Taelreth remains slumped on the floor of the main room, hardly aware of what's going on around her.
Derrian nods to Grent. "Very true. Well if this indeed Her Highess's brooch, I am sure she will want it back. I should be able to make an arrangement to talk to the Steward to return it to her. As for the ring, there may be a jeweler's mark on it to indicate who crafted it. If not, perhaps a local jeweler would recognize the craftsmanship. But truly, the effort that we would put into finding the owners of these things is most likely more than we want to deal with. The children could use the money these things would fetch to get them set on a better path than Lamm's.
Derrian watches Crux leave, and then looks around for Taelreth. Seeing her on the floor in the other room, he rushes to her side to see if she was injured. "Tael, are you OK?"
Weakly, Taelreth responds, "I am...uninjured." She pauses for a moment, and continues, "We were too late...she's gone. Even if we find her...I shudder to think what she is going through. Killing Lamm may have satisfied each of you...I am no closer to finding my daughter."
Crux sceams as loud as he can. He then breaks into a fit of coughing.
Derrian's ears perk up at Crux's scream. Turning back to Taelreth, "We'll find her. I'll help you find her. For now, it seems like this night isn't over." Standing he moves to head out of the sub-floor of the fishery, calling over his shoulder for the others if they haven't heard him, "Company upstairs!" When he reaches the ground floor, he takes the time to explain to the young half-orc that they have nothing to worry from Lamm anymore, and that he should round up the kids and take them to the hostel in the morning.
Rushing up to where Crux is, he bursts out, with sword drawn, "What's going on?"
Kazadarin hears Crux’s cry and bolts for the door to help his new companion.
He makes it to Crux before noticing the night sky. He pauses for a moment, his sword hanging by his side, and turns to his companion. ”What in the hells is happening?”
I apologize. This is what is under the spoiler:
As you step into the night, you're met with a very unexpected sight. Though still several hours from dawn, the skies glow with a pale light. Smoke begins to rise into the sky from several places across the cityscape, and those people visible from the fishery are in a panic; Korvosa is in flames.
Grent strides purposefully to the sound of Crux's voice. He stops at the sight of Korvosa burning, but begins running towards the nearest fire. "We have to go help!" he yells over his shoulder as he runs.
Derrian's encouragement and Crux's shout snap Tael back into motion. Retrieving her cloak, she rushes upstairs to join the others. The light of the fire reflects in her eyes, giving them an almost orangeish glow in the twilight.
"Stay close to the river! The entire city is wood, we'll be ash by morning if we're not careful!"
She'll then survey the local situation; are there any nearby fires/to what extent is the city on fire?
Derrian takes in the scene with a sigh. Lamm was dead and Korvosa was burning. What the heck was happening?
"Grent is right, we have to help, but we need to know what exactly is going on before we know how to help." Derrian looks up and down the street, looking for someone who might know what is going on. If no one is to be found, he encourages everyone to follow Grent to the nearest burning building, to help put it out.
In the short time it takes for everyone to return to the fishery's upper level, alarm bells have begun ringing through the streets. A pseudodragon swoops low, landing on Crux's shoulder for a brief moment before taking off once again with a hiss, three imps chasing it through the sky. A wing of Sable Company marines flies overhead, angling toward Castle Korvosa, but one of their mounts is heavily wounded; the creature struggles to keep up with the other hippogriffs before losing control and crashing into a statue several streets over.
The voice of a page breaks through the growing chaos. “The king is dead! Long live the queen!” This call is answered by a looter several buildings down. “Hang the queen! The usurper whore must die!” The looter heaves a large stone through a shopfront window as if to punctuate his statement, only to turn and flee as a contingent of hellknights emerge from a nearby alley and head in his direction. While you were occupied with dispatching Lamm inside the fishery, the city of Korvosa seems to have gone mad.
"We can't take the children out into this chaos, it's too dangerous!" Taelreth shouts over the alarm bells and screams.
"Pharasma take all these whoresons," Grent utters disgustedly as he watches the looter try to smash the window. He fingers his blade but the hellknights arrive before Grent gets too worked up. At Crux's suggestion, Grent turns around. "At this point, the castle sounds to be the center of the whole mess. We'd probably be about as safe in the fishery - especially if we get that boat out into the middle of the river. We can take care of the children there as well," he says, nodding to acknowledge Taelrath's concerns.
