The Beast & the Harlot: Dragoncat's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Dragoncat

Current Date: Oathday, 30th of Pharast, 4711 AR

Current Chapter: Escape from Old Korvosa

One would think that having ended the Urgathoan threat to the city, our heroes would be granted more time to rest. But alas, that is not the case. For Queen Ileosa herself has condemned Old Korvosa to a slow death, and is forcing the Korvosan Guard and Sable Company out in favour of a military force loyal to her alone--her Grey Maidens.

She must be removed from the throne, and the man who has the authority to unite the Peerage in doing so is trapped somewhere in Old Korvosa.

Map of Korvosa

Arkona Manor

The Vivified Labyrinth


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GM Who Must Be Feared & Obeyed (Or At Least Bribed With Cookies)

Demitri charges through the open door to find a pair of fresh-faced cultists, their inexperience writ plain on their faces as their hands scramble in their vestments for a weapon of some sort.

Karri & Ortik are up!


Dwarven Druid (Urban) 8 - HP: 71/73 - AC 17/T:11/FF:16 Fort: +10, Reflex: +5, Will: +11; Perception: +9

"Burak," Ortik says, dropping a dwarven oath as the battle spills out into the next room. "Finish up that one as quick as you can! We may need you in the next room!" He charges forward into the room, ending beside Demitri.

Just a double move.


Female Human Sorceror (Tattooed) 6 / Black Fire Adept 1 | HP 44 | AC 14 FF 12 T14 | Saves +6/+6/+8 | Init +6 (+10) | Percep +2

Pulling more energy from herself, Karri slings it at the last priest in the room. She then follows the catwalk closer to the last door.

Acid Splash: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 4 = 10 for Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1


A Shifty-Eyed Sleuth

Karri's acid blob flies over the priest's head.

Griggs focuses on killing the fanatic before him...

Chop *Favoured Enemy, Flanking*: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 29
Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 17 AAAAAAAAARGH! JUST ONE POINT OFF!
Damage: 2d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 + 2 = 7

...and impales the man on his scythe before bodily throwing him to the floor below. He snorts in satisfaction before running after Karri.


GM Who Must Be Feared & Obeyed (Or At Least Bribed With Cookies)

Ylanna charges through the southern door to the room with the glass tanks, and moves to intercept the nearest cultist.

Egan starts trundling along behind her.

Round 7: Nalun is up!


Male Slayer 8| AC 22 T 17 FF 16 | HP 73 | F +9 R +10 W +5 | Init +3 | Perc +11

I am so sorry guys, I totally missed that I was up! My sincere apologies, GM you have permission to either bot me or make me hold if this ever happens again.

Nalun double moves to get down from the catwalk.


GM Who Must Be Feared & Obeyed (Or At Least Bribed With Cookies)

The cultists are clearly younger than the other fanatics the party carved through--and much more skittish. One of them raises the mop he's holding and shrieks in surprise as Ylanna barrels towards him. He closes his eyes and swings wildly with the mop...

Improvised Weapon Strike: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 4 = 18
Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 2 - 4 = 0
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

...and, by sheer accident, clocks Ylanna over the head with his mop. The ex-prisoner falls backwards to the floor, out cold.

The other cultist, too stunned by what just happened and clearly terrified at the sight of several heavily-armed people bursting into the room, doesn't move a muscle.

Demitri, Karri, Lyla & Ortik are up!


Chelish Inquisitor 8 - HP: 67/67 - AC 24, T:13, FF:21 Fort: +10, Reflex: + 5, Will: +10 Perception: +15 (Effects:)

Demitri moves to strike at a cultist.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10


Halfling Alchemist 7/Swashbuckler 1 / HP 56 of 56 / F+6 R+13 W+2 / AC 21.17.15 (-1 AC vs. same size or smaller)/ Init. +3 / Perc +14

Lyla runs up to Ylanna's fallen body and, avoiding the swinging mop in the cultist's hand, provides her with first aid. "C'mon, we didn't rescue you from prison so you could die from a mop to the head! Stay with me," she says, trying to contain the bleeding.

Heal to stabilize: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11


GM Who Must Be Feared & Obeyed (Or At Least Bribed With Cookies)

Demitri's swing misses the acolyte by a hair.

Lyla's efforts to stabilize Ylanna don't seem to be helping--it looks like she split the back of her head open when she fell to the floor.

Karri & Ortik are up!


