Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master Euan

"What can I do to aid you my friend?"

Nikolay pulls out a list as long as his arm. "We need supplies, quickly, and without attracting attention. Perhaps you could go by Saul's in the morning. I trust his discretion and if he has the appropriate backpack then it should all fit in there. We'll take any of it that he has available."

Nikolay

The Varisian nods to Fondo and turns to Nikolay. "I will do this, and more. But tomorrow is the Founding Festival - no shops will be open! Do you know where this Saul might be found? Perhaps I could convince him to open with a friendly coin or two. Might even be easier to find him tonight than in the partying throngs tomorrow."

Vencarlo speaks up as well, "Here, take my bag. It can hold much and will encumber you but a little."

"Did you want me to go with him? Or any of us to go? Surely we could get some in and out without much hassle...using magic. However, if I'm to wait here, please add the following supplies to the list."

"Tonight. We need him tonight. We have precious little time." Barael cinches his belt and backpack, readying to go, should more shoulders be required.

Fondo clasps warmly his "cousins," and asks after their families. "Have you gotten your hands on some of the cure for our kinfolk? I know the Queen means to let the smallfolk perish from the plague."

He shakes his head at his comrades' shopping lists. "I'd rather not press our luck with Saul. We must needs leave without calling undo attention. No doubt there'll be supplies to purchase where we're going."

He thinks for a moment and turns back to his Varisian cousin. "Have you access to horses? Perhaps a wagon or two? Mayhap with five days rations for each of us? Also, can you get word to our home? It'd warm my heart if you'd send word for Deyanira and Ruan to join us. We've gold to reimburse you, and more if you can help divert attention. Say, spread rumor of us setting off along the coast that way."

Perhaps I could convince him to open with a friendly coin or two. Might even be easier to find him tonight than in the partying throngs tomorrow."[/b]

Nikolay rounds out the gold (diamonds, rubies, notes from Saul) to an even 5,000. "There's a couple hundred sails in there to help open any barred doors. I suspect you know better than I do, but I'd only show a little bit at a time."

"Perhaps Briar is right. The group of us will likely attract too much attention, but he or I with our ability to fly can make a quick getaway if necessary."

Briar nods to Nikolay's words.

Well, he's right that I'm right.

Briar presses his coins into 'Sward's hands. "You go. And take this if you need it," Briar offers another pearl of power to Nikolay. "You can fly, you can Vanish. Surely, you can do what needs to be done. Perhaps," Briar looks at the hat of disguise, "...perhaps one more item can be added to bypass the casual observer. We should have the supplies we need while we're out here, I think."

Go Nikolay, make it happen. We'll ask Majenko to keep an eye on you as well. Need a PoP1?

Nikolay recalls which spells he has available and realizes fly is not one of them.

But, we'll be find with invisibility and the others and I can always recall it if necessary.

Nikolay accepts the pearl from Briar, but doesn't really need it immediately. "Better safe than sorry. I'll bring it right back."

"Let's be on our way."

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23 as to what might be a good excuse for people being out the night before the festival. Float preparation? Getting food booths ready? Getting an early start on the drinking?

So the party tempts fate by re-entering the city... I presume Nikolay uses the southern most bridge so as to be closest to the marketplace. Someone please give me a Knowledge Local to know where Saul sleeps. The DC is lowered due to your fairly intimate knowledge of the man.

Nikolay will know that there is plenty of traffic the night before the celebrations 'technically' begin. There are many out drinking tonight as well as making preparations for the morrow.

The Varisian can come and go as himself. Does Nikolay attempt to slip into the city invisibly or disguised? Please make the appropriate roll(s) (two stealth rolls or one disguise).

Barael bounds from the boat, less hairy, and more at ease with his distance from the Arkona shores.

"You could take your armor off, go quietly and all. Not suggesting you get all vulnerable this night, before we take flight from the city. Any way you can soft foot it to Eodred's Walk?"

Barael finds himself a nook, and rolls up for some shut-eye, while Nikolay braves the gates. "Don't tarry."

Will need a little time to throw in shopping list.

Fondo shakes his head in frustration, but throws his hands up into the air. "You do not understand, Nikolay. By entering the city, you risk being seen. If you are seen, they will send guards out to find us. Our task is to get these two men to safety—to a town that no doubt has some of the supplies you're seeking. Our best ally in that quest right now is that we haven't yet been seen. If we send word to Deyanira, she can no doubt even craft some of the items you seek. Why risk it?"

