Rissada - Session 30.6

In the underground of Rissada, Engir and Nalzij choose to undergo a grim business; reporting to Aldred the unfortunate fate of Orz. Engir guides Nalzij to the secret entrance, while she carries Orz's surprisingly light frame.

Engir: "(Just here.)"
Engir leans into the part of the wall that gives.
Nalzij: "(In plain sight all this time?)"
Engir passes through the wall, leaving no evident trace of his passage.
Nalzij stares at the wall in confusion, trying to push through it as well
Inside the guild, Raza notices him with a bored expression, then returns to carving out crossbow bolts.
Engir halts in place.
Nalzij: "...Raza."
Raza: "The gnome, the paladin, and... ..."
Engir lowers his head.
Raza: "Tch."
"What a damned idiot."
Engir: "I'm sorry... we failed you."
Nalzij: "I'm sorry. She died well. The mission was a success..."
Raza: "Oh, yeah, the execution thing."
"Guess she was occupied with 'doing the right thing'."
"Whatever, you might as well report to the boss. He'll want to hear it."
Engir: "Indeed."
"...and, the prince knew her. She'll be buried with her mother."
Raza: "Makes sense. Guess you ought to make sure the corpse gets there."
Nalzij: "We will."
Engir: "Indeed."
Raza points to the north door with his unfinished crossbow, before returning to carving it.
Engir presses onward.
Engir eyes up the familiar Tiefling.
Engir: "Same as last time. I shouldn't need to explain our business."
Tiefling Rogue: "...You brought a paladin."
"Why in hell would you bring a paladin HERE?"
Nalzij: "We just need to speak to the guildmaster. I won't give you any trouble."
Tiefling Rogue: "Whatever. He's gonna be in the next room."
As the party enters the next room, they see the back of Aldred, looking towards the wall and seeming thoughtful.
Nalzij: "Sir Bladewind."
Aldred Bladewind: "That voice."
"Eldorean's brat, eh?"
Nalzij: "Yes."
Aldred Bladewind: "Been a while."
Nalzij: "...Ah? I don't recall, sir."
Aldred Bladewind: "Don't blame ya, you were still a li'l kid then."
"Ol' Eldorean had no idea how'ta raise a kid, let alone one wit' orcen blood."
"So who should come ta mind but ol' Aldred, eh?"
"Howeva', from th' sounds of yer voice, ya ain't exactly brinin' me good tidin'."
Engir: "Well, the mission was a success. ...but at such a price..."
Aldred Bladewind: "Shadow, huh..."
Nalzij: "...Yes. We stopped the execution. Orz... didn't make it. It was a clean death, and she was a great asset to us..."
Aldred Bladewind: "Tch. She was a good 'un. One of my best."
Engir: "I don't think there's anyone else like her."
"I ask myself what I could have done differently to save her, if we should have had more people..."
Aldred Bladewind: "...Yer wonderin' why ya had so few reinforcements, huh."
Engir nods quietly.
Engir: "They didn't try to waylay you too, did they?"
Aldred Bladewind: "Tell me. How many rogues have ya seen here?"
Engir: "Hm, right. Four, five including you?"
Nalzij: "You didn't have many people to send, did you?"
Aldred Bladewind: "We... don't have any else."
"Horns and Fluffy ain't fighters, either."
Engir: "I see. With exception of the crooked alchemists, the underground guilds have waned..."
"This Valesian faction has much to answer for."
Aldred Bladewind: "Easy fer them to make money, what with their services t' the nobles'."
Nalzij: "How many loyalties have been bought?"
Aldred Bladewind: "When wind broke out tha' we don't go killin' nobility or unjust causes, our finances waned."
"Ain't nobody wants t' hire an assassin wi' a heart."
Engir: "Funny, that. The people with the money are the ones that ask for the greatest crimes."
Aldred Bladewind: "An' we just lost our best fighter, too, short of yers truly."
