DM Dr Evil's Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

Book 2 Seven Days to the Grave - A mysterious illness threatens peace and stability in Korvosa.

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Korvosa, the Jewel of Varisia, has long sparkled on Varisia’s southern shore. Established 300 years ago by the Empire of Cheliax at the height of that it's expansion, the city now commands its own destiny. After the Fall of Aroden, the resulting civil war and the rise to power of the diabolical House Thrune in Cheliax, a line of Korvosan kings and queens emerged to rule the city independent of the Empire, establishing an infamous seat of power — The Crimson Throne. Korvosan rulers have sat upon the Crimson Throne for more than a century now, and the city has flourished once again.

However,the Crimson Throne is not necessarily a prize to be won — it is a curse. No monarch of Korvosa has died of old age, and no ruler has inherited the Crimson Throne directly from their father - the Throne has only changed hands by untimely deaths, power plays, deceit, and outright murder.

Today, Korvosa's reigning king, Eodred Arbasti II is feared by all the right people. His ability to navigate the rocks and shoals of Chelish diplomacy earned the city favorable trade agreements with the Empire, but rumors persist of the old man's spendthrift and womanizing habits. The self proclaimed Saffron King (likening his reign to one of abundance) but called the Stirge King by the poor masses (since his insatiable appetites are bleeding the city coffers dry), Eodred has recently married a woman one-third his age.

The new Queen,red-haired beauty Ileosa Arvanxi of Cheliax, now barely 21 years old, has done the impossible in her 4 years beside the King. She has single-handedly shifted the city's dislike and disapproval from King Eodred to herself, with her open distaste for the "backwater colonial village" as she calls Korvosa. Despite the King's known penchant for younger women, they have not, to date, produced an heir.

Recent rumors say the old King's health has taken a turn for the worse, and the wags in town say The Curse of the Crimson Throne is about to take another victim, leaving the much-maligned Queen Ileosa as ruler.


Crux:
Another long day buttoned up in your room alone, Crux has little to do, but isn't ready to face the challenges associated with going out in public with his deformity. He thinks back to the time before his misfortune, when he was a young wizard with a bright future all set to enter the Acadamae, Korvosa's most prestigious wizarding schools. Then Lamm came into his life. "Gaedran Lamm ruined my face, ruined my future, and ruined my life."

A shiver of anger runs through Crux as he reaches for his spellbook, trying to lose himself in arcane studies to take his mind off the constant anger.

When he opens his book, a little card drops out. "Strange, I don't remember that being there," the wizard thinks, reaching down. Upon further examination, the paper is in fact a card, a harrow card. Crux examines it closely. "The Foreign Trader? What does that mean?" He flips the card over and reads the hand written inscription on the back.

Crux smiles to himself. "So the wrongs Lamm has done may be coming home to roost after all. Maybe I will go out tonight after all..."

Rodan:
Lifting that purse was just too easy. The half-drunk merchant in the Mermaid had been throwing coins around all afternoon, and Rodan had taken notice. When the man took on the company of one of the inn's working girls, pawing her greedily at the table in the common room, Sly slipped over and relieved him of that burden. Now, upstairs in his Shingles "luxury" loft, he relished the idea of seeing what the purse held.

Slowly untying the bindings and feeling the weight of coin, Rodan anticipated the fine meal he'd have with this gold. Much to his chagrin, however, the purse was full of only 20 or so copper pinch. Not a sail or a shield in the bunch. At the bottom of the purse was small rectangular piece of paper.

Looking closer, Rodan recoginzed it as a Harrow Card, one of those tricks Varisian fortunetellers used to separate a rube from his money. "The Rabbit Prince? Wonder what that means, and why the poor fella has a broken sword?". Flipping the card over, Sly saw there was a hand-written inscription on the back.

Grinning, he wondered if there wasn't more value in this purse than simply the coin it held.

Viviana:
Another 'john' who had to be tossed out of the House. Viviana felt this duty - mothering the novices - would never end. She had her fill of that life and had the scars to prove it, including her indulgent run in with Shiver, the illicit drug fed to her by Gaedran Lamm. "That damn Lamm ruined my life. Lucky I got it back on track, there's plenty of others who are still in that life." The thought made her blood boil as she made her way up to where this 'john' was being a little too rough with Rosie. Grabbing him up by the collar, she tossed the sot out on the street, smiling as he crashed in a heap.

Looking down, she saw a little scrap of paper fluttering from the man's things. Looking closer, she saw it was a playing card, but with a funny picture on it. "Strange that a sailor would have a card like this?" she thought, flipping the card over and seeing the hand-written inscription.

Perhaps, Calistra was with her. What had begun as another strong-arm job had just gotten a lot more interesting.

Kalvin:
The favorite part of Kalvin's day was going to see Maric. The old priest had raised him in the ways of the Inheritor and was training him to be a holy weapon in a land of evil. Maybe he'd go to far Mendev and defend the world from demons, or to nearby Cheliax and put down the diabolical kingdom once and for all. When he arrived, the sickly older man, bade him bring the holy text he often read from to Kalvin while the paladin sharpened his longsword.

"Strange, what's this slip of paper in there?" Kalvin thought as he grabbed the familiar tome. He looked closer and saw a picture playing card, though unlike any he'd seen before. "The Paladin? What is this card. Wait, look, there's writing on the back."

Turning the card over, Kalvin saw the hand-written inscription and knew this message had been left for him. Lamm had his cousin and best friend, Tomas, and was doing Goddess-knew-what to him every day. Kalvin had vowed to find and free Tomas when his training was complete, but perhaps that day was today? Grimacing, he began explaining the issue to Maric.

Graxton:
Sword and study were both important to a cleric of Gorum. The sword gave great satisfaction, but one must study the teachings in order to be a holy vessel of the Lord of Iron. To that end, Graxton was sitting down to early supper and studying his text of the Gorumskagat when the waitress at The Mermaid slipped him a note. "Came in fer you earlier t'day. But I ain't seen ya, til now. Don't 'member anythin' about who brung it, they just sez bring ta Soth right 'way. Well there ya go."

