Dungeon Master S's "Curse of the Crimson Throne" (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

The armor is masterwork chainmail.

The "shop" gives forth no additional treasure or information...with one exception. Area B5: The two foul-smelling animal pens take up the majority of this room. Each pen is defined by a wooden fence set with a gate. Inside each is a long water trough and heaps of filthy hay. The floor here is hard-packed earth. In each pen there is a sizeable boar, with tusks long enough to end a normal man's life with one charge. Your search can't include this area without doing something about the boars...

Grym stands guard over Verik while the others finish the search. Bucho stands with him. Verik doesnt have to know that he isnt trained to attack.

Grym offers to try his luck with the boars. He gives Buchos leash to Odric and approaches the animal pen.
The ranger knows he is much better with canines but he also knows it can be done. Grym relaxes his mind and lets all his cluttered humans thoughts vanish one by one till he has sunk deep below his higher thought and is down to the level of primitive feelings and animal instincts. He begins to send out calming neutral energy to the beasts.
After a few minutes if Grym feels he and the boars have reached a shared neutrality he will enter the pen and begin searching.

Someone please roll for me.

Ranger empathy 1d20+2
if successful then perception for search 1d20+6

Ohh I am someone!!

Grym's Rolls (cmon dice gods do Grim some good): Empathy 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

And unless someone objects.. I support eatin pig tonight, or since we closed down the meat factory for needy citizens to give them one last night of meat since these boars are obviously used to dispose of the "human' remains.

Hey big fella I see ya eyein that mail. Sandor looks it over with a decerning eye. He snorts, humpfs, and nods his head It's a nice suit. I've made betta, but will be happy ta resize it for ya once we get some time ta do so

Morkeleb the Mighty wrote:

It might be a good idea for someone to keep track of treasure until it's divided. I'm accustomed to doing that, so if no one objects, I can start doing it on my page for Morkeleb under a "group treasure" spoiler . . .

For the first couple treasure hauls I was tracking it under the treasure tab on the crimson throne. I have not added to it since then though, unfortunately. I support a community bucket. I know as characters we have disagreed on the way to handle treasure, but as players, do we all agree that some sort of scheme to divide treasure equitably is necessary? I support the 10% to be set aside for group healing or other group expenses.

I too support the community bucket. Yes it can be fun roll playing out dividing out the treasure trove's in person because their character(s) is(are) greedy and would do so, but in the interest of simplicity and not having to wait for a a week or so of posts to hash out what should be simple and logical, also so it doesn't degrade down to mailed fists to the face between party members. What ever is deceided I fully support at least 10% up to 50% for group costs

Grym, using the soothing methods that have passed down through countless generations, you sooth the beast. The pen to the South contains a single boar, and the pen is nearly barren. It's the one on the North you turn your focus too. Having calmed the boar down you scan the pen. Your cursory look provides no surprises or items of value.

Gaius, the dagger you found is enchanted; if you let me examine it closer, I may be able to determine its properties. The arrows are also magical.

DM, assuming Gaius brings the dagger forth once more, I'll take out Zaralla's Harrow Deck, and . . . um . . . try to use it in a mysterious, wizardly fashion to help me Identify them. Because of course a mighty wizard doesn't guess at such things!!

Use Magic Device (Activate Blindly): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Spellcraft (identify arrows): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Spellcraft (identify dagger): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Enchanted you say? Gaius flips the dagger in the air a couple of times and grips it, trying out a few strikes in the air. Good blade. Gaius equips the dagger. Can you tell me anything about it?

OOC: I don't want a community bucket. I played with one for years in New Blood. I never liked the way it worked. If I'm the only objector, I'll suck it up, but I don't like sharing my treasure, buying wands of healing, or the group resurrection fund which never ever ever worked out like it was supposed to.

Hmmm, unfortunately, I'm getting unclear signs from the dagger. I can try again tomorrow, but I know nothing beyond the fact that it has a dweomer.
.
The arrows are of the most basic enchantment 20 +1 arrows--basic, but still quite useful. I have no interest in either--you all split them as you see fit.

Let's bring the community pot discussion to the OOC thread, shall we?

Ferox's head perks up at Mork's mention of enchanted arrows.

I'll throw my hat into the ring for those arrows. And while that is a beautiful bow, the tension on that bow string is more than I can handle.

Once out of Verik's earshot, Odric turns to his companions and asks,
What do you think of Verik? He seems like a good man, wrapped up in some bad ideas. He is certainly a man of means judging by his equipment and we know firsthand of both his fighting spirit and his reasonability.

Odric rasps his calloused hand over his stubble thoughtfully.

