Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master stormcrow27

Go kill the evil queen of Korvosa and get fat lootz or get dead. test


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HP 40/49, Rage 11/11, Init +4, Per +10, AC 19/15/15 (U-D, +1 dodge with 2 adj. allies, +1 danger sense), Fort +6, Ref +5 (+1 w/ 2 adj. allies), Will +5, 3 Harrow Points (Peacock/Rabbit Prince)

Headsman shrugs and leans back against the walk. "Unless he's been forcing people to take the drugs, I don't see the issue. People are free to shiver themselves into a mess if that's what they want to do."


Harrow points 4 HP 26 l AC 16 (T 12, FF 14) l F +5 R +3 W +7 l Ini +2 Perc +14 PP 17/17 l HP 26/26 (15 NL) l Transfer Wound 7/7 l Steal Health (7 dmg/Healing)

"It may not affect those right away but parents who shiver and neglect their children who suffer in turn are what we are here to look out for. Headsman do you need more in your court because of this man?" Yanis asks


HP 40/49, Rage 11/11, Init +4, Per +10, AC 19/15/15 (U-D, +1 dodge with 2 adj. allies, +1 danger sense), Fort +6, Ref +5 (+1 w/ 2 adj. allies), Will +5, 3 Harrow Points (Peacock/Rabbit Prince)

"... Huh. But..." Headsman blinks, then blinks again. "Yeah. Point taken."


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3

Machaera nods her greetings as the others appear, still largely absorbed in her own preoccupations. She quietly listens to the conversation, shuffling it into the other bits and pieces she’s thinking about.

“Keeping our options open might be best, for now: go in to negotiate for what the Guard wants, and keep an eye open in case we need to come back with drawn swords,” she eventually ventures, before turning to Yanis. “At the moment, minimizing damage might be the most we can hope for: a gentle nudge toward cabble-weed among Barvasi’s clients, perhaps. Fewer dreams, but one can still sleep one’s troubles away…”

Once, Machaera might have blushed even to admit to such knowledge, but now she’s only grateful for how useful her alchemical training is proving, if unsavoury. And one can hardly pass through Katapesh without learning something about pharmacopeia, even if one isn't the sort to indulge. She meets the Albatross’ question about establishing contact with a sardonic grin, “I was acquitted, but I am a bona fide accused murderess. This Eel’s End sounds rather down-at-heel for my tastes, but I suppose I can play the dissipated gentlewoman, if necessary.”

“Shall we make an early day of it, and wander over in the early afternoon?” she asks, assuming the posture of a debauchee, and imitating a yawn, hopefully not too theatrically. Eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief, she asks the masked men, “I don’t suppose you two would number suitable, ah, agents, among your, shall we say, acquaintance? Unless Masters Chunt and Sarrius have their weaknesses?”


HP 40/49, Rage 11/11, Init +4, Per +10, AC 19/15/15 (U-D, +1 dodge with 2 adj. allies, +1 danger sense), Fort +6, Ref +5 (+1 w/ 2 adj. allies), Will +5, 3 Harrow Points (Peacock/Rabbit Prince)

Headsman looks at himself.

An of-age Shoanti lad, who recently came into a rather significant sum of gold after coming out of poverty.

"... Yeah, don't think I'll have to try too hard not to stand out."


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3

Discarding her persona, Machaera adds, in her usual tone, “If that’s settled, that will give me enough time to track down some contacts and hunt up some more magic. There’s something odd about Vancaskerkin’s dagger, and divination’s not my strongest suit. There are ways to work around that, to a certain extent, and I should add them to my spellbook if I can.”

“That reminds me, Doctor-” she breaks off after catching Yanis’ eye, and retrieves something propped in a corner of the room. Returning, she stays far enough back from the others to safely swing a spear experimentally in her trained hand, her eye watching the glimmering point as the weapon whirls and darts, almost snake-like. Amply satisfied, Machaera continues, “I found this among the things we took from the Cow Hammer Boys, while I was doing some mending, and I thought of you. It’s got a good head to it, and the shaft is strong. It should serve you well: I can’t do anything particular with it yet, but maybe one day…”

If I recall correctly, is Yanis still using a plain weapon? The spear we found is masterwork, at least, and eventually (long ways off yet, though), Machaera might take Craft Magic Arms and Armour, if people have custom gear in mind. :)


Harrow points 4 HP 26 l AC 16 (T 12, FF 14) l F +5 R +3 W +7 l Ini +2 Perc +14 PP 17/17 l HP 26/26 (15 NL) l Transfer Wound 7/7 l Steal Health (7 dmg/Healing)

Yanis takes the spear and tests the balance, "I do like this yes, I will trade you mine for this then?" Yanis loops the new spear in his back so it can be retrieved easily if needs be.

