GM-Grenfax Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master Grenfax

ugh, this is going to get ugly, he needs to shut his trap!

Ophelia stares at Malder, Malder, enough! If you truly cared for these people, you'd stop inciting them, it'll only lead to injuries for everyone involved. We want to avoid that. What my friend said is true, we are simply investigating. We aren't looking to disrupt this business or the good it seems to be doing. Help us, so you can get back to helping them. Where can we find Verik?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

I am here, a somber voice calls from the back of the crowd. You should not be. The crowd parts slightly to reveal a well muscled man clad in the armor and livery of the Korvosan Guard, spear at the ready. You should be serving the people of the city, not forcing the will of that Abyss spawned queen upon them. We choose to do good when and where it is needed most. Feeding the hungry. She will destroy this city and all who follow her. So, to the abyss with the Queen and all who would stand for her tyranny. Verik takes a defensive stand, and looks to the crowd for support. Many of the onlookers now find themselves caught between the rogue guard and his pursuers.

Clear the way!

Diplomacy vs the crowd if it even matters at this point or can be used again. Basically trying to get them to move and/or sway them away from helping Verik in combat.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Trisane pauses for a moment to allow bystanders to clear the way then locks eyes with Verik.

So you finally crawled out of the shadows, Verik. I am Trisane Imphawke. I still serve this city and its people. You serve only yourself. That uniform doesn't belong to a coward...

Trisane draws his longsword and points it at Verik menacingly.

They say one marine is worth 10 Guard. Submit now, willingly or find out how you add up.

Move Action - Draw Longsword. Standard Action - Intimidate Verik. Can I get a status on active effects? Is bless still up (2 minute duration)? Have 8 more rounds passed for Infernal Healing?

Intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Nik stands behind Trisane, a worried look on his face.

Well, maybe the crowd will be scared off by the show of force.

Nik then grasps the holy symbols around his neck and whispers gently to himself. His other hand rests on the wound from the arrow that Malder shot at him. When his prayer is finished his hand glows briefly and the wound begins to close.

Oh no! Trisane needs to calm down, or this is going to end badly.

Ophelia looks to Trisane, Trisane, lower your weapon, please. We don't want a fight. She looks over to Nik, then back to Verik.

Verik, easy. Despite my anxious friend here, we really do not want a fight. There's been too much blood shed already. Please, both of you stand down, and let's figure out what is going on.

She waits for a reply, but gets ready to cast daze at Verik, if he starts to fight.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

If needed, DC 14 Will save or Verik can't take any actions for 1 round.

By my count - Trisane has 6 additional rounds of infernal healing not including the above action/round.
There should be 16 rounds of bless left.

The crowd doesn't seem too interested in moving between Verik and Trisane, with everyone flattening themselves out along the walls trying to avoid the pointy end of swords and spears. Mothers cover their children, and the old lady who spoke before remains silent, dark eyes, burning through Trisane and Verik. - so far, this battle for the hearts of the people is a stalemate.

Verik seems to relax a bit. I only wanted to help, to feed the people, to do something good for the city.

From behind you all, you hear Rom, Oaie înnegrit, delicios!

Continua să mănânce că și voi lăsa pe bunica sa mananci!

Ophelia's right. Maybe he's really not as bad as I originally thought. Maybe it doesn't need to come to blows. I shouldn't have lost my cool like that... Everyone is just scared.

Trisane lowers his sword and addresses Verik more rationally.

I understand how you feel, Verik. It's hard to follow orders when you can't see the big picture. I assure you, I'm not blind to what's going on out here so I've also come to help. The best way we can both do that is to maintain order and protect the peace as the Sable Company and Korvosan Guard have done for many years...

He extends a hand to Verik.

Return with us to Commander Kroft at the Citadel. Submit yourself peacefully and I'll petition that she send help to keep this place operational. Continuing to feed these good people here is important. The Queen is in mourning so it's up to the rest of us to do what's right. Everyone deserves a second chance.

Keeping the Diplomacy rolling I suppose. Assisting Ophelia's check vs Verik.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Vengeance may taste sweet, but sweeter still are words.