Derrian nods, "Yes, too dangerous for them. They stay here for now. I think getting to the castle is a good plan, but in the short term, I think we need to stop the looting and violence however we can."
A wing of Sable Company marines flies overhead, angling toward Castle Korvosa, but one of their mounts is heavily wounded; the creature struggles to keep up with the other hippogriffs before losing control and crashing into a statue several streets over.
Derrian watches in horror as one of his own goes down. "If we stick together, we can protect the children and get them to the safety of the Hostel. It's between here and the castle anyway."
Thinking of the layout of the city, Derrian tries to see if using the boat could get them closer to the castle.
Knowledge Geography:
Crux goes into a brief coughing spell. "This is all a part of Zellara's reading." He reaches into a pouch and retrieves the well used harrow deck that he rescued from Lamm's private room. "Tell me Harrow Deck, tell me Zellara, do we remain here, go to the castle, or return to you?" With a slow motion, Crux draws a card.
"My perception is limited, but I retain a strong link to my home of so many years. It remains safe." Zellara steps forward, seemingly out of the night itself, to stand among you. She sweeps her gaze across the group, looking at each in turn. "I thank you, my friends, for what you have done. As you have witnessed, my own attempt to end Lamm's evil was unsuccessful; I acted in haste, and the price I payed was steep."
Zellara looks toward the city, watching the smoke rise toward the stars. Her eyes express a deep sadness, despite a barely perceptible smile on her face. "I expected to find myself in Pharasma's Boneyard, to await Desna's call and stand by her side for the rest of time. Instead I linger. Lamm is dead, and with his passing a large part of my spirit is put to rest. But my city, my home is still in danger."
Momentarily taken aback by Zellara's manifestation, the sound of glass breaking nearby quickly brings Taelreth back into the moment. "Zellara's home would seem to be a good compromise...it's not too far from here, and should be safer than the poorest districts. Derrian, could you gather the children? If we move quickly and avoid the major streets we should be able to get there fairly safely..."
Derrian nods and ducks back inside to gather the children. Quickly he tells the half-orc boy to rouse the children and gather their belongings, and that there is trouble afoot. Older children should pair up with the younger ones. He explains again that Lamm will not harm them ever again and that he is going to take them to a safe place. Rounding them up, he corrals them out into the night, encouraging them to stay together, stick with their buddy, and stay close to him and the other adults.
Grent waits outside the fishery door while Derrian rouses the children. While he's inside, Grent stands and looks at the ghost that arrived just in time to help them. That's just eerie, he thinks, seeing Zellara in front of him, but knowing that her severed head lies behind him, in Lamm's room. He pulls his cloak a little tighter around him.
When Derrian and the children come out, Grent waits for the last child before stepping away from the wall and taking his place at the end of the line.
"Go to your rest, Spirit. Let the living worry over the concerns of the world." Crux offers her her Harrow Deck.
Kazadarin draws his bow and waits for the rest of his group and the children to be brought out.
Has the world gone mad? A dead fortune teller brings us together to end Lamm’s life. Then the King is dead and the citizens revert to anarchy. I guess it all that can be expected of a city that has turned a blind eye on one as Lamm for as long as they have. Well, I pity someone trying to stop us tonight.
Kazadarin takes point to lead the children to the dead fortune teller's house.
Derrian falls in alongside the children, allowing Kazadarin to lead. He urges the children to stay together, and promises soon enough a safe place to sleep and food.
Taelreth takes up the rear, her elven vision ensuring that none of the children get left behind in the shadowy streets.
Zellara turns her gaze to Crux, and sadly shakes her head. "Lamm is gone, but my work is not finished. Though I am no longer part of this living world, it is still my home; it must be protected." Zellara fades from view, leaving the party alone in front of the fishery.
As you turn another corner, Zellara's home finally comes into view. Blocking the road between you and your destination, however, is a massive throng of people. A young nobleman is on the ground at the mob's center, looking frantically around him. Several members of the mob carry improvised weapons, while a man with muttonchops stands over the noble, jeering in a booming voice. "Bet'cha never worked an honest day’s wage in your life, eh, Queen’s Man? M'brother had his arm crushed by a barrel on the docks when he was younger than you. Never raised a mug of ale with that wrist again." The man spits on the noble at his feet. "Wanna know what it feels like?"
