"I am so hungry I cannot wait to eat, so tired I cannot wait to sleep, and so smelly no one would let me do either near them. When we get to the tavern, I think I will order dinner first, bathe while dinner is prepared, eat, and then sleep better than I ever have."
"I think you have an unnecessary step in there -- I'm going to eat in the bath.." Sarastal's eyes glaze over as visions of rich foods and luxurious clothes dance through her head.
"I have never been so wealthy, or so filthy, in my life!"
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The party of heroes easily reaches the tavern/inn. Entering the Three Rings Tavern you find yourself in a cozy little place. A large fire place is in the back taking up most of the back wall. The bar only as two stools to sit at and is tended by an gruff older looking gentleman. The rest of the main room is filled with comfortable chairs and small tables with a few patrons chatting amongst themselves. No one takes notice as you enter except for a middle aged woman standing behind a counter. On the counter top sits a bell and an open book. She smiles as you enter and greets you, Welcome to the Three Rings, do you need rooms or are you here to just to eat and drink? If its food and drink please help yourself to seat and someone will be with you shortly!
Yselle flashes a handful of gold coins at the clerk.
"I need a room. A big expensive room. And a hot bath drawn for us three girls."
"Yes, and if you could send some roast chicken up to the bath, I'd be most appreciative. I suppose clean clothes will have to wait, though." Sarastal looks helplessly at her filth-smeared gown.
Beren makes sure the items the companions looted are secure in the cart and stowed at the garrison. He tells the others to go on ahead, as no cleric of Abadar would walk the city covered in so much filth. He bathes in the garrison and spends an hour shining his armor before heading to the inn.
Upon arriving at the inn, he orders roast boar in honor of the vanquished foes from earlier that day.
He then appraoches Theandra. "Lady, I am Beren Sunderholm of the church of Abadar and one of the companions contracted by the city guard during these troubled times. I am told that you have rooms for me and my fellows. I am very tired from my labors and would like to retire for the evening."
Sun Fei remains silent while the others address the woman behind the bar. If asked she will pleasantly offer her name. At the soonest opportunity she too wants a bath, there is no way that she is going to eat smelling like this.
After dropping off the prisoners, Thelix looks down at his armor, and sees the mess he has made of things, in his first assignment. Hanging his head in shame he bids his companions a fond farewell, and agrees to meet them at the tavern for dinner.
He then goes home to his fathers house, cleans his armor and weapons, and packs up his few treasured belongings.
"I think it's time I tried to make my own way for a while", Thelix explains to his parents. "I need to make a name for myself, and spread the glory of The Lord in Iron to all who will listen; to all that have a true warriors heart beating in their breast". "I will make you proud, and Gorum will have a place in The Pantheon of Many". And with a bow for his father, and a hug from his mother, Thelix heads towards his new life, thinking as he leaves how hard blueberry is to remove from armor.
Not wanting to offend the others with his odor, Inros bathes first, then meets the others for dinner. "I'll have whatever they're havin'"
When the others have gathered, Beren informs them that he has stowed the loot. "I know a merchant or two that we can sell the arms to, after we have taken what will aid us. I think we will get a fair price, too. Weapons would seem to be a valuable commodity during this time of troubles. We can search them out in the morning."
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When everyone in the group stops talking at once and Theandra figures out who all of you are she sets about getting everyones needs taken care of in short order. In the corner room on the top floor she puts a large tub and has it filled for the girls. The room is very large and spacious with four beds, a couch in front of the fire, a small wash basin, a chamberpot, a writing desk and a walk out balcony with two chairs to enjoy the warm evening. She has the girls clothing sent to the laundry down the steet and leaves them something to where in the mean time. A little bit a food is left to take away the hunger until they all meet up for dinner.
Beren takes time at the citadel to take care of his armour, the loot and a hot bath. After he makes his way to inn he begins to eat right away not waiting for the others ordering some roast boar in memory of today's fight. While he wait for the boar to arrive he secures a room for himself and then sits back waiting for his food.