He pauses. "If you feel compelled to act the fool, you should at least avoid coming back here. Let's you and I meet down the bay at the appointed hour. If you don't arrive, we'll know there's trouble. If you do, I'll lead you to another point agreed to by our companions."

"Might I add a wand of cure light wounds? I agree you should not make this journey back into the city. We could probably get along with what we have. But you'll be fine, I'm sure. Do we have enough food for the trip in these packs? Maybe we could just breeze out of here. We oughta be able to make it. If Nik does head back in we should meet out of town somewhere."

Knowledge, Local Man of Merchandise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Frayed nerves, eh, Brov? You're too harsh." Barael throws an apple core over his shoulder, right cheek still full.

"We're set to leave on a pinpoint, but we're leaving a city, heading to cattle pastures, and you think we can find all we need in Harse? Be serious. You need to eat something." Barael tosses another apple to Fondo.

"We were caught off-guard, heading into the labyrinth, with whatever we had at that moment. We have this evening," Barael looks at Nik, "and just this evening, to fill our packs with much needed crafts. If Nik," Barael looks at Nik "can avoid getting got, then we'll be on the road, armed much better than we've been for days."

"Do I think we might find all we need on the open road?" Fondo snorts. "Look around you, Brov. Who gives you shelter at this very moment? Do we seem over reliant on your city? If you can't survive with what you have on you, then you may as well surrender now to yon queen. The open road has all a man or woman might need for a month of lifetimes. Am I not right, my cousins?" He looks to his Varisian kinfolk, smiling and nearly beating his chest with pride.

"Do go, if you must. Meet us at dawn at the old willow with twin trunks like lovers 'twined. Two leagues yonder. If we've not seen you by mid-morn we'll search the cards and stars for your fate."

"Ah, that's it. 'My city'. It is, isn't it? I can't take shelter in it right now, but I intend to be very reliant on Korvosa once the Queen has been knocked from her perch." Barael starts working on his third apple, this one green.

"Briar's shown me quite a bit of hunting techniques, so I have no fear of hunger. Do you think Nik is going back for food, do you? Of course he isn't. He's going back for magics. My blade was worthless against the creatures of the labyrinth, wadn't it? I survive with those I surround myself with, and I survive better if they have what they need to be fully ready, and I mean fully ready for what's to come." Barael swallows one cheek empty.

"I wouldn't joke about fools and surrender. Not now. Not when we're about to depart our home for who knows how long. We're turning our back on Her, and the city is likely to be that much worse when we return to Her. She doesn't understand why we'd leave Her right now. She will, in time, when we return Her strength to Her once more." Barael looks uncertainly at the Seneschal.

"The road of your life does not lead you to yesterday's battles, Brov. Desna's laid a path for us over yonder hill, and she'll have waiting there exactly what you need. We've magic enough, and means to make more. What we can't buy back is time."

He sets about preparing things with the other Varisians. After a while, he returns. "Don't think I've no love of Korvosa. Our fate'll see us back here soon enough, ready to foil that venomous strumpet. But we won't find what we need to fight her there. Desna's spoken. The help we need lies elsewhere."

Barael stretches. "Ayeah. I got bit by a snake yesterday. No need for anti-venom tomorrow. Cause, ya know, I got bit yesterday.'" Barael winks at Fondo.

"I needed a blade against those Beautific Ones. Didn't see one waiting for me in those dark places. What do your cards tell us, Brov? I could use some reassurances in this late hour." Aroden? It's been some time, but it looks like you're gonna have to put up with my rambles, now that we'll have time to talk.

"I don't need cards to tell you: we had what and whom we needed for the fortune Desna set. They are dead, and we are free to repair elsewhere awhile. But you ask wisely. What do the cards show for tomorrow?"

By Desna's will, I'll this day dodge grim fate.

"We've truth divined in man beasts' maze, and now
Must set our sights on deeds long past, to face
Tomorrow's crucible, reforged anew."

He gazes at the cards for a moment. "Signore, what do you think the cards mean?"

