[AP] Curse of the Crimson Throne by GMs Rutseg, Zek and Snowheart (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

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Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

Ilsa does her best to help Briget feel more comfortable and know it will be okay.

Will it?!

diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Almost unbridled anger begins to swell up within her as she tries to imagine all that her niece has experienced and seen. First, she had lost her mother. And then...all of this. Maybe she would never be the same. But this was not over. Not even close.

"This human that was here...what did he look like? Can you describe him?"


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps
Pellius Alazario wrote:
Also, GM Snow, I believe Fly and Vampiric Touch are third level spells. Are those spells I could copy into my spell book to use once I'm a high enough level?

Ha! Yes, most definitely. My mind clearly just stopped caring as I was typing them out. Any reason you can't copy them now? I never play wizards anymore so I'm really not sure what the rules are.

Zamanda, you probably wouldn't know much about derro except that they tend to stay underground.

@ Zamanda:
Feel free to share if you like. You study the various items that have been stored here in flasks, clay pots and other types of containers. They are all nasty and it may be wise to burn the samples before you depart but one stands out. You find a flask of some sort of powder surrounded by what seem to be tissue samples; all the samples are necrotic and a couple seem to be imbued with some sort of animating force. You recognize this as a very rare disease called Vorel's phage, an unnatural disease that first erupted on Varisia's coast near a town called Sandpoint. It is exceptionally deadly and turns those it kills into the undead. Based on these tissue samples, though, it seems like they may have been trying to weaken the phage's virulence. An examination of the body parts back in the "dump" would confirm a number of them had been infected with the disease or some variation of it.

Briget describes the human as pale and blotchy with a lot of scars on his face. "He wore robes but they were made of leather, not cloth, and they had lots of pockets that he kept things in. Tools and knifes he used to... cut us. He has black hair but it was short and patchy. His eyes were dead. He looked at us like we were just things. And he had a dagger shaped like a key."


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

Zamanda, not wanting to share what she learned publicly and scare the girl further, pulls Bashiel aside and explains what she has discovered. Bashiel, read my spoiler. She will share it with everyone else and with Cressida when they report in, but for now, she just tells him so that he understands why she has to stay a little longer, and why they need to make sure to get the girl checked when they leave.

She knows that this could be significant in terms of stopping whatever the cultists were trying to accomplish, which at least from the man's words before he died, has already started.

She hopes the flask can be used to help formulate a cure, and pulls out her journal and takes detailed notes about everything she has found. She also checks the bodies in the dump to confirm that this is what they have been working on. As distasteful as it is, she uses mage hand to take the tissue samples with her, using mage hand to carefully place them in one of the waterproof bags that she carries, separated by either whatever the cultists were using, or by pages from her journal, if necessary. She is careful not to bring any of it into contact with herself, but only to collect it. She carefully cleans the outside of the flask with the powder with prestidigitation, and places it in her belt pouch.

After taking detailed notes on everything, and then packing away the most important stuff, she suggests that they burn the rest. Unfortunately she has no magic left with which to do so immediately.


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Male Elf Cleric/7 7d8+(14 con)+(7 fc)=Hit Points 59/59. Initiative: +6. Perception +4 Speed: Walk 30 ft. AC: 19 (+2 vs. evil) (Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, CMD 18, FCMD 16). Saves: Fortitude: +7, Reflex: +4, Will: +7.

Varor finished searching the room for whatever he could and decided to listen in on the now found Briget as she tells her story to Ilsa. While he was heartwarmed by the fact that Ilsa had found her niece he was still disgusted by what he heard from the young girl as he leaned against the wall next to the doorway, but his heart stopped when she finished. He knew exactly what type of dagger she was talking about.

Gaedren had a key shaped dagger in his lockbox, and he wouldn't have stolen some random dagger off of someone. Meaning that he had gotten it from the same place, possibly the same person as our new mystery suspect.