Female Human Sorceror (Tattooed) 6 / Black Fire Adept 1 | HP 44 | AC 14 FF 12 T14 | Saves +6/+6/+8 | Init +6 (+10) | Percep +2

Karri moves forward quickly to cover Lyla. "Hurry, Kitten." She then lobs a blob of Legion's essence at the mop-ist. She glares at the young acolyte singed by her acid and hisses, "And you, you can surrender now before Pharasma takes you!"

Acid Splash: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 for Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1


Dwarven Druid (Urban) 8 - HP: 71/73 - AC 17/T:11/FF:16 Fort: +10, Reflex: +5, Will: +11; Perception: +9

"I've got her, Lyla," Ortik says, quickly praying to the Old Dame. "And you two - stand down, before we are forced to send your souls on to Pharasma for judgment."

Casting stabilize on Ylanna.


GM Who Must Be Feared & Obeyed (Or At Least Bribed With Cookies)

Karri's glob of acid splashes against the acolyte's robes and he recoils in fright.

The two cultists drop whatever weapons they have and fall to the floor, their hands on their heads. "Please! Please don't kill us!"

Combat over.


Chelish Inquisitor 8 - HP: 67/67 - AC 24, T:13, FF:21 Fort: +10, Reflex: + 5, Will: +10 Perception: +15 (Effects:)

"Fine. No tricks. You will not get another chance. Everyone alright? Is Ylanna ok?"


Male Slayer 8| AC 22 T 17 FF 16 | HP 73 | F +9 R +10 W +5 | Init +3 | Perc +11

Nalun has two sets of masterwork manacles that he snaps onto the cultists, binding their hands behind them. He divests them of weapons and anything that looks like it might be a spell component.

You are going to tell me everything you know. he growls at them.


GM Who Must Be Feared & Obeyed (Or At Least Bribed With Cookies)

"uuhhhh" Ylanna replies. She's still out of it.

The two cultists don't put up a fight as Nalun claps them in irons and relieves them of their paltry gear. Their unholy symbols are easy enough to find, with them being around their necks.

"...y-yes sir." One says.


Halfling Alchemist 7/Swashbuckler 1 / HP 56 of 56 / F+6 R+13 W+2 / AC 21.17.15 (-1 AC vs. same size or smaller)/ Init. +3 / Perc +14

Lyla steps back to give room to Ortik, and observes Nalun chaining the two cultists. She speaks up to remind the group that their raid is not yet over. "Hmm, guys, let's not forget that, aside from these things inside the tanks, there's a creepy dude cutting up some guy on the other room. We need to check on that." Then, turning to the cultists, she says "I guess you can start telling us some more about that guy. And you'd better make it quick."


Dwarven Druid (Urban) 8 - HP: 71/73 - AC 17/T:11/FF:16 Fort: +10, Reflex: +5, Will: +11; Perception: +9

"He is very much on my mind, Lyla," Ortik replies to Lyla as he heads over to Ylanna's fallen form. "Whoever this man is, he has little interest in his comrades' welfare." He pulls out his wand and begins healing her wounds.

Using a charge off my wand to heal Ylanna.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8


GM Who Must Be Feared & Obeyed (Or At Least Bribed With Cookies)

Ylanna groans as Ortik's healing wand fixes her mop-inflicted head wound. "Oww..."

Lyla wrote:
"I guess you can start telling us some more about that guy. And you'd better make it quick."

One of the cultists nods. "Um... Ramoska? He's--he's the one responsible for refining the blood veil plague." He starts. "He didn't do it willingly, though--I guess his master owed someone a favour and loaned him out to us as payment."

"And, uh... there's the small matter of him being a... well... a vampire."


Halfling Alchemist 7/Swashbuckler 1 / HP 56 of 56 / F+6 R+13 W+2 / AC 21.17.15 (-1 AC vs. same size or smaller)/ Init. +3 / Perc +14

Lyla throws an ominous look to the rest of the party. "Oh. That's not good." She turns her attention back to the culstists. Pointing to the end of the room, she asks "Ok, what's behind those doors?"


Dwarven Druid (Urban) 8 - HP: 71/73 - AC 17/T:11/FF:16 Fort: +10, Reflex: +5, Will: +11; Perception: +9

"Easy now, Ylanna," Ortik says, helping her to a sitting position. "You just took a nasty blow to the head, so some dizziness is to be expected..."

The Cultist on the Left wrote:


"And, uh... there's the small matter of him being a... well... a vampire."

