Leliestraat's eyes widen as Zellara's form manifests from the aether and addresses the company of chance. Finding a platform from the broken furniture strewn about, the elf manufactures a make-shift table on which to place the hatbox.
"Zellara, we have recovered some of ... your remains," he says, presenting the hatbox. "What would you have us do?"
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"It matters not what you do with my . . . remains," Zellara answers. "My essence is now with the Harrow. You are welcome to keep the deck; it may be that it or I can help you in some way.
"As for what Korvosa needs -- people who care for the welfare of the city. There are many possible paths the city may follow from here, and small deeds can have large consequences.
"Practically speaking, as I indicated, I can detect magical auras. Did you find anything in the fishery which use is not clear?"
Still a little surprised by the ghost and her pronouncements of Korvosa needing help, Fraz recalls the footlocker he's been carrying all this time.
"Perhaps there's something in here that would need your talents, Zellara. Wait a moment...," he says as he begins to open the footlocker and examine its contents.
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As Fraz unwraps the items from the strongbox, he finds (in addition to what Simn found while at the fishery ):
A narrow teak cigar case inlaid with tiny bits of jade
A 2-pound gold ingot bearing the Cheliax coat of arms
A miniature gold crown
A fist-sized scrimshaw carving of a kraken with garnets for eyes
A silver ring gp bearing the inscription "For Emmah, the light in my nights"
A masterwork shuriken
An adamantine arrowhead
An abalone-shell holy symbol of Shelyn
A tiny glass tube containing a small amount of transparent oil
An obsidian wand
A crystalline vial containing a small amount of a viscous, silvery liquid
Zellara reports all but the last three items are what they appear, but the last three are magic -- a dose of silversheen; a dose of oil of keen edge, and a wand of magic missile (caster level 1, 23 charges).
"Now I am at my limit for tonight, my friends. Use the cards tomorrow night if you need more of me."
With that, Zellara fades and the chill in the room dissipates.
Leliestraat does not attempt to disguise his interest in the wand of Magic Missile, as his eyes widen a second time.
“Desna’s Shadow! I must say, I fancy that wand, my friends!” the elf exclaims.
“And I could likely identify Simn’s wand with a spell. However, I will need a 50 gold piece pearl as a focus for that task. Perhaps what we have here, that we find less than practical, aside from exchange, might be bartered for such a task.”
“Still, we may ask Zellara tomorrow ... or simply activate it!”
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“And I could likely identify Simn’s wand with a spell. However, I will need a 50 gold piece pearl as a focus for that task. Perhaps what we have here, that we find less than practical, aside from exchange, might be bartered for such a task.”
“Still, we may ask Zellara tomorrow ... or simply activate it!”
As far as Leliestraat can tell, the non-magical items are simply art objects.
: Also in the strongbox is a medallion Fraz recognizes immediately.
Cole was awestruck during the entire engagement with Zellara, his mind not comprehending the events and simple shut down. Regaining his composure, Cole looks at the others "What do we need to do? I couldn't understand her cryptic message."
The spirit is gone before Fraz can say anymore... so many questions to ask. So, he glances over the items in the box, to determine if he any of them seem familiar. Knowledge(local) (1d20+4=11)
He then focuses on the medallion (is it his sister's?), and examines it further. As he eyes it, he hears Cole's asking words.
"It means that fate has something more in store for us, I think. Finding Lamm and rescuing children; the King's death - it seems that spirit spoke true of strange tidings ahead for us." His words are suddenly glum; not the hopeful tones Cole has heard from him in the past.
"No, don't worry about it on my account," Simn says, "We'd probably find out the pearl was worth more than the wand. Knowing what it is doesn't necessarily help me use it in any case."
His mind is still mulling over Zellara's words, but he figures there's one thing they can do to start with, "If we're going to start off with small actions, we should definitely check in on the kids," he says.
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The spirit is gone before Fraz can say anymore... so many questions to ask. So, he glances over the items in the box, to determine if he any of them seem familiar. Knowledge(local) (1d20+4=11)
He then focuses on the medallion (is it his sister's?), and examines it further. As he eyes it, he hears Cole's asking words.
