"Yes. Entrails cause split ends." She says while holding some of her own hair up to her eyes.
Once back at the barracks, Kendrick reported to his commander to debrief his leaders on the delay in their Crown-sanctioned and ordered skullduggery. He hated that they weren't able to complete that mission and get it off the books. Kendrick found it distasteful.
"Report to the medic on duty about those wounds, cadet," was all the CO said in response to his tale of rampaging otyughs.
Before undressing and climbing into his bunk, Kendrick used his newest spell to clean and press his uniform (and himself). He folded it neatly and laid in his cot, looking at the perfectly creased and laundered garment. I'm starting to wonder if I even deserve a commission. And I wonder if Nuriel can find balance with her recent career path change.
He thought about Dax, and how the Hellknight took those beasts on. Well, she seems to be in the right place at the right time. At least one of us is.
Field Marshal Kroft looks up as you are ushered into her tent once again. Before you can get a word out, she asks "what is that smell? Nevermind, I don't think I want to know. Clean yourselves off and then come back and tell me how the meeting with Devargo went, and what you found out about Ambassador Amprei."
She looks at each of you warily. "You may want to burn those clothes" she says, one hand covering her nose.
"Guards" she calls out, and two soldiers enter. "Escort these soldiers to the barracks and fetch them a tub. Make sure they are undisturbed until they no longer stink. And don't get too close to them."
"You have two hours until I expect your report. May as well grab a bite after you're clean. I wouldn't recommend doing it beforehand. Now get out. I have other matters to deal with in the mean time."
Back at the barracks Nuriel notices that others are avoiding the trio. Just before being taken to the Field Marshal it finally dawns on her that the trio is quite odorous. In fact they stink. Obviously she has gone somewhat nose blind.
Everytime she is about to speak up the Field Marshal cuts her off. Then banishes them to the barracks for a bath. When the Field Marshal mentions she will want their mission report. Nuriel finally resigns herself that her decision to engage the Otyughs may have been in error. She whispers, practicing her report speech all the way to the barracks.
Once there, She begins to remove her soiled armor. Raising her hand to cast prestidigitation. She suddenly stops and looks perplexed. ”I’ve only got one use of the cleaning spell today. I’ll have to use it on the armor. Then take a bath and wash my clothing. I’ll never finish in two hours.”
She casts the spell upon her armor, cleaning it spotless and removing the odor. Then she heads to the tub dropping her soiled and smelly clothing into a nearby bucket.
All the while she continues to practice her report speech.
Dax drops her halberd on the floor and begins to undue her clothes on the way to the bath. "We can't smell that bad . . right?" Dax says as she takes a wiff of her hair and quickly turning her head in disgust. "Maybe we do."
She then proceeds to clean herself thoughly and grab a change of clothes.
Kendrick uses his magic to clean and press his uniform and his armor and gear in very little time. He prefers soaking in the tub to doing maintenance, and uses his time like a soldier who knows it's value when orders could come down at any moment.
He gives almost no thought at all to his report, writing it as he lounges in the slowly cooling, soapy, filthy water. Primary mission interrupted by an immediate threat to public safety. We had to pivot to address the new threat, which required heading into the sewer system. Advise sending armed teams along with public works staff to assess the damage and verify no further threats are coming. Yeah, that's...pretty much it.
Once in front of Marshall Kroft he says exactly that, relying on Nuriel's tendency to focus on details to fill in any gaps.
On final look in the mirror and a few minor adjustments to her uniform, Nuriel nods. Then pivoting she exits the barracks grabbing her report pages on the way out.
Arriving back at the Field Marshal’s tent with 8 minutes to spare. When ushered in, she salutes. Then steps forward and places the report scrolls on the desk, all 10 pages!
Standing at attention she begins.
”On or about the 16th day of Desnus approximately one quarter hour after mid morning bells. And just to be clear. As noted in addendum A-1 all times are approximated. Therefore the use of the term ‘On or about’ is the most accurate designation to indicate when a specific event occurred. As I stated on or about…
Several minutes and 3 addendums later.
”It was at this point ‘This' Agent of the Crown, noted several panicked citizens fleeing in my direction. As always and as mentioned previously and noted in addendum E2. Agent of the Crown is used as an inclusive description of my status in relation to this report..”
A minute or so and only one addendum this time, later.
”I observed an Otyugh. I must bring your attention to addendum G1 concerning the use of the term Otyugh…”
Some time later and oh who knows how many addendums.
”It was at this point. With the wounded Otyugh retreating back into the cratered hole in the street, the decision was made to follow and destroy the creature…
Yep, a bit well a bit more than a bit later.