Ophelia exhales deeply, not realizing she was holding her breath. She smiles at Verik, We all want to do something good, for the city and its people.

Verik raises his spear, not to attack, but in a salute. Time to report for duty guardsmen. We have been absent too long...

He then whispers to Trisane, Please, allow us to surrender ourselves, under your guard of course at the Citadel?

Trisane nods his head in agreement then whispers back to Verik.

Very well. We'll have to confiscate your weapons of course, for the journey. I'm sure you understand.

Especially that meat cleaver...

He raises his voice and calls out to his companions.

Nik, Ophelia. Take charge of these men, tend their wounds and we'll have them treated fairly on the road to Citadel Volshyenek.

Lastly, Trisane addresses the crowd.

Everyone else, see to your families and try to stay safe. Know that the Sable Company and Korvosan Guard is doing everything it can to return this city to its rightful state. Go on about your business.

Great job, Trisane!

Ophelia will move close to Nik and assist him, what do you need me to do?

Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 18

If Nik doesn't have any available healing, she'll reluctantly cast infernal healing. She can cast up to 4 times.

Nik nods and turns to the men they have taken prisoner.

The aid of the spirits will easily help these men recover.

Nik then takes the other set of manacles from his belt and holds them up.

Trisane, are we to lead these men bound through the streets?

Either way I think it would be wise to quickly take stock of this place. The details we may be able to provide could help show that these men only wanted to help the people, even if there approach was inappropriate.

Trisane looks over to Nik and waves his hand.

The manacles should not be necessary. I think these men have learned their lesson about running away. We need only collect their weapons and provide escort.

Trisane begins gathering weapons then he turns to Ophelia.

Go look upstairs and make sure we've got everything we need.

Nik nods again and returns the manacles to his belt, glad that it won't be necessary. He then looks over at Rom.

Du-te cu ea, uita-te înapoi.

Then Nik begins to attend to each of the wounded men. He whispers a light prayer as he touches each with a glowing hand. Their wounds immediately begin to close.

Then Nik will help Trisane gather the weapons and prepare to leave.

Verik hands over his spear to Trisane, and the rest of the men stand and wait to be escorted out.

Upstairs Ophelia finds a round table, surrounded by four wooden chairs. A stack of cards and several tankards sit on the tabletop. A cabinet to the southwest hangs open, revealing a tangle of dirty clothes and blankets. Four thin bedrolls lie rolled up against the north wall. The room smells of sweat and stale ale. Beyond is another room, here a single large desk stands in the eastern part of this large office, transformed into a makeshift bed by a bedroll and several blankets and pillows. A chamber pot sits under it, full to overflowing. A table and three chairs sit to the west; several papers lie strewn over the table’s surface. One of the papers is pinned to the tabletop by an exquisite silver dagger.

Ophelia rummages through the cabinet and bedrolls in the first room. She then moves to the second room, covering her nose with her sleeve. Disgusting! I though the other room smelled bad. She'll start searching the bedroll here, and then the papers on the desk, looking at the pinned one last.

While searching, she'll cast detect magic

Ophelia will gather all the magical items, the bow, the tanglefoot bags, and the gold pieces. She'll then take a closer look at the papers, especially the one pinned.

Linguistics, if needed: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

The papers are written in common, they are a combination of unfinished, unaddressed and poorly constructed love letters, and some vague plans that would indicate Verik was preparing for a rebellion against the queen, although the references do not clearly indicate what side of the rebellion he would be supporting.

Ophelia gathers up the plans as well, rolling them into her scroll case. She'll toss the magical items into her backpack, sling the bow, and grab the bags and money before heading back downstairs.

Once down she'll approach Verik, Verik, are all of these men former soldiers? She indicates the captured group.

She'll back to Trisane and Nik, Ready?

Verik nods yes when asked if these are all former guardsmen. When Ophelia asks if there is anyone he trusts to run the butcher shop, he opens his mouth as if to speak, searches the crowd and finally shakes his head no.

