"It will most likely be dark, though I thought dwarves could see in the dark, however, it will also be salt water, so sight could be a problem."
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"Aye, Mai, that is exactly what you will be doing. The rings will assist you in the endeavor, granting you the ability to breath underwater"
We weren't able to secure the ship before, we lost 3 before calling it off. I decided to ask you to investigate the ship, you have proven yourself time and again; I'm afraid I must put you in harm's way once more. I've been holding off because I was acquiring these." she hands you each a ring made of blue crystal.
The Field Marshall listens as the reports are given, shuffling papers at the mention of Vendra's name. After the last report, she pushes the paper out to the party. "Vendra was released to the Silver Maidens before first light. By the Queen's orders..." "Something's not right, but now I need you to reinvestigate the wreck of the ship which may have started all of this. Except Nik'o...I need you to investigate these Maidens, as I've had reports of your growing ability with shadows, that's just the sort I need to sneak in there."
Marra is waiting when you arrive, the little Pseudodragon on on her shoulder. You note that the little dragon has a harness on it now, with what appears to be a message tube attached to it. "Greeting friends, the Field Marshall awaits us." The guards at the dining hall, slowly stand to attention. Then reach for the door and open it, the smell of spiced potatoes, cheese, and eggs hits you. The warmth of the fire in the dining hall fire place brushes past your faces. "Welcome friends, I know you're exhausted by these events, I know I am. With the crimes the Queen's Maidens do to the people, I'm shocked the revolts don't return, luckily I still control the guards, and my own fortunes have been used to help reduce the suffering." "Please sit...report on what has happened."
"Orders? I can't really give orders now, my hands are tied currently with the Queen's physician and her new guard...what we need is some heroes."
Davaulus: "Aye, a plague wrought by broken contracts, it seems the plague originated in the Temple of Abadar itself, is that not right Goldtender?" Ishani looks as though he might attack the priest right there, but decides better of it as the Grey Maiden steps behind the Doctor. A lilting voice issues from the helmet, resonating beautifully "We must be going Doctor, Queen's orders to get this show moving." After the retinue of Guards, Grey Maiden, Doctor and healers departs, Cressida breaks in "I smell something rotten going on here. Here is the declaration Davaulus handed me from the Queen. Everything is moving too fast." Royal Decree:
By Decree of Her Royal Majesty, the Radiant Queen Illeosa I, all citizens and members of the Korvosan Guard are to aid and admit the newly established Queen’s Physicians in this time of urgency. These royal agents will extend healing to the sick and organize defense against the spreading affliction known as “blood veil.” They are to be allowed access to any home or building they deem necessary in the course of their duties. All those suffering from disease or disorder are to submit themselves to the Physicians for treatment. To aid in the duties of the Queen’s Physicians, know that
Impeding or distracting the duties of the Queen’s Physicians
"You're showing signs of infection, Make sure to alleviate that soon or the Crows will have you."
The assembly breaks, and guards begin breaking off into groups, the Grey Maiden giving them orders with a sultry voice. The Grey Maiden is about to give Drakus and Gregor orders when Field Marshall Kroft intervenes."These two have special duties which the Queen herself has assigned regarding the investigation." She lies to the Maiden; you have a feeling the maiden is about to argue when The Good doctor nods at her. after the others are dismissed, the Field Marshall brings you into her private office, along with Doctor Davaulus. "Ah, the Heroes of Korvosa, well some of them, I understand the others are scattered throughout the city and you have some new additions. Very Well, I myself only arrived yesterday, after the Queen sent an urgent calling to me, I had to get a teleport here even or I'd be here a few days from now..." Knowledge Local/Language Chelish DC 15:
The man has a fairly thick Chelish accent, and he's educated. [spoiler DC20] He speaks with an Egorian accent[/spoiler] nik'o:
The masks all give off faint conjuration Perception DC 15 +2 for Drakus/Gregor:
You hear murmurs from the guards. ...uncomfortable around these 'healers'... ..ain't like no other healers I ever saw... ...giving outsiders authority over us... ...B~**% Queen
as the procession leads into the Citadel, the group with their escort is separated as they immediately proceed deeper into the citadel as you are halted and questioned. You find out that the Queen has sent Doctor and his physician's and they have just arrived ahead of you. You proceed to the courtyard where... The echoes of forcefully spoken but still just-missed words
“You will escort Doctor Davaulus and his men in their
"I assume that will be what the Doctor is assessing, but I wouldn't doubt it. Not much else we can do for now, thank you for the information, keep me apprised of anything new you come up with. Return to the manor house so I might know where you're at if I need to get a hold of you quickly."
