_HRF.jpg)
'Lil wrote: A very well travelled elf stands looking around a bit confused. His clothes, cloak, skin and hair are ragged and unkempt. He has all the demeanor of a drunkard save a long quarterstaff he props himself on. He looks around at each of the persons in the room seeming unsure of something. "Uhmm..," he begins softly, "Well, I uhh..just kinda stumbled into town and saw some interesting folk going into this house, so I followed. I'm not much for violence, but when people need protecting...I don't quite know ya'll well enough to let you take my mind for a spin. I mean, you do consort with devils and all," he bows a head at the devils, "No offense. But ya'll aren't known for your compassion and generosity." Zellara's ghostly form remains as she smiles at the traveller.
"I admit, I do not like this circumstance either, however, they speak the truth and wish to help us overthrow the Queen. I sense she is planning something dreadful for the city and the blade in Scarwall is the only weapon that can defeat her." Zellara expresses herself as she turns to Jerin and Krenn "If you wish, I could do a harrowing to double check, but I'm certain these new followers are here to help." as she says this the cards dissappear from Jerin's possessions and dance around the air around Zellara as she turns back to the newcomers.
"I was once mortal, but I cling to this world to make certain my home is safe. It's all I have left after that thug killed my son and then stole my life. Please, we must retrieve the blade because if we do not...I see...Korvosa in ashes." tears come to her eyes as she recalls this image and draws a card, appearing to be The Avalance and the Big Sky in reverse. The first meaning a great disaster that can be averted and the second one signifying new shackles to replace the old ones, however, she doesn't know what it means, but involves the group somehow.
At this point Zellara, emanating from the deck of cards (That either Krenn of Jerin should have) enters the fray.
"Time is of the essence. Every day Korvosa remains under the queen's control, is another day the people are suffering. I have read my own fortune and chances are, I may not survive the journey back, but I know you all need to remove the curse and free the blade." she states, giving a bow to the newcomers. "To those who are new to the group, my name is Zellara. I am- Was, a fortune teller. It's a long story, but for now I live only to save Korvosa and keep her safe."
Trinia smiles as she takes these walks with curnach, though she wished to instead hold his hand. These lands are sandy-somewhat. There are plants every so often and possibly some kind of wildlife.
Trinia talks to you about how she has been having adventures of her own. The last one ended with a group entering a rocky outcropping where they faced a group of Ettercaps in search of treasure.
When the group is alone, Zellara reveals herself to the group, her cards following her as she begins to meditate and read the cards.
"You will have difficulties with the shoanti. There is a mighty warrior who may either become a great threat or a mighty ally to you." as she says this she is looking at a picture of a Paladin on her cards. The next one is of a Forge. "Old scars cut deep and one of the many obsticals on your path will be driven by revenge and hatred." Next following cards appear. The Fiend, The Keep, The Bear, The Big Sky, The Uprising and The Cyclone. "You have evaded him for now, but the Red Mantis are going to find your trail and catch up with you. Be ever vigilent for their leader is a skilled combatant and will do anything to bring your heads back to the queen."
"I...I see a temple dedicated to the Moon and the Stars. A place of woreship to those who woreship Desna, but a rare, though not unheard of being resides inside, guarding the temple from any and all who enter even if they come in peace."
"Be warey for a mighty monster that is made from magic, but not born from it lives in the Cinderlands. It is a giant worm with firey flesh and a unnatural intelligence."
"One of many tests will involve strength. Totems will be involved, but many creatures with big armoured hides will try to knock them down."
"You will enter a ancient, Thessellonian ruin where a being from another world and time slumbers. It has many arms and will attack intruders of all kinds. It slumbers and it fights in it's sleep. It is a monster that even other monsters would fear."
with that she then sighs and looks back to the group.
"I see much terror and pain in Korvosa. the Grey Maidens train endlessly. They have even been searching the sewers for you and then using silver longswords to kill all the wererats they find, believeing them to be harbouring you. The temple to Abadar and others suffer, but Asmodeus' temples become more powerful as it becomes the central religion that the Queen supports and endorses. The church of Pharasma are holding strong, but the population is being put under her rule and I sense that something is wrong. If we do not hurry, Korvosa will be list within the next few months, possibly weeks."