Graxton looked curiously at the note, but it wasn't a note at all, rather an odd-looking playing card, a kind he'e never seen before. "Well, Publican owns a tavern and I'm eating in a tavern. But what's with the one eye? Don't get what...wait, what's this?" He noticed the scrawled inscription on the back. Graxton had crossed paths with Lamm several times, usually ruinous for him or his friends and he thought maybe tonight, the Lord of Iron would have his revenge on the crime boss.

Please read your spoilers (hopefully the links work) and then describe how you make your way to 3 Lancet Street (provided you do!). The game is afoot!


Arcanist 1| AC 12 , FF 10 T 12| HP 7/7| Perception +1| Lvl 1 4/4, Cantrip at will

Perhaps Calistria smiles upon me this day. thinks Crux as he prepares his wrappings to visit this mysterious stranger. He must remember to call upon Graxton as well. It would not do to leave out his new friend in this, his triumphant hour.


M Half-elf CN Rogue 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +2 CMD 15 | HP 9/9 | F +2 R +6 W +4 (+2) | Init +5 | Perc +8

Still holding the card in his hand, Rodan fell backwards into his favourite armchair - the padded one with some fine embroidery still visible, despite the time-worn stains and the crudely repaired leg - thinking hard about what the card could mean, and who might have sent it. What's in Lancet Street anyway? I don't recall doing any heists along there, but it could still be some sort of elaborate trap. My hatred of Gaedren Lamm isn't exactly a secret...

Knowledge (local) to remember what might be at or near that address and how to find it: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Still, on the off-chance there's something to this, I'd better go have a look. Pushing himself back up from the chair and quickly grabbing his 'professional' gear, the lithe rogue stepped over to the window, opening it and jumping up to grab the gutter of the roof above, then gently kicking closed the window as he left. He'd make his way from here to Lancet Street via the Shingles, well above street level and out of sight of most prying eyes. Once there he could scout out the area and check for any traps or ambushes before he made any further decisions.


Rodan:
You know this address is in Midlands near Old Dock and not far from Citadel Volshyenek (the HQ of the Korvosan Guard). There's a great old tavern near there called the Bailer's Retreat where off duty guards and former jail inmates sometimes square off. A fun place, really!.

Besides that you don't know the specific place.


Vital:
HP: 19/21, AC: 17_ T: 10_ FF: 17, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7, Initiative: +0, F: +4 _ R: +1 _ W: +6, CMB: +3, CMD: 13, Speed: 20
Skills:
Acrobatics -4, Appraise +4, Bluff +1, Climb -1, Diplomacy +5, Handle Animal +3, Heal +7, Escape Artist -7, Intimidate+3, K(Nob/Rel/Pla) +4, Linguistics +0, Ride -4, Stealth -7, Spellcraft +4, Survival +3, Swim -1

"Thank you very much." Graxton has been trying to be respectful and using manners to help others see him just as another individual in this city of theirs, though many would still just see the half-orc.

Half orc thinkings:
Graxton thinks to himself and looks through his text of the Gorumskagat to remember anything he knows of the Publican.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Knowledge Religion
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Knowledge Nobility
1d20 ⇒ 20 Knowledge local at most DC 10
1d20 ⇒ 3 Knowledge history at most DC 10
1d20 ⇒ 9 Knowledge arcana at most DC 10

Graxton gets done with his musings and then tracks down the waitress, 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 Diplomacy Check to improve NPCs attitude, "Excuse me, did the individual that dropped that note with you also drop off other notes?"

Most recently Crux and Graxton had fell into helping each other, is Crux meeting Graxton later at the The Mermaid? Whatever there next meeting will likely have to wait, as Graxton would finish his supper, and pay for dinner, thank the cook and any others of importance, then track down that new friend of his, Crux.

Graxton always prepared in armor and his shield on his pack, weapons at his sides, pack on his back with his meager possessions, he will try to make it to Lancet street an hour before sunset, if still by himself, to watch and sharpen his dagger.

Liberty's Edge

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Female Human F Human CN Inquisitor 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +1 CMD 14 | HP 9/9 | F +4 R +3 W +4 | Init +3 | Perc +7

"What were that?" Rosie asked, cheeks aflush and bodice half-undone. Business as usual. The man chortled threats from the street like a half-drunk duck, struggling to take his feet.

"A card." Viviana clapped her hands together to rid them of the dust. Rosie squinted through long eyelashes.

"Were it? Fancy that, a card." She pursed pouty lips. "Y'know what of?"

"Referring to the gentleman, but yes, a card." Viv kept it curt. She tried minor act of prestidigitation to hand it to Rosie. It didn't work out the way she wanted. Less gusto.

"'S a pretty, i' 'tis," she half-mumbled.

"Don't know what it is." Viv kept an eye on the sailor. He was still sliding. Foul mouth on that man. Distracted by a curious notion, she looked at Rosie over a sultry shoulder peppermarked by tattoos of skulls and waves. "You want it?"

"If'n' please! Y'know I lov' trinkets." Of course she did. The girl had a drawer full of knick-nacks and children's toys upstairs. Viv had fallen down the stairs once because of a lost wagon.

"Go ahead," Viv said. "But, for it, you need to do your sister a favor." They were as related as water and milk. In accord with the Goddess, they were sister enough. Rosie's rapt attention reminded Viv of a puppy begging for scraps. "Go fetch my bow and arrow and let Mistress Sandra know I'm stepping out."

"O'course, sister," she said, but waited. "So I can keep it?" Viv's stare sent the former scullion maid scrambling to find her sister's weapons.

She pulled on a thick sleeved cloak-- the kind longshoremen wore, hooded, long, thick as armor and twice as durable. A breastplate would rust in the Korvosan air, but a greatcoat would just mold over. A pinch would get you a clean up from any Acadamae student on the street. More for your money. It sat on her shoulders commandingly, gave her the air of an admiral. Covered the tattoos. Her hat matched her dress, finally.

