Reynotto moves his hand down Aleziella's arm until he reaches her hand, before stating "Mrs. Zelerra where can I find Rolth? He has my brother Leon and I wasn't able to get much information out of Lamm, I drove his guts out before he could tell me anything useful."
Zellara sits down, odd for a bound spirit such as she to do so, but she sits with her harrow, and casts a reading down. She looks confused at the outset.
You are destined to meet him. But he is not here yet.. She looks to Reynotto. Be wary, his work is near.
Aleziella is intrigued by Alexios offer. What does he mean? Simply sleeping together or something more, like what I heard about in the temple? It's probably something more... Reynottos hand stops her from responding though. She looks over at the cavalier. "Alexio's offer might be vague, but the meaning of your hand is even less clear. What do you mean Reynotto? What do you want?"
--
Aleziella turns towards Zellara. "What do you mean, he's not here yet? Are we not supposed to go after him yet? If not, what should we do? Does the cards tell you anything? Is there something that's more important to deal with? What does the card tell you? Could you do a reading for us?"
H looks confused at Zellara's comment, but before he can answer he's cut off by Aleziellla
"Probably something similar to Alexio if I judged him correctly, and based on prior statements. Though admittedly conversation might be nice as well."
"To add onto Aleziella's comment when will we face him? How soon will he be here?
Pendleton looks a little relieved when everyone else can see the ghost of Zellara.
"I wonder if the darkness is related to the death of the King - a lot of people do seem to be riled up about it. I suppose the morning will show whether things have calmed down at all.
Could it be related somehow to Lamm himself? If the ones who stop Lamm can stop the darkness, that may mean some connection."
He pauses in thought a moment.
"Crowler, have you had a chance to look through that journal yet? It may contain some pertinent information."
With the night ahead of them, Pendleton also takes the opportunity to look through the assorted loot again and relays the information about the Key Lock Killer.
"'For an inspiration of a father' - it's a somewhat disturbing inscription, for a blade with those connotations. Zellara, can you perform a Harrow reading on a specific object?"
Inquisitor Crowler quickly combs over the contents of the journal, looking for key phrases to help narrow down his search.
Crowler quickly determines that the journal has been coded somehow. It is written in clips and odd phrases, with an odd symbol or two in other places.
"It seems to be written in some type of cypher, not my strongest skill", states the inquisitor. Crowler continues to examine the writings, in a vain hope to uncover it's secrets.
Intrigued by the possible reading by a ghost, Alexio rises, "Say, ghost lady, I thought you might be a charlatan beforehand. Obviously, you are more capable than I had thought. What do your cards say about me?"
After the reading or a denial from Zellara, "I may know a fence we can use for our find. I'll need to work it a bit tomorrow. Anybody other questions, thoughts, snide remarks? Otherwise, I'm crashing." He looks over at Aleziella and raises an eyebrow and smiles before he continues to the door where he settles in for the night.
"Pendleton you want to take first watch? I'm gonna go get some more drinks, anyone is welcome to come but I'll probably just get a few bottles of wine come back, unless they had any planned detours,I might check up on my parents as well, tell them about Leon"
Alexio, I do appreciate not being considered a charlatan. Although we should do the harrow reading in the morn, when you have had time to consider everything, as my time is truly running short. If you need, the deed to my home is under a floorboard in the back room. That should keep everything out of probate with the city. And it will give you all somewhere to sleep.
Zellara smiles, and begins to fade. As she does, her cards float and shuffle themselves into a clean stack. The silence and lack of Zellara is strange, as is the sound of the rioting outside.
Pendleton glances over Crowler's shoulder at the notebook, but frowns at the unrecognisable writing. "I also know little about codes and ciphers, I'm afraid."
"Yes, I can take first watch."
Pendleton picks up the Harrow deck, and takes it over to the window, occasionally glancing out as he shuffles and randomly draws a card.
Alexio goes back to find the floorboard in question. Once he finds the deed he heads back to the common room. "Well, that's new. I never owned a house before." He tucks the deed into his shirt and heads over to lay down. "Make sure you don't break anything." he says to the group as he closes his eyes.
The night passes uneventfully, if loudly. By morning, the streets are full of a mix of Korvosa Guards, Hellknights that were in town, and the Sable Company is flying above, helping to direct the Korvosa Guards to the places most in need of help. The city is in unrest, but it is at least daylight.
