Brack downs the contents of his bottle unflinchingly as Zellara makes her proclamation. He takes out his small notepad and jots down some information as the Maz and the others converse with the spirit.
Redii - who had a very concerned look on her face - seemed to be in her own head and only stirred at the mention of the children. "Ummm, Yes, we should probably go... away from here. Try for the Gray? Or maybe to East Shore if we can cross High Bridge..."
Brack gave a slight shudder say Redii's suggestion, "East Shore would likely be t'safest and could work something out for yeh all to stay at my uncle's. It'd be tight but out of the main city. Best we take a boat or skiff across t'river though, wouldn't want to get stuck in a bottleneck on the bridge, eh?"
Heading the ghost's warning about her time left on this plane, Brack politely waits for Mazour to finish before clearing his throat and asking his questions, "Ma'am, yeh gave us a riddle in yeh 'arrowing, wrapped it in t'mystery of what yeh just described, and are leaving us with an enigma for what we can expect next. if yeh got any details from t'reading yeh were withholding or," he pauses, checking himself for what he's about to ask, "...newfound insights yeh got from beyond t'grave yeh wish to share, then would yeh kindly do so?"
Heading the ghost's warning about her time left on this plane, Brack politely waits for Mazour to finish before clearing his throat and asking his questions, "Ma'am, yeh gave us a riddle in yeh 'arrowing, wrapped it in t'mystery of what yeh just described, and are leaving us with an enigma for what we can expect next. if yeh got any details from t'reading yeh were withholding or," he pauses, checking himself for what he's about to ask, "...newfound insights yeh got from beyond t'grave yeh wish to share, then would yeh kindly do so?"
"Fate? I know not what the Lady of the Graves has in store for you..." Zellara began as she continued to fade, the reality of the abandoned home returning into view as well. Strange as it may be, hearing her speak, the party all had the sense that she had no recollection of the reading she had just shared. "...but should I glean anything of whatever events are to come, I will find a way to share that with you all."
She paused one last time to look over the party. "It appears my time here it at an end. Take care, and take my Harrow Deck with you. I look forward to discovering with you what comes next..." And with that last word, Zellara completely faded from view.
There was a momentary silence before Redii cleared her throat, suddenly full of energy. "Well that was wild right!?" She began as she scratched at one of forearms. "Heh, well, that was quite a lot to think on - which I think we can do after we find somewhere to lay low. Going to my place in North Point seems like a bad idea, but you all live relatively close by. So where to?"
"I'll offer the Temple. It will be safe, there's plenty of room, plus food and drink, beds, it's quiet as a tomb," Mazour paused to raise an eyebrow before continuing, "plus there is a library if we need it. East Shore's not a bad place to be, but we're closer and there's no river to cross"
"Then it's settled, let's head to the Gray!" Redii commented, quickly jumping onto the suggestion. Standing up and beginning to make her way to the door, she turned to the group and asked, "Is everyone ready to go?" The children who were as pale as ghosts quickly shuffled behind Redii at the door, equally ready to leave the remains of Zellara's home.
Brack gives a short, respectful huff, "Thank yeh Priest. Ready on this end Miss Rabbit, wouldn't want to keep yeh waiting."His tone sounded slightly relieved at the prospect of heading out to the temple. The dwarf straightened out the hood on his cloak and checked his belongings for the trek.
"Hrm," Hutton simply murmurs as he chews the inside of one cheek, apparently deep in thought.
He turns to follow the group out the door, doing a quick headcount to make sure none of the children get left behind.
Falling into step with Mazour, the big man quietly comments, "I take it you're not all that well versed with ghosts and specters, etc." as if it were a question. "Think there's any chance all of that was some kind of elaborate hoax?"
"I've seen a few. But they don't normally do, " Mazour gestured wildly with his hand back toward the house, "that." The elf fell in line with Hutton, watching him play mother hen with the children. "No. That was no hoax. Well, some of it could be faked easily enough with magic. But I'm not so sure it would be as easy to affect me. I was... drawn... to Zellara's house. When we got to her door, I had this... urge... to enter. I have a theory it's tied to the Harrow deck. But, I don't think it was a hoax. It makes too much sense that she lingers to finish something. And why pull a hoax on us? We just need to figure out what's going on."