Rosie brought Viv her things, and she slipped them onto her thigh and held her bow like a walking stick. If it rained, she didn't want it to bow and break. It wasn't magical, after all.

With a nod to Rosie, Viviana steps out of the House of Calistria, following the streets and roads of the city that are stretched out like veins over the dying, cancerous heart of Korvosa. 3 Lancet Street. Sunset. It was almost sunset, blast it, and she knew she didn't have time to waste.

There were only two ways for this to go do: It was Gaedren Lamm baiting her into a trap, or the note was honest. Either way, it got her closer to Lamm. Thinking just bought time for self-doubt, and after that came indecision. Best to act now.

The water puddles break under her boots. Did it rain? She didn't remember.

In Korvosa, sometimes it felt like it was always raining.


Male Human Paladin 3 | HP 21/28 | 20ft | AC 17 | T 11 | FF 16 | F +6 | R +4 | W +6 | INIT +3 | PERC +4 | SMITE 1/1 | LOH 3/3 1d6+2

Kalvin draws the longsword on his hip and tests the door to his friend's house with his foot. It was shut and seemed unmolested save for the note. Easing the door open, he peaked in.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Hearing nothing he calls out to his friend.

"Maric are you there?"

"Ah Kalvin, here to check in on a frail ol' man?" the cracked ancient voice of the old cleric responded

Kalvin sheathed his longsword with a sigh of relief. He entered his room and raised a mailed first in salute of his mentor.

"The Inheritor would never leave you frail, Maric and you know it."

He approached and gave Maric a big bear hug, which the surprisingly strong man returned in force. He then takes a seat next to his elder. Picking up the cup of tea Maric always had waiting on him.

As they drank tea, they spoke about current events in Korvosa. The political climate and the hive of scum and villainy that the city had turned into. Eventually the conversation turned to Gaedren and Kalvin put the card on the table.

"I found this, waiting for me on your door post this morning. He said placing the card down. The old man picked it up and read it with furrowed brow.

"A potential ally in your hunt? Or a trap for a young paladin who's getting too close?"

"I'm not sure Maric, but either way it's a lead. A trap has to be set by someone and if you can avoid the trap, you can catch the trap maker.

Maric nodded and got up to make more tea. Kalvin looked over the card again.

"Maric, I'll have to pass on the second cup of tea. I'm going to go spend some time scouting out this location."


M Half-elf CN Rogue 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +2 CMD 15 | HP 9/9 | F +2 R +6 W +4 (+2) | Init +5 | Perc +8

The sun setting over Conqueror's Bay lent a sinister, reddish tinge to the underside of the clouds scudding over the city as Rodan slowly and cautiously eased himself into a position from which he could observe the buildings lining Lancet Street. He had chosen a spot in the lee of a chimney stack above a bakery, the roof of which was itself half covered over by a jury-rigged walkway, leading to a number of crude shacks built atop an abandoned warehouse behind the street.

From the relative safety of the shadows beneath the walkway, protected from the worst of the damp breeze blowing in from the bay by the bulk of the chimney, the rogue could observe the street below without fear of being spotted in return - at least not by anyone at street level. The early evening traffic on Lancet Street consisted mostly of typical Midland residents - merchants, tradesmen, clerks and the like - all huddled up against the evening chill, scurrying to reach their homes or favored taverns before night fell.

Down below on the street he had a decent view of number three Lancet Street... Rodan settled in to wait and watch until sunset, intending to observe anyone entering or leaving the building before he made a final decision whether or not to commit himself to action. Everything looked normal for a quiet street in Midlands, but he could think of half-a-dozen enemies offhand besides Gaedren Lamm who would love to catch one Sly Grynne in an ambush. Patience. It's not sunset yet. Watch and wait, then act. That's kept you alive so far...

Perception, watching the street below and the entrance to No. 3: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Stealth, hiding from observation from the street or other rooftops: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20


Arcanist 1| AC 12 , FF 10 T 12| HP 7/7| Perception +1| Lvl 1 4/4, Cantrip at will

As he approaches, Graxton notes a liveliness to his friends steps that is not normally there. Crux's voice, too was different, louder, more boistrous, though still raspy. "Graxton! This day the fates have showered us with their favor. Tell me, my friend, what do you know of Harrow Cards?" He asks almost giddily. Crux deflates a bit when Soth produces a card of his own. But his spirits are still well. "Ah, you have received one as well." Crux produces his own Harrow Card.


Graxton and Crux

Graxton Thinking A Lot:
You don't know the specific meaning of The Publican card, but you recognize it from a Harrow Deck, something the local Varisian gypsies use to allegedly tell the future or just to bilk rubes from their silver shields.

You do know that a Publican is someone who shows hospitality or owns a pub . The significance of the cyclops is lost on you however.

As you approach the waitress, she starts from you in fear at first, then seeing you mean no harm, blushes sheepishly. "Sorry friend, no other cards no other deliveries. Jus' da one fer you."

As you make your way out of the Mermaid, you are surprised to stumble into Crux in the street, although most wouldn't recognize him as he is wrapped up tight in bandages with high collar and hat. (think the old invisible man scenes).

He excitedly shows you his card - The Foreign Trader and is amazed to see you got one too. His has the same message on the back written in the same hand.

You decide to go off to 3 Lancet Street together to see what all this is about.

The walk from Old Korvosa is long, and mainly uneventful, though you do pass by a man on a soapbox on a corner denoucing the new queen, Ileosa, and charging her with poisoning King Eodred II who has recently fallen ill. A crowd is gathered around the man, many egging him on or cheering at his ravings. You see a handful of the Hellknights from the Order of the Nail, in full armor, and armed with billy clubs, forming up across the street about to create a scene.

You turn the corner before the violence begins, hurrying to your appointment before the appointed hour comes.


Viviana
What district do you prefer to have the House of Calistra in? I was thinking on The Slope in Midlands, where the nobles of Citadel Hill could have it close, but not too close...I'll follow your lead, it's not critical to the story at this point, just color.

