Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master StephNyan

Map of Korvosa
Map of the Dead Warrens (Secret Lair)


2,251 to 2,300 of 5,727 << first < prev | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | next > last >>

Status Mavor:
HP: 80/80 NL: 0; AC: 19, T: 12, FF: 18; CMB: +13; CMD: 24; Fort: 9, Ref: 10, Will: 5; Init: +1; Perception: +13; Speed: 20 feet
Half-Orc Fighter 1/Rogue (Skulking Slayer/Scout) 9

Mavor walks in and joins the others at the table, glad to have a little extra change in his pocket.

"I'd say he can. I've been getting a sense for the ones I'm working with. Also I believe he already mentioned it. Could also just be his heritage though, people like him could do tricks naturally."


Male Hellspawn Avenger 10 (HP 73/73 | AC:21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMB: +7 | CMD:21 | Fort:+6| Ref:+9 | Will:+7 | Init:+3| Perc: +13 | Speed: 40 ft.)

Quorthos lets the "people like him" comment slide in his excitement to see the spellbook. "I trained as a wizard, before I ... fell into bad company. I'm hoping to continue my studies now that things are looking up."
Quorthos glances through the spellbook, although without having [read magic prepared today, he doesn't make much progress.

"Are we on a time limit, or do I have time to go and deal with some shopping?" he asks Baer and Mavor.


Stats:
F HalfOrc Barrister 7 (HP 57/57| AC:21 | T:13 | FF:18 | CMB: +9 | CMD:24 | Fort:+7 | Ref:+6 | Will:+6 | Init:+3| Perc: +16 | Speed: 30 ft.)

Baer watches Quorthos approach the spellbook, but then fail to understand the magics therein.

Trained as a wizard huh? That explains why he falls down so often.

"If you need any instruction with what you see in there, Boy, let me know. I know a bit of the magic craft as well. I'm happy to explain things to you," Baer offers with a tusky smile.

"Sunset, Quorthos. Sunset," Baer answers the avenger. "You have time to shop, if you want. "


F Half-elf Arcane Trickster/3 Sorceress (Ele: Air)/4 Unchained Rogue/3 (HP 63/63 | AC:22 [+1 vs. Traps*] | T:16 [+1*] | FF:16 | CMB:6 [10 vs. Grapple/Pin] | CMD:21 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+11 [+1*] | Will:+7 [+2 Enchant] | Init:+6 | Perc:+13 [+1*; +1 to avoid surprise by foe] | Speed: 30)
Spells:
Lv1: 8/8 | Lv2: 8/8 | Lv3: 5/5 | Elemental Ray: 8/8 | Impromptu SA: 1/1

"I'll go with you," Allyph tells Quorthos. "I was reluctant at first, because it costs a lot, but there's something I'd like to buy."

While walking to the store Allyph fills Quorthos in on what's passed while he was unconscious. Once at the store Allyph sells her +1 rapier and buys a +1 adamantine rapier.


After a quick trip to the store, where Allyph buys a new rapier and Quorthos sees nothing he'd actually like to buy, everyone's again gathered in the common room of the Three Rings. It's about an hour and a half to sunset when the tavern's door opens and a young woman of about twenty years enters. Her face lits when she spots you, and you recognize her as one of the captives from pits in the necromancer's lair. You may even remember her name, Tiora, which she briefly mentioned just after you saved her. Tiora walks up to you. She no longer wears the torn clothes from earlier today, but wears a dull brown shirt and a soft gray pair of pants. They're not the fanciest clothes, but at least she no longer looks like she's been in the sewers for multiple days.

"I'm so glad I found you!" Tiora says enthusiastically. "I asked around, if anyone'd seen a group of warriors that looked like yours. Someone mentioned two green half-orcs dragging an unconscious red man into this tavern. I knew it had to be you!"

Some of you may have already noticed, but Tiora holds something that's wrapped in cloth in one of her hands. She holds it up and removes the cloth, revealing a wand. "Pickpocketing is what got me in the mess you saved me from, and after what happened I decided to turn my life around. I vow to you that I'll make amends for my the way I've lived my life thus far. The way I want to start is by thanking you."

Tiora places the wand on the table you're sitting at. "This is a wand of cure moderate wounds. It has 34 charges left. I hope it'll be useful to you."

I'll place the wand on the list of "Party Items", over in the Campaign Info thread. Who'll hold onto it, Tural?


(HP 83/83 | AC:21 | T:12 | FF:19 | DR5/magic | Fire resistance 10 | Electricity/Cold/Acid resistance 5 | CMB:5 | CMD:17 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+7 | Will:+15 | Init:+8 | Perc:+25 | Speed 20)
spells:
PoP level 1: 2/2 | Battle spirit: 6/6 rounds | Channels 4/4 | Flight 9/9 min | Beastshape 9/9 min

That was the second thing on my shopping list!