At this point the old lady calls out Albert! Get up here boy. As a man who is clearly in his early thirties makes his way through the crowd, the old woman continues, Albert will do it. He is my grandson, and a good man, but timid as a mouse. She looks at him and snaps,Quit staring at yer shoes, this is important! I am not starving because these lunkheads gotta go straighten this mess out, and you can do this. Albert straightens up, and nods.
I worked as a cook at a hunters lodge for a summer. I have seen enough game cut up to make do, but I'll need some help. At this point Ophelia give Albert the gold, and her warning. He turns even paler, but nods his understanding.

Nik smiles at the young man as he steps up.

I'll check back in with you tomorrow boy. I've spent enough time butchering game to help out as well.

Trisane, maybe someone from the faith of Abadar could be persuaded to help maintain this place for the people as well?

Nik takes three silver coins from his pouch and gives it to the young man.

For the mutton... Rom just can't resist.

Rom rips off a piece of meat as they leave and flutters out the back doors, muttering something incomprehensible, but happy sounding.

Ophelia can be a bit scary sometimes... I'm glad she's on my side. I definitely felt something off about that healing spell she used on me.

Trisane nods to Ophelia.

Looks like everything's in order then. We can ask the Church of Abadar for help afterwards. The sooner we return to the Citadel the sooner we can move on to helping those in need. It's time to go.

Nik grabs the side of mutton for Rom and follows every one out.

Hopefully we can make it back without any incidents. They seem compliant now, I don't want to disrupt that. I can show Trisane and Nik what I found after we drop them off.

Ophelia leaves with the group.

The streets of Korvosa leading back to the Citadel are worse now than ever before. At a distance you see rioters, looting fires. You even see a brief conflict between armed citizens and a group of Hellknights, the latter group quickly cutting down the resistance and scattering the survivors. The only one who enjoys the journey is Rom, who finally has a belly full of mutton, and falls asleep riding Nik's shoulder.

As your first duty is to keep your prisoners safe, you avoid the turmoil and finally cross the city. The Citadel is busy with Guardsmen coming and going, messengers and citizens making reports. Despite the apparent chaos, the Citadel staff are well ordered, if overwhelmed.

You transfer the prisoners to the guardsmen at the Citadel, and informed the Field Marshal will send for you at her first opportunity. Until then you are free to use the barracks and mess.

Let's find a place to talk, how about dinner?

Regardless of where we go, once there, Ophelia will account for the items she took from the butcher's shop. I found these upstairs, along with the coins. I figured they may be useful, so I grabbed them. Magicae deprehendere

She casts detect magic as subtly as possible and attempts to identify the items as she places removes them.

Good idea, Ophelia. We've done some good work today and we could all use a nice meal. Oddly enough I think I'm craving something vegetarian...

Trisane will rendezvous with the others after some time in the mess hall for food and discussion.

Trisane would like to check in to find out how the Adamantine Bolt he asked the Guard to take care of is coming along. Any more Alchemist Fire available from our generous KG friends? Looking for 2 more of those. He'll grab one of the tanglefoot bags as well and possibly the silver dagger if no one else wants it. Trisane will donate his old Longsword and the MW shortsword to the KG. The rest is good for selling.

Let's get a better look at those notes you've got from Verik. I'd like to know what he was up to. I'm sure the Commander would too.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Ophelia uses spellcraft to study the auras and items.

Trisane, it has been about a day, so the adamantine bolt is ready from the armory.

The papers are written in common, they are a combination of unfinished, unaddressed and poorly constructed love letters, and some vague plans that would indicate Verik was preparing for a rebellion against the queen, although the references do not clearly indicate what side of the rebellion he would be supporting. The notes are full of misspellings and contain generalizations about the responses of the citizens, Korvosan Guard, Sable Company, and Hellknights in the event of a uprising upon the kings death. There is little to them of true strategic value. No lists of targets, vulnerabilities, or actual plans.

Nik watches as the two look over the papers and items.

Trisane, I also would like to see how our patients are doing back at your families estate. And, maybe the Commander could have one of the newer guards or some steward run and errand for us. I still need to pick up some supplies that I doubt would be found here.

Nik takes out a piece of paper and begins making a list of supplies to ask for.

And, what about that jewel thief we chased of? Should we report that and have someone help that family?