Varor grit his teeth as he felt his thoughts swarm in his head, whatever warmth that it's sparked in his heart flicker and die. And they're both gone! Gaedren possibly knew more than even he was aware, and he's dead! And we sold the dagger already!


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

Bashiel listens without speaking as Zamanda explains her findings, his face growing paler with every word. "Then... they've got to be planning to release it. On the whole city?" He stiffens "Take your time getting what you need here Zamanda, I'll keep everyone else out of your hair, and Briget in the dark. We don't want to panic her... or the others for that matter." Sadly I have nothing better than flint and steel to set things on fire.

Why would they be trying to weaken how virulent this disease is? Surely not out of altruism, that's for certain. Another mystery to solve. One that might be deadly for the city if we fail.

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

Bashiel returns to the rest of the group and listens to Briget's testimony. The description is maddeningly vague, the man could be practically anyone with his black hair and dead eyes. Of course, then she mentions the key.

The key shaped dagger sounds familiar. Very familiar in fact, but Bashiel has trouble nailing down exactly where he feels he's seen one recently. That is, until he notices Varor's stricken expression.

"Gaedren!" Bashiel slaps his palm on the table as the pieces fall into place for him. "Lamm had a dagger like this one! In fact, almost exactly the same... wait." He walks back and forth for a moment, eyes unfocused, trying to recall bits and pieces from the last few nightmarish days. (For anyone who wants to follow along, I recommend gameplay thread pages 10,11,and 45.)

Abruptly he begins spilling out the connections forming in his mind "Lamm. He had a key shaped dagger. I think it was inscribed with something about 'an inspiring figure'. Zellara mentioned that it reminded her of the Keyhole Killer. She saw a meeting between Lamm and his son, Rolth, where Rolth convinced him to sell people to the cultists. Urgathoan cultists! Dammit, Rolth was the wizard the other prisoners mentioned. Gaedren's son, and the Keyhole Killer, unless that's nothing but a tale. And we missed him by a matter of days!"


Human Arcanist

GM, no reason that I know of. I guess I thought things were still time-sensitive for some reason. Since they're not...

Pel takes a few minutes to copy the madman's spells into his own spell book. There were a couple he knew were beyond his capabilities to cast at the moment, but he's determined to learn how to eventually. Once he's finished, he tucks the madman's spell book into his outfit to give to Quinn when they get out of the Warrens.

As Pel listens to Varor and Bashiel's conversation, he grows more and more confused. He thinks he remembers hearing about the Keyhole Killer somewhere, but who were this Lamm and Rolth? And Zellara, who was that? Perhaps his companions had already had quite a few adventures before he and Zamanda showed up.

Determined to get up-to-date on the matter at hand, Pel asks, "Who are this Lamm and Rolth? And Zellara, who's she?"

If you want to tell Pel about those people, I can just get up-to-date from the gameplay threads. No need to type everything out, but I figured you might want to withhold or clarify some things in your own words.

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

It almost seems jarring to hear Gaedren's name again. The man was dead, but he was the one that started all this.

Well, our spectral benefactor did, I suppose. But she's dead, too.

"Briget...how long were you with Lamm before these men came. Oh, I don't want you to go through anything else, but any information you have could save a lot of people."

She hands her niece some food and water. When there is a moment away, she turns to the others.

"She's still not safe...no one is safe until we solve this mystery. But she can't come with us," she says mournfully. "As hard as this will be, I can't be with her until I know she will be okay. But I have nowhere to go back to. Where could I take her that would keep her safe?"


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

Well, the queen isn't after her, so we probably don't have to sneak her out of town. Perhaps the temple will take her in?

She stops and looks around at the others.

Unless the queen *is* after her because of this stuff in the past that you all have been discussing. If that is the case, then perhaps we need Quinn's connections again.


Male Elf Cleric/7 7d8+(14 con)+(7 fc)=Hit Points 59/59. Initiative: +6. Perception +4 Speed: Walk 30 ft. AC: 19 (+2 vs. evil) (Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, CMD 18, FCMD 16). Saves: Fortitude: +7, Reflex: +4, Will: +7.

