The man describes humanoids in red armor, with jagged blades and helmets adorned with antennae, very much matching the description of the red mantis assassins.
"So, did you folks already book a room?"
We were going to but have not done it yet? You staying at this establishment?
He nods and gets up from the table, stretching and yawning.
"Oh, they have wonderful accommodations here."
With a gesture towards the barkeep, he heads in their direction and offers to pay for two rooms.
That is very nice of you sir. We can talk more as we get settled into the room if you want to.
"No trouble at all"
Heading down the hallway, he hands off the keys. One to Faust and the other to Behset.
"These are your rooms. Mine is down at the end there. 108. Feel free to drop by, I think I might have something you'll want to hear."
"I think we would be interested in hearing it, after we get settled." the doctor says. Once he leaves she will gesture for her companions to enter one of the rooms and confers with them. "He seems genuine. The red armored people sound scary though, and I'm not sure I understand all the references so best catch me up to speed on who you are talking about."
Faust will fill in any gaps that Behset may have left out and also let the doctor know about Vencarlo if she doesn't know.
Yes I would like to talk more because it seems like there is more of a story that we need to find out.
After we fill in the Doctor we can head to the room number we were given.
After the montage in the heroes room, they head off to meet with their new "friend".
At the room, he waves the group in and offers a seat in the small space.
"Sorry these aren't more well equipped rooms, but this shant take long. I heard people that looked like you were asking about the teacher, and I too have been looking for him. After he escaped those creatures, I have not heard from him. I assume he has gone into hiding some where else, but it is concerning."
He pauses for a moment and sips a glass of water.
"Here, let me start from the beginning. After the quarantine happened, I was stuck on this island. I had been attending the academy and Vencarlo offered to let me stay there until conditions changed. He started to seem restless and distracted, but our lessons were able to continue at least. I did notice that he started to leave at odd hours in the night, sometimes not returning until morning. One night, he came back and his clothes were bloody. He claimed it was from fighting off a thief, but I'm not sure sure that was the whole story."
"Prior to the attack, there was another houseguest visit the academy several times. Teacher only introduced the man with paint-stained hands, wild hair, and a jittery habit of looking about as his friend. That may be true, though unusual for him to try to obfuscate the truth. As is, I did recognize this person. A somewhat notorious local artist names Salvator Scream. Any time Salvator would visit they would meet behind closed doors, three times in all, and on the last visit, I heard Vencarlo's voice raised in anger."
He takes another brief moment to make sure the group is listening.
"Look, I know it's a bit of a long shot, but perhaps Salvator has some clue as to where the Teacher might have gotten off to. I'd go myself, but his home is on the Old Dock. That's a bit too close to the Little Emperor's territory for my liking. You folks seem much more capable than I, so with luck, maybe you'll find something."
His eye grow dark with a hint of sadness.
"It pains me to think of some of the alternatives to what might have happened. Vencarlo has been a good friend and a great representative of what is good still in this city."
If Vencarlo is in danger then we definitely need to help. He was good to us even though we are a ragtag group and helped us out more than I bet we even know. So at first light we can head out to the address and hopefully find Vencarlo or at least more information about where he is.
"We risk running across this small emperor in the process. Perhaps we should further our ends of garnering allies against him and his forces before we cross their paths?"
Could you tell us any more about this emperor? We know little to nothing about him, we encountered some drunk men of his that we fought with. Just want to see how he feels about how things are happening and his thoughts on the Queen.
"Ah, Pilts Swastel. He used to own a playhouse, but with all this disease running rampant here, the folks got scared. A few of his actors got sick, so the citizens set the theater on fire. Well, he didn't much like that. Some even say he snapped and went insane, I tend to agree that he's not quite right. Well, with the Arkona family having gone into hiding and the queen setting up martial law, and eventually quarantine over here, it's been rough. Thing is, he's still an entertainer at heart, always trying to put on a show for the public. Even if that show lately is putting people to death via the tall blade."
He shudders slightly after finishing his tale.
Maybe we would be able to talk to him if he hates the queen. Might be able to find a common ground. Do you know anything about the Arkonas and why they went into hiding?
"If you think it's worth it, maybe you could try to talk with him, but like I said, he's a bit unhinged, so be prepared for him to flip at any moment. As for the Arkonas, hard to say there. They were pretty well liked in the area, though, many saw them as a sort of crime family. Most won't talk about it in the open, but they were known to 'acquire' things that others could not. Usually the previous owner would have some sort of accident. Nothing has ever been proven of course, but it's a bit too coincidental if you ask me."
I think we should talk to him. Instead of being attacked by his guys and then brought in front of him. He might like the show of respect of just approaching him directly instead of trying to sneak around. What do you guys think?
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Behset frowns at the suggestion. Seems like a quicker way to end up at the same place to me, but mayhaps pretty words work. Me thinks not all of us go like lambs to him. Tensei worse at the talking than me, so mayhaps he be contingency for when Emps "flips out"? Zellara's words make me dubious of rash choices.
