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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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:

A grimace of pain etches Raseri's face as the barbarian fights to hold on to consciousness. She can feel her ribs crack, undoing most of what Tristain repaired. Her voice is strained as she calls out to the others through clenched teeth.

"Hurry and kill the damn thing!"

Just for flavor. Talking is a free action still, right?


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

Round 3

How is it not dead yet! It should be dead by now! I should run!

Tristain grits his teeth and uses the wand on Raseri again.

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 healing

"Onorato!"

"Hang in there, Raseri!"

This wand is a good one.


Male Human healer NPC

Theron fires again, cursing at himself for not having practiced compensating for avoiding friendly fire.
1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 - 4 = 15
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

stats:
Round 3
AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13
HP 9/9
Fort +3 Ref +4 Will +5
Effects:judgement(justice)+1 to hit
action: fire pb range into melee

Shadow Lodge

Theron's bolt flies true, into the thing's mouth. It hits something at the back of its throat. The tentacles slack and Raseri drops heavily to the ground. The creature's own drop, down into the sewers as its legs buckle, is longer. It hits the sides of the shaft several times before the final thud.

The noise of the fight, it seems, has drawn the attention of the Sable Company griffin riders and some of the Korvosan Guard. The former begin wheeling overhead as the thing falls, while the latter stop charging across the square. Behind them, on the bridge, an outraged shout of "keep back!" carries above the din. Unaided by the Guard or the griffin-riders, the Order of the Nail's line breaks, and the - diminished, but still massive - crowd breaks into the square. The remaining Guard forms up into a line, but it's obvious that in the open space of the square they'll be surrounded and overwhelmed.

Everyone, advance to 1485 XP. When you next rest, please advance your characters to level 2. Congratulations!


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

Fredo, sees an opportunity in the crowd breaking into the square. There's still some iron residue on his hands; he rubs it into his cheeks to get the full effect, and grows to Raseri's height. They won't remain this large very long, but they'll get everyone's attention. Cast Enlarge Person on myself.

"Brothers of the Guard," he says, "Don't shoot! Let the people take Eodred's Walk!" He stoops for a moment to help Raseri to her feet. "All of you remain here, take this place, maintain it as your own. Here, fresh from the victory on the bridge, you have power to demand the release of the prisoners and anything else you want. My friends and I, who have just put down an abberation that meant to roam your streets, will speak to the Queen."

Intimidate 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Aid Anothers would be appreciated. Anyone who's Enlarged gets a +2 circumstance modifier.


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

aid another (intimidate): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
Durriken glowers in the general direction of the people in the square, his face still covered in gore and sludge. However, it seems as if Raseri and Goffred have everyone's attention.

"Showoff. Almost matches the size of his ego now, eh Tristain?" Durriken smiles briefly at Tristain to show he's (mostly) joking, wipes his face with his sleeve, and retrieves his axe, cleaning his weapons as he sheathes them.


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:

"Not before we get cleaned up. I'm a wreck and Durriken and Tristain are covered in, in whatever that thing ate."

Goffred's antics have obviously annoyed Raseri, though you can't be sure if it's because he's on his soap box, or if it's because he announced to the world that they were going to see the queen.

"And how much longer am I going to be a giantess?"


Male Human healer NPC

Feeling a bit of a rush from the battle, Theron disregards his reservations about speaking up while not quite understanding Goffred's plan... He steps up, mutters a quick spell, and taps Fredo. He then starts yelling to the crowd. "Listen to him! Hold this position, and your voices will be heard! This is the time to unite for the future! Shed no more blood today. Tend to your wounded brothers and organize your demands! Hold the line here! We are the people and our voices will be heard! Stop the bloodshed!"
intim: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
cast guidance on Fredo


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

Tristain wands Raseri and Durriken again.

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 healing Ras
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 healing Dur

"How did we beat that thing? What luck! The City blesses us!"

Yeah, it blesses you by sending abominations against you!

* * * *

Tristain turns to address the crowd, trying to aid Geoff, but not yet completely certain what is going on.

"Yeah, we did this! We can do the same to you if you don't be nice!" Tristain points to the dead huge abomination.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 Intimidate

Tristain will be updated later tonight.


