[AP] Curse of the Crimson Throne by GMs Rutseg, Zek and Snowheart (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

COMPLETED

Maps
Info
Bashiel's Loot Table
Commanded creatures


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Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

Cressida keeps a blank expression as Zamanda responds to the rebuke, then nods mutely in acceptance and moves on to the next order of business.

When Quin hands over the letters, a brow arches in curiosity at his jest. She then begins to review the materials and both brows lift up to her hairline as a blush comes to her cheeks. She coughs, folds the letters back up, then places them in a drawer. "Yes... well, I can see why those are an issue for the ambassador. Thank you for retrieving these."

She then listens intently as the others report on what happened at Eel's End. When they are finished, she accepts the papers from Bashiel and scans them briefly. "Interesting. If this first is what it looks like, between that and your testimony we can likely ensure Devargo has an appointment with the hangman. Though that would be after a trial. Unless you've another suggestion?

"As to this other, encoded document...I don't suppose any of you have developed a gift with languages and cryptography? If not... I can figure something out but my usual contact at the Academae is no longer accessible. It may take some time. Have you found anything else?"

Linguistics, anyone?


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE: BECAME KALEM LIGHTSWORN]

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

"I'm not sure that a trial is really in anyone's interests here. I mean, the city is going to hell, right? And to lay out our evidence, it would cause even more of a panic when the citizens hear that Urgathoans are running about. And then the cult itself will know that we're after them. Plus, if he is as connected as he bragged to be, he might well escape before the trial. Why not lock him up, and keep him off the books, at least until after the crisis has died down. It will let us interrogate him on what he knows. Justice will happen, of course. But there is no need for us to rush it."


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

Zamanda shakes Ilsa's hand when it is offered, and thinks to herself that this is a perfect person to bring to Sunday dinner, since she told her parents she was bringing a girl... if her parents are still talking to her. Who knows though... have to have hope. She decides to ask her to come along once they get out of here.

___

Zamanda looks at Pellius.

Citizen... you can figure out that code, can't you? I mean, I could try, but I only went to Theumanexus, not the Acadamae, so you're probably better at this.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 <-- Simple flattery


Human Arcanist

Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Pel raises an eyebrow at Cressida's mention of her 'usual contact' at the Acadamae. Perhaps that explains how she seems to know so much about him.

"I can certainly take a look at the documents. Might speed up the process a bit."

Pel examines the document, doing the absolute best he can to understand its contents.


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

<boggle> Nicely rolled.

Pel takes the codes document from Cressida and begins to review it. After a few moments, patterns begin to emerge and then everything clicks into place. It's a veritable shopping list...for people.

Chelaxian Woman, Young
Varisian Man, middle aged, two
Varisian Woman, elderly
Varisian Woman, middle aged, three
Halfling male, any age
Gnome female, young
...

Various other races, ethnicities, mixes of genders and quantities are specified. Most of them have been crossed out. Next to each line are symbols that appear to represent the value of such a person, ranging from fifty to one-hundred gold pieces.


Human Arcanist

If there is one thing Pel hates about his Chelaxian heritage, it's his people's embrace of slavery. As a Caydenite, it is antithetical to the freedom Cailean advocates.

"This... this is horrible. It's a shopping list for people. This Devargo, it appears he deserves to hang, trial or no trial.

"He even assigned values to different people. They range from fifty to one-hundred gold pieces. This is disgusting."

Pel looks up from the document to gauge the others' reactions. "If this Devargo you spoke of wrote this list, he was a human, halfling, gnome - you name it - trafficker. A detestable low-life all-around. He deserves the worst punishment he can get.

"To make matters worse, it looks like he already found most of the people he was looking to sell or buy."

Does it look like there's an 'order' for a person matching the age and ethnicity of Ilsa's niece?


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

Nope. That was done through an earlier adversary, Gaedren Lamm. Devargo is seen as another lead to track down the cultists collecting these people.


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

Bashiel looks at Pellius in surprise as he decodes the list with blinding speed "Pellius, was it? You were being awfully modest when you said you had some skill with linguistics. That was amazing."