"The queen isn't involved in this, this is a personal matter, that also doesn't involve you," Varor says dismissively. "Still that does give me an idea on who we can..." he pauses to consider his words carefully, "believe we can leave Briget in the care of. Let's just hope our little halfling friend doesn't mind a late night visit."

Dark Archive

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Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26
Varor wrote:
"The queen isn't involved in this, this is a personal matter, that also doesn't involve you," Varor says dismissively. "Still that does give me an idea on who we can..." he pauses to consider his words carefully, "believe we can leave Briget in the care of. Let's just hope our little halfling friend doesn't mind a late night visit."

Haha! Gregor! Genius idea! (for the new group members, this was a previous player we had that dropped after rescuing his son).


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

Thanks Ilsa. Interesting idea. I read the whole adventure up to now before joining you guys... but the character obviously doesn't have the same knowledge. :)


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

"Oh, of course!" Bashiel beckons Pel and Zamanda over "I got a little carried away. It feels like we're feeling out the shape of something really big."

"Gaedren Lamm was a real... terrible sort." It's clear that Bashiel wouldn't mind using harsher words here, but resists doing so "He had my mother's legs broken in a scheme to get back at me, and tried to pin the blame on my father for it. It took all I had to keep my father out of prison... if I hadn't been on the Guard I'm not sure I would have stood a chance of having the judge believe me."

"Beyond that, he was the kind of person to kidnap children for labor, or for sale. We were all brought together by a desire to see him face justice." Not everyone of course :> But that's what Bashiel likes to think! "Including Gregor, who Varor mentions. A halfling who had been looking for his son, and found him in one of Lamm's hideouts. They'd been intending to keep out of trouble from now on. I'm a little afraid of pulling Gregor back into this somehow."

"Maybe Quinn's, uh, friend, could help us again like he did for Trinia? He seemed very capable when we met him last. And more than happy to keep someone safe."

"In any case, we worked together to try to bring Lamm in for sentencing. But things didn't go smoothly and he was sent to Osiris' judgement early." Bashiel pauses, thinking of Brin "Among the things he'd kept safe was a key-shaped dagger like the one we've now heard about here. It seems that his son, Rolth, is our missing Urgathoan cultist and responsible for at least some of the kidnappings."

Please assume that Bashiel also answers questions about Zellara and so on. Too much to type out. If you haven't yet Pel, feel free to read the first 12 or so pages of gameplay.


Human Arcanist

Sounds good, Bashiel. And thank you for the explanation in your own words!

Pel listens as Bashiel describes what took place with Gaedren Lamm. This Lamm sounded like a terrible person.

When Bashiel mentions Gregor, Pel has to bite his lip to keep from making a more visible display of emotion. It seems everyone is finding their missing person... except him. He knows he's being selfish to only think of his own brother, but he can't help it. Rut is... or was... more than just a brother to Pel. He's a friend.

The moment passes and Pel stops biting his lip, hopefully before anyone notices.

Once Bashiel finishes, Pel says, "If Rolth is half as bad as his father, he's not someone I would want to meet. Still, if finding and stopping him will put an end to this cultist business, we should probably look for any lead we can find. Maybe we should take Ilsa's niece to Quinn's friend before checking in with Cressida? I hate to think it, but in the event these Urgathoans have spies in the government, it's probably best they don't know we found Briget or the others. Or at least delay them knowing. And I think fewer people knowing where Briget is will be one of the best ways to ensure her safety."

As for Zellara, though Pel doesn't mention it, he's interested in meeting this... ghost... person... thing. He wonders what magic or force could be allowing her to persist in this realm. Should the opportunity come, seeing her in person might reveal the answer.

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

As the others throw around ideas, Ilsa seems fixated on Gregor. The halfling had been very likable, and the two of them shared a common bond, with both looking for a missing child.

But while Quinn's friend might be an option, Gregor had something else going for him.