"Yes, let's check on the kids," Gawain agrees. "And, though she didn't seem concerned, I think it would still be right to give her h--, ah, her remains an appropriate burial." His eyes stray to the shell-carved holy symbol, and he picks it up and absently fingers its smooth surface. "I wonder if there is anything we can do to bring peace to the city's streets tonight. The city officials must surely be overwhelmed. Still, it can wait until we see to the children."
"Burying the remains of Zellara and checking on the kids. Both of which can be accomplished at the Temple. Sounds like a plan, let's move. Hopefully we can avoid getting caught up in any more violence tonight. Also, I'm wondering how much those things are worth? They seem pretty valuable." Cole says to the group, while examining the contents of the strongbox.
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Cole says to the group, while examining the contents of the strongbox.
The gold ingot would be worth 100gp, just as bullion, and it's definitely not the most valuable item in the lot. The pseudodragon/imp brooch with the broken clasp is clearly the most precious of Lamm's treasures, but several other items are decidedly valuable.
The gold ingot would be worth 100gp, just as bullion, and it's definitely not the most valuable item in the lot. The pseudodragon/imp brooch with the broken clasp is clearly the most precious of Lamm's treasures, but several other items are decidedly valuable.
A narrow teak cigar case inlaid with tiny bits of jade
A 2-pound gold ingot bearing the Cheliax coat of arms
A miniature gold crown
A fist-sized scrimshaw carving of a kraken with garnets for eyes
A silver ring gp bearing the inscription "For Emmah, the light in my nights"
A masterwork shuriken
An adamantine arrowhead
An abalone-shell holy symbol of Shelyn
A tiny glass tube containing a small amount of transparent oil
An obsidian wand
A crystalline vial containing a small amount of a viscous, silvery liquid
Fraz's sister's medallion
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You are well on your way to the Pantheon of Many, dodging chaos in the streets -- rioters, Korvosan Guards, even a pair of Hellknights interrupting looting of a clothier.
At this point, a man in a rumpled Korvosan Guard uniform, unshaven and smelling of ale and stale sweat, lurches out in front and accosts Fraz. "Neffi! What are you doing in Korvosa? Neffi, my old friend!" The man attempts to embrace Fraz.
Sense Motive DC12 (go ahead and roll it for yourselves this time):
Knowledge:Local DC18 (let me know if you make it):
Sense Motive (1d20+3=21)
Knowledge (1d20+4=13)
Fraz mood is one of frustration, when the drunken man runs into him. Initially, he's surprised but quickly realizes that this is no attack - just a drunk. Just as he's about to tell him off, he realizes that he's a guardsman. Gods, what a mess there must be that Korvosa's soldiers are getting drunk in this disaster.
Maybe it's all those months in the academy, but he suddenly feels a pang of sympathy. He drops his load, and steadies himself against the man. "Easy, friend...I'm not Neffi...what's your trouble, eh?" He has no idea who it is in any case.
Seeing Fraz's frustration and listening to his words, Cole decides to intercede to assist his friend.
"Good evening Grau Soldado, you are a Watch Sergeant are you not? I have heard of the great things you've done for the Korvosan Guards and it is an honour to meet you. What are you doing out here during this chaos? Your men need you and your leadership!" Cole says to the obviously drunken man.
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To Fraz: "Neffi, you're putting me on. It's Grau, from Sandpoint. C'mon, lemme buy you a drink!"
"Good evening Grau Soldado, you are a Watch Sergeant are you not? I have heard of the great things you've done for the Korvosan Guards and it is an honour to meet you. What are you doing out here during this chaos? Your men need you and your leadership!" Cole says to the obviously drunken man.
The man turns to Cole, and asks belligerently, "Yeah, I'm Soldado. Who are you?"
Listening to both Grau's tone of voice and Cole's reaffirmation, Fraz looks the man over once again. "Listen, friend, you're in no shape to be jawing right now - let's get you some sleep, eh? There's people out there are going to be needing your help in this mess soon."
He looks to the others for either help or suggestions - a little confused as to how they can get this man some help without a drunken brawl.
