DrK Crimson Throne IC

[rax]

"We will of course be glad to return the brooch to the queen post haste, but after that I must let my family know that I am well and that Lamm is dead. Having done this, I will be happy to return here and learn of the matters you require assistance with, but I must warn you that I have also promised to aid Bishop Keppira in rooting out a cult of necromancers he says has been spreading in the city of late. Honour demands that I assist him first," Cassian answers the Field Marshal.

[Haval]

Andrei will hand over the ledger. 'Lamm didn't seem like the type of man to have children on purpose. If Winifred is correct I wonder what sort of life a child of his would have had. Regardless, it seems too much to hope for that a person like that simply stopped killing. I would appreciate any help with the matter that you can provide Milady.' The offer to meet the Queen seemed a little too good to be true. Even if he couldn't get back into the Academae it sounded like at least he wouldn't have to worry about employment. To the others, 'If this business with Mortimer and his friend turns out to be dangerous enough I think it would be worth keeping the Marshall informed. It would be nice to think we can call on someone for assistance if we need it.'

[rax]

"Lamm had many children, none of them his own. Considering how they were treated, it's no stretch of the imagination that one them was twisted into the Key-Lock Killer - with all the madness that entails - but an even simpler explanation is that Lamm came into possession of the dagger the same way he did the rest of his possessions - through common thievery," Cassian sniffs.

[Haval]

"Lamm had many children, none of them his own. Considering how they were treated, it's no stretch of the imagination that one them was twisted into the Key-Lock Killer - with all the madness that entails - but an even simpler explanation is that Lamm came into possession of the dagger the same way he did the rest of his possessions - through common thievery," Cassian sniffs.

'No doubt, but would that mean he had some idea of where the dagger came from? I don't suppose Lamm was the kind of person to take detailed notes.'

[rax]

"Perhaps there's something in the ledger if the dagger came to him through a "business transaction". I'm sure the Field Marshal's people will be able to find that out," Cassian replies.

[wilphe]

What you say may well be true. However it is a valid line of enquiry and if there is even a possibility that we may face a vengeful pattern killer I'd like to be ready

Anyway, her Majesty is waiting.

[DrK]

Field Marshall Kroft listens to the exchange and nods her head smartly in thanks as you hand her the ledger. "My thanks. It will prove useful I'm sure in rounding up his associates once the current madness dies down. Of course Master Cassian you must reassure your parents. But please after that return as soon as you are able I have a pair of matters that I could do with a more delicate touch than many of my officers can provide."

She walks to the door and shouts for a couple of guardsmen who come running "See these men to the Palace. They would see the queen this afternoon in her public audience and petitions. " Penning a quick note she seals it with a key of office hanging round her throat and hands it the older looking woman in her late forties. "Guardswoman Hannah here will see you to the Palace. I will pass word to the Guards here to admit you when you return."

The two guards waste no time in saluting before ushering you out of Kroft's stable briefing room and out of Citadel Volshyenek. Heaing across town both look around nervously as you can all hear drunken shouts and fights in the inns by the docks and a noticeable lack of stalls on the streets or dockers unloadng the ships. Instead the river ships are either standing empty, their crew who knows where or with gangplaks removed and armed crew visible on the decks. Twice during the short walk across the city you see flights of Sable Company marines atop the majestic (and fierce) Griffins plunge down from their patrols onto something happening in the city streets below!



Castle Korvosa's long shadow looms over the city as a testament to the power of whatever mighty overlord ruled this lands thousands of years ago. A magnificent achievement of architecture the castle walls and spires rise high into the sky as the castle itself is perched atop an ancient Thassilonian flat topped dark stone pyramid. Although one corner has partially collapsed the subsequent additions over the years from keen Korvosan stone wrights has created and impressive looking edifice and one of the most recognised structures in all of Varisia.

Approaching up the main stairways some 50ft wide you can see the gates at the top are locked tight with dozens of guards visible, including some in a strange uniform. They appear to be women in well designed plate mail with long red cloaks and scarfs and scarlet plumes to contrast wit the grey steel. The rest are the normal City Watch or some of the Palace guard you have seen before. Approaching the gates warily the Hannah calls out "Petitioners from the citadel, sent by the FieldMarshall." She offers the letter forward. A young Captain with a sneering face and a sharp chin grabs the letters from Hannah and flicks through the pages. "Fine, but make sure they behave. Any trouble and we'll shoot first and sort out the trouble later."

With that he nods you through a small side gate and you enter into a large courtyard for public audiences, announcements and other such things. You can see dozens of small outbuildings and unusually a group of ~15 women in red tabards with face covering helms all practicing swordplay under the watchful eye of one of the Plate Clad senior officers. Hannah looks at you, "I were too old for a Gray Maiden they said. the Queen only likes 'em young and pretty" She says the last with some bitterness, although plump and plain Hannah is!

