Ballio tilts his head forward slightly to look at both items presented by Valka: “Yes Domina. Does the Domina wish me to read this to her?”
Gravus has spend a good time perusing the scrolls -it is approaching sexta (noon) now-. He has also inventoried in renowned Dwarven methodical efficiency the many items present here:
- some coin: 23 denarii, 56 sestercii
- 2 rosy quark gemstones (worth maybe an aureus each)
- The potion
- The oil (Gravus took care in that since apparently it isn't the finished product)
- The numerous paper scrolls
- Alchemy related items
- Witchcraft related items
- Weapons
- the rest (carrying devices, what passes as food, etc)
Valeriana picks up a fallen satchel and stows the orb in it.
"I'm afraid there's not a sign of a cure, Domina. But these notes do speak of how he used the knowledge given to him, by this Erkin fiend, to curse both Vilmia and Ferto's wife, along with a whole range of others, but there's no mention of Nikanor being a target. There is also little by way of reason for these curses, beyond briefly acknowledging Severina Berinia as a patroness."
"I imagine that these things would sell for quite a fair price, though it may interest ye, Domina, to keep hold of the alchemical goods, that I might use it to better serve ye in the future."
Valeriana looks smug as her assessment of Nikanor's 'curse' is reinforced.
Valka takes the 5 denarius from Titus (or if he doesn’t give it, I’ll take it from my own purse without Ballio looking), many select scrolls (she asks Gravus which ones to take, you’ll understand when you read below!) and the curse lead tablet. She walks over to Ballio and says:
“Listen to me VERY well okay? You will stay by the well over there”
Valka points to the well at the other side.
“until we have left this valley and you can’t see us understood? After you will directly go back to the villa. You will give these coins to Severina Berenia. They are from the Legionnaire Titus Albanus who wishes to give this for any trouble BORROWING her property may have cause her. But it was necessary because we needed you to help carry Veleda and this is what happened as you can see with your own eyes.”
Valka makes sure she takes Ballio to every spot of the place, showing her the blood, the weapons, the hag, the cauldron and witchcraft stuff and finally Diagoras and his cut throat.
“We came to Eburacum, the two Coruskian heroes of Pulvis Pontum, heroes that our nice EMPEROR’s OWN BROTHER Strychanius liked so much he personally vouched for me, a simple peregrina, to own a slave of quality like Gravus. So us two Coruskian HEROES along with a brave DUTIFUL legionnaire of the Empire we went to help Severina Berenia rid her village of many curses that was hurting the good tax paying citizens of the Empire.”
Valka shows him the square lead tablet of the curse that says 3 times "Tamilia Ferta" on it.
“You see that name? Tamilia Ferta? She should get better now. Because of what we did here.”
After, one by one, she shows to Ballio the scrolls talking about Ferto’s wife, Vilmia and any other scrolls that s got names of locals that was cursed.
“What we did here today: that was for the good of Eburacum, for the good of the Empire. And Now, All of us we’re returning to Pulvis Pontum, with ALL of this.”
Valka points to all the scrolls and stuff.
(Valka will tell the others after we’re not going to Pulvis Pontum, but maybe that will throw off Severina or the Priest of Hextor if he wants to follow us or do something)
“In Pulvis Pontum we’ll hire entertainers and criers and make sure Strychanius knows what happen here today. That we came here to HELP Severina, the sister of a FINE governor of this GREAT Empire we live in!”
Valka tries to catch her breath, cuz she is badly hurt, and her thoughts, and she continues:
“Of course if your Severina Berenia tries to say ANOTHER story, we also have this!”
Valka shows him a scroll or two that talks of Severina as patroness to Diagoras. After she points to the rest of the scrolls:
“and we have a lot more scrolls that Priest wrote you understand me? Make sure Severina understands this too!”
Valka, who s getting weak and tired from all that talking, ends by taking out a special Medallion of Nerull she had hidden beneath her tunic.
“And if this Priest of Hextor has ideas to come after me, after us, for whatever reason. Tell him this belong to a Priest of Nerull, a herald who was sent to our village of Segesta at the start of spring to kill us all. He had Praetorians with him. Not small village toy soldiers: PRAETORIANS. Well me and big Bjarturius over there, we killed all of those sons of bit@hes who came at us. And I killed the Priest of Nerull that guided them. I killed a priest of Nerull, and I killed this one too, a Priest of Erythnul."