I wonder what would or could be gained from recruiting him as an ally? Rather than turn him over to the Kroft, we could return his weapons and count him as a smart, well appointed and strong ally with a debt of gratitude to us. Do we stand in opposition to his moral position anyway?

While Grym soothes the swine in the pens amid the stink and flies of the muddy enclosures, Odric looks on. He is mulling something over in his head, thinking about the problem from several different angles.

Maybe we could use one of these hogs, properly mutilated, as a substitute for Verik's body. We could even drape the man's chainmail over the carcass and turn the whole mess in for credit from the crown. It is a risk, but the possibilities for intrigue are endless and interesting...

Odric trails off in thought. With a small shake of his head he seemingly dismisses the idea, It was just a thought. It might not ever work anyway.

Odric looks up questioningly at his companions, Could it work though? Is it worth the risk?

HA! Only if Verik can match or beat his own bounty. Or he needs to convince me that such a risk would be worth my while. Unless the deal sweetens, Odric, I'll not risk it. For the time being, the Crown is a better ally than this revolutionary.

Gaius goes to speak to Verik. He watches him in silence for a few long moments, reading his body language.

So, Verik. Why'd you leave The Guard? You're not in it for the money--I can see that. What's your cause?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

HA! Only if Verik can match or beat his own bounty. Or he needs to convince me that such a risk would be worth my while. Unless the deal sweetens, Odric, I'll not risk it. For the time being, the Crown is a better ally than this revolutionary.

I agree with you my friend. I can't say I'm not sorely tempted to claim that chain mail either. Still, see what you can learn from him. We may lose a bit of coin but gain a powerful and loyal ally. Of course in so doing, you're right that we might bring the wrath of the crown on ourselves if found out.

Odric seems about to abandon the idea, but awaits Gaius' assessment of the man with a glimmer of hope that an agreement might be reached to the benefit of all.

Gaius, your attempt at palaver bear some fruit. You think he's truthful, but there are important details left out.

Think Chunk and the Fratelli's

I'm not a brilliant by any stretch of the imagination, but I've always been opportunistic. I probably should have hung up my ambition when I made sergeant. Instead I made all sorts of friends, and to talk like a Szarni, schmoozed my way up. My friends saw opportunity in the assassination. They convinced me that the system is corrupt and I ought to ditch the guard, set up an honest business. For the record, my disgusting associates knew none of this, so don't go thinking that they had this planned as some sick scheme around me. I knew food would be scarce after a riot.... I just didn't know....

Once I get outa prison, I'm headed to Riddleport methinks. I had a brother Orik. Maybe I can start anew with him....

The Korvosan Guard are the lawful enforcers of justice in this city. We have entered into a contract with their leader, Field Marshall Kroft. We have been tasked with turning in this traitor to their custody. I will see that done. We aren't going to pass a hog off as his dead, mutilated body. We aren't going to let him go because you think he's a noble soul down on his luck who you'll be able to leverage something out of in the future. When this city was rioting and needed his help, he turned his back on it and sought to exploit it for his own gain. Whatever his motivation, he's a traitor. We're turning him over to Kroft.

I get it. You wanted to help feed the people. Things can quicksand fast. These friends of yours sound like they have their hearts in the right place. Who are they?

Don't get me wrong, I don't like the system, and you all," he looks pointedly at Ferox the Inquisitor, "are part of that system. I'm not giving any other information.

Whatever his motivation, he's a traitor. We're turning him over to Kroft.

Hmmm... Well said Inquisitor. Please come help me divest him of his valuables. I intend to deliver him to Kroft in his undergarments.

Odric turns to Grym, What say we sell these hogs to a real butcher? We could help the city's economy normalize and feed a hungry citizenry at the same time.

Odric returns to Verik with a length of rope. Once Gaius' conersation is concluded, Odric asks his friends to hold weapons and magic over the man in a threatening fashion. Odric then ties Verik's legs firmly together, sits the man down on the dusty floor and begins removing the manacles.

Once the armor is removed, Odric reattaches the manacles, searches the man for further valuables and asks for a second person to do the same.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Don't get me wrong, I don't like the system, and you all," he looks pointedly at Ferox the Inquisitor, "are part of that system. I'm not giving any other information.

Wait, the conversation regarding Verik's fate was intended to be out of his hearing. If you rule that he overheard, fair enough but I made a point of it above.

Once out of Verik's earshot, Odric turns to his companions and asks...

Verik is responding to Gaius's direct inquiry. He doesn't hear your side conversation.

Also, Grym is still easing the hogs.

Grym I am sure that our friends have Verik handled. It sounds to me like he didn't know that his underlings had a side business going on. So by deduction there should be some more shinies hid out of his view. These ping know I wanna eat em so I will let ya to it

Lookin for treasure Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

With the hogs tamed, for now, I'll add in the pens to his search. Gaius's cursory search (Perception check = 19) yields no additional loot.

