Kayleigh tries her best to help Nethen restrain the woman. She likely ends up getting in the way.
Stepping in and also grasping the woman, Ariadne growls a command at her. "By order of the Queen I place you under arrest. Stop resisting and you'll live to explain your actions, unlike some of your companions!"
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The woman slumps as she sees she cannot escape, there is no one left to aid her and she is outnumbered. She slumps in a surly, unspeaking silence.
She hadn't managed to destroy any documents before you stopped her and while scanning the papers shows nothing incriminating there are some that use vague and even coded terms to describe what was sold to whom.
Loot:
Chainmail +1,
MW Breastplate (4),
MW Composite longbow (+1 str) (4),
MW Short sword (4),
Quarterstaff +1,
Cloak of Resistance +1
Silk rope (50') (5),
MW Thieves tools
Anything else you wish to do here, or Back to Headquarters?
"Akright, Let's gather the kids and head back to Headquarters. We'll take the paperwork and hand it to the Watch Detectives, the guard can come in and deal with the animals and taking possession of the premises." Ariadne says, securing bonds on the woman.
"Let's check out the rest of the compound before we go. There might be more clues as to where the Pet Maker is or who's working with him," Nethen suggests.
Ariadne catches Kayleigh unabashedly beaming at Vedika and her younger sister, now happily reunited. Though the cleric's grown up quite a bit since the time years back when they'd first met, Kayleigh's still the kind-hearted do-gooder who was such a poor fit in Lamm's Lambs and made her quick betrayal at the old crime lord's hands so brutal and inevitable.
Kayleigh snaps out of her reverie and gives a quick nod before following Ariadne's orders. The cleric also casts a quick detect magic spell to identify any magical items amongst the gathered loot, and she keeps the spell up and running, scanning for any hidden stashes the group might have missed while chasing down the guards after Nethen suggests exploring the rest of the complex before departing.
Lastly, Kayleigh asks Ariadne if she should perform a healing channel. In addition to healing her own lingering wound (and any others the party may have suffered), it might bring the other prisoners around so they can walk back to whatever headquarters her friend had mentioned, rather than having to be carried there. The cleric proves smart and practical, suggesting that such prisoners should still have their ankles bound, loosely enough to allow them to shuffle while not being able to move more swiftly to attempt an escape.
Ariadne can't help the smile that comes across her lips seeing Kayleigh's reaction to Vedika and her sister. "Both very good ideas! Let's gather them all up in one room, tied up, then complete a quick search of the place. After that heal them enough so that they can walk, and we'll take them to Headquarters. The guards who come to take over the facility can handle the bodies"
Kayleigh offers her friend anther quick nod before doing her best to help carry/drag the prisoners to a common location (the empty cells in the northern part of the menagerie makes sense to me, if we find/found the keys that work the locks). Then she scans with detect magic while her new comrades do a more traditional search of the complex.
Vedika moves back quickly to Sita, gives her another hug, and says, "Almost done. It'll be just like the job we did... uhhhhh... you know what I mean."
To the rest of the team she says, "All right, but let's get all the kids back to sunlight as soon as we can. I don't like the possibility of something else going wrong while they are stuck down here."
Walking back through the streets you can still feel that hint of underlying unease in the air. Things are quiet now, but people are casting suspicious glances around and keeping to themselves rather than the usual mingling and gossiping.
It feels as if people are waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Cressida Croft is almost incandescent with rage when you and the guards she sent with you report back on the results your search of the Menagerie turned up.
She promises that this will be investigated to the fullest. She also awards the party 5000gp from the cities coffers as a reward for your work. "At a time like this who knows how many children could have gone missing due to these filth!"
Kayleigh takes an instant liking to Cressida after hearing the outrage in the woman's voice after she hears what was happening at the Menagerie.
She's not just another bureaucrat seeking her own personal power--she seems to actually care about Korvosa.
Ariadne is also somewhat pleased to see the anger that the proof of child trafficking inspires in Croft. It felt good to be working with someone who had both authority and the good of others in mind. Even better that she would ensure the children were taken care of and those without family safely housed.
