You all move a bit further back into the alley. A large pile of crates juts out from one wall and provides you some cover. You have a moment to regroup.

From your knowledge of Korvosa, figuring out a route to the bridges that link Korvosa and Old Korvosa isn't much of a problem. The sound of armored footsteps in the road stop your discussion. A unit of Maidens has arrived. Twenty at least. The crowd quickly disperses, including the guardsmen. You hear one of the Maidens bellowing orders for her troops to search the area. Time to move.

You head north, following the alleyways and ducking into abandoned buildings to avoid further partols of Maidens. Where did all these female warriors come from? Each unit is at least ten soldiers strong, and the further north, the more of them there are to avoid. The Queen seems to have built herself an army while no one was looking.

The sun is dipping by the time you reach the northern shore. The dark is not a problem. There are still enough fires burning to see by. There must have been a riot up here. Buildings are torn down. Bodies lay heaped in the steeet. Crows feed off the dead in the light of burning carts.

Acoss the river, you can see the far shore of the island that is Old Korvosa. Sections of the old city seem to have been leveled. But there are still large sections in which homes are lit and smoke pours from chimneys. So there are people still alive over there.

Three bridges link Korvosa and Old Korvosa. The central and eastern bridges are in tact but part of the western one has been destroyed. It may still be passable, but would probably involve clambering over large holes or piles of rubble. It is however the least guarded. Before the mouth of the eastern and central bridge are barricades, each manned by one of those squads of Grey Maidens. The western bridge seems only guarded by three maidens. At least from what you can tell.

Any alarm raised on any bridge though will bring troops from te other pounts rather quickly though.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Chandanar had major trouble carrying the unconscious Davalus. He had taken the time to bind him and gag him, but even so the headlong flight along the streets to reach the northern shore with a body slung over his shoulder was anything but easy. Many times he had serious doubts about the sense of taking the Queen's man, but he hoped to get some sort of information from him.

Chandanar dumbs the body on the floor and closely watches the scene.
"Maybe we can skip the bridges all together and take a small boat to cross over ?", he says trying to find such a small rowing boat that would be easy to take.
"We cannot force a Bridge quickly enough, or can we ?", he asks, not sure about his new companions' powers. The half-orc looks like a spell flinger of some sort and he might perhaps be powerful enough to dispatch a whole squad. Of course, this would raise the alarm sure enough.

The cleric points to the western bridge.
"Looks like the better choice." he says with an uncertain glance to the dumbed body.

OOC:
I could most likely not have carried Davalus all by myself (low STR).
If your guys have convinced me that there's no info to be had, or that it is useless or indeed that the circumstances have made it impossible to carry Davalus I'm fine with that. Just want to have that clear.

With Davalus in tow, their job was certainly complicated, but there was little time to discuss it with the maidens...everywhere. Izzick had figured them a personal guard, but now they were on every corner. Izzick had considered using the same tactic they got into the necromancer's lab with...but it would be much more difficult to also hide the body. "Maybe we could cause a distraction somewhere and take a different bridge?"

Vaddis sat back and pondered the questions, "Starting a fight on one bridge will bring more from the other bridges to join in the fight. The boat might be a good idea. Has anyone ever even bothered to look at a grey maiden after she died? Could we capture one as a prisoner for questioning?"

Chandanar likes the idea of a causing a distraction, but before he can voice his opinion the warrior surprises him with his query.
Why did I not look at the face of the Grey Maiden ?, he wonders himself, quite perplexed. Annoyed he grinds his teeth.
"No, I did not look at one of the Queen's new guard. I meant to, but somehow forgot about it.", Chandanar pauses before continuing, "The one I fought was human, though, not some unnatural being. That much I know at least."
Still shaking his head he opinions.
"We have trouble enough to carry Davalus. I would not hinder ourselves even more with another captive right now. But it's a good thing to keep in mind on the next opportunity."
"I think we might be able to dispatch the three quickly enough to be able to flee from the reinforcements. But they would know that someone has entered Old Korvosa and I'd rather would not have the Queen know that we have retreated there."
"I think a distraction is the best option. Peferably one where we do not need a scapegoat who will end up imprisoned and at the mercy of the Queen."
"Any ideas ?""

Selvin listened quietly. Then finally he nodded. "Okay. The western bridge is the best bet. You all get moving. I'll give you a little time to start making your way across the bridge before I cause a distraction. Once I start, take out the maidens and don't stop for anything. If you can, keep an eye out for me once you are across and to safety so I can find you again."

His wings flapped a bit, almost impatient, but he didn't take to the air just yet. He took a moment to cast a couple of healing spells on to his outsider friend.

11:21, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 11 using 1d10+5. Lesser Eidolon Rejuvenate.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Wed 10 June 2015.

“I have decided that I am not a fan of the Grey Maidens,” grumped Tarrov as the group observed the barricades, stretching his arms to try and work some life into his tired muscles.  He felt, right at this moment, very put upon.  And with good reason, he felt!  There just seemed to be one bad piece of news after the other.

“You wouldn’t think there were this many women with martial talent,” Tarrov continued to complain.  “Before this all started, I don’t think I knew more than a handful who could even swing a sword, much less who could wear all that armor.”  He pursed his lips, thinking.  “And even fewer who would want to join an all-female martial order.”  Now that he was considering the issue, it was really kind of astounding.  “Who are these Maidens?  And where did Her Majesty find them?”

“Is it just me, or is the Queen turning out to be the worst sort of tyrant?”  Tarrov gestured to the leveled portion of the city.  “Killing her subjects, locking down the city, conducting witch hunts against officers who are, to all appearances, very loyal?”  The bard looked unhappy.  “How did it come to this?”

He returned his full attention to the conversation.  “Well, I’m pretty good at distractions.”  He grinned.  “I think I could create an illusion of rebellious citizens setting up some sort of siege equipment over there.”  He pointed to an area fairly far away from the bridges, but still within sight of them.  “Then, when their attention is fixed, these illusory freedom fighters would launch a flaming attack on the maidens.”  He pointed at the central bridge.  “With access to a source of fire, I can cause some harmless pyrotechnics on the bridge.”  He grinned.  “Think that would be distraction enough?”

Chandanar was not long enough in the city to make a valid evaluation of the state of Korvosa or indeed of the Queen herself. He had grown suspicious upon the displayed brutality, cruelty even, of that new military order. And the disease was a most uncanny sort, clearly not a natural one, but one bolstered by evil magic. He had done his best to help the local clergy, but it had become clear quickly that fighting the symptoms would be futile. It would take deleting the origin of the disease to bring Korvosa back to a peaceful state.
Even so, he had been shocked to see the Queen's doctors killing the patients ruthlessly. And when he had seen Davalus it became clear it was not the act of someone lower in the hierarchy. Further, he doubted Davalus was the single culprit. And that's why they needed to question him. Though, with the power the Queen wielded so openly he had serious doubts what could be done at all. Maybe these four could turn the tide. If so, he sure was willing to help them.

