DM Aron Marczylo's Curse of the Crimson Throne Part 1 (Inactive)

Game Master overfiend_87

If you have an idea for a strategy, I'm glad to listen. Perhaps we can scout out the building first. I have no special tricks to offer; just my axe and crossbow.

I would suggest that we use this chance now, as long as we have the cover of night to help us. We move as fast as possible to the Old Fishery from south or we make a small curve and appear from north? I think it is better if stealthiest of us or two move carefully forward and see what is ahead. Others stays just some 50-100 feet away and can move forward if way is clear or they can reach the scouts & provide support fast.

... Then there is one choice more and that is more or less: storm in, cause havoc and kill him

Avanti looks at everyone and try to see what they think about the plan. He then turns to Zellara and asks : Is there any information you could provide other than that Lamm is there tonight. Any idea of other people? What about henchmen? His pet crocodile is most likely there with him

This night is the only chance after a long time... we have to use it now or who knows when we get another one

It's not relevant whether Spellcraft is a class skill for her or not, without ranks in it you can't roll off it. I'll take a rank in it sometime next level if Tapestry isn't putting any in.

Curnach listens, adding nothing to the discussion. He moves to the door, waiting for the group to formulate their plan.

I would suggest that we use this chance now, as long as we have the cover of night to help us...

'A night visit may suit us better, yes,' Tapestry agrees (noting that, as Zellara mentioned, it's only midday at the moment), 'although I never like to think that charging in or sneaking in are the only options. What say, after the reading, we wander down there as a group of "normal" folk and just take a look... maybe (gods forbid!) talk to a few people? In any case, since the wine vanished I think we could all use a bottle or two...'

Are there any taverns or other establishments in the area which would provide good reason for wandering past the fishery?

Turning to the rest of the party "So..we're all in then. We move on the fishery. Any suggestions as to how...surely the five of us don't stand a chance...we need an plan...even if Lamm isn't expecting us, we'll be out numbered for sure"

Zellara laughs as you say this shaking her head.

Zellara lets the cards fly through her hands as she performs the reading. She pulls out 9 cards and has them with the blank side facing those who wish to take part, offereing them a card to take and ask for meaning of.

Are there any taverns or other establishments in the area which would provide good reason for wandering past the fishery?

It's a pretty populated area of Korvosa. Many people walk by the area every so often when going some place it isn't like a secluded spot and the building is basically right on the street like so it's not out of the place. You could even assume that the Korvosan guards would've walked right by and not assumed anything is amiss.

Avanti looks for a while at the cards and decide to take one out
Card:1d9 ⇒ 9 card in right [the corner one]

Avanti takes the card from the right and look at it. Unsure what he sees, he turns to Zellara and ask the meaning of it

I am assuming they are all in row or something like that

Avanti looks for a while at the cards and decide to take one out

Card:1d9 card in right [the corner one]

Avanti takes the card from the right and look at it. Unsure what he sees, he turns to Zellara and ask the meaning of it

I am assuming they are all in row or something like that

The card you draw of is the dance and she smiles as she looks upon it.

"You're past involves a man who gains power for the sake of power. This person does not understand the true value of things or he never would've gotten rid of you. His loss of you all means that you shall all be responsible for his dimise, this of course I am sure you already know, not for the present." she starts to turn over the cards in the centre of the 9.

"Standing fast will be foolhardy. It's best to approch the situation tentively. Secrets of the past shall be brought up by Lamm and he'll make you a tempting offer, do not take this offer or otherwise he will most likely stab you in the back." she now turns to the final 3 and begins to uncover them slowly.

"Staying in lockstep shall be periliss, you will fail to make the right decision and..." she bites her lip as she looks over to Krenn and turns over the final card, shaking her head. "Tragic news, or profound loss shall hit you sometime in the future. It may not refer to at the fishery, but it will involve you."

She remains silent after the reading, collecting up the cards and reshufflening them.

Wow I'm bad at shuffeling card.

Curnach opens the door, clearly anxious to leave as soon as possible and be done with the business at hand...

