Megan's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Megan Robertson

Ebon Wings looks askance as the young lady draws his card
don't have one as far as I know

I would suggest The Survivor {Constituion - Rebirth through Ordeal/Tragic news or profound loss} as a Very appropriate card for Ebon Wings

Zalania looks over at the card in front of the mysterious character. A lone man sits on a throne, a pool of blood around his feet. "Been through a lot, have you? Don't worry too much about it, its all for the best. If we haven't been where we've been we wouldn't be where we are."

Good choice - The Survivor

Ashe accepts Zalania's words of wisdom, "Zalania we are on our way to find a man named Vencarlo Orisini. He made contact with the Korvosan Field Marshal Kroft that he has discovered information that might shed light on the nature of the Queen's newfound powers."

"I take it you are a Harrower and thus an arcane caster Zalania?"

Ashe reaches into that large satchel-like belt pouch and pulls out first one large tome.. and then a second one.. totally incongruous with the shape and obvious physical capacity of the belt pouch.

"These are two spellbooks we have recovered in our efforts to protect Korvosa. They are resources ALL our arcane casters have access to... perhaps you will want to peruse them as well...?"

"I know you do not have time to study them right now.. but once we get the time to rest and recover.. they are available for you as for your wishes if any of the magics contained interest you."

Ashe leaves the spellbooks on the table for Zalania.

"I'm going to return to the prow and keep watch... prepare yourselves - Justicars. Our respite of this journey will be brief."

Seeing as Zellara decided not to make an appearance... Ashe collects her harrow cards returning them to their battered wooden case and returns them to his satchel/belt pouch.. before leaving the cabin to return to his post.

The Survivor it is!

"Zalania. I am one who can talk to spirits. I had intended to try to convince some to aid us, but my resources are few. Do you have any suggestions on what might be useful? At the moment most of my deals involve ice attacks or raven spirits. Do you have any advice?" he indicates the deck as he speaks. "I'm not really familiar with Harrowing; typically I use my divination sticks."

He squints at her slightly as he looks, trying to work out if there is anything strange about her to his preternatural senses.
kicking in spirit sense. CL check caster level: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

"Vun (One) must always be willing to see what others do not see. But I have also found it true that vun does not go looking for spirits to help, those that are meant to help are usually already doing so. Zhose are the vuns for which you should be looking." Zalania says as she gathers up her cards once again.

Graxer watches exchange of cards and hodo talk... "Always been sorta partial to making my own future.. When the hell is this boat gonna be there.. Im about sea sick.. If I puke im pnching someone.."

The fishing boat makes its way west along the Narrows of Saint Alika, as one of the deckhands tells you the strip of water between Old Korvosa and the rest of the city is named. There are few boats out, but enough that you are not conspicuous, although you can see Grey Maiden patrols on the shore and on the stumps of the shattered bridges.

Eventually you come out into the more open water of Conqueror's Bay where, I'm sorry Graxer, it does get a bit choppy! The boat turns north, rounding the end of Endrin Isle, on which Old Korvosa sits. Dusk is falling, and the deckhands run a series of different coloured lights up the mast, which they say indicate that they are fishing with nets for green snapper - the fisherfolk have a complex code, apparently.

The west end of Endrin Isle is fortified, but the wall soon gives way to a rather scrubby landscape with a narrow foreshow. Beyond that, further east, are the walls and structures of the Palace Arkona.

Callatra comes up. "I can put you ashore here or we can go further east beyond the Arkona place if you prefer, although there you will have to scramble up some cliffs. Here, it's flat but also open. It isn't usually patrolled these days, but who is to say what is normal?"

He awaits your choice, balanced perfectly on the pitching deck.

Ashe will stand watching the various running lights as the deckhands move about. Occasionally, he will lend a hand... himself familiar with the proper running of a boat... though more knowledgeable of merchant or military ships rather than fishing boats.. there are a few similarities.

Profession {Sailor}: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

The pitching deck seems not to bother Ashe in the least... apparently Pathfinders get used to sea travel in their many journeys... but more likely Ashe has learned his 'sea-legs' from his family owning two merchantmen ships that ply and seaways and provide House Whiteplume with its income from their cargo trade and shipping contract business concerns.

At Captain Callatra question of where to go ashore, Ashe nods, "Here will do Captain... no need to put yourself out anymore than necessary. Thank you for your efforts on our part. Well take it from here."

"I can ask Nosoi to scout the area, if you like."

Ashe accepts Ebon Wing's offer, "Thank you Ebon, yes - please! 'Forewarned is forearmed'. I want our landing to be as unobserved but as swift as possible."

