Adventure Log II
BLOOD ON THE STREET.
We pick up the game after the characters had emerged from Gaedran Lamm’s fishery and realised Civil war had broken out in Korvosa!
Gaedren Lamm was dead. 5 strangers whose lives had all somehow been corrupted, injured, or polluted by that despicable criminal, had killed him, his vicious pet crocodile and his henchmen (Giggles, Yargrin and Hookshanks) and then tossed their remains into the waters for the shark to eat. Quite conveniently, this would also remove all evidence of what they had just done, something that Trevor was very concerned about. They all had justifiable reasons for killing Lamm, but now in the cold light of day, Trevor realised that their actions could have dire consequences. After all, they had broken into someone’s property and killed various people. If anyone were to find out what they had done, they could be arrested, locked up or possibly hanged. He was also concerned that there was a possibility that the Thieves guild might decide to act against them as well. Some of the party seemed worried about this too but overall, they felt they had done a good thing. Lamm and his motley crew would not be missed and therefore it was unlikely any consequences would come their way.
As they debated this, they could see the chaos that the Civil War was bringing to Korvosa. There was fighting in the streets, fighting in the skies, flames seemed to erupt all around the city. Dealing with the murders had been shock enough to Cali’s system, but seeing her city on fire was a step more than she could take at one time, and so she lost the contents of her stomach behind a nearby barrel. Nightingale suggested they should take advantage of this situation and torch the Lamm’s warehouse, and blame their deaths on the civil unrest, but this was decided against because it was a) arson and b) the flames could spread and cause damage elsewhere. Instead, they took what they could from the place(various items they could sell or use), locked the rest up in Lamm’s chest, locked all the doors and decided they could always come back for these items or use this place for their own purposes at a later date.
Byron was sick of all this talk. He’d come to do what he had to do and now he needed to get back to Madame Devlin’s house, a bordello he protected in Old Korvosa. If the madness that he could see on the streets here had spread to there, his ‘services’ might be required. Trevor, likewise, wanted to get back and check in on Otto, his friend the Serenrae priest as well as Sirius, the landlord from the Cracked Weasel Pub. Taylan also wanted to see if his mentor, Master Roshi, was safe and Calli and Nightingale thought it wise they should head to Calli’s mothers house to check if she was ok. Furthermore, Calli argued that her Mother, a woman of great social standing, could shed some light on the mysterious Queens Broach.
In normal circumstances, this group of strangers would have parted ways, perhaps never to see or speak to one another again. But as the streets were unsafe, the group of adventurers decided it would be prudent to stay and help each other to get to their various destinations. Taylan’s mentor was first.
The party headed down the cobbled road. Bryon and Trevor lead the way followed by Calli and Nightingale and then Taylan. If anybody had seen the two Barbarians walking down the street it was a formidable sight. Two huge grizzly warriors that clearly you wouldn’t want to mess with. However, sometimes what you can’t see is more terrifying than what you can. As the party walked beneath Korvosa’s clouded and darkened sky, a sharp raking pain coursed down Calli’s back causing her to cry out. Her body began to spasm as if she had been infected and she could feel her whole body seem to slow down. Unbeknown to her and the rest of the party, a pair of invisible imps, foul little red-skinned winged devils with bulbous features, had decided to swoop down to attack them, seeing them as easy sources of gold and targets for mayhem. Cali was the first victim and she had been poisoned!
As soon as the Imp attacked it became visible. Nightingale, seeing Calli hurt, leapt into action. He swirled and danced around the devilish Imp and seeing an opening slammed the tip of his rapier into his foe’s side. Or rather that was the plan. Instead his blade just bent and bounced harmlessly off the creature. Not even causing a scratch. There was clearly some magic protecting its body. A terrible realisation fell on Nightingale. He was powerless to hurt this creature.
Watching the events unfold, Trevor let out a terrible roar. The noise emanating from him was deafening. So much so that the Imps were shaken with fear causing their attacks to be less accurate. Taylan, taking advantage of this, summoned the magic that lay deep in his core. He raised his hand and pointed towards the Imp. A bolt of pure energy exploded from his fingertips, which soared across the divide and unerringly slammed into the creature causing it some damage. Weapons may not hurt but magic can, thought Taylan.