You think about poor Rosie and the fact that she's got so few options left. Not for the first time, you thank Calistra for the sisterhood as you walk along the streets of Midland to the address on the card.

Thoughts about Lamm and how you might gain your vengeance fill your head as you approach the house. It is a nondescript small place, obviously the residence of a native Varisian from the bright colors and Desna shrine in the small front garden.

There is a light burning inside, but you see no one else about.


Kalvin (and Viv)

Armoring and arming up, you hustle your way to near the address on the card. A low rent, but not destitute, neighborhood. As you get close, you see a striking woman standing outside looking at the place.

Perhaps she was once pretty, but now she has the air of confidence and authority that makes it hard to take your eyes off her.

As you approach, she looks up at you...


M Half-elf CN Rogue 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +2 CMD 15 | HP 9/9 | F +2 R +6 W +4 (+2) | Init +5 | Perc +8

DM Doc Evil:

Rodan is going to remain hiding on the roof of the building across the street (I suggested it may be a bakery) observing the others arriving. Once he sees Graxton, whom it has been decided that he knows, he will probably conclude that it isn't a trap, or at least not a trap exclusively for him. At that point he'll make his way around the to the back of No. 3 Lancet Street, and attempt to enter the building unobserved so that he can listen in to the other's conversation before revealing himself.

Climb, to get back down to ground level: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Stealth, to get around the back of No. 3 unobserved: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Perception, looking for ambushes or traps (+1 for traps): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Disable device, to pick any locks required to enter the building: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

The dice rolls are just to speed things up in case you require them.


Vital:
HP: 19/21, AC: 17_ T: 10_ FF: 17, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7, Initiative: +0, F: +4 _ R: +1 _ W: +6, CMB: +3, CMD: 13, Speed: 20
Skills:
Acrobatics -4, Appraise +4, Bluff +1, Climb -1, Diplomacy +5, Handle Animal +3, Heal +7, Escape Artist -7, Intimidate+3, K(Nob/Rel/Pla) +4, Linguistics +0, Ride -4, Stealth -7, Spellcraft +4, Survival +3, Swim -1

"Crux, you likely know more about Harrow cards than I." Soth responds to Crux. "It seems that you are in high spirits, are you ready to face Lamm""


Male Human Paladin 3 | HP 21/28 | 20ft | AC 17 | T 11 | FF 16 | F +6 | R +4 | W +6 | INIT +3 | PERC +4 | SMITE 1/1 | LOH 3/3 1d6+2

The young Paladin moved with an air of confidence through the crowd. He smiled at the children who gazed up at him with excited eyes and nodded to the men and women who watched him pass. As he approached the address he noticed a woman with the appearance of nobility. Kalvin takes a moment to look over the woman as he approaches, trying to determine if he knows her.

Knowledge Nobility 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 He knows nothing.

As he approaches her he nods.

"Afternoon," He says politely as he prepares to pass.

Liberty's Edge

Female Human F Human CN Inquisitor 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +1 CMD 14 | HP 9/9 | F +4 R +3 W +4 | Init +3 | Perc +7

I like that location-- it's exactly where I imagined it!

One thing to remember is that the ladies (and men-- there are a bunch of male consorts) of the Calistrian institute are like... the companions from Firefly. They're very well trained and being a divine consort is a prestigious position. Pretty gritty and stuff, as Korvosa is, but who in their right mind would mess with the worshippers of the goddess of revenge?

A copper piece finds its way into the Desnan shrine. She had, after all, come to a new place in the city she'd never been to before. It was worth paying respect that she was lucky to live long enough to be here.

As the man-- no, closer to boy-- approaches, Viviana gives him the long eye. A young paladin-- not what she expected. Better looking than what she had expected as well. In her mind, she visualized an old hermit writing on these cards in a weathered hand, cackling in the kind of madness fortune-telling brought you to. Instead, this. He was cute.

With expedience, she stops him. Gloved fingers touch his shoulder. "Afternoon. You must be the person who wrote on the card."

Crimson eyes search his face, trying to keep ahead of whatever situation may evolve. Perhaps it was just some parlor trick, old lie, missed connection or something else? Maybe she was just embarrassing herself.


Arcanist 1| AC 12 , FF 10 T 12| HP 7/7| Perception +1| Lvl 1 4/4, Cantrip at will

"It is that very possibility that has me so excited. Lamm's reckoning is at hand." Crux hurries on to the address given on the card. "That foul creature shall soon cease to trouble the world."


In my way of thinking, Crux and Graxton will arrive shortly after Viviana and Kalvin enter or whatever. They may see them go in, they may not. Rodan is watching from the rooftops still waiting for the first group to enter, then makes his move.

When you do enter the house:
The cozy chamber within this small home is filled with a fragrant haze of flowers and strong spice. The haze comes from several incense sticks smoldering in wall-mounted burners that look like butterfly-winged elves. The smoke itself seems to soften edges and gives the room a dream-like feel. The walls are draped with brocaded tapestries, one showing a black-skulled beast juggling men's hearts, another showing a pair of angels dancing atop a snow-blasted mountain. A third tapestry on the far wall depicts a tall hooded figure shrouded in mist, a flaming sword held in a skeletal hand. Several brightly-colored rugs cover the floor, but the room's only furnishings are a wooden table covered by a bright red throwcloth and several elegant tall-backed chairs. A basket covered by blue cloth sits under the table.

A stone butterfly paperweight on the table holds down a note: "Thank you for coming. I had to step out for a bit, but shall return shortly. Please have a seat while you wait. The basket under the table contains bread and drink for you."


Arcanist 1| AC 12 , FF 10 T 12| HP 7/7| Perception +1| Lvl 1 4/4, Cantrip at will

Seeing the man and woman enter the house, "Looks like we have arrived just in time. Our new accomplices have just returned home." Crux points out to Graxton.
Cast Mage Armor just in case.


