GM Harrow’s Curse of the Crimson Throne - AE

Game Master GM Harrow

If the sight of a familiar face might ease Audria's anxiety, Grau Soldado pacing up and down the atrium of the Sanctuary is certainly that. The Korvosan Guard watch sergeant looks definitely better than when they first encountered him - shaved, in a clean uniform, with a smart haircut and overall looking trim and fit. The haunted look in his eye is thus even more shocking.

As Shrike, Elric, Abella, Pava, Shane and Audria slowly gather, Grau explains his desperate need. "My niece is sick. I don't know what she has and neither does anyone in Trail's End. She's broken out all over in red pocks and can barely keep down food, or even the swill that good-for-nothing herbalist gave her. Her mother's talking about going to the Bank of Abadar, but can't afford to pay the prices their clerics would demand. Then I remembered how you aided me and how kind you were to Tayce and Brienna and the boys, and I figured you could help. A bunch of resourceful folk like you, I'd bet if you don't already have a way to fix this then you must know someone who can."

If the sight of a familiar face might ease Audria's anxiety, Grau Soldado pacing up and down the atrium of the Sanctuary is certainly that. The Korvosan Guard watch sergeant looks definitely better than when they first encountered him - shaved, in a clean uniform, with a smart haircut and overall looking trim and fit. The haunted look in his eye is thus even more shocking.

Shane hasn't meant to be anti social, but between his side projects of defamation, snooping, visiting friends and study; the only time his allies here have seen him much would be at the house. As usual, he arrives in a robe with hood to cover his horns, and dark gloves to lessen exposure of his not quite human tint. Shane arrives in time to see the fellow and, frankly is impressed. Is this man the same drunken sot who ... yes he is.

Unfortunately, the news Grau gives puts a damper on warm cheer.

As Shrike, Elric, Abella, Pava, Shane and Audria slowly gather, Grau explains his desperate need. "My niece is sick. I don't know what she has and neither does anyone in Trail's End. She's broken out all over in red pocks and can barely keep down food, or even the swill that good-for-nothing herbalist gave her. Her mother's talking about going to the Bank of Abadar, but can't afford to pay the prices their clerics would demand. Then I remembered how you aided me and how kind you were to Tayce and Brienna and the boys, and I figured you could help. A bunch of resourceful folk like you, I'd bet if you don't already have a way to fix this then you must know someone who can."

Shane gives a soft low whistle at this news, "Well, I was about to congratulate you looking rather good lately, Grau, but that's grim tidings indeed. Speaking for myself, this is not remotely my area of expertise. I never gave it much study and..." He stops as a memory , not far long gone, returns

The doorway to the south-west leads to a library, row upon row of carefully arranged tomes and scrolls filling the two freestanding bookshelves. Most of them are treatises on necromancy or the art of crafting golems, but there's also a surprisingly large number of books about diseases and plagues here as well.

"Wait," He interrupts himself, "There was horrific frosting on a layered terror cake in the form of some books that might help someone identify what your niece has." He looks to the others, "Remember the Derro's library?"

Audria does relax a little when she sees that it's Grau, though the last time they saw each other her hair wasn't raven-black. Hearing what was going on, she thinks for a moment until Shane mentions the Derro's Library in the Gray District. She blanches at the reminder, remembering how useless she felt even after calling on her goddess' aid. She doesn't remember anything useful being found, but then again she hadn't been worried about the books in a madman's library.

"Vaguely, but wouldn't the Pharasmins have already taken care of them," she asks, turning to Grau after she gets an answer. "Mister Soldado, I will help however I can, but I'm not much of a healer," she admits. "If you don't mind taking a little detour, I'd like to grab a few things that might help."

