The Diva's Requiem (Inactive)

Game Master FratManCy

When the Diva Corrin Dalery is killed on the eve of her performance, the Oriat is left in chaos as she is the nascent victim of a strange series of murders occurring in Kaer Maga. Neighbors are quick to point fingers at who was responsible for the death of their beloved idol. Was it the Brothers of the Seal who included Corrin in their clandestine war? Was it a jealous bard who didn’t appreciate the Diva’s sudden rise to fame or was it the Ardoc Brotherhood, who is known for being masters of the arcane? Will the players solve this mystery before another life is claimed? The Diva's Requiem is a level 4 urban mystery adventure set within Kaer Maga.


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DM Stuff:

Sarrus Intimidate 19 vs Intimidate DC 17( 3hd + 2 wis + 2 circumstance)...PASS!

The crowd seemed to stop in its tracks when Sarrus stood up and confronted them because they neglected the fact that a duskwarden was among the Diva Corrine's witnesses. The ringleader's face paled and swallowed hard while trying to save grace.

"Well...uh...you see, if someting appens in your block, gotta take stock if you know wud I mean." He bumbled with a forced laugh while patting his nearby companion's shoulder. "You have a good night..ser.." With no action or present the danger, the crowd dispersed.


Female Human Bard 4 | AC 15/T 11/FF 14 | HP: 33/34 | F +4, R +6, W +4 (+1 vs charm/compulsion)| Init +7, Perc +6 |CMD 16

Once the crowd is fully dispersed, Zaliana lets out an audible sigh. She didn't even realize that she had been holding her breath. As the adrenaline subsides, all of her pains and aches return in force. She looks down to where her right hand grips the fabric of her bladed scarf, knuckles white and bruised. She suddenly wants nothing more than to sleep for a week.

That was our cue to leave, I believe. Lets get out of sight and off our feet. I fear we may have more fights ahead of us.


Female Dwarf Possessed Shaman (Stone) 4 | AC19/T12/FF18 | HP 35/35 | F+4/R+5/W+10| Init+1 Perc+15 | CMD 14

Aralee nods. The gossip was to be expected, she supposes. Nothing worth repeating.

"I will head back to my room at the inn. Ursula, it may be best if you come with me, unless someone knows of better. Between you, me, and Barza, we can set up watch and you can still get a good rest.

"Where shall we meet tomorrow? I think we should retrace Barza's steps to where the other cultist might be."


Female Human Bard 4 | AC 15/T 11/FF 14 | HP: 33/34 | F +4, R +6, W +4 (+1 vs charm/compulsion)| Init +7, Perc +6 |CMD 16

So, the plan is for everyone to head back to their respective bases, then rally again tomorrow? Sounds good with me. Anything more we need to get done before we advance the action? Are everyone healed enough so that a full nights rest will get them to max?


Male Suli Unchained Barbarian 4 | hp 45 | AC 17 / t11 / ff17 | Fort +6, Reflex +2, Will +2 | Init. +1 | Perception +8, Darkvision 60ft.

Sounds good to me.

"Yeah, let's meet up in the morning. I gotta go check up on my better half, make sure she's doing all right... and maybe thrill her with the tales of tonight's adventures. Gravity Elemental, man. That's one for the ages!" He laughs wearily, still a bit jumpy from the fight that nearly broke out only minutes before. A part of him still wishes it had come to violence, but on further reflection, he's glad to have more diplomatic partners on this little excursion. "Ursula, you stick with Aralee. Don't go wandering off with these psychos after you, all right?"

I'm going to assume we come up with a good meeting place before we disperse.


A meeting place and general idea of will would be something good to consider.

Ursula nods in agreement. "I've had enough excitement for one night thank you. Perhaps Aralee here could entertain me with some stories back at her place. I could use something to calm my nerves."


Female Human Bard 4 | AC 15/T 11/FF 14 | HP: 33/34 | F +4, R +6, W +4 (+1 vs charm/compulsion)| Init +7, Perc +6 |CMD 16

I think we should all escort you back to your inn, Aralee. Then we can make sure you get there safely and meet you back there again in the morning. Once we are all assembled, we can visit Ursulas friend in the Brotherhood.


Male Elf Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade/Wildstrider) 1

"Suonds good."


Okay fast forward time!

