Megan's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Megan Robertson

Ashe gets a sour expression and speaks his mind, "Not Every magistrate or court official is corrupt Una. There are many who are upstanding noble and justice minded... you do those who value truth and justice an unfair accounting. I'm quite sure 'Senior Arbiter' Zenobia Zenderholm "The Hanging Judge" would take issue with any magistrate taking advantage of his position and has in the past dealt extremely & harshly with those found out to be accepting graft! But don't take my word for it... if you suspect a magistrate of such corruption... you need only bring your even circumstantial evidence of such activities to her attention and a full investigation would be forthcoming. 'Senior Arbiter' Zenderholm is not the only incorruptible official in Korvosa, Field Marshal Cressida Kroft, Bishop Kappira d'bear, Seneschal Neolandus Kalepopplis, even my own Uncle Commandant Marcus Thalassinus Endrin... but just like Every city there are the good.. the bad.. and the self-absorbed, no more so ... or less than any city of humankind."

Spurring 'Redhoof' on Ashe gestures to the 'Doctor' to proceed.

"I save my abhorrence for those who shed innocent blood without remorse and spread lies & fear without cause. Reviling the deeds of the wicked and corrupt is admirable... but do not be blinded by the vices of the evil to the virtues of the good and trustworthy who toil day and night in the cause of justice and truth - even in a city filled with evil there are those who still serve the good... like you."

Davaulus is clearly impatient to be off, and as soon as you are ready he - without responding or otherwise reacting to the comments from Gronk and Varrel although you're sure he heard them - marches off down the road towards the West Dock. His acolytes scurry behind.

Ashe advances to the doctor's side, and comments "If we had some idea where exactly you wished to survey Davaulus.. we could more efficiently escort you... I am quite familiar with Korvosa's streets."

Just then, a woman scurries out of a nearby fishmongers towards you.

"Excuse me," she says, "Can you help? There's some trouble brewing below..."

Davaulus recoils from her.

"I have seen enough," he says. "I and my associates shall return to our base of operations now. I have no further need of your services." He stalks off towards the West Dock.

Just then, a woman scurries out of a nearby fishmongers towards you.

"Excuse me," she says, "Can you help? There's some trouble brewing below..."

Davaulus recoils from her.

"I have seen enough," he says. "I and my associates shall return to our base of operations now. I have no further need of your services." He stalks off towards the West Dock.

Ashe nods his expression neutral, "As you wish, Reiner Davaulus"

But mentally, {Majenko, my friend follow them from far above find out where they go... make note who they speak with... Do NOT be spotted! Be careful... please...}

Reining in 'Redhoof' Ashe turns his attention to the woman, "Greeting's milady, how may we assist thee... what troubles thee... what do you mean by Brewing below?"

{Great Idea Ashe, Majenko will not stand out amongst the other Pseudodragons and his tiny size makes him difficult to spot.}

He allows the Doctor to walk away.
{If you wish to follow in stealth Una, I can allow us to follow from the air if the buildings get to far apart for jumping. If we stay at the limit of Majenko's telepathy, we can keep up without eyes on them.}

Ashe smiles... but it is a touched with a little concern, {Yes, and House-Drakes are Very good at sneaking about... even when alone... he should be ok...}

Gronk carefully watches Davalus' reaction to the woman.
Is he honestly repulsed by her or was this a planned charade to ditch the escort?
sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Majenko takes flight from his perch at Ashe's shoulder... his wings eager to get into action... tail thrashing excitedly...

{I go follow evil plotting mantis-murderer... I not be seen... YOU be careful too Ashe... I not be here to guide or speak for you..}

Taking flight the purple dragon flies into the aerial traffic high above of fliting pseudodragons... then angles his path downward his keen eyes seraching for Davalus' party. Then using the roof top and city clutter follows like a shadow.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Stealth: {Fly 50'ft '-5'} 1d20 + 19 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 19 - 5 = 26

{This 'trouble brewing below' might require a larger group to deal with. Davaulos can probably wait a little longer.}

Una remains with Asherick, but she too is surprised by the doctor's response to the woman's ask for assistance. Or perhaps he just saw this as an opportunity to ditch those who might already be suspicious.