Valka grabs the head of Diagoras to lift it and show the cut throat.
“So I won’t hesitate to kill a Priest of Hextor. The stonemason Meneus Anacreon is from Segesta: he will know we speak the truth about Segesta. I am VALKA SPARTACA: remember that name. Now go to the well and wait for us to leave and be out of sight.”
When Ballio is gone and for sure out of hearing range, Valka turns to Bjarturius:
“Don’t let anyone”
Valka looks at Valeriana saying this
“tell you this was your fault. It was the action of again just another very stupid evil patrician. It was her and her evil priest that poisoned your sister and me.”
Valka talks to Titus and him only. But she doesn’t go like out of her way to keep the talk hidden so if someone, even Valeriana, is close, she still says it:
“This Valeriana is probably a liar. Or at least she isn’t telling us the entire truth. But lets be honest: she is smart and knows a lot too. And she did ask for your help. It looks like YOU are the only one who can talk to her, can you do that and see if she can help with that Manricus story? If she helps us try to cure Veleda I can promise to try and help her with her problems.”
Finally, to Gravus:
“Valeriana had a great idea. Can you take a lead tablet and fake it so Nikanor will think we cured him? I want us to get paid and we will need money to go anywhere, especially with sick Veleda!”
Titus listens to the words of Valka and is again intrigued by how quickly she put that all together, especially while nursing a wound such as hers. When asked for coin, he says with some embarrassment that he does not have those coins with him.
The request to engage Valeriana makes Titus smile. He calls her aside, and says with a grin, Aside from determining that loyalties are not all that they seem I must wonder why you have joined us. You have taken a good number of risks in the last 24 hours. Either this furthers one of your goals directly, or winning our favor does indirectly. Well this is where we are... A child is dying and we need what help we can to save her. Maybe the story of Manricus holds a key. Maybe not. But we have limited time to find a cure. If you were to help us, we would be inclined to help you to a matching degree with your agenda. Everything he says, he says playfully.
Valeriana looks at Valka with surprise and what might almost be respect.
"Ballio will be lucky to only lose the skin from his back, and Severina will be in a rage that would make Erythnul herself shudder, but you may have cut through to an answer to your problems nonetheless. Do not ever allow yourself to be in her power."
She shakes her head, imagining. When Titus speaks to her she smiles slightly and makes a dice throwing motion with her hand.
"'Let the dice fly high', as my ancestor said, many hundreds of years ago."
She steps forward, raising her voice so that the Coruskians can hear her (though not Ballio), her posture and voice control demonstrating that she has been trained in the art of rhetoric, the confidence and arrogance of generations showing past the torn and dusty clothing.
"If you intend to claim Nikanor's reward, then you may find our goals match, for that reward is liable to be claimed also by Domenius Viusenius and the Vulpus Nigra, though perhaps not in the form of coin. Viusenius is not a man likely to settle for a quarter share, nor one you would wish to owe money to."
The hatred in Valeriana's voice might make even Valka wary.
"My right name is Cassia Aquila Tercia and I was sent here with the unlamented Drusus to try to resolve the problem of your credulous inn-keeper. Viusenius...has a hold over me that only his death, or mine, will break. If you will aid me in bringing justice to him, then I give the word of the Cassii that I will do what I can to assist you. Otherwise, the girl means nothing to me and you can watch her take her last six paces."
Ballio is spellbound at seeing all these new revelations. Unless he is Aerdia's best actor, it is clear in his face and reactions this is all new to him. He seems even shocked at the extend of his Domina's cruelty, especially when all the victim's names are placed before his eyes.
He of course complies with commands given and remains quiet.
STATUS UPDATE:
- It is roughly sexta now (noon)
- Bjarturius has dirtied clothing but is otherwise unhurt
- Gravus is INJURED. He has damaged and bloodied clothes.
- Titus is GRAVELY INJURED. His scutum is damaged . His armor ripped at chest level . His clothes bloodied.
- Valka is GRAVELY INJURED. Her pelvic/groin wound worries both Gravus and Bjarturius (who have healing knowledge). Her clothes are bloodied.