The reading done Tapestry stands,

'My thanks, Zellara,' she offers to their hostess, 'for both the reading and the opportunity.'

Heading outside, Tapestry waits until the whole group is a little way down the street from the shop, then stops them,

'Whatever that was,' she explains, 'it was no spirit - at least not of a type I'm familiar with and I've had... access... to quite a few religious libraries in my time. Maybe it was some form of illusion, but the arcane arts are really beyond my understanding.'

Krenn will select a card from the middle. 1d9 ⇒ 7

He purses his lips as he overturns it, concerned about what it might say.

Krenn will select a card from the middle. 1d9

He purses his lips as he overturns it, concerned about what it might say.

Revealing the card she shakes her head. It's a picture of a demonic looking lantern and looks over to him.

[b]"My, my, my...You have a hidden strength not yet revealed, but you were also lost before you came here, lost as you had no idea where he was but under all that stress, there is a clarity of mine." she smiled turning over the rest in the same order as before. "In the present you shall have a joke pulled on you, but you have strength through your own diversity. You will stop a theivery of some kind. Lastly, in your future you shall not find any refuge, however a new love shall begin too I also have here...the Inquisitor. This means, Immutable Reality. Things as you believe them will not change it seems. Well...you were a very interesting read. Mostly omens, curious." she seems to fade as she remains stareing at the cards who also dissipate.

Avanti observes as Zellara fades away. It was time to go and he steps outside where Tapestry is already waiting with Curnach

'Whatever that was,' she explains, 'it was no spirit - at least not of a type I'm familiar with and I've had... access... to quite a few religious libraries in my time. Maybe it was some form of illusion, but the arcane arts are really beyond my understanding.'

hm... not a spirit but something more to say? Whatever she is, she is giving us tools to get our hands on Lamm and we should use it. Although I am unsure how to really approach this... situation. We could try to walk around the fishery and see a place, where we can sneak inside. I don´t want to really wake up much attention, but everyones opinion is appreciated

As they walk the street and Avanti speak, he watches everyone and try to get everyone more open-minded and share their ideas

"I know girl..I'm not completly thrilled about working with them either...but we need the strength of numbers says Althon, as he pets the imposing black mare behind the ear, untying her, leading her down the street with the others.

"So that was interesting....We have what? 6 maybe 7 hours til nightfall? Zellara says we have time we not make any rash moves tonight. I say we watch the place for few days, get idea of there movements, habits. In that time we get in with the kids, turn them against Lamm. We need to be patient, calculating with this." conveys Althon to the others.

Outside, Tapestry has pulled up the hood of her cloak once more, and tucked her tail out of sight as the group walk down the street.

"So that was interesting....We have what? 6 maybe 7 hours til nightfall? Zellara says we have time we not make any rash moves tonight. I say we watch the place for few days, get idea of there movements, habits. In that time we get in with the kids, turn them against Lamm. We need to be patient, calculating with this."

'Althon, darling,' Tapestry slips her arm through his and leans her head on his shoulder, 'I'm all for taking a look before we charge in, but a few days of watching a fishery will, I think, make my head explode from sheer boredom! Besides, I shudder to think of leaving children with father any longer than necessary...' she goes quiet for a few moments, then adds, '... let's just take a look and play it by ear, okay?'

I have to agree with our colorful Tapestry here. I'm not sure what beef any of you have with this Lamm fellow, but let me tell you mine. Years ago I lead a family business mission to this city. The members of it were my responsibility. Mine. I let my guard down. Just ever so briefly, but it was enough. My nephew was gone. He was gone. I have spent every day for years since trying to find him. The most I've able to find was that he was one of Lamm's little recruits, forced to do his dirty work.

He looks around at the others, choking down his emotions. He has been subjected to this slavery for too long now. I'm not sure how long I could sit in reserve now knowing he is still alive and where he is.

"Your nephew will be fine Kress...I was once one of Lamm's "children"...it was no picnic, but it taught me to survive"

As if in contrast to Althon's reassuring statement, the clearly damaged Curnach raises an eyebrow at Althon's statement but says nothing as they continue to walk. Curnach seems a lot more comfortable out in an open space, and he seems to whisper and gesture to rats and birds as you walk the streets in an unfamiliar tongue.