"That type of distraction sounds a lot less risky.", he comments the bard's suggestion.

Let me know which distraction you want to go with.

A scan of the surrounding area does not turn up any usable boats. Apparently the Maidens sank what ones were moored here. There is one boat still afloat. It is manned by a small squad of Maidens who seem to be readying it for use as a patrol boat. It sits on a pier at the base of the eastern most bridge, down a stairwell and under the guard post there.

There is a large amount of lumber, rope, and pitch near abouts. A raft could be constructed easily enough.

Chandanar calls on his goddess to heal his newfound allies.

He approaches Tarrov.
"In case you need to bluff your way out and need to convince the Grey Maidens with your words rather than weapon, I can grant you some help from Iomedae. May I endow you with her glory ?"

---

rolled 17 using 4d6. Channel Energy to heal allies.

Touch of Glory on Tarrov (if allowed by him)
bonus equal to cleric level on a single Charisma-based skill check or Charisma ability check. This ability lasts for 1 hour or until the creature touched elects to apply the bonus to a roll.

Selvin hesitated and then slowly fluttered back to the ground. He reluctantly gave a nod and a smile to Tarrov. "Yeah, we should try that first. That sounds smarter." He looked a little embarrassed at his ill-conceived plan.

Okie dokie. Just to be clear Tarrov what spells are you using? There are torches on ach bridge to provide light to the sentries as well as a small fire at the mouth of the central bridge to provide the maidens some place to warm their icy hearts.

Also, what bridge will ya'll be making for? Western?

The first indication you have that the plan is having an effect is a shout by one of the Maidens "STAND DOWN SCUM!"

The Maidens begin to gather in formation, opposing a stetch of air where the 'mob' would be. If they were there.

Stealth rolls if anyone is moving out to the bridge.

Chandanar was not good at stealth and his cumbersome armour and shield does not help in the endeavor to cross the western bridge either.

As the illusionary mob materializes opposite the central bridge and the Grey Maidens move into Formation, the cleric smiles, appreciating the cunning of the silver-haired bard.

Chandanar waits for the three opposing soldiers to react to the fake threat and for the others to make for the crossing, he then creeps after them.

---

rolled -2 using 1d20-5. Stealth.

Vaddis 'sneaks' right behind the loud cleric, gritting his teeth as he went.

09:30, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 4 using 1d20-4. stealth.

Selvin knew he wasn't exactly the stealthiest of people, and when Zak was surrounding him he was even a bit more noticeable. So he waited a moment to see if the Maidens would take the illusionary bait before making a flying charge towards the 3 Maidens on the bridge in front of him.

OOC: Question - have all the Grey Maidens looked the same? We've fought a killed a few now, so I'm curious how closely alike they appeared.

The Maidens issue another demand to the thin air. Then they begin to advance.

All their attention seems focused on the area Tarrov has placed his illusion. I'm assuming Tarrov is using Silent Image and probably Ghost Sound for this bit. The Maidens send some of their burler members in first. The ladies begin to thrash the air.

Then someone on your side manages to kick a large chunk of gravel. The gravel chunk flies into the air and smacks down between two of the closest maidens. They look down at the chunk and then begin to whirl around.

Working on a map, but there are thirty feet between your group and these two maidens. They are flanking guards. The main group is about eighty feet away. A second group, the bruisers who are whacking at empty air, are 100 or so ft away. All told there are about fifteen Maidens.

The mouth of the bridge is ten feet away. Running may not be a bad idea.

Selvin, the Maidens all seem human or human half breed types. They range in size but no dwarfs, gnomes, or halflings seem to be among them. What little skin tone that shows seems to indicate these ladies are mostly human. Though some of the bruisers may be half orc. Good question.

Vaddis begins to run toward the bridge and the maidens, detecting evil as he goes. If they move to block the way, or intend to stop them, Vaddis attacks with vicious ferocity!

09:57, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 10 using 1d8+3. longsword damage.
09:57, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 25 using 1d20+13. longsword attack. charge, AC -2 for one round.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Sat 13 June 2015.

Chandanar utters a curse as their sorry attempts at stealth failed.
He called on his faith and then approached the three opposing maidens.

---

Cast Bull's Strength , move and ready shield

Going to wait for a map especially since I'm pretty limited on spells atm

Selvin leaped into the air, but stayed low to the ground and streaked right at one of the Grey Maidens. He thought about trying to just bull rush her and knock her off the bridge...but thus far the Maidens had all been evil and he didn't like leaving them alive and able to hurt more people. So he lashed out with his bite, claws and tail. His intent was to try and get the Maidens to focus on him so the others could get clear.

OOC: Flying charge on a Maiden. Guessing they aren't flat-footed so my craptastic charge likely hits only one time.

09:33, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 17,15,12,22 using d20+11,d20+11,d20+11,d20+11. Flying charge on Maiden.
09:34, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 5,3 using d6+3,d6. Damage.

Running is an option

Map is up, such as it is. Key:

Purple Selvin
Blue dot Vaddis
Red Chandanar
Green Izzy
Silver Tarrov
Yellow Maidens

The Maidens seem surprised under the onslaught from Vaddis and Selvin  but they quickly begin to adjust. One manages a blow against Vaddis 8 pts 

The sound of battle draws the attention of the main group. A voice calls out from the thick of the main group "Turn you bitches! Ready crossbows!"

Somehow Chandanar had not considered that the Grey Maidens would be equipped with crossbows. On hindsight a very foolish assumption !
As his companions were already attacking the armoured figures, calling for a cease of the pending attack was out of question.
His only hope was that the enemy would not fire at ist own allies.
So thinking he closes with the enemy, attacking the same foe that Vaddis had attacked. In his haste, though, his swing goes far off.

---

Move
Attack
rolled 11,5 using 1d20+8,1d8+4. attack, damage
This message was last edited by the player at 11:17, Mon 15 June 2015.

Izzick's fingers worked a spell - not on the maidens but on his allies this time, imbuing them with gifts of speed.

Casting Haste my new spell from leveling (Didn't know we hit 7)
Everyone of us gets it!

"Run for it!"  Yelled Tarrov, using his newfound burst of speed to begin a sprint over the unoccupied bridge.

Vaddis slashes at the woman again then begins to withdraw toward the bridge.

12:52, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 5 using 1d8+3. longsword damage.
12:52, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 29 using 1d20+11. longsword attack.

Selvin swept back a few feet from the Maidens and then uttered a few arcane words of power. A cloud of golden particles burst forth in the midst of most of the Maidens who were turning to fire crossbows at the party. That should give time for his allies (and in a moment or two himself as well) to hopefully get away without too much pursuit.