Inros goes up to his room and gets cleaned up before heading down stairs for dinner. He finds Beren just about to dig into a large roast of boar as he takes a seat next to him. He also has his clothes sent out to get cleaned and dons a simple shirt and pants for dinner.
While waiting for her turn in the bath, Sarastal takes a moment to check out the vial of liquid. Fustration shows on her face as she is unable to determine what the stuff is on her first try.
Thelix takes his leave of the group for awhile to check on his father. He has a heart felt conversation with his father about making his own way in life for awhile. His father nods in agreement and understanding, he hugs his son and wishes him luck, he also tells him he will always have a place should he need one in the future. He then states not to be a stranger and visit his old father now and then. Thelix heads to the inn after he's cleaned up and said his good byes again. As he walks he notices on his left breast of his armour a blueish tint is still present, blackberry is extreamly hard to remove indeed.
Once everyone is done with their business, they all meet up in the main room of the inn. Beren is ready for seconds by this time having caught Inros sneaking bits of the boar while they waited for the others. Last to arrive is Thelix who joins the happy group, everyone smells better and they were all successful in their first mission together after joining the guard. Dinner is brought and everyone digs in to the wonderful food all the while chatting.......
To all, "This is more like it. A heroes' feast after a long day of preserving the rule of law." He raises a half full tankard, "To our continued good health and good fortune."
After more chatter, "In the morning, we should go through our loot. I can sell what we do not need, my family and the church have many contacts aboutthe city. Weapons and armor should bring a good price during these troubled times."
"May the gods save the Queen!" Sarastal returns the toast. "After all, she's paying for this banquet, isn't she?"
Inros digs in to the feast. Temporarily forgetting his manors, he turns to Beren with a mouth full of food, "Beren, after my family's flock died, and my cousin was kidnapped by the vile Gaedren Lamm, I believed Abadar had abandoned me. He ignored my prayers and pleas, and let these bad things happen to me. But you say maybe he let these things happen so I could be here now to help Korvosa in it's time of need."
He pauses and takes a swig of wine to wash down his food, then continues, "I began to follow Iomedae to guide me in my search for justice. But if I was wrong to leave Abadar, would he accept me back? Have I possibly been in his service all along, even when I thought I left his way?"
To Inros, "One of the first lessons we learned at temple was, 'Abadar helps those who help themselves'. In my studies I have read time and time again parables about men who have had world shattering problems, prayed for intervention and found they had the strength of will to handle these problems all along. Other times, a failure in one area leads to a greater victory in another. I think that you fall into the latter category. We must understand that Abadar sees ends that we could never hope to conceive."
"As to your drift in faith, the lawgiver is always looking for converts. Whether they are returning to the faith or entirely new to it. When time permits, we shall go to the temple and I will have my mentor re-annoint you if that is your wish, though a tithe will probably be expected."
Yselle seems more interested in her haunch of boar meat.
"Hmm .. *munch* .. that's .. *munc* .. really deep. Could you pass the plum sauce?"
To Beren: "Thank you for your words and guidance. I think I will have to see what happens in our fight for the city and decide what to do."
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The celebration lasts into the wee hours of the night as the heroes get to know each other better, toast to their successes and coin in everyone's pockets and food in your bellies. About mid-morning when everyone is feed and ready to go, the group travels back to the Citadel to talk with the Field Marshal. Your invinted into her office again but this time she is not alone, a handsome man sits in one of the chairs at her desk and as you all enter he rises and bows. Cressida introduces the man as an old friend by the name of Vencarlo Orisini. She explains although Vencarlo himself has always been an outspoken critc of Korvosa's government, she has always valued him as a friend and advisor. Particularly in these dark times, his input about the temperament and morale of the citizens of Korvosa is invaluable to the her. Vencarlo takes time to shake everyone's hand and even kisses the women's. He states, If Korvosa had more fine folk like you, we'd already be out of this mess. He grins as he says this plus a wink to the girls.
“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 recent 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.”
She finishes her speech and awaits and answer.....