"Gregor's son...we found him, too. Briget could find a lot of comfort with another child there that has been through the same things. Or similar things, anyway. Maybe they could strengthen each other, and I'm sure Gregor would help us out. He wanted to keep helping, but felt he couldn't after he found his son. We should go find him."

I'm really a fan of the Gregor idea from a RP perspective. Plus, at this point, Quinn is looking like as much of an NPC as Gregor is...


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE: BECAME KALEM LIGHTSWORN]

To echo the others, it's a great idea. Also, until Quin gets back, we could drop him off with Gregor and Ilsa. Use them as connections within the city, and people to watch over Bridget.


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

"Hmm. Well, if you think so Ilsa. I hope he found a safe place in the city to hide through all this turmoil..."

Yeah, its pretty elegant from a story perspective to bring Gregor in (especially since we hope Quin will be back!), and while I'm thinking Bashiel would be leery of such a plan, I'm feeling it OOC.

Also, Zellara is in a deck of cards that Quin was holding on to. Hopefully we can still access it and summon her, since it seems she might want to know about Rolth and/or have some useful advice.

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

Yeah, I've also been hoping to get that deck and see if we can talk to Zellara again. It feels like something we should be doing. I'd assume we can just have Quin give it to us.


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

Hmm. Why not give Briget to the Queen? Sounds reasonable. o:-)

Bashiel, yes, the deck of cards is "plot loot" so even if Quinn was immolated, disintegrated and the ashes dropped into a sphere of annihilation, I'd probably find a way to save the deck.

Briget nibbles at the proffered food as she thinks on Ilsa's question. "I'm not sure for how long. Maybe two days? Three? He kept saying he had special plans for me. Asked about momma and poppa, and their moms and dads." She shudders at the memory. "I don't know why. The scarred one with the dead eyes asked the same thing."

As the rest of you discuss next steps, you are able to recollect where Gregor's home is. Getting in touch with Quinn's contact should be possible, but also likely to take some time given his current "mission", time you may not have.

Pel, sorry for any confusion on time crunch/impending doom here in the dead warrens. You've cleared it out... well, mostly. There is that one room to the south that was barred from your side. Wonder what's behind that door?


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

Can you mark the barred door on the map? I don't remember that.


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

Dungeon Delving Rule #463: If a GM suggests you look behind a door, you leave the door well enough alone.


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

I put a red box around it.


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Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22
Bashiel wrote:
Dungeon Delving Rule #463: If a GM suggests you look behind a door, you leave the door well enough alone.

Trumped by rule #3, which states that whenever the GM gives you a hint, you should take it. "Are you sure you want to do that" means change your mind quickly.

GM wrote:
I put a red box around it.

I think we should go check it out. Clearly, this is safe. I get a sense of almost unicorn-like wonder and beauty. :)


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE: BECAME KALEM LIGHTSWORN]

Agreed! Totally safe. Kalem bashes the door down with his hammer.


Male Elf Cleric/7 7d8+(14 con)+(7 fc)=Hit Points 59/59. Initiative: +6. Perception +4 Speed: Walk 30 ft. AC: 19 (+2 vs. evil) (Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, CMD 18, FCMD 16). Saves: Fortitude: +7, Reflex: +4, Will: +7.

I had no idea there were rules to dungeon delving, and yeah the reason why I chose Gregor over the other guy was because we have no idea if the other guy would be able to take on the responsibility. And no I cannot remember his name.


Human Arcanist

Pel will begrudgingly follow as well, though I think he would personally prefer to get out of Dodge while we have the chance. I'm guessing Ilsa should stay back in the upper chambers with Briget while we investigate sparkle-horn pony's chamber.


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

Since everything has been in OOC so far...

Bashiel spies Kalem hefting his hammer and asks "You've been quiet for a while Kalem. Thinking about that door we left unopened?"

"Otherwise I think we have a plan here. Make sure the people we rescued are OK, regroup with Gregor to see if Briget has a safe place to hide out, then report to Cressida."