Ophelia will hand one of the potions to Nik and one to Trisane. We should each carry one of these. Go ahead and take the dagger, Trisane. Nik, do you want the other tanglefoot bag? No one wants the arrows or bow? Maybe the garrison can use them?

After looking over the notes, Not much here, but we can hand them over to the Commander, I guess.

In response to Nik, I'm not sure if it's a good idea to run errands now. It's worse out there than it's ever been. Maybe it's best to report the thief, and wait until morning to visit the estate. Hopefully things will be calmer then.

Trisane takes the items Ophelia offers and puts them away. During the discussion, he pulls out his longsword and begins to sharpen it with a whetstone methodically.

I think Ophelia's got the right of it. None of us should leave the Citadel until we've made our report to Commander Kroft and received our next assignment.

I hope she doesn't keep us waiting long.

He looks up at Nik for a moment before returning to his work. Sharpening the MW Longsword, Horse Head Dagger and Silver Dagger.

Military life isn't easy... For what it's worth, I think you both are adapting well. You can certainly handle yourselves in a fight. I don't know if the worst is over yet but thanks for having my back out there. We make a good team.

As it is late in the evening, you find empty bunks in the barracks and try to get some sleep, but even through the night the citadel is active, and little changes with the coming of the dawn. You are making your way across the courtyard to get a look at the city.

Why would you put it in the stable? They EAT horses! shouts an angry sergeant at a guardsman doing his best to maintain attention. The sergeant takes several paces back and forth, shaking her head. How many?

Two got eaten, and I am not sure the other three will ever be the same. the guardsman says, looking a little sick to his stomach.

Even under her helm, you can see the sergeant's face turning red.

What in the world is going on out here?

Trisane walks closer to the sergeant while casually looking around but does not interrupt.

Anything out of place beside the poor guardsman getting scolded?

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Once the verbal thrashing appears to be complete, Trisane will chime in politely.

Excuse me, Sergeant. What seems to be the problem?

Trisane, you notice there are blood smears and bits of hair on the guardsman's uniform, otherwise there is a lot of activity, but given the circumstances it appears normal except for the parts of dead horses being drug from a nearby stable. It isn't pretty.

The woman turns around and looks you up and down, seemingly glares at your Sable Company insignia, and in the same angry tone, You!! I bet it is yours, isn't it! Without pausing to even breathe she snaps back at guardsman, still at attention, And Wilbur here, put it in the stable. The stable....how do you not know they eat horses! The captain's horse, too!
Back to Trisane, Are you...and then to the guard, Who was that for?

Sable Company Marine, Private Imphawke, ma'am!

Is that you soldier? this last question directed at Trisane is spoken as if she dares you to say yes.

Not exactly sure what to make of this... what are they talking about?

Trisane salutes the sergeant somewhat uneasily.

Yes, ma'am... I'm Private Imphawke. I don't think I quite understand. What's eating the horses?

Curious. What has caused such troubles?

Nik motions for Rom to take wing and after the bird takes off pauses, as if deep in thought.

Then Nik takes a supporting position behind Trisane.

Not sure I can't help here, but I'll be here if needed.

Disgusting. What now? Ophelia moves up next to Nik.

Do you see an officer's insignia on my uniform? Unless you came over to tell me I was promoted, stop saluting. And they were not just "horses" Private, they were the Captain's horses. Emphasis on were. Your mount ate the Captain's horses because Private Wilbur here thought stuffing a hippogriff into the stables would be a good idea.

Tell me Private Imphawke, is putting a hippogriff into a stable full of horses a good idea? R Lee Emory would be proud of her.

And what can I do for you two? the Sergeant snaps at Nik and Ophelia as they step up behind Trisane.

Rom glides into the stables and disappears in the shadows inside.
Nik-

My mount? A hippogriff? I better go check it out...

Trisane lowers his hand apologetically.

Sorry, sergeant. This is all highly unusual and unexpected. I thought I'd do without a hippogriff mount for some time given my temporary assignment to the Korvosan Guard. Keeping it in the stables is definitely a bad idea. I've trained with these animals before so I'll do what I can to help. Where is it now?

