Megan's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Megan Robertson

Ebon uses his Deathsight to judge just how injured the manacled person is - and whether it is undead. This might also reveal if the 'statues' are alive.
Ebon starts forward, but Edward's comment nods, and steps closer to Jord.

There's a kind of haze of evil... like, evil has been wrought here, but there isn't actually anyone evil present at the moment. No magic, chaos or invisible threats either.

Satisfied Ashe moved forward to the manacled man.

Lifting his head gently Ashe checks to see if he still lives...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
- Does Ashe recognize him? He knows what both Vencarlo and Neolandus look like having seen Vencarlo personally a while back and seen the Seneschal in court many times.. I'd expect.

Pulling his healers kit from his Handy Haversack-Belt pouch Ashe checks to see how severe his injuries are and treats some of them if possible...

Heal: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Then he sets to releasing him from the manacles to settle him to the ground for ease of treating his wounds.

"Fear not, Sir, I am 'Sir' {Lieut} Asherick Whiteplume, Paladin of IOMEDAE... you are not in danger from us. Who are you and how came you to be a prisoner of the Rakshasa Arkona?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

It's Vencarlo Orisini, and the poor dear is unconscious, dressed in tattered rags, his body a display of bruises and partially healed cuts and scrapes, looks like he hasn't had a decent meal in a while either.

Ashe pulls 'Graxer's' wand of cure serious wounds and 'Graxer's' wand of lesser restoration using a charge from Both on Vencarlo Orisini to revive him and restore his fatigue, perhaps even some of the constitution damage from starvation/dehydration.

"Vencarlo, the JUSTICARS have found you... rest easy, my friend, you are among allies! What happened to you...and have you seen Vimanda Arkona or any other guardians in the maze?"

Ashe reaches into his Handy Haversack-Belt Pouch to begin retrieving some trail rations and water for Vencarlo to take in... slowly.

"How are you after Sir Ashericks efforts good sir, fully healed?"

Jord checks them man for further injuries

Perceptin: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28

Dex winces as he mentally drags himself awake, staring blindly it takes a moment for his mind to engage and for him to process his surroundings.

"Ho." Dex croaked before snapping to alertness. "Rakshasas? Aren't those angry demon...cats?"

Dex shook his head and stood up. "Sorry about that." He said indicating the trap. "Can't spot the magical ones...mundane ones are easy enough."

Dex watches the paladin administer to Vencarlo, opting to keep a sharp eye on their surroundings.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37

Vencarlo slowly raises his head and when he sees who it is he even manages a smile.

"I... see you got my note. The key to the manacles is under the cushion on the throne. Neolandus... we must rescue him. He's in the torture chamber... let me catch my breath, I can show you the way."

He shudders. "I've been there myself."

Jord approaches the throne cautiously to get the key
Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35

Asherick turns to all the new companions and smiles solemnly, "Greetings all of you... this is fencing-master Vencarlo Orisini. We the JUSTICARS entered this dungeon to find him and the Seneschal of Castle Korvosa, Neolandis. We believe Queen Ileosa has been possessed by an evil artifact of some sort... and as such needs to be removed from office lest more evil by her be spread. Neolandis has the authority as Seneschal to remove her from the throne... and we believe he may know the nature of this evil artifact that IS controlling her. Vencarlo learned that the Arkona had taken Neolandis captive and was forced to flee before contacting us as the Queen sent assassins of the Red Mantis to kill Vencarlo, before he could tell us more than just that he needed to talk to us. We are here to rescue both men."

Turning a wry smile on the fencing master, "Master Vencarlo it appears your investigations were not covert enough as the Queen learned of your interest in her, and apparently took issue with such!"

Returning his gaze back to the new companions, "I have not been, formally introduced to you all... but know you I am 'Sir' Asherick Whiteplume, Paladin of the Holy Inheritor-IOMEDAE... 'Ashe' will do. My companions are Ebon Wings, a Druid-Menhir Savant. We are all that are left of the JUSTICARS. Mr. Edmund Gwen, a Sorcerer-Sage, we found in this Dungeon seeking his son who is perhaps prisoneer of the Arkona as well. Who may I ask are all of you.. and how came you here?"

