DM Aron Marczylo's Curse of the Crimson Throne Part 2 (Inactive)

Game Master overfiend_87

As you open the coffer with a little effort you find a collection of ledgers, invoices and the deed to the ship named the Direption, all noted as "B7", titling one "R. Davaulus" with ownership of the ship and a cargo noted only as "specimens."

These papers are clearly very incriminating and the Field Marshall looks taken aback at this this revelation.

"This is damning evidence, but I will need time before making an arrest. I've seen paperwork like this." she seems to leer at the deed. "I've found many forgeries out of the company mentioned here. It's a dummy name. For now I'll keep a much closer eye on the doctor and his assistants. I have recently recieved a disturbing report." seeing this as a perfect oppitunity to hide the evidence away, casting a suspecious eye at the door to her office.

Turning back to the group she reads off one of her reports.
"One of the most disturbing reports I have found is one converning Racker's Alley. People have reported that some of the lazier plague carters aren't delivering their bodies to the gray district as ordered, but are merely dumping them in the alley. If this report is true then I am disgusted with such treatment of the dead and will punish those responsible. I will need you all to investigate this when you can." she puts that report down and takes another suspecious look at the door.

"The queen's orders are to not mess with the Doctors, but I feel this evidence is heavy enough for me to act if you so wish. I will need your assistance if he attempts to make a run for it or his men try to protect him." she sighs as she looks to her swordbelt, making sure it's secure "The most I can do now is hold him in a cell until the end of my investigation over these papers, which will take some time as I cannot research legitimately, but I have a few sources who can confirm my suspecions of the deed. If these suspecions are confirmed then we are dealing with something far worse than the doctor and his lackys."

"If I might suggest, do not arrest the 'good'doctor just yet. If he has compatriots arrestinf him too early they may go to ground and we would never be able to track them down. Place someone you trust to surreptitiously keep an eye on him and find out who he has contact with. Then we can round up all the conspiritors in one fell swoop."

"If I might suggest, do not arrest the 'good'doctor just yet. If he has compatriots arrestinf him too early they may go to ground and we would never be able to track them down. Place someone you trust to surreptitiously keep an eye on him and find out who he has contact with. Then we can round up all the conspiritors in one fell swoop."

"That's what I was hoping you'd say. The last thing I want to do in a time like this is let those responsable know I'm on to them." she smiles as she looks over the group. "I hope the payment I gave you for those potions is all the reward you require, but what you have brought me is invaluable. I will make sure all my men treat you all with great respect. I'll find someone to spy on this doctor."

Do you believe this report in Racker's Ally can wait until tomorrow? I have used much of my power today, and am somewhat drained.

I concur. A good night's rest should help we recoup from those shark bites. The healing magic of Curnach and Arianna mended most of the wounds, but the areas are still distractingly sore.

Do you believe this report in Racker's Ally can wait until tomorrow? I have used much of my power today, and am somewhat drained.

"Certainly, I would perfer you all be at 100% before tackling this as you have proven things have not been what they seem." she nods understandingly as she had no problem letting you all rest for a day.

Anyone claiming either of these? Jerin can you confirm either way on the bracers in particular?

+1 shortspear

bracers of armour +2

Spells prepped for tomorrow.

Krenn will pass on both items.

Before retiring for the night, Krenn will ask Curnach Do you have any salves or anything I can put on these wounds? Even though they are closed over, they're still paining me and I'm concerned they may re-open under exertion.

Krenn is at 33 of 45. Resting overnight will take him up to 37, or 41 with a successful healing skill assist.

Jerin has no interest in the bracers.

Arianna's player has said he has no interest in either items, so selling it is.

Krenn as I mentioned earlier in the thread, consider yourself healed of 11HP irrelevant of overnight sleeping (I heal 11HP when using Guidance, two healers kit uses and take 10 on heal). If he still needs healing after that Curnach can provide overnight care for an additionl 10.

787 gold pieces, 7 silver, 5 copper each.

Thank you. Let me know if you want Krenn to buy replacement healing kits at any time.