"Thank you very much Tiora, that was your name if I am not mistaken right? Some of us got gravely hurt in the battles down there. This will be of great help to us."
Tural looks to the other if someone is able to use it.

I have CMW on my spell list so I am able to cast it freely. Dual wielding wands will give our tree man something special :P


Stats:
F HalfOrc Barrister 7 (HP 57/57| AC:21 | T:13 | FF:18 | CMB: +9 | CMD:24 | Fort:+7 | Ref:+6 | Will:+6 | Init:+3| Perc: +16 | Speed: 30 ft.)
StephNyan wrote:

"Pickpocketing is what got me in the mess you saved me from, and after what happened I decided to turn my life around. I vow to you that I'll make amends for my the way I've lived my life thus far. The way I want to start is by thanking you."

Who'll hold onto it, Tural?

Baer rises from her seat as the woman approaches, her hand inching toward her quarterstaff. Her hand stops moving when the woman offers thanks. Baer sits back down and she reaches for another raisin/cranberry biscuit.

"You are welcome. We are gladdened that you have found a better path, Tiora," Baer replies as she stuffs the biscuit into her mouth with a meaty fist.

"Bwff bwerff werf," Baer speaks, sending dry fireworks of biscuit spittle on the table. Whatever she said, it's clear she considers the matter dropped and done with. Baer gives her a thumbs up as a measure of good bye and good luck. She reaches for another biscuit.

If you would, Tural, plz. Not many of us can use it.


Tiora blinks when Baer says something she isn't able to decipher. She looks like she's about to say something, but drops it when it dawns on her that Baer considers the matter done with.

"Thank you," Tiora says and gives you a curt nod. She walks toward to tavern's door, where she stops a moment to wave at you before exiting.

------

Later that day you head over to Korvosa's public courtyard, where Trinia will be executed. The execution it is not an affair to be missed. The toast of Korvosa is in attendance in garish gowns, fine capes, and enough jewels to blind a common man. The overall feel of the event is that of a grand ball or party, not an assassin's public execution.

You spot Cressida among the people who've gathered, dressed in a formal version of her regular uniform. She's talking to an old, gray-haired Hellknight, who has his helmet removed and has a scar running over one of his eyes. By looking at his armor you're able to identify the man as the leader of the Order of the Nail, Severs DiVri.

DC 10 Knowledge (Local):
Lictor Severs "Boneclaw" DiVri is the leader of the Hellknight Order of the Nail in Korvosa. He resides in Citadel Vraid to the south of the city, and only rarely leaves his post there to travel into Korvosa and work directly with the field marshal of the Korvosan Guard.


Status Mavor:
HP: 80/80 NL: 0; AC: 19, T: 12, FF: 18; CMB: +13; CMD: 24; Fort: 9, Ref: 10, Will: 5; Init: +1; Perception: +13; Speed: 20 feet
Half-Orc Fighter 1/Rogue (Skulking Slayer/Scout) 9

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Mavor approaches Cressida, this time his greataxe held low unlike usual, so as o not scare the crowd of fancy-pancy people.

"G'day Marshall Kroft. G'day ser DiVri, didn't imagine I would ever had the 'pleasure' to meet you. Must be a real special occasion and worthwhile event then." Mavor starts the conversation as he gets close to the two.

"Any place you want us to keep an eye on Marshall? We're all here now, even our newest friend has finished his beauty sleep."


(HP 83/83 | AC:21 | T:12 | FF:19 | DR5/magic | Fire resistance 10 | Electricity/Cold/Acid resistance 5 | CMB:5 | CMD:17 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+7 | Will:+15 | Init:+8 | Perc:+25 | Speed 20)
spells:
PoP level 1: 2/2 | Battle spirit: 6/6 rounds | Channels 4/4 | Flight 9/9 min | Beastshape 9/9 min

Knowledge local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Tural chuckles at Mavor's remark. He is holding a wand in each hand, to ensure not having to grab them during a nasty situation.
"That he has."
He makes a deep nod to them both, almost a small bow.
"Shall we stay here together or do we need to spread?"


Male Hellspawn Avenger 10 (HP 73/73 | AC:21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMB: +7 | CMD:21 | Fort:+6| Ref:+9 | Will:+7 | Init:+3| Perc: +13 | Speed: 40 ft.)

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

"I think we should spread out to better observe the crowd," he whispers to the group while still out of earshot.

Quorthos hangs back, nodding to the Marshal but trying to avoid the gaze of the Hellknight. He scans the crowd intently, looking for signs of trouble. As soon as the first of his colleagues look in the slightest like they will accept his suggestion, he grabs them and pushes them away and into the crowd to find a better vantage point.

Unless Cressida gives us specific orders first... in which case Quorthos will follow them.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27


Stats:
F HalfOrc Barrister 7 (HP 57/57| AC:21 | T:13 | FF:18 | CMB: +9 | CMD:24 | Fort:+7 | Ref:+6 | Will:+6 | Init:+3| Perc: +16 | Speed: 30 ft.)

