Megan's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Megan Robertson

Due to character drop-out, there is a vacancy in this game.

I'll let the other players explain what they are looking for...

I'm in!

This guy was built for CoCt, so ill throw his hat in.. He can be modified to your crunch/level ect..

Wow.. Nice Responses!

Ok... currently we are all 6th level. We are short on 'direct' fighting power somewhat, a 'pure' Arcane caster, or a dedicated Trap finding Rogue.

Current Roster -

Una Therlmagne - Human/Female, Fighter "Crossbow: Weapon Master" 4 / Rogue "Sniper" 2
Shakhan - Human/Male, Barbarian "Savage" 5 <--- Infrequent posting
Asherick Whteplume - Human/Male, Paladin [IOMEDAE] 6
Verrel - Elf/Male, Magus "Hexcrafter" 6
Gronk de'Morcaine - Half Orc/Male, Cleric [GROTEUS] 6

... In truth Anything you would submit would likely work. What is MOST important is reliability of posting.

This game is a little slow with us usually getting {because of work and family responsibilities} one post a day from our DM.

Is crafting allowed?

Char gen guidelines, exclusions (race, class)? Ultimate Magic allowed?

Crafting? Do you mean Item creations feats?

We use the standard Pathfinder Organized Play - Attribute points [ 20pts ]
Only restrictions have been no Evil Alignment and some reason for a odd race to be in Korvosa.

Not sure about Drow Elf race or other such races but if it is published in an official Pathfinder Supplement Sourcebook {hardback or perfect bound - Pathfinder Logo - not just "compatible with Pathfinder"}... I believe its legal. So yes Pathfinder Ultimate Books all are legal. Anything 3.0-3.5 is on a case by case basis you'll have to Private Message the DM about.

Yes, Item Creation feats... By the book, of course.

Does the remainder of "game time" span days, weeks, months? Just assessing if there is time to craft.

Thanks on all counts.

Ok ive got him updated to 6th level..

lol...interesting Ashe's next level is going to be Bard...no archetype.. :)

Yow! I'd love a chance to play with Megan again.

Full disclosure -- I'm running CotCT as a PbP on these boards. I believe that I'd have no trouble keeping meta-knowledge separate from the game, but if you have reservations --- then you have reservations and that's ok.

I'm thinking a Chel wizard (transmuter), related to the Endrin clan on his mother's side. Acadamae drop out. He's been visiting family in Westcrown and only just made it back to Korvosa.

Back with an alias this evening.

Ha.. that would make the Chel Wizard a Cousin of Asherick... on his father's side! lol!

"Are you The Real Thom Merrilin?" :)

Shoanti Tamiir-Quah Ranger. Crossbow (big one).

Ha.. that would make the Chel Wizard a Cousin of Asherick... on his father's side! lol!

"Are you The Real Thom Merrilin?" :)

Sadly, no. My passion for alliteration obliged me to cut the e from the beginning of that moniker.

Damoc Oberigo for your consideration.

Born and bred in Korvosa with connections to the Endrin family, he loves the city. Until now he has been a dreamy indolent sponge of a young man.

You can expect him to act for the greater good, but rail against the limitations imposed on people by society.

I can almost see him taking a level of ranger or fighter and going EK, but if the party needs a straight up caster I can just roleplay those tendencies.

He may not increase the party's "direct damage". I see him mostly as a buffer. Although written now as a transmuter, he could easily be a universalist wizard. Prohibited schools and final spell list to be decided in consultation with the party and Megan. I am leaning toward Evocation and Enchantment. That could change.

He is still very rough. If steering toward EK I would probably select martially inclined feats. If not some crafting and spell boosters.

Purchasing gear is always an ordeal. I'll get to it if selected.

My posting history is an open book. Check any of my aliases.

I've played with Megan before, and am a huge fan. I would love to get into this game, but no hard feelings if you choose someone else.

OH My! So many good Characters! :)

Its not up to me wholly... I'll wait to see what the other players say!

Dotting

Do we have more concrete guidelines for character creation?

I have an Aldori Duelist from a defunct PbP that I could bump from 4 to 6 ;)

How about a gnome bard (archeologist)?

- Trapfinding, check.
- Fighting power - check.
- Arcane power - check.

OK, so not Direct arcane or Fighting, but still...

I've had the concept a while and I have wanted to play CoTCT. Seems to fit the Bill.

Are there any Hooks that can be used to get him involved? he is an academic in background, though a he has a "hands on" approach. He has an interest in the Thassilonian Empire and its ruins. Presumably you are half way through Seven days to the grave, perhaps he has a relative who has succumbed to the disease and wants to help find a cure. Perhaps is an acquantance of Verrel? (presumably the Magus has to research, perhaps they frequent the same libraries?)

Rebellious Shoanti exiled as a youth... Before he left a shaman told him it was meant to be. Details were difficult to descern, but he would return on his own terms to help the Shoanti at a dark time. Even though disowned outwardly, in his heart he was forever Shoanti.

NG Male Ranger (Freebooter) 6
Combat Style - Crossbow

Full BAB, 2 attacks.

(Freebooter's Bane is more versatile than specific Favored Enemies, applies to/buffs allies

Uses a over-sized heavy repeating crossbow, in conjunction with Gravity Bow for 3d8 base damage.