I don't think any of us have any spells or skills that'd be useful in treating and curing an illness like this. Abella has a +8 to Heal and Elric has a +6, but they're the only ones that have it. We also don't have anyone that can cast Remove Disease and Audria doesn't have the mercy that can do it, either. I think our best bet is to either scrape up the money for a potion or to pay someone to cast it. 750 gp for the potion, 150 gp for the service. I think Audria could scrounge up enough to trade for the service, but if not, well, I was thinking of using the abalone holy symbol she's been hanging onto as collateral for a loan that she'd payback. She wants to give it back to the tattoo artist that it belongs to, but it's still technically hers.

If Merula and Audria decide to include Elric in their cloak and dagger dealings, he'll do what he can to assist. Otherwise, he's spend the downtime training with Galewing and performing assorted duties at the Marine barracks in the Great Tower.

"We'll do what we can to help, Grau. I'm sure we'll be able to find a cure for your niece somehow."

The mention of the books fills him with a sense of unease.

"It's probably just a coincidence, but if that twisted Derro and his foul master have a hand in spreading disease in the city, Rolth will wish he had joined his undead creations when we track him down."

Audria does relax a little when she sees that it's Grau, though the last time they saw each other her hair wasn't raven-black. Hearing what was going on, she thinks for a moment until Shane mentions the Derro's Library in the Gray District. She blanches at the reminder, remembering how useless she felt even after calling on her goddess' aid. She doesn't remember anything useful being found, but then again she hadn't been worried about the books in a madman's library.

"Vaguely, but wouldn't the Pharasmins have already taken care of them," she asks, turning to Grau after she gets an answer. "Mister Soldado, I will help however I can, but I'm not much of a healer," she admits. "If you don't mind taking a little detour, I'd like to grab a few things that might help."

"Ah, someone, a very smart someone..." A soft nod to Shrike, "Collected them. And they are on a book case. I think we have some material to research."

"It's probably just a coincidence, but if that twisted Derro and his foul master have a hand in spreading disease in the city, Rolth will wish he had joined his undead creations when we track him down."

Now it is Shane's turn to look surprised, "Not exactly what I meant, nor did it occur to me. I merely thought it would help us identify the malady and thus find the traditional cure quicker. But... yes, in case of the situation you mention, all the more reason to read up." The suggestion that would ever be in motion alarms him on levels that go deep. And we're back to the layered cake of terror.

The books will give a +2 circumstance bonus to anyone attempting a Knowledge check on the disease.

"Oh, thank you, thank you! I knew you wouldn't abandon us!" The man gives Shane a more careful look. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure, sir. I'm Grau Soldado, watch sergeant in the Korvosan guard. I used to work with Miss Tribastarion's sister, before... well." He clears his throat. "I will tell Tayce to expect you then? Just... please hurry. I'm really worried."

Tayce lives in Trail's End with her three children.

Pava is more worried than moved. "Abadarans are an acceptable fallback, but the first stop's got to be finding a proper Sarenrite healer, hasn't it? Much more likely to help a fellow out on a quiet day too."

He feels cautious, but in for a copper in for a gold, "We were never formally introduced, call me Shane. Now, we don't want to get your expectations up, sir, the book will help us study up a bit but that's no assurance we'll have a definite identification .. but we'll look into it soon." He ponders this situation, "You might want to have the rest of the family looked at too."

Shrike, who barely remembers shelving the necromancer's books in Zellara's house at random in any place they would fit, after getting tired of them taking up space in the haversack that could be used for more spare weapons, nods slightly to Shane as though that had been her plan all along. If she is worried or sympathetic, the croak gives no hint of it. "Don't know anything about illness. Songbirds won't help?"

The brief turn of her head encompasses the Sanctuary of Shelyn where they are all already standing, and the question is directed as much at Audria as at Grau Soldado. Sarenites are healers first and foremost, popular with nobility and commoners alike, but unless Pava is owed a favor by someone, they have no 'in' with anyone in the Dawnflower's temple-hospital up in the clean air of the Heights. Meanwhile, Brother Theolan and the rest here are practically Audria's family. He surely would not begrudge helping a friend of hers — and a child to boot.

