"Yes, hello," Nevlav starts. "I have reason to believe you recently imprisoned some fellows that my order, The Order of the Oiled Cog, have been seeking. It's all on the up and up I assure you but I must speak with urgently for slights against us." Deing decietful is not in his nature but Nevlav is left with few options. He fiddles with the handle of his new warhammer, hoping the Engineer can give him some luck.
"Hopefully the Aarakocra doesn't get the key taken away from him in the meantime. Alright, then," Thalion sighs. "Wouldn't be the first time I've consorted with those the Crown deems criminals."
The human smirks. "Ah yes. I'm sure it was an accident, eh sir? Quarantine breakers, were they? Not that I blame them. Young soldiers, gentlemen and ladies in the prime of their lives, right sir? Looking for a little adventure? A walk on the rougher side of life, am I right, sir? I got to say, I sometimes have to sneak out and get down to my local, to avoid the missus, am I right, sir? The birds down the pub are a little friendlier because of this, disease, sir. Everyone wants a bit of that personal contact, if you know what I mean, sir." He winks overly broadly and touches a finger to his nose.
"Alright, sir. We can handle this as easily as not. Give me their names and I can locate 'em and arrange for a brief word or whatever you're looking for." He waggles his eyebrows. "And there is a small administrative fee. Say, uh, five gold?"
As Alden, Thalion, and Yoric walk back to the encampment set up, Jacobo keeps his eyes down, not looking at any of you as you are allowed entry. You do notice that he seems to be moving a little painfully as he steps out of your way. This safe haven you've entered into seems to make up the largest area of the hospital ward. There is a kobold serving clear drinks out of beakers and other medical equipment in an area set up to be a makeshift bar, as well as another area where a set of hospital beds are set up. There is a small, crudely drawn sign at the entrance to this area, advertising "CLEAN, PLAGUE-FREE BEDS. 5 GP EACH. SEE BARKEEP FOR DETAILS." A number of prisoners, including a few people you recognize, Alden, wander around, without any sort of manacles or restraints on them.
The thin human sees you and comes over. "I am pleased you have decided to meet Mr. Yualkid. Please follow me." He walks you towards an enclosed space in the back, protected by canvas sheets and hospital curtains. He stops right outside the curtains. "Mr. Yualkid is...not well. Keep at least 8 feet of distance between yourself and him at all times. And do not speak too loudly. He is unfortunately somewhat sensitive to sound."
As you enter Nesciar Yualkid's room, you see an enormous black dragonborn cutting an incongruous figure sitting in a hospital bed, fanning himself. "GODS DAMNIT, Stanley. Its hot as the Nine Hells in here. Tell those doctors to lower the bloody temperature." He roars, then stops short as he sees who it is. "Ah, Inspector, soon to be Mr. Lostchild. Such an interesting sobriquet. Please, sit." He gestures to some chairs in the corner. "Now, you mentioned revenge against the Committee of Public Safety. You have my interest for....two minutes."
"Aye, you have the gist of it friend. Here is that fee with a little extra on account of your fair mood sir. The names are Alden, Yoric and Thalion, a half-elf, a halfling and a full elf. In that order, new arrivals all by accounts," Nevlav says with an inward sigh of relief. He digs out 7 gold and hands it over with a nod and a smile.
There is a lengthy wait Nevlav, as the overly familiar administrator disappears into one of the many tunnels that extend behind him. A number of guards pass by, most of them not giving you a second thought, but occasionally, a guard will recognize the crest on your armor and give you a sideways glance, but no one seems to bother you. The minutes tick by until he emerges with a small gnome woman wearing oversized spectacles. Her hair is iron-gray and she has the non-nonsense demeanor of a professional who's been doing this job for many (human) lifetimes.
"I am Warden Chambu. I understand there was a question with some of the prisoners that just came in this morning. We are of course, dedicated to making sure errors like this get sorted out. Follow me. Thank you, Rudolf. You may return to your post."
Warden Chambu leads you down a winding hallway that has views onto an extremely large courtyard area below you. "You'll see the hospital ward below you. Unfortunately, the kingdom's coffers do not allow us to make the necessary improvements to ensure everyone's safety. The so-called 'Clockwork Plague' has hit us hard. You will understand the precautions we need to take to ensure your safety."