The children begin waking up, some of them quite hungry. Grigori pulls a few "dock dumplings" from his bag and begins breaking them into pieces to share with the youngest. The dumplings smell of ripe fish, but the children gobble them up, too hungry to care.
The day brings new challenges to the group.
Reynotto searches the house to see how many more windows there are, and suggests others to stand watch by them, then goes and gets the alcohol and stops at his home, and when he sees that his parents are out he grabs some antivenom, grabs some things to make a big breakfast and a servant to help, and then comes back
Reynotto wakes up hung over and mutters "Jack, get me some antivenom, Jill get more alcohol, Jane start making breakfast." After a few seconds he groans and swears under his breath, and gets up, removing the top from the flask and getting up
In the morning, Crowler gathers the 5 asmodean children into one of the small rooms, kicking out any other children playing within. The inquisitor then instructs the children to be quiet and observe as he recites several introductory prayers to Asmodeus as Crowler prayers for his daily allotment of divine spells.
After his morning prayers are completed, the inquisitor address the five children. "What you just saw we but a few prayers, among other duties, you will commanded to put to memory. But in observing me, I hope this will give you all an advantage in your new life ahead."
"Now today we make our way to the Asmodean Temple. By our vigilance and Asmodeus's blessing, the house was not assaulted. It appears the streets will be more dangerous than normal. You five are to stick close to me, and again, if I tell you to run, you run; if I tell you get duck, duck!"
Dismissing the children, the inquisitor raises his hands above their heads. "In Asmodeus's name, so mote it be."
In the morning, Pendleton finds a quiet area to commune with his familiar and prepare his spells.
When the party has gathered together again:
"So, has anyone ventured out to see how the city is? I trust things have calmed down slightly. Daylight should be safer than darkness, at least."
"Alright you ragamuffins, get up, eat what you can and we'll head out. Everybody still alive?" Alexio asks. Then, not waiting for an answer he heads out the door to look for a spigot to a well or an open well in the area. Once spotted he looks for a bucket to carry water. If not available he chugs his water skin and refills it to pass around among the children. When he goes back in, he will toss the skin or hand the bucket to the nearest child, "Drink it and share it out, I don't want to have to carry you louts halfway there." He tosses dried meat or hard tack from his own stores to any child that does not have anything to eat. "Start chewing and stop gabbing. We leave momentarily. Hurry up spell people, just the whole of Korvosa is waiting on you."
Aleziella withdraws her hand from Reynotto. "Something similar? I'm not sure what to say. Meeting Gaedren again have brought back memories... I don't know what to feel right now. I do want to feel better though. Maybe talking is indeed best."
Aleziella's night had been troubled despite talking with Reynotto before going to bed and conversing with Eviryss during her watch, she was plagued by nightmares where she was all alone. What Gaedren had done to her came back, but also alternative events where Eviryss didn't save her or the group didn't succeed in taking out the crime lord. She wakes up with a start. "No! You don't have me! I'm not your breeding mare!"
She sits up quickly and looks around. Slowly it dawns on her that she's not alone with Gaedren. She hugs herself and shivers, her night shirt is drenched with sweat. "Oh, I'm sorry. It was just a nightmare. I'm ok." She looks over to Reynotto preparing food. "Food sounds wonderful, I'm famished. Unfortunately I didn't think to bring any food yesterday."
--
After eating she summons Eviryss. Aleziella tells to the kids and the others. "I'm going to be doing some magic now. Don't be afraid. I'm just summoning Eviryss back again. It might look scary, but no harm will come to you. " She then goes over in a corner to be by herself and starts chanting in draconic. The wall next to her start shifting in response to her powerful magic, seemingly turning into a bloody mist, though not moving at all, just staying straight as a wall. After about a minute a shadow form within the mist and Eviryss steps out. Aleziella embrace her companion. "It's good to have you back." After the chanting stops, the wall quickly turns back to normal, leaving no trace that something untoward had happened for the untrained eye.
Crowler likely calls Pendleton over, as Crowler remembers a case about a fisherman that a newly minted Lawyer had been disbarred, one matching Pendleton's description. The decoded book actually has a bunch of unsolved crimes in it, and would likely be invaluable to solving a number of cold cases for the Korvosan Guard.