Here's a group map for you guys so you know the locations of various points in the city if you ever need to revisit them. City Map

As you walk down the road you see the old Fishery that Zellara told you about. It's a common warehouse from the look of it and it is in use, though the years had not been kind to the place. As you get closer the can smell a very strong smell of fish. Not fried fish, but sundried, rotten fish that no one wants to buy.

The Old Fishery

Was taken from the book. This is how the front looks so you can plan your entrance.

Curnach will carefully scout around the edge of the building, moving along A3 and peering around the corner.

This place reeks... and not in the most pleasant way Avanti looks at Old Fishery and it´s surroundings and you can see disgusting look in his face. All those kids being here whole day... I would say to burn this place down, but any danger to surrounding buildings or possibility of fire spreading... hm, we don´t want to be so close with lawmakers..

There is way but where...oh, what is Curnach doing? Avanti looks while Curnach is talking with animals and got an idea

Curnach, is it possible, if you ask your small friends to scout the place ahead? It would be most appreciated if we can have as recent information as possible and to see how many people there is, how many rooms there are, and any other minor information is also appreciated

"Your nephew will be fine Kress...I was once one of Lamm's "children"...it was no picnic, but it taught me to survive"

At Althon's words Tapestry suddenly pauses, places a hand either side of the man's face, and stares intently at him...

Does she recognise Althon... or any of them for that matter... from her own time as one of the 'Little Lamms' (she was one for the first thirteen years of her life after all)? Of course, there's a good chance the children Lamm took were seperated by assigned work or something, so maybe not...

Curnach will carefully scout around the edge of the building, moving along A3 and peering around the corner.

You make your way across, however you feel the boards benieth you are very slippery. It seems moving at average speed is the best way. You pass a few windows and you end up at the end of the building, turning around and seeing a ship that appears to have been undisterbed for quite some time. There's various moss and cobwebs covering this area suggesting no one has been here. Beneith you see a lower peir, but not too much of it since you have to get down on your knees and poke your head down to get a really clear look.

Map so far for Curnach

Did Curnach risk peeking through any of the windows?

Forgot to mention. the silver things on the map or windows, the big white things are doors.

Quote:

"Your nephew will be fine Kress...I was once one of Lamm's "children"...it was no picnic, but it taught me to survive"

At Althon's words Tapestry suddenly pauses, places a hand either side of the man's face, and stares intently at him...

Does she recognise Althon... or any of them for that matter... from her own time as one of the 'Little Lamms' (she was one for the first thirteen years of her life after all)? Of course, there's a good chance the children Lamm took were seperated by assigned work or something, so maybe not...

Depends how the others feel. Perhaps with the beatings and stuff you may have worked with them, but were more focused on working and not getting killed as well as looking toward your next meal. I'll leave that for you guys to decide if you may or may not have met.

Curnach was one of the pickpockets and never spoke to anyone except Lamm and the enforcer responsible for him- hes unlikey to have met any of you and if he had he never spoke to you.

Curnach listens to Aventi's question, pauses, and then slowly shakes his head, moving off to scout around the building.

Curnach whispering in Druidic etc. to his friends is just a flavourful handle animal- he can't actually speak to animals unless he prepares the spell which he hasn't today.

Depends how the others feel. Perhaps with the beatings and stuff you may have worked with them, but were more focused on working and not getting killed as well as looking toward your next meal. I'll leave that for you guys to decide if you may or may not have met.

Tapestry was known as 'Angel' back then and was generally hired out for 'specialist' customers... but even with aging from girl to woman she's pretty darn distinctive-looking, so there's a chance someone may have seen her in passing being bundled from one place to another (or sent to Lamm's chambers) - if the times they were captive match, naturally.