Ashe is listening but he opens the 'party' bag of holding and pulling a kerchief from his belt pouch he roots around in the bag seeking Blackjack's Mithril rapier and black Gloves of Dexterity. Before pulling the rapier free of the bag of holding, Ashe ties his kerchief over the pommel to cover the monogram of the weapon so no one recognizes it as Blackjack's famous rapier. The gloves are plain enough no one should know anything about them.

Ashe pulls a sheathed mithril rapier and a pair of black gloves from the bag of holding handing them all to master Vencarlo muttering, '...I think you will need a weapon ere we leave this place fencing master!'

Then Ashe closes the bag of holding and sets down his masterwork backpack and retrieves his armored coat set of armor.

Speaking to softly to Vencarlo, so as not to disrupt the new companions tales, 'Put on this Armored Coat.. I know its a little heavier than what your use too.. but its is simple to put on or take off Very quickly if needed. And some armor is better than none...'

All that done Ashe focuses his full attention on the new companions introductions...

"Well Sir Ashe to re-introduce myself, I am Jord Sturmsson and I am an Inquisitor of the Holy Inheritor-Iomedae. I came to Korvosa in the hope of setting up a business partnership and that fell through. Now I have been helping where I could in the city with all the chaos and I have stumbled across Dex and Janatris along the way, we have teamed up to better seek fame and fortune."

Jord stops and composes himself a little giving the other two a chance to absorb the story he was telling

"I heard of Sir Ashe and the group he accompanies exploits and we agreed that if we could join this group there would be more we could achieve together. It seems we were lead astray into the sleep trap by the Arkona when they told us we could find you here, lckily I'm very difficult to lie to so they had to tell some truths and well, here we are after you have rescued us."

Dex shakes his head at the story from Ashe. "The Queen being controlled? That is...it seems you've all had quite an adventure already."

"I am Dex Camulus. Ex-Soldier from the hell that is the River Kingdoms. Survived my forth mercenary company and decided I was better off leaving. After I head of the unrest here...I set off to see if I could find bodyguard work. You know - stand around, look tough, and people would leave you alone. On the way here though, I met Jord. He had a better offer."

Dex smiled indicating his hands. "I'm generally best in the thick of things, I've yet to find things I haven't been able to beat to choke into submission. I'm a fair hand at locks and non-magical trapwork too."

"Thank you," says Vencarlo, taking the items offered. The rapier fits naturally into his hand, like an old familiar friend.

"I had almost given up hope... it is good to see you again Ashe. Have times been so hard that your companions have fallen by the way? Or have they just followed different paths?"

Ashe nods solemnly to the fencing master, "...a little bit of both, I'm sorry to say. Not all of it... beyond my failings either, I must admit. But my path remains constant... the protection of the innocent and seeing justice upheld here in Korvosa or wherever else the Inheritor bids me go in the cause of goodness."

"Hopefully we new companions will be up to the task of maintaining the high standards of the JUSTICARS and I also am a servant of the Inheritor further enabling her righteous cause"

Ashe turns to speak to Dex, "Well met, Dex, the River Kingdoms are indeed quite disordered, but like everywhere else.. I'm sure there are good and bad hearted people there as well. Its people and their hearts that makes a place a good place or a bad place. So regardless of your homeland we would Very much appreciate your assistance in the cause of goodness if that is your desire."

"Yes, our city is indeed in a crisis our young queen has ...somehow run across some kind of artifact holy to ZON-KUTHON and is being influenced by it.. but we are not entirely sure of the extent."

"As for the Rakshasa, Not exactly. Rakshasas are not feline in nature they are fiendish, outsiders... they are NOT part of any natural animal. Most people commonly think of them as tiger/cat-headed because it fits their true ferocious and bestial-maneating nature but in fact they can have any animal head. The ones we killed up in the Garden were hawk-headed for example. No matter their appearance they are inimical to mortal beings like us.. they are corruption and vice incarnate and revel in destroying mortals morality and spirit with lies, debauchery, sin and every sort of vile vice & indulgence... before they devour their playthings, preferably, alive and screaming!"