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE: BECAME KALEM LIGHTSWORN]

"Yeah. The door. Right." In truth, there was much more on his mind, but Bashiel was right. They had already come this far, they had to be thorough in their search before they left.

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

Ilsa takes Briget by the hand and begins making her way back to the surface.

"We're just going to make sure there aren't any other kids or anybody left here," she tells the girl. "Let's stay nearby in case my friends need help."

I am going to stay a room away from the others, so that Briget isn't exposed to anything else, but close enough I can help if necessary.


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps
Zamanda wrote:
Trumped by rule #3, which states that whenever the GM gives you a hint, you should take it. "Are you sure you want to do that" means change your mind quickly.

Are you sure you want to do that? j/k

I'm going to resolve this in narration...

You head back to the alchemy lab (D7) to inspect the door to the south, near the table heaped with broken vials and leaning awkwardly on a hastily repaired leg, and the spilled cauldron with rancid fat. The door to the south is boarded over and, hearing nothing on the other side, you begin to take down the boards. This is when you hear something moving on the other side. Something large. And the sounds of wood and metal and other things being pushed around. Pressing on, not knowing if other victims lay on the other side, you begin to tear down the barrier on the door more quickly when the creature on the other side bursts forth.

A lurching mash-up of rotting flesh, jagged bone, and coarse hair, the humanoid monstrosity reeks of death and decay. Pel identifies it as a carrion golem, resistant to spells and likely to carry a plague of some form or another. It attacks madly, Pel thinking something has to have gone wrong in its construction. Fortunately, Kalem and Bashiel are able to make quick work of the thing.

The latest threat defeated, on the other side you find the room, once a pantry, is in shambles. Broken crates and shelves lie strewn about the place, with the foodstuffs, firewood, and other supplies they once contained scattered across the floor.

This would have served only to eat up resources prior to a fight with Vreeg. There's no treasure or even coinage here. But... another danger to Korvosa is defeated.


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE: BECAME KALEM LIGHTSWORN]

That does save my last round of rage! A precious resource to be guarded indeed.

Kalem nodded at Bashiel. ”Good thing we got the drop on that thing. Even with Zamanda’s magic, I’m going to need a bath to get rid of the stench of this place.”


Male Elf Cleric/7 7d8+(14 con)+(7 fc)=Hit Points 59/59. Initiative: +6. Perception +4 Speed: Walk 30 ft. AC: 19 (+2 vs. evil) (Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, CMD 18, FCMD 16). Saves: Fortitude: +7, Reflex: +4, Will: +7.

I'm pretty sure I took a guy prisoner and tied him to a cauldron.


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

Bashiel nods in agreement, trying hard not to look too closely at the torn pile of flesh and alchemical components that they just slew. "It's going to be hard to forget it Kalem."

He takes a few moments to regroup after the quick fight, cleans off his longsword, and secures all his gear. With everything stowed he goes over to the cultist Varor saved from death earlier and heaves him up.

"Alright. Anything left? If not, I think we've saved as many as we can and found what we could." He shifts the unconscious cultist "Let's clear up and get everyone safe and secure. Ourselves included!"

Bashiel is ready to transition to either the Pharasmin temple, looking for Gregor, or back to Cressida, whatever people want to tackle first.


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

Temple first for some healing, and checking the girl to make sure she is disease-free? Then after that I vote Cressida, but could we do Gregor on the way? Is that going to be any more than a drop-off thing?

Zamanda makes sure she has all the evidence of what the cultists were doing, and leaves with the others, still keeping a watchful eye, and her bow out in case there are any stray bugs.


Human Arcanist

Pel is grateful Kalem and Bashiel are able to take down the golem. They were one of the few creatures he felt utterly useless against.

The arcanist nods to Bashiel, "I think it's time for us to get out of this wretched place. That's enough death and decay for one day."

Temple sounds good, then I think Gregor's to drop off Briget. I didn't think we would stop and chat for long, but I suppose we can if we need to. Cressida may be trustworthy, but the people she works with may not be.