"But... to think. Each item on the list is a person? All those people in the hands of cultists of Urgathoa..." He seems to sag slightly at the revelation, a flicker of despair crosses his face, but he manages to straighten his back and turn to Zamanda and Pellius. "The two of you weren't with us at the time, but our group recently found another trafficker that went by the name Gaedren Lamm. He'd been supplying children to the same cultists." He shakes his head "Ilsa, I think we've stumbled across something far darker. To need so many people..."

What could they possibly need so many for? How could such an operation happen under the Guard's noses?

"Pellius, is there any sign or marking on that list that would betray where the people went, or who they were traded to?"

To Cressida's earlier question, Bashiel says "We didn't find much else that seemed suspicious." He gives a start as his brain dredges up thoughts from while he was possessed "Oh, except a cloak and pair of boots, both muddy, which seemed out of place. Looking back on it now, I don't see when Devargo would have the inclination or opportunity to muddy some clothes. His followers freely admitted that he stayed at his warship almost always."


Human Arcanist

GM, before I respond in-character, is there any sign or marking on the list indicating where the people went or who they were traded to?


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

Pellius, no, but on reflection I'm going to add some other additional details.

Most of the items have been crossed off with a single line drawn through them. A few remain including one by which are a scribbled "!?". It's for a "Shoanti male, young."

Knowledge Local DC 15:
The Shoanti were forced out of the area that would become Korvosa in 4407 by an invading Chelaxian army. Today, they live mostly in the Cinderlands. There are small pockets of them in the vicinity of Korvosa but they are tribal, quick to anger, and mostly stay in groups.

Cressida considers everyone's input then says, "I can keep him imprisoned pending a, uh, 'full investigation'. I normally prefer swifter justice, but I take your points. I could drag it out for several months. As long as we don't have a repetition of the incident with the Rakshasa, I have no problem with you questioning him. Just take the appropriate precautions this time. We never have found that damned thing."

She then considers the boots and her gaze rests a moment on Ilsa before she sighs. "I tell you... the riots are bad enough. The Queen taking some of my best for her own, I can handle. Even a group up cultists hiding in my city, bad as it is, I could deal with. All at once?" She shakes her head, clearing it. "Alright. See if you can find out more about those boots, question Devargo, let me know if and when you'd like my man to take over. But by Desna's grace, please, keep this quiet. This city is sitting on a powder keg. One more jolt could set it off."


hp: 30/31; AC 19+2 (AC 15 ff 12 t 13); fort 3, ref 8, will 3; bab 3, melee 3, ranged 6; CMB 3, CMD 16; init +4; perc +11; insp 6/7; panache 5/5; harrow pts 2/2 | daemon-spawn tiefling investigator (empiricist)/3 swashbuckler (inspired blade)/1
skills:
acro 8, appraise 9, bluff 9, diplo 9, disable 12, escape 3, kn arc 9, kn dung 8, kn eng 8, kn hist 8, kn local 8, kn planes 9, kn rel 10, kn nob 9, kn nature 8, perc 12, sm 5, splcrft 9, umd 9

did anyone use Detect Magic on the boots and/or cloak?

"Yes, Ma'am... we'll be discrete. You can trust us!" Quinlan says with a bit more enthusiasm than necessary.

sense motive dc 17:

bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

He's more hopeful than sure... whether it's because of the new folks he's not sure of or perhaps the intensity of the group as it has been, it's hard to tell.


Male Elf Cleric/7 7d8+(14 con)+(7 fc)=Hit Points 59/59. Initiative: +6. Perception +4 Speed: Walk 30 ft. AC: 19 (+2 vs. evil) (Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, CMD 18, FCMD 16). Saves: Fortitude: +7, Reflex: +4, Will: +7.

"I suggest Bashiel and I talked to him first. Devargo doesn't know that we're still alive, showing him that he failed to kill us with his creature will surely help in any questioning we have to undertake," Varor says to Cressida. "You know, psychological warfare, showing him that he completely failed."


