GM Arkwright's Curse of the Trimmed Sky

Game Master Arkwright

I believe the typical Abadar judgement here would be hold him while you get people to start making a case but alright.

Haldern? Daniel?

I have no interest in picking a fight with him at this point, however if the others do I will back them. I'm not certain if what he says about his exile is the law of the land here but I'm willing to let him get away with it.

Sorry for the delay, Holidays got in the way :-)

"I'm sorry, but we can't let you just decide your own punishment. You must face justice. If the court feels the way you do then perhaps they will allow you to seek redemption. But it is not YOUR decision to make.

Please, come with us peacefully. I'd really prefer not having to hurt you"

On the off chance
diplomacy: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (9) + 25 = 34

Thorbjorn hesitates; arcane ripples pulse around his hands as he considers summoning his magics.

"...what will you do next?"

"If my father's soul is not at rest, it must be put so. I cannot do so, whether I leave or stay. Will you search into this matter, put his soul at rest?"

"If you will... I will surrender."

Daniel looks at the man and replies "We can not let such a evil force to walk the lands. He released a dragon, who knows what else he will do. Am I not right Haldren?"

I guess I didn't have to zap him then?

"You are correct, Daniel," says Kenjakana with a sigh. "If Hela's survival is only dependent on her skill, then I suppose our next step should be to investigate why Sveinn ended up a dybbuk instead of a... ghost or something. While you can usually just destroy them, some undead have weird clauses for putting them to rest for good."

Given that she got a good roll for recognizing dybbuks, does Kenja know how to put them to rest for good?

"Certainly I will help to put your fathers soul at rest and to stop the evil it is currently doing. You have my word on it"

Ganorok gives a wide smile.
"Yes! No need to fight! We can help each other."

Since this is a GM-fiat dybbuk rather than a ritual-as-per-page-whatever-of-Ultimate-Magic dybbuk, putting him to rest will probably involve discovering more plot and story as opposed to mucking around with a few holy symbols and some blessed water.

Thorbjorn hesitates, then slowly nods, relaxing his posture. He hands over his mask with a solemn air.

So, back to the city I guess. Any particular travel method you're all wanting to use, or just leg it?

Assuming "leg it" means "wing it" then that is fine with me. Also fine with using some better method if somebody wants.

We DO loot the Dragon Treasure first, of course :-)

If someone gets in the Portable Hole for a couple of rounds, then Kenjakana can teleport everyone to just outside the city (or wherever those wards will let her) via Greater Teleport.

Greater Teleport works.

Also, everyone, in addition to this being an adventure I'm writing from scratch, you've also quite successfully hopped off the rails/my intended direction plan. Don't worry too much, no need to suddenly turn around, just please give me a touch more leeway with regard to versimilitude and awkward updates.

Thorbjorn volunteers to get in the sack, which he does with as much majesty as possible.

With a sharp flash, you arrive outside the city of Kalsgard. At the presence of a teleport, the sigils engraved on the wall flare protectively, quickly dying down as it emerges outside the wards.

A small alarm goes up, a few guards turn their heads- a still smaller number among them recognize you and Thorbjorn and the alarm is dispersed.

Happy to skip over some of necessary bits. Talking your way past the guards, talking Thorbjorn into custody. Can jump to whoever you want to talk to.

I say we go confront Bartholm. He seems to be the only lead we have into the greater conspiracy.

Alright, let's see.

There's a quiet clamor as you make your entrance to the city and do your duty. The guards are initially sceptical, then surprised, then default to simple routine as you hand Thorbjorn into custody. The scarred northman goes quietly, with as much nobility as he can muster.

The town is swiftly distracted, firstly by the return of a failed and apparently criminal Linnorm King, and second by rampant speculation of Hela's chances or success and her qualities as a potential Linnorm King, and the pondering of if she fails, how long Kalsgard can continue without a ruler.

Having brought in one of the presumptive heirs to the kingdom, the palace seems a little unsure how to treat you, but eventually, your request is granted. You find yourself in a small, taldane-style waiting room, though with a norse bent. Great logs make up the walls as through a half-frosted window you look out over the capital. A wolfskin rug covers most of the floor, with a few mounted heads of bears and great elk studding the walls. An exotic clock carefuly ticks away the hour.

