GM Zimmer's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master zimmerwald1915

The king is dead! In the Varisian port city of Korvosa, the death of a monarch leads to chaos. It's up to a band of bold adventurers to stop the spread of tyranny before all of Korvosa is crushed beneath the queen's iron fist.


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M Human (Varisian) M Human Ranger LE L2 | AC17 T13 FF14 | HP 21/21| F +4 R+7 W+2 | Init+3 | Perc+7

Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Durriken moves towards the door. "I might know of another place, close to the merchant district in Midland, where my shop is. We probably want to move about as little as possible if the city is still in turmoil, and that will put us in the center of where we need to be to see to the children and sell what we can."

DM:
Just musing based on the roll. I haven't built anything like this into Durriken's backstory, but I suppose it would make sense for him to know of and/or frequent an inn near where he lives.

"It doesn't matter to me where we go, but we should move soon. We also should ensure we bring everything with us. We can't be sure that anything left behind will still be here when we return. Though if we try to carry the chest through town again, it will slow us down and draw attention."


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

"Most of what's in the chest can be carried in a pack," says Fredo. "We can take the stuff and leave the chest, so as not to attract attention. But be careful. Some of it is delicate."


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14
Goffred Giulianoff wrote:
@ Tristain. My posts took place entirely after yours, that is, after Tristain came back inside, ritual over. Was that not clear? Let me know, for the sake of future GM improvingness.

Ain't no thing...I read it one way. All good.

Goffred Giulianoff wrote:
"I'm not going to lecture you in your field, Tristain," says Fredo, "But can you explain to me what's so horrible about what's going on? People are frustrated, correctly, and they're acting out. The only thing missing is an overall goal and leadership toward that end."

Tristain looks at Fredo as he ponders the answer to that. It was a difficult question for Tristain to answer because it came from a feeling and sense of 'nature' that he could barely describe. Tristain stutters to describe why it's important to have harmony within the city.

"No, Fredo, there is nothing wrong with people conflicting and finding a better way to organize. However, when it comes to armed conflict within the city walls, innocents or partisans killed, the city in flames, then peaceful balance has been overturned. Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, the city is a living organism...and that organism can be pushed out of balance to the detriment of everyone."

Tristain tries to reflect on that more.

"The city has always cared for me, Fredo...though it may seem strange to believe. I owe my life to the City. And what it needs to stay strong and in balance, I will do."

* * *

As we move around the City, Tristain will look for opportunities to buy reagents and inks for the scribing of scrolls using the monies that Theron has offered.


M Human (Varisian) M Human Ranger LE L2 | AC17 T13 FF14 | HP 21/21| F +4 R+7 W+2 | Init+3 | Perc+7

As the group finishes stowing the valuables in packs, Durriken indicates the weapons and armor. "Someone could probably wear that chain. Raseri or Theron, maybe. Goffred, the leathers look like they might fit you. Let's not forget about the non-monetary worth of some of those things." He shoulders his pack along with his bow and quiver, and makes for the door. "If you can use it, grab it. It'll do us no good buried in a pack."


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:
Goffred Giulianoff wrote:
"Most of what's in the chest can be carried in a pack," says Fredo. "We can take the stuff and leave the chest, so as not to attract attention. But be careful. Some of it is delicate."

"We can use some of your clothes to pad them. I've seen the glass makers and potters do it before with ale tankards."

***

A lot like Tristain, Raseri is also looking for opportunities to shop, she's just looking for nicer clothes for Alfsigr instead of scroll scribing stuff.


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain breaks out the gear and magic items from the raid on Lamm's.

"We should sell this, right? If we can find a place to sell it, we should, yeah? It's ours now, right?"

Tristain is new to 'adventuring', let alone having friends, let alone traveling in groups.

Tristain has been a loner for most of his life.

I've been a loner for most of my life.

"I've been a loner for most of my life," Tristain blurts out abruptly while walking...almost instantly regretting saying anything.

"Uhm...it's just that I'm not used to being in a group. I've been...uhm, alone for a long time. I'm not used to really relying on anyone else, ever."

Except Trina. Oh, Trina!

Tristain looks from Theron to Raseri to Durriken to Fredo. Tristain looks ashamed for having said too much.


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

"What's with the look? I think we've all been alone for a long time, whether by choice or fate."