Human Arcanist

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

"Among the various races and nationalities listed on this document, there's also an oddity," Pel says after examining the document a bit more. "One of the items that hasn't been crossed off asks for a Shoanti male, young.

"This is strange because most Shoanti stick to the Cinderlands, though they used to be more numerous in this area before Korvosa was founded. There may yet be a few of them close to Korvosa, but they are tribal, quick to anger, and are mostly insular.

"Perhaps we could ask around to see if anyone has seen a young Shoanti man in Korvosa recently? It would certainly have been a strange and unusual sight."

Pel glances over at Quinlan and notes his hopeful approach to the situation even if the man lacks surity.

"As for this Devargo, I have an idea, but I realize I have just met you all so I will defer to your wisdom on the matter. Perhaps Zamanda and I could try to talk with him first? He hasn't met either of us, so he likely wouldn't perceive us as a threat."

Pel glances over at Zamanda and gives her a small smile before saying, "And between the two of us I think we might even be able to convince him we're there to help him escape, making him even more likely to give up his secrets.

"If deception fails, I may be able to charm him into helping us, which will be easier to do if none of you are there to threaten him. Keep in mind I don't expect you all to wait here with Cressida till we return. We just met, so it's understandable if you don't trust us. Perhaps you could wait just outside his cell in case you need to step in.

"But, like I said, it's just an idea. I'm sure you all have much more experience in such matters than me."


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE: BECAME KALEM LIGHTSWORN]

"Not a bad idea. We could plant you in his cell. Have Bash and Varor interrogate him first so he lets his guard down, thinks he weathered the storm. Then see what he'll confide in you. It wouldn't be the safest thing in the world, but he'd be unarmed and you'd have your magic."


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

I'm in.

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

Ilsa hopes the plan works. Though they have found some promising leads, as Cressida had promised, they still seemed to be at a dead end.

"Let me see the cloak and boots," Ilsa says. "They seemed so out of place."

She examines them as thoroughly as she can, looking at the color of mud, how deep the mud may have been, and anything else that might indicate who owned these items before they ended up in Devargo's room.

Maybe they were just his?

The mesmerist closes her eyes and tentatively reaches out with her mind.

Sometimes...I just know things...

take 20 perception: 20 + 6 = 26

I'll also cast both detect magic and detect psychic significance.


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps
Ilsa Dreambind wrote:


I'll also cast both detect magic and detect psychic significance.

Hmm. Any rules or guidance on what constitutes a psychic imprint or memory? I looked up the spell description but am having trouble figuring out what qualifies as either of those.

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

Hmmm...I'm also not finding much. In some ways, it's just the psychic equivalent of detect magic. But I think it could also give some additional clues if you're inclined to give them. I think it's likely to end up being a "whatever the GM thinks is helpful to keeping the plot going" kind of spell.


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

"Understood Field Marshal, we'll keep things as quiet as we can. I'm also not too excited to keep Devargo custody for so long. With luck we should be able to find our leads and then let him face justice."

"We'll report in with what we learn from Devargo as soon as we can." He salutes Cressida and steps aside as the group confers over their strategy.

"Varor, Pellius, I like the plan. And Kalem, wearing him down first with fear for his current situation seems right. He seems to be a canny man though, so your acting will have to be good to not raise his suspicions." Bashiel scratches at his chin "I suppose we can find some way to allow everyone else to listen in without attracting Devargo's attention. We have plenty of cells that would allow a group to stay out of sight without being too far away."


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

Ilsa studies the cloak and boots. Neither is magical but, as she studies the boots, a psychic resonance comes to her... not from the boots, but the mud. It is a sense of... quiet. Peace. But tinged with the sorrow of thousands.

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

Ilsa puts the cloak and boots down, unsure what to think.

Can I even trust these thoughts? Do they mean anything?

She shares what she sensed...apprehensive, but hopeful that the others might have some insight.

