As the group is starting to get ready for the walk to the markets, the door to the shop opens and Savle walks in. "Good morning, everyone! I hope you had a good night at Ghost House. Sable looks like she slept well, and her not completely dried hair and fresh outfit makes it clear she had a chance to clean up.
She has a small brown bag in one hand. "Mom insisted on making muffins for me to bring to my friends." She brings the bag over to the table and if there's not a clear spot, she makes one and sets it down. "They're just corn and apple, but they're still good."
Sable then shares information with the group. "The walk home went well. I did skirt some fighting, and I met a crazy man. He told me that the Eye of Groetus had returned from the Boneyard to stare into the heart of all of Korvosa, and that all shall be judged and found wanting! He told me had seen me in a dream! That's something I hear often, so it wasn't shocking."
He then said that he knew I had the answers, but he didn't ask me any questions! He then told me that he fears the coming, and the dawn." He said that he saw river ghosts. He called them little blue folk! He suggested that I don't sleep on the streets, because they will strangle people in their sleep!"
The last thing that he told me was that an age of writhing doom is upon us! All will bow down to the horseman of pestilence. It is our fair city's darkest hour. None shall be spared! He might have been on something, but I've talked to crazier people.
She takes a breath and then keeps sharing information.
"I found out why there is fighting. Dad told me that he had heard that King Eodred didn't die of old age. He's old enough that he could have, but a lot of people believe that he was murdered by Neolandus, the seneschal of Castle Korvosa. Neolandus has apparently fled the city."
"I know some of you are not from Korvosa, so let me explain more. Neolandus Kalepopulis has the position of seneschal of the Castle, but that has more meaning here than in some places. You see, the seneschal is the actual keeper of the Castle, and he allows the Royal Family to live in the castle due to a long-standing agreement. I'd always heard he was one of the most upstanding men in Korvosa, but if's fled the city, it creates an impression that the rumors are true. I don't know for sure, but it's something we should keep in mind at least."
As the group is starting to get ready for the walk to the markets, the door to the shop opens and Savle walks in. "Good morning, everyone! I hope you had a good night at Ghost House. Sable looks like she slept well, and her not completely dried hair and fresh outfit makes it clear she had a chance to clean up.
"Sable!" Lenrelle cleaned up a bit but might not look quite so fresh comparatively. "Good morning."
She has a small brown bag in one hand. "Mom insisted on making muffins for me to bring to my friends." She brings the bag over to the table and if there's not a clear spot, she makes one and sets it down. "They're just corn and apple, but they're still good."
Bless your mother. I hope she's well."
Sable then shares information with the group. "The walk home went well. I did skirt some fighting, and I met a crazy man. He told me that the Eye of Groetus had returned from the Boneyard to stare into the heart of all of Korvosa, and that all shall be judged and found wanting! He told me had seen me in a dream! That's something I hear often, so it wasn't shocking."He then said that he knew I had the answers, but he didn't ask me any questions! He then told me that he fears the coming, and the dawn." He said that he saw river ghosts. He called them little blue folk! He suggested that I don't sleep on the streets, because they will strangle people in their sleep!"
The last thing that he told me was that an age of writhing doom is upon us! All will bow down to the horseman of pestilence. It is our fair city's darkest hour. None shall be spared! He might have been on something, but I've talked to crazier people.
Lenrelle goes thoughtful. Processing the names and such.
"I've heard of Groetus, but am hardly an expert. A rather grim faith, morbid at the best of times. That does not mean he's wrong. This talk of pestilence worries me. That's specific. Not just general doom."
She takes a breath and then keeps sharing information.
"I found out why there is fighting. Dad told me that he had heard that King Eodred didn't die of old age. He's old enough that he could have, but a lot of people believe that he was murdered by Neolandus, the seneschal of Castle Korvosa. Neolandus has apparently fled the city."
"I know some of you are not from Korvosa, so let me explain more. Neolandus Kalepopulis...
At this the priestess quiets and takes it all in. She was not a native but she knew the city, still, no wonder the people are furious.. and scared.
Perivolt makes sure Graykos gets a muffin and nibbles on one himself as he listens to Sable's glut of information. He idly wonders of the crazed man may be referring to chokers which were an ucommon enough threat in the night, but known to be lurking in the streets and rooftops of Korvosa on occasion. However, once she mentions the seneschal.