OOC: 5ft fly back. Casting Glitterdust to catch all but like 1 of the Maidens in the group about to start firing on us.

The spray of glittery light sweeps over the maidens as the half orcs magic amphetamine kicks in.

One of the Maidens goes down as the other two try to shield their eyeslits and then sort of stand there wobbling.

As you begin to hit the bridge you hear a multitude of twangs and then the night becomes a downpour of bolts. One slices into Zac 3 pts while another bounces off Tarrov  2 pts  Another of the maidens in front of you goes down. A bolt sticks out from the unarmored spot on the back of her neck. Apparently the Maidens don't onow the concept of friendly fire.

The main group has begun to charge.

If you're sprinting for the bridge make me a Con Check please. Otherwise ready yourself for a wave of Maidens. 

Chandanar disengages as quickly as possible and makes a run for the bridge.

---

rolled 5 using 1d20+1. CON for run.

OOC - how many maidens total?

08:35, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 29 using 1d20+10. Fort save.
08:35, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 18 using 1d20+2. Con check.

Selvin's grin of success faded quickly when the Maidens' crossbow bolts started landing...especially when one hit him. He let out a grunt when it pierced his symbiote. He lashed out once more with his ally's natural weapons and then took a flying step towards the bridge.

OOC Full attack then 5ft step back.

10:27, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 13,11,18,15,17 using d20+9,d20+9,d20+9,d20+9,d20+9. Full attack on 2 Maidens.
10:33, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 14,9 using 2d6+5,2d6+5. Damage sets for 17 and 18 hits.

As the last bedazzled maiden goes down, the first of you sets foot on the bridge. There are deep gouges and soot marks all over the span. There's been fighting here.
You all begin to run across. Behind you can hear the stamp stamp of the fifteen remaining Maidens. 15 Vaddis. These ladies seem a bit better trained than what you've run across thus far. They move as a unit and the lead group are forming a spearhead like formation.

The punishment you've taken most of the day is begining to catch up to you. Your blood is pounding in your temples and your breath seems harder to catch. The Maidens aren't as fast as you. But they are fresher. The race to the other side seems like it may end badly for you.

But then you catch a break. Ahead is what appears to be some kind of makeshift barricade. Old carts and crates are jammed across the bridge forming a wall. It seems unmanned. There are gaps and jagged holes beaten through it. And as you all scramble into them, burrowing like moles into the soft earth, the Maidens seem to slow further. As the last of you pulls through, you can see through the holes in the barricade that the Maidens have stopped about forty feet away.

Behind you is the end of the bridge. Past that is terra firma. Old Korvosa. Such as it is. You may have heard rumors of rioting here during the plague. But from what you can see the rumors did not do the riots justice. The block ahead of you is burnt to the ground. Bodies days old lay amid the ruins. A three legged dog is lapping up water from a puddle. At least you hope it's water.

Blocks further down seem undamaged. But you see few lights. To the north and northeast there are concentrations of light. But they seem far away. The area ahead of you is as still and quiet as a tomb. Whoever is left in Old Korvosa, they seem to have little interest in defending the approaches to the island. And from the way the Maidens seem to be holding position, the Queen seems to have little interest at the moment in taking it.

You seem to be safe. Or at least ot in immediate danger.

Tarrov, Selvin, and Vaddis,  you recall the way to Vencarlo's academy from when you were there before. It lays to the northwest in an undamaged but unlit section of town.

I'll give ya'll a moment to decide next actions and catch a breather before we go on. 

"Davalus had mentioned going back to the academy to end all meddlers today. I wonder if some major attack on it is planned ?", Chandanar offers between gasping for breath.

Selvin looked back when they finally 'lost' the Grey Maidens. He kept moving a bit more but then collapsed and just...breathed heavily. After a few minutes, he got his wind back and stood up once more. "That's where we're headed next. Let's go."

As they walked, "I hope we don't have too much more trouble today. I'm startin' t'run low on spells."

"I'm just running low on energy period, I'm dog tired!

Tarrov stopped, panting, hands on his knees.  He looked up from his resting position.  "I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting tired of the Queen and her Grey Maidens.  How did this even happen?  It seems like just a few days ago the King was on his throne and everything was okay."  The performer shook his head.  "Hard to believe how different things are now.  If you had told me that this would happen, I wouldn't have believed you."

You pick up Davalus' body and tredge wearily down the road. This section of Old Korvosa seems quiet. Though you catch sight of the odd, scared face in a window above watching you pass. Or movements in the sewer grates, probably some of the city's ratling population checking you out. Or at least you hope so.

You make the last turn and see what is left of the Academy ahead of you. Alone of the buildings in this area, the academy has been burnt to the ground. There is one ray of  hope however. Vencarlo lived in a house attached to the academy by a covered walkway. Amazingly, it appears to be standing. And there is a light in one of the windows.

"Looks like Davalus' orders were carried through despite his Absence."

Vaddis carefully leads the way to Vencarlo's house.

Selvin let out a long sigh as he eyed the burned down building. "This just hasn't been a good month." He shook his head and followed after Vaddis.

"I'm sure not a soul in Korvosa would disagree with you at this rate," Izzick said, exhausted by this point, but glad that the maidens were opting not to give chase. Why was another question altogether, but he hoped Vencarlo might be able to say more.

At this point, Tarrov was too beaten-down, tired, and depressed to add anything to the conversation, which was quite an indictment of the whole conversation.  He pushed forward, following Vaddis to Vencarlo's, looking forward to a place of safety and sleep, even if just for the night.

As you approach the house, your legs aching from thigh to heel and your stomachs growling, you hear no noises from inside. The light, in a downstaris window, remains stationary and a quick glance shows it is the banked fire in a study fireplace. Vencarlo may be in for the night.

A knock on the front door though brings no one. Continued attempts also result in nothing. The door is locked, but not barrd from the inside. Vencarlo is not at home.

You consider a moment. As you do a light drizzle begins. To the west, lighting flashes in the sky. Of course it does. Why wouldn't it?

You find a window whose latch is poorly fastned. A dagger would slip easily between the panes and flip that latch off. Of course there are numerous abandonded buildings to shelter in. But there was a tidy stack of firewood by that fireplace. And Vencarlo seems to be a man who would have a full larder. And also the type not to mind if a cause is urgent.

Going in? 

It was clear from the conversation that the others knew Vencarlo pretty well, so he left the decision whether to enter uninvited to them.
Chandanar glances up at the sky, the drizzle surely would strengthen if the lightning strokes were any indication.
"A warm place sure would be nice."
"However, if you know Vencarlo that well, maybe it's just as obvious to our enemies to find us here. True, the soldiers did turn back, but...", he offers.