”Therefore any further discussion of the status of and or recommendations to the city maintenance ministry on the sewer system is beyond the scope of this report. But I will as other duties require, make myself available to answer questions of that department…
Who knows how long later, it seems Nuriel wrote on both sides of scroll pages afterall. The candle on the desk is visibly much shorter than when she began speaking. If that is any indication.
”...Then Hellknight Daxori Albinus struck the final and fatal blow to the last remaining Otyugh…”
More time, not too much more but much more than it would seem necessary. Although the information provided is concise and very detailed. Later.
”At which point this Agent of the Crown entered the Field Marshals tent to present her report.”
Kendrick finds himself nodding off as he stands there silently several times. At one point he half-hears something Nuriel says and wonders, Did she just describe the approximate weight of viscera she dug out of her butt crack? No way, I didn't hear that right. Oh, I think she is almost done, I better start paying attention. Oh, no, not yet. I'll just rest my eyes some...
Meeting the other two at the Field Marshall's tent, Dax stands at the ready when Nuriel begins to speaks. She stands there, in awe at Nuriel's gift of the gab.
I wish I could speak like that. she thinks to herself as she nodds her head, trying to keep up with the report Nuriel is giving.
Not long into Nuriel's report, Field Marshal Kroft leans back in her chair and locks her fingers behind her head. Not long later, she lifts her feet to rest on her desk. Shortly thereafter, her head tilts back more and her eyes close. At one point, you could swore she began to snore, but seconds later her feet slip off the desk, throwing her forward and she almost leaps to her feet.
"Yes, well, thank you for such a detailed report, but you must return to your mission...now. I will dispatch a unit to follow up on the otyughs, but remember, your mission is more important than a few escaped sewer rats. All of Korvosa could be in danger if the Ambassador's plan succeeds." She shakes her head. "I fear we have already lost precious time. Now get out of here and don't come back until your mission is complete...or don't come back at all. Is that clear enough for you Maiden?"
She then looks at Kendrick. "And you, marine?"
Finally her gaze lands on Daxori. "What about you, knight?"
It wasn't being chewed out that bothered Kendrick. He had been chewed out by his superiors before. But he had never been chewed out by someone of such high rank. "Understood, Field Marshal!" he replies standing at full attention.
Dax bows her head, trying to avoid eye contact before uttering a "Yes, Field Marshal." She then eagerly stands at attention, wishing this moment would end.
Snapping to attention and giving a precise salute.
”Yes, Field Marshal. I will complete the mission forthwith. And return with another report.”
She pivots and exits the tent. Once outside she looks at the others
”I think that went well. Although I do believe the Field Marshal found my report not concise enough. I will have to do better next time.”
A sprawl of light and sound marks this pier of Old Korvosa. Glowing lanterns in the shape of dream spiders and coiled eels hang from pilings or lampposts, flickering through what remains of the daylight.
The pier itself is 70 feet long, although its last 30 feet widen into a large square platform on the water. A ship and four smaller vessels are moored to the pier. Four men, dressed similarly, and armed, stand about on the square platform watching those coming and going.
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.
Standing near the edge of Eel's End, Kendrick addresses the other two. "So, look. We have a crime lord that may have information on this Chelish ambassador, the question is how should we play it? Part of me thinks we just come out and make a proposition directly. You know, offer him a future favor from one of us in exchange for the dirt on Amprei. If that doesn't pan out, Nuriel goes ahead with her surprisingly intimidating tax officer talk, and if that fails, Dax beats what we need out of him. Anyone have a better idea?"
He scans the crowd, looking for hidden dangers and alert for fellow Sable Company who might draw attention to Kendrick.
Kendrick doesn't recognize any faces in the immediate crowds, but he also notices a lack of any uniforms overall. If there are any city officials present, they are not advertising themselves.
Dax cast mage armor just incase things go sideways. "Sounds like a plan. Dax says as she scans the area for any imediate threats.
"Uh, I don't suppose anyone thought to bring any under-cover clothes?" Asks Kendrick, suddenly deeply aware of how much the group might stick out. A Sable Company Marine would come down here, but not in uniform. That Otyugh must have smacked my brains. He scowls, but knows how the Field Marshall would react if they delayed their mission further.
Arriving at the pier. Nuriel looks over the crowd to see if she has encountered any of them in the course of her Tax Master duties.
While doing this she is also making mental notes of the building code violations.
”I may also have to cite several of these establishments for false advertising claims. I doubt that place actually has any tigers. And their claims of safety are dubious at best. Dragon dreams, I seriously doubt it. Oh and the Cloud House is oddly enough quite true. They were busted for having a succubus on staff.”
When Kendrick mentions ‘undercover clothing’
”Not displaying your uniform or badge of office. I am not sure. But If you want to try, I will wait here. There are many infractions to note anyway.”
