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

Game Master Balacertar

COMPLETED

Maps
Info
Bashiel's Loot Table
Commanded creatures


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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

I didn't see anything, but I did have a feeling, like... I don't know, that I was being faced by my own mortality and that we needed to end this here and now, or things could get much worse. I guess I had been thinking of Ileosa as the ultimate evil for a while, but I suppose whatever was in that crown that was giving her strength was much worse. I'm glad that we could stop it before it was unleashed on the world.


Iron Gods: Iron maps;

As soon as Bashiel plunges Serithtial into the Everdawn Pool, the pool suddenly explodes in a blast of gore that is just as quickly consumed by a nearly blinding radiance. The radiance deals no damage and leaves Serithtial unscathed, but all of your eyes are menaced with permanent blindness for exposition to such a sudden bright light.
DC 20 Fortitude save

When the light subsides, nothing is left of the lightning bolts, the chains or the pool of blood. Kazavon resurgence has been aborted before it could even become true.

The Sunken Queen rests quiet, back to its millennia rest.


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE]

Fort: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 20 = 39

Kalem averted his eyes, turning away from the radiance before it could harm him.


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

Fort Save: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Zamanda turned away, covering her eyes as the overwhelming light threatened her sight.

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 also avoids the burst of radiance in time to avoid going blind.

When the dust settles, she's left pondering the vision she had also seen.

"What a horror he would have been upon the world--we have defeated not just one terror today," she observes.

She looks meaningfully at each companion in turn. "We did it. We have prevailed. Korvosa, and all this land, is saved," she says, sure that this is no mere hyperbole.

fort save (burst of adrenaline): 1d20 + 15 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 15 + 8 = 38


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 cleans dragon gore off of everyone (and dries everyone's shoes if anyone is still a little squelchy from the water), then she gets back to looting the queen's body.

As she does so she says

We should probably break all of the crystal in this place so that no one else can use this blood pool thing. Especially since it is the blood of ourselves and the rest of Korvosa... we have to destroy the means for anyone to use it again.


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), <>

Fort: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36

Bashiel closes his eyes against the brilliant burst of light. The light, after the chains, lightning, blood and gore... the light was reassuring. He takes a deep breath. "May your tortured soul be borne on to the Boneyard, Kazavon. Be that now or when the other remnants you left behind are destroyed. But let it be soon." He raises Serithial, then drops it to tap against the edge of the pool.

When Zamanda returns to more straightforward matters, he opens his eyes again and responds "Right. Even without Ileosa, someone else with a nefarious purpose could find a way to use it. Do you think Serithial or a strong hand will be needed for it? Or is it something that needs to be undone with magic? Ileosa had a half-finished ritual brewing here after all."


Iron Gods: Iron maps;

With the destruction of Kazavon the Everdawn Pool was destroyed as well, consumed by Serithtial and the flash of light.

The group works hard breaking whatever crystal they found, but the tubes continue downstairs.


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

Responding to Bash, Zamanda says I don't know... maybe both? But if we destroy all the crystal, I'm hoping that will break the magic that must be bound up in it.

Kalem, do you think that your weapon can take the crystal up there?

Zamanda realizes that she doesn't need her boots of levitation anymore now that she can fly, and offers them to anyone that needs them to be able to get up to the higher crystal stuff (Feel free to keep if it matters to you here at the end of the story.).

Also, taking the queen's headband of mental prowess +4 (int/wis), but have a +2 version of the same thing if someone else wants it. No charge. :)

She lays out the queen's stuff and throws in some of her own in case anyone wants to upgrade before they continue downstairs to finish destroying the workings of this place.

She also points out that the queen has an Ioun stone that allows you to not need air in case anyone wants to equip it before they go feed the body to the fish and see what is in those other rooms... probably more crystal stuff they need to destroy down there as well.

I really do want to feed the fish her body. It might feel satisfying. Is that going to be a problem for the paladin? If so, no worries, but I do think it would be a nice touch.