In ten minutes or so, Bartholm, the palace's head butler, will arrive.

Any preparations?

Ganorok uses a charge of his Wand of Heightened Awareness (+2 Perception and Knowledge). The he tries to remember the most "correct" way to start the meeting, telling the others whatever he remembers..
Knowledge (Nobility) +2 HA -2 NL: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 14

"Hopefully we won't have a fight here, I don't relish that in their palace but we may have to arrest him as well for his complicity in the kings death."

No preparation but I will use discern lies while he speaks and detect evil when he comes in. I will check for evil in the room before he comes in and that way will know immediately if he's evil when I use it, rather than waiting 3 rounds unless others stay in the room as well then I'll have to wait.

[/ooc]Understood, Daniel.
Everyone else, list your prep.[/ooc]

Ganorork's memory fails him a little; but he knows that as Bartholm is a 'mere' butler he should be demonstrably subserviant to you, though he does occupy a high position among the serving staff.

Eventually, there is a deeply polite knock at the door. After a word, a man enters. He is dressed in dour black, the single point of ornamentation being an intricate silver brooch of two eagle wings pressed together. His hair is grey and rapidly balding, and his face's fatness nearly hides his elderly wrinkles.

He bows his head slightly. "Good afternoon, sirs, lady. What can I do for you?"

Daniel, he does not detect as evil.

Heroism, Heightened Awareness, and Tears to Wine.

Before saying anything herself, Kenjakana waits for the more well-spoken Sir Haldern to start.

Haldern?

Sorry. Would cast Honeyed Tongue on myself but that is it.

Haldern, we're past prep and into the actual encounter. We need you to talk to Bartholm.

Nobody else is talking so I will. If they wanted subtlety somebody else would have spoken up before this

"We have been talking to Thorbjorn about the death of his father, and he has an interesting tale to tell.

What do you say to these accusations? Accusations made by a man with no reason to lie."

sense motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15 On his answer. Not that I really expect to catch him in a lie :-(

The man shakes his head firmly. "That is horrifying to think he could be such a traitor... but he is merely proving his treason by seeking to spread it around loyal servants. I had nothing to do with King Sveinn's murders, however much Thorbjorn lies."

To Haldern he seems sincere, but he knows he is not the most perceptive of people.

Haldern ... knows he is not the most perceptive of people.

Hey, I resemble that remark!

Sense Motive (ToW, Heroism): 1d20 + 15 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 15 + 10 + 2 = 29

Hmm... I don't know why Thorbjorn would accept responsibility, turn himself in, and randomly blame someone else. Maybe if we keep this guy talking...

"It's King Blood-Eagle's death that we find... strange. Strangling someone to death isn't exactly easy, and Thorbjorn said his father was conscious enough to struggle and fight back for a time. I know that King Blood-Eagle was getting up there in years, and Thorbjorn might've had some magic to buff up his physical strength, but unless that drug could drop a dragon, we're still talking about a guy who killed a Linnorm by himself and then held his throne against multiple upstarts for years. King Blood-Eagle surely must've still been able to project some kind of strength until very recently, right? Was he ill or something?"

Ganorok hears the man, trying to detect falsehood in his words.
Sense Motive (-2 NL): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28

He bows his head slowly. "Old age comes for us all, my lady; that he had even the strength to struggle against a virile son at his age is perhaps better testament to his youthful prowess. While he projected a strong image, in privacy his strength was sapped and his body weak from age. It is a tragedy for us all that he was unable to hold on long enough to find a successor... before his son, took him."

Studying the man, Ganorok and Kenjakana find him a little unreadable; his face full of subtle gestures, happinesses and sorrows as he seems to convey nothing but honest reverence.

Each opposing Bluff check allows a new Sense Motive roll, so here's take two.

Before Kenjakana says anything else, she attempts to really study Bartholm for even the slightest hint of lying.

Again, she thinks it odd that Thorbjorn would willing confess to killing his old man and then turn himself in for whatever punish fates sees fits... while also trying to throw someone else under the proverbial mammoth. Granted, Thorbjorn could just be incredibly petty, but in light of everything else she knows, Kenjakana finds it more likely that he is just trying to make sure that justice is properly served for all involved.

