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

Game Master overfiend_87

Athlon whistles loudly, "We should make for the temple" he says calmly as a large, jet black mare appears from the smoke filled streets. The mare stops at Althon, stomping her front hooves, and nudging him with her head. "Sorry to keep you waiting girl" he says soothingly, taking the striking beast by the bridle, then starts loading the smallest children on too the mare's broad back. "Hold on tight["/b] he instruct to the six, awestruck kids now tightly packed aboard Morgan. [b]"We should get moving." he says to the group.

'You want to march children through this?!' Tapestry retorts with a raised voice, 'Are you people mad?' Shaking her head she turns to the children, 'Do what I said,' she orders, pointing again, 'get back inside and go downstairs, it's the safest place for now - we'll see about moving on when the commotion has died down a bit.'

I am crafting an army of dots... its too creepy and by this I mean too silent ugh

Avanti will turn fast to Tapastry No, they will need to come with us...It might be safe but you never know! The whole city seems to be on riot and who knows what will happen now. The fire is also which we have to consider. We are too far away for now from most of people, this place is old and will catch fire easily, there is not so much escape routes and the children are not able to defend themself is omething were to happen.

Avanti will same time keep gently tapping children heads and push them towards Althon Our best choice is to now when the riot is not yet in its FULLEST and there is still possibility and not people going crazy or killing each other. Longer time we take, more chaotic it will be and we are in trouble.I can most likely take care of myself here as all of us but the children? No, I will rather transfer them somewhere where it is safe and with clerics of Abadars.. who else is better then?

'What?' Tapestry blinks in her confusion, 'You're saying this water-soaked building on the water is more likely to catch fire than the rest of the town which is already burning? And that you somehow know that this... riot... revolt... whatever it is, is definitely going to get worse? It looks pretty bad to me right now!' Pinching the bridge of her nose between thumb and forefinger as she bows her head and tries to process Aventi's 'logic' she adds, 'Plus, you're proposing to take these children, through the riot and fire, to a place which - as far as I'm aware - none of us have any idea if it's safe, or already been attacked, or in fact ablaze at this very minute. Maybe I'm just being slow here, but... did that half-orc hit you in the head?'

Clasping the holy symbol around her neck, Tapestry utters a quick (and exasperated) prayer for guidance in this matter, but (just in case divine inspiration isn't forthcoming), she turns to Krenn,

'Master Weststone,' she asks (somehow her rather lost tone of voice suddenly making her seem more like her young age than she usually acts), 'I imagine you've more knowledge of... um... how secure buildings are and stuff... not to mention more experience than the rest of us here... I guess I'll bow to your judgement in this... what do you think we should do?'

Seriously, I'm not trying to just be a pain here, but there seems a distinct lack of logic in leaving a place we know is secure to walk through a war zone with kids looking for a place which might be secure if we're lucky. Is this wish to leave just 'cos as players we're all fed up to the back teeth with the fishery, or am I missing some metagame reason (having never read the Adventure Path)?

well... I am just RPing here so in that but.. hm.. well, just to make it quick thinking from my side but.. hm.. I am seeing it like this but of course you can say if I miss something: 1)The Old Fishery...well, its old plus not in so good condition. Also made from wood and in addition how easily it will catch a fire. 2) Since Abadar is a God of Cities and quite powerful one, you would think his temples would be safe and they are told to be quite high authorities in town. Also Korvosa strongest/mightiest priest, Tubble is living there. 3)The way of riot & fire plus how they advance... I don´t know but I would imagine it to be just getting worse in time. Also as I have understood, we need to get out of here but I will in this case rely on others. I am not playing alone here so we are making group decision. This is just my thinking, not saying how will be so hoping that we can get somekind of agreement. I just see this as best action for this moment

I understand your concern over this matter and I admit I am thinking the same. Safety of children, the fire, the riot... but how are we going to manage it here? This building is quite old, soaked in oil and processing liquids which catch the fire easily. Yes, being close to water is best option but... hm.. We need to act fast Worried look appears to Avanti face when he looks at distance Its a long way and so on, but I would guess its more safe upper part than being closer to castle. Seems like crowd is going there although there is never such a thing as 'for sure'. If we can agree at least that I will be scouting ahead to make sure nothing will appear and we will move as fast as possible. However, if we decide to stay here, I would at least like to go around to make sure none of the rioters will be moving near us

