JZ's Carrion Crown - (Wake of the Watcher) (Inactive)

Game Master JamZilla

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LOOT


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She provides company and fortune telling, as do some of the other ladies. Or they dance, converse and.... he smiles at Hazel. ....provide other services for discerning gentlemen. And ladies.

Good day to you miss.


Inactive

Well, guess that's that for now, Hazel muses as she makes her way back towards the lodge proper. Guess I'll go see who else I can find and see if they've learned anything.
________

Feel free to place Hazel at another scene with someone else; if not I'll figure out later where she might want to go next.


Quick summary:

Hazel visited the tower and made an appointment for that evening, she is now just heading back into the Lodge.
Zed is talking to the kitchen staff
Vermundr is talking to Corvin
Kaz, Constantin and Vala are all in Estovian's office but he has just threatened to call the guard


Inactive

Alrighty! Sorry if I sounded 'whatever' earlier, was just getting ready to go to bed as I'm now here at work on the night shift :)
________

As Hazel troops back down from the tower, it occurs to her that in all the rush to track where the spider had come from that none of them had thought to really check on the Markiza. Figuring that she'd likely retired to or been carried to her room by this point, Hazel quietly makes her way there and gently knocks on the door.

"Hello?" she calls softly. "Um...it's...it's Hazel Stokes. I just wanted to come by and make sure that everything is okay."
________

Hazel is basically looking for the Markiza/Ostravach now; assuming she's back in her quarters but she might've been taken elsewhere to be looked over by whoever counts as the medic here at the lodge.


There are heavy boot-steps on the other side of the door before it is snatched open quickly.

Ostravach fills the doorframe, looking impressive in his oiled leather armour but also white as a sheet.

Ms Stokes! I... we... Your group and I got off on the wrong foot.... he just shakes his head as if having made a decision. My mistress is ill, I think the fright was too much for her. Do you have any skill at healing? Please, would you take a look at her?


Vala, if you want to keep this moving then feel free to give Estovian both barrels of grandma fury :)


Inactive

Hazel actually jumps back slightly from the door as it's opened far more quickly than she'd expected. "Oh! Oh, uh...don't worry about that right now, sometimes we all flap our jaws before we think," she responds, caught a bit off-guard by Ostravach's sudden change of heart.

He's probably serious but it's been so strange here, I don't know who to trust.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"And um, I don't have a lot of skill at healing but I'll definitely take a look at her, of course," Hazel continues, nodding sincerely. "If it looks too much for me then I can run and get Kaz or Vala or Z...um, or Zed," she finishes.


NG Male Human Investigator (Psychic Detective)9 lvl 1 spells 6/7 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 4/4 Insp: 10/12 HP 48/48 Init +0, Per +16 AC 18/14/18 Frt3,Rfx6,Wll8

Kazamir calmly regards the sweating steward for a long moment.

He's co-operated with Vrood, somehow. Willingly or under duress... flashes through the investigator's mind.

He rises in slow, non-threatening manner, and bows slightly, hand on his chest.

"Despite this current unpleasant discussion, Herr Estovian, know that, should an emergency arise again, or if you find yourself in some other untenable position...we would help. We are perhaps in the best position to help. I do hope you will chat with us again later.

Constantin, Mistress Cross, will you join me in the LIbrary?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 12 + (2) = 29


Hazel

Hazel:

Ostravach seems genuinely concerned. He is also abashed at having to ask you for help but is obviously not too proud to do so

He opens the door wider and shows you in.

The room beyond is far more plush than the one you stay in and in fact is more accurately classed as an entire suite.

Looking beyond the comfortable furnishing and tasteful art, Hazel sees the Markia lying on a sofa, her dress somewhat dishevelled and her hair hanging out of it's normally neat bun.

She reaches limply for a small glass of water on a table beside her. Retrieving the glass you see her hand shaking so violently that it makes it only barely off the table before she drops it and it lands with a thunk on the thick sheepskin rug, rolling away and spilling the water everywhere.

A little moan is all that escapes her lips.


Hazel

Heal check DC 10:

Physically, she is unharmed. You can ascertain that with no more than a cursory glance. But she seems utterly in shock, pale-faced and sweating nervously.

You don't believe any magic is needed to heal her but rather more traditional means of care such as keeping her warm, sweet tea and so on. Whether she requires longer-term psychological care is something you are not qualified to determine.