- Cassia is unhurt but her patrician clothing are torn and dirty.
- The Anacreon gave you enough food for about 12 man-days. With what you find here you could make the 3 day trek to Loutharnium with enough supplies.
"I can certainly make an attempt," Gravus answers Valka's question to him, "it is somewhat out of me area of expertise, but from the little I saw of the man, I doubt the fool would know any better."
"Are we to visit Nikanor after our journey to Loutharnium? It would take us only a short time to make the trip back to town, but I fear any encounter with the clergy of Hextor might cause more significant delay."
Gravus listens with interest as 'Valeriana' reveals her true identity, he hardly seems surprised by the revelations, but he does tilt his head back in understanding when Drusus' name is spoken, as though a troublesome puzzle piece had finally slotted into place.
Valka thinks about what Gravus just said:
"We should settle things here fast and forget this village. Valeriana ... uhhh ... I mean Cassia is right: we shouldn't give Severina another chance to be in her power."
Valka thinks about ways to get this done:
"The best I think is to make our move before Ballio reports, while no-one knows what's really going on yet. We have to sneak to Nikanor's place or send word to him so we can meet and settle this fast. After getting paid we move fast to Loutharnium."
Gravus nods his acceptance of his Domina's words, before retrieving his Pugio from the green ichor and beginning to carve the name Timoneus Nikanor thrice onto a blank lead tablet, in a replica of the way Tamilia Ferta is etched on the tablet found with the snake.
When Gravus begins his work on the lead tablet, Valka stays close. She watches him work but the way she does its kinda obvious she is trying to find a moment or timing to say something to Gravus, or has something in mind. If he notices, Gravus sees Valka has that same kinda weird look he saw before. At a really off moment, she says:
"Where you always a slave? Or did you become one?"
Valka will also make sure we get everything ready to go (loot, food, etc).
Tercia, where is this Viusenius. I do not know the word Drusus and am not sure of what you speak, but I do know that you have talents that may well aid, and you are likely as welcome in Eberacum as we are. I do not and cannot speak for the others, but I do say that if it is a swift matter to bring this needed justice I shall lend my sword however impetuous it seems, and at this he breaks into a broad teasing grin, but if it takes much time at all, then I shall have to delay that aid until the girl is healed. I cannot and would not expect that priest of Kord to place his own kin second.
"Viusenius and his cronies dwell in Loutharnium so if you are to seek a way of halting the seven paces there, then the two goals can be sought in the same place. Because of your theft of the slave I think you are correct regarding my likely safety in Eburacum, however I need clothing more appropriate for travel and less likely to attract the sidelong glances of others. If any are to re-enter the village, then perhaps such could be required of Ferto and his wife."
She makes a face.
"Or bought from Timoneus Nikanor if Tamilia Ferto is more the size of Valka Spartaca."
Thinking of Nikanor, Cassia pauses in thought.
"If the reward he has offered is substantial, he will undoubtedly claim that it will take him time to gather the required money, and if he senses that there is a need for speed he will hedge and delay and we may need to accept less."
"Where you always a slave? Or did you become one?"
As Valka interjects with her poorly timed question, just as Gravus is partway through etching the 'k' in the second appearance of the name upon the lead tablet, the dwarf is momentarily distracted enough to cause him to elongate one of the lines of the letter.
After a short silence, regarding the mistake while composing himself after the unexpected question, he decides the best solution is to similarly extend the same line in each of the three copies of the name, perhaps it will serve to give the impression of being more arcane and mysterious.
"No, Domina," he eventually replies, "there was a time when I was free, but that was some years ago now."
Valka listens carefully to the few words. She opens her mouth to speak ... but ... closes her lips tightly. There are things to be said in her eyes but she keeps it to herself, for now anyway!
She tries to get very slowly ready to go.