"I leave it to Tarrov. I am against going in uninvited though if you wish my opinion."

Moving us on... 

The Bard shrugs. "Needs must when the devil has the reigns..."

The window opens easily. Once inside you find a pleasant though quiet home. Suprisingly for Vencarlo, it is a simple affair. The downstairs contains a study...the room with the fireplace, a kitchen, and a guest room. Upstairs is the master bedroom and a bathroom with an actual bath.

A pot of a simple bean soup is prepared and can be reheated on the fire. Vencarlo seems to be well stocked with wine. The bathtub has one of those pipes attached to a rain resevoir on the roof. Filling it is easy. He even has one of those magicked warming stones you can place in the water to heat it to a nice temperature. The only thing missing is a host.

You can rest if you desire. If you want to poke around for a clue where Vencarlo has gone, roll me some perception checks. And if you set a guard rotation, let me know who is taking what shift. Also, what are you doing with Davalus? He is still dead.

Tarrov looked around in consternation.  He hoped something hadn't happened to the old swordmaster.  It seemed like too many bad things were happening to the good people of Korvosa lately.  The silver-haired bard pushed his fatigue aside for a moment to take stock of Vencarlo's residence, trying to figure out what had happened to him or where he had gone.

21:13, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 18 using 1d20+8. Perception Check.

Obviously his newfound companion knew the house owner well.
Still, as they all try to find information about Vencarlo's whereabouts he gets the feeling that his companions' anxiety increases.
"A well stocked wine cellar, of all things. Indication of much better times.", Chandanar sighs.

---

rolled 14 using 1d20+9. Perception.

Vaddis looks for clues.

06:18, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 18 using 1d20. Perception.

Selvin lets the rest look around the place for clues. He keeps an eye out for any trouble heading their way. It would be bad for them to be caught off-guard again.

With Selvin keeping the weary eye out, the rest of you spread out to look over the house. A few interesting things present themselves.

First, you find an odd package in the larder. Or more accurately two backpacks. They are atocked with trail rations, dried meats, rope, and gear for camping. A lantern sits by them, trimmed and filled with oil.

Second, in the wine racks, you find two bottles filled with a puplish liquid that is obviously not wine. Experience has shown you all it is some of the medicinal concoction that is used for treating wounds on the battlefield. The bottles are sealed tight and there is easily ten glasses worth between the two of them Consider them Cure Serious Wounds caster level 8. 10 doses, 5 doses a bottle. 

Lastly are some notes on a desk. Several of them are drafts written by Vencarlo to various people. He asks each of them if they have seen Salvatore, as Vencarlo owes him a payment on a commission. There is a response mixed in with them.

Vencarlo,

Salvatore has gone back to 'work' for Pilts I hear. Pity, as I much preferred the commisioned pieces he did for Neolandus, especially the more recent ones. I hear the Queen would like to talk to Neolandus about purchasing one, but they seem to keep missing each other. What is one to do? I am leaving the city. I hope things work out for you.

G 

The three names in the note are easy enough to place.

Salvatore Scream. An artist whose work runs to the macarbe. He is well regarded in certain circles for his depictions of devils and demons. He is mostly known for the sets he creates for the infamous theater the Exicitaboe Excrements. It's a theater here in Old Korvosa owned run by a man named Swastel Pilts. Pilts is well known as being an afficianado of the bizzare and creepy. His theater often put on the blood soaked plays so dear to the Chelaxian tastes.

The last name, Neolandus, is he big shocker. Neolandus is...was...the chief advisor to the late King. Supposedly he 'retired' when the Queen took the throne. In reality he disappeared. You may have thought he disappeared into the castle dungeons. But this note seems to suggest otherwise.

"Does anyone see Vencarlo?" Izzick asks, as he reads over some of the letters, hoping for hints, but finding little of help really. Of course, if Vencarlo wasn't home, perhaps Pilt would know where he was...either way, how long he could stay awake was wearing thin, and reading business letters wasn't helping matters.

"This cannot really refer to Salvatore's pieces of art, can it ? Even if we assume that Neolandus was into that kind of art, would the Queen not take a short and talk to the fellwo directly rather than trying to initate a meeting via Neolandus ?"

Vaddis reads the letters but says nothing at the moment, keeping his thoughts to himself.

Selvin listened from where he stood vigilant watch, focusing on what he was doing more than what his allies were saying but trying to keep an 'ear open'. His eyebrows rose when he heard the name Salvatore Scream. "Interesting. Should we see about talking with either, or both, of them next? Perhaps they will know where Vencarlo is at?"

"Well," said Tarrov thoughtfully, holding up the notes, "this is a surprise.  I've never been a fan of Pilts' work myself, but it sounds like he and Salvatore could be neck deep in a resistance to the Queen, and that Neolandus," he tapped the notes, "isn't as dead or incarcerated as we'd been dead to believe.  I say we head to the theater and see if we can find them there, and what they have to say.  It's possible we can team up.  And I agree, Selvin, they might know something about where Vencarlo is."

As you all discuss the implications, you go about the business of relaxing. The soup is filling and the wine is soothing. Sleep beckons.

Setting up a guard schedule, you each manage to catch forty. You have rested. I am assuming you burned some magic and everyone is healed up. Spells are refreshed and all is right with the world. 

It is two hours before dawn. The drizzle has become a rain. The lightning passed over sometime around midnight. And there's srill no sign of Vencarlo. The last of you comes downstairs, scratching your behind and yawning after your power nap. The five of you, six if you count Davalus' corpse, are gathered in the study. It seems you need to track down either Salvatore or Pilts. Maybe both. The most likely place to start is at Pilts theater, the Excitable Excrement. Fortunately it is somewhat of an infamous landmark. You know generally where it is. East of here, on the other side of Old Korvosa.

As you ready to leave, a glance out the front door gives you pause. Was that movement down in the wreckage of the fencing academy? You watch but see nothing. It could be a dog. Then again, you could exit out the kitchen window. It leads out to an alley that will take you further into the quiet slum.

Tarrov knelt down and looked at the others.  "I think we should go out the window.  I'd think I was being paranoid if I hadn't just experienced the last couple of weeks here."  He jerked his head toward the window.  "Vencarlo's house probably isn't being watched, but if it is let's try and get away undetected."

Vaddis nods and goes to check on the window.

The alley through the window, from what you can see, seems clear Vaddis . There are shadows at the far end, but the way is narrow. So there can't be too many hiding that way if there are any hiding that way.

The view out the front door is not. Definite movement down in the ruins of the academy. Three, maybe four figures. They seem rather obvious of a sudden.

Chandanar nods and heads to the window to follow Vaddis.

Selvin called his friend to him once he woke up for the day in his minute-long ritual. He let out a sigh of relief once they were joined once more. He always felt more vulnerable without his ally.

