She puts away the dagger and then gestures with her chin towards the Pillar Wall. "Care to accompany me?"
Kaddok nods at Istas' speech. "In the right hands the knife can be as deadly as the sword --- but I'll take the spear or axe."
***
Kaddok grins, "Willingly, if I will not be in the way. I would gladly meet Stannus personally. " The Shoanti "meet" can imply combat. He may be hinting he would like a friendly match.
Kaddok nods at Istas' speech. "In the right hands the knife can be as deadly as the sword --- but I'll take the spear or axe."
Istas laughs and nods. "I carry one of those too. But I wasn't just talking about a weapon in your hand..."
She gestures at the comet of Pharasma hanging at her neck.
"Faith can also be a weapon. Especially when the Lady of Graves answers your prayers. But enough about theology. I know better than to try and convert you. Shall we be off?"
Kaddok grins, "Willingly, if I will not be in the way. I would gladly meet Stannus personally." The Shoanti "meet" can imply combat. He may be hinting he would like a friendly match.
Istas raises an eyebrow at the possibility of challenge in Kaddok's words. "So be it," she replies, "It's clear our paths were meant to cross today. Who knows what Pharasma has in store for us? I, for one, am dying to find out."
She leads the way toward the Pillar Wall, making small-talk with her fellow Shoanti about everything that crosses her mind. Kaddok is always such a conversation-refuge for her. A chance to discuss things in a way that only the Shoanti would understand. Despite her unnerving dream and the events of the past night, she can already feel herself regaining her balance, thanks to him.
And that thought makes her smile. 'Perhaps Pharasma truly did send him my way?' she imagines, 'To set her servant's mind at ease for what will certainly be a trying time in Korvosa's future.'
Kaddok and Istas turn south and walk side by side down the avenue toward South Shore.
As you approach the wall a husky voice calls out, "Good day, sir, ma'am, care to tour the Vaults below Kendall Amphitheatre? Just a block or two west. See the sights. The chamber where Mina Kendall fell while defending the city. The cavern of the ankheg queen. Just half a silver shield apiece ...." Kaddok interposes himself between Istas and the disheveled man. "We're busy another time." His curt manner more than his words deter the stranger from persisting.
South Shore is an upscale neighborhood. Streets are wide; houses are setback from the roadway. It is home to the expensively fashionable Green Market, the famous Bard's Inn (whose name describes a good portion of its clientele), the tree-shrouded Mierani (elven) Embassy, and The Pantheon of Many.
Just through the wall Kaddok points to the right of the avenue at a green domed building. "Jade Circle. The idle rich boys drink there and boast about how they did in fencing school." He does not hide the scorn from his voice.
Just through the wall Kaddok points to the right of the avenue at a green domed building. "Jade Circle. The idle rich boys drink there and boast about how they did in fencing school." He does not hide the scorn from his voice.
"Not all that different from how certain Shoanti boys would sit around and brag about how well they'd do in the Burn Run," Istas jokes as she needles Kaddok a bit about their childhood.
"South Shore is somewhat new," Istas recalls, "Most of the elves living in Korvosa make their home here. I wonder why Stannus would venture this way? Perhaps he's gone to visit the Pantheon of Many? I had a conversation with Father Arbus this morning and he mentioned he believes several of the gods have taken an interest in Stannus for some reason. Let's go there and ask if anyone has seen him..."
"Not all that different from how certain Shoanti boys would sit around and brag about how well they'd do in the Burn Run," Istas jokes as she needles Kaddok a bit about their childhood.
***
"... the Pantheon of Many? .... Let's go there and ask if anyone has seen him..."
Kaddok merely grunts in reply to Istas' jab.
***
The Pantheon is a large white marble building. Quite unusual in this city of black stone. The pantheon's footprint is like a stretched out octagon. Chapels to each of the seventeen represented gods line the walls. In the center is a small pool surrounded by an open area. Above that is a cupola with large glass windows that let in light. To the left, stretching away from the door lie the chapels to Cayden Cailean, Calistria, Norgorber, Urgathoa, Zon-Kuthon, Azmodeus, Nethys, Pharasma. Directly across from the door is the chapel of Abadar, chief god in the city. To the right working back from Abadar is Irori, Gozreh, Torag, Iomedae, Erastil, Sarenrae, Shelyn, and Desna. As always, there is a continual flow of people in and out the door. As always, two elders of the city watch the rites at each of the chapels, and if they pay a little more attention to those in the middle of the left hand wall who could blame them.
