GM Grecko - CotCT

Game Master Dr Grecko

Appraise: 29d20 ⇒ (20, 11, 17, 1, 4, 6, 16, 9, 5, 9, 3, 3, 10, 13, 19, 11, 10, 7, 17, 20, 12, 18, 8, 16, 2, 7, 2, 19, 14) = 309 +1/ea
Spellcraft#19: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Spellcraft#22: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Ryder takes the dagger, crossbow bolts, the disguise kit, and the two wands, saying "I can make use of these." While inspecting the inscribed ring, he says, "Some of this stuff is probably stolen - maybe we should try and return it? ...if the owners are still alive, that is."

I've noted the items Ryder took on the spreadsheet, and I'll add them to my character sheet accordingly. The wand of acid-splash is actually rather useless to Ryder since he can cast Ray of Frost an unlimited number of times a day, but he is the only one who could even use it, though he'll probably try and sell it.

The disguise kit is kind of heavy (8 lbs) - it puts Ryder at a medium load, so he stashes it under the bed he's chosen.

After reviewing the items, Ryder takes a seat on one of the beds, eats one of his rations, and shuffles idly through Zellara's harrow deck for awhile, before lying down to sleep.

With Ryder's Spellcraft check, you can tell that Item 19 is a wand of magic missile, with 24 charges left on it.

As far as #22. You know nothing more about the Harrow Deck then you already know from what Zellara told you.

Also with Ryders appraise assist, you feel confident about another two appraise checks.

Dylan and Amend can assist if they want, and I'll add it to the rolls, but for now I'm just going to move on.

As far as a night watch rotation, you can go ahead and hash that out now for your typical watch rotation, and then declare if you are setting up a watch or not.. Loris feels secure inside the building and will not be taking a watch tonight.
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The night passes without any incidents. Zellara’s home is tucked away from the main battles going on around the Castle and Acadamae. And although the noise was worrisome, it never got close enough to be of major concern.

The Hero’s wake up the next morning, and the sounds of sheer chaos has indeed died down. The Sable riders are no longer battling it out in the sky, and the sounds of arcane detonations have subsided. You feel that you could potentially venture out if you remain cautious of your surroundings.

If you need to pray for spells, or study a spellbook for spells, this is typically the time to do it (you can choose other times, but for simplicities sake I’d rather it be mornings)

Loris response last night to Ryder's Question... "I agree. Some of this obviously belonged to someone. I bet they would appreciate having it back. He looks at the ring specifically... This might be stolen, or if this, "Emmah", was someone Gaedren killed, I'm sure their loved ones would like to know what happened. Either way, I'd be willing to try.
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Next Morning:

Loris wakes up, performs his daily prayers, preps some spells, and heads down to meet the rest of the party.

"Well, it certainly doesn't look as bad as last night. Anybody else hungry?

Ralof says "Yeah, after we get something maybe we should sell some of this stuff. After that we can find out what to do next.

I will also put on the loot sheet what i am taking and let you know on here too.

Loris, Ralof, and anyone else who wants to come along, head out to find some breakfast.

The closest restraunts are located just south and a bit west of Zellara's in a small buisness / shopping center (Area's M3/M4 on your map)

Assuming thats where you head, you start your way towards the area, you head down Warehouse Way and take a right down Bromathan Street. As you take your left down Harborview Blvd South, you can hear a small mob that has formed in the buisness center.

You can hear shouting: "Dandy!" and.. "Death to the Whore-Queen!.. among other various obscenities.

You could ethier avoid the mob and find another place to eat, or try to push through to get where you want to go.

" Lets go guys, lets push through. What are they going to do to us?"

Daily Harrow Draw: 1d6 ⇒ 5 = Wisdom. Again. Yay.

"No. I think it would be better if we avoid large groups. Tempers seem high; best not to provoke them. How about we see if we can find a market where we can grab something quick and keep moving... not sure where we should go though. The Castle? To North Point?"

From the CotCT player's guide, North Point "holds Korvosa’s
seat of municipal power (City Hall)". This might be a sensible place for the heros to find out what's going on?

Have the other two joined the party?

I'm treating them as if they are already here. Both Dylan and Amendithas can jump in at anytime as if they have always been here. I guess just consider them on NPC tag-along mode until they're ready to post.

"I agree with Ryder, no sense looking for trouble when we can just avoid it. He turns to Ryder, "I think the Castle is probably a hot-zone right now considering the battles that took place last night. We could go to North Point, but it is all the way across town.... We could try the Citadel (M5), They might know something, and it's just down the road. There's probably a tavern we can eat at near Eodred's Walk if the mobs haven't reached it yet.

