Having returned to Korvosa from Liveoak's tree the day before and spent a quiet night in their lodging, Darelle and Daryle leave the Upslope House after a hearty breakfast. They head to the waterfront, where they meet with their dwarven friend Dhukhean. He is supervising the preparation of the clan's ship that will take the dwarven members of the negotiation team back to the Linnorm Kingdoms with a planned departure for the following day. With his duties in Korvosa coming to an end, Dhukhean has arranged to remain behind and spend some time with the sisters.
As they meander the busy dockside, they first hear, then spot a Hellknight patrol rushing through and heading towards the Korvosan neighborhood called North Point. Darelle also notices members of the Sable Company flying on their griffins towards the same area. The sisters and Dhukhean closely follow the rushing Hellknights and arrive on the scene of a devastating fire affecting an entire block near Sunpoint boulevard. Two fire companies of Korvosan Guards are already hard at work, and while the Sable patrol continues to fly in the air, the Hellknights take a defensive position and begin pushing the crowds back, but make no attempt to help the Guards put out the fire, as this is a purely Korvosan matter and does not involve Chelaxian interests. Incensed, Daryle steps to the Hellknight commander, Sir Maurice, and orders him to assist the guard. Sir Maurice looks her up and down and instructs her to move along otherwise he'll have her arrested. Daryle threatens to report him to Duke Mosley. Sir Maurice blanches, and asks her for her credentials. Daryle produces her Hellknight badge and advises Sir Maurice that she knows Duke Mosley personally and was sent to Korvosa on a mission for him. Sir Maurice turns around and order his troops to assist the Guards.
Meanwhile, Darelle runs into the fire, being well-protected against fire thanks to the ring of protection offered to her by the Mistress of Thorns more than a year ago and able to breathe under any circumstances. She is looking for survivors, and also hopes to investigate if the fire is an accident or a magical attack of sorts. Inside one of the houses, she discovers that the fire started in the kitchen when a burning pot of oil was accidentally splashed against a wall and ignited. Huddled in another room she finds a man sheltering two little children. Finding no way to carry the children out without a severe risk of harm, she breaks through a wall and exits in an engulfed alley, followed by the father. She runs to tne end of the street and reunites the family together. Dhukhean detects evil, but the fire appears to not have had any evil intents. He softly chuckles to himself with the stupidity of humans using wood to build entire structures and neighborhood.
Daryle supervises the Hellknights when she notices an urchin attempting to steal her purse. She detains the child and calls over Sir Maurice to have him taken away. Sir Maurice identifies the child as belonging to the notorious Dock's Dozens, a group of street children associated with a known crime syndicate.
Eventually the fire is put out. Since it is near lunchtime, the Coopers depart the area and head towards Old Korvosa, hoping to find a decent place to find food. After some searching they find a small tearoom in a back alley. Called the Pewter Pot, it is a small place with seating for eight on two tables that can be placed together if necessary. The place is empty, so they take the table next to the wall, and place their order. The drinks and food are delicious, and the bill is more than reasonable. Daryle finds a harrow card in her drink. She pulls it out of her tankard of mead, still half filled with liquid, but the card itself is dry. A representation of the Publican, the card is old and worn but remains very sturdy. On the back a note is scribbled, and reads: "A man named Gadrien has wronged me, and plagues the city with his evil ways. I know you to be defenders of justice, and I hope you will take my cause. Please come to my house, 3, Lancet Street at dusk. I really need your assistance!" The note is signed by someone called Zellara.
The Coopers get directions to Lancet Street and head to the southern end of the docks, where Zellara's house is located. They find 3, Lancet Street wedged between two similar small houses. The house directly abuts the street, and has a lovely but faded lavender door and two small windows. The two stories structure is centuries old. They observe the house but notice no movements. They meander in the neighborhood for another hour, and they return at sunset. On the door Darelle finds another note in the same handwriting. The note reads: "I stepped out for a few minutes, come on in and help yourself to food if you are hungry." Daryle warily opens the door. The inside is cozy and warm. A small table has been set with victuals and two bottles of wine. Candles gleam in lanterns throughout the house. On the table is an old Harrows deck. Daryle looks at the cards, and notices that the Publican is missing, and that the back of her card looks like the rest of this deck. She puts the card back in the deck.
