DrK
 

As you mention the widow and her daughter Jasnan and Mary Lou have a quiet conversation near the bar before they come back, looking at the tired looking woman. Mary Lou is the first to speak,  "I'm so sorrt to hear of what happened on the road ny dear. Look, my farm ain't much, but my Albert is 6 years dead now and sometimes the work is a lot for me and the local help. It need not be permanant but come and stay on the farm. If you can help on the farm that'll earn you keep and you can help Tiadora settle in eh?" 

The woman looks at Cassian and the others and then at Mary Lou and bursts into tears, thankful to the gods for the generosity and promises to do the best she can do. Jasnan watches Mary Lou, the widow and her daughter and Tiadora heading off and looks back at the rest of you shaking his head.  "Mary Lou is a kind lady bless her soul. Lost her husband to plauge and 2 sons to bandits but she still keeps the farm going." 

he bids you all a good day and lets you enjoy meals and a drink as you ready to set off back to Korvosa in the morning. Its a long few days as you rumble back down the road that you've just come up, passing the site of where you headed up the road and the improptu graves and and where the wargs attacked you. A few days of hard travel later you can see the small Inn in "Trotts" again, although this time you can see in the distance from the smudge on the horizon that is Korvosa a great plume of dark smoke. The wagon yard of the wayside inn is filled to bursting with dozens of farm wagons, merchant trains and several groups of city watch, although troublingly you can see each one is led by a proud looking female figure in womanly shaped full plate with a red cloak and a full face helm, Gray Maidens!

As you pull your wagon to a halt a merchant's guard sat leant against a wheel of a large merchant caravan carrying large crates marked with "Magnimarii Trading House" looks up at you with a wry grin and salutes with his tankard of ale.  "Heading to the city? Have a care, the yellow quarantine flags are out and they are burning the poor by the dozen in the Gray. Some disease broke out in Old Korvosa and been spreading for the past week, ripping through the city... My master holding here till he see's if the ole' Church of Abador or Queen Illeosia can get it under control."   Motioning to the packed yard he shrugs,  "Get used to sleeping under the wagon friends, there be no room at this Inn."  
farothel
Ciraneoth managed to get some chainmail at the market before they moved back to Korvosa.  He was still getting used to the weight when they arrived at the last inn before Korvosa.

 "I'm used to sleeping outside,"  he said to the others,  "no problem for me.  And I think we best wait as well.  A disease running through a city is a city you don't want to be in." 
In fact he didn't really want to go to Korvasa at all, so any excuse was a good excuse.
wilphe
Winifred will have had this discussion on the way back

  I don't think we need to burden the good Marshall with the details of Tiadora's situation, that's a matter between us and Vencarlo. She doesn't need to know, and that way any magical test or compulsion she will pass  

++++++++++

At Trotts:

She will try an get more details about the situation in Korvosa, specifically why the Grey Maidens are commanding the Watch patrols and if the Marshall is still in charge

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 72 ]  Gossip 44
 (1d100)[ 63 ]  FP if necessary
 
rax
 Heading back to Korvosa 
 "That seems like a sound plan,"  Cassian agreed with Winifred.  "The less the Marshall knows, the safer she will be, I should think." 
 At the inn 
 "Is the entire city in quarantine, or only the poorer quarters?"  he asks the guard.
Haval
 Heading back to Korvosa 

When the group was alone,  'It's certainly safer out here if someone's actually trying to kill you but I'm not sure I could stand to live in a place like that for very long.' 

In reply to Cassian,  'Exactly. Knowing the details will only cause her problems.' 
 At the Inn 
 'Don't these things often expand beyond the zone quarantined anyway? Perhaps we can get lucky and the right people get sick.'  He'll will ask the guard,  'Do you happen to know the details of this disease?' 
DrK
Talking to the caravan guards, the serving wenches and a few of the others Winfred and Cassian managed to pick up a few more hints and rumours from the City about what has been happening for the past week or so when you've been out o the city.... The inn room is awash with rumours,  as many of the farmers and merchants discuss the risks of whether they head into the city or not. A few farmers returning from the city are given a clear berth and told to sit in one cormer where they are watched with suspicoun for any red eyes, coughs or signs of bleeidng gums. For Cassian's answer one of the guards shakes his head,  "he city still be open. Queen Illosia not been seen in 3 days and the Gray Maidens taking over the gates to make sure trade still occurs. The rich are heading in their estates and the poor are dying by the dozens." 

THrough the course of the evening as you share a few beers and keep them coming to "lubricate" the conversation you hear a range of rumours ( also strike of 6 shillings for the inn, stabling and food) 
 
    
  That plauge came from some Nidalese frigate that swept into the harbour a week ago... Harbour trebuchets smashed it  
  THe blood veil be deadly. Its judement of the Gods for old King Eodred's Death  
  Temple of Abador has a cure for the rich. Its why they closed temple doors  
  Bloodveil came off Old Korvosa. Grey Maidens will be burning the bridges anyday soon  
  The red-veil ain't nautral. Those dirty sewer were-rats been spreading it  
  Queen Illosea been planning to hekp. She's got some fancy doctors in from out of town and they be going to cure us  
  Lots of peddlers lying about a cure. But Lavendar Lux has got one taht works. Best get there fast 'afore she runs out  
  You can make good coin haulin' bodies for Church Pharasma to the Gray fer burning. Jus watch for some folk who just be dumping them in alleys and the like  
 
farothel
Ciraneoth would get something to eat and then head back out to talk to the teamsters and other rougher people out there.  He feels much more at home with them than with the city folk and the feeling is probably mutual.
rax
 "It cannot be helped. I must enter the city and find out if my family is alright, and Vencarlo will wish to know that our mission was successful,"  Cassian says to the others, speaking low enough so that he cannot easily be overheard.  "If the rest of you prefer to wait out the plague out here, I will not hold it against you, nor will anyone else I suspect." 
wilphe
  Agreed

If we can help we should be there

Also Barvasi still needs to die  
Haval
 'With you on Barvasi. Short of hiding out in the wilderness which I'm generally opposed to I'm not sure if there's an easy way of avoiding exposure. I'm sure between us we can afford a doctor if the worst happens.' 
rax
 "How about you, Ciraneoth? Will you join us or stay outside the city walls for now?"  Cassian asked the elf.
farothel
 "I'd prefer to stay outside,"  Ciraneoth said,  "but then again, I've never been very fond of cities, no matter where they are and especially if they're full of disease.  But if they're scum to be killed, I'm probably quite useful as I can do so at a distance.  So I'll join you, but we best take precautions and avoid any contact that's not necessary." 
rax
 "Well then - I suggest we enter the city and go to my family's town house. I believe my grandfather will not mind providing you all with a roof over your heads, at least for a few days,"  Cassian suggests.
DrK
After gathering information and stopping for meal the wagon rolls on for the last few miles towards the massive city walls and sprawling chaos of Korvosa. The city looks ominous, a wide grey expanse with the Citadel atop the ziggurat in the centre. Alongside the red and black diamond flags bearing the hippogryph every second or third tower bears the yellow flag warning of disease and multiple pyres centred on the west and east around where you now the Gray and Old Korvosa lie within the walls. In the heart of the city the black and ed flies over the citadel and you can faintly see a glowing pulsing golden dome holding steady hanging over the Acadamae.

 

The  queue at North gate is short as the evening sun approaches and you can all see a veritable city of tents and scruffy bivouacs where hundreds of people have been cast out or where to go in. As you wheel down the road you can feel the eyes of them looking at you gauging your wealth. In amongst them you can hear and see about 1 in 3 are collapsed in stupours, skin blotched, eyes red and bloodshot and blood leaking from their eyes and ears as they lie in their thin blankets either moaning piteously or coughing up bloodied phlegm...

The guards on the gate are led by a plate clad womanly figure with a faceless mask on her helm and a long red cloak. But its the usual guards that approach you bearing the blue uniforms and hippogryph crest of the City GUard. Of the half dozen guards at the gate its a tough grizzled older solider with a thick full beard partially obscured by a scarf pulled tight around face who slants his halberd across the gate  "Who goes there, what business have you in the city? Are ye blind? Can you not see the city is in crisis." 
rax
 "It's hard to miss, good sir, but Korvosa is our home and we all have friends or family in the city. We are concerned for their health and safety, and wish to see how they fare. We have discussed the risks and are prepared to take our chances,"  Cassian answers the veteran.
wilphe
Winifred lets Cassian do the talking and waits patiently looking clean and respectable
Haval
Andrei will add,  'I may have business at the Acadamae at some point. Would you happen to know if they've sealed themselves off from the rest of the city.' 
farothel
Ciraneoth kept silent, but also kept looking around.  He wondered how things would go in the city and if anybody would still remember them.
DrK
The guard pulling the cloth over his face nods to Andrei,  "The Academae is sealed. The walls vibrate with power, not the rain nor smoke touche's em and the doors be sealed. I saw the ill banging on the door and the first few shook with lightning and melted! Guess that were a cure of sorts."  The guard offers as he steps back allowing you in. Heading down the main road into the North Point district the city is very different. The streets are quiet, alleys chocked with people covered in red blotches wrapped in clothes that eye you warily, a few shops remain open, but they are quiet and heavy with incense or with strange charms hanging in the doorways.

As you trot through the now quiet streets into the market square.... Where do you plan on going?
rax
 "We should make for my family home - it's not far from here,"  Cassian repeats his earlier suggestion.


 OOC:  I established that Cassian's family settiled in North Point in his background, and that's the district we just entered, right?
wilphe
  As you wish  
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by rax 
  "We should make for my family home - it's not far from here,"  Cassian repeats his earlier suggestion. 
 

 'Fair enough. We can check in with someone trustworthy to see what they can tell us.' 
farothel
Ciraneoth had put some cloth in front of his face to keep the bad air out and he followed the rest of the group.  He's not really at home in a city, so he'll let the others take the lead for now, while he kept looking out for trouble, hoping it wouldn't find them but he wanted to be ready when it did.
DrK
Its only a short roll through the streets towards the solid town house and the large gates with Cassian's house crest over the brickwork. In that time you see two patrols of the city watch, a couple of them you recognise and they nod to you. One of them, a bearded veteran who's surcoat strains across his belly nods and waves, but keeps his distance.  "Kroft's favourite children is it... You be gone fer a ten day or so. Good timing to leave eh... We are overwhelmed down in the barracks. Kroft would be happy to see you again I'm sure, especially with them Maidens taking half the woman guard."  He doesn't get a chance to say much more as there is a shout from the patrol leader and the fat guard nods in an affable way before waddling off.

At the gates to Cassian's estate he stops to bang on the door. A long delay before a barked  "Go away. We are sealed. The veil."  (clearly meaning bloodveil) But you say who you are there is a shout of excitement and there is the heavy clunk of the wooden crossbar being moved and the gate swings open to reveal a pair of house guards and Cassian's father on the other side.  "Son, what are you doing here? I had thought you'd left the city. Why did you come back, why did you risk the veil..." 

He looks at Cassian's comrades carefully  "Are any of you sick, any of you ill. I must ask. We sealed the gates 6 days ago when the veil started to spread from Old Korvosa and a 5 day after that accursed ship tried to sneak into the harbour."  He stops there, waiting and watching you all carefully
wilphe
  Please convey the Marshall our compliments and we will attend upon her as soon as possible   

++++++

Winifred again says nothing at the entrance to the estate, beyond attempting to look clean and respectable
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
 Its only a short roll through the streets towards the solid town house and the large gates with Cassian's house crest over the brickwork. In that time you see two patrols of the city watch, a couple of them you recognise and they nod to you. One of them, a bearded veteran who's surcoat strains across his belly nods and waves, but keeps his distance.  "Kroft's favourite children is it... You be gone fer a ten day or so. Good timing to leave eh... We are overwhelmed down in the barracks. Kroft would be happy to see you again I'm sure, especially with them Maidens taking half the woman guard."  He doesn't get a chance to say much more as there is a shout from the patrol leader and the fat guard nods in an affable way before waddling off. 
 

After hearing that,  'Apparently the Maidens don't care that much about keeping the peace.' 

At the gates,  'I'd like to think we haven't been back in the city for long enough to get sick. Would you prefer it if we remained outside?' 
rax
 "No father, there was no blood veil when we left and we only just returned today. The only people we've spoken to were the guards at North Gate and some merchants who had yet to enter the city. We came directly here, so we should be safe. Everybody, this is my father Naxos. These are Andrei, Miss Winifred and Ciraneoth. They too were wronged by Gaedren Lamm and after we'd dealt with him we've all been aiding Marshall Kroft in her duties,"  Cassian explains.

 "I promised them a roof over their heads while we get our bearings, but I understand if you don't want to risk us bringing sickness into the house. I'm sure there'll be a spot for us at the Guard barracks." 
farothel
Ciraneoth nodded, but kept silent otherwise, looking around at the house and the surroundings.
DrK
Cassian's father shakes his head and then embraces his son.  "I was worried about you. In all of this mayhem, be you in the guards or just out in the city things have not been safe."  he says sadly as he beckons you in and calls for a servant to deal with wagons.  "Come, come, rooms we have, water for a bath and fine food and wine".  Welcoming you back into the manor he leads you inside and soon enough servants take you to rooms in the guest quarters apart from Cassian who can head to his childhood room...

An hour or so later after you are all relaxed and fresh following a warm bath you gather in the small library. Cassian's father sitting on one of the two large sofas.  "Welcome and rest. Wine and cheese for anyone?"  he offers before he joins you.  "What has brought you back to the city my boy? If you were safe outside why did you risk your life coming in? Are you aware of whats been happening in the city over the past week or so?" 
wilphe
Winifred will take the offered room and bath, be polite to the servants and tip well because drawing a bath is hard work. She will make it clear that she knows that because she has done it herself and will engage them in the time honoured tradition of gossiping about their employers

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 77 ]  Gossip 64 + whatever a few shillings gets her
 


In the Library she will remain polite and quiet, use the right cutlery and let Cassian do the talking
DrK
The servants after a while soon warm up to Winifred, mainly asking how she came to be visiting with young Lord Cassian. As they talk some of the horrors of the past week are mentioned with the spread of the Blood Veil starting in the poor quarters, that “ship” that with the yellow quarantine light that tried to sneak into port and was sunk, it’s prow can be seen at lower tide still in the harbour. They are also pleased that they work for the Cassian family as some of the other nobles have been throwing locked in balls. The youngest girl looks at Winifred,  “if you need a cure you should seek out Lavender’s Luxuriant Lintment. It’s wonderful it cured my mom, she was had the pocks three days ago but they’ve gone now!” … The chatter from the serving girls continues until Winifred heads down stairs
farothel
Ciraneoth will take a bath, although he prefers the elven way of bathing in a cold stream.  But at least he's clean again.
Back in the library, he will take some wine and cheese, but kept silent and let Cassian do the initial talking.
rax
 "We all have friends and family here, and sitting outside left us no means of knowing how they're faring. Besides, if there's trouble in the city, isn't it our duty to assist in any way we can? We met some guards on the way here and it sounds as though Marshall Kroft is hard pressed to maintain order,"  Cassian answers his father.

 "All we really know is that this sickness struck while we were away. It sounds like it may have come from the ship that was sunk? Is there more?"  he asks.
DrK
Sipping his wine his father looks at Cassian, a faint smile.  "You always did have too much honour and not enough common sense"  but its said with a smile and clearly not meant as an insult, a compliment if anything. He then continues,  "I'm not sure my boy. The rumours started maybe 10 days ago, so must have been just after you left city, the day after the riot at the execution. A boat tried to approach the harbour under the yellow quarantine flag, a Nidalese trader, but she refused to hove to and was sunk by the harbour trebuchets in the cut." 

He pauses to shake his head sadly.   There is always illness's amongst the lower classes but people started speaking of the red pox and the blood veil just after the ship's sinking. Mainly centred around old korvosa and down the dock fronts and slightly more dubious districts. Its spread fast and soon enough the Queen declared martial law, the Grey Maidens were placed in charge of the City Watch and the gates were more tightly controlled.

The Acadamae retreated into their hall and have sheltered behind the magical shields. The temple of Saranrae tried to help, but they've been overwhelmed and there are rumours floating around aout the horror of that place and the Bankers (priests) of Abador have been selling aid to the rich and the Vault-Temple is heavily guarded against the massess that seek a cure. Some street vendors, quacks and the like claim to have cures though I'm not thinking that is likley and some of the nobles have sealed their estates, or have sealed them against the commoners and are throwing Blood Balls whilst the blood veil runs its course."   He shakes his head,  "Its a shambles and chaos. I've stayed here and encouraged all of our servants to stay in the compound as well as much as possible. But the High Priest of Pharasma is begging for help in carting the boides for proper cremation so I may send some of the guards to help there and the City watch and poor Marshall Kroft must be near overwhelmed as plenty of criminals are using the chaos to loot and destroy or settles old scores" 

Leaning back he eyes Cassian and the others,  "What are you intentions my boy? You are welcome to shelter here, but I suspect that will not be in your nature. What is your plan now?" 
rax
 "I'm not sure, but it sounds like the Marshall could use our help. A guardsman we spoke to earlier mentioned that the Queen's been recruiting or drafting the women of the Guard into her Gray Maidens, and now you tell us she's declared martial law and put the Maidens in command of the Guard. I understand the need to maintain order, but is that all she's up to? Has she announced any plans to alleviate the suffering or putting resources towards finding a cure for the Blood Veil?" 
Haval
Andrei will take the opportunity to clean up.

In the library,  'I wonder if that means that some of the Maidens are there unwillingly? Maybe it's not a job offer they can say no to.'  On Cassian's second point,  'Any disease will ususally run out of people to infect eventually. But I'd like to know that as well.' 
wilphe
  Well looks like the Marshall would be pleased to see us  
farothel
 "He probably will be,"  Ciraneoth said,  "the grey maidens probably a bit less." 
He looks at Cassian's father.
 "We've heard some rumours about cures that some people are rumoured to have,"  he said,  "have you heard anything more about those, being closer to the source and all that?" 
DrK
The elderly statesman shakes his head.  "The Queen has retreated into the Keep and not been seen since the outbreak. I do not know if she is planning a cure."  He gestures towards the distant city centre,  "The acadamae has no cures, or at least it has denied having them and sealed themselves in. The Bank of Abador has been assailed, and there are rumours the richest have been able to buy divine healing from the Lord of Coins. The Temple of the Sun (Saranrae) is also overwhlemed, dark rumours of the priests themselves being ill." 

He shakes his head.  "I will not throw the locked-on balls and parties like some of the nobility but I was planning on staying in as much possible my son, I had invited the staff and their familes here as well."  At mention of the Marshall he nods,  "The guard looks scared and overwhelmed. I am sure Marshall Kroft will appreciate any help you could offer, I understand why you'd feel you need to aid, even if I'd like you stay here." 