I have very limited internet time for a day or two, but Curnach strongly wishes to get the children somewhere safe. That does not include a local fishery owned by a crime lord, which could be a) attacked by angry rioters with a grudge to settleor b) become a haven for criminal types or more of lamm's men seeking safe haven. Aventi can scout ahead and carefully pick our route, and I agree, the riot is likely to get worse before it gets better.

I have very limited internet time for a day or two, but Curnach strongly wishes to get the children somewhere safe. That does not include a local fishery owned by a crime lord, which could be a) attacked by angry rioters with a grudge to settleor b) become a haven for criminal types or more of lamm's men seeking safe haven. Aventi can scout ahead and carefully pick our route, and I agree, the riot is likely to get worse before it gets better.

I concur.

I too have limited internet access for the next day or two. sorry

I am no expert on wood structures, but a lot of that wood looks rotted, which would be like tinder for fire. This place could still burn down to the waterline.

Krenn will check the street around. Is there a wagon they could commandeer? We have a battle harded horse we could attach to it. Also, is there a sewer grate around? The riots most likely don't extend down there, and we'd be safe from fire.

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Tapestry nods to Krenn,

'Well, alright then, Uncle Krenn - I guess we follow you.'

Praying to the goddess Tapestry casts as much Guidance as is needed to give everyone a bonus on Perception rolls to spot a good way to go.

Perception to Aid Another for Krenn's search1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

If everything is clear, I will be moving then front of our group and seeing beforehand if anything strange is happening

Stealth1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 = 20

I am no expert on wood structures, but a lot of that wood looks rotted, which would be like tinder for fire. This place could still burn down to the waterline.

Krenn will check the street around. Is there a wagon they could commandeer? We have a battle harded horse we could attach to it. Also, is there a sewer grate around? The riots most likely don't extend down there, and we'd be safe from fire.

Perception 1d20+4

You notice that the worst of it appears to be closest to the Castle, but from what you can tell there's no damage done to the building. There are fires in various places all over the city and shouts from all different directions, but it would be hard to navigate with so much shouting and screaming about.

You also notice that there is a grate you could possibly remove to go marching through the sewers. Being a large city you can assume the sewers will be about as large as the streets.

Knowledge Local check to know about some stuff in the sewers.

You also notice a man emerging from the street with scabbard and a unshaven look. For a moment he just stairs towards you as you were checking the sewers.
"Wh-What are you doing?" you notice now that as he moves he slants to the side and appears drunk and clearly so drunk that he couldn't possibly be a threat. He wears the uniform of the Korvosian guards though as he get's closer you can smell the strong odre of Ale and sweat coming from his uniform which appears filthy. "Are ye a Rioter?" he pulls his sword out but stumbles as he does to and when pointing the blade at you it appears to be pointing more to the side and away from you then actually at you. His eyes widen and he laughs as he looks at Krenn.
"Neffi! Me old mate! Come on, let's get a few bottle of fine ale back at the Closet like good old times!" he puts away his sword and laughs as he slams Krenn on the back with the palm of his hand in a affectionate mannor. He seems to reguard you as a friend now.

The avatar is exactly how he's meant to look. Unshaven and a rarther sorry look on his face. If interesting you could try a sense motive check on his expression. Also DC 18 Local Knowledge check if you know anything about this particular guard.

Casting a quick guidance and taking the royal brooch to hold up as 'proof'...

'Good man,' says Tapestry to the guard, 'we're covert agents of the Crown. Our business is none of your concern, but we require you to report on what is going on in the city.'

Bluff 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Just attempting to do some EXP now.

135xp each for the half-orc since it was 4th level just looked up said that 4th level would be CR3. 35xp from Hookshanks, 35xp Yargin, 100xp Gaedren, 800xp for all the kids, this all determined from their CR combined with how many kids there are. Will have to double check later but I think that's all right, not to mention more xp to come.