Heading up the stairs from the courtyard into the lush red carpeted palace corridors the guards escorting you are met by a severe looking woman in grey steel plate and a red plumed helm held under her arm revealing a scarred face topped with close cropped reddish hair.



She looks at the city guards with thinly veiled contempt and the rest of you in a similar manner. "Greetings, they say you have something of the Queen's to return to her? Let me see and then you can remove your weapons and place them with the the guards" she adds the last motioning to a pair of plate armoured red cloaked woman standing in the lush richly decorated hall.

[wilphe]

"Fine, but make sure they behave. Any trouble and we'll shoot first and sort out the trouble later."

Winifred does her best to look as non-threatening as possible

"I were too old for a Gray Maiden they said. the Queen only likes 'em young and pretty"

Oh she does does she? Winifred preens slightly then wonders if she really wants to be doing that

. "Greetings, they say you have something of the Queen's to return to her? Let me see and then you can remove your weapons and place them with the the guards"

Yes Ma'am Winifred unfastens the broach and hands it over, Knives as well?

[rax]

"I'm sure it's their loss, guardswoman," Cassian replies diplomatically to Hannah's comment. "Let us hope Her Majesty does not live to regret mixing the requirements of a handmaiden with those of a person sworn to keep her safe from harm."

"Indeed we do," Cassian responds to the redheaded officer's inquiry with a nod to the brooch Winifred presents. He unfastens his sword belt but waits to turn it over to the guards until the officer has had a good look at the brooch. "I am Cassian of House Escalante, and these are my companions Miss Winifred and Andrei. I'm sorry - Captain, is it? I don't believe I caught your name?"

[Haval]

Andrei will point towards the distant diving Griffons. To Hannah, 'It's still going on then. Is there any chance it's getting better?'

He will hand over his weapons without complaint.

[wilphe]

Winfired sidles over to Andrei,

In this this wasn't on the curriculum at the Acadamae:

Don't talk unless spoken to

Don't make eye contact

Address her as "Her Majesty"

and never turn your back on her she looks at Cassian

Anything else? and at the Guard

Anything else we should know Ma'am? What mood is her highness in this morning pray?

[Haval]

Andrei nods at Winifred, 'Noted, but if I ever have to talk to the Queen something's gone very wrong.'

[DrK]

The Grey Maiden eyes you all with suspicion before nodding as you have disarmed. Waving to the two other helmed guards they pat you down efficiently before waving you on after the scarred red head. The Captain looks at Cassian and breaks her stony demanour slightly, "I am Captain Sabina Merrin, bodyguard to her highness. She has bid me welcome any adventuring groups of likely folk that seem loyal to the crown, and with Marshal Kroft's letter of recommednation you seem to fit the bill. Come, the Quenn will recieve you in the little hall where is meeting petitioners this afternoon."

Waving you on she (and the two other guards following you like shadows) leave Hannah by the doorway and head into the palace proper. THe entrance hall opens up into the wide corridor furnished with several side tables lining the walls upon which stand impressive marble busts of (you assume) previous kings and queens of the City. Walking up the passageway you are led through two more sets of double doors (each guarded by a helmed and cloaked Gray Maiden) and through an antechamber containing memorobilia of the Arabasti family, a great battle flag hung upon one wall whilst on the opposite wall facing it a pair of beautiful jousting lances of undeniably dwarven make crossed on the other wall. Leading through the second set of doors you enter a small reception room and Sabina bids you wait. Looking around you realise you are in a place of wealth and opulence. The walls are covered with tapestries edged and threaded with gold and other metallic threads and the ceiling itself has marble edges and displays of various nobles of Korvosa doing civic duties. A solid darkwood table stands in the corner, a sold gold candelbra (each of the 4 candle holders shaped like a nubile nude young maiden) is lit with the candles infused with a vanilla smell leaving you heady. After a moment Sabina returns and motions at the double doors.

As you step through a well heeled young man stands staright and announces your entrance into the little throne room. "I offer Cassian of House Escalante, Andrei Petran Acolytre of the esteemed Acadamae and Winifred Couper, a loyal subject...". The throne room is magnificent, lavishly decorated with frescoes mosaics and hanging tapestries of crimson silk embroidered with gold. Three colourful stained glass windows present scenes of past Kings and Queens and shed a rainbow of bright light focused upon the throne. A huge fireplace stands in the eastern corner its mantle shaped like an enormous stone tree spreading its branches up to the ceiling. On the opposite wall (to your left) the dais of granite rises, lit by the rainbow colours and bears the Crimson throne, a great throne of metals and iron spikes draped with red silks and crimson cushions and atop the throne sits the regal although veiled Queen Ileosa!