Looking out the window where the evening light is starting to draw down, he does look back to you and suggest,  "maybe stay the night and see the MArshall in first light. THere have been dark rumours of walking rats and the ghoulish carrion eaters prowling the streets at night. Even the Black Ravens of Pharasma have been struggling and 3 days ago only the arms and legs of two of them were left in the markets... Its a dangerous time. Your swords and magics will be welcome in the estate"  
 OOC:
You can brave the twihglight or head to see the Marshall in the morning

 
wilphe
Winifred looks at the others   See her in the morning?

Her night doesn't need to be interrupted by us

She's probably busy, and if she isn't she needs the rest  
Haval
Andrei looks disappointed at the news of the Academae.  'I suppose I could try asking them, but it's certainly easier to stay inside and avoid letting the illness in. In the meantime, if I was worried about catching it I suppose I might be tempted to try and break into a place like this.' 

On the rumours,  'Walking rats? Now who's going around with a story like that? Has anyone seen any concrete evidence?' 
farothel
 "I agree we should wait until tomorrow,"  Ciraneoth said,  "and yes, giant rats do exist.  Maybe they don't really walk, but in the dark seeing a very big rat can do strange things with people.  And undead we've seen before, so we know those are real." 
rax
 "Thank you father, I'll wager a good night's rest in a proper bed will do wonders for us all,"  Cassian answers with a respectful nod to his father.
DrK
The night passes in a relaxed manner in the Manor House as warm comfortable beds, a large meal and fine wine greet you all alongside takes of Cassian’s youth. Whilst the house is quiet the city beyond is anything but. The distant shouts and screams echo through the windows and once you are woken up by a distant roar of flames as a small manor some 4 roads away goes up in flames and distant mahouts of fire can be heard but to no avail

As the weak autumnal sun rises you can see the beams of a roof in that direction and the slow whisper of the waking city all around you


 OOC: you going fully armed / armoured or wearing city clothes as you head to the barracks  
wilphe
Winifred will rise, practice a bit with the foil Vencarlo gave her and break her fast


She will be in her normal outfit, albeit the leather has been broken in now; none of that is military gear though. It is just ordinary clothes over brigandine - so it will just look like leather unless someone checks closely.

The only better armour is concealed under the crown of her hat and the only thing that might be out of place in the city is carrying a bow and quiver - if that looks like being an issue she will ask for or buy a cloak.



 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Blueish-black leathers over which she has a tunic in dark yellow with a slate bodice and a dark red skirt all of which are clean, but hardly new. She is carrying a bow and quiver, with a foil and a sword on her hip

For footwear she has nice set of riding boots in black leather and is sporting a very large hat.

She has better outfits, but one is for serving and the other is for court so she doesn't have either with her
 
farothel
With the city being as it is, Ciraneoth will wear his mail shirt and coif with leather underneath.  He will bring all his weapons.  He will stay with the group as they head out, but be on guard for any strange things going around.
DrK
A fine nights rest, a relaxing breakfast of warm freshly baked bread still steaming from the oven with freshly brewed sweetened tea and heavy bunches of grape set you up well. The servants seeming happy to lay the breakfast out in the dining chambers and then retreat to the far corner of the room and keep their distance. As you head out in the morning there is a very sense of tension in the City as you head east through through the streets towards the docks and the Guard Barracks in their old fort.

People walk with cloth's tied over their faces, the smell of incense seems to linger on every corner and various dwellings have crude scraps of grimy yellow fabric tied to them marking those houses where the Red Veil is present. The docks are still bus, fishermen still head out to the bay but the dock workers skulk about or line up outside the inns waiting for them to open as the City watch posted by the large ocean going ships enforce the city under quarantine. A couple of them recognise you and gives nods and, well, you assume under their face cloths, smiles.

Approaching the keep you are let through the tripe strength guard on the gates although you don't see many people nearby and head into the courtyard that is a hive of activity. In the midst of it you surprisingly see 3 young men with long white robes trimmed with hold with large golden keys emblazoned on their chests as the three bankers (priests) of Abador seem to be talking and leaning over a map of the city.  Before you can get embroiled a shout rings out over the courtard as you a harried and bloodshot eyed Kroft waving you to her stable come operations centre. In side a map of the city is rolled out with far too many yellow flags spread out over the city marking where the disease had been striking and to some dismay you can see flags neareverywhere, although the are quite concentrated in Old Korvosa which does make you worry for your friend Vencarlo although currently his manor seems clean of the small yellow pins.

Kroft greets you  "Welcome back, though its a madness you've come. The city is in the grip of Urgathoa's vengenace it seems. I can use you though. I trust you, as a I rust few else"  she is brusque, and clearly exhausted.  "I could use you to explore the wreck of that damnable ship that we think brought this plauge. I know it is under the waves but the Acadamae has provided a means they claim for brave or mad to breathe under the waves. If you don't fancy that I need some teams to escort these Bankers about the city. The people have gone mad, and two Bankers of the temple were ripped apart by the crowd thinking they had a cure. Or.."  she takes a breath  "There have been rumours of walking rats. I don't know the truth of it but I wouldn't be surprised anymore. I sent a team to explore the sewers but they never returned and no-one else is willing."  She stops and looks at each of you.  "I do not mean to be brusque, but the city is on the edge. We've had riots in the Nobles district, two alchemists or charlatans were strung up by mobs after peddling fake cures. I worry for this Lavender now but I do not have the guards to investigate her, and I hae few enough guards I trust. Especially with the Queen and Sabine stealing many of finest women officers."  
rax
 "It is good to see you as well, Marshall,"  Cassian greets Kroft.  "I think we will need to confer as to where we can help first, but I am curious -  how  is Her Majesty stealing your officers? Better pay? More prestige? Or is she conscripting them somehow?" 
farothel
 "Don't dismiss those walking rats like that,"  Ciraneoth spoke up,  "I haven't seen any of those yet, but I've seen other things most people think are legends." 
He could understand the people who hung those charlatans.  He wouldn't do it, but he could understand if you had paid your life savings for a cure that turned out to be nothing, you would be angry.  And if word got around about those few, others would probably not try to sell fake cures.
Haval
On the way in Andrei will comment on the face coverings,  'We might want to get some of those. It couldn't hurt.' 

Inside, on the rats.  'Funny that the rumours of these rats are happening during a plague. I wonder if the two things are connected?' 
wilphe
Winifred greets the Marshall cordially, leaving unspoken everything relating to their last errand.

  Bankers should be able to afford guards of their own, if not they are hardly worthy of the title.

What do people expect to find in the wreck and why has it not already been picked clean? 
 
DrK
Cressida grimaces,  "My best female officers were ordered to report to the Citadel. I haven't seen them since, although the helms those Grey Maidens wear I can't even tell if any have returned."  She shrugs,  "Sabine's commands are to be obeyed as though rom the her Majesty directly so there is little I can do." . At mention of the boat and the rats she continus  "The rats have been a problem always, but a minor one. They take a vagrant or a drunk every now and then but then never bother decent citizens. But that has changed now, with much of the city pre-occupied they have ben bold and more dangerous. Regarding those ones I may."  she pauses and leans her head in to whisper to you all  "I may have a source in that area. A woman who can speak for them, or at least speak to them better than I can." 

Following that she walks towards the narrow slit window and points out from the Citadel's high walls to the grey white capped water in the bay.  "You askd about the ship. That Nidalese wallowing hog was hit by the city trebuchets and went down in the cut."  she points to an area some 400 yards out from the busy docks in the centre of the bay.  "She broke in two and went straight down. But with Sabine, and so I guess the Queen's approval the Acadamae have provided some sorcerous means for a man, or woman, to breathe water like some sort of fish, but I've had no volunteers from my guards." 

Glancing back at the white robed Abadarian Bankers (Priests) she nods.  "Aye you are right. The holders of the keys should be able to affird their own guards. But we cannot question the orders and we have seen some of the Priests of the Coins can help ward and cure the disease so they may be the only way to stop losing more people." 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
 Cressida grimaces,  "My best female officers were ordered to report to the Citadel. I haven't seen them since, although the helms those Grey Maidens wear I can't even tell if any have returned."  She shrugs,  "Sabine's commands are to be obeyed as though rom the her Majesty directly so there is little I can do." . At mention of the boat and the rats she continus  "The rats have been a problem always, but a minor one. They take a vagrant or a drunk every now and then but then never bother decent citizens. But that has changed now, with much of the city pre-occupied they have ben bold and more dangerous. Regarding those ones I may."  she pauses and leans her head in to whisper to you all  "I may have a source in that area. A woman who can speak for them, or at least speak to them better than I can."  
 

On the Maidens,  'I feel like someone might want to look into that. Surely they take those helmets off at some point. Even if only when they're off duty.'  On the rats,  'What kind of person speaks rat?' 
farothel
 "Why not,"  Ciraneoth said,  "it's always useful to speak the language of ones enemies so one can spy on them.  Anyway, I'm not so sure of going underwater.  A spell to breath there is one thing, but how about moving there.  If you have ever tried running in even knee deep water you know what I mean.  It's going to be very tricky to actually move below the water, no matter how easy it is to survive there.  I'm a bit partial of investigating the rats, but that's just my opinion." 
wilphe
  If we have the ability to breath underwater, might be best to get that and then think about the sewers.

If it carries over  
rax
 "I admit, the thought of wading through a shipwreck at the bottom of the river is even less appealing than wallowing in sewer filth, and at least we won't be relying on magic to enable us to breathe if we do the latter. I vote for investigating the rats first,"  Cassian grimaces.
wilphe
Winifred shrugs

  Rather rats than bankers

Is Barvasi still on the to do list?  
Haval
 'I think we can make time.'  On the shipwreck,  'I admit I'm curious to see how the magic actually works, but unless it includes making it easier for us to see and move around underwater I think looking into the rats would likely be easier.' 
rax
 "Very well, rats first then,"  Cassian concludes.
DrK
Cressida nods,  ”My thanks. My men are overwhelmed by it all. I had sent 6 good men into the sewers but none came back, so please keep an eye out for them though I don’t hold much hope and fear they embraced Pharasma.” 

She pauses at mention of the rats and and leans in.  ”it’s been a long while since I walked a beat but I still have some contacts. Head to the gold market, on the look for a shabby little cart and Eries. She’s had her thrift stall there for a decade and is well known. Give her this.”  she pauses and reaches into her belt pouch and pulls out a small metal disc with a symbol of Desna on one side and a crude ‘Y’ on the other  ”she should know you’ve been sent by someone she can trust. She will be able to point you in the right direction for these walking rat folk.” 
farothel
 "Very well,"  Ciraneoth said,  "then we just need some perfume or something to mask the smell of the sewers and some equipment to deal with wounds infected by the foul stuff in there and we're good to go.  Oh, and torches or other light sources." 
rax
 "I would prefer shuttered lanterns, myself. I've heard that open flame can sometimes cause explosions in such an environment,"  Cassian adds.
Haval
 'Something tells me that there won't be enough perfume in the world to make much of a difference, but it's worth a try. Otherwise, don't they have people that work down there. I assume someone will have what we need.' 
DrK
Three solid looking shuttered oil lanterns with a couple of pints of oil apiece (2 hours per pint, so 4 hours total per lantern) are quickly dragged out by a guard and given to you. Cressida looks at you before gazing past you out through the arrow slit at the city beyond and the distance Castle Korvosa sat atop its ziggurat.  "Thank you for coming back and offering help. Please come back, we will need the help. With the plague, the riots, Blackjack inciting rebellion and new advisors in the Palace I cannot help but feel there is going to be much to do to try and keep the city safe. Even if that means protecting it from itself." ... She looks witsful for a moment before a tired looking messenger with a blood stained shoulder limps in. Nodding se bids you good day and heads to the courtyard where two squads are assemblng


 anything esle to do at the GUard barracks or heading to the gold market? 
rax
 OOC:  Perhaps we could stock up on healing draughts and a couple of antitoxin kits? Would they be available at the barracks or require us to hit the markets?
wilphe
  I live here too Marshall,   replies Winifred softly

  Has Blackjack been seen again since the execution?  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Otherwise ready to go
 
farothel
Ciraneoth kept silent, but with a nod he accepted the offer for some healing equipment.  He could get a few poultices at the market on the way to their contact.  They might not smell nice, but in the sewers nobody would notice and from experience he knew they worked.  A bit of perfume to get rid of the worst of the smell and he would be ready to go.
rax
Having packed a healing draught and an antitoxin kit in his backpack, Camlann turns to the others:  "Shall we be off?" 
wilphe
  Yeah, but you are all thinking about this wrong.

It's not about we smell when we are down there, its about what we smell like when we come back up  
DrK
At Winifred's query the marshall nods,  "he has been seen since on a couple of occasions. Mostly whipping up the masses against the Queen."  She doesn't seem inclined to discuss it further before you leave...

With some small flasks and oiled sachets of pungent liquids in your packs the party are soon heading through the streets. The city being busier now as the day has dawned and the streets seem near buys as usual, apart from the alleys where bodies can be seen, or those afflicted with the Red Veil coughing  gasping as they lie in the filth.

In the streets many wear strips of cloth across their faces and people do seem to be giving each other a wider birth.

Reaching the Gold Market it is quieter, a few stalls each with guards watching people carefully as their masters try and sell a variety of jewellery. On the far side, near the edge of the market square you spy Erie. She is a mousy haired stopped back crone with withered clawed hands grasping a wooden cane. She stands by a ragged looking stall selling tired looking trinkets mainly of cheap glass and brass

 

As the four of you, with weapons at your waists and armour on she looks up, a face lined and tired looking, lank hair framing bright yellow eyes that gleam with sharp intelligence.  "How can Erie be of assistance to the good sers?" 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by wilphe 
  It's not about we smell when we are down there, its about what we smell like when we come back up[/B]  
 

 'I'd say that a long bath would be the least they could give us in return for going down there.' 

In the streets Andrei will tie a clean handkerchief around his face just in case it helped.
wilphe
  Greetings Erie

We are told you are the best in the city for trinkets like this  

she hands over the disc that the Marshall gave them
farothel
Ciraneoth also put some cloth in front of his nose and mouth and would follow the rest of the group.  On the market he would look out for the poultices he needed, as well as some perfume.  It could be cheap, it just had cover most of the sewer smell.  He also got an extra healing draught

When they arrived at Erie's stall, he would stand a bit at the back to let the others do the talking, keeping an eye out for any people trying to eavesdrop or people who have more than usual interest in the group.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

I buy some perfume, an extra healing draught and 4 extra poultices.  I have the money and since those items are common (average for healing draught), I assume I can get them without too much trouble along the way.
 
rax
Cassian remains silent and lets Winifred do the talking. Instead, he keeps an eye out for anything untoward.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Perception test  (1d100)[ 72 ]  vs. Int 51
 
DrK
The party buy some trinkets, perfume and some healing items as they walk through the streets. Eries looks a little worried as you approach, a muttered  "I paid for my licence good sers... I don't need trouble." . At the amulet handed across she pauses and looks at you all more cautiously.  "I knew a nice lady with a pretty name. Kressida she was called and she worked hard fer the city. For all the people of the city." 

She steps slightly away from the stall gesturing you all closer as she holds the trinket.  "She was a good one. She doesn't mind me, Doesn't mind old Eries. What do you need? You here to speak of Grazzt? He and his ilk are giving us a bad name. Casing trouble, attracting attention."   SHe pauses, and its then that Cassian can see it, the hooked nose, the whiskered upper lip and the slightly hunched back to go with the long thin fingers... she is a lycanthrope!

She looks at you all.  "What do you mean to do with our people...." 
rax
 "You um, you're...Oh! You're...not human?"  Cassian blurts out in surprise, though he manages to keep his voice down.  "We were told man-sized rats are causing trouble...I was thinking something more literal,"  he admits.
Haval
 'That does explain some things.'  Andrei added.  'How many of your people are there anyway?' 
wilphe
Winifred does her best to look unsurprised

  I doubt we were sent to do you harm

Only that the city is on edge right now, and it would seem that some of your people are adding to that be being indiscreet?

Tell us of this Grazzt and how we can help?  
DrK
She pauses looking at them all before nodding.  "There are many of us. Not too many, but more than you folk would be comfortable with. We mind ourselves, we keep to ourselves and just keep a low profile. Its your kind that pushes and attacks us."  She breathes a sigh quietly. Then looks at the amulet.  "So... Grazzt, he is an angry one. he was not bitten like I was. he was born with the condition..."  she stumbles a little over the description.

 "He was injured by a city guard. Normally we aren't that bothered by your kind, we are tough enough but the guard had silver bolts, Gods only know why. So they hurt Grazzt bad. he has never forgiven you city folk for that. With the plague he wants revenge. He wants to carve out a place for our kind that isn't in the sewers and and the shadows. He says we can kill and scare your lot into it with the plague."  She pauses and shakes here sadly.

 "Its not the way to do these things and will only lead to blood. I do not like to go against my kind, but he is causing attention and not good. I can tell you where he is"  She continues describing an area of the docks, ironically only a quarter of mile further north than Llam's fish guts processing plant. But even further into the dubious parts of the docklands. He has a small caverns and old cellars made into a sort of lair in the depths of the sewer. She describes that its Grazzt and maybe 2-3 other hot heads and violent thugs that are following him that would be there... Enough to be dangerous.
rax
 "Well, it would be preferable to avoid stirring up even more trouble if possible. Do you believe it would be possible to reason with Grazzt and get him to stand down?"  Cassian asks.
farothel
Ciraneoth wasn't too pleased to be dealing with lycanthropes, but as long as they didn't cause problems, he could live with them.  But if they did cause problems they had to be dealt with.
 "Do you know the layout of his lair,"  he asked, hoping she had been there at some point and could give some pointers about entrances and traps and the like.
Haval
 'Would he happen to know the name of the guard who hurt him? I don't suppose punishing someone who might deserve it would win us any points?' 
wilphe
  Good idea   adds Winifred

  Like silver, what does hurt your people and where can we get it?

I don't want violence to be our first resort, but I also don't want to be outclassed if we end up in a fight  
DrK
Se shakes her head to most of the questions.  "I keep to myself, and maybe a few friends and family. If I don't bother anyone then they don't bother me."  At the more detailed questions she shakes here head.  "I only know where the sewers were that he has used, I have never been there. He leads a small gang, all firebrands that are out for blood and trouble. He hates how you treat us and wants to be the one with the boot not the one under the heel." 

At the query on the guard she shrugs,  "All of the guards look the same. Its impossible to know, you would know better than us. As for what hurts us..."  she laughs,  "Silver will hurt us, so will normal swords if you swing them hard enough. I have no idea where you would find silver blades... its not something I would have bought." 
 
 Spoiler: Damage Reduction 


Essentially DR functions as a bonus Toughness Bonus.  For examples Demons have a Demonic aura  that adds to the armour; but would be ignore by appropriate weapons.
 
wilphe
  If you could tell us please the place to find him, we will see if we can talk him down.  

She looks at the others

  Trip to Kundark's might be in order  
rax
 "I'm sorry to hear that,"  Cassian replies to Eries as she makes it clear that Grazzt is set on resolving his grievances with violence.