Raseri gives the insecure half-elf a warm smile

"There's no reason to be alone now, though. Lamm's gone and we still have a shared goal of getting those we love back from where ever they are. Even once we do that, we can still be friends, still be together, still help each other."


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

"I think it's interesting that you use the passive voice to talk about balance being overturned," says Fredo, rolling up a number of pouches in a long, leather apron. "Who did the overturning? If the city is a whole, does the blame lie with everyone? I don't think it can. There are people living here with power, and people without it." Fredo props his pack open, and slides his spellbook into the bottom. The rolled-up apron sits on top of that.

He begins padding some of the other packages with the cloak and padded trousers of his traveling clothes. "Rather than a whole organism, I think of Korvosa like a man with tapeworm. It looks like one body, but the one part feeds off the other, sucking it dry. It's not for nothing that Eodred was named 'stirge' in the streets. At some point, the body has to either fight back or die. Soon enough, the cloak is full, and it goes into Fredo's pack with the apron and its cargo.

"I understand you owe Korvosa. I just want you to be careful. Korvosa may speak to you, but there are also people who claim to speak for it, and their locution is twisted. Serve the one. Be wary of the other. They are not the same." Fredo hefts the bag experimentally before loading any more into the trousers. He groans, and sets it back down. "I think I can carry all that,if this place you want to go is not far," he says, "but the rest will have to go somewhere else. And I can't wear armor," he adds, grimacing.

Some comic relief. I'm not really keeping track of who's carrying what.


M Human (Varisian) M Human Ranger LE L2 | AC17 T13 FF14 | HP 21/21| F +4 R+7 W+2 | Init+3 | Perc+7

"Of course you can. Anyone can wear armor. It's just a matter of cinching it on right. You hardly even notice it's there after an hour or so when worn right. And it's a lot better than the alternative." Durriken speaks absently as he adjusts the load in Goffred's pack, pulling out a few weapons and moving them to his own, "I'll take these. Raseri and I will at least be hitting a bowyer's, I'm sure he'll buy some of these off of us."

He then picks Fredo's pack up and settles it on the smaller man's shoulders. "The trick is to pack the heavy stuff on the bottom, so it's braced against your lower back. If you put it up high, it yanks your shoulders down and back, feels heavier and tires you out quicker."


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

"Thank you," says Fredo, shrugging his shoulders with relief as Durriken redistributes his load. "About armor, perhaps I should rephrase. For me, wearing armor is a bad idea." Fredo stoops slowly, balancing the weight of his pack, and picks up one of the leather shirts. He holds it up by the sleeves. He bends one of the sleeves at the elbow to demonstrate its stiffness. "If I cannot move my arms and fingers just so, I might not be able to cast. And aside from it being a waste, if I fail to cast at a critical moment, we might find ourselves in a lot of trouble."

Fredo folds the leather shirt up as small as he can and tucks it under his arm. "As for the alternative, thank you again for your thoughtfulness, but I have other ways of protecting myself."


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

GM Zimmer: is the City standing? Can we sell our goods? I think I need a description of the City as we move through it to sell our goods & buy things we need.


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

Start moving, and I'll see what I can do. The party's still at Zellara's.


M Human (Varisian) M Human Ranger LE L2 | AC17 T13 FF14 | HP 21/21| F +4 R+7 W+2 | Init+3 | Perc+7

Seeing everyone ready, Durriken opens the door and looks out before stepping into the street, trusting the rest to follow him. He begins picking his way towards the market, one hand on the hilt of his sword.


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

Raseri guides Alfsigr out the door and follows Durriken down the street. She keeps a close eye on her little sister and another eye out for any trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain follows, still with slight limp, but anxious to see Korvosa after last night.


Male Human healer NPC

Theron joins them. He watches Tristain limp a few steps "Hold up there, boy."... 'reluctant to expend energy so early in the day, but I think I would come to regret it if I were to wait...' Theron casually murmurs a healing spell and taps Tristain.

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain smiles.

"Thanks Theron, that's much better. It is appreciated," Tristain says while testing out his leg again.

"It feels good."

Woulda done that myself, but saying my healing for when others need it in combat. And I need one if I'm going to scribe today. We'll see what happens.

