Megan's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Megan Robertson

Ashe's eyes go wide, "Davaulus is the Chief Physician of the Queen?!?! He is a Red Mantis Assassin Field Directer! But Red Mantis ...do not assassinate rulers... surely the Queen does not know of his affiliations... do you think Marshal?"

Turning to his companions, "This is no little matter... if Red Mantis are involved. Your lives are in deadly threat! I am going to go retrieve my sword from the Academae... and then go to the vault to... discreetly inquire. I'll try to talk to Ishani Dhatri, the cleric of Abbadar we met earlier yesterday at the Saldados. But... I would suggest that only one of us make our presence known... so that we are all not targeted by the Red Mantis. I... will do this if none of you wish to be identified by the Red Mantis as potential targets."

"Bah! Either they know already, or will know soon enough - I'm not afraid enough to hide. ...if the queen has a hand in this, then she'll be glad to have the help of the Red Mantis - as she'd be assured no duplicity from them."

Meanwhile, at Orisini's manor...

Una makes a somersaulting leap from the roof of the nearby storefront, deflecting off the nearby wall and finally sliding down a nearby lamp post.

She looks up to see Varrel slowly falling to the ground behind her.

At Orsini's

The notice on the door still announces there are no classes. A small bedraggled black and white cat is sheltering in the porch.

With the Field Marshal

Kroft inclines her head.

"It is difficult to surmise just what is going on, isn't it. If the Chief Physician is the same Davaulus as is mixed up with the Red Mantis, we all are in trouble... and the Queen is either up to her neck in the plot or in mortal danger herself! How can we tell... A visit to the Grand Vault may well be in order, if you can get in. The Hellknights are attempting to lock down the entire city. Make sure you wear Guard capes or otherwise make it clear that you are acting on my instructions if you encounter them."

At Orsini's

Una looks around for a side entrance, or a less conspicuous entrance in any event.

Have Marshal guard cape self to borrow?

At Orsini's

Una looks around for a side entrance, or a less conspicuous entrance in any event.

Varrel sets down (reasonably) quietly for someone descending a a few feet per second, catching himself slightly as his weight is taken by his legs.

"Very wise, Varrel." Una says with a nod. She decides not to use the opportunity to speak ill of Ashe. (:P)

I wasn't really going to roll anything for that, Megan, just slip in without being noticed by the neighborhood.

I am going to be traveling and may not have internet access until Monday afternoon.

Ashe nods in acceptance of the Marshal's request.

"Well be about it immediately... Field Marshal."

Turning to Gronk Ashe comments, "...worry not before we leave the Citadel we'll swing by the quartermaster for proper attire. Perhaps some rain cloaks for this incessant downpour!"

Ashe bows to the Marshal and leads the way from her office.

A quick swing by the Quartermasters to pick up some Korvosan Guard garb... and perhaps a rain-cloak of two and they are ready to leave.

Ashe mounts up on a brushed down Redhoof... snagging three apples for his belt pouch to keep for her as a reward later and he is ready to leave pulling a heavy Raincloak hood up over his full helm.

Addressing his companions, "The Bank Vault of Abadar is in the North Pointe district. It a little out of the way... but I'm going to swing by the Academae to retrieve my sword, Dauntless Heart on our way there."

With that Ashe leads the way at a manageable pace from the muddy courtyard of Citadel Volshynek... heading through the rain drenched street of Korvosa to the ominous brooding high walls of the Academae. Fortunately, with the downpour there are no tiefling leerers lurking about. Quickly Ashe requests entry at the main gates to conclude his business with the mistress of enchantment, Dean Heresta Tarlan... and retrieve his trusted Celestial bonded Weapon.

Barring any complication Ashe makes a hasty retreat from the devil tainted school... before Majenko stirs from his current 'cat-nap'... soon they are approaching the wall of the 'First Vault' fastness of the Bank of Abadar in Korvosa.

[Hope this is not too much... megs. Feel free to change things if you have some encounter on the streets planned.]

At Orsini's

The Orsini Academy's public entrance is a grand archway and balcony which shades a pair of wide and ornate oak doors, the knockers carved in the shape of an imp and pseudodragon locked in mortal combat. However, if you follow the balcony around to the side there is a 'garden gate' in the wall. It has a bell pull.

Assuming you give said bell pull a tug, the door is opened a few moments later by Orsini himself.