 "Kundark's? Should I know who or what that is?"  he questions Winifred.
DrK
Eries nods,  "He is under the Slopes"  she says (and you all know, its a dense residential area in the Midlands district near Tiadora's flat)  "But its easier to gain entry from one of the storm grates that empty into the West Docks" . She pauses and pulls out a scrap of grubby old paper and sketches out some maps of the tunnels to guide you.

As for the armourer she scowls,  "I don't like that dwarf..."  she mutters. Then seeing some more customers she makes a move to shoo you away from her stall as she greets the pair of young lovers coming up to her. Both the young man and woman have red blotches on their necks and she has a hint of blood on her brow...
wilphe
  Where I got this armour, Ciraneoth has also done some business with him  
farothel
 "He's not a bad chap for a dwarf,"  Ciraneoth agreed while keeping a bit of distance from the two new customers,  "and no matter what you can say about dwarves, their craftmanship is top of the line.  Not always elegant, but it won't fail you.  He probably has silvered weapons and if he doesn't, he probably can give us a location to get them." 
rax
 "Very well, I suppose we'd best pay him a visit then,"  Cassian assented.

 "Thank you for your time and assistance, Eries,"  he bid the rat woman farewell.
DrK
Heading through the tangled warrens of streets the party soon find their way to Kundark's. Even with the plague the smithy is still active, the clang of hammer upon steel ringing out loudly. Although as you enter the shop you can see that all of the smiths and apprentices wear masks and their massive thick leather gloves. The request for silvered weapons gets a speculative look on the heavy set dwarf's face but he takes your gold and silver and over the course of some 20 minutes proceeeds to heat a small cauldron with the lumps of silver until it melts over the burning coals before the knives and arrows are dipped into it. Clouds of steam erupt as they are quenched in the cooling barrel of salty water by the forge and the dwarf wishes you well, a wry  "Don't get bit eh... or you'll need it fer yerself."  as his advice. He is not rude,  as he ushers you out but clearly has no wish for customers to dally in the current situation.

By mid morning you are on the docks. The rough area still lively with sailors trapped here by the yellow quarantine flags and the heavily armed Korvosan man o War in the harbour means the inns and taverns are full, ribald songs reaching out to you over the sounds of cheering, fighting and singing poorly. Woman and men lean out of the windows above inviting you up for some solace, all proudly shouting that they aren't ill, "no veil here" they shout and more than one of the street vendors claim to have bottled cures of various sorts. In this sorry mess you make your way to the northern reaches of the docks where you can see that if you clamber or drop down the quay wall onto the narrow muddy patch of "beach" there is an open sewer pipe some 6ft in diameter where an ankle deep stream of effluence oozes out. Gulls and crab  scuttle and hop about feasting on the organic "chunks" in the stream and the stench is potent and vile.
wilphe
Winifred picks up a cheap scarf and something pungent to wet it with on the way through before descending to the "beach" and kindles her lantern.


  Ciraneoth takes point, Cassian behind, Andrei with a light, I'll take drag with a second light,   she suggests
farothel
Ciraneoth uses the perfume and a scarf he purchased earlier to block at least some of the stench, before nodding.  He will then move into the sewers, going slowly as not to splash too much (both to not get his clothes dirty and not to make too much noise).  Bow ready, looking out for any problems.

 
 Spoiler: OOC rolls 

perception:  (1d100)[ 16 ]  vs 64 (74 for visual)
move silent:  (1d100)[ 58 ]  vs 56
 
DrK
Heading into the tunnel the stench is immense. The sweet smell of rotting things and the putrid sewage a heady cocktail. Amidst the dripping and splashing of liquid there is the clatter of tiny rat claws and the scuttling and buzzing of insects in the gloom. The lanterns flicker with a faint blue edge and glow brightly from the rotting gases.

You follow the crude map for maybe three turns before the scuttle and squeaking seems to increase from the right hand fork from a junction ahead (you are going straight on). The smell is sharp and meaty as well and Cieranoth can hear a slow crunching or grumbling…

 You are currently about 20 yards south of the junction in the 3 yard wide sewer tunnel
Can everyone also please make me an east (+20) T test
+ failure means nausea so unsettled and a -10 penalty on skills and attacks

 
Haval
Andrei was already wearing a piece of cloth around his face in the hope of not catching anything.  'Something tells me this won't be enough to block out the smell.' 

He'll follow Winifred's instructions and light a lamp.
rax
 "Ugh, it smells even worse than I imagined!"  Cassian whispered in distress, but he managed to keep his lunch down.  "Does that sound like someone  eating  to the rest of you?"  he commented on the crunching noise.
wilphe
Winifred pulls her scarf aside and retches in an unladylike fashion

  Do you want to give the "we come in peace" speech?  
rax
 "Not until I know what it is,"  Cassian replies.
farothel
Ciraneoth had heard the stuff up front as well, and he was moving slowly, looking around the corner trying to see what the sound was coming from.

 
 Spoiler: OOC rolls 

toughness test:  (1d100)[ 5 ]  vs 64

perception:  (1d100)[ 56 ]  vs 64 (excellent vision and night vision)

move silent:  (1d100)[ 41 ]  vs 56
 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by rax 
  "Not until I know what it is,"  Cassian replies. 
 

Andrei shrugged,  'Everyone's got to eat.' 
DrK
Cieranoth approaches the corner and peeks around the filthy brickwork.  The scene is one of horror, dozens of bodies, marred and pocked with plague lie in heaps in the sewer, a whisper of sun light flowing through the grille to shed some murky light upon the scene. In the midst of the horror a trio of massive dog sized rats perch atop the chest of a dead old white haired man, chewing on lumps of him...

 WP test (+10) or suffer [roll]1d3[[/roll] IPs  

The three massive rats chewing happily some 11 yards away do not notice the elf as he looks at them,
farothel
Ciraneoth pulled back and whispered what he had seen.  He suggested to attack quickly and take out the giant rats as they could spread the plague.  If the rest agreed, he would step out, making sure the rest could fit and shoot at the closest one.

 
 Spoiler: OOC rolls 

willpower:  (1d100)[ 67 ]  vs 54 (44 +10) (if fail:  (1d3)[ 3 ]  IP) (reroll 45 with FP in OOC)

if we're attacking: initiative:   (1d10+5)[ 7 ] 

move out to have a clear shot
attack:   (1d100)[ 74 ]  vs 71 for damage:   (1d10+3)[ 8 ] 
 
wilphe
  How many are there?  
wilphe
  Winifred 14/14  FP3/3 Init9  

Winifred steps around the corner, but her powerful shot goes wide




 (1d100)[ 41 ]  WP 56
 (1d3)[ 1 ] 
 (1d10)[ 5 ]  +4 Init

 (1d100)[ 64 ]  BS31
 (1d10)[ 10 ]  +3
rax
 "Those are verily ROUSes of the worst kind!"  Cassian whispers back.  "I'll hold them off, but keep shooting at them for as long as possible - I fear every second in close combat will increase the odds of catching some filthy disease." 

Drawing his sword, he steps around the corner, ready to do battle.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Initiative:   (1d10+3)[ 6 ] 
 Half Action:  Ready sword (I assume Cassian would already have his shield strapped on)
 Half Action:  Walk around the corner to put himself between the archers and the rodents
 
Haval
Andrei had been prepared to suggest finding another way around the rats if they could but is sickened enough at the sight of the bodies to join Ciraneoth in trying to put them down as quickly as possible.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Insanity  (1d3)[ 3 ] 

Channeling test vs. WP 51 (+10 Aetheric Attunement) (+10 Derro Necklace)
 (1d100)[ 18 ] 

Magic Dart (6+ or 5+ for channeling)
 (1d100)[ 25 ] 
Rolled a 6 in the ooc

Any damage
 (1d10+3)[ 5 ] 
 
DrK
The heroes depsite the horror step out into the large interesection, a few weak beams of sunlight filtering through the straw and dung encrusted grille above where the sounds of the city can be distantly heard. The rats leap upright, beady eyes fixed on the heroes as thy bare their teeth with angry little squeaks. Cieranoth and Winfred let fly with arrows but the long arrows thud into the mass of dead bodies  in the disgusting tunnel. The lead rat hisses in anger as the magical dart from Andrei slams into its back with a hiss of burning fur

With rage filled squeaks they bound forward, darting side to side between the bodies as they race forwards where they are met by Cassian who is like a wall of steel...

 OOC
All three rats take full movement actions to close the distance and end up beside Cassian. But takes both action so no biting Cassian
Rat 1 +2 in melee
Rat 3 had further to go so ~2 yards away from Cassian

 
wilphe
  R1? Winifred 14/14 FP3/3 Init9  

Winifred switches her bow for sword and moves up to stand next to Cassian
farothel
With two people on the frontline, Ciraneoth concentrated on the rat at the back and tried shooting two arrows in it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC rolls 

full attack
attack 1 (rat 3):  (1d100)[ 4 ]  vs 66 for damage:  (1d10+3)[ 5 ] 

attack 1 (rat 3):  (1d100)[ 92 ]  vs 66 for damage:  (1d10+3)[ 5 ] 
if rat 3 is dead after the first shot, switch to one of the others
 
rax
Cassian chops at the first rat to close, trying to bring it down, while keeping his shield between himself and the rats' nasty, great, pointed teeth.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Swift attack:   (1d100)[ 43 ] ,  (1d100)[ 27 ]  vs. WS 52
Damage  (1d10+4)[ 12 ] ,  (1d10+4)[ 9 ] 

Pre-emptive Ulric's Fury:
 (1d100)[ 76 ] ,  (1d100)[ 8 ] 
 (1d10)[ 1 ] ,  (1d10)[ 1 ] 

Shield parry if needed  (1d100)[ 59 ]  vs. 62 (WS 52, Defensive +10)
Dodge Blow if needed  (1d100)[ 86 ]  vs. 34 (Ag 44, mail -10)
 
Haval
Andrei will mutter a bunch of swear words under his breath and target one of the rats that was attacking Cassian.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Channeling test vs. WP 51 (+10 Aetheric Attunement) (+10 Derro Necklace)
 (1d100)[ 67 ] 

Magic Dart (6+ or 5+ for channeling)
 (1d10)[ 2 ] 

Any damage
 (1d10+3)[ 6 ] 
 
DrK
A flurry of fighting breaks out in the narrow sewers. The rat at the back squeaks in pain as an arrow scrapes along its spine giving it deep gash. The first two crash into Cassian, the leading one trailing blood hops back under Cassian's first blow but the second blow thunks down into it killing it cleanly. Andrei tries to call forth the winds of magic but the aethyr is thin here and he cannot summon the power. As Winifred joins Cassian in a wall of steel the pair of rats leap forward, teeth bared

 OOC

Rat 2 vs Cassian  (1d100)[ 2 ]  TN 37 dam  (1d10+2)[ 4 ]  and T test (+20) of something bad may happen
Rat 3 vs Winifred  (1d100)[ 35 ]  TN 37 dam  (1d10+2)[ 10 ]  and T test (+20) of something bad may happen

 
wilphe
R2 Winifred 9/14 FP3/3 Init9

Winifred takes a bruising blow to the left arm, but fortunately it doesn't penetrate. She slips a bit but finds her footing to lash back


 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 68 ]  31
 (1d10)[ 10 ]  +3

 (1d100)[ 65 ]  31
 (1d10)[ 3 ]  +3

 (1d100)[ 26 ]  Dodge 47 if necessary
 
rax
The rat's teeth just manage to penetrate the mail on Cassian's right arm, but the result is no more than a scratch. He quickly retaliates with a flurry of blows.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Swift attack:   (1d100)[ 27 ] ,  (1d100)[ 43 ]  vs. WS 52
Damage  (1d10+4)[ 9 ] ,  (1d10+4)[ 12 ] 

Pre-emptive Ulric's Fury:
 (1d100)[ 34 ] ,  (1d100)[ 90 ] 
 (1d10)[ 1 ] ,  (1d10)[ 1 ] 

Shield parry if needed  (1d100)[ 10 ]  vs. 62 (WS 52, Defensive +10)
Dodge Blow if needed  (1d100)[ 87 ]  vs. 34 (Ag 44, mail -10)

Toughness +20 test (if penetrating armour is enough to require the test)  (1d100)[ 4 ]  vs. 63
 
farothel
Now the rats were in close combat, Ciraneoth slowed down with his attacks, taking more careful aim before shooting.

 
 Spoiler: OOC rolls 

aim then shoot in melee (rat 3):  (1d100)[ 28 ]  vs 61 (71 + 10 aim -20 shoot in melee)
damage:  (1d10+3)[ 8 ] 
 
Haval
Andrei will try that again. The aether was everywhere, even in a place like this

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Init 10

Channeling test vs. Wp 51 (+20)
 (1d100)[ 92 ] 

Magic Dart 6+ or 5+ for Channeling
 (1d10)[ 4 ] 

Any damage
 (1d10+3)[ 11 ] 
 
Haval
 '**** it'  Andrei will give up trying to cast before moving closer and trying to squash the nearest rat with his staff.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Missed the ooc post. Was busy but now I'm off work till next year.

Full Action to Charge

vs. WS 46 (+10 Charge) (+10 Outnumber)
 (1d100)[ 5 ] 

Any damage
 (1d10+3)[ 6 ] 
 Any Ulric's
 (1d100)[ 69 ] 
 (1d10)[ 9 ]  
 
DrK
In seconds its over. Winifred misses the rat attacking her legs and knees as it too quick for her thrusts. Cassian is less subtle hewing left and right with wide slashes that cleave his rat in half. The last one squeaks in agony as its transfixed by an arrow before abandoning magic Andrei runs forward and brains the creature with his staff. The battle over you can all breathe a sigh of relief as you look around the dank caver where it looks like someone has opened the sewer grate above and just dumped several cart loads of dead bodies...

To make matters worse Ciernaoth can see at least two sets of shambling tracks where it looks like the dead have got up and wandered off. Those tracks at least are not direction you are heading but they confirm some of the worries that Marshall Kroft mentioned and some of the rumours you've heard since your return to the plague wracked city.
wilphe
  Winifred 9/14 FP3/3  
  Is everyone ok?   asks Winifred, assuming the affirmative she listens to Ciernaoth and recovers her lantern

  Well that is concerning, but also not why we are here. Shall we press on with the mission?  
rax
 "I am unharmed,"  Cassian confirms. He produces a rag from his belt pouch and carefully cleans his blade before sheathing it and throwing the rag into the sewer.  "It may not be our mission now, but we should follow up on it later." 
Haval
 'I feel like throwing the bodies into the sewer is asking for trouble. If when they aren't getting up again it's only more food for the rats.' 
farothel
Ciraneoth took his dagger and marked the spot to where the tracks were heading so he would be able to find it back even if the tracks dissapeared.
 "Something to tell the guard later,"  he agreed,  "lets first finish our mission before we go on another one.  And for that one we best have extra divine assistance." 
DrK
Following the tunnels and wading through the thick and thoroughly vile muck you walk for another 30 or so minutes before through the haze of the noxious sewer reek the path splits, the main path continuing ahead and a crack in the masonary tunnel allowing egress. Continuing ahead the path reaches a corner down which in the light of flickering candle Cieranoth can make out a thick rusted grate blocking the tunnel, the grate has a twin some 18 yards further down the tunnel and from within that gates section a crack in the northern wall releases a steady flow of oozing sewage. A the far grate a massive cart sized hunk of filth and offal appears wedged against the grate forming a colossal clot in the disgusting artery.   Through the crack, the masonary is crumble and filth coated, thin wisps of faint greyish smoke leaking from the cleft along side the sluggish flow of the turgid liquid.


 
Through the crack or investigate the 1st grate that is ~10 yards away at the bend


 
farothel
Holding up his hand to stop his companions, Ciraneoth moved slowly towards the crack and had a look in it, trying to see something (or hear something), before doing the same with the grate.

 
 Spoiler: OOC rolls 

perception:  (1d100)[ 69 ]  (vs 64 or 74 visual)
 
wilphe
Winifred does her best to juggle not giving away their presence with giving the elf enough light to proceed. She knows its not very much, but it is also not nothing so keeps the lantern mostly behind the corner whilst keeping her eyes on Ciraneoth and his signals
rax
Cassian waits patiently for Ciraneoth to report on what he sees in the crack.
DrK
Peering through the crack the elf's sharp ears can hear a distant chatter of voices. Indistinct and speaking varisian he thinks, although the accent is strange, high pitched and short. It sounds like a there may be two or 3, buts it hard for him to hear over the gurgles and slops of the oozing canals nearby. Down through the grate he can see faintly the second grate some 18 yards down the short section of tunnel filled with knee deep effluence and a massive  boulder like lump of who knows what by the far grate, a stream of ooze coms out the wall and you'd guess the caverns the crack leads to would lead to the crack into the grated off section.
farothel
Ciraneoth tapped his ear and then held up 3 fingers, indicating 3 people.  Then he motioned for people to follow and he moved through the crack, slowly and carefully to avoid making any noise at all.  Bow ready to shoot anything or anybody that impedes his progress.

 
 Spoiler: OOC rolls 

silent move:  (1d100)[ 5 ]  vs 56
 
wilphe
Winifred moves up in her spot at the rear, no weapons ready so she has one hand free for balance
rax
Cassian readies his shield and axe, but knowing that he'll never be able to move quietly through the crack, he waits until Ciraneoth has made it through and before following. With a little luck, the delay will enable the elf to alert the rest of them if there's a need to beat a hasty retreat.
DrK
As Winifred squeezes in behind the elf Andrei and Cassian wait just this side of the crack to not create too much noise. The elf moves like a ghost so silent is he that he doesn't even splash in the stream of effluence that runs though the crack. The flow of the sewer filth runs into a rough hewn cave pooling to the southern wall before flowing through a crack to the south into the grated section. Fat black mushrooms grown on the walls and ceilings and three nasty crude alcoves have bene scraped form the walls and lined with mouldering clothes, blankets and labourers sacks to make three crude nests. Crouched are three savage looking figures. One is an emaciated man, with a long hooked nose and thick ragged beard covering his face and a long straggly hair down his unclothed back. Beside him though are two strange looking "things" with long snouts with sharp fangs, thin ratty tails and furred bodies like amalgamations of rat and man.

Crouched in the crack they do not notice the elf!


 

You are entering from the western edge (C1), crouched at the end of the crack in the wall. In the first chamber (glowing purple mushroom chamber) the were rats are crouched chatting in the upper "lobe" of the chamber" C2  ~8 yards from Cieranoth
farothel
Seeing the ratmen, Ciraneoth holds again three fingers to his companions and then takes careful aim before he lets go an arrow, with another one quickly following after, both at the emaciated man.