Reynotto's Servant, Jane, kicks Reynotto. "Sir, you know better. Now get up and start helping get these kids a proper breakfast. Those fish things smell horrid. And you-" She looks at Alexio. "From what I know, you're one for a fight, but these kids're smaller'n you. Pick on someone yer own size now. Grab a pan and get to work on these cakes now, will ya?" She starts mixing pancake batter and a half a slab of bacon and some eggs.
The kids are wide eyed at that much food. "Be glad the Missus is sharing. Half of Korvosa is starving. Reynotto, they'll likely be wanting some damn answers from you why you took me from my chores this mornin'. I see I'm needed, but they will want you to explain personally. The city itself ain't safe though. It's gettin' worse out there, 'specially for noble types. The lower classes are just attacking guards, and nobles at will. You'll wanna get these kids somewhere safe, an' soon. But not without their bellies full"
Anyone who tries to take a child before she's fed them will get poked with the two-pronged fork that she's using to cook the bacon. Jane's a tough one, but a bit rough around the edges. Perhaps that's why Reynotto's parents sent her with him...
As breakfast is completed, Pendleton, Alexio, and Aleziella create the circle of cards and discuss with Zellara their concerns regarding the events in the city, providing them each with a harrow reading for themselves.
She finally answers Pendleton regarding specific items. "While I can identify them, I am not so much able to analyze where they have been or their spiritual attunement. I can get a general feel for them, but not so much for the lore of the item."
City:
"The city's past took a great deal of that which was loved. Upon this a great keep was built and a great betrayal was overturned. Frighteningly, this could be a part of the horrible Castle Scarwall or it could mean something with Castle Korvosa, as both have interesting histories here. In our Present, we have the Demon's Lantern, where we have an impossible or even an intractable situation, which we find ouselves in. We also find ourselves with the Trumpet (unclear) and the misaligned Fiend, meaning we could find ourselves with a situation where the intractable situation takes permanent hold, or the salvation from some calamity is held.
In the future: We have the Queen Mother, who knows all, but does not reveal anything. Something about becoming part of a society or bowing to those who know more than you. Or even being absorbed into something larger than yourself. Next, we have a teamster, something that drives us forward. We also have the misaligned unicorn, showing a betrayal and poisoning. Perhaps even someone you will meet will become a false friend? "
Zellara thinks on this harrow for a moment, "I do not like what the cards show. Something bigger than myself, bigger than my city is here. I must protect it."
Aleziella:
"Your harrow, my dear, is quite a bit different than the city's." She has you draw, and you draw the Dance.
You find yourself looking at a spread of very strange cards.
"Let us see, in the positive, you have the Tangled Briar in your past, perhaps your Eidolon, who brings you strength. Was he perhaps murdered or tortured in a past life? In your present we have the Marriage, a bringing together of people, a card of permanent changes. We see outside and within Korvosa many changes. I feel that the King has passed on and the riots outside along with the many warring spirits of the past show this as well. In the future, you have the Survivor. You will be someone thought lost forever, or even someone who can be reborn through trial and tribulation, although, perhaps, young lady, you already have been." She looks up at you and smiles.
"In your negative we have the vision, which can represent arcane knowledge of the past, but many times this can take the form of madness or even cryptic words. Perhaps your Eidolon came to you in fevered visions? Next, in the present, we have the Twin, showing duality of purposes or identity. There are many people in Korvosa trying to hide things, and even this entire spread can be suspect when I see this card. Be very wary, something is hidden. The last card, in the future, is the Rakshasa. Be wary as the Rakshasa represents slavery of the mind or the body, sometimes both. Given the worries I have for the city, combined with this card, I worry for the city.
She pauses and ponders the balance.
"The balance... It shows the Desert in the past, showing a mystic salvation in your past. Again, referring to your Eidolon. Next we have the Mountain Man. This signifies a physical a physical power outside of your control. This could be an army, the riots outside, or something else terrible. And in the future, we have the Rabbit Prince. This represents battle personified. It can sometimes represent younger members of royalty or other powerful households, but any combatant can fall in battle, no matter how brave, no matter how skilled. This could represent a further threat to the queen!"
