Hiya Fondo. What is happening in your neck of the paizo?
I’ve been pretending to be fey-cursed doll boys and frog princes online when I’m not playing PFS IRL. Right now I’m in Germany roasting alive.
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Hi old friends!
Before the curtains close, the plaintive wail of Fondo rips through the House, and the audience's collective breath is stolen, before it returns to celebrate the conclusion of the play. Wow, that was a really wonderful story. Such a great hero. But wait, didn't he somehow outwit Asmodeus!?!?!? Thanks for bringing a smile to my morning.
Me want more.
Ha ha. I miss you Barael de Gare!
Fondo's attempts to maintain his composure, and mostly fails—well, by his standards.
Well said, if you indeed would see me free of this dour castle's walls. He gives the smile he always gives when attempting to cast of uncertainty or surprise—a charming tell and crutch. "These are strange times. We six all come from far below the station where we stand today. We stopped a plague and slew a genocidal queen, that all Korvosans and their neighbors might be well and free." He looks at Neolandus. "What cause had we to seek you out, within Arkona's labyrinth? Some vanity? Your gratitude? I say you, no. We came for it was right." He looks at Vencarlo, then at the throne. "Korvosa's throne's the same. I do not seek to be your king for power or great wealth. I've seen enough of crowns to know their weight and their constraints." He circles the throne again, judging it's contours. "And yet I see a thing undone, with none who're better placed to lead this city forth—to give the smallfolk hope and calm the quahs that lie outside our gates. I have no love of rubies, nor expensive furs. And yet I'd see this city shine, a gleam in each Korvosan's eye. A beacon for Varisians who pass its gates. A bastion for those who'd find hope where fear and pain once dwelt." Looking to Dandi, he smiles. "If there should truly be a sister to the Queen, or daughter to our sadly fallen King, perhaps she'd bring hope too. If such a one should want it so, today's the day to lay her claim. I'd see she has what help she needs. If such an Arabasti lives, that is." He pivots his gaze back to Neolandus. "But failing that, I pledge to do my utter best to forge a lasting, prosperous new peace."
"Well, quickly, then. Put them away before..." Fondo smiles and readies himself to volunteer for bondage.
"Serithtial might wish them sundered from this world. What does she tell you now, friend Elf?"
Fondo frowns at Dandi's suggestion. No better magic have I found for one who walks the road. But I've no need, if I indeed shall walk another path... Reluctantly, he holds it out to Dandi. "We'll want to first relieve it of it's other many golden things."
Fondo bows to Dandi. Taking out the portable hole, he summons forth the fangs and lies them on the ground. "I did already ask if you would see to their destruction in my place. Believe me, I've no love of tyranny."
Fondo looks quizzically at Briar. "Announce, friend Elf? To Neolandus, I'll announce myself, if no one else will see it done. We need no heralds when we speak to friends."
"Kako, might I ask a boon? Call Deyanira to our moot. I would be grateful, as I ever am."
Fondo snickers at 'ganderdoddling' and shakes his head at Kako. "Who is more fit to lead the people past these times? We've lived a life outside of noble walls, and heard the cares of folk from Vault unto the Shingles and the Heights. We've friends among Shoanti, and could craft a lasting peace. It's true we're skeptical of laws, when justice and the common good demand that it be so. I see that as a virtue, not a trait that makes a man unfit to govern other folk." He looks to all of his tired, battle-weary companions. "I'll gladly meet with Glorio once we've announced his rival to the throne. To dither now would be to miss our chance."
Fondo looks with some bewilderment at Barael, then at Nikolay. "I just don't understand. You fought and died and fought some more, for what? To stop a Queen who instigated plague and regicide? Was that the only thing?" He perches on the arm of the throne. "Barael de Gare. When we first met, this city and its lovely guard were your true love. You ached to be its guard. And yes, I know: The times have changed—you've love to guard. But would you leave behind the world, and all the cares and needs of those you once called countrymen?" Dandi catches his eye. And Dandilion. Spider Queen. This city and its fiends did draw you into nightmare dreams. O'er months and many battles, you have shown your mettle. Overthrown the queen and devils who would make you smaller than the smallest spider babe. Would you now leave the city where you proved how great you are? The people who now owe their lives to you? And draw away the man whose heart did beat Korvosa's blood?" He then turns his mix of praise and reproach to Nikolay. "Now you, I understand. The Sward does draw you 'gainst the shadows. You are its keen edge. I'd not deny your right to wander, as is the swordsman's wont. But what did you achieve, that you would wish preserved? What's squandered if you turn your back away?" Shaking his head, he chuckles. "I do not wish this throne, but I will not abandon what we've fought so hard to forge. A city at the cusp of something new. An opening to heal the rifts between this region's tribes: of Chels, Shoanti, Wererats, and Varisians. I'd like your help." Getting up from the throne's arm, he puts his hand on its back. "It may be that I could appoint myself. But even if that were the case, Korvosa doesn't need a king alone. It needs its heroes as it heals. And yonder nobles will most surely see it so. We need to nominate ourselves to lead. One loser shall ascend the throne, that others may their light throughout this city spread." He moves to Charlie and holds out his hand. "What say you, Kako? Shall we make Korvosa be a city we can truly love?"