When they were going to leave, movement and discussion ensued. He gave a nod to the window suggestion, climbing out and getting ready to fly up if needs be. He began to head away from the shadowy people for the moment.

The rain has washed away the heat of the day as well as quite a bit of the garbage usually strewn about such alleys. The alley runs into the street in one direction and down into a maze of old tenement buildings that are so common in Korvosa, both the old and new sections of the city.

Ya'll can head out to the main street you came in on. It will put you about  a hundred feet from the ruins of the fencing academy but gives you a straight shot to the area you're headed for. Whether any pursuers would see you is up to your stealth rolls. You can also head further into themtenements and work your way in the direction you need to go. Slower, but pursuit if there is any would be more difficult.

"That way," voted Tarrov, indicating the tenements.  "Slower, but surer.  And at this point I think we'd be much more popular there than agents of the crown."  He grinned at the others.  "And some of you aren't very sneaky.  Not naming any names here," he said, studiously not looking at Vaddis.

Chandanar was quite aware that his own skills at stealth were lacking, seriously so.
"Yes, to the tenements. Hopefully we can lose them.", he nodded

Looking incredulously at Tarrov, "Me?" with a look of mock hurt, he smiles and heads for the tenements.

Selvin gave a nod. "Sounds like the right call to me. Let's go." He grinned at Vaddis and Tarrov.

Izzick agreed, considering adding to a disguise on top, but deciding against it - if yesterday had proved anything - it was that it might be a long while before they were able to rest and he was able to regain his spells.

You all slip into the alleyway and head towards the darkened tenement.

The buildings here are intact. Or are as much as any slum in Korvosa ever is. You get the sense people are still about though they seem to be in hiding. Gicen the state of the city can you boame them?

At first you think it is nerves. Certain shadows move as you approach them. Sounds of movement like a pebble being kicked or the creak of wood sound ahead or behind or above you. But no mass of evil boils out.

But as you move it becomes obvious you are not paranoid. Your pursuers are following from above. You see their shadows on the rooftops. And you see them more often. Either they are growing bolder or there are more of them...

You finally catch sight of one. A small hairless humanoid, no bigger than a halfling. But with long spindly arms and a looping gait hoping from one rooftop to another. A Choker. One of the many evil demihumans that pray on the poor of Korvosa. The city is lousy with them in some areas. And you seem to have stumbled into such an area.

They aren't anything too dangerous in small numbers. But the pack who is tracking you seems large. Perhaps twenty of them. Maybe more. They seem content at the moment to follow from above. But how long will that last?

Your day just gets suckier and suckier. Don't it?

"Perhaps we should alter course before they overwhelm us?"

"We would need to move where there are no roofs for them to climb on top of us. Get into open ground.", Chandanar adds with a nod.

"Heading back might be just as dangerous," Izzick said, not wanting to think about who might have followed them to Vencarlo's academy unseen in their exhaustion. Not wanting the thing to get anywhere near attacking him, he began to chant out a spell of Protection from Evil, touching each of his allies.

Communal Protection From Evil!
2 minutes for Izzick and Selvin, 1 minute for everyone else

+2 AC and +2 to saving throws against attacks from evil creatures. Some other benefits, but not entirely sure they're relevant against Chokers

Selvin grew anxious as the feeling of being watched increased. Then the tension expanded once they realized the threat. His eyebrows shot up, "That's...a lot of 'em." He resisted the urge to fly up above the roofs so the chokers couldn't get to him. It wouldn't help his allies and he preferred to leave that until the right moment when he could use it to the group's advantage.

"What are these ?, Chandanar says, feeling the anxiety building as more and more of the strange creatures were closing in on them.

---

rolled 8 using 1d20. Knowledge Choker ?
No bonuses from skill applied since I don't know what it is, please apply correct skill

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestia...s/aberrations/choker

It would be Int Chandanar. You would be familiar with them as they are a problem in Korvosa in general. Sort of like rats but much more touchy feely. See the link to their entry in the SRD.

The alley empties out into a cul-de-sac. A lane dead ends in a circle of buildings. They seem to be two or three story homes with no lights in any windows. Across the small cobblestone yard, another alley begins.

Above, you hear the slamp stomp as the pack of chokers alight on the roofs above. They seem to be getting bold and more forward in their presence. Twenty seems ot have been a low ball figure. But not more than thirty.

The immediate obvious options seem to be making a run for it or finding a defensible position. If you run, you could break for the alley on the other side of the courtyard run up the lane. You could run into one of the buidlings and make them come to you.

We actually have a servicable map. Sort of. Key is:
1) the lane out
2) the other alley
3) your current location.

There is a well in the middle of the cul de sac. The gaps in the wall lines are entryways to the buildings. The chokers seem to be on the roof tops of all surronding buildings. Assume a 10'/square distance. 

Tarrov looked up to the rooftops, an annoyed look on his face.  "Well, we're probably not going to outrun them.  We either need to get to a place where they don't want to follow, or we need to present them with a such a hard target that they don't feel the game is worth the candle."  Tarrov gestured to the surrounding area.  "They're used to dealing with weak individuals or groups.  Not us.  So if we can make ourselves seem even tougher . . ."

OOC:  Tarrov casts Silent Image to create the image of reinforcements silently joining us from 1).

Vaddis gives a grim smile, "Only twenty of them to kill, not bad odds I'd be saying, only five to one, which makes it about even money we all leave in one piece and they all die," he says loud enough for them to hear as he draws his blade yet again.

"Blessed Iomedae, guide my blade to strike true those that would dare attack your holy servant and paladin!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:13, Sat 04 July 2015.

The Choker tribe whimpers and moans. Not in a good way. The extra numbers created by Tarrov's illusion are giving them pause...but not making them give up.

It seems they're waiting on you to make the first move...

So what's the plan? Stride out and take them on in the open courtyard? Thankw.

His new companions have confidence, so much was obvious about them. The casual comment of the paladin unsettles him a bit, for he was not a good fighter.
"Well, let's draw them out into the open yard, so we have them all in sight. Wouldn't want to be dragged up to the roofs, right?"
So saying, the cleric casts a spell and draws his blade while walkkng out into the yard.

Archon Aura, DC17 (Will)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:44, Mon 06 July 2015.

And we're off...

As Chandanar steps forward, the Chokers begin making an odd sort of hooting noise. A battlecry maybe? They begin to scatter all over the rooftops, looping with ease from eave to eave and begining to encircle the courtyard.

Some begin to work their way down drainpipes. A group of them are squeezing down the sides of the wall in the alley behind you. But they aren't rushing.

At least not until someone cracks the whip. Literally. The sound of a bullwhip, so vivid in the mind of anyone who's traveled with Tarrov , breaks the silence. And the Chokers come a-tumblin' down.