I still have 26 uses so not anytime soon.

Over the night you notice the city is getting more and more quiet as people remain inside to avoid infection.

This morning none of you have been infected with the deadly blood veil, however Thendra appears to have grown a rash on her neck with a few small pustules.

Both Racker's Alley where Cressida says some plague cart pushers have dumped bodies down there or Ishani wanting you to investigate Vendra's perfumery as she claims to have a cure for blood veil for the right price.

Krenn is subdued the next morning, spotting the rash on Thendra. He'll discreetly as Curnach Is there something you can do to help with this plague on someone? he asks, nodding in Thendra's direction.

How long does it take from symptoms showing to death?

Krenn is subdued the next morning, spotting the rash on Thendra. He'll discreetly as Curnach Is there something you can do to help with this plague on someone? he asks, nodding in Thendra's direction.

How long does it take from symptoms showing to death?

Well when you found Brianna she was meant to have had contracted the illness for quite a few days before she was at death's door when you guys arrived.

The next morning we will head down to Racker's Alley. If none of us are sure where exactly the alley is, we'll check with Thendra before we go.

When we get close, Krenn will raise a hand to the others.

Wait here while I get a closer look. No insult intended, but my dwarven blood gives me a better chance to resist the plague if the rumors are true about what the alley holds.

With that, Krenn will creep up closer to the spot.

Jerin will cast his mage armor since it lasts 5 hours, but since we are just going to an ally in the city he doesn't bother with any other spells.

Racker's Alley

The alley is deathly silent and due to the surrounding tall buildings is enternally dark. Krenn can see into the darkness and see that there is a dead body dragged there and leaking blood on the floor.

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Krenn returns from scouting and talks to the others.

It is quiet and dark down there. I can see where some bodies have been dragged and bled there. I also saw a hole further back, but it is circled by bodies that look plague ridden. It looks big enough to climb down, but going over the bodies is certain to expose us.

Krenn leans in closer and adds. I saw something rather odd. The bodies had marking wounds on the necks and wrists. Krenn spreads two fingers and points at his own neck, showing the spacing of the wounds. Twin punctures, like this. I think there's something more than plague going on here.

When Krenn mentions the twin puncture marks, Jerin begins to think about what could be causing them.
Take a 10 on knowledge checks, Aron, can he summise anything from the description, my minimum check is a 20 or higher depending upon the knowledge check.

Yes it certainly sounds like we should be cautious. If there is something down there, you should probably let me summon something in to try and draw it out, an archon should do nicely, what do you think? Curnach, did you want to summon something in as well to accompany it

When we get ready to go down Jerin will cast his extended shield and have his wand out.

If we decide to go down, we should either have me pull aside enough bodies for the rest of you to pass with less risk, or have a summoned creature do the moving for us.

Do we still have the mask from the sunken ship? Then there would be no risk

Do we still have the mask from the sunken ship? Then there would be no risk

If you wanted to keep it I'm sure the field marshall would allow you too as the documents are far more incriminating.

You know is most likely the work of Vampire Spawn. I have never seen one, but from what you describe they would be more likely to be here than a real vampire, probably something about how dirty it is or some such. Now from what I have read about them they are hurt by silver weapons, still have the ability to heal their wounds unnaturally quickly, they recoil from mirrors, holy items, and the smell of garlic. Like a real vampire they shun the light and when sun light touches them it can destroy them.

Like their vampire masters they have the power to take over a person's mind and force them to their bidding, but being weaker minions of vampires their power of their mind control is not as powerful as the true master that spawned them. Very glad this is most likely NOT the work of a true vampire. Yes we should start with some summons and also I have a couple of scrolls of protection from evil we should use to help ward against the mind control. My scrolls won't last long so we need to move quickly once I cast them to locate the spawn and them eliminate them.

Will cast shield, extended on myself 10m. Protection from evil on myself from bonded item 5m. Cast protection from evil on Krenn and Arianna from scrolls last. It will only last 1 minute though. Suggest we then both cast summons and then send them 1 round ahead of us into the ally to start moving the bodies.