"My lady Una," he greets you with a bow, "And Master Varrel... Do come in out of the wet."

The bedraggled black and white cat sneaks in as Orsini ushers you through the gate and across a lawn to what looks like a conservatory.

"How may I help you?" asks Orsini.

In the Citadel

The quartermaster can supply heavy Guard winter cloaks, which have hoods. He also has oilskin hats. And apples :)

The group makes its way through the streets to the Academae. If anything it's raining harder now. Majenko snuggles down under Ashe's cloak, just leaving his snout poking out.

The Academae looks locked down tight. It takes quite a bit of hammering on the gates before a small hatch opens and a head pokes out to ask you your business. Mentioning the Dean's name, however, gets you in to the courtyard, and your business is soon transacted.

Dean Heresta Tarlan comes down with Dauntless Heart wrapped in a blue velvet cloth. With a smile, the Dean tells you that the process went well, and so did the class, and the sword is handed over.

Ashe bows deeply to Dean Heresta Tarlan, "...my deepest thanks milady Tarlan. Times are... troubled, I fear I shall have dire need of Dauntless Heart in the service of the city."

Ashe takes the weapon stowing the blue velvet cloth away into a belt pouch.

{fully 30% of magic weapons shed light Equivalent of to he light spell} 1d100 ⇒ 43
- Darn! Close but not quite

At the touch of the Inheritors Gauntlet upon the hilt a soft sparkling along the length of the blade as the contained Celestial Spirit recognizes its master. But the sparkles do not resolve into a constant glow.

Ashe unlimbers his Heavy Steel Shield from his back and Dauntless Heart in his hand... uttering a silent prayer of thanks and supplication to his Goddess Iomedae...

Then there is a flash of channeled positive energy in the form of a burst of golden radiance that passes over all within 30'ft of Ashe. The brief golden radiance lingers for a few seconds on the both the Consecrated Longsword, Dauntless Heart and the Sanctified Shield ... as they are charged with holy energy for the next 24 hours.

Finished and ready for whatever challenges the day will present. Ashe bows again to Dean Tarlan, "Light Bless and shine with favor on thee milady! Stay safe... and vigilant..."

With that Ashe leaves mounting back up on 'Redhoof' and pulling his cloak affectionately over Majenko at his shoulder to keep the downpour off him... as they make their way from the Acadamae heading for the Bank of Abadar.

Una does not have time for pleasant conversation.

"Davaulus. The Red Mantis Assassins. What can you tell me about them?"

Varrel waits expectantly for the Swordmasters reaction, he wondered if Blackjack was as deep in this as he made out....

At the Orsini Academy

Orsini's eyebrows shoot up, but there's no other discernable reaction.

"Ah. Right. The only Davaulus I have heard of is a fellow who was summoned by the Queen to deal with this plague. All I know of him is that he arrived yesterday and was immediately appointed Queen's Physician. As for the Red Mantis, assassins, yes. Very nasty. Quite expensive too unless you convince them it's in their best interests to inhume whosoever you want dead. Why do you ask?"

At the Bank of Abadar

Towering over the surrounding buildings, the Grand Vault of Abadar offers a vision of divine luxuriance amid a sea of mortal troubles. Radiant, as its grey-veined white marble reflects the midday sun, there's little question that this place is the house of a god.

Yet, for a deity of law, the steep stairs and ramps leading up to the temple's great bronze doors offer a strangely discordant scene. Dozens of citizens — mostly of the working class, although the silks of a few merchants show through the crowd — throng the entry, scarcely being held back by a group of gold-armoured Abadarian clerics. All seem intent on gaining entry to the temple, but the clerics turn away nearly all comers. The clerics' reasoning becomes clear as one desperate believer is turned away, his pitiful countenance mottled with violent red sores.

Ashe ponders the almost rioting crowd of sick citizens.

'This is getting out of hand...', he mutters.

Turning to Gronk, "Friend Gronk, do you happen to have used your fly spell for the day? I think if any of you try to elbow your way through this crowd of sick people some of you may contract the blood veil... it is spread by contact. Could you fly Shakhan, and Ichabod over to the doors? I'll be safe riding slowly through the crowd. Unless you would all prefer to stay outside while I make my way in?"

Una arches an eyebrow at that particular piece of information.