The two of you enter an elevator now and it descends downward. As the doors open, you see four guards standing there. "At ease, boys. We have a new guest." She turns to you. "You see, I do admire your balls for walking into a prison like this, but we have not received our reputation for being the most frightening place in Valance for being lax. As soon as Rudolf came to me, I knew who you were. That idiot Stairclimber thought he could claim the glory of protecting the Inimeg name from scandal and curry favor from your mother. I had thought you were lost to me, but then here you come, right in the prison, asking to be let inside." She laughs and smiles, almost vibrating with excitement. "We shall let your mother have you, of course. We must avoid a scandal. But the Committee of Public Safety, and Mr. Capet have need for you first. After he is done with you, Mr. Nevlav, then your mother can have whatever is left. Now do be a good boy and let the guards put the manacles on you. You wanted to see your friends, and I am only too happy to give you that opportunity." She turns her back to you and walks back to the elevator. She presses the button and laughs. "You know, fifty years ago, I'd have to drag my old bones back up those stairs. King Brocc really gave us marvels with his technological wonders."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Alden
Alden, with a nod, takes the offered seat.
"We've come to you to ask a favor. We" Alden indicates his companions, "are in this place not because we are sick. We have information Capet wants, or rather, he wants to know what we know." Alden pauses.
"We" Alden continues, "have returned from Yellow Creek and were intercepted by Capet's cronies." Alden winces at the lingering pain of Stairclimber's beating. "We were sent there on a mission given to us by Admiral Tevis Garrock. Our mission" Alden hesitates a moment but continue, "was to find a rumored cure for the plague, not for the people but for the King himself."
Alden pauses trying to gauge Yualkid's reaction.
Insight:21
Alden continues, "We went there in hopes to find this cure, not only for the king but for the people of the kingdom. What we discovered was the source of the plague itself. That source is also the source of the King's power and in turn the power of the Church of the Engineer and Capet."
Alden takes a breath then continues. "We returned to further our investigation and put an end to this when we were intercepted by Capet's lackeys and we are as you see us now."
Alden thinks for a moment, letting Yualkid digest this, then continues. "We are leaving this prison. I come to you because I currently lack the resources to make this exit as subtle as you could. What I ask is nothing overt, I just ask for an opportunity to make that exit as soon as possible, hopefully before Capet's minions get their hands on us. I do not guarantee our success. I do not expect i will make it out of this but I cannot stand by and do nothing."
What I am offering you are two things." Alden says."The first, I offer the same, an opportunity. Upon our success, you will have the opportunity to reclaim much, if not all, of your lost empire. By me discussing this with you it seems to me we have already given you an opportunity to prepare for what is to come. Our success will bring an end to the plague and loosen the grip Capet and the Church has on the kingdom."
"The second" Alden hesitates for a moment, reluctant but knowing this is the course of action he has decided upon. "I will tell you and you alone" Alden looks around the tent for a moment. He will step forward to Yualkid and say in a low voice "I will tell you the source of the Kings power."
Even though the Dragonborn is clearly sick, there is still an innate cunning in his eyes. He listens thoughtfully, and nods. Alden, you are able to tell that Yualkid believes what you said, but does not seem to be overly angry, emotional, or even surprised about the purpose of your mission and the actions of Reynauld Capet and the Committee of Public Safety.
"As you may notice, half-elf, there are MANY in this place who are not sick. This place has become a place for those in power to drop those they hate in here so they can be forgotten as I once was, all those years ago. Nothing about this corrupt society surprises me, Mr. Lostchild. Compared to the corrupt apparatus in this kingdom however, my little operation was put a circus sideshow." Yualkid laughs, a deep rumbling laugh that goes on for a beat, but then immediately devolves into a coughing fit that actually shoots a bit of his acid breath onto the floor -- it sizzles as it touches the stone ground.
His attendant starts to step towards him, but the former crime lord waves him away with one of his massive paws. "I am not long for this world, you see. I even had my men smuggle the best doctors in the city in here to examine me. The end is coming -- perhaps a week, perhaps longer. I am...experiencing periods of hallucinations now, so I can feel the illness progressing. When I am gone, I know it will be welcome news for many in Valance, but it still pains me that there is still unfinished business I will leave behind. This Capet being one of them. When I knew him, he was a pup of a Tiefling, going by Reynauld the Reveler. A bard, and not half-bad at it. And yet, he was a damned spy from the beginning. Completely took me in." His eyes grow distant at the memory. "It was actually your mentor that arrested me, but it was Reynauld's word that put me in here. Got himself a fancy title, new name and more power than I ever had out of my fall. Not a bad deal -- I would have done it myself, but it is a source of frustration that he continues to...thrive in his machinations.
