Drk Crimson Throne IC part 2

[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

Show

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]

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.”