"We found the body of one Doctor Davaulua in the ship that was sunk the other day. He was wearing a plague mask of the Queen's Physicians. The body was magically identified by a Cleric of Pharasma. But you say that there's a Davaulus elsewhere in the city. I am beginning to believe that the person you know as Davaulus is not the Davaulus you think you know."

"As to the Red Mantis Assassins. The dead body identified himself as a Red Mantis contact, and claimed that the plague-bearing ship was driven into the channel under Red Mantis orders. I don't suppose you know where their HQ are?"

Correct as follows...

Una arches an eyebrow at that particular piece of information.

"Doctor Davaulus was mentioned by a corpse we interviewed through the Priest of Pharasma. A corpse who was found on the plague ship that had been sunk in the channel."

"As to the Red Mantis Assassins. The dead body identified himself as a Red Mantis contact, and claimed that the plague-bearing ship was driven into the channel under Red Mantis orders. I don't suppose you know where their HQ is?"

Orsini looks thoughtful.

"The Red Mantis is an international group of murderers and assassins, but maintains a large cell in Korvosa. They work alone and in isolation from other criminal groups, and don't get on with House Arkona one little bit - when they first came here, they wiped out House Arkona's tame organisation of assassins! The House has been after them ever since, but they remain elusive. It's likely they have a safe house in town, but nobody knows where, not even I. You know they're a relgious organisation? Apparently, they regard murder as an act of worship to a foul deity called Achaekek, the Mantis God, He Who Walks In Blood; a god who acts as assassin to other deities."

Knowledge:Religion 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

We suspect the red mantis may be working for either the queen or at least someone near her. I have heard a few things. Zealots surely, but killing simply for pay? How does one have faith in such an act?

Orsini frowned.

"Whilst the Red Mantis generally work for pay, they regard the act of murder as service to their deity. I don't claim to understand their mentality. They are not zealots or risk-takers, quite calculating actually. If their interest is piqued by a proposal... who knows what they might do."

Una chuckles a little.

"Around here, most people will do anything once just for the joy of doing it."

She bows to Orsini and tips an imaginary hat.

"Well, my thanks again. We'd best be off to join the others. We would not want Ashe to worry." She winks at Varrel. "After all, how can he defend the poor and the meek if he's sick worrying about us."

Orsini returns the bow in typical flamboyant style.

"Take care, my lady... and you too, Master Varrel. Until we meet again..."

Una and Varrel supposedly make their way back to the Citadel without incident.

Sorry I've been away. Real life has been a hard kick inna fork! this last week. I will try to do better.

Sorrows Asherick, self has already prayed power move through air. Was used get body and self in boat.
Shakhan, Ichabod, be you choose? Self not afeared plague. Groteus stregth protects self or not as him want.

Gronk really isn't usually worried for himself about things like sickness. Of course some of that may be due to the fact that in the back of his mind he knows he can prepare a remove disease for the next day.

I don't have anything that can get us over the crowd. I'm okay with waiting out here while you head in.

Ashe nods and replies...

"I have an... idea. I will make a distraction and draw many of the crowds to me... use that time to enter the temple. I'll make my way there... eventually..."

Not waiting for a reply Ashe heels Redhoof gently and she trots slowly to a position near the rear of the crowd some 60'ft from the entrance to the Temple/Bank.

Ashe speaks in a loud voice, "DEAR CITIZENS OF KORVOSA HEAR ME! AND HEAR THE SALVATION OF IOMEDAE!!"

To punctuate his words he raises his left gauntlet... the INHERITOR'S GAUNTLET, it's golden hued metal catching the sunlight and uttering a whispered plea to his goddess {not in demand but humble supplication for grace in bringing glory to her name}... Ashe Channels a burst of golden Positive Energy healing at ALL within a 30'ft radius - washing across the nearby crowds! A display of divine power leaving the gauntlet upraised hand glowing a golden light for all to see!!!

Speaking again, "I know you are suffering, I know you are in fear... come to me and allow me to give you what gifts my goddess - Holy IOMEDAE, The INHERITOR, can to relive your suffering!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Ashe dismounts walks to the nearest diseased person and casts a spell...
"Stalwart Resolve". A warm golden light suffuses him and any that he touches. Ashe touches as many people as he can during the duration of the spell...

