Grym shows his interest in the Celestial Plate.
Being more of a front line combatant than Ferox, Grym might get better use from the Celestial Plate.The ranger is currently wearing the +3 glamored elf chainmail. He would make trade.
I say Grym should get the Celestial Plate to match his stewardship of Serithiel.
If nobody else wants that Elven Chain... *yoink*
To recap:
Magic item dispensation aside (move that to the Discussion forum?), Morkeleb teleports some of us to Vigil to acquire enough Handy Haversacks/Portable Holes/Sacks to collect and transport all the treasure we've found. No sense leaving it behind for orcs to loot. How many do we need? What is available? Does anyone want to do any shopping there?
After some consideration, Ferox should be interested in securing Scarwall from falling into orc/evil hands. Abadar would want Scarwall to stand as a new bastion of stability and safety in the region. Ferox will want to go to Vigil and help make contacts there that would help in holding Scarwall.
To make sure everyone is on the up and up as we find people to talk to:
To seek out someone in authority who has the means to help:
To persuade that person to aid in securing Scarwall:
If anyone else is helping Ferox, he'll take the aid checks.
Morkeleb will also do a Sending to Vencarlo to inquire about the current state of affairs in Korvosa.
Grym assists Ferox with Sense Motive
This is Gaius's wheelhouse. With due respect to Ferox, he'll make his own inquiries, perhaps focused on less official channels:
Sense Motive:
Diplomacy (Gather Info)
Diplomacy to Persuade:
Odric stays to guard the castle.
Ooc- I concur, keep this castle in human hands. You never know what might come later... the goodwill we get from giving this castle to some good guys could be really valuable later on.
I'll happily change Ferox's rolls to assist rolls. Just no one had posted anything previously in that regard.
I'll happily change Ferox's rolls to assist rolls. Just no one had posted anything previously in that regard.
I wasn't sure Gaius was going to Vigil, but it seems like we're going that way now.
It doesn't take long in Vigil to find a willing ear. Unfortunately that ear can't do much. The Watcher-Lord of Lastwall sends you to one the Precentor Martial for Scouting, a humaned named Keyron Saiville.
The problem is, he explains, is that the Fortress is spread too thinly to spare men and steel. It clearly pains her so, but there's nothing she can do. That's when she gets an idea. Venture-Captain Evni Zongnoss of the Pathfinder Society has some extra hands to lend. Given the history within the castle she'll likely be able to trade first dibs with any knowledge within. Once the society is done, things may have calmed down.
It appears that Keyron truly likes this plan, as it's a win win situation. While supplies are thin in town, resources to fix, mend, and build are plentiful. As a gesture of good will they repair, buff, and etch any gear you'd like, Furthermore they re-grip your weapons in the Crusader style (+1 CMD versus Disarm) and they re-buckle your armor and sheilds (Lessen the armor check penalty by 1 and/or the arcane spell failure by 5%.)
The Venture-Captain gives you a token. Once the castle has been cataloged, they will contact you.
Oooooooo... Define, 'buff' please.
In the context given, I believe he means the "polish" meaning of "buff" here.
Ferox stands up from the cold, stone floor, Serithial in hand, and he approaches his friend sitting across the room. Ferox sits down next to the warrior, their backs resting against the stone wall of Scarwall. The warrior takes his attention away from his faithful companion, Bucho, laying next to him and looks over at Ferox with an inquisitive glance.
Ferox returns the look and presents the sword to Thorgrym.
Grym, I think you should take Serithial. I think you would do right by her will and wield her with courage and distinction. You have proven your mettle countless times. If Abadar has imparted any wisdom to me over the years I have devoted to him, then I can't think of anyone more worthy of this blade. The others may have differing opinions, but I would like you to have her until such a time as another owner is chosen.
The ranger says nothing as he holds the sword Serenthial for many long moments before he speaks. His eyes glance over to The Stout, as if offering the blade to him if he wants it. Yet, with Odric holding onto his beloved Kegerator, the ranger holds the naked blade up. It smoothly reforms from a bastard sword into a lighter long sword. In fact a more astute eye might even think it changed shape to match Grym's long trusted magic dagger.
