Amgir's "Curse of the Crimson Throne" AP (Inactive)

Game Master Faelar Braegen

"Stay," Iolana says. "A moment only, if you will. You say that you are familiar with this creature and his methods?"

Iolana spares Zellara a wary glance. "Please, if you would, but do not feel comfortable speaking here, we may go elsewhere and discuss details and some manner of plan before we rush to this address with naught but good intentions," she places emphasis on the good after the strange red skinned man's talk of torture.

'I am glad you will put Lamm to justice, he deserves it! But before you go, let me give you a reading, to help you on your path. It will be; of course, free.'

'a plan sounds good, but we need to know each other better first. i don't believe in harrowing but if you want to do it and as it is free, go ahead.'

She is not of the tribe, not of the family. But she has been wronged too by the cretin. Why should I trust her so blindly in her tales, as there is always two sides of the coin?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

I do not know what 'justice' you speak of, mistress, only that I intend to return what was dealt back then to me, a thousand fold. If that coincides with your desires, then be it.

Krill looks on as the woman prepares her cards for a reading, distrusting in anything remotely considered arcane.

Krill, you are getting no deception from the woman, as she tells her tale she is being completely truthful.

The Choosing
Zellara pulls out nine cards and holds them out in a fan, 'Please take a card each of you'

Caim : 1d9 ⇒ 6 'Ah, The Rabbit Prince' This shall help in all Knivesies fights.'
Fealix : 1d9 ⇒ 7 'The Avalanche for you' This shall help you in all encounters in the "City of Turmoil".'
Iolana : 1d9 ⇒ 8 So, you drew The Crows' This shall help you when you fight Vreeg.
Krill : 1d9 ⇒ 9 'Hmm, The Demon's Lantern' This shall help in all fights with the guards if you fight them.'
Razule : 1d9 ⇒ 5 'The Peacock?' This shall help when you fight Verik Vancaskerkin.'
Tyler : 1d9 ⇒ 3 'You have chosen The Juggler' This shall help in all fights during the Shingle Chase.'

When you come to the point where your card will help you, you gain the following: +2 bonus on all Dex based rolls and a +1 Dodge bonus to Armour Class. These bonuses will last the entire combat.

The Reading
Caim : 'An opportunity has arrived at the perfect time for you, this opportunity will show you the way you need to go. Taking this path will heighten your Arcane talents. The path given to you is a generous gift. But a secret of your will be revealed that will cause you great harm. You have 1 Harrow Point
Fealix : 'Your mind has come under a relentless attack, an attack form all sides. An object or person that has been lost or murdered will be of great help to you in this task. No matter who tries to play with your life or control it, if you keep going strong you will achieve your goals.' You have 2 Harrow Points
Iolana : 'You have felt like you have lost your identity and you were surrounded by people who did not speak your tongue. This journey will go poorly and you will lose a treasure rather than find one. You shall be struck with fear and may not be able to move because of it.' You have 4 Harrow Points
Krill : 'You have received information and been taught lessons by an ancient source. Carry on your path and many slaves shall receive their freedom by your deeds. You may succumb to greed and foolishness if you continue on.' You have 1 Harrow Point
Razule : 'You have been tortured in the past, but your mind remained strong. You will come across a group of dangerous people that will commit murder and thievery. You shall come across a foe which your physical attempts will fail to defeat. Humour is the key.' You have 3 Harrow Points
Tyler : 'You have been enslaved and nearly lost your mind to your cruel master. You have received a tool that has revealed to you a new location for you. You shall come across many traps and tricks and your mind may not be able to help you overcome these challenges.' You have 5 Harrow Points

Harrow Points allow you to do the following: In this book they are always Dex based. You may use a point to :

• Re-roll any one Initiative roll,
• Re-roll any one Reflex Save,
• Re-roll any one attack roll modified by Dex,
• Re-roll any one Dex based skill check

You can spend a point to gain a +1 Dodge bonus to Armour Class, this can be done up to 3 times. This lasts all encounter
You can spend a point to increase your base speed by 10 for 1 encounter, this can only be done once per encounter.

I hope you guys don't mind, but I actually performed proper Harrow readings for each of you and just put in the results

'Never said his death would be swift.' Caim muttered at Fealix's response, crossing his arms, listening to everyone else chatter.