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

"No more than a minute," mumbles Fredo to Raseri. Enlarged as he is, the movement is more obtrusive than he'd like, and despite the help of Tristain and Theron, he sees the crowd slipping away from him. The crowd is beginning to surge around him and his comrades, though the stench from the sewer is keeping them at bay for now. Sable Company marines are cautiously descending to circle around him and Raseri. Fights are also beginning to break out between the surrounded Guards and the people in the crowd.

Fredo feels, however, full of new purpose since Theron's hand brushed his calf. He recognizes the feel of the older man's magic, and calls upon his own as well. His back arches and his chest inflates, preparing again to shout over the growing noise. "Make no mistake," he says, "This place will need defending. We'll be doing our part politically, but the way is open for more monsters to come up from the depths. A watch will need to be set. You need to stick together now, with discipline and faith in each other." As he scans the crowd, Fredo's eye is drawn towards a halfling with a long face and short, brown hair, talking earnestly to...Zellara.

"You want us to stay? Stay with us," says the halfling. He doesn't seem entirely convinced by Zellara, and indeed when he looks away from Fredo and back at her, she's blended back into the crowd. There are murmurs of agreement from around him, and some of the Guard glower in his direction.

"I'll be back," says Fredo, beginning to shrink. Raseri is almost at her normal size. "But the Castle is more heavily guarded than the bridge was. We can be your deputation."

Spending two Harrow point to get a new roll, since this is a Charisma check and not a Dexterity check. Aid anothers will apply to this roll, as will Zellara's:
Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Shadow Lodge

"Fine," says the halfling, with a wave of his hand. He clambers up onto some of the rubble left by the creature and begins directing people to build barricades around the hole and some of the streets leading into Eodred's Walk. The party, now all normal-sized, proceeds west towards Castle Korvosa, shadowed by the griffon riders. The shadows of the swooping beasts keep any rioters away from the party, and in any case, news of the encampment in Eodred's Walk is drawing many away from the party's route.

Phew, just made it.

Castle Korvosa is a testiment to the power of whatever mighty overlord ruled this land thousands of years ago. Its long shadow looms over the city, the castle walls and spires rising high into the sky above. The entire structure looms even higher for its ancient foundation - a rin in the shape of an immense flat-topped pyramid that Goffred says was built in the days of the Empire of Thassilon. Although one corner of this impressive foundation has fallen into ruin, the additions built onto the sides by eager and talented Korvosan masons have made this one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Varisia.

The Castle has, however, been locked tight and the walls bristle with pikes and crossbows. As the party nears the base of the ancient pyramid, the marines that have been following them dive their mounts out of the sky and land in front of the party. "We saw your spiel back there," says one, removing his helmet to reveal a bald pate and an impressive black handlebar mustache. "Just what is it you want to say to the Queen?"


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

Strange, the website isn't listing new posts in the thread

Durriken grunts and looks at the others, clearly not wanting to answer the question himself. I'm still trying to figure that out myself, lad.


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:

It noticed yours, but not Zimmer's...

Raseri, still ragged and filthy is none to happy with the wizard at the moment. Her temper simmers under the surface as she speaks with the guard, not even giving Goffred a chance to talk.

"We come bringing one of the queen's possessions, and word of monsters potentially running rampant in the city."

Hopefully he's smarter than he looks. I'd hate to have to get mean.


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

Tristain tentatively steps forward and prepares to speak plainly.

"Hello. I am Tristain the Chalker, Servant of Korvosa. Yeah, we recovered something of value and seek only to return it. While it is true we have fought and slain two monsters in the city..." Lamm was the worse of the two. "...that is not why we come. We do not seek to extend the conflict that already occurs, but to leave our burden and perhaps show that not all in this City has gone to rot."

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Diplomacy

Edit: w00t. The level bump came at a nice time.


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

Tristain looks over the crowd, still hopeful the words ring true.