Trevor, realising that normal weapons may do little damage to an Imp, poured the silversheen they found in Lamm’s hideout onto his axe. The great weapon started to glow and shimmer and a great smile spread across his face. The great axe of Trevor, known as ‘Pacifus’ buzzed a deathsong as the massive arms of the half-orc brought the blade around in a glittering arc of steel. The ‘silvery’ axe cleaved deep into the flesh of the impish devil. Gurgling its last vile breath, the imp pitched forward, a mortal wound gaping where the axe had cut its body straight down the centre. One down, one to go!
Suddenly, soaring and roaring out of the sky flew a few small purple scaled pseudodragons. These were House drakes. House drakes were lifelong enemies of Imps, because when they first began appearing in Korvosa, the tiny dragons found themselves preyed upon constantly by the vicious Imps. Now, after a few generations, the House Drake had found a way to penetrate their enemy’s supernatural skin. The Drake’s dove down, their mouths widened revealing bright silvery teeth and their tails left trails of silver as they slashed them through the air. The remaining Imp eyes widened knowing it was in very bad trouble.
Thoughts of toying with its human fodder in this night of glorious fire and hellish chaos in the streets of Korvosa were quickly abandoned by the vicious imp as it's own impending doom became startlingly apparent. The Drakes were relentless in their ambition to destroy the hateful imp, as their teeth and claws ripped the very skin from the malevolent being, making short work of the foul devil.
This perilous trip across the city had already taken a toll on the party as violence and fire, rioting and panic erupted through the streets and they had barely begun. The enormity of the task of surviving the night, of reaching their loved ones and fulfilling their duties and responsibilities was suddenly apparent. They may not be up to it, the dangers too great, their might insufficient when suddenly amongst the Green eyed vicious looking Drakes, that had saved their lives so fortuitously appeared a few more gentle looking creatures. These small Dragons, for surely that is what they were, flew between the party of adventurers weaving small gentle magics, in their wake leaving those their magic touched feeling restored and refreshed. By providence they had been saved by these creatures of might and gentle magic but who knew what awaited them as ventured further into the Korvosan night.
Korvosa by its nature is an old city and therefore full of buildings that match a certain period. However, when the party reached Master Roshi’s house, they immediately saw a difference. It was painted pink, with a red roof, with the words "KAME HOUSE" displayed prominently on the front of the upper story. A small porch with a door jutted outward and Taylan stepped up and knocked on it. Almost immediately the door opened and an old bald man, wearing thick black sunglasses, with a thick white long moustache and beard walked out. He wore an orange martial arts suit with a white stripe down the centre, white shorts and a Turtle Shell on his back. In his right hand he could be seen holding a long walking stick. On his feet he wore white flip flops. This was Master Roshi.
As he stood there, the party could feel an air of intelligence and honour about him and he warmly welcomed Taylan and the rest of the party into his house. When they entered though, the party saw things they did not expect to see- bottles of beer and slabs of pizza could be seen on various plates dotted around the place, as well as dubious magazines called ‘Wide Thigh Aerobics’ or ‘Bikini Babes’. There was even what appeared to be a woman's panties draped over a stool!
Master Roshi opened his arms and said he was glad to see Taylan was safe after all there were many factions now roaming the streets. Anti-Queen clans, cults of the undead and incredibly a sect that worshipped wererats! As soon as Master Roshi, stopped talking, Taylan, like a geyser erupting from the ground, burst out that Gaedram Lamm was dead and they had murdered him. Trevor, outwardly groaned at this. Hadn't he just warned the group, that what they had done could have severe consequences for them all? Secrecy was paramount here.And yet Taylan had just revealed their bloody act. The boy was fool. Worse a liability.
A silence descended on the room as Taylans words hung heavy in the air. What would Master Roshi say? What would he do. A thousand terrible possibilities ran through the groups mind. And then with a swish of his right hand, Master Rshi, told the group "not to worry about it. He doubted anyone would miss Lamm and actually they'd done a good thing. The city should be grateful." Relief ran through the room, especially from Trevor. He was still unhappy what Taylan had done, but it seemed for now, that their secret was safe and they met an ally.
Byron, ever the blunt talker, said he needed to get the fuck out of here, people needed him. So, one by one they said goodbyes to this strange, clearly powerful but seedy little man. Including Taylan. Instead of staying with his Master, Taylan understood the importance of staying with his new found companions. They'd already faced dangers on the road and who knows what else lurked out there this night. He wanted to help. And so the party, closed the door behind them and once again hit the Korvosan streets. This time heading towards Cali's mother house.