Whoops.. that last post was meant to be posted as Loris.. I ran past the edit post time-frame so I can't change it. Oh well, you get the idea

Awwww, yer not going to storytell them into the game as people we meet? Now would be a prime opportunity since we're out and about on the streets.

Ryder agrees with Loris about heading to the Citadel, "That sounds like a good idea to me, come on Ralof, something tells me you'll get your chance to ruffle some feathers soon enough. Besides, I'm hungry and don't have the patience for angry mobs right now."

Ryder turns and heads off towards Eodred's Walk.

I read about Spellcraft and IDing the magical items. It says I can try again daily. It also said though that the check is made as part of a Detect Magic casting, which I don't have yet. At any rate the following is a 2nd attempt at learning more about the Harrow Deck, done before I left the house, while making my daily draw.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Ahh. I thought you had detect magic. Its a pretty vital cantrip. oh well.... However, I almost forgot about something... Slight Rewind.

Ryder begins his daily Harrow Draw, his shuffling is much more fluid than it was before. As you draw your harrow card for the day, you suddenly get the urge to touch the card to the rest of the cards in harrow deck.

If you fight the urge, DC8 will save.

If you don't fight or fail your save:

... Back to the present.

You get to Eodred's walk without incident. There are fewer choices of eateries over here, but a there are a few places to go... As you look for an open shop, it appears as though some of the owners feel like it is a bad idea to be open right now and are hoping for tension to die down before re-opening. However, there is a seedy looking tavern that proclaims to have a breakfast menu that looks like it is open for business.

Assuming you enter:

If you would like the story entrance, here's perfect place for someone or both to enter. Taverns are renowned for their social get togethers :)

Ryder enters the tavern and sits at the table as directed. When prompted, Ryder will order one of the tasty breakfasts he sees.

Ralof sits down and orders a huge breakfast.

Dylan enters the tavern, takes some time to try to read the mood the crowd, sits down at a table and orders breakfast.

Ryder, Ralof, and Loris take a seat and order up a nice breakfast. The Bartender lumbers off to the kitchen to put the order in with the chef.

Perception Checks

The bartender comes back in just as a door opens, and a well armored man walks in the door. The man takes a while to look over the tavern, then sits down at one of the few tables that do not have thier chairs on top of them.

The guard at the bar looks hard at Dylan as Dylan takes his seat. His eyes light up as if he recognizes him... "Neffi! ya 'ol bastage! Howhalve yeh beenn?

It's quite obvious at this point that the man is severly intoxicated.

He moves to Dylans table and sits down across from him. He reaks of stale sweat and ale. It's clear he hasn't changed his uniform in weeks.... "Whasit been? bout 3 yeers?... Hows Sandpoint ben treatsing you? Oh hell wharesz my mannerss? Barkeep! Bring my friend an ale! That last sentance comes out clear as a bell as if he's had a lot of practice ordering drinks in this condition.

"Can yew believee all the crap that's goin on? He lets out a huge burp that happens to be inadvertantly blown in your direction.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Dylan replies back "Sir, I believe you have me mistaken for someone else. I just sat down for breakfast, based on your speech patterns I bet you could use a bite to soak up some of that alcohol. Would you like to join me?"

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12 = huh? I didn't see nuthin.

Ryder jumps at the opportunity to get some candid information from a member of the Korvosan guard. He gets up from his seat and walks over to the table where the guard and the "well armored man", whose name is not Neffi, are sitting.

Ryder sits down at their table and speaks to the intoxicated man who is apparently a member of the Korvosan Guard, "I, sir, cannot believe all the crap that is going on. Nope nope nope. No sir. Crazy times. Crazy times indeed. Say... what, exactly, is going on?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Amendithas looks up from his table in the corner. His attention drawn to the conversation between the newcomer and the guard.

The man squints at Dylan and takes a moment to focus: ”Ohh.. I’m sworry, you look juss like my ol friend Neffi… He loses focus and leans back.. as if he realized the alcohol in his system is getting to him. ”Ya know.. I think yer right.. fuud would prolly help... I’m sworry bout that Mr……. whatz yer name?