I don't give a damn about the Church of the Engineer, or even seeing my horde or power grow. The Raven Queen comes soon for me, my friend. I do want to see this so-called 'Capet' suffer before I go."
At the mention of the possibility of revealing the king's secret, however, the dragonborn's eyes light up again with interest. "King Brocc's secret?"He hisses. "You mean, to his inventions and the incredible weapons that seemingly appeared overnight? Hmm...yes, that is a valuable treasure, one that I still may even be able to use. Stanley, leave us." His attendant, the thin human bows his head, and leaves, whispering to Yoric and Thalion as he leaves "Watch yourselves. If anything happens to Mr. Yualkid, it will...not be pleasant for you and those you care about."
After Stanley leaves, Yualkid sits up in his bed, straighter than he was before and he studies each of you before replying. "I will help you, as best I am able, but you still must help yourself. I hope to the Gods at least one of you has a cool head. There are three of you, yes? I can provide you with guard uniforms -- we have some in stock as well as accompanying identification. This will allow you out of the hospital ward. Your equipment is housed beyond this ward in a locked decontamination chamber. There may be...other things you can use there as well, but you will need a key to the ward." He points to Thalion. "A little birdie told me your friend here was working with a rather larger birdie who might be in possession of such a thing. The uniforms will make accessing him a snap. Once you are out of the ward, it is a simple matter of walking out the front gates, disposing of the uniforms, and disappearing."
The dragonborn pauses and seems to be struggling mightily to suppress a cough. "I do have two further conditions. First, if you do have occasion to confront Reynauld, and make him suffer, please let him know I played a role, however slight, in his suffering. Finally, I want you to deliver a letter to my daughter. Consider it a favor to a sentimental old man."
"Of course. You have my word I will do both of these things for you." Alden says with some sadness for Yualkid's pain.
"Brocc's sudden rise to power and his machines overnight was to product of his arrangement with three witches, Hags I suspect. He went to them and they promised him his kingdom but, like all arrangements with those devils, curses follow. This plague is part of that curse. We've been told that the leader of the Cult of the Knife was with him when Brocc made the pact and their attempts to overturn this pact resulted in the destruction of the Cult and the outlawing of magic." Alden pauses.
"I am not entirely sure about that last part but, it comes from a source that seems to be reliable so far." he continues, "We must hurry before the kingdom is only filled with the sick and the dead."
"One more thing" Alden asks "Does this prison have some sort of anti-magic barrier that dispels or dissipates magic?"
After the Warden leaves Nevlav turns to the four guards and eyes each of them in turn, "You boys look like fine citizens to me. Work hard I bet and provide well for your families," he pauses as he draws his shield out slowly from off his back. "There is no reason we should tussle but I assure you, I have a very important mission I need to attend for crown and country and I can't allow anyone to stop me.
"Do the right thing mates, just let me by and use whatever excuses you need," his stance is non threatening and he stays his weapon hand but his eyes speak volumes.
(OOC: I never know what rolls would be best in these situations heh)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Rolling Intimidate for Nevlav -- 14)
(DAMN!)
In his armor and staring at the guards, Nevlav, you cut an extremely imposing figure and you can see the guards all look at each other.
"I mean -- 'e's not wrong. This is just a job."
"What's the worst the Warden could do? She's not going to kill us -- but those bloke might."
"Shut up, both of you. We have sworn an oath...."
"Yeah, but there's oaths and then there's OATHS. I'm with Neville."
Two of the guards, a human and a gnome, back away from the door. After a minute, the third one, a tiefling woman says "Sorry, Temeri. This ain't worth it. If he wants to head in there and catch whatever from those wretched creatures in there, I won't stop him."
"None of you have any backbone. I am putting you all on report!" The leader, and the only one seemingly willing to fight you, a female half-orc finally steps aside too. She sneers at you. "I'm betting the animals in there will eat you alive, gnome. Tomorrow, you'll be hacking up a lung, and banging on the door, begging to be let out.
In Yualkid's Room
The dragonborn sits in silence for a moment following your revelation, Alden, the only sound the drumming of his claws against the bedside table. Finally he speaks. "These witches...there are not unknown to me. My agents have heard of their machinations and corruption. One dwells near the city of Larouche, where I have some interests. They say these sisters have the ability to turn the land itself against people. If what you say is true, it paints Count Felix in an interesting new light as well." He coughs again, quickly covering his mouth with a handkerchief to cover any acid spray.
