Roz is up early, waiting for Vox to return. She's hoping to see the red of Iolaire's hair poking out from under the elf's hood, but she's somewhat disappointed to see that it remains stark white.
"Looks like you had fun last night," the oracle says. "Say, uh, any chance Red could come out to play today?"
"Not fun." Vox says, quite sharply. "Is that what you think I am? A thug like the 'Emperor'? I do what is necessary, because others won't. I don't care how you choose to live your life but you don't get to oppress others to do it - that's why I do what I do, not because it's fun! I'm brutal because that's the only message most thugs understand and I don't give second chances, because that only leads to people seeing you as weak. I thought you understood that."
The drow sounds almost hurt.
Roz winces at Vox’s harsh tone. ”Alright, alright! Sorry! I was just trying to lighten the mood a bit. There ain’t much joy in you, is there? You need to have some balance in your life. You need more of Io in there along with the Voxiness, yeah?”
Vox hisses, rather like a cat. "If I could trust her to work with me. Do you have any idea what it's like to be locked away for months on end? If I let her back out now then she'll never let me out again and Korvosa needs me more than it needs her! Even if you do like her more!"
"I like you just fine," Roz says. "You just come on a little strong, y'know? The city needs both you and Iolaire. You balance each other out. Too much of one or the other ain't good for nobody, especially you."
The Oracle stretches up on her tiptoes and gives the drow a gentle kiss. "I love you. No matter what."
"You make sure she let's me out again?" Vox says cautiously, although she returns the kiss with interest. "I need to work here in Old Korvosa, there's a lot to be done."
Once Roz promises Vox flips her hood up and when she pulls it down again it is with Iolaire's red hair and pale skin.
"I'm sorry about last night!" The elf says immediately. "I had to, I can't hide like Vox can and she got Scream out didn't she? I hope the rest of you didn't get hurt..."
"It's okay. Vox did good. We're fine, and that bastard Pilts got what was coming to him. On to the next set of bastards," Roz says. She fills the elf in on everything in between kisses.
"So we're headed to the Arkona's next?" Iolaire asks. "Is this a good place for me... I'm not a fighter exactly and Aurelia can talk a lot better than I can. Should I...?"
She seems afraid to even mention her alter ego.
"Stay here for now, but keep Vox in your back pocket," Roz advises.
After making your morning preparations, you leave Vencarlo's home and cross the district to Arkona Palace. The palace is perched at the highest point atop Endrin Isle in Old Korvosa. The grounds are mostly open, decorated here and there with tiny copses of trees, exotic topiary animals (elephants, cobras, and tigers being the most common), beautiful flower gardens, and exquisite fountains. The palace is a breathtaking structure built in the Vudrani style, with golden pillars; high windows that rise to tapered points; minarets; and domes decorated with slender spires.
As you draw near, a group of six guards wearing the house livery quickly intercept you. "Halt! What business do you have approaching the palace?"
Aurelia is dressed extravagantly in beautiful silks and garments that cost a fortune. She walks with her chin high and enough attitude to signal importance. A quick glance in her direction would easily have you believe she were high nobility from some well to do location. Upon approaching the guards, she smiles and in a soft and welcoming tone greets them. "Good morning. We are here to speak to the ."
”—Lord Glorio Arkona,” Aurelia finishes.
Since you do not appear to be common rabble, the guards nod and escort you into the palace foyer. A black marble arch depicting dozens of elephants standing one atop the other frames a great ebony door in the south wall of this wide and airy entrance hall. Above the door, an elephant looks out over the hall, its single eye a glittering bloodstone the size of an apple. Tall windows grant a commanding view of the palace grounds, and a rich red carpet, ten feet wide and luxuriously thick, provides a pathway between doors to the west and north, and around a corner to the east. Each of these doors, as well as three smaller ones to the west of the northern pair, are decorated with images of a six-armed, four-faced woman who rides a tiger with human hands for feet.