HP 6/8

Shadow Lodge

The fishy smell outside Zellara's has only gotten worse as you have prepared yourselves to sojourn into Korvosa. Siggy and Amba look particularly upset by this; the smell of fish rotting in the sun is both intimately familiar and utterly horrific to both of them. The party therefore speeds out of the vicinity of Zellara's. As the party leaves the trail of fish behind, Raseri spots a youth in an alleyway, his head stove in by what looks like an enormous hammer. The dropped fish seem to lead to his body, but there are none to be found within six feet or so of him. It's as if someone picked up any that remained near the kill and took them away somewhere.

Looking up, you can see plumes of dark smoke hanging in the air. They seem to be having trouble hanging together, and their bases churn not. You believe the fires that made them have gone out or been put out since starting, but the clouds hang still in the sky, a reminder of the fires' potential. Also, as you come to the juncture of Lancet Street and Harborview Avenue, the odd silence and emptiness that characterized the small street begin to give way to the sound and fury of a major artery. Here and there you see shop doors broken open and facades defaced, as well as knots of people still breaking open doors and daubing paint and chalk on walls. "Death to the whore-queen!" rings out from a particularly large group, that turns off Harborview and starts making its way west. They are soon out of sight.

Off to your right, you hear the shattering of glass and a cry of surprised pain. Another knot of people, mostly men in blue-dyed cotton coveralls, is gathering around something you cannot see. One of them, a fat, sweaty man who wears muttonchops and smells of drink, leers particularly unpleasantly. "Bet'cha never worked an honest day's wage in your life, eh, Queen's Man?" he booms. "M'brother had his arm crushed by a barrel on the docks when he was younger than you. Never raised a mug of ale with that wrist again. Wanna know what it feels like?" He raises a length of iron pipe over his head.


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

Raseri shuttles Aflsigr past the grisly scene of the dead youth. Her stomach knots in fear and guilt as she imagines something like that happening to Aflhildr. The cries for death and the destruction that lay all around was enough to make the girl wonder if she'd ever find her sister in this mess, or if she was even still alive.

"Seems like the people here have gone mad."

The sound of shattering glass breaks her from her reverie. her head whips around and sees a group of thugs gathering around, well she guesses it's a noble by the way one of them was talking. Noble or not, she is not about to let someone get beat to death if she can do anything to stop it.

"Wait here, I'll be right back."

She leaves Alfsigr under Fredo's hopefully watchful eye and approaches the thugs with a scowl on her face.

"Let him be. Unless he was the one that pushed the barrel, I doubt he had anything to do with it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

"There is nothing strange or out of the ordinary about class justice," says Fredo, to Raseri, his mouth twisted up somewhere between smirk and frown. He looks at Amba, aware that what he says next will be taken as explanation and self-justification for killing Lamm, and that he'd better make it count. Fredo knows he can't move from Alfsigr's side. Nor can he take her with him if he wants to talk quietly to the men. So he projects. "Men like that dole it out to men like these," he says, indicating the unseen victim and the crowd gathered round him respectively, "every day up in North Point, speaking through the mouths of the Arbiters. All that's different here is that the roles are reversed, and that the poor don't have to hide that class justice is a dirty business behind grand stone walls and pompous ceremony.

"That said," Fredo continues, thinking of Aless, "A pissant like this can wait. Let him slink away to reconsider his politics. The dockers and sailors, halfling and human, are out. You want justice, get down to the harbor, take the warehouses, piers, and ships, and make the Queen-loving Jeggares give you what you're owed!" Fredo is well aware that half the details he's bringing forward are either made up or conjecture on his part, but it shouldn't matter. Ras'd appreciate the support, and if these men could be pushed to productive action, they might help make it a reality whether it was now or not.

Diplomacy Aid Another: 1d20 ⇒ 13


M Human (Varisian) M Human Ranger LE L2 | AC17 T13 FF14 | HP 21/21| F +4 R+7 W+2 | Init+3 | Perc+7

Durriken shrugs to Fredo when Raseri heads over to the mob. He turns to follow her, concerned that the mob may decide the diminuitive woman is a threat. Of course, if they decide she's not, it could be even worse.

He steps out wide as Raseri speaks, giving him some space on all sides in case he is forced to act. He tries to maintain a relaxed air, but the fact that he is ready to act if necessary is apparent to anyone who notices his approach.

bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4

Shadow Lodge

"Told ya the halfies'd come 'round, Sperry!" calls one of the men who hadn't spoken yet. A piece of wood clatters noisily to the cobbles. Raseri can see the man who threw it, though no one else in the party is close enough. He has a clean-shaven face with droopy eyebrows. "That Dalreen's got a head on his shoulders." Around him there are murmurs of agreement, though no one else throws down their weapons. The muttonchopped man, Sperry, scowls and gives the noble a swift kick. The noble groans in pain.