Shadow Lodge

"Well well, looks like Her Majesty still has some friends in the city after all," says the marine. He pats his mount on the flank and with a clack of its beak it rises into the air and starts winging its way to an eyrie at Castle Korvosa's peak. He then drapes his heavy arm over Tristain's shoulders and talks quietly into his ear. "Like I said, I saw what you said and did back there. Good job stopping the mob. We'll get the kettle 'round them again soon enough." He jerks his thumb across his throat and makes a sound in the top of his throat like Yargin made when Durriken severed his spine. After a long moment, he steps away from Tristain and holds out his hand.

"Give your weapons to me, and I'll take you up to see the queen."


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

"Uhm...maybe you shouldn't kill the citizens. Seems there are plenty of real monsters out there too," Tristain says as he hands over his 'scythe and dagger.


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 glares at the marine before handing over her bow, arrows, and finally her sword.

"Try to keep your bloodlust in check while doing that. I'd hate for you to have trouble sleeping."

Not that it may matter, but as far as I know. Freddo never got the gunk off Ras before coming up here, so she probably smells like a sewer and just had a fight with a sewer monster. :)

Shadow Lodge

Eh, if you wanted cleaning, you'll have gotten cleaning during the walk to the Castle's base.

"'s no trouble, girlie," says the marine, adding Raseri's sword to the growing bundle under his arm. "I'm more than happy to break a few heads, and if the Queen says it's for Korvosa, so much the better, eh?" Raseri feels something trying to reassure her, something that seems quite flustered itself.

Having collected all of Raseri's weapons, he turns back to Tristain. "If yer called to serve, my friend," he says to the half-elf, "Don't let me see ya going soft. The monsters are in here," he taps his temple with his free hand, "big dreams, big ideas. They take men over, make monsters of them. That's when you have to beat em out."

Smiling knowingly, he turns to Durriken, Goffred, and Theron. He beckons with his free hand that they should surrender their weapons too.


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

Fredo unfastens his crossbow and dagger from his belt and slaps them into the guard's palm, first one then the other. His jaw is clenched tight against the words that threaten to spill from his mouth like a spring flood, his nostrils are flared like the mouth of the Jeggare, and his eyes flash like a ship's warning lights. He manages to turn away from the guard and to direct his icy-toned words to Tristain. "This man here?" he says, "He speaks for Korvosa. So does the Queen. Mark what they say. Mark who is making the civil war."

Fredo hopes Tristain and the others will remember his words of the morning, that Korvosa's mouthpieces mouthed not her words.


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 extremely displeased with the current state of affairs. However, as the others disarm themselves, he unslings his bow, unbuckles his swordbelt, and drops the weapons at the feet of the guard. At a sharp look from Raseri, he draws the dagger from its wrist sheath and adds that to the pile.

"I'll be back for those."

Shadow Lodge

After Theron's crossbow is added to the other weapons, the marine puts his free hand to his mouth and gives a sharp whistle. From positions around the perimeter come several Korvosan Guards in their armor and maroon tabards, armed with heavy swords and crossbows. "We're going to escort these five to the Queen," says the marine, pushing the party's gear into one of the guards' hands. One of the guards starts to object, raising his sword for emphasis, but the marine talks him down. "It's orders," he says cryptically, as if that closed the matter. Apparently it does, because the little procession begins to make its way up the ancient staircase to the castle.

At the top of this wide staircase they find a narrow, curving one, at the base of which are two creatures. The first is familiar. The marine's whistle apparently served a double purpose, because his hippogriff is waiting for him. He mounts it, bending down to listen to something the other creature says. She's a woman in plate armor with copper burnishing and a two-handed sword buckled around her waist. Her head is bare of helment, and her ebon hair whips in the wind at this height. The marine salutes her, nods at the party, and flaps off. As if alerted to their presence only by the signal of her subordinate, she turns to, and nods curtly at, the party.

"Greetings. I've been told you have something that belongs to the queen. Is this correct?"


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

Knowledge (nobility) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12. Who is this person?

"It is," says Fredo, whose mind is elsewhere. It's in the recent past, and the near future, away to the east, thinking about what the marine had said. Was fortifying Eodred's Walk a mistake? Would the people who'd been convinced to do it pay? Mistake or not, now that it's done, what was to be done about it? He'd promised to go back, but none of his friends seemed interested in guiding the outraged. Alone then? Maybe he could ask Raseri for Zellara's company.