Krenn is subdued the next morning, spotting the rash on Thendra. He'll discreetly as Curnach Is there something you can do to help with this plague on someone? he asks, nodding in Thendra's direction.

How long does it take from symptoms showing to death?

Sorry, busy day yesterday. Attempt at a catch up.

Curnach is silent for quite some time, and then nods.

I can do what I can to aid her, but her body still needs to fight the infection on its own. I do have an experimental treatment though... he mutters as he places the Plaguebringers mask on Thendra.

Wear this for the day Thendra, and tell me if you feel any better this evening.

Later...

I have prepared only potent summonings this day Jerin; I would rather conserve them for when battle is joined.

MAP

More of the map exposed as Krenn said he would walk down a bit. As you can see a pile of dead bodies covers the hole on the side there. Krenn can just about see what appears to be a coffin which looks out of place as the shop outside the front displays toys.

ammended MAP

For some reason I forgot to add Krenn's darkvision. So there you go, a lot more dead.

As said above, Krenn can see what looks clearly like a coffin with the top closed. You'll have to climb over the dead bodies to get inside and get a better look in the area.

ammended MAP

For some reason I forgot to add Krenn's darkvision. So there you go, a lot more dead.

As said above, Krenn can see what looks clearly like a coffin with the top closed. You'll have to climb over the dead bodies to get inside and get a better look in the area.

Krenn, could you possibly move the bodies for us? As you have said you are a lot more hardy than the rest of us.

Change of plan, if Krenn agrees I will cast the protection from evil from my bonded item on Krenn and then wait in the other two until the way is clear. Shield is still cast.

Krenn will move forward again and start moving bodies. He will start by wrapping a cloth around his mouth and nose before replacing his helmet. If nothing interrupts him, once he's done he'll go back about 15 or 20' and keep some distance from the others.

Krenn isn't going to react to the visible figure on the map in the building?

Krenn isn't going to react to the visible figure on the map in the building?

I didn't see him mentioned anywhere in Aron's descriptions, so I was assuming he wasn't visible to Krenn yet.

Should've clarified this. It's actually meant to be a representation of the coffin that can be seen. Currently it's shut so you don't see any movement and from knowledge of these creature you'd all know that normal vampires sleep in coffins during the day so do their vampire spawn. All you see is a single coffin at the moment, though you have no idea how it would've fit through the hole in the wall.

So based on Jerin's comments, Krenn knows the coffin is almost certainly a threat, but does not yet see a foe. He keeps an eye toward it, but continues to clear bodies until their is a safe path for his companions.

As Krenn moves the bodies there is the imminent possibility of exposure to the illness as Curnach knows it can be passed via injury or touch.

Once you have the bodies out of there way you can hear the creek of boards and a sudden blood curdling scream as Krenn looks inside the shop one has woken up and just alerted the others with the scream.

Round 1

Group Initiative:

Curnach Daveck: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Jerinthian Kos: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Arianna Rothschild: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Krenn Whetstone: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Order:
Vampire Spawn
Krenn Whetstone
Curnach Daveck
Arianna Rothschild
Jerinthian Kos

MAP

The vampire spent it's time getting up and shrieking to alert what sounds like the movement of a few other creatures in there, uncluding one other vampire spawn directly behind that one. All of the creatures inside are most likely standing now.

Over to you

Krenn, just keep in mind you have prot from evil on you so +2 deflection vs. evil creature attacks as well as +2 resistance vs. saves. Also grant you a second save with an additonal +2 morale bonus vs. charm/compulsions if you fail the first one.

Krenn, stay where you are so we cab make a bottle neck where we can set up summons to block them in...

Krenn, just keep in mind you have prot from evil on you so +2 deflection vs. evil creature attacks as well as +2 resistance vs. saves. Also grant you a second save with an additonal +2 morale bonus vs. charm/compulsions if you fail the first one.

Krenn, stay where you are so we cab make a bottle neck where we can set up summons to block them in...

