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Hmmm ...
So that's what Mari's been up to!
I guess we know what you decided about the whole class issue. :-P
Yep, I took that level in rogue. Taking Mari to a strange new place... Probably the Thieves' Camp, may be Magnimar?! Does Tain want to come along and "SMITE THE EVIL DOERS?"
I have one more that will really be a bit of a change for Mari. It is with GM-G at the moment. If approves of it, I will post it here and on the wiki. Let's say its going to take Mari to a whole new place! It also involves Felix, so its bound to be trouble!
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From the Journal of Marianna Merivanchi:
I made good time returning to the Grey by cab and set off from there towards the Heights. No one paid any attention to me and I kept to myself. A patrol passed by and left me unchallenged. The streets running along the Grey were eerily silent and I wondered how the priests of Pharasma could stand the unnatural quiet of the graveyard beyond the wall.
By the time I returned to Brock House I was later than I had expected to be, though Marcus was out and Cristiana had already retired, along with Yasmine. Dante inquired after my day and I mumbled something about a gathering in the Heights. He gave me a disapproving look, unimpressed by my late arrival and by my appearance. No doubt he was going to let Marcus know all about this in the morning.
Dante was a good man, though far too loyal to Marcus for my purposes. I did not even bother with ordering him to keep this business to himself, it was would be futile.
I quickly disappeared upstairs. Once on the first floor I opened the door to Aria’s room, dropped my gear on the floor and closed the door gently behind me. I changed, once again using minor weaves to clean myself up, and opened the window to the room wide.
Climbing on to the window sill, I sat for a moment and cast a weave of invisibility over me. Cloaked from sight, I quickly made my way to the street and walked off in the direction of the Grey. For fifteen minutes, I walked through the narrower streets and alleyways, until I reached a small park on Piller Hill Boulevard.
The weave of invisibility had dropped from me as I had reached the park. I waited for another five minutes under the heavy limbs of an ancient tree, searching the night for my guide.
Something moved in my peripheral vision. Before I could react, an arm snaked around my waist and spun me around to face my assailant. The wrist of my left arm was caught tight in his left hand. My dagger hung limply in my grasp. I stifled a scream, recognising the man – the half-elf – before me.
“Felix!”
“At your service, Lady Merivanchi,” he said, his lips brushing the back of my right hand. I snatched my hand away and gave him a sour look.
“Why are you here Deparle?”
“I am impressed you can tell me apart from my brother, Mari! You were hoping for the other Deparle?”
“No, not really, I had dropped the name to gain the assistance of a Varisian woman in the Narrows.” I looked about the park, uncomfortable in the presence of Felix and even more so by being alone in the dark with the rogue.
“I was asked by Sedilia to guide a Chelaxian girl to Madame Asa’s caravan. I had no idea it would be you! What do you want with Asa anyway?”
“That is none of your business Felix. I am paying good gold to keep this entire affair secret and now I end up with you.”
“You trust Agon and not me?”
“I do not trust Agon,” I said, my cheeks growing warm, “I do, however, have no trust in you.”
For a moment Felix looked genuinely hurt in the gloom, the distant streetlight and the bright moon giving minimal illumination to see by in the night. He smiled after a few moments and shrugged. I had to agree, my lack of trust really was nothing to this man. Felix and Agon had a complex relationship, one I did not understand, and that did not ensure cordial relations between this half-elf and his brother’s friends. “Look, no offence Felix, you have to understand…”
“No need to explain yourself to me, Marianna,” he said, cutting me off, “You’re paying the gold and I accepted the task. So, it’s business.”
“Good,” I replied, though I was now aware that any bond of friendship between me and Felix was possibly gone. Normally, I would not have worried under any other circumstances. However, I needed the half-elf to keep his mouth shut and to stick to his side of the deal. With Felix it was always like playing a game of chance. I had better odds predicting the weather next week.
He led me away to a cab that was parked a block away. I noticed he was dressed in the uniform of a Korvosan guardsman, a regular disguise of his, apparently, and one he must have borrowed from Agon. Again I wondered about Agon and how far I could trust him as well, if he so flippantly allowed his brother to abuse his uniform. Lost in my own thoughts, it took me a moment to realise Felix was speaking to me.
“Yes?”
“Get in the cab,” he said again, obviously annoyed, “I will drive you to Asa’s camp.”
“Where is it?”
“Just outside the city,” he replied, his voice edge with frustration, “Look, trust me enough to know that I can get you to Asa and back again. If you’re going to question every single request, find yourself a new…”
“Yes, okay Felix,” I snapped, “Let’s go!”
I sat down in the back of the cab and pulled my cloak close to me. The night was cold and I suddenly felt like returning to my bed at Brock House. I knew I was being foolish, that I had come this far, so I would see it through. Still, I harboured my doubts about Felix and this Asa.
Felix was true to his word and we past through the gates of Korvosa unchallenged. I marvelled at the beauty of the night beyond the walls of the city, taking a moment to look back at the cityscape behind me. Even at this late hour the city was alight. I sat in the cab and wondered about the wisdom of what I was doing. Nestled in my lap was a small fortune in gold sails and I was going to give them to a Varisian woman I know nothing about.
I was startled as Felix gave what sounded like a bird call and was answered moments later. He stopped the cab near the side of the road. I looked out the window and could see nothing out of the ordinary. The road stretched on into the night and to either side of us was light woods. I alighted from the cab and looked at Felix, who was now climbing down from the driver’s seat.
“Wait,” he said as he started towards the woods. In a few moments he had disappeared from view.
