"Well that doesn't tell me anything I didn't already guess," Emerion murmurs.
"Heather, can you come here a moment?" he calls down.
The man comes inside the front door, bow at the ready, moving stealthily but not too stealthily in case he surprises the wrong people. Nevertheless these assassins move like ghosts.
He then listens and waits near the door.
The house isn't that big. With that perception roll you can hear them pretty easily. Heather's on the way upstairs. Istas was searching downstairs. When Istas pops out of a lower room her perception is going to be at something like +6 unless Varlis hides in the southwest corner of the front room. Hiding in the corner is going to completely block his line of sight into the rest of the house.
Taking a risk from the relative lack of combat and searching taking place, Varlis stows the bow and slowly walks forwards to take a peek round the corner at Istas, just to check.
Then he retreats to the door and slams the door, "Hello inside, Sheriff Larward!"
Heather walks upstairs to Emerion.."What is it Em.."
Istas projects her consciousness for just a brief moment to ascertain the nature of the voice at Vencarlo's front door.
Satisfied that their visitor isn't another Red Mantis assassin but still uncertain if he's a new danger altogether, the priestess moves closer to stairs in the event she needs to retreat and rejoin Heather and Emerion. Otherwise, she stands quietly until the newcomer enters the room.
"I was unaware the Queen or the Guard had need of any Sheriff's, Mr...Larward, is it?" she speaks aloud when he arrives, "My friends and I representatives of the Field Marshall, looking in on a friend of ours..."
"...and I represent Commander Endrin on a secret mission bedevilled by these mantis assassins." The hunter comes round the corner into the room, his broad longbow shoulders filling the doorway. The grizzled man with his unkempt beard stops without much noise ever.
"I would like to know what is Croft's interest on this isle?"
"That's beyond my ability to share," Istas replies, "So, I'll defer to my companions upstairs. I merely go where the waters of the Lady of Graves take me."
She makes the sign of Pharasma and offers a quiet prayer for illumination.
She motions for Varlis to follow her upstairs, concentrating on his thoughts as she precedes him.
"So, you're familiar with the Red Mantis?" she asks in an attempt to guide their conversation.
Heather walks upstairs to Emerion.."What is it Em.."
"It seems my suspicions about my master were justified," Emerion shows her the gear he has found: black leathers, sword, black mask etc. "Can you detect magic on these? I don't think Vencarlo would have left them behind if he was able to take them with him."
Emerion looks very serious, his jaw set. One friend has already died today, and he suspects that his oldest friend has befallen misfortune also.
"Since you did not ask to cast a spell, I am going to take my bow off my back. Ask next time. I do not know you well enough for that."
Varlis waves with his bow so that he can follow Istas up the stairs rather than be blocked in. There is no trust in his face and his eyes show a distinct willingness to shoot Istas now if he tries that again.
His thoughts reflect a hair trigger concentration and decisions about how many and which arrows to shoot into the shoanti throat or heart.
"Lo upstairs! Any ambush will be met with force. Don't try it. I came to talk! Since we have a common enemy in the mantis I hope to find people with a good purpose in Orsini's home!" Varlis makes sure that his words are loud enough for the people upstairs.
His bow is not loaded but the quiver is full of multi-coloured fletching.
"I do not make a habit of asking others for permission to seek the counsel of my goddess," the Shoanti returns, "It is you who intrudes here. Not I. Thus, I must know if we can trust in your word...and appearance here. After all, this is the home of a friend. And, as I stated, we're representatives of the Guard seeking his whereabouts as we conduct the Field Marshall's business."
She waits through Varlis' call to the others upstairs.
"You need not fear the Red Mantis any longer," she explains with an impassive expression, "Both assassins are well on their way to the Boneyard by now, assuming the red mist they left behind speeds their journey to the afterlife. They took one of us with them, though my other companions are just above."
From her tone, it's clear she's comfortable in talking matter-of-factly about death, and completely unmoved by the man's violent thoughts. After all, he will either stay his arrows or pierce her heart accordingly...and as Pharasma wills. She continues monitoring his thoughts as she calls out on her own.
"Heather? Emerion? You may want to come down now. We have another visitor."
