The papers vary widely. There are a few purchase records and several I.O.U's, but mostly it's thank you letters and pictures applauding the efforts of the establishment to feed the poor.
Scanning the papers on the desk she snatches several of the accolade notes. Holding the papers out to Verik.
”Oh so you deny ‘That’ charge. Then it is you assertion that Mr. Parns acted alone when he butchered people? So you could give free meat to the poor. And take credit for the charity.”
"I don't know what you're on about copper. We gave out food to the poor. Butchering people? That's just sick! We were doing good!" he insists.
"The food you're giving out is people, Verik!" shouts Kendrick. He grabs at the silver dagger and points it at the man to punctuate his words, rather than threaten, "Go down there and look real close at what is hanging on your hooks."
He makes a low growl and stabs the dagger back into the table. Staring into the drunk's eyes, Kendrick adds, "It doesn't matter, anyway. Nuriel and Dax will both tell you ignorance is not a defense. Those men were calling you the boss, so you're going to be held responsible."
"That sounds like a good idea, lets take a look at what is going on downstairs."
Dax begins to escort Verik out the door and toward the stairs.
"Let's see what is happening under your watch!"Dax growls angerly, trying not to raise her voice too much.
The realization slowly sets about the man's face, although he still doesn't believe it. Unarmed and in chains, he doesn't resist and moves down the stairs willingly.
"Look, whatever those buffoons may have been up to, I wasn't involved. I had no idea. I've been holed up in that office for days. How could I have known, if what you say is even true..."
He mumbles mostly to himself as he's lead about, constantly proclaiming his own innocence as well as the sick lies you tell. It isn't until he's ushered into the room where the meat hangs from the hooks that it all starts to come together for him. He drops to his knees and stutters simply "oh gods".
"Verik, when you get to where you're going, I would tell them everything you know about the others." Kendrick felt sick about letting one get away, and the way that one had spoken, he was sure there were other participants. "It might save your life. I don't know."
After watching Verik being led away by Dax. Nuriel quickly inventories and confiscates his gear. Sparing a few moments to look at the potions.
She collects several blank scrolls as well as quills and ink. Then descends the stairway and takes note of Varik’s reaction to the evidence of Cannibalism and allows herself a slight smile. She Looks about for the witness.
She walks over to the man and hands one of the writing sets to him. ”Write down the names of all involved with this place.
She looks out the open door. ”He is smarter than I thought he was.” She says to no one in particular.
She moves to Varik and hands him a set of writing implements. ”The names of all your associates.”
She turns away from him then pauses. Turning back to the man she tucks a small piece of paper into his shirt pocket. ” A receipt for your lawfully confiscated items.”
She then begins to thoroughly search each room.
"I would do what she says because when it comes down to her invistigtions, she doen't mess around." Dax says as she leads Verik to a place he can write the name of his associates.
You notice a small mound of dirt under the southern trough that looks like it has been moved around. Buried in a hole are several bags containing 450gp, 740sp, and 800gp worth of assorted gems and jewelry.
Verik, still stunned by what has been happening under his nose, writes down the names of the two thugs that fled. He puts up no further resistance as he's lead back to the castle in chains.
As you make your way through the mostly-empty streets of the city, you pass a bar. The doors opens and two burly men toss a third out on to the street. "Don't come back until you sober one" one growls as the drunk. The drunk's soiled livery marks him as a Watch Sergeant of the Korvosan guard. He quickly stands, albeit unsteadily and looks around. At seeing Dax, he smiles and begins stumbling in her direction.
"Neffi, is that you? It's been too long. Come, let us get a drink, we can find a better dive than this one. It's so good to see you" he says with open arms and he clearly tries to close in for a hug.
"As if we didn't have enough issues with people drinking too much tonight." Kendrick mutters to himself with an eyeroll. He moves to put himself between the Sergeant and Dax. "Excuse me, Sergeant, we are on important busines. Transporting a prisoner," he hooks his thumb back at Verik. "Come find me and, uh, 'Neffi' tomorrow and I'll buy you a round, okay?"
Utterly confused and extremely uncofortable with this type of attention, Dax begins to stammer. Uh . . .um. .Ye . .Yeah..Important. . she meakly says as she follows Kendricks lead, trying to rush past and get as far away from this uncomfortable situation as possible.