Nervously, I waited in the moonlight as the minutes passed. I started to wonder if Felix had decided to take off and leave me here in the middle of nowhere. At least I had the cab, though I doubted my ability to drive it back to Korvosa. Impatience soon replaced my nervousness. “Damn you Felix,” I said aloud.
Soon I could make out two figures approaching the cab, I stood straight and let my hand drop to my dagger. One of the figures was Felix, which was a surprising relief, and the other was an older Varisian male. “Where did you get too, Felix?”
“Prince Felix was simply instructing me on what I must do, Lady Marianna,” the elder said, “I apologise for the delay, my name is Aralen.” He bowed at the waist and as he straightened, he smiled revealing a mouth of gold teeth.
“Th-thank you, Master Aralen,” I stammered, catching myself staring at his mouth, “I have come to see Madame Asa.”
“She will see you now, though I must ask one question.”
“Yes?”
“Are you prepared to see her?”
“Yes,” I replied without hesitation.
Nodding, Aralen glanced at Felix and then at me, before saying, “The price is two-hundred gold sails.”
I passed the gold to his waiting hand and felt a tinge of regret. I was unsure about this deal, though the money meant little to me. Somehow, I knew what I was doing was permanent and would be a big step towards finding my future path.
“Please, this way,” Aralen said, turning and walking towards the woods.
We walked into the cover of the woods, surrounded by the noises of night animals. Felix and Aralen chatted in Varisian, speaking about affairs beyond Korvosa and I fell into my own thoughts. I had mastered Varisian when I was a child, having learned from my nurse, Raethe. However, I had no wish to involve myself in Felix’s affairs and the less I knew about him the better.
The woods soon gave way to a large clearing, where eleven wagons were circled in the night. Low fires burned and I could make out the silhouettes of the guards as they kept warm in the chill of the winter. Felix wandered over to a fire without a word to me and left me to follow Aralen deeper into the camp. I soon found myself outside a most extraordinary wagon; it was painted in fantastic colours that almost glowed in the moonlight.
“Madame Asa is inside,” Aralen said, “She is expecting you.”
I nodded.
“I will return when you are finished and Felix will take you home.”
I mounted the steps of the wagon, knocking once I reached the door. No sound issued from inside, though I had the sudden feeling that I should enter. Turning the cold brass knob of the door, it resisted my pull for a moment and then opened. As I stepped inside, I was amazed at how big the wagon was on the inside and doubted the dimensions immediately.
“If you do not think about it,” a raspy voice said from deep within the wagon, “It is easier on a mind that is always seeking the truth of things.” This was followed by an aged laugh and then by a fit of harsh coughing.
“Madame Asa,” I said, pulling the door close behind me. The wagon was crammed with every possible curio I could imagine and some I even desired. Large books, with Draconic letters written on their covers, rested chaotically on a nearby table. Spread about them was stacks of pots and inkpens, bags and other weird items that proved that Madame Asa was a wizard or some type of spellweaver.
Every available space was filled with something, from crystal balls to strange patterns made from thread, feathers and twigs. In a cage rested a large frog, in another a mongoose. On one table there were the remains of food and wine, on another their burned an acrid smelling herb hung over a brazier. Paper littered the room, letters and notes, and parchment laid over most of that. The warmth was intense and a strange lingering feeling of revulsion started to rise in me.
“You have come, child, to decide a new course of fate,” Asa said, rising like an ancient phoenix from the ruined ashes of disposed artefacts, “To change the course of the river and start a new beginning!”
I did not answer immediately. I was speechless. When I first heard of Asa, I knew she was old and had been a force amongst her people for a very long time. However, I was not prepared for exactly how old this woman looked in person. I would say flesh, yet hers appeared withered to something akin to leather. Her eyes were intensely green, not the vibrant green of life but the sickly green of decay and still they shone in the faint light of the wagon. This woman was a thing of magic and the night, I felt strangely awed and disgusted by her presence.
“Yes, yes,” I said, once I regained a measure of my composure, “Madame Sedilia recommend me to you.”
“Ha!” the old crone barked, “Recommended you to me! I requested that you be sent to me!”
Asa moved through the clutter of her wagon, her taloned hand reaching out to touch my face as she leaned in to examine me closely. Her hands drifted unwontedly about my body, her examination was uncomfortable, adding to my revulsion. It felt worse than when Ophelia, the mother of my betrothed, had demanded I be checked for purity. A task she had done herself, probably with the same sense of satisfaction at my discomfort.
“You are ready,” she murmured, “Yes, very soon I’d say!”
“For what, ready for what?”
“In good time child, now sit.”
I sat on a low stool and wrapped my arms around me. I felt vulnerable and was too aware of my isolation, out here in the woods surrounded by strangers. Even Felix would have been welcome company as I sat watching Asa. The crone wandered about the caravan, seeking out whatever reagents she needed for her work. I looked about the room, marvelling again at the wonders hidden in this dark room.
“Strip to your skin girl,” Asa said, croaking from somewhere deep in the gloom, “Hurry, time is short!”
Staring into the darkness, I made no move to undress.
“Now girl or I will have naught to do with you, despite your generous donations!”
I stood, stripping to the waist, noting that even half naked the room had grown surprisingly warm. I listened to Asa moving about, grumbling to herself in some strange tongue. There are many languages on Golarion that are no more a mystery to me than the vineyards of my parent’s estate, but whatever she was speaking it was alien to me. I had not heard anything like it in my life and it was not based on any language I had even touched upon in my studies.
Hesitating for a moment, I finally decided to remove the rest of my clothing. I stood naked in front of Asa, a mix of feelings stirred within me, and I was struck by a sudden cord of fear. At once I wanted to flee from this wagon into the night, to get away from this strange crone and her too-large wagon. With force of will alone, I sat down on the stool and waited for the witch’s instructions.
