Sfounder's Curse of the Crimson Throne PbP
Game Master Chris Marsh

No save necessary

With Gaius fulfilling Ferox's duty, the final enemy lies dead. Between the potion of Grym's and the channel - Sandor and Ferox are back on their feet.

There is a chest to the South. It's not locked. Within Grym finds 4 vials of water, a healer's kit, a pair of sunrods and 263 sails. Finally is a scroll case containing 5 different scrolls (all of which are gibberish to the ranger.)

The true valuables lie in the combative equipment Odric has divested from the enemy. Valay's heavy steel shield, longbow, longsword, and full plate - are all of masterwork quality. The hobgoblins are well armed, but with conventional gear.

What the f&%+ rogue? Odric snarls in contempt.

You seem to never shut up and your silvery tongue seems never to be confounded, yet rather than talk to me about strategy, you undo my gambit without a word? Do you know all you need to know about this Odric kicks the anti-paladin's still-bleeding and possibly still dying corpse evil fool's plan? His accomplices, his leadership, if any?

Of course not. You look at me as a drunken fool. Maybe I am, but you sir are a fool and an a!$! h$~&. We ventured into this cavern as a team, and regardless of where this piece of filth ended up - in scavenger's guts or in a cell somewhere - he was unconscious and tied. A few seconds discussion would have hurt no one and may have availed much in the way of actionable intelligence. If nothing else, pausing for a count of thirty heartbeats would have at the very least helped maintain the illusion of friendship another day.

Odric glowers at the rogue with smoldering disgust.

No one would argue the man deserved to be killed, least of all me who did the lion's share of the job. But what have we lost in dispatching him without interrogating him? What have we lost in tactical advantage and what have we lost in trust among our band?

Odric unties the corpse and stows his bloodstained rope. He gathers up his share of the loot and ties the larger pieces to the outside of his pack.

You are not my keeper, captain, lord, or leader, Odric. I'll not leave a man who can kill by focusing his will alive. We are battered and limping home and in no condition to take prisoners, particularly one who requires so much attention to guard and bind.

Regardless... Yes, I was rash and should have discussed my concerns before I acted. If we're going to continue to work as a team we will need to have a better understanding of each other and our practices. I don't take prisoners and I don't leave enemies alive to take vengence later. It's stupid and it's sloppy.

As for your condemning my actions out of teamwork and trust... Well to The Nine Hells with your sanctimonious and hypocritical crap. YOU decided to risk the strike by pulling back for a non-lethal blow. FEROX, Abadar's Inquisitor, condemned the man to die and as he knocked our second man down. But no, you were ignoring the current *tactical* situation.

And you dare say you did the lion's share of work here as two of our own brushed with death? Ferox and Grym both landed great hits, and you'd still be copulating with that hobgoblin in the corner if I hadn't tripped him up for you.

I am sorry. You're right, that was a rash action. But no rasher than your turn of tactics either. As for our tactical advantage, let's search the man's room. Contrary to popular axiom, Dead men often tell tales and everyone leaves clues behind. So let's look.

Grym watches the two argue and almost hopes for a fight. It would be interesting to see the duel between the massive fighter and the slim half-elven rogue. Grym's money would be on Odric simply for his brute strength and fighting skill. Yet Gaius is sly and could pull some trick out of his codpiece to even the odds...
The ranger snaps out of his reverie, that fallen paladin's evil engery must have affected him. To have him musing about his comrades fighting to the death over a mistake.
Grym speaks quietly but with force. What we have here is a failure to communicate. Whats done is done. We will all make an effort to do better in the future.

Sandor wakes groggily after his insides replenish from the positive energies. Still feeling meager from being the first to fall in combat, Sandor listens to the arguement and chooses to remain silent until he can piece together what all transpired.

mumblingThanks to whoever helped me back from death.

I pick up my shield, and axe and make sure to remove the paladin's holy symbol to add it to the loot/intelligence pile.

The armor shield and weapons are of a fine quality and would fetch a fair price if nobody wants or can use them. Tithe them to Gaius's god for the healing provided for all I care

Since time doesnt seem to be an issue. We should search the crap out of this place. Finish this room and then go back and hit the two dead ends we passed by.

While searching Grym attempts to check for tracks. To see if any hobgoblin or fallen paladin tracks seems to be leading into or out of any spots where there could be hidden door.
Tracking roll 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Sandor takes an interest in Gryms work. The ranger curses the poor lighting and the badly contaminated tracks from the fight. But does none the less point out to good dwarf some of the finer points of reading sign.

Gaius summons a Light spell to help illuminate the area.

No need for the tithe, Master Sandor. The thought is appreciated, but the best you can do for The Savored Sting is to live your life as you will and be yourself. That and tip your courtesan well.