Pendleton:
"Ahh, dear Pendleton, thank you for saving me, and for believing in me to begin with." She has you draw, and you draw the Locksmith. She then looks at the spread.
"In your positive, I see some interesting things. I see the midwife in your past, a conduit to new information or new arrivals to the world. Someone open to new information, much as you have to be as a lawyer. In your present, I see the winged serpent. You must know when the time to strike is, of knowing and understanding, which I greatly love about you, my dear. The last card, is the misaligned lost card. You find clarity of mind under duress in the future. Something quite frightful will be happening, and you will find your feet under you.
[b]"In your Negative, I see terrible things. I saw the Queen Mother, someone trying to absorb you into their culture, to make you theirs, trying to force you to become thirs. In the present, we see the mute hag, who turns brother against brother, someone who can, with poisonous words, convince others to do their bidding. Finally, in the future, we have the misaligned Paladin, usually symbolizing the need to stay the course, but misaligned this indicates the course may be foolhardy at best.
[b]"In the balance, something interesting happens. You had the teamster in your past. You kept driving in your practice of the law. In your present, we find the Courtesan, where we find the Courtesan, a source of great political intrigue. A great woman of power is shaping events as we speak, and how she is treated will decide the outcome of the situation. In the future, we find the Liar. This is love at its most treacherous, almost obsessive love. Someone who would stalk another for their lover, or for their heart's desire. This type of love is perhaps the most dangerous of all."
Alexio:
"Ahh, so I'm not so much a charlatan now, have a card, my young friend." Zellara smiles and winks at you as you draw the Avalanche.
"You've never put much stock in your past, your present or your future. Perhaps my harrow as postive, negative, and balance should help with that. I can tell you a little, but it will hurt a little, that's how this works. But a little bit of your future will also help you."
She deals out a spread of nine cards. She looks them over and looks up and down at you. You feel her looking into your soul as she is doing this, as if a 'dead lady' has a bit more keys into things she probably shouldn't.
"So, in your positive, I see the peacock in your past, something frozen in your past. An image, perhaps. Someone smiling, someone who helped you? This is a wonderful card, but not one to carry with you for your life. Remember, you must change or move out of the peacock's way, lest you be attacked. In your present, we have the twin, something signifiying a dual purpose or even reversed meanings within this harrow. The Empty Throne is in your future. It shows that the spirits of the past are always with us. They have taught us important lessons and will do so, even if from a far off, or even an ancient source. You, perhaps, more than the others, may need to see this source. Perhaps even the shoanti or Varisians will show you this source?"
She pauses, looking to you for reaction.
"In your negative, I see the Queen Mother, someone who absorbed you into their culture. Perhaps someone taught you a trade? But that person was lost later. I believe you may have avenged that person last night. Next we have the Theater, misaligned, in your present. Between this and the Twin in your present, I believe that something truly important is happening in your harrow reading. The prophecy, as it is misaligned, should be false, but, with the twin, the prophecy is true. Look for a prophecy, a second coming of something important, and believe it, for it is true. In the future, we have the misaligned Publican. It is a place of false refuge or false information given at a crucial moment. Be wary of this.
Zellara pauses, visibly shaken by seeing the Twin and the Theater in your present. By the time she's done reading the balance she is stammering.
"Finally, in the balance. Your past is f-filled with the Idiot, representing greed-d. SOmeone you knew was greed-dy, cost-ting them their life. Next, we have the F-fiend-d. Something t-tells m-me that this calamity will be soon upon us. This is the prophecy. And the winged serpent-t in the future shows when the time to strike is...
Zellara, who was manifested as she was in life, is ghostly pale. As in really really pale by the time she is done reading Alexio's Harrow.
The riots get really busy early, but take a lull at about lunchtime (which, oddly enough, is right when your breakfast and harrowing is getting finished). You might be able to get out now if you wish.
Anyone who wishes may make a Knowledge History or a Knowledge local check. Local is harder due to it being more current events. This is more slight history of the Crimson Throne in my game. There's more.
DC 10 History/DC 15 Local
The history of the Crimson Throne has always been one of anarchy and a power struggle right after a monarch dies. No monarch has ever successfully had an heir.
DC 15 History/DC 20 Local
The Crimson Throne is said to be cursed so that whomever sits on it causes the inability to have an heir. The curse also causes the power vacuum, as other nobles vie for power, eventually settling on another cousin of the royal family or even another noble family within Korvosa.