“Destiny swirls around you, Marianna,” Asa said as she approached me, dumping a tray down on the table beside me, “You are marked, the Harrow has revealed, and an ancient power has been revealed to you. Ignorant you are of its purpose and true nature, though it has been aware of you for sometime now…”
Asa’s voice drifted off as she started to prepare the pigments for the tattoo she would soon place upon me. She began to chant, an arcane language that made the hairs stand on end all over my body. I shivered, all fear fled from me and I became focused on the magical weave she was binding in the air above the tray. The fact I could see it without magic amazed me further and it began to form around the items before her. Needles glowed white hot, as did the various colourful pots. Asa’s eyes rolled up into her head and her hands resembled the claws of a bird of prey.
“You seek to change the way of destiny,” Asa said, her voice deeper and stronger, “By walking the grey path, by defying the bonds of blood and the powers of arcane might.” She babbled on, more intensely, falling into the strange language I had heard before.
Taking up the needles, Asa began by dipping one in a pot of black paint. With her free hand she straightened my back and started working the needle into my flesh of my lower back. Her movements became more feverish, she continued to chant, weaving spells into the tattoo she was creating. I felt my skin crawl as it lightened from light olive to pale white, my hair darkened and darkened, turning from blond to black. The pain was excruciating, though my curiosity and wonder kept me still on the stool.
The heat of the wagon grew unbearable, as Asa’s voice become a drone in the background as pain lanced through my body. The tattoo, I knew, was taking shape. The nature of that shape was a mystery to me, but I know it had something to do with my destiny. The magic became apart of me, binding with my flesh and sending tendrils of power throughout my body. I began to drift into unconsciousness, the pain piercing the darkness, even as I fell asleep.
When I woke, Felix was sitting beside me. Cool air caressed by face and I realised I had been sleeping in the cab. I was dressed in a pale white robe; my clothing was folded neatly beside the half-elf. His look of genuine concern made me doubt my earlier negative opinion of him. A faint pain spread through my lower back.
“It was not a dream, Felix, it is done?”
“Yes,” he said, “Though I liked you better as a blond better,”
He held up a small mirror for me to examine myself. My light olive complexion was gone, replaced with smooth white skin. My hair, once blond, was now black. I had often wondered what I would look like if my natural hair colour was black and now I wondered no longer. The change was permanent; there was no way I knew of how to reverse the effects of the tattoo. Looking at myself in the mirror again, I considered how my darker hair made me look more like my sisters – Talia and Serella.
“The tattoo,” I said to myself, “I wonder what it is?”
Grinning, Felix answered my question, “A black cat, of course!”
“I knew you would not be able to restrain yourself!”
No longer grinning, Felix hissed, “I could not let your low opinion of me remain unwarranted.”
“Felix, I was wrong to judge you so quickly…”
“You do not trust me because of Trinia?”
Suddenly tired, all I said in way of reply was, “Please take me home Felix.”
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Wow …
Great storytelling.
I was wondering at the new pic – now I know! A magical dye job AND a Varisian Tattoo …
So when does this take place? During the downtime? If so, I assume Mari was somehow disguising or hiding her hair during the events of the last session?
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Thanks dude! I have been wanting to add to the great work you and Deparle have been doing so far. Still a couple of mistakes, but not going to repost it. I will just have to bear the shame! :D
I think it takes place pretty much after the warehouse. Mari wanders off and goes about her business. She is kind of developing an independent streak as she realises that she is not really bound to the house or Marcus anymore.
I have to double check with GM-G.
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From the desk of Ambassador Amprei:
Marcus,
I am writing to honour our agreement made re your services in our recent business matter. I have taken it upon myself to retain the services of Anthony de Sirinius, an authorised land and tax agent of the Korvosan courts. Mr de Sirinius will be responsible for all the paperwork, including calculating fees from any transactions we make.
My initial offer is as follows:
Property at 21 Grace St. This is a small villa with 3 bedrooms, complete with modern furnishings. The style of the furniture is mostly of Chelaxian influence with some Qadiri goods. This property was mostly used for entertaining guests from out of town, and giving said guests somewhere to stay.
Property at 48 Wharf Rd. This is an unused warehouse located near waterfront; indeed it opens directly onto the water. Some 17,000 square feet of floor space over two levels. The property is not currently used and requires some maintenance.
I look forward to discussing this in more detail with you at your earliest convenience.
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Written by Kraken:
Marcus finished reading the letter from Ambassador Amprei and turned to the pile of papers laid out on the table of his study. The papers documented all of Ambassador Amprei’s known assets within the city of Korvosa and has been supplied by Master Vencarlo Orisini early that morning.
The Chelaxian Ambassador was known to hold at least seven buildings through the city – another warehouse in West Dock, small villa on Field Marshall Way, and a block of low-cost apartments in Old Korvosa, as well as his main house and the two properties mentioned in the letter. The Ambassador also held a large stake in two shipping firms.
Reading through the documents, Marcus quickly realised the two shipping firms provided the bulk of Amprei’s income and would be unlikely options in negotiation. The two properties offered were of some value – Marcus quickly estimated the villa could fetch close to 40,000 gold sails and the warehouse maybe a quarter of that – and the other assets of course may be attainable.
Ambassador Amprei,
I thankyou for your prompt reply in the resolution of our business deal. I have considered your initial offer with some interest and suggest we meet in person to discuss further terms.
May I suggest the Jade Circle tomorrow evening or the next.
Marcus Luciano Merivanchi.