"Yeah, actually, why don't you make yourself obvious, Nuriel? That will take attention away from me and Dax." Kendrick nods at Dax and casts a few simple cantrip spells to alter the black and red uniform to more blues and grays and conceal the winged-anchor insignia and rank insignia beneath a flat-blue color. Once satisfied he isn't immediately identifiable he moseys into the crowd and begins trying to surreptitiously ask about Devargo.
Giving the man a quick nod, she allows him a moment to move into the crown then steps forward.
”ATTENTION CITIZENS! I am Tax Master/Maiden Youescu. Please continue to go about your business. I am not here for you. Unless you are engaged in blatant illegal actions. In which case I will be obliged to act. I am here on other important city business. Do not interfere. Thank you for your time.”
Dax pulls her cloak over her head and follows Kendrick into the crowd. Not very diplomatic, she listens to any infomation Kendrick might gain.
Dax and Kendrick are able to slip into the central square dock where all of the boats are docked, but four men step forward to block Nuriel's passage, saps in hand.
"Yous shoulds just turn around and leave nows, while you still can" one says, using more words than he has teeth. "Yous ain't welcome here."
"Got any subtle spells, Dax?" Kendrick asks as he glances back. Yeah, I think we are even for the sewer trip, now, he thinks childishly. "If she can't talk them down, be ready to give her backup. I'll maintain cover and get the intel, just make sure I have an exit if problems happen."
After taking note of Kendrick and Dax making inquiries. She turns her attention to the quartet of ruffians before her. Quickly casting a guidance cantrip to bolster her Intimidate skills.
”Now, now. You don’t want to go and do anything you’ll regret. Need I remind you that monthly taxes will soon be due. It would be most unfortunate if it were necessary to send a special collection team down here to investigate your finances. So why don’t just go about your business. And I will remain right here. Causing no disruptions. Unless you start them. Then I assure you I will be most disagreeable.”
She lowers the visor of her helm and raises her shield. But otherwise makes no hostile moves.
The goon that spoke before points his sap towards one of the other thugs. "Yous, go and tell the boss we gots a problem up here."
The other thug nods and slips away without a word.
The goon turns his attention back to Nuriel. "Alright yous. The boss says you can come in, then yous can come in, but not another step until the boss says. Otherwise, we throws yous from the docks."
Relieved that Nuriel avoided a fight for the moment, and knowing that a lot of eyes are going to be focused on her and not him or Dax, he continues subtly asking around about Devargo, beginning with the patrons of Goldenhawk.
With Kendrick continue his info gathering, Dax slowly gets into a more tatcial position while eyeing the remaining goons, looking for any sign of hosility.
Content with her role of distraction Nuriel stands rigidly at attention, but watching room and the thugs in particular.
As Kendrick begins asking around, he notices that one of the thugs headed towards the biggest ship, the old warship to the south , although he loses sight of him in the crowd of people.
Observing the thug boarding the ship south of him, Kendrick quietly turns away and moves toward House of Cards in pursuit of the goon. He kept back a distance, watching to see who he reported back to.
Kendrick spots the thug making his way into a large group of drunkards, sailors and revelers dancing on the large main deck of the Eel's End. He loses the thug for a moment, but sees him re-emerge on the aft of the ship moving towards a set of double doors. Two more thugs flank the doors, obviously on guard.
Kendrick marks the goons and the door and decides that as long as Nuriel is still okay, he might need the backup from Dax if this fails. He quickly makes his way to her and tells her where he is headed. "Tell Nuriel we are close, just stay out of trouble. After you tell her, come watch my back. I've got to get past two big gorillas to get to the boss, and if they don't buy what I'm selling them, things might get hairy."
Dpuble-checking that his cantrip is still concealing his uniform, Kendrick adds a spell to increase his speed if trouble breaks out. He then cracks his neck and takes a moment to review his infiltration training before confidently striding up to the goons at the door. He resists the urge to look back and make sure Dax can see him and plunges ahead.
Kendrick looks at one thug, then the other and gives a curt nod. In a low, gravely voice he says, Evenin' fellas. I'm here to see D. I'm the specialist he asked for because of that thing, y'know what I'm sayin'?"
One of the guards nods his head and moves to open the doors for Kendrick. Before he can though, the other guard holds up his hand. "Boss didn't say nothin' about no specialist. Wait here." He turns and heads through the double doors alone, closing them behind him.
Dax makes her way to Nuriel and whispers in her ear to let her know to hold tight and that she will be backing up Kendrick.
Dax then cast mage armor before she makes her way to Kendrick, backing him up.
Kendrick waits long enough to recite an old dirty limerick in his head twice before sighing impatiently. "What's taking so long? This is time-sensitive you know? Did you think it was a coincidence that the queen sent one of her women here tonight? Tell your boss we need to move."