Assuming you answer: ”Ahh Dylan…. The Great, even! Nice.. my name is Grau Soldado, I'm a watch sergeant for King Eodred…. At least.. I used to be.. before he got sick…

Ryder Joins the table and asks his question

”What?! Where have yew bean!.. The king is dead! Riots everywhere… Lotsa roomers goin’ round… Disease took him.. Those worthless clerics of Sarenrae couldn’ do nuthin..…. He laments a bit in anguish as he mentions the dead king.. He obviously cared for him a great deal. ”I shoulda been there for him.. I shoulda been with my fellow guardsmen when this all went ta hell. I should be there now…

Your meals arrive. They are indeed tasty.

Grau looks at the meals, and begins eating, not caring that the meal is not his. He looks up at the bartender.. ”Another ale, sir.…. Again as if he has had plenty of practice ordering in this condition.

Grau sees the Half-Orc with a ridiculously large sword in the corner staring at him. ”Whazz yer problem Half Breed!.. As he takes another bite....

Assuming the meal Grau is eating is Ryder's, Ryder pushes the plate over to Grau and says to the bartender, "Another breakfast please?"

Was the king's illness public knowledge? If so, then Ryder and I both are curious why there would be rioting if this was something people saw coming. It affects what Ryder will say to Grau...

There would be some knowledge out there, but none of you have the Knowledge: Local skills to know the rumors personally. For most of the populace, it was a sudden happening. The rumors as you understand it from Grau is that he may have contracted a disease in which the clerics could not heal. Grau was there during the Kings initial sickness, but was removed from that post suddenly (judging by his smell and his clothes, you’re guessing this happened about a week ago.)

Grau looks up at Ryder, ”Thatz not the kind o thing they usually jus announce now do they?.... Kings don’t like shewing there weaknesses…. He got sick. They kickd me down to patrol duty… I never wendt…. Now lookit me.… You see a visual sense of pain at his personal decision making over the last week as he stares at his empty mug.

The bartender brings over another ale for Grau, and heads back to the kitchen to place Ryders order.

He takes another drink… ”Besides, itz not like that gold-digger of a queen will do Korvosa any favors… It’s gowin strait ta hell, I tell ye.... The drink is starting to get the best of him as he's starting to sway uncontrollably and is words are slurring even more than they already were

”Ta makes matterz worst, Seneschal Neolandus (last name Kalepopolis which you would know) was te only one keepin ta king in linez, but wit all deez riots, he's dizapperdz.... my friend Gerdi says hes dey tink he was likely killd in the initil rioting

The bartender eventually comes back with another breakfast

As you see the man battling his inner demons, you feel a sense of empathy towards the man from Zellara. He seems to be his own worst enemy.

Ralof paying very close attention to the guard says " So you are saying this was murder, or he died of the disease? I say you also need to lay off the ale. "

In response to Ralof

"ssher I'll take another one.. yu buyin?"... He shakes his empty mug at the bartender as if to signal another round.

"an murrder? howwould I know? Dey kickked me ouch... I wisssh i waz theere right now... You again see the regret in his face as he laments over his former post in the kings guard.

In response to racial comment

Dylan calmly replies "Sir, keep a civil tongue! I will not be in the company of a bigot. You are a Korvosan guard whose job it is to protect all people of the city."

later on after the response about the kings death

Dylan replies "I am sorry you feel the loss of the king so profoundly, but losing oneself in a bottle is not a good outlet for mourning. One should always try to find the bright side to everything in life."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

So, we're going with the first "no public knowledge" statement by Ryder?

Ryder is suddenly taking more interest in the politics of Korvosa than he's ever had. Ever. He leans in closer to Grau, "What do you mean, 'Keeping the king in line', and why did you get demoted?"

Responding to Ryders first

"He kewpt him in line... te king likes to spend.. everybodddy knew that. He alzo liked da young weomons.. tahhts how we got stuck wit this young golddigger for a queen. If we still hayd the Seneschal, maybe tings would work out......He looks down at his mug as sadness overcomes him again.

"I dunno why dey kicked me ouch.... My guts is they diddn want anybody knewin he was sick... but I coulds see it in his face. It happened fast.

----------------
To Dylan

I couldn't help but think of this: Bright Side of Life

He looks up at you with sheer veneration. The words you speak ring true to his heart "Yer wright, yer wright. I'm a member of the Korvosan Guard. I should be better than this..

He tosses his mug aside... Gets up from the table and starts to head for the door. His swaying gets the better of him, and he falls crashing headlong into Amendithas table, sending it and his breakfast to the floor.

"Whoa boy. I'm sowwy, I'm sowwy. He try's to get up but is visibly struggling to stand.

Dylan anticipating conflict because of the comment earlier, rushes to aid the guard in hope to mediate the confrontation and avoid any violent conflict

Ryder continues to eat his breakfast.