Stannus is easy to spot. The chapels to Cayden Cailean and Calistria have few devotees.
To the left, stretching away from the door lie the chapels to Cayden Cailean, Calistria, Norgorber, Urgathoa, Zon-Kuthon, Azmodeus, Nethys, Pharasma.
Istas pauses as she regards the chapel devoted to Pharasma.
"Odd," she tells Kaddok, "I've been in Korvosa for nearly three years and I've never visited this place before. I suppose it makes sense to have a shrine here, though. Not very many people care to visit the Grey District to see Pharasma's temple. There's all those rumors about the walking dead kept at bay there..."
As always, there is a continual flow of people in and out the door....Stannus is easy to spot. The chapels to Cayden Cailean and Calistria have few devotees.
Istas taps Kaddok's arm and nods toward Stannus. "There's our man," she tells him, "Be prepared, though. He doesn't care for Shoanti very much."
The priestess leads the way toward the left, nodding respectfully as they pass the chapel to Pharasma and then closing on those of Cayden Cailean and Calistria. Once she gets with hearing distance of Stannus, she calls out to him.
"I had no idea you visited the Pantheon of Many," she announces, "Is there something to be found here beyond what Dawn Hall provides?"
Stannus' head lifts, then swivels it left to look at Istas and her companion. "There's life here." He grasps his sword, lying on the ground next to him and levers himself to his feet. "There's also priests of Abadar, Sarenrae and Irori. No need to tramp around the city to find them all. Bishop d'Beers takes the derro's warning seriously. He sees no harm preparing for a plague." By his tone Stannus doesn't agree with d'Beers decision.
Throughout the ensuing discussion, Stannus keeps glancing over at Kaddok who stoicly waits until Istas and Stannus finish their exchange.
"There's life here." He grasps his sword, lying on the ground next to him and levers himself to his feet. "There's also priests of Abadar, Sarenrae and Irori. No need to tramp around the city to find them all..."
"There's life in the Grey District, too, Stannus," Istas smiles at his response, "But the acolytes hardly see you since you're so diligent in rooting out the walking dead."
Istas looks around and then comments, "I don't begrudge you coming here, though. It seems quite pleasant..."
"Bishop d'Beers takes the derro's warning seriously. He sees no harm preparing for a plague." By his tone Stannus doesn't agree with d'Beers decision.
"That's excellent news!" Istas replies, missing the man's tone in her relief that perhaps the plague can be avoided by Pharasma's early warning. But she still hesitates to tell Stannus about her dream. 'If the Bishop has taken the warning seriously, then perhaps that's enough?' she thinks.
Throughout the ensuing discussion, Stannus keeps glancing over at Kaddok who stoicly waits until Istas and Stannus finish their exchange.
Finally Istas notices Stannus noticing Kaddok.
"Oh! My apologies," she says, "This is Kaddok Dharanok. A friend of mine I've known since childhood. Kaddok...this is Stannus, high-ranking priest of Pharasma from Dawn Hall."
Kaddok and Stannus shake hands. It quickly turns into a contest of strength, each one squeezing his hardest and trying to maintain a serene expression. Uncharacteristically,Kaddok flatters Stannus and more predeictably, quickly steers the conversation to arranging a friendly match. Stannus is reluctant, and Kaddok grows progresssively less polite. Ill-temperedly Stannus finally agrees to the match in three days at an east shore weapons master's academy, and walks away quickly.
As Stannus leaves, Kaddok turns to Istas, "See how civilized I've become. When I arrived here we would have had the match now. Whether he wanted to or not." Walking back to Gray, Kaddok is very self-satisfied, and in a cheerful mood. He buys lemchum (hummus with goat's milk and fried clam strips) and maxmax (sugared pickled moose fat, a Shoanti favorite) for you to share on the return trip.
Returning to Gray:
Across the street from the gate, stands a small party of Shoanti, mostly elders. One tall thin Shoanti shaman stands at the gate arguing with Stannus. He leans on a long bone walking staff capped with a firepelt's (red cougar) skull. Countless small bones, etched with glyphs and symbols addorn his shirt.
Even from twelve paces away you can hear Stannus saying, "No. You will not enter." At your next pace a red-feathered razor crow hops from the shaman's shoulder to the top of his head and, looking at you, caws loudly.
As Stannus leaves, Kaddok turns to Istas, "See how civilized I've become. When I arrived here we would have had the match now. Whether he wanted to or not."