"The Pet Maker's still out there though," Nethen says to Croft. "There's nothing to stop him from setting up shop somewhere else, unless he gets brought down. Are you going to make sure that happens?" he asks, his tone challenging.
"Once I get Sita safely back home, we can either take on more responsibilities, or we can try to track the Pet Maker," says Vedika. "Sadly, barring some magical divination, I am not sure how to find that trail again. The Pet Maker has doubtless spent many years evading and bribing authorities, and is probably quite skilled at obfuscating any trail. As much as I want to see that bastard brought to justice, I don't know how we can find them now."
Croft to Nethen: "Because you brought in those papers. It's only a few crumbs now admittedly, and the prisoners won't know much either. Low ranking scum like these are always kept in the dark. But we now have a scent of a trail. With that we can start hunting for more."
A couple of days to get your gear enchanted. Who is doing what?
"See that he suffers for what he's done." Nethen growls, pleased that Croft isn't going to let the investigation go.
Weapons or armors fashioned from mithral are always masterwork items as well; the masterwork cost is included in the prices given below.
Kayleigh borrows one of the masterwork breastplates to protect her until her agile suit is ready to be picked up.
"I have a small flat in Old Korvosa, a short ways southwest of the old Temple of Aroden," she tells her new friends. With a smile she adds, "Where do you all stay when you're not out saving the city?"
The next morning, while cooking up a batch of scrambled eggs for the old priests at the Temple of Aroden, Kayleigh brings up her recent mission to rescue Vedika's sister from the creeps at the Menagerie. She asks the priests if they've ever heard of the Pet-Maker or of a similar operation during their years in the city...or if they could point her toward someone who might be helpful.
”Well, I have a small apartment as well, but there’s also Zellara’s place, where most of us first met. It’s a small home and fortune telling shop that’s now vacant, other than Zellara’s ghost.” Ariadne replies.
** spoiler omitted **
Once you've dealt with your equipment needs Marshall Croft sends word that she needs to see you in her office.
This time she is not alone. A handsome man sits in one of the chairs at her desk, and you enter, he rises and bows. Cressida introduces the man as an old friend—Vencarlo Orisini.
With a successful DC 15 Knowledge (local) check, a PC recognizes him
as one of Korvosa’s most respected and renowned teachers of the honorable arts of fencing and swordplay.
Vencarlo is a charming man, and he bows deeply as he’s introduced. Cressida explains that although Vencarlo himself has always been an outspoken critic of Korvosa’s government, she has always valued him as a friend and advisor.
Particularly in these dark times, his input about the temperament and morale of the citizens of Korvosa is invaluable to the field marshal, who’s desperate to get the city back under control.
Vencarlo is complimentary and polite to you, congratulating you on your successes and noting that “If Korvosa had more fine folk like you,
we’d already be out of this mess.” He pays particular attention to females, going as far as to kiss the backs of their hands and offering one of them his chair.
Before he can really turn on the charm though the Marshall breaks in:
“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.”
Cressida hands Ariadne a purse containing 1000gp. Your funds to bribe Devargo. As she prepares to give you the address of Eel’s End, Vencarlo steps in, saying he was heading back up to his academy in Old Korvosa anyway, and that he’d love to escort the party as far as Old Korvosa whenever they’re ready.
So what are you doing?
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Kayleigh's heard of Vencarlo before, probably from the old priests at the Temple of Aroden. He's not from her neighborhood on Endrin Isle, though; she guesses his home and fencing academy are on the western part of Old Korvosa. She blushes at the man's attention, somewhat scandalized by the older man's interest in her. At the same time, she notes his attention to Ariadne and is encouraged that the man seems to see past her friend's superficial scarring to the awesome person beneath.
He's not without his virtues, the prestess decides.
She's also heard a bit about Eel's End, though it's not part of the circuit she usually makes to help the downtrodden in her neighborhood. In fact, she's of the opinion that anyone who frequents Eel's End is likely responsible for their own troubles in life, and she avoids the place like the plague. She's also heard more than enough whispers about the creepy King of Spiders to have never crossed paths with the lord of Eel's End nor ventured anywhere near his 'kingdom.'