"Neolandus? Killed the King?" He promptly forgets the partially eaten muffin in his hand. His brow furrows, and then he shakes his head vigorously.
"That...that's just not very likely. He's very delicately dealt with King Eodred, may he rest in peace, all this time and when the man finally gets serious and tries to generate an heir that's when the seneschal assassinates him? I hate to say this, but if he was going to off either of the royal couple, it wouldn't have been Eodred." Perivolt leaves the implication hanging in the air.
"Maybe I'm just too close to it being from a noble house, but that theory is just a little too convenient. The king's dead, and the only one with any authority to disrupt the succession disappears? The Peerage is mostly toothless in the fight which would come from a situation like this. I'm afraid the Houses will be too paralyzed trying to figure out which of the others orchestrated all of this to make a move when there's still a clear successor, Queen Ileosa Arabasti. You could name any other power player in this city, and I could find ways to support the theory, but not Noble Neo. In fact, him keeping his position would be a key component to any such play for the throne as they would need his authority to make justifications. His balancing presence is the main reason the Peerage didn't object as much as they probably should have over our rather vain and materialistic queen."
He raises an eyebrow and his eyes widen as he glances at his new friends. "As I don't yet know the allegiances of this group, perhaps I speak too plainly. It's not my intent to disparage Her Majesty. I've never really given it much consideration that Queen Ileosa may become our only ruler, so forgive my slights towards her. Surely even if you would support her reign, you have to admit, her rather public opinions of our city and clear abuse of wealth will not endear her to many or give much confidence for Korvosa's governance."
Sable shrugs. "I'm just relaying things my father heard. I don't know what's true or what's not. I just thought you'd want to know what's being said on at least some of the streets. As for me, I don't really care much who rules, as long as whoever it is can get the city to stop fighting."
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Earlier...
Talindra's eyes brighten as she listens to Lenrelle's wisdom. "Panicked bag of cats in your skull, I like that." She chuckles a bit at the imagery. "Save one... I can do that. Or at least I'll try. Who shared this lovely wisdom with you? Sounds like someone I'd like to get to know! Though my grief has been waiting... too long. Last night wasn't quite the relief I was hoping for. I guess now that the fighting's over, my priority is saving myself?" A shrug, but a soft, sad smile. And how will I manage that? Same as always, I guess.
With this, she spends the remainder of the morning (until Sable arrives) helping Billi repair things. She stares at his work, quite impressed. All craftsdwarfship is of the highest quality. "You know," she says to him, "this seems to be a passion of yours, and you've done so much with what little we have. Have you considered finding work in the trades? There's always work... especially once things calm down here."
Later...
Talindra starts when the door opens, taking a defensive posture. But the tension evaporates when Sable walks in. "Oh my gods, it is such a relief to see you! And you've brought food! Truly the savior we need after last night." She happily takes a muffin and starts on it, listening to Sable recount the events of the last night from her perspective. Despite the dark nature of the story, despite this not being her preferred medium, it's clear she has talent as a storyteller. "Most important, I am happy you're safe. And--mm--" she remembers to swallow her food this time "--please tell your mother that her muffins are delicious!" Then, as Sable gets to the darker parts of the tale, she pays more attention, letting Sable and Perivolt both share their knowledge as residents. She tries to follow, but as she's not familiar with the city politics and not politically inclined besides, it's a challenge. She frowns and tries to distract herself with her muffin, but realizes she finished it long ago.
"My allegiance is to my temple first, my tenets, my code. That puts me on the side of helping the city rebuild, making sure people are safe. If everyone has managed their morning preparations, I suggest it's time we go out and see what shape the city's in, how we can help. Or at least that's what I'm doing. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'd love some company." As usual, Talindra focuses on her beliefs and her faith to moor her in uncertain times, and it is with that resolute certainty that she stands up and makes for the door--after taking another muffin if everyone else has had their fill.
Earlier...
Talindra's eyes brighten as she listens to Lenrelle's wisdom. "Panicked bag of cats in your skull, I like that." She chuckles a bit at the imagery. "Save one... I can do that. Or at least I'll try. Who shared this lovely wisdom with you? Sounds like someone I'd like to get to know! Though my grief has been waiting... too long. Last night wasn't quite the relief I was hoping for. I guess now that the fighting's over, my priority is saving myself?" A shrug, but a soft, sad smile. And how will I manage that? Same as always, I guess.