"She should be wi' her mum."
Nalzij: "She will be."
Engir: "Indeed. There is some good news in spite of this all."
Nalzij: "The prince promised that."
Aldred Bladewind: "Her life was cruel an' harsh, from ev'rything I learned."
Engir: "I... have read of the Drow."
"It shames me all the more for losing Orz."
Aldred Bladewind: "Drow, orc, elf, fox. Don't bother me none."
Engir: "Yes, she was proof of that."
Aldred Bladewind: "I've seen enough guts in m' day to know everyone looks th' same on the inside."
Engir winces at the statement.
Engir: "Grisly, but fair."
"Well, point is, the King and Prince are back, both. Part of me feels they were waiting for the Valesians to do something this daring."
Nalzij: "A pity more can't see it that way."
Aldred Bladewind: "Mmm. Wonder wh' happens next."
Nalzij: "You'd know best what's in the works."
Aldred Bladewind: "You'd be surprised how many o' my ears in th' streets are gettin' cut off."
"Part o' me wonders if th' nobles or Valesians have their own shadows in th' alleys."
Engir: "Sounds very likely, at this point."
Nalzij: "If so many have been compromised... how long until Valesia outright raids this place?"
Engir: "That's what I'm wondering."
Aldred Bladewind: "Valesia pretends it's under th' crown but that's li'l more'n a charade."
"It's time we stop pretendin' they're allies, too, else more'll die just like Shadow."
Nalzij: "My father said the same. Hopefully at least a show of opposition made some difference."
Engir: "I didn't have time to mention before. I do have one lead regarding the nobles."
Aldred Bladewind: "...A lead?"
Engir: "Athel Von Armaneus."
Aldred Bladewind: "...Which one?"
Engir: "Well, this explains a lot."
"That name shows up in the slave trade ledgers. A lot."
Aldred Bladewind: "Tricky thing with 'em."
Engir: "If more than one shares the same name, they could get away with a lot of underhanded things..."
Nalzij: "The supervisor's journal mentioned a significant patron, too."
Aldred Bladewind: "...Not sure what road yer thinkin', but not sure if it's th' right one."
Engir: "Well, It's mostly speculation. But if the nobles are spreading poison behind the scenes, They'd be harder to track if they didn't have a name that immediately pointed to them."
Aldred Bladewind: "Lots o' nobles know 'bout th' Armaneus line."
"Name ain't an alias, it's just a bizarre fam'ly tradition."
"Ev'ry ruler o' the Armaneus house names th' eld'st son Athel von Armaneus."
Nalzij: "Wouldn't that get confusing?"
Aldred Bladewind: "Right now it's Athel von Armaneus LXIV."
Engir: "That's one old family."
Nalzij: "No wonder they're well-known."
Aldred Bladewind: "An' one rich one."
"They may be crazy, but they ain't broke."
Engir: "Sounds all too familiar."
Engir drifts in reflection, briefly.
Aldred Bladewind: "...Y' should get Shadow t' her final home."
Engir: "Mmm, right, sir."
Aldred Bladewind: "Kinda hard t' talk to ya carryin' her body ev'rywhere."
Engir nods.
Nalzij: "Right. ...I'll make sure her loss wasn't in vain, sir."
Aldred Bladewind: "I'll keep in touch if I find somthin' that helps you kids."
Engir: "That's all I can ask, thank you."
Aldred Bladewind: "Y' just might have th' power to fix th' crazies."
Engir: "I hope so."
Nalzij: "At least some of them."
Engir: "There were a worrying number of spectators to that execution."
Aldred Bladewind: "Kinda hard t' look away from somethin' even if ya know it's gonna be horrible."
Engir quietly moves back through the guild halls.
Nalzij glances back at Raza
Raza: "Be seein' ya."
"Or maybe not."
Engir: "Take care, Raza."
Engir and Nalzij exit the Rogue's Guild, preparing to take Orz's body back up to the castle.