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), <>

Nope, go for it Zamanda! As far as Bashiel is concerned - thanks to his nontraditional beliefs - her soul is off to get reincarnated so all is right with the world.

Bashiel follows Zamanda's instructions for handling the crystalline apparatus. He flies back downstairs and seeks out where the tubes connect to the upper floor, breaking those as well. As he works, he comments "This feels strange - Ileosa dead and no longer a threat to the city... By the time we get back, maybe Cressida, the Pharasmites, and our other allies will have succeeded at digging out Ileosa's last supporters. The city will be free for the first time in far too long. Free and probably in need of a lot of help."

@Rutseg: Any skill check we could use to work out how to destroy the Pool properly?


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

When they are ready, Zamanda gathers up the unclaimed items, then picks up the queen's body to fly down with her.

Ilsa, can you tell your fish friend that this is a gift for him, and he doesn't need to hang around the pyramid anymore? If that doesn't work, we can fight him, but might as well try.


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE]

"Wait." Kalem said. "We shouldn't do this to her body, we should bring it back." Walking over to Zamanda he continued "We need to prove that she is dead. What is better than her body? We already destroyed her crown, and we're looting everything of value. If we get rid of the body as well, then how will anyone believe us on the job being done?"


Iron Gods: Iron maps;
Bashiel Eland wrote:
@Rutseg: Any skill check we could use to work out how to destroy the Pool properly?

It is not defined for artifacts. I would say that is likely a high history check or a super high arcana or religion check. Most probably you will need a large library to do the research. Or use divination magic.

The group descends destroying tube after tube, but when you reach the bottom area, where your fish friend looks at you with curiosity, you find the core of the device is not even scratched by any of your weapons. This is an artifact of near-divine power.

Inside the crystal container though, you can see all the magnificent treasure of the Queen, extracted from the masses of Korvosa, and on top of it, the traditional crown of the Korvosa's kingship. Apparently, you can enter inside through gas form or teleportation.

There is some discussion on what to do with Ileosa's corpse.


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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

Kalem, perhaps you are forgetting that the queen's pet soldiers *watched* her die. They still believe that false Ileosa was her, and the city is celebrating her death already. Bringing back her corpse would just confuse things. ... And who do you think isn't going to believe us?

...I mean, even if it were an issue, they would still believe me if I lied to them, so I don't see the problem.


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE]

Kalem chuckled and shook his head. ”Right, right. Feed away.” He said.


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 feeds the corpse to the fish. Still depends on Ilsa's agreement/cooperation though, since she is the one that charmed the fish.

If it is big enough, Zamanda teleports inside the container and transfers the treasure to the portable hole that they found on Ileosa's body (rather than her own), since some of this treasure will likely need to be returned to Korvosa.

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

Ilsa does agree with Zamanda that it might confuse things to bring the real despot's corpse back.

"We do have her crown and other belongings. That, along with the witnesses that saw her die should be enough."

Looking at her massive charmed creature, she says "Plus, it seems a fitting end, I agree."

To the monster, she says "It appears she is dead. I know she was your friend, so I'll let you decide whether to eat her or not," Ilsa says, offering the corpse as they pass.


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), <>

"Zamanda's right. Better not to muddle things - or to give some enterprising necromancers a tempting target. Even better if Ileosa could just fade into obscurity so no one thinks to investigate this place or Kazavon again..." Bashiel closes his eyes, praying to Osiris that that's exactly how it unfolds.

"As for the core of the Pool, given how it's repelling our weapons, I'm guessing this isn't going to be straightforward. On the other hand, assuming no one else knows about this place, it also won't be much of an immediate risk. We can go back to Korvosa and research more on it to work out some way to permanently destroy it."


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 was hoping that at least Serithial would be able to harm it... and yes, agreed that we need to do some research, because letting this place continue to exist is just asking for trouble in the future.

We should probably also get the shards of the crown of fangs melted down. I would feel safer, even though it seems to be clearly destroyed already.