He sighed and looked around with a casual boredom that scarcely covered his nervousness. Eyes constantly circling back to the children, he felt exposed as they moved through the streets. Pah! Now I'm as bad as Hutton! Chuckling to himself, he followed along with the others.
"Souma? Souma! How are you my dear? On top of everything going on in the city, it's been an... interesting... evening," Mazour stepped forward to greet Souma first with a formal greeting of respect among the church, then with a friendly hug. "I had some... personal... issues to address this evening. No dear, not that sort of business, you cheeky little thing. Actual serious business. Oh please, don't look so shocked."
Chuckling, he motioned to the group with him, lowering his voice as he continued. His tone became more serious and more earnest, yet still breathy and deliberate. "We served a cause of justice this evening, and in doing so freed these children. Souma, they were stolen children. Stolen. Children. You've heard of Gaedrun Lamm? These were some of his Lambs. I had hoped to find their homes, but the outside situation has... changed. I've brought them here for sanctuary, at least for the moment. They need safety, food, some clothes, and by all that stands as holy, a bath. They need a chance Souma. Please?"
"Souma? Souma! How are you my dear? On top of everything going on in the city, it's been an... interesting... evening," Mazour stepped forward to greet Souma first with a formal greeting of respect among the church, then with a friendly hug. "I had some... personal... issues to address this evening. No dear, not that sort of business, you cheeky little thing. Actual serious business. Oh please, don't look so shocked."
Chuckling, he motioned to the group with him, lowering his voice as he continued. His tone became more serious and more earnest, yet still breathy and deliberate. "We served a cause of justice this evening, and in doing so freed these children. Souma, they were stolen children. Stolen. Children. You've heard of Gaedrun Lamm? These were some of his Lambs. I had hoped to find their homes, but the outside situation has... changed. I've brought them here for sanctuary, at least for the moment. They need safety, food, some clothes, and by all that stands as holy, a bath. They need a chance Souma. Please?"
"I hear you..." Souma replied after the pleasantries were exchanged. But her expression quickly returned serious. "...but, this I cannot do, despite the circumstances." After quickly glancing at the children, she pulled Mazour to the side to speak quietly with him away from those not of the clergy. "This incursion is worse than any we've seen in the years. All the negative energy released due to the King's death..." she paused to sign for the King's safe passage to her patron, "...must have stirred the Restless. For reference, Samazar herself is out there tonight..." She left the rest unsaid, but if the Head of Defense for the Church of Pharasma was directly involved, things must be worse than the group guarding the gate were letting on. "I am sorry Mazour,..." Souma continued louder for the rest of the group's involvement, "...but as much as it pains me, you must find another place for those children tonight. Perhaps the Guard can take them in for the night. Return tomorrow or the next day, and I am sure the Church will be able to shelter them until more suitable accommodations can be found."
The dwarf's expression grew impatient as Mazour and Souma conversed. It was apparent while travelling south that Brack was not at ease with the state of the city. His scowl throughout the trek had done well to inform the others of his mood as well as ward off and other potential chance encounters with the locals. It returned now as he perceived the resistance between the holy folk.
He gave a quick grunt, "Not sure if yeh two are done chatting, but t'rest of us might 'ave a say on t'matter. Or at least request some clarification as to why yeh can't let us through and all."
He shrugged his stout shoulders left and right, framing the current state of Korvosa with his gesture, before continuing, "Yeh might 'ave a problem with yeh dead, but it's not like t'rest of the city is much more 'ospitable at t'moment. So unless yeh can give us a better reason why we should all turn around back in into that 'ell 'ole, I don't see 'ow continuing on to t'temple could be any worse than what we 'ad gone through in getting t'children all 'ere."
Mazour's mouth dropped open. "Oh. Samazar's out? It's that bad? There's nothing to be done? You're sure?"
Turning to Brak as he interjected with a grunt, Mazour motioned for Souma to hold for a moment, and moved back to the others. "The restless dead are a bit riled up right now. It seems the unease goes further than we thought. The Head of Defense herself is out handling things. So that should indicate how dangerous it is. I don't like it either, but if Samazar is out working, it's trouble. Big trouble. And while you and I may be willing to run headlong into some undead nightmare, I'm not so sure it would be best for the children. So, enough of that... famous... dwarven doughtiness, we need some of that dwarven practicality. We need options."
