"Oh, I am sure they will catch the treasonous dog soon enough, why even now there must be guards all but breathing down his neck," Emerion proclaims cheerfully.
survival:
"I'm thinking that this lever probably resets the pit trap here," says Jeorik, "Could be that the two we're following almost went into it. Maybe. I'm not sure though that there's any good way to cross it. Boards maybe. And maybe that's what they did too."
Jeorik reaches out and pulls the lever.
Jeorik: The lever moves, but you have to strain to move it. There's a faint grinding sound and you can see the metal plates rising. About halfway through the stroke it stops. You are pushing it down with your full weight and it won't budge. The Guard leans on it too and together you force it down. The plates snap together and form a smooth bridge over the pit.
The Guard looks at you and smiles in satisfaction.
"Now I am doubting we should trust our weight on those plates - course they went up so hard, they might go down the same way. But there's no doubting its a trap. So who wants to be heading back and getting us some long boards?"
Many looks are exchanged between Jeorik, the Guard, and the Maidens. The Guard and one of the Maidens speak simultaneously. The Guard says, "I'll go." The Maiden says, "That will take too long. I'll cross first."
"Well happy as I would be to be proven wrong, I would hate to see you fall into that pit. Are you sure?"
Jeorik will not try to stop her if she persists and if she does cross safely he will shrug and follow.
The guard looks relieved; he didn't really want to make the long walk and return.
The Maiden inches her way to the midpoint of the bridge. Once there she steps quickly to the other side. Maidens and Guard exhale in relief.
With a grin, Jeorik follows behind.
"Very brave of you. I'm not sure that's the best way to see whether a thing is trapped but good job. We really need a long pole or something."
As they walk, Jeorik continues to loook for signs of tracks.
survival:
At Orsini's: The old swordmaster looks at Kenan. "Well, son?"
Jeorik: On the far side, the markings are clear. They must have jumped the pit. The trail leads through several intersections at one point it seems to circle back on itself, but doesn't.
The tracks lead into a torchlit room. There is an exit on the far side. Statues of hideous demons sit on pedestals lining the walls.
At Orsini's: Kenan slowly draws his sword and presents it to the old master. "Tis an old bit o' bric-a-brac I picked up somewhere. But it comes in handy for scaring off trouble."
Orsini examines the blade as he walks out into the main room. When he has space enough, he thrusts and swings the blade, testing its balance. "Tricky blades to use, these. I never had much use for them. But in the hands of an expert, quite formidable. This one's crafting seems much above average." He hands the blade back to Kenan.
Jeorik: As you step into the room one of the statues turns its head toward you and speaks. "Pass not the far portal if you wish to return and have not the sign."
Perception DC 20:
Know (the planes, religion, or dungeoneering) DC 12 :
Perception:
Momentarily taken aback by the talking statue, Jeorik takes a moment to get his bearings.
"What is the sign?" Jeorik asks brightly.
Jeorik: "The sign is not mine to give. Only to ask."
Jeorik turns to the Grey Maidens.
"Thoughts? You might want to come back down here with reinforcements if you want to press on. I think it likely they have escaped the grounds by now. This blackjack fellow seems to have had a pretty solid escape plan."
Jeorik turns to the Grey Maidens.
"Thoughts? You might want to come back down here with reinforcements if you want to press on. I think it likely they have escaped the grounds by now. This blackjack fellow seems to have had a pretty solid escape plan."
One of the Maidens speaks up immediately, "If you are sure Blackjack came this way, we should follow immediately."
To your eye the trail plainly leads across the room.
"The trail's plain to follow but I hesitate to walk into an obviously dangerous situation without cause. Still, if we continue forward, we ought to have someone skilled at finding hidden passages and we really need to make sure to leave word of where we go in case we cannot make it back alive."
At Orsini's: Kenan slowly draws his sword and presents it to ......
..o use, these. I never had much use for them. But in the hands of an expert, quite formidable. This one's crafting seems much above average." He hands the blade back to Kenan.
"Tis elven blood in me that called to it. As for a master, no such luck, I'm a healer but if the fighting starts I want something big to scare the fighters off. You know?"