Master Craftsman feat, will allow crafting of Wondrous Items at level 7. Takes pride in tools of the trade.

Looking at Asherick's profile -- I'd guess 20 point buy, two traits. Not sure about wealth or how hit points are rolled.

Gavmania, based on the last few pages of game posts, I think you're right -- they're about halfway through 7 Days

Nice hooks. Other possibilities are ties to the Guard or a noble house that would want to keep an eye on what the Marshal's heroes are up to.

Yea i updated to 20pt buy, 2 traits, and wbl in gear from gamemastery section.. If any of this needs to be changed just let me know..

Hmmm. The campaign traits all require you to hate Gaedran Lamm, who I presume is dead now. Is it still necessary to take one of the campaign traits or can I pick another?

Looks like we have a plethora of Bards
This character was from a previous CotCT game that fizzled after the second Book. The only "oddity" is that the previous GM allowed me to swap out the Bard's whip proficiency for that of the bladed scarf (more in keeping with her dancing act, ala the Dance of the Seven Veils). If this will be a problem please let me know and I can change it back and her dance act will have just taken a more dangerous, edgy turn.

Ok. some answers... {still waiting on other players of the game to chime in here...uh guys?}

Traits. no you don't have to take a campaign trait involving Gedren Lamm... Shakhan relieved him of his 'burden' of life some time ago.

Hit Points. Asherick is a society Character I have played to 14th levle in Organized play. so I've chosen to use Pathfinder Organized Play rules for his hit point acquisition {ie. Max hit points at 1st level and as a paladin 6 points + Con Modifier per level}

Other players have chosen to roll hit points.

Gear. Ashe joined the game right after Gedren Lamm was dealt with and as the party went to visit Queen Ileosa with her jewelry trinket to return to her. Ashe was given the gold for his level as per p. 399 Pathfinder Core Rulebook. The same was done for Icabhod and Gronk.

{This Profile is the Pathfinder Society Organized Play write-up for Asherick}

@ Arianna: Asherick has the Trait - Varisian Tattoo... it gives you proficiency in bladed Scarf!

@ therealthom: Asherick's father was one 'Sir' Thomas Endrin and ‘Lady’ Anica Sarah Stolyarev - a rich Varisan Merchant's daughter. Thomas was disowned by his grandfather for marrying 'below his station' and Thomas adopted a new family name of Whiteplume. Actually, it was a miscalculation on his grandfather's part... he figured deprived of the wealth of Endrin his grandson would buckle and abandon this 'gypsie-girl' love affair. He was quite wrong... he never expected Thomans to abandon family, wealth and prestige all for the love of some Varisian merchant's daughter... but that is exactly what Thomas did. However, Ashe's Grandfather was also was too proud to admit his error or mend this relationship before he died.

Thomas Whiteplume was a member of the Sable Company... wanted Ashe to follow in his place, but when his Hippogriff "Kyrie" was slain in battle with Shoanti Barbarians... he was grief-stricken and would not ride another steed [it may have also been some encouragement by his Anica to seek a 'safer' position in service to Korvosa}, so he joined the Korvosan Guard. Thomans went missing fighting undead in the Dead Warrens... and is presumed dead...years ago.

With Grandfather's death most of the ostracism of the Whiteplumes by house Endrin has ceased. Asherick is a favorite of his 'Uncle' Marcus Endrin... grandmaster of the Sable Company. Anica.. who uses 'Sarah' as her name in court has retained the Whiteplume name as a sign of devotion to her lost beloved Thomas... and none too small amount of defiance to the slighting by polite society all the years of her marriage to the Endrin Scion.

Asherick "The Grey Knight of Korvosa", is not the only paladin in Korvosa but he arguably is one of the most well known and active with his brand of heroism and protection and care of the common folk... even in small matters. Of all things he is a paladin of IOMEDAE in a city rife with deviltry!

Your character Damoc Oberigo would certainly have heard of the ever-active, some would say Over-active' young hero!

@ Gavmania: I've ALWAYS felt there were too many humans in this game.. I'd love to have a gnome Bard in the party! Asherick has been studying to become an initiate in the field of bardic training. Your character could easily be a instructor he has been seeing perhaps even discussing some of what is going on in the city with all the crisis!

...yes.. the three sited characters above are my personal favorites.

A new female character of Varisian heritage to change the balance of girls to boys here and add more of that Varisian flavor to the game! :)

A wizard of the Academae..WOOT! An a native of Korvosa...AND related distantly to Asherick!

A Bard... never have enough of those and a gnome to boot double plus.

Sounds like a plan... wthdrawing.

Now hold on...! :)

Again... its not wholly my decision! I was just stating the characters that caught my fancy! I'm sure the other players will have their opinions as well!

No love for the Aasimar Bard i see.. Same buffs, but better with a sword.. lol

I'm in a game with a couple of the other players... Megan's background seemed cool.

No hard feelings.

LOLS! Don't get me wrong... of all the designs...likely the most powerful of them is your Asimar Bard Duelist! Great Character design!!

However, that is a lot like Varrel... a fighting spellcasting "Gish" character. Another one would dilute Varrel's uniqueness to the game.