"I wonder if people find it funny that a doctor carries a weapon at all times, it is not like I leave it on my cart. I carry it with me, mind you they don't fully understand that power of my mind either and that is more scary is it now?" His smile pulls at the dark skin of Yanis' face


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3

“Minds and magic should be,” Machaera agrees, with a feral grin, continuing to try out a frame of mind suitable for staring down the King of Spiders.

Accepting Yanis’ proffered old spear, she adds, “Hopefully we won’t need it at our meeting, but sooner or later I’m sure we’ll meet someone who can best be greeted by a spear-cast.”


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3

Planning out a list of stops for the morning, and taking a moment to estimate how much of the morning’s left by the light through the windows of Zellara’s house, Machaera says, “Shall we meet in the second hour after noon outside of the Jeggare Museum again, then? It’s as good a place to meet as any, and it’s on my way, at least.”

With that, she takes her leave.

(Thrilling cutscene! Or not.):
The rest of her morning is fantastically exciting, at least for a mage with gold in her purse and a choice of school libraries and shops to peruse. Theumanexus College provides a first stop and couple of spells, most notably the divination that is her most pressing concern, and confirmation that the other things she’s looking for are obscure enough even by arcanists’ standards that she’ll have to scour the Acadamae and shops in hopes of finding the right scrolls.

Between the Bookmaker and Gilded Orrery, fortunately, Machaera is able to track down almost everything else she hoped to find. In the latter, too, another unexpected bit of good luck comes her way, because while the dour proprietor counts up her gold, she hears another elven voice ring out behind her, “Good goddess, it’s Miss Selanna! Just when we were thinking of looking for you!”

Turning, said mage spots one of her friends from the Mierani embassy. “It’s good to see you too, Prasitis,” she says. “Nothing the matter, I hope?”

Luckily, it’s mainly a matter of innocent gossip as the ambassadorial aide’s daughter curiously turns over Machaera’s purchases. “I see your interests are as eclectic and recondite as ever, Machaera. These are mainly transmutations? But that reminds me: my father was able to acquire a copy of that book you were looking for, Leaves from a Dark Wood. Shall I bring it over for you this evening?”

“Please do, that would be lovely! And please extend my thanks to your father,” Machaera replies gratefully. “You really have been too good to me.”

The reference to the late trouble with Gaedren Lamm doesn’t go unnoticed, although Prasitis waves it off generously as the two leave the shop, offering, before they part, “Nonsense. In these troubled times, we all need to stick together. If ever you need anything, let us know, and we’ll make sure Perishial knows.”

Despite the light tone, concern is warm in her friend’s eyes, and Machaera wonders if she’s now known to be running between the court and the guard. Oh, probably, remembering the Acadamae mage at the gate who received her and her new associates at their meeting with the Field Marshal. Even in a town Korvosa’s size, gossip spreads quickly among mages, especially if there’s anything like a guild or school to bring them together. Still, it’s something to bear in mind if she does end up needing help even with the strange dagger.

Figured I’d sketch out a contact or two for Machaera, like Headsman’s kids.

Finally, after a fair bit of running about, Machaera is able to take a breath and enjoy her successes this morning. With a sheaf full of spells to look over, she makes a start at the university library. Spellcraft: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 Spellcraft: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16 (Vs. DC 16, for identify and peace bond respectively.) She makes good progress, quickly coming to grips with even the spells outside of her usual specialization, but before too long it’s time to meet the others and then, however unpleasant the prospect, the King of Spiders.

I figure there's enough time for Machaera to scribe a couple of spells into her spellbook, but the others she's just acquired will have to wait until at least after the first meeting with Devargo.


Male Human Vigilante(Wildsoul/Gunmaster) 4 | Init +8 | Perc +7 | AC 18 T 14 FF 14 CMB +2 CMD 16 | HP 26/33 | F +3 R +9 W+4 | Mwk Pistol +9 (1d8 x4 20ft Misfire: 1) Ammo 16 pepperbox 6/6 | Harrow Points 4 | Harrow Card The Dance

The Black Merlin nods agreement. 'The Museum, 2 hours after noon.'

He gives a short wave before dashing out the door and climbing to the rooftops.