Within minutes of leaving Master Roshi they were approached by a very inebriated man wearing the uniform of a Watch Captain of the Korvosan Guard. His uniform reeked of stale sweat and ale, and he insisted that Nightingale was his “old friend Neffi from Sandpoint.” Nightingale had no idea what the man was talking about. The drunkard revealed himself to be Grau Soldado and then told the party a disjointed story about a love triangle gone awry involving him, his fencing instructor Vencarlo Orisini, and a fellow pupil named Sabina Merrin. Calli recognized this last name as the most favoured of the queen, a guard always at her side. Grau broke down into tears while recounting the tale, and, deranged from intoxication, tried to lay the blame on “Orsini”—who he believed to be Trevor! Angry at ‘Orsini’ Grau drew a beautiful longsword from his scabbard which shimmered and shone in the daylight. The blade was made from the rare metal Mithral. He looked as if he was going to challenge Trevor to a duel, but thought better of it between successful smooth-talking from Nightingale and the half-orc’s intimidation. Nightingale, steadfastly remaining cool and resolute (despite repeated provocations from Grau) eventually calmed the drunken soldier down, even taking his sword off him for the sake of safety. Eventually, Grau agreed he needed to sleep off the effects of several nights’ binge-drinking and then immediately fell head first into a puddle on the ground. It was at this point, Byron told the party to leave the drunken sot in the street as they had more important things to take care of.
Nightingale and Calli took pity on this sorry individual and brought the unconscious man along to Villa Eudicot, Cali’s mother’s house. Just before they reached there though, Calli removed her hair decoration, which restored her natural looks, in time to greet the guards at the gate. Her mothers house was one of wealth and station, with multiple floors within a walled enclosure, stylishly decorated and full of growing plants and flowers. The party dropped off Grau with the guards on the gate and then moved inside to locate the Lady of the house. They found Mimosoideae in her office, a human woman slightly shorter than Calli but just as full of figure. Calli, knowing her companions were keen to keep moving, was to the point as possible with her mother. After confirming both her parents were safe she presented Lamm’s Ledger, explaining that it would hold all the evidence they needed to clear her brother Archie’s name, in addition to shedding light on a number of other crimes that Lamm had committed. Elated and and confused, Mimosoideae asked how she got it. Unfortunately, Taylan, once again blurted out that they’d killed Lamm. Understandably, the whole party was quite concerned about Taylan’s inability to hold his tongue. Silently Trevor, was having to keep his rage down. However, Calli managed to deflect the comment, to make it sound like they’d killed Lamm’s operation, and also managed to weave a story about getting the book from another student at the university who had been working for the scoundrel. Calli’s mother ‘seemed’ to accept her daughter’s answer and then asked who her companions were. Calli, as quick as lightning, explained that the school brought them in as ‘guest speakers’, who educate everyone on their particular jobs and parts of the city. Furthermore, Calli explained that they’re escorting her as extra protection in the riots. Thankfully, her mother seemed to accept this explanation too.
Calli then pulled out the Queen’s broach and asked her mother if she knew anything about it. Mimosoideae is shocked they have the broach as she explains that this had been missing for some time and the queen was offering a mighty reward for a safe return. Call, seeing this as the chance she’d been waiting for (to be introduced to court on her own terms), Calli declared that they would return it themselves. However, others in the party weren’t so sure about this, but in Calli’s mind she sensed there was something special about this group and she wasn’t willing to just let them slip back out of her life so easily. Calli believed, there was a reason the fortune teller brought them together and although she still had unanswered questions about each of them, she could smell a good story brewing.
Byron, blunt as always, then said it was time to fuck off, surprising Mimosoideae to hear such a declaration in her home. Mimosoideae, concerned for their welfare, then asked them to stay until the riots had passed, offering them food and shelter. Taylan loved the idea, but Byron was already moving towards the exit. Calli explained to her mother that they really needed to get back to the dorms, and then hugged her mother farewell.
As they were leaving, Byron, Trevor and Taylor expressed their concern over Calli following them back to Old Korvosa instead of staying at home where she’d be safe, but it becomes clear that Calli is not interested in playing safe. The story is out with the people, and she wants to help. Nightingale goes where she goes, so the group continues on.