"I-- I can ask," Audria says, looking a little guilty. She remembers the conversation she had with Sister Jenelyn and Brother Theolan the night she rescued some of the former Lambs from the vaults. She didn't want to take advantage of their kindness, but she was also worried about them getting involved with her. "Mister Soldado, would you mind coming with me," she asks, thinking it'll be easier to convince them if he is there with her.

GM, Audria is going to look for Brother Theolan and Sister Jenelyn. Either one should be able to help, I think. They may have questions about why she's been avoiding the Sanctuary, especially since Gaekhen's funeral and Theo's attempted execution.

The two clerics of Shelyn are delighted - and a little surprised - to see Audria, but regretfully unable to help at the moment. "We would have to pray for such power, it is not usually in our purview to heal the sick."

Indeed, Audria can recall that riots notwithstanding, their usual spellcasting is centered around mending things, beautifying the city and the occasional exhaustion remedy for an artist who had been too focused on their work to eat, drink and rest properly.

"Would you mind praying for it tomorrow, please? I'll find someway to pay the donation," Audria tells them. She asks Grau if he wouldn't mind letting the others know she'll be back in a minute as she has to talk to Brother Theolan and Sister Jenelyn about something private.

When he gets a chance:\
Shane will dig out the books and read up on them, sharing them with others. He knows little about healing so is sure in this, others will be his superior.

Sister Jenelyn nods. "I will pray for it, and unless you find another way to help this girl, she can be brought here tomorrow. And I will send the letter to the castle, do not worry."

What do you do now? Wait for the next day, or visit Brienna in Trail's End?

I say we go see how Brienna is doing. Audria will pick up some of the stuff she left at Jessica's place in case she needs it to barter for some divine aid sooner.

Audria rejoins the others after thanking Sister Jenelyn and Brother Theolan.

"I know Sister Jenelyn said she'd be able to help tomorrow, but could you take us to see Brienna, Mister Soldado? I would like to grab a few things that may help on the way, if that is alright."

Shrike unfolds herself out of the shadowy corner of the atrium where she was waiting, and fluidly strings her big elf-made bow. "I'll take point." She has no ability to heal, but providing security for a nighttime journey is something she can do.

It is a little after lunch when Audria, Shrike, Abella and whoever else joins them make their way towards Trail's End, accompanied by Grau Soldado. From the Sanctuary, it's not that far - a few blocks to Northgate Avenue, follow that eastwards to North Bridge, then cross the Jeggare River and veer left first chance you get. About half an hour later, they're in front of the Soldado house, a squat, two-story wooden building tucked away in an alley. Those who visited before notice that the place looks in better repair, and someone has even started giving the façade a fresh coat a of paint at some point.

Inside, the cozy living space is a little cramped as two cots have joined Tayce's makeshift bed on the settee. Charlo and Rello, Tayce Soldado's boys, are playing quietly under the table. Their Varisian blood is obvious in their unruly black hair, brown eyes and olive skin. As the group enters, they raise their heads, breaking into smiles at the sight of their uncle. The smiles falter as they catch sight of the strangers. Those who have visited the Soldado family before might remember that the boys are somewhat shy.

In the kitchen area, a handsome Vudrani man, in his late twenties by all appearances, is brewing something over the stove top that smells like cinnamon and anise. He's wearing the robes of an Abadarian acolyte, the key-shaped holy symbol around his neck swaying slightly as he moves about. Grau scowls at the sight of him and opens his mouth to say something when the sound of spasming, ragged coughing filters down from the upper floor. A look of concern washes over Grau's features and he looks at Audria and Shane with faint hope, as if they could diagnose the illness somehow simply from the sound of the girl's coughing.

"Charlo. Rello." Shrike greets the children with the same gravity she would if they were adults, a thing she had always appreciated as a child. She isn't fully sure which twin is Charlo and which is Rello, but the mask makes it hard to see which boy she is looking at anyway. "This is Elric, Pava and Shane. Your uncle asked us to come help Brienna." She indicates each of the three new adults with a slight turn of her head. The mask then turns toward the Vudrani acolyte brewing something on the stove. Interesting. Abadarans don't usually provide charity, and Grau had certainly not seemed to think the Soldados could pay their standard fees.