Engir lets out a tired breath.
Engir: "I guess there's someone else we need to tell."
"Still haven't had the first letter back from him, though."
Nalzij looks at Engir, not catching on
Engir: "Tharrius."
Nalzij: "Right. Can we send another letter?"
Engir: "We can. I'd feel more comfortable knowing the first made its journey, but it's a long one either way."
Nalzij: "I don't even know where he was going. I thought he would return to the city..."
Engir: "Aldred mentioned Arano?"
Nalzij: "Arano? Why there?"
Engir: "Good question. Though the factions there don't answer to Valesia, that's for sure."
Nalzij: "I don't know much about the place."
Engir: "It's known as the city of anarchy. The only law there is the strength of men and their friends."
Nalzij: "Doesn't mean Valesia has no influence, does it?"
Engir: "True, their coin will have its sway. But I don't think the Valesian Knights could ever strongarm that place."
Nalzij: "There is that, at least."
Engir: "Plus, that pirate we met, apparently has quite a deal of influence there."
As the party discusses, a paper bird flies over their heads, coming from the direction of the thaumaturge's guild and heading outside.
Engir looks up.
Engir: "That could be... one of two people?"
Nalzij: "How many of those have you been sending?"
Engir: "I gave a couple to Hilra."
Nalzij: "Check back at the guild after we return the body?"
Engir: "Yeah, for sure. I want to check on Ara, anyway."
Nalzij: "I should report back to the cathedral after that. I didn't have time to explain about the slaves."
Engir: "Tell me about it. That incident gave us no time."
"I suppose I really can't keep blaming myself, given that..."

The party begins to take Orz's body towards the castle, leaving through the typical exit of the underground.
On the way, they see a familiar, grey-armored woman talking with townsfolk, in the evening night.
Nalzij nudges Engir, gesturing toward the Grey Warden
Engir: "Lady Grey Warden."
Grey Warden: "Ah. You two."
"I am not here to cause trouble. As per the king's orders, I will be leaving the city in the morning."
Engir: "Actually, I wanted to apologise for some of my zealotry earlier. You have held your honour well."
Nalzij: "I see no reason to doubt your word."
Grey Warden: "Thank you."
"...I have nothing against demihumans. Elven or otherwise. I would like to make that clear."
"However, I do have a duty."
"In fact, I would like to hear it from you, now that the situation is... less heated."
Engir: "Ah?"
Nalzij: "Yes?"
Grey Warden: "Under what circumstances was Lord Reinbach III slain?"
Nalzij: "I don't know of any Lord Reinbach."
Engir: "Myself and my companions were accused of murder of the near entirety of the Thaumaturge's Guild, as well as Nalzij."
"The lord was with a heavily armed cohort, and negotiation failed very quickly."
"While we did try to subdue them, one of our numbers had been corrupted and was all too ready to kill."
Grey Warden: "One of... your own?"
Nalzij: "...so it was Dahlia?"
Grey Warden: "Come to think of it, one of your number was missing during the execution.
Engir: "It was, Nalzij."
Grey Warden: "A woman with silver hair."
Engir: "That's her. Led astray by a demon, behind our very backs."
Grey Warden: "...I see."
"And among those slain from the Rissadan Thaumaturge's Guild? Also her doing alone?"
Nalzij: "That was more complicated."
Engir: "We battled with a number of them, but almost all of the deaths were from their own."
Grey Warden: "Curious."
"Paladin. Do you swear upon your honor that what he speaks is true?"
Nalzij: "We slew Coneus, and I take responsibility for Sirius's death, even if it wasn't by my hand."
"That is all. I swear, he speaks the truth."
Engir: "Indeed."
Grey Warden: "I see. Then I shall accept your words as truth."
"Are you taking your fallen comrade to her loved ones?"
Nalzij: "To her burial site."
Engir: "We have just returned from her family."