Sense motive: 1d20+2=15, Knowledge: local: 1d20+9=21
Simn shrugs helplessly. If the man is determined to pick a fight, there's not much he can do about it. And fighting one of the Korvosan Guard in the streets would not be a good look.
About the best he can think of is to engage the man in conversation, "Sandpoint, huh?" he says, his familiarity with the maps of the region proving helpful, "That's way off to the west, isn't it? Along the old coast road?"
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About the best he can think of is to engage the man in conversation, "Sandpoint, huh?" he says, his familiarity with the maps of the region proving helpful, "That's way off to the west, isn't it? Along the old coast road?"
Distracted from his anger at Cole, Soldado smiles. "Yeah, sure. On the Lost Coast. Me and Neffi --" he looks at Fraz again.
"You're not Neffi. Where is he?"
"Listen, friend, you're in no shape to be jawing right now - let's get you some sleep, eh? There's people out there are going to be needing your help in this mess soon."
"Right, right. I'm a Guard. The King is d- dead." He starts sobbing.
"Could we perhaps take him with us?" Gawain asks in a low voice. "I hate to leave him in such a state, but the sooner we get the you-know-what dealt with properly, the easier I'll breathe. Maybe the children we rescued will help him recall his duty?" he finishes, with perhaps more hope than logic.
"Easy friend, I know things are hard right now..." Fraz himself seems to choke up a little for reasons of us own,"...we all are having to deal with the trouble around us."
"Com'n then - let's get you some coffee and back home. You can tell me about this Sandpoint on the way there, eh?" Fraz glances at the chest and hide - nodding to others to get a move on if possible.
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Fraz:
Knowledge:Local DC10 (Fraz only):
DC20 (same roll):
The others are able to reach the Pantheon of Many without significant delay, to find the children safe and welcome.
The others are able to reach the Pantheon of Many without significant delay, to find the children safe and welcome.
DM
Knowledge (Local)1d20+4=21
Frasides realizes he's probably speaking of Vencarlo Orisini. His father had spoken to him of going to see the man - get some extra training, perhaps. Rumors at Endrin Academy were that Orisini had been wounded due to a woman, and that she had been his student to boot. All this he mulls over.
"Easy, friend...let's just get you some rest, eh? If you know Vencarlo, you'd know he would want you prepared for what's going out there - Korvosa will need your help in the days ahead. So sleep; get yourself cleaned up later; and I'll make sure someone brings you some grub and coffee. There's no need to worry now, alright."
Once Grau is settled, he makes his way to the Citadel. He knows a few trustworthy fellows from bringing in leather goods for their armor and supplies. Hopefully, he can make sure that someone brings the man some food, and gets him up and around after some rest. If that doesn't seem workable, Fraz makes it a point to come back by early evening or next morning (depending on what time of the day - I figure it's still early morning since we went in at night.) and check in on him.
During his exit, Fraz glances down at one of Grau's liquor bottles. Without much thought, he takes a quick swig to calm himself a bit. For the moment, his sister's death hits him hard and he wants to yell at this drunk. He could be like this man; the bottle could dull the pain maybe. But he remembers the children still left to help (Nivvy? Kester?), and he has to tell his family what has happened.
Still, seeing this soldier laid so low makes him realize that there's more going; he needs to see to Korvosa in his own way. He compses himself, puts the bottle back down, and gets on his way to the temple.
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Fraz:
By the time Fraz arrives at the Pantheon, it is about 1am.
"The children are quite safe, it appears," Leliestraat says to Frasides Francol as he enters the Pantheon.
"It seems the same can be said of you, as well," he adds with a smile.
"The hour is late, my friends," he says, addressing the others as he listens to the sounds of the night beyond the sanctuary. "And I am uncertain of our next move. I came to vanquish the criminal Lamm and, having succeed in that enterprise, feel an apprehension toward the resolution of the event. We have had victory, but it seems inconsequential with the death ... or regicide ... of the King."
"While I have no deep allegiance to the crown, I suspect that this turn will have dire consequences, as we have begun to see, for the folk of Korvosa."