Gaius starts searching the walls for concealed exits. He'll take ten on all search checks. Result is 19. If someone wants to lend assistance, we can crack the DC 20 threshold.

I will help in the search

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Morkeleb watches the exchange between Gaius and Odric without comment--but he does serruptitiously ready his staff, prepared to take steps to end the argument if necessary. Once tempers calm, he notices the scroll case.

May I?

Morkeleb then looks at the scrolls with a professional eye.

I will help in the search

Perception roll1d20+3

I think you can just say you're helping and take 10, which gives us 21 for any square.

As the argument fizzles, Odric's natural curiosity takes over and he begins to assist in the search. He is still a bit put off by the lack of cooperation in the heat of the moment but he appreciates the thorny apology for what it was.

Odric takes 10 helping to search

The thorough check of the entire area produces nothing more than some chewed up bones and the North Eastern area acting as a privy.

I WILL NOT BE IGNORED!!

Morkeleb watches the exchange between Gaius and Odric without comment--but he does serruptitiously ready his staff, prepared to take steps to end the argument if necessary. Once tempers calm, he notices the scroll case.

.
May I?
.
Morkeleb then looks at the scrolls with a professional eye.

Well, if no one else has anything to do...

They are divine, but nonetheless Morkeleb kens their powers. They are all CLWA, save one. There is a scroll of CLW, Mass within.

They are divine, but nonetheless Morkeleb kens their powers. They are all CLWA, save one. There is a scroll of CLW, Mass within.

Gaius, I believe these are better in your hands. I am still working on the skill to cast divine spells from scrolls, but I'm not proficient yet.

CLWA? What's the, 'A', ?

I'll safeguard them until they can be put to good use... For the good of the group.

Chris, can I sense if the water is holy or unholy or mundane?

Morkeleb, please examine Valay's equipment. Are any of the items enchanted or enhanced beyond their obvious craftsmanship?

Gaius turns to Ferox.

Inquisitor, should we take Valay back to The Bank?

After these questions are answered, we should poke around, see if we can find Valay's intended route to the bank. If we can find the security breach, they'd likely reward us. And we should alert the Abadarans to the hiring of this mercenary band. We might learn more back topside if we hit up our contacts.

Ferox staggers to his feet. He retrieves several scrolls from his backpack and casts their spells.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

He quickly goes to check if he can recover the arrow he fired at the hobgoblin.

1d100 ⇒ 81

He watches as the others go about searching the area for treasure and information. He turns to Gaius to answer.

It might be worthwhile. The clerics there may be able to glean some information from him, even though he's dead.

Odric hoist the dripping corpse over his shoulder and nods. He stands ready to head back to the bank, to further explore the cave, whatever is required.

Morkeleb, please examine Valay's equipment. Are any of the items enchanted or enhanced beyond their obvious craftsmanship?

With a brief nod, Morkeleb concentrates briefly, bringing up the simple Detect Magic spell.

Odric feels like he is much more EXPERIENCED after this fight, as do all the other companions.

The water is indeed unholy.... Beyond the scrolls, nothing else radiates magic.

Experience 320 each.

Hmmm... Would Unholy water harm the living as Holy Water harms the undead?

Where to now? The Bank?

DC 10 Spellcraft: Unholy water damages Good Outsiders only, and is evil in its use.

Well you never know. :) Gaius pockets them.

Morkeleb notes Gaius' actions, and gives a subtle smile and approving nod.

I think you can just say you're helping and take 10

I wasn't sure what the DC for assist was, some games it is 10 others it is 15 if so taking 10 wouldn't help. I did reference it, and well I don't like what I see as a player lol

Aid Another

You can help someone achieve success on a skill check by making the same kind of skill check in a cooperative effort. If you roll a 10 or higher on your check, the character you're helping gets a +2 bonus on his or her check. (You can't take 10 on a skill check to aid another.) In many cases, a character's help won't be beneficial, or only a limited number of characters can help at once.

Either way, you are confident in your search. Almost by accident, however, you notice that the inside of Valay's breastplate is a pocket of sorts. It contains a ledger, written in code. I'll take a linguistics check to decode.

I'll do Sandor's HP when I get home.

Interesting. Give me a moment.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Gaius peeks over Morkeleb's shoulder at the ledger.

Linguistics:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Sandor's HP first: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Gaius cracks the ledger code easily enough. It's a simple list of deposit times for large merchants and the Bank of Abadar. There are no references to any leadership beyond Valay's plan.

A page in the ledger also indicates that Valay was in deep with a family called the Arkonas. (Knowledge (Local) now or Diplomacy (Gather Information) when you get back to the city to identify that name.)

:) "...Old Korvosa's defacto ruling family"

Very interesting.

