The crowd starts disbursing, and coming down the street a madman comes tearing down the street. He's dressed in filthy rags. If you can call barely threadbare burlap rags. His bearded face appears to be something that houses... species heretofore unknown to you.
"DOOOM comes to Korvosa! Eodred is DED! The END TIMES are here!
He quickly rushes up to Maria and gives you a quick hug, the stink of his breath and body odor say he hasn't been bathing in at least... ever. He does take this opprotunity to place his head on your bosom while he shouts.
"You believe me, please tell me you believe me! The Queen is MAD! MAD I tell you! She'll kill us all! This house was but the first of it!
After seeing his hug was probably unwarranted and definitely unwanted, he does release. His eyes get bigger, as if a madman with bugged-out eyes could have even BIGGER eyes.
"Please, you have to believe me. The world will end! The great worm is coming!"
His shouts are at the top of his lungs, despite you being right next to him, as if he is deaf himself, or he perhaps believes you cannot hear him.
Maria:
Sadly, I will need a Fortitude save. Poor madman did choose randomly, feel free to check the DM rolls spoiler.
DM Rolls:
1D 2R 3J 4M 5E 6T
"Urgh" Maria exclaims, shoving the madman away from herself, "Be gone you foul lech, unless you need a cold shower of acid to cool your humors."
Watching this mad man charge Maria. By the time Riren steps in to try to separate him he is already releasing her.
"Maria, are you ok?" he then turns to the man, "Excuse me. What makes you say this? What great Worm?"
Trying to stand between them as much as possible. Riren has to remind himself that healing is not always about blood and wounds, but can also be damage to the brain, or just people who need help. This man might just need help.
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"Maybe," Ernhild answers to Denvynn. "Never heard of green caps before, but I could always ask around."
She suddenly notices that Maria and Riren seem to have trouble getting rid of an old man in ragged clothes, shouting nonsense at them.
"Oh, look. More trouble."
She steps in just as Riren is urging the beggar to speak. She nudges him:
"Riren, I don't want to seem as the heartless one," she says firmly into his ear. "But we can't stop and listen to every man on the street proclaiming they've just had an epiphany -especially in particularly troubled times."
Abadar knows we'd never stop.
"My good sir," she says as affably as possible to the stranger. "We are well aware of the direness of the situation, and I can assure you that every problem will be properly taken care of."
She takes a silver coin out of her purse, and offers it to the beggar.
"In the meantime, why don't you treat yourself to a warm meal and a soft bed?"
He looks at Ernhild, back to Riren, and at the coin in his hand.
"The Wyrm's comin' fer our brains! Eat yet silver, Abadar be praised!" He screams as he shoves the coin in his mouth and takes a VERY big gulp. He hugs Ernhild. "Thank ye! Thanks ye fer yet blessing!!" He continues on his path down the street, carrying his foul stench and crying out for the doom of Korvosa via a Worm, Worm, the Queen, the Hellknights, and various other things as he walks down the street pointing at various people. But "Abadar be praised" the worm won't eat his brain!
Ernhild
Please make a Fortitude save.
"Oh... ok. Guess not everyone deserves the direct attention. I tried."
Turning to the dwarf, "I try to offer healing for everyone, but really can't get to everyone. Help individuals or help the masses. Never sure what Sarenrae would prefer.."
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Ernhild tries to dodge the unwanted hug, but finds herself struggling in the beggar's arms.
Great. Just what this day needed.
She's scared for a moment that he might choke himself with the coin, but as he walks away, she assumes he has (perhaps narrowly) escaped suffocation. She'll keep her coins in the future.
She sighs, and rubs her temple.
"Healing minds is way beyond what we can do in a couple of minutes on a street. Especially when our help is not sought."
Dennvyn says, "Not to cut in, as I don't speak for the gods..", Heck, I just recently learned to speak for myself... "...but I would think that helping the most people is best? There's a reason that field chirugeons do triage -- its to maximize their resources and save as many as they can. I'm not saying it's a perfect analogy, but your healing -- gods! our time and abilities, even -- are limited."
He steps forward, his prestidigitation still active, and starts to pass his hand in front of Maria, his magic washing away the foulness the strange man left.
"Still," he adds, "can't help but think there'll be those that agree with the madman - not about the worm, mind, but about all this madness falling at the feet of the queen... "
"Thank you." Maria says to Riren as he steps in, "He might be mad, but I fear there may be a seed of truth in his ramblings. Zellara told me the city was being poisoned, either through peoples bodies or their minds; although it is hard to tell if he was giving warning or spreading the poison. There is a far more dangerous undercurrent to all this than simple riots."
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"Yes, something is going on. Maybe instead of trying to fix the symptoms we need to fix the causes! Where to start?"