Same goes for the Ranger freebooter Crossbow specialist... that's a lot like Una. So not my first choice to avoid duplicating a 'nitch' we already have someone filling.

Now other players might not see it that way so please don't give up just yet! :)

I'm thinking that my characters main thing would be his skills: Trapfinding, Perception, Knowledge (I know you already have some good knowledge areas covered - Religion, Nobility, Arcane; I would be able to support that with aid another and cover the missing knowledge), a little bit of Bluff and Diplomacy as well as spellcasting.

In combat, I am looking at ranged weapon support, since you seem to have a couple of front liners already. He has a few spells which he can use to buff himself or others. With Rapid Shot and Allegro, he can get off 3 shots/round. Archeologists Luck and Heroism would both boost damage (Heroism can be used on others too, as the party sees fit).

In terms of Archeologists Luck, he would have 24 rounds of luck (4 + 2(CHA) + 12 (Level) +6 (FC Bonus)) - that should cover combat with enough left over for disarming traps, disabling devices, etc. If I find it's not enough, I will take lingering performance feat at level 7, otherwise it would be deadly aim.

Hope thats OK. If it is, I will post Fluff and Crunch for your perusal.

I understand you wanna keep your characters unique, but saying a melee bard is like a magus is like saying a melee paladin is like a magus.. Both cast spells and melee.. The bard has 0 ability to cast them and use his weapon, like the magus.. He has no offensive spells save enchantments so say you prefer gnome bards over other bards, not an arcane duelist is to much like your party magus lol.. He cast buffs, not in combat spells.. Although the inspiration spells and saving finale will save a butt or two in combat.. Ntm his Inspire Courage +2 affects the whole party, not just himself.. And with fc bonus it goes to +3 at 8th.. Combine with Good Hope, which he'll have next level, is a +5hit/dam buff party wide..

I don't see Arianna as a combat oriented Bard, more along the lines of battlefield control and party face.

@ Quimby: I can see your point, perhaps I misworded my explination somewhat. Yes, your duelist fights differently from the Magus {Varrel}, the paladin {Ashe} or even the Barbarian {Shakhan}... but what occurs to me is that We are fairly fighter 'effectively' covered...as now Una is more fighter than Rogue.. and I beleive weather she is threatened with melee or not she can shoot in melee without provoking any AoO... so she's just as effective with her ranged weapon as Ashe , or Verrel or Shakhan in melee. So we really don't need melee addition.

I chose Arianna over your duelist.. cause she a female character... which brings a different balance to the interactions in RP and she is NOT a melee combatant for the most part. Any thing your duelist could do that we need a bard to do she could cover.

I chose the Gnome bard... again not a melee combatant because for the variety of a different racial mix. Yes your Assimar is not human.. but is some human-like as to be a minor difference.. a gnome brings in the entirety of the gnomish culture.. which is quite unique and different. Not to say that Asimar have no culture and are not unique... just that I felt the Gnomish one had more flavor for golarion and definitely is Uniquely obviously different! Ad again anything the duelist could do... for the most part the Gnome bard could do as well.

I chose the Wizard because of all the things we are in need of dedicated full arcane access is one of the current parties deficiencies.

I don't mean to imply that your character is ANY less valid than theirs by any means, I just personally felt that the other choices added a variety of interactions to the party dynamic and the two bards I liked can cover the full party support that your duelist could as well. Just a personal preference of style and flavor to the game really... trying to get as unique a character mix as possible.

@ Arianna: That's fine we don't need the bard to be a fighter type.. we have that mostly covered but all the buffs and lore skills of a bard will be useful. That.. and I liked your character's background ... a child of Korvosa... definitely from a 'different' side of town than Asherick ...and a native to Korvosa. Una and Shakhan are the closest to 'natives' but they don't really hail from Korvosa. It will be interesting the interactions between all our characters... if you are chosen for the slot.

LOL. I hope you don't get sick of Ashe's pineing over missing his beloved Trinia Sabor.. :) Oh.. but Arianna is a worshiper of SHELYN..so maybe she would understand?

Ok.

My picks:

Gerard Nisorc. I play with him in another game. I am emphasizing a frequent and detailed poster. He is proven and the freebooter is cool. (Love freebooters bane)

Quimby Cross- I agree we are melee heavy but that is fine. Varrel is a Hexcrafter and would prefer to be a Debuff first and kill after kind of guy. Saves me spells. Quimby has Inspire Courage. Nuff said.
I hate wasting rounds buffing others and the magus list is not good at it.

ALso the transmuter wizard. We need a full arcane caster.

Arianna gives the Paladin a quick smile "There, there Sir Asherick. I'm positive your lady love misses you as much as you miss her. Even more so, I'm sure." she reaches out to pat his hand "After all, who wouldn't?" she adds with a mischievous wink.

As far as Inspire Courage goes, Arianna can boost your party's morale and steel your nerves with songs of ancient battles or stories of warriors of old as well.
Also given her former profession and the rumors and innuendo she's gathered, she might be able to influence the "movers and shakers" among Korvosa's elite.