Knowledge local re: Saul: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

knowledge local for Saul's residence: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19
"I forgot we had a hat of disguise. Now if we only had a wheelbarrow."

"Perhaps someone could help me with this."

Nikolay will take off his armor and hand his sword to Barael.

"Keep it safe for me. I'll be back for it."

disguise: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20 (+5 minor details, +10 hat, +0 charisma)

He takes out a flask--surely empty by now--but useful as a prop and heads out with the Fondo's friend.

Hat of disguise for the win!

The two drunken Varisians make it past the tired and uninterested guard without difficulty. No gray maidens are seen at this guard post tonight - just the normal Korvosan Guard.

You make it into the city, and you know (with a little help from your friends) that Saul lives and sleeps above his shop.

"Keep it safe for me. I'll be back for it."

Barael's eyebrows raise high. He takes the blade from Nik, like he's receiving a fragile piece of expensive glass. "Uh, yeah, of course I will." He holds the weapon by the sheathe, point down, with his gloved hand.

"It only... you know... the fire. It only does that with you, right?" Barael moves the sword slightly away from himself when he inquires.

As Nik departs, Barael finds a corner to establish his watch. He won't sleep.

Rollplay Will Save v DC 20: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Barael draws the blade partially, twice, to look at it more closely. He regains himself, twice, and fully sheathes it as carefully as he partially drew it.

"A nice walk in the country followed by an afternoon of lounging in the shade. This might turn out just fine. Oh, and Nikolay, please procure a bottle of fine whiskey from Saul. I am away from my stock and we had a lot of need for its particular medicinals this go around and my mobile larder is emptying quickly.(Especially once we get to the lounge in the grass.)"

A bottle of fine wine is 10 gps. I don't know what whiskey would cost.

Briar sleeps, waiting for Nikolay to return.

I might even talk to the voices in the Void soon.

Dandi eventually wakes, and spends some quiet time with Wraith as circumstances allow before joining the others. If this is prior to Nikolay's departure, she too will send a list(in process) with him.

Barael draws the blade partially, twice, to look at it more closely. He regains himself, twice, and fully sheathes it as carefully as he partially drew it.

"I don't think you're supposed to be doing that."

"He said, 'Keep it safe for me.' He didn't say anything about looking or touching."

They had no sword icons.

Is Sward speaking out loud, or tapping Barael in the noggin'?

Out loud. Only gets telepathy with Nikolay.

Saul snores loudly...

Nikolay, I think we're waiting on you to visit Saul - or try to. Unless you head somewhere else first. You're in the city.

"I don't think you're supposed to be doing that. He said, 'Keep it safe for me.' He didn't say anything about looking or touching."

Barael's eyes dart away from the sword, eyeballing everyone nearby. Just as rapidly, his eyes narrow in their return to the sword.

"Hey now." Barael drops his voice to a low growl, encouraging the sword to join him in quieter conversation. "It weren't more than an appraising eye for a fine blade. You're never out of his sight, from what I can tell." Barael scans those nearby again, smiling sheepishly at anyone who looks back.

"You gonna tell him I looked?" Barael sports a lightly pained look on his face. "I'm heeding your words, all due respect, so I'm thinking you won't have to." Barael sits straighter, and holds the sword, in his mind at least, with more ceremony.

Nikolay, I think we're waiting on you to visit Saul - or try to. Unless you head somewhere else first. You're in the city.

Sorry. Thought that was done.

Nikolay knocks on Saul's door and shouts up, hoping that Saul will recognize his voice. "We need supplies for the festival tomorrow. It's really important."

"You gonna tell him I looked?"

"It doesn't really matter. I'm my own sword. Frankly, I was getting a bit bored with the whole telepathy thing. He trusts you and the lot of you seem like good people at heart, if not mind."

After a short time, the face of Saul appears at an upstairs window. He looks annoyed at first, but then he recognizes you and a panicked look crosses his face. He rushes to the door and opens it, beckoning both of you into his shop.

He whispers loudly, "Be quite now! What are you doing here?! Don't you know the Gray Maidens are out looking for you?"

He roots around trying to find something and eventually comes up with a small bit of parchment. He hands it to Nikolay.

"This came by rat messenger this afternoon. It was rather odd really, but once I figured out it was a messenger, I found this tied to him. It's clearly for you."