Vital:
HP: 19/21, AC: 17_ T: 10_ FF: 17, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7, Initiative: +0, F: +4 _ R: +1 _ W: +6, CMB: +3, CMD: 13, Speed: 20
Skills:
Acrobatics -4, Appraise +4, Bluff +1, Climb -1, Diplomacy +5, Handle Animal +3, Heal +7, Escape Artist -7, Intimidate+3, K(Nob/Rel/Pla) +4, Linguistics +0, Ride -4, Stealth -7, Spellcraft +4, Survival +3, Swim -1

"Yes, it looks that way. Shall we go see who they are exactly?" Graxton smiles and takes point as he steps a bit more quickly up to the house.


Male Human Paladin 3 | HP 21/28 | 20ft | AC 17 | T 11 | FF 16 | F +6 | R +4 | W +6 | INIT +3 | PERC +4 | SMITE 1/1 | LOH 3/3 1d6+2

Kalvin smiles at the touch, it was reassuring and inviting at once. Her movements and grace caused the rest of the world to drop into soft focus, but her words brought him back to reality quickly. He glanced from right to left, quickly to see if he was being watched.

Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

"No, I assumed it was you who had sent the card," he responded in a voice that blended baritone with tenor.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Liberty's Edge

Female Human F Human CN Inquisitor 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +1 CMD 14 | HP 9/9 | F +4 R +3 W +4 | Init +3 | Perc +7

Viviana cocks a wry brow and turns to open the door behind her. "Seems we're both here looking for the same person, then. Let's get inside."

She shuffles into the home, bidding him to close the door once they've entered. Looking about, she inhales the sharp familiar scent of incense and exhales. "Seems an ecclectic home if I've ever seen one," she says tersely and sits at the table.

Holding the note up, she gestures to the man, handing it to him and fishing for the basket under the table. "Looks like our 'friend' is out. I'm Viviana-- my friends call me Viv. Odd. You got somethin' to do with Lamm?" she asks. Her voice is raspy and crooked, a corrected street urchin's accent underneath.

You time travelers outside are probably walking up now. :P


Male Human Paladin 3 | HP 21/28 | 20ft | AC 17 | T 11 | FF 16 | F +6 | R +4 | W +6 | INIT +3 | PERC +4 | SMITE 1/1 | LOH 3/3 1d6+2

"Kalvin," The young paladin responded. "A paladin needs no personal stake to snuff out injustice, but...

He takes a look around the room, before finishing with a smile.

"It doesn't hurt that my cousin is hooked on his foul drugs. And you Courtesan? I'm guessing some of your younger parishioners have also fell into his foul grasp."


Arcanist 1| AC 12 , FF 10 T 12| HP 7/7| Perception +1| Lvl 1 4/4, Cantrip at will

Still rather excited, Crux hurries up to the door using his cane to complete his three-legged gait and knocks on the door to announce that he and Graxton had arrived. He can hear voices inside and people, at least two of them, shuffling around. It takes longer than expected for one of them to answer the door. "Greetings. We have been invited." he says as he holds up his Harrow card.


Rodan:
So you should be slipped inside and can hear the others starting with Viviana's post above where she introduces herself.

Graxton and Soth:No one answers the door, but you hear the voices inside discussion. I assume you push the partially open door and enter with Crux's comment above.

I'll let you guys play out intros a little here.

Liberty's Edge

Female Human F Human CN Inquisitor 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +1 CMD 14 | HP 9/9 | F +4 R +3 W +4 | Init +3 | Perc +7

Viv crocks an eyebrow at Kalvin, weighing her experience in giving pointed looks to give him a surprised glare. Not a mean one-- but one excited yet taken aback. A sword fighter's expression when a novice puts it all on the line. "Bold move, but incorrect. On both fronts."

Standing, she looks at her hand-- glancing at the holy symbol he'd no doubt seen. The basket makes its way to the table, and she unfolds it while speaking. "Though not far from the truth. I was a priestess, once, but the one who drank so deeply she drowned was I."

Her explanation is broken by the entrance of a mummy-- which startles her. In an instant, she's recomposed herself and nods at his card. Offering a hunk of bread from the basket, she gives the... leper?... a mirthful smile. "So have we. Bread?"


Arcanist 1| AC 12 , FF 10 T 12| HP 7/7| Perception +1| Lvl 1 4/4, Cantrip at will

"So have we, what?" The confused Crux parrots.


M Half-elf CN Rogue 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +2 CMD 15 | HP 9/9 | F +2 R +6 W +4 (+2) | Init +5 | Perc +8

Having entered through the back door to the cottage, Rodan waits crouched behind the curtain which separates the little kitchen from the room in which the 'invitees' confront one another, but for now he remains hidden and silent. Graxton I recognise, and the twisted one must be the wizard friend I've heard of, but the other two... Peering through a small tear in the curtain, the rogue sizes up the other guests. So? A paladin, no less. Hopefully not one of the ones with a stick up his ass. And the other a Calistrian enforcer of some kind, seemingly with a chip on her shoulder. Curiouser and curiouser.

Hearing the exchange between the woman and the deformed wizard, Rodan stands quietly and clears his throat. "She means that we've all been invited here apparently." Slowly stepping from behind the curtain so as not to provoke any unfortunate actions from the others, the half-elf holds up his Harrow card. "Rabbit prince. Whatever that means. Hullo, Graxton." He nods to the half-orc cleric still standing silently on the far side of the chamber. "I'm Rodan Grynne, sometimes also known as Sly, but only to my professional rivals." he says with a small bow to everyone else.


Arcanist 1| AC 12 , FF 10 T 12| HP 7/7| Perception +1| Lvl 1 4/4, Cantrip at will

Behind his bandages, Crux's eyes narrow in suspicion. His constantly hoarse voice quietly croaks, "That then begs the question, who is our host? Where are they? And what do they want?"


Male Human Paladin 3 | HP 21/28 | 20ft | AC 17 | T 11 | FF 16 | F +6 | R +4 | W +6 | INIT +3 | PERC +4 | SMITE 1/1 | LOH 3/3 1d6+2

The young Paladin looks over the motley crew assembled by their mysterious benefactor.