Mazour's mouth dropped open. "Oh. Samazar's out? It's that bad? There's nothing to be done? You're sure?"
Turning to Brak as he interjected with a grunt, Mazour motioned for Souma to hold for a moment, and moved back to the others. "The restless dead are a bit riled up right now. It seems the unease goes further than we thought. The Head of Defense herself is out handling things. So that should indicate how dangerous it is. I don't like it either, but if Samazar is out working, it's trouble. Big trouble. And while you and I may be willing to run headlong into some undead nightmare, I'm not so sure it would be best for the children. So, enough of that... famous... dwarven doughtiness, we need some of that dwarven practicality. We need options."
DC10 Insight check:
Souma is giving an un-approving look to Mazour as he spoke. He probably shared information - that in her estimation - should not have been shared with those outside of the Pharasman Order
"He is right," Souma sighed as she followed-up. "I do not know you, but Mazour seems to put some measure of trust in you, so I will do the same. The Gray is not the place to shelter on this night. There are many reasons why it is located where it is." She paused to glance at the massive Pillar Wall behind her. "Perhaps you,..." she paused to generally point at Brack, Hutton & Redii, "...might be able to handle yourselves, but I will not put children in unnecessary danger. I am sorry to be blunt, but I will not allow you access tonight, and neither will anyone else in the Order. If you seek shelter for the night, I recommend you traverse back to your homes or seek aid from the Guard at the Citadel."
OOC: The Guard are located in Citadel Volshyenek, relatively near where the party is currently located.
Hutton puts a hand on Mazour's shoulder and leans down to quietly say, "Let's go. I wouldn't want to leave the children in begrudging care, anyway. Doubly so if there's as much danger inside as out. It's not much farther to the Broken Blade. At the very least, I can clear the place out and feed everyone. It won't be overly comfortable, but it'll be safer than most other options. Plus Miss Marni's a motherly sort and I'm sure she'd be willing to help us care for the children until things calm down. The Guard have enough trouble on their hands and I don't fancy going anywhere near the High Bridge at the moment." He looks to both Maz & Brack for agreement.
Standing back to his full height, he nods politely to Souma. "May the Lady keep and protect you," he says before ushering the children back away from the gate.
Brack gives a gruff nod, begrudgingly giving his acceptances towards the council of Mazour and Hutton. He shoots a pointed stare towards Souma though it's hard to tell whether it was in distrust of the guard's direction or the dwarf's discomfort in being wrong.
With a sigh, Mazour looked over to Souma. "May the Lady keep us and bless us all. My apologies Souma, it's been a long night for all of us. Our concern is of course for the children. I know you would help them if it was possible. Many thanks to you, and may the night settle quietly."
Placing his hand on Hutton's he looked at the angry mountain. "I think that's for the best at the moment. Believe me, she would let us pass if she could. It's not... safe...tonight." With that he gave a slow look back at the gates and beyond. A slight look of worry as he gazed back. "We'd best go. "
"May the Great Mistress guide us all." Souma replied to the group in kind as they began to make the way away from the gates.
"What a day it's been so far..." Redii mused to both herself and the others as they started west towards the Broken Blade. Directing her next comment to Hutton, she added, "I agree, it's probably for the best that we avoid the Gray for the night. We can try again tomorrow; hopefully things have settled down by then. And at this point, anywhere off the streets will do and I'm sure Broken Blade will feel better than Castle Korvosa in comparison to the nonsense happening on the streets tonight. I am almost at the point of just knocking on a strangers door and inviting ourselves to stay the night... I'm only partially kidding."
As the party slowly made their way the short distance from the gates of the Gray to the Broken Blade, the sound of a large gathered crowd could be heard slowly getting louder. Many folks were walking in the same direction of the party - seemingly drawn in by the noise up ahead. Within minutes, the outer wall of the crowd in question came into view, blocking the intersection that lead to Hutton's establishment. It appeared that the crowd had formed into a large ring - and slowly swelling - with folks seemingly calling out and yelling at something in the middle. While the group could try and turn around and detour, there was no guarantee what they would find on another path...
