Lucendar's Survival PbP - Welcome to the Slaughter!

Game Master Lucendar

Justified looks a little sheepish and whispers to the mayordomo. There was a lass close to my age that might have favored me in the contest. Auburn hair. I saw her near my starting position in the last fight. I believe she blew me a kiss, but I know not if she was being kind or only toying with me. If she was interested in visiting me this evening, well I could enjoy her company and closeness. But do not force her. Tell her... tell her I thought she was lovely.

As preparations continue Justified holds up a large battered wooden shield. presenting it to the group. This shield belonged to Emilian. I cannot say I knew him well, but he fought, and he kept his word. And that is more than some could claim. I sense he was a man of honor so I will carry his shield into this fight in his honor. Should I fall I ask that one of you retrieve it in honor of both Emilian and Justified.

"Well, I need to be elsewhere. Its time to thank Calistria for my freedom," Menas says as he picks up another bottle and raises to leave, "and I'll be thanking her well tonight." As he throws a wink back to table.

Women... what would I do? I've never been with one....I can always find out, tonight. A nice looking one, I'm sure I can get. Oh and the Baron's daughter... we don't know what she looks like!!!! and she does not know we're coming for her.

In a hurry, Quain gets up from his seat. "Baron, you've forgotten the most important thing. We need to know how to recognize you daughter. Can you describe her to us. We also need something for her to trust us if we find her. A ring or pendant from you and if we were to lose it two things that only you and her know. one to tell her and one to ask her."

Looking a bit confused, monk is almost thankful to Quain when he mentions that there are more details to know about his daughter and about...whatever else it is, as long as it has nothing to do with carnal activities.

If we are able to get a map of Korvosa, you can count that Haterivet will spend good part of his "free" time studying and memorizing the map. In addition, a blueprint, or even a basic description of the ziggurat would come very handy. Also, he will try to find out as much as he can regarding their target Anabel - looks, mannerisms, way of speech, her role in Desna's knights, their original intended mission. Baron mentioned that she has the same bracelet, so Haterivet will try and remember the look of this specific bracelet as well.

As tactical discussions continue Justified studies the maps provided and then brings up a few questions:

Those priests...the ones who venerate the undead. Do we know how they get into the city? Is there a gate? Is there any chance they could bring the undead out with them? Do we know if they ever patrol outside the wall?

After some further discussion Justified asks: Baron, it occurs to me that we could run into the remains, living, dead, or undead, of those you have sent ahead of us. It would be good if we could recognize them or their remains, and take advantage of what resources we find with them still. Can we get rosters of who all you have sent with names, descriptions, and what magic they were known to carry?

And finally an idea occurs to him. We must take advantage of every resource available to us if we are to maximize our chances of success. Our base camp needs to be secure and a place of strength for us. This mage who will be with us, could he assist us with castings of Mage Armor and other long lasting protections?

don't want to jump back into the conversation until the overnight has passed, i'll wait for Kwin and the baron to post before Menas makes his breakfast appearance.

Kwin sets himself up for a memorable night, but rather light on alcohol to keep a clear head for the next day.

The next morning Justified is up early sitting alone studying maps and enjoying a breakfast of fruits and cold breads when other wake and join him. His gear is well packed and by the door. He is in a good mood seems eager to move out.

So, Baron, will there be horses, or shall we be walking?

The night passes divinely. The girl Justified asked is present or at least someone similar to her since it was hard to find her from his description. You eat, drink, and satisfy all of your carnal needs. In the morning, the gear you requested is brought to you, as well as 2-horse drawn wagon with food stuffs with room for five in the back.

The Baron brings forth a map of Korvosa, as well as a portrait of his daughter Anabel. "These notes on the map are old, as you may expect, of the former landmarks and businesses in Korvosa. See Map and Pic under Campaign Info tab. Any other questions before you depart?"

Justified reminds the Baron of a couple questions he had asked last night while everyone was a little into their cups and girls were being fetched.

