is innocent of the crime she’s been accused of, and I’m more disposed to trust a hero of the city than the tantrums of some bloody-minded harlot playing at queen."
Vencarlo sighs. "The poor woman claims not only to be innocent, but not to be Trinia Sabor! Whatever her name is, the Sable Company has stopped by here three times so far looking for her, and each time, I've only just barely been able to turn them away without inviting a search. I'm glad you resourceful lot have turned up."
Tessa:
It seems that Tessa's message was not clear enough, or maybe too clear. About a week later, another letter arrives.
Miss Alee,
I learned that my inept underling, Professor Zazzleglam, has been bothering you with his usual illusory tripe. Please find enclosed your refunded tuition monies. I understand you are not interested in attending the Academae full time, but our doors shall always be open to you.
Sincerely,
Headmaster Toff Ornelos
Enclosed are 500 gold pieces, more than ten times what Tessa paid in tuition.
Trey:
An unusual visitor arrives at the Church of Sarenrae late one afternoon and impatiently asks to speak with Trey. She finds that her visitor is a bald, overweight man wearing grimy, stained brown and red robes. A pudgy rat sits on his left shoulder.
"I am Togomor, the Academae's leading expert on undeath and necromancy. I have inspected these Dead Warrens you brought to our attention. Rolth, this necromancer who resided there, was expelled from the Academae years ago. His experiments were too... repulsive for our tastes. From what I could learn from his work, his most recent works focus on the creation of improved, autonomous undead minions, like flesh golems and carrion golems. Based on the sheer number of corpses and bodyparts there, he could have quite a few creations somewhere. But, there were no signs of him having been there recently, and most surprisingly, no records of his work, recipes, formulae, diagrams for ritual circles, et cetera. Unfortunately, he has done a good job covering his tracks."
Niveus:
On one of his walks about Korvosa, Niveus finds Thousand Bones walking beside him. "This city is a strange place. As a nomadic people, the Shoanti have no permanent residence. A place with so few plants, so little variety of life is unusual to us. And unnatural." Thousand Bones walks in silence for a moment. Although his eyes are hazy with cataracts, he does not bump into anyone or trip on uneven cobblestones. Looking about, Niveus can see that Korvosa has stunted, spindly trees on some street corners. He remembers seeing small gardens around some of the largest homes in the city. Yet in his time in the city, he has not seen so much as a square foot of a flower gardens for people to enjoy, or a boulevard shaded with trees, or even a small vegetable garden to provide food for a family.
"Niveus, I would like the people of the city to be reminded of the beauty of nature. And should the Shoanti be welcome here, they would feel much more at home surrounded by the green spirits. Yet as clan leader, I do not have time for such a task." Thousand Bones falls silent again, as if waiting for Niveus to say something.
Typhon:
Kester is enthralled with Typhon's story about the owlbear. He promises to bring the skull back soon. A few days later, he returns with the skull and explains that the prists of Abadar have blessed it. Two yellow gems have been installed in the eye sockets and gleam in the sunlight, seeming to stare at you. The beak has been dipped in gold and shines brightly as well. Kester shows Typhon that when the wearer speaks the correct word, Abadar's light shines upon him and his friends for a short time after. Once per day, it can be activated as a move action to cast magic circle against evil (assume caster level 3). There is certainly room for Bosch to decorate or reinforce the helm further.
Trinia "I would be more than happy to do so. Maybe Trey could lend you some extra clothes and I can probably find some dye for your hair if we can't get our hands on a wig," Bosch says thinking for a moment.
Tessa
Bosch frowns at her and tosses the note into the fireplace.
"I don't know what I am to you or why you stick around and follow me into trouble but your my friend Tessa. If you're going to throw your life away you could at least properly tell me beforehand."