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

Maybe we can resolve the Gregor visit in narrative form...

Ilsa agrees with Pel.

"This place weighs heavily on all of us. Let's get out and get Briget to safety. I think the temple is a great idea. They can make sure she's okay, and then we can try to find Gregor."


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

It is nearing dawn as you finally exit the dead warrens. You head back to the Temple of Pharasma and, this time, are allowed entry into the public galleries of the main floor. There you find Cyric and the prisoners you'd rescued are being tended to, given food and clean water to drink, and their wounds healed. Seeing you, Cyric pulls you aside and, out of earshot from Briget, tells you the prisoners have relayed details quite similar to what Briget has already said. Further, each of the prisoners was infected with at least one type of disease or plague, most of them rare but of widely divergent rates of mortality and communicability. The most urgent cases have already been cured, and he has one of the more senior priests cast Cure Disease on Briget as a precaution. Your wounds are also healed, and one of the priests offers you the thanks and appreciation of the temple for taking care of this "infection" in the Gray District.

An hour later, you have reconnected with Gregor who seems somewhat alarmed to see you at his doorstep but, when you explain the situation, he happily agrees to watch over Briget. He adds he was considering heading out to the countryside to stay with some cousins until the unpleasantness in the city subsides. If this is acceptable to Ilsa, he does so. Briget is at first reluctant to agree to such a parting, having only just now reunited with Ilsa, but accepts the situation a bit more readily when she sees Gregor's son. It seems they were indeed at Gaedren's at the same time and managed to bond despite their circumstances.

Finally, as the sun's rays begin to fill every street in Korvosa, you make ready to return to the Citadel and meet with Cressida when the town criers begin to call out alarming news. "Hear Ye, hear ye, let all come forth. Her benevolence, Queen Ileosa, is pleased to announce the populace may rest easy as justice for the King's assassination is at hand. The murderess, Trinia Sabor, has been captured. Her trial, though she did not deserve one, was fair and swift. She has been found guilty and will be executed on the morrow at high noon. Come one, come all, to witness the rendering of the Queen's justice! Long live the Queen! Hear Ye, hear ye..." and the crier repeats the announcement.


Human Arcanist

Pel had just started to feel things were looking up when the town crier's word rang out through the streets. The arcanist can't help but drop his jaw at the words.

So many questions filled his head. Not the least of which were, Didn't we save Trinia from that fate? and Could Quinn's contact have betrayed us?

They had to get to get Cressida as quickly as possible. They had less than two days to come up with a plan. Would there even be a plan? Perhaps they had no choice but to watch Trinia be executed. Regardless, they needed to discuss the matter with Cressida. Perhaps she would know more about what happened.

"We still need to get to Cressida," Pel says to the rest of the group, "Maybe she'll know how this happened... and have a solution to this mess."


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE: BECAME KALEM LIGHTSWORN]

”Before anyone panics. We got the real one to safety. They claim that there was a trial and that she is dead, neither of which were public. This could well be a lie to keep everyone calm and create an illusion of control. It seems likely to me that this is just a Bluff.”

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

Ilsa appears teary and melancholy after leaving Briget.

But it is for the best. How could I try to protect her when everything is out of control? I don't even know if I can control my own powers! She will not be safe until I figure out what is going on...both with this city, and with myself.

When they hear the words of the town crier, she can hardly believe her ears. She had felt a good deal of camaraderie for the young woman, with both of them being a similar age and in way over their heads.

"Surely, this is some kind of mistake. If they really did find her...we have to do something!"


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

At the news from the town crier, Zamanda starts doubting everything again, until she hears Kalem's explanation.

That has to be it she thinks to herself. Otherwise there is a traitor inside the group, and I don't even want to think about that.

She lectures herself.

... Just breathe. It is very easy to believe that the queen is a liar, and preferable to thinking that your companions are untrustworthy when you are finally starting to feel safe with them. Go with that theory. Have hope.