Meanwhile, on the rooftops of Midland:

Spoiler:

A swath of black swoops from rooftop to rooftop. The Midland vigilante, known to some as The Black Merlin, finds himself with time to do a proper reconnoiter of his neighborhood following the recent troubles. Dropping by the residences of a few minor criminals he's encountered, the Merlin finds most of the undesirable elements laying low until things blew over.

Thumbs, a local mugger, and his gang weren't being so cautious. Thumbs was a minor criminal who had a reputation for breaking the thumbs of his victims, occasionally ending the career of an artisan.

The Merlin perched on the roof above Thumbs' open apartment window while the thug planned with his men.

'Ain't nobody seen bird-brain or his flappy friend in days. I say they bought it in the riots. I say we make a move for the biggest score yet. After they close up, we hit the Gemshare. Quick smash and grab, in and out and we retire.' The loutish, shabbily dressed man cracks the knuckles of his large hands as he talks.

His followers, a weaselly bunch, nod their agreement and chime in with a chorus of 'Yeah, boss'. As visions of jewels flash through their heads, a shadow crosses the window briefly before a pair of black-booted feet crash through glass. As the intruder's caped form lands a series of flashes plants a bullet at the feet of each man, stopping them in their traps.

'I haven't flown the coop, yet, Thumbs.' From the street outside gunfire and crashes precede a large, screaming man out of a shattered second story window. Shortly after the failing-flyer, a bird-like black figure swings from the window onto the roof and disappears across the city.

The Merlin puts some distance between himself and the apartment before resuming his patrol, picking his way towards the museum to wait.


Harrow points 4 HP 26 l AC 16 (T 12, FF 14) l F +5 R +3 W +7 l Ini +2 Perc +14 PP 17/17 l HP 26/26 (15 NL) l Transfer Wound 7/7 l Steal Health (7 dmg/Healing)

Yanis goes about his morning, looking after his regular people and giving out tonics to help the elderly with joint pain and constipation.

At almost the time to meet, Yanis makes his way in a circular pattern to get to where they are meeing.

"So how is everyone? No signs of constipation?" Yanis asks with a smile on his face.


This has 4 color comic panel written all over it. All Yanis needs is a 9 ft long scarf and he could be the fourth Doctor Who.

The museum stands empty, with the normal guard standing outside. Attendance appears to be down due to the riots, martial law, and general street chaos.


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3

If I knew more about comics (which is to say, anything at all), it would be kind of fun to think about which artist everyone would like to have draw their character.

Machaera looks up from her position outside the museum and yet another scrap of paper, her free hand in mid-gesture, like an actor trying to learn their lines, as she hears the doctor approach. She opts to acknowledge only his first question. Really, where was he trained? /Prim. Just teasing: Yanis’ verve is a lot of fun. I can never guess what ailment he’ll be treating next on his rounds.

“Ecstatic!” she says, already at risk of fading back into wizardly bliss. A few smudges of ink on her hands and face are telltale signs of a morning’s busy spellwork. “Scouring shops and libraries, I think I’ve found something that will give me a better chance of figuring out what’s so special about Vancaskerkin’s dagger, along with a few other things that might prove useful. It will probably take me a day or two to quite sort them all out, though. But first, this blackmailer.”

She pulls herself together and avoids boring everyone with the details of finding one’s own way of wrapping one’s mind around a given spell. It doesn’t take too much effort, but it’s probably a good thing Devargo doesn’t deal in magic. Not that spellcraft can really be addictive, can it?


The Pathfinder comics are pretty good, but if you want equal parts comedy and tragedy for your fantasy story, check out Rat Queens. The female dwarf fighter in the comic ends up shaving off her beard as a teenage protest since she was stuck as a dwarven armor model, and then her tenellion up as a hipster movement for dwarves, like the man buns of today. Paizo did up the main characters a while ago.


Male Human Vigilante(Wildsoul/Gunmaster) 4 | Init +8 | Perc +7 | AC 18 T 14 FF 14 CMB +2 CMD 16 | HP 26/33 | F +3 R +9 W+4 | Mwk Pistol +9 (1d8 x4 20ft Misfire: 1) Ammo 16 pepperbox 6/6 | Harrow Points 4 | Harrow Card The Dance

The Merlin drops in on the chatting pair. 'Sorry, had to drop in on an old friend.' He takes the time to check to ensure his pistols are loaded.


HP 40/49, Rage 11/11, Init +4, Per +10, AC 19/15/15 (U-D, +1 dodge with 2 adj. allies, +1 danger sense), Fort +6, Ref +5 (+1 w/ 2 adj. allies), Will +5, 3 Harrow Points (Peacock/Rabbit Prince)

Earlier that day, at the Court of Cooper Street

"C'mon, Dame, there's plenty of it to go around! Surely we can afford some candy."

"We've talked about this before, guys. Windfalls like this aren't going to happen every day, and we can't go around wasting money, even on nice things. Headsman went through a lot of trouble to help us out, and we shouldn't disappoint him."

A trio of young boys pouted at finding their plea falling to deaf ears with the older girl Headsman had tasked with the Court's food budget.

"You should listen to her, guys," Headsman chuckled as he walked in. It was a bit of distance walking from Zellara's to the Shingles, but it was worth it when both locations needed some guidance. "Y'know, I'm sure Mrs. Honeydrop wouldn't mind some help dusting the shelves."

The three boys looked at one another hesitantly.

"Unless you had something else planned today?"^ The Shoan-ti lad continued, with a smirk.

"... Do you think she'd give us candy if we helped?"

"I don't know..." Dame piped up, fixing up her blonde braid. "Do chickens cluck?"

The three boys thought for a moment, then fell into a fit of giggles one after another. "C'mon! What are we waiting for!" One of the said. The other two nodded, and out the door they went.

"Oh, it's just so hard refusing all of them. It's been so long since we've really been able to make ends meet," the girl said, slumping into a rickety chair.

"You're telling me," Headsman said. "At least now, we can keep everyone fed, right? You're doing a good job, Annie. We've gotta be strong for the younger ones. It'll get easier; I heard from Marquess that Simone and Kayla are apprenticing with a seamstress. We might be able to get some cheaper clothes thanks to them. If things keep up like this, we might even be able to help more kids."

He looked through the dirty windows at the ramshackle streets of the city's poor quarters. "... 'course, this'd be a lot easier if the fat cats up in the palace did more than eat themselves fat..."

Some time later, at the museum.

Headsman turns up, dressed in clothes somewhat less run-down than before. "Alright. We doing this?"


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3
The Black Merlin wrote:
The Merlin drops in on the chatting pair. 'Sorry, had to drop in on an old friend.' He takes the time to check to ensure his pistols are loaded.

“Doing well, I hope, despite everything,” Machaera says. She has few ties to Korvosa herself, but just walking away when the city is in a state seems callous. In the back of her mind, a moment’s speculation about the Merlin flashes across her thoughts again. The masked man’s motivations, so far as she’s been able to glean them, may strike her as somewhat quixotic, but she’s glad Korvosa’s getting all the help he can give. Certainly, she herself would fight tooth and nail for her own home, if anything ever threatened the Tower of Stars. Though I wonder what would call for a mask, compared to the Spire. Here, conversely – who knows, with our birds of prey?

“Speaking of,” she adds, spotting Headsman making his way down the street still hushed with the city’s tension. There’s another person with his heart in the right place, and Machaera wonders again what’s keeping the city the way it is. Too much Cheliax, I’d warrant, for all its preening of independence. Complete with imps and temples to Asmodeus. A tempted empire in miniature.

"Headsman" wrote:
"Alright. We doing this?"

She switches gears as she answers the young man’s terse greeting, starting to sketch out ways and means depending on what they find at Eel’s End. “Yes. This Barvasi sounds like something one wouldn’t want to get on one’s boots, but for now our first priority is getting what he’s got on Amprei.”

Discreetly, so as not to draw attention to it, under her cloak her hand touches the pouch Orsini gave them to make that easier. “That’s the job, anyway. Depending on what else he’s up to, I doubt the guard will suddenly develop a fondness for him, if a later visit is in order.” The tone and gesture sit uneasily with Machaera’s overall style: she rather looks like a gentlewoman playing at adventuress. Basically true, but hopefully it will make people underestimate her.


Male Human Vigilante(Wildsoul/Gunmaster) 4 | Init +8 | Perc +7 | AC 18 T 14 FF 14 CMB +2 CMD 16 | HP 26/33 | F +3 R +9 W+4 | Mwk Pistol +9 (1d8 x4 20ft Misfire: 1) Ammo 16 pepperbox 6/6 | Harrow Points 4 | Harrow Card The Dance
Machaera Selanna wrote:
“Doing well, I hope, despite everything,” Machaera says.

'He's been better. I think I was able to talk him out of a really terrible idea' The Merlin smiles to himself/

Machaera Selanna wrote:
“That’s the job, anyway. Depending on what else he’s up to, I doubt the guard will suddenly develop a fondness for him, if a later visit is in order.”

'I'm not sure the local guards aren't too fond of him as is. Letting him peddle his wares the way they are.' He shakes his head at this. The guards are too lenient with too many poisons eating away at the city.


HP 40/49, Rage 11/11, Init +4, Per +10, AC 19/15/15 (U-D, +1 dodge with 2 adj. allies, +1 danger sense), Fort +6, Ref +5 (+1 w/ 2 adj. allies), Will +5, 3 Harrow Points (Peacock/Rabbit Prince)

Headsman sneers at Black Merlin. "As if the guards gave a rat's ass about anyone except those their pay comes from."


Harrow points 4 HP 26 l AC 16 (T 12, FF 14) l F +5 R +3 W +7 l Ini +2 Perc +14 PP 17/17 l HP 26/26 (15 NL) l Transfer Wound 7/7 l Steal Health (7 dmg/Healing)

"The drugs being run though this town have always been bad and seem to be getting worse. Let us stop this little spider then if you wish to move on to bigger things I will continue my work and stopping the drugs." Yanis says


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3

Machaera takes a sharp breath in, still surprised at the pace of human life, and the risks her associates are prepared to take. Then again, she thinks of the lot of Barvasi’s clientele, at least the ones hopelessly chasing dreams out of bottles, large or small. What do the Korvosans call them again? Empties. Apt enough, I suppose. Cruel, but apt.

She pushes her schedule up a bit, bearing in mind the limitations of the spells she has prepared. “That’s fair. We’ll keep an eye open for a back door, but if the opportunity presents itself right away, we can take him down now. Can we at least wait until we’ve got the evidence the Guard needs to deal with the ambassador safely in hand? That way, we’ll have that, if he’s got enough protection that we need to regroup. He’s the one that has to defend his authority in his own lair: we can engage in a running battle.” Her thoughts flicker involuntary back to a desperate march across the Sodden Lands. I’m not losing anyone else to reckless bravery on my watch, if I can help it.

She forces her mind into yet another direction to avoid getting swept away by unhappy memories, and turns to Yanis. “Let me know if you need an alchemist’s aid. I have some ideas for a spell that might be useful, but until I work out the details, I’ll have to think about mundane methods. But first, that spider…”

I forgot that polypurpose panacea is personal range. Making it into an elixir or something would take Craft Wondrous Item shenanigans. Phooey. So much for, “Magical methadone, Machaera!” At least anytime soon.


Harrow points 4 HP 26 l AC 16 (T 12, FF 14) l F +5 R +3 W +7 l Ini +2 Perc +14 PP 17/17 l HP 26/26 (15 NL) l Transfer Wound 7/7 l Steal Health (7 dmg/Healing)

"Thank you I will keep that in mind, right now we have to focus on how best to deal with this spider and his poisons." Yanis says as his eyes go out of focus for a moment, then become more sharply focused


If the group is done shopping or prepping, we'll cut to going to Devargo's lair if that works.


Male Human Vigilante(Wildsoul/Gunmaster) 4 | Init +8 | Perc +7 | AC 18 T 14 FF 14 CMB +2 CMD 16 | HP 26/33 | F +3 R +9 W+4 | Mwk Pistol +9 (1d8 x4 20ft Misfire: 1) Ammo 16 pepperbox 6/6 | Harrow Points 4 | Harrow Card The Dance

ready here


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3

Sounds good!

Machaera nods, thinking out loud as the group heads off for Eel’s End, trying to put together the pieces of what she knows from what Orsini and the masked men had to say about it. “This place is a collection of boats, right? I suppose it’s too much to hope that we can just cut Barvasi’s headquarters loose and set it adrift, but what about his minions? Could we cause enough chaos to delay intervention?”

Visions of a floating market of vices dance unbidden through her head, each little skiff offering its own unsavoury specialty: pesh here, shiver there, odds on this or that game… Depending on the scale of the operation, cutting a few ropes and turning over a few tables might buy some time as the King of Spiders’ creatures try to save their stock.

“Before we even get to that point, though, does anyone know how to talk our way close? Magic and polite chatter for official occasions are about all my conversation runs to.” Despite herself, Machaera has to grin at the likely result of her trying to find common ground with a gangster. So, you’re a racketeer. How’s business, lately? I’m afraid Bluff/Diplomacy/Intimidate are not skills that Machaera’s able to do much with.


HP 40/49, Rage 11/11, Init +4, Per +10, AC 19/15/15 (U-D, +1 dodge with 2 adj. allies, +1 danger sense), Fort +6, Ref +5 (+1 w/ 2 adj. allies), Will +5, 3 Harrow Points (Peacock/Rabbit Prince)

Headsman stops to think for a moment. "We could always pretend we're there for the entertainment and see if we can get a talk with the guy. If the guard expects us to bribe him, surely there's gotta be a way to get a talk with the guy, right?"

Any kind of decent Sense Motive:
Headsman is perhaps a little too eager about this idea. You get a feeling that part of it is he's really curious about some of the 'adult' entertainments within.


Harrow: Crow, Locksmith; Vigilante 4 - HP 35/35,- AC 18/T:15/FF: 13 - Perception +7 - F: +2/ R: +9/ W: +5 - CMB: +5 - CMD: 20, Speed: 30, Init. +9
stormcrow27 wrote:
If the group is done shopping or prepping, we'll cut to going to Devargo's lair if that works.

Just some clarification required about how much we have to work with... but it shouldn't impact things too much. It's just a +1 here or there.


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3
"Headsman" wrote:

Headsman stops to think for a moment. "We could always pretend we're there for the entertainment and see if we can get a talk with the guy. If the guard expects us to bribe him, surely there's gotta be a way to get a talk with the guy, right?"

** spoiler omitted **

Oh, what the heck, for giggles. I’ll assume Heads is basically taking 10 on a Bluff check to keep cool. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Called it! If you want someone who can read *people,* you want someone less bookish than Machaera. Not to worry, Machaera's far too innocent to pick up on what Headsman's not saying. :)

"We'll do our best: if nothing else, just to make sure that he can't surprise us by calling for help from who knows where in his lair, and so no one gets caught in any crossfire," Machaera assures the young man as the group makes its way to Old Korvosa. She knows, though, that it will probably be only a matter of time before things get messy, and she can't really disagree with the Merlin that taking Barvasi down is probably a good idea.

Incidentally, I think I missed it and I'm feeling a bit lazy: does anyone remember how much the Guard offered us as a bribe fund to buy off our King of Spiders?


Nope you didn't miss it, the GM had a senior moment and forgot to put it in. It's 2,000 gp.


Moving on The party enters into Eel's End, a long pier sitting on into the sea. Four elegantly painted barges and an old warship sit attached to the pier, radiating out in a truncated star from the pier. Signs, in several languages, sit hanging from pilings that burrow down into the sea.

The closest barge to the east bears a sign that says "The Twin Tigers-Take the Tiger by the Tail and Try Your Luck!" Opposite to the west, the barge's sign boasts "Welcome to the Goldenhawk-No Safer Stay in Old Korvosa! We even have bunks!" Further to the southeast is "Dragon's Breath Corridor-Dream the Dragon's Dreams at Affordable Prices! Not even Puff the Magic Dragon can Match Our Dreams of Delight"! Opposite the Dragon's Breath sits another barge, paineted in naked women and men with their naughty bits covered by flowing clouds. The sigh reads "The House of Clouds-The Caress of Our Lovelies Will Take You Straight to Heaven"!.

At the end of the pier, and old warship sits to the south. It bears no sign, and appears to be more administrative then anything else. Short rope bridges or gangplanks provide access to the decks of these ships from the tpier and from the decks of other ships.


HP 40/49, Rage 11/11, Init +4, Per +10, AC 19/15/15 (U-D, +1 dodge with 2 adj. allies, +1 danger sense), Fort +6, Ref +5 (+1 w/ 2 adj. allies), Will +5, 3 Harrow Points (Peacock/Rabbit Prince)

Alright, Heads, focus. Foc- "The caress of..." Huh. There's a nice sight.

FOCUS.

Headsman grips the handle of his sheathed axe tightly to distract himself from the assailing luxuries and wills himself forward, devoting untold amounts of inner strength to not letting his eyes wander towards The House of Clouds once more, pleasant as the offered imagery might be.


Harrow points 4 HP 26 l AC 16 (T 12, FF 14) l F +5 R +3 W +7 l Ini +2 Perc +14 PP 17/17 l HP 26/26 (15 NL) l Transfer Wound 7/7 l Steal Health (7 dmg/Healing)

"I have always found this place interesting, many married men have come to me for a cure for the Plague they picked up while here." Yanis continues talking a bit more to anyone who will listen. "Shall we just go place to place?"


The curse of teenage hormones...


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3

Hey, Machaera’s been a grown-up for 20 years! (Mind, that’s probably about 3, in human years, really, so Machaera’s the equivalent of, like, 21 or something. Great, an elf princess just old enough to still get carded everywhere she goes. :) )

“Charming,” Machaera comments sourly, taking the spectacle in. It’s unclear whether she’s responding more to the sight in general or Yanis’ comment, but the mage’s dour expression makes her look a bit less out of place. More pinched than someone actually expecting a good time, but better that than a serene ingénue out of her depth.

“We could,” Machaera says, answering the doctor’s question, “but I think we should start with the warship. Unless his majesty partakes in his own poisons, that looks like the most promising place.” Or unless there are such things as tiger spiders. There are wolf, aren’t there?

Putting aside that question for the druids, Machaera walks down the pier. Her steps are purposeful, if wary, and she hopes the latter make her look like someone at least vaguely interested in the other boats’ offerings, rather than calculating how many guards can come running from where.


Male Human Vigilante(Wildsoul/Gunmaster) 4 | Init +8 | Perc +7 | AC 18 T 14 FF 14 CMB +2 CMD 16 | HP 26/33 | F +3 R +9 W+4 | Mwk Pistol +9 (1d8 x4 20ft Misfire: 1) Ammo 16 pepperbox 6/6 | Harrow Points 4 | Harrow Card The Dance

The Merlin falls in next to Machaera. Though quiet, his distaste for this place is palpable.


HP 40/48, Martial Flexibility 5/5, Init +7, Per +9, AC 21/14/17, Fort +7, Ref +9, Will +6, 3 Harrow Points Avalanche, Demon's Lantern harrow draws

Io lightly knocks Headsman lightly upside the head, "Eyes ahead, big guy. We're here for a reason. If it's that hard to focus, talk to me later and I might be able to help." she says, more distractedly and trying to stay focused on the mission than anything.


Harrow points 4 HP 26 l AC 16 (T 12, FF 14) l F +5 R +3 W +7 l Ini +2 Perc +14 PP 17/17 l HP 26/26 (15 NL) l Transfer Wound 7/7 l Steal Health (7 dmg/Healing)

Yanis stays to the middle of the pack.


[OOC}So where is the party going? Towards one of the sin ships or the warship in the back?[/ooc]


HP 40/49, Rage 11/11, Init +4, Per +10, AC 19/15/15 (U-D, +1 dodge with 2 adj. allies, +1 danger sense), Fort +6, Ref +5 (+1 w/ 2 adj. allies), Will +5, 3 Harrow Points (Peacock/Rabbit Prince)

Visibly embarassed at being caught by Io, Headsman wordlessly turns to Machaera, eagerly welcoming the change in subject.

"Warship sounds like a plan. If he runs this place anything like the Court runs, I figure he'd want his more... notable dealings outside of high circulation."


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3
stormcrow27 wrote:
So where is the party going? Towards one of the sin ships or the warship in the back?

Yep, to the warship in back. I figure there'll be time for sin later for those so inclined, if we don't shiv Barvasi first and cause too much of an uproar. :)


Male Human Vigilante(Wildsoul/Gunmaster) 4 | Init +8 | Perc +7 | AC 18 T 14 FF 14 CMB +2 CMD 16 | HP 26/33 | F +3 R +9 W+4 | Mwk Pistol +9 (1d8 x4 20ft Misfire: 1) Ammo 16 pepperbox 6/6 | Harrow Points 4 | Harrow Card The Dance

Agreed, to the warship. Sin/Cleansing Kintargo of sin, you know, whatever.


Harrow points 4 HP 26 l AC 16 (T 12, FF 14) l F +5 R +3 W +7 l Ini +2 Perc +14 PP 17/17 l HP 26/26 (15 NL) l Transfer Wound 7/7 l Steal Health (7 dmg/Healing)

Yanis' will lead the group there from the middle haha


The large ship tied oof the to the pier bears the name Eel's End, its figurehead is a coiling eel with a woman's head. Several drunkards, sailors, and revelers dance and drink on the large open mian deck here, while the aft deck is relativley clear. A pair of large double doors bearing a complex painting of a spider allows entrance into the stern section of the main deck. Off in the distance, someone coughs no drow here today, praise Lolth!


Male Human Vigilante(Wildsoul/Gunmaster) 4 | Init +8 | Perc +7 | AC 18 T 14 FF 14 CMB +2 CMD 16 | HP 26/33 | F +3 R +9 W+4 | Mwk Pistol +9 (1d8 x4 20ft Misfire: 1) Ammo 16 pepperbox 6/6 | Harrow Points 4 | Harrow Card The Dance

The Merlin nods towards the double doors. 'Something tells me we've found our man. Subtle' The super-subtly dressed vigilante begins making his way towards the doors.


Female Elf Magus (hexcrafter) 3 / Wizard (Primalist, transmuter) 1| AC 18 T 14 FF 14 | HP 28/28 | F +4 R +5 W +6 | Init +8| Perc +3

Machaera nods, taking in the layabouts on the foredeck. Might buy us some time, if it comes to that. Then again, I’m not sure if this spider’s people would stop short of cutting their way through, if the clients run one way and the trouble another.

She hesitates for a moment outside the doors at the stern. That’s it? No letter of recommendation to present, no porter to greet (and sort out) visitors? To her intense mortification, Machaera discovers that her audience with the queen has in fact quite gone to her head, and that the prospect of a cortège of Korvosan Guard lingered in her imagination.

If there’s a next time, I’ll have to take her up on it, she muses ruefully. Not that it would be particularly appropriate here. Let’s see, what would impress a gangster?

It is not a consideration she has often had to make. A show of confidence, she decides, and pushes through the doors as if she owns the place – or at least is unconcerned about what she might find on the other side.


HP 40/49, Rage 11/11, Init +4, Per +10, AC 19/15/15 (U-D, +1 dodge with 2 adj. allies, +1 danger sense), Fort +6, Ref +5 (+1 w/ 2 adj. allies), Will +5, 3 Harrow Points (Peacock/Rabbit Prince)

"Guy has an interesting taste in decoration. Gotta respect that."

Headsman paused for a moment to take in the imagery. It was not without reminding him of the Court's transformation from an abandoned backstore into the castle it was today, to feed some escapism amongst the youngest of the downtrodden youth.


Harrow points 4 HP 26 l AC 16 (T 12, FF 14) l F +5 R +3 W +7 l Ini +2 Perc +14 PP 17/17 l HP 26/26 (15 NL) l Transfer Wound 7/7 l Steal Health (7 dmg/Healing)

Not that anyone has picked up on it with my descriptions btu Yanis is half drow, but he wears the mask a lot to hide it.

"Hmm spider, my mother always liked spiders but not quite the same as those below the surface like them. Although I could be wrong she could wield a whip well to drive on the stock animals."

Yanis traces his finger over the edge of the spider image on the door.

"Machaera can you see if there is magic before we head in?"


Just to save time in case of PC action reconning, Machaera finds no magic on the door.

Machaera opens the doors and reveals a large room, which once resembled of a captain's cabin. Now it appears as a throne room to an ambitious arachnid, crouching in his chair as a spider in the center of his web. Devargo Barvasi sits on a large leather chair covered with cobwebs and sampering spiders. He is a tall, musuclar man with shaggy black hair and a fierce glair. Barvasi's leather armor is black and covered with a steel spider shaped baldric, with a thick chain crisscrossing his chest, linked together in the shape of a spider. He wears a pair of gauntlents fixed with a single blade in the middle of each, gleaming with some sort of toxic substance Yanis recognizes it as some form of poison.

The walls are of the chamber thick with the work of countless weaver spiders, webs trailing off into the darkness. Spiders as large as a fist crawl over them, with dozens more smaller arachnids scuttling around them. They seem to be content in their web and don't venture into the room iteself which is furnished with two sturdy oaken tables surrounded by chairs. Six thugs and attendants sit at an enormous meal, bragging and arguing over what is best in life, to crush your enemy or see them driven before you. A narrow door stands to port, hanging ajar and revealing a flight of stairs that leads below. An iron birdcage hangs from the ceiling like a chandelier. Inside, a small (2 feet long) purple scaled dragon equipped with a silvery stinger languishes, with recent scars covering its hide.

Devargo looks up as the doors open, but says nothing.


So how does the party react to Devargo's show of indifference?


HP 40/48, Martial Flexibility 5/5, Init +7, Per +9, AC 21/14/17, Fort +7, Ref +9, Will +6, 3 Harrow Points Avalanche, Demon's Lantern harrow draws

Trust me, you do not want me handling negotiations. But Io isn't super patient either....

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