The queen is dressed in a black mourning dress, but even then you can see a hint of arrogance mixed with the beauty of youth and the grief of mourning. Sat in the throne she clutches a small silver coffer and has a number of noblemen and woman milling about in the room who all turn in surprise at the titles you are offered. As you enter Sabina drops to a knee and bows her head. "These are the loyal citizens who would return your brooch your majesty" she announces before rising and taking brooch up to the queen and handing it her.

The queen stoops forward to examine the brooch before rising to her feet in a swish of silk and speaking in a soft voice taht you have strain to hear. The accent is sharp and precise with a strong hint still of her Chelaxian roots. "This brooch was stolen from me some time ago - I had not expected to see it again truth be told. And yet, here, now, on my darkest day you come before me with kindness. the return of this brooch is more than an honourable deed, it is inspiration. it is hope."

As she speaks her voice strengthens and begins to be more like oration, something noted by the nobles and the servants who al stare with rapt attention at her. "I love Korvosa as my husband did before me and this brooch was a gift from him. See..." she points at the brooch, "The imps and drakes locked together, the guardians and delighters of the city ever here as I shall be... Pray tell me now how you came to find my precious gift that my beloved now dead husband gave to me.""

[wilphe]

Your majesty, we found it amid the ill gotten gains of a crimelord named Gaedran Lamm. He is, she pauses, no longer available to give an account of how it came to be in his possession. The Marshall has taken in hand the dismantling of what remains of his operations

[rax]

"Rank hath its privileges," Cassian mutters to himself as he takes in the decorations in the reception room.

With the return of Captain Merrin, he follows quietly into the throne room and takes the knee when she does. He is somewhat surprised when Winifred launches into her explanation of how they found the brooch, but does not interrupt. Instead, he waits for the Queen to respond.

[Haval]

Inside the palace Andrei will try to take everything in. History was hardly a focus of his education but it was hard not to pick up a few things in passing and so he'll idly try to identify some of the busts on the way to the reception room.

Inside the throne room he'll watch the Queen with interest, but will drop to one knee a second after Cassian does. If it was the expected thing to do. The Queen didn't seem especially sad to him, but who could say how she was feeling behind all that decorum.

Spoiler

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Magical Sense test vs. Wp 51 (+10 Aetheric Attunment)
(1d100)[95]

[DrK]

The queen and the assembled nobility listen to Winifred, clearly surprised that she speaks rather than the noble Cassian. As Winifred finishes the queen nods. ”I am sure my most capable Field Marshall shall restore order and bring justice for this crime.”

Pausing she gestures a servant forward. “now in this time of trouble as dissenters and traitors infest my beautiful city you have come. I reward you for your loyalty as I reward all those who are loyal to me and my beloved Korvosa.”

As she speaks of reward the servant offers Cassian the chest, a fine mahogany box that clunks slightly and weighs a fair amount.

The queen smiles benevolently at the trio, “We have need of loyalty in this city. Would you serve your Queen? Would you serve your city?

[wilphe]

Winifred stays kneeling and lets Cassian deal with this one, in any case he's the one who considers himself obligated elsewhere.

Instead she will keep her eyes and ears open for any interesting like to trying to work out if what people say about the queen is true

Spoiler: OOC

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(1d100)[69] Perception 41

[rax]

"Your Majesty, you honour us with your generosity and your trust," Cassian answers as he rises to accept the chest. "We thank you for the opportunity to serve the throne and the city. Marshal Kroft has already asked us to assist her and Bishop Keppira of the Cathedral of Pharasma has requested our aid in putting a stop to a band of necromancers. Are there other duties Your Majesty would also wish us to take on?"

[DrK]

The queen nods and smiles a thin tight smile at the words from Winifred and Cassian, although it's Andrei staying quieter who notices a subtle compression of the lips and flicker of annoyance at mention of the Bishop and his request. The queen leans froward and speaks quietly, "Ah, Lord Cassian, I thank you for the offer. The Marshall has my complete faith and nothing is more important than restoring peace and trade and prosperity to my poor city. Go to her and help her, the City needs you..." As she finishes she points to Sabina and makes a cutting motion with her finger.

At that the Captain of the guard approaches you and gestures you to leave. "Come now, The Queen and city thank you. I can show you to the antechamber..". Even as she speaks Andrei spie's the queen whispering a few words to a tall and beautiful woman who was one of the gaggle of silk clad nobility around the throne and the dais.

A few of them offer polite nods and smiles to you but most ignore you.

Do you leave happily?