Casting a quick guidance and taking the royal brooch to hold up as 'proof'...

'Good man,' says Tapestry to the guard, 'we're covert agents of the Crown. Our business is none of your concern, but we require you to report on what is going on in the city.'

Bluff 1d20 + 8

As the man looks at you he just stares off into your face, clearly not listening to a single word you're saying.

Not sure if you missed the DC 18 local knowledge unless you don't have it and a sense motive check to understand him a bit more too and see if you can understand where his pain might be coming from. Another Locan check to find out who this 'Sabina' is.

KN:local(sewers)1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
KN:local(sabina)1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
KN:local(guard)1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Sense Motive1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Avanti will remain in the shadows and keep look at guard as well as at streets to make sure no one is coming on surprise or causing any trouble

Not too interested in the sewers... unless we can get the cavalier's horse down there (I'm doubting he'll want to leave it here to burn), but haven't got the skill anyway. His expression, I thought, was kinda obvious, but just in case...

Sense Motive 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Good point, it is more-or-less obvious, but you never know, might've missed something.

I knew the sewers were an unlikely option, but someone had to recommend going underground, and the dwarf was just the one to do it!

Curnach is clearly uncomfortable at the presence of a newcomer, but says nothing, keeping his sharp eyes peeled for trouble.

Since 'drunk guardsman' is 'clearly not listening to a word we say' Tapestry ignores him, instead resuming the search for a cart, as Krenn suggested, so that we can actually transport Class 1-B on this little field trip...

Due to all the Chaos you're pretty sure that you can't see any active carts moving in the street. There is a cart left in the Fishery but no horse to see. If there was one it probably ran when the riot started.

The guard hangs around a bit, sitting down as he appears to have lost all balance and continued to look at the group, wondering what you're all doing here.

Great! Then, as per Uncle Krenn's plan, we'll (if Althon and his mount are willing) hitch the cart up to the horse and load in the 'trap detectors / junior flankers'.

"Oh stop pouting ya big oaf. Don't you wanna be a hero? Now hold still while put this on".. Mumbles Althon to Morgan, as he fixes the wagon to the proud mare. "You owe me" he says cheerfully to Tapestry with a wink. "Now lets get these kids outta here

"You owe me"

'Oh, I think we can work something out...' replies Tapestry with a... 'provocative'... smile.

Why today... all the people are here, argh Avanti will approach Grau and stop in front of him You, are you of any use? We are now heading to the temple of Abadar with all these children and could use some extra-arm... but your conditions just means more harm to us than any real help... However, if you can clear that head of yours and get your act together, you will do huge service to the Korvosa! You see those children? Avanti will point at children in cart They need people to take care of them and we can´t afford a drunken bastard as well a guard who is bringing shame to Korvosa city. Could you help us with these children and I promise at leaset listen to your story and upon that I will decide will I help you or not... after other things

Intimidate1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Diplomacy1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 (assuming not enemies and friends in some level with HK´s)

Avanti then moves next to Tapestry and Althon This seems really bad idea and so on, I admit but if we can extra meat between us & enemies as well someone just to take hits which were ment for children, we are safe. Morale about here of his well-being? Well, moment guard gets drunk in this kind of situation... I have no sympathy

Krenn is on the ground and ready to clear a path for the horse and cart, by harsh voice or sharp axe as need be.

This seems really bad idea and so on, I admit but if we can extra meat between us & enemies as well someone just to take hits which were ment for children, we are safe. Morale about here of his well-being? Well, moment guard gets drunk in this kind of situation... I have no sympathy

Tapestry shrugs,

'Drunk guardsmen are usually good business... but too drunk to even hear what I'm saying? Nope, he's no use to me - do what you want with him.'

With the hood of her cloak up and her tail tucked out of sight (not wanting a spooked combatant to start shouting 'devil' and attack her), Tapestry hustles alongside the cart with the others, trying to make as rapid time to the temple as possible.