"I feel like the mud is from a place of quiet...and peace. But a sorrowful place. Could it be from a graveyard?" she wonders. "I don't know how I know these things. I just...know."


hp: 30/31; AC 19+2 (AC 15 ff 12 t 13); fort 3, ref 8, will 3; bab 3, melee 3, ranged 6; CMB 3, CMD 16; init +4; perc +11; insp 6/7; panache 5/5; harrow pts 2/2 | daemon-spawn tiefling investigator (empiricist)/3 swashbuckler (inspired blade)/1
skills:
acro 8, appraise 9, bluff 9, diplo 9, disable 12, escape 3, kn arc 9, kn dung 8, kn eng 8, kn hist 8, kn local 8, kn planes 9, kn rel 10, kn nob 9, kn nature 8, perc 12, sm 5, splcrft 9, umd 9

"What business would Devargo from Eel's End in the north have in the Gray District in the south? Curious. I thought he never left Eel's End.. perhaps that was just a misconception... or perhaps these aren't his accoutrements?"


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

Hmm... what all is in the Gray District he could have been interested in?

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19


hp: 30/31; AC 19+2 (AC 15 ff 12 t 13); fort 3, ref 8, will 3; bab 3, melee 3, ranged 6; CMB 3, CMD 16; init +4; perc +11; insp 6/7; panache 5/5; harrow pts 2/2 | daemon-spawn tiefling investigator (empiricist)/3 swashbuckler (inspired blade)/1
skills:
acro 8, appraise 9, bluff 9, diplo 9, disable 12, escape 3, kn arc 9, kn dung 8, kn eng 8, kn hist 8, kn local 8, kn planes 9, kn rel 10, kn nob 9, kn nature 8, perc 12, sm 5, splcrft 9, umd 9

"Dead bodies? not sure why he'd be interested though."


Human Arcanist

"A graveyard seems likely, based on your description. Do you think... do you think some of the entries on Devargo's document were for bodies of certain types? It seems strange that so many people could go missing without the guard or others noticing. Perhaps they went missing from Korvosa's graveyard?"


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

Sounds plausible. Still creepy, but better than capturing live people for slavery or for mad scientist stuff.


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

"I doubt cultists would need to come to him if all they wanted were dead bodies. His organization is hardly one that is well suited to doing things like that. They could use anyone to dig those up."

"Quin, I don't see why he would keep someone else's muddy clothes out in his room... plus a graveyard would be a quiet place to meet with someone in secret. Not many people in the Gray district."

"Hmmmm... the Gray District is the most well known, but there are other graveyards around Korvosa, right?" Bashiel looks to Quin and the rest, checking for confirmation. "Either way it might be worth asking around over there, checking with the Pharasmin priests if they've seen someone of his description stopping by."


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

Sounds like you've got a plan of action. If no one says otherwise, I'll post in the next hour or two and move y'all to Devargo's cell.


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

A few hours later, Cressida's aide informs you that "the prisoner" is conscious and offers you to escort you to his cell. You find yourself once more in the bowels of the Citadel and pausing at a row of cells made of brick with iron-reinforced wooden doors, not quite as deep as the interrogation chamber where Vancaskerkin was murdered.

"He is conscious, but only barely. His wounds are stable but quite frankly we don't have the resources right now to give him any healing potions. If you need anything, I'll be in the guardroom down the hall." With that, he unlocks the door to the cell and walks down about fifty feet, through a gate that he locks behind him, and sits to wait for you.

When you go inside, you find Devargo's wounds are freshly bandaged but he remains in manacles both at the wrists and ankles. There are no windows this far down. A wooden bowl to one side of the door has some water, while in the opposite corner is a bucket for bodily functions. The room smells of stale air infused with blood, urine and other things that would turn the stomach if too much time were spent thinking of them.

The "King of Spiders" is sitting in the corner with his head down. As you enter, looks up and glowers. "Well... this is just lovely. Come for another round?"


Human Arcanist

Pel follows behind the others, but doesn't enter Devargo's cell with them. He waits nearby where he can hear the conversation inside the cell, but can't see it.