[wilphe]

Winifred will rise from her position and follow Captain Sabrina, doing her best to not turn her back on the queen and being careful to return any polite smiles or nods that get offered from the assembled nobility and if possible get a handle on who they are for later observation

Spoiler: OOC

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(1d100)[51] Academic Knowledge: Heraldry/Genealogy 41

[Haval]

What was she angry at? Having a job offer from the Queen might be handy, but perhaps the offer still stood after this business with the Bishop was concluded. Andrei is too distracted watching the Queen and her advisor to reply but felt like that sounded like a dismissal anyway. Unless Cassian had anything to add, Andrei will keep an eye on the tall woman on the way out in the hope of working out who she was.

As soon as they were out of earshot of the any of the guards, 'You see that? I'd swear she's got a problem with the Bishop about something. I can't see her being that desperate to hire us.'

Spoiler

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We can have this conversation outside if there's anything else first.

[wilphe]

Winfired looks at Cassian, You still consider yourself pledged to the Bishop? Because I pretty much think we got given a direct order to report to the Marshall. This doesn't mean of course that we cannot work on multiple problems at once but we should at least go see her first.

Might even end up being the same issue because necromancers are bad for public order

Assuming Cassian opens the box and splits as before

She flicks one of hers at Hannah, Be careful where you spend that, it might not make you friends. she smiles thinly, So either someone worked very fast to cut the dies and mint these or the art was already ready to go.

She takes a closer look at the design

Spoiler: Coin

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It might be a red herring, but that seems a fast creation time. Of course it is also possible that it was being worked on before the King's death as he was in bad health or that they planned to issue coin with her portrait on as well as his but had to change it afterwards.
There might of course be more sinister reasons which she will let other people fill in the gaps for
Hence giving one to Hannah...
And if the design incorporates her regnal title as an intrinsic part rather than showing signs of being a later addition - well...

[rax]

"We thank you for this audience, most gracious Majesty. We shall return forthwith to speak with Marshal Kroft," Cassian answers with a deep bow to the Queen and then follows the Captain to the antechamber.

Once they are clear of any guards, he listens to his companions. "No, I saw no sign of displeasure from Her Majesty when I spoke of the bishop, but I would not be surprised if there's bad blood between the Queen and Bishop Keppira. It is said that, before the King's death, she had few friends among the noble families and other luminaries of the city. Many thought her a wasteful spendthrift, interested only in her own fancies and not the welfare of the city. Perhaps she and the Bishop have a history? I could always ask him when next we meet," Cassian suggests.

Checking the box, Cassian's eyes widen as he sees the amount of coin contained within. "Yes, by all means, take the coin as a token of our thanks for your assistance, guardswoman," he says absently as Winifred tosses one of the coins to the woman. "This is a considerable sum, friends. Do either of you even have a means of transporting your shares other than this box?" he asks Andrei and Winifred.

[wilphe]

I would perhaps place my share on deposit with the Amins, unless we can find an armourer who is open right now.

I think we are going to see more fighting and I would like to be wearing something more durable

[Haval]

'Well I have pockets. Normally that's been enough.' Showing off wealth in the middle of a riot seemed like a bad idea. 'I suppose I'll have to find a bank, but if they are willing, the Amins would work in the meantime.'

[rax]

"I think that, until we can get to either a bank or the Amin house, perhaps it would be best to keep the money in the box and I'll put the box in my pack? Putting a hundred gold coin in your pockets is likely to tear them wide open," Cassian chuckles at Andrei's response.

"Shall we go and report back to the Marshal then? She seems a reasonable enough commander. I have no doubt she'll enable me - or us - to stand by my word to both the Bishop and the Queen. Once that's done, I shall be going to my family home to inform them of current events and to deposit any valuables that are too dangerous or difficult to carry around."

[DrK]

Hannah nods, grateful for the coin and grins. “My thanks, I didn’t warn this but I’ll take it no matter what, be needed in the days to come.” She glances at the castle and straight backed Grey Maidens by the door, “How was the queen?”

As you head back across the city through the merchants district it’s still quiet, the tension thick in the air with the noise of grumbling and fighting from the pubs and inns. Back at the Castle the walls and courtyard are busier as more guards have arrived for their shift although from the murmurs you overhear there are many guards missing, dead or deserted.

As Hannah brings you into the keep she nods and wishes you the best before rejoining her squad to some good natured jeers and and jokes about babysitting and hobnobbing with the Royalty.

As you head into the keep and see the tough looking Marshall Kroft she looks up. ”Yoo met the Queen yes? Did she send you back to me, I have a list of things I need assistance with?

[wilphe]

“How was the queen?”

Generous

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

That we did milady. She was most happy to receive it back via your good offices and most generous in her appreciation. Now what can we do for you?

[rax]

"Regal," Cassian adds to Winifred's assessment of the queen in a carefully neutral tone.