To Varlis, she adds, "I am Istas. The Hand of Pharasma. May the bones fall in your favor."
Istas
This is a cool one, isn't she? Well watch the eyes, watch that symbol and hope your gut instinct is right. What was that spell? Summoning? Protective? Message? What? I have no idea. Endrin didn't mention these people - what are they doing here? Cannot let her do that again, remember the hold spell. Two less mantis at least.
Varlis nods in acknowledgement and keeps his second hand still above the quiver - ready to fire if another spell is cast.
"You do that again and I'll put an arrow through your heart. I came in to talk and I can leave if don't want to. There are plenty of mantis out there and one will lead me on."
Rather than lead Varlis upward, Istas decides to pause on the stairs and await Heather and Emerion's approach. She crosses her arms and stares in silence as they wait.
"Agreed" the Sorceress mutters "and I too suspected this was the case, remember.." then she casts the spell her gaze drifting over the items.
"You know..if the worst has happened, then the people will still need Blackjack" she says glancing at Emerion for a split second before returning to her examination of the gear.
She barely registers the shout from downstairs.
Come on, come on, I hate waiting. Mortal-ire, scorcher or icicle, which arrows are best.
"That is, what I feared," Emerion nods. Setting down his own blade he takes up Blackjack's, almost identical in style and balance.
"One moment, Istas, we shall be there soon."
Obviously the bag is a bag of holding (type I). Other items:
a black hooded cloak of elvenkind,
several black masks,
a dozen masterwork daggers with a stylized “B” engraved in their pommels,
a black leather suit of +2 slick leather armor, a pair of black leather boots of elvenkind,
an amulet of proof against detection and location,
a pair of black leather gloves of Dexterity +2
and an exquisite mithral +2 keen rapier.
Emerion, a very similar blade. There's no mistaking the silvery sheen of mithril, nor the Brightsmith maker's mark on the pommel.
Heather quickly gives Emerion the run down on the items
"Then it's time for Blackjack to take a stand," Emerion murmurs. Taking his own sword he lays it in the. "Even if Vencarlo is still alive, he hasn't been seen and the people need a visible symbol."
Placing his own sword and chain shirt in the chest, he takes Vencarlo's sword and armour, leaving only a few black masks, half-a-dozen knives and the boots of elvenkind. At least this way Vencarlo will not lack any gear should he return. He wears his usual coat and shirt over the armour for now, and keeps the cloak furled and hidden.
Replacing the box, Emerion makes his way to the top of the stairs.
"Who are you, sir, and what are you doing here?" He asks, his expression oddly calm.
Heather's elemental winks back to its aqueous wonderland. Fire's out but a strong smell of smoke lingers.
;-)
"This is Mr. Larward," Istas offers, "He claims he's a Sheriff working under the authority of Commander Endrin...investigating the Red Mantis, it would seem. I've already advised him they are no more and gone to dust."
"Welcome then Mr Larwood..your arrival would have been more welcome 15 minutes ago but what is done is done. Have you any clues as to why the Red Mantis were here?"
"I didn't know the Sable Company needed tax collectors," Emerion murmurs, a smile tugging at his lips as he takes in the appearance of the rustic-looking man. "I take it, Sheriff Larwood, that you are from one of the city's outlying dominions? That would make you a law enforcer as well, and a man who could be trusted and yet would be apart from the political intrigues of the city," he muses aloud.
"Well, I am Emerion Brightsmith, senior student of Vencarlo Orsini and an instructor in his school here. Unfortunately we have no idea where he is, or why the Red Mantis were here. Perhaps you can enlighten us? I fear my master may have succumbed to their tricks, or worse." Especially given how easily I did! Emerion adds mentally.
Seeing the professionalism of the man and woman coming down the stairs, "I am a man who works alone these days on special missions for the Commander. As a tracker and hunter mainly. My current mission is something I cannot tell but it involves a missing senior figure in Korvosa. Someone who is vital to the stability of this city. I have no great information yet because my main lead was taken. Since then I have been dodging and following the Mantis. They came here. I tracked. I waited to see what happened and this is how the cards fell."
