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

Game Master Faelar Braegen

Caim listened to to everyone as they discussed ideas. He had decided to go with the flow and order soup, as everyone else had, whilst he absently tapped at the table top. Not being intimately familiar with Lamm as most everyone else was, he didn't have much, if anything to contribute, at least, not in the planning phase.

The news about the guards was unexpected, but not too great a hindrance. But then again...

'It might be better if you are not seen with me, out on the streets.' He spoke up. 'I've not got a good record with the guards, I'm likely still fresh on their minds due to the murder I was framed for, and I doubt they believe that I'm wholly innocent. If I'm recognised, that could cause issue, and it might well carry over to anybody I'm with.'

Raz shakes his head at Iolana's question.

"No call sign that I know of. Lamm kept us in sight, or his lackeys did. He kept tabs on us almost all the time."

I also shake my head. "No. He kept us close. Too close. I suspect they will be present if and when we encounter him."

I look over at Caim. "Then I recommend you either wait here for our scouting to be completed or you could join me. You needn't do any talking for I have faith that anything I say can keep us from trouble. However, I am not familiar with your reputation so the choice is yours. I am fine to do my own scouting if need be."

At Fealix's words, Caim furrowed his brow in thought before he shook his head.

'If you are willing to take the chance, I'll accompany you. I don't like the idea of sitting around letting other people do all the work. Here's hoping that this won't become complicated.'

So, any idea of what the groups are going to be and what sizes they will be?

Sounds like we have our teams: Iolana and Krill, Fealix and Caim, Raz and myself, if everyone's happy with that?

"No problem with me." Raz comments, checking his vials to see what he has ready today. "You and I work pretty good together if I may say so myself."

I nod at Caim. "Just remember, I do the talking. For visual sake, you will carry my things like a servant. I was a noble once and know how to act the part." I stand up looking around. "So, are we ready to do this."

"Thought had crossed my mind"

I mere nod as though I am agreeing with someone's statement.

I turn to the others. "At what time is reasonable to return to the inn?"

The time presently is around 10 at night.

Caim rubbed the bridge of his nose, ignoring the mild distaste for the idea of acting the part of a servant. It was the fact that the idea would actually help avoid unwanted attention that had him nod in agreement to the scheme.

'That seems a workable plan.' He commented, pushing himself from the table, snatching his cloak from the back of his seat, pulling it around his body and yanking the hood up so that it helped shroud his features. 'What would you like me to carry, me lord?' Caim asked, slipping a tone of humour into his voice.

Father would likely have a heart attack if he saw this. Old man was always convinced that any fruit of his loins would be nothing less than a captain of the military; here I am playing lowest of the low. Kind of a cruel irony if you think about it.

"Our purposes can be achieved in forty minutes," Iolana states confidently. "If we meet here before the end of the hour, we can discuss what we have learned, and conclude this sordid affair before dawn."

Iolana looks to Krill and offers a faint smile. "Shall we then, sir? I suggest that we wait some time after the others depart, however, as we are in no particular hurry."

Right... You all get there with little interaction from anyone, although the guards do look suspiciously at Fealix and Caim, but when they notice that Caim is carrying Fealix' stuff they go on their way, after greeting them both and wishing them safety.

You each look around the place where Lamm is holding up, the Old Fishery. There appear to be 3 entrances to the building. The main doors at the front of the building (West) (which are closed at the moment), another set of double doors on a large empty platform (North) (like a balcony on ground floor) and a single door further on the platform, still on the same side of the building. There also appears to be a thin walkway around the other side of the building, that looks like to could lead to behind the fishery (South). At the end of the walkway, there also appears to be a very small boat (maybe big enough to hold 2 medium sized characters). Another boat can be seen on the Eastern side of the building, which can be seen from the Northern platform.

Before we leave I simply stare at Caim quizzically. "At least you find it amusing. I for one detest the idea of servants. Paying people ro do my bidding is a sign of weakness. No we do this to accomplish a goal. For now carry my pack and weapon. I will keep my shield." I straighten myself up to look the part of a well to do individual and lead Caim out into the streets.