"Yes, the others knew of this, The Queen has been creating a new Queen's Guard effectively, from what I've seen they're all quite beautiful."
"It's not so much the protection detail, it's the timing, She's moving almost before the news, Especially with the formation of the Gray Maidens, what's her game?"
"Good Drakus, Gregor and Nik'o you are here. I'm just now getting reports from the city indicating a plague breaking out, and the Queen has already sent a missive about protecting her doctor. I'm a bit suspicious that the Queen is already moving on this, almost before the actual plague was apparent."
"We are removing everything remaining on the ship and burning it outside the city, we'll be keeping an eye out for anything that floats to shore as well. You should head home and rest; the next few days may need you well rested."
"As far as we can tell, the ship sailed in unmanned, which is why it didn't answer any hails, so as it didn't answer hails we destroyed it, we examined the wreckage, and it seems no crew nor cargo of any worth was carried on it. The ship's name is Direption, a Chelish merchant ship. The most disturbing aspect is its black sails. I have talked to the guards who first sighted the ship, it bore a yellow lantern, which is the signal of a quarantined ship, one of the reasons we fired on it."
"Luck? You're a poor liar dwarf, stick to tavern tales, friend. Needed assistance? I think I can investigate a ship sinking without assistance, I'm not infirmed just yet."
The four guard level their spears as you approach...looking very tense. Though when they see the uniforms you're wearing they lift them to a ready position. The Field Marshall turns toward you as you approach, she raises an eye brow, and smirks. "Leave it to my brave heroes to find me at an UNDISCLOSED location...good work...did you manage to get the package delivered?"
You have returned to the Field Marshall after your foray at the Dragon's Horde while the crowds die down. "Welcome back my friends, The Queen has gone into seclusion within the Castle Walls. Many of the older guards have quit their posts. You have proven yourselves, name a reward and we shall see if we can provide it."
"The actual execution doesn't take place until sundown, it appears to be an affair not to be missed, many of the noble families and guilds will be attending."
"Beheading by Great Axe is the method our executioner uses." "Yes, go to Executioner's Square now."
Everyone regroups with the Field Marshall at the eleventh bell. Well Donagar arrives as the last bell tolls, holding his head as the bells clang through his skull. "Welcome friends, well the hour is nearly upon us. The Queen is to execute someone in place of Trinia. I found out through my sources that this girl to be executed is a pickpocket who was awaiting trial, now it seems she's to die, for her blond hair."
"The Execution is at noon, return here at around the eleventh hour."
"Unfortunately we can't show a heavy hand in this, it would tear the city apart seeing the Monarch's justice overthrow like this... if only..."she trails off... "I have procured the deed to Zellarra's house, and the manor house nearby, who's former master left no living relatives wither, and was killed in the riots. I will sign it over to Marra (only cuz I know she's not going anywhere)." "Sergeant, if you could write a report of the incident in the Dead Warrens, please. I know you're used to the way we prefer reports written." "Now, go get cleaned up, you reek of death."
Thousand bones looks at Donagar with a burning hatred. Cressida has nearly the same look at Donagar's black jest. "Stay your tongue dwarf, I'll not have you insult an elder of the Shoanti, if you insist on such jests you can excuse yourself from this meeting." Thousand bones returns to the corpse and quietly chanting in Shoanti while he shakes an owlbear claw fetish over Ghaeken. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
"No, she wasn't taken, Vencarlo is still with her, I sent a trusted messenger after I heard the news. That's what is puzzling me, Queen Ileosa is going to execute someone in her place. It's a facade of something deeper."
