(Pathfinder) The Curse of the Crimson Throne IC

[Leviathan]

Aldrin, Atavian, and Rennard

Delmarin frowns, stroking his grey beard. "Perhaps you are correct. Very well, I shall compile a list of potential necromancers, but it shall take some time. Several days, at least. I'll have it sent to the Guard when it's ready."

"And as for the possibility that the demon was controlling the shadows... It is possible that it was acting as a commander of sorts on behalf of the creator, but it is a common misconception - as I've said - that shadow demons are connected to shadows themselves. To the contrary, necromantic capabilities have never to my knowledge been documented."

Jensi and Dastan

Ishani nods his head sombrely. "It truly brings me no pleasure to ask that price of you. May the Golden One look over you for your generosity."

He steps forwards and places a hand on the sick girl's forehead. A warm light wraps her in its embrace, infusing her with health. When it fades away, her skin is visibly more healthy. She gasps for breath, her body jolting upright in the oversized bed. Large brown eyes scan the assembly nervously. "What... What happened?"

[Blisstake]

"Then thank you on behalf of Korvosa," Aldrin says, a bit surprised that the senior wizard agreed to the request. "Shall we return to the Citadel then?"

Assuming nothing else comes up, Aldrin heads back to the Citadel to inform Kroft on what they learned about the shadows.

[Drothmal]

Rennard makes a curt bow at the wizard and follows Aldrin to the Citadel

As soon as the fencer leaves the Academae, Reve's sentience returns to the back of his mind

I worry, Bonded. This visit seemed to open more questions than provide any answers

Silently agreeing with the blade, the magus asks for Aldrin and Atavian's opinion

I agree with the wizard: We need to know both the identity of the perpetrator and the motives behind his actions. Even if our culprit was on the list that will be provided to us, narrowing down the suspects will prove difficult without understanding motive.

Do you have any theories?


After hearing his companions input, the duelist suggests

The only man that we know of that could have insight on the motivation behind the attack might be the Spider King. I would like to avoid dealing with his ilk, but logic dictates that we should consider paying him a visit

[Blisstake]

"Unfortunately," Aldrin answers, "there's really nothing left to do at this point beside wait. We don't even know what the attack accomplished, or what it was supposed to, so we can't really begin assessing motives at this juncture."

When Rennard mentions Barvasi, Aldrin laughs. "That may not be the best of plans. After my last... interrogation, there's a good chance he wants me dead. I made sure to get the hell out of there before the charm spell wore off. Plus, this doesn't really sound like something he would pay much mind to, and the less people we have knowing about our investigations, the better."

[Drothmal]

Agreed responds the duelist as he catalogues the sorcerer's words and keeps in mind that the King of Spiders might prove an enemy in the future

Unless any other converstion starts, Rennard will remain silent during the rest of the road back to the Citadel

[DaedalusMkV]

Dastan watches apprehensively as Jensi works his magic, quickly recognizing the spell used as the same as the one which undid the damage done do him by the Shadows the night before. I must see if I can duplicate that... It would be a very useful addition to the healing touch I have been blessed with. He looks distinctly relieved when the young girl shows signs of improving, though it was at the hands of the priest of Abadar rather than himself and his companion, and smiles as she regains consciousness. He answers her question quietly and calmly. "You have been sick, Miss Brienna, but your illness is behind you now. I am certain that you will feel better soon." Finally, he lowers his voice yet further and addresses Ishani. "Thank you for your assistance, Master Dhatri. What recompense does Abadar suggest for services such as these?"

[Leviathan]

Before Brienna can speak a single word, Tayce comes running up the stairs. With a happy shriek, she is at her daughter's bedside, squeezing her in a tight hug. Brienna, just old enough to look sheepish, rolls her eyes. "Mom, get off me!"

"My God asks a price of 100 gold pieces for his blessing... But Abadar has no love of disease in his cities. I am certain that He would demand less in such a case."

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75 gp fee. If anyone has any questions or comments, make them now. If not, I'll move things along in a couple hours.