The ranger's eyes meet everyone in the party and finally he speaks If the group deems me to be the one to weild this blade. I will do so. Let it be held by me for the good of others till my moment is past and the blade is passed on to another more worthy than I. Only the more sharper eared of the group catch a faint oath or perhaps a prayer to Sarunrae that Grym wield the blade in honor.
Ferox stands up from the cold, stone floor, Serithial in hand, and he approaches his friend sitting across the room. Ferox sits down next to the warrior, their backs resting against the stone wall of Scarwall. The warrior takes his attention away from his faithful companion, Bucho, laying next to him and looks over at Ferox with an inquisitive glance.
Ferox returns the look and presents the sword to Thorgrym.
Grym, I think you should take Serithial. I think you would do right by her will and wield her with courage and distinction. You have proven your mettle countless times. If Abadar has imparted any wisdom to me over the years I have devoted to him, then I can't think of anyone more worthy of this blade. The others may have differing opinions, but I would like you to have her until such a time as another owner is chosen.The ranger says nothing as he holds the sword Serenthial for many long moments before he speaks. His eyes glance over to The Stout, as if offering the blade to him if he wants it. Yet, with Odric holding onto his beloved Kegerator, the ranger holds the naked blade up. It smoothly reforms from a bastard sword into a lighter long sword. In fact a more astute eye might even think it changed shape to match Grym's long trusted magic dagger.
The ranger's eyes meet everyone in the party and finally he speaks If the group deems me to be the one to weild this blade. I will do so. Let it be held by me for the good of others till my moment is past and the blade is passed on to another more worthy than I. Only the more sharper eared of the group catch a faint oath or perhaps a prayer to Sarunrae that Grym wield the blade in honor.
Odric takes time while the others are away to practice his swordsmanship. He spends the night rather uneasily, then practices a bit more in the morning. For a solid hour he trains to add an elbow strike to the solar plexus when he strikes a particularly vital area.
(Critical Versatility - sickening critical)
He hopes if the guys get any sweet boons from the people in Vigil that they make a second trip to hook him up. He also hopes Gaius doesn't deflower ALL the maidens.
First day after Scarwall:
* Discussion with Sandor, first thing.
Morkeleb beckons to the dwarf. He's got both recovered staves in front of him.
Sandor, I wanted to share something with you. Know, first, that I am beholden to no man--but it is my wish that you hear this. Of the two staves we recovered here, I have decided to keep and wield the Staff of Necromancy. This is not out of some perverse lust for necromancy power...i actively dislike the school, and find it distasteful in the extreme. When we found the Staff of Conjuration, my immediate instinct was to eschew the Necromancy immediately. But, putting emotion aside, it only makes sense to keep the item that will allow me to fight necromancy more effectively.
You know I specialize in magic to control my enemies' minds--but undead have no mind. This (here he holds up the black staff) gives me more tools that can actually affect undead, tools that I normally do not have.
It is my wish that my friends judge me not harshly for making a difficult decision. In the past, you have done so, and it has wounded me. So, I have two questions for you.
Do you understand whence I come on this issue? And do you believe me??
NEEEEXT...
* recharge staff of Necromancy 1 charge
* Sending to Vencarlo. Morkeleb will share with the group what he plans to say first, in case anyone wants to tweak/add something.
We have the weapon to fight Her. Help us return to Korvosa in secret. Also need intelligence. (that's 17 words, can say 25--any suggestions?)
* Teleport to Vigil with Gaius, Ferox, Grym--and Sandor too?
<--success
<--success
While in Vigil, I'll ask Keyron We have another companion who would surely benefit from the fine maintenance you have performed on our arms. May I return with him, later today or tomorrow, so he may also avail himself? (if so, i'll try today, using 6th level slots)
<--success (but kinda close...)
<--success
Also, while in Vigil, is there someone who can/would enchant the Staff of Necromancy? I want to make it +1 Guardian (just like my current staff--or +2 if I can afford it after our loot is divided). I'm thinking that the return trip may be long enough to account for that time--and I'm thinking we may actually want to hump it for part of the trip, to visit with the Shoanti and others, no?
I'll have to do the Bond a New Item ritual after it's done being crafted.
First thing on Day 2 I'll use the Harrow deck to cast Identify and look carefully at the circlet of skeleton command, now that the castle is Kaputski. Also, take a look at the area we found the spirit/guy who demanded a guardian, and see if that situation still holds.
