[1.08] The Precise Execution
As the headsman hefts his axe, the already silent crowd freezes in anticipation. Yet just before he swings, the headsman gives a strange little grunt and staggers. His raised axe falters as he reaches with one hand to the small of his back and then brings it to his face, the fingers dripping with blood. An instant later, he cries out in pain and drops the axe as a dagger embeds itself in the back of his other hand. The axe sinks itself in the block inches from Trinia’s head, and the headsman doubles over in pain, revealing a second dagger that’s already embedded in the small of his back. Trinia rises to her knees, glancing up at the executioner in shock as a scream echoes through the crowded courtyard:
"By the gods! It’s Blackjack!"
An instant later, a man dressed in a hooded cloak and leather armor springs onto the executioner’s block. He wields a rapier in one hand and a dagger in the other. Blackjack cuts the bonds on Trinia’s wrists and then throws the dagger down to pin the executioner’s left foot to the wood below. He quickly helps Trinia to her feet and then briefly turns to address the shocked crowd.
"Yes indeed! Let us usher in justice, but let that be justice for Korvosa, not this shambles Ileosa petulantly call a monarchy! Long live Korvosa! Down with the Queen!"
Blackjack’s words spread like fire, causing the crowd to erupt into a frenzy of activity. Some demand that he release the assassin while others call for the queen to step down from the Crimson Throne. Queen Ileosa stands stunned for a few moments, whispers something to Sabina, and then quickly turns to flee into Castle Korvosa, Sabina and a dozen guards behind her to cover her retreat. The remaining guards in the courtyard move to apprehend Blackjack, but the gathered nobles, packed tight to watch the spectacle, make it difficult to move. At the same time, the executioner recovers from his wounds and lifts his axe once again over Blackjack, who seems to have momentarily forgotten the man in his apparent delight at having
forced the queen to flee.
Nearby Ayeesha and Kyra the Sable Company and their commander begin drawing their weapons and trying to push through the crowd towards the stage.
Near to Figus the Judge has a scowl on her face and turns, scanning for the nearest guard.
Near to Kraw, Lord Glorio gives out a laugh and raises his cup of wine, toasting the theatrics that are going on.
There are dozens of guards along the walls and throughout the crowd but none of them are in a good position to quickly assist the headsman. The guards that had been around the execution platform were all covering the Queen's retreat leaving Blackjack to fight alone against the massive executioner.
Meanwhile the crowd is beginning to ripple as some try pushing closer to the stage and others try to turn and flee. The panic within the audience and their tightly packed nature threatens to turn the courtyard into a meatgrinder where people might get trampled or crushed as the forces within the crowd push and pull in excitement or panic.
OOC: Everyone can state their actions and, if appropriate, make an associated roll. For example if you try to calm the crowd you might make a diplomacy roll or distract a guard with a bluff check or try to push through the crowd faster with acrobatics or escape artistry. These aren't set actions though so feel free to be creative.