Trey (Sorry I missed this the first time around)
Bosch smiles at Trey when she makes her request and agrees, going so far as to request a copy of the reports from Marshal Kroft to back up his words and to clean up for a visit to Trey's superiors. He even digs up his Letter of Title, proclaiming that he was (despite appearances) a knight of the Order of the Dragon to establish a modicum of authority on the subject.
Orisini Academy:
Bosch quickly glances at Typhon and then back at Vencarlo.
Sense Motive (Is Vencarlo hiding anything about Blackjack?):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
"I take it you would like us to handle the situation?" He said mildly, amused by how rapidly people began to trust and rely upon their merry little band.
Roscoe releases a rather drawn out sigh with perfect timing and promptly wanders into the academy to find a comfortable place to nap while his master handled matter.
Trinia" We could always use forge ash to blacken your hair. Works as long as it doesn't rain on us. Plus we could maybe get Tiora to drive us out in her carriage." Tiora" Thanks Tiora, I'll keep that in mind." He replies with a grin." Enjoy yourself it sounds fun."
Orisini Academy:
Sharing a glance with Bosch, Ty has to bite his tongue to stop from blurting out that he knows it isn't Trinia!
With a grimace of pain that slowly changes to a grin...
" We might have a plan for that after all..."
Bosch:
" Bossmannnn!!! You gotta check this out! Kester took my Owlbear skull to the church. They blessed it! How cool is that. Now could you reinforce it to make it a decent helmet?"
Bosch "You're my friend too, Bosch" says Tessa, watching her note burn in the hearth. "I just couldn't bear to see some poor innocent girl take a fall like that. Been there, done that. I wasn't throwing my life away, really. I figger I had a pretty good getaway plan." Tessa strokes Majenko's scaled head and sneaks him a piece of cheese, then continues. "But I knew it was a throw of the dice and I didn't want you all involved. You've got a little girl and Roscoe, and your smithing, and all the rest. All I am is a street urchin. Sure, Ma and Pa are out there somewhere, but when a Varisian splits from the caravan it's kinda expected to be permanent. No big deal if I traded my life for hers. If I let you in on it, I know you'd have done something and put your neck on the line too." Tessa grins. "We're all Big Damn Heroes, aren't we?". More soberly, she continues. "I follow you into trouble because you're a good man and do what needs to be done - not a common thing in this city. It was happenstance that threw us all together but I figger maybe bigger things are at play, and someone's gotta watch your back!"
Trinia "That's a good idea!" Trinia gets to work with Bosch & Typhon's help. Draping herself in an ill-fitting robe, she stands in front of a mirror, using soot from the forge to blacken her hair. "How's that?" she asks, deepening her voice a bit and hunching her shoulders. She looks more like a middle-aged commoner than an ambitious twenty-something painter or a deadly assassin.
Corwin
After about two weeks of visiting the Academae nearly every day, Corwin gathers everyone. Excitedly, he informs you
"For the past two weeks, I've been studying some Thassilonian artifacts found at an archaeological dig site. The archaeologists have offered me a place at their work site to research and study the items that they find. Wren and I will be leaving next week - we should only be a few day's journey from Korvosa, should you ever wish to visit. And I'm sure my work will bring me back to the city on occasion. I'll certainly miss all of you, and all of our adventures."
Corwin gives you one scroll of grease, one scroll of mage armor, two scrolls of ray of enfeeblement, and two scrolls of scorching ray. All are caster level 3.
I was waiting to post that until after you guys divvied up the loot ;)
Trey:
"The Field Marshall demanded that someone investigate Rolth's lair and asked me to come to one of you lot if I had any questions. After all that work, I couldn't be bothered to figure out where those others were staying and Missy Field Marshall would want some sort of fancy report. You, on the other hand, were right on my way back to the Academae." Togomor smiles, making Trey very aware of his bad breath and yellowed teeth. It's clear from his tone that Togomor found visiting the Dead Warrens and following up with Trey to be a waste of his precious time.
"If you don't have any additional questions, Sister. There were very few body parts remaining in the necromancer's lair. Rolth may come to find whoever ransacked his lab before you find him."