On the trip back to Old Korvosa, Kayleigh does her best to keep farther from Vencarlo than Ariadne. Though she thinks the man too old for any romantic interest in her friend, Ariadne at least wields a blade and might benefit from the man mentoring her in swordplay. She's not sure if the smaller blades she's seen Vedika employ technically qualify for 'fencing.'
And he can't teach me how to fence with a morningstar! she thinks to herself. Besides, I already know to aim for places that'll really hurt if I connect--elbows, knees, or the ribcage.
On the long walk back to Old Korvosa, Kayleigh starts to strategize. "Do we plan on marching to Eel's End immediately?" she asks the others. "If we wait a day, I could prepare spells more customized for our mission, like maybe cat's grace to help Vedika, bull's strength for Ariadne or Nethen, or eagle's splendor to aid whoever is going to do the negotiating for us." Her eyes turn to Iorghil. "I'm guessing that would be you."
It's pretty obvious the young priestess has reservations about negotiating or matching wits with the vice-lord herself.
A sprawl of light and sound marks the first (or last, depending on your orientation) pier of Old Korvosa. Glowing lanterns in the shape of dream spiders and coiled eels hang from pilings or lampposts, flickering through all hours of the night.
During the day, Eel’s End is quieter, yet the place never truly sleeps, catering to the vices and base needs of Old Korvosa at all hours.
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 permanently moored to the pier; the ship is the Eel’s End, a warship that serves as the stronghold of Devargo Barvasi and the administrative center of his entire operation.
The four vessels are owned by various peddlers and captains, and they pay regular rent for the honor of attaching to Eel’s End. Those who fail to pay or abide by Devargo’s laws find their ship cut loose in the middle of the night, often in flames or infested with deadly spiders.
Eel’s End (the name applies both to the warship and the entire collection of moored ships) is open and welcoming of nearly everyone. The enforcers and merchants here are naturally suspicious of well-dressed visitors, but their suspicion quickly caves to greed as they try to fleece these hopefully naive patrons.
Ironically, Eel’s End is actually one of the safer, more stable locations in Korvosa these days. The riots haven’t touched the place, and in fact, the increased need for escapism from the horrors of reality means that business is booming.
He is a tall, muscular man with shaggy black hair and a fierce glare.
He accents his black leather armor with a steel spidershaped 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 with poison.
Once a smuggler from Riddleport, Barvasi crossed the wrong people there and ended up on the run for years before he found a partner in Stanris Sevenfingers (then called Stanris the Swifthand). The two had a murderous falling out shortly after they conceived of Eel’s End, and
Stanris vanished mysteriously.
Today, Devargo spends most of his time at Eel’s End, entertained by lickspittles and sycophants, all of whom are petty scoundrels and thugs desperate to earn the King of Spiders’ favor.
An invitation to join Devargo in his throne room is both a blessing and a threat to an up and-coming thief, since attendance is no guarantee of
alliance and often results in torture, torment, and death.
Devargo spends the majority of his afternoons and the first few hours of each night here, from noon to a few hours after dusk.
Since Devargo pays his vice taxes and polices Eel’s End well enough that trouble here never impacts the city at large (including a strict policy
of handing over anyone he realizes is trying to use Eel’s End to hide from the law), the Korvosan Guard rarely has any cause to send members out to visit Eel’s End.
As you head north with Vencarlo you find him to be a charming, entertaining man. He pays particular attention to females or anyone who reminds him of himself in youth (brash, skilled at swordplay, and
humorous).
He does seem to have an interest in Nethen & Ariadne. Discussing what weapons they prefer, and how they plan a fight?
Anyone else got any questions they wish to ask Vencarlo?
Considering her reputation and regard as a swordmaster, Ariadne is well aware of Vencarlo, and is surprised, and a bit flustered at his charming introduction, for a moment, actually smiling when he offers Vedika his chair.