The dawn of the next day comes as the cacophony of Kaer Maga awakens even the hardiest of sleepers. The City of Strangers became a bustling hive of activity as all matters of live sprang into action hoping to earn their daily bread and coin. The diva Ursula seems to be in somewhat better spirits now that she had the protection of Aralee and her animal companion. The heroes had faced a very intense day starting with Corrine's death, her mystery, an assassination attempt on Ursula and a potential mob fight. Needless to say, what new truths lay for the heroes?

Everyone gain's a night's worth of rest! So...do what now?"


Female Dwarf Possessed Shaman (Stone) 4 | AC19/T12/FF18 | HP 35/35 | F+4/R+5/W+10| Init+1 Perc+15 | CMD 14

"So, today, shall we track down the last cultist? As Zaliana said last night, we should also question Ursula's contact in the Brotherhood."


Female Human Bard 4 | AC 15/T 11/FF 14 | HP: 33/34 | F +4, R +6, W +4 (+1 vs charm/compulsion)| Init +7, Perc +6 |CMD 16

Feeling much better after a good night's sleep, Zaliana joins the others at Aralee's inn.

I suggest we visit your contact in the Brotherhood first, and try to get a message to Pamela as soon as possible. Once we know she is safe and able to take precautions, we can try to track down the fugitive. I imagine Sarrus can give us a few pointers of how to best prepare, if we are to conduct a manhunt below the city.


Male Suli Unchained Barbarian 4 | hp 45 | AC 17 / t11 / ff17 | Fort +6, Reflex +2, Will +2 | Init. +1 | Perception +8, Darkvision 60ft.

"...Yeah, that all sounds pretty much great," Agnis adds, looking particularly chipper and excited this morning. "Hey, these Brotherhood guys aren't particularly aggressive, are they? I don't know 'em, so I just need to know if I should expect to give my sword a workout."

I think we'll all probably agree to hit up the Ardoc Brotherhood first.


Female Human Bard 4 | AC 15/T 11/FF 14 | HP: 33/34 | F +4, R +6, W +4 (+1 vs charm/compulsion)| Init +7, Perc +6 |CMD 16

poke, poke....


Sorry for the delay!

With their goal in sight, the party decides to entertain the idea of using Ursula's contact within the Ardoc Brotherhood to contact the remaining diva and warn her of the dangers that are posed against their station.

To say that it was a busy day in Kaer Maga was a trite statement because the City of Strangers thrived with action no matter the time of day. The party left the rhythm of the Oriat and treaded towards Bis, a district home to both the Ardoc Family, the Kiln, and of course the Duskwarden Guildhouse. But to get there, the easiest path was through the Warren.

The transition between the districts was a distinct one. Where as the honeycombed structures and buildings that lines much of the Oriat's walls gave a dizzying effect on the traveler's eyes, the Warren was a chaotic collection of shanties literally stacked upon each other. The place was devoid of the beauty that people clamored for within Kaer Maga. A sense of dread pierced the party, unsure of what dangers lay within this lawless district.

As the party was making their way, Ursula pointed out a nearby commotion. A crowd formed around a heavily armored individual who bore a crimson cape and was brandishing a symbol that looked like a glowing sword.Despite the morning heat, he held great energy and charisma. "Dear citizens of Kaer Maga! Now is the time to repent and forge a new life! Strike down your chains of corruption and face justice! Be your brother's keeper and uphold the future!Look, I have slain this wicked individual who had stolen from the merchants! Without me, there will be no justice! Follow me in the glorious light!" His voice was booming over a heavily bloodied street urchin.

Ursula gave a sigh. "Here we go again..."


Male Suli Unchained Barbarian 4 | hp 45 | AC 17 / t11 / ff17 | Fort +6, Reflex +2, Will +2 | Init. +1 | Perception +8, Darkvision 60ft.

"Give me a second, guys," Agnis says quietly, a hint of a fiery glow sparking in his hair.

He pushes his way up through the crowd to get a better look at this "crusader." People like this have always left a sour taste in his mouth. He had sat through enough of his mother's Iomedaean sermons for this to bring back bad memories. Disgust, at both the murder of the street urchin and the zealous words of the armored man, twists his face into a scowl.

Can anyone with Knowledge (Religion) confirm whether or not this guy is wearing the garb of Iomedae and whether that religion has any presence in this city?


Female Human Bard 4 | AC 15/T 11/FF 14 | HP: 33/34 | F +4, R +6, W +4 (+1 vs charm/compulsion)| Init +7, Perc +6 |CMD 16

Zaliana looks towards the commotion in confusion, her instincts telling her not to attract attention. Obviously, Agnis does not have these reservations.