Turning his attention back to Jord, Ashe's tone becomes somewhat sad and self-depreciating, "...it may have been MY high standards that have caused us to loose so many companions, Inquisitor Jord, my fault. I have tried to inspire my companions to be merciful and forthright in all our dealings.. and it has grated with many of them. Master Hytogg - cleric 'mystic theurge' of NYTHYS was the first... my familiarity with the denizens of the city and my devotion to law and justice ... not summarily taking the law into our own hands but supporting the legal authority to punish the wicked as opposed to use just killing on the spot. Not just that... but my willingness to just step up and take charge of a situation to see to it justice and law were supported regardless of the personal danger I placed myself, and perhaps to some lesser extent my companions, grated with his views of freedom~ I was to flashy I guess. Miss Uma Therlmagne - fighter Rogue 'Sharpshooter' mistrusted my Noble status within Korvosa. She questioned my motivations at all times.. she chose to see my boldness in the face of opposition to preserve justice and law as just nobility arrogance and presumptuousness. Miss Kayla Adrianas cleric of was turned away by the constant bickering of Una, Shakhan, Varrel and me over what amounted simply to a difference of approach to dealing with injustice. Even Deriven Firelion - cleric of the Inheritor found my devotion to mercy for the wicked when possible and my respectful approach to other deities... evil or not distasteful enough that he left our company! The rest~ Shakhan, 'friend' Varrel, Graxer Firebeard, Ichabhod, Gronk, 'cousin' Damoc Oberigo, Jaessa Cornith, Arianna Rothschild, Zalania Sapphros, and Lucia Selito~ all either drifted away, were slain or gave up the quest."

He sighs in exasperation, "Certainly, intellectually~ I know, not all of them leaving or abandoning our adventure party was my fault, but I can't help but feel if I had done something different, been more accommodating or less preachy or more inspiring ...mayhap they might still be with us? I'm the only common factor ..I've been here from the begining... Queen Ileosa herself assigned me as liaison with the assembled adventuring party, so some of the blame Must be laid at my feet. I have much to answer for... so perhaps 'lowering' my standerds might be better?"

"In any case, we must continue anyways.. failure is not an option, I can atone for my misdeeds later right now the innocent of Korvosa need us to succeed!"

Turning to Vencarlo, "Master Vencarlo.. lead us to the other prisoners... Master Sage Edmund Gwen is seeking his son...as well.. haste is needed! Lead on!"

Vencarlo shakes his head.

"Ah, yes. We need to get to the torture chamber, then." He shudders.

"Have you figured this place out yet? Bits rotate you know. It's all very confusing. We need to get back out to the entrance. The passage from the Arcona's palace, it goes on past the way in here, only it doesn't look like that - magic, I suppose. It goes onwards, and that's the way we need to go, once we get back there. And the place is full of traps, but I expect you've found them already - or you wouldn't be here."

Ashe ponders Vencarlo's words and it finally clicks, "OH... of course...'a pair of large bronze double doors, each carved with images of tigers chasing other tigers in four adjacent circles. At the centre of each circle of tigers, a snarling tiger head looks out.' Yes, there must be four rotating galleries... which accounts for the shifting rooms. The Arkona make sport of their prey by giving them clues but no context."

"Yes, Vencarlo, I think I now know how to get back to where we started if the rooms continue to shift in their normal fashion and do not change. But we searched that passageway that continued on.. there was an illusory wall there that concealed a deep-deep shaft with some ...elemental-fire artifact gemstone at the bottom.. we never figured that out."

"You'll have to lead on or at least give me directions on where I am going, I make for a decent scout"

Jord will lead if required to wherever.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33

Ashe describes, "We head back tot he room with the lever {E3}... it is the only way back. Then we pull the lever... I think twice more. That should turn us two more quarters of the circle and we should be back to our starting point when we entered the Labyrinth."

Vencarlo looks puzzled.

"The illusionary wall, yes, but once through that there's just a passageway to the torture chamber and some cells."

Everyone happy to go back to E3? (Map) Are you agreed that operating the lever twice is what you want to do?

The gap does not seem to have any hidden blades, doors, spikes, etc.

The steps to the SE do appear to lead to a blank wall, yes... but as Lucia gets closer she finds that it's an illusion. Beyond is a deep, deep hole.

Ashe looks perplexed at Vencarlo's description of the area beyond the Illusory wall, "...hmmm? Perhaps there is some other more sinister deviltry going on here Master Vencarlo, cause that is not what we found on the other side of the Illusory wall. We should be extra careful investigating it on our arrival!"

I am fine with it and Jord analyses master Vencarlos mannerisms to see if he seems truthful

sense motive: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30

Grimly silent for most of the conversation, Ebon catches up with Ashe as the leave and speaks quietly.
"I haven't given up on Graxer yet. If we can get his body back, we might yet be able to do something."
"Thank the Gods of Good you were part of this at the beginning Ashe. You have become the soul of the Justicars. Others come and go, but you are the constant that keeps the team going. We would not be here without that. Would you really try to force someone to stay who did not agree? Better they go to do good in their own way."