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Written by Kraken:
The next evening, Marcus awaited the arrival of Ambassador Amprei and his agent, and prepared himself for the negotiations to come. The private room on the second floor of the Jade Circle was laid for a light supper with Marcus' valet, Dante set about pouring drinks. marcus knew the ambassador would fight to keep hold of as many of his assets as possible, but Marcus was hopeful he had set the field well enough to leverage a few more concessions out of these negotiations.
The ambassador's agent, de Sirinius, was known to be efficient and scrupulous operator and Marcus trusted that whatever deal he struck with Amprei would be honestly and efficiently carried out. Just in case, Marcus had taken the services of an auditor his cousin Pellius had recommended. The auditor waited nearby in one of the public salons to review any documents Marcus sent to him during negotiation.
Moments later, the ambassador and his agent arrived. Marcus greeted the ambassador warmly, with a firm handshake and accepted the introduction to the court agent de Sirinius. Wine was presented to each of the men by Dante, who then subtly retired to a corner with pen and parchment to act as Marcus' secretary during the negotiations.
"Ambassador, thankyou for coming, please both of you help yourselves to food and wine. Before we begin, I have a letter for you from a mutual friend”. Marcus handed the sealed letter penned only hours ago by Lady Yasmin Marcela and stepped back, giving the ambassador time to read. As the ambassador read the over the letter he noticeably relaxed and a small smile crossed his face. Marcus sipped his wine and observed the ambassador’s body language. He had hoped the letter should break Amprei from his preparations before entering the meeting, his mind hopefully elsewhere, and should serve to remind him exactly what Marcus and his colleagues were being rewarded for.
The ambassador was obviously relaxed by the news from his paramour and spoke briefly with Marcus before the negotiations began. Apparently, the news of the ambassador’s indiscretions had broken back home and he expected to be stripped of his title in the next few weeks. His intentions, it seemed, were now to remain in Korvosa and adopt the city as his new home. Marcus immediately realised this would flavour the ambassador’s negotiations as he would be desperate to hold onto as much income as possible.
Marcus opened the negotiation by making a counter offer, naming two more of the properties held by Amprei – the second warehouse and the apartment tenement in Old Korvosa. Marcus was certain the ambassador would not give up the warehouse as it was drawing a good return from its current tenants, and new it was impossible to negotiate over the shipping interests. As Marcus had, hoped his display of knowledge over the assets held by the ambassador put Amprei on the back foot, but he soon recovered his composure and countered with his own offer - the initial two properties, plus a part share in the tenement building.
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Written by Kraken:
The negotiations had been progressing for some time now, but had mostly staled. The two parties were not far apart now, when Marcus decided it was time to change tactics.
“Perhaps, ambassador, we should take a moment to step back and take another look at what is on offer, perhaps we can find a different arrangement”. Marcus made a show of consulting his notes before continuing. “I noted with interest the small vineyard you own just outside the city. Quite a decent little operation I understand. As you are no doubt aware – I am sure you too have done your homework – my family has some interests in the vine trade. Perhaps you would consider placing this asset on the table?”
Marcus could tell the ambassador did not like the idea of giving up control of the vineyard. After a few minutes of discussion, Marcus countered again with an offer to share the business. With his family’s investments and expertise in the wine trade, Marcus suggested, he could assist in increasing the profitability of the vineyard as a whole, and Amprei stood to still profit from the venture, even giving up a half-share. The ambassador was much more amiable to the suggestion of a split venture, especially if Marcus could deliver what he promised. From here, it was not too difficult to close the deal.
In the end, the final deal was struck, with Marcus receiving the following:
• The Villa at 21 Grace Street, Cliffside. Property value 40,000 gold sails or thereabouts.
• The warehouse at 48 Wharf Road, West Dock. Property value less than 10,000 sails in its current condition.
• A 40% share in the vineyard business, with a further 10% held aside for Marcus dependant upon the business expanding at a 10% rate over the next year. The vineyard currently is looking to turn over 2,000 gold in sales in the next month, with a total profit of around 850 gold.
• A 50% share in a tenement block of 18 low-rent apartments. The property to be transferred to both names. Excluding a small share for upkeep, the return on Marcus’ share would average 7 gold per week.
As the two men shook on the deal, Amprei’s agent began drawing up the documentation for delivery to Marcus for review the following day. An initial draft was quickly delivered downstairs to Marcus’ auditor by Dante.
“Once again, thankyou for doing business with me Ambassador”. Amprei raised his hand and began to object, reminding Marcus he was soon to lose his position. “No such orders have yet arrived. Enjoy the title while you can my friend”.
“Perhaps, you may wish to meet next time at my home to sign the final documents. I currently have a guest, but I am sure the young lady would not object to a couple of men conducting business.”
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From the Journal of Marianna Merivanchi:
A growl rumbles in Marcellano’s throat as Tybus shifts his bulk to sit up and place his large head in my lap. His slobber stains the page I am reading, though I ignore this and scratch his broad head. Jealousy and resentment come through the empathic link that I share with my often canine intolerant cat.
To his benefit, Tybus takes Marcel’s theatrics in his stride and ignores him. He continues to rest his head in my lap and I take the time to look out the window on to Janus Street, noticing that the sun has sunk low into the sky and the sitting room has darkened. With an arcane word and a simple weave completed with one hand, the candles in the room spring to life and cast their light about the room.
A moment earlier or later would have been better, yet my brother chose this moment to enter the room. The sudden act of lighting the candles with magic made him pause and he was too slow to hide his disapproval from me. I smiled and looked down at Tybus who had turned from my lap to look at his master. In the next instant he strode across the room and butted Marcus’ knees with his thick body.
I pulled Marcel on to my lap, who resisted out of some puerile act of jealousy, and folded the book closed with my other hand. As I place the tome on to the floor and allowed room for my disaffected feline to make a comfortable place for him on my lap, I look warily at Marcus. He had that look about him, his keen mind spinning through what he was going to say and how he was going to broach the subject.