{GAME MECHANICS: This spell is a touch spell with a duration.. its target is creature touched. A willing caster can touch a one willing creature per level they possess per round. The spell has a duration of 1 round per level. 5 rds in this case... so Ashe can touch 25 people.}

He immediately pulls out his healers kit and begins treating Disease to any and all that he touches...

Perform: 'oratory' {unskilled} 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Healing: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
{Spell Effect: This spell for the duration negates the effects of any one stats ability damage. Ashe is choosing CON. Then he is treating Disease with all his alchemical remedies to give the recipients a new save with no CON penalty! MAYBE... maybe, they will throw off the effects of the 'Blood Veil' plague and be cured... or at least get some relief in the form of more time to resist its slow death.}

Ashe wraps Redhoof's reins around his forearm and slowly makes his way through the crowd for the entrance of the temple... treating the diseased as he goes as best he can using all that he has available to utilize... his expression and words soothing. He kindly is giving advice to all he treats on how the disease is transmitted and telling them how to limit its spread as he walks among them... hopefully drawing attention away from his comrades and the Temple entrance...

Ashe is in no hurry and he will move through the crowd careful to be patient and compassionate until he eventually makes his way to the temple entrance...

Any who praise or thank him he gently but, specifically... verbally corrects them instructing that ALL PRAISE should go to IOMEDAE... not her flawed, imperfect, mortal, servant.. 'The Grey Knight'...

[Note: I know this is something of a stretch for the spells effects and it is only a temporary... perhaps a little more than 'temporary' if they roll lucky on their fortitude save to resist the disease! So use or allow whatever poetic license you deem appropriate Meggan. I figure ALL his uses of his healers's kit and his balms and medicines will be completely expended. That is fine.. he will not leave until that is the case.]

Where upon, Ashe is flattened byt he horde of people rushing to get healed. ;)

Possibly.. but That is what Ashe was hoping for. Now you can get into the temple. I doubt Ashe will be harmed he IS in Full Plate armor and is pretty strong... unless they all physically start hitting him he should be fine. Plus, with Redhoof there he does have something to anchor himself on and he CAN heal himself! :)

Seems to be a rather extreme if kindly sort of distraction. {shrug} If he really wants to get mobbed, who am I to say no.

Assuming Ashe manages to pull a significant number away from the entrance, Friend Shakhan, please be help gently push past remaining citizens?

Just let me past here my good man. Umph...I have a very import ant message..Huff...I assure you that I can settle these problems if I can just slip past here.

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Icabhod has the right of it, as soon as he makes his announcement, Ashe is mobbed by people requesting healing. Poor Redhoof is getting quite nervous, but holds her ground and keeps her teeth and hooves to herself.

One burly fellow in the crowd starts organising them into a more-or-less orderly queue, prioritising the mothers with children. Not everyone is happy with that, but most people see the logic and shush those who protest.

Meanwhile the rest of the party are able to squeeze their way towards the Bank.

On the outskirts of the crowd, Una and Varrel arrive to see Ashe busy making himself the focus of attention, having been directed here from the Citadel. That is, unless you decide to go someplace else after the Citadel...

Ashe does not falter... tightly restraining 'Redhoof's' reins on his forearm..

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

For the masses, Ashe is patient, compassionate and giving... not holding back from touching and treating any who seek his medical attention. He takes the time to inform them all his goddess has told him the origin of the disease being known as 'Vorel's Phage' and that the disease is spread by infected silver coins on touch - describing the minting of the culprit moneys. He will inform them that it is vitally important that the sick who are treated have ANY clothing or bedding they came in contact with be daily changed and destroyed either by burial or by burning in a fireplace. He will tell them the symptoms, effects and best treatment for the sores the sick develop - warning that thick buckskin leather gloves and face masks be used to avoid the spread of the plague.

Ashe will give his thanks to the large burly fellow organizing the crowd... asking his name.

Ashe will gently but STAUNCHLY refuse any gifts, rewards or payment for his medical treatment {including bribes to change the order of his treatment of the ill 'children and pregnant mother's first!'} - admonishing prayer and thanks to IOMEDAE only!

Indeed... slowly he will make his way toward the temple gates...

[ooc: I'll leave it to you Meggan to tell me when Ashe can escape...]

Una searches for an alternate route to the Bank, taking the high road if at all possible.

Acrobatics (10)
10 + 10 = 20

Una finds a convenient ledge along a nearby building from which she can get to the Bank's steps... for once, nobody notices her display of parkour technique!