You are all transported instantly into a large and lavishly made (for this place) room with a large throne where a creature of an immense size must have been. You see, chained up like a rag doll and attached to a statue of Bahor Arkona is the swordsman, Vencarlo Orisini, however he doesn't greet you. His head is slumped over and he has visable wounds from the beating his been recieveing and his shirt torn with bite marks and scratches upon his flesh. You'd think he was dead if it weren't for the haggered breathing.
curnach's knowledge of human anatomy can tell that not only has he been chained here and beaten for days, possibly since the day the group recieved the message but he appears to be suffering from starvation and exhaustion as well as the many bruises and healed cuts (naturally healed) that hs is sporting as well. You doupt you can wake up in his current condition.
Vencarlo is still manacled and Curnach's sharp eyesight catch that there is something odd about the pillow on the throne and a glint of what could be a key beneith.
He's basically at 11 hp and 45 non-leathal damage. He's been in hell since Sivit caught him and it's obvious he is totally unaware of you, let alone that the chambers have even been moving.
Zellara shakes her head at this scene.
"I...I didn't take a good look at him. I just saw him and rushed back." she remains silent, unable to do anything herself, but wishing she could.
Edit: MAP
The area to the south was what has a trapped symbol that you have not yet activated yet.
"Let me check." she says, going to the golden orb and then returning "It took me to a area with a pool. Let me try the others."
She touches the green orb and immediately returns.
"It's Vencarlo! He's chained to a throne and badly wounded. A throne made for a huge creature!" she exclaims, not touching another orb as she assumed you all wish to use this one to get to Vencarlo.
When the lever is moved into the upwards position the orbs shimmer for a moment, but appear to be unchanged in colour. Again, the area is rotated from the mysterious creature that is following you.
MAP
Zellara looks to the group.
"Which orb first and what one after that?" she asks, hoping to find a place to get to before this thing gets too close to the group.
Jerin wrote: Sounds like it might be the Demon woman and maybe the senechal or Vencarlo. We should cast a few preparatory spells and go through the teleport globe.
Once we get to the cell I can cast knock and open our way out. We should then destroy it and free them. Any thoughts?
I guess we can only go one at a time since we have to touch it?
spellcraft 1d20+18
Jerin will cast shield again and mirror image on himself.
He will cast stoneskin & Heroism on Krenn and have his scroll of haste out to cast once he walks through the portal.
Jus before touching the portal he will cast Vanish on himself.
"There were hundreds of cells, all small single person cells. You could unlock one, but do you have enough of that spell to unlock everyone's cell?" she asks as she looks at you. "The man wasn't Vencarlo, I would've recognised him. Do you know what this lever does?" she asks pointing at the lever stuck in the wall, opposite the one that rotates the dungeon.
Jerin wrote: Could you see anything beyond the prison cell Zellara? She shakes her head.
"I just came right back here. Was stuck in a large room with many cells, viewing a torture chamber with a poor man strapped to a stretching rack and being tortured be a evil giant woman with six arms." she explains and as appears saddened by what she saw and points to the lever. "Have you used that?" she pointed to the lever that is in the down position when the group entered and from detect magic and spellcraft, is connected to the orbs, though what it does no one knows.
She takes her time, touching the golden orb first, returning moment's later.
"It led to a prison cell." she states as she tries the next orb and after trying each one she returns and looks to the group. "The same thing happened each time." she then looks at the lever to the side, the one that appears to be connected to orbs magically.
As stated, nothing there. All fungi is small stuff that's common and grown from the bits of bodies that used to be there.
Zellara appears near Curnach and looks to the orbs.
"I can interact with them. Being a spirit that cannot harm me and I can return to the deck." she points out as she wishes to help the group in any possible way "We need to rescue the Senechal and find out why the queen is so powerful and to save Korvosa, this city I loved in life."
Curnach Daveck wrote: ** spoiler omitted **
Curnach Daveck wrote: I thought of Zellara myself when I mentioned the Harrow Deck.
Curnach smiles a twisted smile.
It seems another lead has already presented itself. I'll be back in a moment.
Curnach steps outside and gives Zellara his assent to do a harrowing on the location of the seneschal.
Curnach Daveck wrote: We'll take her as our prisoner for now, though she is not to be mistreated. If she needs us as desperately as she claims, she won't put up a fuss and she'll wait for our return once we have her safely secured. If we need her as desperately as she claims, we can always put our harrow cards back on the table. I will have no part in dealing with this fiend until I have to; and I remain to be convinced.