See my questions above on the evil priests and information on other parties the baron has sent. You answered the question about the mage casting some buffs on us.

Thank you Baron. While Kwin's comment is vague and unsolicited, it does come across as heartfelt.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to bust out of that prison and loot a devastated city. Truly, truly I must be blessed and chosen for the opportunities laid out before me... he thinks as he absent-mindedly toys with the holy symbol around his neck.

Thanks, Justified. I missed those questions.

"From the reports I have received, the gates to Korvosa are closed. I assume the evil priests got in the same way you plan to: climb the obsidian ring. I can give you the names and general appearances of the 12 men I've sent before. I do not know what arcane items they carried. I did not outfit them as I am doing with you. They were mercenaries, already outfitted with their own gear. As for the mage who is accompanying you, Piers Anton, he is there to monitor your progress and report back to me. He is not your slave or errand boy. If you wish for him to cast protective magics on you, I recommend you discuss that with him. He will be waiting for you at the wagon."

Thanks, Justified. I missed those questions.

"From the reports I have received, the gates to Korvosa are closed. I assume the evil priests got in the same way you plan to: climb the obsidian ring. I can give you the names and general appearances of the 12 men I've sent before. I do not know what arcane items they carried. I did not outfit them as I am doing with you. They were mercenaries, already outfitted with their own gear. As for the mage who is accompanying you, Piers Anton, he is there to monitor your progress and report back to me. He is not your slave or errand boy. If you wish for him to cast protective magics on you, I recommend you discuss that with him. He will be waiting for you at the wagon."

After a lot of hesitation, Quain had spent the night alone, poring over the map and wondering about the future. There would be time for fun and games later, he hoped.

"No other questions, Baron. I am ready to depart." says the fully equipped Quain, half-eager, half-fearful.

Justified shoulders his bag, the wooden shield that belonged to Emilian on the outside where it can be grabbed easily. Holding his enchanted pole arm in one hand he joins Quain at the door. Looking back at the Baron he speaks. I will do my best to bring your daughter home. With a formal bow befitting someone of the Baron's station he prepared to depart the room.

I hope this Piers Anton fellow is a friendly sort. he thinks to himself. Friendly and powerful. We are going to need his help.

Turning to Quain he comments. No reason to have spent the night alone. The Baron's man could have found you a Dwarven woman. I think that would have been close enough. Justified's smile beems. How do you feel about beards?

His equipment long ready, checked and double checked, his light meal already taken, monk was involved in casual coversation with Quin (OK, it was more just a series of very short questions and grunts of confirmation), when Baron came. Haterivet listened with caution Baron's response to Justified's questions, and after Baron finished, he simply, and bluntly reminded him that he also had some questions about Anabel, Desna's Knights and a few more things.

Awaking late Menas arrives in a state of disarray as the others are getting ready to set off. "Hellfire, this headache is well earned. I'll be ready in an hour or so, i need to get some food in me so i have something to vomit!"

Stomping off to find some food Menas will return in short order with chicken, bread, cheese and some fruit before shouldering his seemily disorganised pack of equipment with a grunt. "They used to call us mules in the legion, i think the mules were better treated though. Lets get this wagon rolling..." Stuffing his face Menas will leave without even a glance to the Baron, if he thinks i'm going to bow as he sends me off on a suicide mission he can think again.

Answers to Haterivet's Questions:
The Baron previously told Haterivet as much as he could about Anabel, which was not much. Though he loved his daughter, it was obvious it was from afar, as they were not close, so he does not know her deepest intimate secrets nor her mannerisms. As for the Knights, he never met them, just heard about them. He told you all about them already. He has no information on the ziggurat, as he's never been in it, but he points it out on the map (under Castle Korvosa). Did I miss anything?

Editing name of traveling wizard from Piers Anton to Zarael.

After answering your questions, the Baron bids you luck and best tidings and hopes you bring news of his daughter to him soon.