While the others give hugs to the looney, Juliet pulls her cloakhood up and covertly looks to the green-hatted men atop the roof, searching her memory for any recollection about them...
Of course, nothing comes to mind. A bunch of pikers on roofs with green hats would be something she'd remember after all, if she'd heard of them.
"Where to start? With this field marshall Kroft, I reckon. Let's keep an eye on our emerald friends as we go - perhaps they follow us."
Dennvyn finishes his cleaning and claps his hands to dismiss the lingering magic. He looks at Juliet and nods, "Agreed. Not saying we sign up for the watch, but I'm thinking the Field Marshal can point us where we can do the most good.. Plus, he might have a good idea as to what's going on."
So, moving along from the burnt wreckage, towards the main guardhouse citadel Crest. You move carefully through the university district, finding an odd serenity through here and through southern North Point, the Ridgefield neighborhood to be specific.
At this point you hear some horrible laughter and a small purple shape falls from the sky from an alley to your right. Upon initial thought, it's a leather rag, but you hear the sound of voices overhead going "C'mon, I think it fell over here!"
At this point the piece of 'leather' tries to get up, and you realize that it isn't leather, but a pseudodragon! The shapes in the skies, giggling and cackling are imps, which must have caught this pseudodragon unaware or in sufficient numbers to overwhelm it.
The pseudodragon takes a hop, and flaps its wings falling back down, yelping in pain, whimpering pitifully. It sees Juliet, and she hears help, please in a weak voice in your head. The pseudodragon then slumps down to the ground.
Party has initiative, the imps have not seen any of you yet.
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Ernhild hurries to the side of the fallen dragon, thinking that things are definitely getting weirder and weirder. She spreads her hands so that it can see that she is unharmed.
"Hold on," she whispers in what she hopes is a comforting tone. "Just let me help you..."
To avoid getting bitten, she steps behind him, and puts her hand on its neck as delicately as possible, then mutters a few words of power.
A white circle briefly surrounds the pseudodragon, before disappearing.
Ernhild notices that the little Pseudodragon's breathing is raspy, and his left wing seems broken as you touch him for the Protection from Evil. The easy way to tell this is the bone sticking out of his wing. That won't heal very quickly.
"Oi!" Juliet exclaims, sprinting forward. "Its in my head! And it needs help!" Drawing Spite as she goes, Juliet stands over the little dragon and stares down the imps. She doesn't need to say anything else, the message is clear.
Beat it, pests. You ain't getting this one today.
Or so she thinks. In reality, the look the singer projects is just one of confusion, rather than menace.
"Hunh? So, we're protecting miniature dragons, now?" Tawni moves over to join Juliet standing back-to-back with her, blade out, but a step or so apart. He looks up at the tiny flying humanoid thingies and points at one of them at random. "You look ready to pop on my blade. Come on down and let's see how quickly we can make that happen, you silly little moth!"
Looking down at the creature Riren runs forward, focusing the energy in his hand, in a way he has yet to do yet, pulling the power of the Dawnflower into his hand and laying it down onto the small creature.
May this heal your wounds. Help you fly again
Dennvyn draws his rapier and moves between the pseudodragon and the imps, trying to recall what he knows of them even as he pushes some of his magic into his blade, and readying to strike at any that come into reach.
Maria takes position behind her comrades and murmurs a quick spell, Lll unleashing an avid bolt at the closest imp as a warning shot
Two Imps pop in from the skies, flying down towards the injured pseudodragon. Maria's acidic dart hits, only barely, and even Dennvyn seems to be unable to damage the hellish creatures.
As close as Dennvyn got, however, he can identify the creatures as Imps quite easily, and knows all their weaknesses and strengths (per the PRD). Juliet has difficulty striking the agile flyers, but they stop when Tawni calls them Moths. In fact they both look at him fearfully.
What't'cha need, boss? The pair say in unison.
DM Rolls
Leaning down, verifying that the pseudodragon is stable from his healing, Riren stands and draws his weapon. Choosing not to speak, just blessing his blade in front of these small little devils.
Riren's blade glows a yellow-gold light.
Dennvyn curses, "Imps. Damage resistant, need silver to hurt them... Though Riren's blade should put some fear into them. Resistant to acid and cold, immune to fire."
The imps appear to he awaiting instructions from Tawni. This is most certainly odd behavior for them.
Realizing his taunt must have been forceful enough for the moment, Tawni looks up at them and snickers. "Yeah. SCRAM!"
The pair of imps do as they are told, leaving their foul stench behind. Most surprising that they listened, but, as Dennvyn will point out, they will likely find more and come back to this spot. You probably have ten minutes or so.
The little Pseudodragon flexes his wings, which no longer have bone jutting out. He certainly looks bruised and has many wounds, but he isn't bleeding now.