Charm all around on this one.
Listening closely to the details of the political intrigues involving Ambassador Amprei, she nods at the benefit of obtaining useful information from someone like Barvasi. Men and women like the King of Spiders never dealt with anyone with power without gathering tools to destroy them if needed. If they could convince him, the information he had would be very valuable in protecting Korvosa in the long term. All the same, hearing that Barvasi's death wouldn't be considered a mission failure should things go awry definitely aligned with her own moral compass.
As they ride, she enjoys the discussion on swordplay and combat. Though her own training had mostly centered on heavier, less finesse tactics, depending on good armor to supplement blade skill, it was always a pleasure to be in a position to learn anything from someone who was a clear master of their art.
”My outlook on battle tends to be a bit more defensive. I try to present a wall that the enemy breaks against, while amplifying my counter attacks with battle magic.” she explains, describing her art of blending the arcane with martial techniques.
Ghil nods in agreement with Kayleigh. "Yes, words have always been my strength. I'm sure I can find a way to get the information we need!"
Vedika is just a tiny bit suspicious of Vencarlo at first—an older suave gentleman with a flair for debonair fencing and younger women?—but by the time he offers his chair to Vedika she seems a bit mollified, and after the meeting, while the group is making their way through the streets, she seems won over.
"I've done a little swordplay with light blades myself," she mentions by way of small talk, "but I rarely carry. As a young woman from one of the rougher parts of town, I can't exactly show up with an obvious blade and not draw the attention of the guard. That's why I tend to keep a few small items on my person that a lady can use for her personal defense—anything quick and quiet that won't draw the wrong kind of attention."
"If it's not too much to pry... what is your part in all of this? We sort of fell into working with Marshal Cressida for the safety of the city in these turbulent times. I'm sure you've seen a dangerous day or two; how did you and the Marshal happen to cross paths?"
Vencarlo seems pleased by your question. Behind the gallantry and weapons talk you get the impression there is a keen mind. "I have always sought to aid the city when I can. Naturally when my dear friend Cressida told me of your deeds I was impressed. Now more than ever Korvosa needs those who will step up and do the right thing."
He sighs a little, "Despite my many criticisms of the former King his rule was just and balanced. What the new regime will be is still to be seen?"
"As I said, Korvosa needs people who will do what is right, regardless of what those in high places would prefer to happen."
Vencarlo seems to be hinting at something, and sounding out your feelings regarding justice, but doesn't seem ready to be open with you yet.
You finally cross the Narrows and enter Old Korvosa, Vencarlo tells them they can find Eel’s End to the east, on the first pier after the last bridge over the Narrows.
After dropping an invitation to visit him at his home he gives you all a swift bow, and then spins on a heel and is gone.
What now?
Vedika plays the social game out, letting some thread get a lead before Vencarlo has to leave.
"I actually became involved in all of this to save my younger sister. Some unsavory elements of the city had kidnapped her and were preying on other children... I just couldn't let that pass by. I didn't want to get tangled up with the guard, especially because some of the people in this crime ring were wealthy and had some influence... so we had to operate quietly until we crossed paths with Cressida."
"Regardless, things turned out all right in the end. The city still has a lot of instability, though. While people try to figure out how the Queen's leadership may change things, people need to know that there will be a decent tomorrow and that neighbors are looking out for each other. These folks, my friends, are all my neighbors now, and we're looking out for the city in the same way."
Bidding Vencarlo a pleasant evening, Vedika turns back to her companions and says, "Now what? We're at the crossing, point of no return. How do we wanna play this?"
"You can't plan a fight," Nethen replies to Vencarlo's questioning. "And even if you could, your plan isn't going to be worth shit once the blood starts flying. You've got to be ready for whatever happens, and be willing to fight dirty - the other guy isn't always going to abide by your rules," he adds, knowing that in The Shingles no-one would have lived long abiding by the code Vencarlo and his ilk teach in their fancy academies.
"Doing what's right isn't always easy, or legal, or looked upon kindly. But if it's right then that's what matters," Nethen says, his attitude to Vencarlo changing as they spend more time conversing on their travels.