“Magic,” I started for him, “I believe you want to discuss magic Marcus?”
“Now that you mention it, yes, amongst other things,” he moved to take a seat opposite me, “The time is right for us to discuss your studies and your approaching marriage.”
The surprise must have registered on my face, Marcel growled on my behalf as I was lost for words. A fight about magic I could handle, even desired, yet any discussion of my marriage to that spoiled Dragon’s Whelp stole away my words.
Marcus smiled and not with satisfaction. It was a strange smile and I could not place its true motives. “I have received a letter from Father. He says that a meeting has been held between Magnus, Lord Vylenos, Lady Ophelia, Mother and himself. The meeting was to discuss the union between House Merivanchi and House Ornelos. Lady Ophelia is pushing to have the wedding set for a date later this year.”
He paused. Looking at me strangely, again I could not read anything from his face.
“I,” I felt betrayed, I felt trapped, “I cannot, not yet, not now. The time is not right!”
“Mari, Magnus is not going to wait forever. Lady Ophelia is not going to wait forever!”
I stood suddenly, pacing from one side of the room to the other, trying to sort out my emotional reaction to Marcus’ words. Marcel jumped on to the armrest of the chair and growled savagely. Tybus, sensing the cat’s true anger, growled deep within his chest. I failed to notice Marcel sitting across from Marcus, claws piercing the leather, fur on end and his vivid green eyes narrowed dangerously.
“No, no, please Marcus,” I begged, feeling a bit sick of myself and my only recourse, whining, “It is not time, I need more time. My studies or our working to protect the city, is that not more important? Please, I will give up my studies, I will even promise to keep myself out of trouble…”
“Mari,” he said gently, making me resent his position of power in this, his duty, “If Magnus commands it, Father will agree to the wedding date. It has been delayed for almost two years and the betrothal was only extended because of Orlando’s studies. Cristiana will help you prepare and, of course, lend her support…”
“Damn you Marcus!” I said savagely, “I do not want Cristiana’s help! I want to be free of this betrothal; I do not want to be a set piece in Magnus’ games. Talia married for love, she was able to have Tain for a short time, and I am stuck with that worm of a man. The snivelling self-obsessed whelp that sits at his mother’s lap and thinks that every single creature or object in this world is a play toy for his amusement! He does not even see me as a woman; he is not even interested in me. He would rather be off playing imps and magelings with friends at the Acadamae!”
I drew a ragged breath, tears stinging my eyes and staining my cheeks. Marcus stood up, his face creased with concern; he looked towards the open window and glanced outside.
“What? What! You don’t want the neighbours to hear?” I yelled, feeling myself becoming hysterical, hating myself for it, “I had more talent for magic at five than he does at twenty-three! Raethe taught me my first weave at five Marcus, at five. I was casting magic well before any of you even knew your letters!”
“Enough, Mari, calm down,” he said, walking towards me, “We will wait until you are calm and discuss this rationally…”
“I am not going to cease my studies,” I cried, seeing Dante and Claudio appear in the doorway of the sitting room, concern creasing their worn faces, “He can, and he can sit at home and raise our reptilian babies!”
I heard Marcus say something quietly to the men standing in the doorway, and the door closed gently. Marcus dropped to his knees before me, his arms encircling my shuddering shoulders. He laughed softly and I could feel him shaking his head.
“What,” I said weakly, feeling foolish and immature, “Why are you laughing at me?”
“Not at you, at this situation,” he said as I looked up, he was smiling though his eyes reflected his concern, “I was hoping to tease you some before telling you that I called in favour. I asked Magnus to delay the wedding until at least next year, with all the trouble in the city and amongst all the other upsets recently, I suggested a postponement.”
“Gods, I am an idiot,” I said, wiping at my tears and sniffling loudly, “Great, Yasmine and I were supposed to meet Oriel and the others soon.”
“Not to worry, they will be meeting with Lady Delamore and her daughter tonight,” he said, pulling back to look at me and absently pulling hair from my face, “Besides, I have asked Aria and Tain to join us tonight.”
I sighed, tending to my appearance, “Great, I will need to make myself presentable, please excuse me.”
I stood and walked towards the door of the sitting room, Marcellano close on my heels.
“Marcus,” I said, turning back to face him, “Thank you.”
“Now, about magic,” he said, smiling, “May be…”
His words were cut off by the sudden appearance of sparkling butterflies in the room, wonder and recognition dawning on his face. I closed the door behind me.
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Written by Kraken:
17 Calistril
Brock House
Cristiana Merivanchi swept down the staircase, layers of patterned silk skirts fluttering behind her. Her long red curls were held up by a slender silver tiara and a shawl of light wool was draped across her shoulders. She paused a few steps from the bottom and posed.
“How do I look?”
Marcus admired his wife for a moment, a glass of ruby-red wine held in one hand.
“As beautiful as ever my dear”.
Marcus stepped forward to meet Cristiana at the base of the stairs and take her hand. A few moments later, the young Yasmin Marcella descended the staircase behind Cristiana. She was dressed in a new outfit purchased with the coin supplied by her family.
“The two of you are visions to behold”. Cristiana had ensured in her own subtle way – choice of colours and jewellery, the way she did her hair – that the younger noblewoman did not outshine her.
“The carriage has just arrived”.
As he led the ladies to the door, Marcus briefly considered warning his wife against playing match maker this evening, but chose otherwise. She knew what she was doing, and nothing he could say would sway her intentions.
“Give my regards to the Baroness. Remember to ask about her accommodations, I need a gauge of what she is seeking.”