Grey Warden: "I see."
"Would that we had the luxury, but Valesia is far away, so news alone will have to suffice."
"The Grand Marshal will not be pleased to hear the news."
Engir nods.
Grey Warden: "A grim, solemn duty."
Nalzij: "If I may ask, in turn... was all you did only out of duty?"
Grey Warden: "All of it was."
"The Grand Marshal's words are absolute."
Nalzij: "Mmm. It's a shame... I feel we could have worked together well, in a different time."
Engir: "I agree."
Grey Warden: "Perhaps so."
"I would like to stay in here a while longer, to learn about you on more favorable conditions."
"Apologize to those I captured and explain the situation."
Nalzij: "I will tell Melodi for you. The dragon girl."
Grey Warden: "...Thank you."
Nalzij: "And the others, if I see them again."
Engir: "Yes. You've done a lot to put aside my prejudices."
Grey Warden: "...Before I leave, I suppose there is one formality that still needs to be exchanged."
Engir: "Yes?"
Grey Warden steps forward, extending a hand.
Engir takes the hand, and shakes it.
Engir: "Engir Gythel."
Grey Warden: "Elizabeth Corrinay."
Nalzij shifts Orz's weight a bit, then extends her own hand
Nalzij: "Nalzij Latissier."
Engir pauses as she announces it, mouth agape.
Nalzij: "Corrinay. You are kin to Sir Tharrius?"
Grey Warden: "...Indirectly."
"He is my uncle."
Grey Warden shakes Nalzij's hand as well, and turns to leave.
Nalzij: "If that's so... We had planned to contact him through magic already."
Engir: "...if you ever get the time, or pass the area, there is a ruined village South-West of here. Beneath it is a small shrine."
"That place fills us with hope of what could be once more."
Grey Warden: "...It is forbidden."
"Only those of the clergy, of which I am not, are worthy to gaze upon that location."
Engir: "I see. Then if none else, please remember the name Tyrane." [Diplomacy check: 29]
Nalzij: "A shame. If only all could see that place."
Grey Warden: "A pleasure running into you."
"May we meet again under better circumstances."
Engir: "I pray so."
Nalzij: "Safe travels."
Grey Warden heads off down the street.
Nalzij: "One more person unfairly dragged into all this..."
Engir: "Yeah. Starting to wonder how many people are really pulling the strings."

The party heads to the castle, bringing Orz's body with them. They are led by a guard expecting them to a prepared area.
Solemn Priest: "Oh, sacred Star, take into ye heart this fallen child, and cherish her soul as we remember her life."
Engir grimly looks down.
Engir: "(You were a real hero, friend.)"
Nalzij: "(You deserved a better life than this...)"
Engir: "(She really did. She truly stood against all the stereotypes of her blood.)"
Nalzij: "(On behalf of my people, both orcish and Rissadan... I'm sorry for all that's happened.)"
Engir tilts his head slightly, but after a moment, nods.
Solemn Priest: "With the blessing of the star, and those who knew her in life,may this child's soul find peace in the afterlife."
Solemn Priest bows, as the attendant knight begins to fill the grave.
Nalzij looks away slightly, noticing Engir's observation
Engir returns to watching the grave, letting tears flow freely.
Solemn Priest: "And so doth lie the child Orz, lain next to her mother."
Nalzij mostly succeeds in maintaining her composure
Engir: "Mmm. Shall we be on our way?"
Nalzij: "Yes. There's still more to be done."
Armored Soldier: "The twilight hours approach. You should return to your homes."
"Night is not safe for demihumans at this time, not even for heroes as such as you."
Engir: "Thank you, ma'am."
Nalzij: "You'll return to the guild anyway, right, Engir?"
Engir: "Yeah. I need to make sure Ara's okay."
Nalzij: "Thank you for the warning."
Engir and Nalzij pay their final respects and go their own ways to their respective homes, the events of the day weighing heavily on their minds.