"Do we just be upfront?" Nethen asks in response to Vedika's question. "We walk in, ask to see the boss, give him some money in return for the information."
Ghil nods and bids Vencarlo goodbye without saying anything meaningful. Interesting man. Pretty sure he just said that he's not necessarily on the side of the Queen. Can't say I blame him--Korvosa's recent troubles seem related to some poor decisions on her part. Good to know we may have an ally if things go that way....
To Nethen, Ghil replies in the affirmative. "I think you have the right of it. Businesses like these have always had a sideline in information brokering; we just need to let him know that's what we're in the market for. I'll do my best to make sure that we all remain friendly--and keep the negotiation in our favor, as best I can--but there's no way a 'King of Spiders' will be shocked at what we're trying to learn."
Kayleigh remains quiet during the trip back to Old Korvosa. She eventually voices her agreement with Nethen and Ghil. "I'd rather not get into a scrap with someone called "The King of Spiders," she admits. Then a smile spreads across her face as she adds, "But a morningstar is really effective at smashing spiders flat!"
It is getting on to late afternoon by the time you reach Eel' end.
C1 Eel’s End Pier
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.
Eel’s End is a rough place, where no one takes notice of armed or armored characters unless they’re obviously agents of the Guard. Apart from being propositioned by prostitutes or accidentally shoved by drunkards, you have little problem exploring this area.
The old warship is the Eel's end, for which the whole area is named, and Devargo's base. There are two guards standing watch over the gangplank that lets you board it.
What now?
"Mmm. Opium dens. Lovely," quips Vedika.
"All right, sounds like we have a plan: Walk up and ask for a meeting, possibly with some money changing hands."
"It's a lot like home, but wetter," Nethen says as he looks around at the boats and their denizens.
"Yep, let's do that," he responds to Vedika.
Kayleigh does her best to mask the nervousness she feels by trying to appear friendly and non-threatening. "I'll try to help Ghil sweet-talk the guards," she whispers to the others. "If we can actually secure a meeting with Devargo, I'll try to get a read on his level of trustworthiness."
After a deep exhale, the cleric adds, "And if things go south, I'll try to cast a bless spell on us and a sound burst if a group of foes bunches together."
Not the best at being convincing, Ariadne remains silent as they make thier way through Eel's End, keeping an eye out for trouble, and playing the part of the silent muscle.
Ghil approaches with the others, keeping a casual eye on the guards. So long as they are only observed and not stopped, he steps onto the gangplank and continues onto the Eel's End.
C2 Eel’s End Deck
The large ship tied off to the pier bears the name Eel’s End; its figurehead is 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.
Only the aft deck is clear of carousers; here, four enforcers sleep in hammocks strung in the rigging above. The two additional enforcers who stand guard before the double doors stop anyone attempting to enter, saying that unless they’re expected, the King of Spiders has no interest in visitors.
What now?
Nethen stands beside Ghil and Kayleigh as the group crosses the deck. He picks his way carefully between the inebriated patrons, moving towards the rear of the ship where two bruisers stand guard in front of the doors that lead into where the King of Spiders presumably lurks. He stands with his hand on the handle of his whip and looks around.
"Even when it means a sizeable purse?" Ghil asks this simply and naturally, with just a slight lift to one brow.
"We'd just like to make a business proposal and possibly a transaction," Kayleigh adds, trying to mask her nervousness with a pleasant smile. "Your lord won't want to pass up this opportunity, even if we are unexpected guests."
Nethen doesn't spot anything out of place.
"We're not here for trouble," Nethen adds. "We just want to talk business with the King."
.
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As Ariadne steps forward to help convince the guards, one of them recoils from her acid scarred visage.
Kayleigh gets a bit flustered by the guards' intransigence. "Well, then how long would it take if we were to arrange a meeting with your boss? Our business is somewhat time-sensitive."
The enforcers look at each other and roll their eyes. "Your business. Just what business do the likes you have with the King then?"
What are you saying?