'The tranmuter wizard'? I'd best show Damoc's face before he's depersonalized into a mere stat-sheet! :-)

The door opens and a Cheliaxian gentleman sweeps in. His hair shows a few streaks of grey, but the beard circling his mouth is still pure sable. His dark blue clothes are of a utilitarian cut; the only ornament is a brown fur ruff of a collar. He stands nearly as tall as Asherick's shoulder. (A keen eye might notice the dark wine stains on his shirt and the heels on his boots four fingers high.)

The tall and strongly built elf moves off the wall and stands behind the Paladin hard to make as his BLEND spell ripples the different background colors along his frame.
Had the elf been there this whole time?
With a brief spat word the illusion disperses to reveal a tallish but usually strongly built elf just on 6feet tall.
Not weighing a tremendous amount, but the rippling muscles along his arms and what could be seen under the front buckling chain shirt bespoke of speed.
The image was further enhanced by his attire. Unlike his rather heavily Armored friend who strong as a Sentinel, this elven man wore leather breeches and greaves and the aforementioned chain shirt only. No helm and no sleeves. At his hip he wore a fine Chelish made scimitar, commonly referred to as a Claw. This being was a Duelist it seemed.
The most out of place things that contrasted with his attire were a leather wrapped travel spellbook, scroll case and a two heavy cesti of different metals adorning his hands.

The mix of things may confuse the common man as to the elfs trade.
Damoc likely knew better.

He had studied at the acadamae and tales of or even the odd student of the ancient elvish art of blending sword and spell was known.

The elf eyes the assembled group critically. And speaks quietly.
We have lost so many, to life or family concerns. Our task has been long and tiring it seems. How can we know any of the assembled have the skill AND patience to trudge the path we walk. I have stayed my own patrons cries for vengeance as we seek the longer and hopefully least bloody path, Ashe. We need a sword or bow. Una and I can scout just fine, though an actual trapsmith would help. Mostly we need higher order Magic. My repatoire is stretched as it is and the challenges will become greater.
I am meant for fighting and striking hard. I cannot do that if I am to be relied upon for utility casting.

He steps back, seemingly preferring the paladin speak. Was he the mans servant, slave or Bodyguard. Or simply uncomfortable being the center of attention.

Out from the shadows steps a short gnome. he is dressed in a travellers garb, and beneath it you can see glints of a mithral chain shirt. A rapier is sheathed at his side and in his hand is a shortbow decorated with a stylised lightning motif, presumably magic. He bows gracefully and smilingly replies in pefect Elvish:

In his musical, lilting voice he switches to Shoanti,

Finally he addresse the combined assembly

"I am Flibidnick Grindlebling, though most call me Flib. I am a scholar of antiqitities and have travelled widely across Varisia and beyond studying ruins. You will find me no stranger to peril, and I have a knack for spotting traps.
i am a fairly accomplished archer; I will not claim the skills of an expert but I can hold my own and my trusty bow will prove a nasty shock to any who cross my path.
Neither am I a stranger to spells; I lack the dedication of a wizaed or sorceror, but nevertheless I have studied widely and have learned some useful spells."

As if to prove his point, He mutters and gestures and four coloured balls of light appear in the air around him. he briefly calls them to his hand , juggles them and then rolls them along his arms to his other hand. Finally he bows and steps back.

His brief act reveals not only his ability with magic, but also his deftness and agility (as well as his racial flair for putting on an act). He clearly acts with an assurance and economy of motion that speaks of competence, and beneath his small frame, his lean and wiry body speaks of hidden strength and Endurance.

The tall youth is handsome... that is the first impression most notice... 'he's so young!' However, his frosty blue eyes are piercing and discerning bespeaking a wealth of experience ... and hardship that is uncommon for one so young, but tempered with that light of hope and optimism that has not yet been quenched out with the weight of years. His expression is one of openness and kindness, not critical judgement... or stern reproof.

He is clad in divinely ornamented Full Plate Armor. Emblems of swords and angels adorn his plated skin. His helm is stylized with a rampant Griffin crest clutching the 'prow' of his helm it's wings spread back to the sides of his helm and flared wide to the sides. Capped with a large white helm plume of feathers... by reputation the only remains - the pinion feathers of a hippogriff from his now believed-deceased father's once beloved companion Hippogriff - "Kyrie" whom he rode for years in service to the Sable Company... before a Shaonti war arrow took his aerial steed's life.

Upon the youth's breast is a silver holy symbol of IOMEDAE the lady of paladins and Inheritor of ARODEN hangs at his neck... along with a Decemvirate Stamped Wayfinder of the Pathfinders Society. His left fist bears a Mythril Guantlet Relic of his faith... the Inheritor's Gauntlet easily identified by the white cloth covering the back of the gauntlet also emblazoned with the golden emblem of IOMEDAE. Ashe is clad; his tabard, boots, belt, and cloak in varying shades of grey... which has earned him his public title.. 'The Grey Knight of Korvosa'. Only his priestly Cassock worn at his shoulders like a vestment/robe is purest white and fringed in gold. His cloak is clasped with a golden medal of distinctive service to Korvosa... "The Pseudodragon’s Mark" declaring him a recognized Champion of Korvosa. Two Ioun stones orbit his head as a halo of magical possessions.