 
 Spoiler: OOC surprise 

I think I can aim for as long as I want.  I'm not going to, but I can aim before and then do a full attack in the 'surprise' round.

attack 1:  (1d100)[ 71 ]  vs 81 (71 + 10 aim) for damage:  (1d10+3)[ 7 ] 
attack 2:  (1d100)[ 36 ]  vs 71 for damage:  (1d10+3)[ 6 ] 

initiative:  (1d10+5)[ 7 ] 
 
wilphe
  Winifred 9/14 FP2/3  

With Ciraneoth choosing violence, Winifred switches to sword and dagger and steps out when he shoots to charge whoever is most wounded

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d10)[ 3 ]  +4 Init

 (1d100)[ 95 ]  51 Reroll also missed
 (1d10)[ 10 ]  +3

 (1d100)[ 80 ]  Dodge 47
 (1d100)[ 78 ]  Parry 41
 
rax
Hearing the  thrum  of Ciraneoth's bowstring, Cassian splashes through the stinking stream and into the room, ready to attack any survivors.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Initiative  (1d10+3)[ 9 ] 
 Half action:  Move into the cave.
 Half action:  Move to engage any enemy he can see within movement range.
 
Haval
As he follows Cassian into the room, Andrei wonders if they would regret this.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Initiative  (1d10+5)[ 14 ] 

Half Action - Move
Half Action - Delay

Saving a half action to cast drop on the first were rat to act aggressively with a weapon

Channeling test vs. Wp 51 (+20)
 (1d100)[ 30 ] 

Drop 4+ or 3+
 (1d10)[ 5 ] 
 
DrK
As the three heroes wait for the elf they can see Cieranoth launch a pair of arrows from hiding! The first arrow thuds into the nearest ratman, penetrating its skin to give rise an angry screech. The second one though despite aiming true scrapes by the rat's shoulder and the elf can see the wound healing before his very eyes. Before that can register Winifred rushes past to the injured rat and swings hard but her blow goes wild.

Cassian and Andrei come squeezing through the gap in the wall seeing the rats recoiling and teeth hissing at poor Winifred he gestures at the first one to lunge with a jagged dagger causing it drop the weapon as winds of magic cause it slip and slide in the creature's grip!

The three rat folk (well two rats and the ragged looking beggar), all spin and screech angril,  "Man things... attackers... city scum..."  before the two rat like hybrids lash out at Winifred with teeth and their own ragged claws, ignoring the dropped dagger whilst the ragged looking one at the back distorts and shudders, its body morphing and oozing as it becomes a rat like hybrid as well

 OOC

Wererat 1: swift attack w/claws and teeth
 +  (1d100)[ 46 ]  TN 26+20 =46 dam  (1d10+1)[ 6 ]  "Fast"
 +  (1d100)[ 35 ]  TN 26+20 =46 dam  (1d10+1)[ 3 ]  "Fast"
 + Dodge if needed  (1d100)[ 58 ]  TN 49
Wererat 2:swift attack w/claws and teeth
 +  (1d100)[ 99 ]  TN 26+20 =46 dam  (1d10+1)[ 11 ]  "Fast"
 +  (1d100)[ 44 ]  TN 26+20 =46 dam  (1d10+1)[ 2 ]  "Fast"
 + Dodge if needed  (1d100)[ 65 ]  TN 49
Wererat 3: Full: Shifts into hybrid form

If hit please make some "not ominous at all" T+10 tests

 
wilphe
  R2 Winifred 8/14 FP2/3  

Winifred tries not be repulsed at the onslaught of teeth and claws, but the attacks are weak and only one draws blood.

Somewhat relieved to be still standing she strikes at the wounded wererat


 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 38 ]  41
 (1d10)[ 6 ]  +3

 (1d100)[ 64 ]  41
 (1d100)[ 65 ]  +3

 (1d100)[ 65 ]  Dodge 47
 (1d100)[ 27 ]  Parry 41


Took 1 hit, failed T roll v ominous
 
rax
Taking up position next to Winifred, Cassian hews away at the nearest foe with his silver-plated axe.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full Action:  Swift attack  (1d100)[ 48 ] ,  (1d100)[ 47 ]  vs. 57 (WS 52, +5 from axe)
Damage  (1d10+4)[ 12 ] ,  (1d10+4)[ 10 ] 

Ulric's Fury if applicable
 (1d100)[ 66 ] ,  (1d100)[ 55 ] 
 (1d10)[ 5 ] ,  (1d10)[ 8 ] 

Pre-emptive Parry  (1d100)[ 89 ]  vs. 62 (WS 52, shield +10)
Pre-emptive Dodge Blow  (1d100)[ 30 ]  vs. 34 (Ag 44, mail -10)
 
Haval
It was probably too late to see if they wanted to talk. Andrei will throw a magic dart at the wounded wererat in combat with Winifed.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 


Initiative 14

Channeling test vs. Wp 51 (+20)
 (1d100)[ 11 ] 

Magic Dart 6+ or 5+ for Channeling
 (1d10)[ 7 ] 

Any damage
 (1d10+3)[ 7 ] 
 
farothel
Seeing the werecritters were going quite fast, Ciraneoth kept shooting at the one not in combat.

 
 Spoiler: OOC rolls 


attack 1:  (1d100)[ 8 ]  vs 71 for damage:  (1d10+3)[ 7 ] 
attack 2:  (1d100)[ 8 ]  vs 71 for damage:  (1d10+3)[ 11 ] 
 
DrK
Even as the disgusting rat-men swarm over Winifred in a wave of teeth and claws the would be duelist lashes out and manages to lightly jab one of the, Cassian beside her wades into the fight. The were-rat he fights screams briefly as the axe swings low once, then a second time and a furry leg and tail splat onto the floor as with a sizzling sound the rat man loses a leg and drops dead from the pair of massive blows and resultant blood loss!

The remaining two squeak (in oddly deep squeaks due to their size) angrily before the one with an arrow sticking out him staggers as a flickering magical missile thunks into his chest sizzling and burning and the unengaged one grunts as a pair of arrows thunk into him, the first not sinking very deep but the second sticking into its neck narrowly missing anything vital! Both of the remaining rats squal again, one of them with words you recognise,  "Man things, they hunt us... Grazzt!"  the final more a cry for help than speaking to its friend here as they fight back with frenzied desperation against Cassian and Winifred who are both quick to dodge some of the blows

 Wererat 1:swift attack w/claws and teeth  Vs Winifred
+  (1d100)[ 87 ]  TN 26 =26 dam  (1d10+1)[ 3 ]  "Fast"
+  (1d100)[ 2 ]  TN 26 =26 dam  (1d10+1)[ 3 ]  "Fast"
+ Dodge if needed  (1d100)[ 9 ]  TN 49

Wererat 3:swift attack w/claws and teeth  Vs Cassian
+  (1d100)[ 34 ]  TN 26 =26 dam  (1d10+1)[ 8 ]  "Fast"
+  (1d100)[ 37 ]  TN 26 =26 dam  (1d10+1)[ 11 ]  "Fast"
+ Dodge if needed  (1d100)[ 26 ]  TN 49

T tests as above if wounded
 
wilphe
 R3 Winifred 8/14 FP2/3 

Winifred finesses the blow that would otherwise have hit her sword arm and tries to finish her opponent off but her blows are perhaps too heavy to connect

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 84 ]  41
 (1d10)[ 10 ]  +3

 (1d100)[ 45 ]  41
 (1d10)[ 9 ]  +3

 (1d100)[ 80 ]  47 Dodge
 (1d100)[ 19 ]  41 Parry
 
rax
Cassian neatly sidesteps his opponent's desperate attacks and counterattacks, trying to finish the creature off before reinforcements arrive.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full Action:  Swift attack  (1d100)[ 83 ] ,  (1d100)[ 19 ]  vs. 57 (WS 52, +5 from axe)
Damage  (1d10+4)[ 5 ] ,  (1d10+4)[ 11 ] 

Ulric's Fury if applicable
 (1d100)[ 89 ] ,  (1d100)[ 52 ] 
 (1d10)[ 1 ] ,  (1d10)[ 1 ] 

No hits from were-rat.
 
Haval
 Oh I don't like the sound of that.  It wasn't as if they could negotiate after killing one of them. Andrei will put another missile into the wererat that was fighting Winifred. It wasn't like he had to aim.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative 14

Channeling test vs. Wp 51 (+20)
 (1d100)[ 54 ] 

Magic Dart 6+ or 5+ for Channeling
 (1d10)[ 7 ] 

Any damage
 (1d10+3)[ 10 ] 
 
DrK
Just like that it was over, Andrei summoned his magics this time and a powerful lance like missile of force slammed into the wounded one fighting Winifred that punched through the creature's chest like a ballista bolt. It lets out a strangled gurgling squeal before toppling backwards. The other one is slashed by Winifred before Cassian chops down with the silver plated blade hacking off its leg well having finished off two of them. The three of them lie dead, though as they collapse, slowly exsanguinate and die their bodies morph and shift, fur retracting and slowly their human features, dirty clothes and ragged appearances with worn lines and straggly beards caked with filth,
wilphe
Winifred holds up her hand for silence to try to gather if the rest of the nest has been disturbed

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 70 ]  Perception 41
 
Haval
Andrei is a little more worried about the possibility of something else arriving while they were distracted.  'Anyone get bit?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Listening for anything getting moving in the tunnels

Perception vs. Int 53
 (1d100)[ 61 ] 
 
wilphe
Winifred gestures at the scratch she took
Haval
 'Well I suppose we'll have to worry about that later.'  Andrei presumed that if Winifred was likely to be affected by the bite she would probably mention something.  'I'd say if we try to fight everyone that's down here we might have a problem.' 
farothel
Ciraneoth was more than happy to stay silent while trying not to breathe too deeply.  He listened for any sounds before heading towards Winifred.
 "Here, let me have a look at that.  I'm no healer, but I know a bit about battle wounds and what to do to avoid infection.
 This might sting a bit." 
Using his medical supplies, he dressed the wound as best as he could.

 
 Spoiler: OOC rolls 

perception:  (1d100)[ 27 ]  vs 64

heal:  (1d100)[ 17 ]  vs 54
if succes:  (1d10)[ 6 ]  wounds healed.
 
wilphe
  Winifred 14/14 FP2/3  

Winifred nods her appreciation, still not entirely happy about talking
rax
 "Only one way out of here, unless we want to wade through  that  again,"  Cassian whispered, pointing first to the cramped exit to the north east, and then the stream of waste running through the cave.
DrK
There is a brief pause as the party patch Winifred's wound, everyone else feeling relieved at their lucky escape (or training in battling some hapless accursed beggars). Cieranoth stands near the exits to the cavern keeping his pointed ears tuned to danger, to the more northern cavern (C5) he can hear the sounds of squeaking and claws on stone. Not coming closer, just moving in general in that cave. From the cave to east (C3) there is no sounds other than a faint hissing and crackling of a low fire and a faint glow emanating from there competing with the purplish light of some of phospheresecnt moss.

From deeper in the complex though there is a faint and angry sounding sharp, a rasping voice shouting,   "What... what did you say Edgar you idiot".   
wilphe
Winifred waits for someone, probably Cieranoth, maybe Cassian to decide where to go next and strains to try to hear more of the conversation

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 17 ]  Perception 61

 (1d100)[ 7 ]  Sixth Sense 46 for any hunch
 
farothel
Hearing something further in the sewer system, Ciraneoth moved slowly and stealthy towards the sound of the conversation.  That meant moving back through the sewer, but by this time that wouldn't matter much.  His boots were quite dirty already and would need a very good cleaning.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

move slowly towards C3.

perception:  (1d100)[ 93 ]  vs 64 (74 visual)
silent move:  (1d100)[ 86 ]  vs 56
 
DrK
Creeping forward Cieranoth squeezes between the rocky walls and pillars heading into the next chamber, its a filthy space with rats scurrying here and there amidst the  detritus stolen from the streets above but left to rot. However what startles him is the pair of massive dog sized rats that both squeak in rage as he enters the chamber as they sit atop a broken down wooden chair arranged like a throne in a king's palace hall. As they squeak the shdows twitch as a curtain opens a heavy set rat man in an armoured shirt can be seen. he sniffs the air, a true snarl on his face...   "Elf thing... I hate you all. you have come to Grazt lair, here I am the ruler not your pathetic queen..."  
 
 
The chamber is 12 yards across to the far side where the rat king and 2 dire rats are.
Roll your initiative - enemies are on "8". if ou roll higher than you can post
Assume the other members of the party are at least 13 yards away as they need to come into the room



 
Haval
At the noise of talking Andrei will quickly follow Cieranoth into the room.   'Wait.'  
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Full Action - Run up to 24 yards to catch up
 
DrK
At Andrie’s shout the rat man holds for a second although his rats begin to flank out to the sides, little claws skittering on the wet stone floor. The rat man sniffs the air, hefting the blade in his hand.  “How did you find my nest? Who sent you down here, you working for the blue coats?”  it asks (the blue coats probably a reference to the City Guard’s blue surcoats)

Its tail whips around angrily as it stares at you with its beast eyes.  “You go now, even if you hit me I bite and then you are like me.”  he threatens
Haval
Andrei is mostly unfazed at the sight of the wererats, but will stay close to whichever of his allies is in the room.  'I'm a wizard, so finding your nest wasn't that hard.'  He'll avoid mentioning the woman they had spoken to in the marketplace.  'If we leave the city will only send someone else down here. At the very least it'll be an inconvenience for you to deal with, so I'd say we might as well try to talk first.'  He's fully prepared for them to attack him anyway.  'I heard your recent agressiveness was due to an incident with the City Guard. Perhaps you'd like to talk about it?' 
farothel
Ciraneoth let Andrei talk, as a diplomatic solution would probably be better.  But he does stand ready to attack, should the creature in front of them show any hostile move.
 "And the next delegation from the top might be a group of grey maidens,"  he added,  "and they will probably be very annoyed at having to make their shiny uniforms dirty and react appropriately." 
rax
Cassian pushes in behind Andrei and Ciraneoth, somewhat bemused at the sudden parley, but he keeps his peace. Glancing over at Winifred, he whispers  "Keep an eye out behind us!" 
wilphe
Winifred arrives late, bemused that talking has broken out, but covers the rear in case someone comes behind them
DrK
The rat pauses, cleaver like blade in held as it sniffs the air suspiciously.  "You not blue coats?"  is barks, then a sly smile spreads over its face.  "Who you speak for?  He doesn't come any closer and the rats continue to sit on their haunches chewing on fragments of 'something'.  The rat man looks to Cassian and Andrei -  "you kill my pack, my friends. why we not eat you to feed my kin?"  
 Some Fel related checks would be helpful here 
Haval
 'No, we're more freelancers.'  Andrei doesn't look particularly worried at the idea they might be attacked again.  'We work directly for the Marshal, who would really like any attacks on the surface to stop. Frankly I don't think killing everyone down here is much of a solution even if we could manage it, so I was wondering if we could try being diplomatic first.'  On the dead,  'I am sorry about your friends, but they attacked us first and were a little less restrained then you are. I'm sure you can understand the need to fight back in self defence.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Charm vs. Fel 50
 (1d100)[ 82 ] 
FP if needed
 (1d100)[ 98 ] 

Uggghhhhh
 
DrK
The ratman hisses as Andrei callously speaks of his dead "brothers", a hissed,  "You are no different to the surface folk... you kill my nest brothers."  He snarls angrily and squeaks and him and the pair of rats leap forward into the attack!  The three move in a hunched legs, bestial and fast...


 Initiative roll  (1d10+5)[ 7 ]  
farothel
Seeing the charge, Ciraneoth shot at one of the giant rats, leaving the big guy for his companions for now as he knew that his arrows had only so much strength and the guy would most likely be like the previous ones, you shoot them and they heal back up.

 
 Spoiler: OOC Rolls 

initiative:  (1d10+5)[ 15 ] 

If more than 7
attack 1 on giant rat closest to me:  (1d100)[ 37 ]  vs 71 for damage:  (1d10+3)[ 12 ] 
attack 2 on giant rat closest to me (unless shot 1 killed it, then the other one):  (1d100)[ 51 ]  vs 71 for damage:  (1d10+3)[ 9 ] 
 
rax
Seeing the rats charge forward, Cassian rushes to intercept the were-rat to stop him from reaching his companions.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full action:  Charge attack w/ magic silver-plated hand axe  (1d100)[ 98 ]  vs. 67 (WS 52, GC axe +5, Charge +10)
Damage  (1d10+4)[ 7 ] 

Ulric's Fury if applicable
 (1d100)[ 49 ] 
 (1d10)[ 1 ] 
 
wilphe
Despite expecting this to kick off, Winifred is still caught out when it does, being too focused on Cassian's request
Haval
 Well it was worth a try.  Andrei will put a magic dart into the nearest rat.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Initiative 7 (Ag is 53 for ties)

Channeling test vs. Wp 51 (+20)
 (1d100)[ 59 ] 

Magic Dart 6+ or 5+ for Channeling
 (1d10)[ 9 ] 

Any damage
 (1d10+3)[ 5 ] 
 
DrK
TH fight begins badly, Cieranoth launches an arrow into the first of the massive rats pinning it to the wall. The second arrow plunges into the other rat before the magical dart envelops the rat and burns it ash in a blaze of  azyr . Cassian strides forward and swings hard as the rat men easily bats away th attack before lunging forward slashing twice with the crooked blade at Cassian slashing across the noble's face and arm.

 
Full attack
 (1d100)[ 10 ]  TN 49 dam  (1d10+3)[ 9 ]  - Fast so -5 to dodge or parry
 (1d100)[ 35 ]  TN 49 dam  (1d10+3)[ 10 ]  - Fast so -5 to dodge or parry

Dodge Next attack  (1d100)[ 71 ]  TN 52
 
wilphe
  R1 Winifred 14/14 FP2/3  

Winifred draws steel and steps up next to Cassian

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Half Action: Ready
Half Action: Move

 (1d100)[ 2 ]  Dodge 47

End of R1 back to the others
 
rax
Grazt's first blow glances off Cassian's helmet, but he's too slow to parry the second and ends up with a gash on his left arm. Gritting his teeth, he counterattacks fiercely.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full action:  Swift attack w/ magic hand axe  (1d100)[ 32 ] ,  (1d100)[ 29 ]  vs. 67 (WS 52, GC axe +5, Outnumbering bonus +10)
Damage  (1d10+4)[ 7 ] ,  (1d10+4)[ 11 ] 

Ulric's Fury if applicable
 (1d100)[ 43 ] ,  (1d100)[ 55 ] 
 (1d10)[ 3 ] ,  (1d10)[ 1 ] 
 Wounds remaining:  10/13
 
farothel
With the two rats out of the fight and the ratman in melee, Ciraneoth drew one of his silvered arrows and after taking careful aim, shot it at the ratman.