Iron Gods: Iron maps;

Despite the Crown of Fangs was broken, the fangs themselves are still intact, as they remained on Kazavon's dust.

Zamanda teleports inside the crystal vault. The vast majority of the treasure in the globe consists of art objects and coins—in all, the collection is worth 215,000 gp. Of course, all of this treasure technically belongs to the city of Korvosa. The only magical item in the collection is a single empty portable hole, folded and draped over the original Korvosan crown, an art object worth 5,000 gp on its own, near the southern edge.

Meanwhile, Ilsa offers the body of Ileosa to the devilfish. Free from her magic at the moment of her death, Beirawash understands the mislead and is very satisfied to have the body at its disposal. The creature wraps the corpse around its tentacles, and with a succession of three bites, it fully chews her with fruition.

The corpse of the Queen is no more.

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

Something about watching the Queen's body be devoured is satisfying to Ilsa. She didn't even avert her eyes as the devilfish makes her a meal.

"That seems--complete now, right?" she observes.

Ilsa agrees that gathering the fangs to be destroyed later is mandatory, and that perhaps they will need to do additional research to shut this place down, or at least ensure it is no longer a threat.

"We should be able to pass now," she says. "Perhaps it's time to go home--we can come back later once we have more information."


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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 gathers the fangs carefully, careful not to touch them with his bare hands or even just with his gauntlets. He bundles them up and nods "It might take longer, but I'll find a way to destroy these too. Make sure this doesn't happen again." He takes a deep breath "We've freed Korvosa, but there's always more left to accomplish."

He nods to Ilsa "Right. Time to go home."


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 makes sure she has all the treasure in the three portable holes divided up by what belonged to her, what belonged to the group, and what they were giving back to Korvosa, and then said she was ready to go.

She suggested they exit via the secret door so they didn't have to have yet another swim, and then they had Ilsa do the longer teleport back to...

Cressida Kroft's office? My place? The castle?


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), <>

"As much as I wouldn't mind going straight home and taking a long nap, I think the Castle sounds like the right choice. Our allies are likely to be there, and we'll want to let them know that everything is over. If anything's not right with Korvosa after all this here, well, we'll find out there as well." Bashiel takes off his mantis helm and hooks it onto his belt. "The castle probably has some nice beds too. Hopefully no one will mind if we use them."


[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE]

”Its hard to believe that this is coming to an end. But yes, we can’t quite close the cover on this book until we report that has happened here.”


Iron Gods: Iron maps;

Ilsa used the only group's teleport scroll. That means the group is to return walking to Korvosa.

It takes the group five days to cross the mountains and eventually reach Palin's Cove. The streets are dark due to the heavy industry, but soon enough you discover the news have reached the place and the rebels who where hiding here are now walking the streets and making plans for their return to Korvosa.
Palin's Cove map
Regional map

You might find here familiar faces you have left behind along your time devoted to help the city. The city is also a good place to get food, rest and cross the Falcon River.


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, not *walking* ... we still have Conjure Carriage and the teleportation boots that were on the Queen. :) But leisurely trip back sounds cool to me.


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), <>

We've certainly earned some leisure. Though we do still have one scroll of teleport and one of greater teleport - based on the loot log group resources tab, in case someone wants to really rush back.

Bashiel spends time asking for news and people's opinions. This far out from Korvosa itself, he assumes that Ileosa's grip was never that strong. Still, he tries to determine how people feel about the Queen being overthrown. Although he's willing to stay here for a night to recover from the long travel by carriage, he's also antsy to get back to the Castle to find out the fate of the city. And after that head to Harse to see his family. And then the Shoanti. And there was the teeth to think about. And...

Well, they'd get to everything in time, he reasoned.


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 hits the inn, first getting some food and then she asks the innkeeper if she can sing something, being full of some emotion that she wanted to express... joy, hope, relief? She wasn't sure, but she would sleep better if she could sing it out a little.