I make like someone who is merely observing the nightlife. My excuse for being anywhere near the fishery is to walk around the waterfront. I like water(lie) and enjoy watching it at night.

In the meantime I am observing the surroundings. I also make a point to ask the guards about the area. Why are they so high on alert and hopefully extract any information regarding Lamm through simple conversation. Or at least find out who the most informed law enforcer or detective is.

I will also be asking any decent looking citizen about the activities in the area.

Perception:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Diplomacy to Gather Information:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

It is up to you what I learn from the folks I talk to.

As you are talking with a citizen, he tells you, 'if ya needa get ridda any bad or old fish, go to da Fishery at Westpier 17. Der's a man in da old building that'll buy dem off ya, tis good if ya're in need of money. Yargin's his name I think...'

You know that the fortune teller was not lying about that being his hideout, as you remember Yargin. He was the one that dealt with dealings with the outsiders.

Caim kept a close eye on his surroundings as he followed Fealix, frowning at the suspicious looks that the guards threw before noticing his apparent status of indentured servitude.

Should I be glad or sickened? On the one hand, they just ignore me, which I'm glad of; on the other hand, servants fall so low on their social list, that they'll ignore one. What if a servant was a murderous pile of dung, would they let the murderer go because it does not occur to them that the servant is he criminal?

Deciding that it would likely be better for his sanity to not think about it, Caim instead began to listen to his partner, noting that he was quite the smooth talker.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 6 Do I notice anything noteworthy outside of what you've already described?

You do not notice anything else.

Krill suppresses a smile, somewhat amused at being called a 'sir'. But he tries to play his part, remembering that the tribe teaches respect in order to receive respect.

My lady, that is a sensible plan. We would look less likely to be associated with the ones who just departed if left unevenly. Let us finish our drink, whilst we wait for that moment, and fortify ourselves for what is to come.

"It appears our unintentional guise has served well," Iolana hums happily as the guards pass. Iolana's eyes keep moving about, debating the possible pitfalls of particular exits as they continue walking, a strategy they had not discussed at the tavern - what they should do in the event that they do not succeed, much less succeed...

"The children," she asks Krill while they walk. "Forgive me if it is a painful subject, but do they wish to be free?"

Raz and I return to the tavern before anyone else and sit down for a drink. Once everyone has returned from their scouting mission, I pass on the information that we discovered.

'Welcome back, we had a slight problem with some guards, but they left us alone in the end. Other than that we found 3 doors leading into the building, 2 big doors and 1 normal door. There is also a pathway leading behind the building. We didn't try the pathway though. Behind the building there are 2 boats, which could be used to get away. So I think we should somehow get rid of them first, in case Lamm or anyone tries to escape.

What did you all find out?'

I return with Caim. As soon as we are in the tavern I quickly relieve Caim of all my belongings without a word. I sit down and listening to the other two relay their info. I nod. "About what we discovered too. With the guards it will be annoying to take any rash action as it would likely allow Lamm to escape and simply get us into trouble with the wrong side. That said I did learn that Lamm is buying unwanted fish through one of his lackys. Weather or not this is just a guise or if he actually needs those fish for something, maybe feeding his brats I guess, or some other reason, I am unsure. However, it is how the people of this town has come to recognize the base. Personally I saw no sigh of Lamm but I recognized Yargin. Our target is definitly within that fishery. I will wait for the others to return before putting forth any ideas. In the meantime I need a drink and maybe a little company." I motion for the halfling waitress with a charming smile to have her come over and take my order.

"Hello again my dear, I could use a drink, I would appreciate your recommendation greatly"

The small woman, rushes over to you (Fealix) and then rushes off again. She is blushing the whole time she is looking at you and it isn't long before she returns with some drink for you. 'Here you go, sir. This is Dawrven Fire Ale, the best we have in at the moment, its on me.' She starts to blush again, until she rushes off after being shouted at by the Dwarven Barman.

Raz looks at the halfling, then at Fealix, then shrugged and took a drink from his waterskin. Adults could be so weird.