Amendithas resists the urge to grab his sword and run it through the guard that showered him with slurs. Instead, he wipes the remnants of his breakfast off his lap and goes to assist the man helping the guard back to his feet.

Grau Looks at the two gentlemen who helped him to his feat. "Thank yew Neffi, I mean Dylan, and thans yu two, sir. I didn meen to call you names, I'm took aus mine fristrations on you I'm afraid.

He tries to stand on his own but starts to stumble again, just barely catching himself this time..

"Say, coulds yu guyes help me get to da citadel? I need to sweep dis off. i'll neber make itt two my home in Nort pint. Thars cots at the citadel.

Let me know which option you take:

The party was headed towards the Citadel anyway, so I say we help Grau there. Once there, one of us can ask about the status of municipal order, or whatever we were curious about. First, I presume Dylan and Amendithas will exchange some words of mutual endeavorship.

Ryder says between hurried mouthfuls of his breakfast, "Hang on! We were headed that way ourselves, " gesturing towards Loris and Ralof.

Loris sighs. He's a firm believer in taking care of ones self and does not feel as though Grau deserves the help after defiling himself in drink... But, respects the decision of others to help him.

"You guys go on ahead, I'll catch up. He says, as he continues to eat his meal at the normal pace.

" So we are going to go help this guy? A drunk? Alright lets head out." as we go Ralof takes a look at loris a and starts to walk out.

Alright, assuming you are all heading out.. I'll re-post the spoiler as well as some extra tidbits.

It will take you a few minutes to get to the Citadel, it could be the perfect opportunity to get to know each-other.

You assist Grau to the Citadel. He is profuse in his thanks as you reach the Citadel Doors. Assuming you knock, a guard answers the door and immediately recognizes Grau and has a few other guards help take Grau inside and presumably off to sober up. The guard gives you a collective 5 gold for returning the missing officer.

The guard looks at the hero's whom seem as if they have more to say. "Was there anything else I can help you with?

*Edit - Side note, Returning Grau to the Citadel netted you 200xp.

As they leave the tavern, Ryder shovels as much from his plate into his mouth as he can, then asks (as best he can with a full mouth) the barkeep what he owes for the two breakfasts. Without really waiting for an answer, he drops 1gp on the table, grabs whatever he can carry from his plate (and anyone else's who's left food on the table) to take with. G - unless you say otherwise, I'll assume I can muster a single "ration" out of this - bread and whatnot.

Along the way:

Ryder says to the two new guys, "Don't think we've been properly introduced... My name's Ryder. This is Ralof, and the surly fella back in the tavern is Loris. Dylan, was it? Nice to meet you. ...and you good sir?", extending his hand towards the half-orc, after shaking Dylan's.

Whispering so that Grau doesn't hear, "What else have you guys heard? If Grau here is any indication, sounds like our city might be in real trouble."

At the citadel:

Ryder waves off the reward, saying "Please, no. We're only trying to help," and he asks the guard, playing a little dumb, "What's going on? We heard the king is dead - is it true? What's going to happen now? Is the city safe? What can we do to help?"

I've noted a couple more items off the loot sheet as being carried by Ryder, but he's a big wuss and can't carry much - he's now at a Medium load. I also noted some stuff that we likely would have left at Zellara's. Ralof, grab some stuff. Did Loris grab anything?

Dylan says to the half orc "Sorry about your breakfast, Sir. Would you be able to assist me in transporting him back to the citadel. He is in no condition to make it on his own."

assuming Dylan receives the help he asked for they head for the citadel. Dylan leave 5 pieces of silver on his table and another 5 on the orc's table.

Dylan introduces himself " By the way, my name is Dylan. What is yours?" Speaking to all who helping the guard.

On the way Dylan tells them he is a cleric of Tulis. He is a traveler that has been going from town to town helping out the local orphanages however he can and that is how he ended up in this city.

Dylan explains to the guard"Take care of Grau. He is taking the loss of the king very hard. It may be wise for him to talk to some of his friends about it and maybe something to distract him from his pain. Combat training could help his release some bottled up feelings as well as keeping his mind occupied."

To the Citadel guard Dylan replies to their question "Thank you for your generosity. It will help me to procure more supplies for the orphans, however, if you find it in your heart to donate a little more yourself I will try to match your donation and when I take it to the orphanage I can tell them the entire amount was from the Citadel guards. So what do you say, would you all be willing to help?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Response to Ryder

"Yes, the King has indeed passed. Korvosa is now in the care of Queen Ileosa. Many were shocked at the sudden news of the Kings death. Others took to the streets in protest, last night. It got so bad we had to call in the Sable Company and the Hellknights to help calm the city. Things have calmed down some, but I suspect we'll be on high alert for some time. Grau was one of our best soldiers, if he's up to the task we could really use him about now.