If allowed:

Perform: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40


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[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE]

Kalem rode along in thoughtful silence for much of the time. Their quest was over and it did not truly seem real. It felt like it was not that long ago that they came together to get vengeance against Lamm. And now? Now they had committed regicide and freed the entire city from an evil greater evil. He glanced over at Laori and reflected on how much had changed for him. And not just his outward appearance, but who he was as person. Looking at Laori, he could not help but feel that she had gone through similar growth. For while Kalem had come to terms with his own personal devil, she had broken away from a deity. He turned his attention to Zamanda, who was putting on a performance that in and of itself was worthy of song. With everyone's attention focused on the bard, he turned to Laori and used the distraction to talk to her and their future. He did not want to stay in Korvosa. He had spent his entire life there, and while the city was saved, he had no real love for it. The city had never treated him well, and he was certain that they would be heroes when they returned. The entire idea of seeing the people who spat on him as a tiefling on the street heaping praise upon him as an elven hero made his stomach churn. He had a plan, more or less, of returning to the city and going through the motions of reporting their success. There would likely be a handsome reward, and he saw no reason to let that go. But after that? He wanted to leave. To see the world, and to travel without the weight of their history dragging them down. But that was merely what he wanted. And even more than that, he wanted to know what her plans were, and if she was willing to leave, on where they should go. It didn't matter to him where, so long as it would be together.

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 remained pensive for the days it took them to arrive at Palin's Cove.

I cannot believe that we succeeded--after all that has happened.

She looks at the others again, still marveling at the changes each has experienced.

"The Queen let power get to her head," she observes. "We have gained power and wealth--we must not fall into the same trap," she adds, mostly for herself.

I can control the minds and actions of others--that is a dreadful thing. I hope Cinnabar will come out of this okay.


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 shakes his head at Ilsa's comment "That's true, but at the same time, now that we have some degree of power, we have such an important opportunity to use that power for the benefit of those around us. If we don't, well, that's just selfishness." He smiles "Though I think no one would blame any of us for resting on our laurels - for a while at least. I imagine the expectations will start to build up after that."


Iron Gods: Iron maps;

Some people avoid to comment, and others dismiss the idea "We still have to toil in the workshop, isn't it?" but most people asked is exceptionally happy about the prospects of Ileosa's reign end.

Zamanda makes it into the Baited Hook Inn and asks for some time for her music. The inn is just next to the docks and seems full of underpaid factory workers that live here indefinitely. Most of its clientele is unwashed and uncouth, you can see a bug here and there, and the stench of body odor is overtaking. A young woman nods to Zamanda in the counter "Sure go ahead"

People is impressed by her performance, the hard workers stand up to clap their hands and she gets invited by a couple of tables to eat and drink, but there are no coins for the aasimar as these people is clearly poor.

Meanwhile, Laori listens attentively to Kalem's desires "All I want is to have the opportunity to amend what my actions caused, I want the world to discover Salvatore's art, to paint those pictures he was entitled to do" she smiles and pats Kalem's hand "Take me to see all those gothic buildings and heartbreaking landscapes around Avistan and beyond. I would like to discover the unchained pain of life with you Kalem"

---

A day or so you start your journey back to Korvosa. When you arrive, the city is still in disarray as some people walk around the streets without really knowing what to do. Back at the castle the activity is hectic but everyone stops for a few minutes to receive you like true heroes, making a reception line in the stairs that climb up to the fortress gate. People claps and cheers you and some trumpets are sounded. Up in the stairs you are received by Neolandus Kalepopolis, Cressida Kroft, Vencarlo Orisini and Bishop d'Bear.

Neolandus greets you nervously and with a clearly over acted friendliness clapping you and trying to hug you for everyone to publicly see "The heroes of Korvosa! You saved our city, we are so indebted to you. How can we repay you for your services?"

You would notice Neolandus is dressing the former king attire, but he has no crown.

Cressida smiles at you at the back, slightly nodding with a gesture that tells Good job. Both Vencarlo and d'Bear seem happy to see you too.