(Earlier)
"I find there's never a shortage of people in need of rescuing, one way or another. But I make it sound easier than it is... an older healer, I don't think you ever met him, told me that. Good man. You DO need to care for yourself somewhat otherwise you won't be in shape to help others when they need it. Not properly. You lost one dear to you, and I do not for any moment want to act as if that ache is simply dismissed. It's not. But.. it helps to care for others you can aid."(later)
He raises an eyebrow and his eyes widen as he glances at his new friends. "As I don't yet know the allegiances of this group, perhaps I speak too plainly. It's not my intent to disparage Her Majesty. I've never really given it much consideration that Queen Ileosa may become our only ruler, so forgive my slights towards her. Surely even if you would support her reign, you have to admit, her rather public opinions of our city and clear abuse of wealth will not endear her to many or give much confidence for Korvosa's governance."
"I've little love of politics. It is possible the queen is grieving as much as any, perhaps not. But we return what is hers regardless. Maybe we could put any reward for the task to some good for the folk?"
"My allegiance is to my temple first, my tenets, my code. That puts me on the side of helping the city rebuild, making sure people are safe. If everyone has managed their morning preparations, I suggest it's time we go out and see what shape the city's in, how we can help. Or at least that's what I'm doing. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'd love some company." As usual, Talindra focuses on her beliefs and her faith to moor her in uncertain times, and it is with that resolute certainty that she stands up and makes for the door--after taking another muffin if everyone else has had their fill.
"Sounds sensible and kindly both." A look to the others "Can we stop by the temples all? Then return the queen what is hers?"
"My priority still remains the return of my brother to his mother at the Ornelos estates. I need to let my sister Redwella know as well."
Perivolt cocks his head. "Queen Ileosa may indeed grieve for her husband. Not one of us has said anything to the contrary. However, I would posit the prevailing sentiment of the mob sees her rise to power as disadvantageous for the city of Korvosa, or, at least, opportunity for civic unrest for personal gain. I would still imagine it may be too early to approach the Castle Korvosa, especially if the rumors about Seneschal Neolandus' disappearance are true. Given the state of the city, I strongly doubt an investigation has been possible to determine if he is indeed (despite my own doubts to the contrary) guilty of the heinous crime of regicide."
He gestures to wherever the brooch is being kept. "We may need to keep it safe until we're certain the streets leading to the castle are not locked down or overrun with violent protesters."
He withdraws Zellara's Harrow Deck and holds it in on his palm. "Perhaps you have some insight, Mistress Zellara?"
"Perivolt knows more about nobles than I do, but I don't think trying to deliver the broach is wise at the current time. First, because we have to get Perivolt's brother someplace safe. Second, the heaviest fighting was around the castle. Lastly, who would we give it to? The allies of the Queen would call us thieves, and her enemies would assume we were her allies for just having it.".
After saying her bit, Sable then smiles at Lenrelle and Talindra. "They're fine, and when I next see her, I'll pass your message along."
The voice of Zellara is audible by all as Perivolt calls on her --surprising perhaps to Sable, who had not seen this trick before.
"I have no love for the young Queen, no? She is from Cheliax and an enemy of my people, you see. On top of that, she married a man more than half her age for money and power. My people have a word for that, but I will not share it here. I love this city, that is why I am still with you, yes? And that "Queen" is part of the problem and not part of the solution, I wager. Tread carefully and with eyes open, like one would with a poison asp, no?"
Her voices trails off on this last word, disappearing slowly as if the energy that powered her presence had run out. After that, silence.
Billi racked his brain for knowledge of the royal succession and gossip about the current queen.
Billi prepares to head out to shop after they spent the previous day planning where they would shop.
Sable is indeed surprised by the return of the ghost, but after it fades, Sable shakes her head a little. "I'd marry a king for wealth and power too. That's not a flaw in my book. I'm not sure we should be listening to a ghost who hasn't been honest with us. She never told us she was dead. She hasn't explained why her head was in Lamm's bedroom. For all we know, she was working with him and they had a falling out. I'd suggest that we keep on guard both in the city and around the ghost."