The guards return to their patrol and you are greeted by a tall, pleasant man who wears an eye patch. He introduces himself as Carnochan, the palace majordomo. When you repeat your request for an audience with Glorio, he leads you into an adjoining room. This comfortable room is warmed by a large fireplace, its marble sides and mantle carved into a parade of capering monkeys and tigers. A large sofa is against the north wall, while a few cozy-looking chairs sit to the south.
”Please wait here. I shall see if Lord Glorio has time to speak with you,” he says. He nods sharply before departing, closing the doors behind him.
Iolaire steps into the corner and does her best to disappear into the wall. Her best is remarkably good...
Nicoleta is still marveling at the level of grandeur in the decor when she notices that Iolaire has already vanished.
"Damn, girl! How do you do that?" she mutters under her breath. With a shake of her head she turns to Aurelia. "Something seems really off," she says quietly. "Maybe it's just the level of decadence, but ... I can't get those paintings of my head."
"Thank you." Aurelia responds to the majordomo as he escorts them along.
She takes a seat on the large sofa and looks over at Nicoleta, "You are really bothered by those paintings, aren't you? What has unsettled you so, my dear?"
Nicoleta frowns.
"There's meaning in them. I'm just not smart or good enough to figure it out. I know just enough to know that it's there, but not enough to understand it." She looks around at the room. "And it has something to do with these people."
Her eyes turn to Aurelia and grins. "It's like when you do that thing with your little finger? It's a big tease. Just enough to know what I'm missing."
Roz shrugs. ”Don’t know enough about Vudran culture to know if those paintings are normal or freaky-deaky. Too bad Ishani ain’t here. So, we gonna wait on Glorio or snoop around?”
"Wait?" Iolaire says, giving away her position. "You can leave without me if need be. Then I can snoop."
After waiting 5 minutes, the doors open and Carnochan returns, preceding a handsome middle-aged Vudran man. "My apologies for the delay, miladies. Glorio Arkona." He smiles warmly, then clucks his tongue. "Carnochan! Why did you not supply our guests with wine and cheese to enjoy while they waited?"
Carnochan bows in apology and scurries off to rectify this faux pas. Glorio takes a seat on one of the room's couches. "Now, how may I be of service?"
Aurelia rises to her feet when Glorio enters. She whispers to Nicoleta "Forgive me, my love for what I'm about to do."
The mesmerist tugs her shirt down so that her cleavage is significant and makes her way over to the host. She sits down next to him and stares at him "Glorio! Darling! It's been ages! Ever since that time that we shared several bottles at Markhis's, I've been meaning to make my way back over here."
She slides over next to him and slips her arms around his shoulders, using her hand to turn his head to face her own. She stares into his eyes longingly and leans in, lowering her voice. She whispers "And I know we had a lot to drink, but I'll never forget that night."
Glorio furrows his brow. "Now, I am not the type to forget an enjoyable evening. Especially in the company of one as lovely as yourself. So tell me who you are, and why you have come here."
Aurelia waves the lie away and says "Darling, I'm sorry we need to take time out of your busy day. I know we burst in on you without invitation, but these truly are trying times, are they not? We are hoping to help them end in some small way and as such we've been searching for Neolandus Kalepopolis. Our investigations led us here. We sincerely hope that he arrived here safely. Is he currently a recipient of your hospitality?"
”Ah yes, of course. Seneschal Kalepopolis,” Glorio says, leaning back into the cushions. ”Always was a good egg, that one. How I wish he had stayed in the palace during the transition of power between King Eodred and Queen Ileosa. Though I am sure the queen is doing the best she can in these troubling times. I have done what I can with my limited resources to keep Old Korvosa from falling into complete anarchy, but I admit that more could be done. I suppose that quarantine really was her only choice, though I do hope she will be able to lift it soon.
“At any rate, the major impediment to restoring order to the district is the so-called Emperor of Old Korvosa. You appear to be capable sorts. If you can assassinate the emperor, I am certain the mob in Old Dock will collapse and my agents will be able to step in and regain control of Old Korvosa. In return, I will do what I can to help you find your friend.”