I'll assume each of you had a moment to make some kind of preperation before now. If you did, let me know what it was. Otherwise, let's go. Do not roll init. You act first. Assume three chokers a piece are are coming at you. Izzy, if you are fireballing it, let me know what direction. Oh. Almost forgot.

As the long armed foul beasts come charging, the moment is broken by a sudden whoosh. A crossbow bolt flys past Chandanar's face and bounces off the lane at Vaddis' feet.

""So many...", Chandanar mutters when he is suprised by the bolt flying past him.
The crack of the whip, now a crossbow shot. Someone brighter than a choker is behind this ambush !, he thinks furiously.
The priest focuses on the Chokers rushings towards him and calls forth the bright power of his chosen goddess.
If the front chargers are struck blind maybe they stumble and thus stall the whole attack...

---

Standard Action: Cast Burst of Radiance, DC16 Reflex
rolled 9 using 5d4. BoR Damage to Evil creatures.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/.../b/burst-of-radiance
Move Action: move in such a way as to have my back covered by another party member

Spells in effect:
Protection against Evil
Archon's Aura DC17 (Will)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:45, Mon 06 July 2015.

Izzick began to chant as soon as they decided to fight, letting loose a pin sized ball of flame that exploded on contact with one, hoping to take at least a few with it.

Wherever I can get as many of them and none of us with the fireball is where I fire it. If they're all evenly spread out across the buildings, hopefully at least 3-5 of them.

23:57, Today: Izzick rolled 24 using 8d6. damage, DC 18 for half.
+1 due to my favored class bonus so:
25 damage, reflex save of DC18 for half

Vaddis detects evil, knowing what the outcome likely is.

09:59, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 7 using 1d8+3. longsword damage.
09:59, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 22 using 1d20+11. longsword attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:00, Tue 07 July 2015.

Selvin cast a spell on the group just before things got started making everyone faster and able to move much quicker than normal. Then he flew forward with a roar of challenge, fangs and claws streaking and electricity flashing around him.

OOC: Cast Haste on the group before we start it up.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/h/haste

Selvin makes a charge towards the three coming at him.

10:46, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 16,29,25,28,20 using d20+12,d20+12,d20+12,d20+12,d20+12. Full hasted charge.
10:47, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 11,11,13,9,12,11 using 2d6+3,2d6+3,2d6+3,2d6+3,2d6+3,2d6+3. Damage in order if attacks hit.

Well Izzy that's because I forgot to upload the map last time. Sorry sir. I directed your fireball as you thinned the herd considerably.

Key for the map.

Blue is Vaddis
Purple, Selvin
Silver Tarrov
Orange is Chandanar
Green is Izzy baby

Yellow blobs are Chokers.

The red squiggles are the flames from the fireball. I would draw in charred little Choker corpses. But we all already know the extent of my artistic abbilities. Anyhoo...

The first round of the wave definitely goes in your favor. The brigt flash from the priest sets up the whole vanguard of the Chokers to fall beneath sword and claw and tail and other various appendages. Tarrov  cracks his whip, keeping those coming frombehind at bay. Then Izzick  lobs his small bit of fire over your heads and into the northeast corner of the courtyard, straight into a large knot of them. The blast decimates the second wave. You realize that withint a space of moments your party has cut the hrong of Chokers down by half. Damn your good.

Then Tarrov cries out, "Behind us!"

A quick glance shows a massive form emerging from the alley. A man easily six four wearing black leathers and weilding a large axe. His head is covered in a hood. He rushes for you, inpgnoring the Chokers who move aside to give him room.

As Selvin tears into the Chokers, Chandanar realizes that he has a few more moments before he would need to join actual melee. In fact, he might not even need to.
Tarrov's warning makes his head snap around and the priest chants for the guidance of Iomedae to battle their foes. A bright longsword, shimmering with a divine blueish light appears above the hooded axe-wielder and strikes at him.

---

Standard: Cast Spiritual Weapon at the humanoid figure
rolled 28,5 using 1d20+10,1d8+2. Spiritual Weapon (attack, damage).
Move: Ready Shield, move closer to where the figure appears, so if it attacks an ally it will be inside range of Archon's Aura

Spells in effect:
Protection against Evil
Archon's Aura DC17 (Will)
Haste
Spiritual Weapon
This message was last edited by the player at 05:43, Wed 08 July 2015.

Selvin heard Tarrov's cried-out warning but he was busy with the Chokers at the moment so he hoped that the other man could hold things for a few more seconds at least. He kept up the attacks on the chokers with his symbiote's claws, fangs and tail stinger.

OOC: Full attack on the Chokers again. Hit ACs 22, 28, 19 and crit 30 (& 19 confirm) for 10, 10, 9 and 14 damage respectively.

09:29, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 22,13,28,19,30 using d20+10,d20+10,d20+10,d20+10,d20+10. Attack on chokers.
09:30, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 19 using 1d20+10. Critical hit confirmation.
09:31, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 10,10,9,14 using 2d6+3,2d6+3,2d6+3,3d6+6. Damage including critical hit as the last one.

Izzick formed an orb of fire in each hand this time, not requiring something as big as a fireball, but rather two scorching rays to focus the new executioner-esque target.

Scorching Ray
12:16, Today: Izzick rolled 20 using 1d20+7. Ray 1.
12:16, Today: Izzick rolled 17 using 4d6+1. Ray1.

12:16, Today: Izzick rolled 25 using 1d20+7. Ray 2.
12:17, Today: Izzick rolled 14 using 4d6+1. Ray2.
Ranged touch attacks, so pretty sure I'll hit and hard!

Nice double team by the spell casters. Vaddis I did your haste for you on the last round. You crit'd. My dice continue to love you guys.

As Selvin and Vaddis  cut another swath throug the Chokers. Five more go down. One manages to snake it's arms around Zac's neck. It squeezes.

The burly man gets hit in the head with the glowing ethereal sword and then seared by the twin rays. He stumbles backwards, unsure of what exactly just happened. His swing at Tarrov goes wild.

The remaining Chokers fall back, scrambling for the walls of the surronding buildings. Only the one on top of Selvin/Zac is still wihtin range.

You all hear someone curse. Whoever it was does not show themselves.

Alright. One choker and one axe man left. I figured you guys wouldn't have any problems with this.

Chandanar stays close to the brute to thwart his aggression with his aura.
Form the corner of his eyes he notices that Selvin might be in Trouble but does not expect him not to be able to handle the single remaining Choker himself.
The bright sword continues to slash at the hulking figure. That tower of a man seems to be able to take a lot of punishment.

---

Spiritual Weapon:
rolled 18,10 using 1d20+10,1d20+5. SW: Attacks.
rolled 10,9 using 1d8+2,1d8+2. SW: damage.