"Fine then," says Sperry, raising his pipe above his head. "Come on, lads!" He begins marching purposefully down Lancet Street towards the water, and the others follow in a mass. The droopy-eyed fellow brings up the rear, talking in a low voice with a couple others. They give Durriken a wide berth, and he hears them mutter something about a 'Guard or Hellknight spy' as they pass him. The noble lies curled up on the ground, in pain but conscious. He has blonde hair, a square jaw covered in a day's stubble, and is wearing a purple jacket with a high collar. He gasps a couple times, then sits up with difficulty.

"Thank you lady, sirs," he says, clawing his way up the wall. His fingers work at his pocket, and after a moment he brings out his purse. "I have to get off the streets. I hope this is enough to repay you." He empties the contents into his hand: five glimmering platinum crowns 5 PP. He proffers them to Raseri, who's closest. The children's eyes open wide to see so much money.

Advance to 1035 XP.


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

Raseri hurries over to help the man up. Her eyes widen as the man hands her the coins. Enough to buy her another sword like the one on her back.

"Well, you look like you're in rough shape. We can get you to the inn we're heading to and figure out how to get you home."

if he protests, Raseri calmly tells him, "Desna smiled on you this time. Next time you may not be so lucky."

To the others she says, "The sooner we get this one and the little ones off the streets the better. I'd rather not have to draw blood today." her face is grim and she does not look like she's in the mood for a bunch of arguments.


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain tries to keep his emotions in check as he sees the ravaging of his city.

This isn't right. My city deserves better. We need to get back into balance.

My city bleeds.

Tristain follows along, hopeful to find a shopping area that hasn't fallen to violence and looting. Or an inn and safe haven for the children.

"Let's push on. Hopefully, not all areas of the city are this bad."


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

*snort* "Too bad the thievery can't only happen to those who deserve it."

Shadow Lodge

The further east and south - the farther away from the waterfront and the closer to the civic buildings and the townhouses of the nouveaux riches - the party gets, the more the signs of Korvosa's social turmoil seem to change. The storefronts are intact, though many of the windows are dark and doors bolted. The packs of roving laborers have been replaced by small, wary patrols of armed men and women wearing the maroon undershirt, steely mail, and gold-trimmed gray tabard of the Korvosan Guard. All the while the noble, who says his name is Amin Jalento, regales the party with a blow-by-blow account of the fight whose ending they witnessed. From the way he tells it, complete with complex fencing curliques that he meticulously explains and looks entirely incapable of performing, it seems unbelievable that he could have ended up on the ground at all. Only the children seem to put much stock in his tall tale.

By the time the party reaches the inn to which Durriken has been leading them, Amin seems almost completely at ease. "I really do have to get back home," he says. "I would buy you a round of whatever they serve at this place, but I'm afraid you have all I carried. Put it to good use, eh?" He turns away and begins walking south, trailing a group of three guards who seem to be headed in the same direction.

The inn itself is mostly empty; its usual patrons have probably stayed home. From one of the corner tables a man with brown hair and thick stubble, wearing a Guard uniform, calls for another round. The party can smell his ale-soaked breath from the front door.


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain will pull up a seat for a quick bite to eat.

"No sense in us continuing on today without some food in our stomachs, eh? Might as well eat while we can."

Besides I've never eaten in a place this nice...ever...

Ooh! They have chairs! FANCY!

Tristain will order whatever breakfasty thing they serve, the small pouches of coin from Lamm's serving to pay for it.

"Yeah...maybe this way there is some shops that will be open today."


Male Human healer NPC

"Be safe, Ser Jalento."
Theron speaks to the others while Tristain goes for food "I'll keep an eye on things down here while you get cleaned up." He goes to order an ale, and leads Tristain to a spot where he can keep an eye on the door ... and the stairs to the amenities.


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

"May Desna give you safe travels." Is all Raseri says in parting.

Once inside, she goes to the barkeep and inquires about a bath for her and Alfsigr, responding to any protest with, "You haven't had a bath in who knows how long. I'm not letting you walk around smelling like fish."