At being asked to select a card, Caim reached forward, hesitating for several brief seconds before grabbing a card and looking at it. The Rabbit Prince.

'An opportunity has arrived at the perfect time for you, this opportunity will show you the way you need to go. Taking this path will heighten your Arcane talents. The path given to you is a generous gift. But a secret of your will be revealed that will cause you great harm.'

Frowning at his reading, Caim examined his car in closer detail.

'Love how a simple image told you all that.' Caim mused, returning the card to it's owner. 'Don't suppose it can tell what this secret of mine is that will be revealed can it? You know what, never mind, I'll learn this the hard way, life wouldn't be interesting if I had all the answers ahead of time.'

The Choosing required the single card, the Reading required 9 cards for each person. Each card in a certain place, is what you check for the reading results. I just forget to mention that she takes the cards back and does the reading for each person. Sorry about that.

I sit there listening to this woman speak. I make no response or reaction to the card drawn or the reading that follows.

Iolana is elsewhere while Zellara reads the cards, allowing her mind to wander over a myriad of designs that would compliment the various textiles she viewed at market today.

There but for Shelyn's grace, and the support of my husband might I have gone, she muses once as Zellara flips the cards. As a people, hers were particularly bound to mysticism, and though Iolana was a romantic, she could easily draw the line between metaphor and reality. Poetry and song idealized subjects and objects, they did not completely obfuscate.

"My thanks, Mistress," Iolana supplies when the woman has ceased talking.

After the reading, Iolana rises from the table, crosses the room and leans against the furthest wall with her eyes closed, considering her position.

"Humor, huh?" Razule says as he glances at Fealix. "I'm not much for comedy nowadays, but I'll see what happens. Thank you for the free reading."

"So," the boy says tot he others, "when do we go?"

Hearing his reading, Krill gets torn up inside, his old self eager for more of the Harrower's reading while the teachings of the tribe indicate one is responsible for his own fate.

He nods amicably at Zelara, his face neither pleased or doubtful.

He looks at the self talking man, trying to form an opinion but then decides to keep them to himself.

The day is growing dark, what action we are bound to take upon Lamm, the less people know the better. I am ready to go now.

'Thank-you, your thanks are a most gracious gift.' Upon hearing Krill say he is ready to go, a delighted smile appears on Zellara's face and she looks as if she is about to start crying. 'I am glad you are eager to give justice to Lamm and I hope that you are able to do what I cannot, before anyone else is hurt by the monster.'

"Peace, Krill," Iolana cautions, stepping away from the wall. "This location the Mistress has learnt of is Gaedren's home. There, he and his have the greatest advantage, and there I make no mention of the children," she says, her voice flat and harsh.

"I am certain you will correct me if I misheard, but there are a number of you who claim to have intimate knowledge of the creature and his practices. From my perspective, this is the only advantage we possess at this moment," Iolana observes, sweeping her eyes over the group. "Might you confirm my suspicions that the children he has laid his hands upon are just as likely to pose a threat to us as well?"

To Iolana I say "Yes. As I was formally one of "his" children and I know of his powers of coercion. If we can help it, I'd rather not kill any children if we don't have too. They are to a small extent dangerous but they aren't too strong. Just don't trust any."

"You mistake my intent, sir," Iolana states flatly. "I have no desire to harm children, only wished to confirm that they could be a threat to us. The heart of a mother beats within mine breast, but forced to, I will choose the health and future of mine own before another.

"Krill is also correct that simply speaking here will bring us no closer to our desired results. However, I would that some of our number who have the skill for it survey the location and its occupants for a time, and try to discern their habits," Iolana suggests. "I would prefer to strike later with information than sooner with none. And if we could wait for such a time when the children or perhaps the occupants are asleep, that would be best."

after hearing everyone talking about their plans, i speak up. 'i can be very sneaky if i need to be, so could easily scout the place out from the shadows.'

Caim listened to Iolana, nodding absently, almost giving the illusion that he wasn't paying attention, were it not for his staring at her, and Fealix when the red-toned man spoke.