"If we are to gain whatever reward Nikanor has offered we should act decisively, and probably imply that we can choose to leave the curse intact. When your dwarf is done with the tablet, put it in the box in the place of the unfortunate Tamila's curse. We would do well to determine if Tamila Ferto has begun to recover, such would assist in convincing Nikanor that his curse will be broken if we so choose. Re-entering the village may well be dangerous, are any of you skilled at moving by stealth? I can conceal myself, but I would be uneasy about attempting this alone. I believe that to suitably impress him, ideally myself and Bjartorious should confront him and demand the reward. Sorely injured warriors are less than intimidating and should probably remain out of sight. Could we arrange for him to come to us? Night time and torchlight would add to the theatre and reduce the chance of any flaws in the dwarf's work being seen. Did you ask him of Viusenius? It may well be that he would rather pay us, than owe the Vulpa Nigra a debt. We have potentially two challenges to overcome if we choose to claim this reward - firstly to come face to face with Nikanor without falling foul of the milites of Hextor in order to tell him we can break the curse , and secondly to convince Nikanor to part with the reward sooner than nine months from now."
Valka nods in agreement, liking the plan Cassia is coming up with (specially since it means her getting FINALLY paid!!!):
"I like this plan! This day is half done already and a lot of us are in BAD shape, so lets move and find a safe spot to rest for a bit and you can go at night like you said. Bjarturius going with you Cassia is a GREAT idea but you (Valka is now talking to B.) are sooo visible maybe we can find a way to hide or disguise you a little!"
Valka thinks its maybe really unlikely but maybe is there something here that could help disguise Bjarturius as someone or something else?
"We did ask him about Viusenius: he said he was a "friend" of his! I got the feeling he is some sort of lowlife who gave Nikanor the thugs to go bully Ferto. But that could mean Nikanor doesn't have thugs of his own and that's a good thing right?"
"Break the Ferta tablet, it may be necessary to speed her recovery. But break it cleanly so it can be read."
Cassia will do this herself if no one leaps to it, taking the tablet carefully from the box without disturbing the other 'ornaments'.
"While it would be possible to colour the Coruskian's hair and slightly change his appearance, his height is all but impossible to conceal. 'Not being seen' is probably the best course. How close to the edge of Eburacum was the Ferto domus? If Nikanor has pressed Ferto about the curse maybe he would answer a call from Ferto to meet with us there, out of sight of prying eyes. We should move the sick and injured to a place on the road to Loutharnium as soon as we can."
Cassia passes the time looking through the priest's papers, and will look for a scriber for writing on lead to hand to Gravus so that he doesn't have to rely on his dagger. Since the priest presumably made the previous tablets, he presumably has the right tools for the job.
Cassia hands Gravus the scriber, the Dwarf getting a clear sense Cassia is more used to the written art than he is.
The work is finished to acceptable results.
Meanwhile, supplies, loot and gear is gathered as efficiently as time and state of injuries permit.
The Heroes leave Ballio and the Valley behind, relocating to a spot chosen by Valka and Titus. Following Cassia and Valka's combined plan, they pick a spot near the road leading south towards Loutharnium. By the time camp is made the sun as angled well past nona (3pm).
Cassia and Bjarturius are ready to leave for the village. Cassia has picked a few dregs from Diagoras's lair that could make the big Coruskian look like some sort of wandering hermit if viewed from a distance and briefly. His Great Club would however need to remain here for the simple subterfuge to work.
Nikanor's taberna is located close to the village forum (at the center). Ferto's domus is close to the village edge so a much safer bet indeed for a possible meeting with Nikanor.
Once finished with his work on the tablet, he looks the huge priest over for a few moments before nodding to himself.
"I may be able to do something about your size giving ye away," he offers, "I could mix an elixir to contract your muscles and give the impression that ye are somewhat smaller than ye are, and perhaps apply some oils to darken your hair... it shouldn't take long, but it may be best to only apply the disguise as ye near the town, it won't last a great length of time."
For the moment, is there a baggy skirt that used to belong to the hobgoblin? And ideally, a coverall coat/cloak. Definitely 'ick' face when putting on such garments (noticably more reluctant than when she cut her stola down - looks like Cassia would rather be naked than dressed in a hobgoblin's cast off).
Does anyone have a presentable cloak which could be wrapped around me completely? If so, I need to borrow it. I'll intend to get sufficient clothing for a journey from Ferto, but I may need the cloak today.
At a time when most people are likely to be indoors minding their own business, (meal time?) we should approach Ferto's and try to get in without being noticed (although without being seen is probably a bit hopeful). If it looks like the village is swarming with Milites, we may have to think again. Any idea how many soldiers are at the temple other than the half orc? If the gods favour us, Ballio will have returned and Severina is sending the whole lot of them in the direction of Pulvis Pontum to catch and kill us.
