"Hmmm... yes let's put this victim of Lamm's to rest at her home. Its what I would want. Behset, you deal in the other-worldly, yes? What do you think?"
I agree on putting this lady to rest but best hide the head. A half orc walking through the streets is enough to grab attention from people
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not natural indeed, agree, we go back. See what remains. If nothing, we have place to rest. Before head away, need we be concerned with Blackjacks words or fires in city? Also why fires, this human celebration?
Behset will also ponder the strength of magic required to create an illusion that can intelligently respond weeks later. See if Zellara may be more adept than expected.
Back out on the streets you all see the glow of red on the horizon. Alarm bells clang in the distance. Making your way through the streets is easy enough as the hour is growing late and it only takes a few minutes to return to the fortune tellers home. The sight that greets you there however is noticable different than when you were here a few hours ago. The front door swings softly in the breeze of the darkened home. Stepping inside to look around, you find that webs and dust are starting to settle into place and even a fine layer has built up on the floor. Looking closer at it, you do spot that your own footprints having disturbed the lifeless room. The basket still rests upon the table, but the scant bit of crust still in the basket is quite moldy as is the fruity wine.
As you all move back towards the door, the face of Zellara floats in front of the doorway, now glowing an eerie green tone. She turns to look at each of you and speaks.
"Thank you friends. This task was far beyond what I am capable of doing now. I am glad you were able to see it though and rid this city of that fiend. I see you brought... me... back. I thank you for that. It was not my intention to mislead you before, but many do not think fondly of the dead. Especially when they refuse to stay that way. But, if you could be so kind to help me once more, I have a small plot already selected and paid for in the Gray. Speak with one of the caretakers, they will be able to take it from there."
She pauses for a moment, with her eyes seeming to peer right into each of your souls. Then, the Harrow deck, recovered from Lamm flies towards her. As it grows closer, her image becomes more and more solid until she catches it in her hand.
"I still see great things from each of you. Many hardships and trials, but you will right many injustices. My work may not yet be done here. Perhaps I can still assist you newly minted Heroes of Korvosa. Only time will tell if the fates speak true to me or not."
And with that, her image fades out and the deck falls gently to the floor.
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Tensei looks upon the faces of his new allies This spirit has given me the chance to get the revenge I so dearly wanted for my dear valantis. I feel a debt to her so I see no issue completing this next task in the Grey if the rest of you are up for it. We have been brought together through tragedy and now have a chance to have something good come from this. Valantis used to say that, the tragedy of life's darkest moments bring forth the brightest days in the future. So I ask you, shall we move forward together to the Grey?
I agree Tensei, even though I did not land the killing blow...To be able to finally avenge my parents is very satisfying. I do think that the least I can do to repay the debt is to take care of this task in the Grey. I am curious though when she said about how we will right many injustices. I guess that means you will all have to see my pretty face just a bit longer. Faust gives a big smile. After the task in the Grey we can sell some of this stuff that we found.
As Behset examines the distance glow of flames, you do get a sense of magic in the air, but is a bit of a jumbled mess and hard to focus on just one source. As you watch, you see a bolt of lightning rip from the heavens and slam into a tall building, which shatters the spire and leaves a smoldering ruin.
At least a couple of you are from Korvosa, you would know that the Gray is a district south of you, housing a large temple to Pharasma as well as having several priests on site at all times, and training acolytes. There is a very large cemetery on these grounds as well, and is where many hope to be interred as the priests not only tend the dead with kindness, they also rebuke any that dare to rise again.
You can choose to go there now or wait til morning.
If were going to haul a human head across town, the cover of night is best. Also, after a night of civil unrest, and if rumors are true the death of the King, patrols will be increased tomorrow. I don't want to be stopped with a head in a box under any circumstances, but especially not those.
I agree Hue, it's best to do this now as soon as possible.
Faust will grab the symbol around his neck and mutter something to himself.
Thank you Eiseth for getting me this far and helping me avenge my parents.
Normally that's not a thing that people do, maybe we can see what's going on after we take care of the head first.