Ortik snaps his head in attention to the cultist. "Wait, what?", he says quickly, nearly dropping Ylanna in his surprise. "That...that actually explains a lot now. Those were probably his spawn beneath the toy shop. We can't leave him behind us like the Gray Maidens." He furrows his brow in thought. "I have a few magics to use, but I'm mostly tapped out. I can have the Old Dame lend us a powerful blessing and hinder this blight upon Her soul, but after that I'm left with minor magics. What about the rest of you?"

I've got a prayer left, and I plan on throwing at my first action in the combat with this guy.


Halfling Alchemist 7/Swashbuckler 1 / HP 56 of 56 / F+6 R+13 W+2 / AC 21.17.15 (-1 AC vs. same size or smaller)/ Init. +3 / Perc +14

"I'm out of bombs and out of extracts. We've managed this far, but going on unprepared against a vampire is pushing our luck." She shakes her head, angry at the situation. "We can't help they guy in there if we're dead."

If anyone can make a Knowledge (religion) check to find out about vampire weaknesses, we might be able to explore that angle.


GM Who Must Be Feared & Obeyed (Or At Least Bribed With Cookies)
Lyla wrote:
"Ok, what's behind those doors?"

"The inner sanctum's down that way." The cultist nods at the double doors. "But only the high priestess and her favourites have keys to the doors."


Halfling Alchemist 7/Swashbuckler 1 / HP 56 of 56 / F+6 R+13 W+2 / AC 21.17.15 (-1 AC vs. same size or smaller)/ Init. +3 / Perc +14

Lyla raises her arms in frustration. "Aaaaand there's still the high priestess."


Chelish Inquisitor 8 - HP: 67/67 - AC 24, T:13, FF:21 Fort: +10, Reflex: + 5, Will: +10 Perception: +15 (Effects:)

Religion on Vampires: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14

"The problem is if we leave and come back, they both might be gone. We've made a lot of noise. We may only get this one chance to stop them."


GM Who Must Be Feared & Obeyed (Or At Least Bribed With Cookies)

"Oh, she won't run." The cultist shakes his head. "The Pallid Princess has marked her--chosen her for this endeavour. It won't matter to her whether she has two dozen acolytes remaining or just two--this is her domain, and she will not relinquish it without a fight."

"And perhaps Ramoska could be... er... convinced to leave? He has no love for this place, or any of us, really."


Halfling Alchemist 7/Swashbuckler 1 / HP 56 of 56 / F+6 R+13 W+2 / AC 21.17.15 (-1 AC vs. same size or smaller)/ Init. +3 / Perc +14

Lyla raises an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

Sense Motive - Can we trust that information?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10


Chelish Inquisitor 8 - HP: 67/67 - AC 24, T:13, FF:21 Fort: +10, Reflex: + 5, Will: +10 Perception: +15 (Effects:)

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11


GM Who Must Be Feared & Obeyed (Or At Least Bribed With Cookies)

Lyla's Sense Motive:
Judging from the man's panicked look in his eye, and the fact that there's several heavily-armed people ready to enact vigilante justice on him if he doesn't comply, you're quite certain he's being truthful.

The cultist nods frantically. "Yes! Yes! He's quite polite if you don't annoy him, too!"


Dwarven Druid (Urban) 8 - HP: 71/73 - AC 17/T:11/FF:16 Fort: +10, Reflex: +5, Will: +11; Perception: +9

"I don't like the idea of bargaining with a nosferatu all that much," Ortik says, positively bristling at the thought. "Especially if he's the one responsible for the plague's virulence. But we're in no shape to take on this High Priestess and a vampire. If we can get an agreement from this Ramoska to leave Korvosa, then I'll take it." He clenches his fist impotently, clearly unhappy with the events, but seeing few other options available.


Halfling Alchemist 7/Swashbuckler 1 / HP 56 of 56 / F+6 R+13 W+2 / AC 21.17.15 (-1 AC vs. same size or smaller)/ Init. +3 / Perc +14

"Alright, that could work," Lyla says shrugging her shoulders. She turns to the group and asks "I'm with Ortik. Does anyone else object to cutting a deal with this Ramoska guy? I mean, considering he's been perfecting the disease, turned a couple of people into vampires—that we killed, by the way—and is currently torturing someone?" She pauses for a moment before going on. "It's not an easy sales pitch, but I don't think we have much choice..."