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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

Zamanda fishes the original Korvosan crown out of the portable hole and hands it to him so he can complete his ensemble, and shows them the other things that they found that belong in the treasury.

Note: Not giving back the queen's belongings, just the pile of stuff that was downstairs that was clearly noted as being stuff we should give back. (Alternate timeline Zamanda likely ran off with it all during a strange teleportation problem where you showed up without her, but *this* Zamanda is cool and gives at least that part of it back.)

In answer to the "how can we repay you" question, Zamanda asks them to put some resources behind helping Bash research how to destroy some ancient artifacts, and for her father to be restored to his position as an Arbiter since that means a lot to him.


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Iron Gods: Iron maps;

As Zamanda produces the crown from her bag, everybody goes silent expectant to see what is she going to do with the symbol of Korvosa's power. When she extends her hands to offer the crown to Neolandus you can see how the man's eyes become crystaline, he stops your arm mid air and kneels before the aasimar "I do not deserve such honor. But if the Heroes of Korvosa are willing to do this. Then, I will bear this burden to the best of my ability"

Assuming you decide to do this, Zamanda crowns the previously Seneschal, anointing him into Kingship. The image is enough to convince whomever was having other plans for the throne. Everyone kneels and the tale that the Heroes of Korvosa themselves have put the crown on Neolandus' head, will quickly spread on the streets and beyond, securing the power and stabilizing the city.

There are cheers and people acclaim both Neolandus and the Heroes.

Neolandus and Cressida will be very happy for the return of the treasures, for the vault is depleted and it is difficult to hold loyalties without coin. Of course, Neolandus is happy to let you keep a part of the coin on exchange for your gesture. Money you can expend on your own goals.


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[CAMPAIGN COMPLETE]

True to form, Kalem went through the motions. He waived to the crowds, he posed for the paintings and he shook hands with the nobles. He even gave a winning smile when Neolandus all but clutched the crown, despite feeling nothing but disgust in his heart. When he saw the cheering people, all that he could think about was how much their attitude towards him had changed. And while this was, he admitted, a rationale response from the people from the top down, he couldn't help but look down on it all. Going through it truly showed him how done he was with Korvosa. He had too much emotional baggage in the city. Too much trauma from his childhood and too much blood on his hands as an adult. So what he ensured was that he got paid.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (13) + 28 = 41

As usual, he spoke with a silver tongue, as he made sure that he was set up for life. Between the loot that they had taken from the Queen, to the rewards given by the city, gold was never going to be in short supply again. And best of all, he did so in a way that did not come across as being greedy, so that his hard-earned reputation as an "elven hero" would be left intact. He knew how fickle the adoration of the people (and their leaders) were, so there was no need to lose that.

So when the time came, he made his goodbyes. First to Bashiel. For so long, Kalem had looked up to the paladin, seeing him as being a shining example of the person that he wanted to be, as well as a source of friendly competition on the front lines. He knew that true light shone in the man's heart, so he extricated himself before he could be pulled into a quest to destroy Kazavon. He had set out to kill the Queen, and he had no desire to spend the rest of his life fighting with a God. Then he went to Ilsa, whom he saw as a sister. For as long as he knew her, he had been worried about her and her powers. He saw much of himself in her and wanted to protect her, but now? Now she did not need a protector. Rather, the world needed someone to protect itself from her, if she so chose. He bid her goodbye with all of the sincerity in the world, truly wishing her well. And to Zamanda? She had been the Aasima and he the Tiefling. Two consummate liars whose words were as powerful as their weapons. But like Ilsa, she was now so much more than she used to be, and if he read the situation right, then she was to be like Bashiel. Turning her power and knowledge towards the research of ancient artifacts which Kalem wanted no part in. He wisher her, and her father, well.