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hmmmm yes trouble, fortune, living amok dead be quiet Behset will look over the party and examine each thoughtfully be fated as cards speak, we best know better. Many names said before outside this cohort, who are? We ... walk? And chat, yes? Or talk the walking and talking. Common funny sounds. Learned by jeers, Lamm's gold sycophants, during shackle time. Many hated, many more die.
Behset would you be able to heal me with that wand, I am still a little beat up from dealing with Lamm.
Tensei will nod in agreement and will offer to lead the way. Tensei takes a moment to put his hood up and tie the cloth around his face before he travels to his his orc features
Stepping away from Zellara's darkened home, the group heads south to the Gray. The red glow to the north seems to be diminishing somewhat and the journey is fairly uneventful. Arriving at the Phrasmin temple, it is surprisingly busy for this late hour, with several of the priests leaving the grounds and making haste for towards the north.
One spots you on your approach and though she seems in a hurry, directs you to speak with Bishop d'Bear at the Grand Cathedral.
As you enter the temple, you spot the High Priestess directing others of the clergy.
Hello Bishop d'Bear, we have something that we came across. We were told that we would be able to bring it here and you would be able to take care of it for us.
Faust will get the box and hand it to Bishop d'Bear.
Hue pulls his hood and scarf up to cover his features. He hangs a bot back from the rest of the group and just observes the interaction.
I have no interest in speaking with the faithful of Pharasma.
As you all approach (except Hue), she raises an eyebrow with curiosity and accepts the package. She pops the lid and her expression shift to one of mild consternation. She gently hands the box to one of the nearby acolytes.
”Let us clear up one thing first. A little respect for the dead. This woman, I can only assume you bringing her here, or in this state that you had nothing to do with her demise or this shameful treatment. But if you could not refer to the formerly living as IT I would appreciate that. Now, yes, we can tend to her remains very soon. Do you happen to know what her name was?”
Tensei will stay on the quiet side for delicate situations are not his strong suit
Faust would have his symbol present like he always does.
My apologies just didn't think it was appropriate to talk in the open about what was in the box. Her name was Zellara and we were told that we were to bring her remains to you and that you would be able to take care of her. We had nothing to do with her demise, we just came across her in her current state when we were handling other business.
”You we’re ‘handling business’ when you came across this a severed head? Part of me is curious, but I’d rather not get tangled into such things. Especially now. Yes, we can tend to Zellara and see she is properly laid to rest. Now, I have much work to do yet this evening. Be well.”
With that, she will turn and resume discussions with the other priests and acolytes.
I will take that queue as my exit and will turn around and say. Well that looks to be taken care of. You guys want to see what in the hell is going on in town? Because I am really curious about what is going on.
yes let us look into it. Behest said something of the king being dead. Maybe there is some sort of relationship between the events now and that. Check the main town area first?
Dead royals might be good for business.
Yes, let's investigate.
Making your way back towards the northern regions of town takes a bit of time. As you do, you are noticing that there are people outside. Many are beginning to gather in groups, some of which are getting quite agitated. Shouts of "The King is Dead. Love live the Queen." are met with equally loud cries of "Hang the Queen" and "The usurper must die!"
Each group growing louder and more aggressive until fist fights begin breaking out. As this happens, guards move in and try to quell the fighting, ultimately demanding citizens return to their homes, seeming desperate to keep things from escalating to killings.
One such guard has noticed you four, and takes note of your weapons.
"We don't need those things out here. You lot need to head on back to your homes. Yes, the King has passed, but fighting about it won't solve anything, so, please, clear the streets."
We do not intend to cause any issues sir. We just heard the commotion and wanted to see what exactly was going on.
He raises an eyebrow skeptically, but then shrugs.
"People seem to have some pretty strong opinions on what happened and why the king is gone. Folks are claiming that the queen had him killed. I think it's a bunch of nonsense myself. He's been sick for months, it just all finally caught up to him I guess. Either way, having you folks out here with weapons on ya, that's just going to encourage others to do the same. Don't need any killings over this business, so, head on back to your homes, ok?"
Not a problem good sir. Thanks for the information and we will head home right away. Faust will tip his hat to the man and turn around and walk away and gather the group away from him. We might want to go home and go out tomorrow to sell the things and check out for more information. Let's meet up at Zelarra's house tomorrow morning. Sound good?