"Where do our loyalties now lie?" the elf asks, wondering if his human companions will require the rest that he longs for in the trance.
"While I have no deep allegiance to the crown, I suspect that this turn will have dire consequences, as we have begun to see, for the folk of Korvosa."
"Where do our loyalties now lie?" the elf asks
"That is the key question, isn't it," agrees Gawain, covering a yawn with his hand. The day's excitement has left him feeling a bit more confident and surer in Shelyn's grace, but also very tired. "If Eodred is dead, then Ileosa reigns, doesn't she? Unless there is truth to these rumors of regicide, then I think it seems right to give her a chance. I wonder who opposes her. At any rate, I fear there is little we can do without some rest. Does anyone know of a place where we might stay together? Safety in numbers and all that? I would invite you all to my father's smithy, but..." He shrugs. "We don't really have any spare beds."
"While we're here," Simn says, "I thought we might leave the lion's share of the loot with the church. It only seems right that it go towards giving the kids a fresh start in life. As to somewhere to stay... No, the spare beds are completely the wrong size, aren't they? And I doubt you want to kip down on the shop floor."
"The children are quite safe, it appears," Leliestraat says to Frasides Francol as he enters the Pantheon.
"It seems the same can be said of you, as well," he adds with a smile.
By the time Fraz returns, he's bit haggard from dodging through the streets, but relieved to hear the children are safe.
"Thanks for the concern," he adds, "things have been rough out there. But the watch sergeant's been cared for...hopefully with little more than a headache one hopes.""Did our two volunteers make it back as well? Kester and Nivvy...they were an awfully brave pair this night."
At Simn's suggestion: "That sounds commendable friend - I hope they can get them all proper care and homes. There's very little I would want for treasure...like everyone else...my goal this evening was some small measure of justice. I..." but he trails off then.
At Leliestraat suggestions/comments: "While I have no hate of Eodred; Illeosa can hang for all I care. Hopefully, she'll prove to be more than a dim pretty, but otherwise the sensechal can handle things...I may know of an inn near the Citadel or Midland. Otherwise, I need to get back to East Shore and speak with my family...there's a few places there as well where we can get lodgings. After that...you all have my gratitude and help, if you need it in the coming days."
"It would be nice to see these children settled," Gawain agrees. "But on the other hand, we may have need ourselves. If Zellara is right and our efforts will be needed to keep Korvosa safe, it would be good to be as well prepared as possible. Perhaps we could sell the items and inquire with the Temple about the cost of the children's upkeep?"
"As for lodgings, perhaps we should just agree on a place to meet in the morning? I mean no disrespect to your family, Fraz, but I would rather meet them when I'm awake enough to remember their names," Gawain continues with a rueful smile.
"Ah, it appears that we are at a crossroads, my friends," Leliestraat say, arching his back in a feline posture. "I will move to reacquaint ourselves in the morrow when we are better prepared for the tasks which may require our talents."
"As for myself, I must away to the Acadamae to learn of my institution and the faculty in light of this night's events."
"And, I must confess, to learn if I may make my services available to the city," he adds with a smile. "I do have responsibilities," he laughs.
"Meet back here in the morning, then?" Simn asks. It seems like the obvious location, and if anyone can point them in the direction of worthwhile work for the good of the city, it'll be the priests.
For now, he makes sure that the coinage from the thieves' stash is lumped in with Lamm's own hoard. Aside from the wand, he's not too bothered about keeping any of it; he's reasonably well-off, and the idea of profiting from such ill-gotten gains doesn't appeal to him.
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Leliestraat:
Fraz:
Simn:
Ordinarily, he would dismiss such crazed rantings as the product of an unhinged mind. Coming as they do on the heels of Zelara's own predictions, he can't help but feel a chill down his spine at the prediction of his own death, with 'writhing doom' to follow.
In his cell, the elf studies the wand recovered from the evening's events and recounts the adventure and his new friends. Drawing the Harrow card from his raiment, he flips the portentous card about before placing it on the table beside the wand.
With a sigh, Leliestraat crosses his legs and slips quietly into the well of trance.
His final thought that the companions revisit the mystic and acquire her guidance.