As they enter the rougher water Graxer struggles to hold his lunch.. Dwarves just aren't made for the sea.. Fort: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33 But with shear hardness he swallows the bile and remains stable, for now.. "Whatever's closer.. Just get my off this damdable boat.."

"Nosoi - would you mind scouting please"

Nosoi reports back that apart from a gang of children playing in a nearby street, all is quiet in the area where you are thinking of landing.

Ebon Wings nods and repeats for those who cannot understand Nosoi

"Just some children playing in the street. Let's go, now, before that changes."

Reaching the shore Graxer pushes the other out of the way to reach the bank.. He makes his way to a tree and sets down next to it for a minute.. "Dam boats.. How could anyone spend months on such a thing is beyond me.."

Ashe follows moving aside for the eager Dwarven slayer. Ashe returns to the cabin and retrieves the spellbooks returning them to his belt pouch satchel for safe-keeping, allowing the rest of the Justicars to reach the shore first.

A final parting word for captain Callatra, "Thank you again Captain, stay safe... remember to fly a red pennet on your main mast so Majenbko can find you when we have need to leave the isle. Goddess Bless you...!"

Then Ashe lowers his visor to his helm and reaches into his blet pouch ... making for the shore... he immediately moves into the shadows under the tree Graxer has taken refuge under... and pulls from his belt pouch an odd greyish eagle-beaked Andoran costume mask pulling it on over his helm's visor with the words, "...now is time for a little confusion."

The light shifts around and Ashe his clothing, weapons and armor changing until standing before everyone if 'The Grey Eagle'... face cowled and masked with the Androan eagle mask, clad in his armored coat with his eagle hilted Aldori dueling blade at his side and Quick-draw shield at his back.

Disguise: {Take 10!} 10 + 14 = 24

The tone of his voice is subtly different, "Right now, let's get going.. we have much to do... and time flees us."

Walking past Graxer he firmly places an hand on Graxer's shoulder in support, "The dawrves are a people who are children of Golarion's rocky bones... it is no wonder they prefer solidity. All is well 'Sword Thane of the Lord in Iron'.. rejoice..! There is blood work to do!"

Ashe looks about just a little to get his bearings and nods, "The Orisini Academy is this way, come..!"

Ashe heads boldly down the center of the streets making as best speed as possible... and his 'apparent' medium Armored coat slows him down not at all his strides light and certain.

A flock of incongruously happy children sing a rhyme as they gather around something in the middle of the street.

"Headless, headless, that's what you'll be, brand new dolls in the Emp'rer's ceme'try! Choppy, choppy, chop, the tall knife calls, waitin' for the day for Korvosa to fall" they chant.

One of the children has fashioned an odd object from sticks and pegs — a crude guillotine that the children are using to behead a collection of dolls.

Ashe listens to the chidren's rhyme... his expression impossible to see... under his mask but, he approaches.. chanting a rhyme of his own...

"All the bridges coming down, coming down, coming down!"
"All the bridges coming down, Crimson Lady!"

Perform {Singing): {Take 10!} 10 + 8 = 18

Bardic Performance - 1rd {Fascinate}
- To gain the children's attention and not frighten them at his approach.

Ashe regally approaches to no closer then 15'ft from the children and crouches down to squat on his haunches at the children's height to address them. His mask still in place...

Majenko shifts his position on Ashe's shoulder to lift his head and spread his wings, cocking his head side to side to regard the young children with curiosity and chirping playfully. His tail thrashes at Ashe's back in expectation of play...

"Good evening little ones... where did you ever hear that interesting rhyme? Should you not be home with your parents so late at night?"

Diplomacy: {Take 10!} 10 + 11 = 21

"Vhat interesting toys." Zalania says as she follows behind, but her tone of voice makes it obvious that they are not interesting at all.

The children leave their game to look at the singing man, but appear more fascinated by Majenko.

One points. "Is it real?"

Another says "Our parents are out drinking, so we have to make our own amusements."

Ashe chuckles gently, "Yes. My little dragon companion is quite real."

Ashe pauses, but makes no comments about the drinking parents, "I see... who is the Emp'rer and where might we see his tall knife?"

Ashe recognizes the toy guillotine the children are playing with and Knows - Pilts Swatel, the self-styled 'Emperor of Old Korvosa' has one of those terrible devices from the Galt in his museum of the macabre. The children's rhyme tell him Pilts is using that device to enforce his rule.. a rule Ashe plans on ending permanently!

"Lets get moving to this Vencarlo's place"

The tallest child steps forward. "I have been to see the Emperor's
real tall knife at his palace," he says proudly.

"No you bain't," says another, and a bit of pushing and shoving ensue as the two debate the point. The rest egg them on, chanting "Ew, Ew, Ew!"