"Twere better if we had some shared resolve, dear Brov, before we bring them in. If there's resolve that's to be be had."
Fondo looks at Nikolay. He has even less stomach for it than I, and none of the craft. But the elf loves him, and that's most rare. And he does love courtesans as much as many kings. "I'll not see Glorio upon the throne. I'd rather chain myself, if it means others may be free. But I'd need you to do another deed. Remove the Fangs. Find means with which they might be sundered true."
"Nikolay is Chelish and a mage to boot. Dandi has her noble blood, and I have may have a way of speaking to the people's hearts. I wager none of us would like to be forever bound to this dread throne. And yet, there is some good that we could do." He ponders. "Whomever leads will need the strength and wisdom of their friends, and ways to win yet more through words and deeds. It would not hurt to be the kin of those who bring Korvosa trade and threats of war. Shoanti blood, if not by birth." He spits on the ground and then ponders while absently cleaning the spittle with magic. "There is no perfect fit. But I would wager Nikolay or me. May Desna help us both."
Fondo shakes his head. "Twould not do to wait until the morning, should we wish to nominate one of our number. It's been a long, long day, but fate is longer still, should fortune gift us with long lives."
Fondo looks at Barael. "Together we could do much good, I think. Enough to weigh against the curse of staying in one place for over long, as lord among the lords, or king who would his power give away. Korvosa's people needs must learn to find their voice, and not be pawns whose fates are bound to those who claim good will. Do you not think?" He turns to Charlie and smiles. "What say you, Kako? Which of us would you see 'pon the throne? Who would you curse to such a fate?"
"I would propose another choice. To them. To all the people of this town. If we should offer one among our number to be king or queen, methinks they'd change their mind." He looks sourly at the chair. Despite his rather oversized ego, it's clear he does not savor the idea of being tied to it. "I dread a life that's tied within such blood-soaked walls. And yet, what choice have we but bondage if Korvosa's to be free?"
Fondo laughs to himself and smiles. "Forgive me, please. It's clear we've taken different tacks along the way, and you had little reason to believe us early on. But pray, do hear me know. There can—there must—be better candidates for this most sullied throne. Would you permit us six a moment to discuss?" He turns to the party. "I think we have some matters to discuss."
Fondo laughs. "You say it is not writ in stone, and yet your words betray the truth: your minds are set. Pray tell, if I or we were lords who sat before you in the council hall, would you both still pretend an open mind while secretly resolving not to heed our words? Is that the government you seek? Have you not learned from Ileosa that you have still much to learn?" Fondo shakes his head, and wonders to himself about the laws of succession in Korvosa. Surely there must be some room for, say, trial by combat?
Fondo responds with a kind tone. "I would have you on the throne? When did I say this thing?" Fondo laughs. "It came to mind. I judge you to be kind and good. And yet, it's true. Your mask and love of secrecy is not what this beleaguered city needs. I say this with no malice. Only honesty. Perhaps if you would take it off, and let them know the man whom legends praise." He ponders for a moment, and shakes his head. "Your offer is intriguing, but my position stands. If his benevolence outweighs his flaws, then let the Baron stand unmasked. If you instead should choose a king or queen with merely mortal flaws, then I would gladly help ensure their flaws do not get out of hand."