.
Later that day, Archbishop Ambrosin stops Trey as she is about to retire to her quarters for the evening. "Good evening, Sister Merosa. Sir Glasthane stopped by earlier today to commend your recent deeds. I agree with him - you are working hard to bring the Dawnflower's light to every dark corner of Korvosa. I know you will go far if you continue to set such a shining example. If you are able to bring justice to this necromancer who is plaguing the underbelly of our city, that would be sufficient reason for me to promote you to priestess."
Bosch & Typhon:
"Excellent," Vencarlo says, clapping his hands. "Whatever help you can provide. Let me fetch the young lady, so you can see for yourself." Vencarlo leaves the office and quickly returns, escorting the woman you saw at the execution. She looks somewhat like Trinia, young, with short blonde hair.
Before Vencarlo can introduce her, she anxiously asks "Are you with the guard? I'm afraid there's been some mistake. I'm not Trinia Sabor and I did not kill King Eodred! Please, I'd like to go home to my family! My name is Lorray. I... was a servant in the castle's kitchens. One day, the Queen came to me directly. She- she said I know your secret. To the dungeon with you! I had no idea what she was talking about, but the guards grabbed me, and the next thing I knew, I woke up in a prison cell. A few days later, maybe, it's hard to say, Sabina came and bound my hands and feet and blindfolded me. She forced a drink down my throat that made me woozy and clumsy. We walk for awhile, and trumpets are sounding, people are shouting, it's all a blur. And a man in black freed me and led me away... We... we ran for a long time, but eventually we came here." At the end, Lorray is clearly trying very hard to remember the details of what happened.
Trinia " Great! But we need to discuss things with Tiora first to see if she is willing to help." Corwin " That's magnificent Corwin. Though I'm not so sure why Thassilon Artifacts are so interesting. Are they worth money? Can they do magic?
Anyway, keep in touch and let us know how its going, and where your at. Never know when we might need your expertise!"
Dm and Bosch:
Ty listens to the frightened girl, at first with a smile of compassion, that slowly fades into a frown. His eyes acquire a hard look as she ends her story.
I pretty much knew the Queen was dirty! But Damn I was really hoping Sabina wasn't a party to all of this. But I guess she would be, especially if the Queen is her lover.
"Is there someone you can stay with outside of Korvosa for a while, Miss Lorray? At least til this whole thing blows over? We may have a way to get you out if you do."
Glancing at Bosch...
" I can't go into details right now, but if your willing we can come up with something. Have to check on a few things first."
AC 14 | FF 13 | T 11 | HP 45/45 | Init: +1 | Percep: +8 | Fort: +6| Ref: +3 | Will: +9
Trey gives Archbishop Ambrosin the applicable respect due his station.
Thank you. I will get started in the morning I will do my best for the church of the Dawnflower. but, sir, I do want to earn the title on my own merits as well as the recommendations of others.
after the Archbishop leaves.
Trey lies on her bed. a smile crosses her face. he does appreciate me. strange that none chose to visit me but that is all well and good, gave me the chance to concentrate on my work. besides Toby needs me much more.
Corwin "I'm happy for you," says Tessa. "This sounds like a great opportunity! Who knows, maybe you'll find something really interesting and get published all over. I can see it now - 'Corwin, department chair'. Good luck! Don't be a stranger. "
around the fishery
seeing the basement room un-occupied, Tessa decides to plant her flag and settle in. Gosh, this is three times as big as my old place she thinks, as she paces off wall lengths.
Finding the bed to be nearly twice the size she requires, Tessa stacks a pile of furs and blankets on the end of the bed, then dumps the five hundred gold coins the Acadamae sent her into the nest. "Look, Majenko, I made a bed for you. Dragons sleep on piles of gold, right?".