 
 Spoiler: OOC actions 

half action: aim
half-action: shoot with silvered arrow:  (1d100)[ 68 ]  vs 61 (66+ 5 best weapon + 10 aim -20 melee) for damage:  (1d10+3)[ 6 ] 
 
Haval
Andrei will pause to try and yank the weapon out of the wererat's hands.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Initiative 7 (Ag 53)

Half Action - Channel
Half Action - Drop

Channeling test vs. Wp 51 (+20)
 (1d100)[ 19 ] 

Drop 4+ or 3+ for Channeling
 (1d10)[ 2 ] 
 
DrK
The rat men spins in a flurry of blows cleaving into Cassian, blade cutting through the chain links into the young noble. Winifred returns to stand by Cassian and in the melee Ciearanoth's arrow flicks past into the walls and although Andrei summons the skeins of  aethyr  they are weak and cannot form the strands of his magic. The ratman hisses though as Cassian's axe whirls chopping into leg and arm in quick successions! Hissing he snarls,  "I feed you to nest big man..."  before he lashes out with sword at both Winifred and Cassian although the young would be duelist (Winifred nimbly steps back out of the way)





 Full attack
vs Cassian  (1d100)[ 2 ]  TN 49 dam  (1d10+3)[ 11 ]  - Fast so -5 to dodge or parry
Vs Winifred  (1d100)[ 55 ]  TN 49 dam  (1d10+3)[ 5 ]  - Fast so -5 to dodge or parry

Dodge Next attack  (1d100)[ 73 ]  TN 52 
farothel
 "We accept your surrender at any time,"  Ciraneoth said as he took aim again and let go another silvered arrow.

 
 Spoiler: OOC actions 

half action: aim
half-action: shoot with silvered arrow:  (1d100)[ 53 ]  vs 61 (66+ 5 best weapon + 10 aim -20 melee) for damage: [roll1] ( 8  damage rolled in OOC)
 
rax
 "Not with wild swings like that, you won't!"  Cassian answers with more bravado than his parry really merits. Although he stops the rat-man's blade cold with his shield, the force of the blow is enough to throw him off balance, ensuring that a weak swing at his opponent's left arm is all he can muster in response.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Parry with shield  (1d100)[ 62 ]  vs. 62 (WS 52, Defensive +10)
FP re-roll if necessary  (1d100)[ 33 ] 
 Full action:  Swift attack w/ magic silver-plated hand axe  (1d100)[ 54 ] ,  (1d100)[ 70 ]  vs. 67 (WS 52, GC axe +5, Outnumbering bonus +10)
Damage  (1d10+4)[ 8 ] ,  (1d10+4)[ 13 ] 

Ulric's Fury if applicable
 (1d100)[ 94 ] ,  (1d100)[ 36 ] 
 (1d10)[ 4 ] ,  (1d10)[ 2 ] 
 Wounds remaining:  10/13
 
wilphe
  R2 Winifred 14/14 FP2/3  

Winifreds first attack goes high as misses, the second strikes hard at his left leg


 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 70 ]  v 51 (41+10)
 (1d10)[ 4 ]  +3

 (1d100)[ 39 ]  v 51 (41+10)
 (1d10)[ 10 ]  +3

 (1d100)[ 53 ]  v 45 (47-5) Dodge
 
Haval
Andrei had tried to warn him. He will attempt to adjust his control of the aethyr and repeat his previous spell.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Initiative 7 (Ag 53)

Half Action - Channel
Half Action - Drop

Channeling test vs. Wp 51 (+20)
 (1d100)[ 32 ] 

Drop 4+ or 3+ for Channeling
 (1d10)[ 4 ] 
 
DrK
The little rat man is a blurring flurry of violence and hate, but its not enough. Andrei spins a hand and pulls in the skiens of  ulgu  the shadowy magic and the hilt of the thug's blade sheens with an oil gleam before flying out of his hand with an anguished squeak. Even as he bares his teeth and goes to lunge with his bite at Cassian's throat the young noble slices across the rat's arm, an arrow sizzling with the silver tip hammers into the creatures arm before a massive swing from Winifred skewers the beast's leg! The blade rips out his knee and he topples to the ground screeching in rage, claws and tail whipping at the ground in panic as he flops around only partially conscious as blood pours out onto the filthy floor

 20% chance of dying from blood loss  (1d100)[ 45 ]  TN 21+ 
wilphe
If no one else gets to him first Winifred will deliver a mercy kill
farothel
Ciraneoth still had his bow, but he had the same idea as Winifred, but she was ahead of him.  He tried to find his arrows back (and certainly the point of the silvered one) and then started to look around in the room for anything that might be interesting.

 
 Spoiler: OOC rolls 

perception:  (1d100)[ 87 ]  vs 64 (74 visual)
 
rax
 "A sad end, but a necessary one, I'm afraid,"  Cassian stated as Winifred finished off their opponent. He took out a cloth and cleaned his axe carefully, while looking around the chamber for any other signs of danger.
wilphe
Winifred cleans her sword and herself, says a quick prayer to Pharasma, searches him and cleans herself again

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 54 ]  Search 41
 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by rax 
  "A sad end, but a necessary one, I'm afraid,"  Cassian stated as Winifred finished off their opponent. He took out a cloth and cleaned his axe carefully, while looking around the chamber for any other signs of danger. 
 

 'It is when he wouldn't listen to reason.'  Andrei replies. He will join the others in checking the chamber.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Search vs. Int 53
 (1d100)[ 87 ] 
 
DrK
There's a sharp exhalation and a shudder as Winifred slips the blade into the rat's throat and the bandit (rat) lord of the sewers lies still. Looking beyond into the room from where he'd emerged (B6) there is a final chamber where final crates, mismatched boxes and poorly kept weapons lie stacked and scattered about the dingy stone chamber. Pinned to the wall on a ragged stained bed sheet is a rough map of korvosa with various areas coloured in. A large nest of mouldy pillows, blankets and shredded clothes lies in an elavated hollow in the wall.

Ruined foods, crates of ropes, several suits of rusted mistmatched armour, tools and 4 barrels of sour stale beer suggest that the rat folk down here were readying for a siege. The most exciting things though are kept in a small dug out hollow under the rat's bed. In there lie 3 glass vials each one of them marked with the symbol of Abador's golden key and filled with a swirling golden syrup that seems infused with a cloud of  Ghyran  . In addition to that is a strange lump of crystal that flickers with all the colours of magic. The final thing of value is pair of fine looking bracers, leather crafted, stout and carved with a dark red dwarven rune that shines an angry yellow

 
Random "stuff"
6 crown, 82 shillings in coinage
3 vials of "Heal Wounds" - 1d5 if heavily wounded, 1d10 if lightly wounded
Pearl of Power: Can be used when casting spells, adds +1 on roll. If a 1 (or all 1's) is rolled then its drained for the day. Adds +5% on Winds of Magic miscast rolls
Leather Bracers (AP 2 on arms, Lesser Rune of Fire (+1 TB (on whole body) vs Fire based attacks)
 
wilphe
Winifred hands the map to Cassian

  Wasn't their someone else in here, an Edger?  
farothel
Ciraneoth would stand guard while the others looked at the map.  He didn't know the city well, so he would let those who did handle it.
Haval
Andrei will briefly explain what the were-rat's various treasures appeared to do.  'I wonder what they took all this off.'  To Winifred,  'Another were-rat?' 
rax
Other than the healing potions, there's little that interests Cassian among Grazzt's treasures. The draw his attention, however.

 "I wonder what these coloured areas represent?"  he muses.

 OOC:  Is this a mystery that could be solved with a Common Knowledge test, or is it actually obvious once Cassian takes a closer look?
DrK
As they examine the map it’s clear from the writings and notations that it’s various gang signs related to other rival gangs that the wererats have been involved with. Although it’s clear that these names aren’t what the rival gangs would call themselves (unless they really didn’t like themselves!) Also noted are relatively unflattering descriptions of the various guard houses in the city.

Despite a possibly bitter sweet feeling that although the were rat gang has been removed it’s resulted in the death of them all. However it’s something you can reflect on as you head back into the sewer tunnels and this time rather than having to walk all the way back Cieranoth notices a rusted ladder in the wall that leads to a heavy iron street grate that is damaged and allows Cassian to lift it clear as you emerge stinking of the raw effluence into the fish stinking port streets. A few local haulers looking in suprise before they scurry away
wilphe
Winifred climbs out and looks for the nearest pump and a few rags

  Let's get the heck out of here and report back, then we can clean up and get looked at  
farothel
  "At least that map gives gang locations,"   Cirenaoth said,   "probably not right now, but as soon as this plague thing is done, they can start acting on it."  
Normally he preferred to bath in a river, but now a hot bath was certainly something to look forward to.
rax
 "Agreed. The sooner we're rid of this muck, the better,"  Cassian says with a mournful look at his boots and breeches.
Haval
 'Well, that could have gone worse.'  Andrei will try his best to brush the dirt off his robe.  'Perhaps we should pick up some new clothes at some point.' 
DrK
Heading through the city, the weather seems to the mood of the city a grey and stormy sky skidding in from the across the ocean and misty rain hanging in the sky leaving a sheen of moisture on everything. The city, now in full day light is busier than it was earlier but is still quiet as people gaze at the streets from beyond closed curtains and barred shutters. On the streets people gaze at each other warily and most try and avoid looking down the small side alleys too closely and most contain at least on body with the red blood speckled face of a plague victim.  Avoiding the streets ear the grand Bank of Abador and the Acadamae where crowds linger and cry out for cures and the guards with faces wrapped with scarves form a think blue tabarded line against them.

As you get close to the garrison the guards are busier here as you see at least three squads of men hurrying out apace, Approaching the gate you are waved in by the gate guards who also wrinkle their noses at the stench but they do nod in a friendly way. Word having gotten out that you are Kroft's "handy team" and some of your recent jobs they are beginning to accept you.  Kroft looks up at as you enter, then opens her mouth,  "By the Gods you smell like Urgathoa's leavings. I'm guessing you managed to deal with the infestation?"  she offers, an eye on the bandages and the bumps and ripped and bloodstained clothes.  "Have they been dealt with?" 
wilphe
Winifred returns the nods of the guards, this wasn't what she anticipated coming straight back, that was mostly for the effect on the Marshall. However, getting the respect of the guards and heading off any jealousy is not unwelcome

  Grazzt, two of his associates and a few ROUS are dead.

They have some gang connections above ground   she looks at Cassian

  And some of the dead dumped in the sewers are, unquiet

Unless your ladyship has immediate and urgent need for us we need bath, laundry and a healer. Nothing too serious yet, but there are no trivial wounds when fighting wererats in a sewer  
farothel
 "We have a map with some gang locations,"  Ciraneoth added,  "might be useful when this plague thing is over." 
Haval
 'Wererats or not, I'd say that whoever was riling them up in the city guard was at least as much part of the problem as Grazzt was. Regardless, it's done with for the moment. I'd say there's every chance that there are more Wererats out there somewhere if it's that easy for them to spread their condition.' 
rax
 "Yes, quite. A bath would be much appreciated,"  Cassian responds fervently.  "As for the map, I'm not sure the notations indicated friendly relations. The map also showed the location of some of the guard houses - also with unkind words to mark them out. Not sure what to make of that - they could just have been targets for Grazzt's dreamed of uprising..." 
farothel
 "If nothing else, it gives a good idea on where gang territories are,"  Ciraneoth said,  "criminals know their own boundaries often a lot better than law enforcement." 
DrK
Kroft looks to you all with a smile,  ”I agree that you do need baths. You can use ours?”  she suggests gesturing at the barracks and small outhouse attached to the main Hunnish house.

 “The maps will be useful but hopefully now that you’ve dealt with him tye organised trouble will end. We will never eradicate them and I don’t feel we need to.”  She pauses before looking back at you.   “There is still more trouble though. Rumours continue about that Nirmanthan galley and there are some Banker priests that need escorting in the city if you could still offer some help? Plus we have rumours of undead breaking out in the depths of the city. I have requested aide from the Pharasmans but have not heard back as yet.” 
wilphe
  Might not want to dispose corpses by dumping them in the sewers, a few were getting up again.

Church of Pharasma sounds nice, we have history with them  
rax
 "I think I'd prefer to stay above ground and away from more filth and much for a while. I'd be happy to escort the bankers to wherever they need to go,"  says Cassian.
farothel
 "Sure, works for me,"  Ciraneoth said,  "but first a bath, some food and some rest.  In that order." 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by rax 
  "I think I'd prefer to stay above ground and away from more filth and much for a while. I'd be happy to escort the bankers to wherever they need to go,"  says Cassian. 
 

 'Agreed. At least above ground we might have a little support if we need it.' 
wilphe
  Right, well, if we are bodyguarding bankers we definitely need to be clean  
DrK
Kroft laughs at the comments and nods,  ”There are baths downstairs under the barracks. I can’t promise how warm they’ll be but at least you clean off the stench. Wash, eat and then report back, I know you’ve been out this morning but the Temple Bank will need help today.”
 

Letting you all go one of the other guards heads downstairs to show you to the baths where a trio of massive 15ft wide half barrels lie filled with water that steams slightly. A few other guards chat and soap themselves in the water and you can see many of them bear fresh scars and stitched up wounds from recent issues

As you enter there is a general respectful nod from the soldiers and a young servant approaches with a tray of towels, some rough soap and a tray bearing tankards of ale. One of the nearby guards, a tough lookimg woman with a scar twisting the left side of her face nods to Winifred  “You’ve a youthful look about you. You’ll be tabbed for the maidens soon enough. Not like me eh… not pretty enough.”  At that the only other woman in tye baths, a robust guardswoman almost as wide as she is tall but with shoulders like a small bullock joins in.  ”they like ‘em scrawny too Jen”  she tosses back much to the laughter of the 8 or so guards in the tubs.
wilphe
  Well if that happens I'll be sure put in a good word for you if they need somebody to scrub the steps  

Winifred hands her clothes and armour to the servant with a few coins,   If you could get that cleaned quickly please, the Marshall wants us again today and I don't mind if its a little damp  

She will scrub herself thoroughly, before taking new linen and redressing

If the other guards want to talk she will, otherwise she will just listen and keep her ears open
farothel
Ciraneoth kept silent in the baths, listening.  And while there probably was some teasing involved, he found it best if Winifred were to be outside of the city for a few days.  And escorting those bankers would help with that.  He did also ask for his clothes to be washed.  He had some spares which he could wear until the others were washed.
rax
Slightly embarrassed to find himself sharing the baths with female guardsmen, Cassian does as Winifred and slips the young servant some coin to get his clothes and armour cleaned, then quickly disrobes and slips into the water, washing carefully so as not to expose himself too much...
Haval
Andrei is too dirty to care about propriety and will get in the tub as quickly as possible.
DrK
The women laugh at Winifred’s comments before letting the party be, a few low laughs at Cassian’s bashfulness. But you are known enough around the barracks that no-one presses the issue further. A couple of hours later dressed in spare clothes (or in Winifred’s case slightly damp clothes still warm from drying by the kitchen fires) you can re assemble in the courtyard. With weapons and armour sharpened and cleaned by the armourer and full stomachs you feel as good as you can.

Heading back out onto the afternoon of tye city the atmosphere remains tense as people still walk with cloths tied around faces and giving each other wide berths. Stalls peddling “cures” and doomsayers with flaggelated whip marks on their backs mix with those just trying to get by and live as close to normal as they can selling wares from shops by standing at doors and accepting shouted orders

Heading to the Grand bank of Abador you can hear the crowd around the Temple bank before you see it. Reaching the edge of the “Gold Plaza” there is a wide crowd swirling, shouting and jeering in equal measure. Guards in the jerkins of the City Guard and the yellow gold church of Abador make a narrow corridor around the massive double doors with gold gilt decorations trying to shield some of the cities wealthy as they approach the temple. Some are cloaked and hooded and you can see the red spots and bloody nose of at least two with frank symptoms of the plague but heavy belt pouches! People shout abuse and rocks are thrown and you see one woman head covered and in a silk drsss fall to the ground between her two guards and a man screams as the house guard draws a mace and clubs at a “peseant”

The pitch rises as you realise the square is a powder keg about to blow!
wilphe
  Winifred 14/14 FP2/3  

Winifred looks at Cassian

  Loads of angry poor people

This looks like your department  

She lets him take the lead and does her best guardsman/bodyguard stance of  "I'm not at all here to bring violence, but I am ready if it starts"  whilst also evaluating the situation.

  If someone wanted to cause trouble in the city, this looks like a good crowd to work with  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 10 ]  Sixth Sense 46

 (1d100)[ 38 ]  Perception 41/61 Audio
 
farothel
 "Just great, how are we getting in now,"  Ciraneoth said as she looked at the crowd and really wished he was somewhere else.  Cities were one thing, angry mobs in cities were another level.
rax
 "There's rather more people this time around, and lots of guards of every stripe to cause trouble. I don't think there's much any of us can do here,"  Cassian answers Winifred.  "Since our job right is to get  into  the temple, we might consider looking around for a side entrance of some sort. It's that, or we puff out our chests and march straight for the front door." 
Haval
Andrei sighed at the sight of the riot,  'I understand the impulse but I hope they all realise that burning down the temple isn't going to help anyone.'  He'll look around for signs of a side entrance.  'If there's another way in we should try not to attract too much attention.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Perception vs. Int 53
 (1d100)[ 69 ] 

Common Lore (Korvosa) vs. Int 53 (Maybe he's been here before)
 (1d100)[ 38 ] 
 
wilphe
  Winifred 14/14 FP2/3  
  Alright, but lets not head straight through the incipient riot, let's skirt round the side of the square or down the backstreet hey?  
DrK
Its not obvious, and its more down to Andrei's recollection of his old classes on the history and importance of the major landmarks in the City but he remembers mention of some quieter and more discreet entryways into the Temple Bank. In this from the edge of the square where a money exchanger makes their stall supposedly has a tunnel entrance into the Temple. Heading to the coiner, the building is a stoutly built well appointed townhouse of two storeys with a slate roof an inscribed upon the edges of the sign the golden key of Abador. At the door as you enter the small plushy carpeted waiting room is a pair of burly guards in heavy chain mail coats, helms and hefting metal bound cudgels. They look at you with some suspicion before one asks in a thick Taldan accent  "The shop is currently closed, trouble in the square and the master has retired upstairs." 
wilphe
Winifred bows slightly, enough to be respectful but not enough to be subservient

  Marshall Kroft sent us. Something about the Church of Abador needing some escorts for their Priests?  
rax
 "More specifically, we are to meet with Banker Ishani Tul. However, as you have correctly observed, there's trouble in the square which prevents us from walking through the front door,"  Cassian adds.

 "My friend here swears that this establishment is supposed to hold a more discreet entrance to the temple,"  he says with a nod towards Andrei.
Haval
 'It's always useful to have a back entrance in my experience. Perhaps we should be speaking to your boss? Suffice it to say that we have nothing to do with the crowd out front. If we had I think we'd have brought some more of them with us.' 
DrK
The guards listen then nod respectfully at mentions of the banker priest (a name they clearly recognise) and Marshall Kroft. A few moments pass as you are asked to remain still whilst one of them heads upstairs. A few minutes later they come back and wave you forward into a nicely appointed meeting room with various scales and metallurgical instruments atop a fine oaken table. The guard nods to a curtain on the wall that he pulls aside to reveal a large gilt framed image of the Holy Key of Abador. A moment later after he moves behind the curtain to a catch it swings open to reveal a set of stone steps, worn and smooth in the centre leading down to a short underground tunnel with sold worked stone and bronze sconces with glowing lumps of glass. Andrei can see giants skeins of  hysh  around each one.