But certainly, she is not in physical danger


Kaz, Constantin and Vala

Just leave me, please! he asks once again clearly under an enormous amount of stress. He wrings his hands in front of him and chews his lips like a child.


NG Male Human Investigator (Psychic Detective)9 lvl 1 spells 6/7 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 4/4 Insp: 10/12 HP 48/48 Init +0, Per +16 AC 18/14/18 Frt3,Rfx6,Wll8

SOrry, COn...forgot to reply

I am not sure if he had the ouch before, Constanin...Kaz thinks back, straining to recall...

int check?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

but I do think it's him. But he is desperate that we not find something out. I think it best not to push him too far right now. Please pass that to Vala, as well.


You certainly haven't noticed it up until now


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

Constantin dutifully passes on Kaz's mental message, then thinks, He's behaving like someone who's being blackmailed.


Male Dhampir Inquisitor 12 | AC 28, Touch 14, FF 26 | HP 69/99 | F +13, R +9, W +15 (+2 vs disease/mind-affecting, -1 vs ability score damage/drain) | Init +7 | Perc +25
Buffed Stats:
AC 32 (+ Lastwall Phalanx), Touch 17, FF 29 | HP 69/99 | F +13, R +10, W +15 (+ Lastwall Phalanx)| Init +7 | Perc +25, See Invisibility | Freedom of Movement
GM-JZ wrote:
Whether it is because of his involvement in that fight or not, Zed finds the staff far more receptive to his presence and one of the young serving girls says; Hi, what do you need?

I apologize for the sudden radio silence. I had a surprise visit from my girlfriend, in whom's presence I tend to ignore my laptop.

Zed is almost shocked at the pleasant greeting but continues on. "I was wondering if I could borrow some dishes for a private dinner. Three people, plates and bowls and a large serving bowl. I will return it as soon as possible."


Of course, Zed, no problem

The kitchen staff look somewhat bemused at the request but do not argue and fetch the items Zed asks for in short order.

You were very brave taking on that thing. one of them says, a man barely old enough to shave. I just ran and hid in the pantry


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Male Dhampir Inquisitor 12 | AC 28, Touch 14, FF 26 | HP 69/99 | F +13, R +9, W +15 (+2 vs disease/mind-affecting, -1 vs ability score damage/drain) | Init +7 | Perc +25
Buffed Stats:
AC 32 (+ Lastwall Phalanx), Touch 17, FF 29 | HP 69/99 | F +13, R +10, W +15 (+ Lastwall Phalanx)| Init +7 | Perc +25, See Invisibility | Freedom of Movement

Zed gives a hint of a smile as he realizes why they're taking somewhat of a liking to him. "We all just contribute what we can. I'll keep fighting the monsters and you keep our bellies full." Zed gives a nod of thanks, taking his leave.

Once gone, Zed makes sure he's not being watched then goes back into the secret tunnel. Once there he makes the trip all the way to the peaking hole by their room, then goes about stringing all the dishes up together. He places them just a few inches off the ground, making it so that anybody who walks through here will run into them, making quite a racket and possibly tripping.

Basically making a rudimentary noise trap. Hopefully in the passageway it's relatively dark so it will be hard to see. We may be able to catch the person spying on us.


Male Ulfen Bloodrager 9 | 94/94 HP | AC 19 T 11 FF 19 (AC 26 currently) | Fort +10 Ref +4 Will +8 | Initiative +0 | Perception +15, Sense Motive +0
Resources:
Rage 9/23 | Spells: 1st 2/3, 2nd 1/1
Zelda | 47/47 HP (0 nonlethal) | AC: 21
GM-JZ wrote:
This is to Corvin, right?

Yeah.

"That may be", Vermundr says grimly.

"Do you know if the boy has had accidents like that in the past with his pets? It's hard to believe the lodge's master would keep a danger like that around without a good reason."


He's always been unhinged. Corvin replies, matter-of-factly. But messing with the Delgros' creatures? I don't know. Maybe. But that old coot keeps them locked up tighter than Ivanja keeps her ladies.

In fact, I recall old Paucy got something of a thrashing a few summers ago when he decided he wanted to put his hands on one of those ladies without paying for it.

Who knows what goes on in the head of a simpleton? he snorts laughter again and takes another gulp.


I just want to wrap up these conversations and then move on if you would prefer?