Zellara turns her gaze to Crux, and sadly shakes her head. "Lamm is gone, but my work is not finished. Though I am no longer part of this living world, it is still my home; it must be protected." Zellara fades from view, leaving the party alone in front of the fishery.
As you turn another corner, Zellara's home finally comes into view. Blocking the road between you and your destination, however, is a massive throng of people. A young nobleman is on the ground at the mob's center, looking frantically around him. Several members of the mob carry improvised weapons, while a man with muttonchops stands over the noble, jeering in a booming voice. "Bet'cha never worked an honest day’s wage in your life, eh, Queen’s Man? M'brother had his arm crushed by a barrel on the docks when he was younger than you. Never raised a mug of ale with that wrist again." The man spits on the noble at his feet. "Wanna know what it feels like?"
Grent splits from the party and shoulders his way through the crowd to the surrounded noble, his mind moving quickly. "I wouldn't call lynching an unarmed man honest work either, popinjay or not," Grent calls to the assumed ringleader. "I won't stand by and watch this - he never touched your brother. He's with us - and you wouldn't attack a widower leading a pack of orphans to a safe place, would you?" Grent's voice is hard, and he hefts his shield in a meaningful way.
Kazadarin steps forward and draws his bowstring to his cheek sighting in on the man standing over the noble. "And in case you didn't get the hint from my very large and very angry friend, touch that man and you will know what a pin cushion feels like!"
Derrian unshounders his shield bearing the crest of the Sable Company, stepping forward to interpose himself between the mob and the children, but sheathing his sword.
Calling out, he tries to sway the crowd to stand down and disperse. "Violence is not the answer, good people of Korvosa. I understand you believe yourself wronged, but answer me this simple question. Has this man directly harmed or grieved any of you? You attack a man who's only crime was to be born to a noble family."
"In this time of turmoil, Korvosa needs to stand together, to remain strong. His Highness Eodred is not even cold and you dishonor his rule with your 'mob justice'. Would you celebrate the life of your King with murder and destruction? In your anger and grief over his passing, you forget that this is a time to celebrate his life, to uphold what he believed in, what he believed Korvosa could be....what you could be."
Continuing, Derrian hopes the people hear his words. "There will be no violence in the name of His Highness, King Eodred II, this day. People of Korvosa, return home, gather your family and celebrate the life of our fallen monarch with feasting and song. Put aside the thoughts of murder, of violence. Whatever crime you commit against another citizen of Korvosa, or our cities structures, you defile the memory of our king. Show His Highness some respect! Show your home some respect!"
Derrian lapses into silence, his shield in front of him, proudly proclaiming his allegiance to Korvosa, but his sword hand away from his weapon.
The man with the muttonchops sneers at Derrian's attempts to difuse the situation, but despite this display of bravado the man's attention is drawn to Grent and Kaz. He swallows hard, then drops the club he was carrying and puts up his hands. "Bah, he's not worth the effort anyway."
Its instigator standing down, the mob disperses in short order. Pulling himself to his feet, the young nobleman approaches Derrian. "That was a truly breathtaking speech, and I daresay you've saved my live this morning. I'm afraid I must hurry to my family's estate; there's no telling what may happen during this madness. It's not worth much, but please accept this token of my thanks. If you ever find yourselves dealing with the Jalento family, be sure to identify yourselves as my saviors. My name is Amin." The young man presses 5 platinum pieces into Derrian's hand, then rushes down the street and around a corner.
You are able to lead the children the remainder of the distance to Zellara's without incident. The fortune teller's home appears markedly different from the last time you were here. The rich tapestries and food are gone, and the building appears as if it has not been occupied in several weeks. Despite its state, however, the building is secure and safe from the chaos ensuing outside.
Upon reaching the house, Grent immediately stops next to the door, pulling his cloak over his head and leaning back. "I'll take first watch," he declares. "Last thing we need is a bunch of looters busting down the door."
"I will take the roof to help Grent. I am not good with kids anyway." Kaz moves off to find a way to a roof access or a top floor.
Taelreth searches around the house for blankets, mattresses, clothing, etc., to make the children comfortable. That taken care of, she finds a corner to catnap in, but it's obvious to anyone who watches for long that she's not getting much actual sleep.
As the sun rises the rioting begins to quiet, though it's clear that it will be some time before Korvosa returns to normal. Grent and Kaz remain watchful, but nothing interrupts the silence that has fallen within Zellara's house. The children finally rest, though many toss as if they struggle with nightmares in their sleep.