There is a dark chuckle from the corner behind Glorio and Vox emerges.
"You keep order here? I hardly think so. When the people call for help it is not your name they cry." She grins, all sharp white teeth in her dark skin. "The so-called Emperor is dead already, and I watch over Old Korvosa now. Consider yourself warned."
Then she vanishes back into the shadows...
Glorio does not seem startled by Vox’s appearance. ”I shall take your warning under advisement. I am glad to hear the deed is already done. Points for being proactive! Allow me to reward you.” The nobleman places a ring set with a deep green bloodstone on the table.
”Now, about the seneschal. He is my guest, but unfortunately, handing him over may prove a trifle complicated. He and another guest have been sent below into the Vivified Labyrinth. I do apologize for the difficulties. In the courtyard, you will find an elephant statue. Pressing on a portion of the platform it stands on will grant you access to the caverns below the palace. From there. seek the secret door on one of the landings that leads down to the labyrinth entrance. The labyrinth can be adjusted by pulling key levers to rotate the four sections. Navigate it successfully and you will find Kalepopolis hidden somewhere therein.”
Aurelia studies Glorio's words and tries to determine what is behind them. Ultimately, she thanks him for his advice, trying to take the attention off of Vox before she stabs him in the throat "I appciate your assistance. As my companion states, the Emperor is no longer a threat. We appreciate your words, hospitality and your gift. Thank you for your time."
Glorio seems rather smug as he sits back and judges your reaction. Aurelia thinks he is expecting you to respond with anger or hostility and he is prepared to act if you do.
"So, what, you just sit by and get your rocks off watching us fumble through some maze?" Nicoleta questions, finally speaking up. She'd been happy letting her girlfriend take the reins with this cocky bastard, but now he was just playing with them. "What's your game, pretty boy?"
Glorio leans forward and smirks at Nicoleta, ”Very well. To brass tacks, then. Queen Ileosa is a danger to this city. She is driving Korvosa to the ground and something must be done about her. Her display of power a few days ago had put me ill at ease, and I suspect the queen has gained a potent source of strength, likely something to do with her new crown. Only the strongest of champions will be able to stand against her. Survive the Labyrinth, find Sensechal Kalepopolis, and you will be on your way to saving the city.”
He wants something for nothing, just the same way he wants to claim glory for 'restoring order' to Old Korvosa without doing the real work
It's Vox's thought but she feels a gentle hum inside her skull, Iolaire agrees. The drow finds that oddly comforting, although she immediately dismisses such ridiculous feelings!
"I get paid to perform, Pretty Boy," Nicoleta says with a bump of her hip. "So once we get through this maze of yours I expect more than just some bureaucrat as my reward."
She looks around at the others. "Shall we, Ladies?"
Aurelia still tries to play the part of a sweetheart and reaches out for Glorio to take her hand as she rises. "Thank you for your hospitality. We will be on our way to overcome this maze now. It would be unwise to bet against us, dear. The Emperor did that and unfortunately he's not around to tell you about his mistake."
Glorio kisses Aurelia’s hand. ”May the odds be ever in your favor.”
You follow his directions to the courtyard. This chamber hardly seems to be part of a palace, but looks more like a clearing at the heart of a vast jungle, teeming with life. The sky above is a deep, cloudless blue, while in the distance, hazy towers rise above the verdant canopy. Exotic bird calls fill the air, the scent of dozens of unfamiliar flowers and plants assault the nose, and everywhere a riot of color demands the eye, whether it’s the wing of a tropical bird, the petals of a brightly hued flower, or the glittering multicolored tiles that make up a round fountain to the north. The fountain’s central plume is a stone pillar around which entwine two cobra statues that clutch green gems in their fanged maws. To the south of the fountain stands an immense, life-sized jade statue of an elephant, a howdah perched on its back, its tusks and trunk raised high in greeting to the southeast doors. From inside the room, the doors look more like gates set into a wrought-iron fence that encircles the garden. Other gates set in this fence doubtless lead to other parts of the palace, and after a bit more observation, the somewhat static nature of the jungle and landscape becomes apparent—the walls of this garden are in fact an incredibly realistic and clever painting of a Vudrani junglescape.