Thelix muses over his spotty performance on his last "mission" for Korvosa. He is ecstatic that a chance to redeem himself is so close at hand.
"You can count on me" Thelix blusters. "The Lord of Iron willing we shall see this to the end".
He then sits down with a blush realizing how boisterously he had spoken.
Inros slaps Thelix on the back, proud of his companion's enthusiasm.
"I'm in. I'm not ready for the excitement to stop yet."
Inros also looks to Beren, thinking to himself that the cleric may be right about Abadar's role in the young man's life.
"Money is always welcome in my purse. There's never such a thing as too much!" Greed sparkles in Sarastal's eyes.
Yselle bats her eyes at the handsome newcomer. She giggles when he kisses her hand. She absentmindedly nods her acceptance of the mission, then returns to flirting with Vencarlo.
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The Field Marshal and Vencalo both smile at the enthusiasm the group shows at their new mission. At the doorway Sun and Beren seem to be pondering the new mission as they hold their words for the moment. Vencarlo speaks up as the two continue to think things over, Eel's End is a clot of decommissioned ships of varying sizes, five total all permanently moored along a one of the longer piers in Old Korvosa on the eastern end of the Narrows. Eel's End effectively restricts entry into the area due to the long pier and the guards Devargo has at the piers entrance. Your going to have to do a little sweet talking to see him once you pass the guards which should not be to hard if you just act like your there to spend coins in one of his businesses. He stops there seeing if the other two have decided and if anyone has any questions for him all the while eyeing the girls out of the corner of his eye making no attempt at hiding his interest.....
"This Devargo, is he inclined to speak easily about his customers. I have no desire to spend my coin to loosen his tongue." The wheels can be seen to be turning in Beren's mind.
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"This Devargo, is he inclined to speak easily about his customers. I have no desire to spend my coin to loosen his tongue." The wheels can be seen to be turning in Beren's mind.
The man is only in it for the coins and I will be giving you enough coin I think to loosen his tongue as you say. A lot of it will depend on how you approach him, you should have your best speaker talk to the man after you get an audience. He's been around awhile so he's no fool so be careful! She answers the dwarf hoping he decides to join the group as they are going to need all the help they can get on this job......
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Thelix still fustrated by the blue tint on his armour begins rubbing it furiously trying to make it disappear as he waits for the whole group to decide what they are doing. He moves to the corner of the room to hide his shame as he continues to rub and rub. He has a random thought that it might be easier to just rub more blackberry pie all over his armour and just to make it all blue..........
"I will take up your cause, but know this, if his tongue proves too slippery I will yank it from his vile throat. The church would like nothing better than to see Devaro out of business. His trade only undermines the prosperity of the rest of Korvosa."
"Really?" Sarastal looks surprised at the aspersion on the King of Spiders. "I would suggest that this gentleman is providing a valuable service for those who have...very specific tastes." She blushes slightly.
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Well with that settled, the Field Marshal wishes you luck on your new mission. Vencarlo offers to walk with you up to Old Korvosa as he is heading that way himself. After saying goodbye the group heads out the door and begins their journey north to the small island. The man they are following is an older gentleman but has a twinkle in his eye and a bounce in his step. Everyone has a hard time keeping up with the older man as his bravo salt and pepper top knot bounces back and forth with every step. He's chatting the whole time, mostly to the women of the group, flirting with every step north. He boasts mostly about his fine rapier that rides easily on his hip. He also talks fondly of Korvosa like it was a loved one. With every step the group senses that this is a good man who is in love with his home, a proud man to be a citizen of Korvosa and makes you feel at ease with everything.
"Hmmm. Tell me, what does this Devargo look like? Does he have any bodyguards we should be especially careful of?"
Sarastal is polite but cool towards Vencarlo. She finds his healthy glow and vitality somewhat off-putting, however, especially compared to the earlier sight of Thelix in the fight with the renegade guardsmen, pale from loss of blood, with life draining from his body.
"Master Orisini, have you met this King of Spiders personally? Does he really cater to any kind of appetite? And what have you heard about this Chelaxian diplomat?"