'If we have one with the abilities to survey, then by all means, however, we will have the element of surprise on our side, unless he makes a habit of letting people who don't have his best interests at heart know where his home is, his guard should be relaxed. Surveying his home might alert him.' Caim spoke up. 'I've no desire to have the blood of children on my hands, but, as the good lass said, I'm not risking my neck trying to avoid harming them when the brainwashed terrors aren't going to give me the same courtesy.'

"I was one of those brainwashed terrors once. Razule reminds Caim.

If we can get to them when Gaedren isn't there, I might be able to get them on our side." Razule says, shifting from one foot to another. "They're likely to remember me, and I cared for them more than he ever did."

I listen to the others. "Yes of course, everyone thinks about themselves. That's just how it is."

I think about my skills, "I am highly diplomatic. If I were to get a good disguise I could speak with many folks who know Lamm, potentially Lamm himself. I would like some visual information first."

I listen to Razule. I then look intensely at him.

Krill looks at the addressing woman, hearing her counsel, halting his tongue in respect as the tribe has taught him.

Truth and wisdom is what she said, it would not do to act rashly and fail in my attempt. Lamm has been surviving all these years, doubtless many others would have attempted to end him as we are now, but what separates them and us is caution and decisiveness.

He replies back,

Respects, Iolana, I would heed your council. A long time ago, I was one of his trodden children too. They only seek food, shelter and protection and have fallen under his sway. We would offer them better and win them to our side. Though, the resources I am severely lacking in which to present.

Looking at the others,

We may be of similar fates, but I am regretful to not recall you before. We may have operated in different parts of the cities, or I escaped much earlier. Nevertheless, I believe our goals are convergent and I would gladly share the burden with all of you.

"They will have those, and freedom too if they simply step aside," Iolana answers. "I hold no delicate illusions that we will be able to find their homes and families even if we are given the time to. Petty larceny is common enough, among those who lack attention to detail," Iolana says and sighs.

"This is hardly an optimal situation. Surprise is one of our few advantages. If we can bank our passion til the early hours of the morning, it is likely that the children will be asleep, and perhaps Gaedren himself."

"Razule was it? How long have you been a little Lamm? I was one for about ten years, I got out four years ago. I didn't know everyone, were you one of them at the time?"

"I don't like it when people use that name." Raz says softly. "If you know that name, I was probably there before you left. I don't remember you though."

"Call me Raz if you're going to call me anyway."

Is our course of action decided then? I would have gone there and cleaved my way through but wiser counsel dictated otherwise. Otherwise I would lend my strength to anyone who would put out a sound plan.

Patience and strike with might at the opportune time, that is the way of the hunter.

Zellara looks towards you all, 'You could always get the children into the many orphanages in Korvosa? That way they can lead a normal life with a real family.'

"As long as it's some of the better ones, anyway..." Raz mutters.

"I get up early, so anytime and anyplace is as good as any for me for when we meet up and strike at him." He says aloud.

"We might direct them," Iolana allows, "but ultimately, their choices are their own to make. Rob them of that little, and we will make ourselves no better than Lamm," she concludes with a frown.

"In either case, we should adjourn," Iolana suggests, "as individuals. If we fail in our pursuit, we should not burden our hostess with knowledge of the particulars should we be observed. Those of you more familiar with the city, could you whisper a public place near our destination where we might meet each other again?"

Iolana Knowledge Local (Public location near Lamm) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

I sit there listening intently. "There still seems to be little ressembling a plan at the moment. People are worried about the children attacking them. Trust me when I say Lamm will use everything in his arsenal to survive. We have yet to make any real attempt at action thus far. I am on the side of caution but haste too has it's perks. So, what I see is Scouting first, then we move in based on the knowledge the scouting obtains." I like this woman. Iolana. She is very level headed and quite the clear thinker. I will enjoy working with her.

I'm not there yet. There are some things about here I want to see first. And more still I want to know about what motivates her. I will settle for nothing less.

Is there anything I would know about Lamm. Fealix is usually quite observant. How often was Lamm attacked, how and what did he use us for exactly, what kind of thugs does he usually keep around? Me and Raz may know this stuff from out time with him.

Caim nodded in agreement to Fealix's comment, scratching his chin in thought.

