Sessio I - Is There A Doctor In The House?

Note: because of the nature of running a solo adventure with AI, I can craft the blog entry in real-time, as I go along, so the blog posts for this campaign will be much more detailed and narrative-focused than the ones I write up after-the-fact for my human players.

Florence, the heart of art, culture, and political intrigue, bustles with activity. The city's narrow, winding streets are filled with merchants hawking their wares, artists showcasing their talents, and politicians maneuvering for power. The Medici family, though not officially ruling, has a strong influence over the city's affairs. Yet, Florence is also a place where the shadows hold secrets, and the air is thick with the whispers of conspiracies.

Avicellus, donning his plague doctor's attire, has returned to his hometown after the plague that claimed his master's life has waned. The city has somewhat recovered, but the scars remain. The Medicis, ever the opportunists, have been consolidating their power, and rumors of dissent are spreading. It is within this atmosphere of tension and uncertainty that Avicellus finds himself.

As Avicellus strolls through the bustling streets of Florence, he notices a group of people gathered around a street performer. The performer, an elderly man with a mane of white hair and a flowing robe, is telling a story that has captured the crowd's attention.

"...And so, my friends, the Medici's grip tightens, but there are those who say they have gone too far. Secrets, lies, and betrayals are everywhere. Even now, in the Palazzo Vecchio, plans are being made that could change the fate of Florence forever."

The crowd murmurs in excitement and fear. Avicellus catches sight of a familiar face in the crowd—Giacomo, an old friend and fellow apprentice of Master Tursianus. Giacomo catches Avicellus's eye and motions for him to come over.

Avicellus approaches Giacomo, who greets him warmly.

"Avicellus! It's been a while. You look...well, you look the same, I suppose," Giacomo says with a chuckle, eyeing Avicellus's plague doctor attire. "But in all seriousness, it's good to see you."

Avicellus wastes no time on pleasantries. "Giacomo, do you know what the old man is talking about? He mentioned secrets and betrayals in the Palazzo Vecchio."

Giacomo nods, his expression turning serious. "Yes, it's all anyone can talk about these days. There have been strange happenings in the Palazzo Vecchio, and whispers of plots against the Medici. Some say there's a faction within the city trying to undermine their power, and others believe there's a foreign influence at play. It's hard to know what to believe, but the tension is real."

He glances around to make sure no one is eavesdropping before continuing. "I've heard that there's a man named Lorenzo, a former Medici ally, who might have more information. He's been seen in the tavern near the Ponte Vecchio. But be careful, Avicellus. The walls have ears, and not everyone is who they seem."

Avicellus stands back and listens, blending into the crowd as best as he can given his distinctive attire. The performer continues his tale, moving on to songs and anecdotes that weave together truths and embellishments. The crowd is enraptured, but the snippets of conversation Avicellus picks up seem mostly to be speculation and gossip.

Some murmurs about increased guard presence at the Palazzo Vecchio and hushed mentions of a "shadowy council" planning something sinister reach his ears. However, nothing concrete stands out.

After fifteen minutes, Avicellus decides it's time to head to the tavern. He makes his way through the winding streets of Florence, navigating the throngs of people going about their evening routines. The Ponte Vecchio comes into view, and just beyond it, the tavern in question.

The tavern is bustling, filled with merchants, travelers, and locals enjoying their drinks and meals. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meat and the sound of clinking mugs and lively conversation. Avicellus scans the room, looking for any sign of Lorenzo. He spots a few people who seem deep in hushed conversation, their postures tense and eyes wary.

A burly bartender behind the counter is wiping down mugs, keeping a close watch on his patrons. He might know the regulars and could help point Avicellus in the right direction.

Avicellus orders a mug of ale and sits down in a spot with a good view of the room but also within earshot of the tense conversation. He wants to observe the patrons generally, but he particularly wants to eavesdrop on that conversation.

He takes a seat with a clear view of the room, making sure he's close enough to catch snippets of the tense conversation. The mug of ale arrives quickly, and he sips it slowly, doing his best to blend in while keeping his ears open.