"Beren, you said you had a place we can sell some of this stuff?" And then whispers to the dwarf, "Cleric, what does Sarastal mean by 'any appetite'???"
To Inros, "That girl, she has some unusual ideas about the line between life and death, but under it all she has a stout heart and has proven to be true in the short time I have known her."
Beren trails the group as his short legs cannot keep Vencarlos brisk pace. He also has most of the loot from their previous encounter strapped to his back. As they make ther way towards Old Korvosa, Beren pipes up. "Up ahead, we need to turn of the main avenue to the right. I have a contact who will give us coin for our found goods."
A block off the main avenue, a small shop stuufed to the rafters with arms, armor, equipment and other oddities greets the companions. An old human approaches out of the clutter, one hand clutching a golden key hanging around his neck. "Oh Beren, It is you. One cannot know what to expect from visitors these days."
Beren lays down the pack, and the old man begins examining the pieces. "did anyone want to claim any of the weapons or armor before we sell it off? We can deduct the value from your share." As the old man, whom Beren tells everyone is named Harvin, starts to calculate the value of the gear Beren wanders the shop looking for some upgraded gear.
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Smiling at the girls questions he answers in a flirty nature to both, No I have not met Devargo myself or seen him. We do not share the same interests so have not had a chance to meet. I care not to associate with his kind which would only tarnish my good name and yes I believe every vice can be found in Eel's End from what I hear. As for his guards, or for a better word enforcers, they are well trained but still thugs for hire. If they didn't know how to handle themselves Devargo would make them vanish real quick as they serve no purpose to him if you know what I mean, he will not waste his good coin on such types. As for the diplomat I have not met him either, but I hear he is an arrogant S.O.B. like most Chelaxian are as you might know. He changes the subject back to his own interests, himself, as he continues to lead the way to Old Korvosa. From the back of the group a puffing Beren speaks up and asks everyone for a quick stop to unload all the loot for the last job. Vencarlo takes his leave at this point and wishes you all good luck making sure to give a little kiss to each girls hand before walking off. Beren leads the way to the shop he knows and introduces the owner to everyone as Harvin who begins to look over the entire pile of weapons and other goods. As he goes about calculating the goods the group is free to look about the shop which has a fair amount of goods for sale.
"From what Sarastal tells me, that fancy bow would be good for me." Inros also buys 20 arrows and sells his old bow. "What can I get for this old bow? I made it myself when I was younger." Inros browses the store's other wares...amazed at all the things a new adventurer could buy.
Beren disappears into the stacks of gear. He knows what he is looking for as he has had his eyes on it for quite some time now. He reappears with a masterwork set of banded armor (380gp)in hand and a smile as broad as Varisia itself. "Harvin, I will finally be taken this banded mail, and I would like to sell you my scale mail" (25gp?).
Beren disappears again into the back out he is bristling in shining metal. Beren chest puffs out and he looks as though he about to explode with pride. He nearly prances around the shop, getting used to the way the armor moves and feels.
Thelix smiles at Beren's enthusiasm.
"New armor is indeed a cause for celebration". "I myself am saving for a fine set of full plate with spikes". "If you need any minor adjustments or repairs on this fine armor I would be glad to help you". "I guess mine will remain this mottled blue color". Thelix adds with a slight frown.
"I better get 40 arrows just to be safe." Inros sells his old bow for 35gp and pays 2 for the arrows, then admires the new masterwork bow from the goods the group found, a gleam in his eye. "I'm ready whenever everyone else is."
"Harvin, you may want to keep a little extra gold around. We are off to deal with another menace to our fair city and I suspect we will be returning with more hard won loot. May Abadar smile on your dealings this day."
Beren turns to his companions and asks if everyone has what they need. He notices Inros admiring his new bow and feels some satisfaction in knowing Inros has found some reward for his service to the city.
to Thelix, "Plate with spikes you say, that is quite the image." Beren thoughts start to whirl with the posibilities. "Harvin was kind enough to let me tinker with this set over the past few monthes so it fits very well. I will keep your offer in mind, though. I can brew any number of ales and draughts, but working metal was never something I considered myself prficient at."