Jerin wrote: I take a 10 which gives me a 19 as I study Zellara
Well hello Zellara, it is a pleasure to meet you. He looks at the other members a little unsure of what to say. Looking at the rest of the group, You are full of many surprises. You say there are dark days ahead eh. I hope to be able to help in that regard. So far, I haven't been too successful but I am sure my luck will change. So you are a spirit? I am sorry about your circumstances. There are soo many questions I would love to ask you about what it is like, but I don't want to be rude, maybe some other time we can sit and have a good chat.
You saved some orphans! That was very kind of you. he seems to be a little all over the place. He studies Zellara some more as she talks and jots some notes in his journal while looking around to gauge the reaction from the other patrons.
"I do not understand it myself. I am bound to my harrow deck. I was a harrower in life and made money by making fortunes to young couples and those desperate to find love or learn of the future." she smiles as she says this, seemingly to enjoy the memories.
Krenn Weststone wrote: Lady Zellara, you have spoken true to us and allowed us to accomplish much. I consider myself endebted to you, and will do what I can to save the city and those in it... including my nephew, who is still here and at risk. Krenn finishes to himself. Zellara smiles and bows to Krenn
"You did well by leaving him at the temple. The temple will be the safe place for him and the others." as she says this she referes to the other orphans everyone saved.
As Curnach says this a beautiful middle-aged woman appears, smiling to everyone.
"Hello everyone and welcome, Jerin." she smiles to the group. "My name is Zellara. I brought everyone together to get revenge on a peice of scum named Geadren Lamm. He killed my son and when I found out where he was hiding with my cards, young Curnach holds here, he found and killed me, saving my head for himself and left my body for his crocodile." she sighs heavily but smiles to him.
"I have wished to keep this group together because I see something dark in Korvosa's future and I hope you can stop whatever is going to happen from happening." she explains, knowing she couldn't really say too much."I don't know what exactly will happen, but this city will be destroyed and it's citizens killed if you don't keep on helping save the city."
As you all head over to Zellara's house you see her appear once again beconing you over.
"I buried my son's remains in the back, next to that young sapling. It's a shame I never got Lamm arrested, but I'm glad you have all taken him down." she walks you all through the house that still looks unused and there are still shouts of Chaos in the background. Pointing to the tree you can see some fresh grass where you assume she buried her son's remains. "I am glad you all came to Korvosa. Korvosa needs heroes like you."
After the burial where those who wish to say a prayer, say one in honour of her.
"Now, go meet with Grau. Someone tell him to find someone new and move on." he hangs her head as she says this and shakes it. "I used my deck on him and he will never be with the one he loves. It's sad that he keeps punishing himself and Curnach, you need to talk more love before you end up like him. Everyone, I will remain in the deck Curnach has and if you need me for anything, I will be here."
She fades away once again and you are left alone in her guarden, but soon leave realising that standing about for too long might invite muggers. As you make you're way back to the temple you are suddenly surprised by a swarm of Imps, flying down and attacking. There are about 8 of them and it's obvious they see you all as easy prey.
Group Initiative:
Curnach Daveck: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Althon Skyven: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Aventi D'Gaudon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Tapestry: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Krenn Whetstone: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Curnach and Althon are first to act in Round 1.
Upon his words the beautiful middle-aged fortune teller you all met at the start of this adventure appears before you all. She turns to Curnach with a smile.
"So you want to return the brooch?" she asks looking around the room and then turning to Aventi. "Walking up to a ruler of the country while holding someone's head might not be the best for first impressions. I've never been to the castle myself, but I wouldn't be surprised if you would be searched when entering and I don't think they will be impressed. I...would like to be bured next to my son in the Dead Warrens, but with all this chaos it's too much to ask for. Just leave my remains here if you plan to visit the new queen of Korvosa." she rolls her eyes as she says this and sits on the table's edge comfortably as the monk from earlier returns.
"Oh? I didn't see you before miss. Shall I prepare another room, it's no bother." he turns to Aventi wanting a answer from him but Zellara then interupts him
"No need. I will be sharing a room with the young cleric." she smiles and the man only now realises that he sees a Tiefling, but looking at Aventi he seems to regain his composure.
"Err...brother. Is there anything else you might need?" the monk looks thoughly surprised at Tapestry due to her earlier comment of a cucumber, oil of slipperyness and a goat. It's obvious from his expression he wants to retort and say something but is holding himself back.