"I apologize, Perivolt. Of course, Graykos getting to the Ornelos estates should be a priority." She looks to Graykos, "Sorry, things are a bit hectic in my head."
At the appearance of Zellara's ghost, she listens "An Enemy of Varisians? That does not bode well."
"My duties are not yours, so no need for any such apologies, dear Lenrelle. As a cleric, I'm not at all surprised you would want to discover what's going on within the religious sector of Korvosa. Knowing how they're responding to the crisis would be very useful if Zellara's Harrows indicating we can affect the outcome of the city's troubles are indeed true."
Perivolt appears thoughtful after Zellara's words seem to echo his own, but with much more weight on Queen Ileosa's new power not being for the better of Korvosa's future state.
"You can be very charming and very kind, Perivolt. Thank you."
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Talindra shares Sable's surprise as the ghost of Zellara returns again, despite knowing the function of the device. She thinks a moment on what Zellara says, then finds herself nodding to Sable. While not quite in agreement about the specifics of marrying kings for money and power, Sable does have a good point about Zellara not being honest with the group.
"You make a good point, Sable. She wasn't fully honest with us. Though that said, if we're to keep quiet around her, would it make sense to keep quiet here as well? I don't know how this magic works; it's a bit beyond me. I'd like to have a place where I can freely speak my mind, but if you think I should keep my piece, then I shall."
Graykos... an innocent soul caught up in so much evil. "Indeed, our first duty should be to get Graykos to safety. Then we can tend to everything that's falling apart around us." She stretches, stands up to her full height, readying herself to confront the city. "It's probably best to figure out who needs our help and who is able to give help; we can't save the city with just Billi's excellent crafting skills, I'm afraid, and there is the matter of figuring out what that scroll does. Who has it, by the way?" Fully awake, or at least as fully awake as she can be with just a muffin or two in her belly, Talindra's brain goes into the usual problem solving mode. Just remember, Tali, you need to be gentle with these people. They're not part of the temple, they're not champions, they're not used to your level of discipline.
Perivolt activates his Arcane Senses to learn more about the scroll everyone keeps mentioning. If nothing else, he should be able to determine if it is a magic spell or just words.
Now that things have settled down a bit, Perivolt spends a few moments with the arcane writing, and its not long before he has determined the scroll contains the spell acidic burst.
After perusing the scroll, Perivolt and the others set out to make their way to the Ornelas estate, which is in the Heights district between Castle Korvosa and the Acadamae. As the team sets out, the way is surprisingly quiet, perhaps a little too quiet, as the usual hubbub of the city is muted after the riots of the day before. The sidewalks seems clear enough, even if there are still small fires smoldering above the cityscape.
From the docks, the elevation of the city rises as you head west towards the higher points, where the ebony stone of the Castle sits. You feel sets of eyes watching you from the shaded windows and closed doors of the city, the tension of the people, barely contained under the surface.
As you climb through ever more wealthy streets, you are in a fairly nice area, a mix of residential and commercial shops, but there is little activity on the street. A few windows are broken out or boarded up, and there is an unsettling bloodstain on the sidewalk nearby but otherwise it seems quiet.
Lenrelle nods at Talindra's comments. Thinking the confidence she is showing is a good sign.
Feeling rested, she follows along with the others. Yielding to their needs. She very much doesn't want to split up the group. Things feel tense to her still.
Perivolt accepts the scroll with a small nod and a smile. “Thank you, Sable.”
As they walk down the eerily empty streets, Perivolt draws Graykos close, keeping a firm grasp on the young boy’s hand. He finds himself wondering just how streetwise his half-brother may have become. Despite his protective feelings, he considers how Graykos may be able to handle himself better than Perivolt may anticipate. Should I ask him about his time with Lamm or just let it fade into the past? he ponders.
As the group is moving through the nearly empty streets, the uneasy silence is broken by the high-pitched chittering of several small creatures. Appearing at the next corner, flying about 15' off the ground, four small winged and horned creatures, about 2' tall come into view. They see your small band and seem to laugh delightedly, turning to come closer.
Perivolt grips Graykos' hand tighter and attempts to pull the boy behind his cloak.
"These creatures speak the tongue of Hell's Dukes."