DC 20 History:
Castle Korvosa sits upon an enormous Pyramid that predates Korvosa. It is said that this pyramid could be the cause of the curse. Only the Shoanti know, but they're not talking. This was a sacred area for Shoanti, prior to the Chelish Invasion.
Knowledge: Local DC 15
Most riots/problems caused by the monarchy last for around 2-4 days. This may be a special case, but really a week would be the worst of it unless someone really pushes it up.
Reynotto smiles at the familiar scolding at his waking moments "Damn you Jane, but right as always." and he starts helping her with breakfast. When she starts going on the Lamms he frowns "Ya and this is part of the half that's g~* d@~n starving Jane. And I'll tell you what I'll tell my parents, they can thank me when I bring back their g%~ d*%n son. Soon as these kids are where they belong I'm gonna go clean up the streets, the guards did do nothing to deserve this, and I intend to help, so get working."
He then goes and sits down with the rest for a Harrow reading, before going back to help Jane.
Jane slaps Reynotto cleanly across the face at the mention of his little brother.
"Not another word, Sir. I was there that day, if'n you remember. I helped search. Got stabbed in an alley followin' you, too, if'n you remember. Down for a week, 'cause I couldn't pay the Bank of Abadar's fees. Now, go clean out that mouth wit' some lye and then 'pologize to them kids. They heard worse, fer sure, but they don't need to be hearin' it from you. You're better 'n that."
And she turns her back and gets back to the bacon. She works silently next to Reynotto once he returns, only acknowledging her approval he is helping.
Reynotto's Harrow:
Zellara looks at you quizzically as she watches your interaction with Jane.
"You truly care for your brother, but perhaps you need reminded that others care, too. Mayhaps others care for you, too." She nods towards Jane. "Pick a card, Reynotto, and I'll read your harrow, but, be warned. Dark times have come to Korvosa. And darker times are coming. I feel my city moving towards something, and you, I believe, will be swept up in it."
Reynotto draws a card, The Cricket, which also appears in his Harrow Reading.
So, your positive past... wow. You have many things in your past. You have the Avalanche, misaligned. It was a calamity that was averted, but there was some consequence that was taken because of it. Your past is layers of crises and consequences. Perhaps some of them were averted and you may be clouded to the meaning of this. In the present we have the Courtesan, a woman of power who shapes the course of events. However she is treated will decide the outcome of the situation. And in the future, we find the mountain man. A physical force outside of one's own control. It could be anything, but an authority or an army, or perhaps some natural force could be part of this. I have seen Shoanti in my visions, so this is possible as well, but that was far off as I recall.
She takes pause as she looks at the bottom row.
"Your negative past carries the Cricket, misaligned. This indicates a journey that went poorly, and a valuable treasure that was lost, rather than found. I feel that this treasure is likely your brother. Your present is represented by the Demon's Lantern, a will o wisp filled with trickery and illusion to get at what they want. And your future negative is the Snakebite. Someone shall try to poison the mind of someone important. Perhaps this has already started, and this will turn friend against friend. This ties directly to the visions of the city lost in blood I have had. But I do not yet know how, I just know it."
She stops as she reads the balance.
In the balance, you have the misaligned uprising, a chaotic card in a lawful spot. The leader shall not be overthrown in the past, yet in the future will this will be true? The next card is the prophecy, the second time I have drawn this card today. This card indicates that the prophecy is true, but it will not be recognized as such until it is too late. Be on the lookout in your daily life for signs of such. And, in the future, we see the paladin, in a point of strength in adversity. A lawful card in a chaotic point. Sadly, when you do what is right, it will take a heavy toll, and there will be consequences, just as there have been in your past.
She blinks a few times. "I'm terribly sorry, Reynotto, There are terrible choices coming for you, and I do not envy you."
he reels back from the unexpected slap "I do indeed remember, and I'd be dead in an alley if you hadn't stepped in. If I had any lye I;d do so, but since we forgot it at home I'll settle for being slapped. I'm sorry kids, be as I preach not as I do and all that."