"Regardless, this is useful intelligence to me. I will fulfill my part of the bargain. In terms of magical dampening, there are so few magic users openly in Valance, and most of them end up in a hole somewhere, not this prison. Your shackles are likely enchanted with something to dampen your magical, but shackles should pose no problem for my people. Go see the bartender and he will remove your shackles. By the time we return we should have uniforms that you fit you." His eyes fall on Yoric. "More or less. In terms of my daughter, her name is Sooys. She is an adult, lives in the Harbor District, and makes her living as a sailor. That is all the information I have. I have not seen her in over twenty years. She has no involvement in my business. What is in the letter is my business alone, and I will ask you not to break the seal I place upon it. Go now. Stanley will handle the rest of the arrangements from here. You will not see me again."
As you start to leave, the dragonborn says "Oh, Mr. Lostchild, a moment? I have something else to discuss that is for your slightly pointed ears only."
Thalion smirks and nods when the sickly dragonborn points his way and when the magic-dampening shackles are brought up he immediately removes them from his wrists with a disdainful shake of his arms.
"Of course. May you walk the path we all must follow in peace," he says to Yualkid with a bow before he departs the room.
Nevlav relaxes slightly and nods to the group, even the half-orc. He really did not want to come to blows over this and he got lucky in his opinion. He stepped through the door and began making his way further in to the prison.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Alden only
Nesciar Yualkid sighs. "It is a horrid thing, this disease, Mr. Lostchild.The hallucinations have been hardest to deal with. My hallucinations are products of my past. Enemies I've killed, friends I've lost. I've even had visions of the great black dragon that is my ancestor. I've had entire conversations with him that may or may not be real.." He reaches for his bedside table and fumbles for a bit before grabbing a tumbler and putting it to his lips.
He sighs. "It is frightening and reassuring to be confronted by your past, especially so near the end. But you wouldn't know about that, would you? Your past is a blank slate, mostly. But it doesn't have to be. I was well acquainted with your father figure, the former Chief Inspector. But I also know your biological father. And I can tell you things. Things about your past and your name. Your REAL name. "
He lets the promise hang in the air. "It seems to me that you found this person who may be able to cure this disease. If you are able to convince him to brew a cure for me I can share much more about yourself and your past. The entire key of who you are can be unlocked. All I ask is you drop some of this supposed cure in a certain place. My agents will handle the rest. I do not need an answer now. This offer expires when I do. Think about it."
Nevlav, you step into the ward, like the others before you, you are overwhelmed by the sheer teeming mass of humanity in this makeshift hospital. There are so many people, in fact, that your own presence, without manacles seems not to be noticed.
Perception: 10
You think you see Thalion strapped to the bed in one densely packed part of the ward, filled with hospital beds, so you start to wander in that direction. As you progress through the ward you hear sounds of hacking and wheezing, prisoners screaming, and thrashing all about. As you pass by one bed, a gnome graps you wrist tightly and pulls at you, trying to bring you closer.
9STR Check
(Nevlav, roll a strength check if you want to contest -- if not, let me know).
Thalion and Yoric, you find your way to the bar area set up using a hospital bed and a surgical supply closet. It is surprisingly busy and most of the clientele seem to be prisoners. They drink whatever liquids the kobold bartender puts in front of them quickly though even these hardened criminals wince as they taste whatever concoctions the barkeep is brewing.
The kobold sees you approach and grins broadly. "Ah, newcomers. Come to see old Gas, eh? Gas's drinks will burn the disease right out of your blood. And yes -- Gas has heard all the jokes about Gas's name! You make joke, you pay extra for drinks. You want clear drink, brown drink or yellow drink. 2 gold. 5 gold for a mix of all three! Great deal!"
“Wait for the bird. He’ll be on lockdown for a bit. Go see the criminal chief.” Yoric nods
Paladin - warforged - orange
"Yes, hello," Nevlav starts. "I have reason to believe you recently imprisoned some fellows that my order, The Order of the Oiled Cog, have been seeking. It's all on the up and up I assure you but I must speak with urgently for slights against us." Deing decietful is not in his nature but Nevlav is left with few options. He fiddles with the handle of his new warhammer, hoping the Engineer can give him some luck.
