Megan's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Megan Robertson

"My business is with him.. Who are you and what are you doing here?"

The elf smiles.

"I am Laori Vaus, a priestess of Zon-Kuthon and member of the Brotherhood of Bones. I am in Korvosa because a great evil is arising, and was manifesting through the work of seven artists. Scream is the last. You?"

Graxer takes a step forward as the woman openly admits her worship.. "I am Graxer, Swordthane of Gorum and I'm here looking for Scream.. Why would The Dark Prince care if a great evil is in Korvosa? Wanting to get in on the action are we?"

Varrel similarly calls a spell to mind, Zon-Kuthon was commonly heard of. A mad, torturous god. Possibly worse than Asmodeus since he seemed to delight in torture purely for the sake of it.

That made her an enemy.

Ashe enters the next room Dauntless Heart at hand ready and shield held high for maximum protection.. expecting ambush from hidden assailants.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

But hearing the conversation in the back room not more than 20'ft away... Ashe makes his way to through the next room, immediately heading for the back of the building [room B3]. Ashe pauses, noting the elven woman in the room in discussion with Graxer and surveys the scene taking in the details first...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Kno: Religion 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Switching to elvish Ashe greets the elven woman in the... spiked/serrated armor, Elvish - {"Greetings milady, 'may the brightness find you and fill your days.' You may call me Greyeagle. Who are you milady and did I hear right you serve the Midnight Lord's Service? I know.. each cleric of Zon-Kuthon bargains their own 'pact of pain and power', with the Lord of the Umbral Court. I hope your goal is not to spread more pain and suffering here in Korvosa! If so.. we must oppose you... our city has suffered enough."}

"As I said, I belong to the Brotherhood of Bones," says the elf. "The Brotherhood of Bones consists of a group of Zon-Kuthonites from across Avistan who seek a singular goal: the gathering of the relics of Kazavon so that the ancient warlord can be reborn. We have long suspected that one of these relics was located in Varisia, and with Kazavon's recent awakening here in Korvosa, I came to investigate the signs and portents. I found the proof I sought — over half a dozen artists whose work incorporated Kazavon's unmistakable influence. Yet even more incredible, his influence was the most potent in the city's new queen. I was ordered to remain in Korvosa to watch and observe, while the Brotherhood determined how to act."

She takes a deep breath.

"I do not seek emnity with you, Greyeagle, and I do not intend to spread pain and suffering here. I want to remove Kazavon's influence from Queen Ileosa and the city of Korvosa, that is my goal."

Knowledge:Religion-Brotherhood of Bones?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Knowledge:Arcana. Dragons? Kazavon: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Varrel does not recognize the 'Brotherhood of Bones' title, but the great Dragon Kazavon or rather his tale, was somewhat known to him. He drops his spell and casts FROSTBITE into his blade, holding the charge but not attacking.

Your group is unknown to me, but Kazavon is one of the greatest and terrible dragons known. He was sent to the world to aid a foolish ruler who turned to the midnight Lord for aid, only to set upon on his own horrible reign after the war was won. It took years before he was killed. What are these relics you refer to, and even IF we agree you are here to remove them from the city, why by the good gods would we let you, since your stated purpose is to revive the dragon?

Greyeagle enters the room and speaks calmly, "..hold please 'Vengeance'. We do not know all ends or all results before they happen, let us hear her out. If our queen is under the influence of some relic of Zon-Kuthon.. that would give some reason for the madness that she has been involved in of late - something we were missing before, a purpose & reason!"

Kno: Arcana 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Turning to Laori, "I know not of this 'Kazavon'... but if you will help us determine the nature of this 'influence' upon our Queen... we can worry over the fate whatever this alleged relic is involved after its evil has stopped influencing our queen."

Ashe lowers his weapon but moves closer to the elf woman... in hopes of intercepting any hasty attacks upon her person until much needed information at ieast least gathered.