The party eventually arrived at the main bridge leading into Old Korvosa only to find a chevaux de frise, a portable frame with many projecting spikes blocking the entrance. Standing in front of it was a group of Korvosan Guards. The barricade though had been designed not to stop people going in but to stop people coming out. Byron took great exception to this, finding it an affront to the people of Old Korvosa. His ire up, Byron intimidated a young soldier by the name of Hendrick, insisting he and the party should be let through. Furthermore, he also made it very clear that it wouldn’t be in the young mans best interest if he or his friends were impeded if they were to leave again.
As the party entered Old Korvosa, their senses were invaded by the stench of sewage polluted watercourses and ditches. The streets were muddy, rutted, uneven, the centre of each one being a drain carrying whatever offal had been discarded by the townsfolk. Rows and rows of houses, workshops, traders could be seen piled next to each other like a bunch of matchsticks that could easily tumble and fall or ignite as one if fire were to take them. They could also see tubs of putrid water positioned here and there for that very eventuality but more often than not were full of decaying rubbish. The stench and obstruction of animal dung, vegetable rubbish, fish remains and entrails of beasts swam through the air. Nothing could prepare Cali for this. Nightingale seemed less uncomfortable though as though he had experienced this before. But for Tyalan, Trevor and Byron, this just smelt like home.
As they made their way through the cramped and mud filled streets of Old Korvosa, two thugs named Rushaan and Filton armed with crossbows stopped the party in the street telling them thet had to pay a toll. The thugs insulted them, mocked them, and then verbally degraded both Calli and Madame Devlin- Byron’s friend. Trevor, ever the peacemaker, tried to calm things down, but neither Byron nor Nightingale were going to let the insults stand and were already charging down the road to attack.
Trevor, Cali and Taylan followed suit, each roaring their anger at these loathsome thugs. Nightingale was the first to reach the two armed men. Suddenly violet blue electricity swirled and danced around his arm which then seemed to channel its way into his rapier. It leapt, arced and burst from the blade like a sizzling chain of electric death and drove itself deep into the chest of Rushaan. The man spasmed, screamed and then after the bolt of destruction ran its full course, his entire body obliterated into ashes. All that was left was the smell of ozone and charred flesh.
The remaining thug, Filton, fired his crossbow at Trevor. The sound of the deadly bolt whistled through the air like a child screaming in fear but the arrow bounced harmlessly off Trevors chainmail. Furious that Filton would dare try and hurt him, the Half-orc swung his great axe in an arc in an attempt to slice Filtons stomach. But whether it was luck, bad judgement or the thugs survival instincts, Filton managed to dodge the blade of death. Thinking he had survived a visit from the Grim reaper, Filton was then confronted by Byron, The Korvosan Bear! Rage ran through the barbarian and two long, vicious claws seemed to extend from his fists which he mercilessly plunged deep into the thugs chest. The pain was excruciating for Filton, he couldn’t breathe, his eyes widened knowing his death was imminent. Byron then lifted his body into the air and then with a grim smile on his face, imitating the Reaper of Chaos, Byron ripped the thug in two. Filtons body fell to the ground, the innards of his body spilling, spooling and mixing into the muddy street below.
As Calli and Taylan reached the party, it appeared the battle was over, but out of the shadows another two armed figures with crossbows suddenly appeared and casually raised their weapons. Percival clips Taylan, but the one called Coltur took careful aim and loosed his bolt at the wealthiest looking target, striking Calli down in one. Nightingale rushes to her side to stop the dangerous flow of blood while Trevor charges the new targets.
"I tagged the half elf," Coltur brags, the blood-lust animating his face, “I fucking tagged her!' Over Percival's shoulder Coltur saw the massive half Orc sprint down the cobbled street towards them, moving fast. Nothing that big should move that fast. "Oh Fuck,' whispered Coltur, 'we're fucked!'
Percival turned quickly following Colturs' gaze barely registering the half Orc's raised two headed axe before that two headed axe swung down taking off the young hoodlums head. Percival hit the floor felled like a tree his head rolling away into the gutter. The sorceror having found the safety of an alley cradling his injured side where an ugly looking bolt had buried itself, looked out to see his assailant. Despite the pain of his injury Taylan cast from his hands a bolt of pure magic that smashed into the remaining cut purse, knocking the felon back.
The power of the magic attack brought Coltur back to the stark reality of his situation. He was a dead man. He could see the well dressed man with a sword at his hip leaving behind the fallen half-elf in the care of the sorceror so that he could begin his hunt. The swordsman’s face was stone and his eyes cold fury, while the nearby half-orc was a wilder rage, turning his focus entirely on the last thug standing. He had to escape, to leave, to move! His action was prompted when the well dressed swordsman suddenly broke into a run directly at Coltur.