And with his goodbyes given to the party, he knew that he had spoken to everyone in the city that he actually cared about. All save one. Kalem and Laori left the city one early morning, just two elves walking into the sunrise. They had centuries before them and an entire world to discover. Their path would first take them around Avistan, not on a quest to destroy an ancient evil or to find relics of power, but rather of simple sightseeing. Taking in beauty of gothic buildings as well as the unspoiled natural vistas. And from there? From there they left, leaving their friends, their comrades, and all of Korvosa, behind.

When the entire adventure had begun, Kalem had a surname. Darkborn. It was not a true surname, as no father and no mother had given it to him. It had been an insult that he had taken as his own, robbing it of it's power by taking it away and embracing it. But Kalem Darkborn was no more. For all of the power that he had obtained, and for all of the platinum and gold, what he truly treasured was the woman who walked by his side. For through it all, he had learned how to actually love someone else, and how to love himself as well. He took on a new name, Kalem Lightsworn, and his tale had just begun

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

Like Kalem, Ilsa takes all the newfound notoriety in with a large grain of salt. She would just as soon be done with the ceremonies, soirees, and certainly the parade. She stays close to her companions, thinking only of reuniting with her niece, Briget.

As soon as she is able, Ilsa sends for Gregor Step, their one-time halfling ally, to return to Korvosa with Briget. Ilsa awaits what she hopes will be a happy reunion--her niece had been terrified of Ilsa at one point, and Ilsa worried about what she had become. It is true that she was a monster--a formidable and dark mental presence--but she hoped that having that under control would ensure she would use her powers for good, and that she could raise her niece with a new start.

In the coming days, Ilsa wandered back through Old Korvasa--her home--surveying the destruction.

There is much to rebuild here.

Walking down one familiar street on Bridgefront, Ilsa suddenly turns to a shop she knows well. Slipping inside, she sees a near-sighted old man at the counter. She takes a large sack of gold from her belt and tosses it on the counter with a thud.

"I'll take everything in the store--and I'll take the building, too," she adds.

"What the...?! Who are you?!" he responds. "I--Ilsa?"

In the months and years to come, Ilsa uses her time and treasure to rebuild Old Korvosa. Her shop becomes the premier magic shop in the city. What had at one point been the most dangerous part of town became the safest. Criminals avoided the area, and openly spoke of a terrible figure that would only make you soil your pants if you crossed her. Some were not so lucky, and the most hardened thieves changed their ways, often performing hundreds of hours of 'voluntary' community service, but with a glossy look in their eyes. Those attempting to sell drugs--particulary Shiver-- in Old Korvosa fared worse, dying in their sleep to be discovered sweat-drenched and eyes wide with terror.

Rumors also circulated of former assassins finding a second chance in Old Korvosa. Those who wished to escape that life knew they could enter a certain magic shop and ask for a new cloak--one cinnamon in color.

Ilsa purchased magic items to communicate with her friends and call for their help, when needed. Korvosa occasionally came under threat in various forms, and when needed she could rally her former allies.

Kalem, like her brother and so much like her. Ilsa occasionally teased him that he had transformed too much, and she couldn't tell whether he or Bashiel was the more straight-laced. Bashiel was a steady, reliable force and always had been. She still remembered walking into a gambling den with him, pretending that they were married. Zamanda seemed so other-worldly now, and Ilsa couldn't help but wonder if they could relate as well anymore. Among the allies, the other three had become more celestial, while Ilsa had grown more terrible. She worked with them to ensure the former Thassilonian relics remained safely hidden or otherwise destroyed, and enjoyed catching up with her friends over the years, whether via magic or in person.

She couldn't help but think often about how this all had started, with a desperate, sleep-deprived shop girl searching for her missing niece. Ilsa thought often of those that believed in her and that helped find her her niece, find herself, and that together saved Korvosa.