As Curnach moves away Tapestry begins to quietly speak,

'May the goddess guide you in this task of vengence...' and moves to touch him, but then pulls back and offers a sympathetic look, '... sorry Curnach,' she apologises, 'I almost forgot you don't like to be touched... but I'm sure the goddess would want to aid you in this venture... and a quick blessing won't hurt, I assure you!'

If he allows it, she'll cast Guidance... and what they hey, Virtue too... on him before he goes scouting. In fact, she'll cast Guidance on any who'll let her as they observe the fishery (every little helps, right?).

With Curnach gone, Tapestry will observe any comings and goings in and around the building (and nearby buildings), and chat to people passing in the street (start by asking innocent questions, like directions to some place nearby, or whether the fishery has a good reputation for produce... that sort of thing... and build to anything useful).

Diplomacy to Gather Information1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Quote:

Depends how the others feel. Perhaps with the beatings and stuff you may have worked with them, but were more focused on working and not getting killed as well as looking toward your next meal. I'll leave that for you guys to decide if you may or may not have met.

Tapestry was known as 'Angel' back then and was generally hired out for 'specialist' customers... but even with aging from girl to woman she's pretty darn distinctive-looking, so there's a chance someone may have seen her in passing being bundled from one place to another (or sent to Lamm's chambers) - if the times they were captive match, naturally.

As Curnach moves away Tapestry begins to quietly speak,

'May the goddess guide you in this task of vengence...' and moves to touch him, but then pulls back and offers a sympathetic look, '... sorry Curnach,' she apologises, 'I almost forgot you don't like to be touched... but I'm sure the goddess would want to aid you in this venture... and a quick blessing won't hurt, I assure you!'

If he allows it, she'll cast Guidance... and what they hey, Virtue too... on him before he goes scouting. In fact, she'll cast Guidance on any who'll let her as they observe the fishery (every little helps, right?).

With Curnach gone, Tapestry will observe any comings and goings in and around the building (and nearby buildings), and chat to people passing in the street (start by asking innocent questions, like directions to some place nearby, or whether the fishery has a good reputation for produce... that sort of thing... and build to anything useful).

Diplomacy to Gather Information1d20 + 5

You quickly learn that this place is somewhere that will take in any of the cast away fish. Fishermen who found either fish dead for 3 days in their nets or caught one that was a mutation that no one will touch, say if it had a extra tail fin or missing a eye when it was caught. Strange thing that make most people not want to touch them so they're deemed unfit for sale. Fishmongers dump their sun-tainted wares here too which adds to the smell you all get from here.

You learn that all that foul stuff is mushed up and either sold as bait for fertiliser for farmers and curiously, some of the poorer people you run into who work at the docks claim that it's the main ingredient to "dock-dumplings" which is a local favourite to the poorer dock workers who can't afford a fresh fillet of fish. You feel somewhat glad that you weren't working for Lamm when he was taking up residence here as you can smell off some of the workers here that the fish smell stays with you most of the day, not to mention if you actually spent all day mushing it up.

A few people claim they've seen kids in the area but they aren't sure if they went into the fishery. When a place becomes empty and unnused for so long anyone could simply move in unless people claiming to be the heirs that died come to the city to take claim. You get the feeling some people assume this place has been deserted, but they don't appear to take much interest in reporting any of these activities to the guard since they don't believe it means anything.

... I'm not sure what beef any of you have with this Lamm fellow, but let me tell you mine...

Whilst quizzing passers-by and awaiting Curnach's return, Tapestry does take the time to fill Krenn (and any others who may be interested) in on her own tale of woe,

'Lamm's my father,' she admits, 'or, at least, the man who raised me from birth - I've never known the details, and neither do I much care. From a young age he hired me out to those who wanted something exotic to play with... or something fiendish to punish... and for the longest time I thought that kind of constant suffering was what life was about. When I finally grew old enough to know better and to stand up to him he gave me a few scars... you may have noticed... to remember him by and left me for dead. I was saved by Calistria's grace... and my oath of vengence. My dearest desire is to be reunited with my father... at least one last time...'

From their obervations, Tapestry takes particular note of if there seems to be any guard on the doors or any sort of procedure for getting in (secret knock, password, that sort of thing...)?