"Name is Kalvin Theordros, Paladin of the Inheritor," His tone is friendly and light. "It appears Lamm has made several enemies and for once he's made some who intend to do something about it."

Then he walks over to the window and looks out to check if anyone is watching.

Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"Or perhaps we've all blundered foolishly into a trap. Who knows?"

Liberty's Edge

Female Human F Human CN Inquisitor 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +1 CMD 14 | HP 9/9 | F +4 R +3 W +4 | Init +3 | Perc +7

Seeing her offer untaken, Viv breaks a piece off and eats it herself. She drapes her body back into the chair, as comfortable as can be. "I'm certain that Gaedren Lamm of all people wouldn't set a trap this complex if he knew enough about you all to send you a card in the mail."

The inquisitor makes a point to not mention how she got hers-- off of the arse of a drunken whoremonger-- and uncorks the bottle, smelling it to see what's inside.


M Half-elf CN Rogue 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +2 CMD 15 | HP 9/9 | F +2 R +6 W +4 (+2) | Init +5 | Perc +8

"If it had been some sort of trap, then I would have started by drugging the food and wine..." says Rodan, straight faced, watching the woman to see if she'd suddenly try to spit out the bread she'd bitten into.

"But you're correct, I think. Nothing about this has Lamm's particular stench about it."

He steps over to one of the windows and gently eases the curtain aside just far enough to peer into the fading light outside, checking the street and nearby buildings for anyone observing the cottage. The half-elf doesn't appear to be concerned that the paladin just did the same thing. Like I'm going to trust a human's poor eyesight over my own...

Perception, scanning the street outside: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

"So, I've already searched the back of the cottage, and there's no-one else here." Rodan turns back to face everyone, carefully and slowly lowering the edge of the curtain back into place. "Do any of you know to whom this residence belongs?"

If this had been a trap, then all of these four walked into it without so much as checking their escape route, or doing basic scouting first. Mind you, I can't claim to be any better, since I'm here too now.

Is there any source of light the room? With night falling outside it's going to get pretty dark inside without a lamp or some candles. Not a problem for Graxton with his darkvision, nor so much for Rodan with low-light vision, but could be bad for the others if this is some kind of ambush.


Viviana: The corked bottle contains red wine. Not the greatest vintage from the bouquet you notice, but not the worst you've ever smelled either. Small cups are also in the basket if you wish to partake.

Kalvin: The one small window looks out onto the little garden and street from whence you came. As you look out into the growing darkness, you don't see anything particular unusual. A baker walking past, a few small children running by.

Rodan: There are many lit candles spread around the room. (obviously the fire marshal doesn't live here...). As you look out the window, you see an attractive middle-aged Varisian woman approaching up the walk with the secure walk of one who is at home. She has olive skin and dark hair tied back with a colorful scarf. She wears a simple homespun dress and looks up, meeting eyes with you for an instant and nodding, even though it would be difficult to see you through the partially opened curtain.


Quietly, the door to the cottage opens and a light and airy voice from the step says: "Welcome, everyone, to my home. I am Zellara. I apologize for not being here when you arrived, but I hope you all availed yourself of the refreshments."

As she steps into the light, you see that she is an attractive middle-aged Varisian woman with long dark hair tied back in a colorful scarf. (AP drawing here and on Campaign Info tab.) "If you have not done so, please introduce yourself to the others, as I prepare."

She takes a seat at the table, produces a Harrow deck from her pocket and begins idly shuffling her Harrow Deck. Her skill with the deck is obvious - the cards seem to float and dance over her hands and the table. With a nod of her head, she indicates that anyone still standing should sit at the table. Conveniently, there are exactly enough chairs for everyone. Once all are seated, she speaks in a soft but clear voice.

"Thank you for coming, my friends, and for putting up with my unconventional method of contacting you. I have reason to remain hidden, you see — a terrible man would see great harm done to me if he knew I was reaching out for help."

She slowly looks around at each of you gauging your reactions. "This is a man known to you, for he has done something terrible to each of you as well. I speak, of course, of Gaedren Lamm, a man whose cruelty and capacity to destroy the lives of those he touches are matched only by his gift for avoiding reprisal."

"You see, a year ago, his thieves stole this, my Harrow deck, from me. It is important to me, an heirloom passed down through a dozen generations, and also my sole means of support. When pickpockets stole it, my son, Eran, tracked them down. The thieves were in the employ of Gaedren Lamm, and in reward for finding them, Gaedren murdered my son." She says the last in a choking voice, blinking back tears. She pauses for a moment to compose herself before continuing.

"Of course I sought help from the Guard, but they turned me away. And so I asked around. I paid bribes. I consulted my Harrow deck for advice. And recently, I was rewarded - I found out where Gaedren dwells. He can be found in an old fishery north of here at Westpier 17, where he trains his abducted children to be pickpockets and counts his stolen treasures."

"And now, I need your help. I cannot hope to face this man on my own, and the Guard moves so slowly that if I were to go to them, Gaedren would certainly know of their coming well in advance. Even if they did arrest him, what guarantee would I have he would be punished? This criminal has evaded the law for decades. But you know of these frustrations as well, for word on the street has it that Gaedren has wronged each of you, too. So there we are. It is time for him to pay."

She looks down at her cards, then up at each of you again in turn, trying to read your expressions.


Arcanist 1| AC 12 , FF 10 T 12| HP 7/7| Perception +1| Lvl 1 4/4, Cantrip at will

"He will not escape me." Crux vows. "Thank you for the knowledge of his whereabouts. It is my driving passion to wreck my vengeance upon the man who did this to me." he says, indicating his wrappings.


Vital:
HP: 19/21, AC: 17_ T: 10_ FF: 17, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7, Initiative: +0, F: +4 _ R: +1 _ W: +6, CMB: +3, CMD: 13, Speed: 20
Skills:
Acrobatics -4, Appraise +4, Bluff +1, Climb -1, Diplomacy +5, Handle Animal +3, Heal +7, Escape Artist -7, Intimidate+3, K(Nob/Rel/Pla) +4, Linguistics +0, Ride -4, Stealth -7, Spellcraft +4, Survival +3, Swim -1

Earlier before our host shows up when Rodan introduces himself, "Rodan, good to see you not bloody or beat up." Then a large grin shows on his face.