As you walk outside the estate, you see a silver-haired elf, sitting on the back of the wagon. He looks at the lot of you and says, "Congratulations on surviving the Trials, I hope you meet with more success than the other parties who have gone before you, for all of our sakes. I am Zarael, pleased to meet you."

Thank you fro consenting to go along with us, Zarael. I trust you are already aware of each of our backgrounds. Have you accompanied many of the other parties to attempt this? Is there anything in particular you may have noticed that may help us succeed where so many others have failed?

During the trip, Kwin will work on getting to know him, making sure he is honest with him at all times. Diplomacy 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13. Not trying to get anything from him along the way, just building a positive relationship.

DM, how long is the trip there expected to take?

"I've never accompanied any of the other parties and I know none of your backgrounds other than you're murderers. Let's get this straight, I am not here out of my the kindness of my heart. I owe some people in Kaer Maga some money and the Baron knows people and he worked some things out. So I'm paying off a debt, 'cause who in their right mind would go visit a city filled with undeadnin a wagon full of killers! I'm the wagon babysitter and long distance messenger is what I was told. Anything beyond that and we're gonna have to negotiate. You try and attack me and you will see my power first hand. We clear?"

Trip takes about a week.

Some last questions for the Baron, some of which had already been asked. Did we get an item of the Baron's to prove to his daughter that we are who we say? Or at least did we get a set of questions and answers?

Justified asks the Baron for a last boon to help complete the quest. Baron, it might help us if you could loan us some personal item that belonged to your daughter. A hair brush. A scarf. Something that she would recognize if presented to her and also something that would work as a focus in case we need it for some divination spell. We do not know what resources we might have access to once inside the city and scrying or location magic is not outside of that possible. We should be prepared and I have always herd that a personal item helps with such magic.

Justified approached the wagon where he pauses to speak to Zarael after hearing his words.

Zarael, first, know that while I am not innocent of the crime I was convicted of, you can understand that some people need killing.

Hopping into the wagon beside the mage he continues. I propose you join our team. Why not? You are in a position where you either have to come, or have decided to do so for some gain. Why not profit further from your risk? We share one goal. The sooner we succeed the sooner we all come back. And if you help keep us alive, we pull more loot from this unlooted city. I cannot speak for the rest of the team, but as for me, I am willing to share what we find in the city with you, IF we are a team, and you have magics to help your team.

Settling into the wagon and getting comfortable, Justified looks past the mage back at the Baron's estate. Addressing the mage still but speaking to the entire wagon he continues. Imagine what treasures we might find in this city. He is quite for a moment to let his point sink in. We will work hard to find the Baron's daughter, but we will not pass up treasures we find along the way. And you could have a share for simply supporting us from the safety of the camp. What do you have to loose?

It is going to be a loooonnnggg week! :)

Kwin will shrug. I mean no harm and I meant no offense.

"I've never accompanied any of the other parties and I know none of your backgrounds other than you're murderers. Let's get this straight, I am not here out of my the kindness of my heart. I owe some people in Kaer Maga some money and the Baron knows people and he worked some things out. So I'm paying off a debt, 'cause who in their right mind would go visit a city filled with undeadnin a wagon full of killers! I'm the wagon babysitter and long distance messenger is what I was told. Anything beyond that and we're gonna have to negotiate. You try and attack me and you will see my power first hand. We clear?"

Trip takes about a week.

Quain eyes the Mage up and down without flinching.

"You're very clear. We're killers. All of us. and you're a gambler or whatever. Cause you must have a really heavy debt to be pulled into such a mission. So just listen to justified and tell us what you think."

"I would be careful with my threats if i were you debtor, even wizards need to sleep. Now if we are done with the introductary threats lets get this wagon moving." Menas growls as he hefts his gear into the back and climbs in to sit on it. This elf needs a lesson in dealing with killers, there are some people in that prison who would kill him for simply voicing the threat.

"I looked over this map and i think our first stop should be the temple of Sarenrae, it may still be protected by whatever spells the sun gods priests put on it and its a sensible place for survivors to head. Plus it may have a cache of healing magic and holy water we can make use of. What do you think?"