Across Majenko's telepathic link, Ashe councils, {Just calm everyone... this is the first we've even heard of Kazavon. And whether the Brotherhood of Bones brings whoever this warlord Kazavon was, back to life or not the fact is he was killed once... he can be killed again - if need be! We loose nothing by engaging this elven woman in dialogue but we could loose the chances at some real information if we start a fight. The worship of Zon-Kuthon is NOT illegal here in Korvosa.. and this woman has done nothing evil in stating the truth of her affiliation. Let's hear her out!}

Graxer relaxes a little, but does not lower his blade.. {Thats Fine.. For now..

"You say he's been awakened? What does that mean? His spirit or is the Dragon already returned?"

"The spirit, certainly, I do not think more... but this is why I seek Salvatore Scream. His work, you know, has themes that speak of Kazavon's influence and even if he does not know it, he may be able to provide some clues. If you are seeking him also, maybe we can help each other."

She seems remarkably cheerful and affable given her professed faith.

"As I said, several artists and performers were showing signs of this influence, but none have been of help."

Again she gestures towards the skulls.

"You see, they had all died by their own hands before I reached them. Their spirits, alas, are quite insane and of little assistance either. As for the Queen, you have realised that her new crown is made out of Kazavon's very teeth, didn't you?"

Ashe listens to the ...oddly cheerful cleric of Zon-Kuthon and shudders at the mention of the crown... Remembering how he held the Queen's hand gently and walked and talked with her in the throne room - shoulder to shoulder as it were. So close to the crown that donned her... arguably very lovely head of crimson tresses. So very very close to a truly twisted evil... and he never felt a thing!

"Are you sure Priestess Vaus? I... have walked and talked with the Queen... even held Ileosa's hand in close proximity. I remember her new grim-looking crown but sensed no great evil from it. Are you sure?"

Realization dawned on the Magus, His soul?...The teeth, they are some sort of focus then? Or perhaps some sort of Magic Jar spell? Never have I heard of an actual casting lasting this long but such magic is within the power of high wizards and powerful sorcerers. If it is not outright possession then it would certainly be an influence. A magic jar spell however allows the caster to possess anyone in range, except those of incredible will or immune to magical domination.

He lowers his scimitar.

We need not be enemies yet. I understand the increased chance of success in usurping Kazavon's influence by pairing with others. But once the teeth are secured and away from the city we will re discuss the fate of the relic. If you harm an innocent other than in defense, I would consider you an enemy and act accordingly.

OOC: The Queen wasn't wearing her crown when you chatted with her, Ashe. She did, however, sport a new one - not the regular Korvosa one - when she appeared in public to address the populace about the end of the plague, the appearance that ended with Commandant Endrin attempting to kill her.

"Thank you," says Laori Vaus with a warm smile. "I have no intention of harming anyone, be I not under threat myself, and have no desire to make enemies here."

Oh! My bad... I remember you mentioning her new crown.. and just assumed she was wearing it when I met with her... as I was scanning both her and her bodyguard Sabina Merrin for any traces of evil.

Greyeagle steps over to the table with the skulls... regarding them under his mask, but does not touch them.

"So.. these are the remains of similar artists...also gifted with 'Visions' of portents related to the Midnight Lord? They all committed suicide... because of the madness of the visions... I expect you have tried casting 'speak with dead' with little insight provided? Do you have any idea, where Salvator Scream has fled to?"

The elf nods.

"Yes. The skulls belonged to the following artists: Jeonia Chirco (a seamstress), Boathar Kaay (a toymaker), Velaka Hoon (a writer), Maxtel Erns (a sculptor), Yvos Tanguany (a tattooist), and Imon Vernell (a poet). They all died by their own hands before I had the opportunity to speak with them. I have tried speak with dead on them, but the results are too garbled to make much sense.

"By the time I got here, Salvator was already gone, very disappointing. But at least he is still alive... for now. I think. He's been taken captive by the Emperor of Old Korvosa. I have been trying to figure out an approach to him, how to ask him if I might speak with Salvator Scream..."