If we reach the Ferto domus safely (is there a back way out?) and he remains pleased to see us then the immediate goals would be to determine if Ferta is recovered at all, get some clothing and women's personals (comb, mirror) for me for the journey, perhaps some more food and medical supplies, and have him go to Nikanor to tell him that we have information about breaking the curse on him and he must meet with us after dark. (It's more dramatic to meet after dark and thus more likely to impress him - however this would leave us having to get out of town at night which without street lights might not be ideal, I doubt we could be finished before dark anyway though). Or, should we tell him that we can break the curse and he must bring the reward? You know him, and I don't.
Cassia's plan with Gravus's new input is put into motion. Using the old hobgoblin hag's clothing, Cassia also borrows Valka's cloak and, accompanied by a cloaked and disguised Bjarturius, both make their way back into Eburacum right after Vesper (nightfall, also the usual time for the evening's meal).
Eburacum is quiet at this late hour. They find Ferto's place quickly and easily enough. Baerix's men are nowhere to be seen.
I think trying to plant a tablet at Nikanor's inn has too many things that can go wrong with it - (though if it's thought that we really ought to try, plan B would be for Bjarturius to plant it, and use my stage whisper to allow him to guide me to it). Since he doesn't know there would be a second one, (and he's welcome to turn the inn upside down looking for it if Ferto tells him of events this morning, there must be a million places it could be even before looking behind plaster) my current thinking is that we should present the tablet, in the box of creepy stuff, to Nikanor in a suitably theatric manner.
"We're here to discuss the fate of your unborn son."
If Ferta isn't any better, Nikanor is going to have to take quite a lot on faith and we may have to settle for a partial reward. If he balks then I would hope to be able to convince him that things could get considerably worse if he withholds the promised reward - we haven't actually broken the curse yet... Given the business he runs, is he likely to be good for such a large sum? My thinking for the ideal atmosphere would be for Nikanor to attend Ferto's domus, for Ferta to be newly well and able to 'welcome' him, and for him to be shown through (leaving any muscle in the entry hall) to Ferto's office, dimly lit, with Bjarturius looming behind me in the shadows. I suppose once we actually get in there, we're on our own, but 'the plan' will have been discussed so plenty of chance for someone smarter than me to come up with problems (and solutions). If he's reluctant to come to us, I'd want Ferto to suggest that a) he probably doesn't want these matters discussed in his tavern and b) he probably doesn't want word getting back to Severina Berenia that he's found a way to break the curse.
As for disguising Bjarturius, I think a pronounced stoop to partly conceal his height, and a walking staff. Possible to make his hair look grey/white so he might be mistaken for an old man?
At Ferto's domus, Bjarturius and Cassia (and whoever else might have come) find Ferto greatly relieved, almost ecstatic: Tamilia his wife is showing clear progressive signs of improvement since roughly sexta (noon). If presented with any kind of proof that the Heroes are responsible for the deed, they find Ferto highly receptive to aiding them as best he can.
Now I really must go to bed.
Bjarturius agrees to change appearance, but not with the elixir (does not sit well with the Lord of Might!)
He's OK to go see Nikanor at night and let Cassia "discover" the tablet. He can smash a small part of a wall section of the inn if necessary. It may be what's needed to take the attention off Cassia, who concealed a bit by his big silhouette and the darkness, may "fetch" the tablet...
Information for the plan:
- Bjarturius knows that Nikanor isn't happy about Hextor's church
- By now Nikanor probably knows that the group found a "curse" tablet
and that Baerix and Domina Severina are looking for the group
so he will probably try to protect them if possible from Hextor's men
So a rough plan may be as follows:
- Bjarturius and Cassia go to Eburacum at Ferto's
- They show the broken tablet as proof to Ferto, and tell him the story about killing Diagoras and the 7 hobgoblins
- They ask Ferto to go see Nikanor, if he agrees, and tell him to come at the beginning of night to Ferto's home to see Bjarturius and Cassia, who will explain about the curse. She may have to explain who she is...