The 10-foot-diameter stone platform on which it stands is a circular secret trap door. This door can be opened even when the statue is standing on the platform by pressing a hidden 6-inch-diameter pressure plate at the platform’s center. Doing so causes the entire disk to slowly rotate 180 degrees. As it does so, a curved opening appears, granting access to a flight of spiral stairs that descend into the ground.
The air in this vast grotto is cool. An iron-framed flight of spiral stairs winds up through a hole in the ceiling in the northwest section of the room from the top of a semicircular ledge. The ledge winds down along the cavern’s inner wall to a series of rope bridges that descend even lower from ledge to ledge. The upper ledge is breathtaking and strangely beautiful—a tableau of all manner of odd-colored fungi, lichens, and molds. The fungi have been cultivated, shaped into symmetrical patterns normally not seen in nature, transforming the ledge into a sort of underground fungal garden. Here and there, flickering torches burn in sconces above the fungi, while from somewhere in the darkness below comes the soft splash of water against an unseen shore.
Vox seems thoroughly unimpressed by the whole situation, and even the massive effort expended on the Labyrinth simply draws a sniff. "Imagine what he could do if all the effort and money was put into something useful!" She snaps. "Stupid nobles."
After another disdainful look around she scowls again. "We go through fast, ignore anything we can and get Narkopolis out quickly. No need to give him satisfaction."
Nicoleta shrugs. "Everyone's got their kinks. I just wish we weren't required to participate in his. Let's get through this as fast as we can."
The dhampir begins descending the rope bridges, keeping an eye out for tricks and traps.
Vox follows, also keeping a wary eye open.
You don't get very far across the platform before four previously invisible guardians suddenly appear around you! They seem to be fungus-encrusted skeletons with gelid ooze and tufts of mold in place of flesh. They shoot out clouds of spores that fill the air!
"The maze has defenders," Nicoleta says with a growl. "Wonderful."
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Vox pulls her blade with a growl and attempts to behead the nearest fungus.
Roz coughs and hacks as the spores sap her strength. She gives the party a blessing. Nicoleta kicks one of the fungal creatures but fails to trip it. Another parries Vox’s attack.
Still possessed of intellect and cunning, the creatures flank the dhampir and drow, slicing them with their scimitars. Each loses a mirror image and takes some hits.
The dhampir snarls back as the mold-covered blades draw her precious blood.
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Vox coughs as the spores get into her throat but rage is an effective answer to just about everything, so she remains healthy and determined to hurt these things!
"Digusting. Why is everything disgusting. What ever happened to fine-looking gentlemen guarding secret places." she says, shivering from the sight of these no-longer invisible foes.
"Ever heard a skeleton laugh, darling?" Aurelia asks, trying to make a crusty pile of bones drop and laugh.
The skeletal creature wheezes our clouds of spores as it falls, rolling about with raspy laughter. Nicoleta and Vox each land one hit on their foes. Roz continues to hack from the spores as she casts blessing of fervor. The guardians attack, destroying Vox’s last mirror image and hitting her again.
The dhampir's expression of disgust only grows worse as she continues to punch and kick the creatures.
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With Roz's magic speeding her Vox keeps fighting.
Aurelia repeats the same trick but on a different skeleton this time. She targets another one adjacent to Nicoleta if possible.
Aurelia makes another one fall down, though the first one stops laughing for the time being. Nicoleta punishes the second on the way down, stomping on it repeatedly. Vox scores another hit but it is shy of a critical one. Roz heals the drow.
The first fungal guardian that was laughing gets up and slashes at Nicoleta while the others attack Vox again.
Aurelia pulls out her crossbow and fires a skeleton-killing bolt at the standing creature while staring painfully at it.