Everyone roll me 2d20...
DCX Perception Check
Overheard remark from a couple of passerby heading towards the crowd:
"I heard this was where they were goin' show them rich nobles what's what."
Mazour moved to huddle the children closer together as they approached the crowd. "Redii dear, could you scout ahead? You might be able to slip through the crowd easier. It seems like the city itself is fighting us tonight."
Stepping to the side, he reached out to someone near them in the crowd. "Excuse me, what's going on?"
Mazour moved to huddle the children closer together as they approached the crowd. "Redii dear, could you scout ahead? You might be able to slip through the crowd easier. It seems like the city itself is fighting us tonight."
"Seems like it." Redii agreed. "Stay put, I'll be back in a flash" she replied before sliding away from the group and joining the growing mass of people headed towards the crowd in front of them.
Stepping to the side, he reached out to someone near them in the crowd. "Excuse me, what's going on?"
"I heard from another bloke that us 'common' folk were gonna show em muckity mucks what we think of em up ahead. I just I didn't miss anything good." A middle aged human man replied before hurrying on ahead.
Redii deftly moved her way through the crowd of at least 100 without attracting much notice. With so many people focused on whatever was ahead, Redii couldn't help but notice how easy it would've been to filch a few coins and other valuables as she moved. She was tempted - very tempted - but held off. Stealing at a time like this would make her no better than the rowdy crowds roaming the street. Realizing her train of thought, she silently cursed at the group for rubbing off on her in a way that was "bad for business".
Jostling her way to near the front of the crowd, while she didn't have a great view of what laid in the center of the ring, she heard what was going on plainly enough. Chants of "Die Dandy" and "Death to the False Queen" where echoed by many in the crowd and more than a few of them wielded torches or makeshift clubs by their sides. At the center, of the ring, Redii was able to see a smaller group of what she assumed were laborers carrying shovels or clubs and encircling a clean-shaven yet dirtied young man sitting on the ground. It was clear from his clothes that he was a noble of some sort, though she didn't recognize him at first glance. One of the laborers, a burly woman with greasy strings of hair framing her rotund face, jeered and addressed the young man in a booming voice, “Bet’cha never worked an honest day’s wage in your life, eh, Queen’s Man? M’brother had his arm crushed by a barrel on the docks when he was younger than you. Never raised a mug of ale with that wrist again. Wanna know what it feels like?” Many in the crowd were egging her on to show the man just what exactly that might feel like. Things were escalating quickly and about to get quickly out of hand.
With much more force than her trip into the crowd, Redii quickly moved out of the crowd and back to the rest of the party, drawing a few scowls - and cat calls - along the way. "A group of commoners have a noble surrounded." Redii relayed quickly when she reached the others. "They plan on making an example of him. Soon." Pausing for a moment, she added, "I'm not looking to play hero, but even to me, I don't like where that was headed. They don't even know the guy besides the fact that he's got coin. They're just using him as a way to release their anger and the crowd is lapping it up." Redii gulped. "Do we... help?" The words felt both wrong and right at the same time as conflicting parts of herself felt differently on the matter...
Brack downs the contents of his bottle unflinchingly as Zellara makes her proclamation. He takes out his small notepad and jots down some information as the Maz and the others converse with the spirit.
Brack gave a slight shudder say Redii's suggestion, "East Shore would likely be t'safest and could work something out for yeh all to stay at my uncle's. It'd be tight but out of the main city. Best we take a boat or skiff across t'river though, wouldn't want to get stuck in a bottleneck on the bridge, eh?"
Heading the ghost's warning about her time left on this plane, Brack politely waits for Mazour to finish before clearing his throat and asking his questions, "Ma'am, yeh gave us a riddle in yeh 'arrowing, wrapped it in t'mystery of what yeh just described, and are leaving us with an enigma for what we can expect next. if yeh got any details from t'reading yeh were withholding or," he pauses, checking himself for what he's about to ask, "...newfound insights yeh got from beyond t'grave yeh wish to share, then would yeh kindly do so?"