Tessa borrows one of Bosch's hammers and turns the old furniture into firewood for the forge. Replacements arrive from a local woodworker: A sturdy floor-to-ceiling oak bookshelf that runs the length of the room (and covers the exterior window), a gnome-sized dresser, and a comfortable reading desk. Tessa carefully arranges the books liberated from the necromancer's lair on the shelves and wistfully imagines the day when she can fill the shelf with reading material. A cheap painting of a generic mountain waterfall and cozy wall tapestries complete the decor.
Moving on, the industrious gnome considers the underfishery area. She flits around the room, measuring and considering options. That hole will never do- just a matter of time before someone falls in or something nasty crawls out. Still, watching the water flow past is nice. Hmm.
One trip to a sawmill and one trip to a glazier later, Tessa is the proud owner of several heavy plates of thick glass and beams of white oak. As the delivery cart rolls away, Tessa realizes that perhaps she hadn't planned out quite everything.
"Bosch? Typhon? Um, I need your help. My mouth seems to have written a bank note that my back can't cash. Would you guys be awesome and help me get this into the basement? Oh, and I'm going to need a couple hundred nails. Do you have time to forge those or should I go buy them?"
DM, please let me know how much that all cost. I figure my 1000 gp+ cut of the loot will cover that with plenty left over.
Corwin "The Thassilonian empire was extremely powerful thousands of years ago. The Thassilons constructed many of the foundations of today's cities. In fact, Castle Korvosa is built atop an ancient Thassilon ziggarut. Magnimar, Riddleport, and Kaer Maga also feature Thassilonian structures. While I'd be delighted to simply discover more about the history of the empire, finding some sort of artifact would be a dream come true!" Corwin smiles at Bosch "Of course I'll write."
Trinia
Typhon easily gets in contact with Tiora and she agrees to drive up to six people in her cart whenever you are ready to leave the city.
Osirini Academy:
"That should work. I have friends in Harst if your family feels put upon, Bosch," Vencarlo adds.
"I-I guess you're right - I have to leave Korvosa," Lorray says sadly. "I wouldn't mind some traveling, I suppose. To take my mind off things."
Harse is a small farming village just outside Korvosa.
I just figured to keep em together. They are looking for one woman not 2. Other than that , disguise them both as brunettes with the ashblack hair. Tessa " Yeah, no problem Tessa, I'll help." Responds Ty as he gets up, and starts to help haul lumber down to the lower area.
Tiora, Trinia and Lorray " OK. I figured I'd ride up top with Tiora, in my blue outfit, like one of those, err footman types. Bosch you n Roscoe should ride inside with your 'daughters', on your way to visit your family in Harst."
Ty looks on as he speaks, looking for approval to his plan.
" I mean they won't be looking for a family unit. So this should work." He rambles on for a while, flirting with each of the women in turn....
Night and day blur together as Tessa devotes her seemingly boundless energy into making her new home. A steady procession of delivery wagons rumbles up to the fishery over the course of several weeks, disgorging blocks of glass, planed and jointed planks of wood, furniture, clay pipe, rolls of carpet, pallets of brick, slabs of tile, and even a fancy stone toilet.
The sounds of construction blend into the background noise of the fishery. Majenko perches on Tessa's shoulder, holding tools and nails ready as the little gnome hammers, drills, and saws. Periodically, Majenko flies off into the city and returns with a basket of food and steaming mug of coffee.
With the help of her larger, stronger friends, Tessa fits the blocks of thick glass into their slots in the underfishery floor and seals the joints with pitch. She then reinforces the walls and lays down a decorative tile pattern around the glass on the floor. Shelves and desks appear and line the perimeter of the room, while a foot treadle-powered wood lathe and simple loom occupy much of the middle of the floor. A workbench for carving, etching, and chiseling looks out over the river, featuring a set of magnifying lenses on positionable arms for detail work.