I accept the drink smiling. "Thank you but please, I insist on paying for it. Generosity is good but you'd be better off keeping your money so you can take care of yourself." Hearing the barkeep shouting for her I chuckle. "It is a shame service doesn't include table company. If you are free later, maybe we can chat some. I will be here all night and would welcome the company."

I watch as she runs off. "I wonder what her story is? Is she truly a generous person or is giving me a free drink really no loss on her part? I wonder. I hope she accepts my offer, I would like to know more."

Very weird.

Lol. Sorry I can get a bit carried away when I get into a character's head. Fealix's head is very scary though.

Don't apologise, I am loving reading them. Also Raz' post put me on the floor with laughter! I am glad this is starting to pick up again, I was worried that people had given up due to its slow pace. But still, VERY funny!

Yeah, don't apologize for it, it's fun to read and react too.

I love how you managed to react to that without missing a beat Raz! Definitely one of the best evil characters I have come across Fealix.

The funny part is Fealix is my first evil character in any game ever. I have such a hard time being evil. Just how I was raised.

I am assuming the slowness has something to do with it being the end of most school years and the holiday season. I suspect things will pick up once the year is over. I put all my campaigns on hold until the year ends.

'Hmm... we've also learnt that the guards are complete incompetents.' Caim snorted, leaning back in his seat, which, when couple with the way he rolled his head back gave the impression that he was giving the ceiling a rather stern look. 'On one hand, it meant the guards were no problem... on the other, it means that anyone with the appearance of being a servant is not considered at all capable of being a criminal.
Heavens forbid that a suspect disguise themselves as a servant... oh wait, one did! and once they saw me looking all miserable at being in a life of servitude, they brushed me off. I fear for the populace if the real crooks ever got the idea to do as I did. Maybe that's why Lamm hasn't been caught yet! Maybe he dresses himself as some nobody servant and walks right on by in plain sight of the men who are supposed to be throwing his kind into a cell!'

Caim gave a mirthless laugh, leaning forwards and glaring at nothing, yet everything. Snorting, he fished a coin from his pocket and absently flicked his wrist, causing the coin to spin around the tabletop. Every time it stopped, he snatched it back up and repeated the process, gaze fixed on the surface of the table, though if anyone were to speak, he'd tilt his head in their direction to indicate that he was listening.

So typical, I write a post, then completely forget to actually post it, when I realize that I hadn't... I miss a rather entertaining post. Apologies for it not taking your post into account.

And Fealix, you're doing better than my first attempt at evil... mine still came across as being heroic, despite being tasked with razing a village.

By the time Krill and Iolana return to the tavern, it is pitch blank outside, other than the lit lanterns hanging along the street walls. After everybody has discussed what they have discovered at the hideout, you can determine it will be about 6 hours before sun up.

The small waitress brings everyone a hot drink and meal. Once everyone is eating she tells you all that the tavern will only remain open for another half an hour. But if you want you can rent a room, each room is 2 silver pieces for the night and breakfast.

"I am apt," Iolana offers with a smile, and digs the appropriate amount of coin from her purse. "Thank you for the kind offer."

I look at the waitress who has given us some food and drink and the offer to stay for the night. 'Thanks for the food, it looks very tasty.'

I turn my gaze to Raz, 'So Raz ... what do you think, spend the night here or go back to the Pantheon? Going back to the Pantheon will be less suspicious, but means we have further to travel in the morning, to meet everyone here. The choice is yours.' I continue to eat my meal and take my gulps of my drink. 'This food is truly delecious.'

I smile at the food. "Thank you my lady." When she addresses the inn closing I hand her two silver. "I will stay here. This place is very nice and I see no reason to simply move." I continue to eat and after I am done I merely wait to see what the others do.

"Two kids walking around earlier didn't get much attention from the guards, but it's much later now. I suggest we get a room for the night." Razule says. "I have everything I need anyway."

I will assume that everybody decides to stay at the tavern over night. The beds are surprisingly comfortable and the rooms of decent size. The only bad thing about the place is that during the night, the smell of dead fish is quite foul. The night passes uneventfully and before you know it, it is 5 in the morning. Sunrise is at 6, breakfast is at 7 and nobody else is up at the moment.