"Friend of the family?" It's unclear if the croaked question is directed at him, Grau, the twins, or all of the above.

"Or just here to clarify the vig?" Pava deadpans.

Audria smiles at Charlo and Rello as she waves at them, unfortunately, with the sound of the hacking cough, she figures that she needs to prioritize finding out what she can do.

"I hope you'll forgive me for being forward, sir," she says as she approaches the Abadarian. "I am Audria Lumina, in service of the Eternal Rose. Could you tell me about poor Brienna's condition, or should I go up there and see for myself?"

The twins crawl out from under the table to stand side by side and nod at the guests, watching them intently from under their unruly curls. One of them looks up at Shrike. "He's not mama's brother, you know that right? He's papa's brother." A tilt of his head seems to indicate that he is speaking about Grau, who has gone up the stairs to check on his niece.

The Vudrani man turns as he is addressed. "Oh, hello. I'm... no, not a friend of the family." He smiles a little sheepishly. "Mrs. Soldado was very concerned for the health of her daughter, so she called at the temple earlier. Unfortunately, she could not afford the donation that is required for the services, so I am doing what I can with herbal remedies."

He bows to Audria as she introduces herself. "Good to meet you, sister Lumina. I am Brother IShani Dhatri, in service of the Golden One. I am afraid that Brienna is not doing very well, and I am at a loss about what kind of illness afflicts her. She is very weak, slipping in and out of consciousness, and has developed a rash over much of her body." Just then, another bout of coughing erupts from upstairs, and Ishani grimaces in sympathy.

This is Elric, Pava and Shane. Your uncle asked us to come help Brienna."

Shane has held back, cowl over horns and all, letting others talk, but the black gloves hold a book and when introduced, he nods, "Salutations.Brother IShani Dhatri,I have a book that is unpleasant in nature but may add insight into your evaluation of the condition? If you have time to sort through I can show you passages that might match this condition"

Elric looked around in the crowded house. He did not know much about the spread of diseases, bit too many people crammed in with a sick patient was rarely a good idea.

”Hi there, kids. Would you like to come outside with me and say hello to a real live hippogriff while the others check on Brienna?”

Shrike does not shift her weight or head as Brother Ishani Dhatri describes the girl's illness, but she observes him closely through the mask nonetheless. He looks vaguely familiar*, but she isn't sure why. Grau had not thought much of his skill with herbalism, or perhaps he just doesn't like for a handsome man to be around Tayce. The mask turns to Audria. "Let you get on with it. Girl, remember we found that potion. If it's life or death."**

One of them looks up at Shrike. "He's not mama's brother, you know that right? He's papa's brother." A tilt of his head seems to indicate that he is speaking about Grau, who has gone up the stairs to check on his niece.

"I didn't." Shrike is sure Grau Soldado had simply called Tayce Soldado his sister and not sister-in-law upon first mentioning her. But then, some people make no distinction. She drifts outside with Elric and the twins if they are interested in meeting Galewing, her soft dark boots making no sound on the floorboards. "That matter?"

She keeps a respectful distance between herself and the hippogriff. Shrike has only seen the imposing creature up close once before. Elric had ridden him up to the gates of Citadel Volshyenek on the day that Thousand Bones had asked them to recover Gaekhen's body, and he had flown above their progress out of the city on the first day of taking 'Theo' to Harse. But as Galewing had not accompanied them to the Gray and the necromancer's lair, she knows little of his capabilities or personality. She is fairly confident that Elric would not put children at risk by presenting them to a horse-sized predator if he might grow suddenly aggressive. Still, it does not hurt to have another person on hand to snatch them away if something unpredictable goes wrong.