"Well thats easy.. We go over there a beat the hell outa everything till we get to talk to him.. For whatever reason my friends feel safe in working with you, but i wanna get one thing straight.. Iffin you betray us I'll stack your skull right along side the rest of these fellas here.. Understand?"" Before she can give a response Graxer looks to his party.. "It seems we owe this Pilts or whatever his name his a visit.. Id be willing to bet Vencarlo is around there somewhere as well.."

Varrel lays a reassuring hand on the dwarfs shoulder.
He continues to look at the elf.

I never said I trusted her OR was comfortable with working with her. I do believe things will get violent once the fangs are secured. Let's say I have trust in a certain dwarf to have our back

Greyeagle steps over to the Priestess.

"So we have an understanding? We will work together to secure Salvator's release from Pilts Swastel, we have other reasons to take him down anyways, and determine the nature of Salvator's artistic inspiration. The possession of the Fangs will wait until have them secured and their influence over our Queen is removed."

Turning to the rest of the Justicars, "Do not be overly paranoid, at the Brotherhood's interest in this; note paranoia is not unwarranted.. just an excessive amount that would make us see enemies where none are... currently. There is no big conspiracy of Zon-Kuthon behind this... the Midnight Lord does not have big overarching schemes, no deep diabolical strategy or deeper wisdom in this discovery. The Midnight Lord does not care.. he is insane. He cares little of the schemes of his mortal servants... he only plots to have more mortal souls willingly, and that is the critical point WILLINGLY, subject themselves to his twisted and cruel entertainments. Zon-Kuthon does not care of conquest or to have kingdoms under his control. Our enemy in this is Kazavon's spirit... a dragon. Dragons are interested in conquest and kingdoms and control... this one just has power granted by Zon-Kuthon likely on a whim in a pact to inflict pain and suffering in his name."

"We will likely have conflict with the Brotherhood of Bones over the fangs when it is all done... but right now those fangs are empowering Illeosa and have effectively made her unkillable as Sable Commandant Endrin has shown. We must seek a means to destroy the Crown of Fangs - Artifact, if we are to be successful. Laori Vaus' assistance could be invaluable to this end."

The elf looks thoughtful for a moment and then speaks.

For once I am in agreement that the direct approach is best. I would have you all meet this 'emperor' in his home and slay him in it. Greyeagle, Graxer and I can go openly as armored warriors. We will have our airborne pets, Silf, Nosoi AND our Menhir Savant in bird form will be our surprise if needed. This Pilts will not be ready for what we can bring at him.

"Sadly my pacts with the spirits of the wild only allow two changes per day. I used those earlier in the day. I'm sure I can still remain surprising though."

OK - so we are all agreed. What now? Straight to the Emperor's place?

Yes, we are agreed... on to the Emperor, if you would just set up the scene.

sounds good

Bring it.

With there destination settled upon the magus uses one of his pearls of power to renew his BLEND spell and recast it.
The new spell causing him to lose his held FROSBITE.

He walks 60ft in front of his allies, the light and shifting colors rippling around his form and aided by the nighttime, an elf of orc would find him very difficult to spot and a human, nearly impossible in these conditions. Silf curled around his pauldron and remained quiet. A second pair of eyes.
The dark was his.
And he would strike when needed.
Justice, like lightning.

I will remain hidden when we arrive, if I can. If it turns violent, my first shot will be decisive.

Stealth, BLEND(hide in plain sight), armor check: 1d20 + 14 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 4 - 1 = 37
Varrel perception: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 2 = 31
Silf Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Well with that roll, Varrel should be able to sneak up behind Pilts and slit his throat. Encounter Over!!!

Except he has Blindsense!

Im fine with moving to cleave heads.. Also how long has it been since we left Vencarlo's house? And how long to Pilts? I need to adjust spell timers etc..

As you are aware, Pilts has located his home in a group of buildings located near the core of Old Dock. Once several tenements, Pilts has converted these structures into a palace.