Seeing Kendrick’s diplomacy attempt seemingly falter and having had quite enough of those who disregard the rules for one day, she steps toward the drunk Guard Sergeant. So he can clearly see her Yellow Taxmaster Tabard and Red Plumed Maiden Helm
”SERGEANT! You will come to attention immediately. What is the meaning of this disgraceful behavior?”
The Sergeant immediately snaps to attention, although somewhat sloppily. He stands at attention as best he can for a moment, but quickly deflates and slouches, trying to remain standing.
"Sorry ma'am. It's...it's just this city. I can't stand to see it like this. I just don't know what to do."
The man's name is Grau, a well-liked watch sergeant of the Korvosan Guard. Well trained in swordplay, he climbed the ranks quickly until the king became sick.
"All we can do is our duty." Kendrick replies with a shrug.
Glancing around at the despair and chaos of the city.
”Yes, it disturbs me greatly. But only by staying at our posts and doing our jobs. Can we ever hope to restore order to our city, our home.”
Looking at Varik and motioning with her head to move on. They begin to walk away. Pausing, she looks back at the Sergeant. ”At ease Sergeant. Get some rest and be ready for work in the morning. It’s the only thing we can do.”
Looking to the others. ”Let's go. We still have a task to complete.”
"Uh, yes ma'am" he says with a half-hearted salute before staggering off down the street.
The rest of the trek back to the Citadel is relatively uneventful. Occasionally you hear shouting around a corner, or watch as a guard chases someone into an alley. Soon enough you arrive back at the gates and this time are ushered in. "This way. Field Marshal Kroft said to keep an eye out for you." The solider leads you back to the Field Marshal's office.
"Huh. Well I'll be. Guards! Get that filth outta my sight." Two guards, who had been standing just outside the tent, enter and place hands on Verik, leading him away. Once the three have departed, she begins again.
"Forgive me. Where are my manners?" She motions to another man in the tent, handsome, and sitting at a chair at her desk.
The man is Vencarlo Orisini, a well-known and respected teacher of fencing and swordplay
"May I present Vencarlo Orisini." The man rises to his feet and bows graciously. He strolls immediately to Nuriel and slowly takes her hand, raising it to up kiss the back of it. “If Korvosa had more fine folk like you, we’d already be out of this mess.”
Cressida Kroft nods in agreement. "Too true, but as much as I would enjoy continuing the conversation, I fear we just don't have the 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 disdian 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. Varcarlo 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 pseronal 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, Vercarlo 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 pur 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 a group of Korvosa guard into Eel's End, but your group might be able to make it in, seeing as how you're all of different affiliations. 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 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."
She tosses a small pouch filled with 1,000 gp on the desk.
Vencarlo speaks up again. "I was going to head back to my academy in Old Korvosa anyway. I would be happy to escort you" he says, specifically to Nuriel.
Politics. Gross, but necessary. Glad I'm just paid to fight for my city, not rule it. "Understood, Marshall Kroft. Is there a timeline for this operation? Verik's butchering buddies put up some resistance, so time to recuperate would be best, but if time is of the essence?"
As Verik is led away. ”Field Marshal Kroft. Here is an updated list of charges against him. As well as a list of his cohorts. Some of the crimes are most dire.”
When Vencarlo Orisini greets her.
Nuriel is almost dazed by the man’s attention. She actually blushes. ”Th… Thank you Sir Orisini. I am only doing my duty.”
Listening to the Field Marshal detail the assignment. On hearing Darvayne Gios Amprei’s plan.
”What! He threatens the economy. He must be dealt with immediately.”
When Devargo Barvasi ‘King of Sankes’ is mentioned.
”Oh yes I know of him. The Taxmasters have investigated him several times. But he keeps excellent financial records and does indeed pay his taxes promptly.”
When the bribe is mentioned.
”Field Marshal. Bribery is most distasteful not to mention illegal.” She looks thoughtful for a moment.”Though I suppose we could call it a valid recompense for services rendered.”
When the Field Marshal is finished.