You can wake up when you want, just puts out a general timeline.

Once they have their room, Razule gets out his kit and works on Tyler's scars as quickly as he can while being sure to get them all. Once done, he stays up a bit longer going through his formulae and talking to Tyler before going to sleep.

He wakes up and goes downstairs, where he mixes his extracts for the day while waiting for the others.

As you are mixing your extracts, a burly Dwarf enters the room, sniffs at the air and makes a gagging noise. 'Ergh! What in Abadar's beard is that smell?! You there, boy, you better not drive away any of me customers! Just hurry up what your doin' so the smell goes away quicker.'

"That's the left over vomit smell from last night." Razule replies without looking up. "None of my mixtures made that smell anyway."

The Dwarf looks and sounds stunned, 'Oh...right. Sorry 'bout that. Could be that your right. Well, what can I get you to eat, the house special?'

"Sure. I'm nearly done anyway and I'm just waiting for the lazy people to wake up."

I wander deep into the realm of the demons where I spend my nights. They welcome me into their home with open arms. They taunt and torment me but through it all I am at peace. Here people are real and I am at home in this place for the pain I experience here is more pleasant that the real world.

I awake to find myself once again trapped in the mortal plane.
"Hissss. Damn. I hate this place."

Caim slept soundly through the night, and on waking, felt much less bitter towards the word in general than he'd felt the previous night, particularly in regards to incompetent watchmen. Running a hand through his hair, he grinned at nothing in particular, looping the straps to his sheath about his waist and shrugging on his cloak, though neglecting the hood, for now.

Once he'd gathered up his possessions, the human exited his room, humming a small tune. Once downstairs, he spotted Raz and immediately perched himself beside the busy looking Varisian.

'Allo there, Raz. And how are you this fine morning?' Caim asked, sounding far to chipper as he pulled out a thick leather bound tome and studying its pages intently. 'I have a good feeling about this day. The sense that any good things are going to happen.'

Every couple of seconds, Caim would flick through a couple of pages of his tome, with some flourish, and exchanged his humming for a tuneless whistle.

Iolana rises late. The birth had been particularly hard, and the infection after... Had Lamm left her a husband to assist her sick bed, she might have fared better, but as it was, he had left Iolana a mire of dissatisfied business partners and a greedy mouth only she could feed. Iolana feels every pain as she pulls herself from the bed, then bends and scours its surface for any cursory hair that she can find lest it be used to power a divination spell.

After attending a number of her plaits and restoring the wrap about her head, Iolana dresses and pads down to the common room. Seeing the two young men engaged in conversation, Iolana sits across the table from the red skinned male, ill at ease with the thought of him being further from her than she could reach with a weapon that did not require reloading. Finding him non responsive, the tension in her body eases slightly, and her pain resumes its dull thrumming in the back of her mind.

The Dwarf returns to the room and places a plate in front of the young boy. On the plate there are Eggs, Fish, Sausages and something black that you don't know what it is.

He looks around the room, 'Same for all of you? What is keeping your 2 friends, you know the short man and the big man?' He then returns to Raz with a glass of milk, 'This okay, boy, or would you rather a man's drink?'

"I don't drink." Raz says, almost smiling. "A 'man's drink' turns people into blathering idiots and easy targets for a cutpurse."

"As for your question, I'm feeling very good today," Raz says to Caim as he puts his small mixing kit away. "I think we're going to at least let him know we're fighting back. He left us for dead you know, so the look on his face when he sees the dead have returned... should be fun to watch."

The look of shock on the Dwarves face when you tell him that you don't drink is priceless. He seems so shocked that he looks as though he will fall over any minute, but he quickly regains his composure. 'Well...you are just not old enough for a man's drink, that's why you don't drink. I have been drinking Ale since I was but a boy and I have turned out to be a strong honourable Dwarf ... ' He seems to stop in thought, 'B'ah, you win this round boy!' He briskly walks off to clean the bar top, before he has to open the tavern.