Quote:

... I'm not sure what beef any of you have with this Lamm fellow, but let me tell you mine...

Whilst quizzing passers-by and awaiting Curnach's return, Tapestry does take the time to fill Krenn (and any others who may be interested) in on her own tale of woe,

'Lamm's my father,' she admits, 'or, at least, the man who raised me from birth - I've never known the details, and neither do I much care. From a young age he hired me out to those who wanted something exotic to play with... or something fiendish to punish... and for the longest time I thought that kind of constant suffering was what life was about. When I finally grew old enough to know better and to stand up to him he gave me a few scars... you may have noticed... to remember him by and left me for dead. I was saved by Calistria's grace... and my oath of vengence. My dearest desire is to be reunited with my father... at least one last time...'

From their obervations, Tapestry takes particular note of if there seems to be any guard on the doors or any sort of procedure for getting in (secret knock, password, that sort of thing...)?

You see no activity at the doors. Everyone who passes by is either heading home or heading into another part of town. You get the feeling that you've hit a slow day.

No, Curnach's keeping a low profile so isn't peeking into any windows.

Curnach returns to the group.

There's... a boat around the back. I believe we should investigate it. Before entering the fishery. Curnach says quietly.

I agree. I will volunteer to go first in line and see everything is okey, if that is fine for everyone?

Avanti begins to move slowly along the deck (A3) until he see same ship as Curnach. Along the way he peeks inside from windows to see any abnormality

I assume I also have the Guidance & Virtue from Tapestry

Perception1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17
Stealth1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26
Acrobatics1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11

I agree. I will volunteer to go first in line and see everything is okey, if that is fine for everyone?

Avanti begins to move slowly along the deck (A3) until he see same ship as Curnach. Along the way he peeks inside from windows to see any abnormality

I assume I also have the Guidance & Virtue from Tapestry

Perception1d20+7
Stealth1d20+6
Acrobatics1d20+6

Won't need the Acrobatics check unless you're running, fighting or doing something that would warrent you to end up being unsteady on your feet.

First window you see four beds. One of them is unslept in, however the other three appear to have been disturbed. No one is sleeping in them at the moment. You don't really see anything of interest in there.

Second window you see into a large area where a few scruffy looking kids are working here with buckets of foul looking groul and a 10-foot-tall wooden vat with the sides caked in some sort of black mixture. One of these children looks dwarfish to you. None of the kids here spot you and they appear to be much more focued on scrubbing and keeping their eyes away from the tall green-skinned humanoid in there you recognise as a half-orc

Third window is the same and you duck just in time as he looks up at the window. When you resume your looking you see that he's walked over to the dwarf child and started to kick him.

Curnach has no interest in peeking through the windows, and moves past Aventi to investigate the boat.

Guidance assisted Perception-1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Curnach has no interest in peeking through the windows, and moves past Aventi to investigate the boat.

Guidance assisted Perception-1d20+10

With your incredible perception you noticed that the floor boards are incredibly rotten and this boat has been here for donkey's years. You start to hear the wood cracking and buckling under your weight.

Reflex at DC 12.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

1d20+3

The boards fall apart, but you manage to jump back onto a much more sturdy part of the hull and see the scuttling of long spindily legs move as light shines down in there and big webs.

Damn... again one being tortured... and dwarf... wasn´t Krenn looking for dwarf kid? Ready to move back behind to others to inform them. However, Avanti hears cracking from the direction where Curnach went and moves fast towards same direction to check everything is alright before moving to others

1st Acrobatic1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26 I believe that now it´s necessary or hm... I will be using the count also for moving fast back to others to inform the situation

Listening to Aventi's report, Tapestry frowns as she hears about the children, but then smiles,

'Stay out of sight, boys,' she suggests, 'I'll go and have a word with this guard.'

Casts Guidance and Virtue on herself (and recasts on anyone in need).

Walking up to the side door, Tapestry adjusts her outfit to make the most of her feminine charms, then knocks firmly. Assuming the half-orc comes to the door, she'll give him her best sultry smile, trace a finger down his chest, and say softly,

'I take it you're the hard worker I've been sent to reward?'