"The unhinged don't normally make decisions using logic. He could be interested in talking, or just as likely seeing our insides made outsides. Too much left to chance. I still suggest we try to contact the Arkonas and enlist their aid against this flighty tyrant."
Is there any lead on where we could find the Arkonas or where to start looking? Maybe we could look for Vencarlo and the Arkonas at the same time possibly.
”The Arkonas would be at their palace. It’s up on the highest hill in Fort Korvosa.”
So I suggest we head there first and then we can look into Vencarlo. Does that sound good with everyone?
"Yes that is agreeable."
Off to the Arkonas place we go!
Traveling to the west towards Arkonas "palace" the group comes across a strange sight.
A flock of incongruously happy children sing a strange little rhyme as they gather around something in the middle of the street and sing, “Headless, headless, that’s what you’ll be, brand-new dolls in the Emp’ror’s cemet’ry! Choppy, choppy, chop, the tall knife calls, waitin’ for the day for Korvosa to fall.”
One of the children has fashioned a crude guillotine from sticks and pegs, and the children are using it to behead a collection of dolls.
Faust leans in to the group and says, What in the creepy hell is this?
"A new nursery rhyme about the Emperor and how he beheads people. Apparently it occurs so often the children in town have created a song and now emulate it with their play things. Yes... lets go introduce ourselves to him." the Doctor say wryly.
I know, I know it was a bad idea. You don't have to rub it in. Faust will give a chuckle.
Continuing onward, the group finds themselves in short order at the gates of the Arkona Palace. The gates are open and no guards are present to stop them from entering the grounds. A well tended path leads to the large main building.
The doctor proceeds forward, cautiously, and calls out to announce their arrival.
Faust make sure he is a bit ahead of the Doctor keeping an eye out for traps or anything suspicious.
Nothing seems out of place or particularly dangerous in the courtyard leading up to the house.
Behset does pick up faint traces of magic in the area, but is almost certain that is it used to keep the plants maintained (watered, trimmed, etc) to a certain standard.
From around the side of the house a group of six armored humanoids comes into view. Spotting the group the approach cautiously. Their armor bears a coat of arms matching a banner flapping high up on the manor.
"Please hold and state your business here."
We are here to request an audience with the Arkonas.
"We have a potential arrangement to propose. It could be beneficial to all involved." The Doctor adds.
The guards relax their posture slightly, but still appear ready to take action if needed.
"Do you have an appointment?"
Unfortunately we did not make an appointment and we apologize for that, but it is very important.
The guard in the lead turns and gives a sharp nod to the others. He then motions you all to follow. As you do, the other guards form up around and behind, but their postures are still neutral.
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. Inside, walls are made of ebony and carved with depictions of elephants, tigers, monkeys, and peacocks, all with shimmering mother-of-pearl eyes. Mahogany doors are carved with images of a six- armed, four-faced giant who rides a tiger with human hands for paws. All rooms are lit by everburning torches. Exotic plants in clay pots are abundant, and each room is rich with their scents, mingled with that of sandalwood incense burning in brass censers that hang in various spots along the ceiling.
The lead guard opens the door and waves the four of you inside. A tall, pleasant man wearing an eyepatch approaches.
”I am Carnochan, the majordomo of the Arkona Palace. How may I be of service?”
We have come to talk about the current predicament on this side of town, would like to share information and help out if we can.
”My apologizes, I am not sure I follow. You are seeking to exchange information? You may have more luck at one of the local gathering spots.”
"Apologies. My companion has a tendency to put the cart before the horse in his enthusiasm. We've noticed a disturbing trend with the power balance in Old Korvosa and we seek to shift things back to a calmer, more equitable equilibrium for all. We're looking to gain allies in this endeavor and wanted to test the waters here."
”Ah. I see. And this brought you here? I believe you are implying you would like an audience with the Arkona family. I could arrange such with Master Glorio if that is what you are meaning. Otherwise, I am at a loss.”
"That is indeed the intention. We weren't sure if an audience would have been possible, so thank you for verifying that. If you would be so kind as to inform them of our intent and arrange one if they find the prospect agreeable?"
”Very good. Follow me then. “
He nods and holds out an arm, indicating a hallway leading to the east as he begins to walk. Passing several doors he makes a turn to the north, and finally stops and opens the heavy doors leading into a large lounge room.
”Please wait here.”
Thanks for the save Dr. I just got excited and just blurted stuff out. Maybe I should slow down a bit. Faust will give the Dr a pat on the back and chuckle.
"Not to worry Faust. I'm sure you'll come to my aid if I'm ever tongue tied in the future." the Doctor responds to Faust, then more quietly before enteringthe lounge, "The key here will be making our proposed alliance seem in their best interest. If this emperor is allowed to grow more powerful he will eventually turn his sights here, on the Arkonas. Run with that." and gives Faust and encouraging nudge.
Faust will nod in agreement with the Doctor.
Several minutes drag by while waiting in the luxurious room.