- Nikanor will see Ferto's wife improvements, and Cassia will explain that the group found "his" cursed tablet, then show the tablet Bjarturius smashed in the morning
- The group will then go to the Inn find the corresponding second tablet. Bjarturius will smash part of the wall. At the crucial moment where Cassia is going to "discover" the second tablet, a suitable distraction should happen: sound from the Church's direction. But it would be Gravus, who Nikanor doesn't know is in Eburacum...
- The distraction may be enough, first to "find" the tablet, then to justify hurrying in taking the reward and leaving...
The risk lies in the Church really getting prepared! A night chase would end up to be pretty tricky...
Any comments and ideas for contingencies?
When we arrive at Ferto's
"...she went down to the scented storeroom where she kept her embroidered robes. These were the work of Sunndi women, shipped across the sea from Sunn by her son Prince Alexandros himself. From her wardrobe, she picked out the longest and most richly decorated dress as a gift for Istus..."
When she knocks Cassia Aquila rises to her full height, maybe even seeming slightly taller, although this might just be an effect of Bjarturius' stoop. Her hair is once again perfectly coiffed, the dust of the day's travel gone, her skin the colour of ivory. When the door is opened she breezes past the porter insisting on the seeing the Dominus immediately. Discarding her cloak to Bjarturius, she is now dressed in a white patrician's stola, the simplicity of the garment underlining its high quality, the neckline and hem decorated with a pattern worked in copper thread.
When Ferto attends her
"I have come to inquire as to your wife's recovery. The curse on her is broken by the grace of Boccob and the actions of the chosen of Kord." (Slight nod to Bjarturius). "I require some simple services of you tonight and it may be that your debt will be paid."
Bjarturius is startled when he sees the patrician lady, like Freya herself stepping from a dark storm into the light breaking through , look suddenly radiant and pristine. It makes him forget the eerie sensation of hearing her voice in his ears: a strange sort of stage sorcery indeed!
Ferto is shown the tablet by Bjarturius and it becomes clear to the man the Heroes are responsible for his wife's recovery. Ferto listens in awe when told about the Priest and the hobgoblins.
Ferto cooperates quite willingly and items are gathered: a bag full of food, some herbs that qualifies as the best medical supplies they can provide and some plebeian women's clothing (including a cloak and a simple comb but not the small mirror: an expensive item even for a village merchant's wife).
Ferto is then sent to fetch Nikanor. The two men return together soon enough (night has fallen when they arrive). Nikanor, at first somewhat suspicious (though through his usual overly friendly attitude), is also soon convinced the curse has indeed been broken when he sees both the wife and the tablets.
Nikanor takes Bjarturius and Cassia through side streets to reach his taberna.
At the taberna, Bjarturius requests for a hammer or maul to look for the tablet. Nikanor fetches it and the big Priest pounds a few areas of the wall with all his might. Nikanor begins to worry this might attract trouble and urges to make it as fast as possible.
When Nikanor is looking at a newly created crack in his back wall, Cassia makes it known she has found the tablet in a previously created crack. Both men turn and indeed the tablet is there.
Nikanor exclaims thanks to the Gods in relief. He urges the Heroes to get back inside quickly so they don't attract any more attention to themselves. Once inside, Nikanor throws his arms open:
"I knew you wouldn't let Nikanor down you big co@k Coruskian you! And Nikanor see you replace one witch with another! But this one is good! Not like that charlatan Nerull whore that was with you last time!"
Nikanor turns to Cassia:
"Severina is dog next to you. You are a true witch! Nikanor thanks you! His future sons thank you!"
Cassia inclines her head in recognition of Nikanor's compliment, struggling to take being called a witch in the spirit in which it was meant, but more-or-less succeeding. On the other hand, she can't prevent a slight smile at his comparison with Severina.
"May your future sons live long enough and live strong enough to have the chance to thank me in person. I judge Severina Berenia will think long and hard before attempting such dangerous witchcraft again but she may yet seek to inflict her petty malice and jealousies upon you."
"Now comes the matter of breaking the curse without releasing it. Curses such as this are hazardous to make and hazardous to break, and while the Chosen of Kord has the might and purpose to achieve such, and I have the knowledge, you promised a reward for your sons to have a chance at life."