Sense Motive Sense Motive (TtW, Heroism): 1d20 + 15 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 15 + 10 + 2 = 42

Way to go Kenjakana!

"And you would, of course, be willing to verify what you are saying under magic?"

Kenja, since your sense motive was pre-emptive, anticipating him speaking, you do not get to roll again for what he said. But since you get to roll again for his next response, can just use that roll.

Bartholm winces, a looks a little aggrieved. "...subjecting members of the royal household to such crude divinations is.... not usually done. Members such as myself are often privy to secret, and deeply personal secrets, which for decorum should not be revealed."

1d20 ⇒ 19

Once more, to Kenja, he is unreadable.

"What exactly did you tell the Prince regarding the King? Maybe there is a misinterpretation going on."

Did the discern lies give any information? Here are my sense motives for the last few statements to go along with the discern lies

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (15) + 31 = 46
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (15) + 31 = 46

Ah, discern lies, let me see.

1d20 ⇒ 14
1d20 ⇒ 14

Daniel similarly finds him inscrutable, and is unable to detect any deceit with his spell.

"The prince? Well, he occasionally voiced his discontent about the king and his role. I counselled patience, that his elderly father would soon pass, and the people would see that the mantle of leadership should fall toward him."

As Daniel studies the man, he says "So did you say anything about the shame the King brought on or the dishonor he brought his Kingdom by not moving on?"

"I do not intend to go on a fishing expedition with magical detection of lies. You have been accused by another member of the Royal Household and denied specific allegations. We will ask you only about those specific allegations.

Now, do you agree to this or not? If you don't, you leave us little choice but to conclude that you are lying to us"

"Shame? It is no place for a member of the household to judge the King; certainly not outside of his private chambers."

He grimaces, and nods. "...oh, very well then."

What divinations do we intend to us?

Well Kenja, as you're the caster here, I imagine that's up to you. Unless you'd like to send for Senna for a diviner.

Kenjakana contemplates the situation. After a while, she rolls up her sleeve, bites her hand, and then casts a spell.

Casting Blood Money to fund a Limited Wish, which mimics Commune. As Limited Wish only takes a standard action, Kenjakana should start getting the information over the course of two minutes. Kenjakana will try to ask a deity like Iomedae or Sarenrae for the information since they're all big about justice.

Question 1: Is Bartholm guilty of assisting in the murder of King Blood-Eagle?

Question 2: Was Thorbjorn telling us the truth about the circumstances of his father's death?

Question 3: Is Bartholm lying to us?

Question 4: Does Bartholm have any responsibility in the death of King Blood-Eagle?

Question 5: Did Bartholm convince Thorbjorn to murder his father?

Question 6: Was King-Eagle poisoned?

Question 7: When he was being killed, was King-Eagle weakened by poison?

Question 8: Is Bartholm telling us the truth?

Question 9: Did someone else help Thorbjorn kill King-Blood Eagle?

Question 10: Did anyone in the castle staff help Thorbjorn kill King-Blood Eagle?

Question 11: Is Bartholm concealing something from us that would get him tried for or found guilty of treason?

Question 12: Is Bartholm more powerful than he appears?

Question 13: Has Bartholm been fooling Daniel's Discern Lies spell?

Question 14: Besides Bartholm and Thorbjorn, is there anyone else involved in the murder of King Blood-Eagle?

Question 15: Is Bartholm deceiving us?

Question 16: Did Thorbjorn act alone when he murdered his father?

Easy and straightforward questions. If she gets a bunch of blanks/unknowns, then even that is pretty telling.

Kenja, seems that you have to ask for your own deity, or a 'philosophically allied' deity. With all that in mind, I'm going to use the anonymous First World entity from your backstory.

1. Yes
2. Unclear
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Unclear
6. Unclear
7. Unclear
8. No
9. Yes
10. Yes
11. Yes
12. Yes
13. Yes
14. Yes
15. Yes
16. Unclear

I swear that's like three different versions of 'is Bartholm lying'

Bartholm stares cooly at you.

That works. Kenjakana generally aligns with Sir Haldern in terms of beliefs on morality and such, so that's why I thought Iomedae or Sarenrae would be good fits.

Asking the same basic question with different wording was intentional. Kenjakana want to get the most out of her spell, and she wanted to be absolutely certain that she's making the right choice.