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 Know (local)

"Hellknights," Baer utters under her breath, pretty neutral about them. Law and order was something Baer tried to appreciate...except when she got angry and wanted to smash things. Which is to say that she wasn't much of a lawyer...but she tried hard to learn.

Baer, taking Quorthos' suggestion, spreads out in the crowd to keep an eye on things.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Perception


Human Magus 10 Hp 82/82, AC 19/15/15, F+8, R+7, W+9, Spd.30ft. CMB+8, CMD22, Perc.+2, Init+8

Denario's eyes go over the crowd, but not before taking note of the hellknight.

Law and order are fine....but those guys are just zealous fanatics, the worst kind of zealots you could meet....and cultists, according to Slim Jim.

"Greetings Marshall croft, sir DiVri.
The crowd is bigger than i had expected."


"Good day," DiVri replies in a stern voice. "You're the Field Marshal's 'special unit'? I don't claim to know the details, but I was told you've been aiding the guards in their efforts to uphold the law. It's good to see capable warriors are willing to fight for the law."

"Indeed it is, Severs," Cressida says. She pauses a second before she continues. "Would you mind giving us a minute? I'd like a moment to talk to my agents."

"I don't mind, not in the least. As you know I was only here on a quick inspection. It seems now is an appropriate moment to return to Citadel Vraid." DiVri gives you a polite nod and leaves.

Cressida waits till the Hellknight's out of hearing range before she speaks again. "Lector DiVri claims Trinia deserves to be punished, but this kind of spectacle isn't really his cup of tea. If you get on the wrong side of the law, and by 'the law' I mean his interpretation of it, he'd just behead you right away."

"Anyway, yes, spreading out is a good idea. Mingle with the crowd and look for suspicious behavior. It's the guard's duty to ensure safety here, and rich crowds like these may attract pickpockets. However, my gut tells me it's not pickpockets we should be aware of... I fear another riot."

The rolls Quorthos and Baer made count for this spoiler:

DC 20 Perception:
You spot the man who lives two floors below Trinia, the one you spoke to and who warned her prior to her attempt to escape. He stands near the execution platform.


Stats:
F HalfOrc Barrister 7 (HP 57/57| AC:21 | T:13 | FF:18 | CMB: +9 | CMD:24 | Fort:+7 | Ref:+6 | Will:+6 | Init:+3| Perc: +16 | Speed: 30 ft.)

Baer hangs out, enjoying the proceedings and admiring stuff.


(HP 83/83 | AC:21 | T:12 | FF:19 | DR5/magic | Fire resistance 10 | Electricity/Cold/Acid resistance 5 | CMB:5 | CMD:17 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+7 | Will:+15 | Init:+8 | Perc:+25 | Speed 20)
spells:
PoP level 1: 2/2 | Battle spirit: 6/6 rounds | Channels 4/4 | Flight 9/9 min | Beastshape 9/9 min

Tural nods and heads off in a different direction than the others. Al the rich folk, having lived in small villages all his life, makes him on edge and he tries to be on guard for anything unusual.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18


Status Mavor:
HP: 80/80 NL: 0; AC: 19, T: 12, FF: 18; CMB: +13; CMD: 24; Fort: 9, Ref: 10, Will: 5; Init: +1; Perception: +13; Speed: 20 feet
Half-Orc Fighter 1/Rogue (Skulking Slayer/Scout) 9

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Mavor mingles with the crowd, though he is staying among the more lower class citizens that have come to watch or give their last regards.

He holds an eye out for any pickpockets though and keeps a firm grip on his greataxe.


Human Magus 10 Hp 82/82, AC 19/15/15, F+8, R+7, W+9, Spd.30ft. CMB+8, CMD22, Perc.+2, Init+8

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Nope, Denario misses it as well.

Denario walks casually along the masses, through whatever provides the most space to move.


Male Hellspawn Avenger 10 (HP 73/73 | AC:21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMB: +7 | CMD:21 | Fort:+6| Ref:+9 | Will:+7 | Init:+3| Perc: +13 | Speed: 40 ft.)

Quorthos whispers to the group before they disperse: The man from Trinia's place that we talked to, is over there." He nods in the general direction. "Let me go talk to him alone... we don't want to spook him. I still don't think she is guilty, and he knows something."

Quorthos ambles off in the direction of the platform, trying to come up behind the man. Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

When close to him, he displays both hands open, palms out, and says quietly, "I am here to help her, and you."


The man gives Quorthos a sad look. "And how do you plan to do that, by being here for her when her head's chopped off? 'Cause that's all I'm capable of doing..."

Tears well up in the corners of the man's eyes. "She's such a sweet, young girl. She always helped others... Always polite... She had her entire life ahead of her, but... they'll cut it short here. Is there anything I can do? If there is, tell me and I'll do it."