Her workshop complete, Tessa puts up a partition wall and door in the barracks room of the upper story, enclosing a toilet and wash basin. With an auger, she bores a large hole through the floor, running clay pipe from the basin and toilet through a trap door in her workshop and down to the river level. A basket of fragrant herbs and incense sweetens the air, and a plush carpet offers respite from an otherwise cold floor.
Outside, on the river bank below the fishery's basement, Tessa attacks the soil with pick and shovel. After a few days' worth of digging and bracing, there is now a serviceable tunnel in the hillside running under the street. Holding her breath against the stench, Tessa breeches the sewer pipe and runs the outlet from the lavatory into the tunnel and joins it with the sewer main as Majenko stands watch against Otyughs Finishing the tunnel with a locked wooden door flush with the hillside, Tessa pauses for a moment to admire her handiwork. If things get really bad we can escape this way - eww!
Clambering to the roof, Tessa installs a wooden barrel for the gutters to run into. Next, she plumbs in the toilet and basin by running a pipe from her new cistern into the lavatory. With careful measurements, Tessa cuts an overflow hole into the cistern to allow rainwater to drain out and take its normal course should the cistern be full.
Tessa is loitering around the sewer connection, inspecting for leaks or problems when she notices the group rolling out in Tiora's cart to take Trinia to safety. "Oh! Wait up, I'll help!" she hollers, dashing to the cart. As she runs, wispy tendrils of magic comb the tangles out of her hair, brush the sawdust off of her outfit, and remove the stench of sweaty gnome in the sewer from her.
The fishery is a much different, and nicer place after Tessa has finished her hard work. Trinia helps Tessa from time to time, joking around with the gnome as she works.
Tiora's carriage rolls up to the fishery as promised. She sits in the driver's seat, joking and flirting with Typhon. Bosch, the disguised Trinia, Tessa, and Roscoe sit inside the covered carriage. The open windows let them look out as they travel through the city. The carriage basically looks like this.
The horses' hooves ring on the cobblestone streets as you take the long ride up to Old Korvosa to pick up Lorray. Tiora keeps the horses at a steady, unhurried trot as not to draw attention. At one point, Tiora is forced to detour the carriage around an overturned farmer's cart blocking half the road. You can hear the irate farmer arguing with a Hellknight about cleaning up the apples spilled over the city street.
You reach Orisini Academy after about twenty minutes. Vencarlo walks Lorray out to the carriage, carrying a small bag for her. "Have a nice trip. It was good visiting with you," he calls to her as the carriage pulls away.
"I didn't realize your - I mean - our family was so big," Lorray says as she settles into her seat, noticing Trinia and Tessa. Her hair is darkened like Trinia's, and she holds a large sun hat on her lap.
On your way past the mansions of Old Korvosa, you pass two marines of the Sable Company knocking on a door. They are discussing something with the butler, and don't approach the carriage. The carriage slows as you pass through the crowds around City Hall, with its large, fat pillars and whitewashed walls. The gilded Bank of Abadar is just a few blocks past City Hall, and the bank patrons and worshipers of Abadar crowd the streets here as well.
At long last, you reach North Bridge. A short line of people wait to leave the city gates- mostly farmers with empty carts, headed home for the day. One guardsman makes a brief tally as each group exits Korvosa, while another on the opposite side of the road accounts those coming into the city. Perhaps out of boredom, the guard at the gate rises to his feet and walks around the carriage once, peering in at the people sitting inside "Good afternoon. What is your destination and purpose of your travel?"
See the map of Korvosa here. You start at the Fishery (#2), go to Orisini Academy (#8), then out of the city across the bridge (#11). Harse is a small farming village several miles down the road from there.
"Please, Ty, my sisters. I'm only twenty-five," Bosch said, balking at Typhon's initial suggestion. Did he really seem that old to the others? Was he getting gray hairs already? Bosch tried to surreptitiously check for gray in a nearby reflective surface.