Male Ulfen Bloodrager 9 | 94/94 HP | AC 19 T 11 FF 19 (AC 26 currently) | Fort +10 Ref +4 Will +8 | Initiative +0 | Perception +15, Sense Motive +0
Resources:
Rage 9/23 | Spells: 1st 2/3, 2nd 1/1
Zelda | 47/47 HP (0 nonlethal) | AC: 21

I think I'm good to move on. I'm not sure what I'd hoped to learn from Corvin.


No one has asked him about the visitors yet


Male Ulfen Bloodrager 9 | 94/94 HP | AC 19 T 11 FF 19 (AC 26 currently) | Fort +10 Ref +4 Will +8 | Initiative +0 | Perception +15, Sense Motive +0
Resources:
Rage 9/23 | Spells: 1st 2/3, 2nd 1/1
Zelda | 47/47 HP (0 nonlethal) | AC: 21

Good point.

GM-JZ wrote:
Who knows what goes on in the head of a simpleton? he snorts laughter again and takes another gulp.

"I imagine you could ask him. The answer might surprise you."

"Did the boy try anything like that with the last batch of visitors? I heard they were quite memorable."


retired

Vala strides up to Estovian and slaps him hard across the cheek. "Dismissing us out of hand doesn't fix any of this, Estovian. Make things right!" And with the clap of her hand upon his flushed cheek still echoing in the room, Vala turns and storms out, the fury in her eyes suggesting she'll slap anyone who gets in her way too, even Constantin and Kaz.


Vermundr wrote:

Good point.

GM-JZ wrote:
Who knows what goes on in the head of a simpleton? he snorts laughter again and takes another gulp.

"I imagine you could ask him. The answer might surprise you."

"Did the boy try anything like that with the last batch of visitors? I heard they were quite memorable."

I didn't see them. he admits. I was... discussing poetry... with one of the serving girls that evening. But Ostravach was very put out with them I know that. Had a face like thunder the next day.


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

A few moments after Vala storms out, Constantin says calmly, "If something else goes awry here on this scale, we're the best chance to save everyone's lives."

"And if someone is threatening you, we're your best chance to stop them. And we will find out."

He puts his top hat back on and waits to see if Kaz has anything else to add.


Following their confrontation with Estovian, the group can hear his nervous footsteps shuffling back and forth across his office floor.

After several hours Delgros and Duristan return to the Lodge only to be brought up to speed with dramatic events that morning.

The huntsman of course heads straight to his animal pens and isn't seen again for much of the afternoon as he kennels his hounds and sets about securing the pens with a series of heavy locks and, he later warns the gathered guests and staff, traps.

Duristan finds the group and rushes up to you;

What a day! he exclaims. But of course you got to the bottom of it in no time at all, most impressive, most impressive.

Look, it seems clear that something is going on here. I got in touch with Ella, the girl I told you about who can provide the scar-wards, it seems like you could do with all the protection you can get.

She said that one of you went to visit her mistress Madame Ivanja? Well, they want you to all come to the tower this evening, before supper. What do you think?


Inactive

Earlier with Ostravach

Leaving Ostravach to clean up the spilled water, Hazel carefully kneels down and looks the Markiza over as best as she's able.

Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

But isn't able to determine much other than the fact that the woman is still suffering in some way from her encounter with the enormous spider. She quickly looks up at Ostravach. "She wasn't bitten earlier, was she? It didn't look like it but even little spiders can carry venom and if she was bitten then it might explain why she seems so weak."

"But it's clear this is outside my wheelhouse," she continues as she rises to her feet. "Go get a blanket and keep her covered and I'll go fetch one of the others to have a look at her, okay? We'll be right back as quickly as we can!"

And unless Ostravach has something else to add or tries to keep her from doing so, Hazel will (would have) gone and asked Kaz or Zed or Vala to come have a look at the woman.
________

Later, Present

"Yeah, that would've been me," Hazel explains. "I remembered that she's one of the few people here that we haven't spoken to yet so I thought I'd pay her a visit. For future reference, she and her girls aren't open for business until the sun goes down."

"I'd originally planned to go back and meet with Madame Ivanja at dusk - so there'd still be time to go meet with your Ella after - but if they want us all to go then I think we should."


Anything else or moving on to Ivanja's tower?