Stats:
F HalfOrc Barrister 7 (HP 57/57| AC:21 | T:13 | FF:18 | CMB: +9 | CMD:24 | Fort:+7 | Ref:+6 | Will:+6 | Init:+3| Perc: +16 | Speed: 30 ft.)

Baer continues to hang out, waiting for the proceedings to, uh, proceed.


I'll wait a bit longer, to see if Quorthos wants to reply to the man. If he doesn't post anything later today I'll move things forward.


Male Hellspawn Avenger 10 (HP 73/73 | AC:21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMB: +7 | CMD:21 | Fort:+6| Ref:+9 | Will:+7 | Init:+3| Perc: +13 | Speed: 40 ft.)

Quorthos stares at the man. I really thought he had a plan... He shakes his head sadly. "I hope that truth will win out over lies," he offers weakly.


(HP 83/83 | AC:21 | T:12 | FF:19 | DR5/magic | Fire resistance 10 | Electricity/Cold/Acid resistance 5 | CMB:5 | CMD:17 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+7 | Will:+15 | Init:+8 | Perc:+25 | Speed 20)
spells:
PoP level 1: 2/2 | Battle spirit: 6/6 rounds | Channels 4/4 | Flight 9/9 min | Beastshape 9/9 min

Still walking through the crowd Tural keeps getting more stares, but nothing unusual happens.


The man gives Quorthos a weak smile. "I fear it won't today, lad..."

"Citizens of Korvosa!" you hear the amplified male voice of a herald announce through a horn. The crowd grows silent as he continues to speak. "I announce to you the arrival of her majesty, queen Ileosa Arabasti! Ruler of Korvosa!"

Queen Ileosa emerges amid a great flourish and pomp, a fanfare of music and drums escorting her. The queen you see is no longer the subdued mourner some of you met earlier. Queen Ileosa carries herself with poise, style, and grace. She wears a green and white silk dress worth thousands of gold coins, and is attended by a small army of servants. Chief among these is Sabina, her loyal right hand.

Ileosa takes her seat in a high throne-like chair at one end of the public courtyard, while the headman's block stands ominously at the other. The executioner, a towering, muscular man wearing an executioner's helm and idly holding an immense axe, moves toward the headman's block. There, he remains motionless as the music that escorted the queen subsides.

As sunset draws near, the expectant excitement in the crowd builds. When the ominous beating of a single large drum begins, the assembled gawkers fall silent once again. The drum sets the pace for Trinia's procession to the headsman's block. As they reach the headsman's block, one of the guards removes Trinia's shackles and the hood, revealing a very frightened woman who nonetheless bravely holds back her tears, if only barely. Trinia is led up onto the platform, her arms bound behind her back by a leather cord, and she is forced to kneel over the wooden block before the headsman as Queen Ileosa stands and addresses the crowd.

"Fellow Korvosans! You have suffered greatly these past few weeks. Homes have burned, family members have died, fortunes have been lost. I feel your suffering, for not only have I lost a beloved husband, but with each riot, each burning home, each act of anarchy, my heart bleeds a little more. This has been a trying time for us, yet the torment is at an end. Before you is the face of your anguish and pain. Do not be deceived by this murderer's timid nature—she is a black-hearted assassin, a seductress and sinner, a viper amidst us all. I offer you all her death as a salve against the hatred and hurt you have suffered. Her death will not rebuild Korvosa, nor will it bring back the king, yet tomorrow will be a new dawn—a dawn over a city ready to rise from the edge of anarchy to become stronger than ever before!"

Ileosa turns toward Trinia and looks her straight in her eyes. "And so, without further delay, let us usher in this new dawn with justice! OFF WITH HER HEAD!"

As the headsman hefts his axe, the already silent crowd freezes in anticipation. Yet just before he swings, the headsman gives a strange little grunt and staggers. His raised axe falters as he reaches with one hand to the small of his back and then brings it to his face, the fingers dripping with blood. An instant later, he cries out in pain and drops the axe as a dagger embeds itself in the back of his other hand. The axe sinks itself in the block inches from Trinia's head, and the headsman doubles over in pain, revealing a second dagger that's already embedded in the small of his back.

Trinia rises to her knees, glancing up at the executioner in shock as a scream echoes through the crowded courtyard: "By the gods! It's Blackjack!"

An instant later, a man dressed in a hooded cloak and leather armor springs onto the executioner's block. He wields a rapier in one hand and a dagger in the other. Blackjack cuts the bonds on Trinia's wrists and then throws the dagger down to pin the executioner's left foot to the wood below. He quickly helps Trinia to her feet and then briefly turns to address the shocked crowd.

"Yes indeed, my queen! Let us usher in justice, but let that be justice for Korvosa, not this shambles you petulantly call a monarchy! Long live Korvosa! Down with the Queen!"