This is a most unusual task. It walks the line of legal and illegal. But with the danger to the economy. I as a faithful servant to Abadar and an agent of the Crown will undertake it to the best of my ability.”
When Vencarlo Orisin makes the escort offer.
She blushes again. ”W…Well we are going in that direction. So traveling together only makes sense.”
Kendrick rolls his eyes the first time Nuriel stammers, but the second time he realizes she isn't playing the bashful innocent, she actually is the bashful innocent! He grins and gives Dax a little nudge then immediately wonders what sort of romance the stoic Hellknight might have had before joining her order.
"If you need time to recover, there are some empty cots in the barracks, but the sooner the better. I doubt that whatever plans the ambassador has in motion will bring the city down by morning, but you just can't be too careful."
The Field Marshal accepts Nuriel's list with a nod of thanks. She gives the list a once over, and then does a double-take. "That's just horrid." She looks up, somewhat blanched. "Secrecy is paramount here Taxmaster. I don't want word of these atrocities spreading. If the people hear of it, I shudder to imagine what they would do. Best to let sleeping dogs lie. I will have the guards alerted to his compatriots names and be the on lookout. You have a keen mind Taxmaster."
Practically ignoring Kendrick and Dax, Vencarlo offers the crux of his elbow to Nuriel. "Shall we depart post haste madam?'
Dax sees all of Vencarlo's attention given to Nuriel and is greatful it is not centered on her this time.
"I think a good nights rest would do us some good." Dax says while making her way to the barracks. "Beside, I think we need a plan on how we are going to approach Devargo and his Eel's End".
She is already moving to take Orisin’s offered elbow. When she notices the others making ready to rest.
Turning to Vencarlo. ”I am so sorry. But they are right, we must rest before removing the threat.” Lowering her head for a moment.
Then looking up.’B..But maybe we could have that walk another time.?” She says very quickly and looking uncharacteristically awkward.
"It would be my honor, madam" he says as he bows, raising her hand to kiss the top of it. "I shall return to my academy in Old Korvosa to count the hours until we meet again madam. Until then, I bid you adidu." He turns and strides out of the tent.
"Ahem. Like I said, you can uh, find cots in the barracks. I'll hold on to the gold pieces until you're ready to depart. No point in tempting the soldiers with too big a prize" the Field Master says, looking a little flushed. "Come see me again after you've gotten some shut eye."
You awake in the morning to the sounds of shouting and clanging. It takes a minute to remember that you're surrounded by soldiers training and preparing for the day.
The Field Marshall is waiting in her tent when you arrive, and the guards quickly show you in. She tosses the pouch of gold to Nuriel. "It's up to you. The Eel's End is mostly active in the evening and into the wee hours of the morning. If you hurry now, you may catch them winding down from last night. Or you could wait until this evening and be assured of an audience with Devargo. Up to you." With that she waves her hand, shooing you out of the tent.
Kendrick returns to his barracks as soon as he was able, promising to catch up with the other two at the castle later. He debriefing with his training officer and explained that the Queen's new government has continued to contract his services in a further mission. He omits the details of the mission, but is likewise not pressed by his superiors.
In the morning be hangs his dirty uniform up and stares at it. He focuses his mind on a spell he hasn't yet managed to get a solid grasp on and tries it. The uniform is instantly cleaned and pressed. Despite the storm clouds gathering in his mind, he manages a genuine and happy smile.
"We aren't exactly subtle, may as well go when they're tired and while we are fresh, I say. What's our play, anyway, ladies?" he asks Dax and Nuriel after hearing Croft's assessment.
Nuriel nods to Vencarlo’s words and watches glassy-eyed as he leaves.
She blinks, suddenly realizing her hand is still raised. Taking a deep breath as she lowers it and turns to the Field Marshal.
”Yes Ma’am.” She snaps to attention and salutes.
Pointedly ignoring the grins of her companions, she prepares for rest.
On waking Nuriel performs her morning prayers to Abadar. Then finds the mess,eats some breakfast. After which she begins to ready her armor and weapons.
Returning to the Field Marshal’s tent.
Deftly catching the pouch. She immediately opens it and assesses the contents. After listening to the orders. Giving a crisp salute on the way out.