Grau appears to sober up a bit with Avanti's bullying and hungs his head low, acting like a child that has just being scowled.
"S-sorry sir...I...the drink take's away bad thoughts, you know?" he seemed still off his feet, but he seems a honorable person. Leaving him out like this in a city filled with Chaos he would most likely end up dead and pennyless.

As you make you're way through the city the Chaos seems to worsen. Luckily, you have managed to go through a few streets, avoiding most of the trouble, however a ragged, nasty looking old man looks to the group and points a crooked finger towards Althon.
"YOU! I saw you, in the dreams gifted to me by the gods I saw you. A great disease will sweep in and kill you my boy, please, run away from this place, I need your help." he makes his way towards you and it's more obvious that his skin is darkened from dirt, long yellow nails and horribly rotten skin and smells quite foul too. His eyes appear to be moving strangly and he is clearly mad.

I don´t like this... He looks really sick, might be having a sickness Avanti will draw shurikens and prepare throw them out if he comes any closer. It would be different story but this whole things reek!

Perception1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 & Heal 1d20 ⇒ 14

Althon draws his sword and yells at the man. "Stop. Come no closer. Explain yourself, be gone, or die here. I like the explaining option, but I can't say the same for my little friend here" he finishes with a wicked grin, tapping his blade...

Intimidate 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

He continues to approch, preeching destruction and how Althon will die from the inevitable plague that shall sweep into the city. "Women and children shall die! All shall die apart from the whore queen!"

Roll for attack if you're going to strike him down. Also did you end up taking Grau or not?

Yes, I took Grau with us to keep watch on children although will see since he is not yet so sober :P At least thinking that having one extra meat shield between children is ok and I will be taking care of him, as it appears

Avanti will yell warning to Althon before leashing attack with ShurikensAlthon! Watch out! Do not let him touch you!! He carries dangerous sickness!! and after he will turn his head and yells to Grau Grau, stay behind next to children

Flurry of Blows: Shuriken
Attack1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Damage1d2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Attack1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage1d2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Was going to post a readied action to Firebolt if he got any closer, so i'll roll the attack and damage-

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

With Aventi's warning about the sickness, Krenn will ready his shield as well. He scans the crowd for signs of others who bear the same appearance in case they become aggressive too.

Ready action: axe attack on approaching aggressors.

A city full of people immune to social interaction... it's Tapestry's worst nightmare! ;)

Hearing Aventi's warning about the sickness, Tapestry uncoils her whip and snaps it towards the approaching plague-bearer's legs, attempting to trip him...

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Ho hum... another day, another fumble...

"You were warned.." mumbles Althon as he brings his blade down on the man

Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

After the first Shurikan hitting him and the fire he screams out in pain and retreats just as quickly back down the road, screaming and cursing you before he falls to the floor and bleeds out. He lays there bleeding and the area becomes silent once again.

Behind you hear the sound of Hellknight soldiers forming up and all of a sudden there is a rumble from beneith the ground. Luckily you've gone far enough away that the eruption doesn't take you and the giant Otyugh roars, filling the air with a nasty stench of the sewer and covered in filth. Grau moves into position at the back, watching this creature stare at the cart, but the Hellknights get it's attention by charging in it's back and slicing it up with their blades.
"Get out of here! We'll handle this!" comes a voice from one of the Hellknights as you hear the roar of this horrible creature.

Local Knowledge check if you're interested in what it's doing there also I assume you all want to move on rarther than face this thing?

Due to Althon's attack

The blade of Althon decapitate's the man and he falls before he managed to touch him and he continues to bleed, though it's clear that he's beyond saving.

Yeah - I'd say you can't get a clearer 'beyond saving' situation than decapitation! Maybe if we stick the head back on and use lots of tape..? ;)

Yeah - I'd say you can't get a clearer 'beyond saving' situation than decapitation! Maybe if we stick the head back on and use lots of tape..? ;)

Lol and yeah he wouldn't have many hitpoints and the illness drains con so yeah he wouldn't live long and he would've ran anyway. Heh, I'm tempted to get "Decapatatiooooooooooonnnnnn" as from Brutal Legend.

Well struck, Althon! Let's move out and get these kids to shelter. Maybe we can get some word on this chaos as well!