Ashe smiles slightly, hiding his expression as much as possible and not really succeeding, "..thank you Ebon for your kind words, they do mean a lot to me. I have only ever tried to be a inspiration and uphold the good and law in all my dealings... imperfect and flawed as my efforts may be some time, its nice to know they have not been totally without merit."

"No, I would not force anyone who felt their lives needed to part ways with the Justicars to stay. There must always be the freedom of choice to determine one's own path, right or wrong... if law and goodness are not to become tyrannical and no better than the misguided efforts of hell."

You return safely to E3, and operate the lever... everything spins and you find that you are facing the entrance you came in by. Vencarlo leads the way out and points to the illusory wall.

"It's through there. A passage, a few steps down, then a set of double doors."

Ashe nods accepting the direction.

Turning to his companions, "...we will likely meet not only the Arkona Rakshasa, Vimanda.. but also any minions she has at her disposal.. we should cast any protective spells or blessings now!"

Ashe begins casting... first Protection from Evil [3min - 30rds] upon himself.

Then he pulls a potion bottle and applies a oil of bless weapon to his enchanted longsword, Dauntless Heart

Ashe hefts Dauntless Heart concentrating upon his divine bond [6min - 60rds], and prays... "Labbiel, I call upon your holy power... infuse my sword with the 'Fires of Heaven'!"

Dauntless Heart bursts into golden flames {Flaming} that do not burn him or his clothing.

And finally he pulls three scrolls from his belt pouch casting Expeditious Retreat, Divine Favor, on himself and Bless [All 1min - 10 rounds {8/9/10}] upon the party.

That's 6 rounds of buffing spells...
Ashe Buffs -
Protection from Evil = +2AC, Saves vs Evil creatures and spell effects from evil casters, Block All compulsion mind-affecting spell effects, 3 minutes {25rds}
Oil of Bless Weapon = 1 minute {6rds}
DIVINE BOND = Flaming +1d6{fire}, 6 minutes {57rds}
Expeditious Retreat = +30'ft move, 1 minute {8rds}
Divine Favor = +2hit & Damage, 1 minute {9rds}

Party BUFFS -
Bless = +1hit, +1 Save vs fear, 1 minute {10rds}

Hopefully everyone is buffed as well for he pauses only briefly to tell Majenko~ his pseudodragon companion, "My friend I know you are brave and a dragon... but powerful area magics may be released in this battle... please stay back on this side of the illusory wall where it is safe!"

Ashe does not notice... but it is clear to everyone else.. the little dragon has no intention of staying out of this fight...

Then enchanted, blessed, flaming longsword in hand and shield to shoulder Ashe strides on through the illusory wall... seeking the foes...

Ebon casts
1: Guidance on himself
2: Guidance on Ashe
3: Guidance on Jord
4: Guidance on Vencarlo
5: Aspect of the Falcon on himself
6: Cape of Wasps on himself
[/ooc]
"Let's go." he agrees, trailing Ashe.

Jord casts on himself
shield of faith 8m +3ac
Magic circle vs evil 80m
heroism +2th, saves and skills 80m
Divine favour +2 1m

Jord stalks forward with sword drawn at least equal with Ashe looking for traps and effects

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27

Edmund casts Mage armour from his wand. Then he casts fly (extended with rod), mirror image (1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 images), shield, and cat's grace on himself.

"Would anybody care to be enlarged?" he asks, gesturing with a wand.

Ashe comments in reply to Edmund, "...how about a haste spell for the party as a whole instead Master Gwenn? Though.. perhaps, Dex might appreciate the reach a enlarge spell might provide him... so he can reach around the front line warriors to strike foes and protect the casters?"

"I will certainly begin with a haste spell, but it would be a waste to cast it before combat ensues, as it wouldn't even last a minute, twice that if I use my rod to extend it."

OK, thus well-buffed you advance through the illusory wall, finding that - just as Vencarlo said - the passageway continues for ten yards before a flight of steps leads down to a set of double doors. They are wooden, and closed. Evil lies beyond, there is no doubt of it.

Ashe leads the way heading directly for the doors he does not pause, opening them both he enters.