Agnis, what are you...wait...did he just say he killed that child for stealing? What is going on?


Male Elf Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade/Wildstrider) 1

Lysander scowls at the man, and follows closely behind Agnis. He knows this brand of "justice", and cares little if it comes from the Inheritor's children or the Prince of Darkness. A law that demands death for petty theft is no law he has interest in abiding by.


M Human Alchemist 2 / Tactician Fighter 2 | AC (17), T (12), FF (15) |HP: 32/32 (0 NL) | F +5, R +6, W +4 | Init +5, Perc +8 |CMD 18

Sarrus keeps a fair distance from the rest of his group so as to avoid catching to much attention. It was a consequence of his unmistakable garb, a blessing in getting around the city... but troubling when the watchful eyes of some unknown agents were on them. It was one thing to deal with the common thugs and crooks of Kaer Maga, but a sinking feeling told him the players behind Corrin's murder were anything but common.

His attempt at laying low vanishes as all eyes dart to the crusading display at the heart of the Warren. He takes a few moments to gauge the speaker, wondering if it was just a common thief playing a part in some deceased priest's vestments, then sidles up alongside Agnis at the edge of the crowd. He crosses his arms, watching and waiting to see what else the zealot had to share.

Know(religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
SenseMotive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9


Sarrus:

As a Kaer Magan native, showy displays of power was too common, be it a slave master cracking his whip, an Ardoc Brother flexing his priviliges, or even a rich merchant buying out his competitors. A quick glance revealed that you did see a legit symbol of Iomedae. It struck you strange because Iomedae's presence within Kaer Maga was...rare. Though the typical crusader may pass through the City of Strangers, this wasn't typically her call to arms. Her fight would make more sense striking down the wicked or hordes of demons...but a street urchin?

In regards to the priest, you weren't sure what his angle was but it seemed that he wanted to garner as much attention as possible.

The Duskwarden joined Agnis' side while the crowd started to grow in volume.

"Ah good, this eyes of the city is now upon us and for good measure too! My heavenly host is willing to grant guidance and pardon from this wicked tyrany you call freedom. You toil tirelessly for what? A mere pittance? What this city needs...no, what YOU need is a proper structure with laws, balance and someone to watch your back. Too easily while your neighbor or brother take from you! Under my plan, everything will achieve PROSPERITY!"

At this point, the crowd cheered in union while another robed figure appeared, flanking the zealot's side. He bore a similar outfit save for a necklace that dangled around his neck. He produced forth an ornate bag and placed it near the deceased street urchin. "If you would so kindly..."

Slowly, a few onlookers began to donate what they could within the bag and received a blessing. Their numbers grew.

Agnis and Sarrus:
Roll perception


Female Dwarf Possessed Shaman (Stone) 4 | AC19/T12/FF18 | HP 35/35 | F+4/R+5/W+10| Init+1 Perc+15 | CMD 14

"Where were these people when the child needed that money for food? They would give to his killer instead? Such a place, Kaer Maga." Aralee tuts disapprovingly.

After casting guidance on herself and then Barza, she eyes the crowd sharply and sends Barza to circle the market.

Perception - Aralee: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 15 + 1 = 33 (+1 guidance)
Perception - Barza: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 = 23 (+1 guidance)


M Human Alchemist 2 / Tactician Fighter 2 | AC (17), T (12), FF (15) |HP: 32/32 (0 NL) | F +5, R +6, W +4 | Init +5, Perc +8 |CMD 18

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Sarrus looks on with quiet contempt. Gods of all makings were welcome in the Kaer Maga--that was sort of the point of the city, if it had any at all--but he really preferred it when they kept their ranting and raving in its place.

"They're wearing the symbol of the Inheritor," Sarrus whispers to Agnis, "But her crusaders don't usually come through the city, let alone kick over the downtrodden of the Warren. Something feels off about them... but they're also not trying to kill us, so that's something."


Sarrus:

Your street smarts kick in and you notice something out of the corner of your eye. A diminutive hooded figure was creeping through the crowd placing small card like objects within any visible pockets. It seemed to be quick skilled and deft having little problem maneuvering with the crowd's sudden movements.

Aralee:

I love that score!

The ceremony before you seemed very off. The zealot and his assistant were rather showy garnering the attention of the crowd while a total of 3 diminutive hooded figures were carefully placing cardlike objects into people's pockets. You noticed that this was only for the people who didn't receive a blessing.