Gavik, the young half-Varissian footman, stood awaiting the two ladies on the street carrying a lantern set on a short wooden staff. As they descended the stairs to the front gate, two figures approached from Janus Street.
“Ariadnae, my dear cousin, so good to see you”. Cristiana stepped forward and lightly kissed her cheek.
“And Tain” She extended her hand to be kissed, and moments later Yasmin did like wise. “Marcus is expecting you both”.
Cristiana regarded her brother in law for a few moments, locking him in an appraising stare. Tain shifted uncomfortably under her gaze.
“Now, if you will both excuse us we must hurry, Miss Yasmin and I are having diner with the Baroness, Lady Delamour”. With that, the two young women climbed into the waiting carriage and set off along Janus Street, the footman, Gavik standing easily on the running board at the rear of the carriage.
Heading up the stairs, the pair were greeted at the door by Marcus with a kiss and a warm handshake.
“Mari will be down to join us shortly, come in and warm yourselves by the fire”.
***
A few minutes later the four were gathered in the sitting room, the cosy fire burning in the black marble fireplace and a glass of wine dispelling the chill of the night air. Next door the sounds of shuffled feet and chinking silverware could be heard as the table was laid for dinner.
“As you are all no doubt aware I have just concluded negotiations with the Ambassador Darvayne Amprei”. Marcus gave his sister a knowing look, he was certain she had been in contact with her cousin and brother-in-law regarding Marcus’ recent activities.
“Happily, I can tell you all that last night the Ambassador saw fit to amply reward us for our efforts in the rescue of the young Miss Yasmin. He will shortly be handing over the deeds to two properties, and drafting business arrangements to share the profits of an apartment block in Old Korvosa, and more importantly I think, a vineyard outside the city."
Marcus stopped for a moment, sipping his wine.
“Of course, these deeds and business papers are being prepared in my name currently, but we all deserve an equal stake in these rewards. So, having said that, several options stand before us.
“We could quite easily dispose of each of these assets, but this would not fully realise the potential of what we have been given. The vineyard and apartment are both currently producing healthy profits, there is also a warehouse in the midlands that can be utilised in the future for great gain.
“If you are in agreement, I would like instead to maintain these assets and manage them for our mutual long-term benefit. I believe I can turn each of them to a sustainable profit and in turn each of us would receive a monthly stipend as our share of the profits.
“I am hoping you can all agree with this proposal before I take it to our other two partners in that evening’s enterprises.”
***
A discreet knock on the sitting room door announced Dante’s presence before he opened the door. “Master Marcus, dinner is ready”, the valet slipped quietly back into the dinning room to pour drinks, leaving the door open behind him.
“I have begun drawing up some plans for the assets which we can discuss in-depth over dinner, but let me open by suggesting we aim to sell the villa, I already have a buyer in mind. This should net us something in the vicinity of 30 to 40 thousand sails. If you desire some of this can be split off for immediate payment to be distributed amongst us all and the remainder invested into the other three holdings and further enhancements to our business venture.”
As he finished speaking, Marcus drained his glass and stepped through the open doors into the dining room. The table was laid with an ample feast and the delicious smells of spices and roasted meats greeted them.
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It is a very good idea to make sure that Aria & Tain don't find out what Agon and Felix have been up to.
Aria wouldn't care about the nobleman but threatening the servant is where she would draw the line.
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Tain detects evil!
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Hi Moonbeam!
Agon is working on Sabina, which has made for some interesting roleplaying so far. The negotiations between Lady Delamore and Marcus were also - interesting!
We might post those as well.
Mari has been given a Varisian tattoo and a strange reading by Madame Asa. The portents of this reading are becoming clearer, especially since the last session.
I am not sure what Mari is becoming at the moment, as there are lots of ways for her to go. She has recently branched off to rogue, so I am thinking she will become either a Daggerspell Mage or even an Arcane Trickster.
If she has the chance to become a Harrower, I am sure it would be interesting to explore. I will have to wait and see, so once I know I will post it here.
One thing that has happened is an archmage, Peryarv Grestuv, has appeared before the Grey Council (her master Arius the Wise is a member) with the purpose of leading a revolt against the tyranny of the Acadamae. He was the former head of the magic institution that eventually became the more sinister Acadamae.
Mari wants to fight and Marcus wants her to leave the city. So there will be LOTS of tension between the siblings over this matter!
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Our GM has changed the role of the Acadamae somewhat in this campaign. They are the only magic school in the city, after having destroyed the other school some years ago. They very much frown on anyone practicing arcane magic in town without having been trained at the Acadamae – this is of course a concern for Mari (who is not Acadamae trained) and her friends.
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I drew some inspiration from a quote Stan Lee's awesome Captain America story...
"I've spent a life-time defending the flag and the law! Perhaps I should have battled less… and questioned more."
- Captain America (as written by Stan Lee)
What?! Agon has been defending the flag for about five minutes! I think he needs to throw Felix in prison and get some serious "defending the flag" time! :D
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I am impressed at the skill of our GM who is able to create such a rich and living world for these characters to inhabit and move about in.
So am I!
I was just trying to be funny with the Yoda quote, yes, definitely, Agon seems like a complex character. It's very interesting to follow his progression through your writing.
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In the wake of the archmage, Marcus descends the stairs to the floor below to where the Grey Council now fell into their own heated discussions. He searched the crowd fervently for his sister. The shocked silence brought about by the emergence of Grestuv and his call for a rebellion against the Acadamae now eroded into a collision of bodies and a rising tide of voices, as those present struggled to be heard.