The city remains on high alert; wandering bands of looters still prowl the streets, though they have taken to staying near the shadows of alleys and storefronts in order to avoid the eyes of both Korvosan Guard and Hellnight patrols. The Sable Company maintains a visible presence in the skies, and though most shops remain closed, several Abadarian clergy members are wandering the streets, encouraging merchants that business as usual is exactly what the city needs at the moment.
After a few hours rest, Derrian calls the group together to discuss their next moves. "I still think the best place for the children is at the hostel.we can't watch over them all ourselves. I also have to check in back at the castle. I can see about getting an appointment weit the seneschal at least to see about returning Her Highness's brooch." Derrian lapses into silence and lets the others talk about what they think needs to be done.
"The children are safe enough here. They know how to take care of themselves and Zellara will watch over them as well. But, if you must get them to this hostel, let us be off. I want to get to the castle and our reward for returning the brooch."
The group sets out to Castle Korvosa, stopping to deliver the children to the hostel.
Castle Korvosa’s long shadow looms over the city. A magnificent achievement of architecture, the castle walls and spires rise high into the sky above. The entire structure looms even higher for its ancient foundation—a Thassilonian ruin in the shape of an immense flat-topped pyramid. Although one corner of this impressive foundation has fallen into ruin, the additions built onto the sides by eager and talented Korvosan masons have created one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Varisia.
Normally petitioners would approach the castle from the southwest, climbing to a public courtyard via the Great Ramp. However, as you draw near you notice several guards watching you, weapons held at the ready. A crossbowman calls down to you from a lower watchtower.
"All visitors are barred from entering the castle. What is you business here?"
Derrian steps forward. "Marine Thews, sir. My companions and I have come across a piece of jewelry we believe is Her Highness's and are here to see it is returned."
Grent makes sure to keep his kukri sheathed, only holding his shield. "We serve the royal family, sir, whether the king is alive or dead. We understand if we have to wait outside, but this is royal property, and we won't be leaving until it's returned."
Several of the guards begin speaking amongst themselves, and the individual that called down to you disappears from the watchtower. Several minutes pass before he returns, and motions to the stairs leading to the public courtyard. "You have permission to enter. An escort will meet you at the top of the stairs."
Several guards stand at attention at the foot of the stairs, their weapons ready should any of the chaos in the city threaten to enter the Castle. You are greeted as you approach by a Sable Company Marine, apparently overseeing the defenses at this location. "The Queen has been notified to your arrival. Her handmaiden will meet you at the top of the stairs, and lead you to the throne room. Before you proceed, you will need to leave any weapons you carry with me."
Crux gives over his weapons, except for his staff, which he uses as a walking stick, unless they insist. He also gives over his spellbook and scroll case. Finally, he insures that his hood covers his face.
Kazadarin turns over his entire arsenal of weapons to the guards. Then also positions his hood to cover the right side of his face.
Taelreth unbuckles her sword belt and hands it over, then bends over and pulls a dagger out of her boot and surrenders it as well. Her hood remains up for the moment, though her large silver pupils remain rather noticeable.
Derrian removes his weapons, handing his blades to the guard. He adds "What is your name, sir. This blade is a gift from my father. If anything happens to it I will be most distraught."
The party hands over their weapons into the waiting arms of the guardsmen. The Marine nods in response to Derrian's statement. "I will see your equipment is be safeguarded as if it were my own. Should anything be amiss when returned, mt name is Valerous Ainde; cite my name in any complaint, and I shall be contacted directly."
A contingent of guards lead the group up the Great Ramp, coming to a halt upon entering the public courtyard. A tall, lithe woman with black hair approaches you, clad in intricately-worked full plate armor and carrying an ornate falchion casually at her side. “Greetings. They tell me you’ve something that belongs to the queen. Is this correct?”
Knowledge: Local
Crux leans on his staff and waits for those more socially capable to speak.
Derrian steps forward. "We have come across a brooch that we believe may have been stolen from the queen. A curious thing with a broken clasp." He turns back to his companions and asks, "Who has the brooch?"
Grent stands to attention when the woman arrives to great them, a working-man's parody of a soldier's pose. With Derrian's question, he wordlessly reaches into his bag and holds it forth for inspection.