Back at the Fishery, Bosch made sure he looked presentable. He also grabbed a basket, filled it with various foodstuffs, and dug up a large quilt. All in all he looked like some low-level aristocrat or well-to-do merchant out with his family, except for the fact that his hands were heavily calloused and physically he looked like he made his living wrestling bears.
When the carriage trundled up to the Fishery, Bosch got inside and situated himself on one bench with Roscoe sitting next to him. The big dog was constantly looking around and sniffing things, apparently the concept of 'going for a ride' appealed to the beast on some higher level.
Bosch could not help but give the two girls a wry smile when Lorray and Trinia came face to face.
"Trinia, meet Trinia. You two try not to kill any kings until we're out of town, alright?" With their darkened hair and relative similarity the two really did look like sisters. Of course, next to Bosch they only shared a passing similarity but there were any number of ways to explain that away.
When the guard stopped the carriage and looked inside, he promptly gets a face full of dog breath as he meets Roscoe for the first time. There is a thwapping sound as the big dog's tail impacts the seat behind him repeatedly.
"Easy boy," Bosch says hauling the dog back from the window so he could speak with the guard.
"Sorry, officer, he enjoys carriage rides. We're heading to Harse to visit family."
Bluff:1d20 ⇒ 15 Diplomacy (Improve Attitude):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 Improving attitude takes about a minute to work.
The real Trinia looks intrigued by the situation, but Lorray just looks at her feet.
"Oh, okay then!" The guard seems to lose interest as Roscoe shares his dog breath. He waves you through the gate with no problem.
You reach Harse later that afternoon. Trinia takes her leave at the edge of the small farming town. "Thanks for everything," she says, hugging Bosch & Tessa and giving Typhon a peck on the cheek as he helps her down from the carriage.
Lorray gets out of the carriage as well, though she is more reserved. "Thank you," she says softly. "I'd be dead if it weren't for you. I don't know how I can help, but if ever can do something for you, let me know. Vencarlo gave me directions to his family and a letter." She smiles nervously and follows after Trinia.
guard's sense motive:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
That wraps it up for what I've got for between adventures. If there is anything else you'd like to do, please post it and we will get moving on the next part of the adventure.
"Take care ladies," Bosch said bowing to the pair, "If you two are ever back in Korvosa, as unlikely as that may be, feel free to stop by. I know Bee will miss getting to paint with you Trinia." Roscoe seems unwilling to let Trinia leave but with a hand signal, Bosch brings him to heel.
"Let's head back through a different gate," Bosch said, turning and preparing to go.
Bosch has used 8 days of downtime and Kester has used 9. The forge cost a total of 185 gp and was completed by the 20th day of downtime. I'll make an in character post about this shortly.
Bosch buys the right wizard a drink and discovers that Rolth used to be a student at the Academae, but was expelled for his horrific and grotesque experiments with undead over 10 years ago. No one had heard from him in the meantime. The wizard seems to believe Rolth left Korvosa after his expulsion, but has no evidence to back up his claim.
Queen Ileosa
No one has heard anything of import from Queen Ileosa or the royal castle lately. Various rumors abound:
The queen is simply getting her affairs in order - getting to know her staff, the important royal houses of the city, and learn more about royal affairs.
Queen Ileosa is meeting with various nobles and ambassadors from other countries to discuss foreign policy, and has been too busy to be seen publicly. Bosch hasn't heard about any dignitaries in town besides the ambassador from Cheliax who you found some dirt on earlier in the game.
Blackjack
Bosch hears lots of theories about Blackjack, but no one has any concrete evidence.
An old man tells Bosch "All these people today think they know who Blackjack is. Shucks. Back in my grandpappy's day, Blackjack was a dwarf for 6 years, and before that he was a she for 10 if it was a day. A woman, I tell 'ee! Blackjack's always been any people what got the fire to take up the mask to help the folk of Korvosa. And that's the plum truth!"
