Megan's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Megan Robertson

Given that you like 'across the table' talk, here's somewhere for a good chat outside of the actual game thread.

Grab a beverage of your choice and a slice of pie, set you down and chat away!

thanks megan

Gaaah! Finally! Mead! And Meat!

Hehe! Thanks Megan! :)

Sorry... I've not been very talkative the last few days... I've been playing games at the local Gamer Convention - Whosyercon... here in Indianapolis!

Tomorrow is the last day! :)

Just a reminder Megan... Ashe still does not have a Harrow Deck card... :)

Still thinking on it...

Cool... just checking... figured you were still trying to figure him out... :)

He's a hero... kind, supportive, hopefully inspiring, and suicidally brave in the face of danger. That is how I try to play him... at least. Nothing more.

I think all of our Harrow cards were determined by our highest ability score and alignment. Hence, mine, was The Juggler (CG-Dexterity).

Okay, here's a little peeve of mine. I might be the only one to hold it, or it might just be a conflict of PBP-gaming styles. I am usually a slow-acting character, prefering to resolve what needs to be resolved in one place before moving on to the next. So I get a little frustrated when characters post that they are doing something and then run off to do something else, because it makes it difficult to respond to the initial actions. This can be retro'd of course, but that could change the future actions, which some other player might have responded to. (You can see how a temporal flux capacitor might come in handy.)

Ah... I see your point. Sorry, I should have considered that. I can reply to your questions if you wish to RP that... and then proceed onto the rest of Ashe's actions. Though Ashe did just leave the dagger with Hytogg... not bothering to tell the others...though indeed he did not 'intentionally' try to hide it from the others either... it does make for a 'post-and-run' sort of thing. I'll make sure I do not do that again in the future! Sorry... your point is correct. Didn't mean to do that.

Let's just say that Ashe is still there to answer questions and I'll make sure I don't do that again in the future!

I am worried that we have not heard from Risdin. Should we slow down until he can rejoin us again?

Hmmm... perhaps. Now is a lull in the flow of the story ... I believe... one completed mission. Again I wish there was a way to send private messages to others who are registered members of this forum...{sigh!}

If you wish, I run my own mailserver and can set up a mailing list - just send me the e-mail you would like to be contacted on. Then we can keep in touch, have any OOC arrangements made, etc.

Mine's

Thank you Megan.. I've sent you my e-mail address with an e-mail. But I don't really mind if others know mine... though you may wish to remove yours when you have our email addresses, assuming others would wish to e-mail you with ooc posts.

Thanks again! :)

Okay, just thought I'd get this up again. Let's discuss any plans further here on the OOC thread, at least until Risdin and Hytogg chime in a little more on the IC thread. Our lovely DM is probably still sleeping, so I don't want to give her a hundred posts to go through in one night... lol. :P

LOL! Good point!

I like your idea about our cover story.... Ashe is not completely pleased with the deceptions involved... but if people 'think' he is a Hellknight when he does not specifically claim to be one... that is not him per se lying... lol!

I have looked at the free pdf download about Harrow decks... "The Marriage"...sort of appropriate if provocative. It means...

The Marriage (lawful neutral, Charisma) can be a union of
people, ideas, kingdoms, or other distinct things. The progeny of
the salamander and water weird shows that a union might bring
forth new power from both parties, or it might be a ruinous joining
of that which should never have been united. Once wedded, the
two cannot be parted. This is the card of permanent change.

Mine is

The Juggler (chaotic good, Dexterity) represents fate,
the gods, or those who play with the lives and destinies of others. If this titanic juggler can keep up his rhythm, he will achieve his goals.

I'm hoping that Hytogg will get a chance to do some research on that evil dagger...

I also need to sell the extraneous loot. Did Meggan answer Shakhan's question about the gold and silver values recovered from the small bags of loot found in the barn?

Yep.... It was close to 1000 gp value all together (the stuff we found in the barns), I'm thinking. Maybe a little more than that.

Aha, that's where you've all gone :)

The stash found in the holding pen consisted of several bags, and in all contains 450gp, 740sp, and 800gp-worth of assorted pieces of jewellry and gemstones.

Owt else?

Loot in Barn - 1,324gp

Ok... So some totals...

2x Longswords 15gp each 'assuming half price' [+15gp]
several bottles of brandy 'assuming half price' [+10gp]
- Several means at least three to me, minus one we drank so 2 bottles
- Wine {Bottle} ...but not the finest so 5gp each
a nice longbow 'meaning masterwork? and assuming half price' [+187.5gp]
well-crafted spear 'meaning masterwork? and assuming half price' [+151gp]

Grand Total = 1,687.5gp [5-ways: 337gp, 5 sp - each]

Silver Dagger - radiates Magic & Evil
- Can we spend gold to have it identified?

Zellara’s Harrowing deck of Cards
- Can we spend gold to have it identified?

Also, can we purchase anything we have the gold for in the Core book? Including spells, potions and scrolls?

Korvosa's the sort of town that most anything can be purchased... if you know where to look!

Do you like bookkeeping and playing out shopping, or are you content to just cross off gold and add items?