The conversation between the two patrons becomes clearer as Avicellus focuses on them. They are speaking in hushed tones, their voices barely above a whisper. He catches bits and pieces:

"...must act quickly... the meeting at dawn..."

"...heard about the shipment... from Venice, they say it's valuable..."

"...Lorenzo thinks... could be our chance... the guards won't be ready..."

The mention of Lorenzo piques Avicellus's interest. The two men seem to be discussing some sort of plan involving a shipment and an opportunity they believe is connected to Lorenzo.

He continues to sip his ale, keeping a close eye on the two men. After a few more minutes of hushed conversation, they finish their drinks and stand up to leave. He waits a moment before getting up to follow them, ensuring he keeps a safe distance to avoid drawing attention.

The two men exit the tavern and head down a narrow alleyway. Avicellus trails them, using the shadows to his advantage. The streets of Florence are quiet at this hour, making it easier to hear their footsteps and whispers. The men seem to be heading toward the docks.

As they approach the docks, the men slow down and look around cautiously. Avicellus finds a hiding spot behind some crates and observes them. They stop near a small warehouse, where a third man is waiting. This man is better dressed, with an air of authority about him. This must be Lorenzo! The men exchange a few words with Lorenzo, who then gestures for them to follow him inside the warehouse. Avicellus can see the light from lanterns flickering inside as the door closes behind them.

Avicellus decides to sneak inside the warehouse to get a better understanding of what the men are up to. He knows that the risk is high, but the potential reward of discovering valuable information outweighs the danger.

He moves silently toward the warehouse, his every step calculated and careful. The sounds of the city fade into the background as he focuses on the task at hand. He reaches the entrance to the warehouse, a heavy wooden door slightly ajar, and slips inside without making a sound. He strains to hear their conversation, hoping to pick up any useful information.

"We need to move quickly. Lorenzo's getting impatient, and we can't afford any more delays," one of the men says.

The other replies, "I know, but the guards are getting suspicious. If we push too hard, we might blow our cover."

"We have no choice. The shipment has to leave tonight, or we risk losing everything."

"I heard these masks can bring about strange visions. Some say they're cursed," one man whispers.

"And those statues? They say they're imbued with powerful magic. Touch one, and you might unleash forces beyond your control," another responds.

As Avicellus waits, the conversation among the men gradually winds down. Eventually, they begin to disperse, some exiting the warehouse while others remain behind to secure the crates.

Avicellus sees an opportunity to investigate the crates more closely. He stealthily approaches, keeping to the shadows to avoid detection. As he draws nearer, he notices intricate carvings adorning the wooden crates, hinting at the valuable contents within. As he inspects the carvings on the crates, running his fingers lightly over the intricate patterns, he senses a faint magical aura emanating from the wood. The carvings seem to resonate with a subtle energy, hinting at the possibility of magical enchantments woven into their design.

Avicellus's knowledge of magical engineering allows him to discern some basic principles behind the enchanted crates. As he examines the carvings and inscriptions, he recognizes subtle runes and sigils that suggest a protective enchantment. The crates appear to be designed to safeguard their contents from tampering or unauthorized access.

He finds a concealed spot within the warehouse, positioning himself where he can observe the crates and the surrounding area without being easily noticed. With practiced patience, he waits, keeping a vigilant watch for any signs of movement or activity.

Time passes slowly as he remains hidden, his senses attuned to the sounds and movements within the warehouse. Minutes stretch into hours, but he remains steadfast, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious shipment and its significance to the political intrigue in Florence.

As the hours wane on, Avicellus's patience is rewarded when he hears the sound of footsteps approaching the warehouse entrance. Peering cautiously from his hiding spot, he sees a figure silhouetted against the moonlit night, approaching with purposeful strides.

Could this be Lorenzo, the key to unlocking the secrets of the shipment and its connection to the political machinations in Florence? Avicellus remains hidden, ready to observe and act as events unfold. What will he do next?