Ashe nods in silent acceptance to Una's mental message, {Aye. That cur is a blackguard... and his cronies the sons of demons... "Dauntless Heart" will glut on their blood and my steel will taste his heart ere this is over... I Promise!}

The deadly scowl of the righteously fired paladin follows the backs of the retreating Davaulus and his acolytes...

{If they are really such monsters, how about we figure out where they stay and arrange a little burglary gone wrong? I do know some people who are experts on making a scene look like that. Ransack their equipment and make it look like someone was looking for medicine for the plague.}

"Oh we will be paying them a visit.. eventually. Majenko will find their lair and we will do some investigations as to what exactly they are doing... as I'm pretty sure its not help the people of Korvosa! But for now.. let us try to help where we can and save lives as much as possible. Worry not over the machinations of the wicked.. they will reveal themselves in time... and we'll be there to crush them! But at least we now know who to watch and soon we'll know where to strike!"

[ooc: To note Majenko is out of telepathic range by now.. so no more telepathy until he returns! :)]

Gronk: the reaction shown by Davaulus appears genuine.

Majenko flaps off as directed, blending in with the wild pseudodragons that wheel in the skies over Korvosa. His last fleeting thoughts speak of excitement and adventure as he undertakes the task that he has been set.

Meanwhile, the anxious-looking woman looks around furtively before continuing in a hoarse whisper.

"I am Eries Yelloweyes," she says. "From what I have heard, I can trust you to do right by all! Something needs to be done. When plagues come, people always think about rats... and as you know, not all rats are mere beasts, there are those which... which walk as men do, in human form. Most have taken flight to avoid any repercussions, but there is one leader... he thinks this an opportune moment to attack those who walk in the sunlight when you humans are weakened. Those of us who would live in peace above and below cannot stop him: will you help?"

Ashe listens tot he "woman's" plea and silently calls upon his godess' gifts to focus his attention on Eries and detect Evil specifically upon her.

Move Action: Detect Evil Scan - Instant 3rd Information Upon her

Ashe is wary but listens without fear or revilement, "I take it 'Eries Yelloweyes' that you are not a human woman and are one of the 'Rats that walk as men do'... from your comment...'you humans', but yes indeed I do serve to 'do right' by all manner of beings and have sworn to defend all who are peace-loving. Yes, for my part I will help stop this violent leader among the Wererats of Korvosa. Where may we find this provocateur, what is his name.. and what does he plot to attack?"

Ashe tries to determine how sincere this 'woman' is as Wererats are known for their cunning an oft times duplicity...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

I wonder if Davalus was repulsed because he could already tell she was a were-rat. If so, how did he know before she spoke? Maybe it was just because he thought she was an unclean peasant.

... he thinks this an opportune moment to attack those who walk in the sunlight when you humans are weakened ...

{sigh} Always show up. Those only make life worse. Yes, needs must be stopped.

How urgent be need? Attacking planned, today, now?

Although he desires to help, Gronk is not always as trusting as he often seems. He will try to determine if anything is 'off' about the woman's behavior and words.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Una nods, leaning back and letting Ashe take up the diplomatic role. One he was usually good at.

Varrel glares as the doctor and his cronies walk away.
They would keep.
Varrel knew he could not right every wrong straight away. Many mages paid the price for overreaching.
He would not make that mistake.
The doctor would keep.

Icabhod just stands silently by.

Eries Yelloweyes gives every indication of being genuine, and indeed quite proud of her heritage as a lycanthrope. She is not evil, Ashe.

Her hoarse voice continues "I have seen much suffering in her time, the past fifty years, including devastating government-directed rat-purges, a return of which I fear Girrigz's warmongering ways could quickly incite. I have tried to talk sense to the violent wererat and his gang to no avail, and having heard good reports of your work on behalf of all citizens ventured to ask your aid."

"Let me explain how this came about. Giving voice and violence to their fear of the plague, a mob of Midland citizens discovered a foolish, alleyprowling wererat and publicly executed him with a silver axe. Their misguided violence quickly extended to a few drunken dockworkers braving the sewers to hunt wererats, blaming their problems on the lycanthropes that dwell below. Used to fear and abuse, most wererats respond to the attacks by abandoning their dens and hiding elsewhere in the city. One wererat, however, a firebrand called Girrigz Ripperclaws, has refused to do so, instead calling his kin to war against the weakened humans above. This is the warmonger of whom I speak."