At the end of the corridor, it’s only some 40ft long, is a stout iron door and a pair of gold tabarded guards with ornate halberds. They look up in some surprise,  “Citizens, can we help you? None of the afflicted may pass.” 
wilphe
  We understand you have a problem, Marshall Kroft sent us to help.  

She looks at Cassian

  What's his name again?  
rax
 "We are auxiliary members of the Guard. As my companion says, we have been directed by the Marshall to meet with Banker Ishani Tul. There's a riot breaking out in the square, so we sought a more discreet entry to the Temple,"  Cassian answers.
Haval
 'I don't suppose you have a plan to evacuate?'  Andrei asked.  'Just in case the worst happens.'  He'll point towards the glass,  'I don't suppose you can tell me what that does? Just so I don't stand too close to it.' 
DrK
The pair of guards nods and beckon you closer. One nodding slowly,  "Aye, we were told by the priests that some of the guard may be here to help."  At mention of the glowing lass he shrugs,  "It keep 'em lit and shiny. The First Banker don't like shadows" . They let you approach closer as oe of them pulls out a strange golden shaped mass of wires and forks. Bending it into complex shape he presses it against a metallic part of the door upon which there is a deep rumble and a click and the door swings open.

Inside is far less than ordered airy halls of Gold that you expected. Noise and the acrid smell of burning incense and cleaning fluids mingle with the moans and wails of the dying and the diseased. The wide hallway is lined with chambers that now appear to have been converted into wards of patients, although all of you cynically note that these patients are dressed in silks and fine cottons and clearly merchantlike and upper class having the ability pay for a ward in the Temple of Abador.  Initiates in now grimy robes carry silver and worked gold bowls between the beds wiping brows, in many cases the cloths come away bloody from the effects of the Blood veil. Some tend to the patients adding drops from fancy coloured glass vials into crystal flutes of water that are then poured into the moaning patients unresisting mouths. All in all, it seems to be chaos, and you get an appreciation of the dire straits that the Priest hood is in. Made even more clear as two guards with cloths wrapped over their faces carry a stretch bearing two dead bodies in silks deeper into the Temple.

A young initiate, a young girl barely more than 14 years but now with eyes blackened by exhaustion is summoned by your guards.  "Take these to Banker Priest Ishani"  numbly with barely a look she staggers away and leads you past the west wing past the main cathedral proper where the vaulted ceiling glistens with the lights hanging from the gold and gem encrusted chandeliers illuminate the stained glass windows of Abadar's keys and the miracles of his white and gold robed priests. Heading up a wide marble stair wth thick lush carpets you note that alcoves stud the walls, each occupied by expensive Tien jade vases, Osirani amber statuettes or fine portraits of various Temple priests over the centuries. The opulence is everywhere. Leading you upstairs she takes you to a small meeting room where a lush Quadiran carpet with spirals of green and gold compete with the fine chelish blood oak furniture. A small internal window look down into the cathedral where hundreds cram the pews, some praying, some weeping, some you suspect from their posture dead, but again you note al are dressed in fine clothes as only the wealthiest are allowed within.

A noise from the door gives you leave to turn as the young girl comes back with a tray of silver goblets each with strong smelling red wine flavoured with cinnamon, she nods and leaves and is almost run over by a tall man in a pressed white robe with gold tabard over the top and a heavy key of Abador swinging on his chest. The man, you would guess is young, maybes in his twenties, but looks haggard with 3 days growth o stubble, hands winkled and split from washing too often an for Andrei in particular a few tell tale splits in te skins of his arms, eck and cheeks sugesting none has drawn too deepply on the Winds of magic and suffered the ravages of the skeins of magic running through thei body unchecked.

 

He nods and casts an appraising and somewhat curious eye over you all.  "I am am Ishani Dhatri, one of the Banker Priests here. I gather you are the forces that Marshall Kroft has sent to safeguard me? Forgive me, I am tired, but you do not look the city guard."" 
wilphe
Winifred wants to give a good impression, these people could be  useful  to her later.

So is quiet and polite on the way through, and when he enters bows, again deeply enough to be respectful but not deeply enough to be subservient

  Well met Padre, I am known as Winifred. Your discernment is of course correct, we are not Guard but Her Marshallship uses us for special tasks, as the Guard are a bit busy right now

We understand you need protection? Though it seems safe enough here  
farothel
Ciraneoth had followed the others quietly, but now he spoke up.
 "And while the city watch is good in the city, they're not all that well equipped for travel in the wild.  We are better at that, plus that way the city guard can stay at strength in the city, if only for appearance sake." 
rax
 On the way to the banker 
 "Well, it would seem that wealth and station are no protection from this plague, and the treatments administered here seem not much more efficacious than whatever the poor wretches outside can get hold of,"  Cassian observes quietly to Andrei as the group follows the young initiate to their appointment.  "It must be a powerful evil to withstand the magic of the gods, eh?" 
 Meeting with the banker 
 "Forgive my elven friend, Banker, he is keen to leave the city, but I do not recall Marshall Kroft specifying where we are to escort you to. Perhaps you could enlighten us,"  Cassian adds.
Haval
 On the way in 

To Cassian,  'Perhaps we should pass that on to the people outside. It might calm some of them down.' 
 Meeting with the banker 

 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
 The pair of guards nods and beckon you closer. One nodding slowly,  "Aye, we were told by the priests that some of the guard may be here to help."  At mention of the glowing lass he shrugs,  "It keep 'em lit and shiny. The First Banker don't like shadows" . 
 

Andrei just nods,  'He has a point.' 

 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
 He nods and casts an appraising and somewhat curious eye over you all.  "I am am Ishani Dhatri, one of the Banker Priests here. I gather you are the forces that Marshall Kroft has sent to safeguard me? Forgive me, I am tired, but you do not look the city guard.""  
 

 'I don't know how many people you have here doing what you do but it's obvious you need rest. You're no good to anyone if you pass out. Or worse.' 
DrK
Ishani looks at you all and nods, taking his own goblet of wine and having a sip.   "Has there been a misscommunication in the chaos? We requested guards to escort me in safety to the Palace of the Queen. Several of my colleagues have been swarmed by the mob, two infected by the veil that we could not cure and passed onto the Grand Vault and an initiate was murdered in the street when he couldn't heal people."   He shackes his head,   "We are overwhelemd, we cannot heal anyway. This bloodveil is a curse, it fights back harder than we expect and resists our healing. We cannot heal the city"  

Sighing,   "It saddens me that our own guards may attract too much attention and are needed here to keep the Grand Temple safe. But I must reach the Citadel and the Queen as the Lady Sabine, Commander of the Grey Maidens has commanded that a senior Banker-Priest must attend her."   
wilphe
  Seems doable. More doable if you don't wear your vestments  
farothel
Ciraneoth wasn't too happy to get to the palace, but a job was a job and maybe they could get some information about what the hell was happening in the politics of the city.  At least, some people could try to do so.  He wasn't all that interested in politics, but he wouldn't mind having a look around in the palace.
 "Definitely without the flashy clothes,"  he said,  "or we have a mob on our hands and capable as we are, we can't handle a rioting mob." 
rax
 "The exact destination may have slipped the Marshall's mind when she gave us the assignment. Like you, she is under a great deal of strain,"  Cassian says.

 "We will get you to the palace, sir, never fear. Are there any other handy secret exits from the temple that will take us closer to the palace? The shorter the trip out among people, the less risk of any unfortunate events along the way,"  he adds.

 "And may I ask, do you know if the veil resists all priestly magics, or just the miracles of Abadar? And do you know why Lady Sabine has commanded that you attend the Queen? Are they not aware of the difficulties you face in combatting the Veil?" 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
 He shackes his head,   "We are overwhelemd, we cannot heal anyway. This bloodveil is a curse, it fights back harder than we expect and resists our healing. We cannot heal the city"   
 

Andrei looks disappointed.  'Then how do these things usually work? Do we have to wait for the disesase to burn itself out?' 
DrK
Ishani nods,   "I can get some travelling robes to wear over my vestments. As to how to leave, probably easiest through the passage you entered through."   He shakes his head sadly as a scream echoes up from the open cathedral below as a woman who had been trying to rouse what looked to be her child gets no response. A few folk look and then turn away sadly, just another one claimed by the Blood Veil.

  "We have to fight against it. The vaults can be emptied of gold to sacrifice to the Key Holder if needs be and we have sent out to the High Temples of Shelyn, Erastil and even distant Osirion where the adherents of the Dawnflower hold sway. We also head that the adherents to the Lady of Graves (Pharasma) have had some success. Although they are sorely pressed as their temple amidst the graves sits in a state of virtual siege each night."   

Leading the way through the corridors he heads back down into the chambers and retraces your steps through the small money changer Ishani looks around the quiet streets, hearing the shouting and screams from the mob. And looks at you all,   "Its a long walk to the Castle Korvosa"   he adds looking across the city to the imposing ziggurat surmounted by the castle.   "Do you suggest goig throug the university campus, the midlands district or via the docks?"  
farothel
Ciraneoth wasn't sure what was the best way, as he wasn't all that familiar with the city.  But the docks didn't sound all that interesting to him.

 
 Spoiler: OOC questions 

how much does Ciraneoth know about the city and the best way to go?
 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
   "We have to fight against it. The vaults can be emptied of gold to sacrifice to the Key Holder if needs be and we have sent out to the High Temples of Shelyn, Erastil and even distant Osirion where the adherents of the Dawnflower hold sway. We also head that the adherents to the Lady of Graves (Pharasma) have had some success. Although they are sorely pressed as their temple amidst the graves sits in a state of virtual siege each night."   

Leading the way through the corridors he heads back down into the chambers and retraces your steps through the small money changer Ishani looks around the quiet streets, hearing the shouting and screams from the mob. And looks at you all,   "Its a long walk to the Castle Korvosa"   he adds looking across the city to the imposing ziggurat surmounted by the castle.   "Do you suggest goig throug the university campus, the midlands district or via the docks?"   
 

 'Meaning the people are interfering in the same way that they are here I take it? Perhaps we should see if the Marshal is able to help the Pharasmans out.'  On the other point,  'Well I'd like to think that the University campus would be quieter in the middle of all of this.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

I think I can guess but what neigborhood seems like it would be the least dangerous

Common Lore (Korvosa) vs. Int 53
 (1d100)[ 26 ] 
 
rax
 "Not the docks, in any case. Lots of people there with an axe to grind against anyone they don't see as one of their own. Things were bad during the riots, they're liable to be worse now,"  Cassian offers his opinion.
wilphe
  Ya, I could happily spend a long time before I ever set foot in the docks again  
farothel
 "Going along the residential area will probably give us the least problems,"  Ciraneoth said,  "at least as long as the people are in their houses.  We'll probably stand out more there than in the university district." 
rax
 "So, it seems we have a tossup between the midlands district or the university. I'm open to either - what say the two of you?"  Cassian asks Winifred and Andrei.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by rax 
  "So, it seems we have a tossup between the midlands district or the university. I'm open to either - what say the two of you?"  Cassian asks Winifred and Andrei. 
 

 'The way things are at the moment I'd say there's about the same chance of trouble either way. Maybe some people are staying home in case they get the disease, but the ones who aren't might be less then peaceful. I'd say university because I know the area better but I don't think it'll make much of a difference.'  Andrei looks to Winifred.
farothel
 "We are likely to encounter issues whatever we chose,"  Ciraneoth said,  "having familiarity with the terrain can give us an advantage, so fine for me." 
As scout he was aware of the importance of terrain familiarity.  While he didn't have it in the city, he was smart enough to trust those who did.
wilphe
Winifred shrugs   I am up for anywhere that doesn't stink of fish and poverty. University it is  
DrK
Th city streets are busy now, and get busier as you head into the university district. Students throng the streets, some masked and coughing, some roaming and shouting about the injustice of the curfew and the lack of response from the Blood Veil. Others shout still about the risk of the Shoanti tribes that are "dirty plague bringers" whilst others demand war against Nirmanthas for the plague ship that brought the Veil...

As you walk quickly forming a loose box around the priest its a mistake, a gust of wind that causes the overcoat to blow back and reveal the goat gilt fabric underneath. A shout rises from a cluster of 5-6 young men and women clustered around a table plied with wine outside a nearby small bookshop-come-inn. The leader, a golden signet upon his ringfinger and a fine silk shirt points  "You... Banker Priest... stockpiling yer cres for the wealthy... come, heal us now... heal us all now"  the last few words are bellowed loudly and others in the wide street and off the nearby ide strets strat to oo
Haval
Andrei calls out in return,  'You're looking in the wrong place friend. If you want a cure you need to queue at the temple like everyone else.'  He will move so that he blocks the sight line to Ishani.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Charm vs. Fel 50
 (1d100)[ 71 ] 
 
wilphe
  Bad news, we've come from there and it turns out they don't have a cure.

All wealth can buy you is death in a more opulent building  
DrK
The gaggle of students rise and move towards you all. At the back, leant over and coughing a young woman is veiled but you can see the veins on her forehead and arms tinged with black and dark moody crimson of the blood veil. She coughs again and totters on her feet, one of the young men leaning a hand on her shoulder to steady her.

 "You will heal her priest.... I am a noble of the 1st rank in this city and you'll do as your paid.."  he says the last with a seer dropping a heavy coin purse that clanks loudly as it hits the ground at Ishani's feet. The young priest looks at Andrei in particular and shakes his head,  "I am drained today, the winds will cut deep"  he adds shivering as he imagines the pain that the rush of magic through his used frame will cause.

Even as Ishani whispers quietly to Andrei the other young men stand looking fierce.  "Your kind should resolve this... why do you not fix it..."  as they seem more angered almost by Andrei's words than  anything else.
farothel
Ciraneoth kept out of the conversation, keeping an eye on the crowd to make sure no surprises happened there.  He wasn't a talking guy, but in case the fecal matter hit the oscillating unit, he wanted to be ready.
rax
 "Enough of this foolishness!"  Cassian barks.  "Sir, you are interfering with matters far beyond even your station. If you hinder our progress any further, then on your head be the consequences for yourself, your friends, and your families. You are clearly a man of means - if you wish to purchase healing, take your coin and go to the temple of Abadar, as your peers have already done. But  this priest  is spoken for, and neither your rank nor your money will change that. Now, please stand aside and let us be on our way." 
Haval
Andrei nods in understanding to Ishani and stands in front of the priest. To the angry man,  'My friend. If it were that easy to resolve this plague don't you think it would have been cured already? Do you think anyone is happy about this situation? Whether you mean the Priests or my colleagues at the Academae I am certain everyone is doing what they can.' 
wilphe
Winifred takes the other side of the priest to Ciraneoth and like a good bodyguard makes sure to pay attention to what is happening in all the arcs  other [ than the one the confrontation is happening in
DrK
The huddle of young foppish nobles, rabble rousers and students sneer at Cassian's tone.  "Make us you dog..."  one of them grunts spitting a chunk of spittle onto Cassian's boot.  "We should not be denied healing from the Lord of Keys  just due to not being rich enough" ... The others growl their assent as the woman at the back sways slightly and has to be held up by one of the others for support

 OOC
Please make any skill checks you deem suitable to escalate / deescalate as you desire

 
Haval
Andrei will get close enough to the spitter so that he could put him to sleep if there's a need.  'My friend, what do you know about the winds of magic? I've had some training in the Academae and can speak to that if you want.'  It would be nice for the man to consider what else Andrei might be capable of if he put his mind to it.  'But take my word for it, when someone is as tired as the priest is here, or when someone say, threatens a person when they're being asked to perform magic ... bad things tend to happen. People around the caster have been known to melt. I have seen magic go wrong before and it's really not a pretty sight.'  Andrei will pat his pockets,  'I am no good with healing personally but if money will help perhaps I can make a donation?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Lie roll

Charm vs. Fel 50
 (1d100)[ 92 ] 
FP if needed
 (1d100)[ 7 ] 
 
rax
With a sigh, Cassian puts his hand on his sword hilt, but doesn't draw his weapon, hoping that Andrei's words will make the students reconsider.  "I will move you if I have to, but you really should listen to this man. He knows of what he speaks in matters of magic, and as students, you will see the sense in his words concerning the plague itself. At the temple, we saw priests and acolytes dropping from exhaustion while caring for the sick, and still many of the afflicted died. Your friend has the Veil, and for that you have our sympathies, but neither money nor threats will enable this priest to cure her here and now." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Cassian is trying to lend support to Andrei's arguments to de-escalate the situation. Hoping his milder tone can count as Charm attempt.

 (1d100)[ 17 ]  vs. 41 (Charm trained) or 51 (if Etiquette applies - some of the students claim to be nobles)

FP re-roll if needed:  (1d100)[ 48 ] 
 
wilphe
Winifred is still standing there silently scanning the other arcs and waiting for this to kick off, but she will take at least a little bit of time to see who amongst this group looks like they might be an actual threat or is most likely to start something

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 83 ]  Sixth Sense 46
 (1d100)[ 93 ]  Perception 41 / 61 Audio
 
farothel
Ciraneoth had carefully put his hand near his sword, just in case, but kept silent and looking around besides that.
DrK
Andrei after some effort manages to get his  (fortune)  point across an along with Cassian wise words as well the crowd seems to settle. The lead young man looks more closely at at the Abadaran priest before shaking his head,  "You look as ill as our friends.."  Then with a nod points down the street.  "My apologies, we are worried and scared, for the first time we seek help and none is coming. If you are truly heading to the palace say that to the Queen. The sons and Daughters of the Nobility are owed more than this."  

With that settled you are able to head quikcly through the streets. Moving cautiously now with Cieranoth leading the way, sharp elven eys and ears helping to avoid any large groups of people and the smaller groups unwilling to challenge those with weapons and armour handy. Soon enough you are crossing the massive square in front of the Citadel. the executioners platform from a fortnight past still there and worryingly enough fresher blood stains the block. The square itself is quiet, and you can see red cloaked armoured feminie figures atop the Citadel gates with crossbows and longbows watching the square. In the alleys off the square at least 3 bodies hav been dragegd and dumped with arrows or quarrels jutting from them nd you can see that the Queen's Grey Maidens have been meting out rough justice to any who challenge or protest here.