Strapped upon many weapons belts he literally bears an arsenal of weaponry... an ornate magical consecrated longsword <Dauntless Heart> sheathed at his right hip, an alchemical shortsword upon his left, and the butt end of a cold iron warhammer peeks from the small of his back slung from a metal loop in his weapons belt. At his back a quiver and a unstrung shortbow with a metal hanger holding a wickedly hooked 'Royal' Glaive-Guisarme bearing a Korvosan Watch Tassel. Finally, hung at his back under his cloak is a Medium Steel Shield embossed with the emblem of IOMEDAE.

Yet the weapons placement and how they are slung speaks of experience in using them ALL for every tactical need! He does not rest his hand upon the pommel of his sword like the many swaggering rakes of the Korvosan Court often do... this young man knows how to use his weapons and affects no haughtiness in his manner... only shrewd discernment and preparedness for any form or need of combat - a seasoned warrior.

Of his apparel there is one... odd adornment that clashes with his raiment... a garishly colored but proudly borne Kapenia.. a Varisian scarf - Triple-Striped [Pink, Red, Violet], parted by pin-stripes of [Turquoise] and End Tassels of Orange. The colors clashing horrendously.. though reputedly having meaning the those of Varisian heritage.. and in fact the edges of Varisian tattoos can be seen peeking from the edges of what little flesh the youth has exposed at his neck and wrists. To those of keen eye they will note that the scarf is more than it appears, as the end tassels are spaced with bladed fringes and the scarf hangs heavy. A weighted, armored, likely with concealed pouches and bladed fringes it is a weapon concealed in plain sight... to those who know how to use such a piece of apparel and from his stance alone... it is obvious Asherick does.

Ashe removes his helm in respectful regard of those assembled... and his tousled head of equally surprising hair is uncovered. A shock of purest white hair is revealed! His features are a mix of Chelish aquiline sharp angles but his skin tone if a warm bronze olive hue of a Varisian who has spent much time in travel or in the sun. His hair is a natural incongruous color ... not Chelish or Varisian... but is a banner of his innate magical gift of birth... his mother exposed to a massive amount of positive energy while pregnant with him has left its 'touch' upon him... a mark of his Sacred Touch.

Fluttering down seeming melting out of the shadows of the rafters above an amethyst-colored house drake.. a pseudodragon lands to perch upon his armored shoulder... his fellow companion and adventurer Majenko... who has strangely become a dear treasured friend of the young paladin thought there is not an arcane bone in his body. The tiny dragon is clad in leather barding with a belt of many diminutive pouches for holding his favored 'shinys'. All provided by Ashe for his tiny companion. Orbiting the little dragon is a single Ioun Stone and he constantly is snapping at it and Ashes orbiting stones playfully. But now he is obviously trying to pay attention to what his heroic companion has to say to the prospective new party members... but it is very hard as hs snout occasionally follows the glittering orbiting stones distractedly.

Ashe stands tall passing his eyes over those present measuring calmly. Though his muscles cannot be seen under all his plated skin.. there can be no doubt as to the youth's powerful build for his posture and movement is not as if weighted down but as a season-hand of a warrior who has spent long days clad in heavy armor - it is second nature to him now..

"Thank you all for coming to our request for aid. Grave times threaten our city of Korvosa. I do not wish to deceive thee... there is great risk in joining yourselves to our cause not just for yourselves but also your loved ones and friends."

He sighs, tiredly.

"We have uncovered a grave plot that we believe goes all the way to the Very Throne of Korvosa... and insane plot we cannot fathom to reason for. Of recently our ...somewhat lackluster King Eodred died. He was not a sterling statesman.. but he did keep order and kept taxes low for the common folk so .. he may not have been a great ruler ... but he was at least not a tyrannical one. For that at least he was a fair King.. if not a fidelitous one. He will be missed for his even hand at least."

"His young beautiful Queen - Ileosa Aribasti ascended the throne as Korvosa's new ruler, but her ascendance was... contested by the nobility and unwanted. It is no large secret that most of the House Nobility never liked Ileosa... seeing her as a opportunistic, trollop from Cheliax... only wedding King Eodred to gain his throne on his death! And, to her fault Ileosa has not sought to 'win' any support from those same nobles treating most with disdain and callous disregard as country upstarts and not 'real' nobility of Cheliax. There were riots in the streets of protest as several nobility and other opportunists sought to spread discontent and perhaps destabilize the Queen to dethrone her."

At this the youth looks up his frosty eyes smouldering with a inner fire of conviction...

"Regardless of our opinions of the ...motivations as to Illeosa's intent in wedding our king that does not change that she did indeed wed him and to her falls the crown and responsibility of rulership on his death of the Crimson Throne. I knew... that Queen Ileosa was ... not a 'good' woman. Being by profession a Court Courtesan and Escort of ladies of the court; have on many occasions been witness to the Queen's... petulance and excesses at court. I had hoped she would now that the throne was hers - it would mellow her constant grasping for power."

He seems sad at this...

"In any case I was Asked by the Queen to liaison with these adventurers to help them find the elements in the city that were causing the unrest and resolve them. Which we were dealing with and resolving... the details of which are unimportant right now as ... this tale turns... darker and inspires us to recruit more assistance."