Looking to Riren, he squeaks happily. "Thanks! Those bullies! I will show them. Probably after a nap. I'm Majenko! Who are you? Riren hears in her head.
"well that went surprisingly well." Maria says, watching the imps flee. She then turns her attention to the pseudodragon, "do you think it's ok?"
"Bring it if you want, but we should probably keep moving. That kind of motivation tends to reverse fairly quickly . . .."
Dennvyn agrees, "And they won't come back alone..."
He turns to the pseudodragon, "You're welcome to come with us, little friend, but you shouldn't stay here... "
To Dennvyn, "I am really tired. I don't think I can fly yet. My wings will work, but I need to rest. Can you please have someone carry me? I don't weigh much.".
The little Pseudodragon flexes and tries to stretch, but falls, almost as if it has been weakened by some force.
Dennvyn reaches down and lifts the small creature to his shoulders, "Here. You can rest against my neck and dig your claws into my armour to keep your grip. We'll protect you for as long as you need it."
Leanding down to the small creature, "Ah, nice to meet you Majenko, my name is Riren. How did you come to be in this situation?". Riren knows it is likely communicating into his mind. Not really worrying what people think of him talking to himself.
Seeing Dennvynn offer it his shoulder, "You are also welcome to mine. Your wight should not effect me. I would be happy to carry your weight while your wings heal"
"Such Galantry." Maria says "Welcome to our band little dragonling. Now lets get to that guard station and find out whats going on in this city."
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Tawni scolds the imps like rowdy childrehn, and they fly away in a blink.
And apparently now they have a pseudodragon tagalong, instead of adopting a puppy or a kitten like any recomposed, dysfunctional little family.
Not that she'd complain.
"You're very welcome, little friend. Do you want to snack on something? I must have a couple of biscuits in my rations... Or perhaps some meat?"
Juliet watches the imps fly away, and only then relaxes her sword. Nodding to the others, she moves to the front as they make their way through the city, her hand atop Spite's hilt, ready to draw it at a moment's notice.
Even with his blade sheathed, Tawni keeps his head on a swivel, now checking up as often as any other direction. "I think we know what's going on. Violence for the sake of domination. Anybody who thinks they can claim a street corner is ready to kill for it right now. At least that's how it looks."
Majenko introduces himself as his most majestic Majesty of all Dragon kind, and those imps were trying to assassinate him! He happily takes the meat from Ernhild, and he knights all of you. He merely asked for an escort while he rests for a bit. He makes himself comfortable on Dennvyn's shoulder initially but, after offering food, he leaps at the chance to lounge on Ernhild's slightly broader (dwarven) shoulders.
The group continues to the near guard station (it's on the way), and the scene there is one of the dismay. The doors are barred by the citizens themselves!
Watch Captain Morgan has gone mad! you hear some of them shouting. The guard post has three floors, and, as you look up, you see a Korvosan guard member dangling a citizen from a window.
Rioting and looting and arson are your charges citizen! How do you please?! The Watch Captain shouts in a booming voice loud enough for the crowd to hear. The poor soul up there appears to be sobbing.
The Verdict is Guilty as Asmodeus sees fit!. And the Captain drops the man, headfirst, on to the cobblestone road below. A hollow splat and bounce, and the man stops moving moments later.
Shortly after, the man disappears for a moment. He appears a few moments later. Asmodeus has determined that there are no more trials today! Since the citizens have barred the station closed we will resume normal operations after the riots.
At this point, the crowd maintains a few guards, including a couple of actual Korvosan Guard members, who just seem disgusted with the situation.
From there, the group moves on, and eventually reaches the main city barracks and guardpost. There are four guards out front, using the slight brick wall as cover, they halt you, with the two in front holding Spears, while two in back hold Crossbows.
"State yer Business. We ain't got all day." the first guard says. Looking at their uniforms,
it is easy to see that they have been attacked, as the normal overtunic and tabard they wear is torn and the chainmail underneath is showing. Some level of defensive behavior may be warranted here.
Dennvyn winces at the display, Mad, indeed. . He whispers to the others, "I think we may need to mention this Captain Morgan to the Field Marshal."
Dennvyn says, "We're here to see Field Marshal Croft... We're here to help -- like we did with the fire down in Midlands."
Earlier . . ..
"Glad you guys have got the doors shut and are denying him more victims. PLEASE keep it that way."
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"Guy named Dover said we should come here and offer assistance to the Field Marshall after the fire was out. Also said something about saying hi to a Kessa-something-or-other? Could you point her out to us? Though I guess that can wait until after we find out what the Field Marshall would want from us."