I'm going to have to call you the bottle neck group and Krenn will simply be renamed "The Dwarven Wall" since that's accurate :P

Round 1 Action-

This assumes Krenn doesn't venture too far; I will not be fireballing him on my action...

Curnach moves three squares to the south, spontaneously swapping his Spike Growth spell for Fireball, hurling one into the room and landing it at the south-east intersection of the square between the two spawn.

5d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 4, 5) = 22 DC19 for half, fire damage

Arianna will begin to sing a rousing song of knights of old and feats of derring-do (Insipre Courage +2) and then will move up behind 'The Cork', err...Krenn.

You here shrieking as the creatures inside all writh in pain and Krenn gets a front row seat at seeing two of them take the full blast from the fire and from the sounds of it a few others did too.

Various badly carved wooden dolls and toys get set on fire from the explosion of the fireball as well as a stuffed Auroch.

Yes... Burn, Lamm... Burn you bastards...

Seeing the flames start gives Arianna an idea, she whispers to Krenn "When I say 'Fireworks', close your eyes for a few seconds."

I'm going to have to call you the bottle neck group and Krenn will simply be renamed "The Dwarven Wall" since that's accurate :P

Just wait until he gets the Stand Still feat!

Krenn readies his shield and his axe. He will step forward one square toward the hole to better restrict movement through it.

If I roll damage like that again you won't even need the pyrotechnics Arianna i'm sure... Fireball two, incooooomiiiiiiiing...

If I roll damage like that again you won't even need the pyrotechnics Arianna i'm sure... Fireball two, incooooomiiiiiiiing...

Spoilsport, I wanna play with my new spells too!

Round 2

Order:
Vampire Spawn
Krenn Whetstone
Curnach Daveck
Arianna Rothschild
Jerinthian Kos

The vampiric spawn's wounds appear to start mending themselves before moving over to the hole to attack Krenn. The first spawn that comes around the corner leers at Krenn and points at him, speaking in a Ustalavian accent.
"Dwarf, kill that pretty little friend of yours behind you." he hisses the last part, revealing two needle point fangs, however the ability doesn't touch Krenn's mind and fails utterly due to the ward on him.

The others hiss as they just realised their ability to control his mind has been rendered useless.

Another vampire spawn points at Curnach and says in another strong Ustalavian accent.
"Kill the Dwarf, youngling." however his voice does not appear to take control of the strong willed Curnach.

Curnach's Will vs DC 14
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

The last one that can see the group clearly enough points at Arianna and speaks with the same hypnotic eyes and luring voice.
"Come to me, my dear. Come to your master." the inviting voice almost seems too much, however the spell is still up and she is immune to the vampire spawn's power.

MAP

Spoilsport, I wanna play with my new spells too!

In any other encounter I think i'd not use so much oomph in one fight... But Krenn's negative level free body will thank me.

Immolate... Consume... Burn! Curnach continues to hiss as he conjures another powerful fireball, centering it on the SE corner of -A7 as before.

5d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 2, 2, 2) = 15 DC19 for 7 rather than 14.

I don't think I'll need to wait for Krenn to act before Curnach as it'll be the same ending :p

MAP

The boom of the fireball once more envelopes the room and burns the flesh from the vampire spawn, screeching as they burst into a gasous forms which move off as if a strong wind was blowing them all back into the workshop in different directions.

There are 4 coffins in here indicated by the tokens, all appear old and sturdy made where when the vampires were hit with the second fireball they turned into a gasous vapour and retreated to these coffins.

On the floor appears to be a dead man who has now being burnt from magical fire. There are either puncture wounds up and down his neck, revealing that he has been drained of blood and there is a ring with small keys on his person.

There's a door that leads into the front shop but it appears to have been shut for some time.

Fires still dancing in his eyes, Curnach looks to the others.

What do we do with them now?

Fires still dancing in his eyes, Curnach looks to the others.

What do we do with them now?

Muttering under his breath, Krenn says Learn from their example and not piss you off.