Not the smartest one, eh Zarael? You were stupid enough to end up here with us, and obviously scared enough and based on that stupid enough to try and threaten us?!

He climbs the wagon and takes position between Quain and Menas. The moment Menas finishes, Haterived starts speaking in a low, even tone:

"As Menas said wizard, if we're done with threats, we can talk business. I'd suggest you treat us as investment, or even better as a wager. You up the ante on your side, by stacking on us the best long term protective and offensive spells you got, and if we survive and make it back, you get a pick of our loot. I'm sure that between Justified, Kwin and you, you will be able to agree on terms of your wager."

Turning to Menas, Haterivet looks him straight in the eyes, and without changing his expression, he continues in blank, monotonous voice:
"As for your suggestion, I would say that you keep to your woman, booze and bashing heads. That's what you're good at. Temple of Sarenrae is the most logical and most stupid place we could go. It is deep within the city, so the odds of someone noticing us on the way there are much higher. All other do-gooders think similar as you, so it is a safe bet that all of them tried to had there as well. Did you not hear Baron? There are intelligent undead in there!" Which is not something that could be said for this group here, and I do not mean the undead part

"I do not know if anyone of us consider Sarenrae as their patron, but I do not see any reason to go in there. This is the route that they would expect us to take, hell, they'd probably want us to take it, if they knew we're coming!" Damn it, do they know we're coming?! Hmmmm, come to think of it, probably yes...but let's ponder it later

"Some of the undead I am aware of, have issues with running water, so I'd propose that, if needed, spend our first night close to the river. Former Thieve's camp looks OK. And then head in, find what we're looking for and head out fast. No camp as such in there, no considering safe place to rest. Do not think in those terms! It will get you killed, and put the rest of us in danger!"

"Your correct in some ways monk but not in all, we are seeking a woman who has survived in this undead infested hell hole for a long time. Either somewhere in this city is safe ground to hide or she has been captured by an unknown force strong enough to overcome a veteran adventuring company." Menas retrieves an apple from his pack and begins peeling it with a dagger.

"I do not know a great deal about religion or magic, but i do know that the clergy take defending their holy sites seriously." Slicing off a chunk Menas offers some apple to Haterivet. "If those defenses are still intact there may be undead nearby to the temple but inside it could be clear. Your idea of starting in the Thieves Camp may be good, but i would invite you to think on the relative populations of each area of the city and how many people were crammed into those slums. Maybe a less populated district would be a good place to start and set up a cache of equipment before we explore deeper into the ruins? Perhaps even head to the lighthouse on the northern side of the river and get to the city by boat?"

Justified ponders these plans. Haterivet, I suspect has it right about the temple. Not a place to head to right away, but something to hold in our back pockets if things get desperate. There could be help there, or it could have been the first place to fall. I am sure the undead loathe its consecrated ground and would want to topple it if they could. We should first do some scouting, during the daylight, maybe on top of this new wall, to see what areas might be most... Justified pauses and grabs a piece of apple from the tip of Menas's dagger, popping it into his mouth. fruitful.

Justified continues with Haterivet's thoughts, addressing the wizard, but still staring back at the estate. It is as the monk says. We ask you to bet on us. The wager should be low for you, as your time is already invested. And the odds are not too bad on us I think, for we are survivors. Others in this city bet on us, and are wealthier today because of it.

He pauses for a few bumps in the road, allowing the view of the Baron's impressive estate to grow before finishing. And when we are successful, and deliver this wayward daughter back into the arms of his loving father, where will you stand? Do you want to be part of the rewarded team, winning the Baron's gratitude? Or do you want to be the hired hand who did only what he was paid to do?

Popping a slice of apple in his mouth and talking while chewing, "Never known a useful wizard, its not like he can even do any of the actual work. If he wants to sit in camp and be the Barons carrier pigeon let him, if he wants to pay off his debts faster he'll cast spells when we offer to pay him."