Bluff with Guidance1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Avanti follows Tapestry from behind in the shadows, if anything were to go wrong. If half-orc start to make noise/alarm and not being fooled by Tapestry, Aventi will jump out of shadows, and make Flurry of Blow, [Stunning Fist] along the first blow

Stealth1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 = 20 /w Guidance

1st Attack1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 1 = 15 /w Guidance [Stunning Fist DC 14 vs save Fort]
1st Dmg 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

2nd Attack1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 1 = 16
2nd Dmg 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Listening to Aventi's report, Tapestry frowns as she hears about the children, but then smiles,

'Stay out of sight, boys,' she suggests, 'I'll go and have a word with this guard.'

Casts Guidance and Virtue on herself (and recasts on anyone in need).

Walking up to the side door, Tapestry adjusts her outfit to make the most of her feminine charms, then knocks firmly. Assuming the half-orc comes to the door, she'll give him her best sultry smile, trace a finger down his chest, and say softly,

'I take it you're the hard worker I've been sent to reward?'

Bluff with Guidance1d20 + 8

The door doesn't connect to the area you Aventi saw. He simply saw through the windows and there was no door he could see into the area.

heh, so we need to think something out for that then. Also if possible, I would like to keep those rolls or I will roll again when got into fight hm?

heh, so we need to think something out for that then. Also if possible, I would like to keep those rolls or I will roll again when got into fight hm?

If you end up trying the door to the side anyway then you can keep the rolls assuming it's the same plan.

So guys, whats the plans? Go from the door or use the "secret passage" Curnach found?

Azharten moves slowly towards Fishery and hides behind the door using the stealth roll and see if Tapestry is going to use "knock & service" tactic. Otherwise they will keep moving to Curnach and use the secret passage

Jesus guys give a guy a chance to post! I only popped out for lunch! And Aventi quit reading my spoilers ;)

Curnach gathers the group, guiding them around the holes in the boards, and showing then the hold of the ship, claiming he has found a secret passage down there. Casting Light on a piece of wood and throwing it down into the hold, Curnach descends, motioning for the others to follow.

So guys, whats the plans? Go from the door or use the "secret passage" Curnach found?

Azharten moves slowly towards Fishery and hides behind the door using the stealth roll and see if Tapestry is going to use "knock & service" tactic. Otherwise they will keep moving to Curnach and use the secret passage

Which door? Using the map there's one on the walk way and the double doors at the front.

Jesus guys give a guy a chance to post! I only popped out for lunch!

Curnach gathers the group, guiding them around the holes in the boards, and showing then the hold of the ship, claiming he has found a secret passage down there. Casting Light on a piece of wood and throwing it down into the hold, Curnach descends, motioning for the others to follow.

The map should show a door there behind you and it's a 10 ft drop through the hole.

Dropping the lit up peice of wood you can see the magnitude in webs and the scuttling of spiders, hiding in the shadows and keeping away from the light, preparing themselves. Jumping down might not be the best option but you see a door on the ship.

Ah, yes true! My mistake, sorry for both. 1st: I will move next to A1 (double door). For you Curnach:

Aventi D´Gaudon, 1 hour, 20 minutes ago

Damn... again one being tortured... and dwarf... wasn´t Krenn looking for dwarf kid? Ready to move back behind to others to inform them. However, Avanti hears cracking from the direction where Curnach went and moves fast towards same direction to check everything is alright before moving to others

1st Acrobatic1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26 I believe that now it´s necessary or hm... I will be using the count also for moving fast back to others to inform the situation

Here I assumed that I saw same thing as you or you told me :). I admit was my mistake, since should have waited for your post & not to look in your spoiler. Trying to not make same mistake in future.

Curnach attempts to stop the door-knocking service before it begins-

I have found a secret door inside the ship, I suggest we check it before storming the fishery...

Thanks Curnach

Hm.. you are right. Would be far more favorable for us, if we have surprise advantage here.