"Oh...yes," Istas quips, "You're much more civilized now."
Walking back to Gray, Kaddok is very self-satisfied, and in a cheerful mood. He buys lemchum (hummus with goat's milk and fried clam strips) and maxmax (sugared pickled moose fat, a Shoanti favorite) for you to share on the return trip.
"This is so good," Istas smiles as they share the food, "I can't believe you didn't tell me about this place before. I had no idea you could get this in Korvosa. And I guess I didn't realize how much I've missed it."
Across the street from the gate, stands a small party of Shoanti, mostly elders. One tall thin Shoanti shaman stands at the gate arguing with Stannus. He leans on a long bone walking staff capped with a firepelt's (red cougar) skull. Countless small bones, etched with glyphs and symbols addorn his shirt.
Even from twelve paces away you can hear Stannus saying, "No. You will not enter." At your next pace a red-feathered razor crow hops from the shaman's shoulder to the top of his head and, looking at you, caws loudly.
Concerned, Istas picks up pace and approaches the gathering before things can get out of hand.
"Kel-grish!" Istas offers a greeting in Shoanti, then looks to Stannus, "Is there a problem?" She's only mildly conscious of the impression she probably gives to the traditional Shoanti with her own attire and appearance.
The old shaman turns to look at you with milky white eyes. His face is painted with a white skull of the Skoan-Quah Way-keepers. "Daughter, your assistance Stannus's expression changes to annoyance as he turns and sees that it's Istas. "No trouble, Istas, this old shaman is welcome. We wish to walk wants to come in and search the mounds and ossuaries. the Dead Warrens, a young man of my tribe was killed in the city. We We don't have the time or people to watch him and his in think his body lies there."cohort.
The old shaman turns to look at you with milky white eyes. His face is painted with a white skull of the Skoan-Quah Way-keepers. "Daughter, your assistance Stannus's expression changes to annoyance as he turns and sees that it's Istas. "No trouble, Istas, this old shaman is welcome. We wish to walk wants to come in and search the mounds and ossuaries. the Dead Warrens, a young man of my tribe was killed in the city. We We don't have the time or people to watch him and his in think his body lies there."cohort.
It takes Istas a moment to sort through the double reply as both men try to dominate the conversation and talk over one another. But Stannus' final words come through more clearly than anything else, causing her to turn and regard her fellow priest.
"I'm available," she tells him, "I will see fit to escort them while they are here."
She then turns to face the shaman.
"Irok devit fendrik swork," she tells him, swearing the most sacred Shoanti oath, "I will take you to see the Dead Warrens. But they're not safe right now. You'll have to stay outside until Bishop Keppira can welcome you and hear your concerns. I'm sorry for your loss...and any delay this might cause you...but it is best."
Stanus is adamant however, no Shoanti shamans will walk in the graveyard. Thousand Bones thanks you for your concern but insists that you not trouble yourself. "The weasel's den has many entrances." He departs with his entourage, assuring you that you will see him soon.
Time for summary and railroading for the rest of today. No use arguing with Stannus. Death of King. Much sorrow and work to be done. Get some sleep.
Next morning (morning after king's death) Istas is called to see the Bishop. d'Bears discusses the events of yesterday. She has received a request for a representative of the Church at Citadel Volshyenek. She feels Istas would be the best choice.
See last page of the main game thread. Istas has met Marshal Croft and Thousand Bones. The old man is glad to see her. Marshal Croft has brokered a compromise. Istas will lead a party of guards to search for the body. You just need to wait until she has a squad available.
If you want to talk with TB until the others are exactly at this point in time, go ahead. Looking over your background, you've probably heard of TB as a pwerful shaman of the Skaon Quah and a strong voice for peaceful coexistence between Shoanti and the city.
Stanus is adamant however, no Shoanti shamans will walk in the graveyard. Thousand Bones thanks you for your concern but insists that you not trouble yourself. "The weasel's den has many entrances." He departs with his entourage, assuring you that you will see him soon.
Istas turns on Stannus once Thousand Bones has departed. "I can't believe you would be so rude!" she vents her anger, "It is one thing to disparage me within Dawn Hall. But do you have any idea who that was? Thousand Bones is a powerful voice among my people...not just his own tribe, but for the entire Shoanti nation. Others come and go from Grey District to visit the gravesites of their loved ones. Some areas may be dangerous, but we always accommodate them and protect them from any threat of the walking dead. Why is Thousand Bones any different to you?"