I move we head back to The Bank, and show the Abadarans what we did and see what we should do with Valay's corpse. Then maybe we do some investigating into The Arkonas.

good find Gaius. I agree take Valay back ta the bank, and deposit him. slight wheezy chuckle for his obviously bad joke the Arkonas. Hmm I will think about it on the way back

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Sandor, the Arkona family is extremely prominent in Korvosan politics. They are a VERY old Cheliaxian family. They had atrophied to near obscurity until a high risk venture to the East brought back enough wealth to skyrocket them to one of the most prestigious houses in the land.

Gryms eyes glaze over slightly as they start discussing the politics of the important Korvosan families. While he understands the importance, it pales to the action of the hunt or a good fight. The ranger picks up his share of the loot to carry back. He absently strokes Buchos ears while he waits for everyone to be ready to go.

assuming we've done an exhaustive search (including all the bad guys stinking corpses, and a Detect Magic sweep of the whole joint), as we pack up and head back . . .

I fully agree that we should head to Abadar and see whether they will compensate us for stopping this threat, and bleeding for it. however, I'm a bit concerned about the proof that we have. The cipher our deceased "friend" here was keeping would definitely serve as proof that he was who we claim, and not just a body we dressed in nice armor. But since the journal also mentions the Arkonas . . . I must admit that makes me nervous. Are *we* not now implicated--innocnet though we may be--in this family's activities? might we not now bring unwelcomed attention for bringing the name to light, after revealing a dark plot? Morkeleb turns to Gaius. What do you think, Gaius? Am i being unreasonably conerned over this possibility?

You can never be too paranoid, Enchanter. But we have an Inquisitor of Abadar with us, and they will know their own stray sheep.

As to this business with The Arkonas, I might be mistaken but I don't see any evidence of wrongdoing by The Arkonas here. I may have to study the ledger more closely, but all I see is that Valay was indebted to them. It appears simply that this attempted robbery was to get funds to clear his debt. That is hardly the fault of The Arkonas. But, Gaius's face brightens as he speaks. We certainly shouldn't advirtise that we might have some dirt on The Arkonas. And I'm not going to pass up this potential new asset.

Morkeleb strokes his chin, musing. His eyes grow slightly wider as a thought hits him. You are correct, Gaius. We should keep our involvement in this issue as low-profile as we can. If the Arkonas' find out that we stopped someone from paying them back, that may come back to haunt us. Unless, of course, *we* pay that debt ourselves. How great was this debt--does the journal say? --a pause-- Might we consider removing the pages that mention the debt, to minimize the chances of that information leaving our control?

I think we should keep the ledger ourselves for now, and not tell anyone we have it. The tunnels here, the mercs and the paladin himself will be enough for The Abadarans. Let's keep the ledger for possible use in the future. I see no need to pay the man's debt. He's paid enough already. His Grey Master has him now. I doubt that will be pleasant.

Sandor spits with the talk of the Arkona's remembering dealings with them at the smithy.

Aye I belive we should keep any knowledge of the Arkona's ta ourselves. 'ad some of the family come in ta the shop and commission some armor. I didn't like the feel from the lad, and the way he was intimidating the Smith on the price was downright obscene for such a rich family.

Now lads if we all are done 'ere lets get back ta exploring the rest of this area and see where it leads, or get Valay spits at the mention of the name back to the bank. Now I think Ferox should turn him in solo. This will 'opefully increase 'is standing and fame within the bank moreso than if all of us roll in with 'im. Second, it keeps our names unassociated wit the takedown, so if'n 'ere is any reprisal their plan won't include dealing wit our full might

Morkeleb raises his eyebrows slightly at Sandor's crafitness. An excellent idea, Sandor! I see no reason to give anything to anyone, and I lose nothing by allowing Ferrox a little extra glory, which I surely would not have gotten anyway. A good plan, and I'm for it.

In the interest of time, and the condition of Adam's heart, I will take over in prose mode for a bit:

Once the entire area is searched to everyone's satisfaction, Odric hauls Valay's corpse to the city gates where he tips a carriage boy to wheel it in on Ferox's heels.

The party heads towards home to wash up and get back to life. Ferox, however, heads to the bank....

As word spreads throughout the city, the comrades of Ferox (while not called out in these rumors) gain notoriety with him. Everyone gains 1 Fame.

The party has 7 days to recover, rest, train, and craft.

Please make a single post summarizing your time. Include any necessary die roles. Once everyone has posted, you will be summoned by Field Marshal Croft.

Sandor again takes time in the smithy to reflect upon his latest adventure. He is upset that he was the only one to fall in combat, without a single weapon to penetrate his armor. He prays to the gods especialy Torag to help him overcome the evil energies should he encounter them again.