As you reach the gates Ishani thros back his hood to reveal the golden keys on his chest and the quartet of plate clad grey maidens with those face cover helms, red plumes and cloaks wave you through as if they were expecting you. Inside the main wall. As you pass through the imposing granite walls and the iron bound gate dozens of red and silver armoured guards linger in a rough crowd in the courtyard on the pitted stones of the mustering ground. Dozens more are on the walls watching the city and lanterns and heavy incense burners add some strange smells and spectral smoke to the preceedings. To one side isa rough wooden stage atop which stands three grizzled looking veteran guards and a woman with short cropped blonde hair, the familiar buxom full plate, although unusually her helm is off revealing a face criss crossed with scars and a downturned mouth that looks angry at the soldiers hifting nervously. Behind her on the stage is a more ominous looking group. These newcomers are dressed in long oil cloth robes with hooded cowls covering their heads, broad wide brimmed hats and long leather gloves, and most unuslaly of all goggled masks with long pointed beaks. Each clutches a long cane of dark polished wood and a satchel.

Before you can say much more a familiar figure, that of Marshall Kroft approaches through the crowd, a smile, if a tense one for seeing you.   "You managed to make it here, I had feared some harm had befallen you. I hope you now more of what is happening here than I do. I was bid come here with some men an hour past with no explanation."   
wilphe
  No idea Maam  

Winifred will take in the scene and check for exits because this sounds like the sort of situation one might have to leave fast
farothel
 "Just a few students, but nobody got hurt,"  Ciraneoth said, looking around.  He didn't know what this was, but it didn't look good.  He made sure he could get to his weapons quickly, just in case the powder keg did explode.  He noticed that Winifred was doing the same.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
 Andrei after some effort manages to get his  (fortune)  point across an along with Cassian wise words as well the crowd seems to settle. The lead young man looks more closely at at the Abadaran priest before shaking his head,  "You look as ill as our friends.."  Then with a nod points down the street.  "My apologies, we are worried and scared, for the first time we seek help and none is coming. If you are truly heading to the palace say that to the Queen. The sons and Daughters of the Nobility are owed more than this."   
 

 'As are we all.' 

On the way in Andrei will watch the Grey Maidens uneasily as he wonders what it looked like to be on the same side as these people.


 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
  Before you can say much more a familiar figure, that of Marshall Kroft approaches through the crowd, a smile, if a tense one for seeing you.   "You managed to make it here, I had feared some harm had befallen you. I hope you now more of what is happening here than I do. I was bid come here with some men an hour past with no explanation."    
 

 'And who asked you to be here Marshal?' 
rax
 "Alas, we know very little, Marshal. We went to the temple and brought Banker Ishani here as quick as we could. Not much time for questions, I'm afraid. I must admit, though, I am curious as to who those fellows might be,"  Cassian adds with a nod to the masked figures.
DrK
At the questions Marshall Kroft grimaces,  "Would I were asked to attend rather than ordered with barely a hint of courtesy. I am not sure of who these masked strangers are but am sure they will issue our orders"   Even as she says that the grim faced with woman with distinctive cross shaped scars over here eyes stands at the front of the stage.  "Attention. All of you stand to. A plauge, a curse, an epidemic assails this fair city and the glorious Queen Ileosa has found aid to help our fair city in the hour of need. This is Doctor Davaulus"   she says pointing to th middle aged gentleman with streaks of white in his hair that stands beside her. His hands neatly crossed leaning on a cane with a doctor's bag at his feet. He alone amongst these strange dark cloakend men does not wear one of the strange beaked masks.

 
 
 "You will escort the doctors physicians in their royal duties wherever they choose to go and in whatever tasks they seefit to do. Furthermore you are to consider any orders from the Grey Maidens as if they were from your superior officers."  She says the last with a slight twisted smile directed at Kroft who pales slightly and who's hands go white at her knuckles as she clenches her fists.  The woman atop the stage completes exhorting the guard to work  "You are the Korvosan Guard. You will not Baulk, these are dire times and you city needs healers. Your patrol leaders have your assignments. Dismissed."   She is curt and to the point and the last word hangs in the air as the assembled guardsman shift uncomfortably. Te moment is broken as Grey Maidens form the squads up, curt words and pointed fingers as various squads form up around the beaked and hooded physicians.

Kroft pauses and looks at you all with something approaching rage,  "I do not know these phsycians or where they have come from."  Looking about in a low whisper she adds,  "I do not trust these. Investigate as you can"  she urges in a forceful whisper before offering a low salute as she is summoned by by Destaid, a shouted  "Come Master Ishani"  to the banker.

Before she vanishes the strange Doctor approaches and offers a quite nod to each of.  "Ah Banker Ishani"  he says in short clipped tones that have a strong Chelaxian accent to them.  "I have come a the behest of th Queen with some of my most talented healers to help this great city. I know you and your fellows have done sterling work but even here now your divine arts can supplemented b the scientific and the alchemical."  The banker, looking nervous in the midst of such a large gathering armoured people stammers slightly,  "Erm.. erm, yes of course. We of the Keys have been doing our best. We have been working with the Devotees of Shelyn, the flames of Sarenrae and the Pharasmans but we are overwhelmed." 


The doctor places a hand on the banker's shoulder and smiles a kind fatherly smile.  "We are here to aid then Banker. Let us take up some of the load no?"  Then noticing Kroft and you others he smiles and waves a hand whereupon one of the strange beak masked men steps forward with a handful of scrolls.  "You have been helping? You are awaiting a job? Well I have one for you. PLease go forth and in all th forums and markets place the announcements so that all may know of how the Queen is helping." 
 
rax
 "I do not recall having agreed to act as town crier when Marshall Kroft requested our assistance, but if it will aid the city in combatting this illness I see no harm in putting up a few flyers,"  Cassian answers Doctor Davaulus.

 "May I ask, where you are from, Doctor? You do not sound like a Korvosan,"  he adds.
DrK
The Doctor pauses, eyes hardening at Cassian's initial response before his face returns to a vague neutral expression of bored disinterest.  "I am not from Korvosa. I am from Egorian in Cheliax. I have served the Queen's family as a physician for many years. I helped her most illustrious majesty when she was a child yes?"  He looks around,  " She has
 brought me here and my fellows to try and resolve what faith alone cannot."  He adds the last sentence with a slight glance at Ishani.
Haval
Andrei is amused at the idea he should have a superior officer without being asked first.  'I feel like I've been drafted.'  He'll mutter before the Doctor approaches.

After he reads the scroll.  'Punishable by death? I feel like this will be unpopular.' 
farothel
Ciraneoth wasn't sure where this was going, but he kept his mouth shut.  He made a mental note after they had put up these flyers, to check his supplies so he could get out if needed.
rax
 "Ah, so you are Her Majesty's family physician? Then we are no doubt in expert hands when it comes to dealing with this terrible plague,"  Cassian replies without a hint of sarcasm.

 "I must agree with my colleague, however. There is much promise of punishment and little hope in Her Majesty's pronouncement. The citizens we have met seem most eager for treatment - what is the purpose of threatening their families with imprisonment or death if they will not allow you and your colleagues to aid their loved ones?"  he adds.
DrK
Doctor Davalaus looks down his nose at Cassian, a sharp look,  "We must have order to treat those infected. these must be assembled and collected and treated in discrete locations. We are assembling some larger infirmaries."   AT this he glances at the Ishani,  "Yes Master Banker, we will still use the Great Vault as one of those locations that is one of the things I had wanted to discuss with you. Your Temple, the Sun Temple of Saranrae and the Temple of Shelyn will be three other focal points. We shall be taking over the Hospice of the Blessed Maiden"  
 
 Spoiler: Easy +10 Relevant Lore skill 


Hospice was an Arkona Warehouse in the docks, but was bought and opened up a convalescence home 2 months ago where the sick and the dying can be treated without prejudice or cost. So its been a slum hospital for some few weeks, although now its packed with those dying of Blood Veil
 


Ishani nods, still unsure before venturing a cautious question.  "Eh, Doctor. Without magics, without the blessings of the Gods how will you treat the disease?"  At this the Doctor smiles a narrow smile that never reaches his eyes and pats his black leather bag.  "With science my goo fellow. With knowledge, training and the application of alchemical science. We will research this Blood Veil and develop a cure."  With that done he looks to the nearby Grey Maidens who all salute and move towards the keep's main structure and their Leader the 2nd in command of the Maidens Lady Destaid waves a curt hand towards Kroft who shrugs and sighs softly.  "I will see you presently. Please help in any way you can"   she adds as she falls in with Ishani and the Doctor.

Around you the courtyard bustles with activity as squads of a dozen guards forum up, each one accompanying a masked phsycian led by a Grey Maiden in featureless face coverig helm and a red cloak. In an ominous sign each squad is also trailed by a large flatbed wagon pulled by a horse or oxen.... You are left standing there before a groomsman approaches with a heavy sheaf full of proclamations, a bag of stout nails and a couple of hammers. The young lad, sandy hair watching Cieranoth with near wonder stammers,  "They said you lot be needing the proclamations?" 
rax
 "It would seem so, lad,"  Cassian answers as he takes the sheaf from the groom.  "Welcome the new Chelaxian order,"  he says to his companions with a disdainful sneer.
wilphe
  Apparently, because if this was going to be safe and easy, they wouldn't be getting us to do it  
Haval
 'Well...he's not entirely wrong to look for other solutions.'  Andrei muses.  'Especially if nothing else seems to be working. Still, I would prefer not to just take the man's word for it.' 

After Winifred speaks,  'You would think with all those soldiers they could do their own oppression wouldn't you.' 
wilphe
  There was no one from the Lady of Graves at the meeting was there? I feel that district would be an excellent place to start  
farothel
Ciraneoth looked at the proclamatie.
 "Well, let´s get going.  The faster we start, the faster we´re finished." 
rax
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Well...he's not entirely wrong to look for other solutions.'  Andrei muses.  'Especially if nothing else seems to be working. Still, I would prefer not to just take the man's word for it.'  
 

  "And we should believe that the Queen's family physician is an expert in dealing with plagues because...?"  Cassian mutters in reply when they're out of earshot.

 "More to the point, whatever the trouble, it seems Her Majesty is quick to call on her connections in Cheliax for aid. I would not be at all surprised if any cure for the Blood Veil will be ascribed to the Queen's Physicians, and any failure will be due to the intrasigence of the clergy or the gods having abandoned us. From there, it's a short step to diabolism and then turning the city over to Cheliax, with Her Majesty fully in charge. What little freedoms Korvosa has retained over the years will be swiftly stamped out."  
Haval
 'Well quite. He really ought to show someone his working if he cares at all about being trustworthy. Not that you would expect a Cheliaxian to give a **** about that.' 
DrK
As the four heroes grumble and eye the strange doctor suspiciously the Dr Davaulus heads into the keep with other "important people" leaving you all with your bundle of flyers in the bustling courtyard as other troops of soldiers and doctors start marching out, a few of the city guard here and there raising a hand or offering a nod in greeting to you as they know you as Marshall Kroft's fixers

 Wat do you do? Start flyering? Heading to the Temple of Pharasma? 
rax
 "I have no experience in putting up flyers - there are usually qualified people about to handle that sort of thing. I suppose the Temple of Pharasma is as good a place as any to start with, though I imagine the priests will object to having these proclamations posted in the temple proper. Most people who come there are beyond saving already,"  Cassian says to the others.
wilphe
  Oh I am sure they have "opinions", they also know us.

Sounds like a good chance for a discreet discussion you know?  

Winifred acknowledges the other guards' greetings and bangs a flyer onto a corner beam of a passing building

  Let's keep moving, I want to outrun news we are coming and stay ahead of pissed off people with questions and objections  
Haval
 'We could always ask the priests opinion first. What are the chances that anyone's actually checking up on us?' 
rax
 "I imagine it will be like any assignment at the Academae. If we fail to show our work, we will be taken to task. After all it will be easy enough for Her Majesty's agents to see whether or not the flyers have been put up. But, no matter - shall we be on our way to the Gray District? We could put up some flyers on the way,"  Cassian answers.
farothel
 "I'll follow you guy's lead,"  Ciraneoth said, as he had no idea how far apart or where those flyers were best put.  In the forest one didn't put these pieces of paper.  He would keep an eye out for anybody (or anything) that had a more than passing interest in the group.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by rax 
  "I imagine it will be like any assignment at the Academae. If we fail to show our work, we will be taken to task. After all it will be easy enough for Her Majesty's agents to see whether or not the flyers have been put up. But, no matter - shall we be on our way to the Gray District? We could put up some flyers on the way,"  Cassian answers. 
 

Andrei grinned,  'Well the way things are at the moment who is likely to notice if we don't put a lot of effort into it? Assuming they don't actually have someone keeping an eye on us.'  He will assent to putting up a few flyers on the way to the Gray district.
DrK
With a heavy sheaf of flyers, a hammer and a bag of stout black iron nails you head back out into the streets to bang some flyers into publics spaces around the city. The blood veil still runs rampant so the streets are quieter than usual and although you twice during afternoon and evening hearing the bugles and horns of trouble it seems that whatever riots or trouble is rapidly put down...

 You have 3 days.... I'm happy to montage past the 3 days unless you are trying to achieve anything  in particular until the next pre-generated event 
rax
 OOC:  Got some questions and ideas about what to do. I'm off to bed now, but I'll post them in the OOC thread tomorrow.
DrK
Th day passes slowly, various groups of people wandering the streets, squads of guards escorting the masked physicians. Some with sick looking citizens being led in their midst. Heading through the middle city you cross the narrow slum streets and bridges into the island of Old Korvosa. In the watery light of the autumn sun the streets, whilst still filthy are less threatening of late as the usual gangs of street urchins with fast hands, bands of thuggish looking marauders and gaggles of ladies who will seek friendship for crowns are much diminished.

Pushing up the hlll of old Korvosa the slums once more give way to nicer houses and villas near the barracks and training grounds. As you approach Vencarlo's manor you can all hear the faint clatter of wooden fencing canes and the dulcent tones of the old master shouting the steps and parries and thrusts. Reaching the door and ringing the bell the old man appears at the door after a few minutes dressed in a fine doublet of purple velvets with a rapier at his waist.  "My friends..."  he says in surprise,  "I had not thought to see you so soon since our trip to the back country. Excuse the sounds, even with the plague some of the students theyc come." 
wilphe
Winifred bows

  Good day Maestro, we have some information you might be interested in and would welcome your counsel  
rax
Cassian stands behind Winifred, contenting himself with a respectful nod to the old duelist.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
  "My friends..."  he says in surprise,  "I had not thought to see you so soon since our trip to the back country. Excuse the sounds, even with the plague some of the students theyc come."  
 

 'Plague or no plague, I'd say it'd be better to know how to defend yourself at a time like this. You never considered getting out of the city Vencarlo?' 
DrK
At the last comment Vencarlo shakes his head with a laugh.  "I have Korvosa in my blood friend and she is like an old lover. I will stay with her in the bad times and enjoy her in the good."  he pauses to wave you in and you can see into the hall where a few young nobles of both genders are running through parry, lust, riposte exercises or doing lunges. he offers a tray of glasses with a nice minted sangria to each of you.  "Please please, what can I do to help. I owe you help after you travelled to the countryside for me. I appreciated that."  He says nothing more but inclines his head,  "Have you seen these new plague doctors about the city? My students tell me they are leading the patrols and tha Sabine and her Grey Maidens are the power in the city now, the very fist of the Queen herself?" 
wilphe
Winifred slides one of the folded fliers over to Vencarlo and sips her sangria
  We were charged with escorting a banker priest to the Palace, there we were informed that her majesty had assigned fighting the plague to these doctors, some of whom had a traditional connection with her family and that the Guard were to obey the Grey Maidens. Marshall Kroft was unimpressed with this revelation

Of course we are not on the books as Guard members so that doesn't technically apply to us but I also don't want to openly defy them.

If these distasteful measures work, then good. I suppose. It would however strengthen the Doctors at the expense of the established faiths

If not, then things are going to get worse.

We intend to check out the ship that was at the start of all this, with such high stakes it is not impossible that parties could have deliberately started this plague, and what they start, they can stop and thereby ingratiate themselves with her Majesty  
 Winifred is not accusing or implicating the Queen in anything, this is standard "Grieving Widow exploited by evil and unscrupulous advisors territory" 
farothel
Ciraneoth stays silent, letting the others do the talking.  He looks at the swordmanship of the young people training, figuring they still have a long way to go, although for the showy stuff at court, it didn't really matter.  But in real life, a lot of those moves would mean that a couple of brawlers had carved you up before you realised what was happening.
rax
 "Your students aren't wrong. It does appear that Her Majesty is consolidating power into her own hands, and seeking aid from her connections in Cheliax in doing so,"  Cassian says.

 "I for one heard nothing from Dr. Davaulus to convince me that he and his cohorts possess any special knowledge in combating a city wide plague which resists the power of the gods themselves. I could be wrong, of course, and if that's the case I suppose we should be grateful for Her Majesty's vision and foresight,"  he adds.
Haval
Andrei will sip his sangria gratefully.  'Unless Dr. Davaulus is somehow very skilled in medicine I feel like they are more interested in managing the plague and planning for the aftermath. I suppose if everyone who gets sick is allowed to die without spreading the plague further it's a solution of sorts.' 
DrK
Vencarlo looks worried, increasingly so as they speak.  "I agree, it is much trouble I believe. But... this does concern me"  He looks at Andrei who speaks his last and nods towards him,  "This is what I fear. Where did this accursed plague come from? Why does it resist the power of the Gods so? How it has come infest Korvosa?"  He shakes his head,  "It seems to me that most of the victims are the poor and unhappy. THe nobles are spared, those loyal to the Queen more so than those who would question her. EVen no a ball is being held for those that would defy the Queen, I was invited but was busy here and thought it foolish. But that was now 2 days ago and no-one has been seen at the Carowyn Manor since then"  

He pauses...  "DO any of you have an idea from this plague has come from?" 
farothel
 "That's a bold accusation, sir,"  Ciraneoth said,  "and I would be very careful how and when and certainly against who you voice these things.  I'd rather not see the queen's dungeons up close, if I can avoid it.  But to answer your question, I don't know where it comes from." 
wilphe
Winifred changes the subject

  "A Nidalese trader tried to enter the harbour under quarantine and was sunk, rumour says that brought the plague. The Marshall had gotten hold of someway to breath underwater from the Acadamae but there were no volunteers to check it out and we had other business.

So that was on our list after speaking to you"  
wilphe
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 97 ]  41 Academic Knowledge: Heraldry/Genealogy on the Carowyn Manor
 
DrK
Vencarlo grins at the elf and wags a finger  ”You are correct master Cieranoth. However given our history I feel I can trust you and those words are the least of our concerns if we end up Royal guests in somewhat spartan accommodation.” 

Grinning more as he sips on the wine he nods.  “aye, I heard of the trader from Nidal that tried to run the trebuchets a few days before the plague broke out. If that were a source it would be good to know. Is this something that you’ll speak with Marshall Kroft about?”  He considers carefully,  “If not the trader then seeking out the Carowyns would be helpful. I A number of the guests were those with similar political leanings to me and O would know what has happened to them. If they have been taken into “quarantine “ by these Chelaxian quacks then I’d be keen to know where they are being held.” 
rax
 "The Marshall knows of the rumours concerning ship, if that's what you mean, Master Vencarlo, and we will need to speak to her to access the means to breathe underwater, as Miss Winifred said,"  Cassian says.  "If that line of investigation turns out to be a dead end, then we may indeed see about the Carowyns next." 
Haval
 'I would assume that with the way things are going at the moment there are a lot of people who might be upset. Surely the Grey Maidens can't arrest all of them.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Does Andrei know anything about the Carowyns?