"No, the city certainly is not a very safe place right now. We are doing the best we can, but it may be some time before things settle down. I can't force you, but if I were you, I'd try to stay off the streets as much as possible until things blow over. The best way to help is to stay safe and quiet, sir.

Response to Dylan

"I know Grau took the loss of his post pretty hard. We haven't heard from him in a week and feared the worst. We will make sure he gets the care he needs. Some combat drills may be just the thing to ease his mind.

The Guard ponders your request. "For the orphans you say? Well, it's the policy of the citadel that we remain neutral in endeavors such as these, and the reward is meant as encouragement for helping the guard. So, if you do decide to donate to the cause, I would request our name be left out of it... He reaches into a separate coin purse pulls out another 5 gold. He hands it to you with a smile, "But this, you can say was from Loki

To the group as a whole

"Was there anything else, I could do for you? If not, I suggest you remain in your home under lock n key, as it is bound to be dangerous for a while.

Ralof took 2 of the items on the lootsheet.
Ralof says to the gaurd, " Do you need any more help? We, well i am anyways, are here to help."

Loki looks at Ralof, "We're not quite at that point yet but thanks for the offer.

If there are no other questions he will close the door and go about his business

Amendithas assists the others in helping Grau back to the citadel.

Along the way, he introduces himself. Well met! I am Amendithas, from Old Korvosa. I have been roaming the city, looking for work where I can find it. But times have been tough. And not everyone is so friendly.

Arriving at the citadel, Amendithas listens to the conversation between the citadel guard and his newfound companions. He has learned in the past it is sometimes better for him to keep quiet instead of opening his foolish mouth.

One last question for the guard: "What can you tell us about Kalepopolis? We heard he's disappeared."

After the guard closes the door: Ryder addresses the group, "Now what?"

Dylan asks "Who is Kalepopolis and why are you guys interested in him?"

In response to now what " I don't know, I just need to head to the orphanage and deliver my donation and tend to the kids health. After that if you all need help I can be of assistance."

"Grau had mentioned Kalepopolis, by first name: Neolandus. He's the Seneschal, the king's right hand man. Grau said he disappeared - we should find him. He could restore order and might know more about what really happened. I suppose we'll just as well accompany you to the orphanage - I don't know right now where we should go, and it's probably best we stick together."

... Unless Loki provides any leads; then Ryder would suggest the party follow the lead, perhaps after a stop at the orphanage.

The guard looks surprised that you know of the Seneschal's disappearance. "I take it Grau was being loose lipped? There isn't much I can say about that matter officially. Until we can determine what happened we aren't at liberty to discuss it. I would appreciate if you kept this information to yourselves.

And with that he bids you farewell and shuts the door.

As far as an orphanage, It's not something that was defined in the book as far as I can tell, so I chose what I feel is a suitable location in East Shore. I updated the "City Map" link to reflect the orphanage location (#4)

You also could probably find a merchant over there in Edrin Square to sell/trade your loot. Two birds, one stone sort of deal.

Since Loris doesn't seem to be helping ;) I noted the remaining valuables on the loot sheet as being carried by Ryder (including some previously noted as having been left at Zellara's, since one of our primary goals when we left the house was to sell stuff). Without tallying the weight, Ryder is likely well into a medium load, if not heavy, but we could assume maybe Loris is actually carrying some of it? I put Ralof's name by the Oil of Keen Edge - put it on your list.

"This backpack is getting heavy... let's find a buyer for this loot! I think there might be a little something in here we can sell for the orphans too. Dylan, I can show you to the orphanage - I got talked into doing a volunteer performance there once." Under his breath, he mutters, "...and then she stood me up."

With that, Ryder turns and heads back down towards the tavern, and the bridge over to the East Shore. "We'll meet up with Loris along the way."

Along the way, Ryder attempts to strike up a conversation with Amendithas, "From Old Korvosa, you say? I've got a little place over there I call home - more of a shack than anything. Lived in that part of town my whole life."

Ralof says to Ryder, "I agree! Lets sell this loot. I am guessing we will be sharing the money."

Dylan replies "sounds like a plan, Ryder, you look a little overwhelmed. Would you like some help carrying all that stuff?"

Dylan helps carry what they ask him to carry as they make the trip to the merchant shop