Blackjack's words spread like fire, causing the crowd to erupt into a frenzy of activity. Some demand that he release the assassin while others call for the queen to step down from the Crimson Throne. Queen Ileosa stands stunned for a few moments, whispers something to Sabina, and then quickly turns to flee into Castle Korvosa, Sabina and a dozen guards behind her to cover her retreat. The remaining guards in the courtyard move to apprehend Blackjack, but the gathered nobles, thirsty for blood, make it difficult to move. At the same time, the executioner recovers from his wounds and lifts his axe once again over Blackjack, who seems to have momentarily forgotten the man in his apparent delight at having forced the queen to flee.

It's up to you what happens next. Don't forget Quorthos's vanish spell. I'll leave it up to the party if and how you'd like to apply it.


Stats:
F HalfOrc Barrister 7 (HP 57/57| AC:21 | T:13 | FF:18 | CMB: +9 | CMD:24 | Fort:+7 | Ref:+6 | Will:+6 | Init:+3| Perc: +16 | Speed: 30 ft.)

Baer stands frozen with the nobility, unsure what to do.

We don't have a map for this, do we? How far are we from stage? From BJ? From the guards?

Baer neither helps nor hinders (sav for just standing there) anyone seeking to assist or apprehend Blackjack.

This is interesting.

Baer looks at Mavor and shrugs.


(HP 83/83 | AC:21 | T:12 | FF:19 | DR5/magic | Fire resistance 10 | Electricity/Cold/Acid resistance 5 | CMB:5 | CMD:17 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+7 | Will:+15 | Init:+8 | Perc:+25 | Speed 20)
spells:
PoP level 1: 2/2 | Battle spirit: 6/6 rounds | Channels 4/4 | Flight 9/9 min | Beastshape 9/9 min

Tural stares at the stage, not sure what just happens and what he is supposed to do. He tries to make his way back to where everyone was standing earlier to see if he is able to find anyone.


Human Magus 10 Hp 82/82, AC 19/15/15, F+8, R+7, W+9, Spd.30ft. CMB+8, CMD22, Perc.+2, Init+8

Seriously....is he really called BlackJack or is this a pun on Denario's spare time?

Denario isn't hindering BlackJack, but with the sight of the hellknight commander upon the masses, it's tricky to try anything.


F Half-elf Arcane Trickster/3 Sorceress (Ele: Air)/4 Unchained Rogue/3 (HP 63/63 | AC:22 [+1 vs. Traps*] | T:16 [+1*] | FF:16 | CMB:6 [10 vs. Grapple/Pin] | CMD:21 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+11 [+1*] | Will:+7 [+2 Enchant] | Init:+6 | Perc:+13 [+1*; +1 to avoid surprise by foe] | Speed: 30)
Spells:
Lv1: 8/8 | Lv2: 8/8 | Lv3: 5/5 | Elemental Ray: 8/8 | Impromptu SA: 1/1

Allyph stands indecisively. She looks at the mixed reactions of the nobles. There seems to be quite a lot of nobles who dislike Blackjack, but there's also a large number of them who start to repeat Blackjack's last sentence: down with the queen.


Stats:
F HalfOrc Barrister 7 (HP 57/57| AC:21 | T:13 | FF:18 | CMB: +9 | CMD:24 | Fort:+7 | Ref:+6 | Will:+6 | Init:+3| Perc: +16 | Speed: 30 ft.)

Thanks for the OOC clarifiation, GM SN. That helps. :)

Baer, now remembering who Blackjack is, does a more active nothing. Her head goes from side to side, looking for danger to her person (or innocents), but as long as none of them are endangered, Baer looks around and does nothing.

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.

She doesn't know which side is 'right', neither completely believing in Trinia's guilt or innocence, but more agog at Blackjack's spectacle to risk joining for or against the Queen.

Baer fumes and waits.


Male Hellspawn Avenger 10 (HP 73/73 | AC:21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMB: +7 | CMD:21 | Fort:+6| Ref:+9 | Will:+7 | Init:+3| Perc: +13 | Speed: 40 ft.)

Blackjack?! SQUEE!

Quorthos' jaw drops at the appearance of his hero, but he quickly recovers.

Now is the time to act.

He uses the confusion and noise to cover his spellcasting, casts vanish and holds the charge, and then leaps up onto the platform to "apprehend" Trinia before she can escape. He grabs Trinia's shoulder, pulling her upright (and triggering the vanish spell on her).

As Trinia disappears, he winks surreptitiously at Blackjack, and then looks around in feigned confusion. "She's disappeared! Spread out, and find her!

Bluff to disguise spellcasting: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 - hopefully with a circumstance bonus or something...
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Bluff to try and fool everyone: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22


In the chaos that erupts no one notices Quorthos casts a spell. Quorthos then leaps onto the platform to "apprehend" Trinia before she can escape. Blackjack's attention immediately shifts to Quorthos, who grabs Trinia's shoulder and pulls her upright. The moment the vanish spell triggers and Trinia disappears, Quorthos winks surreptitiously at Blackjack.