*Unless she remembers him from Eodred's Remembrance. But it wasn't any of the still-current party members who shared a room with him, so I'm not sure if she should or not.
**Shrike is referring to the potion of lesser restoration. It was kept as party loot and never assigned to someone, which means it's probably at Zellara's or in the handy haversack (and I vote haversack since that's more convenient for us right now.) She probably knows it won't cure someone of an illness, but it might slow or reverse its progress and symptoms (i.e. ability score damage) and buy time for more serious magic to be applied or even for the victim to recover naturally.

"Well. At least you're giving them herbs." Pava bites off the end of both sentences, before they can help themself.

They give a slow blink as they shift their face from sharp to nearly pleasant, putting on a well practiced 'I know you can afford this, and this is how' expression. "Give us a minute though, I know that payment is a must have, but have you ever considered exceedingly low-interest loans in certain cases? As the initial money comes right back to you, you're really just ensuring a more stable, predictable flow of the almighty sails to your church's coffers, and still making use of a reliably replenishable resource that can't otherwise be invested or stored up. Outside of a complete epidemic, it just makes bankers' sense to actually help."

The twins are of course thrilled to go outside and meet a real live hippogriff, are you kidding?? Elric suddenly becomes a very interesting person for this, and their shyness melts away as they pelt him with questions. How old is he, what does he eat, can they ride him, how high does he fly, can he carry a cow and so on. The 'he' is of course Galewing.

Inside, Brother Ishani finishes stirring his herbal concoction before wiping his hands on a kitchen rag and coming to take a look at the book. "Oh, that is helpful, you came prepared!" He reads over the highlighted passages carefully, and his face falls a little. "Hm, this means my approach with the curative was entirely wrong. I think."

He pauses as Pava makes the case for healing Brienna without upfront payment. "I-"

Those going upstairs find themselves in a bedroom loft above the main room of the Soldado home. Brienna, a girl of about twelve, lies in one of the beds, her slight frame dwarfed by the pile of pillows, shawls, and quilts surrounding her. Splotches of an angry red rash cover her face and arms, appearing in irregular shapes and sizes. Suddenly, her restlessness is interrupted by a violent fit of hacking coughs that jerk her entire frame, lifting her well off her pillows. The spasm passes after a moment, dropping her back to the bed, but seemingly having done little to ease her breathing. Kneeling by the bed, Tayce is using a damp towel to pat her face and neck. The woman raises her head as she hears steps on the rickety wooden stairs.

"Oh, thank you for coming! I don't know how she got so ill. She's been drifting in and out since she got sick, I'm so worried."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Shane doesn't know what is going on in the cleric's head, but he does try to sway him, "Look, if it's about a fair trade, I did just let you look at a book that may give you some tips. In the long run, that might pay off in future work so ...consider it payment? I'll even copy parts of this book later and bring it to your temple, though I'm not sure when I'll have the free time?" He tries to back Pava.

Happy to see his distraction work on the twins, Elric answers the flood of questions to the best of his ability, while making sure the well-trained hippogriff is on his best behavior.

When he's able to get a word in, he asks the twins a few questions in return.

"Who long has Brienna been sick? Do you know if she has been around any strangers or found anything unusual in the past few days?"

My apologies for not posting. I apparently went off to la-la land where this game is concerned.

Audria starts to say something when Brienna's coughing draws all attention upstairs. After a brief apology, she hurries upstairs and feels her heart skip a beat when she sees how badly the young girl is fairing. She curses herself for not having spent more time learning the healing arts, and prays to her goddess that she can do something to sway Ishani. She pulls out the healing potions and the blessed balm and holy water she'd gotten when they went into Rolth's lair in the Dead Warrens as she heads back downstairs.

"Brother Dhatri, I may not know much about Abadar's faith, but I know that he decrees that all services should be given for a fair exchange. Would these be enough to pay for the healing Brienna needs? I've asked Sister Jenelyn at the Sanctuary if she could help, but she won't be able to until tomorrow. I don't want Brienna to suffer if she doesn't have to, though," She hesitates for a moment before pulling the abalone holy symbol the neck of her robes and holding it up for the Abadarian's inspection. "If that won't be enough, I will put this up as collateral and pay the church of Abadar back."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 Heck of a time for a nat 20.