"The word was spread by the Queen claiming that King Eodred was assassinated... poisoned instead of death by natural causes. Ileosa claimed that the assassin was identified by a Castle Guardsman who was in collusion with the assassin. A young woman, one Trinia Sabor was accused of this plot. But as we investigated we learned that the young woman was a painter who Eodred had commissioned to paint his portrait. Unlike many of the 'young' women that Eodred had a test for she was not one of his conquests.. she was merely a lovely artist who he found joy in having her presence in the castle. We learned that the guardsman who accused Trinia was somehow allowed to escape custody and commit suicide by throwing himself from the wall of Castle Korvosa! When we finally cornered Trinia in her flat she claimed her innocence that she had no idea who killed the king and never plotted to harm him in any ways...she was not even keeping the gold he was paying her for her services..sharing it with the poor of her neighborhood!"[/b]

Majenko at his shoulder senses something in the paladins emotions and nuzzles his cheek affectionately. Ashe reaches up to scratch Majenko between the wings eliciting chirping trills of pleasure from the tiny dragon.

"We sought to find out the truth of what was going on ...something was not adding up. Rather than turning her over to the Korvosan Guard we took Trinia to the Temple District and had the truth of her professed innocence questioned under a [ooc]discern lies miracle cast by the Bishop of PHRASMA, Kiperia de'Bear, herself! We learned that Trinia spoke the truth.. and her only familiarity with the guardsman were the ... unwanted advances he made upon her person with her many visits to the castle. We had a letter sent by Bishop de'Bear verifying the truth of Trinia's innocence and requesting the body of the suicide guardsman for questioning under a speak with dead miracle to find out why he lied about his accomplice and who else was involved in the poisoning of the king. We thought the matter resolved at least as far as Trinia was concerned."

There is something in the young paladin's tone whenever he speak the young woman's name... Trinia. There can be no doubt.. he is a man in love...

"We dealt with a trouble in the Dead Warrens but learned on our return that no messenger had arrived from Castle Korvosa in response to the Bishop's missive to the Queen's court... not even a request that Trinia be turned over to the Queen's jailors! And to our shock we learned that it had been announced that 'Trinia Sabor' would be executed that Very evening... even though we knew Trinia was still safely in under sanctuary in the Cathedral Fortress of PHRASMA! Something was not right."

"At first I thought it was obvious, the Queen knew Trinia was not the assassin but was using it as a political issue to garner support from the dissatisfied nobility by 'apprehending the assassin responsible for the King's death.' And.. being a spiteful woman Ileosa sought to punish Trinia for her only crime - that of being charming & sweet-hearted gaining the kings admiration and favor with her goodness... something radiant and beautiful Illeosa with all her seductive charms could not do for Eodred. ' A woman's pride is a dangerous beast to poke at'. But since the Queen could not get to Trinia without letting the truth of her malicious scheme be public knowledge... she arranged what I guessed was a mockery of justice by publicly executing someone else claiming it was Trinia."

He pauses here... letting his words sink in.. and seemingly pondering if more should be said. He sighs and continues the time for deception being over with...

"I did not know if the woman the Queen plotted to execute was guilty of anything or not... but I was NOT going to stand by and allow potentially another innocent to be blamed and murdered or the name of a completely innocent woman to be smeared so maliciously! I disguised myself and with my companions attacked the execution ceremony and rescued the young woman! Declaring myself the 'Grey Eagle' I confronted the Queen and revealed the truth of her deception and duplicity to all the assembled nobility and audience - charging her to stop persecuting the innocent and to seek the true assassin of the king before making my escape. It seems that my actions were not the only one who had planned just such a thing for indeed the Famous Blackjack was there as well... though he never declared himself ere I charged the executioner's block. Later we took the rescued young woman to the Temple of PHARASMA and had her questioned. We learned that not only had she been drugged, but also a feeblemind spell had been cast upon her! Someone had VERY much not wanted her questioned... before she was dead! It turned out the young woman was named Sephira, a small-time pick pocket and thief who had only arrived in Korvosa perhaps a day or two ago... certainly not involved in the King's murder weeks past and clearly not a murderous sort - very frightened. That same night on my way home from the Cathedral leaving Trinia and Sephira in the Bishop's care...something occurred that set us on this current line of investigate. A ship coming to port was bearing a plague ship light configuration. When the Korvosan Guard night watch signaled it to heave too and port further downstream away from the city it made no attempt to respond or alter course. So the Guard fired the city trebuchets and sank it in view of public safety. I'll come back to that..."

"We have since spirited the two young women out of Korvosa for safety... but the Queen still persists in her warrant for the arrest of Trinia Sabor for the murder of King Eodred. The question remains.. if Trinia nor Sephira had anything to do with King Eodred's death... who did and why is Queen Illeosa not seeking the true assassin? The Queen has not released the suicided guardsman's corpse to the church for questioning. I have consulted with my 'Uncle'[i] Marcus Endrin - Grandmaster of the Sable Company to be wary of the Queen's excesses... someone willing to go to such measures for pure wounded pride... will wreck much harm as a sovereign ruler! True there are worse rulers but if it is determined by the Seneschal... that the Queen is too disruptive to Korvosa it will fall to my 'Uncle' and the Sable Company to remove her... I felt fair warning of her schemes my 'Uncle' should be made aware of "

"But this is only the backdrop to what we have learned thus far and a prelude to the REAL troubles in Korvosa. We made the acquaintance of a magical haunted deck of Harrow Cards of one Zellara a Harrower murdered by a Gadren Lamm. Her spirit now resides within her Harrow Deck and advises us on occasion. We received a reading warning - The Cyclone [i]{Past}, The Sickness {Present}, The Paladin - Inverted {Future}. To our understanding - Past Evil Plots, portent growing sickness in the present, and foretell of it being foolishness to stand and fight when retreat would be best. The past reading wicked plots hatched in light of things we can understand, the present sickness... is obvious... the future is ..uncertain.. but the ominous unspoken similarities are not lost on me. We decided to investigate this coincidental arrival of a plague ship the night of the mock execution."