Current Date: 31 Lamashan 4715
First day after Scarwall:
* Discussion with Sandor, first thing.
Morkeleb beckons to the dwarf. He's got both recovered staves in front of him.
Sandor, I wanted to share something with you. Know, first, that I am beholden to no man--but it is my wish that you hear this. Of the two staves we recovered here, I have decided to keep and wield the Staff of Necromancy. This is not out of some perverse lust for necromancy power...i actively dislike the school, and find it distasteful in the extreme. When we found the Staff of Conjuration, my immediate instinct was to eschew the Necromancy immediately. But, putting emotion aside, it only makes sense to keep the item that will allow me to fight necromancy more effectively.
You know I specialize in magic to control my enemies' minds--but undead have no mind. This (here he holds up the black staff) gives me more tools that can actually affect undead, tools that I normally do not have.
It is my wish that my friends judge me not harshly for making a difficult decision. In the past, you have done so, and it has wounded me. So, I have two questions for you.
Do you understand whence I come on this issue? And do you believe me??
Could you be any more melodramatic about this?
Current Date: 31 Lamashan 4715
So we'll be reaching out to Vencarlo on that date?
Could you be any more melodramatic about this?
As he normally does, Sandor takes a moment to consider his response.
Morkelb I do belive you, and I will say again I'm sorry that I had hurt your feelings. My opinions came from a lack of understanding of your magic and abilities. I still don't claim to understand what or how you do what you do, but I will say as a man I respect and trust your judgement. But don't think for an instant that if I see you or anyone else falling towards a darker path that I will hold my tongue. I would expect the same of you all to me.
Now how do I get the magic of that great sword into my axe?
Is Odric fully healed and repaired etc? Strength damage and all?
Ferox cast Restoration on him. So, the Str damage should be cured. And between Ferox and Gaius, everyone should be at full hit points, considering the amount of time we have to play with.
DM Requested Diplomacy (Gather Information) Roll:
Fuuuuuuuuuuu....
DM Requested
Ha ha ha!
You can share with the others if inclined:
As you spend time in Vigil, your renown has spread enough that a few locals point you towards Berdred’s Armory.
“You need the best, thickest armor you can handle to keep the world’s monsters and beasts out of your innards. But good armor is just the start. Monsters are crafty. They’ll be under your skin or burrowing into your mind before you know it."
The place is incredible. Clearly meant for the wealthiest adventurers in the land, the work is EXQUISITE. Berdred’s Armory is a thick-walled, single-story building in the crusader city of Vigil, and previously served as a garrison. The inside is a stif ling affair comprising numerous forges, anvil stations, and quenching pools. Berdred is a well muscled human woman with soot-stained brown hair and a strong jaw.
She has wares that would make a cavalier drool. She only does custom work, but the more you buy, the deeper the discount. She's also a master at wearing armor, and can train people in techniques you'd lever learn elsewhere.
At the moment she has 25,000 worth of goods (any armor, material and upgrades you want.)
Sandor is in vigil too
Sandor could have been with them to make the roll too. (Plus it's right up Sandor's alley.)
Gaius, She's to tall for a Dwarven woman, but her WARES are exquisite Sandor exclaims as he runs his hand over a breast plate.
He turns his head towards Berdread, forgetting to remove his hand from the breast plate. I bet it was glorious the pounding you gave this one.
Sandor started to say more, but Gaius tapped the suddenly chatty dwarf on the shoulder to ask him a question.
Gaius absorbs the tail end of Sandor's sentences and surmises that the dwarf is pent up and requires some therapeutic release. And he's asking for my assistance--excellent!
Sense Motive to see if Berdread may be physically attracted to Sandor. My Mod is 27. If I can take 10 I will.
I want to use that read to inform a diplomacy check to make Sandor look good, like he's quality goods, and present him as an option to Berdread and see if she's inclined to agree.
Diplomacy is 14
The Diplomacy was simply to FIND her. Now that you have, there's only one thing that matters. Commerce.
The Diplomacy was simply to FIND her. Now that you have, there's only one thing that matters. Commerce.
She's particularly impressed by people who already have descerning tastes, like Adamantine. Anyone with adamantine armor or shields already gain a 5% discount (making her prices currently 115%.)
She also has some unique items for sale.