Audria's offering to trade 2 potions of Cure Light Wounds, 2 flasks of Holy Water, and 2 doses of holy weapon balm for a casting of Remove Disease. If that's not enough, she's putting up the Abalone Holy Symbol of Shelyn that Abella handed her back when we raided Lamm's hideout as collateral. If memory serves, that's worth 300gp, which should be more than enough.

Pava smiles to hide their rage as Audria forces her way back into the conversation with the priest. Don't you get that there are more lives to save than just hers?! You only get so many moments where a gold-fisted priest is willing to think with their heart as well as their head, and I'm so close!

"It's true; Duckling's offer is exactly the sort of thing you could expect friends and loved ones to chip in with in cases where deep roots in the community aren't their own bond, but that just furthers my point as to how this represents an important path to further contracts for the church to consider, and all without having to fence Nan's jewels each time they turn to Abadar."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Outside

Rello begins to shake his head at Elric's question, but then stops and looks at his twin. Some sort of silent exchange passes between them, and then Charlo says. "She found a purse. A lot of money inside." Rello interjects. "A looooot of money. Silver shields, not pinch!" "Yes, she was going to return it to whoever lost it, but nobody here has that kind of beesum." The twins nod sagely in unison.

Inside

Ishani's brown skin darkens as he flushes. "O-of course, you're right! I do feel very bad for the girl, she should not suffer just because her family... I'll try to cure her, and spend the rest of the day in penance to Abadar." He waves away Audria's offering. "No, sister, I could never ask you to give up your holy symbol, even temporarily." He waves Shane over. "Let me have another look at your book, please."

Once he has gone over all the relevant passages, he heads upstairs to Brienna. He prays over the girl for a few moments, then shakes his head in frustration. "It has taken root very deeply. I will try again." The second attempt is more successful, and the girl's breathing eases. Ishani smiles, then whispers. "In for a pinch, in for a sail," and begins a new round of prayers. At the end, Brienna's complexion looks a little better and some of the angry red rashes have faded.

CL check: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 4 = 13
CL check: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 4 = 23
Lesser restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 1

"Bed rest for the next few days, and air this room well," Ishani tells Tayce, who is now sobbing with relief and stroking her daughter's sweat-damp hair.

To be clear, Ishani has cast all these spells for free, thanks to everyone's persuasive intervention.

Slang note: "beesum" = money. From rhyming slang "bees and honey", shortened.

Elric’s brow furrows when the twins mention the pouch of silver. They are right, wealth like that don’t just land on the street in this part of town. Even if someone has dropped the pouch, it’s highly unusual for anyone outside of the noble quarters to carry that much coin.

”What happened to the purse? Do you know where it is now?”

Shrike tilts her head curiously at the twins' revelation, and adds to Elric's questions: "And where did she find it?"

"Thank you," He says to Ishani, "I'll try to get your brethren a copy of those pages sooner than later if I can." He says when the book is returned.

It occurs to him that if he can get copies made for each temple in the city, more lives could in the long run might be saved. It goes against Acadamae teaching to share knowledge for free, but then... that makes him feel like a rebel. Besides, hanging around good people has severely disrupted his cynicism or at least, selfishness

Pava claps Ishani on the shoulder, giving him a heartfelt "Thank you, Brother. As much as this was the right thing to do, I know it's not without cost." Their mouth twists wryly as they can't help but add, "Who knows? You might even get a taste for serving your fellows and your god at the same time."

charlo and Rello shrug. "Don't know where she found it. Was plannin' to give it to mama, I think. Might be with sis still."

Ishani smiles awkwardly at Pava's praise. "I- I do feel good about it, although I'm sure Father Bevery will most certainly not see it your way." The young priest sighs. "Well, it was my call in the end. I will pay whatever penance he deems fit."