The thug shrugs. "Boss is a busy man. Hmm, queen you say?" he asks with a raised eye brow. He shrugs again. "You's still gotta wait."
"Yeah, it's crazy, huh? Let me tell you all about it..." Kendrick says with a neutral tone before launching into a speech, in character, about how upsetting the establishment too much in a time of disruptive chaos can bring attention at just the time you want to make money, not enemies.
Nueil begins to make mental notes of the blatant infractions to various city codes and the associated fines that could be levied. It only takes her a few minutes to realize that fines just from the obvious ones could outfit several Knights or a platoon of infantry.
I will have to mention this to the field marshal.
Looking in the direction Kendrick went. Humm, he’s been gone just about long enough to have gotten into trouble. Should be any minute now.
The thug's eyes narrow as he tries to follow when Kendrick is saying, but it quickly becomes apparent that he's completely lost. As Kendrick steps closer to the door, the thug's hand moves to pull his sap out. "HEY, don't you move none, or else!"
Waiting to see how Kendrick handles the situation, Dax readies to cast Daze on thug if he gets violent.
Kendrick's hand drops to his sword and he casts a brief incantation. "Let me be clear: I have business with your boss. It's in his best interest. You are going to get out of my way. Now!"
"Your pyre mate. Don't say I didn't warn you." He opens the door door and waits for you to enter, closing it once you're inside.
This large room, once a captain’s cabin, has been converted into a throne room of sorts. The walls are thick with spider webs, in which scuttle dozens of spiders, some as large as a fist but most considerably smaller. These spiders seem content to stay in their webs and do not venture into the room itself, which is furnished with two sturdy oaken tables surrounded by chairs. Aft, a wooden stage supports a large leather chair covered with cobwebs and scampering spiders. A narrow door stands to port, hanging ajar and revealing a flight of stairs leading below. An iron birdcage hangs from the ceiling like a chandelier.
A tall, muscular man with shaggy black hair and a fierce glare could only be Devargo Barvasi. He accents his black leather armor with a steel spider-shaped shoulder baldric and a thick chain crisscrossing his chest, linked together in the shape of a spider. His signature weapons, gauntlets fixed with blades over the knuckles, glisten.
Six thugs are seated at various tables around the room, enjoying a meal and sharing stories rather loudly. The thug from outside currently talks to the man with the spider motiff.
A house drake currently resides in the iron birdcage.
As you enter, the room quiets and all eyes turn towards you.
You notice a hidden trap door just before the throne.
"I am Kendrick Laradin, of the Sable Company. The Queen's woman outside is with me. We also have a Hellknight nearby. I tell you this so you understand how serious this is, and that you're being recognized as a major player in Korvosa."
He pauses and looks the man in the eye. "And as a major player, you have a stake in the city's fortunes. I don't believe I need to tell you how disruptive it would be for business if Cheliax decided to make a move to reclaim the city, do I? Sure, maybe you make some gold with war profiteering, but wars end, and what happens then? Either the Chelaxians come calling to get some of their money back, or if Korvosa remains free, and we both know you'd need to start over somewhere else in such an event."
Kendrick inhales sharply through his nose. "You understand what I need. What the Queen herself needs, yes? Information about a certain Cheliah ambassador that keeps us free without a major war. Wouldn't you rather have a Marine. Hellknight, and Maiden as friends, rather than need to start from scratch and dodge Chelish assassins?"
Devargo looks to the goon on his left.
"Yeah, that's the one boss." Devargo nods and whispers something else to the thug. He nods, and heads for the exit, signaling the others to follow him. The room empties in less than a minute while Devargo takes a seat on his throne and waves Kendrick forward.
As Kendrick speaks, Devargo throws a leg over the armrest of the throne and yawns.
"You are bold. I like that. But you overreach. This is my domain, the web of the spider. War, no war, the spider always eats."
"You require information, that is easy enough to come by, but easy or not, it has a price. Surely one on such a mission, for the queen herself no less, would have been authorized...to negotiate."
"You will come, here, and kneel before me, show me the proper respect that a...major player such as myself, has earned, and I will hear your offer."
Several thugs re-emerge on the aft of the Eel's End, joking loudly and carrying on.
"Tell your queen you have failed in your duties. You may leave now. This conversation is over."
He removes a small vial from his belt, uncorks it, and begins to smear the contents over his bladed gauntlets.
Dax steps onto the deck of the ship and surveys the are. "Hope Kendrick convinces him to help" She thinks to herself while keeping her Halberd at the ready.
Sizing up the worried looking men in front her, Nuriel plans her actions for If. No, when Kendrick starts fighting.
The one on the left, nearest the edge of the pier. Yeap, you are going in the water.