Also during this week, Sandor needs to link up with Morkelb and see if he can help him getting more potions of CLW, and purchase a set of Thieves tools. unless I can make a set for myself using my smithing abilities

Also during this week, Sandor will see if Gaius will do some discrete checking on the Arkona's. Like how did they get rich quick all those years ago, and the reputations of the heads of the house. Are they generally good people, or are they into alot of vices. I will invest 30g into the discrete information. If he doesn't want to do it, I will.

Profession Armorer: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Assist Rolls:
Diplomacy:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0
Nobility:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Local:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Then of course there is the weekend gathering that everyone is invited to at Sandors house.

I will also need how much we divide up in treasure, from the sale of the MW items, and other trinkets.

as always Chris if you need any other rolls, please feel free to roll them for me, but they only count them if you succeed.

Odric spends the majority of the week in the brewery with his master. He tries to experiment a bit with some new recipes based on some theories he has been ruminating on through this past adventure.

New beer recipe - craft: brewing 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 The beer is horrible, but Odric is undeterred. He has learned a bit about what won't work, and he has an idea for another batch.

Odric also tries to gather a bit of information on any further goings-on of a criminal nature. He prefers to use his evening for fighting the forces of evil than pickling his liver as he once did. gather information: 1d20 ⇒ 3 <-awful roll, but is there a gather information skill anymore? didn't there used to be one?

Odric takes some time to spar with the boys, taking Grym up on a challenge and 1d20 ⇒ 10 doing fairly well overall.

With no apparent leads, Odric retires to a tavern each night for dinner and a drink or two. He does not overdo it at all, demonstrating to his one-time drinking companions a discipline and maturity that many never thought they might see in Odric.

The big man does make a point to create some rather rousing drinking songs. His songs tell the tale of his adventures from the past few weeks, and Odric is sure to mention his friends prominently in his songs. perform: drinking songs 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 Seeing that his renditions of his adventures is going so well, Odric buys several rounds for the entire tavern which amounted to 30 gallons of ale, totaling 3 gold sails.

For once, Odric walked home under his own power, quite sober and feeling grand. The men and women in the tavern loved his songs, appreciated his ale, and had a wonderful evening of revelry and fellowship.

Sandor: You earn 6 Sails, and 5 silvers for your week of work.

Odric: You spend your tips from singing on beers. The skill is now "Diplomacy (Gather Information)"

Ferox is very appreciative of his fellow adventurers for allowing him to return to the Bank with Valay on his own. He had maintained his doubts about their fellowship up 'till now, but seeing their interest in promoting him within the church has changed his mind. That bit of selflessness on his behalf has cemented them as worthy compatriots.

Ferox spends most of his days during the week within the church, enjoying the extra recognition from the other Abadarans.

I'll spend 1 CPA to become a "Teller of Abadar".

At the beginning of the week, Ferox enlists the aid of one of the Bankers to help with the interrogation of Valay.

I want to hire a 6th level cleric to cast Speak with Dead on Valay. This would cost 180 gp and provide answers to three questions if Valay fails his Will save. (1)What actions of his put him into such debt? (2)Who was his primary contact with his debtors? (3)What turned him to the service of Norgorbor?

Ferox spends time during his evenings trying to find more information about the Arkonas.

Diplomacy(Gather Info): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Ferox makes sure to take the time to hang out with his companions. He avoids drink, but is glad for the camaraderie.

Gaius spends the bulk of his week attending and performing The Sacred Rites of Loviatar from the 3rd chapter in The Book of Joy while attending to his duties to Calistria.

Profession: Sacred Prostitute: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

The week is a blur of pleasure and pain and masks and is extremely profitable.

After his shift each day, (Sometimes during. When your business IS pleasure, there's no harm in combining the two) Gaius hits up his contacts looking for rumor and gossip. He pays special attention for word of anyone connected to The Arkonas for Sandor.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13, 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31, 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23, 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27, 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25, 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22, 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

After the Rites of Loviatar are complete, Gaius is awarded the moniker of Whip of Calistria (spends 1 fame point).

And some shopping.

TREASURE SPLIT
Between the coin, and the hobgoblin's gear at resale value, total comes out to 597 sails. This splits out to 99 gold and 5 silver each.

This does NOT include Valey's equipment, because I don't know if anyone wanted to claim any of it.

Masterwork longsword (resale: 157.5)
Masterwork longbow (resale: 187.5)
masterwork heavy steel shield (resale: 85)
Masterwrok full plate (resale: 900!!!)

Let's decide who gets what, if anything--or if we're selling it all. None of the meatshields want masterwork full plate???

WEEK'S ACTIVITIES
Morkeleb has no problem directing Sandor to a reputable potions dealer. Aside from that, he spends his days attempting alchemical compounds. Starting with Alchemist's fire . . . putting these under a spoiler to reduce board clutter. Anyone is welcome to see how awesome I am though . . .

I shall post the rest of the week once I decide what to do, what I can spend points on, etc.