[SanguinePenguin]

Atavian ponders the words of Aldrin and Rennard for a minute before he finally speaks, "demons are beings with little on their mind but to sow carnage. The one we encountered seemed as if he was serving... almost willingly, because what little he said sounded like he supported the end he was working toward. There is a possibility that he was not merely summoned and coerced into his task as demons typically are. Demonic forces could have a very direct role in this game. If true, this is likely beyond the King of Spider's ken."

The halfling glances about nervously for an instant, then decides that Zellera is confined to the deck with Jensi, "Zellera didn't provide us with much information of use either. If the living and dead don't know, maybe we should ask the gods. I don't know any, but this may be a time to purchase some powerful divinations."

[RocketMan]

Jensi

"Oh good!" Jensi exclaims, his face lighting up as the girl is revived. "That was really good, Ishani! I mean, it would be nicer if you would just help, but still, thank you!" The oracle hands a small coin purse to the priest, his former objections apparently forgotten.

"We should probably head back to the Citadel, to see how Aldrin and Atavian and Rennard got along," Jensi says, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "Maybe they figured something out about that ship!"

[Leviathan]

The party reassembles at the Citadel. You are quickly escorted to Kroft's office, though by now the route there is quite familiar.

The Field Marshal is sitting at her desk, her eyes scanning across sheet after sheet of paper, each stamped with the Korvosan seal. "Sometimes," she sighs, "I wonder what I'd been drinking when I accepted this position... Gods, I want to kill something with a sword right now." She scowls.

"No one to kill, though, unless you've had some luck."

She strikes a fist against her desk, sending several pages fluttering lazily off into the air, where they land on the floor. "First it's the Queen's bodyguard demanding an expansion of Her Majesty's palace guard - apparently our 'failure' during the riots means she needs more of us - and then it's a priest of Abadar to say that there's a bunch of beggars at their doors." She continues to rant, her face reddening. "Of course there are beggars: I'm surprised there haven't been more in the past! It happens when you demand gold for healing. Bah!"

Her scowl deepens. "And Vencarlo Orisini was here. Apparently he needs to talk with you, urgently. I asked him what about; he just said 'you'd rather I didn't tell you.' Damn cryptic fool!"

[Blisstake]

"With all of us, or just Rennard?" Aldrin asks. "I suppose we can tell you what we uncovered from the senior wizard afterward. He'll be sending you a list of potential culprits, but I don't know if it will be of much help."

[Leviathan]

"All of you." She smiles darkly. "I like Vencarlo, but he's a troublemaker. If he wants to assassinate anyone, come tell me."

[Drothmal]

The Maestro would never do that! an offended Rennard yells inside of his head

Why don't you say so to your friends? answers Reve, amusement in her voice

It would be counterproductive for them to think I am not objective when it comes to dealing with Maestro explains the duelist

But you aren't retorts the rapier

The magus does not reply to his bounded weapon. Instead, he addresses his companions in his usual concise speech pattern

If the Maestro said it was important, we must make haste. I'll lead the way

Field Marshall salutes the duelist as he takes his leave

Unless anyone objects, the fencer will lead the party back to the Old City, where the Orisini Academy is located. In the deep corner of his mind, Rennard realizes that, before meeting these people that were now his companions, he had never before brought guests to the Maestro's residence

Reve does not say anything, but the magus can sense the blade's amusement

[Blisstake]

When they are outside the Field Marhsall's office, and on their way to the Acadamae, Aldrin asks, "Well, Rennard, you know the man best. What do you think this whole thing is about?"