Nodding to Kendrick. ”I agree. We hit them now. And if we wake Devargo, so much the better.”
Daxori nods in agreement with Nuriel and Kendrick.
"Before we go, is there anything we might need?"
"Here is what I am thinking," Kendrick begins, "Arrive separately, under different pretenses. That way no one knows we are working together." He considers how much of a stickler Nuriel is with rules and knows full well what Dax being a Hellknight means for her subtlety. "I should probably, um, take point with Devargo?" He says the last with an unsure tone and an upward inflection.
The streets are slowly recovering and a few more people are out in peace. You pass the occasional patrol, but violence seems to be in check, at least for now. It's early morning, and most of the city still waking so the streets are mostly empty.
As you round a building, you begin to feel a rumble beneath your feet. A moment later the city street cracks apart and long fissures run across the bricks. Chucks of rock erupt in a spray as the road bursts upward, raining bricks around the immediate area. The stench of sewer and garbage belches forth, heralding the approach of a loud and hungry, bloated aberration with three legs and four tentacles.
Spending so much time in sewers or surrounded by refuse results in otyugh's usually being diseased.
Their tentacles can reach farther than you'd think and constrict.
This one must be some kind of mutant since otyugh's usually only have three tentacles.
”Okay you get the first crack at Devargo. If he goes for it, great. Otherwise I will talk to him.” Holding her hand out indicating Kendrick should lead the way.
During the trip through the streets.
”Good to see that order has been restored.”
When the street begins to erupt.
”I obviously spoke too soon about order being restored.”
As the beast appears. She draws her sword and readies shield while moving to engage
”You are mine monster."!
Challenge (Ex) 2/day
Once per day, a cavalier can challenge a foe to combat. As a swift action, the cavalier chooses one target within sight to challenge. The cavalier’s melee attacks deal extra damage whenever the attacks are made against the target of his challenge. This extra damage is equal to the cavalier’s level. The cavalier can use this ability once per day at 1st level, plus one additional time per day for every three levels beyond 1st, to a maximum of seven times per day at 19th level.
Challenging a foe requires much of the cavalier’s concentration. The cavalier takes a –2 penalty to his
Armor Class, except against attacks made by the target of his challenge.
The challenge remains in effect until the target is dead or unconscious or until the combat ends.
Each cavalier’s challenge also includes another effect which is listed in the section describing the cavalier’s order.
Halfhearted Challenge (Ex) +1 damage
Sisters-in-arms vigilantly protect their allies, weakening their focus on their challenged foe. A sister-in-arms adds only half her cavalier level (minimum 1) to damage rolls against her challenge target.
This ability alters challenge.
Challenge: Whenever an order of the lion cavalier issues a challenge, he receives a +1 dodge bonus to his AC
against attacks made by the target of his challenge. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels the cavalier
possesses.
Challenge: Whenever an order of the dragon cavalier issues a challenge, his allies receive a +1
circumstance bonus on melee attack rolls against the target of his challenge whenever he is threatening the target. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels the cavalier possesses.
Challenge: Whenever an order of the lion cavalier issues a challenge, he receives a +1 dodge bonus to his AC against attacks made by the target of his challenge. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels the cavalier possesses.
”Be wary it has a long reach!”
Nuriel's blade bites deep into the Otyugh. With a snarl, it turns to face her. It rears back and roars before it's weight shifts forward and it's mouth closes around her shoulder, teeth sinking in deep. It's tentacles flare about spastically in a wave of fury but Nuriel manages to avoid them all. The few citizens that had been out and about immediately flee for safety.
A bit stunned by the sudden appearance of this abomination, Dax cast Mage Armor before making her way toward the tenticle monstrosity, reading her halberd.
Gritting her teeth and grunting at the pain of the monster’s bite. Focusing on the fight. She steps to the ‘west’ and strikes at the beast once more.
”I’ll try to work my way around, so we can flank it.”
"Whoa!" Kendrick exclaims at the emergence of the foul smell and foul smelling creature. He draws his sword free and grips it with both hands as he rushes to the corner of a building where he quickly shouts out a minor incantation. A bright flash of light strobes for a moment in front of the flailing beast.