The streets surrounding the Palace are littered with bodies, rubble, and refuse; feral dogs, stirges, shingle spiders, and other vermin scuttle around with a bravery not seen in the city before the quarantine. The further you venture into Old Dock and draw near the Palace, the fewer citizens appear behind boarded windows, and the more the signs of the Emperor's mob grow. Vandalism, brutalized bodies hung up on display, remnants of fires, and other evidence of public violence are everywhere.

By now it is approaching midnight and there isn't anyone around. Or is there?

Varrel passes unnoticed, but as the rest of you advance, a mob suddenly materialises out of the gloom to surround you. (Varrel, you are behind the mob, given the distance you were maintaining between you and the rest of the party.)

A group of thugs, some half-a-dozen, steps forwards. You know the sort, strutting, thumbs in belt loops, all attitude.

"What's yer business here?" demands one, a gap-toothed fellow whose nose has been broken a couple of times. He's a good six feet tall, and well muscled - something he likes to show off if the tight shirt worn half-open is any measure of him.

Ashe focuses his will upon his enchanted Helm - Hat of Disguise... subtly shifting his Greyeagle disguise to slowly shift his light grey hued costume into dark more grim shades of gray. Also, with the magic of the disguise self of the enchanted helm Ashe increases his already towering natural height of 6'2" to a full 7'2"... as he menacingly strides forward to peer down at the young tough from behind the hooked-nosed scowling eagle-mask visage.

His voice... dripping menace, "I am Greyeagle ally of Blackjack hero of Korvosa's people! Our business is with the self-styled 'Emperor' Pilts Swastel whose... deeds and crimes have summoned us. Be thankful our business is NOT with you... little man! Step aside with your boot-licking curs or be reaped by the whirlwind of our WRATH!!!"

Intimidate: {Take 10!} 10 + 8 = 18
- If he is less than 8th level or higher than an 11 wisdom he will be 'friendly' for 1d6 x 10 minutes. Don't know if your feeling generous Megan but use of my Hat of Disguise with my intimidation could grant a +2 circumstance bonus for a total of 20! :)
1d6 ⇒ 5

Majenko perks up from his perch at Ashe's shoulder - spreading his wings and tail thrashing about he hisses in deadly threat at the gathered..!

Across Majenko's telepathic link Ashe says, {These are nothing but opportunist ruffians... not worth our time or resources. Let's just scare them off to clear our way... Some of them are likely only following lest they be victims of the same mob. Once the rule of law has returned and regular patrols of guardsmen.. they will not be any more of these mobs. Most are just scared.}

Varrel holds up, then slowly makes his way back to within 30feet of the mob. Hex range if needed. The delay would not make his spell expire, but his patience was low tonight.

{Make them leave then. If any turn violent Ashe, I will put them down quickly and finally. Mobs like this are what put those bodies on display we just passed....}

Simple ruffians? Or Something else, disguised."
Ebon Wings opens his astral senses
Spirit Sense; At 1st level, a menhir savant can detect the presence of undead; fey; outsiders; and astral, ethereal, or incorporeal creatures. This ability functions like detect undead, and the druid detects all of these creatures rather than trying to detect one kind.

Ashe telepathically replies, {I know friend Varrel.. I am well aware mobs like these put those bodies on display. I merely do not want someone just caught along in the mob fervor killed - adding to the tragedy of this whole sad affair when we really don't know who put those bodies on display as it is just as likely none of these ruffians necessarily had anything to do with it. Most of these folks are hard working decent citizens... they are just scared. It only takes a few evil sorts to stir people up when fear, disease and seemingly abandonment by the social order they put faith in has left them with no one to turn to for protection or guidance. Even people who would never do such detestable things can be swept up in the fervor, only wanting to protect themselves, that afterward they would be deeply ashamed of. On the same hand... we don't know if any of those 'innocent' hung up on hooks were all that innocent either... not just law-biding people can be victims of mob justice... and it is not always unjust - unfair maybe but not always. I do not wish to heap more suffering upon injustice not of their personal making when we honestly do not know who is guilty and who is innocent. But, that all said~ if they attack us... yes.. put them down, fast! We don't need anymore distractions from our goals.}