You will, I think, need to role-play more specialist stuff like getting things magically analysed, though.

Yeah I don't mind just purchasing items and cross off gold. Not really wanting to waste time from the plot playing 'bean-counter'. I kinda figured some RP would be needed for more specialist analysis!

I'm not sure how much gold we will need for our 'venture' into the Spider's Web though. If we're going through with our plan. If I could though I'd like to buy the following potions.

potion of aspect of the falcon for 50 gp
potion of gravity bow for 50 gp

If we're going to go through with this plan, will probably also need

potion of disguise self for 50 gp. (maybe 2)

Great Idea Una... potion of Disguise!

Also, I thought the Harrow Deck was analyzed at the Temple of Pharasma? Was that not a complete analysis?

I've read all the old posts... but I do not believe specific abilities were detailed other than it has an intelligence. We do not know how far it can see, what languages it can speak, what its ego is, What specific powers it has...anything concrete.

Lol. We may never know all that. Most of that is DM information. Some magic items, especially artifacts and story plot devices (such as the Harrow Deck) don't really have specific powers other than to further the story along, and give the players a sense of purpose and meaning. :P

I felt like we had it examined pretty thoroughly at the Cathedral to Pharasma. If the enchantment is 20th level or higher, it is nigh impossible to identify except by at least a 15th level caster, generally.

Without going into too much detail, that Harrow Deck is pretty much a Plot Device. The AP leaves it to the DM to determine just how much it features and what it gets up to...

Now, you've been given 1,000gp for 'bribes' money, if you want to dip into it for equipment/potions that's fine - after all, Croft doesn't expect an accounting (given that it's a bit difficult to explain away bribes on the books).

Lovely plotting and planning... I propose that we move on to Eel's End on Monday, if you think you will have your plot laid and preparations made by then. No problem if you want longer, though...

Megan, Una went to find Vencarlo before going out to find Lord Jalento and completing her purchases.

Sound good to me... Monday we go to the 'Eel's End'.

You've found him, Una.

If anyone wants to make some suggestions to what I can ask or discuss with Vencarlo, please let me know. Make sure its stuff I would already know about. :) I'm at a loss here, just going with the flow.

Can't really think of much. Maybe try to find out what his "sources" are - since he came to Kressida with information

Dot

If you are content with an abstraction...

You have chosen a card table, being the first one near to the door. The game is one in which players compete to get nearest to a number drawn by the dealer. It's mostly up to chance, the dealer lays down two cards to set the target, then each player draws two cards. They then each have the option to draw a third if they wish.

We'll simulate by a d20 roll from the dealer, one to represent the other players and one from you...

Dealer: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Other players: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Over to you...

Una cares little about the actual goings on of the game. The point is to get people to notice her copious wealth. She flippantly flips (always wanted to say that) over the cards dealt to her.

1d20 ⇒ 20

Gambling Den: You lose! The stake seems to have been 2 gp, you said you put up double, so that's 4 gp. (Hey, it's early yet, the big hitters generally come out later at night!)

Another round?

Dealer: 1d20 ⇒ 7

The gamblers: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Huh? How does that work? She rolled highest of all the players? Is it lowest roll wins?

Hey Risdin your forgetting the real detail of the offer to the spider and the 'catch' Asherick thought up...

"Perhaps... we do have... something that might get the 'Spider's' attention. But it is... risky. Shakhan. You have a reputation of being a great pit fighter. I'm sure 'The Spider' keeps his claws into the gambling and vice surrounding the 'Pit Fighting' circuit here in Korvosa. So... Shakhan, tell him you are getting back into the pit but... you want to do things differently this time... smarter. You want to script your debut, fights, and odds of fights with more detail... more profit. Offer him that you will throw three distinct fights in his favor... at the most opportune times to rake in the most profit for him and you as well. You tell him you do not want upset the current status in a permanent way - you don't want a permanent career... you want to enter, hit it big, and take your cut so you can walk away in style and never need to fight anymore. 20 or so fights tops... and profit for both of you! Una is your intro as she has had ...dealings with him before and she is part of your managing team. But... you want something from him in return. Tell him you are... tying up some loose ends dealing with your betrayal by your old manager. You found out he was on the take of House Endrin as he got rid of some.... undesirable complications that the Noble house did not want being made publicly known... and as a favor they smoothed over any of the rare occasions the Korvosan Guard caught up on him. Well he started blackmailing House Endrin with the 'evidence' he was supposed to dispose of. When you came looking for him for some payback... Agents of House Endrin contacted and offered to tell you right where he was for your vengeance. But they asked a favor of you in return. They need something on the Cheliax Ambassador - Darvayne Gios Amprei for leverage to keep him from ruining the trade concerns with Westcrown. They know he intends to disparage all ties with Korvosa to dry up all the trade with the city stopping the vital influx of supplies and gold into the city all to his advantage. You could walk away but you really don't want any trouble with a powerful Noble House. You had heard that the Ambassador likes the whores in 'House of Clouds' and you know nothing takes place at 'Eel's End' that does not get noticed by The Spider King!"