He saw Mari standing to one side with Ariadnae and Tain, all but ignored and left to talk amongst themselves; as did many of the other assistants and cohorts who witnessed the exchange between Grestuv and the Grey Council. Marcus noticed Mari exchanging looks with her mentor, Arius the Wise, and an overwhelming desire to seize his sister and take her to safety assailed him.
As he reached her, Marcus grabbed Mari’s arm and tried to steer her towards the exit. She gave a sharp cry of pain and surprise.
“Quick, we should leave while they are still wrapped up in their own debate!” Mari gave Marcus a quizzical look as if uncertain of his meaning and his intentions. He saw something strange and frightening in her face, as she looked coolly at his hand on her arm. “Lets get back to the house now; you can pack light and be out of the city within the hour.”
Hope seemed to rise in Marcus’s breast as Mari finally focused on him and realisation dawned on her face, though evaporated as soon as Mari broke from his grasp. “What are you talking about Marcus, I am not going anywhere!”
The siblings stood looking at each other for a moment; the tension between them was almost visible as Marcus stared at his sister. Gone was the innocence and naïveté of youth, she now stood before him with growing resolution and with eyes that were hard as sapphires.
“Of course you are! You need to get out of the city before they draw you into this conflict. Go back to the estate, you should be safely out of reach there,” as he spoke, Marcus moved forward to grasp Mari’s arm once more. With surprising grace and speed, Mari stepped back out of his reach. The manoeuvre almost reminded Marcus of his master – Vencarlo Orisini.
“I don’t want to go anywhere with you,” Mari spat, her voice venomous, “I want to stay, I want to be a part of this fight, it’s my fight!”
For a moment, Marcus just stared at his sister as if unable to comprehend what she had just said. Mari took another step back, away from Marcus and her family. The expression on her face was the opposite to that of her brother – she wore a mask of anger and resentment, he wore a mask of stoic calm that was under threat from his confusion and raging emotions.
“You can’t be serious? You want to be a part of this fight? You want to fight the Acadamae? Think about what you are saying!”
Again, the tension was obvious between the siblings. Marcus took a step forward, only to have Mari take two steps back. By now, she was almost obscured by another group of squabbling onlookers. Her face now a terrible mask of anger and pain, tears standing bright in her blue eyes, Mari stepped back towards her brother. Her hard eyes dared him to touch her.
“I am not yours anymore Marcus,” she said, her voice neutral, “I am not the pawn of Magnus Merivanchi, the plaything of Orlando Ornelos or the doe-eyed pupil of Arius the Wise…”
“Mari!” Marcus snapped, the torrent of emotions breaking his traditional mask of self-control. “This is madness. This is not the same as fighting petty thugs on the street! This is not a game. They are talking of war, a war in which you need not take part.”
“Enough talk,” his sister said her voicing rising above the sea of trouble as she raised her hand to quieten him, “I am not returning home with you or leaving the city. This is my fight, this is my conflict, I am not going to sit back and be told what to do any more. I want nothing to do with you, the family or anyone else…”
As their voices rose, others turned now to face the pair. Suddenly aware of the eyes upon them, Marcus’s tone softened slightly and he tried to reason with his sister.
“Mari, can you not see how crazy this looks,” Marcus replied, not registering her words in their entirety, “Eight old men against the entire Acadamae, which has the backing of House Ornelos and the law of the city on its side!” Marcus waved his hand in the direction of the group on the platform in the centre of the room, “They cannot win against these odds. This is not safe, this does not make sense! You could die! Do you not understand?”
“I understand that I am sick of being told what to do,” Mari said icily.
Marcus’ voice rose again. “Are you so ready to throw everything away? Think about your family, your honour, your duty. How will Father react? Or Mother? Or Magnus?”
Confused and concerned by the argument, Tain stepped forward, intending to speak words of calm. Marcus shot the paladin such a look that he froze in mid-step, uncertain how to take the look of fierce hatred in his friend’s eyes.
“If you do this, that’s it, everything will be over for you. Magnus will have you thrown out. Disinherited. You’ll never see home again, or your family, and for what?”
By now all sense of control had departed from Marcus, his words were filled with rage and he jabbed his finger towards his sister as he ranted. “You will have no part in this. I forbid it!”
“I am sick of my destiny being determined by half-men who prance around clubs and hallowed halls playing politics.” She stood facing her brother, cold hatred mirrored in her face and eyes. “I am leaving, do not follow me!”
“Don’t you dare leave” Marcus screamed as Mari turned away from him. He stood, body tense, shaking in anger as Mari pushed her way through the crowd. He opened his mouth to scream further threats, but his voice locked in his throat. Marcus watched impotently as his sister walk away.
Words of concern from Ariadnae and Tain fell upon deaf ears, before Marcus spun on his heels and stormed from the room.
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I failed to put the above post in context.
It takes place on the night of 23rd Calistril and takes place at the end of the events of our most recent session. This argument takes place straight after Peryarv reveals himself to be the archmage Grestuv.
Individual posts for Marcus and Marianna are to follow.
EDIT: I really need to check for grammatical errors!
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What is the Gray Council, exactly? Rebel mages who oppose the Acadamae? And one of their members is Mari's mentor?
And Peryarv is an archmage? Is that the guy who had bought Yasmin as a slave? How were you guys able to avoid being obliterated by someone so powerful? Or am I confusing him with someone else?
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In our version of Korvosa, the Grey Council were the heads of the previous magical college in the city. The Acadamae was born from this institution and the former heads were forced into hiding.
The Grey Council has only recently been revealed to Mari (in our last session) and the fact that Arius the Wise was a member. He accepted Mari into their order, though since the conclusion of last session she has disappeared into the city by herself.