Pulling out his spellbook he uses his Quick Study exploit to prepare Charm Person instead of Grease, expending one point from his Arcane Reservoir in the process.

He hopes he won't have to coerce this Devargo into helping them. But if he's half as bad as that document indicated, Pel doesn't think he'll feel bad about doing so if he has to.

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

Ilsa takes a deep breath before going inside with the others. She doesn't really want to do the talking, but knows she still has the most on the line.

She looks at the shackled crime lord. The dark feelings she has somewhere inside seem far away now. She's once again a shop girl, in way over her head.

"The tables are turned," she responds to the glowering man. "We don't have a button to push to feed you to spiders," she says.

"But we can do this the easy way, or the hard way. All I want to know is more about this cult. If you'll tell me what I want to know, we'll do our best to make sure it's easy way for you."

She attempts a smile that hides her disdain for the man.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

I thought Pellius and Zamanda were going to be pretending to be prisoners with Devargo, before we woke him up? At least, Zamanda seemed in for that strategy.

Pel and Zamanda, up to you guys how you want to do this exactly. I get the feeling it might come down to you getting the info on the sly.

Bashiel leans back against the wall, far from Devargo. He crosses his arms as the man glowers at the group, then responds in a steady, low voice "No Devargo, not another round. I assume you know where you are. I'll say now that aid isn't coming. You were taken in peacefully, your friends consented." He raises an eyebrow "Understand?"

"We have some questions to ask you and would appreciate your cooperation."

He lets Ilsa and the others speak. His real role here will likely come later on, if and when Devargo resists.

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

i thought bad cops were going in first, then bad cops to save him...


hp: 30/31; AC 19+2 (AC 15 ff 12 t 13); fort 3, ref 8, will 3; bab 3, melee 3, ranged 6; CMB 3, CMD 16; init +4; perc +11; insp 6/7; panache 5/5; harrow pts 2/2 | daemon-spawn tiefling investigator (empiricist)/3 swashbuckler (inspired blade)/1
skills:
acro 8, appraise 9, bluff 9, diplo 9, disable 12, escape 3, kn arc 9, kn dung 8, kn eng 8, kn hist 8, kn local 8, kn planes 9, kn rel 10, kn nob 9, kn nature 8, perc 12, sm 5, splcrft 9, umd 9

Quinlan just listens to Ilsa and Bash at first, noting their different approaches. He puts all his attention on Devargo, wondering how he will react to all this... does he still hope for release or rescue... or is he accepting of his fate?

sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24


Human Arcanist

My original proposed plan was for Zamanda and Pel to go in and act like we were trying to help him escape. On closer inspection, I think it was Kalem who suggested we go in beforehand and act like prisoners. I'm fine either way, though it may now depend on whether GM Snow lets us retcon it to where Zamanda and Pel were already in the cell when the rest of you arrived.


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22
Bashiel wrote:
I thought Pellius and Zamanda were going to be pretending to be prisoners with Devargo, before we woke him up? At least, Zamanda seemed in for that strategy.

Yeah, that was the first plan, but then Kalem said this:

Kalem wrote:
Not a bad idea. We could plant you in his cell. Have Bash and Varor interrogate him first so he lets his guard down, thinks he weathered the storm. Then see what he'll confide in you. It wouldn't be the safest thing in the world, but he'd be unarmed and you'd have your magic.

And I thought that you agreed to that. ... In any case, you're already in there. I can wait out in the hall with Pell and you can have the guards throw us in later if you want, but that is as close as it looks like we are going to get to a plan.

Zamanda waits out in the hall (out of site of the prisoner) with Pell, listening.


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

I interpreted Kalem's comment as being that we plant you two in ahead of time, then Varor and I interrogate, and only afterwards do the two of you pounce. Though, this approach should work just as well.

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

sorry all, I seemed to have misunderstood the plan!