Fredo reaches into one of his pouches and brings out the piece of jewelry, turning it back and forth so the woman could see both distinguishing features: the device and the broken clasp. "We recovered it yesterday, and came as soon as we could."


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:

Considering your the GM I hope you know who this is. ;)

"We're also here to make sue she knows she's got some right nasty monsters running around underground. One o' them tried to do me in."

She holds out her arms showing the shredded fabric and freshly scarred bracers.

Shadow Lodge

Sometimes I just want to post as if I was a player, okay? :P

Besides, since I rolled it above-board, I can honestly say that Goffred doesn't know who this is. Speaking of which...

"Hmm, the otyughs are restless as well?" says the woman, with the slightest hint of scorn that Raseri doesn't know the monsters' name. "They're normally docile, consuming sewage and other waste." She reaches out to take the broach, and after a moment of close examination closes her hand upon it. She smiles a half smile and steps aside, gesturing that the companions may enter the castle. "Perhaps you can tell the queen something of value."

The guards start to shuffle forward, but the woman dismisses them. "You may return to your posts," she says, with both her half smile and her very slight scorn. "These heroes pose no threat to the queen." You are unsure of whether she's stating her confidence in your goodwill or her confidence in her ability to stop you making trouble. The guards shrug and start to trundle back down the steps, while you and the woman head into the castle.

"It may not look it," she says, indicating the turning hallways with their high, vaulted ceilings, "but the queen is quite close. I'll need to know how you want to be introduced to her."


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:

Can you give a little more context to that last part the woman said to Ras. Does it sound like she's implying anything?

Shadow Lodge

Well, let's see. Here's Ras' Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Ras gets the sense that most of what the woman is saying is a backhanded compliment, but that nothing is directed at her specifically.

Completely OOC, everything this woman says in her first paragraph was just meant to give you the name "otyugh" and some information about them, since talking around the name was getting annoying and since no one in the party had the appropriate knowledge skill trained.


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:

Yeah, I knew Goffred had Prestidigitation prepared, but that wouldn't mend clothing, so I'm assuming unless he spent a few moments casting mending as well, she still has some pretty bad tears in her borrowed shirt. Since you said the cleaning happened off screen, she's clean, just showing off the holes and teeth marks. As for ticked at Goffred, not so much now that she's her petite self and is in somewhat better shape than right after the fight.

Right, like I'm supposed to ask what everything that tries to eat me is called...

Raseri's eyes narrow, but says nothing at the implied, imagined or otherwise, slight. When asked how they are to be introduced, she says, almost automatically, "Raseri, Warrior of the Whitescale Clan and first daughter of Skjǫldr and Ulfheiðr. Is that formal enough or would you wish to announce my accomplishments as well?"

She was not in a good mood before. Now? She's in a bad one.


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

Tristain stands somewhat dumbfounded as he stares at the woman.

"Who-who-who are you?" Tristain stammers out. Tristain seems awed, as if he never expected or hoped to be in the presence of royalty or the like.

"I am Tristain. Tristain the Chalker. It's unlikely you know my work...but perhaps you remember the unicorn drawn on the south wall about a week ago?"

Tristain pauses, unsure whether to nod or bow or extend a hand for a shake. In the end, Tristain just smiles weakly.

"I am a loyal servant of Korvosa itself. The City blesses me."

Shadow Lodge

"It is good to know you serve Queen Ileosa already, in your way," says the woman, not looking at Tristain or Raseri but straight down the hall. "I have not seen your unicorn, but I do not leave Castle Korvosa much. I am Sabina, the queen's personal bodyguard. My duties keep me close to her majesty." Sabine seems to warm a little when she speaks of Ileosa. Though her posture does not change and she doesn't glance in any particular direction, Raseri can tell Sabina's next words are meant for her.

"However you want her majesty to learn of you, the court will accomidate it."