As for Barza, you get the sensation of curiosity when your animal companion spots a pair of figures looking from a nearby rooftop about 15 ft away. They had similar clothes as the zealot but bore scrolls and books.

While the party spent their time observing the scene, the Zealot proclaimed once more.

"I call upon you, oh citizens of Kaer Maga. Lend me your eyes and ears! Are there faithful and promising from your flock? Who will join us in our divine crusade of liberating the tyranny of chaos?! Strike down your chains and join us in the radiance of the light!"

At this point, the crowd continued to grow in number, amassing to about a total of 100 people all crowded within one intersection. It became almost impossible to move through without knocking someone over. A cry rang out and a woman was convulsing in erratic spasms. Her eyes had rolled back and the crowd did their best to step aside allowing the Zealot room to wade in.

"Chaos!" The Zealot brandished a wand like object with a flick and touched the top of his hood and holy symbol, offering a blessing to himself and the afflicted. "By the Inheritor's light, I stake my claim as a crusader of her flock. Foul beast, purge yourself from this host. Suffer me!"

The crowd gasps as the woman's spasms stop abruptly when the Zealot laid his wand and holy symbol upon her. Strange sounds of horrid beasts filled the air signifying the beast's egress.

"You are cleansed from this filth and brought back into the light, fair maiden. May the sun ever shine so faithfully upon thee!"

The crowd whooped and hollered with great fervor. Some men and women clamored towards the zealots donating what they could for additional blessings. Some even received scarlet scarves and wore them proudly in honor of today's events.


Female Dwarf Possessed Shaman (Stone) 4 | AC19/T12/FF18 | HP 35/35 | F+4/R+5/W+10| Init+1 Perc+15 | CMD 14

Aralee shares with the party what she and Barza have seen in low tones.

She eyes the woman ahead suspiciously. Is her affliction real?

Heal: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26


Female Human Bard 4 | AC 15/T 11/FF 14 | HP: 33/34 | F +4, R +6, W +4 (+1 vs charm/compulsion)| Init +7, Perc +6 |CMD 16

Zaliana stays close to the rest of the group. No stranger to cons and parlor tricks, she studies the zealots carefully for signs of deception.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19


Aralee:

You could tell that her affliction was chemical induced. She lacked any real serious problems aside from a minor allergic reaction. The convulsions weren't faked but her symptons were.

Zaliana:

You could instantly what magic that the zealot was using - enthrall. It worked wonders on the unintelligent and disinfranchised. However, any person capable of common sense and reasoning could avoid such a cheap magical trick. You suspect that his use of a holy symbol and loose robes had concealed his somatic and verbal casting, or perhaps something had helped augment it. Eitherway, you're certain that this isn't some low level snobbery.

Meanwhile, the shaken woman's convulsions ceased and she was normal once again.

"Oh thank you! The beast of greed and wrath has been lifted from me!" The doe-eyed participants within the crowd eyed her with inspiration. More money continued to poor into the coffers of the collecting person.


Female Human Bard 4 | AC 15/T 11/FF 14 | HP: 33/34 | F +4, R +6, W +4 (+1 vs charm/compulsion)| Init +7, Perc +6 |CMD 16

He is using magic to enthrall the crowd and keep them favorable towards him. I can try to disrupt his spell with my bardic song, and free their minds, but that is likely to draw a lot of attention to us. What do your think? Also, keep a hand on your valuables, this kind of thing is a common ploy to give pickpockets free reign. Zaliana whispers to the others.


As the woman was freed from her control, the zealot beckons the crowd once more.

"As you may know, the Lord in the Light knows and sees all. I'm sure you all know of the Diva's death, the very one within the Oriat. Her life was riddled with darkness but I can assure you, with our tutelage, even where evil creeps does light strike down with great vengeance for I am your shepherd."

And with that, the zealot cast off the crowd.

"Go forth and do the good work!"

The followers of the Light had moved on, resuming their daily toils. The Diva Ursula was offended by his remark concerning Corrin's death. "Can't believe people sometimes. If it were me, I'd ask him what he knows but them religious folk, they can be addled in the head."


Oh no, onto the inactive list! My bad, I thought I had responded. Fell off the face of the earth for a week.

Aralee reveals what she observed of the woman's fit. "Such theatrics are fitting for a city like Kaer Maga, I suppose."

She narrows her eyes to focus on the zealot. "He sounds as if he thinks the Diva's death was deserved - a possible suspect?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

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