Darthen, silent for a moment after hearing Kelywins responds, unexpectedly barks into a loud boisterous laughter. "A ship you say. The one thing that didn't cross my mind to check on. Well now, this definitely puts a spin on my investigation. It appears that, as you say, we are entangled in the same web. This information definitely points me into a direction I was not expecting. More than likely something more dangerous then what it started out as." Darthen takes a large drink from his mug. "Fair is fair I say. Korvosa isn't one of the most trusted places, but your information has helped. I feel obliged to give you some information that may or may not help you. I was contracted by a local 'merchant' by the name of Thalus. The name, Maggie Bright, came up when one of his dealers was caught up in an illegal pesh sweep. This man was selling properly taxed pesh and should not have been apprehended. However in his 'questioning' I am sure he agreed to any accusations they leveled at him. The Nails are not know as gentle people in finding the heretic. This dealer was near the Wrappers territory so could easily have been seen as one of them. However I believe more than untaxed pesh is involved. I need to check something but your information may help me put a couple ideas together."
Jeorik wakes, as usual, with the sun and prepares himself for the day with a few minutes of prayer and meditation. As he dresses, he ponders wearing his weapons and as he recalls the many dangers of the day before decides the professional mercenary look may not be a bad image to cultivate at the moment.
He takes a few moments to clean and polish his gear. His plans as he polishes form. He will care for his mule, seek out breakfast, and then volunteer to accompany his uncle. His plans will depend on his uncle's answer.
Keliwyn looks across the table and says, "Well,Darthen, it looks like we both have some thinking to do. I feel like there is something else missing here, put can't quite but my finger on it. Let's leave it at that, for now. Darthen, I would still appreciate it if you see what you can learn; I'll reward you for it. Gentleman, I'm going to grab a room here for the night, and will look for you again tomorrow eve."
After some more chit-chat, Keliwyn leaves the other two and inquires about a room for the next two nights. Once the door is shut, he undresses reviewing a plan for tomorrow and decides to play it be ear after some rest and a good breakfast. At some point, he'll return to speak with Dorman, Arando and Jeorik. He'd also like to may be speak with Morten and perhaps put a bug in Inigo's ear regarding Garven. After that, maybe check on Cygney, and then meeting back with the double Ds at Jonathan's in the evening.
Arando will sleep until awakened.
Darvyl, Keliwyn, Darthen:
."Garvin Fellstone you say? The name rings a bell.
Know (local) Vander (1d20 5=19)
Know (local) = Iron Hand vigilante (1d20 5=16)
Darvyl:
You wake early in the morning. Grab your gear and the tabard and head out for Garven's upper Midlands home. The streets are still quiet, but the market squares are starting to fill with tradesmen and farmers.
Nihls answers the back door when you knock. He stares blankly at you for a moment, then mutters, "The new guy. What's your name?"
He opens the door to admit you to the kitchen. A couple of house servants are standing scattered throughout the kitchen eating breakfast. The cook, a 20-ish dark-haired woman with strong Cheliaxian features smiles and tips a larger than average portion of eggs, bacon, and fried taters onto your plate.
As you finish up, Nihls beckons you to him. "We're going to court this morning, but we have a couple of hours. Come out into the garden for some weapons practice." Practice is with wood weapons. Quarterstaffs for pole arms, 3 or 4 foot staves for swords. Nihls is an agile and active opponent, who constantly strives to manuver to a flanking position. His most telling blows are scored when he can get around you. In general though, you are evenly matched. Nihls glowers unpleasantly when you strike him well.
After practice, Nihls says,"Clean yourself up. Cook can show you the wash room."
Near mid-morning Garven, his young serving maid, Nihls, and you leave for the Arbiter's hall, a massive, squat building of red-streaked black marble. The courtroom is upstairs. It is a dismal long narrow hall. At the north end is the raised judges bench, a man's height above the floor. Directly south from that is the witness block, a three foot high circular wooden platform, well illuminated. East of the witness block is the plaintiffs table, and a small gallery, both facing the witness block. To the west is the defendants table and gallery. South from there, behind a low railing are benches for spectators.
Garven and his lawyer sit at the plaintiffs table; the serving girl in the gallery. Nihls and you take standing positions behind Garven.