"Something must be done about Girrigz before more lives are lost. Please, I ask you to speak with him and, if necessary, offer him an example of the force the city will doubtlessly employ should his rebelliousness continue. I beg you not to kill my people if it can be avoided, but I can give directions to Girrigz's lair beneath Midland. In exchange for your help, of course you may have the spoils of his camp and, once you've disbanded his ragtag army, I have information on what might be the true reason for Korvosa's plague. It is not mere misfortune!"

If you truly cared for saving Korvosa, and your knowledge is as important as you say, a good soul would already have passed it on. Honestly, if the plague or the panicked people were not a threat to you would you have bothered to approach anyone?

Friend Varrel, poor and weak must use what have first survive. Then help others. Expect else irrational.
Reputaion says self be helping with no payment. Offered information not needed. Welcome boon.
Sir Asherick, please be asking where Girrigz, how many, and is immediate?

Varrel's look softens at his insightful ally.
I did not say, we would not help. I am merely disappointed one feels they must ransom information to aid thousands in exchange for their own concerns.

Ashe listens and solmenly gently places and hand briefly upon his zealous elven friend's shoulder, "Peace friend Varrel, not all things in the world are as cut and dry or black and white ... but rather 'shades of grey' oft times. This lycanthrope, Miss Eries Yelloweyes - She... has no wickedness within her heart - an unusual thing, for sure, among the normal proclivities of her species. But if she can turn away from evil... cannot others as well? Fear and Hate are strong motivators to keeping to one's self... she has shown much courage to come speak to us! 'The Grey Knight'... the unofficial moniker that many have attested to my minor deeds has garnered her hope.. that a listening and empathic ear will act on her concerns... not my reputation of putting all the wicked to the sword! I have heard that many a natural shape-changer are not evil at all but are the blessed of DESNA's gift of the 'wild dance of the moon and starry night's sky'! I'm sure there are evil wererats that reside within the sewers of Korvosa... just as their are corrupt Magistrate and city officials above.. but not ALL are either evil {below} or corrupt {above}. Judge beings on their deeds and the world will be a brighter place... if Eris gets favorable results from her courage... it will be a Strong motivator that she may share with her fellow lycanthropes that... not all beings living above in Korvosa will see them with fear and hatred - giving weight to the fact that another way of peaceful coexistence can be attained... it will take fire away from the evil who would speak of uprising and continued wickedness. Sadly there are many in Korvosa ... as in other cities of man that would not do something for nothing in return. Eries is simply trying to give us other reason not to harm her or just take her directions to and nest of wererats and just slay her out of hand. Fear and hate are strong motivators... but so are courage and hope."

Turning his gaze to Eries, "..Thank you for bringing this situation to light.. for whatever your reasons Miss Yelloweyes, we will break up this Girrigz Ripperclaws schemes and try to spare as many of your people as will allow us to do so. Any information you have giving us a further clue to the origin's of this Blood Veil will be appreciated."

Diplomacy: {Korvosan Citizenry 'unofficial...but true'} 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Una watches the scene with heavily lidded eyes. "You realize this will likely end in the death of Girrigz and any of his supporters? If we become involved, we'll try to spare as many lives as possible, but declaring war on an entire population (whether it be humans on wererats or the other way around) tends to breed overzealous violence, as your story has already proven, and we will defend ourselves with deadly force if necessary."

Eries Yelloweyes stands nervously looking from one to another of you. When it becomes apparent that, despite Varrel's misgivings, you are minded to investigate, she says that she can give you directions to the entrance to Girrigz's lair beneath Midland.

Do you wish to go straight there, or do you have any preparations that you want to make first?

All set here. All my magic is ready.

Ashe will lead the way knowing the city well and decides to swing by Phaeton Skoda's 'Hedge Wizardry', Alchemist shop as it is near as any the direction to the entrance and on the way...