Coltur dashed into the night, he could lose them in the narrows and they'd never find him. Fear lent his escape speed and he quickly began to out-distance the green skinned monstrosity and the well dressed sword-slinger. But the Korvosan streets are fickle for as the thug ran to save his miserable existence, attempting to climb a wall he lost his footing and fell smashing his knee on cobbled stone. Quickly Nightingale was upon the man that had shot his charge, the girl that he'd looked after for years. Gale’s lifetime of training made his merciless attack second nature, and he slashed and skewered the villain with a surgen’s precision, powering his blade with acid to ensure each hit was as painful as possible. Coltur fell to the ground trying to crawl away from Nightingale's onslaught only to feel the biting axe of the half orc as it cut through his arm and deep into his body.
Byron the heavily tattooed barbarian knowing the streets of the narrows well had managed to catch up with his fellow pursuers in time to witness the villains execution. 'Good, let's get back. "
The dilapidated slums of old Korvosa suddenly seemed very quiet as if having witnessed the bloody violence perpetrated this night, the very streets were holding their breath lest more chaos and fury should break out. Trevor removing his axe from the still broken human form at his feet, dragged the broken cut-purse through the streets as both he and Nightingale followed Byron back to the place they had been way-laid.
Taylan and Calli stood in the street drinking vials of life giving healing potions supporting each other, more watchful now of the shadows that surround them. The bolt that was buried in Taylan's side was discarded on the floor. Nightingale quickly returning to Calli's side to ensure her recovery was real as Byron urged everyone on.
"Check the bodies, and let's move. "
The thugs bodies revealed they had been looting people’s houses and these despicable men had seemed to have acquired many a family heirloom. The people in Old Korvosa, didn't have much, they were the poorest of the poor. So, this was a crime that really grated the likes of Byron, Trevor and Taylan, all natives to this part of the city. The party took the items and the thugs' crossbows and other weapons they were carrying and headed to Madame Devlin’s House.They left the bloody remains of the thugs bodies in the street. Let the dogs or the sewer rats have them. It was what the scum deserved.
The companions journeyed on through the Old Town of Korvosa. Old Town was a warren of small tight bleak streets and cluttered stinking alleys, with old ramshackle wooden buildings crowding one on top of another providing danger-filled dark shadows, places of possible attack and ambush. Broken doors and shattered windows, far off cries of violence and conflict, the acrid taste of smoke and the overpowering smell of fire were all signs of the continuing riot that was traumatizing Korvosa this night.
"Quickly we're almost there, " the tension that Byron felt was betrayed by his voice and his annoyance at the parties slow pace.
" Just through these small alleys" growled the barbarian, " up from the temple and we turn at the Old market."
"We're close," whispered Trevor, the half Orcs deep voice reassuring in this menacing night.
Byron led the weary band of warriors out of the Byzantine maze of alleys, up a wider street, the Aroden temple stood dark and un-inviting, so no sanctuary to be had there! A number of the buildings, homes, shops and places of work had been damaged, either wrecked or blackened and blistered by fire, other premises had been boarded up in an hurried attempt to hold the nights madness at bay. Many Old Korvosians were out helping each other, cleaning up the mess, protecting each other. Heading North and turning just past the market the party ventured down a quiet side street where in contrast to the carnage there'd witnessed elsewhere, the damage here seemed minimal.
Partway down this small claustrophobic avenue outside a tidy well kept wooden four-storied building with shuttered windows not of stretched opaque horn but of clear glass, Byron stopped. A sign proclaims they’ve reached Ruby’s Rest.
"We're here and all looks well." And with that the tension of this night left the barbarian and suddenly his limbs seemed heavy as he made his way up the 4 tiered stone steps to the heavy wooden door. The others followed eager to be off the street and safe indoors.
Byron's knock on the solid door was answered by a strong strident voice, "We're not welcoming callers tonight, begone with you."
"Nan it's me. "
"It's Byron," and suddenly noise and activity accompanied the turning of bolts, door chains and locks and the big red door opened, candlelight illuminating the street.
At the door stood a straight backed stick-thin woman, greying hair held high in a bun and spectacles hanging from a chain around her neck. She quickly ushered Byron and his friends off the street and into the comfort of her home. The front door was quickly closed, locked and bolted.