"P'haps you be a master that can help me learn a few tricks to fool someone into thinking I can use the sword well?"
Jeorik: The lead Maiden argues, "Our duty is to track down and apprehend Blackjack and Sabor. If the trail leads this way we must follow. But you are right too. We'll leave the Guard here. He can go back for reinforcements. If you don't have the courage to follow, you can go with him."
The Guard doesn't argue as he eyes the room nervously. He does whisper, "There's two of them. That one over there moved just a hair."
Everyone else: "I favor a straight blade myself, but there are basic techniques which apply to all weapons of similar size, weight and balance. Those you could learn in my academy. After that if you wish to truly master that sword, I can refer you to an elven master who runs a school near the Pantheon. "
"Come, let us try a few passes."
Kenan slides the elven curve blade out and holds the blade vertical in front of his eyes then he bows a little. This is the manoeuvre of a knight.
Then he takes up a two handed stance, the blade kept high above his head.
Emerion watches intently, hoping to learn something.
Orsini returns Kenan's salute by bowing low from the waist with his arms spread wide. His rapier dangles from his hand. Th etip just touches the ground.
"Ahh. The high guard. A good attacking posture. Less suited to defense, because you must slash downward to parry. But deceptive too, because your sword is much lighter than a great or bastard sword which would more commonly use a high guard. You can get it back to a guard position quicker ." Orsini starts to drift to your left.
"I be telling you now that I be taught to kill not practise but I'll try to give a little if'n I can. An I only be knowin a couple of moves."
Heather settles onto a chair and watches intently
Jeorik: Go on, stay, or retreat ?
Everyone else:
"The right couple of moves --" Orsini steps back quickly, twists, and swings his rapier across his body to parry.
"Very good, sir. You would have had me, if you hadn't pulled your strike."
Orsini circles faster to your left and unleashes a series of thrusts of his own. Kenan parries to his left and the rapier dips under his hands, circles, and rises to tickle his ribs on his right as the curve blade clashes in a late parry. The rapier dips again to attack the half-elf's left, and Kenan's parry is prompt enough to knock it away.
Istas only halfway watches the sparring, somewhat bored by the exercise and assuming it's just a way for Kenan and Emerion and Orsini to bond with one another. She gives a small frown in Heather's direction to indicate her displeasure and then turns back toward the door of the school so she can quietly watch for any sign of the Grey Maidens still searching for Trinia.
"Alright, but if we are to go forward, lets at least not go forward weakened - lets get our companion from the junction back there and then press forward. Time is not of the essence here - they have too much of a headstart and know where they are going."
Jeorik will go forward with the Grey Maidens trusting that there is another exit further on.
Survival to track once past the talking/moving statue:
Edit: if that's not high enough Jeorik will take 10 and then 20 as necessary to pick up the trail.
Heather will spend her time trying to fight off the disease with Istas' help.
Kenan shakes the teacher hand afterwards. "I not be here to fight but there be a mite of pleasure to be had in that sparring."
Then he looks back at Emerion for some clue as to what we are going to do about Blackjack here?
He takes his seat again.
Emerion will concentrate on his work in the school and sparring with his mentor if nothing else happens. He will keep his ear to the ground for any news of the crime lord taking action, but otherwise will be laying low. He will look in on Heather as often as possible, and ensure that if he starts to feel under the weather himself he will seek out Kenan or Istas at once.
Jeorik:
After a consultation with your companions you decide not to risk the gargoyles, but to look for another way out. Shortly you find a ladder to the surface. After a ridiculously long climb (could you have really traveled so deep underground?) you arrive at a storm grate in the street. Unable to budge it you yell for help which the citizenry is prompt to provide.
After returning to the castle, your party is broken into individuals and you are interrogated by a Grey Maiden in a nearly hostile manner. She leaves the room and returns several times. Eventually you are released after swearing never to reveal the existence of a secret tunnel into the castle.
Strength check
Party at Orsini's:
Vencarlo and Kenan spar for a while. Orsini compliments Kenan's ability "for an untrained swordsman. You show much raw talent." He makes a few suggestions on balance and trying to minimize your parries to stay in a better defensive position more easily. Then claiming fatigue he bids you good night, "You may stay as late as you wish. Emerion, would you lock up when you leave and see me in the morning."