Krenn will stay on foot by the horse, ready to engage anyone that would block their path or molest Morgan. He's not leading the way since he's not sure of the best route, but he is keeping pace.

KN:Local(Otyugh)1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Ok, lets get out of here then as fast as possible. There should be a shortcut nearby so we can reach the temple faster
KN:Local(shortcut)1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

really, challange a giant creature? If I get CR rate for it, hp and willing to try with help of HK´s, I might give it a try :D

KN:Local(Otyugh)1d20+8

Ok, lets get out of here then as fast as possible. There should be a shortcut nearby so we can reach the temple faster
KN:Local(shortcut)1d20+8

really, challange a giant creature? If I get CR rate for it, hp and willing to try with help of HK´s, I might give it a try :D

Looks like you posted the wrong alt Aventi lol. Also It's something in the book that I thought would look exciting, but you're in no immediate danger. The creature is being distracted by the Hellknights that appear to be fairing quite well against it.

Otyugh: You know of these beasts, but not too much since these are abberations and require dungeionerring but you do know that the growls from the sewers are caused by these great beasts. The only reason the water comes out so clear is because these creatures are down there to filter out and devour all the filth. They can eat anything organic or inorganic, but often like to sit on piles of treasure. Whatever has made them act up like this then you're glad you took the road on the surface and not the sewers.

Shortcut: There is a shortcut to the side that you could take, however the main path is still relatively safe just as any part of the city is at this moment. The creature only burst up behind you so it isn't blocking your path and it's attention is focused on the Hellknights.

Fine, fine. So the sewers weren't a great option...

really, challange a giant creature? If I get CR rate for it, hp and willing to try with help of HK´s, I might give it a try :D

Let's get the kids to attack it with their swarmfighting powers! :)

Breathing a sigh of relief that the diseased madman was eliminated before he could threaten them all (not to mention a sigh of relief that no one took a nice enough alignment to care that we killed him...) Tapestry's eyes widen at the sight of the monster from the sewers, and she's glad to follow the knight's advice and get moving as quickly as possible. If the shortcut's big enough to get the cart through without problems, and will really get them to this temple quicker, then Tapestry's all for taking it. Just keep moving!

It should not be so far anymore... just for a while and we can get this done. I will be sprinting forward to see if anything comes up ahead but I am most likely there will be nothing

Avanti will burst off to run motion[ooc]Run: hmm. 4x30=120feet for 1 round. So I will be ahead about ... ah, what does it matter lol. about 300 feet further[/oon] to get further ahead and check everything is okey

Perception1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

At you're look Aventi nothing appears to have stirred, though the town is still in utter chaos and a lot of things are going on, but you feel that it's reletivly safe. Soon enough you arrive at the temple and it seems there was some trouble here too with the scorched earth where vials have been thrown and one or two dead monks, the remaining people don't know what to expect when you come about and prepare their stances.
"Who goes there? More rioters?" one asks who appears to have a fire in his eyes, but is holding back waiting for a explaination. You can still hear the screams in the background of "Hang the Queen!" or "Praise the new Queen!" Respectively.

Tapestry quietly asks for Guidance from her goddess, then steps forwards,

'Not rioters, friend: we bring children seeking shelter from whatever madness has taken this town, and beg your mercy - for them if not for ourselves.'

Diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Edit: Hmmm... I edited this for a typo and the dicebot result changed... didn't know that could happen... it's a bugger 'cos it was a roll of a 19 too... :(

Tapestry quietly asks for Guidance from her goddess, then steps forwards,

'Not rioters, friend: we bring children seeking shelter from whatever madness has taken this town, and beg your mercy - for them if not for ourselves.'

Diplomacy 1d20 + 6

Edit: Hmmm... I edited this for a typo and the dicebot result changed... didn't know that could happen... it's a bugger 'cos it was a roll of a 19 too... :(

Previewed dice rolls aren't the same as submitted ones now. Garys fixing it soon hopefully.

"Indeed. We are not rioters. We humbly ask your assistance in procuring safety for these orphans. We offer our services in any help you may need in return."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8