I'm not confused boss. I want to work to make the city safer and better by helping the guard, but not becoming one. I wish to still train and work on smithing, I will put in the extra hours at night and assist with making items for the guards as well, to help you. If you allow me too sir
"Well... fine." The dwarf continues hammering, clearing feeling that the conversation is settled.
Back at Zellara's.
Hue is getting the place livable again, and in doing so, discovers some of the fortune tellers old tools of the trade. Several sets of old candles, a nice crystal ball, some incense, and a small amount of coins tucked away.
Tensei will continue to working the forge crafting his masterwork falchion and full plate armor. Tensei will stop by Zarella's old house every morning to check on the group and assist, if needed in cleaning up the house.
Three days pass. Faust continues to mend from his injuries
Hue however seems to be having a run of bad luck. While doing more cleaning late one evening, he had found a shiny ring. In his rejoicing he bumped into a piece of jagged wood along one of the door frames and cut himself. and dropped the ring, which he can no longer find. All this cabin fever has also left him feeling drained mentally and with a strong urge to meet with some old friends in the Shingles.
Tensei returns to check in on his new allies each day as well as helping out at the forge.
Behset and Khasia have been looking about the city, and picking up rumors. Most are still focused on either how good/bad the queen will be and how much the citizens are very strong in their opinions on these matters, but a few tidbits here and there stand out.
First off, there is talk that the queen wants to change up the guards. Especially those at the castle. There is also talk that the Acadamae has closed its doors to everyone, locking down their gates as a safety measure against the riots that still flare up daily. Lastly, whispers that the priests from the Gray were summoned to the castle when the king died to try and revive him, but were unable to treat his condition, which has some citizens calling his death murder via supernatural means instead of natural causes.
Since Zellara's house seems to be pretty clean and way more livable now. Faust is going to go out and see what he can learn about the situation of the town. Also he is going to swing by the shop owner he went to that was gone before and see if he is there now.
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Behset would relay this information to the party. The changing of the guard fits with our new employ, but the failing of magic strikes as very odd, but humans killing each other over trivial things is to be expected, if that is what it means.
This homebodying also has Behset, a creature of motion, uneasy and eager to look for more tasks, so she is eager to go back to work. if no one has anything she would offer her limited ability to heal to the temples.
Do we wait to be contacted or do we head back to the castle and see if they have work for us? Hue will ask his comrades, either individually or as a group once they are all together.
We could check in with the commander, the most she will say is nope nothing yet. So not gonna hurt to ask, everyone good to go check?
Tensei will enter the new home on the 3rd day looking tired from working at the blacksmith for long hours at night. hey everyone I have been working at nights in the forge making armor and weapons. So if anyone needs anything made please let me know and I will do my best to forge it. also I find it easier just to go and ask for the work rather then sit around, I'm in need of a change of pace. The boss can be a real slave driver in the forge at times.
[ooc] masterwork full plate and masterwork falchion being created at cost of 675gold {1650+375/3= 675}.
week 1-
Faust heads to the markets and picks up some cheap snacks as he asks around about the pawn shop. No one has seen the owner, and a couple folks are eyeing the place up as prime real estate.
Tensei works long, sweaty hours at the forge working on a set of armor. After a few days, he’s starting to see some progress, though it’s a slow process. Ferris works on his own projects nearby, but occasionally Tensei catches the boss looking at his work so far, but mostly just makes grunting noises and returns to what he was doing.
Faust is curious about the shop but will come back at a later time, he will also stop a shop to pickup some Masterwork Thieves Tools.
If everyone is ready we would all head to see the commander to see if she has any jobs for us to do.
With the decision to meet with the commander again, the team heads over a few blocks to the Citadel. Outside the gates, a large protest has begun. Citizens are calling for justice to be handed out in the form of an arrest on the queen. Many of the folks here are shouting about her being a murderer and that the death of the king was her fault somehow. The guards, doing their best to keep the peace, have closed up the gates and are trying to get the people of Korvosa to listen to reason. So far, it seems to be a stalemate.
Faust will suggest to move forward threw the crowd.
Pushing through the citizens and heading inside the Citadel, the group is able to make their way to Commander Kroft's office. As they enter, she is speaking with another man, and she is not alone. In one of the chairs sits a handsome man.
Cressidia speaks. "Hello again, and good timing. I was just about to send a messenger to see if you were available." She points to each of you in turn calling out your names to him, "I'd like you to meet Vencarlo Orisini, and old friend of mine."
He quickly stands from the chair and bows deeply to the group.
"A pleasure to meet you all. Cress here has told me about your assistance with certain matters in the city. While I may not always see eye to eye with the way things are done in this city, at least some of the members of the leadership... he points to Cressidia ...try to keep things fair and balanced for the folks that have to live here."
As he goes to continue on what might have been a rant against the government, Cressida gently interrupts.