The small fliers do not address Billi's question, and instead chitter among themselves more. Instead they look aggressive, hovering in the air, and gesticulating at the group gathered below. As you quietly discuss what to do next, the small flying creatures move to attack!
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Talindra sees the creatures moving to attack and immediately adopts a battle stance. It looks like this may be an aerial combat, so she draws her crossbow and readies a bolt. She positions herself between the creatures and Perivolt and Graykos. Without turning to make eye contact, "Go. We can take care of this. Keep him safe. Go!"
Imps and Dragons - Round 1
26 Green Imp
25 Billi
20 Lenrelle
16 Yellow Imp
15 Talindra
15 Perivolt
15 Sable
13 Red Imp
12 Blue Imp
The first imp (green), flies towards the group, remaining 15' off the ground, and when it gets closer, begins casting a spell on Talindra, who is at the fore of the group.
Talindra sees the creatures moving to attack and immediately adopts a battle stance. It looks like this may be an aerial combat, so she draws her crossbow and readies a bolt. She positions herself between the creatures and Perivolt and Graykos. Without turning to make eye contact, "Go. We can take care of this. Keep him safe. Go!"
Billi draws a javelin, moves into range if needed, and heaves a javelin at the first creature.
"Imps. I don't speak their hellish language, but they're the lowest and most... whimsical form of devils. Careful, they've magic tricks, and can influence the mortal mind. Fire will do no good, and their tails are poisonous. Though I'm not sure how much." She relates what she knows only to see the green imp move forward.
"The little heathen, She mutters and moves to Billi's side.
Before invoking a protection to place upon him against evil.
Imps and Dragons - Round 1 - continued
Billi steps up and throws one of his javelins at the flying fiend. The throw is well-aimed and hits the small target, but Billi is surprised that it doesn't seem to hurt it badly, Maybe justa little wound, but not what he expected.
Lenrelle shares a little of what she learned about imps in her religious training with the others, and then calls on Sarenrae to protect the dwarf against the evil devils circling around them. An aura of sunshine-like brightness surrounds Billi for a split-second, then reduces to just a shimmer outlining his form.
Another imp flies towards the heroes. About half-way to the group, the imp shape-changes into a large, angry boar which drops to the ground, pawing the cobblestones furiously.
Sable reacts a little slower than some of the others when Imps swoop in. As one of them becomes a boar, she starts to sing a song about cooking some tasty bacon while readying weapons.
Perivolt immediately chants arcana to unleash his power hoping to make the imps think twice about attacking their group. Seeing one try to use magic on the group's resident champion, Perivolt targets him first with two successive spells back-to-back.
Billi curses as his javelin does little to affect the creatures.
"I don't like these devils at all. What manner of magicks protect them??"
Imps and Dragons - Round 1 - continued
Sable uses her bardic training to inspire the group, giving them each a morale bonus. She then draws out her weapon and a flask of acid.
Talindra shakes off some kind of magical invasion, drops her cross and readies her glaive as it appears the imps will try ground assault soon.
Imps and Dragons - Round 1 - concluded
Perivolt steps up and casts a phasing spell that zips in and out of sight before smashing the flying devil hard. The imp spins off kilter for a second before righting itself and blinking, an evil stare fixating on Perivolt.
From behind the other two imps fly into the battle sounding howls of devilish delight as the battle is joined. The Blue Imp flies furiously forward charging about 10' off the ground at the party, but as it gets within about 15' of the group, it simply disappears from view.
The red imp remans about 15' off the ground, and flies to the left of the group, flying past without attacking at all.
End of Round 1
mps and Dragons - Round 2
26 Green Imp (12hp dmg)
25 Billi
20 Lenrelle
16 Yellow Imp (boar shape)
15 Talindra (readied action)
15 Perivolt
15 Sable
13 Red Imp
12 Blue Imp (invisible)
Mischievous glee turns to surly anger on the face of the small Green devil and it makes a beeline straight for Perivolt, its venomous stinger primed to strike. As it does, it passes through a a threatened area by the readied champion, and Talindra has a chance to make an attack.
Billi decides to attack the visible creature on the ground. He hated the deceptive tactics of these creatures.
Billi suddenly charges the transformed creature and swings his axe then raises his shield to go into a defensive position.
His axe went high as his swing was off--these creatures had thrown Billi off his typical fighting rhythm.