Nik looks a little off, not only from the sergeants tone.

Ah, well, we're, ah, we're here on assignment with Trisane.

Nik pauses for a second and collects himself.

I would like to assist with any of the surviving animals. I have plenty of experience with both healing and calming animal. May I, sergeant?

Nik gestures towards the stables.

The sergeant turns to face Private Wilbur, That is correct Private Imphawke! Keeping a hippogriff in a horse stable is a bad idea! She turns back to Trisane, You will do what you can to help. You will start by assisting Private Wilbur here with cleaning out the stables. Then you will help with preparation of the remains. Then you will locate your mount in the temporary corral where it is now located and see if it needs additional care - it is certainly well fed. Dismissed!

The Sergeant looks at Nik and Ophelia and nods to the stable, Go see what you can do. she adds more softly. As you walk towards the stables, she calls out, And thank you!

The stables are a mess. One of the dead horse's remains lay in a stall, eviscerated and with several large chunks of flesh missing. Two stalls are nearly demolished and the parts that remain are splashed with blood and gore. A pair of wild eyed horses remain in stalls, with guardsmen attempting to calm the animals. None of you have seen anything quite so gruesome. It is going to be a long day.

Rom looks down from above,

I'm going to be sick!

What...what can I do to help?

This looks pretty awful... why didn't the Company tell me? Once this mess is taken care of, I really need to speak to Commander Kroft.

Well guys, looks like we have work to do. Nik, see if you can help calm the horses. Ophelia, I hope you don't mind getting your hands dirty...

Trisane sighs heavily then looks around for some cleaning tools and gets straight to work.

Handle Animal assist roll if Nik needs it.
Handle Animal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Ophelia nods to Trisane and takes a deep breath before moving to assist.

Diavolul ia ochii mei!

Nik begins to breath through his mouth to avoid the smell. Then he looks at Rom, feeling more uneasy with what he must ask him to do.

Rom, îmi pare rău să întreb, dar mă simt poate fi spooking cal, te superi de a merge și de a vedea dacă puteți găsi fiara responsabilă pentru acest lucru. Ar trebui să fie aproape de. Păstrați distanța totuși.

Then Nik turns towards the horses, trying to remain calm himself while calming them.

The horses, though still skittish, are calmed enough that the guardsmen are able to lead them from the stable. They seem to be physically unharmed, but unnerved after watching their friends get eaten.

Rom soars out of the stable and searches the grounds. He is able to find the makeshift corral currently holding the hippogriff.

The rest of the day is spent with Private Wilbur dragging the dead horse out of the stable, cleaning the stables, repairing the damaged stalls, and preparing the horse carcasses. It is just after sundown, and there is still more to do when the Sergeant approaches. She surveys the cleaning work, the repairs and nods to herself.

Nik is able to work with the horses through the day and believes they will once again be suitable (combat trained) mounts.

Private Imphawke, see to your mount. Private Wilbur, can finish up the last tasks.

Trisane is able to locate the makeshift corral now holding his mount. A small group of guards is gathered, simply admiring the creature. Inside stands a fine female hippogriff with a white head and feathers, gray body with white speckles.

The day has been busy, and from the Citadel, it is evident the city is still reeling. The setting sun highlights the plums of smoke that hang across the city. And guards continue to enter and leave the compound.

Let me know what everyone has planned for this night and the following day - any requests to see FM Kroft are politely acknowledged, but "unfortunately she is unable to spare any time currently given the citywide crisis".

First Nik would seek out the Sergeant to ask about kennel space for Trefate while he recovers. If it is safe to go out, Nik will return to Trisane's family estate to check on the children and their recovery as well as collect Trefate to bring back to the Guard barracks. He would spend the rest of the night caring for Trefate and relaxing with Ophelia and Trisane if possible.

The next day, again if it is safe to travel the city, Nik would look to gather some gear and would suggest that we address the rest of the loot we have gathered, specifically selling it. While out shopping Nik would look into a place to pick up a few things at a later time.

After gaining supplies and gear, Nik will spend some time relaxing and will produce a scroll with his new supplies.