"To cut to the chase.. we have uncovered a plot by the church of URGTHOA and the Red Mantis to spread plague in Korvosa. This operation is headed by one 'Dr' Reiner Davaulus... who is a confirmed URGATHOA worshipper and Red Mantis Field Director.. AND the Queen's Chief Physician! We have proof this Davaulus ordered and arranged for the arrival of the plague ship - 'Direption', and its deadly cargo of chest full of tainted evil magically enchanted silver coins that spread the plague - Blood Veil on any who come in physical contact with them. We know ther eis a cell of URGATHOA worshippers here in Korvosa headed by one 'Lady' Andasian a High Priestess of URGATHOA!"

"But what is worse... we... I suspect the Queen is well aware of all this and is behind this plot... for some unknown mad reason! I cannot understand why she would seek to destroy the City she has so coveted.. it makes No Sense! But when I, subtly, confronted her in person with some of these facts... she made no reaction. I know the Queen's usual temperament, lovely she may be but her temper knows no bounds! In fact when we arrived in her Throne room with our reports - she was in the middle of berating some of the high officials of the city she feel nothing but disdain for. Her reaction was nothing but cold acceptance... she would NOT react that way ... for I know she would never stand for someone to defy her and try to take or destroy what she felt was hers! All her actions to this point have shown nothing else but that level of selfishness. She made no reaction... because she knows! How could she not? She brought this Davaulus to Korvosa - in fact he was her 'hand-picked' physician! She knows what's going on.. she is behind it all! Which brings to question.. did she have a hand in the King's murder as well?"

He pauses the fires of his righteous fury smoldering in his frosty eyes.

"What was ask of thee is great risk for we have reason to believe the Red Mantis now if not seeking our lives directly are watching us. and the Queen as well. Her highness has a far reach... you take on much risk not only for yourselves but for those dear to you to aid our efforts to uncover what the full nature of this wicked plot to kill thousands of innocents is to accomplish... and how to stop it! I do not think the Queen knows we suspect her as I did not mention to her Davaulus' involvement directly and made no reference to the Red Mantis... but I fear it shall not be long before the Queen decides to dispose of us before we learn much more. We have a lot of circumstantial damning evidence that she could claim to be ignorant of or flatly deny! We must have Irrefutable proof of her involvement to bring before the Counsel of Great Noble Houses and the Seneschal to remove her from the Crimson Throne!"

"You take on a great risk to join us.. are ye still interested?"

Ashe turns to the gnome bard and replies... in only slightly accented elvish...

Then he bows and crouching down to meet him eye to eye he continues in Shoanti.. smiling warmly..

{OOC: Sory about the Novella 'blush'}

I am very interested if you will have me. I hear this takes place in my beloved Korvosa. I love that city. I am in all the way. I usually play a Chav or fighter with the old noble scion feat of House Jeggare. That means I am one of the nobles of the city of Korvosa. I have played for 4 years in the city of Korvosa being my home city so I know my way around the area well enough.

I will probably run a Chav. DM just tell me what lv and amount of gold I will have. Also how many traits we can have. After that I will make you a direct combat guy that will aid your party in both downtime and realtime issues in game.

thank you and if there is any questions please ask,

Kyle

While Ashe speaks, Flib pulls out a pipe and fills it, lighting it with a tindertwig. The soft glow from the pipe frames his face in a soft glow. He listens rapturously to Ashe's dicourse, frowning at the twists and turns of the tale. His eyes widen and he grins as Ashe addresses him first in Elvish and then in Shoanti. With a twinkle in his eye, he steps forward again and responds with:

Then again he addresses the assembled company in common;

"One thing I would consider from your tale is this: When a person starts acting in a manner that is strange or inexplicable, are they under some form of enchantment? I have no access to our Queen, so I cannot say whether it is possible or not, but it may explain her behaviour. It would leave us with the question of who or what enchants her, but may give us another avenue of investigation.

Alao, when did this Doctor become her physician? if it is recent, it is possible that whoever is behind her enchantment is also behind his appointment, but why would he need this position? Is it for a target or for some other purpose?"

Finally he looks at Ashe,

Bard (Archeologist) does not get Bardic Music, receiving Archeologist's luck in it's place. This means they have no need for Perform other than background. I opted to concentrate on other skills

Varrel frowns, there it was.

His valued friend possessed a pure heart and a strong sword arm, but despite his gift of discourse was also far too forthcoming in the presence of new people.
Una would not have been pleased at the admission. What if one of these was a spy?
The elf made a note to start prepping a KEEP WATCH spell.