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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), <>

After collapsing and sleeping for over twenty four straight hours, Bashiel awakens refreshed and galvanized with new determination to right the remaining wrongs he sees arrayed ahead of him. He first works within the Castle itself, offering reassuring words to Neolandus - as well as a suggestion to turn the city's leadership to a council rather than just a single king. It certainly seemed that the nervous man could use the direct support of Vencarlo, D'Bear, Cressida and Sabina (and later Ilsa, it seems) in returning the city to prosperity and happiness. "The tasks ahead may seem insurmountable to you now, but defeating the Queen seemed insurmountable to us too, and you see where we arrived."

-----

It doesn't take Bashiel long after that to return to his family, to his mother and father, and to his two siblings. When he suddenly pops into existence on top of the dining table at Vencarlo's abode in Harse, interrupting their meal, he almost gives his father a heart attack. Once the panic and confusion subside, he leaps into the arms of his family. For all the trials and tribulations of the past half-year, and all the great strength, magical and martial prowess, and divine gifts bestowed upon him, he still feels very much like the young man who had decided to take his father's fate into his own hands when Gaedren Lamm began to threaten the family. The Eland Legacy - the spirits of his line - had advised him and given him knowledge and maturity beyond his years, but they were silent now. They had taught him what he needed, when he needed it. They would still be with him... and he knew he would one day join them as the Legacy passed on to the next Eland, another storied voice among many.

He leaves a small fortune of gold in his family's hands and lets them know of the repairs he arranged for the bakery back in Korvosa, as well as the carriages to take them back to the city. Though he desperately wants to spend more time with them, he pulls himself away. There were things left to do.

-----

Bashiel appears rather abruptly within the main clearing at the center of the Sklar-Quah's expansive settlement in the Cinderlands. He alights a little more elegantly this time, wings blazing gold behind him as he settles on the ground after the sudden teleport. He speaks with Chief Ready-Klar, inquiring about the state of the Shoanti tribes and regarding Mirya. His one time beloved, now turned bitter and loyal guardian of a dead queen, greets him with acid. She only grows more hateful and distraught when he tells her of the queen's fate, descending into denial. Though he prays to Osiris to help return her to the Mirya he knew, there is no divine intervention, no magic solution to free her from her conditioning.

He's left to watch her from a distance as she grudgingly participates in Shoanti training and exercise, never approaching close enough to steal her attention, but hoping that she finds some measure of peace, eventually. Maybe once day she would arrive at that new peace, but she would never return to the person she once was. Nor would Bashiel.

-----

He returns to Korvosa, officiating Ishani's funeral, visiting old and new friends alike, and generally supporting his old community as much as he can. When he's called on by Neolandus to offer advice, he does his best to make himself scarce - for all he's done, trying to determine the policies of a city is well beyond him. When he sees Ilsa starting to settle back in in Old Korvosa, he leaves the district mostly to her and spends increasing time traveling the other districts. Of particular note to him are the dead or dying. He saves who he can save, and speaks with the spirits of those he cannot, ensuring that their souls can pass onward. All thoughout though, the Fangs of Kazavon seem to burn in his pocket, and several months later he realizes he's just delaying the inevitable.

Leaving the city in capable hands, he embarks on a pilgrimage, led by his ancestor's memories of libraries long gone, in search of the remaining legacy of Kavazon, and the means by which to finally destroy the dragon. The long journey takes him from Varisia, to Osirion, to Nidal and Taldor. Though he's no scholar, he meets many who are, and others for whom the ancient dragon's final fate is a matter of personal interest. Bit by bit, he teases out legends and lore, until his journey takes him back to Korvosa - and to Ilsa and Zamanda.

"Alright ladies. Six ancient relics of Kazavon. Six more extremely dangerous places to find them. And six truly esoteric weaknesses, which I'll note were a real pain to uncover and prepare the solutions for." Bashiel offers a cheeky smile from a now clean-shaven face "You'd best believe I already lined up a person who wants nothing, and a pool of silver dragon tears, and Zamanda - I've booked you for performing to Sarenrae in Nirvana in just over a month, hope you don't mind."

His cheeky smile expands to a wider grin. "Anyone up for a bit of an adventure?"