The note reads,
The house is abandoned to the Gray Maidens. Deyanira & Ruan are safe with Eries.

"The Gray Maidens have even come here asking about you and asking about the items you've purchased from me. I had to let them look at the ledger - I had no choice."

"You need to flee the city, the gods only know what they want with you, but it can't be good!"

"Thank you for letting us in. They are looking for us because we are seeking, and finding, the truth. We intend to flee, but are ill prepared for the flight. We were hoping to make some final purchases until we are able to return to Korvosa at a later date. We are not abandoning the City, but it is probably best for everyone if we leave for now."

Nikolay pulls out the lists, putting his on top. "We know you might not have everything we hope for, but surely you can be of some assistance. We're not looking for charity and have come prepared to pay for it all."

"It doesn't really matter. I'm my own sword."

Barael's head tilts slightly. "'Your own', you say? Huh. Who wields who then? Silly question, I know, but you're not saying he just holds you up, and you do all that fighting, are you? I've seen him practicing in the Citadel, and his skill is genuine." Barael straightens up, realizing his posture was slipping into a familiar slouch.

"You have a name? I'd have asked earlier, if I knew you had a mind for one."

"Are you crazy man?! The Queen is hunting you and you blithely walk into town for a few supplies?!"

Still, the spark of the merchant gleams in his eyes and he takes your lists. He starts pointing you to various areas of his shop to get things as he does the same for the more powerful items.

Barael will have to settle for the Amulet of Natural Armor +1. He does not have Bracers of Armor +1 in inventory. You can get everything else on your lists (I'll adjust the treasure sheet). For those who haven't given lists yet, get it in now or forever hold your peace. :)

In the end, Saul fills up the bag of holding and newly acquired handy haversack topping off the other purchases with rations and water. "You'll need plenty of both on the road."

He takes you around to the back of the store which, a few twists and turns aside, lets you out near the southeastern gate to the city. Remember that Fondo wanted you to get Deyanira and Ruan if possible...

Retconning a bit...

Fondo shrugs again as Nikolay prepares to make his departure. "Well, if you must go then mayhap you could pick up a couple of more things while you're at it. A scroll with a spell that can summon several horses for our journey. Scribing inks for Deyanira, who'll no doubt want to learn said spell. And a scroll with magics to inspire heroic deeds. Yes, that'll be helpful. And, ah, mayhap that spell my gran so loved. Creates the locked hut. Deyanira'll like that too. Er, but I'm a bit short on cash though until we sell some things."

Briar lifts an ear to listen to the Rat argue with an inanimate object...and lose, but isn't too concerned with Sward's influence over the Rat.

I'm surprised he's handling is so well. I thought he'd be beating it with a rock and yelling about 'demons'.

Briar returns to sleep...with sweet dreams...

Yeah, magic is aweszzzzz...

Retconning a bit...

Fondo shrugs again as Nikolay prepares to make his departure. "Well, if you must go then mayhap you could pick up a couple of more things while you're at it. A scroll with a spell that can summon several horses for our journey. Scribing inks for Deyanira, who'll no doubt want to learn said spell. And a scroll with magics to inspire heroic deeds. Yes, that'll be helpful. And, ah, mayhap that spell my gran so loved. Creates the locked hut. Deyanira'll like that too. Er, but I'm a bit short on cash though until we sell some things."

** spoiler omitted **

more retcon

"here, I have some, if you need it, Prala."let me know what to detect.

Catching Nikolay before he quite makes it out the door, she'll add quietly, "His things first, but if there's money and time and opportunity, something to help me think a little harder, if you could?" headband of vast intelligence +2, please (4,000gp)

and back to the present...

Dandi curls up in the corner, watching the rat in deep conversation with the sword. I've had multicolored hue dreams that made more sense than our current circumstance. Perhaps The Father's touch has all been to better prepare me for today...

"My thanks, jell'inedra. I hope this shall help us make a hasty departure."

Fondo does not sleep while Nikolay is away. He paces about, doing his best not to call attention to his watchful, paranoid self. With permission from one of his cousins, he borrows some clothing and disguises his appearance—hoping to look like a less flamboyant, moneyed version of himself.

Disguise: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

He takes you around to the back of the store which, a few twists and turns aside, lets you out near the southeastern gate to the city. Remember that Fondo wanted you to get Deyanira and Ruan if possible...