She thanks Theron for keeping an eye on them as she ushers her little sister up the stairs to the bathroom.

Once there, she'll give Alfsigr a bath before dressing her and taking one herself. She'll be checking her little sister for scars and anything else they might have done to her in the four years Lamm had her.

"Der! Har du ikke føler deg bedre lille alv?"

Skald:

"There! Don't you feel much better little elf?"


M Human (Varisian) M Human Ranger LE L2 | AC17 T13 FF14 | HP 21/21| F +4 R+7 W+2 | Init+3 | Perc+7

Durriken stay in the common room with the others, and eats, but only has water to drink. He keeps one eye on the door, and another on the patrons, the guardsman in particular - He's never been on very good terms with them.


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain tears into a piece of bread, chewing slowly.

Bread. I like bread.

Breaking off another piece, he offers the loaf to Durriken.

"Strange days, eh Durriken? What do you think we are doing next?"


M Human (Varisian) M Human Ranger LE L2 | AC17 T13 FF14 | HP 21/21| F +4 R+7 W+2 | Init+3 | Perc+7

Durriken swallows the bite he was chewing on. "Baths..Then I hope we can place the children somewhere where they'll be safe. After that..." He pauses. "I know not. So little makes sense right now. The crazy, dead woman. Pulling the five of us together. Where did your missing friend and Raseri's other sister end up?"

Tristain can see a bit of a change in the man, just since their meeting two nights prior. There's still a hard edge around his eyes, but he doesn't seem a hairsbreadth away from violence anymore. There's a thoughtfulness buried behind it all, too. "It's too coincidental to not all be related somehow. I just don't think we know enough to make sense of it all yet."


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

Fredo sees Raseri lead Alfsigr upstairs for a bath, the other men in their little group drift over to a table, and Amba take a few steps after the sisters before looking back at him. "Go on," he says with an indulgent smile. The boy starts bounding to make up the distance. "But wait outside, and act like a gentleman!" he calls. "I'll be up to check on you in a bit." He shakes his head and ducks back out the door.

A few questions reveal that a pump stood out back, and Fredo makes his way through the alley to the inn's small yard. The cobbled road gives way to packed earth as the walls of the buildings close in on the narrow space. Despite someone's attempts to keep it swept some of the smaller bits of rubbish had insinuated themselves into the earth, and would still be seen for a while before vanishing under a new layer of dust and leavings. Fredo does not find a line at the pump, and there are several wooden buckets stacked and metal pails scattered and stacked in the corners of the yard. Fredo's hands and shoulders twinge, and his robes are soaked with sweat and splashing, by the time he's filled two buckets. These he carries up the staff's stairs that let out into the courtyard, and sets them down outside the door, beside Amba. The boy is sitting on his hands, trying not to look guilty.

"Didn't I say not to peek?" Fredo says, and got for his trouble a mischievous grin and a shake of the head. "Well don't. I don't know what Lamm let you get away with, but I'm not having Ras come after me because you couldn't behave yourself." His expression softens. "Tell Sig you brought these up, if she asks." He reaches behind Amba's ear and pulls out a gold sail. "And if you see any of the staff, give them this and tell them to bring up some more, enough for yours. If they give you change, keep it. And scrub your ears." Fredo chuckles to himself as he walks down the stairs, brushing his front dry with sweeping motions of his hands.

Fredo slots himself into the table as if he'd been there the whole time, despite only catching Durriken's last few words. "Two such nexuses in five lives would certainly be worth investigating," he says, "but I don't know if we share any universal connection besides Gaedren." He scratches his moustache, suddenly uncomfortable. "Person to person perhaps, as we have seen. Tristain, can you tell us any more about Trina? We're meant to be keeping an eye out after all."


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain smiles at Goffred's query.

"It's weird...sometimes I think she was a dream. I know she isn't, but sometimes I think she was. She was so different. Beautiful." Tristain finishes his bite of food.

"I met her in the orphanage...she was like me: lost and alone. We were of similar ages...except that she was female and beautiful and I was male, foolish, and had no idea how to talk to her. But despite that, we were friends. We...we..." Tristain struggles to find the words.

"We used to go everyplace together...we watched each other's backs and helped one another get by. For years we were friends." Tristain smiles as if remembering good things in a time past.

Tristain's smile fades slowly.