Not wanting Ishani to get into trouble, Audria again presents the items she'd offered in exchange before. (2 CLW potions, 2 holy waters, and 2 holy weapon balms)

"Please, take them. I would not want you to get in trouble, Brother Dhatri," she says.

Whether or not Ishani does take the items, Audria offers to help how she can and does what she can to help Tayce with airing out Brienna's room.

"That looked to be a rather terrible illness," Audria observes as she helps. "Has anyone else come down with something like it?"

"Thanks, kids." Shrike vanishes into the house and takes the stairs up to the sickroom swift but quiet.

"The kids say Brienna found a purse full of silver recently. Didn't think it was from a local. Didn't know who to return it to. They thought she might still have it. Seen anything like that around?" The question is mostly directed at Tayce and Ishani Dhatri, but she looks around at the room as Audria bustles about on mysterious errands too.

The skin on the back of Pava's neck prickles at what they think Shrike's suggesting. "There a reason you're asking after her unaccountably good fortune, Murderbird? Else this is a truly abysmal attempt at acquiring social niceties."

While Shrike moves into the house to inquire about the silver, Elric stays behind to keep the twins occupied.

"Social niceties." Somehow the very flatness of it contains multitudes. "Explains a lot."

Shrike shakes her head infinitesimally, almost to herself, and continues, "Could be tainted. It's the only unusual thing or place they knew she'd been around."

"You think someone is using COIN to spread infection?" He looks surprised, "Or perhaps the bag? And, gods help us, where is the bag and the coins now? On the slender chance that IS the cause we do not want that circulating until we can be sure it is safe."

Tayce frowns at the news, then begins to methodically go through her daughter's things. After a few moments, she pauses, her eyes fixed on a satchel she holds open in her hands.

"I found it. What-" She swallows. "Probably shouldn't touch it, aye?"

Ishani refuses Audria's offerings of potions and balms. "Best to hold on to them, for emergencies. The temple does not lack supplies like these, Sister Lumina." He looks around the impoverished household. "But people here do, and it puts my heart at ease that you are willing to use these to help them, one way or another." He smiles warmly at her.

Shane winces a bit at Tayce's coming to that conclusion too late, but then he didn't think to warn her, "Just set it down over there, then wipe your hands with any liquor you can find. Don't rub at your face or any other part of you until you do." He casts detect magic on the bag. it seems unlikely, but best to be over cautious.

"I have gloves so if need be I can handle it." He does not sound as sure of his bravery as he intends to be.

"You think someone is using COIN to spread infection?" He looks surprised, "Or perhaps the bag? And, gods help us, where is the bag and the coins now? On the slender chance that IS the cause we do not want that circulating until we can be sure it is safe."

"Doesn't have to be on purpose." Shrike sounds almost surprised. "Just dropped by someone sick. Maybe without even knowing. Boys didn't know where she found it."

She doesn't attempt to examine the purse herself, not knowing proper protocols for such things.

"I've got it," Audria says as she takes the bag from Tayce. Before anyone can say anything, she adds, "Shelyn's blessed me with many talents and abilities. One of them is I won't get sick, at least that's what Tallyfeather here tells me." She shrugs the shoulder that Talanaliel is perched on.

After hearing Shane muse on this being deliberate, though she could hardly fathom why someone would do so unless it was to weaken Korvosa further for some reason, she decides it's better safe than sorry and takes in a deep breath as she closes her eyes. When she opens them, they've taken on an iridescent glow that shifts through the colors of the rainbow.

Detect Evil on the bag.

"Ah, yes," He looks sheepish "Sorry, I am afraid i misunderstood. The time at the Acadamae has made me see the worst in things at times."

"It's a lot of silver to leave lying about in this neighbourhood. It could have been an accident though," Pava allows.

There is nothing either magical nor evil about the bag or its contents.

Tayce frowns at the direction of the conversation. "But... why would someone do that?" She brushes Brienna's hair away from her face gently. "I will ask her more about it when she wakes up. Thank you so much, all of you. And thank you, Brother Dhatri, I will find a way to repay your kindness."