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

Ilsa, I think it is fine. You might scare him more than the others anyway. :)


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

Devargo laughs. It's a sad, croaking sound and he spits up some blood before sneering at you. "So its in my interest to cooperate, eh? You come into my place of business, my home, threaten me in the middle of a business negotiation, torture me while I'm defenseless, and now... what? 'Answer our questions or else?"

He chuffed again in a broken laugh, "We're not so different. We deal harshly with those who oppose us, try to stop us, all while presenting a veneer of civility this town requires. The difference is..." He looks at each of you with simmering rage, "I'm not a hypocrite. What are you going to do? Torture me? Kill me? Please. Spare us all the drama and trouble, find yourself a nice Calistrian, and have her show you how to f*** yourself."

He spits again, glowering. "I'm not telling you a bloody thing. I'm the innocent party here."


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Have I heard of this guy... do I know what he likes?

Still outside, listening... just trying to plan my bluff


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

Oh yeah. Devargo is better known as the King of Spiders, one of the more successful and notorious crime lords in Korvosa. He'd have a reputation like John Gotti (I'm dating myself here) as the "teflon don"; no criminal charges ever stuck. He runs (ran?) an operation called Eel's End; five ships tightly lashed to an old pier and converted into a den of vice and sin. Korvosa allows for the payment of a "vice tax", which basically legalized victimless crimes like drug use, prostitution, etc. The mystique of Devargo (and the source of his moniker) was that he had control of all the city's spiders and they would whisper the secrets of others to him.


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

Bashiel can't help but release a snort of laughter at Devargo's claim of innocence. He shakes his head with a wry smile "We would never have had to 'deal harshly' with you, you brought that on yourself. But now, defending this urgathoan cult so adamantly sure doesn't look good for you. What do you have to gain from protecting them? Or, maybe the more relevant question is, what do you have to lose from failing to do so?"

"Oh. I see. You fear more what the cultists would do to you than what we could? Or what the Guard could?" Bashiel watches him for any tells that would suggest his guess is right.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 2 = 22 Eyyyy!

If that does seem to be the case: He follows up with "Then maybe we can make you an offer. Tell us everything you know of them, and we can guarantee you a quick death and consecration to protect your body and soul from being twisted by the urgathoans in the afterlife. Or we can act on what we know without your help, and hand you over to the cultists to let them exact what punishment they deem worthy for someone who leaked their secrets."

I'm not sure I could do something like that, even for someone like Devargo. But... Devargo is a hardened man, there is likely not much we can do to truly threaten him, and this cult seems his only weakness. As much as I hate suggesting it, it may be the only thing that strikes fear into his heart.


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

Devargo's glower cracks into an expression of being gobsmacked before he starts to laugh. "Oh my..." More laughter. "What a bunch of bloody rubes. When did you come in from the fields, lad? Your offer is a quick death? Consecrate my corpse?" Still more laughter. However rough and hoarse it may be, it is quite sincere. When it passes, he shakes his head and looks back at you, "I'll wait for my trial. This is, after all, a nation of laws. What are you going to charge me with? Freedom of religion? Attempted self-defense? Paying my taxes? Get out of here. You've nothing to offer that I want."

Bluff (to keep his interests/plans close to his chest): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 Whatever he is thinking or afraid of, he is keeping his cards close to his chest.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 Bashiel, is the threat to turn him over the cultists real? If not, please give me a Bluff check.


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE: BECAME KALEM LIGHTSWORN]

Bluff? I suppose to make the whispering sound authentic in that Devargo wasn't meant to overhear, and to hide the fact that he has never tortured anyone before: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
Intimidate? To make the threat scary enough: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Kalem turned to Varor, and said quietly (but just loud enough to be heard by Devargo) "Why do they always act tough before the torture? Remember the last one who waited on a 'trial?' God I love how their skin smells when it burns. Got to love dealing with cultists, so much less paperwork."


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

The laughter ends abruptly and he stares at Kalem, shifting slightly. That made an impact. After a moment, he shakes his head and looks down at the ground, muttering, "Bloody hypocrites."