"Vimanda Arkona... Rakshansan fiend... surrender your prisoners, judgement has come for the Evil taken root in house Arkona.. today, House Arkona FALLS!"

Standard Action: Total Defense {+6'dodge' AC}
Move Action: Open Doors
Free Action: 5'ft step into room
- This is to allow our casters to unload with any AoE Effects at targets revealed from opening the doors before combat begins in-earnest, and yet provide a virtual tank in the form of Asherick to absorb any immediate retributive attacks. He's a paladin.. he can take it!! Just REMEMBER GUYS..there are likely civi-prisoners in here so be careful with the AoE's!

Need a map Megan! :)

Ashe in the lead, you burst through the doors, entering a large room lit by a heartily burning firepit in the room's center. Cages hang on chains dangling from hooks in the ceiling, while racks, strappadoes, gibbets, and other implements of torture fill the floor space. A pair of immense wooden doors stand in the wall to the north, while to the south stand several narrow cells.

A tall, feminine figure with golden tanned skin and well-formed curves, suggesting years of activity and work toward physical perfection, leans over a sobbing figure that she is strapping to a stretching rack. Beneath her diaphanous robes, the creature's legs cross over one another, while six arms — two facing toward her back — wave in a continuous dance. Three fanged heads sit atop a sturdy neck, studying every direction.

She looks like this!

And just because you asked so nicely... a map

kn planes to know stuff about monster: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Ebon Wings has Deathwatch Eyes. Does she register?

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30

Ashe detects for evil... especially other sources of evil in the chamber... {that might be hidden or invisible} panning his 60'ft cone at the other two sets of doors, to the immediate left {the door on the west wall}... and to the double-doors to the north... including the entire room. He is looking for any other foes or perhaps invisible sources of evil in the room. His detect evil should penetrate the door thickness to reveal any hidden evils hiding beyond the doors.

Then moving forward he says simply, "...I know not what manner of... Vudrani{?} fiend you are.. why don't you try hurting someone who can hurt you back... unless cowardice is your true power?"

Ashe has shield and sword ready to do battle...

Mentally speaking with Majenko, a telepathic message comes to the entire party, {"Majenko here! Ashe says he is trying to get the many-woman fiend away from the prisoners... when she attacks him one of us should free and protect the prisoners getting them out of harm's way..."}

Move Action: Enter room- Approaching multi-armed woman
Move Action: Detect Evil

Knowledge {Planes}: ID Fiend 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Move action: Studied Target on the creature +2 th and dmg for me

Mental speech via Majenko:Aye I shall try moving around which will most likely attract it's attention to me so another can then move in and free the prisoners

Edmund tries to get Majenko's attention and thinks what he knows about the creature to him for distribution.

Currently ac28 v evil, +6tohit +4 dmg vs the creature

second move action move to just to the side and back of Ashe

Majenko, ignoring Ashe's wishes for him to remain outside the room... flies in under cover of the advancing party using the shadows and corners to hid his presence.

Moving to the roof of the chamber Majenko flutters quietly into the rafter far above near the area over the top of the two massive doors tot he north of the torture chamber... but he is still within his telepathic communication range...

Move Action: Fly 30'ft
Move Action: Fly 30'ft
Stealth: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38

Hearing Mr. Gwenn's urgent mental call... Majenko reiterates his words to all his allies telepathically...

{"Majenko here; Sage-Caster says many-woman fiend is a 'Beatific One', an nasty Lawful and Evil outsider, named an Asura. Many-woman fiend has spell-like abilities, and is very hard to surprised. 'Beatific Ones' hold their prey in complete disdain and offer no quarter and have no honour. They enjoy tripping or disarming prey, battering them with many arm strikes, and using their preys' weapons against them. They fight to the death. They are a minor part of the pantheon of Vudrani deities, master martial artists and skilled with all weapons and in unarmed combat. Very dangerous!!!"}

Ashe moves in to press the attack.. its clear... he has no intention of parleying with a 'dishonornable, contemptuous, Vudrani minion of of evil...!!!'

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Ebon follows Ashe's orders, moving into position and getting ready to free the prisoners when she attacks the others.
not sure who is in which square - and I suspect she'll go down fast. Will run to (and free if possible) whichever prisoner is most in danger. The stretchee, I imagine.

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Edit: looks like Ebon's not going to have to 'Hold' after all!

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9