Varlis shrugs at the apparent lack of information.
DM and Istas
He relaxes slightly at the questions and shakes his head to Emerion.
Endrin sent you after Orsini and Scream because he knew they were friends of Kalepopolis.
I didn't spell it out exactly, but the Seneschal never confirmed the queen's reign; he disappeared the night King Eodred died. Although it has been months since his disappearance, if he's alive somewhere and spoke out against the Queen, that could legally bring her government down.
"You mean the Seneschel, I take it - don't worry if you cannot confirm it, either," Emerion grins briefly. "We were hoping to find some trace of him as well, but there's nothing. We do know there's one crime-lord who's making life miserable for the people here, and we're hoping to deal with him shortly. About the Red Mantis we don't know anything, save that they are mixed up in this somehow and we are not the first to see them."
Emerion finishes descending the stairs, his demeanour grim, but sheathing his sword.
"If you're game for some summary justice, we could use a hand setting things to rights here."
"Vencarlo must have information that will help me. I agree to accompany you until I find something that leads me in a different direction or I receive fresh orders. For myself I would welcome company if it is able to take down Mantis. As for my hand, it is my bow that deals out justice.
"Kenan fell to the Mantis, and now Pharasma provides us with a Mantis hunter," Istas notes aloud, "All according to her greater plan, no doubt."
She looks around at the carnage and fire damage for moment and then adds, "We should wrap Kenan's body and make arrangements for interring him in Potter's Ward once we cross the river again and reach the Gray District. In the interim, I can preserve his remains so they aren't an undue burden on anyone. Do you think your friends could look after his body until our task is done here, Emerion? It seems the least we could ask of them in exchange for aiding your scarred acquaintance."
"Yes, I am sure they would...and she is far more to me than an acquaintance," he confesses. "I should have done right by her years ago, but my family wanted a more advantageous match. To hell with that."
"It's rare that life presents us with the same choice twice," Istas notes, "But when it does, we should always strive to make sure we make the right one the second time around."
"To which," she addresses Varlis, "It would appear we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. I apologize if I appeared uncooperative or distrustful. If Heather and Emerion find your cause parallels our own, I see no reason to discard the gift Pharasma provides with your timely appearance."
"There is a home nearby where we're staying. I've agreed to aid this family...friends of Emerion...in exchange for their assitance. But we felt it prudent to seek our friend Orsino to determine his whereabouts and ask his assistance in setting things right here on this side of the river. Alas, we found no sign of Orsino, and we lost another friend to the Red Mantis who ambushed us when we arrived. If Orsino has drawn the attention of such assassins, perhaps your experience with them can aid us in rescuing him before he suffers a similar fate at their hands..."
"Emerion? Do you think you and Varlis here can carry Kenan's remains back to the home of your friends? Once there, I'll need many hours in prayer to complete the necessary rituals to preserve his remains and also help the girl. While I do so, you and Heather may want to compare notes and discuss things more fully with Varlis about our next steps."
Heather smiles sadly at Emerions bitter words.."You did what was..necessary at the time, old friend." she says with just a trace of wistfulness in her voice.
"But enough moping..though Kenans death is hard to bear we will have to leave our mourning until we have brought whoever was behind his death to justice..and for that Sherrif Larwoods sword arm will be nore than welcome."
She extends a hand.."Heather Whiteraven, pleased to make your aqquaintance"
"I'll help carry your friend, Kenen. It is true that your names and reputations precede you as servants of Croft. So I expect we can find the truth behind these assassins, and why they were here for Orsini. He is the key to much of what ...... matters on this Isle."
"And Istas we did get off on the wrong foot. There is no need to apologise. The spell didn't seem to do anything anyway."
The ranger shakes the hand of Heather gently but with a calloused grip. "Pleasure is all mine, all mine." Varlis gives a passable impression of a grizzled bear, but there is a faint aroma of something rank coming off his clothes.
"Aye, we can," Emerion nods. "It's the least I can do. Thank you, Varlis."
That's what she said!
Sorry. I watched "The Office" the other night.
Not Safe For People With Good Taste
You can use some of Orsini's sheets as a makeshift shroud for Kenan. It will make him easier to carry too.