NG Male Human Investigator (Psychic Detective)9 lvl 1 spells 6/7 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 4/4 Insp: 10/12 HP 48/48 Init +0, Per +16 AC 18/14/18 Frt3,Rfx6,Wll8

Kaz will share the conversation with Estovian and his thoughts thereunto pertaining with those that weren't there.

Also, to be clear, Kaz is completely ignoring the instructions to pack and leave, unless the Warden revisits the issue.


Inactive

As Kaz fills them in on what they missed in Estovian's office, a familiar scowl crosses Hazel's face. "So he's hiding something...gee, just like every other person we've ran across since we started all this business in Ravengro," she grumbles. "Guess that explains why we've had trouble getting anywhere useful though. I'm just sorry I wasn't there to see Vala give him five across the face!"

"And yeah no, I'm not going anywhere," she agrees. "Whatever's going on around here has Vrood's stink all over it and I'll be damned if I let someone chase me away now!"


Male Ulfen Bloodrager 9 | 94/94 HP | AC 19 T 11 FF 19 (AC 26 currently) | Fort +10 Ref +4 Will +8 | Initiative +0 | Perception +15, Sense Motive +0
Resources:
Rage 9/23 | Spells: 1st 2/3, 2nd 1/1
Zelda | 47/47 HP (0 nonlethal) | AC: 21

"At this point, we should consider the worst possible situation: What if Estovian has been compromised? These bastards have shown they'll go to any lengths to get what they want. Who is to say that they haven't found a way to control one man managing a hunting lodge in the middle of the woods?"

"It may be worth looking around his office."


NG Male Human Investigator (Psychic Detective)9 lvl 1 spells 6/7 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 4/4 Insp: 10/12 HP 48/48 Init +0, Per +16 AC 18/14/18 Frt3,Rfx6,Wll8

"I think a look around his office is an excellent idea..cautiously. My guess is that Vermundr is right - Estovian has been compromised in some manner. I would guess that he is not magically controlled, but he might have been blackmailed or coerced into rendering some aid to Vrood. Finding out exactly what that is could be vital to us - we still have only the vaguest glimpse of Vroods plans."


Nice, so lay out the plan for me when you're ready guys :)


retired

"He seemed nervous about that book he was reading. He started worriedly eyeing the drawer he threw it in as you started pressing him, Kazamir. But what does any of that matter? He may not throw us out but he sure as all the nine hells won't let us back into his office for a chat, let alone open up his desk drawers for us. Meanwhile, Vrood gets yet another day's lead to do whatever he means to with Kendra." Vala's voice is taught with emotion, a cocktail of fear, worry, exhaustion, and anger. She stamps her foot in frustration, wishing now that she'd done more than simply slap Estovian.


NG Male Human Investigator (Psychic Detective)9 lvl 1 spells 6/7 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 4/4 Insp: 10/12 HP 48/48 Init +0, Per +16 AC 18/14/18 Frt3,Rfx6,Wll8

The corners of Kaz's lips turn ever so slightly upward.
"One of the great advantages of no longer being offically employed to enforce the law is...well, let's say a certain lattitude in bending it. I had not exactly planned to ask Estovian politely to empty his desk for me..."


Inactive

"Well...we need to figure out a plan then if we're going to do this," Hazel remarks, grinning at Kaz. "Not sure I'd be much help with the actual uh...job...but if you need me to be a distraction somewhere then I think I can handle that much!"


Male Dhampir Inquisitor 12 | AC 28, Touch 14, FF 26 | HP 69/99 | F +13, R +9, W +15 (+2 vs disease/mind-affecting, -1 vs ability score damage/drain) | Init +7 | Perc +25
Buffed Stats:
AC 32 (+ Lastwall Phalanx), Touch 17, FF 29 | HP 69/99 | F +13, R +10, W +15 (+ Lastwall Phalanx)| Init +7 | Perc +25, See Invisibility | Freedom of Movement

"Get him out of the office, we send in somebody invisible. I suggest Kaz since he can pick locks."


Around what time are you enacting this plan?


NG Male Human Investigator (Psychic Detective)9 lvl 1 spells 6/7 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 4/4 Insp: 10/12 HP 48/48 Init +0, Per +16 AC 18/14/18 Frt3,Rfx6,Wll8

Let me consult some maps and do some re-reading - I'll propose more details later toady.