Blackjack catches Quorthos's wink and then notices the headsman, just in time. He ducks out of the way of the headman's axe and clambers up a hanging banner to a nearby wall. No one else may think to look for it, but Quorthos sees that Blackjack's dragging someone along with him.

As Blackjack reaches the wall, he swiftly drinks a potion, and bows to the crowd while backlit by the setting sun. It seems like his bow is aimed at the execution platform in particular. Blackjack then leaps from the wall, and makes his escape into the city.


Stats:
F HalfOrc Barrister 7 (HP 57/57| AC:21 | T:13 | FF:18 | CMB: +9 | CMD:24 | Fort:+7 | Ref:+6 | Will:+6 | Init:+3| Perc: +16 | Speed: 30 ft.)

Baer watches Quorthos get involved, but is too far to notice the details.

She moves closer to Blackjack to get a better view...but losing him when he goes flying.


(HP 83/83 | AC:21 | T:12 | FF:19 | DR5/magic | Fire resistance 10 | Electricity/Cold/Acid resistance 5 | CMB:5 | CMD:17 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+7 | Will:+15 | Init:+8 | Perc:+25 | Speed 20)
spells:
PoP level 1: 2/2 | Battle spirit: 6/6 rounds | Channels 4/4 | Flight 9/9 min | Beastshape 9/9 min

Hope I'm not too late
Tural sees Quorthos jump on the stage and rushes forward to aid him, casting Fortune on him followed by a whisper soft chant.

Spells:

- Fortune (Su): The shaman grants a creature within 30 feet a bit of good luck for 1 round. The target can call upon this good luck once per round, allowing it to reroll any ability check, attack roll, saving throw, or skill check, taking the better result. The target creature must to decide to use this ability before the first roll is made. At 8th and 16th levels, the duration of this hex increases by 1 round. Once a creature has benefited from the fortune hex, it cannot benefit from it again for 24 hours.
- Chant (Ex): A shaman can chant as a move action. Any creature that is within 30 feet that is under the effects of the shaman's charm, evil eye, fortune, fury, or misfortune hex has that effect's duration extended by 1 round. A shaman cannot select both this hex and the witch's cackle hex.


Male Hellspawn Avenger 10 (HP 73/73 | AC:21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMB: +7 | CMD:21 | Fort:+6| Ref:+9 | Will:+7 | Init:+3| Perc: +13 | Speed: 40 ft.)

Quorthos continues to look around, bewildered, and then jumps down off the platform, apparently to look for Trinia. His actual goal is to lose himself in the crowd in case the guards want to "discuss" the matter. He will try to slip away in the confusion.

If Tural is close to him at any time, Quorthos will whisper to him, "See you at the pub," and avoid him.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Acrobatics to jump down: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20 Forgot my level-up skill point last time!


Tural's just fast enough to give Quorthos some support. The shaman's chant goes unnoticed in the noise the angry nobles make, and Quorthos is able to leave the scene without any problems.

Baer bumps into Cressida, who's busy calming people down and sending them home. "Baer, I'll contact you and the other agents later. For now, I think it's best you go to the Three Rings. The guards here and I will handle this."

You all leave the chaos after Blackjack's exit and head to the Three Rings. The next few days you don't hear anything from Cressida, but you do notice an important shift in Korvosa's attitude. Blackjack has long been seen as a hero of the city, and the fact that he has taken up a position in such direct opposition to the queen causes many of those who supported the monarchy to begin to doubt their convictions. what's more, after Blackjack's daring rescue of Trinia, Queen Ileosa remains ensconced in Castle Korvosa.

Yet however safe the city might seem, its troubles are far from over. Korvosa is in the eye of the storm. Greater wheels are turning, and somewhere not too far from shore, a black three-masted vessel flying the orange lanterns of a plague-ship drifts ever closer to shore. And death follows with it.

End of book 1: Edge of Anarchy.


Stats:
F HalfOrc Barrister 7 (HP 57/57| AC:21 | T:13 | FF:18 | CMB: +9 | CMD:24 | Fort:+7 | Ref:+6 | Will:+6 | Init:+3| Perc: +16 | Speed: 30 ft.)

Baer nods to Cressida, accepting the orders for when they come.

She gathers the rest to her and returns to the Three Rings. She walks in silence until they are well out of earshot of guard, noble, and commoner before speaking.

"Did you guys see that? Blackjack!" Baer says, a mixture of awe and not-awe; she is conflicted. "I don't know if what we saw was good or bad or lawful or chaos. I just don't know."

Baer listens to what others may feel about things.

* * *

Over the next few weeks, Baer will spend her time (and some of her money) continuing her education and training in her mini-academy. She will continue to study magic on her own, and the quarterstaff when she can find sparring partners.


Human Magus 10 Hp 82/82, AC 19/15/15, F+8, R+7, W+9, Spd.30ft. CMB+8, CMD22, Perc.+2, Init+8

When the group comes back together and heads over to the tavern, Denario nods at Baer's enthusiastic demeanor.