Deception: 4
Persuasion (If you feel that is better): 10
"Hopefully the Aarakocra doesn't get the key taken away from him in the meantime. Alright, then," Thalion sighs. "Wouldn't be the first time I've consorted with those the Crown deems criminals."
DM Stuff
(Nevlav, I'll use persuasion in this case.)
The human smirks. "Ah yes. I'm sure it was an accident, eh sir? Quarantine breakers, were they? Not that I blame them. Young soldiers, gentlemen and ladies in the prime of their lives, right sir? Looking for a little adventure? A walk on the rougher side of life, am I right, sir? I got to say, I sometimes have to sneak out and get down to my local, to avoid the missus, am I right, sir? The birds down the pub are a little friendlier because of this, disease, sir. Everyone wants a bit of that personal contact, if you know what I mean, sir." He winks overly broadly and touches a finger to his nose.
"Alright, sir. We can handle this as easily as not. Give me their names and I can locate 'em and arrange for a brief word or whatever you're looking for." He waggles his eyebrows. "And there is a small administrative fee. Say, uh, five gold?"
As Alden, Thalion, and Yoric walk back to the encampment set up, Jacobo keeps his eyes down, not looking at any of you as you are allowed entry. You do notice that he seems to be moving a little painfully as he steps out of your way. This safe haven you've entered into seems to make up the largest area of the hospital ward. There is a kobold serving clear drinks out of beakers and other medical equipment in an area set up to be a makeshift bar, as well as another area where a set of hospital beds are set up. There is a small, crudely drawn sign at the entrance to this area, advertising "CLEAN, PLAGUE-FREE BEDS. 5 GP EACH. SEE BARKEEP FOR DETAILS." A number of prisoners, including a few people you recognize, Alden, wander around, without any sort of manacles or restraints on them.
The thin human sees you and comes over. "I am pleased you have decided to meet Mr. Yualkid. Please follow me." He walks you towards an enclosed space in the back, protected by canvas sheets and hospital curtains. He stops right outside the curtains. "Mr. Yualkid is...not well. Keep at least 8 feet of distance between yourself and him at all times. And do not speak too loudly. He is unfortunately somewhat sensitive to sound."
As you enter Nesciar Yualkid's room, you see an enormous black dragonborn cutting an incongruous figure sitting in a hospital bed, fanning himself. "GODS DAMNIT, Stanley. Its hot as the Nine Hells in here. Tell those doctors to lower the bloody temperature." He roars, then stops short as he sees who it is. "Ah, Inspector, soon to be Mr. Lostchild. Such an interesting sobriquet. Please, sit." He gestures to some chairs in the corner. "Now, you mentioned revenge against the Committee of Public Safety. You have my interest for....two minutes."
"Aye, you have the gist of it friend. Here is that fee with a little extra on account of your fair mood sir. The names are Alden, Yoric and Thalion, a half-elf, a halfling and a full elf. In that order, new arrivals all by accounts," Nevlav says with an inward sigh of relief. He digs out 7 gold and hands it over with a nod and a smile.
There is a lengthy wait Nevlav, as the overly familiar administrator disappears into one of the many tunnels that extend behind him. A number of guards pass by, most of them not giving you a second thought, but occasionally, a guard will recognize the crest on your armor and give you a sideways glance, but no one seems to bother you. The minutes tick by until he emerges with a small gnome woman wearing oversized spectacles. Her hair is iron-gray and she has the non-nonsense demeanor of a professional who's been doing this job for many (human) lifetimes.
"I am Warden Chambu. I understand there was a question with some of the prisoners that just came in this morning. We are of course, dedicated to making sure errors like this get sorted out. Follow me. Thank you, Rudolf. You may return to your post."
Warden Chambu leads you down a winding hallway that has views onto an extremely large courtyard area below you. "You'll see the hospital ward below you. Unfortunately, the kingdom's coffers do not allow us to make the necessary improvements to ensure everyone's safety. The so-called 'Clockwork Plague' has hit us hard. You will understand the precautions we need to take to ensure your safety."