"Our host is Lamm, he wants us all to burn." He laughs at the joke, Auto fail bluff check, thus Sense Motive DC 2

"Hold for a moment I will check to see if the food is poisoned...By the strength of Gorum reveal to me..." Graxton says and casts detect poison multiple times, "Yes, it is good to eat and please hand me a bit. I am Graxton Soth of Gorum and of our fair city. And you two would be?"

At that moment our host arrives...
__________________________

As Graxton sits down the chair groans under his combined weight and armor. He takes a few bites out of the offered bread.

"He shall pay and will not be able to torture again! Trust me when I say this, he shall die." Graxton says in a very deadly serious still voice, he also cracks his knuckles. "Tonight, or would it be best for Rodan to scout and we fall upon him during the day when most of his children are away?"


M Half-elf CN Rogue 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +2 CMD 15 | HP 9/9 | F +2 R +6 W +4 (+2) | Init +5 | Perc +8

Sitting back with one arm draped over the back of the chair, and leaning back on it's rear legs, Rodan lets out a non-committal 'harrumph' and looks around at the other faces gathered around the table. "It's all very well to tell us where Lamm is hiding lady, but that doesn't mean he'll be easy to get to, not with all the minions and contacts that bastard has."

Dropping the front of the chair down to the floor and suddenly swinging around to place both his hands on the table, the half-elf's expression turns dark as he shows his anger. "If it was that simple to find Lamm, and pin him down, I'd have gutted him years ago. Believe me, I've tried several times to get my revenge, and never come close!"

Rodan takes a deep breath, then visibly composes himself. "I am very sorry about your son, however."


Vital:
HP: 19/21, AC: 17_ T: 10_ FF: 17, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7, Initiative: +0, F: +4 _ R: +1 _ W: +6, CMB: +3, CMD: 13, Speed: 20
Skills:
Acrobatics -4, Appraise +4, Bluff +1, Climb -1, Diplomacy +5, Handle Animal +3, Heal +7, Escape Artist -7, Intimidate+3, K(Nob/Rel/Pla) +4, Linguistics +0, Ride -4, Stealth -7, Spellcraft +4, Survival +3, Swim -1

After Rodan speaks Graxton takes a deep breath to calm himself, "Sorry for my fierce orc blood, my sympathies for your son, let alone to a blade of that cur. Zellara, Rodan speaks the truth, what other information do you have for us, do your cards speak in our favor? Do you know of a treachery in his midst to happen?"

Liberty's Edge

Female Human F Human CN Inquisitor 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +1 CMD 14 | HP 9/9 | F +4 R +3 W +4 | Init +3 | Perc +7

Viviana listens to the story with concern in her eyes that quickly blossoms into excitement. She pours out a cup of wine for herself and sets the bottle down in front of the bread, taking a long sip as the others speak. "Condolences," she assures.

The woman in the greatcoat looks to Rodan at his outburst. "My word. If you knew where Gaedren Lamm was, you should have told someone-- or us-- a long time ago. I was looking for him a few years ago to no avail; Then again, it seems that the rat's talent always was hiding." She brings the wine to crimson lips and takes another drink, her lipstick leaving a red smear behind on the glass.

Viviana looks to the others. "He's an old man who's on his last legs. Now, Graxton, was it? We're five. Do we really need treachery to storm his home and put an arrow in his eye?"


Vital:
HP: 19/21, AC: 17_ T: 10_ FF: 17, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7, Initiative: +0, F: +4 _ R: +1 _ W: +6, CMB: +3, CMD: 13, Speed: 20
Skills:
Acrobatics -4, Appraise +4, Bluff +1, Climb -1, Diplomacy +5, Handle Animal +3, Heal +7, Escape Artist -7, Intimidate+3, K(Nob/Rel/Pla) +4, Linguistics +0, Ride -4, Stealth -7, Spellcraft +4, Survival +3, Swim -1

"I was just hoping for more information, perhaps a bit of chaos to help our plight against him, I went with Rodan on several of those raids, and he is a crafty cooc, I should know best. Every little bit will help. Nonetheless Rodan should scout out the area, my lady, I never got your name, you may have skills equal to him, but I know his." Graxton says not trying to be abrasive.


M Half-elf CN Rogue 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +2 CMD 15 | HP 9/9 | F +2 R +6 W +4 (+2) | Init +5 | Perc +8

A small sneer forms on the half-elf's face as Viviana speaks. He glances at Graxton and rolls his eyes, as if to say Is this human serious?.

"I've never clapped eyes on you until you and your boyfriend there strolled up to this house before sunset." Rodan waves off-handed at the young paladin sitting beside her. "That makes it rather unlikely that I would've chosen to tell you - or anyone - anything about Lamm or my personal history with him."

"Even on the handful of occasions when I thought that I'd found the rock he was hiding under, it turned out to be either another false rumour, or a trap. I said I never came close to actually finding him, or are you hard of hearing?" Unlike the half-orc it's clear that the rogue isn't shy about being abrasive, for all that he doesn't raise his voice.

He looks back at Zellara, and speaks more calmly. "I'm willing to follow up on this information, on the off-chance it's accurate, despite the fact that I don't know you either. However if it's a trap, you'd better pray Lamm gets me this time, because I'll see to it that you join him in hell if I survive."

"Graxton, I'm ready to go check this out now, if you want to come along. The rest of you can do as you please."

If you're thinking Sly isn't very nice, you're right; he's a bit of a bastard himself actually. Social skills aren't his thing.