Then Majenko addresses Laori Vaus ~ telepathically, {It's me Majenko Ashe's dragon companion.. Ashe has me communicate to everyone telepathically so we don't reveal our strategies to foes. He has asked me to include you in the telepathic conversations. Ashe says we should just scare these ruffians away he does not want them killed.}

[OOC: By the way Megan...what level is Laori? Will she be helping us in combat as well...? Or just an observer?]

Graxer pulls his sword and points it at the leader.. "Best listen to him and move along punk! Because efin you don't Ill seperate that stupid looking head from yer body! Understand?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

{Im not so sure we should let them go.. Id rather the Pilts fella doesn't know were coming just yet and these thugs will probably run back a yelping if we let em go..}

Ashe makes no expression visible but replies telepathically including Laori, {You may be correct Graxer. Most assuredly, someone, even possibly someone just watching from the shadows will report to Pilts what happens here.. so killing all these thugs is no guarantee that news our approach won't get to Pilts before we do. We are not a stealthy lot... and I'm not really interested in wasting limited magic to make us such. But... There are two schools of thought in this. Either Pilts will see us as just another bunch of thugs he has to try to corral with force and he will met us head on with his minions... or he will cowardly hide behind all his minions and send them at us in waves trying to avoid all contact with us should we confront him. I hope he's the arrogant sort that thinks himself unassailable with all his lackeys about and decides to confront us to show his power over his minions in hopes of intimidating us to back down - a mistake to be sure, but he does not know that! Personally, I'd rather there be less bloodshed than more.. killing these lowly thugs who are honestly beneath our power and skill to handle brings no glory or honor from battle with them... when we can just scare them off. But if they persist.. yes show them we are not to be trifled with. Let's just see for now how they react to your more than sufficient 'encouragement' to run away, Graxer. We can always start collecting heads if need be... none of these fools are real threats... I'm sure you will agree.}

Then shifting the focus of the silent conversation to Varrel - including Laori in the planning, {That brings me an idea Varrel. You are still unknown to these thugs... when we met Pilts use your stealth to sneak past his guard watchmen to search for Salvador... then effect his securing out of harm's way. I'll stall Pilts with words and obfuscation until you call me telepathically to inform me of Salvador's safety. Then we'll drop all pretense and put him and his lieutenants down! Strike him with all your fury.. if he falls - likely all his minions will scatter and our fight will be much easier. Unless you have a better plan Varrel?}

The plan has merit. But one thing at a time. Take care of this. We can discuss it then...

Several of the street-thugs break and run on the spot. The spokesman, visibly paling, stands his ground however and looks up at 'Greyeagle' - looking up is something he rarely has to do.

"Um...er... w...what do you want, Lord Greyeagle? Mebbe...I.. I can help you... um, I mean..."

Ashe hates using fear to impel the actions of others... but Varrel is right sometimes fear of righteous justice is not a bad thing... for some of dark hearts.

"First, you will VOW to never use fear and intimidation to bully those around you EVER again... if you do... I WILL FIND YOU! Second, you will take us to Pilts and we will deal with him. Clear?"

"Oh. You want to see the Emperor? Well, why didn't you say so?" says the spokesthug. "Follow me..."

He turns and strides off towards the Old Docks... and almost crashes into Varrel, who he didn't notice for some strange reason.

The rest of the street toughs follow at a cautious distance, eager to see how this plays out but hoping not to get caught up in it.

While he follows the man.. "How many men does Pilts have? Especially intrested in ones that can fight.."

Jaessa, rather intimidated by the brutish thugs around her, stays silent for the exchange. One hand clutching her holy symbol, the other resting above her starknife, she mouths prayer after prayer silently.