Thousand Bones and the Field Marshall are talking as you're shown in. "I'm glad you've returned, you've recovered Ghaeken's body?"
"A small price, that property hasn't even been re-taken by the city yet, so I should be able to have it transferred to you, with the caveat that your companions have access to it as well."
"I thought that Priests of Cayden could create beer as other priests create water..."
"There's not really time for that right now Aliandara, you need to head back to that house and collect your friends. Rolth will be dealt with, there are many places to hide in this city, especially in ancient dark areas." "You don't have a lot of time, Thousandbones will expect a report in the next day or two."
Those at Citadel Volshyenek:
After Thousand bones leaves, you tell the Field Marshall about Trinia, relaying where she is. "Good work getting her safe and sound, after my agents informed me she was innocent, I have already sent someone I trust around to look after her. She'll see no harm done to her, I guarantee this. I've also got agents inquiring as to why the Queen would accuse an innocent girl." "In reward to your service to the city, here is 100 platinum pieces for each of your band." she tosses a sack full of coins to Drakus. "Now I need you to gather your band of adventurers together.
Knowledge (local) DC 10: Korvosa’s vast graveyard, a place known as the Gray District, is a mournful place even by day. Alone in the city, this place is quiet and calm in the face of the civil unrest, yet this calm is an unnatural stillness in the air, almost as if the graveyard were preparing itself for a vast influx of new dead. Certainly, this ominous feeling is nowhere more noticeable than in Potter’s Ward, the final resting ground for Korvosa’s poor and homeless. Mounds of unmarked dirt stretch far and wide, indicating sites of mass graves, while crumbling mausoleums from years ago, abandoned by their families as the Gray District expanded to the west, dot the bleak landscape, forgotten and empty. Mourners do not visit here, for the dead buried in Potter’s Ward leave behind few who regret their passing.
"Aliandara, would you please stay for a few minutes whilst the others head out. I'm sure you can catch up... Perception DC27: You see a figure skulking about the back of the room
"Being part of this special unit requires less soldier appearance." "Whether or not there was true foul play; there is definitely something wrong with this situation."
You quickly rush to the fort, passing several groups of clashing Hellknights putting down rioters with zealous glee. You're ushered into the Field Marshall's warhall. Where she has a model of the entire city taking up the span of a 10'x12' table. She waves you over without hesitation. "I see you've added a new member to your fellowship, greetings dwarf, I am Field Marshall Cressida Kroft. Now, to why I've called you here." “You’ve doubtless heard the stories that the king’s killer has been named. Yet there’s something more going on here, I’m afraid. Queen Ileosa could have quietly had this Trinia Sabor arrested at any time, yet the way in which she revealed the information to the city seems to me like she wants the riots to come back. Certainly, with the mob
“Before Trinia is executed, we need to be absolutely sure she did this thing. And that means we need to catch her before the mob. We know where she lives—a flat in Midland at 42 Moon Street—but soon, so will the mob." she points out the location on the scale model of where the mobs are and the location of 42 Moon Street "The Hellknights don’t seem to care as much about catching her as they do about containing the mob—something about the “order of law” makes it a greater priority for them to contain than a possible assassin. I can’t say I disagree completely, but the problem is, the Hellknights are only making it worse. The mob’s covering most of Midland now, and Trinia’s flat is near the middle of the mess. I’ve got all available guards at work keeping things from getting any worse—and if I were to send them into Midland, they’d trigger a riot." “I’m sure you can see where this is going. I need you to get into Midland, find Trinia, and bring her back to me so we can deliver
"Very well then, if there are not other questions or concerns, head back to the Inn, the potions will be round before sundown. If all goes well, I'll expect to see you here tomorrow."
"I'm afraid those types of potions aren't very useful in treating the wounded and have little use in the Medica. You will be left to your own devices as far as the diplomacy with Barvasi goes. I'll dispatch a runner to the inn with the potions. You'll have the best luck near sundown when the night life truly gets started, I'm sure the only ones active at Eel's end right now are the guards on duty. I have provided you with the 100 platinum pieces for the bribe, whatever you don't use on the bribe you're free to keep. " "If you have any other questions ask now."