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

"If that's the case," scoffs Fredo, clearly amused, "tell them I'm Citizen Goffred Giulianoff of Sirathu, second son of Prefect Eilso and Maria of Sirathu, an Avario Collegian." He figures there's no point hiding anything about himself from the court. At least one person there will be able to check his mind for falsehood, and Fredo knows he wouldn't be able to stop them without significant research and preparation. Instead, he tries to change the subject.

"Will we remain here long after this audience is over? I have wanted a closer at the Grand Mastaba for some time, and it's just so hard to appreciate monuments when surrounded by armed guards." Hidden behind this question is the question of whether Sabina expects them to be killed or not. She could identify those sewer beasts, those otyugh; she should be able to read between the lines of speech just as easily.


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

Tristain smirks when the woman reveals that she does not know his work.

Of course not. Why would she?

"Please don't be confused...I don't know that I serve the Queen. I serve Korvosa itself...the spirit that inhabits this city. I mean no disrespect to the Queen, of course, but the truth is the truth. Korvosa guides my path. I tend to her and she tends to me."

Tristain pauses, ponders, and then opines.

"It might be that the needs of the Queen and the needs of Korvosa are the same. Right now, Korvosa is bleeding. Balance has been lost...the people, the City, the everything are suffering. We need to fix it. If the Queen needs help with that, I will see what I can do."


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 and then back to Sabine. "Durriken Garde. Apprentice bowyer." He falls silent again, content with letting the others talk to those in power.


Male Human healer NPC

Theron gets lost in thought, contemplating Tristain's words and how close they are to his own heart. "... and I am Theron Astur Abraham, follower of Korada." with a slight bow.

yeah lost my dot again... guess I'll stop relying on that.

Shadow Lodge

"The city needs a strong hand," says Sabina, looking down her nose at Tristain as though seeing him for the first time. "To help the Queen be that hand is to help Korvosa." There is, however, no more time for discourse as the group rounds the final corner. Sabina makes the announcement herself, in her loud, clear voice.

"Presenting, for the pleasure of Queen Ileosa Arbasti, first of her name: Durriken Garde, apprentice bowyer; Goffred Giulianoff, avario collegian; Raseri, Warrior of Clan Whitescale; Theron Astur Abraham, follower of Korada; and Tristain the Chalker." She does not bow, but steps aside to allow you into the throne room.

Queen Ileosa sits upon the Crimson Throne. She is a vision of celestial beauty despite the black mourning dress and veil she wears in honor of her husband's death. A small silver coffer sits in her lap. The throne room itself is pristine but strangely empty - an open area with a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows of past kings and queens looking down from the eastern wall, and crimson tapestries hanging along the others. An immense fireplace offers additional light and heat to the hall, and a silk carpet provides a gently arching path to the throne's base. Sabina steps up to the queen and hands off the brooch with a flourish, then takes up a position at the throne's left side. Ileosa rises to address you.

"This brooch was stolen from me some time ago - I had not expected to see it again, truth be told. And yet, here on my darkest day, you come before me with kindness. The return of this brooch is much more than an honorable deed. It is inspiration. It is hope.

"I love Korvosa, as my husband did before me. His death has shocked the city as it has me, but I will not see his legacy destroyed in death, and I shall not see my city torn apart. All Korvosa stands at the precipice of a disaster wrought by her citizens - these riots cannot continue. You have already done my heart a great service in returning this bauble to me on this dark day, and you shall be rewarded. Yet, perhaps you can serve your city more.

"If you so choose, I shall have Sabina see to it that you have an escort of guards when you leave here. They can see you to your save journey to Citadel Volshyenek. I shall send word ahead of you to Field Marshal Cressida Kroft to let her know you are on the way. The Korvosan Guard is stretched thin, and it can certainly use the aid of heroes such as yourselves. Now, I need to retire to my personal quarters. My grief has drained me. Again, I thank you for the kindness you have shown me, and I hope your days of serving the crown are only just beginning."

The queen beckons to Sabina, who takes the silver coffer from Ileosa's lap. This she hands to Raseri. She finds it surprisingly heavy, and can hear and feel heavy objects sliding around, piled on top of one another, inside. With a whirl of her mourning dress, the queen disappears out the chamber's rear door.