"Trina? She was beautiful...yeah, outwardly beautiful, but inside too. That was the side she showed me. The inside part...the laughing fun part. That was who Trina really was. She was so nice and generous and caring on the inside. But outside," Tristain shrugs and continues, "...on the outside, she was beautiful too. Everyone knew it and saw it. Half the time when I protected her it was some jerk who wanted to ya know...she was always getting offers."

Tristain blanches.

"I suppose that's why Lamm wanted her. She was beautiful. And so Lamm just took her. Just took her away. A tear appears in Tristain's eye, unbidden.

"He came and took her in the night. I wasn't there, but I heard her screams. And I knew. I ran as fast as I could, but they were gone when I got there. That was a year ago. I looked for a while...but...but...yeah."

Tristain stops eating as if any more food would make him vomit.

"She was gone. And I had lost her. My only friend. My Trina." Another tear drops from Tristain's cheek into his food.

Tristain sits in silence for a moment before pulling out his chalkboard.

"Here, let me sketch you something...what she looked like."

Tristain begins to sketch, slowly at first, then more quickly as his mind wraps around little details that he had quasi-forgotten.

When finished, Tristain turn around the chalkboard for others to see.

"See this? This beautiful girl here? This is Trina as I remember her."

The chalkboard shows an attractive young woman of ages 16 to 18 with black hair and green eyes.


M Human (Varisian) M Human Ranger LE L2 | AC17 T13 FF14 | HP 21/21| F +4 R+7 W+2 | Init+3 | Perc+7

Durriken listens distractedly as Tristain tells Goffred about Trina, returning his attention to the group's surroundings. While it feels like a safe place, years of living outside the law have made him suspicious of "safe" places. When Tristain shows the picture, Durriken looks at it, frowns, and shakes his head. "I hope we can find her."

His light meal finished, Durriken stands. "I will be back shortly. Call loudly if you need me." He moves to the innkeeper and places coins on the bar, then moves upstairs to check on the others, and bathe when a tub is available. He does this quickly as possible, using it only as a method of cleansing, not for an avenue of relaxation.


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

After getting clean and checking the various cuts and bruises from yesterday, Ras gets dressed and heads out with Alfsigr in tow. She's kind of surprised to see Amba by the door, but says nothing other than, "Your turn." and walks off with a mischievous grin. She runs into Durriken, almost literally, when she came down the last few steps. A quick apology and a quick stop by the bar to get some breakfast for her and her sister, and then it was over to the table with Goffred and Tristain.

"Who's this?" she asks seeing the chalk sketch on the table, "she looks pretty."


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain looks at Raseri and smiles wearily, a few spots of wetness still in his eyes.

"Uhm...that's Trina. Or what I can remember of her."

Tristain will explain more of what he said before if Raseri is interested.


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

"I'm sorry," says Fredo, taking one of Tristain's hands across the table. "Her, I would remember. It sounds like you were lucky to know her, for a little while." He presses his lips together and bites their insides to keep them shut and still.


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

"She's lucky to have a friend like you. Most would have given up by now."

Raseri eats quietly for a few moments, her face is a neutral mask, but there's loneliness in her grey eyes. She swallows another bite of food then says,

"Most would say that you need to give up this fool's errand."

She seems to be talking to herself more than to anyone in particular.


Male Human healer NPC

Theron sits stuck in his own thoughts. He briefly musters a comforting smile when Tristain shows the picture, and then returns to his thoughts. 'Lamm was supposed to be the end ... I never gave thought to the day after. I don't know how long I can do this, but I can still be of use for a while. '


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain nods to Goffred as a measure of thanks for his kindness and understanding.

Tristain finishes his meal and waits.

"Are we ready to move on? We have things to do." Tristain pops off the chair to go to talk to the innkeep.

"Sir? Good sir? Do you know of any stores that are open now? We're looking to buy some supplies, including some magical inks? Have you seen or heard of any open nearby?"

While he is asking those questions, he will pay his bill.


M Human (Varisian) M Human Ranger LE L2 | AC17 T13 FF14 | HP 21/21| F +4 R+7 W+2 | Init+3 | Perc+7

Durriken comes back down the stairs as Tristain is talking to the barkeep, herding the boy Alpha? Abba? in front of him. He guides the boy over to Goffred and stands beside the table. "He eat yet?"


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain looks back at the table and smiles despite himself.

Weird group. And they are with me.


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain yawns.