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
"Fate? I know not what the Lady of the Graves has in store for you..." Zellara began as she continued to fade, the reality of the abandoned home returning into view as well. Strange as it may be, hearing her speak, the party all had the sense that she had no recollection of the reading she had just shared. "...but should I glean anything of whatever events are to come, I will find a way to share that with you all."
She paused one last time to look over the party. "It appears my time here it at an end. Take care, and take my Harrow Deck with you. I look forward to discovering with you what comes next..." And with that last word, Zellara completely faded from view.
There was a momentary silence before Redii cleared her throat, suddenly full of energy. "Well that was wild right!?" She began as she scratched at one of forearms. "Heh, well, that was quite a lot to think on - which I think we can do after we find somewhere to lay low. Going to my place in North Point seems like a bad idea, but you all live relatively close by. So where to?"
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
"I'll offer the Temple. It will be safe, there's plenty of room, plus food and drink, beds, it's quiet as a tomb," Mazour paused to raise an eyebrow before continuing, "plus there is a library if we need it. East Shore's not a bad place to be, but we're closer and there's no river to cross"
"Then it's settled, let's head to the Gray!" Redii commented, quickly jumping onto the suggestion. Standing up and beginning to make her way to the door, she turned to the group and asked, "Is everyone ready to go?" The children who were as pale as ghosts quickly shuffled behind Redii at the door, equally ready to leave the remains of Zellara's home.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Brack gives a short, respectful huff, "Thank yeh Priest. Ready on this end Miss Rabbit, wouldn't want to keep yeh waiting." His tone sounded slightly relieved at the prospect of heading out to the temple. The dwarf straightened out the hood on his cloak and checked his belongings for the trek.
"Hrm," Hutton simply murmurs as he chews the inside of one cheek, apparently deep in thought.
He turns to follow the group out the door, doing a quick headcount to make sure none of the children get left behind.
Falling into step with Mazour, the big man quietly comments, "I take it you're not all that well versed with ghosts and specters, etc." as if it were a question. "Think there's any chance all of that was some kind of elaborate hoax?"
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
"I've seen a few. But they don't normally do, " Mazour gestured wildly with his hand back toward the house, "that." The elf fell in line with Hutton, watching him play mother hen with the children. "No. That was no hoax. Well, some of it could be faked easily enough with magic. But I'm not so sure it would be as easy to affect me. I was... drawn... to Zellara's house. When we got to her door, I had this... urge... to enter. I have a theory it's tied to the Harrow deck. But, I don't think it was a hoax. It makes too much sense that she lingers to finish something. And why pull a hoax on us? We just need to figure out what's going on."
He sighed and looked around with a casual boredom that scarcely covered his nervousness. Eyes constantly circling back to the children, he felt exposed as they moved through the streets. Pah! Now I'm as bad as Hutton! Chuckling to himself, he followed along with the others.
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
Chapter 017 – Are We All Seeing This?
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
"Souma? Souma! How are you my dear? On top of everything going on in the city, it's been an... interesting... evening," Mazour stepped forward to greet Souma first with a formal greeting of respect among the church, then with a friendly hug. "I had some... personal... issues to address this evening. No dear, not that sort of business, you cheeky little thing. Actual serious business. Oh please, don't look so shocked."
Chuckling, he motioned to the group with him, lowering his voice as he continued. His tone became more serious and more earnest, yet still breathy and deliberate. "We served a cause of justice this evening, and in doing so freed these children. Souma, they were stolen children. Stolen. Children. You've heard of Gaedrun Lamm? These were some of his Lambs. I had hoped to find their homes, but the outside situation has... changed. I've brought them here for sanctuary, at least for the moment. They need safety, food, some clothes, and by all that stands as holy, a bath. They need a chance Souma. Please?"