"Well," says Sabina with a small, proud smile, "It seems her majesty would rather see you on patrol than skulking about the castle. I can't say I blame her." With that, she ushers you out the front door and back into the hallway leading outside. "What say you to this generous offer?"


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:

Though her lips barely move, anyone looking at her can tell she's muttering something under her breath when she gushes about them giving the brooch back.

Perception DC 15:
"So what was killing that monster? Worthy of song and a statue?"

Her eyes widen a bit when she takes the chest, but a quick shift of the weight and she's not any worse off than before. To Sabina's question the young ulfen gives a curt, but not entirely truthful, "As long as I can look for my sister, I don't give a damn what she wants us to do."


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

Are we going to the citadel as members of the guard? Or as "guests?"
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Durriken eyes the bodyguard suspiciously, but nods when Raseri speaks. "I go with these two," he says, indicating Raseri and Tristain. "If they agree, then I do as well."


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

Tristain pauses to think about the offer that was just given him, his face wrinkling up with both interest and disgust.

These people think *they* speak for Korvosa?! HA! They only speak for one small part of the lifeforce that makes up Korvosa. The heart does not listen to the liver...they must work together to thrive. But only one leads.

Tristain nods and keeps quiet as his mind continues to think.

I could use the work...and go back to finding Trina in my spare time...

"...and maybe I could use this opportunity to get these people back in concert with Korvosa itself." Tristain unconsciously speaks the last few words aloud, but is quite confident in the thought process.

Tristain raises his head.

"Sure, I agree," Tristain announces.

I'll help Korvosa get back to balance from within. And find Trina while I do it. No problem.


Male Human healer NPC

I think we have little choice... especially if the royal opinion is that this is a 'generous offer'
"The only thing I am certain of is that chaos here is not good for the city. I agree as well... as long as we retain our free will, and power to determine the length and scope of our service."


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

Fredo's face hardens at the offer, and at Sabina's evident expectation that they take it. He doesn't see that they have much choice: the woman could easily have them arrested or killed if they did not do as she asked. How, then, could Fredo help turn this into an opportunity? Well, it would be easier to fraternize with and win over some portion of the guards if they wore their uniform. And there were one or two other possibilities as well.

"We stick together," he says, as if to brook no disagreement on that point. "One question though. I have been questioned by the Guard in the past. Will this make working with guardsmen difficult?" Fredo looks straight at Sabina as he says this, avoiding looking at Durriken and Raseri. He hopes to keep Sabina's suspicions off them by naming himself as the only one concerned about such things.

Shadow Lodge

"A nuisance, if you must know," says Sabina, with seemingly no prompting. Raseri knows, however, that this is in response to her sarcastic question. "Another will have to be coaxed down there or the whole neighborhood will become a haven for muck and disease worthy of Old Korvosa." She turns to Goffred to answer his question.

"The Guard does not forget. But you go anointed by the blessings of the Queen. No one will move against someone in such high regard, or they will be hearing from me. If you want to quit," she says to Theron, "you'll have to take it up with your commander. Dame Kroft is fair, but she doesn't take loss well."

The group reaches the end of the hallway and Sabina puts her fingers to her mouth and blows. At the base of the pyramid, several guards come to attention and gather around the ramp.

"Your escort is down there. Go quickly."


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

Tristain leaves, feeling confident about his decision.

This is the True Korvosa creating an opportunity for me to fix things.

For you, Korvosa. For you, I will.

* * *

As they walk out, Tristain's interest is piqued.

"What's in the box, Raseri?"


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 trots down the stairs to retrieve his weapons from the guard before heading out to the Citadel. I hope the guard doesn't take poorly to me "joining" them. That could be awkward.


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:

"Great, I'll keep that in mind next time one tries to eat me."

She keeps her mouth shut after this, obviously annoyed with the guard and a little off put by the queen's response to the brooch.

I thought protecting her people would have been a better inspiration than returning a fancy brooch. There's a reason bards sing songs about slaying dragons and not returning jewelry...

...Later, when Tristain asks his question...

"Hm? Oh, a bunch of things that are heavy and slick by the feel of it"

She looks around before quietly saying to the others, "I don't want to open it out here. If it's what I think it is, we'd be wise to wait until we're behind a locked door."