Male Elf Cleric/7 7d8+(14 con)+(7 fc)=Hit Points 59/59. Initiative: +6. Perception +4 Speed: Walk 30 ft. AC: 19 (+2 vs. evil) (Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, CMD 18, FCMD 16). Saves: Fortitude: +7, Reflex: +4, Will: +7.

"All right before we all start having a strategy session on some ill-fated rescue plan," Varor says, "we all need to go home and rest. We've been moving around and fighting all day and night and I don't know about the rest of you but I'm about ready to collapse. So I'm going to go find my bed and get some sleep. If you don't have anywhere to go you can go with Bashiel to deliver our prisoner to Cressida because she gave us a long-standing 'work for me and you can sleep here' arrangement." With that Varor walks away looking as if he would double over if it wasn't for his armor.


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

Bashiel catches up with Gregor, filling him in with reassuring details about the new team and the good they're doing for the city. When the halfling voices his desire to head out into the country, Bashiel encourages him with a "It would be a lot safer. I have a feeling that things in this city are going to get worse before they get better. And I know it'd take a lot of worry off of Ilsa's mind to have her niece somewhere safe."

-------

Sense Motive vs. the Queen's Announcement: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 1 = 19

"I'm inclined to agree with you Kalem. We rescued Trinia, and Vencarlo is someone both Quinn and the Field Marshal clearly trust. And beyond that, he's a blade master and has plenty of his own resources at his school. I doubt he would have let Trinia go or have lost her." Bashiel grunts and shifts the heavy cultist on his shoulder. "No, it makes more sense to me that someone needed to take the blame for the late King's death and Trinia is still the best person, whether they have her in custody or not. Maybe they're desperately searching for her right now?"

"Either way, the Field Marshal might know something."

When Varor voices a desire to rest Bashiel grins "I sure wouldn't mind a nap. Whoever needs to dip out should do so. We can meet up again after we're not dead men walking."

Bashiel will head first to the dungeons to secure the cultist and then to report to Cressida.

Since we may have a bit of a break, please take a look at the loot log and make your selections. Probably within the next few real world days we'll get a chance to sell things and make purchases.


Human Arcanist

Pel nods to Bashiel's statement and says, "I'll accompany you to Cressida. I think the temple's priests healed the worst of our injuries and we'll need to be well-rested for tomorrow's execution, if we plan to attend. I'll probably just push through till we can sleep tonight. I'm itching to find out what Cressida knows about this mess anyway."

I looked over the loot. I think Pel's just going to wait till he has enough gold to buy a headband of vast intelligence +2.


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

I'm coming too.

I claimed the silver dagger that cut me, the collection of books on diseases and plagues, since that would be foolish to sell, and I am also keeping the flask of powder and the tissue samples that I collected. I unclaimed the 3 cure light wounds potions that I offered to people previously since they were unused.


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE: BECAME KALEM LIGHTSWORN]

”I’ve come this far, can’t stop now. I’ll come too.” He was exhausted, but to be fair, his own hovel was not a place he really wished to return to anyways. Plus, he did want to know what Cressida would have to say.

If nobody else claims it, I’ll grab the ring of protection +1. I’ll update the spreadsheet when not on the phone. For a front liner, every bit of AC helps.


Belial's Maps; Dispater's Maps

After a brief discussion, you finish your trip to the Citadel and are promptly shown to the the anteroom outside the marshal's office where an aide waits with you while the marshal finishes a meeting with her captains.

Perception DC 20:
You overhear bits and pieces of the marshal's instructions: "...insanity! This will ... another round of riots! ... some rest tonight, we'll need them tomorrow."

The meeting concludes after just a moment and the aide brings you into Cressida's office. Judging by the bags under her eyes, it's a fair bet she hasn't slept much this night either though the rest of her is significantly more spit and polish than you after your trek through the dead warrens.