Standard: Delay
Move: Stay close to the hooded axe-wielder, so if it attacks an ally it will be inside range of Archon's Aura

Spells in effect:
Protection against Evil
Archon's Aura DC17 (Will)
Haste
Spiritual Weapon

"Hah, look at the yellow bellies scatter! Come down and meet us on equal terms, your minions failed to make a mark, coward!" Vaddis challenged the 'man' on the roof.

He then shifted to attack the choker on Zack.

09:18, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 13 using 1d20+11. longsword attack.

"Damnation!"

Damnation indeed.

The Choker sort of looks back at you Vaddis. It kicks back a foot in the direction of your face at the last moment. You have to step back and your swing goes sideways. It begins to squeeeeeeeeeeezzzzeeee Selvin/Zac's neck.... 8 pts damage. Dice got uppity on ya Selvin.

The hulking figure grunts as you slash at him Chandanar. You hear the bard chanting...or maybe that's the sorcerer...but either way you are too preoccupied to take note. Big Hood manages a glancing blow off your shoulder. 'Glancing' in the same way as an umberhulk landing just to the left of a chicken's egg. Shell may not be cracked but you do feel scrambled. 9 pts Chandanar.

Izzick saw the blow and knew the best he could do was hopefully weaken the target and make that axe too heavy to carry.

13:41, Today: Izzick rolled 18 using 1d20+7. Ray of Enfeeblement.
13:42, Today: Izzick rolled 7 using 1d6+4. Str loss.
He loses 7 strength, Fort DC15 for half
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:33, Sat 11 July 2015.

The choker grabbed Selvin and apparently started squeezing immediately. But like the old saying goes about grabbing a tiger by the tail...you've still got a hold of a TIGER! Selvin twisted about as he lashed out with his symbiote's natural weapons at the creature 'holding' him.

OOC: I assume if you can attack while grappled, then you can full attack but if that's wrong, ignore all but the first attack. So hit AC 26 for 10 damage (and if I get the other attacks I also hit AC 27 for 11 damage).

13:29, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 26,16,13,15,27 using d20+8,d20+8,d20+8,d20+8,d20+8. Attack on Choker.
13:33, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 8,2,9,2 using d6+3,d6,d6+3,d6. Damage on choker.

The pressure around Zac's neck lessens Selvin. Choker goo squirrs out over the two of you as you tear the beastie apart.

The hooded man makes another swing at Chandanar but misses.

You guys go 

Vaddis steps up to the big guy in black and sinks his blade in deeply! "Die hell spawn!"

07:38, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 7 using 1d8+3. longsword damage.
07:38, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 26 using 1d20+11. longsword attack.

How had he ended up standing right next to the brute?
He did not have a good recollection. The brute must be quicker than he had anticipated and so the priest was busy defending himself.
The summoned blade continues to slash at his foe but fails to do any damage.
Chandanar slashes out with his own blade, causing a deep gash in the brute's forearm.

---

So it looks like I am in melee with the brute after all...

18:53, Today: Chandanar Jedekiah rolled 12,3 using 1d20+8,1d8+2. own attack damage hasted.
18:53, Today: Chandanar Jedekiah rolled 13,4 using 1d20+2,1d8+2. own attack damage 2nd.
18:52, Today: Chandanar Jedekiah rolled 9 using 1d8+2. crit damage.
18:52, Today: Chandanar Jedekiah rolled 21 using 1d20+8. confrim crit.
18:51, Today: Chandanar Jedekiah rolled 28,7 using 1d20+8,1d8+2. own attack damage 1st.
18:50, Today: Chandanar Jedekiah rolled 11,9 using 1d20+5,1d8+2. SW, attack damage (2nd).
18:50, Today: Chandanar Jedekiah rolled 11,6 using 1d20+10,1d8+2. SW, attack damage (1st).

16 damage vs AC21

The hooded man's head turns into a brilliant wet, red firework. His arms pinwheel and he slumps backwards as he dies.

You all peer into the gloom of the night. No other attackers issue forth to challenge you.

"Looks like we have a few more enemies than just the maidens," Izzick said as he looked down at the man, trying to see if he had anything on him that could identify his person.

The priest looks at his companions, none seemed to have taken any major wound. He Refrains from healing the minor bruises and scratches.
"No sense in lingering too long, the crossbowman msut still be here somewhere.", he urges them to continue.

Vaddis quickly searches the bodies physically to determine anything he could by what he found.

Selvin sucked in a gasping breath as the squeezing stopped and caught his breath once more. Then he grinned, "Maybe we should'a kept 'im alive t'question 'im?" He chuckled and began loping along again.

The large man's chest has the same tattoos you saw on the bodies of the doctors back in the...whatever that underground place was. Red Mantis. It seems the Queen has retained the cult's services.

One of the chokers has a pouch slung over it's shoulder. Inside are a collection of various pieces of jewelery. Probably taken from victims. This one must have been a vollector of shiny things. Most of the items are junk. But there are a couple of pieces. Some jade earrings and a small silver anklet with amthyest inlays Worth 500 and 750 gp respectively.

The big man's axe is finely made. Not that he used it well. But the fault was not with the weapon itself. Masterwork battleae He also has a small scrap of paper wedged into a pocket. It is just a note reading Targets are high priority  and listing allof your names except Chandanar's.  Though it does add 'unidentified priest' at the end.

The crossbowman seems to have decided escape is the better part of valor here. Or stealth is the better part. No bolts come flying towards you.

Withnothing else to find here, you begin moving. The sun is just starting to shade the horizon with the color of a bruise when hou arrive at the theater.

Exemplary Excrements has seen better days. Or maybe with a name like that it has always looked like this. The theater is run down with large holes knocked in several of the walls. A smell like rotting meat reeks from inside and inside the lobby you come across the body of a dead pig. The pig looks like it was beaten to death, though the rats have been at it. Oddly it seems to be covered in dried blood. Completely covered. It should not be this covered from it's wounds. The lobby itself looks torn up as if some ferocious battle occured here. But other than the pig, there is no sign of what became of the losers.

The theater itself is empty. A quick inspection shows no living soul. There is an office upstairs. It has been ransacked. Someone has painted the words REVEL SWINE! I AM YOUR KING!!!  along one wall. Backstage are several dressing rooms and a space which appears given over to set design. A large backdrop obviously for a show is set against the back wall. Many of you have never seen one of Salvatore Scream's paintings. But the rumors about his work don't do justice to his...talent.

The backdrop is fifteen feet long and twenty feet high, painted on heavy wood. The scene it depcts is Hell. There is no other place it could be. Heaps of damned souls erupt from the landscape like burst postules on a leper's skin. Against the crimson sky, winged figures descend to swoop up the doomed from their heaps and lift them up to be torn apart in midair. Behind them all sits a massive figure in the distance. A dragon perhaps. It is hard to tell. Or more accurately, it is difficult to stare at it. Even at a distance it is too disturbing a figure to focus on. The work is skillful in the worst kind of way. The painting suggests a sort of realism that can only come from experience. Salvatore Scream must have looked into Hell. And from what you can see here, Hell must have looked back into him.