"As much as I would enjoy continuing the conversation, I fear we just don’t have time. Vencarlo has learned something that could degrade into sanctions, embargoes, or even war against Cheliax if we don’t act now. This problem is a man named Darvayne Gios Amprei, an ambassador from Cheliax whose disdain for Korvosa is well documented, though he’s taken great pleasure in what our city has to offer. Even before this recent unrest, this man was ready to recommend to his government a sanction on trade, or perhaps even an embargo. Vencarlo has learned through his own considerable sources that Ambassador Amprei’s actual goals are to undermine Korvosa’s economy to the point where he can buy up large portions of the city from desperate landholders. He plans to establish himself in a position of power here before advising the end of the sanctions with his allies in Cheliax. We can’t let his bias or personal plans hurt Korvosa. Yet neither can we take drastic action—not only would killing him be wrong, but it’d simply martyr him in Cheliax’s eyes."
“Fortunately, the ambassador has his foibles. Again, Vencarlo has learned that Ambassador Amprei has been making fairly regular visits to a place in Old Korvosa called Eel’s End. This den of vice is run by a dangerous man named Devargo Barvasi, better known in Korvosa’s alleys as the King of Spiders. I’d love to put Devargo out of business, but he pays his vice taxes regularly and never causes any problems—in fact, since he keeps his business constrained entirely within the five ships moored at Eel’s End, he’s actually one of the least of my worries. Truth be told, I can’t decide whether Devargo is a stirge or a kraken. He seems like a bloodsucking pest most days, but sometimes I fear just how far his tentacles have wormed their way into our great city. In this case though, his insidious web stretching across Korvosa’s underworld might be to our advantage."
“Devargo would never let someone he recognizes as an ally of the Guard into Eel’s End, but your group’s a different case. I’d like you to pay a visit to Eel’s End and secure an audience with Devargo. Find out what he knows about Amprei, get proof of any illicit goings-on the ambassador might be involved with, and bring that proof to me. I can use it to undermine any forthcoming attempts by him to get Cheliax to cut us off. Devargo might not be willing to part with his information easily. I’ll supply you with some gold to bribe him, and whatever’s left over you can keep for yourself. Remember: Devargo is dangerous, but so are you—if things get violent, I wouldn’t mourn his passing.”
Faust looks at the Commander, I thin this is definitely something we could get done. How much gold for bribe money? Of course we will try to resolve this without fighting if need be. Why does he have the moniker of King of Spiders?
Hue observes, but remains quiet. Nodding his agreement with Faust.
Opening her desk, Commander Kroft extracts a coin pouch and holds it towards the group.
”This pouch holds one thousand gold. That should be more than enough for negotiations. Anything greater than that, and chances are good he’s either got something bigger than we anticipated, or he’s trying to bilk you. As for the name, plenty of rumors out there. Some folks say he’s got the blood of demons in his veins. But one thing I know for certain is that he does have some affinity for spiders.”
Taking the coin pouch, Thank you we will get started on this right away and meet back here when the job is done.
As the group starts heading towards the door, Vencarlo speaks.
"Good people, if you have no objections, I would accompany you on your way out. I'm headed back to my studio which will lead us near your destination anyway. Cress, it was a pleasure as always."
He bows deeply and takes the commanders hand in his, brushing his lips across the back of her hand.
Heading out of the Citadel, Vencarlo tries to spark up conversation.
"Quite an interesting group you four have assembled. Not often one runs across such diversity in this city. As grand as it is, sometimes, people have a hard time seeing beyond their own interests. But that is perhaps for another time. Faust was it? You have a nice looking blade there, may I?"
Looking to Behset with a puzzled expression.
"I am not sure I caught all of that, but it sounds like you're asking me for my take on the city here? I love Korvosa. It's people are fantastic. The leadership however, well... they can leave a bit to be desired. Now more than ever, the citizens are scared and confused. Plenty of them are fighting each other over their own opinions on how things should be done. Too much pain has come during this transition of power. I fear that there will be more before it starts to get better. The new queen Ileosa, she seems clever, but it does make you wonder if she has the best interest of the city, or herself in her mind."
Yes we are a motley crew but I trust these guys with my life. He looks down at his Scimitar and then back at Vencarlo, Yes you can take a look. Faust will unsheath his Scimitar and hand it over to him
Vencarlo tests the balance of the weapon, then makes a few slashes at nothing. In his hands the blade whistles through the air as his strikes are a blur of motion. He twists the blade around, and hands it back to Faust.
"Not bad at all. Decent balance, feels like it's a little heavy by the grip, but overall, it should get the job done. If you any of you are interested in sparring, or taking some of my classes, I would be happy to teach you."
I might just have to take you up on that offer, sounds like fun. Is your place in town?
I prefer the bow. Or daggers if I'm in for close quarters.
After taking a few moments to drop off gold and/or other valuables at Zellara's, Vencarlo gives a smirk.
"If you are concerned over carrying too many coins, you do know there is a bank in town?"
Pressing on towards their mission, Vencarlo continues.
"My studio is in town, yes. Up in Old Korvosa. Once we cross the narrows, that's where we'll part ways for now. You'll be heading to the docks in the east. As for bow work, was never that good at such things myself." He laughs heartily. "Mayhaps you could teach me a thing or two in that department."