"Yeah, we saw. Quite a daring stunt he pulled off, though Quorthos suddenly had a hand in it too, didn't you?"
Denario smirks.

"Good or bad, we'll see. I don't know any fortune tellers, we'll have to wait."


Male Hellspawn Avenger 10 (HP 73/73 | AC:21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMB: +7 | CMD:21 | Fort:+6| Ref:+9 | Will:+7 | Init:+3| Perc: +13 | Speed: 40 ft.)

Quorthos has difficulty containing himself when the group is safely out of earshot. "Blackjack! A legend, defender of Korvosa's people! " Quorthos looks suddenly troubled. "Yet, he spoke out against the Queen... this is likely to spark something big. If the Queen is executing someone we believe innocent, someone that Blackjack came to rescue... " He trails off, not quite liking where his reasoning is leading him.

To Denario's point: "I don't like failing. We were sent to bring her to the Field Marshall for questioning, and failed. Now, we can fulfill that order. Although... I'm not sure who to trust, anymore. The Field Marshall reports to the Queen, after all. But I feel certain that Blackjack wouldn't act as he did without proof, of something..."

---

Over the next several days, Quorthos spends his days at the inn, awaiting any orders. He visits his father's shop, and helps him to install some stout iron bars in the windows and doors, in case of trouble. He also tries to find out anything about Blackjack, using whatever contacts he may have.

Diplomacy (gather information): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
GM, let me know the cost of the work done at my father's shop.


(HP 83/83 | AC:21 | T:12 | FF:19 | DR5/magic | Fire resistance 10 | Electricity/Cold/Acid resistance 5 | CMB:5 | CMD:17 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+7 | Will:+15 | Init:+8 | Perc:+25 | Speed 20)
spells:
PoP level 1: 2/2 | Battle spirit: 6/6 rounds | Channels 4/4 | Flight 9/9 min | Beastshape 9/9 min

Tural is unfazed by blackjack and his charades. He is not really sure what to think of him with what he has done.
"Not sure what to think of it either. One thing I am sure of though. Some rest after this adventure will be very welcome."
He says when they make their way to the inn. He spends his days practising his new spells and meditating on his new spells.


Status Mavor:
HP: 80/80 NL: 0; AC: 19, T: 12, FF: 18; CMB: +13; CMD: 24; Fort: 9, Ref: 10, Will: 5; Init: +1; Perception: +13; Speed: 20 feet
Half-Orc Fighter 1/Rogue (Skulking Slayer/Scout) 9

Mavor couldn't quite see everything happening at the executioning stage , but when the crowd shouts out BlackJack's name he immediately knows what's going on and tries to push forward. The crowd is making it difficult, but he manages to get to the front just as a gasp escapes the crowd's longues and sees Trinia disappear in front of his eyes and Quorthos standing close to where she was. He glances quickly at BlackJack and feels impressed by the man's composure and daring.

But he can't do more than look on as the man escapes and eventually joins the others when then converse about the mysterious rescuer of damsels in distress.

"Well... that was quite enervating. Can't say I know what drives the man, but I can relate somewhat. He does what he thinks he's right, no care about established rules and authority. Though that may be the persona acting, the man behind the mask might be completely different."


Book 2: Seven Days to the Grave

Just over two weeks after Blackjack freed Trinia, just before midnight, the evening's peace is shattered by a wooden screech. It's followed by the thunder of a trebuchet being fired. Again and again the sounds echo from the Wall of Eodred near North Bridge, waking nearly all of North Point. Including all of you.

The Three Rings erupts in chaos as people rush toward the windows or outside. In Quorthos's street the noise is barely any fainter, and people react much the same.


Status Mavor:
HP: 80/80 NL: 0; AC: 19, T: 12, FF: 18; CMB: +13; CMD: 24; Fort: 9, Ref: 10, Will: 5; Init: +1; Perception: +13; Speed: 20 feet
Half-Orc Fighter 1/Rogue (Skulking Slayer/Scout) 9

Mavor waken quite fast and rushes towards the window to look out, trying to see anything in the dark night.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Unsure as to what the trebuchet fired at or why there was a volley of stone at all, Mavor moves to find his weapons and says to some of the others close to him.

"Not sure what happened there, but colour me intrigued. I might check out what's happened, any of you want to come along? If there's an invasion it pays to get a close eye in."


Male Hellspawn Avenger 10 (HP 73/73 | AC:21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMB: +7 | CMD:21 | Fort:+6| Ref:+9 | Will:+7 | Init:+3| Perc: +13 | Speed: 40 ft.)

Quorthos bolts to the window when he hears the sound, his mind already playing over the possibilities. Incoming or outgoing shots? Are the Shoanti attacking? Andoran? Cheliax, even? Perhaps they don't trust the Queen either...

"Father, stay inside. Lock the door and don't let anyone in. I will find out what is happening."