Common Knowlwdge (Korvosa) vs. Int 53
 (1d100)[ 45 ] 
 
wilphe
  They have the guard too and a lot of that proclamation we out up has "punishable by death on it", including hiding impeding and obstruction

You know

Things they can interpret with very wide discretion  
Haval
 'Then I expect things are going to get worse before they get better. If things get really bad that's how you might get an uprising.' 
wilphe
  In such times heroes are made yadda, yadda, yadda

I do not know of the Carowyn  

she looks at Cassian

  Perhaps if it is not out of our way we could swing by on way back?

Also Maestro, if you have any books on Chelaxian "science" I would be grateful if I could borrow one or two. I would like to see their methods  
rax
 "I am afraid I know little of the Carowyns except the name,"  Cassian admits.
wilphe
  Could you perhaps brief us Maestro?  
DrK
Vencarlo nods,   ” Ausio Carowyn and his wife, Olauren Carowyn live in their manse on South Shore. They are patrons of the arts and theatre for the most part relying on some family mines in the Mind Spin Mountains and the Storval for their wealth. Usually they are not involved in politics too heavily but have been concerned by Ileosia. With the plague raging they invited their friends to join them for the duration, intending to block out all the misery unfolding outside their doors and party and dance the epidemic away.”.   Andrei can only nod along, he is aware of the Carowyns but only as their patronage for some of more bardic aspects of the Acadamae and their appearance at the theatres.

Vencarlo nods  ”I would appreciate the aid in this. Audio may not be concerned with the masses or with anything other than his ‘arts’ but he is not a cruel man, just one distanced from the plight of the many by his wealth.”   At mention of the Chelaxian “science” his mouth turns sour,  ”I know little of these Chelaxians but I do not trust them.” 
rax
 "I'm sorry, Master Vencarlo, but I'm not sure I follow. Do you know that the Carowyn estate has been raided by the plague doctors, or is there merely a lack of communication that has you worried?"  Cassian replies.
farothel
Not knowing the Carowyn family, Ciraneoth keeps quiet for now, observing rather than speaking.
Haval
 'Sitting out the plague in safety doesn't seem like the worst idea if you have the money.'  Andrei mused.  'I wonder how long they intend to stay there though. What if all this is still going on in a month, or longer?' 
wilphe
  What would you have us to Maestro and is it more important than investigating the wreck?  
DrK
Vencarlo shrugs slightly,  "I've not seen anyone from the party for some time. No word, no chance meeting on the streets or in one of the members bars. Even 2 of my students have not been here since the Carowyns had their ball."  He shrugs,  "I worry the ship may have brought the plague and that is a big worry for the city but I worry about my friends as well, especially as they are a bloc of power to try and thwart the rise of our new Queen." 

He pushes the tray laden with olives, dipping oil and some bread towards you.  "You are a resourceful bunch my friends so I would not presume to tell you what to do. But both need to be done, although I do not know which is the more pressing"&gt;  
wilphe
Winifred takes an olive and ponders her response

  I feel the needs of the city should take priority, especially as how the Marshall has already asked us to investigate the wreck.

We can ask around for the Carowyns and check the place put if we head that way, but they've sought to cut themselves off and it sounds like they've succeeded  
Haval
 'And if somethings going on inside the Carowyns manor perhaps it'll be visable from the outside.' 
rax
 "Yes, agreed,"  Cassian says.  "We shall look into the sunken ship first, and then see about your friends and allies, Master Vencarlo." 
wilphe
  Shall we report to her Marshallship then?  
rax
 "I think we must. She had equipment to allow us to get to the ship without drowning, as I recall,"  Cassian agrees.

 "And Master Vencarlo, before we leave, perhaps you'd like to  demonstrate  your fidelity to Her Majesty in these troubled times by allowing us to put up one of these flyers on your door?"  he adds with wink.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by rax 
  "I think we must. She had equipment to allow us to get to the ship without drowning, as I recall,"  Cassian agrees.

 "And Master Vencarlo, before we leave, perhaps you'd like to  demonstrate  your fidelity to Her Majesty in these troubled times by allowing us to put up one of these flyers on your door?"  he adds with wink. 
 

Andrei adds.  'Anything that might happen to them afterwards is of course none of our business.' 
farothel
Ciraneoth kept silent, but he listened to get a better feel on how things were done in the big city.  He liked the idea of using the flyers to help people show loyalty they might otherwise not feel though.
DrK
Another hour of polite conversation and gossip about the city, the opinions of the Queen from various factions and concerns about the new “Doctors” from Cheliax before you take your leave and wind down the hill back the slums that layer the bottom of Old Korvosa and cross the dilapidated bridges back into the main city proper. Cutting the streets you head back to barracks at a pace, weapons visible to ward off the thugs and thieves that circle in the more dodgy areas near the fish markets and docks.

Heading to the barracks the guards nod to you as you arrive, your faces now a welcome bunch of companions and trouble shooters. One of them points to the stable.  “Marshall be in there. She’s no in a good mood. Thos Grey Maidens took a dozen of the best lady guards and then been telling her what to do.”  he shrugs,  “Ain’t right. We in the guard always been good enough. No suddenly we ain’t.”  He mutters a few more choice words as you can head to the stable where as usual there is a bustle of a few messengers and a harried lookimg Marshall Kroft at the table with a large map of the city pinned to it.
She looks up  ”My friends. Good to see you, have you finished your flyering now? It’s beneath you for your skills..””  There is mutter under her breath then  ”Babysitting those damned crow faced charlatans is beneath all of us.” 

As you explain about the ship she nods.  ”Ah the Nidalese trader. Yes. She came in under full sail flying a yellow plague flag a week before the epidemic hit. I, and many others have our suspicions that this is where it all started. She came in at night, didn’t respond to flags or flames and we sank her but it’s possible someone swam ashore.”  She shrugs  ”It would be good to have a look at her but none of my guards want to brace the bay. If you are willing I’d be grateful. The Magisters at the Acadamae gave me some supplies that can help if you would need them?” 
rax
 "Have faith, friend. I am sure the value of the Guard will be recognized by all ere the end of this business comes,"  Cassian tries to cheer up the guardsman.

 "We are here for that very reason, Marshall. Since we must go under the water to investigate the wreck, any help in making that possible would be most appreciated,"  he answers the Marshall.

 "By the way, have you any news of the Carowyn family? A...mutual acquaintance...expressed concerns for their safety. Apparently they had summoned friends and allies to a ball, but they've been incommunicado since,"  he adds.
wilphe
 Thos Grey Maidens took a dozen of the best lady guards and then been telling her what to do. 
  I will try to stay beneath their notice  

+++++++++++++

  We thought that following up on the ship was the best and most urgent use of our time, before anyone gets the idea to declare it off limits

I hope the Acadame have equipment that will let us breathe and see  
farothel
 "And move,"  Ciraneoth piped up,  "it's difficult to move underwater, so any ability to help us in that regard, in case there is something there, would also be very helpful." 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
 Heading to the barracks the guards nod to you as you arrive, your faces now a welcome bunch of companions and trouble shooters. One of them points to the stable.  “Marshall be in there. She’s no in a good mood. Thos Grey Maidens took a dozen of the best lady guards and then been telling her what to do.”  he shrugs,  “Ain’t right. We in the guard always been good enough. No suddenly we ain’t.”  He mutters a few more choice words as you can head to the stable where as usual there is a bustle of a few messengers and a harried lookimg Marshall Kroft at the table with a large map of the city pinned to it. 
 

To the others,  'What the hell are they doing? Or do they think that inducting all the women into the Maidens will be enough to make them loyal?' 

 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
   ”It would be good to have a look at her but none of my guards want to brace the bay. If you are willing I’d be grateful. The Magisters at the Acadamae gave me some supplies that can help if you would need them?”  
 

Andrei looks interested,  'What kind of supplies?' 
rax
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 To the others,  'What the hell are they doing? Or do they think that inducting all the women into the Maidens will be enough to make them loyal?'  
 

  "It is certainly a strange way to go about recruiting warriors if loyalty is a paramount concern, but the ones we have encountered so far  seemed  very loyal,"  Cassian answers.  "Marshall, have you heard of any press-ganged women of the guard  leaving  Her Majesty's service? Come to think of it, have any of them refused the offer and returned to the Guard, or perhaps their families?" 
DrK
The Marshall looks troubled at the mention of the Grey Maidens.  ”I don’t know why they grab only the woman recruit, and worse still, I don’t know what they do in training. The first few volunteers counted woman I was friends with. Now they do not even acknowledge me more than a curt yea or no ma’am from behind those masks. It’s not right.” 

She shakes her head sadly, a sun concious glance over her shoulder in the direction of where the ziggurat would lie. Then she shakes it off and shouts a coma s to one of the men who appears a few moments later.
 “here is what the Acadamae provided.”  she starts opening the bag revealing a collection of half a dozen thick glass vials each apparently filled with thick seaweed and briny liquid.  “one of the magisters said that if you drink this, or we’ll chew it down the energy will allow you to grow gills like a newt and breathe water. “  She pauses raising an eyebrow,  “I don’t normally treat with magics and it sounds far fetched but he was a high magister of Amber with his furs and his amulets and despite his smell he seemed convinced. The last.   she says pointing to one that looks like a vial of frogspawn,  ”That is a bigger change and will give you scales and flippers if you could countenance such a thing but at the cost of damaging a weak mind.” 
farothel
Ciraneoth looks at the vials and while he wasn't as distrustful of magic as most humans, he wasn't sure about this.
 "How long will these last,"  he asks,  "I'd rather not be deep underwater in the ship when the magic runs out." 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
 The Marshall looks troubled at the mention of the Grey Maidens.  ”I don’t know why they grab only the woman recruit, and worse still, I don’t know what they do in training. The first few volunteers counted woman I was friends with. Now they do not even acknowledge me more than a curt yea or no ma’am from behind those masks. It’s not right.”  
 

 'No it's not.'  Andrei looks troubled.  'I wonder if that means someone has leverage over these women. Or else it's something more powerful.' 

To the others,  'How are we all with swimming?' 
wilphe
  Lead weights, ditch them if we need to surface in a hurry. Then just walk on the bottom.

I am more concerned about it being cold, dark and full of things that want to snack on us.

We need some rope to navigate with, and maybe a few guys in a boat for surface support and because I am not taking my armour or clothes down there

And another bath when we get out  
rax
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 To the others,  'How are we all with swimming?'  
 

  "Alas, swimming is not a skill taught to a Taldoran cataphract. I think Miss Winifred's suggestion of walking along the bottom is the most practicable solution for my part,"  Cassian says.  "And, as Ciraneoth already said, knowing the precise duration of these potions is paramount." 
Haval
 'I wonder what the bottom looks like then. Maybe there's a lot of trash down there from being this close to the land. Fish I like to think we can handle.' 

On the darkness,  'I can't say I've ever tried to conjure it while I'm at the bottom of the occean but I might be able to handle light anyway.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Do there tend to be sharks or something more dangerous this close to Korvosa


Common Knowledge (Korvosa) vs. Int 53
 (1d100)[ 53 ] 
 
wilphe
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Do there tend to be sharks or something more dangerous this close to Korvosa



Very first post even:
 https://forums.giantitp.com/showthre...mson-Throne-IC 
 Though there as many theories on that topic as there are jig sharks in the bay 
 
DrK
At the mention of weights the Marshall shakes her head,  ”I do not know if I have sufficient weights. But I do have sacks and rocks in plenty.”  she says the last with a grin. At the question of ‘how long’ she shrugs a little  “the magister was unclear and made mention of ‘several hours’”. I don’t know how much more detail he would know. I can supply plenty of rope and you are welcome to use the baths here after the dive. Please have a care the bay is full of jig sharks.” 
rax
 "Well, 'several hours' should suffice. If we can find someone willing to row us out there, we will mostly be moving about inside the wreck, where we will be less exposed to the creatures of the deep,"  Cassian says, trying to sound unconcerned.
wilphe
  Perhaps we could borrow some more appropriate weapons? Spears, Tridents and the like?  
DrK
The marshall motions to one of the stouter looking building  built into the wall of the keep.   "Spears we have plenty of. Help yourself from the armoury, but tridents and harpoons would be from the fishers near the waterfront. Not the usual guard's equipment."    she adds with a grin.

 OOC

Please make a list of what sort of basic supplies you want. The guards can supply a lot of basic stuff like spears and rope and you can find rocks easily enough

 
wilphe
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Spears

Rope

Some way of seeing / light source

Barrells if we have to do salvage/lifting

Spare clothes

Goose fat, lard or the like

Something for our feet (if they don't become webbed)


A couple of friendly NPCs who we can trust to do boatwork

Slates and something to write on them with
 
DrK
Its an hour or two later and the sun is high in the afternoon sky when finally a small cart pulled by a pair of reluctant donkeys trundles from the citadel gates with Winifred, Cassian, Andrei and Ciraneoth walking alongside it and a pair of reliable guards, Tad and Huw, who's large arms covered in nautical tattoos suggested a previous life as boatmen. THe cart has a couple of large barrels, one of which is filled with stones, a quartet of spears and lots of coils of rope atop it along with a small pot of lard which had been the hardest to get and wrest it free from Mistress Miggins' (the battalion cook) kitchens.

Th city streets are still busy despite the plague raging but more than half the shops are boarded up and every alleyway has several figures either lying still or hunched and coughing weakly faces mottled with the blood veil. The docks and then the riverside are quite quiet and the pair of guards are quick to find a small ships boat abandoned and covered in salt and mildew where they nod.  "Aye lads this'll do, bring the stuff eh?"  A short time later the oat laden down to near the gunwhales you are floating into the bay between the yellow flagged quarantined ships floating in the bay and out across the choppy water

A half hour later as you float in the bay under the cliffs leading up to the city you only look at the dark waters and waves rolling by as Tad and Huw both hold the oars trying to hold the boat still.  "You, you still going down there?"  Tad asks,  "Not sure how you'll be breathing and that water looks mighty cold!" 
wilphe
Winifred briefs Tad and Huw and agrees signals with the others on the way there. hopefully for them to arrive at slack tide,   How deep
  and as they arrive looks at Andrei

  You can give us light?  

She pulls out a vial

  Chug this in one go? I am happy to go first  
rax
 "We shall be relying on magic, and if that fails, we're probably dead no matter how cold the water is,"  Cassian answers Tad wryly.  "However, I believe Miss Winifred intends for us to cover ourselves in lard to ward off some of the cold, is that correct?"  he asks.
Haval
To Tad,  'If this doesn't work we'll be back shortly.' 

Andrei will nod at Winifred and conjure a light from his staff.  'The problem is that it doesn't last forever. But if we're down there for that long I expect we'll have other things to worry about.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Channeling test vs. Wp 51 (+20)
 (1d100)[ 80 ] 

Glowing Light 3+ or 2+ for Channeling
 (1d10)[ 5 ] 
 
wilphe
Winifred takes a gob of lard and rubs it over herself   Hopefully this works to keep the cold out and not to make us more appetising  , then hands it to Cassian
rax
Cassian sniffs the blob of lard before applying it carefully under his shirt, grimacing the whole time.  "I'm sure this will keep any creature with a functioning sense of smell far away from all of us. If you ever find yourself with an unwanted suitor, I believe you've just discovered the ideal means for getting rid of them,"  he jokes.
wilphe
  A darky stormy night, a rough road, a belly full of wine and a loosened girth turned out to do the job just fine  

You get the impression she isn't joking
rax
 "Well, bottoms up then,"  Cassian declares, drinking and chewing his way through the contents of the vial.  "And since you're the bearer of our light - after you, Master Andrei,"  he says, nodding at the water.
farothel
Ciraneoth still wasn't sure about this, but it was something they had to do.  He had taken a leather jerkin from the watch to have at least some armour to his vital parts.  He also used the lard on his extremities to avoid frostbite and then he took the magical stuff needed to get down.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by rax 
  "Well, bottoms up then,"  Cassian declares, drinking and chewing his way through the contents of the vial.  "And since you're the bearer of our light - after you, Master Andrei,"  he says, nodding at the water. 
 

Andrei will do what he could to stave off the cold.  'I suppose it's cleaner then the sewers, but on the other hand there was less chance of frostbite down there.'  He'll carefully lead the way.
wilphe
Winifred eyes the water and grasps her spear

  If Frost is the worst that bites us we'll be getting off easy  
DrK
The dark waters look freezing cold and wintry, swirls of foams, chunks of detritus and other such things floating past and at least once you see the swirl in the water of a large fish shape circling beneath. The two guards stifle any comments as you all stand, partially stripping and lard yourself up before with Andrei's light flaring drink the strange concoctions. Each of the potions is a vile thick gobbet strewn mass of salty seaweed, what seems to be glue and bitter seeds that leaves each of you gagging, before you all feel a horrific tearing sensation at the base of your necks as your skin twists and writhes and then splits, frills and feathery gills tearing free !

 
 Spoiler: Insanity 


Its an extremely unnerving experience!  Make a +0 WP test or gain  (1d3)[ 2 ]  insanity points
 


Hopping into the water each with a splash the water is freezing, the shock hitting you as you splash into the water and for the most weighed down by your armour or weapons immediatly begin to sink!

 Your choice to sink or swim

To swim make a Swim or Str check
To sink do nothing!

But ALL please make a WP +10 check to keep your cool

 
wilphe
 Winifred W14/14 FP2/3 

Winifed initially looks very frightened at what happens to her, but just about holds it together

She cannot however bring herself to trust these new weird appendages to let her breathe in the water and trashes about causing her spear to drift a bit away

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (1d100)[ 98 ] 46 Insane
 (1d100)[ 91 ] 56 Cool
 
farothel
As the magic takes hold, Ciraneoth hands go to his new gills, and he's wondering what the hell will happen.  Will it stay that way, will he be branded as a mutant.  His mind is still reeling as he jumps in and instinctively he tries to hold his breath.  He's used to taking a bath in cold rivers in the forest, but this is different.  When he finally has to take a breath, the salt water tasted horrible, even though the gills worked as they should.  But all during that, he managed to stay afloat and keep swimming though, going down slowly into the depts.

 
 Spoiler: OOC Rolls 

WP for magic:  (1d100)[ 90 ]  vs 44
WP for diving (+10):  (1d100)[ 84 ]  vs 54

swim:  (1d100)[ 12 ]  vs 21
 
rax
The shock of the gills appearing on his neck momentarily has Cassian thinking his whole head is coming free of his body, but he manages to compose himself just enough to tip over the side of the boat and sink into the dark depths of the river.

 OOC:  Sinking, no swimming.