'Sounds like the best plan of action we have thus far.' He mused. 'Scout and then use what we learn promptly, preferably using a good dose of sneaking. Once we've dealt with Lamm, we deal with the terrors, putting them in various orphanages or putting them down as circumstances dictate. Fealix gets to remove toenails, I hopefully find irrefutable evidence with which I can present to the authorities, Iolana avenges her husband and Raz and Tyler get whatever vengeance they plan to inflict on the man.

'Sounds almost like something out of some theatre production. Here's hoping that unlike the theatre, there won't be any dramatic fight scenes due to a hitch in the execution of this plan.'

"There is a tavern near called the Dwarven Ales. Whomever wishes to scout may do so, and those of us who would only be a detriment to the party in that case may wait there," Iolana suggests. "A lively tavern gives little cause for any to be recognized fully, and patrons enter and leave at will."

I would endorse heartily at this course of action, Iolana. I would rather be there than here. Would it be a cat always stalks her prey inching ever closer before making the final pounce? A group such as ours would not seem out of place in a tavern, unless it is those types of tavern that caters to the nobility, as remember from my youth.

Krill animatedly speaks in suppressed excitement in a long burst.

i lean forwards, placing a dagger on the table in front of me, it seems to appear out of nowhere (Perception check). 'I suggest we have two, two person teams to scout the place out. That way if any thing happens we still get some infomation back and one team can aid the other too escape if it comes to it. i am very good at sneaking, so i will put myself forward for the main scouting team.'

i look to everyone, waiting for a response, 'shall we get going to this Dwarven Ales and work out who will scout with me?'

knowledge local, to see what I know of Dwarven Ales = 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
perception to see what weapons others have = 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
sleight of hand = 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Tyler, you did not even know there was a pub called Dwarven Ales and I don't know where you were looking but you are unable to see the weapons that everyone has...Even though you sawe Krill and his axe outside...

It will take you about an hour to get to Dwarven Ales, is that where you would like to go?

"Good thing I brought my stuff in case this was a trap." Raz thinks. "I'd would have had to go get instead of going to this Dwarven Ales."

"Lead the way, Iolana." He says as he slips the red vial back into it's pocket.

As you all leave the fortune tellers house, she stands up bow and with tears running down her face, 'Thank you so much, I just know you will be able to sort this monster out and free all his slaves!'

It takes you about an hour to get to Dwarven Ales, on the way you find it eerily quiet and the only people you see are groups of guards. They come and question you, but when you say you are on your way to the tavern, they let you pass and ask you don't create any problems. Once you get onto the street with Dwarven Ales, you see there are a few more people here, of all different shapes and sizes.

Inside is the same as any other tavern; there are tables and chairs in the centre of the room, a bar with stools along the North wall, there is even a smaller bar and stalls for any smaller customers. There is a strong smell of Ale in the air and everyone seems to be enjoying their drinks and company, so it appears no-one is paying you any attention. The barkeep is a Dwarven man and the waitress a Halfling woman. There are a couple of empty tables that can fit all of you around.

I wont be able to post often until the holiday season is over. Basically not until January. I'll keep posting when I can.

I follow the others quietly to the tavern.

When we arrive at the tavern I sit down and remove the cloth from my face. I stare at the group waiting for their ideas to come to fruition.

Iolana motions for the waitress to come take her order of an ale. "What news of the city, Mistress?" she inquires. "I have never before seen so little trade being conducted."

Iolana Diplomacy (Gather Information) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

The waitress is wearing common clothes, but appears to be happy adn content. She speaks to you in a cheerful voice, 'Oh, thats just at night times. The guards are trying to catch that Gaedren Lamm fellow and anyone who is working with him. They have not been getting anywhere though, so they have decided to make the patrol groups bigger and arrest anyone who seems suspicious. This has caused a lot of people to become scared to come out at night, in case they are accused of being affiliated with him. But we still get people like yourself who are still willing to risk it and spend at night, you are lucky they didn't try to arrest you for walking in such a large group. Anyway, is it just an Ale for you mi'lady or would like a bite to eat too?'

"Soup, if it is available," Iolana answers with an easy smile.