He quickly grabs his weapons and heads into the street, looking for answers. Once he assesses the immediate risk, he goes looking for his friends (I'm assuming we have all shared addresses by this point?)


Stats:
F HalfOrc Barrister 7 (HP 57/57| AC:21 | T:13 | FF:18 | CMB: +9 | CMD:24 | Fort:+7 | Ref:+6 | Will:+6 | Init:+3| Perc: +16 | Speed: 30 ft.)

Baer grunts, annoyed that her reading is being interrupted repeatedly.

"What is it now, Mavor?" Baer huffs, already packing to join the half-orc. "If I can't study, I might as well join you."

Baer slams her book shut and looks to see if Tural, Denario, & Allyph are awake and about.

"If it is more chaos like when the king died, you guys should stick with me and Mavor," Baer chides.


(HP 83/83 | AC:21 | T:12 | FF:19 | DR5/magic | Fire resistance 10 | Electricity/Cold/Acid resistance 5 | CMB:5 | CMD:17 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+7 | Will:+15 | Init:+8 | Perc:+25 | Speed 20)
spells:
PoP level 1: 2/2 | Battle spirit: 6/6 rounds | Channels 4/4 | Flight 9/9 min | Beastshape 9/9 min

The moment Baer comes to check on Tural he throws the door to his room open.
"What is happening?! It sounds as if we are under siege!"
He immediately starts casting his wards on all his companions, just in case. He looks out of the window to see what is happening.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28


Human Magus 10 Hp 82/82, AC 19/15/15, F+8, R+7, W+9, Spd.30ft. CMB+8, CMD22, Perc.+2, Init+8
Baer wrote:
Baer slams her book shut and looks to see if Tural, Denario, & Allyph are awake and about.

Are we assumed to be sleeping at a certain place?

Denario would be elsewhere, since he lives on his own.

Denario was awakened from dreaming.

"..ugh...damn, just when things we nice.
By lady luck, what is going on?"

Denario quickly heads for the nearest window.
"...what is this, a siege?"


F Half-elf Arcane Trickster/3 Sorceress (Ele: Air)/4 Unchained Rogue/3 (HP 63/63 | AC:22 [+1 vs. Traps*] | T:16 [+1*] | FF:16 | CMB:6 [10 vs. Grapple/Pin] | CMD:21 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+11 [+1*] | Will:+7 [+2 Enchant] | Init:+6 | Perc:+13 [+1*; +1 to avoid surprise by foe] | Speed: 30)
Spells:
Lv1: 8/8 | Lv2: 8/8 | Lv3: 5/5 | Elemental Ray: 8/8 | Impromptu SA: 1/1

I briefly mentioned it once, but at the Three Rings the party has one room for the men and one room for the women. The rooms are connected by a single door. (I believe I also mentioned I'd make a map of the Three Rings, but I forgot to do so somewhere along the line...)

Allyph, still in her nightgown, moves into the men's room with Baer and joins the others at the window.

"It comes from over there!" she says as she point northwest, where light and smoke can be seen from beyond Korvosa's walls. (Red dot on Korvosa's map.)

"Give us a moment to dress!" Allyph hurries back to the room she shares with Baer, dragging Baer with her, and shuts the door behind them.

While everyone else is ready to leave, Allyph's still busy checking her hair in her hand mirror. The delay she causes with her vanity gives Quorthos enough time to arrive at the tavern and meet up with the others.

How do you wish to approach the site? (The towers in the wall give access to the wall themselves, but are off limits for citizens.)


Stats:
F HalfOrc Barrister 7 (HP 57/57| AC:21 | T:13 | FF:18 | CMB: +9 | CMD:24 | Fort:+7 | Ref:+6 | Will:+6 | Init:+3| Perc: +16 | Speed: 30 ft.)

Baer dresses as well, embarrassed that she had been reading in the men's rooms without a worry about dignity.

"That was silly, I forgot where I was!" Baer grunts, making a mental note for the next time. "Let's go as far as we need to to find out what that noise is."

Looking at the map, we're not too far from the red dot.

"Stick with me, Allyph," Baer hulks protectively. "Don't want an otyugh to get you. These streets are crawling with them."

Baer, when pressed on which direction to go, suggests that they go to North Bridge to see if they can see things.


(HP 83/83 | AC:21 | T:12 | FF:19 | DR5/magic | Fire resistance 10 | Electricity/Cold/Acid resistance 5 | CMB:5 | CMD:17 | Fort:+5 | Ref:+7 | Will:+15 | Init:+8 | Perc:+25 | Speed 20)
spells:
PoP level 1: 2/2 | Battle spirit: 6/6 rounds | Channels 4/4 | Flight 9/9 min | Beastshape 9/9 min

Tural pulls his armor over the clothes he is already wearing and heads into the hallway, waiting for everyone to join him.
"Let's have a look then."
He follows Baer to see what they are able to see on the bridge.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

2,251 to 2,300 of 5,727 << first < prev | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / Curse of the Crimson Throne All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.