[Drothmal]

Rennard pauses for a few seconds before answering. The magus was not subtle enough for his companions not to notice that he was weighting his loyalties and considering what to say about the fencing master

Eventually, it seems that he decides that he owes the truth to the rest

I am not entirely sure the duelist admits The Maestro is indeed cryptic, with a small amount of paranoia that leads him to be even less communicative when speaking to a government official. But considering the current social upheaval and his political alignment, there is a significant probability that it will be something that, though it will benefit the people of Korvosa, it might not be in the best interest of the establishment

Before the more lawful-oriented members of the party get to protest, the magus adds in an adamant tone

Though I do not know what he wants of us, I know this: Vencarlo Orisini is a great man that only wants the best for the people of this city. He has made it his mission to speak for those who do not have power, and he would never put innocents at risk. And he would never ask for help unless it was truly important

[Leviathan]

The streets of Korvosa around Vencarlo's school of swordsmanship are nearly empty. The reason why becomes apparent as you approach the school itself. A large sign has been hung at the entrance. On it is written in a near, crisp handwriting: "All classes cancelled until further notice." A few tough looking men loiter outside looking bored and occasionally jeering at each other.

You walk past them, knocking at the doors. Half a minute passes in silence, and then the door opens just enough for Vencarlo Orisini to peak around it. Seeing you, he straightens, opening the door fully.

"Ah, I had hoped you would come... I will not keep you longer than is needed. I have vital information, and, hopefully, a mission. But first you must swear that you do not wish Trinia Sabor captured again." His voice is deadly serious as he speaks the last words.

[Blisstake]

Aldrin finds the question a bit strange and answers, "Well, I suppose I never wanted her to be captured in the first place, but why would ask unless..."

Words stop coming out of the sorcerer's mouth as he begins to suspect the reason. "Are you who I think you are?"

[Drothmal]

Without hesitation, Rennard agrees to his mentor's request

You have my word, Maestro. As always, my blade is at your service



Upon hearing Aldrin's not-so cryptic question, the gears in the magus' head start to spin at incredible speeds.

Could it be? the duelist asks himself. The fencing master had the skill, the training and the political alignment to be the fabled Blackjack...

And though logic seemed to point out that it was possible, Rennard found himself shocked at the notion

[SanguinePenguin]

Atavian opened his mouth to speak, but the words didn't come. He held it open for a second then closed it to order his thoughts. The others asked their questions, then Atavian began to speak, but very slowly, "I... I want to see the one guilty of the king's murder brought to justice. If that is Trinia, then I want to see her brought to justice. I suspect you believe... or... perhaps, know... that it was not her. So, I'll ask you... if not Trinia, who is the king's murderer?"

[DaedalusMkV]

Dastan opens his mouth in surprise in response to the unforeseen question, though he quickly regains his composure. "At this time, recapturing Sabor would be... Imprudent. I do not believe that her... Confession was legitimate, and bringing her back to be executed for a crime which it has not been conclusively proven she committed is not something I wish to do." He pauses for a moment, silently considering his next few words. "Nonetheless, if I am given proof that she was responsible for the murder of Varisia's King, I will not rest until she is brought to justice. I can make the promise you desire only if Sabor is innocent. Nonetheless, I will give my word that I will seek to capture her again only if I am convinced beyond doubt that she is guilty. Is this enough for you?" He crosses his arms in front of his chest and faces Orsini with head held high, waiting for a response.

[RocketMan]

Jensi

"Alright," Jensi says blithely, not really considering what the swordmaster is asking. "I promise not to capture Trinia Sabor again." He crosses his heart for good measure, then looks up at Orsini expectantly.

[Leviathan]

"Very well. I see no reason that you should unconditionally accept what I ask. I hope I can convince you otherwise." He glances around, peering behind you. "But such words are best spoken indoors."

The swordmaster waves you all into the school, then shuts the door behind you. It locks with an audible click. With another gesture, Vencarlo leads you from the entry hall into a side room. It is well furnished, with finely crafted chairs, a small table upon which wine glasses and a bottle have been arranged, a fireplace, and crossed rapiers on the wall. In one of the chairs, sits a cloaked figure, who stands when you enter.

"May I introduce Ms. Trinia Sabor," Vencarlo says.

The girl draws back her hood, revealing her blue eyes and blonde hair. "Sorry for running from you," she says sheepishly. "Though they did almost cut my head off."

"I suppose you have questions," Vencarlo continues in his lilting accent after a brief pause. "Ask them and I will try and answer."