He smiles warmly at the group as they move through the streets.
Well with everything going on in the town, I might not want all my money in there. Faust chuckles a bit.
Did you do some adventuring before or just taught swordsmanship? Seem to be rather skilled for just an everyday person.
”Wandering around and sweating in old ruins never appealed to me. No, I used to fence for sport. As I got a bit older, I found myself less and less interested in being in the spotlight, but wanted to still be involved. So, I decided to teach the art of swordplay to others.” his smile is still plain on his face, clearly enjoying talking about the subject. ”And what’s more, if I do work up a good sweat, I can rinse off in a nice bath afterwards.”
Ever since getting away from Lamm I have been on my own. So I love being free and going wherever I want to, maybe that's why I like the adventuring lifestyle.
I can't remember the last bath I had. I may take you up on some lessons just for that.
Same here, that sounds amazing.
I think this 'spider's and the Ambassador for Cheliax aren't necessarily bad for humans or any other group. They're only out for themselves and don't care who gets hurt in the process, be they human or any other ancestry.
”At any rate, you are all welcome to stop by for a lesson if you’d like.”
He relays the info on the location of his little workshop as you all cross over the rickety bridges of The Narrows. Once on the other side, he gives a wave and heads towards the west.
Thank you, we shall do that. Faust will turn towards the group, Let's go have some fun, Shall we? With a smile Faust will turn around and continue on our way.
As the team approaches the docks, the sound of carousing booms from the elegantly painted barges moored to this long pier. Large signs painted in several languages are nailed to pilings and hang from ropes slung between barges. The closest barge to the east bears a sign that says, “The Twin Tigers—Take the Tiger by the Tail and Try Your Luck!” Opposite that, to the west, a boat’s sign says, “Welcome to the Goldenhawk—No Safer Stay in Old Korvosa!” Further to the southeast is “Dragon’s Breath Corridor—Dream the Dragon’s Dreams at Affordable Prices!”, while opposite that is the “House of Clouds—The Caress of Our Lovelies Will Take You Straight to Heaven!” Only the largest vessel, an old warship to the south, bears no signage at all. Short rope bridges or gangplanks provide access to the decks of these ships from the pier and from the decks of other ships.
What do you think guys, should we start with the one that has no signage at all? Since the others are obvious what they are and this is not labeled?
That's as good a place as any to start.
As long as everyone agrees, we will approach the vessel with no sign on it.
Moving closer towards the large ship tied off to the pier, you spot markings that were obscured from the entrance, bearing the name Eel’s End. The ship has a twisting figurehead of a coiling eel with a woman’s head. Several drunkards, sailors, and revelers dance and drink on the large open main deck here, while the aft deck is relatively clear. A pair of large double doors bearing a complex painting of a spider allows entrance into the stern section of the main deck.
Two toughs spot you as you approach. They stand to meet you.
"You folks lost? Pleasure boat is thatta way."
He points his thumb towards the House of Clouds.
No, no we're not lost. Got a lucrative business proposal. Need to talk to your boss about it.
Yeah we are here to talk to Devargo. Would you be so kind and show us to him?
”Business? Sure sure. Looking at you, your ‘business’ is probably trying to hit up the king for some coins. Whatever. No point in heading in there now though. Boss is busy entertaining other guests. Come back later.”
The two keep themselves planted in front of the doorway, but do seem to relax slightly.
Actually we're bringing the coin, and meaning to impart some of it on your boss. Of course the longer we are made to wait, the lower that sum will be. And I'll be sure to tell him who cost him the maximum profits when we do get in there. And we will eventually, because if you refuse us we'll just wait for the changing of the guard and talk to them. So you decide how much you want to cost his business by wasting our time. Time is money.
The guard shrugs.
”If ya wanna be a jerk about it, go right ahead. Like I told you. Boss is busy right now. You go stomping in there all high and mighty and you’re likely to be floating down the Jeggare. Come back later and he might be willing to see you. You are the ones coming here to look for a deal, so whatever you’re wanting, king will set the price. You don’t wanna pay it, that’s on you. And I’ll make sure to let him know that you were being rude.”
The duo are still at ease, but definitely keeping a close eye on you four.
Hear that Faust? Mr. Sensative, here, said I was rude. I merely laid out the terms of the deal, which is already underway. He must be too slow to realize it. turning to the guard. Now that part there, where I called you slow. That's being rude. looking sideways at Faust. It's funny, in all the dealings we've had with self proclaimed "kings" of the underworld, never have I met a door guard who's allowed to make negotiations for his boss, who just lost even more money and that sum keeps ticking lower. Remind me Tensei, what did we do to Lamm when negotiations failed?
The last door man that defied us from negotiating was the one floating down the river. We have business and trust me the guests he is entertaining now probably dont want us coming in pissed off! We are trying to be nice and respectful by my patience is running thin! Now move boy! Before I really lose my temper!