As they make themselves comfortable, they hear footsteps in the street that stopped by Zellara's door. A woman in her mid fifties enter the residence, and is startled to see the Coopers sitting at her table. She quickly recovers and thanks them for agreeing to visiting with her despite her vague message. Zellara explains her reasons for inviting the Coopers over. She is a Harrow cards reader, and she tells them that about two years ago she began to receive unwanted visits by Gadrien, a scoundrel who runs a local crime syndicate. In no uncertain terms he informed her she needed to make weekly payments of several gold crowns to receive his "protection." When she refused, thugs roughed her up, breaking a few ribs and three teeth. Ever since, she has lived in fear. She had to close her lucrative business, and could only afford a small storefront in a quiet neighborhood. This cost her much of her clientele. Recently, however, she has noticed shady men following her around, and she once again was roughed up by his thugs. She now fears that Gadrien is once again attempting to obtain protection money from her. She would like the Coopers to help her in getting Gadrien to back off. She was at the Breaching Festival and witnessed their triumph, and thought that they could help her. When asked why she didn't go to the local authorities, Zellara informs the Coopers that the Sable Company and the Hellknights do not care about the Varissi, the native population of Korvosa alongside the Shoantis. The Korvosan Guard, meanwhile, is suspected of being on Gadrien's take. She really needs their help. Darelle agrees that they will help her deal with Gadrien. To thank them, Zellara conducts a classical Harrows reading using her worn deck.
Positive past: The Forge represents strength through diversity, or strength from many sources united against a single trial. Your past actions have marked you as heroes to many, and enemies to some. Your bravery against the obstacles that marked your trial have shown that despite your misgivings you are willing to help and assist those who are downtrodden. This is why Fate has selected you to be here in Korvosa, to assist the city in its time of need. Because of its location it is a partial match, which means many sources of strength were needed for you to be triumphant. Do not ignore these strengths, for they can once again be useful.
Unclear past: The Fiend represents a devil that devours the masses of the innocent, indicating the deaths of many in a disaster. Unfortunately in your past you had to made decisions that needlessly cost a great amount of lives. These decisions made in the past influence the present still and will have repercussion in the future. Beware the hounds of hell, for they seek to ensnare you in their traps.
Negative past: The Survivor represents a creature that has managed to survive a terrible ordeal, when everyone thought him lost. An enemy you have made like the proverbial phoenix is arising out of the ashes of his doom and even now plots his revenge against you. Because of its location, it is a misaligned card which represents a profound and terrible loss that still haunts you and exerts influence on your actions.
Positive present: The Midwife represents the enabler or conduit of new creation, information, or arrivals. Confederates gather around you even as we speak, seeking to help you in your present quest. Some are already agitating in the wings, ready to provide assistance, while others are at present unaware of your existence but will gladly grant you help and succor in your time of need. A powerful ally, the Blackjack, should be sought out. Because of its location, it is a true match which represents creation, though the Midwife herself does not create. Acknowledge the import of a new arrival, for it will prove most useful.
Unclear present: The Betrayal represents selfishness and envy. There are divisions in your group even now, and some seek to acquire power without thoughts to the consequences of their actions. Your guiding hand can put them back on the right path, but do not stray far from it yourself. Because of its location, it is a partial match, which represents a self-sacrifice that resolves one of the divisions.
Negative present: The Tangled Briar represents a historical thing or creature that will have some influence on the problems facing Korvosa. A relic of old, descending from one of the most powerful of Golarion’s denizens, dwells deep within the city, slowly spreading its nefarious control to key part of the city. Deadly danger has already begun to circle around you. Because of its location, it is a partial match, which represents the hope that another ancient deed can help you.
Positive future: The Keep represents quiet, unshakeable strength that withstands any hardship. Your devotion to a righteous cause will stand as a testament to your goodness and will continue to sing praises to your name, provided you remain steadfast in your commitment to solve the challenge posed by the Tangled Briar. Because of its location, it is a partial match, which represents that you will not be shaken by any force, and that your foes are unlikely to shake of your single-minded dedication.
Unclear future: The Juggler represents destiny, deities, and those who play with the fates of others. A dangerous individual is the master of puppets, pulling strings and strives to destroy Korvosa. Already the wheels are turning and plans have been set in motion. However, the juggler is not constant. As a chaotic card, he can and often drops one of the things he juggles. The master of puppets can be thwarted, and you’re the one who will do so. Because of its location, it is a partial match, which represents that his rhythm will be off, and one or more will fall and fail, but only if you keep the Juggler off kilter.
Negative future: The Avalanche represents disaster: an unthinking panic and destruction that overruns all. Unfortunately, in your battle with the Juggler, your actions will not prevent Korvosa from destroying itself. Beware the black ships, for they will bring the city to its knees! Because of its location, it is a partial match, which means calamity can still be avoided, but at great consequences to yourself. Will you save Korvosa at great personal risk?