At his harrow reading, he mutters under his breath "Ya they care, they care enough to don black silk and mourn, leaving their son to find their other child. Maybe Lamm was supposed to kidnap me, but Leon instead? It would have made my job of rescuing Leon much easier. The woman is the queen, and how the people treat her will determine how she reacts. Shoanti, army, Authority? Maybe some Shoanti will come to the academy, and then decide to follow me. Somebody's using me, hardly surprising, someone trying to poison the mind pitting friend v friend, and the city will be bathed in blood. Who here will be my enemy." and he surveys the room "And of course difficult decisions will be thrown on me with consequences, why am I not surprised." He stands up "Thank you Zellara, I'll ponder on your words." and he silently moves beside Jane
"Thank you, Zellara" Pendleton says after the readings. "There's much to think over.
As her image becomes weaker, he picks up the cards and places them carefully away.
Looking out the window, he remarks, "It appears the rioting has died down slightly. I doubt the quiet will last though, there's always a period of instability after a monarch dies here. Did you know the castle was built over an ancient Shoanti pyramid? It may be that some lingering magic is why the kings and queens never seem to produce an heir. At any rate, we should head off soon to have the best chance of safely escorting the children."
Aleziella nods to the question during her Harrow. "Yes, he died in agony after a battle. His spirit is here in flesh again to help me when it's so sorely needed. I draw great strength from him." She blushes at the mention of marriage, but quickly compose herself when she figures out it's not literal marriage she's talking about. We're bringing people together here. I would very much like to have someone to be with permanently... The mention of her being lost makes her think about her unknown father. Who is my father? I should try to get my mother to tell me. If she even knows herself...
"Eviryss again! He's obviously important for me. Though hidden slavery of the mind sounds scary. Gaedren was cruel and did many terrible things with the Lamms, I dread to think of what someone with intentions like his could enslave the minds of others." She shudders as she tries to wrap her mind around the concept Zellara is presenting.
In the end she says. "Battle and strife, sounds like difficult times ahead. I thank you for this warning Zellara. we will do what we can to prepeare."
After all the harrows are done Aleziella asks the ghost. "Do you have any idea or suggestion for what we should do next? You said before that Rolth is not here yet. Does it mean we should do something else than look for him once the kids are safe? Maybe this blade Pendleton found is something we should investigate?"
At a free opportunity Aleziella turns towards Reynotto. "It's intriguing to see how you react. I wish my mother cared even a fraction as much about me as Jane obviously does for you Reynotto... I never really had anyone like that." She pauses for a moment before continuing addressing him. "About going out to clear the streets once we've gotten the kids to safety... What would that help? They are too many... Isn't it better if we start looking into one of these issues we've uncovered instead? Like looking for Rolth or find out something related to the items we found at Gaedren's place?"
Aleziella nods to Pendleton "Yes, let's be off while we can." She turns to the kids and says out in a loud voice. "Everyone gather up your belongings, we're leaving shortly. Hopefully we won't face too much trouble on the streets. Let's try to reach the orphanage swiftly."
Answering Aleziella, Zellara says to help those in need. They come in the strangest of forms sometimes, at which point her time for the day passes and she bid everyone good day and Pendleton collects her cards.
The group gathers together, facing the street. The lull in violence and madness for a bit gets you to the orphanage quite easily on Pillar Hill, taking a mere 45 minutes. Lessilyn Dei opens the door armed, with Sister Sicara armed with a crossbow behind her. Both look extremely wary of you and the large group of children with you.
State your business or be off. No rioters belong in the orphanage!
He replies looking around as they walk "Don't get me wrong I care for her as well, I'm more close to her right now then I am my actual parents. I'm just a little stressed about Leon, I went from chasing loose ends to having false hope, to having almost no lead again. Admittedly I'm also not too happy about having to go talk to my parents, I try to avoid them as much as possible. And as for Rolth we can help in the meantime. I shouldn't take it out on Jane."
Reynotto walks forward and smiles "Lessilyn, me and my friends found Lamm and killed him. Unfortunately Leon wasn't there, as he was given to Lamm's son a year ago. These are the orphans who Lamm kidnapped, we are entrusting them in your care."
"We shall see if you are a charlatan or not ghost lady, time will tell. I thank you for taking the time. Now I need to go write my destiny."
"Lady, mind your pints and quarts and don't coddle the rugrats. Feed em and let's roll."