"You're back, we were so worried. We heard there were sewer monsters in the streets!" The matriarch's hands took hold of the giant ensuring he was not injured and holding him close.
"It's alright Nan I'm fine, though the city has gone wild." The large reception room which was furnished with couches, carpets, heavy drapes and curtains was suddenly filled to overflowing with women and a few men all curious, nervous and excited drawn to the arrival of Byron and his companions. Questions were fired one over another as the hub-bub just got louder.
" Hush now all of you,' the diminutive old lady commanded and the room fell instantly silent. "We all have questions but where are our manners, tell me Byron who are your companions."
"You must be Madam Devlin," answered Calli as she stepped forward offering out her hand in greeting. "Byron has been so worried."
" He's a dear boy ... and you are? "
"My name is Calli E-K, a bard soon to be appearing at many establishments around the city including the Cracked Weasel," continued the pink haired half elf, her tone easy and light with no hint of this night's ordeals of having had any effect. Indeed she appeared most comfortable in Madame Devlin's company or so it seemed to the Barbarian. "This is my manager Nightingale."
"Charmed my lady, " Nightingale's bow was low and his smile easy, "It is indeed a great pleasure to meet you, Byron has said so much about you."
"And I'm a hero of Korvosa," said a rather bedraggled half elf sorcerer but with such naive charm that many of the girls giggled to bear such bravado.
"We offer a special hero's rate," one of the girls quite taken with the look of the young half elf chimed up.
" Quiet Alice, you can talk to your hero later, " Devilin gently chided the girl and turned an eye to the monstrous tusked orc standing awkwardly in the door.
"Maam, pleasure to meet you," stammered Trevor and nodded his head in a nervous imitation of Nightingale's bow.
" Aren't you Trevor, Sirius’ man? " asked Devlin walking straight up to the giant green bestial warrior. Trevor further backed into the wall cornered by this tiny old lady, pinned in place.
"You're always welcome here Trevor."
"Yes Ma'am and I must get back to the Weasel now I've helped KB get here. Sirius might be hurt!" And with that half Orc made for the door.
"Nan has all been well here," Byron asked.
"All round here know this place is protected, no one would dare, " and she gently placed a small hand on the giant barbarians arm, " truly no one would dare. "
" Good now I have to go with Trevor and help Sirius at the Weasal, " and with that Byron started handing out small blades, crossbows and to Alice he gave a Kukri knife. " For protection, do not hesitate to use these and do no business this night. "
Calli realises she recognised the perfume of the establishment from the clothes of her older brother all those years ago, and realises this must be where he had been sneaking off to. Having yet another puzzle piece made her smile, and she remembered a bit of Gaedren’s loot they had with them would be perfectly displayed here. She stepped forward with a small erotic statue in her hand, " A gift madam Devlin."
”A charming ornament, most fitting thank you my dear, " came Devlins reply as she appraised the statue of entwined figures carved in ivory.
" Nan one final thing before we go, we recovered these goods from those who should have known better, many I think belong to those around here. Could you see to there return. To steal from our own is unforgivable." Byron handed over the small bag full of stolen treasures they retrieved from the cutpurses earlier that evening.
"Indeed I'll see it done, now be about your business ...and come home safe."
With that the party once more were compelled into the night their duty to each other drawing them on into the dangers of a city that was tearing itself apart.
The Cracked Weasel was a well known pub in Old Korvosa. It was a small establishment which welcomed everyone, regardless of race, alignment or size. Drinks would reguallty flow to the wee hours of the morning, songs would be sung and tales would be told. It was regarded as a good place to meet as over the last two years, thanks to Trevor keeping the peace, any flicker of violence had been nullified. Hardwooden planks and thick, hardwooden logs made up most of the building's outer structure as well as a dusty stained glass window, which displayed the image of a weasel holding a bow and arrow. A crack ran down the centre of the window, which on closer inspection looks to have been repaired several times over. To enter the establishment, you had to walk through a thick wooden door which Trevor normally stood outside guarding. But when the party arrived they could see the door of the pub had been broken. It has clearly been kicked in. Trevor ran into the establishment fearing the worst. The Cracked Weasels interior contained rounded, wooden beams supporting the upper floor. Lanterns filled with buzzing fireflys hung down from the rafters illuminating the dusty chairs, stools and tables and the few paintings hung on the wall. A smashed bottle could be seen on the floor and a chair and table had clearly been thrown in anger.