[Drothmal]

Trinia's appearance seems to bring the duelist back to reality from his sense of shock

All the evidence seems to point one way thinks the fencer

Taking a slow breath, Rennard asks the question that must be in everyone's mind

Maestro, are you Blackjack?

[Blisstake]

"Do you know anything about the Korvosan nobility that we are unaware of?" asks Aldrin, curious what motivated the re-capture of Trinia Sabor. "The circumstances regarding the whole execution were rather... suspect."

[Leviathan]

Vencarlo takes a long breath. "You have good instincts, Rennard. But I am not Blackjack... I know him, however. He is a good man, and I trust him as much as anyone on this earth. Two nights ago, he came here, knocking at my door. He asked that I keep Trinia Sabor safe, because he was certain that she was innocent in the serious crimes of which she has been accused and condemned. I have kept her here since, but it is growing dangerous. The Queen's agents are everywhere."

"As to the nobility of the city, I am afraid that when they do think at all, it is to applaud the executioner's axe and call for it to fall all the harder."

"But the circumstances of the execution are suspicious. I understand that to be the reason for Blackjack's intervention. For one, the wizard who performed the spells needed to provide 'irrefutable evidence' is now the Seneschal, and a creature of the Queen. A powerful motivation to lie, I think."

[Blisstake]

"So, then, you think the Queen or her new seneschal is guilty of recentl events?" Aldrin asks bluntly. While she wasn't his first suspicion, it was at least nice to have the option of talking about her without worrying about being arrested.

He turns his attention to Trinia and continues, "I'm sorry we let the Citadel take you, Trinia, but I'm glad you're alive at any rate. If you don't mind... could you tell me what happened with the wizard? Did he force you to make a false confession, or anything of that nature?"

[Drothmal]

At Vencarlo's denial, Rennard exhales a breath he had not realized he was holding.

After hearing Aldrin's question, the fencer nods in agreement and adds his own related inquiry

It would seem that the only logical solution to clear Trinia's name would be find the real killer. Maestro, did Blackjack mention any suspects?

[DaedalusMkV]

Dastan watches passively, taking in Trinia's presence and Orsini's answers to his companions' questions. Finally, he turns away from the dueling master and looks directly at Trinia Sabor. "I have a question of my own... For you, miss Sabor. Two of them, in fact. First: Did you have anything to do with the death of King Eodred Arbasti?" He pauses for a moment, then continues. "Second: Did you truly confess to the crime? If you did, was it coerced from you, and by whom?" He stares directly at her, watching for the slightest hint of a lie.

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Sense Motive for Trinia's answer: (1d20+7)[15]

[RocketMan]

Jensi

Jensi simply looks confused at the proceedings. "Why would Vencarlo be Blackjack?" he asks, puzzled. "Isn't Blackjack Blackjack? How can two people both be Blackjack?"

"So... either Trinia killed the king or the wizard lied?" Jensi asks, even more confused. His brows are furrowed and he looks disturbed. "So one of them must have done a bad thing?"

"How do you want us to help Trinia?"

[Leviathan]

Everyone who rolled sense motive vs. Vencarlo's last statements

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He seems to be telling the truth.

"I think," the swordmaster says, choosing his words carefully, "that there is only one reason to make it appear that an innocent girl committed a most heinous crime: to distract attention. So I ask: on whom was attention before Trinia Sabor was 'uncovered' as the killer?" He lets the implications of his statement hang heavy in the air, which seems claustrophobically conspiratorial.

Then Trinia speaks, addressing the questions put to her.

To Aldrin's, she answers: "I... I don't know what he did. I only know a little bit of magic, but I think... I think he cast a spell on me - made me say it. I... I don't remember much until Blackjack saved me."

To Dastan's question, Trinia pauses, looking at Vencarlo. "I don't think so... but before Blackjack left me here he said that the Queen was jealous of me because I had the King's attention... and that might have made her... you know."

Dastan

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She appears to be telling the truth.