Istas doesn't really give Stannus an opportunity to answer.
"Hold your tongue," she interrupts his response, "I already know your heart. It's as divided and distant as how the gods war over your spirit. Yes, I know about you, Stannus. Pharasma reveals all things to those who seek her knowledge. And if we all face important moments that dictate our fate, I believe you just did. And the manner in which you've treated an elder of my people will no doubt cause a swift change in what the future has in store for us all."
With that, Istas turns on her heel and leaves Stannus. Her tone and demeanor leave no doubt that she's angry and beyond talking to at this point.
Next morning (morning after king's death) Istas is called to see the Bishop. d'Bears discusses the events of yesterday. She has received a request for a representative of the Church at Citadel Volshyenek. She feels Istas would be the best choice.
"Of course, Your Grace," Istas responds, "I will do my best to represent us to the Marshall. I...heard the news...about the king. I must admit, I don't understand all things about the nobility and rulership of Korvosa, but in my culture, we honor the passing of our leaders. And turn to one another for support."
"I also heard there were...rioters last night?" she shares, "Or perhaps I just dreamed of them? I hope the king's death won't bring an ill wind upon the city. I fear his illness may have had something to do with the derro we found in Potter's Ward and the Urgathoans he described. Hopefully, we learned of the danger before the king's sickness can pass to any others."
Istas has met Marshall Croft and Thousand Bones. The old man is glad to see her. Marshall Croft has brokered a compromise. Istas will lead a party of guards to search for the body. You just need to wait until she has a squad available.
Istas greets Thousand Bones as soon as she arrives, apologizing once again for the Pharasmen turning him away from the Dead Warrens. She listens patiently to Marshall Croft, coming to the conclusion that this compromise must represent what Thousand Bones meant by his comment about 'the weasel's den having more than one entrance.'
If you want to talk with TB until the others are exactly at this point in time, go ahead. Looking over your background, you've probably heard of TB as a pwerful shaman of the Skoan Quah and a strong voice for peaceful coexistence between Shoanti and the city.
After Marshall Croft departs, Istas quietly regards Thousand Bones. It's like a hundred memories flood through her brain of the life she left in the Cinderlands. From the shaman's fetishes to the paint he wears, all of it reminds her of how much she misses her people.
"You know my grandfather often spoke of you," she says to fill the void of silence, "He said more than anyone you spoke with a loud voice for peace between the Shoanti and the invaders. There are some back home who would no doubt hate me for living among them. But I feel like I too am trying to live in peace with those who took the land of our ancestors. I hope you don't see me as anything less because of it..."
"I'm sorry for your loss, as well," she offers, "I will do my best to search the Dead Warrens."
At the gates of Grey, one of the acolytes on duty at the gate flags Istas down as the Shoanti priestess strides between the pillars. "Lady Istas! Wait!" The acolyte's long dress sweeps the faintest of trails in the dust as she glides over to you. "I thought you would want to know, and better that you hear it from a sympathetic tongue. Father Corvin is sick. He has the Bloodveil. He'll take no healing, but asks for you. He is in his cell."
When you arrive at Corvin's room, there is a small knot of people gathered outside, praying or waiting to speak with him. With the exception of a few intensely concentrating prayers, everyone stares at you as you approach.
"Lady Istas! Wait!" The acolyte's long dress sweeps the faintest of trails in the dust as she glides over to you. "I thought you would want to know, and better that you hear it from a sympathetic tongue. Father Corvin is sick. He has the Bloodveil. He'll take no healing, but asks for you. He is in his cell."
When you arrive at Corvin's room, there is a small knot of people gathered outside, praying or waiting to speak with him. With the exception of a few intensely concentrating prayers, everyone stares at you as you approach.
"Father..." Istas murmurs as she draws near. It dawns on her as she looks down on the elderly priest that he reminds her so very much of her grandfather among the Skoan-Quah, "Is it true? You've caught bloodveil, too?" Even as she asks the question, she can see the signs for herself with her own eyes.
"It's just a test..." she says, trying to convince herself just as much as him, "Pharasma is testing our faith. And our ability to endure the tides stirred up by Urgathoa's cult. We must ride the waves and keep our head above water. Our Lady isn't finished with us yet." Tears come unbidden to her eyes as she speaks.
Corvin looks to be in the terminal stage of the disease. His face and arms are almost as red as his long nightshirt. A small cloth clutched in his hand is stained red with blood. He coughs and raises the cloth to cover his mouth. The acolyte at the head of his bed wipes his brow.