When he can see the Emperor's 'palace', Ebon calls upon his bonds with the ancestral sprits of his line. After a moment of thought he does the same for Ashe.
casting Owl's Wisdom on himself when a minute or so out. Because of his headband, only increases wis by +2 more. If he can he'll cast Eagle's Splendour on Ashe at the same time. Not sure if Ashe has items to assist with this already.

"Oh, plenty," says the spokesthug. "You planning on signing up?"

One or two of the accompanying street thugs are making distasteful comments in Jaessa's hearing. Lewd, salacious ones.

Ashe nods accepting Ebon's enchantment he whispers, "..my thanks."

Ashe's Headband of Alluring Charisma is only +2 so the spell +4 Eagle's splendor does help.

Greyeagle turns his gaze the direction of the two thugs verbally assaulting Jaessa and very deliberately, and menacingly draws his 'Aldori Dueling blade' to wave it at them like a school master would wag a finger at unruly students... raising the blade to his masked beak-visage as though his lips ordering silence. Then points the tip of the sword at Majenko...

Majenko immediately perks up on his shoulder wings spreading-fluttering ready to take flight and his tail stinger whipping anxiously above his head menacing ready to strike.

The Pseudodragon hisses at the thugs telepathically sending to their minds, {Greyeagle says you will be SILENT if you have nothing polite to say to the lady... or he will let me sting you and EAT YOUR EYES!!!}

Graxer smiles.. "Join up? Something like that.."

{I hope one of you has a way to deal with numbers.. Sound like this guy is gonna have quite a few peons lurking about..}

The elf drops back slowly, remaining silent and ready, none could or would see him until it was too late.

{I never knew you to shy away from number Graxer. Fear not. I have a Glitterdust and Slow spell prepared if you are surrounded outside. Once indoors, numbers in small rooms and narrow corridors won't matter to you two.}

{Did I say I was shying away in my question Elf? But it can be hard to kill the serious threats with a bunch of mooks running around..}

Ashe smirks, {I also have access to glitterdust spell and chord of shards... a close ranged, area blast attack spell, should numbers be a problem. I can also fly to avoid masses keeping us from our primary goals. It will not be a problem.}

The two ill-mannered street thugs decide discretion is the better part of valour, turning tail and fleeing from the hissing pseudodragon.

Walks along, hoping to reach Pilts place soon..

The Emperor of Old Korvosa's palace is located at 11 Silk Street in Old Dock, a collection of tenements and abandoned stores that barely escaped destruction during a recent fire that consumed much of the city block to the west. The palace consists of six buildings, although only the floors or roofs of immediate interest to the adventure are shown on the map. All of these buildings are wood and in relatively good repair, despite the large amount of cosmetic damage the mob has inflicted on them in the form of graffiti, scorch marks, and weapon damage.

As you get there, the mob announces your arrival with yells and calls. They lead you in through the gutted interior of a small home. A huge mound of rubble — broken timbers, bits of wall, ruined furniture, and more - lies heaped in the centre of the room. Rickety wooden stairs wind up to a splintered hole in the wall near the roof above.

"This way," says the spokesthug, leading the way up the stairs. Through the hole, you can see a a rope bridge suspended 15 feet off the ground that leads to the next building in the complex.

Somewhere in the complex, a pig is squealing in mortal fear.

Before entering the building ...with a silent act of will Ashe commands his Helm of disguise to slowly return his height to normal.

And across Majenko's telepathic link, {Ok.. we're here. Varrel.. do your stealthy search; Ebon, send your Nosoi invisibly in to search for Salvatore Scream as well. Laori... I know not what divine magics you have prepared... but if you can cast something that causes mass fear... it would help 'when needed' to scatter the masses assembled here harmlessly without much bloodshed but hold until the time is right. We are stalling to allow Varrel and Nosoi time to find our quarry.}

Greyeagle follows the thugs noting in silence the weapons and number assembled... wary for trap or ambush.

Before entering Graxer will cast Extended Shield of Faith on himself..