A younger man shares another theory about Blackjack "When she was young, my aunt Lirbella was saved from a pack of stinking Varisian thugs and rapists by none other than Blackjack himself! He beat the crap out of them and walked her home safely. Now, that's a gentleman! Now, that's a hero! I wish he would return to Korvosa and help us out, we could sure use his help in these troubled times."
Bosch also finds out that several important people were not in attendance at Trinia's execution. They included Seneschal Neolandus Kalepopolis (who has been missing since King Eodred's death), Vencarlo Orisini, Field Marshall Kroft, and Glorio Arkona (head of the great noble house, House Arkona).
Bosch does not hear anything about anyone looking into the fishery crew or about any specific criminal activity, just the general drug use and gambling, typically found around Eel's End and in the poorer sections of town.
Other Rumors
Bosch hears some other colorful commentary regarding Korvosa in his inquiries.
The Hellknights are here under orders from Cheliax to prepare for an invasion of all Varisia
I'm glad we have a strong queen in charge now! All those damned arbiters and magistrates just waste our time and our taxes. Who knows what the hell they're doing anyway!
A sinister-looking ship refused inspection as it sailed into the river that enters Korvosa. When it neared North Bridge and still
failed to make its intentions known, the watch fired upon and destroyed it. None of the guardsmen who signaled or shouted out to the ship received a response. Some say that no one was on board at all.
I'm not going to nitpick every detail of the costs and downtimes, but Bosch's work and time spent look reasonable.
Trey
Trey finds that Tessa has built quite a library in the basement of the Fishery and put together the books you collected from Rolth's lair on necromancy, disease, and the crafting of golems. From her studies, Trey will receive a +5 bonus on her next knowledge: religion or other check related to disease, necromancy, or religion in general.
Tessa welcomes Trey into her domain. "Good to see you, Trey! You sure were handy back there in the graveyard. Y'know, if you want to hang your hat over here in the fishery, there's plenty of room. We can get you fixed up with suitable lodging no sweat."
In response to Trey's quiery: "Well I wouldn't call it a library... yet. The shelves are there but all I have are the books we took from the necromancer's lair. You're welcome to read them, though! Don't mind the pseudodragon, he's friendly."
Back in Korvosa... " Thank you Tiora, couldn't have done it without you. I owe ya one, look me up if you need a favor in return...., or just someone to hang out with."
He gives her a hug and waves goodbye as he heads around to his 'finished' boathouse. ( it hasn't much furniture, only what he could scrounge or salvage. Comfortable to him tho.) He spends his time trying on various rags and old tossed cloaks, with his helmet. And levitating knives around the room with his newly acquired skill. Helps out where he can, and does some swimming, to keep in shape.
The next few weeks, Bosch works hard. It seems there is hardly a day when he rests as he is always either out following leads and shady contacts, getting back in touch with old friends, or working on or in his forge. Kester is worked almost as hard as Bosch works himself but together they manage to wrangle enough help and materials to get a proper forge set up a couple of yards away from the Fishery. The sound of hammering metal from the forge soon becomes part of the rhythm of life around the Fishery.
Despite working hard, Bosch always seems to be smiling these days and grinning widely when the work day is done. It is remarkable how much having friends and a life to improve has made him a happier man. Kester is treated as a son as much as he is an apprentice and Bosch seems to take great pleasure in his teaching sessions with the boy.
Out in Korvosa, Bosch begins getting to know the local circles of power again and trying to build up some contacts throughout the city. He had no doubt that soon the Marshal would call upon them again and he wanted to be prepared this time. Then there was the matter of the Queen, if she was up to something, Bosch wanted to have his ear to the ground. So he hobnobbed around, getting in touch with those in the know as best he could but always presenting himself as merely a concerned businessman.