The two of you enter an elevator now and it descends downward. As the doors open, you see four guards standing there. "At ease, boys. We have a new guest." She turns to you. "You see, I do admire your balls for walking into a prison like this, but we have not received our reputation for being the most frightening place in Valance for being lax. As soon as Rudolf came to me, I knew who you were. That idiot Stairclimber thought he could claim the glory of protecting the Inimeg name from scandal and curry favor from your mother. I had thought you were lost to me, but then here you come, right in the prison, asking to be let inside." She laughs and smiles, almost vibrating with excitement. "We shall let your mother have you, of course. We must avoid a scandal. But the Committee of Public Safety, and Mr. Capet have need for you first. After he is done with you, Mr. Nevlav, then your mother can have whatever is left. Now do be a good boy and let the guards put the manacles on you. You wanted to see your friends, and I am only too happy to give you that opportunity." She turns her back to you and walks back to the elevator. She presses the button and laughs. "You know, fifty years ago, I'd have to drag my old bones back up those stairs. King Brocc really gave us marvels with his technological wonders."
Alden
Alden, with a nod, takes the offered seat.
"We've come to you to ask a favor. We" Alden indicates his companions, "are in this place not because we are sick. We have information Capet wants, or rather, he wants to know what we know." Alden pauses.
"We" Alden continues, "have returned from Yellow Creek and were intercepted by Capet's cronies." Alden winces at the lingering pain of Stairclimber's beating. "We were sent there on a mission given to us by Admiral Tevis Garrock. Our mission" Alden hesitates a moment but continue, "was to find a rumored cure for the plague, not for the people but for the King himself."
Alden pauses trying to gauge Yualkid's reaction.
Insight: 21
Alden continues, "We went there in hopes to find this cure, not only for the king but for the people of the kingdom. What we discovered was the source of the plague itself. That source is also the source of the King's power and in turn the power of the Church of the Engineer and Capet."
Alden takes a breath then continues. "We returned to further our investigation and put an end to this when we were intercepted by Capet's lackeys and we are as you see us now."
Alden thinks for a moment, letting Yualkid digest this, then continues. "We are leaving this prison. I come to you because I currently lack the resources to make this exit as subtle as you could. What I ask is nothing overt, I just ask for an opportunity to make that exit as soon as possible, hopefully before Capet's minions get their hands on us. I do not guarantee our success. I do not expect i will make it out of this but I cannot stand by and do nothing."
What I am offering you are two things." Alden says. "The first, I offer the same, an opportunity. Upon our success, you will have the opportunity to reclaim much, if not all, of your lost empire. By me discussing this with you it seems to me we have already given you an opportunity to prepare for what is to come. Our success will bring an end to the plague and loosen the grip Capet and the Church has on the kingdom."
"The second" Alden hesitates for a moment, reluctant but knowing this is the course of action he has decided upon. "I will tell you and you alone" Alden looks around the tent for a moment. He will step forward to Yualkid and say in a low voice "I will tell you the source of the Kings power."
Persuasion: 13
Inspiration: 1
Even though the Dragonborn is clearly sick, there is still an innate cunning in his eyes. He listens thoughtfully, and nods. Alden, you are able to tell that Yualkid believes what you said, but does not seem to be overly angry, emotional, or even surprised about the purpose of your mission and the actions of Reynauld Capet and the Committee of Public Safety.
"As you may notice, half-elf, there are MANY in this place who are not sick. This place has become a place for those in power to drop those they hate in here so they can be forgotten as I once was, all those years ago. Nothing about this corrupt society surprises me, Mr. Lostchild. Compared to the corrupt apparatus in this kingdom however, my little operation was put a circus sideshow." Yualkid laughs, a deep rumbling laugh that goes on for a beat, but then immediately devolves into a coughing fit that actually shoots a bit of his acid breath onto the floor -- it sizzles as it touches the stone ground.
His attendant starts to step towards him, but the former crime lord waves him away with one of his massive paws. "I am not long for this world, you see. I even had my men smuggle the best doctors in the city in here to examine me. The end is coming -- perhaps a week, perhaps longer. I am...experiencing periods of hallucinations now, so I can feel the illness progressing. When I am gone, I know it will be welcome news for many in Valance, but it still pains me that there is still unfinished business I will leave behind. This Capet being one of them. When I knew him, he was a pup of a Tiefling, going by Reynauld the Reveler. A bard, and not half-bad at it. And yet, he was a damned spy from the beginning. Completely took me in." His eyes grow distant at the memory. "It was actually your mentor that arrested me, but it was Reynauld's word that put me in here. Got himself a fancy title, new name and more power than I ever had out of my fall. Not a bad deal -- I would have done it myself, but it is a source of frustration that he continues to...thrive in his machinations.