Tomorrow morning then. Hue nods, and departs. The King IS dead. The Queen is suspected. They'll never put a price on her head. Even if she were involved, she wouldn't have had a direct hand in it. There may yet be some business in this.
Hue will return to his residence, doing his best to avoid notice.
Tensei will give a nod and head back to his home. Tensei was never one to pay close attention to the nobles or rulers. A half orc in the city was always a bit judged especially one that looked like me. it was best to avoid people of influence
You are each able to make it safely to your homes and rest for the night.
The next morning, you meet back at Zellara's home. The sun has barely risen, but you are noticing a large number of people are already on the streets. Very much like the night before, people are talking, and getting agitated with those that do not hold their same opinions on the events at the castle.
Ok, we need to see if we can sell this stuff then we will split the money. Then maybe find out more about what's going on.
I will lead the way to a shop that I would be able to sell the items at
Heading towards the markets, you find that the shops are indeed open, but from the outside seem to be quite busy, with crowds gathering.
It becomes fairly apparent to you all that folks are buying up every weapon or piece of armor they can get their hands on.
When you finally get a chance to enter into a pawnbroker shop, the clerk motion for you to enter.
"No time for pleasantries I'm afraid, got plenty more folks willing to give me their coin after you, so, let's hear it. Whatcha want to buy?" He raises an eyebrow as if examining each of you. Looking to Tensei "Sorry big fella, all sold out of anything bigger than a few short swords and knives"
At Zellara's, before setting out Hue speaks up, at first awkwardly, and then in a rush as the words start to tumble out.
I've been... alone... for a long time... and it was nice working with you all last night. It would be nice to stay in touch after this. I think it would be good formetohavesomefriends.
At the shop, Well you're in luck. We're selling, not buying. You can pay us handsomely to replenish your wares and then raise the price on the next consumer to cover the expenses.
Don't worry Hue, I think we all will be the best of friends. Faust says as he put his arm around Hue.
We have some random odds and ends but the best thing is it looks like your short on weapons and armor. We actually have some that we would like to sell. Here let me show you what we got.
The shopkeeper looks over the assorted goods and offers a fair price for them
When he spots the brooch, you see his eyebrows climb a bit.
”Well, this is an interesting piece. If you had brought this to any other shop in town, they might have just called the guards immediately, but I’m feeling generous. How ‘bout you just take that one back and I’ll pretend I never saw you with it, ok?”
Well I appreciate that very much but if I could ask one question. Why call the guards? We came across this, its just a broken brooch.
His eyes narrow a bit, but he relaxes.
”Hm. You really don’t know? This belongs to the queen. It’s been registered with the Guard as stolen property. Not worth the risk to take it off yer hands I’m afraid. Now, there is a bounty out there on it. If you really wanna show the world you’ve got some brass ones, you could try to turn it in at the castle.”
Well thank you for your honesty and discretion. This place for sure has my business in the future. The name is Faust, I am certain I will see ya again.
After selling all the items but the brooch, we leave and I turn to the group and say. Well do we have the "Brass Ones" and want to try to turn this into the Queen for a reward?
Theres a bounty on it. We tell them where we got it. I'm sure they'll believe Lamm capable and willing of stealing it. They can go verify our story and see his operation is destroyed. Why not?
Also I think we need to look into the information about this silver ring inscribed with Emmah and the dagger that looks like a key, maybe see who they belong to?
I worry that with how Lamm operated he may have some people in the guard on his payroll and that could spell trouble for us. Does anyone know someone in the guard that they trust or know is honest. If so then I feel comfortable taking this to the guard
No I don't but I am sure Lamm being dead is already widely known. and with that being the case his influence is gone. I think we should be fine talking to the guard as long as we stress that we have an item that has a bounty on it.
Dead men don't pay guards, and making life hard for us for no reason isn't lucrative. Especially if in doing so they risk exposing themselves. We could make some inquiries about the ring. So what comes of it.
In my previous line if work there was loyalty and honor to those who pay you but I see thieves and murders do not have such honor. You my companions have not steered me wrong yet so I shall trust you in what you say