How much trouble to get to them? How close? Perhaps we could split up or Saul could get word to them.

How much trouble to get to them? How close? Perhaps we could split up or Saul could get word to them.

If it doesn't work out, Majenko can probably travel more safely and discretely. If not Maj, then the Elf has mysterious magical ways to communicate.

Also, I'm thinking of just leaving a couple hundred gold sails with Saul that they could pick up on their way out of town.

"You have a name? I'd have asked earlier, if I knew you had a mind for one."

"No. I haven't really needed one. Perhaps someday, when I'm worthy, and then events will provide the inspiration. It'd be silly to call myself Dragon's Nightmare if I never cut through a dragon's scale--well, I've done that, but it was only a small dragon. And something simple, like Jack, is too flesh and blood. There are a million of you so a few thousand Jacks is fine. However, there are very few of me so it wouldn't do to be sharing a name with anyone."

DM_Euan wrote:

He takes you around to the back of the store which, a few twists and turns aside, lets you out near the southeastern gate to the city. Remember that Fondo wanted you to get Deyanira and Ruan if possible...

How much trouble to get to them? How close? Perhaps we could split up or Saul could get word to them.

It would be some trouble, and they're likely not close, but they are certainly underground. If they're with Eries as it appears, then they're in the vaults. There is an entrance sort of near your home (which you're not too far from now) and from there you could make your way to Eries lair. It's likely that Eries could smuggle you out of the city without having to recross the bridge as well, via another innocuous boat ride.

It's not something you could trust to Saul though. He'd get lost for sure, and likely give up and turn back. That's assuming you could pay him enough to risk it in the first place. "Travel through the vaults - alone? Madness..."

Nikolay will see if the vault entrance is being watched before entering. If the way is clear, he will make his way to Erie's place.

perception: 1d20 ⇒ 20 Much better than that disguise roll. :-)

The entrance seems clear and you quickly, and as quietly as you can, delve underground.

You wander for what seems like hours in the dark the passages lit dimly by your light spell. Eventually you encounter one of Eries people, and you are quickly ushered to their camp.

Deyanira is there, and asks about Fondo. She explains that she's able to scry these days, but when she tried this afternoon, you could not be found. "It was strange, sometimes it doesn't work because the party resists it, but this was just blocked somehow. Almost like you were sealed in a secure chamber somewhere."

"So what does Fondo want me to do now? We're safe here, and that weasely priest Ishani (the priest of Abadar you've worked with in the past) is petitioning the government to release your house. Apparently the crown has claimed it somehow, but I haven't been able to follow it closely from in hiding."

"Eries is good people so I'm comfortable here for as long as needed. I can follow you and send messages through Eries' pets without too much trouble - though if you go far that will be more difficult."

She looks at Nikolay awaiting orders. Eries stands nearby sipping a little gin and leaning against an ancient column of stone her eyes constantly darting around the room.

Nikolay will make the offer, but not press the issue about whether or not they leave.

"Fondo thinks it best if anyone too closely related to us flee from the City at least for now. We were going to meet up at [blah, blah, blah]. I expect you or Eries would have a way to get there in a way that doesn't involve crossing the bridge again."

Deyanira quips, "But Ruan's not here!"

To which Eries responds, "Don't worry about him, he's no adventurer anyway. Let him stay here with me - I'm not going on some damn fool walk about in the wilderness. This is my city and I"ll stay here to defend it, and my own people."

Eries turns to Nikolay, "Tell Charlie he knows where to find me, and here I"ll stay until his return. If I can find you, I'll try to keep you appraised of things as they happen here. Otherwise, safe journey."

"Oh, and yes, we can get you across the bay without any trouble. Deyanira, get your things, it's time to move."

With Eries in the group, you make very quick work of the tunnel travel. You find even the most difficult of terrain somehow easier to traverse when she shows you where to step, and how to walk. Even the rats get out of the way as you approach.

Though she's older, it is you who are winded at the end of the journey. Again, there's a boat. One of her men is already at the oars straining to depart as you and Deyanira climb in. It's a quick and fairly quite boat ride across the bay and you're once again with the party (all 10 of you now... easy to track).

Briar dawdles, waiting.

I wonder if I can get that thumb trick to work now.