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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

Zamanda had been kicking it in Korvosa for a while, trying to make sure her parents were good and revisiting her old haunts, but everyone seemed to be weird around her now... and I mean, she was huge and had wings now, but still... would have been nice if someone were able to look past that.

She researched how to destroy the blood pool and had some ideas, but needed help figuring out how to actually get it done...

And then, finally, Bash was back and asking her to solve impossible problems again. This normal life stuff wasn't working. This was exactly what she needed. Now all of her magic items would be put to good use, and she could feel good that she was trying to make the world a better place rather than just hoarding.

I'm in, she said, smiling.

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

Ilsa smiles at Bashiel and Zamanda, always glad for a reuinion.

"You know I'm ready!" she says confidently. "I even have a few new tricks to show you," she adds.

I never did get to show everyone my new Earth Crawler ability, which also heals me! So sad! I'll have to envision using it on this next adventure into the sunset! (Earth Crawler, Burrow 30', fast healing 10 if surrounded by stone)


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

That is a super cool ability. :)


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Iron Gods: Iron maps;

Perhaps your largest surprise on your return to Korvosa is to find among the forces of the rebels a battered but happy Malen Arturian. The Pharasmite begs your pardon for not having contacted you before and retells his story of escaping the big aquatic worm as a wind walk cloud only to fall on the clutches of an orc tribe and their shaman leader. For days he had to convince the orcs for his live, and when he finally managed to make it back he found Korvosa on the revolt and joined forces to conquer and stabilize the place.

Kalem and Laori's travels are immortalized by her paintings that for centuries beyond are praised at palaces and museums all around Golarion. Most of Laori's paintings are landscapes and buildings, but others depict a dark humanoid whose energy enlightens the whole picture. They give loyally to each other and when it comes the end of the elven female, it is one full of thankfulness and beauty, very far from the dark end of her former Kuthonites.

Bashiel's advise has a strong weight on the new King who creates a Council of advisors which is soon enlarged to an Assembly of representatives of all classes and states, giving stability and prosperity to the city for at least a few years. Thanks to the gold provided, the Eland family will profit this stability to reopen the bakery at Korvosa, which will be well known for its Serithtial pastries, a representation of the sword the champion used to finish the devils that took control over the city's crown.

Rejecting Bashiel, Mirya continues her training, her soul restless among the shoanti. After the news of Ileosa's fall arrive, she leaves one day the tribe and joins a band of mercenaries lead by another former Gray Maiden named Oriana. For some years they survive selling their blade, until they come up with a plan to obtain new magic and power exploring The Lady's Light.

Ilsa reunites with her niece Briget, and funds a new shop in Old Korvosa that quickly becomes a pole of attraction where one can find the more rare things seen in Golarion. There are many stories from the dark terror that keeps peace and prosperity in Old Korvosa, and criminals know well to reform or avoid the area.

Cinnabar attempted to build a life away from the blade and took the profession of carpenter in Kaer Maga building her way from the bottom to a well considered artisan. But her past never let her be, and some years later the Red Mantis found about her and sent assassins to finish her. Surviving for very little and fearing some loved one could end killed, she left to a very far land, enrolling herself in The Bountiful Venture Company to a voyage far to the West where the Andoran company will fund an Outpost in the remaining islands of Azlant, where Cinnabar finally manages to disappear from the Mantis' radar but she will live another big adventure before finally finding peace...

Zamanda focuses on her family for a time, helping her father recover the city's arbiter's organization. She shares her place with Sabina and with time their long talks help each other's wounds heal and they start to hook up. However, not finding their place in the new city, when Bashiel comes to them with a new mission, both Zamanda and Sabina are quick to join...

With new information on the location of the 7 relics of Kazavon, Bashiel initiates another grand adventure, joining forces again with Ilsa and Zamanda. Sabina and Malen are also convinced to join in a desperate journey that expands through years and continents, bringing you to the top of mountains, misty dungeons and even sees Ilsa crawling down the earth, but that my friends... that is another story...

FIN

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