Curnach Daveck wrote: DM Aron Marczylo wrote: Curnach Daveck wrote:
Zellara? the young Druid whispers questioningly, before gathering his wits and following Aventi up the ladder. ** spoiler omitted **
Before Combat-
Yes Zellara... I befriended his shark and we fed him to it. You are avenged. So why do you linger? Come to give me my Harrow reading before you pass on?
Round 1 Combat Action
If the fight is still going on by the time Curnach's action comes around, he will attempt to gather the children and keep them out of the melee, inviting them to watch his 'new friend' down below.
Want to keep them in a secure location while we explore the fishery.
Krenn Weststone wrote: Krenn will select a card from the middle. 1d9
He purses his lips as he overturns it, concerned about what it might say.
Revealing the card she shakes her head. It's a picture of a demonic looking lantern and looks over to him.
"It appears you will find a light that will guide you out of a trap. This card is a bad omen, but only for those of a evil alignment." she shakes her head and looks to Caunch. "I agree with your friend there. He wishes to get this business over with. My...power is fading but I shall return here after the job is done. You all have a part to play in coming events." she gives a coy smile as she fades away, shuffling the cards as she becomes transparent.
[b]"My, my, my...You have a hidden strength not yet revealed, but you were also lost before you came here, lost as you had no idea where he was but under all that stress, there is a clarity of mine." she smiled turning over the rest in the same order as before. "In the present you shall have a joke pulled on you, but you have strength through your own diversity. You will stop a theivery of some kind. Lastly, in your future you shall not find any refuge, however a new love shall begin too I also have here...the Inquisitor. This means, Immutable Reality. Things as you believe them will not change it seems. Well...you were a very interesting read. Mostly omens, curious." she seems to fade as she remains stareing at the cards who also dissipate.
Aventi D´Gaudon wrote: Avanti looks for a while at the cards and decide to take one out
Card:1d9 card in right [the corner one]
Avanti takes the card from the right and look at it. Unsure what he sees, he turns to Zellara and ask the meaning of it
I am assuming they are all in row or something like that
The card you draw of is the dance and she smiles as she looks upon it.
"Seems you picked the card that suits you. This is called The Dance and symbolises staying within peace." she then takes the card back, shuffles them in the entire deck and starts to play out 9 cards. 3 across and 3 down making the pattern and she then starts to reveal the ones on the left hand side first.
"You're past involves a man who gains power for the sake of power. This person does not understand the true value of things or he never would've gotten rid of you. His loss of you all means that you shall all be responsible for his dimise, this of course I am sure you already know, not for the present." she starts to turn over the cards in the centre of the 9.
"Standing fast will be foolhardy. It's best to approch the situation tentively. Secrets of the past shall be brought up by Lamm and he'll make you a tempting offer, do not take this offer or otherwise he will most likely stab you in the back." she now turns to the final 3 and begins to uncover them slowly.
"Staying in lockstep shall be periliss, you will fail to make the right decision and..." she bites her lip as she looks over to Krenn and turns over the final card, shaking her head. "Tragic news, or profound loss shall hit you sometime in the future. It may not refer to at the fishery, but it will involve you."
She remains silent after the reading, collecting up the cards and reshufflening them.
Wow I'm bad at shuffeling card.
Althon Skyven wrote:
Turning to the rest of the party "So..we're all in then. We move on the fishery. Any suggestions as to how...surely the five of us don't stand a chance...we need an plan...even if Lamm isn't expecting us, we'll be out numbered for sure"
Zellara laughs as you say this shaking her head.
"Of course it won't be easy, nothing is ever easy, but the majority of his people are kids. They get beaten and bullied into working for him and fear him above everything else. If you were to persuade the kids not to fight and kill Lamm and his men you will find it very easy. Lamm will have no idea you're coming so you already have one of the greatest weapons in battle strategy. He's not going anywhere, anyway. He doesn't know I'm here afterall and thinks he's safe. A man at his age can't move very quickly."
Zellara lets the cards fly through her hands as she performs the reading. She pulls out 9 cards and has them with the blank side facing those who wish to take part, offereing them a card to take and ask for meaning of.
Althon Skyven wrote: "Knight?..ha..so you can't see everything" chuckles Althon "Ok..I'll bite lady...but so help me... If you are lying...may my spirit haunt you forever" says Althon as he takes the woman's outstretched hand. As Althon attempts to take the woman's hand, it goes though completely and she laughs and crosses her arms.