I don't give a damn about the Church of the Engineer, or even seeing my horde or power grow. The Raven Queen comes soon for me, my friend. I do want to see this so-called 'Capet' suffer before I go."
At the mention of the possibility of revealing the king's secret, however, the dragonborn's eyes light up again with interest. "King Brocc's secret?" He hisses. "You mean, to his inventions and the incredible weapons that seemingly appeared overnight? Hmm...yes, that is a valuable treasure, one that I still may even be able to use. Stanley, leave us." His attendant, the thin human bows his head, and leaves, whispering to Yoric and Thalion as he leaves "Watch yourselves. If anything happens to Mr. Yualkid, it will...not be pleasant for you and those you care about."
After Stanley leaves, Yualkid sits up in his bed, straighter than he was before and he studies each of you before replying. "I will help you, as best I am able, but you still must help yourself. I hope to the Gods at least one of you has a cool head. There are three of you, yes? I can provide you with guard uniforms -- we have some in stock as well as accompanying identification. This will allow you out of the hospital ward. Your equipment is housed beyond this ward in a locked decontamination chamber. There may be...other things you can use there as well, but you will need a key to the ward." He points to Thalion. "A little birdie told me your friend here was working with a rather larger birdie who might be in possession of such a thing. The uniforms will make accessing him a snap. Once you are out of the ward, it is a simple matter of walking out the front gates, disposing of the uniforms, and disappearing."
The dragonborn pauses and seems to be struggling mightily to suppress a cough. "I do have two further conditions. First, if you do have occasion to confront Reynauld, and make him suffer, please let him know I played a role, however slight, in his suffering. Finally, I want you to deliver a letter to my daughter. Consider it a favor to a sentimental old man."
Alden
"Of course. You have my word I will do both of these things for you." Alden says with some sadness for Yualkid's pain.
"Brocc's sudden rise to power and his machines overnight was to product of his arrangement with three witches, Hags I suspect. He went to them and they promised him his kingdom but, like all arrangements with those devils, curses follow. This plague is part of that curse. We've been told that the leader of the Cult of the Knife was with him when Brocc made the pact and their attempts to overturn this pact resulted in the destruction of the Cult and the outlawing of magic." Alden pauses.
"I am not entirely sure about that last part but, it comes from a source that seems to be reliable so far." he continues, "We must hurry before the kingdom is only filled with the sick and the dead."
"One more thing" Alden asks "Does this prison have some sort of anti-magic barrier that dispels or dissipates magic?"
After the Warden leaves Nevlav turns to the four guards and eyes each of them in turn, "You boys look like fine citizens to me. Work hard I bet and provide well for your families," he pauses as he draws his shield out slowly from off his back. "There is no reason we should tussle but I assure you, I have a very important mission I need to attend for crown and country and I can't allow anyone to stop me.
"Do the right thing mates, just let me by and use whatever excuses you need," his stance is non threatening and he stays his weapon hand but his eyes speak volumes.
(OOC: I never know what rolls would be best in these situations heh)
Yoric looks at Yualkid curiously. “Who is this daughter you want a letter delivered to?”
Paladin - warforged - orange
(Rolling Intimidate for Nevlav -- 14)
(DAMN!)
In his armor and staring at the guards, Nevlav, you cut an extremely imposing figure and you can see the guards all look at each other.
"I mean -- 'e's not wrong. This is just a job."
"What's the worst the Warden could do? She's not going to kill us -- but those bloke might."
"Shut up, both of you. We have sworn an oath...."
"Yeah, but there's oaths and then there's OATHS. I'm with Neville."
Two of the guards, a human and a gnome, back away from the door. After a minute, the third one, a tiefling woman says "Sorry, Temeri. This ain't worth it. If he wants to head in there and catch whatever from those wretched creatures in there, I won't stop him."
"None of you have any backbone. I am putting you all on report!" The leader, and the only one seemingly willing to fight you, a female half-orc finally steps aside too. She sneers at you. "I'm betting the animals in there will eat you alive, gnome. Tomorrow, you'll be hacking up a lung, and banging on the door, begging to be let out.
In Yualkid's Room
The dragonborn sits in silence for a moment following your revelation, Alden, the only sound the drumming of his claws against the bedside table. Finally he speaks. "These witches...there are not unknown to me. My agents have heard of their machinations and corruption. One dwells near the city of Larouche, where I have some interests. They say these sisters have the ability to turn the land itself against people. If what you say is true, it paints Count Felix in an interesting new light as well." He coughs again, quickly covering his mouth with a handkerchief to cover any acid spray.