GM Who Must Be Feared & Obeyed (Or At Least Bribed With Cookies)
Ortik wrote:
"I don't like the idea of bargaining with a nosferatu all that much..."

The cultist blinks in confusion. "How'd you know he's a Nosferatu?"


Dwarven Druid (Urban) 8 - HP: 71/73 - AC 17/T:11/FF:16 Fort: +10, Reflex: +5, Will: +11; Perception: +9

"Because the Old Dame whispers her secrets to me," Ortik replies quickly, advancing on the cultist. "How do you think we found out where your hidden temple is at? You can hide from Korvosans, but you cannot hide from Old Korvosa Herself!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14


Chelish Inquisitor 8 - HP: 67/67 - AC 24, T:13, FF:21 Fort: +10, Reflex: + 5, Will: +10 Perception: +15 (Effects:)

"I don't like this either. But we have to be pragmatic here. Or if they are going to stick around, we leave to rest and come back to kill them both."


Male Slayer 8| AC 22 T 17 FF 16 | HP 73 | F +9 R +10 W +5 | Init +3 | Perc +11

Nalun shrugs Not surprised we would need to bargain. I'm ready to enact justice...or come back later and do it.


Female Human Sorceror (Tattooed) 6 / Black Fire Adept 1 | HP 44 | AC 14 FF 12 T14 | Saves +6/+6/+8 | Init +6 (+10) | Percep +2

It seems no matter which direction we go, we are in for a fight. Maidens above and worse below. Is anyone well and truly hurt? Will Griggss and the others be able willing to help?" Karri speaks quickly with none of the buzzing undertone that usually accompanies her voice. "We would be stronger if we waited, but so might they." Also, I want to prove I can do this without Kasdaye.


Halfling Alchemist 7/Swashbuckler 1 / HP 56 of 56 / F+6 R+13 W+2 / AC 21.17.15 (-1 AC vs. same size or smaller)/ Init. +3 / Perc +14

"Maybe there's some other way out, and we won't have to face the maidens. But we need someone who knows the place well. I think negotiating with Ramoska is worth a shot, whatever comes of it. If he's really here against his will, he might even give us an insight on how to stop the plague. I'm going there." She looks at Griggs, Ylanna and Egan. "Stay here and keep an eye on the cultists. If things go south for us... well, that's not really an option. If anyone else wants to give some backup, I'd kinda appreciate it..." Lyla starts walking back to the room with the catwalks and stops in front of the lab's door. She knocks a couple of times and calls out for the vampire. "Hey! Ramoska?"


Dwarven Druid (Urban) 8 - HP: 71/73 - AC 17/T:11/FF:16 Fort: +10, Reflex: +5, Will: +11; Perception: +9

"You know I'm with you to the end, Lyla," Ortik replies, standing next to the little healer as she boldly knocks upon the vampire's door. "Might we come in?", he adds after her knock. "He seems to value manners, from what that cultist said, so be on your best.", he whispers to her.


Chelish Inquisitor 8 - HP: 67/67 - AC 24, T:13, FF:21 Fort: +10, Reflex: + 5, Will: +10 Perception: +15 (Effects:)

Demitri did not like this but he moves to back up Lyla and Ortik anyway. "As am I."


Halfling Alchemist 7/Swashbuckler 1 / HP 56 of 56 / F+6 R+13 W+2 / AC 21.17.15 (-1 AC vs. same size or smaller)/ Init. +3 / Perc +14

"This is my best...", the girl replies.


A Shifty-Eyed Sleuth
Karri wrote:
"Will Griggs and the others be able & willing to help?"

Griggs cringes. "Look, missy, as much as I'd like to put the high priestess in the dead-book myself, I'm more concerned with these sods here." He nods at Egan & Ylanna. "I'd rather get them and theirs back topside, and report in to Kroft about what's been going down here."

Lyla wrote:
"Stay here and keep an eye on the cultists. If things go south for us... well, that's not really an option. If anyone else wants to give some backup, I'd kinda appreciate it..."

"Sorry, cutter." Griggs puts the head of his scythe on the floor. "I'll keep an eye on these barmies for you, but after this I need to get 'em to safety."


Lyla wrote:
"Hey! Ramoska?"
Ortik wrote:
"Might we come in?"

"Yes, yes, go ahead. The door's open." A gravelly voice replies.