Nikanor's face beams with oily pride when Cassia mentions his future sons. He makes a rather lewd hip motion, smiles a broad display of yellowing teeth:
"Damarus bless you again! Maybe you want you and Nikanor to give first try at making me a son yes?"
Though lewd, his face shows he means it in a positive light.
"But before fun let's finish business yes. Nikanor is man of his word: everyone knows this!"
Nikanor already had a small chest nearby. He opens it with a key fished out of his tunic pocket. He retrieves 4 small heavy purses of coins from within.
"2000 Denarii. Count them if you want. Nikanor is no cheat!"
Nikanor slides the bags towards the Heroes on the table.
Cassia recoils from Nikanor's advance as if slapped and takes an uncharacteristic few seconds to recover her composure.
"That...is impossible."
Seeing Nikanor rile at the rebuff, which the perceptive might note was not caused by disgust, she tries to cover.
"I do not mean to insult you in your domus. I am forbidden, and the guardian does not take excuses."
Cassia weighs one of the coin bags in her hand.
"Forgive me, I know you are no cheat, but there are those who would suspect even the word of Timoneus Nikanor."
She spills the coins out onto the table and measures the amount with her eyes, then opens each of the other bags to check they contain coins of the same denomination.
"All is well. Priest of Kord, let us depart before the Berenia slattern finds her malice is undone and her petty spite is thwarted. Good luck with your sons, Timoneus Nikanor. The curse stone found in your domus can be destroyed without risk in any fashion you choose, though I would advise against keeping it as a souvenier. The other, we will safely dispose of by the light of the noon sun."
Cassia, of course, expects Bjarturius to carry the loot.
Nikanor takes the rejection in stride, almost enjoying the discomfort it caused in Cassia.
"No matter, no matter. Another time maybe yes? And please count, count, make sure. Never trust noone Nikanor always says."
Cassia makes a quick evaluation: all of it seems to be there. Nikanor meanwhile gives Bjarturius a friendly slap on the bicep.
"It true she is forbidden friend? Come on trust old Nikanor: you taste that yes? Big Coruskian co@k I tell you!"
He chuckles. Once Cassia is done and it seems obvious the Heroes need to leave as soon as possible:
"Damarus guide your journey! In Eburacum you have friend in Nikanor don't forget!"
When Bjarturius and Cassia leave Nikanor's and Eburacum behind in the dead of night, rejoining the others with their new found wealth, so ends the FIRST TRIAL of this newly constituted rag-tag gathering of Heroes.
But this trial only heralds serious challenges up ahead: trying to save Bjarturius's sister Veleda from the ancient Goblinoid poison, and helping the lofty Cassia Aquila from the troubles she seems to have with the nefarious Vulpus Nigra of Loutharnium.
After a short rest, the Heroes gather gear and supplies; they leave before sunrise, a precaution Titus advises in case of pursuit by Severina and/or Baerix. Extra rest, the legionnaire says, can be added on later in the day as needed when they are all far enough away from Eburacum.
And so begins the 3 day trek South to Loutharnium.
Though without mules or steeds, Bjarturius's extraordinary strength is sufficient to compensate for any excess load weaker members of the party may have to carry.
The first night is spent in the wilderness, but at least no rainfall adds to the burden of sleeping outdoors (for those not used to it). The second night is more fortunate as the Heroes reach a small hamlet called Lamecum. The only patrician of the place, the hamlet administrator, one Aelianus Rufinus, is a poor excuse of a man (not surprising considering the place where he landed). It is clear the overly taxed and impoverished proles of his miserable hamlet suffer from his greed, lack of administrative skills and all around flaw-ridden personality.
But the man is lonely and welcomes the Heroes rather well. They can sleep in beds, bathe and eat correctly.
More importantly, when he sees a man of the 5th Legion, he offers to sell shields and armor he has in storage but no use for:
- A suit of Lorrica Segmentata (Banded Mail Heavy armor) for 300 Denari
- A suit of Chain Mail (Medium armor)for 180 Denari
- 2 Infantry Scutum (Heavy Steel Shield) for 24 Denari each
He may also have very basic supplies for sale.
The hamlet has few craftsmen but perhaps enough for some of the Heroes's needs, like mending leather, clothes, etc.