Jeorik goes and makes a report to Croft. While he doesn't mention where the tunnel came out at, he makes it clear that they followed blackjack into the bottom of the palace, into trapped tunnels and then out through an exit other than the front gate.
Jeorik: Croft is waiting for you at the Castle gate with your two companion guards. "Came when I heard they were holding you, Theldric and Johness. Thank you for your service. How were you treated? Then she asks for your report. Perhaps Theldric and Johness have already spoken to her because she doesn't press for any details you haven't given.
Everyone: Fair weather for the next two days. The river is falling.
Can I have Con saves same as last time for both days from everyone? (Including the save bonuses, if any I awarded you last time. Heather, you're due the bonus from Kenan's Heal check if I remember right.
Fortitude Save plus whatever bonus the heal check gave me
Day #1:
Day #2:
Fortitude Save:
Second Fortitude Save:
Can I have Con saves same as last time for both days from everyone? (Including the save bonuses, if any I awarded you last time. Heather, you're due the bonus from Kenan's Heal check if I remember right.
Cough splutter hack!!!
The day after Trinia's escape Heather wakes up coughing. A look in the mirror confirms her apprehensions. The pallor, the weakness. She has fallen victim to the disease. During the day Kenan and Istas ply her with his infusion and Shoanti remedies.
Heather:
Emerion also wakes up feeling under the weather.
Istas, Jeorik, and Kenan seem fit. Is it due to luck, hardy constitutions, or preventative measures?
Istas, an influx of people petitioning the temple for healing keeps you largely in Grey, although you make time to visit Heather.
Kenan, you are very busy indeed. Perhaps a quarter of Trail's End has picked up the disease and you hear an ugly name for it whispered fearfully, "Bloodveil." It's aptly named for the later stages of the disease brings boils, bruises, a bright blush-like rash, and bloody coughing.
Passing from Heather's back to Trail's End, you fight your way through the crowd of supplicants surrounding the Bank of Abadar to have a brief conversation with Ishani.
Kenan: [spoiler] Ishani estimates perhaps a twelfth part of Old Korvosa's population has contracted the disease. It seems to be making inroads into Midlands and East Shore. There have been very few cases in the Heights and South Shore. It seems nearly half the Abadaran priests have contracted the disease. On the plus side Archbanker Tuttle has been to the Castle to discuss quarantine.
The second day after Trinia's escape, a proclamation is issued in the morning.
By Order of Her Majesty the Queen,
In response to an outbreak of hitherto unknown disease plaguing our Royal City:
All bridges into and throughout the City of Korvosa will be closed to prevent the spread of the disease from district to district.
Any home or domicile housing a victim of this disease shall be sealed until three days after it is found clean of the disease. Anyone leaving a house so identified is subject to arrest, imprisonment, fine, and punishment to the full extent of Her Majesty's pleasure.
A gathering of all healers throughout the city will be held at Arbiter's Hall tonight to discuss means and resources to combat this ill.
Heather moved into the infirmary at the temple of Pharasma before the proclamation was issued.
Hack sputter cough
Emerion will take himself to the infirmary with Heather. He will send a message to Orsini apologising for his absence, but will not see him until he is sure that he either does not have the plague or that he is cured.
Fixing my second to last post from spoiler trouble :
7 Neth, first day after Trinia's execution.
Istas, Jeorik, and Kenan seem fit. Is it due to luck, hardy constitutions, or preventative measures?
Istas, an influx of people petitioning the temple for healing keeps you largely in Grey, although you make time to visit Heather.
Kenan, you are very busy indeed. Perhaps a quarter of Trail's End has picked up the disease and you hear an ugly name for it whispered fearfully, "Bloodveil." It's aptly named for the later stages of the disease brings boils, bruises, a bright blush-like rash, and bloody coughing.
Passing from Heather's back to Trail's End, you fight your way through the crowd of supplicants surrounding the Bank of Abadar to have a brief conversation with Ishani.
Kenan:
More of the second day: (8 Neth)
Heather awakes, not feeling any worse, although still miserable. She may be showing faint signs of improvement. At least the rash and sores have not developed.
Jeorik: You're awakened early by a Guardsman pounding on Dorman's door. It's off to Citadel Volshynek. The entire Guard has been been called out to enforce the Queen's edict.
Kenan:
Also, you seem to be maxing out at about 24 patients that you can actually tend, although given funds and supplies you could brew up the infusion for four or five dozen.
Istas: Emerion joins Heather in the infirmary at Grey.
Father Corbin comes to you about noon, obviously tired, cranky, and frustrated. The disease has not been described in any of the books or scrolls he's read. He's found recipes similar to Ishani's infusion for treating stomach and lung ailments, but can't draw conclusions about treatment, excepting "at least it does no harm, and may do some good."
"Have you heard what they're calling it now? Bloodveil. I can't think of a name better calculated to stir up panic."
Kenan passes on the news from Ishani to the party when he makes his daily visit to Heather and Istas.
"It seems that a twelfth part of Old Korvosa's population has contracted the disease. It seems to be making inroads into Midlands and East Shore. There have been very few cases in the Heights and South Shore. It seems nearly half the Abadaran priests have contracted the disease."
Kenan leaves a couple of sets of healing from his kit with them just in case that helps save Heather.
"On the plus side, the Archbanker has gone to the castle about the quarantine idea so that we can stop the spreading."
----
When the Healer's Meeting takes place, Kenan attends and puts in a request that the Queen's edict not apply to certain healers so that they can travel the city plying their trade. He hopes that passes or permits can be provided so that he can keep the Abadar Bank informed of what is happening on the streets. Otherwise chaos may follow.
----
Once a few days have passed, Kenan goes back to Tayce and Brienna to see if they have contracted the disease again. Same with rest of the 60 percent he first looked after that survived. He is trying to work out if they are immune since they could logically help him heal others as nurses and carers. Maybe Kenan could set up some kind of infirmary in each quarter. Also how long does the disease take to kill someone and is there a stage past which healing isn't worthwhile? I see an infirmary with different wards, including a place at he back where those too far gone are left to die in peace. A gruesome necessity when there are limited resources. Perhaps the Abadar Bank can help Kenan put this into action.[/ooc]
It takes 4-9 days for Bloodveil to kill an average healthy person. Fatalities so far have been among the elderly, young children, and the previously ill. So far reinfection does not appear to be a problem.
The talk of the city for the 7th of Neth and next few days is, of course, Blackjack and Trinia. Opinions range widely from condemnation of the masked man to admiration, although admiration is usually expressed quietly amongst good friends. Regardless of what they think of Blackjack many people are upset that the Maidens and the Guard didn't do their job. Some are happy to see the Maidens with some mud in their eye. For various reasons the Maidens are unpopular; the most common being that their formation upset the traditional relationship between Guard, Sable Company, and citizenry.
Fortitude saves for the next week..to be ammended according to heal checks and reductions due to failure(reduced CON already taken into effect)
8 Neth -- (still more)
Jeorik: Your duty at the bridge consists mainly of turning away people who want to cross into the city. Most of them are on their normal business, but a substantial minority are trying to get in to the temples for healing. The ones who are working, generally get angry. The ones seeking healing get angry or beg piteously. By noon Champagni's normally stern face is red with anger. You are able to talk him into letting Kenan, a healer, cross. After a long day on duty at the bridge you are assigned to security at the meeting. There is barely time to catch a sandwich at Dorman's before you take up your new post.
Heather and Emerion: Boring day at the infirmary. Except
Istas: Father Corbin is off to the healer's meeting and would like you and another acolyte to come too as representatives of Pharasma.
Kenan: With a few words to his commander, Jeorik gets you across the bridge.
Meeting Post to follow ---
The Healers Meeting at Arbiter's Hall.
Istas: Father Corbin is off to the healer's meeting and would like you and another acolyte to come too as representatives of Pharasma.
"Certainly, Father..." Istas bows her head. "I'm happy to see the city taking the threat seriously. Still, we must find the cult of Urgathoa that's behind this illness."