There he asks Mr. Skoda to watch after 'Redhoof' as as the arty will need to go underground to deal with a threat to the city. He explains he will only need to tie him to his shop posts out side for perhaps and hour or two while we deal with this... and would only need the occasional looking after so he is not stolen or wander astray.

Also true to his word, Ashe mentions the young lady who used to work for Vendra Loaggri at 'Lanvenders'... who is looking for a job and is a skilled perfumer assistant who might make a good assistant to his shop knowing at least the basics of alchemistry.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

That brief stop made Ashe leads to the entrance.

"I don't know how many Lycanthropes we are dealing with but we'd best be ready with silver or mithril weaponry. Varrel.. just like the 'Dead Warrens'.. your take point ... Shakhan you back him up.. I'll cover the rear and scan for evil and give warning. Icabhod... or Varrel can either of you cast message? It can serve the same purpose as Majenko's telepathy for now. Unless you have a better plan of deployment Una?"

Self have no silver weapon. Self mostly rely on power of Groteus. But should get silver dagger just in case. Be reputable place to purchase on way?

Crap, did we get reimburssed for the scrolls to investigate the wreck?

No silver, but I have my spells and such.

Self have no silver weapon. Self mostly rely on power of Groteus. But should get silver dagger just in case. Be reputable place to purchase on way?

Crap, did we get reimburssed for the scrolls to investigate the wreck?

{Ashe was reimbursed that morning... once he retrieved his sword.. and he has a receipt from Icahbod for the Lavender purchase... but I don't recall if you have purchased anything today since our first visit to the Marshal. Ashe does indeed wish to visit the Marshal and reveal to her and the party all that he surmises from his meeting with the Queen. He has mentioned this but has not brought it up here as he'd rather deal with the ...likely underground in the sewers Wererat plot while it is still day light and we have done an AWFUL lot today... And as a player I'd like to let Shakhan off the chain so he can get more involved. It was indeed Ashe that suggested that all members of the party have some silver weapons as Korvosa IS the haunt of Imp devils and were creatures... as most Korvosan natives know.}

Ashe will comment, "If your willing we could swing by the citadel to rearm with suitable weapons; but I'd like to deal with this wererat plot before the day's light fades..."

Purchased a couple of water breathing scrolls for 375 each to investigate the wreck. The Marshal was going to pay us back after we returned. I only have 2 GP left otherwise.

To Eries Yelloweyes, Does Girrigz have specific thing so knowing correct person?

To Asherick, Self still has some Groteus power. Willing go this day.

Una thinks for a moment. "A bardic oilspray of versatile weapon might come in handy, or better yet a wand of it, if anyone here knows bardic magic. If that is too expensive, I have a few silver crossbow bolts already."

Ashe smirks at Una's suggestion, "Alas... not yet Una.. my Bardic training progresses apace but I still have further studies before I have gain enough mastery to access such virtuoso skills of performance."

"I have alchemical silver arrows which in a pinch can be used as a improvised-dagger... and of course my silver Shortsword."

"If we feel we can handle this then let's be about it.. the day is getting late."

I have 3 minutes of flight left and almost my full complement of spells. I have my Alchemical Silver Pick and Warhammer. I would lend one of you a weapon if you need.

Ashe nods eager to get moving, "Then we're set. Let's do this..."

Varrel offers his Heavy Pick to either Una or Shakhan (since they are warriors) then to either Gronk or Icabod.
He keeps hold of his Alchemical Silver Hammer. Then looks at his Cold Iron Cestus.
I shall have to invest in a Silver Cestus for my other hand...

Self be appreciating offer. Not knowing use. Self will rely on Groteus power.

I still have 7 uses of the Vision of Madness power and 5 offensive spells for the rest of today. If those run out, then I will be hurting.

Keeping to the shadows and preferring alleys to open spaces, Eries Yelloweyes scurries towards Midland, pausing when Ashe insists on visiting the Hedge Wizardry store and nodding in approval when he arranges for the safekeeping of Redhoof.

Phaeton Skoda allows that he could use an experienced shopgirl & notes down the details Ashe gives him. He details a lad - who from the familial resemblance is probably his son - to take Redhoof round back where he has a lean-to stable where she will be safe.

Eries Yelloweyes resumes her scurrying... eventually coming to a half-ruined building through whose basement you can gain access to the sewers.