Later before they are leaving, "Any of you guys are welcome to stay in my house, it's too big for just me, you know."
Then at the orphanage, "Sister Dai, we've got some little ones we were hoping you could take in. I have something for you." Alexio nods quickly and hands her a small bag that clinks (10gp). Then he steps out of the way so the children are all visible.
Lessilyn is somewhat relieved to see Alexio and Reynotto. She quickly shoos everyone in. She takes the coin, thanking Alexio quietly.
The green-hatted men are about the city, fomenting violence in Groetus' name. Be wary, we have already fended them off once here ourselves..
Lessilyn says. As she says this, you realize that she and Sister Sicara both bear signs of being in a battle recently. Some minor scrapes and bruises, but Lessilyn's robes are cut in places that indicate someone intended her harm.
"I'm so sorry, maybe Pendleton could heal you? I'd like to stay here and help you defend, but we are going to search for Rolth. What are your thoughts on the new Queen?"
The green-hatted men are about the city, fomenting violence in Groetus' name. Be wary, we have already fended them off once here ourselves..
Lessilyn says. As she says this, you realize that she and Sister Sicara both bear signs of being in a battle recently. Some minor scrapes and bruises, but Lessilyn's robes are cut in places that indicate someone intended her harm.
Crowler looks off into the city in chaos. Won't put it past some Groetus cultist to be stupid enough to assault a temple to Asmodeus.
"Let us be about our business", the inquisitor grumbles. "Not all of our charges are safe", Crowler says looking down to his orphans.
" Yes, of course. It is only a little, but it should help."
Pendleton steps forward and lays a hand on each of the women in turn, channeling healing energy.
" Thank you for taking the children - it was bad luck that the day we rescued them was the start of the unrest. We shall be watch out for the Groetites. "
Once they are inside Aleziella embrace Lessilyn. "It's nice to meet you Lessilyn, my name is Aleziella. As Reynotto said, these kids were held by Gaedren Lamm before we got rid of him. They don't have anywhere to do. Could you please take care of them? I've heard so many good things about you."
She takes a step back and looks hopefully at the woman. "I was once like these kids, exploited by Lamm. I hope they can have a better childhood than I had. If you need anything that I can help with, I would be happy to do so."
Aleziella answers Alexios' offer. "I don't have much of a place to stay at the moment." She looks over at Reynotto for a moment before continuing. "I'll take you up on your offer. Though I have to figure out what to do with my mom. Her room isn't really a place for anyone to stay in. Now that her dealer is dead, I should try to get her clean as well."
"Green hats you say? Ladies," Alexio says nodding to the ladies and stepping away toward the streets.
The young man then steps out into the street pulling his hat onto his head and low over his eyes. He begins to walk the streets looking for those in green hats.
Lessilyn agrees to take the children. Accepting the coin from Dennivyn. "Do be careful out there. And, Inquisitor, while we may not share the same faith, I have heard the quarter nearest to the Temple of Asmodeus has been one of the most dangerous for rioting. Be very careful.
Alexio:
The "Green Hatted Man" and his followers were a cult of Groetus that was consumed by violence. They were put down by none other than Blackjack when not even the Sable Company could locate them until their strikes. If they are back, that means the gang is back, and they have a new Green Hatted man, and the riots give them great cover.
Do you wish to split from the party, or are you staying with them?
Dennivyn:
Lessilyn Whispers to you:"May the Dawnflower bless you."
At this point, the group steps back onto the streets with the five remaining orphans, moving along south shore, before turning along cliffside street. And this is where the trouble starts. There is a crowd of rioters, all of which are quite angry and they are attacking a young man they have cornered against a wall. The young man is a fencer, but cannot hold them much longer.
"Yer jus' a servant o' the whore Queen!" is shouted by one, while another shouts "Down with the Queen!"
Others shout "Death to the Nobles!" and "Death to the Guard!"
The situation is getting ugly, as they have knives and pitchforks, and staves, and he is but one noble with a buckler and a rapier. What do you do?
Lessilyn agrees to take the children. Accepting the coin from Dennivyn. "Do be careful out there. And, Inquisitor, while we may not share the same faith, I have heard the quarter nearest to the Temple of Asmodeus has been one of the most dangerous for rioting. Be very careful."
Crowler would love nothing more than to come back with a witty quip, but the man has priorities.