Sitting on the floor nursing an injury to his bald head was Sirius Blackfire, the Cracked Weasel’s owner. He was quite a portly man with a grand moustache, which was now discoloured by the blood that had dripped into it. Helping him with his injury was a clean shaven man in his forties wearing white robes, with an amulet of a sun draped around his neck. It was Otto Bottlebank, priest of Serenrae and Trevor’s friend. It turns out that Sirius was not hurt that much. His injury came when some mad half-elf kicked the door in, wielding two swords, looking for someone. The mad man was clearly deranged and perhaps even paranoid as he kept looking over his shoulder sprouting rubbish like Tressa is coming, the great deciever is here. Sirius offered him some Kraken rum but the man threw the bottle at his head, shouted this was the worst day of his life and then was gone before he knew it. Otto happened to be passing at the time and saw the incident and came to help.
After listening to the tale, Trevor, feeling guilty he wasn’t here, promised to find this rogue and deal with him. But Sirius replied that it wouldn’t be necessary as there were bigger problems on the streets right now. Trevor nodded, manages to makeshift repair the door and then he and the party sat and talked at one of the dusty wooden tables.
It was late and the party were tired. They needed rest. Byrons priority was to return Madame Devlins boudoir and protect them if necessary. He suggested that there would lodgings there if tbe party was interested. Taylan immediately agreed to 'help'! Calli also felt like she’d be better off spending the night with the ladies at Ruby’s Rest than on the floor in the pub. Nightingale would of course follow. Trevor on the other hand would stay at the Cracked Weasel. Not only was this his place of work, but the attic upstairs also served as his home. He would stay here. The party dispersed but with the promise of returning to the Cracked Weasel the following morning to discuss the matter of the Queens broach.
Cries of woe, despair, rage and anger could be heard on the Korvosan streets that night, but thankfully each party remained safe in their establishments. A welcome reprieve from the madness they had encountered earlier. Especially for Taylan, who was tended to most eagerly by young Alice. Byron and Gale stood watch and talked together a bit about their times in fighting pits. Calli had used her time to talk to one of the women in private and ensure that they were all there willingly and were treated well. She learned Byron was beloved by the ladies as a gentle protector. This put her mind at ease, for the rumours on the street told a darker tale. She knows better than to trust rumours at face value.
Morning broke on Old Korvosa and people gingerly emerged from their homes. The dilapidated streets looked the same and the mud filled strets stank of offal and blood as always. But, a dangerous tension hung in the air. Murder, violence, death could erupt at any moment. Whilst Old Korvosans were used to this, this was different. This felt like an insatiable invisible monster was lurking in the shadows ready to pounce and devour.
Byron led Calli, Nightingale and Taylan back to the Cracked Weasel to meet Trevor. Anyone watching these four walk down the street could see they were not to messed with. They were poised and ready for action if necessary. Yesterday's events had changed them forever. Byron knocked on the door of the Cracked Weasel and a smiling Trevor opened it, welcoming them in. All 5 sat at a table and wasted no time discussing the issue at hand-the Queens Broach.
Calli seemed very intent on returning the broach as a party to the Queen. She never had an audience with her majesty and this was too good an opportunity to pass up. (It was clear that to Calli, meeting her was more important than returning the broach). Both Byron and Trevor were wary though. They sensed that this broach could bring trouble. Byron believed that if the broach was discovered upon them it could bring trouble for al the people on Old Korvosa. Trevor worried, that by returning the broach too many questions would be asked i.e. where did you find it, what brought such an old looking party together? All these questions would lead to Lamm.
Calli pointed out that their was a reward for the broach and Nightingale suggested they could use that to help the people of Old Korvosa. This seemed to strike a cord in both Byron, Trevor and Taylan. After much debate, regardless of a reward, it was agreed that out of respect for Calli and Nightingale and for the good of Old Korvosa, the broach should be returned to the Queen. And so the party left the Cracked Weasel and headed towards Castle Korvosa.