If anyone asks Gryms opinion about Verik, he advises the following. We made an agreement to work for the crown and for the Field Marshall. Our honor is at stake if we break our word.
As far as we know we havent been cheated, doubled crossed, or been given evil orders...

Man I really need to proof read the stuff I post from the phone

Ok lads I guess they didn't save any of their ill gotten goods, lets get Verik back to the Field Commander so we can get a nice hot meal n a stiff drink. Let me know when we are ready to go, I got point will clear the ruffians out of the way

"Lead the way good dwarf. We can come back later for a pig roast."

....The path back to the citadel is cluttered with people. There are still riots here and there, but in the end it's uneventful. Guards on station relieve you of your prisoners. It's been a VERY long day. The FM will see you in the morning. For now, go and rest.

On the way back, out of earshot of Verik and directed to Gaius (and anyone else who is nearby)

May I expect to get my 100 gold back from the hiring of the thugs?

Hmm? Oh, yes of course.

Gaius returns all monies taken for the infiltration.

....The path back to the citadel is cluttered with people. There are still riots here and there, but in the end it's uneventful. Guards on station relieve you of your prisoners. It's been a VERY long day. The FM will see you in the morning. For now, go and rest.

** spoiler omitted **

I had hoped to take 20 on a search of the office but not the rest of the house. Is the moment gone?

No it's not gone. The search of the office (result 29) yields no new clues, loot, evidence, etc.

....and the money the thugs took for teh job was on their person, likely being held now by the guard.

Cool.

The thugs took no money for the job. I never offered any. My deal was for a cut of the booty with a guaranteed minimum. Gaius had collected gold from Morkeleb and Grym just in case he needed funds for the charade. He did not.

As we are leaving the palace Sandor knows it is only a short walk home and he wants to get to know the rest of these people.

hey lads I be knowin a good place to get a drink after a nice day like ta day. Lets go throw back a pint or three and have some real fellowship.

Chris I dont know the names of any taverens between the heights(where I work) and the upper midlands slope (where I live), but I assume there would be one or two

For those that want ta break some bread and drink some stout wit me, meet me at the tavern to the SE of Domina Square, it sits above the hillcrest line and ya can look down over the Jeggare river if you sit out on their deck. I'll catch up wit ya in a few minutes. I need ta get me favorite tankard

Sandor hustles off to his house takes off his armor, dunks his head in the rain bucket, splashes himself with water and scrapes off the days sweat. He don's a nice set of clothes grabs his dagger, tankard, and purse and heads to the door when he remembers the city is rioting. He contemplates for a second, nods his head pulls the cowl over his burnt scarred face grabs his trusty axe too and heads to the tavern.

Very good, Sandor. A meal with companionship will be a welcome change for me. I ahve a couple things to deal with first, but I shall see you there.

Morkeleb then simply follows the rest of the group back to the Field Marshall to report our success.

You can feel free to invent a tavern. I'm not sure if you can tag the map, but feel free to do so with whatever you come up with.

I have tagged my residence, and The Howling King Alehouse on the map

Sandor arrives at the tavern, and greets Rhudy the owner who smiles at his arrival. He finds a table large enough to sit his new found friends He then asks Rhudy dinner for 5, and 4 dwarven stouts, and "a pitcher of that fruity tootie high flautin whimpy drink"(that Rhudy knows he calls wine for the pointy eared Gaius)for when me friends show up. He then procedes to remind the big man that grocery shoutin is poor form in here.

After a few drinks warmin the blood and lower his inhibitions, Sandor pulls off his cowl and you all can see the left side of his head, face, and neck is horribly scared badly from fire and now you understand why his speach is slightly impaired.

I prepaid 10gp for the night book says 5 sp for a days worth of good food, 2sp for a gallon of ale, and 2sp for a pitcher of wine. I bought better stuff than normal so we had 2 rounds and dinner on me

After we break bread, and drink Sandor goes home tends his armor and axe then shows up the next morning at the Castle as requested.

Please note that I will definitely report to the Field Marshall before heading to any tavern. I'd assume that the rest--and definitely at least Ferrox and Odric, for differnt reasons--would be of like mind, but don't anybody let me tell you what to do!

The Field Marshall won't see us until morning, Morkeleb.

Gaius goes to drink and break bread with Sandor. Whilst there, he keeps his senses open and listens for gossip and information on current events in Korvosa.

Gather Information (diplomacy): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

My sense of time must be off. I thought we were currently in our last day of allotted time to finish the mission. However, upon reflection--we DID finish the mission. OK then.