Veleda's slowly worsening condition (2 days ago she could walk assisted, not anymore) makes it clear she has not resisted the poison. The Heroes will have 3-4 days to find a possible cure.
Valka, who is starting to feel a bit better I hope, is happy to be out of Eburacum and WITH the money! At one point before that hamlet she would tell the others we should split the money and what we found. She tells Titus and Bjarturius:
"I know this thing in Eburacum started with just us but Cassia did help us a lot in many ways. I say she deserves a share."
Valka looks at poor Veleda and says to Cassia:
"If we go to Loutharnium to try and find a cure for Veleda, will this man you have problems with be in our way?"
To everyone:
"If yes we have to think about if we try to help Cassia first and get rid of her problem FAST or not."
Back to Cassia:
"For that we need to know more about this man."
When considering the offerings of Aelianus Rufinus, Titus inquiers of the Bjarturius, Does any of this interest you? It seems well and good to get what extra protection we can when we find it.
To Valka: I would have it no other way! She was very helpful in this matter and saw it closed much more swiftly that we might have.
Titus didn't spot Erkin, nor Severina or the Hextorians.
About splitting the loot. A reminder of what was found/earned in total:
- coin: 2023 denari, 56 sesterci
- 2 rosy quark gemstones (worth maybe an aureus each)
- A potion
- An oil
- Numerous paper scrolls
- Alchemy related items
- Witchcraft related items
- The Eye or Erythius (crystal ball)
I'm assuming the rest was left behind for encumbrance issues. That could have included:
- Hobgoblin Weapons
- the rest (various junk from Diagoras's lair)
If I am mistaken please correct me.
As a GM I like to know who has what just in case.
"Why thank you," says Cassia dryly, having been carrying one of the bags of coin since yesterday.
In the journey from Eburacum, Cassia has been reserved but not unfriendly, not given to chat, but a good listener if others are talking. She has inquired about the battle with the priest in some detail . She hasn't expected anyone to carry her bags but she is clearly very tired by the end of the day's march.
The first night, Cassia digs out the Eye of Erythnul and studies it, muttering to herself.
"Titus Albanus, you saw the way the priest handled this thing? Can you remember what he said? It is a strange thing, can you tell me more of where it came from and how you came to find it, Priest of Kord?"
At Lamecum, Cassia keeps a low profile and seems able to adopt the role of an honest proletarian. She asks Titus Albanus to purchase one of the scutum for her , and obtain a sling and bullets if they are available. She looks a bit awkward with the heavy infantry shield on her arm.
"Valka Spartaca, I may need your assistance in determining the best way to carry this. My admiration for the legions increases. Maybe you could also assist me in its proper use."
When the matter of Valeda and Domineus Viusenius is raised, Cassia's eyes flash.
"The sooner that Viusenius is dead, preferably by my hand, the better. But Loutharnium, though not many towered Ilium, is a large enough town that he will probably not immediately stand in your way. If there is knowledge about this 'grenvidr rukhsitaz' best to seek it out immediately or it will be too late for the girl. The Vulpus Nigra, Viusenius' band of cutthroats, prey on the artisans and craftsmen of the Laxium. Elsewhere in Loutharnium they do not go, or at least not singly. Viusenius could muster possibly a score if he needed to, but would need time and warning to do so. It will probably not be long before he wonders what has become of Drusus and Valeriana Pia."
Titus and Valka, both seemingly gravely injured, are astonished at their speedy recovery in the presence of the Big Priest of Kord.
Maybe their respective injuries were never as bad as they thought?
By the time the Heroes leave Lamecum they all feel in top condition, save for poor Veleda who remains victim of the dread poison.
Loutharnium now lies a day away. Located on the mighty river Flamia, heart and lifeblood of the Empire, most of the city lies on the west bank, save a small ferry village on the east bank.
The night the group leaves Eburicum, Gravus busies himself with the herbs and bandages provided by Ferto to tend the wounded, except for Titus who is unavailable, and even awkwardly applies a poultice to his own chest.
On the road, he approaches Cassia Aquila, and speaks to her in a respectful tone, "If I may," he begins, inclining his head, "ye seem to know something of this Manricus, does he have any descendants in Loutharnium who may know something of his secrets?"