The guards are shocked that you're actually pleasant. They ease down their weapons, except one of the crossbowmen (he's a tough cookie), but they let you into the main waiting room. A short while later, a constable brings you up the stairs and into an office. The office is in disarray, with obvious reports all over every surface, and a few of them have fallen onto the floor. At a resolute desk, sits a woman in red armor, darker skinned than a traditional Chelish woman, but most certainly of Chelish descent.
"I'm told you wish to see me. The guards stated you were extremely polite. As you see, the city is in flames, and I'm trying to get what few guards I do have to the worst of it, so please, be as quick as you can. The woman is obviously stressed, but, given her poise, she is definitely battle tested. She stands up to shake each of your hands, without fear. You can see that her armor has seen use, although the lacquer has been replaced over some of the scratches, a couple are recent.
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"We've seen that the city is descending into chaos. We've helped putting out a fire in the Midlands, and we're aware that the violence is spreading. And it's not just the rioters. I didn't think I would see a City Guard executing a citizen by defenestrating him until today."
Ernhild tries not to grimace at the thought.
"I am a follower of Abadar, and today I'm seeing laws getting stomped on left and right. I am not one to sit on my thumbs and do nothing about it, and neither are my comrades; so what can we do to help?"
Dennvyn winces a little at the dwarf's words, We're not all followers of Abadar, Ernihild..., then, worried that the Field Marshal might notice the look, shrugs and says,"Just to be clear, some of us care a mite less about the letter of the law, especially under the current circumstances -- but I can assure you we're very concerned about the people getting hurt -- so either way, we're very motivated to do what we can to help."
"Aye," Juliet says, nodding along as Dennvyn speaks. She could care less about Abadar or laws, per se, but people getting dropped out of windows and whatnot? That shit needed to be stopped. "Deputize us, sister. And tell us where you need us."
"what my colleagues are saying is that we want to see order restored to our streets." She glances around at her companions "Probably for a variety of motives, but the important thing is that we are all willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. And to be frank, from what we have seen so far it looks like you could do with some help."
Field Marshall Croft looks at each of you. Given each of you the ten mile stare.
"Honestly, I believe you. And, right now, I need the help of one of the best Sergeants out there. Grau Soldado. He'd clean up the... defenestrating... problem... Her voice cracks at that. She looks down, then regains her composure. "Quickly. We do have members of a cult of Lamashtu in the city, causing problems, and impersonating guards. A cult of Groetus is out there, and we have Vigilantes in the streets. Saving for Blackjack, most of them do more harm than good."
She pauses. Looking to the party.
"There is a reports of the 'Green Hatted Man' back in town. This man was responsible for a number of violent killings in the past. He recruited followers of Groetus, who then took up his mantle, but it was brutal manipulation. I have a group of specialists on this case, he was back before the king's death."
She sits back in her chair, and the weariness becomes obvious. For a moment the concealed exhaustion lets go, and she shows how tired she really is.
"Frankly, I've only got about half of my guard stations up and running. The high Marshall is missing, I've got a rumor that the Seneschal of Castle Korvosa is missing if not dead himself. So, yes, I could use the help. If you can get Grau back, he knows a few places that I don't, he can drag the guards out of the places they are afraid to come out of, so that they may do their job. Hopefully before the Hellknights are called in, as at least one Hellknight has been killed in town I'm aware of, per the Church of Asmodeus."
Showing a bit of shock at the mention of the green hatted man, "I do believe we have run into this green hatted man. It sure sounds like the town has fallen into a dark light, recently."
Looking to rest for a bit of guidance in the matter, "Not sure I can speak for everyone, but I am willing to help. You mentioned quite a few things that need fixing, but this Sergeant, Grau, do you have any specific leads as which of those areas of darkness he has fallen into? He sounds like he would provide a stabilizing force in the city"
Riren looks a bit over his element. [i]Days ago I was just training in the temple. Never even really seeing any real battle. Everything is fine in stories or practice ground, but when real darkness falls on a city like this. I just hope my blade, and her light, are enough to hold me up"[/b] Riren, suddenly aware of his words tries to slink back into the group. Strange to see a large man like his shy away.
"I know Grau. Can't say that my opinion of him is as high as yours, but if we make it clear that his ability to raise the troops defines his value to you right now, I imagine he'll work pretty hard at it. Not sure where he might bolt under these conditions, but I know a few rocks to look under."
Tawni, give me an intelligence based diplomacy check DC 15 (it isn't easy trying to use a skill system to replicate "jogging a memory").
If you remember correctly, Grau was quite fond of Dancers. He may be found in the Thieves Camp just east of the Jeggare River. It's not much, but it is a lead.
Dennvyn says, "We'll try to find your Sergeant... I'm all for anything that prevents the Hellknights from declaring martial law... and maybe, once that's done, we can look into the other problems as well."