After receiving her answers, Kenjakana glares at Bartholm and says, "I have it on good authority that you're lying to us, Bartholm. Given the circumstances, I sincerely doubt that two very different and fairly credible sources confirming your guilt would be wrong."

Kenjakana glances at Sir Haldern and says, "I used a Commune spell, and Bartholm's guilt in this murder was clearly established. He's also more powerful than he looks. It also seems that there are even more people involved than him and Thorbjorn."

Ganorok stands at attention at the word "guilty", and tries to quietly move to the shadows, moving behind one of his bigger allies to get cover...
Stealth Check: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (16) + 29 = 45

What is the legal situation at this point? Does my character feel legally justified in arresting Barholm. I strongly suspect the answer is no but checking never hurts :-)

Upon hearing Kenjakana's verdict, Daniel begins to prepare himself for a fight, and activates his conductive ability. "Lying to us Bartholm? Tsk Tsk. That is naughty and takes a good bit of magic and ability to do that to me."

High-level paladin, high-level divination used, connection to Senna. Could definitely arrest him, or at least detain him while searching for further evidence.

Bartholm sighs wearily, rubbing his forehead. "Spare me your adolescent taunts..."

Taking a breath, he assumes a balanced stance, and looks towards you. Suddenly, his eyes roll up, leaving just the whites, as a voice resounds through your minds. So, discovered our little conspiracy... a pity. I felt confident in my ability to deceive and dissuade you irksome fools.

Sheathe your swords, quiet your spells. For if you touch me, know that our second plan is still available- and in moments, over half the city will pay in blood and slavery for the offence of harming my person.

Fortunately for you, and for this miserable city, I still wish to enact our first plan. Thus... I proposed a contest. A chance, to save the lives of your so-called 'kings', of your city of slaves and whores.

His face going slack into an ugly parody of a smile, Bartholm grins up at you, as with a gesture he cancels two spells. Those of you with remaining active divinations see auras flare into your sight.
CE alignment aura, lots of magic auras (probably items) beneath his clothing

Well? Or is the city snapped in two tonight, by the laziness of its 'heroes'?

"First, tell us who we are dealing with. What is the nature of this contest?"

Ganorok examines his new "opponent" to try and discern who or what it is...
Knowledge (Arcana) (+2 HA): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 = 30
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (+2 HA): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 = 32
Knowledge (History) (+2 HA): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12
Knowledge (Local) (+2 HA): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 2 = 27
Knowledge (Nature) (+2 HA): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 2 = 23
Knowledge (Planes) (+2 HA): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 = 9
Knowledge (Religion) (+2 HA): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 2 = 25
He also tries to identify any magic auras or items he can (using Detect Magic).
Perception (+2 HA): 1d20 + 30 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 30 + 2 = 37
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Finally tries to see if it's lying, exaggerating, amused or what...
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36
He takes a wand from his bag. Nondetection

Studying the figure, Ganorok is unable to deduce very much. He still looks very much like a human, regardless of his odd behavior.

Ganorok detects auras of abjuration and divination.
Can't ID magic items without physically handling them, I believe.

To the mouse, he seems sincere.

You are not worthy to utter my name.

The contest... is simple. Tonight, Hela Arnesdottir will return, victorious, and be crowned king. Tomorrow night, with us, she will visit each of the other kings privately, to share informal counsel. If you stop us, you will win the day.

If before that, you stop our plans, we will change them. The Runewall is primed. At our command, it will attempt to teleport the entire city into our clutches. This is almost certainly beyond its power. The city will fracture, and thousands will die... though thousands more will live, to be taken as slaves. As meat.

Raise an alarm, warn the kings- we will teleport the city. Strike my personage, assassinate Hela- we will teleport the city. Try trickery or sabotage- we will teleport the city.

Finally, you know- you, and all of Kalsgard, are trapped within our web. Only by working within our strands may you dare to hope for unlikely victory. Attempt to snap them, break them- and we will destroy you.

The 'man' draws himself up into some parody of a kingly stance, hand shaking and eyelid twitching.

Am I understood?

Ganorok shudders, trembling with fear, thinking.
"In what mess did I get myself into? What about if we run away? Would that "break" the rules too?"
Does Ganorok knows anything about "Runewell", what kings he is referring to or something like that?