As you stare at the painting, sounds carry towards you. Voices. Someone has entered the theater from the stage door.

"Is it back here then?"

"Yeah. Damn thing's massive. Gonna take us all ta carry it."

" Why tha hell he want it anyway?"

Another man laughs. "Tell ya what. Why don' ya ask tha Emperor that yaself an' see what he tells ya..."

Five men, all commoners from the look of them, are heading across the stage in your direction.

“Well, that’s disconcerting,” said Tarrov, tapping the paper that listed their names.  “But it’s a good sign as well, I suppose.  We’re definitely annoying somebody important enough for them to want us out of the way.”  He went over to look at the battleaxe-wielder’s tattooed skin.  “I’m not sure what this design means,” he looked up at the others, “but I think we can be confident that whoever’s wearing it is up to no good.”

Tarrov frowned during the entire journey to the theater—not the usual thing for such an affable young man.  Their arrival didn’t make him feel much better.  The dead pig, the strange words, and the “art” combined to create a very foreboding atmosphere.

The bard looked around at the others, motioned for them to hide, then strode across the stage towards the men.  “Who are you?”  He queried imperiously, as if he had every right to be in the theater and the commoner workmen most definitely did not.  “And why are you here?”

The five men come up short, staring at you all as if you were hobgoblins dressed in formal ballgowns. They look to be run of the mill cmmoners, armed at best with long knives and wooden mallets. They narrow their eyes and mutter amongst themselves when they see Izzick. Then they see Selvin/Zac and begin to dance around in place.

"Wha's that then? Tha glowy elfy lookin' whatzit?"

"'s like Sam's mudder. Hairy. Mean lookin'. And always got an elf inside it."

"Oy! Don't be talkin' about my mudder. "

"Oy! Cheez it! These guys look wobbly! Mind your yappers!" One of them glares at the others than looks back at you, licking his lips nervously. "We're jus' some blokes. Jus' some loyal followers a' his newly self-appointed wondafulness King Pig. Tha's all. " He points at the backdrop you were all 'admiring'.

"We jus' came for that. King Pig wants it. Alrigh'? I mean it iz hiz an' all."

"The queen married a pig?" Vaddis asks.

Chandanar almost chuckles aloud at Vaddis' words, but can hold on. He had hidden as Tarrov had bidden as was listening closely and attentively to the strange exchange.

Selvin sits down behind Tarrov, looking for all the world like a bored bodyguard, as the 'cat' started to lick it's paw and claws one by one. He stayed silent and let Tarrov do the talking, while he tried not to be too intimidating.

"This?"  Tarrov hooked a thumb over his shoulder, towards the backdrop.  "Did he tell you that personally?  I was planning on using it for a production of my own, and I thought he was okay with that."  Tarrov pondered.  "Maybe I should go talk to him myself."


OOC:  Knowledge - Local Check re: King Pig

Using Lore Master Ability, Knowledge Check is 30.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Thu 16 July 2015.

Vaddis' comment draws outright laughter from the five men.

"Well why shouldn' a sow marry a hog?"

"Sure'n the right feller 'ld make her as happy as a Queen 'n shit! "

"Kinda gives new meanin' ta tha sayin' 'pig in a poke' huh?"

"Quiet you," says the one in charge, though he is grinning as broadly as the others. The tension in the air has melted. Guy-in-Charge shrugs happily at Tarrov. "Don' know nothin' about any a' that. If tha King says fetch we fetch. I mean it is his theater," he says gesturing to the space you are standing in. "So if he wants his weird-as-ass paintin' who'm I ta say the nay? C'mon. Give us a hand gettin' this on tha cart an' we'll walk ya over."

Tarrov, from the man's comments, it seems safe to assume King Pig is the former Swatsel Pitts, owner of this fine theater. From what you know of Pitts, pig is the right animal. Though his elevation to royalty is a more recent development since you've heard nothing about it.

The men have a mule team and cart outside. The backdrop is heavier than it looks and it takes you the better part of an hour to get it into the cart and lashed into the cart. Guy-in-Charge motions you to follow and off you all go. A few questions get you some of the story and confirms what you've probably guessed at.

"Oh yeah," says one f the men. "When tha Blood Mist hit it took us here in Ol' Korvosa first. We had 'em dyin' on tha streets."

"So her Pigginess Queen Bitchy tha First slaps uppa wall on the bridge an' tells us 'good luck wid all that dyin', ya hear'.  "

"My Josephine got taken. Heaven rest her soul."

"Ain't you sleepin' wid Josephine's sister? "

"Point is we all loss those near an' dear ta us." He glares at the other man than shakes his head wearily. "So's a' course we starts a' riotin'."

"First it was burns tha dead. Then burns the dyin'. An' soon anyone who's coughin' has a crowd surrondin' 'em, dousin' 'em with oil and roastin' 'em like fish onna stick."

"Well ya know how'n it is. Ya set one guy on fire, ya get the hankerin' ta set his missus on fire..."

"Anyway," Guy-in-Charge says as he clouts the last speaker on the head. "It was all mad chaos over here." He looks at you all. "I'm guessin' ya came from over tha bridge since ya didn' know none of this." He shrugs. "Can't help thinkin' things has been pretty much tha same over on tha other side a' that bridge. Well here, durin' all the lootin' an burnin' an' killin', King Pig started speakin' up. He went from corner ta corner, offerin' up prett words. People started lissenin' and put down the torches an' bricks. Mr. Pitts says tha Queen left us ta die so she ain't got no right to be our ruler no more. He says we can rule ourselves. So we says 'Nah on that. But how 'bout you do the rulin'?' An' he says yeah. So we gots us a King Pig now."

As you've been chatting, you've come into a more populated area. Slowly, more and more people are visible out on the street. They seem happy though you wonder if their joy might be shock induced. Children are busy kicking charred skulls arouns the street like balls. Women smile nervously and travel in groups, avoiding eye contact with any group if men they pass. Men are digging through rubble for anything of value that can be salvaged.

The cart turns a corner. "So anyways, here'ns tha King's house..."

House. Down the street is what remains of a more affluent section of the slum. The buildings are nicer at any rate. A block of buildings seems to be undergoing a transformation. Catwalks have been steung up between rooftops, connetcting building to building. Workers seem to be busy knocking down interior walls and building fortifications around the outside, turning the five or so buildings into one large makeshift keep. Pitts is building his castle. It seems some pigs really are more equal than others.

(Please move to the Court of King Pig thread. Thanks.)