Asherick pauses, his expression dissatisfied.

"Just enough truth and... misrepresentations to peek 'Spider's' interest. He may require a... demonstration of your might Shakhan... he will not buy a horse... sight unseen. You would put yourself at risk if you did not follow through... As I said... risky."

Remember? That was the 'Hook' to get the 'Spider' Interested...

Risdin is not a premature expositorator :p - there's no point in detailing the plan too early. You need to get Spidey interested without giving him enough knowledge to blackmail you.

I am hoping that Risdin will remember that idea swiftly. We have to meet up at some time, in the Spider King's presence, so that we can begin questioning him cautiously.

Oh, and the rolls, Ashe, I think I was supposed to roll close to the same number the dealer had. =) It doesn't matter that much, I told her to roll some dice and adjudicate, and she did. :)

dot

Scampers in looking flustered...

This thread had disappeared off of my 'dots'...

The gambling game was one I made up on the spot, a simpler version of baccarat where you try to match what the dealer has as closely as possible rather than aim for a arbitary target; chosen because it could be resolved by a single die roll and so abstracted for those who prefer to role-play rather than gamble. Sorry if I didn't make it clear enough!

That was kind of an intro. Will spill the more interesting stuff next.

Wouldn't it be enough to ask him about helping with the throwing of the fights. I know we need a reason to be needing him, but we can say we need his underground contacts and some capital, like for bookies and bouncer etc.

I think you might have missed my point... somewhat.

My plan was not for Shakhan to go to the Spider looking to buy something... like his underworld connections {he doesn't need those to get into an arena and beat the heck out of hapless opponents}, but Shakhan IS there to speak with the spider to SELL his collusion in throwing a few fights in the Spider's favor ... for some information the 'Spider' may possess in return.

The fact that Shakhan has every intention of playing underhandedly for profit is a forgone conclusion to the Criminal Underworld Boss - 'The Spider', he would expect nothing less from an unscrupulous pit fighter scumbag! The value of the profits 'The Spider' will rake in from Shakhan throwing a few fights for the 'Spider' to take advantage of should FAR Exceed the value on any 'Extortion Information' that Shakhan might ask the 'Spider' to supply... at least I was hoping the 'Spider' would see it that way!

Greed is a POWERFUL motivator!

Ashe! Yelp!

What do I say now? it's not like we can take pictures of him in the act. What should I propose to the Spider King, or should I just leave it up to his imagination?

Uhm... how about evidence of corruption? Like deals made under the table to take advantage of the trade shipments here to Korvosa for his own benefit? Or proof of bribes given to underworld partners to falsely impinge on the image of Korvosa to his leaders in Egorian, or perhaps some evidence indicating he is willfully lying to his leaders about the situation here in Korvosa. Reading through my Cheliax book... its not illegal in Cheliax to bribe an official...but it IS illegal to NOT report the bribe to one's superiors!

Just ask the Spider if he knows something or knows someone who might nknow something the Cheliax Ambassador would NOT want his superiors knowing about? Perhaps he is addicted to some drug or another that would influence his work here in Korvosa or something like that... I'm not sure...

That was well played and fun.

Leveling to 3rd Level:

Una Therlmagne is now a Weapon Specialist fighter.
She takes a level in Rogue (Sniper).

1d8 ⇒ 3 for hitpoints
+3 Reflex save
Skills:
Acrobatics 1 Rank
Disable Device 3 Ranks
Intimidate 1 Rank
Perception 3 Ranks
Feat: Crossbow Mastery

Sneak Attack: +1d6

Accuracy: Una halves all range increment penalties when making ranged attacks with a bow or crossbow.

Weapon Guard: Una gains a +1 bonus to CMD against disarm and sunder attempts while wielding her crossbow. This bonus also applies to saves against effects that target the crossbow.

Hytogg's 2nd Level of Illusionist HP.

1d6 ⇒ 1

1d6 ⇒ 1

Hytogg's 2nd Level of Illusionist HP.

1d6

Great :-(.

Reroll ones. :P

That was well played and fun.

Leveling to 3rd Level:

Una Therlmagne is now a Weapon Specialist fighter.
She takes a level in Rogue (Sniper).

1d8 for hitpoints
+3 Reflex save
Skills:
Acrobatics 1 Rank
Disable Device 3 Ranks
Intimidate 1 Rank
Perception 3 Ranks
Feat: Crossbow Mastery

Sneak Attack: +1d6

Accuracy: Una halves all range increment penalties when making ranged attacks with a bow or crossbow.

Weapon Guard: Una gains a +1 bonus to CMD against disarm and sunder attempts while wielding her crossbow. This bonus also applies to saves against effects that target the crossbow.

Asherick takes another level in Paladin

1d10 for hit points [ 5 ] + Con
+1 Reflex Save
Skills:
Diplomacy 1 Rank
Handle Animal 1 Rank
Intimidate 1 Rank
Sense Motive 1 Rank
Swim 1 Rank

Aura of Courage: Immune to Fear

Divine Health: Immune to disease - both Mundane and Magical

Mercy: Lay On Hands additional curative [ Sickened condition ]