And since your deeds have spread, she points out one of her favorite things to do: this enchantment
When we are figuring out how much is available, I would like the Mindbutressing enchant on my armor with and additional +1 to it. I would also like to get the ability to Enlarge myself be it by potion, ring, amulet, tattoo,
Mind buttressing is a NICE enchantment
Buy some Enlarge scrolls; I'll carry & cast for ya. Or buy the stuff and I'll scribe for ya. 12.5 gp a pop
Misstress Berdred I was wonderin if ya might indulge me a bit. Me friends will be needin several days here in the city 'n I be wonderin if ya would entertain the idea of lettin a Dwarven Mastersmith work with ya while they are handlin their buisness? It sure would be good ta be swingin a hammer makin something rather than destroyin it for awhile.
On with the farging heroism!!
After 5 days of recuperation, transport of money & goods, and a few other odds and ends , Morkeleb alerts his friends during their morning meal.
I'm ready to contact Vencarlo via magical means. I'll alert him that we have the weapon, and we're on our way back to Korvosa--that we'll need assistance getting into the city quietly, and we'll need intel. Any other thoughts--keeping in mind I have a 25 word limit per casting of Sending?
Assuming no other suggestions come, Morkeleb casts his spell. He says his message out loud.
Cast Sending. Target: Vencarlo.
We have a weapon, we can defeat her. Need help returning to Korvosa secretly. Also need intel. Meet when and where?
The reply is less than exciting and mildly enigmatic, "Busy. Will contact tonight. SLEEP WELL."
The Curse of the Crimson Throne
Part VI
The final night of the month of Lamashan is cool. In their comfortable inn beds the party uses the extra blanket to stay warm. Sleep is welcomed, and there is little carousing before bed.
You dream easily and vividly. Despite your normal activities, the dreamland delivers you to the fencing salle of Vencarlo himself. You're dressed in the fencing gear of a beginner and the Master is preparing to introduce the day's activities.
What he says though doesn't seem to match the occasion,
“Greetings! I’ve secured the aid of one of Janderhoff’s sellspells to contact you in this manner, for things grow dire in Korvosa. Ileosa’s control over the city has grown, and now she holds all of Korvosa in a vice of martial law. Cressida’s left the Guard— she’s gone underground to serve as the leader for a group of rebels based in the catacombs under Gray District. While she’s gathered a sizable force, it alone is not enough to dethrone Ileosa. We must return at once; with Neolandus at our side, and your strength and skill and, hopefully, that magic sword you went looking for, Cressida and I believe we’ll be able to ignite another attempt at rebellion. This should give you just the opportunity you need to storm Castle Korvosa and confront the usurper queen, don’t you think? "
“In any event, Neolandus and I are returning to Korvosa at once. We have secured potions of invisibility and flying—we’re planning on slipping over the southern wall into Gray District at night and meeting Cressida at the Grand Cathedral of Pharasma. Bishop d’Bear is an ally. I strongly urge you to do the same—once we are all in place back inside the city walls, we can only prevail! Contact me or Cressida if you can, but if you cannot, I hope to see you in Korvosa soon.”
Bishop d’Bear isn't someone you've interacted with, but:
Bishop Keppira d'Bear is the Pharasmin high priest of the Varisian city of Korvosa.[1] She resides within the Grand Cathedral of Pharasma, in the city's Gray district.
[ooc](but no item crafting, correct?
No, I was hoping you would begin the boots of flying. Looks like they will be especially useful too, after Vencarlo's message.
While the potions of invisibility would be good, why don't we just bamf there when we get close enough? I know for certain we know the city well enough to have many locations to appear in. I probably wouldn't suggest any one of our houses since they are probably being watched, but what about the under catacombs where we found the Necromancy stuff.
Local:
Yay!
I forgot to say share spoiler with everyone
So heroes, it's a LONG overland? travel. The question is, where are you going, and how do you get there?
Once there, what do you do?
The Diplomacy was simply to FIND her. Now that you have, there's only one thing that matters. Commerce.
She's particularly impressed by people who already have descerning tastes, like Adamantine. Anyone with adamantine armor or shields already gain a 5% discount (making her prices currently 115%.)
She also has some unique items for sale.
And since your deeds have spread, she points out one of her favorite things to do: this enchantment
Does purchasing one of the special items listed count against the 25K limit? I assume not, right?