As the party opens the door, the overcoat-clad figure turns to face them. The man's features are sunken and a deathly pale grey, with wrinkles lining every inch of his face. His ears sweep away from his skull before tapering to points, and his red eyes are filled with irritation & exhaustion in equal measure.

"Ah... I wondered who it was that was causing all that ruckus. Am I correct in assuming all the other priests are dead?" He asks, folding his wickedly-sharp claws into the sleeves of his coat. His voice sounds like a dog growling while its throat is filled with gravel.


Dwarven Druid (Urban) 8 - HP: 71/73 - AC 17/T:11/FF:16 Fort: +10, Reflex: +5, Will: +11; Perception: +9

"You would," the dwarf replies flatly, trying desperately to fight against his desire to end the existence of the abomination before him. "And from what I've gleaned, you're the lead researcher into the blood veil, though I haven't fathomed why yet, exactly. From what I've learned, you've no love for the Pallid Princess, so why work for them?"

Keep him talking, Ortik, find an angle, exploit it. You're talking for your life right now.


Ortik wrote:
"You would."

"Hmm. That's a bit of a relief--the fools never could bring themselves to stop bothering me with trifles."

Ortik wrote:
"And from what I've gleaned, you're the lead researcher into the blood veil, though I haven't fathomed why yet, exactly. From what I've learned, you've no love for the Pallid Princess, so why work for them?"

Ramoska's face twists into a scowl. "It's quite simple, really--my master owed the high priestess here a favour. And he sent me here, against my wishes, to repay it."

"He was quite... insistent that I stay until whatever business the cult had here was concluded." The vampire starts pacing restlessly around his operating table. "He even went so far as to foist some of his spawn off on me to ensure I wouldn't run away."

As the vampire paces, the party gets a better look at who it is that's been strapped to Ramoska's operating table. The moaning, barely conscious wretch on the table is none other than one Yargin Balko.


Dwarven Druid (Urban) 8 - HP: 71/73 - AC 17/T:11/FF:16 Fort: +10, Reflex: +5, Will: +11; Perception: +9

"That business is rapidly coming to a conclusion," Ortik says, once he tears his eyes away from Yargin's bloody form. "Those that have not been sent to their dark goddess soon will be, including the priestess that called in that favor in the first place. The way I look at it, her death would mean your master would no longer owe her anything."


"Hmm." Ramoska nods in agreement. "Of course, that's assuming you actually manage to kill her."

He glances down at the man on the table. "Do you know this one?"


Halfling Alchemist 7/Swashbuckler 1 / HP 56 of 56 / F+6 R+13 W+2 / AC 21.17.15 (-1 AC vs. same size or smaller)/ Init. +3 / Perc +14

Lyla chokes in surprise upon spotting Yargin Balko, Lamm's right hand and accountant. "*cough* Well, I'll be damned", she blurts out. "Yeah, I know him. We go a long way back". How did I miss that when I was here the first time? Yikes. She steps forward and speaks to Ramoska. "Like my friend here says, I think we could make a good argument that the cult's business are indeed concluded, y'know. I mean, your boss won't be in debt no more once we kick that high-priestess' a**, like we did to everyone that crossed our path so far. So maybe we can save ourselves some time and get you home early, what do you say? By the time you give your boss the news, she'll be toast. And if we fail, well, you just waltz back in here, it's not like there'll be anyone left to tell on you." Her eyes keep wandering to Balko, but Lyla has a hard time feeling sorry for the crook.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Edited part of the speech


Ramoska chuckles. "Oh, believe me, I'd be more than happy to step aside and let you cut the uppity bastards apart."

"It's just that... well, there's the small matter of securing passage home, first." The vampire shrugs and walks over to the western wall of the room. "Do you have any idea how far Ustalav is from Varisia?"


Dwarven Druid (Urban) 8 - HP: 71/73 - AC 17/T:11/FF:16 Fort: +10, Reflex: +5, Will: +11; Perception: +9

Despite the gravity of the situation, Ortik finds himself chuckling. "Is that all? The only thing that's standing in the way right now is finding you a way back to Ustalav? And here I thought this was going to be difficult." He clears his throat, and forces himself back to seriousness. "If that's all that's in the way, what do you need from us? Money? Someone with a pulse purchasing you a spot in a cargo hold somewhere?"


Male Slayer 8| AC 22 T 17 FF 16 | HP 73 | F +9 R +10 W +5 | Init +3 | Perc +11

Nalun watches the vampire his hand on his mithril rapier...he hopes the blade can protect him if things go south.

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