Re: [2.08] The Hospice of the Blessed Maiden
Amidst the chaos and rumbling, the party rushes out of the collapsing temple, leading the injured and rescued prisoners to safety. The ground trembles beneath their feet as they emerge into the open air, a cacophony of cries and shouts filling their ears.
On the surface, the "hospital" is a scene of turmoil. Patients wail in pain, attendants and nurses scramble to aid the injured, and the building itself seems to groan under the pressure of the upheaval. Shouts of alarm echo forth and the injured are evacuated even as the structure cracks and groans. The main floor is only halfway emptied when the upper story shakes and collapses but thankfully it only crushes the back areas already emptied. With the last patient carried out, the building finally succumbs to the forces tearing it apart, collapsing into a colossal sinkhole that devours everything in its path.
Davaulus and Lady Andaisin, the architects of the blood veil's creation and spread, lie defeated. Their malevolent plans have crumbled with the temple, dealt a mortal blow by the party's unwavering resolve. The unnatural plague's rapid and erratic expansion comes to a sudden halt. While the disease still lingers, the Korvosan Guard and city priests rally to bring the situation under control, containing its spread and treating the afflicted.
Recovered research notes and a well-placed "interrogation" of Dr. Davaulus lead to a breakthrough discovery: a cure! Mixing the blood of native Varisians with potent healing potions proves to be a powerful antidote, even for those in advanced stages of the disease. The city's healers work tirelessly to create this tonic, bringing hope to those who had been ravaged by the blood veil.
Ruan Mirukova, the brother of the woman who approached for help is reunited with his sister after being healed up by the city watch. She professes her thanks and he promises to sing praises to the Korvosan Watch, and the eclectic group of "specialists" that came to his rescue.
Despite the feeling of relief, still many have died in the plague although likely not nearly as many as if nothing had been done to stop the secret cult and their actions. Field Marshall personally thanks the adventurers and awards them a medal of service for their duty to the city.
The final death toll over the past week comes to around 3,000 citizens and as the city recovers anger and accusations appear on the lips of the citizens. A shadow of suspicion hovers over the Queen's involvement. The connection between the Queen and the plague cannot be brushed aside. The Queen offers a tale of deception, claiming that Dr. Davaulus, the very doctor she had personally introduced into the city, had manipulated her. The Grey Maidens stationed at the hospice house profess ignorance, asserting that they were merely instruments of order. Dr. Davaulus faces swift retribution, dragged from his cell and executed without delay.
In the end, Korvosa is saved from the brink of disaster, thanks to the party's courage and determination. They have triumphed over darkness, unmasked the plotters, and brought hope back to the city. Yet, the memory of this harrowing adventure lingers, a testament to the fragile balance between chaos and order in a world teetering on the edge.