Eventually, she joins the rest of the party who have by now reached the steps as well. Do you want to wait for Ashe, or go on in?

Una finds a convenient ledge along a nearby building from which she can get to the Bank's steps... for once, nobody notices her display of parkour technique!

Eventually, she joins the rest of the party who have by now reached the steps as well. Do you want to wait for Ashe, or go on in?

please wait. I'd rather not miss the encounter because I was protecting the party from casual infection

Varrel looks upon his young friend and smiles. Once again it seemed subtly was not in Ashe's way of thinking. He let it go however, since the crowd was behaving. For now they needed what hope they could get and Ashe's actions were doing that.

With confidance, Icabhod strides into the temple!

Action good friend Ichabod. Inside witing for Asherick to join.

Gronk moves inside but watches from the door to make sure Asherick doesn't have too much trouble and can get in.

Una leans against the wall near the door, waiting for Ashe to extricate himself from his crowd of devotees.

And eventually Ashe manages to get away & head towards the temple...

Leading 'Redhoof' by the reins Ashe approaches the temple entrance... his medicinal supplies exhausted and a haggard expression on his face.

But he stops a respectful 10'ft distant from the party...

"Ah good you all got inside. Varrel, Icabhod, or Gronk do any of you have a prestidigitation prepared for today? I may not be able to be infected by 'Blood Veil' but it is spread by contact... my clothing and apparel may though. I need my worn apparel cleaned or casual contact with me may be hazardous to you you!"

Sorrows. Self be not expecting need of cleaning prayers this day. Self be not sure would help anyway. But self be sure would not hurt.

Ashe nods, "Well.. I'll keep my distance just the same until I have had a chance to change my raiment... just for your safety."

Looking around the inside of the Bank of Adabar - Ashe will tie 'Redhoof' to a door handle nearby and ask for a page to secure her somewhere safe... feeding the mare a fresh apple to occupy her.

Majenko peeks out from under the shoulder of Ashe's cloak to stretch his neck and look about curiously.. having woke from one of his frequent cat-naps. His wings stir as if he is preparing to take flight.

Sorrows. Self be not expecting need of cleaning prayers this day. Self be not sure would help anyway. But self be sure would not hurt.

Icabhod shakes his head. Sorry Ashe, don't have that kind of magic.

Icabhod will cast an eye around the temple, having never been inside before he is intrested in just what this Abadar is all about.

Gronk de'Morcaine wrote:

Sorrows. Self be not expecting need of cleaning prayers this day. Self be not sure would help anyway. But self be sure would not hurt.

Icabhod shakes his head. Sorry Ashe, don't have that kind of magic.

Icabhod will cast an eye around the temple, having never been inside before he is intrested in just what this Abadar is all about.

Ashe smiles at Icabhod, "Its ok... I'll eventually be able to do it on my own when I complete my bardic training... assuming I get the chance to complete it... that is."

Una makes her way into the public area of the temple, preferring to remain stealthed as much as possible as she looks for the areas where the sick are being treated, listening to passersby for mention of their infamous doctor.

Stealth
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Perception
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

(Could have used those in the next combat, oh well.)

The Grand Vault of Abadar is a meticulously well-kept structure of white marble and gleaming bronze friezes. There are numerous guards standing at the doors, and they demand to know your business before they'll let you in.

Una's sharp eyes, however, have spotted the guard commander detailing one of his subordinates to hurry off into the building... looks like he's been sent with a message.

Ashe addresses the guardsmen...

"Well met. I am 'Sir' {Lieutenant} Asherick Whiteplume, Paladin of Iomedae and Korvosan Guard - Deputy. My companions and I discovered the source of the 'Blood Veil' plague and inform Field Marshal Kroft. Our investigations have turned up even more starling and disturbing news that the Field Marshal wanted us to personally deliver to the Church of Abadar. I'd like to speak with Cleric Ishani Dhatri... so that he could counsel us as to who would be best served informed of our dire discoveries... as he is familiar with us and we are sure any higher ranking 'Banker' of the 'First Vault' will be busy with the crisis management. Will you inform him of our presence and desire to speak with him urgently?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Ashe respectfully... and politely keeps his distance... lifting the visor of his full helm to regard the man eye to eye to drive home the seriousness of his request.