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With the purchases done at Harvin's shop the group leaves and finishes walking the rest of the way to their destination. By the sprawl of light and sound you can tell you have reached the pier. Glowing lanterns in the shape of dream spiders and god's eyes hang from pilings and lampposts, flickering through all hours of the night, a place that never sleeps. The pier you can tell is about 70 feet long although its last 30 feet widen into a large square platform on the water. The sound of carousing booms from the elegantly painted ships moored to this long pier. Large signs painted in several languages hang from ropes slung between ships or are nailed to pilings. The closest ship to the east bears the sign that says, The Twin Tigers-Take the Tiger by the Tail and Try Your Luck! Opposite that, to the west, a barge's sign says, Welcome to the Goldenhawk-No safer Stay in Old Korvosa! Further to the southeast is Dragon's Breath Corridor-Dream the Dragon's Dreams at Affordable Prices! While opposite that is the House of Clouds-The Caress of Our Lovelies Will Take You Straight to Heaven! Only the largest ship, to the south, bears no signage at all. Short rope bridges or gangplanks provide access to the decks of these ships from the pier, or from the decks of other ships. Sailors, Thugs, Drunkards, Prostitutes and what could even be a few well dressed nobles carouse on the pier and the decks of all five ships, seemingly oblivious to Korvosa's recent troubles. Here and there, large men dressed in chainmail patrol the area, grim faces in a sea of revelry. The two enforcers stationed at the entrance of the pier eye your approach but say nothing to you as you close the distance.....
Beren takes up a position near the rear. He is not blessed with a silver tongue and lacks the subtlety to negotiate in this kind of transaction. He stays within earshot but otherwise remains silent, hoping to look like a bodyguard for one of the other members of the group.
Yselle also falls to the back of the group. Knowing her own temper, she might well just shoot anyone who gets in the way.
Sarastal hesitates, then walks up to the doorman.
"Say, what does a girl have to do to talk to Devargo? I have some information I think he'll be interested in hearing..."
She flashes a few gold coins at the guards to pique their interest.
Beren moves up to stand in a flanking position near sarastel, as a good bodyguard would do. His thoughts turn to accessing the defenses of the wharf.
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Eel's End is in full swing even at this time of day. People pass your group either heading out or into the place as Sarastal walks up to one of the enforcers followed by the rest of you. The guards take note of everything going on around them but make no move to stop anyone heading into the party. The enforcer notices Sarastal and the group approach, eyes narrowing, hand on his weapon and gives a quick gesture to his partner thinking there might be trouble. Beren and Yselle take up positions behind the group ready to help however needed. The small girl hesitates but then with a rush asks the guard about seeing Devargo and having information he might be interested in hearing. The guard eyes Sarastal slowly and the coins in her hand. The boss is a busy man and does not just see people off the street, tell me the information and I will pass it along to him to do with as he pleases otherwise off with you, either leave back to the city or go spend your coin there at one of the pleasure boats. He looks down at Sarastal and waits for her decision. At the back of the group Beren tries to check out the area while the guards are busy, he does not see much other than people singing or chatting, most with drinks of some sort in there hands. He also sees a few persons who by the looks of them are on something, most likely Shivers the drug of choice in Korvosa. They look to be in a dream kind of daze just sitting there swaying back and forth. And lastly he notices the other guard make a small gesture to the other enforcers stationed on the boat to be on alert Beren would guess...........Inros and Thelix follow along with the conversation with the enforcer hoping this would be an easy assignment but it looks like it going to be a challenge....
"I think he really wants to hear this offer from me. Is there anything I can do to convince you I'm telling you the truth?" Sarastal jingles some coins suggestively.
Beren approaches Sarastel and whispers, "lets just go inside and have a drink, let them sit and wonder what info we have. They will eventually come to us. Plus, I thought you were interested in see what this place had to offer."
Beren then steps back and lets Sarastel take the lead.