Inactive

"We still have our meeting at dusk to go to also," Hazel adds as a reminder. "Maybe do that first and then do the other thing late, after people have gone to bed?"


Ok I'll just wait on Kaz if he is going to formulate a plan :)


Sorry Kaz, I know you are busy but I'm keen to get this moving so we can close out this sandbox section. Can somebody let me know when you are planing on hitting Estovian's office and if that is before or after visiting Madaem Ivanja?


Inactive

I believe that Madame Ivanja wanted to meet with all of us at dusk, yes? We should keep to that meeting/request and then I think that depending on what happens there and when we get done, we come back and work on getting into Estovian's office. Preferably it'll be late enough at night that most of the lodge will be asleep and there won't be too many guards or whatever to worry about...just possible magical wards.

My rationale for doing the meeting first is partly because we don't want to try and get into the office too early, partly because it'll be less suspicious if we keep to doing what we've been doing (aka just milling around and getting to know people), and partly because it seems rude to refuse the invitation - at least Hazel would think so :)


NG Male Human Investigator (Psychic Detective)9 lvl 1 spells 6/7 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 4/4 Insp: 10/12 HP 48/48 Init +0, Per +16 AC 18/14/18 Frt3,Rfx6,Wll8

Sorry, guys. We'd definitely do this after the meeting with Madame Ivanja - lets say maybe two hours after midnight? We can certainly go ahead with the meeting.


Inactive

That works for me!


At the allotted time you make for the squat tower that sits on the Lodge grounds and serves as Ivanja's place of residence and business.

Entering the tower you are immediately assailed by the smell of sweet incense. Though thick and cloying, it is a far more pleasant welcome than the guards gave Hazel earlier in the day - though she notices they stand around casually at the base room of the tower which is adorned with expensive furniture and artwork of mostly Varisian origin.

One of the men nods to Hazel and with an open hand gesture indicates a short flight of steps leading up to a beaded curtain at the top of a landing. Three young women, a human and two elves, wander languidly across the landing from one room to another, chatting idly and smiling becomingly at you from their vantage point.

Reaching the landing you pull back the curtain and room beyond is a haze of coloured smoke that catches in your throat.

As your adjust, you begin to make out another two men, heavily muscled and armed with wickedly curved blades at their sides. Each of them watch you passively with dark eyes set in dusky faces. They bare the same look as many of Vudrani descent and Consatantin recognises them as such immediately.

Don't mind zem. an accented voice says, sounding like a hand running over silk, Zey vork for me. Protect me. Do I need protecting from you?

A lady steps into view, though still behind her guards. She wears her long dark hair tied back with a red scarf and her skin is the colour of golden sugar. Her eyes are darkly made up and her lips painted a seductive crimson. The lady wears a corset of leather above a skirt of velvet and is without doubt the most alluring women most of you have ever seen.

Behind her, reclining on a chaise is another young woman, this time with sandy hair and less make up, but beautiful in her own way.

You are friends of Duristan? she says. Come to see my mistress she nods at the darker skinned lady. And myself I think.


There is a short cough from behind you and you see Duristan standing somewhat uncomfortably in one corner.

Hello. he says plainly. Yes, these are my friends, the ones I told you about Ella.

He looks awkwardly between you and then at the two ladies, for some reason not wanting to meet Hazels' gaze.

Sense Motive DC 15:

He seems quite smitten with Hazel, and is somewhat abashed at these circumstances given the nature of Ivanja and Ella's occupation


Male Ulfen Bloodrager 9 | 94/94 HP | AC 19 T 11 FF 19 (AC 26 currently) | Fort +10 Ref +4 Will +8 | Initiative +0 | Perception +15, Sense Motive +0
Resources:
Rage 9/23 | Spells: 1st 2/3, 2nd 1/1
Zelda | 47/47 HP (0 nonlethal) | AC: 21

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 1

"We are", Vermundr offers after allowing his gaze to linger on the woman a moment too long. "He tells us you're a wise woman with information we might find useful and a charm to protect us from the beasts outside the lodge's walls. Recent events make me think we might need protection from beasts inside the lodge's walls more."


Ve all have charms of one description or anozer. Madame Ivanja says, running her hand suggestively across the chest of one of the guards.

From vat I hear you are quite adept at dispatching beasts. And perhaps part beast yourself, no? she adds, returning Vermundr's gaze and letting her eyes fall on him and Zed and back again.

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