"Thanks for the information", the inquisitor plainly states.
Reynotto charges into the crowd "Everyone back the hell up, this guy never did anything to you. I'm uneasy about the queen as well, but even then we shouldn't be rioting and protesting out in the streets. Her marrying the queen does make her seem like a whore and a likely powerplay, but maybe she will make good desicions that honor Korvosa. And even if she doesn't we shouldn't take this out on the guards, they are just doing their jobs to provide for their families. Imagine being a little boy or girl and being told that your daddy or mommy was killed by rioters, wouldn't that destroy you. You shouldn't attack the nobles, because I'm sure many of them are as scared and unsure as you are. So in short back the f*ck up and stop."
Pendleton mutters " Crowler, we'll distract the crowd, you get the children past."
Moving up towards Reynetto, Pendleton also speaks to the crowd. " "In addition, this sort of behaviour will just provoke those in charge to send more guards to keep the peace. Kill this man and they'll respond in kind. And it will have no effect on the new queen at all. There are more proper ways to protest. Why not gather in front of the palace and let your voices be heard there?"
While Reynotto talks, Aleziella quickly chants an empowering hymn of guidance.
Once he quiets down, she jumps in before the crowd can grab hold of the situation. "Please calm down everyone. This noble is not the Queen, nor affiliated with her. But that doesn't matter. What we don't like is all the violence and suffering she's causing, right?! The best way to combat that is not by more violence. We should be kind to each other. Only by being united and protecting each other can we win. I'm going to do that. Stand together and make sure no is unjustifiable harmed!" She strokes a pose and thumps her hammer to the ground.
She starts shouting, as if she was one of the rioters. "Stop the killing! Stop the violence!"
Alexio wanted to pursue the gang of the green hatted man but he realized he needed to help the other children make it to the church with Crowler. Kicking himself for being too rash, he turns to catch up with the others.
Alexio walks up on the group as they insert themselves into the business of the guard. Shaking his head he decides to add his own version of diplomacy to the situation.
"She's not a whore you lunk head. She's a gold digger. A whore works for a living." Alexio yells at the one making the comment. "You can't hold that against the King. That old fart probably hadn't gotten any in a decade. Then that pretty filly comes lookin' for money but puttin' out. At his age, you bet I'd buy that."
"Screw protesting, just hit the tavern and party a little. Drown your current sorrows and move on. Screw the gold digger and let the nobles do what they do!" Alexio calls out as some of the other calls ring out.
Reynotto's speech combined withAlexio, Pendleton, and Aleziellla calms the crowd down to a dull roar. They still don't like the Noble pig, and, as they disburse, they spit on him, but they otherwise leave him alone.
The Noble comes over, thanking you profusely. My name is Amin Jalento, I wish you to have this. You can see me in my home in South Shore, where I was going, when the move came to hunt me and my guard. We came seeking bread to feed the poor, as these will be trying times, yet these people murdered my guard, some others ran off with the bread, and I am left as you see me now. Do be careful, especially with those children in tow.
He hands a golden signet ring to Reynotto.
Reynotto takes the ring and gives the man a signet ring (presuming this is part of the mideval tradition of ring exchanging), saying "Reynotto O'Spec, of the O'Spec family. Indeed in the coming times cooperation will be important, and it's shameful that they would jump you simply because of your social status. We will try to be careful, these kids were kidnapped by a crimelord. I'll see if I can come by, though you're certainly welcome to stop by my home in old Korvosa."
"Those deaths are on you. You should have known better than to come out here in this. Now get your silver spoon butt back to your chalet and wait for things to calm down before you get yourself or someone else killed." Alexio said and walked away muttering "Nobles," and shaking his head.
Aleziella offer the guy a kind smile of understand. I'm Aleziella Libuyaza. I'm glad we were able to save you Amin, but I'm sorry about your guard. I must apologize for my companion, he's not always the most considerate. This experience must have been harrowing for you. Though Alexio is right that it would be safer to be at home, but you're still not the main one to blame here, the mob is. We all wish we could have done things differently after the fact sometimes. Your intentions were good in getting bread for the poor that is commendable. I hope you get home safely."
Crowler observes all the proceedings with his shortbow notched and ready to fire. The Asmodeus Five close by, but to too close to be a hindrance.