Castle Korvosa was one of the most recognizable landmarks in Korvosa. An ancient flat-topped pyramid dating back to the Thassalonians. They could see one corner of the pyramid had collapsed, but eager Korvosan masons had built additional structures upon it creating a fortification of unique character. As they approached they could see the castle was clearly locked down: Guards intercepted them ordering them to state their business. Calli calmly explained that they had something that the Queen would be most interested in - her Broach! The guards sent a messenger and after a short time a stunning young woman with short-cropped dark hair and pale complexion appeared. Her otherwise beautiful face was marred by a series of crisscrossing scars. Despite her youth, she wore a fine suit of full plate armour like a second skin and clearly had the self-assurance of a seasoned soldier. She also carried a cruel-looking falchion. She introduced herself - Sabina Merrin- the Queen’s personal bodyguard. This was the lady the drunken soldier, Grau Soldado spoke of. Rumour had it that she received her martial training from one of Korvosa's most famous warriors: the weapons master Vencarlo Orisini. Thanks to a conflict with Vencarlo, Sabina eventually left the school, after a fierce duel with the master left her with a nasty scar on the cheek. Sabina then entered the Korvosan Guard, where she quickly climbed the ranks. It was while serving in the Guard that she caught the Queen's eye, who soon made Sabina her personal bodyguard. Gossips say she is now having an affair with the Queen.
Tawdry details aside, Calli showed Sabina the broach and she was clearly pleased. She dismissed the guards, and described the characters as heroes, and asked them how they would like to be introduced to the Queen. Calli said ‘Calli E-K’, Nightingale simply ‘Nightingale’, Trevor, ‘Bouncer at the Cracked Weasel’, Taylan, unexpectedly said he’d like to known as ‘The Hero of Korvosa’ and Byron who seemed tongue tied because of how beautiful the woman was, simply said ‘ Um, Byron’. Trevor pointed out that Byron was also known as the Korvosan Bear.
The party was then led into the beautiful surroundings of the castle. This was opulence on a scale that none of them had ever seen. They were escorted to the throne room where they could see stained glass windows depicting previous generations of Korvosan royalty looking down on them. Elegant tapestries draped the wall which were illuminated by the flames from a roaring fireplace. However, the thing that really captured their eye was the Queen who sat upon the Celestial Throne. She was a vision of beauty in spite of her black mourning dress. Sabina handed the broach reverently to her and then took her place at her side. The Queen looked visibly moved and she thanked the characters:
“This brooch was stolen from me some time ago—I had not expected to see it again, truth be told. And yet, here on my darkest day, you come before me with kindness. The return of this brooch is much more than an honourable deed. It is an inspiration. It is hope. I love Korvosa, as my husband did before me. His death has shocked the city as it has me, but I will not see his legacy destroyed in death, and I shall not see my city torn apart. All Korvosa stands at the precipice of a disaster wrought by her citizens—these riots cannot continue. You have already done my heart a great service in returning this precious heirloom to me on this dark day, and you shall be rewarded. Yet perhaps you can serve your city more.”
“The Korvosan Guard is stretched thin, and it could certainly use the aid of heroes such as you. If you so choose, I shall have Sabina see to it that you have an escort of guards when you leave here—they can see to your safe journey to Citadel Volshyenek. I shall send word ahead of you to Field Marshal Cressida Kroft to let her know you are on the way. Now, I need to retire to my chambers—my grief has drained me. Again, I thank you for the kindness you have shown me, and I hope your days of serving the crown are only just beginning.”
And with that, she claimed that her grief had drained her and she must retire. She handed Sabina a small silver chest to give to our heroes. The party quickly appraised the chest and could see it was only worth 50 gold pieces. However, inside were twelve gold ingots marked with the Royal Seal of Korvosa, each worth 100 gold pieces. The Queen then rose and was about to retire when Nightingale, against all protocol, asked for the barricades to be lifted against Old Korvosa. He pleaded that the people there had done nothing wrong and should be treated equally at this difficult time. It was a bold move but one that paid off as the Queen agreed to his request. She then turned and disappeared.
Sabina then made it clear to the party that if they wished to help Korvosa and join the guards they had to make a decision there and then. Joining the guards would not be a permanent position. This was simply a contracted job. Slowly each party member discussed the proposition and eventually agreed to proceed to the Citadel Volshyenek to meet with Field Marshall Kresseda Kroft for further instructions.
Kresseda thanks them for their assistance and gives them their first task. Verrik Vancaskerkin is a deserter who has been turning other guards against the Queen. He’s currently hiding out in an abandoned butcher’s shop called “All the World’s Meat” and they needed to find out what caused him to turn, and hopefully bring him back alive. For this they’d receive 500 gold, half if he died in the process. It’s early enough in the day that the party decides they’d head over to scout it out right away and make plans based on what they find there.
And so ends Game II