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

Tristain nods at Raseri, looking disappointed at having to wait.

Tristain looks at the sun, trying to figure out what time it is.

What time is it?

"Let's get moving, eh? I want to find out what they need us for. Durriken, Theron, you really okay with this?"


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 grunts at Tristain's question. "No, I am not. However, I seem to have little choice in the matter. If I must go to the Citadel again," He casts a glace at Goffred, "I would prefer it be at least not in chains."


Male Chelaxian Void Wizard 5

"That will not happen," says Fredo, lapsing into a moody silence as they descend the stairs. He looks at the stonework beneath his feet, wanting to make the most of the opportunity. Even in the lowering sun, the boot-worn patterns in the stones stand out in their beguiling malevolence. "The last two things we did for the Guard were favors. Containing, as they see it, the rush of people off the bridge and returning Grau. If he's woken up by now he'll have something nice to say too. Besides," he finishes, looking back at Durriken, "If they do go for us, I'll get their attention, make sure you get back to your master and the kids."

Shadow Lodge

As you reach the ground the sun dips below the skyline. The guards form up around you, and it's off to the Citadel. The patrols you saw earlier in the day are gone, seemingly drawn away somewhere else. A large red glow can be seen from the direction of Eodred's Walk, and another, smaller one from the docks near where Lamm hangs. The faint sound of singing can be heard from the direction of the larger light, though it's too far away to make out the words.

When you come to the Citadel, you are greeted by another pair of guards at the gate, and ushered inside. The party that brought you here disperses to other tasks, and you're escorted by one of the gate guards into the central keep. It seems nearly empty, with only a few rushed and tired-looking guards in the hallways carrying papers from one room to another. You're brought to an office and the guard opens the door to reveal a harried-looking but attractive human woman with dark hair and red armor seated at a desk. It takes her a few seconds to see you but eventually she does, and rises.

"Ah yes," she sighs, [b"you are the ones sent by Queen Ileosa. Greetings. My name is Cressida Kroft, and heroes of your caliber are exactly what Korvosa needs now. You've been on the streets. You know
better than me how bad things are out there."[/b] She pulls out a miniature scroll and skims it. "It seems you've prevented it from becoming worse several times over already." She puts it on top of Raseri's case, as she's closest; from what Raeri can see, it tells of their fight with the otyugh, and is signed by Sabina.

"It’s breaking my heart to see Korvosa tear herself apart like this. Every little bit of aid we can get from upstanding citizens like you helps. If you’re willing, I’d very much like to retain your services as
agents of the Guard. I don’t need to say, of course, that you’ll
be well compensated for these services."
She looks askance at the case when she says this, as though she can guess what's inside and is having trouble appreciating the irony.


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 eyes nervously glance at the case. She's suddenly very self-conscious about the words spoken earlier in anger and frustration, and the case full of what is likely gold bars.

"Dame Kroft?" she pauses while waiting to see if she got the title right before continuing on. "I don't know if you're aware, but I have visited here once, four years ago. I lost my temper when the guard refused to help look for my sisters. I've since found one, but Gaedren Lamm told me he sold the other to another. I've gold enough to support me and her, so I refuse to ask for more coin than what you'd pay one of your men. I do not share your love for this city, but I took a vow when I came of age to protect the innocent, especially those who cannot protect themselves."

She pauses again, this time to let her words sink in.

"For four years I have searched, and I feel as though as I'm having to start again. If you can pass anything you know about where my sister might possibly be, then I will vow to protect the people of Korvosa like they are my family." she glances over at the others before giving Kroft a smirk, "These four have seen what happens to those who hurt my family."


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

Tristain waits for any response from Cressida to Raseri before adding his own thoughts.

"Like you, it hurts me to see my city this way. It pains me. I used to think that I called Korvosa home. Now I think that Korvosa, the true Spirit of the City, has called me to its home. I will work with you on restoring balance to Korvosa...I believe Korvosa wants that from me. Consider me working for you through my service to Korvosa and you will have my service as long as the best interests of Korvosa are served."

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 Diplomacy

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