"You call me judge? Have you not judged him fit on the behalf of people whom he'd rule? Would you not crown him king while keeping secrets from Korvosans small and grand alike? Did that work well when Ileosa claimed the throne?" Fondo shakes his head. "You think him good? Indeed, it may be as you say. If yes, then let him show his face to all, and share with all the magics he does call his own. Enchantments that beguile the mind." He places his hand on the back of the throne. "As for perfection: No, we do not need an angel king. We need an honest one, who shows the world his face. A man who wears no mask." Skilled liar that he is, Fondo stands tall in the knowledge: He has been one to stand in the light of day and eschew the shadows. Perhaps too honest for the liking of blue-blooded nobles who pretend to be vigilantes. But a Varisian who would be stunned almost unto death if Chels ever gave him their respect.
Fondo listens to the discussion, silent for wondering. Why did I help these people, who so freely sign their souls away? I... "I could consent to crown a king who shows his face to all he rules. Who lets the people know his power to enchant their wives and sons against their will. It's possible a rakshasa could be a king so good. Not likely, but perhaps he'd prove me wrong, if asked." He looks at Vencarlo. "For small folk and the merchant class need guardians who show themselves in light of day, not men in masks of flesh or cloth, who plot and counter plot, and use the common people as their pawns. If you've learned almost naught from Ileosa's reign, I'd pray you'd still learn this." He moves to and circles the throne. "No, I shall not keep a silent tongue about your Glorio's true mien. I'd sooner chain myself to this unsightly chair and never walk the roads again, than help you lie to those you claim to lead." Looking again to Vencarlo, he concludes, "Your goodness and your wisdom shine through everything you do, and yet we all have more to learn. Perhaps tis time to bring our vigilance into the light. Let all Korvosa's people choose their fate, with all the facts they need to make their choice."
Fondo nods with only feigned respect, quite certain that Cressida has her own dim wits about her.
"I'd ask you only this: Have you seen the face that lies behind his veils? Or traveled through the prison where his family tortured Neolandus and Vencarlo both?" He shakes his head in resignation, knowing that Cressida's only desire is to find a titled noble upon whom to hang her own love of order. "I'll speak with Neolandus and Vencarlo. Anything to keep our victory from leading to Korvosa yet again in enslaved." He bows slightly and turns to leave.
Fondo chuckles at Briar's sarcasm. I may one day find space to like you elf. Turning to Cressida, he puts his hand on his rather homely rapier. "You turn from one fair viper who would bend men's wills with magic, to a fiend who wears the guise of lords. Unless Arkona has forever been a house of fiendish beasts with silver tongues, I think you'll find he's not the man he claims to be. His kindness, as my Brov here says, is but a route to bind us to his will. And of course there's this: he put Vencarlo and Lord Neolandus into chains. I fear he's put their hearts in chains as well. I hope not you as well."
Fondo paces about, finding renewed passion in... Something... What is it? What care could bind a man whose heart belongs tot he road? A stubborn feeling about what's right? He turns back to Barael, giving him a contrite but resolute look. "Barael de Gare—Korvosa's child, of common blood. He's fought to free this place of bonds arcane. Protector of this city, just like you. He'd be a better king than this pretend Arkona lord, or some infernal priest." He turns to Dandi, knowing his words may hurt her or transform her life for the better. "Fair Dandi here—an orphan of the royal family that gave birth to our much less deserving queen. She's risked her life and love to free Korvosa from its chains. She'd be a queen as kindly as you've ever seen. Why not support her claim, as meager as it may yet be." He pivots back to Cressida. "Vencarlo could as well. Or you. Or even me. But not these snakes. If you must follow someone's lead, choose one who shall offset these recent ills with healing words and balming touch."
Fondo looks to Dandi, a serious look in his eyes, and whispers sotto voce. "Indeed we do, Jell'enedra. The dead queen's sister, for instance." He turns to Cressida. "You would trade one devil for another? That one has a sly tongue, I'll grant, but his sweet mewlings hide murder and deceit. What know you of rakshasa, friend?"
Fondo nods at Nikolay's and Barael's words. I can see you want fine words, Brov, but she's our equal, not a mark to lure with gilded words. He offers his hand to Cressida, and embraces her amicably if she takes it—not waiting for permission. Drawing back, he gives her a contrite look. "In truth, we had her well in hand at end. I did not know the crown itself was keeping her alive—I only knew that sund'ring it was what was needed most. If I had known it kept her breathing still, she'd be alive and in the people's hands." He looks around. "If he's about, I'd say as much to our signore. Is he well?"
"Might I take this for now?" Fondo holds up the queen's impressive armoring amulet. Regardless, he gives Ruan and Deyanira tender hugs and readies himself for a walk through town—casting a glamer on himself to look like a simple cheesemonger. He then rummages through the portable hole, drawing out... The Fangs. "We must find a way to destroy these, or keep them safe. Think on it while I'm gone. I'll return as soon as Desna's will allows."