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
"I hear you..." Souma replied after the pleasantries were exchanged. But her expression quickly returned serious. "...but, this I cannot do, despite the circumstances." After quickly glancing at the children, she pulled Mazour to the side to speak quietly with him away from those not of the clergy. "This incursion is worse than any we've seen in the years. All the negative energy released due to the King's death..." she paused to sign for the King's safe passage to her patron, "...must have stirred the Restless. For reference, Samazar herself is out there tonight..." She left the rest unsaid, but if the Head of Defense for the Church of Pharasma was directly involved, things must be worse than the group guarding the gate were letting on. "I am sorry Mazour,..." Souma continued louder for the rest of the group's involvement, "...but as much as it pains me, you must find another place for those children tonight. Perhaps the Guard can take them in for the night. Return tomorrow or the next day, and I am sure the Church will be able to shelter them until more suitable accommodations can be found."
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
The dwarf's expression grew impatient as Mazour and Souma conversed. It was apparent while travelling south that Brack was not at ease with the state of the city. His scowl throughout the trek had done well to inform the others of his mood as well as ward off and other potential chance encounters with the locals. It returned now as he perceived the resistance between the holy folk.
He gave a quick grunt, "Not sure if yeh two are done chatting, but t'rest of us might 'ave a say on t'matter. Or at least request some clarification as to why yeh can't let us through and all."
He shrugged his stout shoulders left and right, framing the current state of Korvosa with his gesture, before continuing, "Yeh might 'ave a problem with yeh dead, but it's not like t'rest of the city is much more 'ospitable at t'moment. So unless yeh can give us a better reason why we should all turn around back in into that 'ell 'ole, I don't see 'ow continuing on to t'temple could be any worse than what we 'ad gone through in getting t'children all 'ere."
Mazour's mouth dropped open. "Oh. Samazar's out? It's that bad? There's nothing to be done? You're sure?"
Turning to Brak as he interjected with a grunt, Mazour motioned for Souma to hold for a moment, and moved back to the others. "The restless dead are a bit riled up right now. It seems the unease goes further than we thought. The Head of Defense herself is out handling things. So that should indicate how dangerous it is. I don't like it either, but if Samazar is out working, it's trouble. Big trouble. And while you and I may be willing to run headlong into some undead nightmare, I'm not so sure it would be best for the children. So, enough of that... famous... dwarven doughtiness, we need some of that dwarven practicality. We need options."
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
DC10 Insight check:
Souma is giving an un-approving look to Mazour as he spoke. He probably shared information - that in her estimation - should not have been shared with those outside of the Pharasman Order
"He is right," Souma sighed as she followed-up. "I do not know you, but Mazour seems to put some measure of trust in you, so I will do the same. The Gray is not the place to shelter on this night. There are many reasons why it is located where it is." She paused to glance at the massive Pillar Wall behind her. "Perhaps you,..." she paused to generally point at Brack, Hutton & Redii, "...might be able to handle yourselves, but I will not put children in unnecessary danger. I am sorry to be blunt, but I will not allow you access tonight, and neither will anyone else in the Order. If you seek shelter for the night, I recommend you traverse back to your homes or seek aid from the Guard at the Citadel."
OOC: The Guard are located in Citadel Volshyenek, relatively near where the party is currently located.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Hutton puts a hand on Mazour's shoulder and leans down to quietly say, "Let's go. I wouldn't want to leave the children in begrudging care, anyway. Doubly so if there's as much danger inside as out. It's not much farther to the Broken Blade. At the very least, I can clear the place out and feed everyone. It won't be overly comfortable, but it'll be safer than most other options. Plus Miss Marni's a motherly sort and I'm sure she'd be willing to help us care for the children until things calm down. The Guard have enough trouble on their hands and I don't fancy going anywhere near the High Bridge at the moment." He looks to both Maz & Brack for agreement.
Standing back to his full height, he nods politely to Souma. "May the Lady keep and protect you," he says before ushering the children back away from the gate.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Brack gives a gruff nod, begrudgingly giving his acceptances towards the council of Mazour and Hutton. He shoots a pointed stare towards Souma though it's hard to tell whether it was in distrust of the guard's direction or the dwarf's discomfort in being wrong.
With a sigh, Mazour looked over to Souma. "May the Lady keep us and bless us all. My apologies Souma, it's been a long night for all of us. Our concern is of course for the children. I know you would help them if it was possible. Many thanks to you, and may the night settle quietly."