Across from you the defendant's party files in, led by Dorman Vander.
Jeorik:
Jeorik and Arando:
Near mid-morning the family leaves for the Arbiter's hall, a massive, squat building of red-streaked black marble. The courtroom is upstairs. It is a dismal long narrow hall. At the north end is the raised judges bench, a man's height above the floor. Directly south from that is the witness block, a three foot high circular wooden platform, well illuminated. East of the witness block is the plaintiffs table, and a small gallery, both facing the witness block. To the west is the defendants table and gallery. South from there, behind a low railing are benches for spectators.
When you enter the courtroom, Garven, a sour-faced old man, and his gleamingly oiled lawyer sit at the plaintiffs table; a serving girl sits behinf them in the gallery. Two armsmen in red and white livery stand at attention behind Garven and his lawyer.
Inigo heads to the kitchen to cook some dinner.
After a "pretty good meal if he does say so himself" , Inigo checks back in. Vertas seems to be asleep. Roletta is hard at work on the books.
...
Morning dawns and for once in recent history, Inigo has a choice of whether or not to rise immediately or catch a little extra sleep. Special duty has its benefits.
After some more chit-chat, Keliwyn leaves the other two and inquires about a room for the next two nights. Once the door is shut, he undresses reviewing a plan for tomorrow and decides to play it be ear after some rest and a good breakfast. At some point, he'll return to speak with Dorman, Arando and Jeorik. He'd also like to may be speak with Morten and perhaps put a bug in Inigo's ear regarding Garven. After that, maybe check on Cygney, and then meeting back with the double Ds at Jonathan's in the evening.
Rest, breakfast. Where to first, and about what time?
Darthen, silent for a moment after hearing Kelywins responds, unexpectedly barks into a loud boisterous laughter.
Morning Day 2. What's Darthen's plan?
In the courthouse, Jeorik strives for his best military bearing, whilst at the same time trying to make sure he takes in the mood of the people in the room or whatever else might seem interesting.
In the courthouse, Jeorik strives for his best military bearing, whilst at the same time trying to make sure he takes in the mood of the people in the room or whatever else might seem interesting.
As the crowd files into the courtroom a number of conservatively dressed, mostly unhappy or grim looking men seat themselves in Garven's gallery. Garven scowls and nods at each one as if running down a mental checklist.
Darvyl:
On Dorman's side people are solemn. Dorman greets each person, inquires after their family, and thanks them for their support. His gallery fills, then overflows into the spectators area.
Darvyl's eyes widen when he sees the adversary is Vander. What have I got myself into now?
But at this point, he just pays attention.
As soon as the day breaks, Darthen gathers his gear and heads downstairs. Eating a quick breakfast he decides to speak with Goodman Gnarls first. He may have been broken but the 'Nails may have said something during his interrogation as to why he was pulled.
Gather Info - Goodman (1d20 6=10)
Sense Motive - Goodman (1d20 9=19)
After speaking with Goodman Darthen heads back to Vlad's house to ask him about Paralictor Graves. Along the lines of the type of person he is, where he can be found, does he normally deal with pesh violators?
Gather Info; Sense Motive - Vlad (1d20 5=22, 1d20 9=14)
After getting whatever information Vlad has Darthen heads down to the Heights to see if anything has come up from his inquiries the previous day.
Gather Info; Sense Motive - Heights (1d20 5=22, 1d20 9=10)
As soon as the day breaks, Darthen gathers his gear and heads downstairs. Eating a quick breakfast he decides to speak with Goodman Gnarls first. He may have been broken but the 'Nails may have said something during his interrogation as to why he was pulled.
DM:It takes a while to track down Goodman who's living in Bridgefront, the poorest ward, on Endrin Island, the poorest district, in Korvosa. He's sharing a large shipping crate cum shanty one of many lining the alleyway. A few coppers, or an early hot lunch procure his gratitude and cooperation. He speaks hesitantly, but truthfully about his arrest, while sizing you up as a source of alms. He may have been a handsome man once but his nose now takes a dramatic left turn, on his jaw seems unhinged on the right. Sometimes he pushes it into place as he speaks.
"The 'ellknits bet meh , but tha prob'ly saved meh lif. Don' rehlly 'member them. Twas thos twins of Gaedren Lamm's were back in town working with the Wrappers. They messed me up as a sign to Thalus when I wouldn't work for them. When the 'ellknits come up they musta planted the dirty swag on me and run."Darthen:
DM:This is good, I'll try to answer comprehensively, but feel free to add questions.
Darthen heads back to Vlad's house to ask him about Paralictor Graves. Along the lines of the type of person he is, where he can be found, does he normally deal with pesh violators?
DM:Vlad is almost as happy to see you as to see the pint you buy him. Graves is a right bast__d, strict, even for a Hellknight and enthusiastic. Murder, vice, drugs, jaywalking. If Graves is on patrol its all fair game. He has a soft spot for kids. Don't let him catch you taking candy from a baby.
Darthen heads down to the Heights to see if anything has come up from his inquiries the previous day.
Gather Info; Sense Motive - Heights (1d20 5=22, 1d20 9=10)
DM: Darthen notices the same two Wrappers from yesterday by the University.
As soon as the day breaks, Darthen gathers his gear and heads downstairs. Eating a quick breakfast he decides to speak with Goodman Gnarls first. He may have been broken but the 'Nails may have said something during his interrogation as to why he was pulled.
DM:It takes a while to track down Goodman who's living in Bridgefront, the poorest ward, on Endrin Island, the poorest district, in Korvosa. He's sharing a large shipping crate cum shanty one of many lining the alleyway. A few coppers, or an early hot lunch procure his gratitude and cooperation. He speaks hesitantly, but truthfully about his arrest, while sizing you up as a source of alms. He may have been a handsome man once but his nose now takes a dramatic left turn, on his jaw seems unhinged on the right. Sometimes he pushes it into place as he speaks.
"The 'ellknits bet meh , but tha prob'ly saved meh lif. Don' rehlly 'member them. Twas thos twins of Gaedren Lamm's were back in town working with the Wrappers. They messed me up as a sign to Thalus when I wouldn't work for them. When the 'ellknits come up they musta planted the dirty swag on me and run."Darthen:
DM:This is good, I'll try to answer comprehensively, but feel free to add questions.
Darthen heads back to Vlad's house to ask him about Paralictor Graves. Along the lines of the type of person he is, where he can be found, does he normally deal with pesh violators?
DM:Vlad is almost as happy to see you as to see the pint you buy him. Graves is a right bast__d, strict, even for a Hellknight and enthusiastic. Murder, vice, drugs, jaywalking. If Graves is on patrol its all fair game. He has a soft spot for kids. Don't let him catch you taking candy from a baby.
Darthen heads down to the Heights to see if anything has come up from his inquiries the previous day.
Gather Info; Sense Motive - Heights (1d20 5=22, 1d20 9=10)
DM: Darthen notices the same two Wrappers from yesterday by the University.
No.
Inigo wakes up early as is his custom. He dons his armor and proceeds to Vertas' room. He raps the door three times, "Master Vertas, it is Inigo."
He raps the door three times, "Master Vertas, it is Inigo."
Roletta opens the door. From her haggard expression and the bags under her eyes, it's apparent she's been up all night. Vertas, aroused by your knocking, drags his hunched body off the bed, lurches to the table and drains the dregs of last night's tea. He asks Inigo to stoke the brazier, as he fills a pot with water from a pitcher and dribbles more of the Qat into the water.
Stoking the fire, Inigo asks, "Would you care for some breakfast, Master Vertas? Madame?"
Keliwyn wakes and heads out, leaving the Inn and wandering the city for a bit before finding himself at the Midlands' docks. Looking out at the water, he tries to work through what he knows. After awhile, he decides he's making one to many assumptions, and he heads for the Temple of Asmodeus to call on Morten, and perhaps, Inigo.
Stoking the fire, Inigo asks, "Would you care for some breakfast, Master Vertas? Madame?"
Roletta perks up. "Some strong tea would be very welcome and anything you might have to eat. It's been a long night."
Intent on his own brewing, Vertas waves you away. "I never eat in the morning. Perhaps later."
At the courthouse:
Arando:
Darvyl:
Jeorik:
Jeorik and Arando:
The bailiff enters, calling for "Lawful Peace. Settle yourselves and attend. Arbiter Portio enters."
Jeorik nods at his uncle's words and quickly makes sure he can identify the man again, later.
"How might he help," asks Jeorik a moment later, "Do you want him to testify on your behalf or just have him be on the lookout for a way to help your case?"
Jeorik nods at his uncle's words and quickly makes sure he can identify the man again, later.
"How might he help," asks Jeorik a moment later, "Do you want him to testify on your behalf or just have him be on the lookout for a way to help your case?"
"I don't know how. But it's good to have a man in the enemy camp."
"Aye, sir," says Jeorik. It is decided. When the court is recessed, he will seek out a private conversation with this man. Looking over at Arando, he checks himself. There's another there to help.
"Me and Arando would be pleased to have a talk with the man," says Jeorik, volunteering for Arando.
"Excuse me." Inigo leaves the room and goes to the kitchen to get the requested tea. While there, Inigo listen for any gossip that might be of interest.
After spending a few minutes, Inigo takes a circuitous through the temple complex passing by the quarters of the grandmaster and his cohort. Inigo reports anything unusual he observes.
Inigo leaves the room and goes to the kitchen to get the requested tea. While there, Inigo listen for any gossip that might be of interest.
After spending a few minutes, Inigo takes a circuitous through the temple complex passing by the quarters of the grandmaster and his cohort. Inigo reports anything unusual he observes.
Gossip is light in the refectory. The priests and initiates are sullenly and distrustfully quiet. Small commonplaces and hackneyed platitudes dominate any discourse.
Morten seems mildly surprised by your report, that you are making one at all, and somewhat gratified. After hearing you out, he says with a wry smile, "Inigo, should the worst befall me, I charge you to give this to the elf, Keliwyn. Tell no one. " It is a small message scroll, sealed with the pentagram of Azmodeus.
Spot on two wrappers (1d20 8=10)
Darthen approaches the two wrappers slowly and as inconspicuous as possible.
Move silently; hide; listen (1d20 5=8, 1d20 5=20, 1d20 10=30)
The courtroom:
Arbiter Portio enters, a tall, rotund man with shoulder length
silver streaked black hair dressed in long red robes, chased
in gold piping. A priest of Abadar follows, thoroughly
blessing the hall and the proceedings. The bailiff declares
court in session. The attorneys make long speeches deriding
their opponents and his case. A clerk enters the court and
approaches the bench. A recess is called while the judge
attends to another matter. The parties to the case and
spectators wander out into the hall, but are quickly called
back again.
The plaintiffs begin to read out their complaint.
Innuendo check DC 17 or Profession(lawyer) DC 10:
Dorman Vander failed to fulfill a contract with Garven
Fellstone: He is in arrears on payments for a loan. He has
not delivered a shipment of goods and is liable for the lost
cargo and a penalty.
An unusually large fly buzzes back and forth across the
witness stand. It may be the one point of interest and
distraction available to you. Excepting of course Dorman's
daughters.
Finally after the complaint is read, the court adjourns for
lunch, inviting Dorman, Garven and their counsels into
chambers.
Darthen approaches the two wrappers slowly and as inconspicuous as possible.
The two are quite oblivious to your approach.
Morten seems mildly surprised by your report, that you are making one at all, and somewhat gratified. After hearing you out, he says with a wry smile, "Inigo, should the worst befall me, I charge you to give this to the elf, Keliwyn. Tell no one. " It is a small message scroll, sealed with the pentagram of Azmodeus.
"My loyalty is to the First Lord. Grandmaster, it shall be done as you wish." Inigo bows solemnly and takes his leave.
"Keliwyn... that elf... I wonder what's the connection."
Inigo returns to Vertas' quarters and hands the accountant her requested cup of strong tea. "It's my special blend... hope you like chrysanthemum?"
Innuendo check DC 17 or Profession(lawyer) DC 10: ** spoiler omitted **
Inigo: ROletta is grateful for the tea. She says its pleasntly unusual. She also says that she'll be done reviewing the books by midmorning.
Finally after the complaint is read, the court adjourns forlunch, inviting Dorman, Garven and their counsels into
chambers.
Since it seems he is not invited to lunch with his uncle, Jeorik seeks for sustenance elsewhere, looking for an opportune moment to talk with the individual, Darvyl he believes was the name, his uncle had pointed out to him. He asks Arando if he wishes to accompany him.
Sometime late morning, Keliwyn arrives at the Temple and calls upon Morten.
Courtroom: Garven's bald armsman, Nihls, watches his boss walk away with the Arbiter. "Looks like we're on our own, Darfyl . Just make sure you're back in the courtroom when the session resumes." Darvyl and the serving girl are left on their own.
Inigo: Roletta explains that it looks as if offerings and tithes have been siphoned away beginning several months ago. Most of these diversions have been charged to Morten's discretionary account or to "Mierani Development". A large payment was made to the merchant house of Vander nine months ago. Since then a small, continual flow of cash in addition to offerings and tithes has been trickling back into the treasury.
Keliwyn: A rather nervous, fidgety Morten welcomes you. "Keliwyn, what can I do for you?"
Inigo: Roletta explains that it looks as if offerings and tithes have been siphoned away beginning several months ago. Most of these diversions have been charged to Morten's discretionary account or to "Mierani Development". A large payment was made to the merchant house of Vander nine months ago. Since then a small, continual flow of cash in addition to offerings and tithes has been trickling back into the treasury.
"Can you say if the disbursements were done as a part of an investment program?"
"Meirani Development... elves... their homeland. I wonder."
"Can you say if the disbursements were done as a part of an investment program?"
"Meirani Development... elves... their homeland. I wonder."
Roletta sighs and shakes her head. "There's no explanation of what the headings mean. We'd have to talk to the bookkeeper."
Vertas rasps, "Inigo, please fetch Owlen."
She is apparently not at the temple. When you inquire, an initiate tells you that Morten sent her on an errand to Citadel Volshenk.
Finding Owlen gone, Inigo resolves to follow her to the home of the Korvosan Guard.
Inigo salutes the guard on duty. "Temple Business. Have you seen Preceptor Owlen?"
A rather nervous, fidgety Morten welcomes you. "Keliwyn, what can I do for you?"
"Greetings, Morten, I trust you are well?," Keliwyn inquires. " If you have a few minutes, I was hoping we could speak further about our common interest."
Yes, let's go.
Since it seems he is not invited to lunch with his uncle, Jeorik seeks for sustenance elsewhere, looking for an opportune moment to talk with the individual, Darvyl he believes was the name, his uncle had pointed out to him. He asks Arando if he wishes to accompany him.
Finally after the complaint is read, the court adjourns forlunch, inviting Dorman, Garven and their counsels into
chambers.
"Greetings, Morten, I trust you are well?," Keliwyn inquires. " If you have a few minutes, I was hoping we could speak further about our common interest."
"Certainly, Keliwyn, come in. What can I do for you?" Morten looks both ways before closing the door behind you.
Inigo salutes the guard on duty. "Temple Business. Have you seen Preceptor Owlen?"
"yeah. She was in this morning, not long ago. SHe dropped off something for the commandant. Didn't stay long."
Seeing himself at ends, Darvyl winks at the girl, then moves into the spectator section of the courtroom. Taking a seat on a bench, he leans back and settles in, keeping what he thinks is a casual eye on Vander's party.
And the girl.
"yeah. She was in this morning, not long ago. SHe dropped off something for the commandant. Didn't stay long."
"You know where the Preceptor went? It's important."
Seeing himself at ends, Darvyl winks at the girl, then moves into the spectator section of the courtroom. Taking a seat on a bench, he leans back and settles in, keeping what he thinks is a casual eye on Vander's party.
And the girl.
During the lunch break, Darvyl notices two of the young men who were with Dorman walk past them. One of them says just a little too loud, "Come friend, let us go then to lunch together."
They then walk away.
It could have almost been an invitation to food.
During the lunch break, Darvyl notices two of the young men who were with Dorman walk past them. One of them says just a little too loud, "Come friend, let us go then to lunch together."
They then walk away.
It could have almost been an invitation to food.
Darvyl waits about half a minute, then gets up and follows the men out of the courtroom.
When they are certain that Darvyl is following, Jeorik and Arando head out of the court to the nearest inn. There they take a table near a wall and Jeorik orders food for three.
Darvyl joins the two men at the table.
"So, buying me lunch makes me glad to talk to you. Who are you, and what's going on?"