Vital:
HP: 19/21, AC: 17_ T: 10_ FF: 17, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7, Initiative: +0, F: +4 _ R: +1 _ W: +6, CMB: +3, CMD: 13, Speed: 20
Skills:
Acrobatics -4, Appraise +4, Bluff +1, Climb -1, Diplomacy +5, Handle Animal +3, Heal +7, Escape Artist -7, Intimidate+3, K(Nob/Rel/Pla) +4, Linguistics +0, Ride -4, Stealth -7, Spellcraft +4, Survival +3, Swim -1

"Rodan you know how 'quiet' I can be, though if you want me to just hang back as you scout, I am more than willing. Crux here has been hunting Lamm down with me for the past few weeks, I believe he is trustworthy, I think he wants to kill Lamm more than I." Graxton throws out his situation and connection.


Arcanist 1| AC 12 , FF 10 T 12| HP 7/7| Perception +1| Lvl 1 4/4, Cantrip at will

"I am not the stealthiest, but I can move quietly enough if need be"


Male Human Paladin 3 | HP 21/28 | 20ft | AC 17 | T 11 | FF 16 | F +6 | R +4 | W +6 | INIT +3 | PERC +4 | SMITE 1/1 | LOH 3/3 1d6+2

Kalvin listened closely to the oaths of vengeance being sworn by all those at the table. Each claiming greater right to revenge than the last. He judiciously kept his mouth shut as the party argued, guessing it would only lead to further fracturing of this fragile and fresh alliance.

"Lamm is a wolf and a wolf that knows it is being tracked. And a wolf being tracked is dangerous in it's desperation. We should work together to ensure he is brought to justice. Rodan, you have said yourself you've never gotten close to finding him. I would hazard a guess very few of us have ever gotten close to bringing Lamm to justice on our own. But the Gods reveal things in mysteries. And Zellara's Harrow Deck brought us here for a purpose. Let us each use our talents to track down and bring Lamm to justice."

He then removes his longsword from it's sheath.

"Upon this sword, I swear an Oath to you, before the Inheritor and all the Gods above. I will do what is in my capabilities as a Paladin to help you bring Lamm to righteous justice."


M Half-elf CN Rogue 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +2 CMD 15 | HP 9/9 | F +2 R +6 W +4 (+2) | Init +5 | Perc +8

Rodan glances briefly at the deformed, bandage-festooned wizard, then turns his head slightly so as to avoid staring. "Fine. Graxton vouches for you. Good enough." He even manages a half-friendly nod to Crux.

Looking at Viviana and Kalvin as he stands, Rodan lets out a sigh and seems to unbend a little. "If you truly want Lamm dead, then let's go investigate this fishery. I'm too on edge now to wait any longer, and every minute we delay is another the slippery old demon has to escape again."

When the paladin swears his oath, the rogue simply shakes his head, and heads for the rear door. "Whatever helps you sleep afterwards. The only 'righteous justice' Lamm will get from me is a knife in his guts and a slow, painful death..."

Does he think we're on some glorious quest? We're going to murder a twisted old man, albeit one who deserves any torment we can inflict on him. See what your goddess thinks of that!

Liberty's Edge

Female Human F Human CN Inquisitor 1 | AC 15 T 13 FF 12 | CMB +1 CMD 14 | HP 9/9 | F +4 R +3 W +4 | Init +3 | Perc +7

She stands up silently, cup in her hand. Setting it down on the table, Viviana smiles to Zellara. "Thank you for the wine."

The woman gives Graxton a kind look. "That's a good point. I can understand familiarity. And it's Viviana-- Viviana of Calistria. You can call me Viv," she says, introducing herself to Crux and Graxton.

Rodan begins to leave; Viviana ignores him. "I had the feeling you were a paladin," she says with a smile before gesturing in the direction Rodan is moving. "Shall we, gentlemen?"


Arcanist 1| AC 12 , FF 10 T 12| HP 7/7| Perception +1| Lvl 1 4/4, Cantrip at will

"Yes, my lady. Lets."


Vital:
HP: 19/21, AC: 17_ T: 10_ FF: 17, Perception +3, Sense Motive +7, Initiative: +0, F: +4 _ R: +1 _ W: +6, CMB: +3, CMD: 13, Speed: 20
Skills:
Acrobatics -4, Appraise +4, Bluff +1, Climb -1, Diplomacy +5, Handle Animal +3, Heal +7, Escape Artist -7, Intimidate+3, K(Nob/Rel/Pla) +4, Linguistics +0, Ride -4, Stealth -7, Spellcraft +4, Survival +3, Swim -1

Yes, we shall, and by the next morning I will have Lamm's tongue. Graxton jests. Under his entire load of his life on his back and armor upon his shoulders, weapons all around, he clanks and chinks amongst the group. -7 on Stealth check.


As you doubt her information, Zellara says: "My Harrow cars listen to the music of the City; they find out more than any man and are in tune to more sensitive vibrations than we can hear. If the Deck says Lamm is at the Fishery, then you will find him there."

As you make ready to go she says: "I am no warrior just a grief-stricken mother, and so cannot accompany you on this mission of vengance of which I would partake. I can, at the least, give you a free Harrowing which may benefit you in unexpected ways on your journey. If you would be sit a while longer, something key may be revealed."

With that, she finishes shuffling the cards, lifts a small stack of nine cards from the top, and fans them out expertly on the table top, inviting each of you to choose one card.

She explains "This is The Choosing. The card you draw is specially tied to you, and if it comes up in the spread later, it has emphasized meaning especially if properly aligned."

If you wish to not stay for the Harrowing, just LMK, but I will proceed as if everyone stays and is part of the reading. You may read these spoilers as she is explaining the results in front of all.

Graxton: 1d9 ⇒ 4 The Locksmith - Zellara explains this card means your action today are key to a new destiny.
Crux: 1d9 ⇒ 3 The Juggler - Zellara says this card indicates Fate is on your side.
Viviana: 1d9 ⇒ 7 The Avalanche - According to Zellara, this card says you are headed for unrelenting disaster unless you change your course.
Rodan: 1d9 ⇒ 6 The Rabbit Prince = The fortune teller says this card signifies the capriciousness of combat, some win some lose, some die.
Kalvin: 1d9 ⇒ 1 The Dance - Zellara says this card indicates you are now in perfect harmony.

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