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

As I mentioned in the post above, Bashiel was planning to offer that second part if he got a feeling that his guess about Devargo being more afraid of the cultists was right. Since Devargo's bluff check was too high, he didn't get a sense for it and wouldn't have made the offer.

Bashiel shrugs. "We have evidence on the murders you've committed, people you've kidnapped and sold off, and testimony from your enforcers that you organized them to steal from addled customers in your business. You're welcome to think that you'll get out a free man, but it doesn't change the fact that the law is against you this time."

"Well, I offered you a fair go at -" He looks in Ilsa's direction, realizing that he's following up on her comment from earlier. "- the 'easy way'." He nods at Kalem "If you want to take over?"


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE: BECAME KALEM LIGHTSWORN]

Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (4) = 10 (6 non-lethal, 4 fire damage) Don't know if those rolls are needed, but there if they are. I'd prefer to just have the fire damage as Kalem isn't actually striking him.

Kalem walked over to Devargo and looked at the man and his chains. He then smiled. And his eyes lit up. Literally, they began to glow. Slowly, deliberately, he walked behind the chained man, put his hands on Devargo's shoulders, and whispered in his ear "You've got a pretty face. I can't *wait* to ruin it." His hands slide down his shoulders and onto Devargo's bare arms. He didn't want the man lighting up like a torch...

..Kalem's hands erupted into flames, scorching Devargo's bare skin. The entire ordeal lasted no more than a few seconds, before the flames died away. Even with the few seconds, the flames were not of this world, and burnt with the fire of the damned. The tiefling pushed the former crime lord into the table and started walking away, never looking back.

"Varor. Heal him. I want him healthy for when the fun starts. Everyone else, let's go. He's made his choice."

Bluff to make it appear that he enjoyed doing that, and to hide his self-disgust: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

As he walked away, Kalem steeled himself. He knew that he was playing into every stereotype about his people that was out there. That he was acting like the monster that everyone thought him to be, and he hated himself for it. But, he thought bitterly, his soul was probably already doomed to the abyss. So what did it matter, especially if what he was doing would help stop an evil cult from hurting more people?

To be clear on the plan here. We've made our threats to him very clear. The intimidation and bluff tests seem to have convinced him. And this is icing on the cake to make him feel certain that he's truly and utterly screwed. We now all leave, and have a good-aligned cleric heal his wounds. Offer him some kind words. Maybe come across as his last chance to cut a deal. And if that doesn't work, maybe he'll be bitter enough about what happened here and the hypocrisy of the guard that he'll end up talking to his cell mates.


hp: 30/31; AC 19+2 (AC 15 ff 12 t 13); fort 3, ref 8, will 3; bab 3, melee 3, ranged 6; CMB 3, CMD 16; init +4; perc +11; insp 6/7; panache 5/5; harrow pts 2/2 | daemon-spawn tiefling investigator (empiricist)/3 swashbuckler (inspired blade)/1
skills:
acro 8, appraise 9, bluff 9, diplo 9, disable 12, escape 3, kn arc 9, kn dung 8, kn eng 8, kn hist 8, kn local 8, kn planes 9, kn rel 10, kn nob 9, kn nature 8, perc 12, sm 5, splcrft 9, umd 9

Quinlan sneers at the entire exchange, trying to look hardened and uncaring, then slips out of the cell.

bluff: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 8 + (5) = 21

sense motive 21+:

He's really a little shocked, maybe even dismayed, at the severity of Kalem's treatment of devargo.


Human Arcanist

Pel finds his mouth frequently gaping open as he listens to the conversation in the cell. How much does he really know about these people? He just met them, after all.

And, quite frankly, imagining what they were doing in there to Devargo is much worse than actually seeing it. Various images pop into Pel's head of what's happening in the cell and none of them are pleasant. He sincerely hopes that what he imagines is happening isn't actually happening. Pel is particularly worried because Kalem sounds so convincing.

Pel glances over at Zamanda to see how she's reacting to the situation. He's starting to hope the group won't have to use the pair of them to extract information from Devargo. Still, he had at least partially suggested the plan, so he can't back out now.

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