Ashe nod replies without pause in Varisian...

Then answering in common for all to hear, "To be sure it is my greatest wish that be the case... for the Queen's actions make little sense to those of sane mind! She has the Crimson Throne what more could she want?"

Glancing at his elven Magus friend, "Friend Verral and I were in the Queen presence together and he can confirm that indeed there were magics upon the Queen's person..."

He pauses... an uncomfortable confession on his lips...

"As I've said - I've been at court many a times in the Queen's presence... and the faint touch of evil has always been upon her... sadly. However, in our recent visit I detected nothing of the taint of evil upon her - which I hardly believe she has made a change of heart so subtly in light of her recent actions regarding Trinia and Sephira. There are magics that can conceal or obfuscate the natural aura of one's nature within their hearts. But we are uncertain if that was the magic Varrel detected upon the Queen ... or some other more sinister enchantment! For he could not determine the nature of the magics he detected upon Queen Illeosa... a strange thing indeed for one of his skill!

Ashe listens to Flibidnick "Flib" Grindlebling's words in Shoanti and smiles again responding...

Grinning from ear to ear, Flib responds,"Well now, 'tis a mystery all right. Theres nothing a gnome likes more than solving a mystery! Strange magics! Assassins! Plagues! What more could a gnome wish for? I'm hooked all right, and that's for sure. And if its learnin' you're wanting, I'm yer gnome. Sounds like I'm gonna have a great story to tell on this one! Ah, it'll do me heart good to get me teeth into something this juicy. Don't think I've heard of anything so strange since the time I went to the Iron Peaks...but that's a story for another day!"

DM falls over laughing at the amount of role-playing in a recruitment thread!

Note: my practise is to let the exisiting players choose whom they wish to invite to join the team. I then write them in.

Varrel moves quickly to aid the woman to her seat.
Now rest yourself, STORYTELLER. We will decide whom has the heart and skill to join us, you continue your tale and we your cast shall do our damedest to reach it's conclusion.

The elf faces the group again.

After due consideration to your skills and abilities I my votes go towards Damoc first and then Quimby. No offense is I tended but we have a rather powerful Shaonti barbarian and Sir Whiteplume here is a strong warrior himself though I am sure in no small measure due to the favor his patron bears him, bless her name. Our sniper is more than capable at range and she and I seem to do a decent job of looking out for trouble. Our cleric is....odd but possessed of a good heart and his faith is strong.
It is higher order magic I would welcome most. Damoc, you are of the Acadamae yes? If you have reached the third tier and are willing to be our sage I will vote for you. I am a magus and what I have in evocation, I am sorely without much skill in the other schools. You, Quimby say you are an Arcane Duelist? Another blade is welcome and so is your song. Your skill with enchantments is a boon for even Asherick's silver tongue slips occasionally.

During the discussion Damoc experieinces a slowly increasing heady excitement. It is like one of his old romances come to life. Brave heroes, a powerful villain, a city at stake. And perhaps a chance to help. It is too good, and too terrible, to be true.

"I hardly know what to say. The -- faults -- the charges, you lay at our Queen's feet are staggeringly dire." Damoc's expression turns almost sheepish for the next statement, "I never completed my course at the Acadamae, but I have the arcane skill you require. I can cast spells of the third tier." He pauses and looks about nervously -- the decision is easy, expressing properly is hard. "I love Korvosa, and through my mother I have the blood of Waydon Endrin. Claiming that herita... In his name... What I mean is I will help."

His shoulders sag a little. Defeated by failure to express himself as grandly as the others, he settles for a grim expression to express how serious he is.

Sorry, I didn't chip in earlier. Work was a bear yesterday and last night I found myself without words.

DM falls over laughing at the amount of role-playing in a recruitment thread!

Note: my practise is to let the exisiting players choose whom they wish to invite to join the team. I then write them in.

Where better? This way you can check out peoples roleplaying credentials before they join.

Flib frowns and addresses the elf.

In common he addresses the rest of the assembled adventurers:

"and what say the rest of ye? I'd be sore disappointed if ye didn't pick me, and that's the truth, so it is. But even if ye don't want me particular skills, rest assured I'll do what I can to help ye anyway. I'd sure be glad to help the young laddie with his learning and I'd be happy to help with this plague and whatever else ye need helping with."

Varrel keeps a stoic face at the omission from the wizard.
Whether or not you completed or are an actual current member is unimportant. Unless your status were to bring more danger from a new source besides those we face? It is what you can do which primarily concerns me. If you are as skilled as you say and are of a heart to aid us, that is enough.

He replies to Flib in elvish,

Flib bows to Varrel,

Posted in the wrong thread. Sorry, I was reading over the campaign to get a feel for the players and DM.

I know I'm late to the thread. I'll toss in with a wizard (diviner) from another campaign that went kaput.

Xavian is an intellectual. He is focused on the accumulation and application of knowledge in the pursuit of arcane power. He would work well in a city environment. He's built with 20 points. I can easily raise him to lvl 6. I intend to play him as a straight wizard with no prestige class.

I'm an experienced player that won't slow the game down. Looking over the composition of the party, a straight wizard seems like a good fit. Xavian is not much of a glory hound. He's more of a chess player seeking to use the pieces around him to take down the king.