"No worries, Panish is it?, I'll have some vials of anti-venom brought up here from the medica. In addition I believe we could afford to part with some healing potions, just in case." "Whilst our fresh food supplies are in sore supply, I made sure this fort was fully stocked with healing supplies."
"Thank you Lieutenant Belkaz, you're dismissed." "In this coffer, you'll find 100 platinum pieces. That should be enough to loosen the tongue of The King of Spiders; who, you'll find has a penchant for arachnids."
"Evidence linking Barvasi to Cheliax, violations of law which are not covered under the Vice taxes such as Murder or Slavery, most of all we need to get evidence that keeps Korvosa from being sanctioned by Cheliax, thousands could die if we're cut of economically on top of this anarchy.
"Vencarlo, you know we don't need that kind of "hero" at this time, he would probably send the people over the wall killing every nobleman in the castle! No no reports of that vigilante have surfaced thank Iomedae."
"Just to be clear ma'am, do I understand that we are NOT to go in uniform?" "You understand correctly Sergeant, you wouldn't get within 50 feet of the dock without arousing suspicion, and possible armed response. Do not overstep your bounds on this, if you find no evidence of crimes, I can not help you in any way." She says to the entire room.
The field Marshall interrupts... “As much as I would enjoy continuing the conversation, I fear we just don’t have time. Vencarlo has often come to me with news of important changes on the streets, and this is no different—indeed, what he’s learned could degrade into sanctions, embargos, or even war against Cheliax if we don’t act now. This problem is a man named Darvayne Gios Amprei. You might have heard of him—he’s an ambassador from Cheliax whose disdain for Korvosa is well documented, and yet he’s taken great pleasure in what our city has to offer. Even before this decent 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 and establish himself in a position of power here. Whatever the ambassador’s reasons, 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, Darvayne 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 Barvasi 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 prove 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 to use 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: the man is dangerous, but so are you— if things get violent, I wouldn’t mourn his passing.”
"Heroes, this is one of my oldest friends and advisors, Vencarlo Orisini of House Orisini. While we don't always agree on the politics of the city; Vencarlo has always been there for me." Knowledge (Nobility) DC12 or Knowledge (local) DC15
Spoiler: You recognize him as one of Korvosa’s most respected and renowned teachers of the honorable arts of fencing and swordplay.
The field Marshall enters the room once more, [b]"Hello again my friends, I have the reward for your capture of Verik and the Cowhammer Boys. I and the city thank you for loyalty to the crown, the days of anarchy are nearly at an end."[b] As she hands you each a pouch of coins.
Field Marshall Cressida: The Field Marshall listens as the adventurers give their pass-downs of the information. Her sense of pride is eventually replaced by anger when she hears of the actions of Parns and the Cow Hammer Boys. As Drakus finishes his report, she shifts from anger to fury, drawing her bastard sword and advancing on Parns. She rests her blade on his neck as he looks on indignantly. "You Monster! I should cut you down where...you...stand." her eyes narrow. "I will see you hanged for this if these ledgers prove correct during your courts martial. Not only that, but I will personally pay to have your soul trapped, you will not see a priest to absolve you of these crimes, your body will be destroyed to afford no chance of resurrection, after your head is piked and put on display for your heinous crimes." She lowers her blade and looks to Verik. "And you! Your actions led to this, whether or not you're personally behind these crimes, you created the situation which led to this. You should have been at your post, keeping the city safe, regardless of your personal convictions in regards to our new Queen. You can explain your case at the Tribunal as well, whether you hang, are imprisoned or exonerated is out of my hands, you deserted the guard in its most urgent time of need Vancaskern, and that you WILL pay for." "Guards, take them to their cells, make sure all but Vancaskern are held in the most secure location. Silenced, Double Chained and magelocked!" "As for you, 'Heroes of Korvosa' another task you have performed valiantly for the city. Go clean yourselves for lunch, we have further business to discuss." "Dismissed" she says as she heads back to her chair.
"You've returned, with Verik and some of the other deserters I see, well done..." "Guards, take them to the holding cells, confiscate all their property until the Courts Martial can be held." "What else have you to report on this unfortunate incident? |