"Regardless, this is useful intelligence to me. I will fulfill my part of the bargain. In terms of magical dampening, there are so few magic users openly in Valance, and most of them end up in a hole somewhere, not this prison. Your shackles are likely enchanted with something to dampen your magical, but shackles should pose no problem for my people. Go see the bartender and he will remove your shackles. By the time we return we should have uniforms that you fit you." His eyes fall on Yoric. "More or less. In terms of my daughter, her name is Sooys. She is an adult, lives in the Harbor District, and makes her living as a sailor. That is all the information I have. I have not seen her in over twenty years. She has no involvement in my business. What is in the letter is my business alone, and I will ask you not to break the seal I place upon it. Go now. Stanley will handle the rest of the arrangements from here. You will not see me again."
As you start to leave, the dragonborn says "Oh, Mr. Lostchild, a moment? I have something else to discuss that is for your slightly pointed ears only."
Alden
"Yoric, and Thalion, will you wait outside for me please." Alden asks.
Thalion smirks and nods when the sickly dragonborn points his way and when the magic-dampening shackles are brought up he immediately removes them from his wrists with a disdainful shake of his arms.
"Of course. May you walk the path we all must follow in peace," he says to Yualkid with a bow before he departs the room.
“Careful, Alden.” Yoric says quietly as he leaves to go to the bartender.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Nevlav relaxes slightly and nods to the group, even the half-orc. He really did not want to come to blows over this and he got lucky in his opinion. He stepped through the door and began making his way further in to the prison.
Alden only
Nesciar Yualkid sighs. "It is a horrid thing, this disease, Mr. Lostchild.The hallucinations have been hardest to deal with. My hallucinations are products of my past. Enemies I've killed, friends I've lost. I've even had visions of the great black dragon that is my ancestor. I've had entire conversations with him that may or may not be real.." He reaches for his bedside table and fumbles for a bit before grabbing a tumbler and putting it to his lips.
He sighs. "It is frightening and reassuring to be confronted by your past, especially so near the end. But you wouldn't know about that, would you? Your past is a blank slate, mostly. But it doesn't have to be. I was well acquainted with your father figure, the former Chief Inspector. But I also know your biological father. And I can tell you things. Things about your past and your name. Your REAL name. "
He lets the promise hang in the air. "It seems to me that you found this person who may be able to cure this disease. If you are able to convince him to brew a cure for me I can share much more about yourself and your past. The entire key of who you are can be unlocked. All I ask is you drop some of this supposed cure in a certain place. My agents will handle the rest. I do not need an answer now. This offer expires when I do. Think about it."
Nevlav, you step into the ward, like the others before you, you are overwhelmed by the sheer teeming mass of humanity in this makeshift hospital. There are so many people, in fact, that your own presence, without manacles seems not to be noticed.
Perception: 10
You think you see Thalion strapped to the bed in one densely packed part of the ward, filled with hospital beds, so you start to wander in that direction. As you progress through the ward you hear sounds of hacking and wheezing, prisoners screaming, and thrashing all about. As you pass by one bed, a gnome graps you wrist tightly and pulls at you, trying to bring you closer.
9 STR Check
(Nevlav, roll a strength check if you want to contest -- if not, let me know).
Thalion and Yoric, you find your way to the bar area set up using a hospital bed and a surgical supply closet. It is surprisingly busy and most of the clientele seem to be prisoners. They drink whatever liquids the kobold bartender puts in front of them quickly though even these hardened criminals wince as they taste whatever concoctions the barkeep is brewing.
The kobold sees you approach and grins broadly. "Ah, newcomers. Come to see old Gas, eh? Gas's drinks will burn the disease right out of your blood. And yes -- Gas has heard all the jokes about Gas's name! You make joke, you pay extra for drinks. You want clear drink, brown drink or yellow drink. 2 gold. 5 gold for a mix of all three! Great deal!"
Nevlav does not resist and steps closer the gnomes bed in concern.
Alden
After a short few moments Alden will exit the tent. He will find Stanley first and ask "Where do we get these removed?" holding up his shackled hands.
After that he will say: "I will fetch my companions. Once we return we will be ready to go"
Alden will go to find Yoric and Thalion. Once he does he will say: "Thalion, lets go talk to this bird friend of yours."