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

"Indeed not," says Fredo, passing Amba his uneaten portion of bread. His wet bangs flop down into his eyes as he starts wolfing down the meager breakfast, and Fredo pushes them back again.

"And most people will let themselves be abused til they snap, Raseri," says Fredo heavily, thinking of the boy who'd stabbed at his boss with a pitchfork, or the knot of longshoremen they'd met. "To pursue a goal with singleminded determination, regardless of what life throws in one's path…it's the mark of an exceptional person." Fredo addresses Raseri, and thinks of each of his comrades in turn as he speaks, but his energy is directed at the child, who is still busy with the bread. He spends the longest time dwelling on Theron. The others had made their quests known already, but Theron's was a mystery still; what had been so vital to him that he'd left his wife and daughter to be caught by fate?

Shadow Lodge

The barkeep takes the money Tristain offers, but keeps his hand out til the half-elf gives him another gold sail. "Hard times, lud, you understand," he says, testing the gold with his teeth. He ducks behind the counter to put it away and emerges with a thoughtful expression. "I wouldn't go down to the Gold Market if I was you. The street vendors'll have been chased off, and if the indoor shops're open they'll be charging more, same as me. Ya might have luck on Eodred's Walk, down near High Bridge."

As Tristain turns away from the barkeep, the guard shuffles noisily to his feet and shakes his fist at the barkeep. "Hey, Felstiff!" he slurs, going to stand behind Tristain and clapping him on the shoulder, "Don't be gouging my man Neffi here." He lets Tristain go and fumbles in a pouch for some gold, which he pushes into the half-elf's hands. "You don't pay when you're with me," he says, his face seeming to collapse into a small smile for a moment, then continuing to fall towards a downcast frown.

"You should never have left Sandpoint, Neffi," he moans. "This place is falling to pieces."

Since this guard reimbursed you, don't deduct any gold from your total, Tristain. And yes, mistaken identity is apparently a frequent plot device in the early parts of this AP.


M Human (Varisian) M Human Ranger LE L2 | AC17 T13 FF14 | HP 21/21| F +4 R+7 W+2 | Init+3 | Perc+7

Durriken Looks to the others, his hands sliding under the table towards where his weapons hang. He raises an eyebrow in an interrogative, not wanting to draw the guard's attention to the rest of the group.


M Human - Loon 14 AC: 13 (11 FF) CMD (20/18) CMB +5 Fort +8; Ref +10; Will +14

Tristain nods at the guard, and murmurs a quiet offer of thanks.

"Yeah, never should have left."

As he walks away from the guard, Tristain will shrug to the rest of the party.

* * *

"We ready to go yet? The bartender says that maybe we should go to Eodred's Walk, down near High Bridge if we want to sell stuff today. It's worth a shot."

Shadow Lodge

"Where you off to, Neffi?" says the guard, much too loudly. He starts forward, supporting himself on the backs of chairs and the edges of tables. They creak and groan under his weight. "Who're yer friends? Lemme –"

The guard's eyes roll up into his head and he doubles over like he's been punched in the gut. A moment later he's on the ground. His head lolls to the side, and his belly pulses. Dark yellow vomit that smells of ale spews from his mouth and pools around his cheek. The bartender rolls his eyes and takes out a rag.


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

"Will you do nothing?" says Fredo to the barkeep, standing and pushing Amba behind him. The boy had just finished cramming the bread into his mouth, and looks about ready to puke too. When he gets no answer he rolls up his sleeves and starts forward to the guard. "Fine, then." He waves his hands like he's conducting an orchestra and the vomit disappears with a small pop. The foul-smelling gunk gone, Fredo kneels down next to the man and attempt to lift him.

The most Fredo can do, however, is roll the man onto his side. A thin stream of vomit begins to drip from the corner of his mouth. Fredo snaps his fingers at the barkeep without looking up. "You. Find some smelling salts." Fredo knows nothing of healing himself, so he can't administer the smelling salts or do anything else that might help, but he does have a passing familiarity with the guards, so he examines the man's face and gear for something that might help identify him.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Fredo recognizes the three nested steel "v"s on the man's collar as the badge of a Watch Sergeant. More than that, however, looking at his face up close, he looked familiar. Fredo had seen a Varisian guard with the same hair and build on the visit to the prison that had put him on Lamm's trail. A name heard in passing entered his mind. "Grau Soldado".

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