The Otyugh falls back, away from Nuriel's bloody sword as Kendrick's flare zips right past it, leaving a thin, smoking line trailing right back to him. The Otyugh roars in anger, two of it's tentacles lash out at the second wave. Another tentacle swings low at Nuriel, taking her legs out from under her. It's massive jaws clamp down hard on her leg.
Dax moves to position herself infront between Nureil and the abomination (provoking an an attack of opportunity) and infuses her halberd with some of her magical energy before bringing it down on the beast.
Concentrating on keeping her shield up and ready for attacks coming from above she completely missed the low attack, that lands her on her back. And is equally surprised and shocked when the monster bites into her leg.
Grunting in pain she crawls back from the creature.
”Master of the First vault succor my wounds”
Once there she raises her voice.
”Comrades together we will defeat this horror.”
Lion’s Call (Ex)
At 2nd level, an order of the lion cavalier gains the ability to rally his allies. As a standard action, he can
give an encouraging speech which grants all allies within 60 feet a competence bonus on their
saving throws against fear equal to his Charisma modifier and a +1 competence bonus on attack rolls for
a number of rounds equal to his cavalier level. If an ally within range is under the effect of a spell or ability
that causes him to be frightened or panicked, he can immediately make another saving throw to resist the
effect (if allowed).
Kendrick swears as his burst of light passes harmlessly by, then charges in, emboldened by Nuriel's confidence. Ignoring the massive maw with rotten teeth and flailing tentacle, he aims his sword directly for the creature's center mass, hoping to issue a deathstroke to it's heart.
Dax's halberd bites deep into the otyugh, shearing right through flesh and bone. The otyugh grimaces in obvious pain, roars and makes to bite into Dax. Before it can, Kenrick's sword finishes what Dax's halberd started, ripping further into the aberration's head. The beast shudders on its feet before collapsing, it's weight slowly pulling it back into the whole it had emerged from.
"Whoooooa..." Kendrick slowly enunciates as the creature slides back into the hole. "Well, that was uh, something. Glad that thing came out near us and didn't rampage through a bunch of citizens. Hers, Nuriel, let me help."
Dax begins to wipe the Otyugh's blood from her halberd.
"That was definitely something." Dax says as she offers to help Nuriel to her feat.
"How long has that thing been under streets? Dax asks openly.
Taking Dax’s hand, Nuriel gets to her feet. ”Thank you both.”
She moves her sore shoulder and checks her somewhat healed wound on her leg. ”Master of the First Vault. Grant me a boon so I may continue to serve you.”
Stepping over and peering into the hole. ”I am more concerned with why such a beast came up here. It was ‘Wrong’ as in not a normal formed Otyugh. Something drove it to the surface.”
Kendrink shrugs. "City has been crazy since the King died. It could just be related to the city hasn't been able to keep up with public works maintenance. Let's focus on our current mission, first."
"I think we should at least take a quick look, just incase there are any more of thoses things down there. Heaven forbid another one comes up here and snatches a kid or something." Dax says as she uses her Darkvision to peer down the hole.
"Uh. Okay. Ladies first, then," Kendrick says with a shrug. I guess I'll get practice with that cantrip I seem to finally be mastering. We are all going to stink too much for our mission.
Nodding to Kendrick. Nuriel casts light on her shield and steps into the hole. Sword at the ready.
Once down she peers about.
Low Light Vision
"I'll back her up if you got the rear?" Kendrick says to Dax as he carefully picks his way down, drawing his weapon once on the ground beside Nuriel.
"Sounds like a plan." Dax responds as she follows Kendrick down.
Nuriel's light reveals more details about the sewers than anyone would really want to know about. You make your way through a narrow drain pipe, having to crouch through it at times, your armor scraping against the rusted metal from time to time. It's hard to believe that a creature as large as the otyugh made it through here, but you can see puckered circles along the pipe now and then that confirm it did come this way.
While the stench and cramped quarters makes it feel longer, barely a minute later and you emerge into a much wider passage. No natural light reaches down this far, but you hear the sounds of water trickling, the stench of rotting garbage, and the occasional echoing reverberation of something large moving around...possibly multiple somethings.
"The smell is hot. You know? What a fantastic idea to come down here, Nuriel."