Gaius with a +2 circumstance bonus on account of Sandor's generosity hears a fair number of rumors and updates on the situation.... Seems like an organizaed crime family called the Arkona's are on the rise. It's nothing serious yet, but who knows what time will tell. It also appears that you're not the only game in town. Rumor has it that a vigilante named Blackjack has taken to helping the downtrodden. No one has seen him, and most people don't believe he's real, but you hear stories about him throughout the night. Finally, there's a rumor that the people responsible for the assassination have been found out. No one has been publically named, but the completely unfounded rumor persists...

I'll head to the tavern Sandor pointed out, drinking only a little wine--enough to be sociable, not enough to affect me (this is always my habit). After one glass, I address Gaius.

Gaius--may I have another look at that knife?

If he hands it over, I'll take a very, very careful look at it (mundanely)
Perception: take 20 = 20.

Gaius whips the dagger out and makes a little bit of a show of it--flipping it in the air and from hand to hand before catching it and holding it out to Morkeleb with the pommel end pointed towards him.

So long as you give it back. I've become attached to it. It's a pretty little thing, isn't it? Can you tell me anything else about it, Wizard?

Grym is happy to go to the tavern to have a few drinks with his new comrades. The ranger brings Bucho along and continues his training to heel at his side and for general obediance. If the tavern staff object to the dog's prescence Grym flips them a pair of gold sails.

After a few drinks and some food, Grym heads to his bed for some sleep before reporting back to the Field Marshal in the morning.

Morkeleb, your mundane inspection of the dagger yields some esoteric knowledge of its secrets.....Sadly, you're not at the dojo with me to hear the results so you'll have to wait until I get home.

As you are sitting around the table, Gaius hands Morkeleb the artistic dagger. While the divinations proved fruitless, the young wizard tkaes a keen eye towards the weapon itself. A look of epiphany washes over the wizard's face, followed immediately by one of horror as he tosses the blade down onto the table. All at once, this mundane dagger begins to twitch and writhe, as if with a life of its own. Gold embellishments vanish, steel melts, and evaporates in a cloud of fragrant incense as the weapon reshapes itself into an enormous hooded serpent, fierce horns protruding above glowing red eyes.

Comprehension of what it is doesn't mean the wizard is fast enough to avoid an attack. The serpent lashes towards Morkeleb 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 The fangs sink into his chest causing 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2. Before the snake can inject it's poison into the wizard, it goes limp as if instantly asleep. A breath later and the serpent vanishes into a silvery mist and completely disapates.

It all happened in the blink of an eye, and the other patrons seem to not even notice the details (being surrounded by your party.)

Only now can Morkeleb explain. It's a Raktavarna. It's master must have killed it once its cover had been blown.

What was that! What in the hells was that!

Sandor's smile and bawdy tale fades as he grabs for his axe that was leaning on the table next to him and just as he is getting ready for a massive swing it goes into mist.

He then gives his ale a strange look and starts to yell at the bartender when he hears

What was that! What in the hells was that!

Realizing that he wasn't only one to see it he sits back down and waits to see if others saw it.

Morkeleb grasps the new wound on his chest, pausing to concentrate on the pain--and is very much relieved when the wound proves to be simply the pierce of fangs, and lacks the burning curse of poison. Then he'll explain.

My explanation will leave nothing out, so read the Raktavarna link above

. . . so, I'm afraid that dagger wasn't actually a dagger, Gaius. The fiend could have bitten any one of us at any time; I suppose that it struck once discovered, then died. While it's possible that the owner could have willed it at the time, I find that extremely unlikely. Much more likely is it was a type of contingency. But maybe the game is not over completely.

Morkeleb immediately pulls out a parchment and quill, and starts to sketch out every detail of the dagger's design he can remember--enlarging where necessary in order to capture sufficient detail. He explains what he's doing while working.

It may turn out we want to try to track down the owner. Since it can no longer be traced through the item itself, the only thing I can think of is to copy down all the detail we can remember. Gaius, care to take a look--see if I missed anything?

DM, what kind of check, if any, do you need for Morkeleb to produce a reasonable likeness/image of the earstwhile dagger?

Gaius is taken aback for only a moment and he swallows his ale and calmly puts down the tankard.

Wizard, you have both robbed me of a dagger and saved my life. And for that, we need another round. And tomorrow after we get paid for our week's labor, we should talk to Verik again and see if he'll tell us where he got a Rakshasha's blade.

Gaius assists Morkeleb with recalling details of the blade, and then before he turns in, Gaius will carouse a bit more seeing if anyone knows anything about Verik--in particular, who the girl was he was supposedly involved with. There's a chance the small folk here may know something of him if he was trying to keep the people fed.

Diplomacy (Gather Info): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

I'll take a relevent craft check (or untrained otherwise.) Something like Guidance would work just fine.