Menas goes silent as he offers around the last slices of the apple, I'm not sharing any of my loot with a sit in camp spell slinger, debtors are not to be trusted any more than murderers anyway. Then with a deliberate expression stands and hangs off the back of the wagon, "Hurg!" before settling back in on his gear and closing his eyes. "Wake me at lunch..."

Haterivet takes the piece of apple proferred to him by Menas, looks at it with a blank face, and continues to eat it. He listens to the exchange between Justified and Menas, and is especially focused on mage Zarael and his answers to them.

Sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

I would like to try and use hunch, to determine if mage knows something more, and is keeping it away from us, or is maybe even lying to us

Justified asks the Baron for a last boon to help complete the quest. Baron, it might help us if you could loan us some personal item that belonged to your daughter. A hair brush. A scarf. Something that she would recognize if presented to her and also something that would work as a focus in case we need it for some divination spell. We do not know what resources we might have access to once inside the city and scrying or location magic is not outside of that possible. We should be prepared and I have always herd that a personal item helps with such magic.

The Baron has one of his servants bring you one of Anabel's hairbrushes. He then says, "If she sees you with the portrait I have provided you, she will surely know I have sent you. It is also dated, if you wish to ask her and confirm her identity. I thank that should be sufficient for any of your purposes."

Settling into the wagon and getting comfortable, Justified looks past the mage back at the Baron's estate. Addressing the mage still but speaking to the entire wagon he continues. Imagine what treasures we might find in this city. He is quite for a moment to let his point sink in. We will work hard to find the Baron's daughter, but we will not pass up treasures we find along the way. And you could have a share for simply supporting us from the safety of the camp. What do you have to lose?

"You all really are some cold-hearted bastards! Well, perhaps once you show me these alleged wonderful treasures, I will be inclined to help you. Till then, it's all talk."

He pauses for a few bumps in the road, allowing the view of the Baron's impressive estate to grow before finishing. And when we are successful, and deliver this wayward daughter back into the arms of his loving father, where will you stand? Do you want to be part of the rewarded team, winning the Baron's gratitude? Or do you want to be the hired hand who did only what he was paid to do?

"My debt, unlike yours, is paid in full simply by accompanying you, regardless of whether you succeed or not. So I have no need to win the Baron's gratitude or favor. I am free simply by coming here. As for the threats I mentioned earlier, I just needed you to know that I can handle myself quite capably and that I'm nobody's bi*ch! So screw with me at your peril."

I would like to try and use hunch, to determine if mage knows something more, and is keeping it away from us, or is maybe even lying to us

Who's driving the wagon? There's space for 2 up front and 4 in the back. Zarael and Menas are already well settled in the back.

If you want me to drive the wagon later i can do, shouldn't be too difficult.

Menas opens his eyes as Zarael states his intentions, "Do not worry elf, my urges were satisfied last night. You are safe for at least a week." With a wide grin Menas settles down in his cloak again. "If you could do me a favour and put those Elven eyes to good use watching for any ambush on the road i'll do the same for you when i wake up." Menas then drifts back to sleep and after a few minutes is snoring happily.

Quain joins the others in the wagon. As no one seems keen to drive the wagon, he sets his gear in the front seat.
"I can try driving it. I've seen lots of people in my village dong that. I can't be that complicated."

Taking an apple from the bag but Menas snoring head, he walks towards the horses, offering each of them half of the apple.
"There," he says, trying to pet them, "I'm going to drive this wagon, so please keep you calm and all will be well."

Wild empathy check 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Kwin will enjoy the ride with a certain laziness, content to let Quain deal with the animals. This first week outside of prison and back in the wide world again does have him somewhat on edge, and he will keep a close watch for ambush. From time to time he does relax though, enjoying seeing the sky above again. Cloud formations in the day and stars by night; probably what he's missed most while locked up.