When the waitress has gone, Iolana's cheerful countenance falls. "An unexpected obstacle has presented itself. I know I am not skilled enough to evade roving patrols, but..." Iolana pauses to consider their position. "If our... mutual acquaintance has also been informed it is certain that he will remain close to his home. This, of course, has its disadvantages. I fear that he will be keeping his children much closer."

'Thank you mi'lady, one soup coming up.' With that she rushes off to the kitchen.

I give the waitress a charming smile. "I will take a soup too m'lady. I will enjoy whatever kind you recommend my dear."

I lean forward towards the group. "I am a gifted speaker. If we have any run ins with guards I recommend you let me do the talking. I should be able to convince any guards that we have no affiliation with that man what so ever. We are innocent of any association with that man. It should be an easy task to talk them away. Or even manipulate them."

The waitress returns from the kitchen holding 2 bowls, each filled with a red, thick soup. She places them in front of Fealix and Iolana. When she places Fealix' in front of him, she blushes as she looks at him and quickly leaves, she returns with some fresh bread and then carries on with her work.

Iolana's eyebrow raises at the young waitress's reaction to the boy. Curious she muses, and smells the soup but decides to delay eating for a number of minutes while it cools. Of the number of changes her body had undergone during pregnancy, among the least pleasant was the taste of copper in her mouth when she consumed piping hot foods. It had not lessened with Ilyena's birth.

"I believe I shall," Iolana hums sardonically to Fealix's suggestion, "for an elderly matron is much less likely to attract attention wandering the streets at night than an attractive young man," she jests lightly and laughs.

For some reason my phone no longer lets me post. My posts are going to be even more scarce than I had originally thought. I apologize for the inconvenience I may cause as a result of this. If I am too slow to keep up, I will understand if I am dropped.

I watch the girl go admiring her for a moment and turn my gaze back to Iolana. "My dear lady. A matron holds much wisdom. More than most people. There is a lot of beauty in the maturity of those people. They offer the most sound advise. They are the most maternal. And they have a beauty that girls will only achieve when they reach your level. Do not put yourself down. Looks aren't everything and I should add that you look really good for the age you seem to elude too. But I digress. We are here for Lamm and that should be the focus of our conversation. Is there a vantage point around that we could make use of? Or should we hit the streets and start asking people what they know or scout the place itself. I defer to your wisdom in this matter m'lady."

Krill hears the serving woman's story with some interest. Finding a spot to sit down, he observes his surroundings before ordering some drink, preferably ale as the tavern name suggests.

Noting a plan for scouting Lamm's previous whereabouts, Krill listens to the conversation between Iolana and the red skinned man.

What now? It would be hazardous to wander in the streets at night alone, best we should go in force. Else to wait till light comes about and venture then.

"As a merchant, I have more experience than most to listen for subtle cues in communication, but I do believe that the mistress said that the patrols were specifically targeting large groups," Iolana says to Krill. "Moving in force is the least intelligent option at this time.

"If we mean to scout, it should be done in small groups, and we should have an excuse to be on the streets at all. These patrols are looking for persons affiliated with Lamm, which..." Iolana pauses, "I find exceedingly odd. If he were such a threat, why not track him themselves?"

Iolana narrows her eyes. "In any case, we must be exceedingly careful. I suggest that we break into two small groups. Fealix may go with one to successfully negotiate with any patrol that may find you, and I with the other for the same. It simply would not do for only a pair to arrive at our objective because the others are incarcerated."

At least you would be gracious enough not call it foolish, as I act as what the tribe has taught; to be forthright and accept my shortcomings.

Krill looks at Iolana with some thought.

I would accompany you, if that is not a hindrance, and lend my skills to be used as needed.

Krill looks over to the red skin man, warily and distrustful.

I face Iolana, 'Would splitting into 3 groups of 2 work well? That way we will be seen even less and there can be a pair of strong combatents to back either group up. But if you think that 2 groups is better, I rather go with Raz and this red man, if that is possible.'

"If our target is understood, I see little problem with moving in pairs," Iolana says after considering it for a few moments. She stirs the soup brought to her and looks for any sign of steam still rising from the liquid, then glances at the others. "Those of you who are... familiar with the target, know you a call sign that would not be used by the others so that we can rally each other should the occasion arise?"