"As you can see, I'm the only one doing the haunting here." she sighed, playing with her cards again and looking sad as she looks over the group. "You see...I told you the truth I did track down Lamm, but what I didn't tell you is he found me, so please, get revenge on that bastard and bring back my deck. This deck here is also a figment." as she says this the illusion fades. There was no milk, no wine and no bread. The various tapestrys have been torn or stolen and the place looks dirty as if no one has lived here for the past few weeks. "He still has my deck of Harrow cards and my head in his possession. He's a sick bastard as the majority of you know first hand so please, you can see now why I did this little rouse. I may no long be alive, but I am giving you all the chance at revenge against this man." she appears very sad and is even crying, though you can all tell that she isn't actually real her emotions appear to be "My head is in a hat box in his room. The sick bastard painted it up with make up and I dare not describe why he still has it. Also...beware of Gobblegut. You know who he is, he's the crocadile pet he has and he is also where the rest of my body is. I was fed to him but I held onto a shred a life just to bring you all here to get revenge. You all want Lamm and I have given him to you. If you are still interested in a read, then I will give you one. It's only midday and he doesn't even know I'm here." she sats down looking very sad, but releived as she got this off her chest and continues to shuffle the cards on the table, giving a sad smile and waiting for their answer.
Althon Skyven wrote: "So let me get this straight...You just happen to find five suckers who all just happen to be in town looking for Lamm at the same time. I know, I know your a fortune teller...come on...Sounds a lil fishy to me lady...how do we know your not setting us up...working for Lamm. Maybe Lamm got wind of some old rivals looking to get even and comes up with this little scheme to dispose of them..us all." Zellara's eyes narrow at the suggestion of her working with him.
"You think I would work with that bastard after what he did to my son!" she grits her teeth as she says this and looks through her cards, thinking for a moment but then goes back to shuffleing them. "Being sold to Lamm has made you distrustworthy of people, hasn't it Althon, but I thought being a knight would teach you to trust people, clearly you have learnt nothing. It has been years since the majority of you have seen him and though you have all aged, he too has aged. He is barely a cripple, but the kids are still afraid of him. I tell you the truth and if I didn't bury my son's remains I would point you to the box."
Althon Skyven wrote:
"What does he mean your holding something back?.." scowls Althon menacingly
Intimidate 1d20+6
She continues to play with her cards, looking at him into his eyes and wondering exactly what he was going to do. This was getting tiresome. She wanted Lamm to be taken care with so she got up, putting her cards away and put out her hand.
"Take my hand and all will be answered, or throw you javalin at me. I don't care, I just want you all to take care of Lamm and bring revenge for us all, but if you insist on distrusting me then do as I suggest and the answer shall come to you."
Stepping in through the door is a attractive middle-aged Virisian woman. She smiles to everyone and turned to Krenn.
"Krenn, this is why your search has failed until now. You can't go around bullying people, now, please let's all sit down." she makes her way to the table, but stops to look over at Curnach. "That includes you too, Curnach. Even your little friend I gave the card to knew to trust me." she gives off a loving and motherly impression as she sits down at the table and takes out a very familiar looking collection of cards. As she plays with the harrow deck it looks as if the cards themselves dance in her hands as she shuffles and reshuffles them and she isn't even paying attention to them. Strangest thing is you all attempt to retrieve the card you were given only to find it has dissappeared and upon giving her a confused look she will pull out each of your cards saying "Is this your card?" smiling coyly as she plays with the cards, waiting for everyone to take their seats
After everyone sits:
Zellara puts the deck away and looks at everyone.
"We all know why we are here. Gaedren Lamm." she waits for this fact to settle in on everyone "Yes I know exactly what he has done to you and further more, I know where he is. You see, my cards were stolen from me by one of his 'Little Lamms' and my son grew furious and went out to find him." she pauses for a moment as it's obvious there is some strong emotional connection there "I then recieved a box as a thread. It contained my Son's head and his hands. I went to the guard, but they told me they have much more important things to deal with and no idea where he is, so I have spent almost all the coin I have to find out where he is and I informed you all as I know I can trust you all." she pauses again and then raises her head looking at all of you. "He is in the Old Fishery, just down the road from here up north towards the dock. He is there and counting the treasure from today's pickpocketing. He won't be expecting any of you. You all have the element of surprise, I hope you all use it. Go now, and I will be here, waiting for you." when she finishes, she starts shuffleing her deck again. "If you wish, I can give you a reading for free before you go." she seems to smile as she wonders if she'll be able to give anyone a reading.
|
_HRF.jpg)