At Istas' voice the old priest's eyes swivel to her face. His head doesn't move. "Istas. Always a test or struggle. Never peace. " He coughs. "Your test goes on. I go to my rest."
"Istas. Always a test or struggle. Never peace. " He coughs. "Your test goes on. I go to my rest."
"No! You can't..."
The priestess looks on in stunned disbelief.
"Why didn't you tell me you were sick? I've never seen the disease spread this quickly..."
She reaches down and shows him the wand they took from Vendra.
"This can heal you," she says, "I won't let the Pallid Princess do this to you. Our Lady...and the Pharasmin...we all still need your guidance."
A smile accompanied by coughing.
"Yes it would. But for how long? I tell you use the wand for someone who has more than hours left . Everyone has their time, Istas. It is fate. " A twist in the corner of his mouth presages a wry chuckle which is throttled stillborn by a rasping wheeze.
"Beware prophecy. Ask the wrong question and your fight is over before it is begun."
Another wracking coughing fit jerks him off the bolster. The acolyte eases him back down and wipes the blood from his chin, the sweat from his brow.
"Yes it would. But for how long? I tell you use the wand for someone who has more than hours left. Everyone has their time, Istas. It is fate."
"You...know this?" Istas hesitates, "Has our Lady revealed unto you the time of your death then?" She wipes away her tears to clear her eyes. "Father...I don't want to lose you. Pharasma brought you to me at a time when I was lost and didn't know my purpose. I've found it here...with the Pharasmin...having learned at your feet how to divine our goddess' will. Are you certain it is her will now that calls you to the Boneyard? We both know this disease originates with Urgathoa. There can be no other source. Why would Pharasma allow her to take you from us in our time of greatest need? There's so much more you could do for Korvosa...even with a few more hours..."
"Beware prophecy. Ask the wrong question and your fight is over before it is begun."
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean..." Istas murmurs. She looks on helplessly at the other acolytes, unsure if her mentor is just having fever dreams or speaking with the clarity their goddess provides when a Pharasmin draws closest to her in their final moments.
"Father..." she notes, reaching out to take his hand, "You've been my family when they abandoned me. A grandfather among the tshamek I never knew I'd find. I'll stay with you no matter what. But tell me what you want. I can save you. But I can't let you go unless you tell me to..."
"Even then, I will honor your choice. For it is yours to make. The river divides one last time..."
"You...know this?" Istas hesitates, "Has our Lady revealed unto you the time of your death then?" She wipes away her tears to clear her eyes. "Father...I don't want to lose you. Pharasma brought you to me at a time when I was lost and didn't know my purpose. I've found it here...with the Pharasmin...having learned at your feet how to divine our goddess' will. Are you certain it is her will now that calls you to the Boneyard? We both know this disease originates with Urgathoa. There can be no other source. Why would Pharasma allow her to take you from us in our time of greatest need? There's so much more you could do for Korvosa...even with a few more hours..."
"Child, I know I'll not see this Fireday. I know that we are not called by Pharasma for our convenience. The cause matters not. That is fate."
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean..." Istas murmurs. She looks on helplessly at the other acolytes, unsure if her mentor is just having fever dreams or speaking with the clarity their goddess provides when a Pharasmin draws closest to her in their final moments."Father..." she notes, reaching out to take his hand, "You've been my family when they abandoned me. A grandfather among the tshamek I never knew I'd find. I'll stay with you no matter what. But tell me what you want. I can save you. But I can't let you go unless you tell me to..."
"Even then, I will honor your choice. For it is yours to make. The river divides one last time..."
"What divides rejoins. Meantime I shall miss you, Istas Wraithscar. Go fight your fight. Drive the blight of Bloodveil from the Jeggare's banks."
ANother coughing fit. Corvin sinks back into the bolster and waves you away.
Istas' mouth tightens into a grim line as she steels herself and turns away. "Goodbye, Father," she tells the priest without looking back. She exits his chamber and leaves him in the care of the other acolytes. From there, however, she goes to the chapel to pray and to seek Pharasma's will.
Istas has only begun to pray, when there's a soft cough behind her. Bishop d'Bears broad frame fills one side of the doorway. The torchlight glints on her silver her.
"Istas, I'm sorry. This must be hardest for you. You were closest to Arbus I think." The bishop glides into the chapel. She is warm and concerned. She talks about service and how the Lady will need Istas in the time ahead.
****
After the Bishop leaves --