Ashe steps forward keeping his voice gentle but chiding, "...now,now. Be still.. where do you think the 'Tall Knife' is then? I'm just as curious to see it as well. Where is the Emperor's Palace?"

Majenko directs Ashe's thought to the others, { Ashe says, We will find Vencarlo. But asks that we please do not speak his name for everyone to hear again. Ashe says he has no intention of leaving Old Korvosa without Pilts Swatel's... rulership of Old Korvosa being ended!}

A father himself Ebon Wings is disturbed to see how these children delight in the rule of the "Emperor" - but more disturbed that their parents will let them run around somewhere as dangerous as Old Korvosa so they can go drinking.

These children might make easily recurited scouts... but only a monster would risk a child's life instead of one so much older and more secured.

The oldest child, now sporting a split lip, points east. "Down the far end of't island, everybody knows that!" he says.

Ashe nods and steps forwards slowly... un-threateningly laying a hand upon the boy's head to tousle his hair affectionately.

"My thanks son, Goddess bless you!"

Instantly a soft, warm, golden light suffices the boy... healing all injuries, removing any disease.. known or unknown and banishing all fatigue from the lad.

Lay On Hands

Then Ashe leans close to meet his eyes, his own frosty blue eyes visible through the Eagle mask eye slits his voice encouraging and earnest, "Now... you are the oldest and you KNOW these streets are dangerous at night! Be the Young MAN, I know you can be.. and take your young friends home to play inside where its safe, ok? I fear for you and your young friend's safety. Do it as a favor to me... The Greyeagle, friend and ally of the people's Hero... Blackjack!"

"May IOMEDAE Strengthen you and guide your heart! Good Night, young man."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

With that, Ashe turns his grey cloak swirling with the motion and strides on his way without further word... his steps certain and determined...

Majenko telepathically transmits to the Justicars,{"Ashe says Now.. we go find Vencarlo Orisini.. his academy is this way..!"}

Majenko takes flight and ranges ahead of Ashe scanning with his keen dragon senses for anyone hiding in the shadows of the evening or invisible foes stalking about...

{Majenko} Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
- Senses : Blindsense 60’ft, Darkvision 60’ft, Low-light Vision

Wide-eyed, the youngster gathers the other children up and they scamper off.

You head north-east, skirting the high walls of the Arkona compound and making your way towards Vencarlo's home. Things have changed since you last were there. The building that contained the fencing academy has burned down, although the part that comprised his residence remains.

Ashe ponders the sight of the burnt down Fencing Academy and though his expression is not visible his posture is pensive.

He stops at the corner of the street stepping back into the shadows to regard the ruin.

He makes no attempt to disguise his voice, "Well that's disturbing... It seems Vencarlo has attracted his own foes. Graxer, we're going to do this two-pronged.. expect hostiles. You take point enter the building sweep for threats. Zalania and I will be right behind you to support, but invisible. Damoc, Stick with Ebon. Jaessa follow Graxer but hang back about 15'ft. Ebon Wing would you send Nosoi in ahead with Majenko just ahead of Graxer to scout for hostiles, and you and Damoc bring up the rear following us all. Majenko go in stealthy find out if anyone is still in the residence Graxer will be right behind you. Everyone use Majenko's telepathy to keep in contact. Let's find out if anyone's home."

Stepping over to Zalanaia Ashe pulls a wand from a his belt pouch, "Ready to be invisible Zalania?"

If she agrees Ashe uses two charges from his Wand of Invisibility - one for her and one form himself.
- At minimum casting level of 3rd, Ashe and Zalania will be invisible for 3 minutes - 30rds.

A disembodied voice speaks, "Go Graxer! We're right behind you. Use the front door to the residence"

Majenko flies forward of Graxer slipping into the shadow of the buildings his amethyst-colored scales amazingly seeming to shift into blending hues of the surrounding gloom... his dragon senses keen for hostiles.

Perception: {Take 10!} 10 + 6 = 16
- Senses : Blindsense 60’ft, Darkvision 60’ft, Low-light Vision
Stealth: {Take 10!} 10 + 19 = 29

Gracer nods and casts Extended Heroism, Detect Magic, See Invis, and Percieve Cues on himself and pulls his greatsword.. He creeps towards the residence..

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Perc: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (10) + 22 = 32 Darkvision/Detect Magic/See Invis

Jaessa nods her assent, a look of grim determination upon her face. She pulls out her starknife and pats Graxer on the back, "Ready when you are!" she whispered excitedly.

Ebon Wings nods, and asks Nosoi to scout. He also draws upon his spirit sight for clues as to what might lay ahead.