You step out of the house and trudge north with your burden. At the barricade the guard leader inquires about the body and asks to see Kenan's face.
Heather bridles at this request..
"Why,,do you think we would lie to you about losing one of our own..or perhaps you think we are in thehabit of transporting diseased corpses at the risk of our own lives..Step aside now man..or I won't be held answerable to your Lords and Masters"
Intimidate
Raimondo Berestollo, for it is the same man commanding the barricade as when you passed into Fort Korvosa, recoils from Heather's reproach. His face turns red.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I meant no disrespect to the fallen. You'll be free to pass if you demand it."
He glances quickly over his shoulder at the other men on the barricade, then turns back to you. He almost pleads, "But we're acting as the Guard here in Lord Arkona's name, same as you for Marshal Croft. You wouldn't expect to carry a corpse through the Midland without inquiry by a passing Guard.
"And we haven't had proper burials here for nearly three weeks. Living nor dead are crossing the Strait now. I'll take the Pharasmin's word that he'll buried properly."
Smelling his fear in the man's actions towards Heather, Varlis keeps quiet and watches around the group his bow as usual is held over one shoulder with the greatsword over the other slotted in behind his backpack.
Perception:
Sense Motive:
"Marshal Croft," Emerion interjects, speaking diplomatically, "is the head of the Korvosan Guard, and by decree of the crown responsible for the maintenance of law and order throughout all of Korvosa. Lord Arkona, though his and your help is welcomed in these troubled times, is not, save insofar as his responsibilities as a nobleman of city decree it. That makes your actions here all the more commendable, and his as well, but it does not grant you authority over us."
Diplomacy:
One of the men on the barricade interjects,
Raimondo turns to glare at the offender who shuts up, but does not look in the least intimidated nor apologetic.
"Marshal Croft is doing the best she can with the limited resources she has..." Istas returns to the offensive lout, "We've already done more than anyone else in this city to end the bloodveil. So, I wouldn't call that 'fecking nothing.' Would you? Be glad we're here now...and that we volunteered to cross the river when no one else would. The Gray Maidens aren't letting anyone cross back to the other side. So, we're here for the duration. And we'll set things right, or give our lives trying. One of our number already perished at the hands of cutthroats lying in wait in a shop down the street. But we ended their threat and they'll trouble no one any longer. We'll be doing the same to anyone else disturbing the order."
"Leave it, Istas - fools who will do little can't make themselves feel important save by hindering those that can do more," Emerion sighs. "Let's go."
The offensive lout stands and takes a step down the barricade. Raimondo hurries toward him drawing a knife and shouting, "Stop! Damn your sass. Have you any idea who these people are?!" The lout stops and Raimondo turns back to the party.
"Go, before you cause more trouble."
****
Morosino is glad to have you back. Less glad to hear that he will be housing a corpse for you. "Tis an ill omen when the dead reside among the living."
Rowena adds, "You meant odor, not omen, Papa."
They will also be politely curious about Kenan and Varlis.
****
The offensive lout stands and takes a step down the barricade. Raimondo hurries toward him drawing a knife and shouting, "Stop! Damn your sass. Have you any idea who these people are?!" The lout stops and Raimondo turns back to the party. "Go, before you cause more trouble."
Istas matches the lout with a dead stare as Emerion leads them away. Some part of her wishes the man's friend hadn't cautioned him. Lord Arkona's men seemed like they could use a wake-up call...and she would have been more than happy to administer it.
Morosino is glad to have you back. Less glad to hear that he will be housing a corpse for you. "Tis an ill omen when the dead reside among the living."
Rowena adds, "You meant odor, not omen, Papa."
"I believe your girl has the right of it," the priestess notes, "I've lived all my life in Korvosa among the dead. And, if it were an ill omen, the entire Gray District would bear the worst omen of all."
She sets aside her things and looks about for a place where she can quietly meditate. "Once I've had time to commune with Pharasma, I can preserve the body so that even the odor is suppressed."
"Heather? I'll leave it to you and Emerion to bring Varlis up to speed on our dealings here...and to plan our next foray."