She is trying to shake off her weariness with a deep sigh and rubbing her fingers over her temples when the aide coughs and she realizes a new group of visitors has arrived. She quickly takes in the dirt, mud, blood and other muck on many of you, but nods with some satisfaction. "You're all here and not bleeding out on my floor, so I'm guessing the state of your appearance is a sign of hard work and success. Please tell me it's so? Give me some good news in these mad times."


ASCENDED Male Human Paladin (Ghost Hunter) 16 |AC:41 T:16 FF:39 CMD:34 | HP: 141/156 | F+21 R+15 W+19 (evasion)| DR 5/evil | Init +2 | Perc +22 | GS:4/6 LoH:11/13 AB:3/4 HRW:3| Active Status:: (Aura, 10ft: +4 vs. fear, +4 vs. charm, +4 compulsion), <>

I'd roll against you for the ring Kalem, but I'm just about to get full plate for Bashiel, and I think you'll need the AC way more after that. I figure that in the future, whenever we have people competing over an item we can roll d100s with highest wins.

Can someone ID those scrolls BTW?

While still outside: Bashiel grins at Zamanda and Kalem "Great! You two can take over when I fall asleep on my feet."

---------

Perception: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 1 = 22

Bashiel salutes the Field Marshal and starts with "Hard work for certain. We have some good news and some bad."

"The good news is that we found Ilsa's niece, as well as a small group of other victims, and freed the group of them from their kidnappers. Beyond that we learned that our information was correct. There was a group of Urgathoan cultists operating our of an underground cave complex in the Grey District. One accessible from a crypt that had escaped the attention of the Pharasmin Temple acolytes. I'm happy to report that we've cleaned out their operation."

"The bad news is... well, Zamanda can explain it better. She understands these things better than I."


Maps Female CG Aasimar Arrowsong Minstrel Bard 8 / Arcane Archer 9 (CL 14) | HP 39/130 | AC 32 / T 25 / FF 28 | Fort +16 / Ref +21 / Will +21 | CMB 17 / CMD 32 | Initiative +4 (roll 2x, take highest) | Perception +32 / Disable Device +23 | Darkvision 60 feet | Bardic Performance 11/23 | Spells 1L 1/5 2L 5/5 3L 4/4 4L 4/4 5L 2/2 | Imbue Arrow 1/1 | Seeker Arrow 3/3 | Phase Arrow 2/2 | Hail of Arrows 1/1 | Acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5 / Immunity to fire, sonic / Vulnerable to cold, acid | SR 22

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

First, did you hear the news about the execution? Do you know whether they really have the right person? I also heard you mention riots on the way in... was that due to this news of the execution or something else we might be able to help you with?

After finding out what she can about the execution, she tells Cressida about what the cult was doing in possibly developing a new disease.

If Cressida asks for evidence, she will give her samples, but not the bulk of what she has, and will only copy the pertinent part of her notes, not hand over the originals. Cressida is probably trustworthy, but the queen can get to or destroy anything she has, so we can't afford to just turn it over.


Human Arcanist

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Pel's eager to hear Zamanda's explanation of the bad news, but also realizes that it's almost certainly less pressing than the news about the execution.

Addressing Cressida, Pel says, "You should probably send some of your people to secure the warrens and seal them off so the cultists or some other group can't use them again. It's a much larger complex than you'd probably expect.

"Zamanda's right, though, we need to discuss the execution first. Were you involved in the trial? And where exactly is the execution taking place?"

Dark Archive

Human Mesmerist 17 | HP 195/195 | AC 27; Tch 13; FF 24 | F +15; R +17; W +24 | CMB+17; CMD 30 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +1 Sap: +18 (1d6+6) | Perc +26

I claimed all I wanted from the loot table. Thanks again for running that, Bashiel.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Ilsa listens to the others report. It occurs to her that Cressida had foretold they would find Briget.

"You were right...we did find her," Ilsa says. "She's...somewhere safe for now. Well, as safe as she could be with everything that is happening. As much as I would like to be with her, and as much as she needs me...we need to find out what is going on first. No one is safe until we do."

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