"Down here," she says. "Head north and then west in the main tunnels until you come to a tunnelled-out gap in the wall on your left. Go in there and you will soon reach Girrigz's lair. It is not my tribe, I shall come no further.

"However, in light of your words," she glances at Varrel momentarily, "I shall trust you to do the right thing and deal with Girrigz, and tell you what I know now. Fortune has it that several sewer tunnels empty into the Jeggare River below the Wall of Eodred. The night a black-sailed ship was sunk before reaching the harbour - you no doubt heard all the racket - several of my brethren were watching. They saw nothing on the ship except for a yellow light, but once it sank, strange debris drifted from its hull. Tracking down some of the flotsam, the wererats discovered a few small boxes filled with dead rats and a few pouches of silver coins conveniently bound to floating timbers. Suspecting that something was wrong with the rats, and scenting some foulness upon the coins, the lycanthropes kicked the debris back into the river. I don't know more than that, but I don't believe that the ship's sinking, the strange flotsam, and the advent of the plague are mere coincidence."

Do you want to trudge through sewers, or shall I handwave & get you to the entrance of Girrigz's lair forthwith?

If nothing significant is likely to happen, I'd prefer the handwave. But if others want to play through the smelly stuff, I'm also ok with that.

Ashe listens to Varreal and comments, "Shakahn has little need of your generous offer friend Varrel his mithril axe will do jut fine on its own."

The preparations made Ashe follows Eries Yelloweyes as she leads the way.

At the entrance, Ashe dons a torch into the Shield sconce on his shield as he listens to Erie's directions and information.

"It is as we suspected Miss Yelloweyes, your people's senses served them well... the rats were infected with the 'Blood Veil' and the coins were enchanted with powerful & evil magic to carry the same plague. The magic on the coins cases the 'Blood Veil' they carry to be contracted by any who touch them. Inform your people to NOT touch them. If they discover more of them... tell them to without touching them bring them to this entrance and I will come collect them daily to have them disposed... I am immune to contracting the disease."

"Thank you.. now get you back to your home and be safe... we'll stop Girrigz and spare as many as we can..."

With that Ashe lights his torch in the shield sconce, drawing his Alchemical Silver Shortsword and heads into the sewers following the Warerat's instructions...

I'm good with either

Handwave! Let's get it on!

Handwave

Una keeps a close look on the sewers in front of them, lit only by the Asherick's shield sconce. She remembered some legends that said wererats were tricky, sometimes.

Perception
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

But the darkness offers nothing in particular and she is left to wonder about the shadows that flicker around them.

Hands will be waved, then...

The party trudges through nasty slimy smelly passages for what seems like ages. Eventually, though, you come to a tunneled-out gap in the sewer wall, just as Eries Yelloweyes said.

Through the disgustingly visible haze of noxious sewer reek, the flow of unmentionable slop through the sewer tunnel's filth-slick channel unexpectedly forks. Most continues on its expected path, but a small stream of ooze diverts off through a wide cleft in the mouldy masonry wall. The man-sized crack cuts deep into the rock behind the wall, and wisps of thin white smoke issue forth.

Icabod picks up the fork in the path.

Ashe will extinguish the torch he is carrying in the rivulet of liquid in the sewer floor. With his Inheritor's Gauntlet hand he traces the sword emblem of IOMEDAE upon his shield's surface leaving a glowing rune emblem that emits the radiance of a candle to lessen the light he is emitting so as to not forewarn any warerat lookouts.

Ashe moves as quietly as he can to the corridor wall opposite of the gap in the wall facing the entrance and detects for the presence of evil.

He will pan the 80'ft cone about the Entrance and down the fork for good measure studying for three rounds to locate the number and position {if possible} of all evil beings he can sense.

Stealth: 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (18) - 5 = 13

Move Action: {Detect Evil - taking three rounds to scan about}

Ashe gestures silently to Varrel to move to point... as before in the Dead Warrens.

Marching order? I am a caster, but more survivable than icabhod. Not at all stealthy. Want me to take rear guard?

Shakhan takes up the rear position, shield and axe in hand.

He's also fast enough to get to the front quickly, if needed.