After the initial "exchange" with Zarael is complete, Haterivet will join Quain on the front seat. He came to respect silent ranger, and his typical reserved behavior is something which is perfectly OK by monk. So, unless specifically asked by someone to exchange places, Hateriver would spend the better part of the journey in the front seat, next to Quain, simply enjoying in seeing the world again.

Quain, wake when it's my turn to drive. Justifies offers as he settles comfortably into the wagon. He watches the progress for a while as he has not seen this countryside before. But soon he dozes.

The horses pretty much stick to the roads and as long as you're not in a race/chase or jumping ravines, it's pretty straight forward to drive the wagon. As you travel, you see very little road traffic as you travel east to Korvosa. At a road stop for bathroom breaks, Zarael tells you, "As we get closer to Korvosa, be wary of road ambushes. Initially, after the black wall came up, families of the inhabitants of the city used to make a pilgrimage to await outside for news on the fates of their loved ones. Unfortunately, those sympathetic souls were seen as easy prey for highwaymen and the incidents of ambushes and murders on the road tripled. What scoundrels! None of the surrounding cities cared as much to send guards to patrol the roads, so out here it's travel at your own risk. Don't ever forget that."

With the mage's warning Justified perks up and remains alert. Those bandits are bastards! Justified pronounces with such venom that it surprises. For the first time since you have met him you see Justified actually angry. His eyes seem to blaze for a moment. I pray to Cayden that these bandits will try to take this wagon. I would love the chance to put an end to them.

Waking with a start at Justified's outburst, "Whu? Oh, I'm sure Zarael will just turn them to ash with his mighty magic before we have to take action, but lets keep an eye out anyway. Hmm, I think it may be time for lunch..."

Menas rummages through his pack for a while before producing half a ham, some bread, butter and a bottle of wine. "Courtesy of the Baron, I think its rude if you don't empty the table when the host does such a good job setting it." Pulling the cork out with his teeth and taking a swing before offering it around. "Here Quain, take a break and I'll drive for a while."

Suffling into the front seat with his shield and javlins and taking a few deep breaths of the country air Menas will settle once again keeping a careful eye on the surroundings.

Perception vs ambush 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Waking with a start at Justified's outburst, "Whu? Oh, I'm sure Zarael will just turn them to ash with his mighty magic before we have to take action, but lets keep an eye out anyway. Hmm, I think it may be time for lunch..."

Menas rummages through his pack for a while before producing half a ham, some bread, butter and a bottle of wine. "Courtesy of the Baron, I think its rude if you don't empty the table when the host does such a good job setting it." Pulling the cork out with his teeth and taking a swing before offering it around. "Here Quain, take a break and I'll drive for a while."

Suffling into the front seat and taking a few deep breaths of the country air Menas will settle once again keeping a careful eye on the surroundings.

Perception vs ambush 1d20+6

"Thank you, Menas." Still lost in his thoughts, Quain takes the back seat and setting his weapons close to him, closes his eyes for a well needed nap.

The first day passes without incident. Do you post regular watches for the rest of the trip and if so, let me know them, just in case? Zarael needs 8 hours of sleep so he's not involved.

Of course the watcher does not watch. :) Since he has not cast any spells this first day, maybe he could watch the first night...

Justified is happy to take first watch at night, but he has proven to be less observant than others. He recommends that we establish regular watches for the rest of the trip, and not only at night, but also he believes we should have someone riding "shotgun" next to the driver who will not sleep during the ride and keep an eye out for trouble.

Can we get a better description of the wagon? Dimensions? Sideboards? Any cover for rain? Maybe a large heavy tarp? How high off the ground, etc. Among other things, I want to know how much cover it would provide if you were crouching in it.

I was picturing something like this but longer with horses: Wagon

I am just as happy to have the elf not be relied upon for any watches; if Kwin is going to trust anyone, it will be those with instincts honed in brutal circumstances. Kwin will be happy to take any watch and take the roll as seriously as he hopes the others would, i.e. not sitting or leaning against anything so there is little risk of falling asleep, etc.