AC 14 | FF 13 | T 11 | HP 45/45 | Init: +1 | Percep: +8 | Fort: +6| Ref: +3 | Will: +9
Thanks Tessa, I got an interesting vistor the other day and what he said perked my interest in learning more. Tray paruses the books to see what is there.
you ever hear of some fellow named Togomor? from the Acadamae? he was doing some follow up research on this necromancer fellow. theay said that this necromancer guy Rolf..el...al...or what ever, well anyway, he was kicked out of the acadamae becuase he was to wierd. doin all sorts of wacky experiments and stuff.
Trey finds a book (concerning golems) pulls it out to read.
anyway the church thinks he may be plotting revenge or at the very least coming back. he may even be coming after us. you know for destroying his work and taking his books she motions to the book she is reading to emphasize her point.
anyway I bring it up cause you know that kind of magic, so I just figured you went to school there, maybe you heard more stories.
"Well, truth be told I wasn't at the Acadamae very long. The guy who used to own this fishery framed me for a crime and I got kicked out. I don't remember anybody named Togomor. I figger if that necromancer wants to come get his stuff, let him! Saves us the trouble of hunting him down to barbecue his sorry butt."
Curse of the Crimson Throne Part 2: Seven Days to the Grave Date: Erastus 1, 3417(Erastus is the equivalent of July) I will start tracking in-game dates now. Timing affects some of the events in this section of the adventure.
While Queen Ileosa's reign had a rocky start, it seems that life has gone back to normal in Korvosa. Trinia's botched execution seems to have been forgotten, and people have gone on with their lives.
Sergeant Grau Soledado of the Korvosan Guard visits the Fishery. Trey recognizes Grau - he brought Toby to her at the orphanage a few months ago. At the time, he was unshaven and out of shape, but now he looks fit and clean but is clearly in distress. He asks to speak to the group as a whole, and is excited to see that Trey is part of the gathering. After pleasantries are exchanged, he quickly gets to the point.
"My niece is sick. I don’t know what she has and neither does anyone in Trail’s End. She’s broken out all over in red pocks and can barely keep down food, or even the swill that good-for-nothing herbalist gave her. Her mother’s talking about going to the Bank of Abadar, but her family can’t afford to pay the prices their clerics would demand. Then I remembered how you handled yourselves during the riots, and Sister Merosa, how you helped Toby out, and I figured you could help. A bunch of resourceful folk like you, I’d bet if you don’t already have a way to fix this you must know who can. Surely you can’t just sit by while a child suffers, can you?”
Trail's End is a small community northeast of Korvosa disparagingly called so as slight against the number of settled Varisians in the area
It is common knowledge that Abadar does not believe in free handouts, and because of this his temples sell potions, healing spells, and scrolls rather than giving them to those in need.
"Of course we can't!" Tessa hops right up and grabs her stuff. She briefly considers her armor, and decides upon a simple blouse and leather breeches instead, with her spell component belt over top. Before heading back up, Tessa grabs a couple books on disease from the material confiscated from the necromancer and tucks them under an arm.
Ty nods at Grau when he enters, then listens to his story.
" Well, I don't know much about sickness, but I'll go along to help Tessa and Trey." Ty says as he grabs his gear, and flops his colorful Varisian scarf over his neck.
" Ready when you are."
"A sickness?" Bosch hesitated for a moment, he knew precious little about diseases and even less about healing them. For a moment, wished he had spent some time setting up proper hygiene facilities for the Fishery. Still he stood and gathered a few things.
AC 14 | FF 13 | T 11 | HP 45/45 | Init: +1 | Percep: +8 | Fort: +6| Ref: +3 | Will: +9
trey feels for the man and his plight.
I would be more than happy to assist you I will do what I can to bring the dawnflower's light back into your home. I will need s bit to get the correct equipment unless we have some here. Trey quickly grabs a piece of parchment and makes a list.
the list:
antiplauge vials.
a thurible
some common herbs
some vials of a yellow powder known as Bodybalm
a specially designed outfit to resist disease (doctor's outfit)
some masks (in case the effect is in the air)
potions of lesser restoration
potions of remove disease
scrolls of the same spells.