Fondo steels himself for another trip powered by the elf. Ruan awaits. My port in the storm. And Deyanira, who has saved my life ere many times. She should much of these fine treasures take. "I fear I must away a bit, to share with friends the news of what we've done. Wine is fine, but lives may stay within their owners' grasp, if we establish Ileosa's fate." Once arrived, he quickly greets Deyanira and Ruan before going in search of a messenger who might report to Cressida or Vencarlo.
Fondo shakes his head, his pensive thoughts about his future mixing with the reality of the city they've left. [b]"We can celebrate, for sure. Korvosa, though, is likely still at war. We bring a body when our allies sought a prisoner to try. So, yes, find joy in what we've done. But there's still work to do, and likely blood to see."[b]
"Farewells, Brov? You've saved your childhood home, and now can rightly call yourself its hero born. Seems odd to leave it now." He ponders, a bit wistful. "Korvosa's ever been the Fall and Spring upon Barondos' road. To see it free again... Mayhap it means my journey may resume." A look of sadness passes over his face, lingering. And yet a traveler's lost without his band. Who'll ride beside me as I find my way?
And one last time(?): Battle herald, Level 10
Fondo quickly reopens the portable hole and offers a hand to Barael. "Now let's find ourselves some hierophants." He begins to clean himself and any friends, in hopes of looking a bit more presentable to Kaer Maga's high priests.
Fondo smiles and laughs at the revelation of Dandi's lineage. "Do not your brow too tightly knit, my flutterfly. I'll ever see you as my sister true, be you a queen of men or queen of rats." He winks at Barael, and holds the portable hole open. "Methinks the space within shall keep our fallen friend quite fresh,
Once Barael's in, he gives Nikolay a nod before folding it closed. Ready.
Fondo calls out, "Twas in jest, dear brov. Take care not to touch the thing. Tis evil." Upon Barael's safe return, he smiles and nods his head. "Tis time to leave this place. Let's bring Charlie back and go which ways that Fate shall tell."
"I do believe I saw a gem of enormous worth down below somewhere. You should find it, elf. 'Jenko, let him go." Fondo continues to hold Charlie, waiting for the field to wear off.
A look of loathing passes into Fondo's face, and he does not dismiss it with a smile. He does, however, place Serithtial gently on the ground. "You can pick her up if you like. I'll not hand her into your care. May Pharasma claim you soon and usher you beyond these realms." He continues to attend to Charlie's body.
Fondo rolls his eyes but keeps Charlie's body steady. "I know that Taldane is not your native tongue. Nor is it mine, and yet I've spoken clear enough for you to comprehend: The blade's not mine to keep. And when you take her in your hands, I'll leave to you the choice of whether to respect what she desires. I hope you shall." "But pray, leave this aside for now, for we've an evil fortress to yet leave behind, and a dead friend whose body lies amid the blood of citizens whose lives we did just save."
Fondo cradles Charlie's head in his hands as Briar talks about objects. He looks up at the elf, old and young and incomprehensible. "We'll see to things anon. You'll have the blade if that's Serithtial's true wish. She's not my charge once this day's passed." He looks admiringly on the rapier that Barael chooses for his own. But I'll have something simpler that more truly bears my mark. He mutters a few simple arcane words and begins cleaning the gore off of Charlie and himself. "His dying breaths did speak of further draughts. Have we the means to bring him back this day, or shall we carry him within this fancy hole?"
Fondo beams triumphantly until he sees Charlie fall. "Kako...?" He flies toward the older man and, his magic departing him, finds himself falling almost on top of the ashen body. He catches himself short and cradles Charlie's body in his arms, caught up in a tangle of limbs and Dandi's hair. "Pharasma, let him see the world once more, if that is what he truly wants."
Fondo flies up and around, taking a double-handed whack at the dragon form from outside Charlie's Nethys-hating shell.
Round 17, Init 14-
Fondo avoids most of the damage, but finds his mind being sapped of its usual, er, vitality. Shaking his head in bleary disgust, he steps up to the emerging dragon, thrusting Serithtial in her longsword form into the skeleton.
Fondo hurriedly shoves the fangs into the portable hole and puts the hole in his pocket before accepting Majenko's teleport.
Up. Bring the body, won't you?
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