Grestuv has been acting as Peryarv to move about the city. All of his motives have not been revealed, though he does plan to take on the Acadamae. Grestuv is the former head of his order and has spent many years recovering from his previous loss of power and wounds.
I am not sure if he is the original Peryarv that we fought or the one who kidnapped Yasmin. Some weird stuff has been happening between Peryarv and House Arkona. How we survived our encounter with him probably came down to Grestuv wanting to remain hidden, our brazen stupidity and Arkona reinforcements.
I have not read the adventure path so I do not have any idea who is supposed to be who. How do you find the changes Moonbeam and how the campaign is being revealed through our posts?
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What is the Gray Council, exactly? Rebel mages who oppose the Acadamae? And one of their members is Mari's mentor?
And Peryarv is an archmage? Is that the guy who had bought Yasmin as a slave? How were you guys able to avoid being obliterated by someone so powerful? Or am I confusing him with someone else?
Yeah, I've got two sessions worth of journal entries to catch up on and post to put Mari's last post into context ...
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I am not sure if he is the original Peryarv that we fought or the one who kidnapped Yasmin. Some weird stuff has been happening between Peryarv and House Arkona. How we survived our encounter with him probably came down to Grestuv wanting to remain hidden, our brazen stupidity and Arkona reinforcements.
Tain is pretty much convinced that this ‘Peryarv’ is not the same man that the group fought outside the slave house that night. He is not sure of this Peryarv / Grestuv’s motives, but is inclined not to trust him, despite that he could detect no evil from him.
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It might have beeen a good idea on my part to hold off posting the confrontation until the other session entries had been posted. Damn I hate hindsight!
Any idea how Tain is going to take the breakdown in Marcus's and Mari's relationship?
Oh, as usual Tain is all in an ethical / moral internal debate over it. He really needs to get some more lawful good friends …
He has a soft spot for Mari, and is usually willing to indulge her, but he tends to side with Marcus on this one. He does not think that a mage war in the city right now (if at all) is a good idea, and he does not think that it would be safe for Mari to get caught up in it.
Further, he does not trust ‘Peryarv’s’ motives at all.
The only things that are stopping him from taking Marcus’ position outright is that a) he thinks Mari is smart enough to make her own mistakes (and learn from them), b) Mari is stronger than Marcus thinks, and c) he does not like the Acadamae and would be happy to see their dominance toppled. They are too much a vestige of Imperial Cheliax (and he suspects diabolical influence in their organization). HOWEVER, he does not like the idea of a mage war in his streets (too much chance of civilians getting hurt and chaos breaking out) and he does not think that now is a good time to weaken the Acadamae, given that they seem to be trying to maintain law and order and stop the spread of disease.
But in specific regards to Mari and Marcus’ relationship … Tain will probably try to talk to both of them and get them to see things from the other’s side – try to find a middle ground, or a way that one or both of them can compromise.
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Cool for cats! Thank you for the write up, it is going to be a weird couple of days for all the characters.
We were discussing the fallout from the post this week and were keen to see how Agon, Aria and Tain would react. Hopefully, once we get our individual actions out of the way we can bring the others into the narrative as well.
EDIT: Well, Osric is lawful... Well, he is lawful! :D
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What is the Gray Council, exactly? Rebel mages who oppose the Acadamae? And one of their members is Mari's mentor?
And Peryarv is an archmage? Is that the guy who had bought Yasmin as a slave? How were you guys able to avoid being obliterated by someone so powerful? Or am I confusing him with someone else?
Hi, Long time Paizo user first time poster... :D I'm the guy Chubbs has taken to calling "GM-G".
Peryarv "held back" against the PCs, choosing not to kill them. Well Ari did take a fair whack there... but Peryarv was under a fair bit of stress at the time, fighting 4 or 5 people at once.
BTW Yasmin was not purchased as a slave, she was never in the slave house - she was brought to a nearby house and held there as Peryarv went and confronted House Arkona. The PCs reasoned this was for a quick exchange should the negotiations with House Arkona go according to plan.
Peryarv did, however, "purchase" all the available debts available that night. I'd personally stress that no slaves were bought or sold that night - everyone up for auction was there of their own accord, selling off their debts in return for a period of servitude ie indentured servants. Technically no illegal activities took place that night... well apart from the whole "Yasmin is held as a prisoner and ransom chip" thing :)
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In our version of Korvosa, the Grey Council were the heads of the previous magical college in the city. The Acadamae was born from this institution and the former heads were forced into hiding.
The Acadamae in our Korvosa is the same as The Acadamae in official, stock-standard Korvosa up until approximately 20 to 30 years ago. 20 years ago, through an act of royal decree, The Acadamae became the only official source of magic in Korvosa. The Anomanexus College was folded into The Acadamae, becoming what the mages refer to as "The Day of Consolidation". A brief, but terrible, mage battle occurred before the leaders of the college surrendered. The head of the college, Lord Grestuv, was thought to have died in the battle.
How we survived our encounter with him probably came down to Grestuv wanting to remain hidden, our brazen stupidity and Arkona reinforcements.
A mix of these things plus Peryarv/Grestuv was not looking to kill any of you... Ari might feel otherwise, having been nicely toasted.
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I have not read the adventure path so I do not have any idea who is supposed to be who. How do you find the changes Moonbeam and how the campaign is being revealed through our posts?
It's VERY different from the original adventure.
A lot of stuff was added, removed, or modified by your DM. :)| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Hi GM-G/Ollie. It's nice to see some posts from you. I just want to tell you that I really love what you've done with this campaign. It must have taken a lot of effort to customize the adventures so much, and I think you've done a great job with it!
Hi Moonbeam,
Thank you very much for the compliment. I'm glad you are enjoying reading about it :)