Placing his hand on Hutton's he looked at the angry mountain. "I think that's for the best at the moment. Believe me, she would let us pass if she could. It's not... safe...tonight." With that he gave a slow look back at the gates and beyond. A slight look of worry as he gazed back. "We'd best go. "
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
"May the Great Mistress guide us all." Souma replied to the group in kind as they began to make the way away from the gates.
"What a day it's been so far..." Redii mused to both herself and the others as they started west towards the Broken Blade. Directing her next comment to Hutton, she added, "I agree, it's probably for the best that we avoid the Gray for the night. We can try again tomorrow; hopefully things have settled down by then. And at this point, anywhere off the streets will do and I'm sure Broken Blade will feel better than Castle Korvosa in comparison to the nonsense happening on the streets tonight. I am almost at the point of just knocking on a strangers door and inviting ourselves to stay the night... I'm only partially kidding."
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
As the party slowly made their way the short distance from the gates of the Gray to the Broken Blade, the sound of a large gathered crowd could be heard slowly getting louder. Many folks were walking in the same direction of the party - seemingly drawn in by the noise up ahead. Within minutes, the outer wall of the crowd in question came into view, blocking the intersection that lead to Hutton's establishment. It appeared that the crowd had formed into a large ring - and slowly swelling - with folks seemingly calling out and yelling at something in the middle. While the group could try and turn around and detour, there was no guarantee what they would find on another path...
Everyone roll me 2d20...
DCX Perception Check
Overheard remark from a couple of passerby heading towards the crowd:
"I heard this was where they were goin' show them rich nobles what's what."
"Me too. I hope they get em good!"
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Mazour moved to huddle the children closer together as they approached the crowd. "Redii dear, could you scout ahead? You might be able to slip through the crowd easier. It seems like the city itself is fighting us tonight."
Stepping to the side, he reached out to someone near them in the crowd. "Excuse me, what's going on?"
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
"Seems like it." Redii agreed. "Stay put, I'll be back in a flash" she replied before sliding away from the group and joining the growing mass of people headed towards the crowd in front of them.
"I heard from another bloke that us 'common' folk were gonna show em muckity mucks what we think of em up ahead. I just I didn't miss anything good." A middle aged human man replied before hurrying on ahead.
Redii deftly moved her way through the crowd of at least 100 without attracting much notice. With so many people focused on whatever was ahead, Redii couldn't help but notice how easy it would've been to filch a few coins and other valuables as she moved. She was tempted - very tempted - but held off. Stealing at a time like this would make her no better than the rowdy crowds roaming the street. Realizing her train of thought, she silently cursed at the group for rubbing off on her in a way that was "bad for business".
Jostling her way to near the front of the crowd, while she didn't have a great view of what laid in the center of the ring, she heard what was going on plainly enough. Chants of "Die Dandy" and "Death to the False Queen" where echoed by many in the crowd and more than a few of them wielded torches or makeshift clubs by their sides. At the center, of the ring, Redii was able to see a smaller group of what she assumed were laborers carrying shovels or clubs and encircling a clean-shaven yet dirtied young man sitting on the ground. It was clear from his clothes that he was a noble of some sort, though she didn't recognize him at first glance. One of the laborers, a burly woman with greasy strings of hair framing her rotund face, jeered and addressed the young man in a booming voice, “Bet’cha never worked an honest day’s wage in your life, eh, Queen’s Man? M’brother had his arm crushed by a barrel on the docks when he was younger than you. Never raised a mug of ale with that wrist again. Wanna know what it feels like?” Many in the crowd were egging her on to show the man just what exactly that might feel like. Things were escalating quickly and about to get quickly out of hand.
With much more force than her trip into the crowd, Redii quickly moved out of the crowd and back to the rest of the party, drawing a few scowls - and cat calls - along the way. "A group of commoners have a noble surrounded." Redii relayed quickly when she reached the others. "They plan on making an example of him. Soon." Pausing for a moment, she added, "I'm not looking to play hero, but even to me, I don't like where that was headed. They don't even know the guy besides the fact that he's got coin. They're just using him as a way to release their anger and the crowd is lapping it up." Redii gulped. "Do we... help?" The words felt both wrong and right at the same time as conflicting parts of herself felt differently on the matter...
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM