Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master Something Wicked

Oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray's in deepest consequence.

Respect Points: 2

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Garvid wrote:
"Well, boss, what if you make a statement that she's dead, then measure the response you get. A long shot, but it might be worth it. Who was the guard that threw himself off the tower?" He raises an eyebrow curiously. "We've got the guardsman's tavern here on East Shore, we might get around with someone he knew. Even his parents, if they're still kicking. I'll volunteer for that."

"The problem with simply saying that the girl is dead," Cressida replies, "is that there would be an immediate demand, both from the public as well as the castle, that we provide direct proof--a body. Anything short of that would be met with skepticism and scrutiny, and probing questions I am currently unprepared to answer. This guard, Grav Chrenoy, was not well known to me. It's possible there are leads to be had there. If our...suspicions...are correct, he may have been nothing more than a pawn. Or not. Either way, I'll pull his file tomorrow."

Yazi wrote:
"Doctor, you were able to make ... Li... look different. Would you be able to make someone else look like... Li? Putting out a statement will likely not be enough. People expect a trial. A public execution. I'm sure there are a number of condemned criminals waiting their turn."

"I think you've hit the nail on the head about what the people will expect. For all his vices, King Eodred had gathered the support of most. This idea, to 'create' a Trinia Sabor, is clever, though we'd be hard-pressed convincing a current inmate to accept a new identity. If my sense of things is correct, Trinia would face justice swiftly. We'd be asking a convict to take on her likeness for the purpose of being executed much quicker than they'd likely expect. A hard sell, indeed."

Pietro wrote:
"Besides, it would be cruel to condemn someone to die for another person. Wouldn't it?"

"Just so," says Trinia, agreeing with Garvid.

The Field Marshal wearily claims a seat on the sofa beside Yazi. "I'd never say this to my men, but I just don't know what to do here. As soon as one fire's put out, another pops up. Your suggestions seem as good as any I can think of right now." She wordlessly accepts a glass offered to her by Garvid and downs its contents in a single shot. "Alright. Yes. I'll speak to Trinia after the play. For right now, I need to be entertained. Gods know I haven't had a decent distraction in weeks. Where should I sit?"


NG Male Human (Chelaxian) Alchemist (chirugeon) 6 CMB +4, CMD 16 | Fort. +8, Ref. +7, Will +4 | Init. +2 | Perc. +10, Sense Motive +1 | Speed 30ft |

Glad he did not have to pick out an inmate for a quicker execution, Pietro also took his seat and decided to enjoy the play.

He grabbed a drink and sat back.

The 'interrogation' would start after the play.


Female Human Unchained Rogue/11 HP 93/93; AC 21 T 15 FF16; Fort+5 Ref+12/14 Will+5; Init+5; Perception+16/19, Sense Motive +16

Li becomes a little lost with all the talk of magic since it was not an area that she knew much about. Magic was for the smart and well-off, not for people like her. Somewhat tentatively she asks, "If'n magic c'n be us'd ta make someone look like someone else, c'n it also be us'd ta make someone forget who they were? If'n ya need ta 'create' a Trinia out of a convict then mebbe ya c'n also make 'em forget who they be so they don't be makin' a fuss."

Li much prefers to go and watch the play than to discuss what was going to happen to Trinia. As far as she was concerned, it could very well have been her in Trinia's shoes or the convict's shoes for that matter. The whole situation was undesirable to say the least. She couldn't get away from the thought that the rich used the lives of the poor as playthings, just because their lives weren't considered valuable - or worse, not considered at all.


M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

Calcedon nodded gravely at the suggestions. They still needed more information, and it was possible that they'd be able to figure something out along the way. At the very least, they could smuggle her out of town perhaps. Maybe they could disguise her as Li and send her to Sandpoint. "Magic is a handy thing, but it is one we have little access too at this time. Well, the whole situation is a pickle. Hopefully we can remedy this whole situation with some exploration of the truth. In any case, we have a play to put on, and some welcome diversion. So set aside your sour faces, and prepare to be dazzled."

Calcedon ducked quickly out of the room with a grin, and Unx came in wearing a fashionable doublet no doubt belonging to a young Cal some years ago. "This way lords and ladies to your seatingses." the young boy said uncharacteristically. He was just as obviously coached as he was messing it up.

He led them up the grand stairwell under the chandelier to the top of the stairs and off to the left into the ballroom. Situated above the dining room, the spacious chamber boasted two smaller chandeliers, glowing with inner light and a row of large windows along the back of the building high enough to see over the wall toward the city beyond. There was a stage at the far end, seated in front of the stage toward the side was a string quartet, a couple horns and woodwinds with a gaggle of odd percussion instruments and some tympani manned by Spider.

There's only a few chairs set out. Mismatched, worn, but lavish and comfortable, you find there's enough for everyone plus an additional divan set out on which is sitting a tallish platinum blonde ulfen man some of you may have met by the name of Feilaken. Rippling with muscles and a bit of girth around the waist, he pleasantly lounges with a small package in his arms, swaddled in pink silk blankets. "Please take your seatingses." Unx says, consistently messing up the word as the ulfen man nods at your arrival, switching the package to his other arm, as it squirms and lets out a squeak of objection as if one had disturbed it's sleep, which is exactly what happened. The babe settled down again quickly as she could, as the instrumentalists tuned their instruments.

Calcedon stepped out on to the stage from the left, and the orchestra immediately silenced. He clapped his hands together and began his oration. "Good evening friends, I'm glad you could come today to the performance of "The Beauty's Wound." I hope you enjoy, and although we're performing a rendition translated from the original Azlanti, some of the words and phrases are archaic and you might have trouble understanding the precise meaning, but the story is fairly easy to catch, as you will see. Please relax and..." It was at this point that Calcedon noticed Feilaken and his package on the divan, and his voice caught in his throat mid-sentence on the emotion.

The ulfen waved at him with his free hand, saying under his breath so Calcedon couldn't hear but the rest of you could. "If he thinks this is that surprising, the other one will blow him out of the water."

Suddenly, Calcedon seem to come to life again on stage. "Please enjoy the show!" The lights from the chandeliers seemed to dim as the curtain parted, and the orchestra began the overture.


Barbarian 10/Fighter 1 | HP 66/104 | DR 5/- | AC 27, T 15 FF 21 | Fort +14, Ref +7, Will +6 (+7 Superstition) | CMD 29 | Init +2 | Perception +15

Garvid stares at Li intently. "And that's destroying someone's identity. I think I'd rather die than be someone else, but I never been anyone else." He sighs, then smiles warmly at Li. I'm sure the girl means the best.

He starts another glass, then sighs, wiping his mouth. "Shit, kid, society's a complicated mess of what's right and what's not. If we started discussing it now, we'd end up either arguing or on drugs, and neither's a good option right now. I suggest we leave the sorry lot on death row to their own fate...", he mutters, taking another long drink. Shit, Garvid. Stuff's getting real philosophical in here.

He leans back on his chair, just in time for Calcedon to jump on the stage. "The noble bastard is right, as always. Let's drain all that muck from our heads for now, and take a breather." He leans back, taking two more chairs to put his arms comfortably on, before receiving a stern look from the audience. "Alright, alright..."


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M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

"A tale of woe, sadness and pain
As far as the black and back again
You don't understand, or perhaps you do
The tale is unquestionably true."

A young varisian woman danced across the stage, immediately entrancing the audience. Bending near impossible angles and leaning and whirling she dared the spectacular moves that caused audible gasps, from both the chairs and from behind the scenes. Soon she was joined by an older middle aged man you had only seen before in the kitchen and Calcedon from opposite sides of the stage. All of them in celestial costumes. Joining in her dance, although not to the degree of skill, the two men take turns showcasing her talent. Though the woman seems warm and accepting toward the older man, she is more tempestuous and cold alternatively toward Calcedon.

Sense Motive=21:
Something is off with Calcedon's performance, and he seems like his performance is suffering a bit. The choreography would seem to suggest he's not pulling his weight, but he is doing an excellent job in covering it up.

A familiar face and voice appears in a booth to the side. "Fran begins the narration. Calcedon seems to pull his violin out of nowhere and begins to play along with the makeshift orchestra. "Long ago, in a far away kingdom lived a immortal king with his children. He was known as the King of Howls and had lived for countless moons, chasing her ever changing celestial beauty. Their love was woefully short as she was so fickle, but when she had gone he found himself another worthy bride, but she also soon was gone. For many years, the son, his older sister, and their father lived together in harmony, ruling together their kingdom."

"Oh my daughter, you are the most beautiful of all. I dare say you outshine your mother, as well as all the stars of the sky." The old man had a booming bass voice that spoke of authority and grandeur. "I could never bear it if you left me to marry another. Promise me you'll stay and grace my house forever?"

The young woman responded. "Where could I find more excellent men in which to keep company? My father, who caught the moon, and my brother who invented the violin. Where in this world or any other could there be a place for me but here?"

Calcedon stepped around the two of them, playing incredibly skillfully and taking long strides in time with the phrases of his music. He spoke over the music as the mood changed. "If you ever left us, I doubt we would ever have laughter or joy again, for you are the source of all that is lovely."

Laughter bubbled out of her at such a statement and she responded in kind. "But who will make me laugh if you ever go to establish your own kingdom? Perhaps you will traverse the dark and find a suitable bride from far away. And no more will laughter grace the house, while I am yet here."

"I will never leave as long as you wish." Calcedon replied, looking earnestly into the young woman's eyes.

"But what is this?" The older man intoned with his grandiose voice.

All attention on stage went to the left, where Henrik entered, costumed in an infernal black, still sporting his trademark scarf, though it looked fairly out of place. "I have come through the black, to search out the greatest beauty of all to bring her back to my kingdom. I have heard of the king who chased the moon, and I have come to ask of him to court his daughter."

For the next half hour, the interplay and drama of this interloper from beyond the stars attempted to woo the lady with demonstrations of power and tales of the vastness of the black which he ruled. The king loudly proclaimed the virtues and wisdom of his daughter. The Daughter was kind and gracious to the visitor, although she would not return his love.

The brother's arc was tragic in it's simplicity. His brotherly love toward his sister, his desire for her to be protected from that which would be inferior to her, his jealousy at the time his sister was spending with the visitor, his anger toward his father for entertaining the dark lord, all of them culminate in a disagreement with his sister even after she sent the suitor back to his kingdom.

"How could you give him a second glance? Are you not wise enough to tell from a glance that he is unworthy?" Calcedon's performance was heartrending in it's anguish.

"And how could you not trust me to make that decision? Did you not sing my praise? Do you not believe me when I said there is no better place?" The young varisian was well and truly his equal in her talent. She commanded the stage with her every entrancing movement.

"There is none who loves you nor can love you like I do. I could search every world and show you there is none who would equal you, and now I have doubt you would trust me!"

"If you will not be satisfied then perhaps you should go. And know that I will be here, waiting for your return that you would believe me when I tell you there will be no laughter or joy until your return."

As the brother turned to go, their father slowed his departure. He carried a polearm with a strange curved blade on the end. "Take my fang if you are to go. It will protect you in the dark from all the things you cannot see. If you use it with joy, you will never lose your way." The middle aged man held out the weapon, and Cal accepted it, exchanging it for his violin. He gave the father a stiff hug before he began walking in place as the rest of the cast exited stage right.

Fran's voice echoed in the chamber for the first time since the beginning. "And so he followed the dark lord into the black, his heart filled with darker sorrow than even the night between the stars." While she spoke, the settings were dragged off the stage in time with Calcedon walking in place to mimic the movement of the scene as the audience follows him to the black throne where Henrik sits in wait. "Blaming the celestial prince for his rejection, the dark lord tormented him for ages. Having a shred of his father's immortality, he could not be killed. But the torture could not touch the pain in his heart. He set down his fang, and let the dark lord have his way."

Calcedon and Henrik obscured what they were doing, but it definitely looked ugly. Red ribbons and darkness pervaded the stage, and Calcedon's cries of pain sounded painfully real. At these cries, the baby became quite fussy as well, and the large Ulfen carrying her got up, holding his nose with one hand and left the ballroom.

The lights on stage went completely black, and Fran announced from her booth. "We are to have a short intermission. Please enjoy some refreshments." To which an old woman who'd been seen in the kitchen before came out carrying some sweets and champagne. Despite looking as old as she did, her hands were steady, and made sure everyone was politely served.

Dang, that took longer than I thought it would. The final part should be ready tomorrow... well, if I didn't have a double shift I could be sure. But we will see what I can do.


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M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

After the refreshments, the lights came up on stage again to show the original set. Fran's voice again was heard, setting the scene and recapping the action but the music was gone. After the richness of the music displayed before, the emptiness of the immortal king's house was palpable. The riches of joy that began the first act was filled with now bankrupt, the loss plainly seen.

With similar words, the two left to the house poured out their grief to one another, but eventually the king raised his shoulders and spoke of something else. "The dark lord has expanded his territory." said the king to his beleaguered daughter as she sat on the floor with her head down, holding the forsaken violin on her lap. "He now wields a weapon of grand quality, and I am to believe it is my fang. It has been too long since it has left this house, and I intend to chase it down and retrieve it."

The ulfen man and the baby returned soon after this point, her settled and him no longer pinching his nose.

The daughter raised her head, mournful emotions contorted her face while real tears streaked her stage makeup. "Oh, my father. I would wish you not to go, but I know you must. The hunt for your honor, you must chase the shining white ivory until it is reclaimed. But I will miss you. Please do not tarry long."

The middle aged man caressed the side of his daughter's face, looking deeply into their brown depths. "You know well as I that the dark lord could not match me, not even with half my strength. I will retrieve it and discover how he came by it. Perhaps we will receive the words we have longed to hear and we may bring the time of sorrow to an end."

"But as our joy would not have ever finished, I doubt it will be renewed once it was lost."

"Wisdom is not borne from despair, my beloved daughter. Lift up your head and serve my kingdom until I return and no doubt will assail you after." At that the father left in the same way as his son did before the intermission. The scenery scrolled back and darkness overtook the stage as the music began to swell.

As he approached the dark throne, sitting atop it's grandeur was Calcedon, his celestial costume removed, and wearing a grotesque mask of pain. His body was naked from neck to waist, displaying his gruesome scars in all their glory. Beneath that was a red belt and dark half robes draping to the floor. He addressed the immortal king in royal fashion, but with stilted speech that set all who heard it on edge. "What brings ye to my abode fair king. I have been rejected from your presence already."

The father looked upon the strange sight before him, not shrinking back in fear or grief, but stood with his shoulders square and looked him dead in the eyes. "I have come to retrieve my fang from unworthy hands and to inquire of my son. Pray tell me what has happened to him."

Calcedon leaped from his chair, brandishing the fang in a menacing fashion. "Are you saying the fang is in unworthy hands father? It was you in your wisdom who gave it to me. As for your son, you can see what I've become. Isn't it grand? Are not you happy that I have found such love?"

"You have not found love, it seems you have embraced madness and pain."

"But that is my love father! I discovered the only femininity greater than the love of my sister in our eternal home is the warm embrace of the pain of her absence. I have found joy in my pain and delight in my sorrows."

The middle aged man's face contorted into a unveiled contempt of the disgusting thing his son had embraced. "Did the dark lord teach you this nonsense?"

The son turned his head to the side in an unnatural angle, flicking out his tongue in a way that made it seem longer than it should be. "No, the dark lord did not understand. He thought his pain was greater than mine, and so when I tired of his lack of resolve, I ate him. I ate him and his kingdom and I ate even more. I've added his power to my own and discovered things he could not even dream of in his desire for light."

"Then I shall make you cough him up. And then I will force you to see your folly." The father raised his arms attacked. The fight was fairly lengthy with dialogue similar in theme to what was already presented, with Calcedon spouting madness and cackling with ecstasy at his wounds while the father tried to reason with him in his demented state.

Eventually the son stood triumphant over the immortal king. "You see Father, your ferocity cannot win. Your wisdom has betrayed you, and my beloved grants me strength you do not understand."

"You should not taint my fang with your folly. the defeated king said with defiance. "Your decisions have robbed you of your eternal joy, and you will always hunger for more and be unsatisfied."

"But I have not yet consumed all. I will go back to the place of my youth and use this fang to carve up my sister, and then you will realize your error and dash your own pride on the rocky shore of grief."

The new dark lord chained his own father to his throne using the powers of shadow to accomplish his goals. Several figures dressed in black wrapped the chains around the immortal king in accordance to their master's demand. As the menacing Calcedon stalked off in the direction of his sister's home, the immortal king begins to howl, mournful and alone, a warning to the danger of night.

The scenery scaled back to the celestial home to the sound of the orchestra heightening the tension. Standing there in all her glory was the young woman, beautiful and haunting, staring at her brother's inglorious return. "Have you traversed all the worlds?" she spoke, recalling their last conversation.

"And I am yet unsatisfied. I have returned to consume you and so culminate my pain."

"If you believe you understand it, you do not fully understand your own house. The pain felt here does not desire to inflict it upon others. You are too prideful, but perhaps so was I. I never should have let you leave. She held out her hand as her elegant celestial robes draped from her wrist in a display of grandeur.

The mere movement of her arm would not transfix him, and he advanced with malevolent eyes. "And now you admit your folly? I shall make you pay. For I have discovered my pain is greater than you." Bringing the fang to bear, she stopped the blade with her soft hand.

Stage blood poured out on the floor, splattering her dress. "I love you my brother, I cannot allow this hurt of yours to continue. I will take rage and repay you with kindness. I am greater than pain and no madness can avail you from that truth."

Clenching his teeth and his heart, the dark lord loosened his grip on the fang, which his sister pulled away. "My heart!" He excaimed in a sort of pain which he could not find joy.

She continued her assault, as he retreated from her offered and blooded embrace. "I will treasure this, as I treasure your violin. I will heal the both of our pain as you return to me. Let it be as it was meant to be, full of a happiness that not even darkness can take away."

Calcedon evaded her grasp and reared himself up. He removed his mask to look her in the eye. "I cannot allow you to love that which is inferior. I have increased in my power, but I am still defeated."

She continued to hold out her bloodied hand and for the first time since he had left smiled playfully, yet with the pain in her eyes. "Shouldn't I decide? Do you still not trust me? Stay and I will show you what I have learned. For love is not simply for the benefit of one, it is for three. It is bigger than what is deserved, it is the joy of giving without reservation. For you to refuse would only demonstrate your lack. To accept would return joy and wisdom to this land and satisfy all that you were ever looking to gain."

And the curtain fell. Fran's voice echoed throughout the silent hall, "Through her sacrifice and gentleness she moved past her own pain for the sake of her brother. And so the madness was stayed by the beauty's wound."


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*Applause*. Cal, that's wonderful. I'll have to read it a few more times :).

A small crash erupts as the teacup falls from Cressida's knee. It had been resting precarioiusly there all during the second act. Enthralled as she was in the performance, she had forgotten it. Luckily, it doesn't break. Embarrased, she quickly scoops it up and sets it beneath her set, then stands and claps furiously. "Bravissimo!" she exclaims. She might wipe a tear from her eye, or maybe it's just dust.

--------

Following the curtain call, Cressida is introduced to Trinia, who nervously bows, salutes, and tries to shake hands with the Field Marshal all at once. Uncertain herself, Cressida and Trinia claim the kitchen for over an hour, during which time they sit a the table, speaking in hushed tones. By the time they emerge together, it is deep into the night.

"Alright," Cressida begins wearily. "Fran here will remain in your care. You shouldn't even tell me what you do with her. The less I know the better. I'll worry about the castle and the guard tomorrow. I'll send for you when I have more information to give. Agreed?"

The remainder of the evening is yours to complete. Then I'll move us ahead into tomorrow. Questions?


Female Human Unchained Rogue/11 HP 93/93; AC 21 T 15 FF16; Fort+5 Ref+12/14 Will+5; Init+5; Perception+16/19, Sense Motive +16

Li knows that she didn't quite understand everything spoken. The wording was fancy and not everything could be taken literally. However, she knows how it makes her feel and she claps furiously along with the others. She quickly wipes away any evidence of tears that had run down her cheeks during the performance and cheers for the actors as they take their bow. She applauds and shouts the loudest for Cal.

-----------

Li is relieved when the Field Marshal allows Trinia to stay with them. "Thank ya, Field Marshal. That be reasonable of ya."


NG Male Human (Chelaxian) Alchemist (chirugeon) 6 CMB +4, CMD 16 | Fort. +8, Ref. +7, Will +4 | Init. +2 | Perc. +10, Sense Motive +1 | Speed 30ft |

Pietro stood up and clapped until his hands were red. He then nodded and congratulated the actors, feeling privileged to have witnessed such a private showing.

Once things quieted down, he asked, "So will Fran be safe here or do you all have another place to hide her? Should I make her hair and skin color a bit more... permanent?"

He turned to Fran, "So, how do you like your new look?"


Female Human Unchained Rogue/11 HP 93/93; AC 21 T 15 FF16; Fort+5 Ref+12/14 Will+5; Init+5; Perception+16/19, Sense Motive +16

Once Cressida left, they were finally able to relax. Trinia joined them as her fate was one of the things they needed to discuss. ”That play be amazin’, Cal. What ya c’n all do here at tha manor be truly remarkable. An' Fran, ya did great in yer first performance.”

When things turned to talking about Trinia, Li adds, ”I be agreein' with tha doctor...is Korvosa really bein' safe fer her? Mebbe she c’n leave tha city fer a time until this all gets sort’d. Tha people in Sandpoint seem’d really nice an’ welcomin’. It be pretty an’ quiet an’ tha scenery would be nice fer paintin’. Just sayin’.”

Tag everyone


Female Half-elf HP 41/76 (5nl)| AC 21/FF 16/ T 15 | Per +13 | F: 9 | R: 10 | W: 9 | Init +5 Brawler 11

Mouse had simply...stared as the performance went on, mouth hanging slightly open in rapt attention as the spectacle played out. On one level, she was aware that the blood was simply thrown ribbons, that the moon's captor had himself been taken captive not by shadows, but merely people in dark clothing. Reality had been her teacher all her life, after all. But deeper down, there was no denying she could almost feel the warmth of the dark puddles covering the stage floor...that she herself recoiled against the painful, wrenching grasp of darkness as it pulled the wise king to the throne of madness. The play had transported her to a place where the simplicity of its staging didn't matter - a suspension of disbelief where the heart, not the mind, held sway. And she was enthralled by it.

Reality came crashing back, though, when Cressida took Fordyce Manor's newest visitor aside. What was to be this girl's fate, then? Deep in her heart, Mouse knew the girl innocent, despite the anger of the mobs, the vitriol of the Queen...despite all Korvosa's red ribbons and black shirts. The Field Marshal had to see that, had to set Trinia Sabor free...but then again, this was reality.

----------

Except that, for once in King Eodred's danse macabre, reality and truth entwine. Field Marshal Kroft had set Trinia free, and now Fran could make a place in the world without the spectre of supposed regicide looming over her. But...what would that place be? I ain't go no place t' suggest, Mouse answers to Pietro's question. Even th' 'ouse 'ere is already a new spot f'r me. This Sandpoint place soun's nice, though, from wha' Li's sayin'. An' it's far from th' mess 'ere - soun's like a good place t' make a new start, where there won' be no worry 'bout folks makin' trouble.

While the discussion of Fran's fate continues, Mouse slips away; soon she returns, throwing herself into helping clean up the remains of The Beauty's Wound. But in the hubbub, she finds a moment to pull Fran aside and brings out something from her pocket - a pouch of rough fabric that clinks softly as it moves. 'Ere...take this, she whispers, pressing the pouch into Fran's hand. Whether y' go t' this Sandpoint place 'r somewhere else, it'll take passage t' get there, an' y' ain't gon' have work or a place t' stay straigh' off. This oughta get y' by 'til y' fin' y'r feet somewhere. 100 gold to help pay her way to wherever she ends up. I'm actually spending money, guys! :D


Female Shoanti Shaman 11 (Lore) HP: 2/89 | 28/28 | AC 25/13/23 | F+9 R+9 W+15 | Per +13 Init +7 | Hex DC 20

Yaziyah applauds with the others, although not quite as enthusiastically, a small frown betraying her puzzlement. The actors had been very good, there was no doubt of that, but the topic of the play is unsettling for her. The relationship between the woman and her brother felt almost incestuous, how obsessed they were with each other's love and regard... definitely it did not seem like a healthy connection. But she knows little of theatre and plays, perhaps the whole thing had been a metaphor for something? She thinks about asking Calcedon about it, even though it would betray her ignorance, but more serious matters required their attention.

Cressida's decision surprises Yaziyah and for a few seconds she watches the marshal warily, waiting for the catch. When it doesn't come, she relaxes slightly, turning to the others. "Well, well. That is settled then. What now?" The Sandpoint proposal sounds like a good idea to her and she offers to give Fran a message of recommendation for the Sandpoint sheriff - this should make things easier for her should she decide to take that route.


Female Human Unchained Rogue/11 HP 93/93; AC 21 T 15 FF16; Fort+5 Ref+12/14 Will+5; Init+5; Perception+16/19, Sense Motive +16

"If'n ya decide ta go ta Sandpoint, I c'n introduce ya ta tha captain that I be sailin' with. He be nice enough and I had no trouble."

Did the Ulfen and the baby stay?


Female Human Unchained Rogue/11 HP 93/93; AC 21 T 15 FF16; Fort+5 Ref+12/14 Will+5; Init+5; Perception+16/19, Sense Motive +16

"An' speakin' of Sandpoint, if'n any of ya are interest'd, I be findin' out a lot from me visit." Li felt a mixture of feelings start to surface again and so she rushed through the next part. "I be learnin' me mom's name but she no longer be livin'. They told me that I be havin' some family here in Korvosa so I be hopin' I c'n find 'em." She pauses slightly. "It be really weird...I be told that me mom had a locket that be lookin' a lot like yer locket, Cal. Do ya be knowin' where yer mom got hers? It mebbe a place fer me ta go an ask."

tag Cal or others


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"Sandpoint?" Trinia says uncertainly. "I've never been there. Is it far? What's it like? there's friends to be had there? Ya really think I ought to leave the city? And so quick? Surely there's another way. I mean, all my life's here. I don't got much besides what Korvosa's give me." She's clearly upset at the idea of moving herself to a strange, far-away place.

"How could I leave everything I know?"


Female Human Unchained Rogue/11 HP 93/93; AC 21 T 15 FF16; Fort+5 Ref+12/14 Will+5; Init+5; Perception+16/19, Sense Motive +16

Li shakes her head. "Ya don't be needin' ta leave if'n ya don't want. It just be a suggestion as ta where they may not be lookin' fer ya. But ya gotta know that anyone connect'd ta ya will be watch'd. Ya may not be able ta go back ta yer life fer a bit without bein' in danger."


Female Half-elf HP 41/76 (5nl)| AC 21/FF 16/ T 15 | Per +13 | F: 9 | R: 10 | W: 9 | Init +5 Brawler 11

Li's righ'...'s gon' be a mess f'r y' in Korvosa f'r a while, 'til the ruckus's died down, Mouse adds practically. Goin's not gotta be forever, but it migh' be wise t' be in a place no one's lookin' f'r ya. She cracks a smile, trying to make her comments sound as friendly as possible. Tha' is, less y' fancy spendin' all y'r time f'r a bit conjurin' doubles 'n leapin' out windows.


Barbarian 10/Fighter 1 | HP 66/104 | DR 5/- | AC 27, T 15 FF 21 | Fort +14, Ref +7, Will +6 (+7 Superstition) | CMD 29 | Init +2 | Perception +15

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Nope, enjoying it too much to notice.

Garvid stands and claps thunderously with his big hands. Huh. Love conquers all? Family always forgives family? He ponders as he claps, staring at the beautiful set, and nodding with approval. In the end, he comes out with a moral, fitting best for him and his goals. With passion, you can purify even the darkest of things and places. Hah. He chuckles at Li's passionate shouting.

He makes his way through the seats, reaching the group, then nods approvingly at Cal. "Bravo, maestro.", he remarks with a smirk, before bowing down. "Thanks, boss. We'll be waiting.", he nods at Cressida. "If we're outside the chain, we got a lot more freedom. ", he mentions, somewhat somberly. As much as I'd hate having the Guard using vigilantes, I'm one now. Talk about conflicts of interest.

Smiling at Fran, he pats the girl on the shoulder. "I guess I can add talent-catcher to my list of skills, now, can't I. If you're asking me, kid, I'd stay here. You got a roof over your head, and a group of people with your interests at heart. In Sandpoint, you might be betting everything on being unrecogniseable. And if the rumour that a blonde girl poisoned the king in Korvosa reaches there, you might be neck-deep. You'd leave a track regardless, whether or not by your manners, attire, accent, and all those sorts of stuff." He stops, realising that she might not need all that information right now. "And anyway, I'm sure Cal's not going to leave his narrator come to harm."


[Roll20] | [Harrow Point Uses] | [Loot] | [Hero Points] | [Padlet] | [Discord Chat]

Trinia clutches the parchment script from which she had been reading. The sweat from her palm has left a visible dampness.

"Aye, Garvid, aye!" she pleads, turning to the others, gazing pleadingly toward Cal. "I could stay here, with you! Real good, I could be! A help in the kitchen, polishin' the instruments, I could even do a bit of painting. Great houses such as these often have grand frescoes, don't they?"

She falls to her knees, clutching Cal's costume. "Please don't send me away. I got no friends outside these walls. Those I knew before all this wouldn't help me now, not with what's bein' said about me."

Tag all. Objection to allowing Trinia to stay? Other matters to clear before moving on to daybreak?


Female Shoanti Shaman 11 (Lore) HP: 2/89 | 28/28 | AC 25/13/23 | F+9 R+9 W+15 | Per +13 Init +7 | Hex DC 20

"Ah, let the poor girl stay. We'll do our best to keep her hidden. And who knows, maybe we'll find the true murderer before anyone else figures she's here." Yaziyah pats Trinia on the head gently. She regards the others with a crease between her brows. "Although I do suggest that we plan for all eventualities, even the really bad ones. Especially the really bad ones. We've made a good start, let's keep it up. And - Cal, if you need my help with anything you need but ask."


NG Male Human (Chelaxian) Alchemist (chirugeon) 6 CMB +4, CMD 16 | Fort. +8, Ref. +7, Will +4 | Init. +2 | Perc. +10, Sense Motive +1 | Speed 30ft |

Pietro was keen on letting the girl stay, "If you keep your head low, I could employ myself. I have plenty of connections that would benefit from the skills of an artist."

He quickly added, "But you would have to continue to be disguised as Fran, at least for the time bring."

He looked at her for honesty, "If you can continue to be pretending Fran I could probably find a job for you tomorrow if Cal doesn't have anything for you to do here."

________
no objections to 'Fran' staying, ready to move along


Female Half-elf HP 41/76 (5nl)| AC 21/FF 16/ T 15 | Per +13 | F: 9 | R: 10 | W: 9 | Init +5 Brawler 11

Mouse gazes as Fran almost quizzically. If I'd'a had money 'n a path t' follow 'n 'alf a chance, I'd'a got out quick as I could, t'were me...an' if 'er friends isn't gon' help, what good's stayin' do? But it wasn't for Mouse to make the decision on this girl's behalf...if she was willing to risk everything to stay in Korvosa, that's the way it was - she'd just have to add it into her new reality. We'll be wit' ya, then...we ain't gon' let no one make y' any trouble. Keep a low profile in 'ere an' no one's like t' come after ya - an' we c'n keep colorin' y'r face 'n 'air too.

No objection - running's the choice Mouse would have made, but she's definitely not about dictating others' lives. I've got nothing else to settle.


[Roll20] | [Harrow Point Uses] | [Loot] | [Hero Points] | [Padlet] | [Discord Chat]

"R-really?" Trinia says to Pietro, leaping to her feet and squeezing the Doctor in a tight embrace. "Fran I shall be, 's long as needed!" Wiping her nose but smiling again, Fran follows the women upstairs to find a comfortable place to sleep.

The night passes without incident.

--------------

Book One, Act Seven - The Dead Warrens

This is the last part of book 1!

At daybreak, you are pulled from your beds by a nervous-sounding Garel and Pobie, who inform you that guardsman have arrived to escort you to Citadel Volshyenek. Apparently, Field Marshal Croft has summoned you for urgent business. Tag?

A unit of four guardsman wait outside in the garden, waiting anxiously for your arrival. When asked about the summons, they shift their weight nervously, muttering among themselves. They grow increasingly agitated at the sight of you, especially Yaziyah. Reluctantly, one of them caves in to Cal's charms. "One of those Shoanti kids went and got himself killed, and now the rest of 'em's all worked up. I swear, if it's not one riot about to erupt, it's another! That's all I'll say. You'll have to talk to the Marshal."

At the Citadel, the soldiers are unusually agitated and nervous. The guards wave you toward Cressida's office. "Field Marshal Kroft's in her office now, trying to talk some sense into the Shoanti ambassador--she said you should report immediately."

The guard spoke true--Cressida isn't alone in her office. With her is Thousand Bones, the aged, rail-thin Shoanti shaman. Just like the day you saw him in Castle Korvosa, he sits with his walking stick formed from a polished femur, and a regal red-feathered razor crow perches on his shoulder.

"Enter! Ah, thank goodness. Yes, come in, have a seat where you can." Cressida says wearily. She looks as if she hasn't slept. In fact, she's wearing the same clothes she had on at the play last night. She sips from her teacup, then tries to explain the situation. "The riots last night were more significant than I'd imagined. A group of...racist thugs took it upon themselves to fuel their own agenda. This is Thousand Bones, Way-Keeper for the Skoan-Quah, Clan of the Skull. He also acts as unofficial ambassador for the city's Shoanti population at large."

Common Knowledge:
Tensions between Korvosa and the Shoanti have existed since the city’s foundation some 300 years ago, when Chelish colonists attacked and defeated the Shoanti tribes who dwelt in the region destined to become the largest city in Varisia. Forced to retreat and relocate into the inhospitable Cinderlands northeast of Korvosa, the Shoanti persevered and even flourished, and many among them preach that the time to take back their ancestral homeland is nigh.

Yazi, K(local) DC 10:
Yet in Korvosa itself, the Shoanti seek a more peaceful accord. Led by a visionary shaman known as Thousand Bones, a large group of Shoanti have been in talks with the Korvosan government for years now, hoping to find a way their two people can coexist in peace. Thousand Bones’s mission is anything but easy. A large number of Korvosa’s citizens are prejudiced against the Shoanti and see them as little more than violent barbarians. Curbing and moderating the violence between these racists and the quick-to-anger Shoanti who dwell in and near Korvosa is a constant battle for the ancient shaman.

Thousand Bones nods silently in recognition and respect at seeing you all again. His gaze lingers meaningful on Yaziyah. Finally, he speaks with a deep voice, his words carefully chosen but delivered with a barely restrained rage:

“Speaks for the Dead, our people have worked hard to understand theirs, have we not? Yet it seems each day we see new examples of how their people work just as hard to foster old hatreds. My grandson Gaekhen is dead, beaten to death by cowards in the city street." He turns to the rest of you. "I do not blame you, yet still Gaekhen is dead, and my son and his kin are not so forgiving as I. They wish to return to the Skoan-Quah in the Cinderlands, to join with the Sklar-Quah and rally to war against Korvosa."

"This would be disastrous, for both our peoples. Amends must be made. “Our ways are not as yours. If a body does not go whole to the fires of the gods, the smoke of a warrior’s spirit cannot rise to the Great Sky. If I could send Gaekhen’s body to the Sky with honor and dignity, his father and brothers would listen to me and stay their wrath—the talks of peace between my people and yours can continue. But he was not just murdered..."

"His body was taken from the scene of his death, sold by a peddler of corpses to a necromancer named Rolth, a criminal to both our people. I have spoken with the spirits, and they have revealed to me that Gaekhen’s body has been taken to a place below your boneyard, a place the spirits call the Dead Warrens. “With this knowledge, I could surely lead a group of my finest warriors into your boneyard to retrieve Gaekhen’s body, but this would be seen as an act of aggression by your people. No, it falls to you to make amends for what has been done. You must bring me Gaekhen’s body, lest we be forced to recover him ourselves. And although it pains my heart to say it—we will not be gentle if it comes to this.”"

He rises swiftly, nods curtly to Cressida, then steps toward the door. On the way he places a hand on Yazi's shoulder. "You are on the precipice now, a cliff between two worlds. Will you fly toward the sky where you belong, or fall to your peril? Choose your friends wisely, Speaks for the Dead. I pray to the spirits that we do not end up on opposite sides of a war." With that, he disppears out the door.

Tag All


Female Shoanti Shaman 11 (Lore) HP: 2/89 | 28/28 | AC 25/13/23 | F+9 R+9 W+15 | Per +13 Init +7 | Hex DC 20

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 4 = 11 Spending a Hero point here because it would be silly for Yazi to not know what TB does.

Yaziyah remains stock-still as Thousand Bones delivers his message. The situation is very dire indeed if the principal force for the peaceful coexistence of Shoanti and Korvosans is speaking of war. As he tells of the death of his grandson, Yaziyah's heart drops and she clutches her walking stick painfully. She knew the boy, a little, and his death pains her. "Venerable one, my soul is shrouded in sorrow. I shall do my utmost to bring comfort to you and yours in these dark times, this I swear by the ashes of my ancestors."

After the other shaman leaves, she turns to Cressida. "Marshal, I don't think you need me to tell you just how bad this is. Thousand Bones has been working for years to bring our two people together peacefully. There are people who disagree with that path, on both sides. If he abandons his work and sides with the warmongers, a lot of blood will be spilled. And not all of it will belong to my people." Although her tone is cool, her smouldering eyes and proud posture evoke images of fearless warriors, unbowed before death. "Returning Gaekhen's body and punishing his killers with no leniency would be a good start to making amends and smoothing the path for peace again. A good start."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

She leaves it up to the marshal to think up other ways of regaining the favour of her people. the boy's death is tragic and upsetting, but Yaziyah can also sense an opportunity. Shame and guilt make for powerful motivators; perhaps the blood of Thousand Bones' grandson can pave the way for better treatment of her people by the authorities - if they can avoid a war.


Barbarian 10/Fighter 1 | HP 66/104 | DR 5/- | AC 27, T 15 FF 21 | Fort +14, Ref +7, Will +6 (+7 Superstition) | CMD 29 | Init +2 | Perception +15

Kn(local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Garvid's fist clenches, the knuckles turning white. He takes in a deep breath, exhaling, then bowing at Thousand Bones. "Of course, Thousand Bones. Going in and getting the body's the least we'll do."

As Thousand Bones leaves, Garvid sits down, cracking his neck. "The other thing that we've got to do is find out whoever is responsible, and hand them in to Zenderholm. We need to show that Korvosa isn't going to stand for murder on the streets. Make sure we get the Shoanti elders a nice front seat for the whole affair, too."

He nods at Yazi. "Yeah. Much as I'd hate splitting us in 'our people' and 'your people', Korvosa's got to show that it cares for everyone. So far, it shows it doesn't care for anyone, at best. If we didn't have to rush for the retrieval, I'd go and get those walking garbage heaps myself." He clenches his fist again, standing up nervously. "I'll make my best to bring that corpse-raising filth back alive. Intactness, however, I don't promise." He looks at Cressida, sending a sympathetic smirk. "Let it never be said I envy your position." He leans on the wall, the back of his head letting out a resounding thud as it hits the wall. "Right. So, racists mobs are running around town, the Shoanti are about to rise up in arms for the first time in years, and we've got to clear the Dead Warrens of necromancers as soon as possible, to avoid an uprising. Just your average Toilday, right?"

He smiles bitterly, and an idea pops in his head. "Boss, do we still got that big ass earthbreaker down in Confiscation? The one I promised to shove head-side first into Moves-Mountains' rear end, if he swung it at me again?", he asks. "Because it might come in handy down there."

That's my way of asking to pick up a masterwork earthbreaker on the way there.


NG Male Human (Chelaxian) Alchemist (chirugeon) 6 CMB +4, CMD 16 | Fort. +8, Ref. +7, Will +4 | Init. +2 | Perc. +10, Sense Motive +1 | Speed 30ft |

with the Shoanti
Pietro did not know this man but he could feel the pain of his lost grandson. He also did not understand the Shoanti ways but having your body given over to a necromancer was no way to end your stay in this world.

Necromancers were despicable and the doctor had a 'healthy respect' for the walking dead and would normally stay clear. But this was different. And if by retrieving a body also staves off a civil war then the task becomes much more urgent.

He addressed the elder, "I feel your pain and we'll do our best to bring back your grandson's body."

He looked at the others, "However distasteful this may sound, the necromancer probably has other bodies as well. Are we to bring back all the bodies we find? Even those... animated?"

He looked at the old Shoanti, "How will we identify your grandson's body?"


M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

After the curtain closed, Kailani walked off without a word. Calcedon stood there stunned. He just couldn't believe it. She had avoided him for nearly a year, and there she was. She was even more amazing than the last time she'd done it, and her movements and acting had not lost anything since he'd seen her last. She'd always been beyond his reach, and it seems like she still was. Tossing the "fang" at her father she walked out of the room.

Voris came over and patted Cal on his shoulder. "Lannah was sick. She said she'd do it. Don't ask me if it means anything. She's just like her mother." He also patted his slightly protruding belly and laughed. "I will say she's definitely just as maddening as well!"

The head of the house sighed a bit. "She certainly knows how to hold a grudge. But I can't blame her for her response to what I have done. There's no undoing it. I just wish she resembled her part more tonight, and I resembled mine less."

"I know son. I know. But if wishing were horses, we'd all eat like kings." And Voris walked off after his daughter.

Cal was a little slow on the uptake. "Kings don't eat..." Ah whatever. Voris never did get proverbs right.
---------------------------

The ulfen man did indeed wait about for a while holding the sleeping babe. He spent most of the time seperated from the group though, minding his own business. Babies were a rather pleasant diversion, and it wasn't as if he were invited into the conversation.

Cal emerged in a bit, wiping makeup off of his face with a towel to see how things were progressing. When Cressida and "Fran" were talking, he let the ladies have their time, and then he listened to the others talking about her fate. Perhaps she could stay here under her pseudonym, as long as no one knew where she was she would be safe. He just worried that it wouldn't be like that forever.

"Of course you can stay here, Fran. I don't mind a bit if you hang out here. It sounds as if Pietro has a few things for you to do, and I'd like you to help out. In your spare time, there are some projects here as well that could use your fair hand, but we'll wait on that. But an artist's style is unique. If we have you painting, we might end up telling someone you're here when we don't want that. Give us a month or so first to see if we can't get to the bottom of things, and then I'll let you paint to your heart's content."

-----------------------------------------

When Li asked Cal about the locket, he pulled it out. That's really strange that your mother had a locket like this one. My mother wore it, but I don't know where she got it. I thought it was a picture of her, but she had blue eyes. I never had a sister, although I remember my parents had tried quite a lot to have more children. It would have been good for the house as well. Right now I'm the only son of the Fordyce estate. If I pass on before I sire a legitimate heir, the whole place would pass to my cousin from Cheliax, and we all know that would be a bad idea."

He didn't want to think it, but perhaps it was stolen. But taken all the way to Sandpoint and back again? Whatever for? The whole thing was a bit of a puzzle to him. He opened the locket and looked inside again, and there the little brown eyed girl stared back at him. "The real thing is that I have no idea whose picture this is. My mother had blue eyes."

------------------------------------------

Nodding his respect to Thousand Bones, Cal let Yazi take the lead in the conversation. It was of particular interest to her as well, but the idea of going after a necromancer gave him the chills. "Yes, lets go and get that body back. I don't like the idea of vistiting the Dead Warrens, but it's better than sending more people there to stay."

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Looking over at Mouse, the bard looked concerned. "You know, we should probably pick up some items that might be good if were fighting the dead, like a mystical mace of light or a holy symbol that causes their forms to return to their rest. I've heard some stories, but it's probably best to go in as prepared as we can."


Female Human Unchained Rogue/11 HP 93/93; AC 21 T 15 FF16; Fort+5 Ref+12/14 Will+5; Init+5; Perception+16/19, Sense Motive +16

Li looks disappointed as Cal tells her that he doesn't know where his mom got her locket. "That be ok. I be knowin' it be a longshot ta ask about tha locket. When I be havin' tha time, I be followin' up on tha transfer papers I be giv'n instead." Li glances at the picture. "Whoever she be, she be cute."
-------------
Li groans as she's rudely awakened the next morning. How could the Field Marshal need them already? She almost throws her pillow at Pobie but manages to refrain before dragging herself out of bed.

Li stifles a yawn as she follows the rest into Cressida's office. She's surprised to see Thousand Bones there waiting for them. As he tells her tale, she is saddened to hear of his loss.

knowledge,local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Part of her wonders if Gaekhen was targeted because he was the grandson of Thousand Bones but she dares not voice such a thought when emotions were so high.

She listens intently to everything shared but most of it was unfamiliar. Necromancers wanting dead bodies sounded like something out of a nightmare. She knew she would help the others but she really didn't know how she could.


[Roll20] | [Harrow Point Uses] | [Loot] | [Hero Points] | [Padlet] | [Discord Chat]
Yazi wrote:
"Marshal, I don't think you need me to tell you just how bad this is. Thousand Bones has been working for years to bring our two people together peacefully. There are people who disagree with that path, on both sides. If he abandons his work and sides with the warmongers, a lot of blood will be spilled. And not all of it will belong to my people."

"Of course, you're correct Speaks for the Dead. We all know that, once driven to violence, the Shoanti are a mighty force." Cressida fidgets nervously at her desk, tapping her quill onto her desk. It's ink makes tiny pock marks on the wood.

"I should apologize for Thousand Bones. But to a great extent I agree with this assessment. Someone tied to Korvosa needs to find Gaekhen's body and return it to the Shoanti as a gesture of good will, or things will quickly go from bad to worse. If a member of that party happens to be herself Shoanti, all the better. This is why I immediately thought of you."

"Now normally I'd contact the Church of Pharasma to organize an expedition into one of the warrens under the city graveyard, but you've proven yourselves so capable. And trustworthy. If you can help us, there's another 1,500 sails in it for y--Oh! That reminds me." Cressida procures a small lockbox from beneath her desk, presenting it to Yaziyah. "Here's your payment for searching for Trinia Sabor. What a shame we were unable to locate her." She says this too loudly, for the benefit of anyone eavesdropping.

---Everyone should add 250gp to their loot sheets, as your share of payment for finding Trinia. Are you keeping track of your wealth received?---

Garvid wrote:
"Right. So, racists mobs are running around town, the Shoanti are about to rise up in arms for the first time in years, and we've got to clear the Dead Warrens of necromancers as soon as possible, to avoid an uprising. Just your average Toilday, right?"

"Lately, I feel like this office is the only thing standing between order and chaos. And maybe even that's an illusion. But there are certainly days I wonder why I keep this position, days I'm tempted to just put my sword down. Then I think about who else might fill this chair, and I go on."

Garvid wrote:
Earthbreaker

Cressida rubs her temples, but grins. "I expect it's here somewhere. I'll have Edwards claim it from the lockers before you go. Try not to make a scene of having it, as it might be seen as a show of disrepect for a former Guardsman to carry a Shoanti weapon. And try not to make a mess..."

Pietro wrote:
"How will we identify the body?"

"Thousand Bones described Gaekhen to me," says Cressida. "He was about 18 years old, with short brown hair and a distinctive scar on his left cheek. Apparently it's from a firepelt's claw. Furthermore, he had several large and distinctive Shoanti tribal tattoos on his arms and torso--it's unlikely that any other freshly-killed Shoanti are in the Dead Warrens today, so that should be a dead giveaway." She blushes, flustered. "I mean...bah, you understand!"

"Now as to the Dead Warrens, the Gray District is riddled with underground chambers, some of them burrowed by ghouls or other monsters, others remnants of ancient Shoanti burial grounds. Some of these warrens are patrolled and kept clear of monsters by the church of Pharasma, yet the Gray District is a large place and the tunnels below are vast and tangled. The Pharasmen focus on containing the problems with undead and necromancers, but as soon as they wipe out one, it seems as if two are ready to spring up in its place. The problem’s particularly vexing in Potter’s Ward, where the bodies of the poor and homeless are buried. According to Thousand Bones, the Dead Warrens were one of his people’s burial vaults, chambers that lie under Potter’s Ward."

"We have the man who sold Gaekhen’s body to Rolth in custody: a simpleton named Elkaris. He spilled everything when we told him what was going on and how much trouble he was in—in any event, Elkaris says he delivered the body via wheelbarrow to a partially collapsed mausoleum deep in Potter’s Ward, near the southern edge. A toppled and headless statue of a sword-wielding gargoyle lay in the dirt near the mausoleum’s entrance—he was told to leave the body behind the gargoyle. This location matches where Thousand Bones believes the Shoanti burial grounds called the Dead Warrens used to be located, so that’s the best place to start the search."

Any other questions? As Cal suggests, any other shopping to do on the way?


Female Half-elf HP 41/76 (5nl)| AC 21/FF 16/ T 15 | Per +13 | F: 9 | R: 10 | W: 9 | Init +5 Brawler 11

Short brown 'air...scar on 'is left cheek...hor-Shoanti tattoos...big 'n strong... Mouse stays mostly silent during Cressida's debrief, only speaking to add points to her mental checklist of the missing Gaekhen's traits...an exercise that serves as much to let the order keep her own mind from devolving into chaos as to make sure she identifies the victim correctly. Chasing possible regicides and apprehending thugs had been one thing...but necromancers? Animated dead? The storybooks she'd pored over as her only escape from reality have become reality - and she finds she's not quite so keen on it when she's in the middle of it.

So when Cal brings up ways to combat the unnaturalness of undeath, Mouse latches on to his words. Oh - y' mean, like strings o' garlic? Bone charms, or onyx - tha's s'posed t' 'ave some power over 'em, righ'? Blessed water? Dirt from a new-dug grave? She hastily traces a circle over her chest with her fingers - she didn't have any idea what power the gesture might hold, but she'd dug a grave once for a handful of copper, and she'd seen the Pharasmin priest make the same gesture at the ceremony's beginning and end. It had to do some good, right? 'Ow is it y' c'n even...y' know, kill somethin' what's already dead? Whaddaya gotta do - any special fightin'?

Can't roll untrained to know anything about the process - she's relying on you guys. ;)


NG Male Human (Chelaxian) Alchemist (chirugeon) 6 CMB +4, CMD 16 | Fort. +8, Ref. +7, Will +4 | Init. +2 | Perc. +10, Sense Motive +1 | Speed 30ft |

Pietro thought for a moment, "I'm not much of a religious man but I do know that the walking dead can be harmed by holy water. I have a few vials and would want to get a couple of more if that can be arranged."

Wicked: not sure if this too much metagaming so discard if not appropriate
He looked at his knife, "I also know that knife doesn't cut bone very well. It would be beneficial if we all had some sort of weapon that could smash bones in case what we find are skeletons."

He looked at his companions, "Have any of you face undead before?"

tag?

wants to acquire a light mace and 4 vials of holy water if possible


Female Shoanti Shaman 11 (Lore) HP: 2/89 | 28/28 | AC 25/13/23 | F+9 R+9 W+15 | Per +13 Init +7 | Hex DC 20
Cressida Kroft wrote:
"What a shame we were unable to locate her."

"Indeed", responds Yaziyah, straight-faced. "The girl must have skipped town by now. I know I would, if I was her." The mention of someone else replacing Cressida as marshal almost startles her; she had never considered things from this perspective before, a shameful lapse. Her inner world tilts in the space of a moment as her imagination runs wild with scenarios. A corrupt official, someone prejudiced against her people, or against gnomes or Varisians or tieflings, for that matter, a bloodthirsty fiend or simply thirsty for power... She was already determined to do everything in her power to help solve this situation - for the sake of her people if nothing else. But now she feels a fresh swell of purpose - for the sake of everyone in this city. Helping keep Marshal Cressida Kroft in office is a worthy goal, the woman had proved herself trustworthy and fair. Yaziyah offers her a sympathetic smile, tinged with reassurance.

Knowledge religion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Lore (the dead): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

At Pietro's question, she nods. "Aye, I have. Once." She fingers a bone charm at her belt before continuing. "There are many kind of undead that we may encounter. The bony kind, the fleshy kind, the shadowy kind... The ones that suck the strength from your limbs and the breath from your breast. The ones that freeze you in place with a touch or infect you with their foul spit so that you become one of them." Her voice takes on a grave tone as she speaks; undead are a very serious matter, an abomination to both her clan and the Pharasmin religion that she follows. Turning to Pietro again, she continues: "I shall give you a list of potentially beneficial protections and curatives that you may be able to prepare. Blessed water is always useful, as you and Mouse mentioned. As for weapons, both cutting and crushing ones may be required. I shall now commune with my ancestors' spirits, so that they may guide us in the trials to come."

Yaziyah's newly-prepared anti-undead spells are in her profile, if anyone has better suggestions please let me know.


M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

Cal listens to Yazi's experiential knowledge with rapt attention. "Cutting and crushing?" Calcedon looks at the sword on his hip. "I might need to do some shopping too. In any case, I'd like to get going. Going into such a place is going to be upsetting, I'd rather not do it at night."

I think Cal has enough for a masterwork Morningstar. That should cover the basics.


Female Human Unchained Rogue/11 HP 93/93; AC 21 T 15 FF16; Fort+5 Ref+12/14 Will+5; Init+5; Perception+16/19, Sense Motive +16

Li follows the lead of the others and decides to shop for something that could bash bones and not just cut. She didn't think her sap would work if push came to shove.

As she's at the Citadel, she thinks about tracking down Grau and letting him know that she was back from Sandpoint. However when everyone starts leaving, she doesn't have the time to spare. She'll need to do it another day.

Li will also pick up a light mace and some holy water. Dr. Pietro is smart so she'll copy him :)

Li shudders at the thought of going to the Dead Warrens at night. "I don't wanna be goin' ta such a place at night either."


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Yazi is shown to a private meeting room, much like the room where Li spoke with Grau, for her morning prayers and communion. Meanwhile, Cressida leads the rest of you deeper into the Citadel. She seeks out a clerk named Edwards, a small-faced, nervous looking soldier, and instructs him to to retrieve "the large earthbreaker we siezed from Moves Mountains last year." Edwards disappears into an adjacent staircase leading down into the vaults. She also slips into a nearby storage closet, rifling through the shelves. A small crash and a slew of whispered profanities ensues before she comes stumbling out of the closet, shutting the door quickly behind her. In her hand are two wooden vials. "Here. We've been running low on curatives lately, but I noticed these gathering dust. Maybe you can make proper use of them. Doctor?"

Cressida hands Pietro two potions of lesser restoration (marked on loot sheet).

A short time later, heavy scraping noises are heard from the stairs, as though a large piece of furniture were being drug up. Edwards emerges, his flace flushed, a thin film of sweat collected on his brow. He drags an enormous earthbreaker. The crude metal of the massive hammer's head ends in multiple blunt spikes meant to channel the momentum of a powerful swing. The spikes scrape the floor, creating angry scars on the stone. "Sorry, Field Marshal, I'll ask the College to send over a mender."

-----------

Yazi emerges from her meditations and the group sets out south toward Eodred's Walk, cuts west on West High Street before taking a back-alley to the south, exiting on Shrouded Way, just before the gates to the Gray. Along the way, you stop at an armory and general store to pick up remaining supplies.

-----------

Korvosa’s vast graveyard, a place known as the Gray District, is a mournful place even by day. Alone in the city, this place is quiet and calm in the face of the civil unrest, yet this calm is an unnatural stillness in the air, almost as if the graveyard were preparing itself for a vast influx of new dead.

Certainly, this ominous feeling is nowhere more noticeable than in Potter’s Ward, the final resting ground for Korvosa’s poor and homeless. Thousands of names are engraved into the black walls in the southeastern corner of the district. These names indicate those people buried in mass graves in the ward. Only people who cannot afford the 2 silver shields fee for burial in Everyman ward end up in one of the constantly churned mass burials here. Mounds of unmarked dirt stretch far and wide, indicating sites of mass graves, while crumbling mausoleums from years ago, abandoned by their families as the Gray District expanded to the west, dot the bleak landscape, forgotten and empty. Mourners do not visit here, for the dead buried in Potter’s Ward leave behind few who regret their passing.

Locating the mausoleum described by Elkaris is a relatively simple task. No sign of Gaekhen’s body remains in the area, although Garvid quickly notices the presence of a man’s tracks and a wheelbarrow trail. More interestingly, several smaller humanoid tracks, each bearing only four toes, clutter the site as well. These tracks lead into the mausoleum itself, where Yazi spots a poorly hidden secret trap door in the floor that leads down into the dark.

Pietro, Yazi:
These tracks are derro footprints. Derro are twisted, fey-cousins who dwell beneath the ground. Appropriate monster lore check is K(local).

Actions?

GM Screen:

Calcedon Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Garvid Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Li Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Mouse Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Pietro Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Yaziyah Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Pietro K(nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Yazi K(nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26


Female Shoanti Shaman 11 (Lore) HP: 2/89 | 28/28 | AC 25/13/23 | F+9 R+9 W+15 | Per +13 Init +7 | Hex DC 20

Knolwedge Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Yaziyah speaks in a low voice to the others, pointing out the derro tracks and the hidden door. "It seems undead are not the only things we need to worry about. There are some fey-born around here, judging by these prints. I have never encounter them in person, so I am afraid I don't know much about them." She carefully unslings the crossbow off her back, clicking a bolt into place. She then gestures with her free hand, speaking a few words. Three glowing spheres wink into existence and start floating into the hole, directed by Yaziyah's gestures.

Cast Dancing Lights, attempt to illuminate the way down/ahead.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18


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Yazi’s lights bob gently into the opening of the lower chambers, revealing a series of old and broken steps leading down into another stone room. Due to the tight entrance, it’s difficult to make out much more from this angle. You breathe a sigh of relief, however, when no monsters leap out from the shadows.


NG Male Human (Chelaxian) Alchemist (chirugeon) 6 CMB +4, CMD 16 | Fort. +8, Ref. +7, Will +4 | Init. +2 | Perc. +10, Sense Motive +1 | Speed 30ft |

Pietro peered into the darkness, "Yazi is correct. The footprint belong to derro, twisted, fey-cousins who dwell beneath the ground."

k. local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

He sighs and looks at his companions, hoping they were not as 'apprehensive' as he was,"Are we ready?"

He kept his sunrod close by but did not light it just yet. His alchemical items were also close at ahnd, some to hurt and some to heal.

anyone else have light, Cal? I'd like at least two sources of light...


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Pietro:
Though derros dwell deep under most of the surface world's cities, very few know of the sadistic creatures' existence. Descended from mysterious fey that once dwelt deep underground, the derros lust for the comforts of the surface, yet the light of the sun causes them to blister, burn, and die. Derros often abduct surface dwellers to perform hideous experiments on them in their never-ending quest to divine what protects those who dwell above from the burning death, yet the intrinsic madness that plagues all derros dooms these experiments to failure every time. In the end, traumatized victims are returned to their homes, memories not quite completely wiped of their ordeal, to live the rest of their lives in vague fear of a nightmare they can't quite recall.

They take advantage of their excellent darkvision by casting their enemies into magical darkness and utilizing sneak attacks.


Barbarian 10/Fighter 1 | HP 66/104 | DR 5/- | AC 27, T 15 FF 21 | Fort +14, Ref +7, Will +6 (+7 Superstition) | CMD 29 | Init +2 | Perception +15

Garvid waves at the clerk. "How's it going, Edwards? Can't say I envy you right now, bet there's enough paperwork to sink a boat.", he offers a sympathetic smile as he reaches to get the earthbreaker. He gives the hefty weapon a trying swing, remembering how the two met the first time. "Don't worry, I'll keep it covered for now.", he agrees with the Field Marshall, sheathing the hammer on a hook on his armour. He raises an eyebrow at Yazi as she shares what she knows of the undead. "Shit. All I know is that you use a hammer to break bones. And that's something any retard can figure out... Why'd you have to go telling me all of this?", he smiles, but it's clear he's nervous.

----------------------------------------------------

Garvid nods at Yazi, then as the light shines inside, he heads in. "Li, want to come side-by-side? Heavy plate isn't worth shit if you fall down a hole.", he suggests. He puts his halberd in a bow-strap on his back and unholsters the massive Shoanti weapon. He grunts. "Here's hoping I don't regret that in the morning... Not as young as I was." He ventures down in the room, gesturing for the others to follow.


NG Male Human (Chelaxian) Alchemist (chirugeon) 6 CMB +4, CMD 16 | Fort. +8, Ref. +7, Will +4 | Init. +2 | Perc. +10, Sense Motive +1 | Speed 30ft |

Before anyone steps down into the dark hole, the doctor stopped them, "I remember an old tale that a patient once told me about the derro. It seems like they want to be on the surface but the sun hurts them. Therefore, they have taken to abduction and experimentation on the surface dwellers to find a way."

He looked at the flickering light conjured by Yazi, "They can cast magical darkness since they possess excellent darkvision. Are we prepared for that?"

feel free to read spoiler above and assume Pietro also relays that info


Female Shoanti Shaman 11 (Lore) HP: 2/89 | 28/28 | AC 25/13/23 | F+9 R+9 W+15 | Per +13 Init +7 | Hex DC 20

At Pietro's mention of magical darkness, Yaziyah frowns. "I don't have anything against that. But if these creatures are as nasty as they sound... I may have something to protect us - some of us - against that. Just... don't rush into any trouble before I can cast my wards on you. And we also have the magical sticks." She twirls both wands with a crooked grin, then holsters them again in the sash at her waist.

Things she can cast before battle: Bless, Protection From Evil (x2), Magic Weapon, Guidance, Resistance.


Female Human Unchained Rogue/11 HP 93/93; AC 21 T 15 FF16; Fort+5 Ref+12/14 Will+5; Init+5; Perception+16/19, Sense Motive +16

Li moves up and takes her place near Garvid. "I be pretty good at findin' traps an' such. I c'n take a look as we be goin' in case they be tryin' ta be tricksy. I just be needin' some light."

Dr. Pietro's explanation of derros does not sound very good to the rogue. Then there was mention of magical darkness and Li didn't want to sound stupid by asking how magical darkness differed from normal darkness. For not the first time, she was grateful to have the others with her. Granted if it wasn't for the others, she wouldn't be going to a place where there may be derros.

Li will check for traps as they go.


M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

Calcedon frowned a bit on the idea of being plunged into darkness. He pulled out a small stone that looked like it was on fire and released it into the air as it revolved around his head in a lazy orbit. He then whistled a happy tune and four more identical lights started dancing around his head as well. "I have an Ioun Torch, and a small magical spell that creates a similar light for a short time. But I don't know if it will deal with the darkness of the derro. Perhaps we need some regular torches? I'm not sure if we're prepared enough to tackle that kind of magic. But if you're willing to give it a shot, I'll give you my support."

He sent the little flames to dance around Li's head and kept them going with a whistle now and again to light the area around her.

Continual flame is the spell cast on the Ioun Stone. Technically that's a 2nd or 3rd level spell with a duration of permanent. Cal will keep the dancing lights in a circle around Li or any other configuration she likes, keeping his own Ioun Stone with him.


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Mouse is out of range for a day or two, so I'll assume she takes similar precautions to Cal, activating her ioun torch.

Li carefully inspects the old stonework, but finds nothing amiss. Leading the way in, Garvid and Mouse carefully maneuver down the crumbling stairs, then turn to help the others follow. This lower chamber is dark, musty, and extremely cramped. The ceiling is only about five feet high, requiring all of you to crouch down low in order to move. Off to the eastern wall, what could be a gigantic mouse hole has been carved through the wall, revealing much older, natural stone chambers beyond. This passageway wends in a straight line for only a few yards before wending steeply down and to the right.

The area is dimly lit by patches of eerily glowing mold, filling the chambers here with a cold blue light (dim light). The passageway opens up into an ancient crypt of sorts, the remains of bodies lying openly within spaces carved into the very walls. The symbology and iconography clearly suggest Shoanti origins. As you go even deeper into the Warrens, more passageways lead into more rooms, all guiding you inescapably closer to...what?

The air here is musty and damp, with the stink of rotting flesh always present in the background (or in the case of some rooms, quite in the foreground). The walkways are tight. Garvid visibly struggles in some places to squeeze through the rocks.

Finally, after what you think must have been at least half a dozen such chambers, the passageway opens up into a larger hallway that leads down a grand flight of stairs into darkness.

Roll20 updated! Actions?


M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

Whistling his tune, Cal directs his dancing lights to fill the room. Something about those stairs made him a bit uneasy, and this whole place could use a bit more light. The glowing mold was nice, even mood appropriate, but he didn't fancy walking into a place he couldn't see. He was pretty sure no one else did either.


Female Human Unchained Rogue/11 HP 93/93; AC 21 T 15 FF16; Fort+5 Ref+12/14 Will+5; Init+5; Perception+16/19, Sense Motive +16

Li watches the dancing flames around her head with wonder and amazement for a few seconds before regaining her focus and checking the stonework.

Li makes sure she has her crossbow ready as she stares into the darkness down the stairs. She has no idea what to expect but she wants to be prepared and her crossbow feels familiar, even if it may not be the best weapon against undead.


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Cal sends his dancing lights down the steps and into the chamber beyond, although your current vantage point limits your field of view.

The large room ahead is supported by four wide pillars of stone. The ceiling above arches in a dome nearly twenty feet high. The walls on the far side are lined with skeletons caked into mud--human bones mostly, but here and there smaller bones might be from halflings, or perhaps children. The floor itself is also scattered with bones, creating a grim carpet. Also on the south side, a crude hole has been gouged into the wall, providing access to a tunnel...

Actions?

GM Screen:

Calcedon Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Garvid Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Li Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Mouse Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Pietro Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Yaziyah Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13


Female Shoanti Shaman 11 (Lore) HP: 2/89 | 28/28 | AC 25/13/23 | F+9 R+9 W+15 | Per +13 Init +7 | Hex DC 20

Yaziyah's expression grows increasingly stony and closed as they progress through the catacombs. The Shoanti burial chambers are a poignant reminder of what this city was built on and the presence of her ancestors before the Chelish invaders took this land for themselves. A lot of unresolved strife and bitterness resides in this single fact - Korvosa was built on the bones of the Shoanti.

As they reach the large room, she sends her dancing lights towards the dome of the ceiling, in case anything was hiding there. Looking at the bones strewn around, she mutters to herself: "I hope this creatures didn't eat Gaekhen's body..." She grimaces at the idea of crawling through the narrow tunnel.

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