Lawful
|
Neutral
|
Chaotic
| |
Good
|
Positive past
The Forge
 |
Positive present
The Midwife
 |
Positive future
The Keep
 |
Neutral
|
Unclear past
The Fiend
 |
Unclear present
The Betrayal
 |
Unclear future
The Juggler
 |
Evil
|
Negative past
The Survivor
 |
Negative present
The Tangled Briar
 |
Negative future
The Avalanche
 |
After performing the reading, the Coopers decide to go bar hopping, to figure out the schedule for Gadrien's enforcers. This way they are less likely to run into them as they investigate. They head to the North Point and stop at the Pier's Lantern, a run-down tavern sitting across from the Old Fishery. On the door of the Old Fishery is a weathered notice indicating that the city government has condemned this building and plans on seizing it. The notice itself is dated from more than three years ago.
Lamashan 5, 4712
From the Pier's Lantern the Coopers keep a close eye on the building, and throughout the night they first notice three wagons pull up and deliver heavy barrels. Then, closer to dawn, two empty wagons pull up and pick up more barrels before heading out. Darelle uses a potion of invisibility and follows the second wagon. It delivers barrels to several eateries in North Point and Old Korvosa. The ranger examines one of the barrels and finds it is filled with a foul-smelling slurry fit for fish bait or fertilizer, but clearly intended to be served as food. No wonder the prices are so low in these eateries!
Darelle returns to the tavern and reports her findings. At the same time, six burly men arrive together at the front door of the fishery. They are let in, and leave fifteen minutes later, splitting up at the first intersection. The Coopers decide to follow one of the men. Throughout the morning, he stops in several businesses, and emerges a few minutes later with a bill of sale and a heavier purse tied to his belt. Armed with a short sword, the goon continues his round, stopping at Pastries and Things, a local bakery in North Point. The Coopers decide to put a stop to it. They corner the man in an alley, and capture him. Dhukhean ties him to a chair. Daryle and Darelle obscure their faces, but Dhukhean takes no such precaution. The dwarf steps in front of the man and questions him for a long while. At first, the man explains that he's simply selling slurry to the stores he has visited, and he has the bills of sale to prove it, but Dhukhean is intimidating enough that the thug admits he's collecting "rent" money for Gadrien. The Coopers force the thug to drink himself into a stupor, they relieve him of his purse and leave him laying in a pool of his own urine.
Returning to the baker, they attempt to give him his money back. The baker, fearful, tell them that he'd rather not take it back, and he would like Gadrien to receive it since he worries for his business and his family that works here and lives with him above the store. If money is not delivered, another thug will come and visit the following day and payment will be more. The Coopers tell him they will take care of it. Over the next four days, the Coopers systematically deal with Gadrien's thugs, and soon no men walk around to collect "rent."
The Coopers continue observing the Old Fishery for five more days. The slurry business continues, with arrival of the wagons containing fish caught 3 days dead in the nets, freakish specimens unfit for sale, or old sun-tainted fish reeking with the first hints of decay in the early parts of the night, and the slurry departing just before dawn, but no more rent collectors report for work. Instead, Gadrien has hired another group of thugs who protect the building. He seems to be gearing up for a gang war.
Lamashan 14, 4712
Armed with this information, Dhukhean pays Zellara a visit at her shop, but it's clear the Harrows reader has not been here in quite some time. He goes to her house, but she's not there either. Dhukhean writes her a note that he came looking for her, found her not at home but perhaps will meet later on at the shop or at home. Please be well. He leaves the note unsigned.
Lamashan 17, 4712
Worried, Darelle keeps an eye on the shop for Zellara, but she does not come. Dhukhean finally makes contact with the Harrows reader at her home. Zellara tells the dwarf she has been under the weather recently, and left the city for a few days. She is thrilled to hear that the Coopers have demolished Gadrien's money collecting operation, but she hopes that they will deal with the ruffian personally. Dhukhean tells her not to worry, they will take care of him.
Lamashan 18, 4712
Daryle decides it is time to pay Gadrien a visit. Dhukhean and Darelle wait for her at the Pier's Lantern. She sneaks inside the Fishery, and discovers that Gadrien employs an army of small children to mix the slurry. Three guards appear to be protecting the place at night. Out back she finds an old ship that has beached itself. There she discovers that the ship is in fact a decoy, hiding access to a series of rooms underneath the Fishery. She returns to the ship's deck, and lights an arrow and fires it up in the sky. Darelle and Dhukhean notice, and quickly rejoin her. It's time to pay Gadrien a visit ...