A gentle but reassuringly firm grip of a gauntlet-ed hand touches Jaessa's shoulder squeezing softly in support... and though he cannot be seen his smile is evident in his voice as Ashe whispers to Jaessa, "You have a heart and courage of a lioness... gentle Jaessa... be at ease. The sword of IOMEDAE is at your defense.. and very near indeed, you have nothing to fear."

The only door into Vencarlo's home is closed but not locked. The interior of the building is warm but quiet. The door opens into a 15' square entrance hall, empty save for an elegant Vudran throw rug which covers much of the floor. There's one door straight ahead and a passageway leading off to the left.

Graxer creeps to the door and listens/looks for traps.. He also peers down the passageway..

Perc: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (19) + 22 = 41 Darkvision, Detect Magic, See Invis

Majenko pauses at the door perching on the eaves above. When Graxer opens the door to peer inside Majenko stealthily takes flight entering heading down the hallway his draconic senses searching the passageway to the left. He flies to its end and finds a perch.

Stealth: {-5 Move half} 1d20 + 19 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 19 - 5 = 34
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
[ooc]- Senses : Blindsense 60’ft, Darkvision 60’ft, Low-light Vision

Graxer cannot hear anything (nor detect it, neither).

Majenko finds that there are further rooms and a staircase leading up...

Job interview tomorrow, still got some prep to do, see ya Friday

"Well.. Yall wanna search the passageway, the rooms, or head upstairs?"

Jaessa fidgets with her starknife, head turning back and forth trying to keep everything in sight. She whispers nervously, "I think we should make sure there's nothing on this floor before we move upstairs. Let's go into some of these other rooms."

Graxer nods and moves room to room, checking all of the lower areas before moving upstairs.. Taking 20 on search for a 42

Ebon Wings nodes approvingly at Ashe's plan.
Glad to have a tactician here
He directs Nosoi to please scout ahead with Majenko Nosoi is invisible and both it and Majenko have blindsight (effectively)
He then brings up the rear, ready to invoke his deal with the Northern Spirit he has befriended. ready to cast a spell

"You realise this is technically breaking and entering" he hisses.

Ashe whispers, a chuckle in his tone, "Actually its trespassing.. the door was unlocked... we did not break anything to gain entry."

Ashe moves up behind Graxer... following him down the hallway.

Majenko leads the way with his superior speed and stealth down the hallway entering the room at the end... he takes to the rafters seeking a perch within the shadows...

{Majenko} Stealth: {Take 10!} 10 + 19 - 5 = 24
- Move 55'ft more than half move but less than move{-5 Stealth}
{Majenko} Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
- Senses : Blindsense 60’ft, Darkvision 60’ft, Low-light Vision

"I didn't break anything to enter.. If you feel uncomfortable wait outside.."

"I believe that the resident of this house is in danger and am thus entering with the express purpose of rendering said aid." Ebon Wings explains carefully

Nosoi abandons its traditional position with Ebon Wings in order to follow Majenko.

Cautiously, you explore the ground floor of Vencarlo's house.

Floor plan

A1. Entrance: An elegant Vudran throw rug covers much of the floor of this otherwise empty room.

A2. Workshop: This is a well-stocked workshop for decorating and repairing bladed weapons. Several partially repaired daggers and rapiers lie on the table.

A3. Bathroom: This room contains a free-standing bathtub and a toilet.

A4. Study: A single leather chair sits at a desk, while two tall cabinets filled with books about sword fighting and philosophy stand to the east. There are heaps of papers and ledgers on the desk.

A5. Pantry: Food and water are stored here, although the majority of the perishable food has gone bad.

A6. Living Room: Two large sofas face a brick fireplace; a fire burns brightly inside the hearth, despite the fact that the building seems to be abandoned.

Do you want to do any more detailed searches anywhere?

"We can come back and search more thoroughly after we find him.. Let's head upstairs.." He heads over to the stairs and starts to head up..

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Perc: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 23

Across the telepathic link Ashe directs, {"We don't know what has transpired here.. Vencarlo would not likely leave his front door open with his academy burning out back.. so lets be THOROUGH! Systematic careful search to see if any clues as to Vencarlo's fate can be found.. evidence of struggle, splotches of blood on the carpet... Anything!"}

So Ashe and Zalania are watching in over watch to keep eyes open for threats - they have three minutes invisible... which is 30rounds. We search each room by the numbers... A1, A2, A3, etc... full Perception rolls 6 in total.

{Ashe} Perception: 'General Overwatch of the search' 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

{Majenko} Perception: A1 - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
{Majenko} Perception: A2 - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
{Majenko} Perception: A3 - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
{Majenko} Perception: A4 - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
{Majenko} Perception: A5 - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
{Majenko} Perception: A6 - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

EDIT: Opps..sorry Graxer.. you ninja'd my post. lol!