Megan's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Megan Robertson

The otyugh says "Rat-hoomans, mmmm, tasty!" It looks like your garbage disposal issues will soon be resolved as the beast makes to come into the wererats' lair.

Are you happy with handwaving your trek through Korvosa's sewers back to the surface or do you want to splash through the unmentionalble muck?

Handwave! I want my Pterosaur!

We were escorting the Doctor to his 'clinic' when we were redirected to deal with the Warerats. But Ashe set Majeko to follow him 'the doctor' to his destination and find out where he is going with his acolytes... then go to the marshal and wait for our arrival. Majenko know where duvalus is operating out of, all we need do is meet up with him at the Citadel and he can show us the way there. And yeah, handwave all the way... I'd like to just say we traded the loot and report to the Marshal picking up Mejenko. Then we can go see where the 'doc' is lairing.

Ashe says, "We were on our way to report to the Marshal ...the doctor has undoubtedly reached his destination... but Majenko was following him and is likely waiting for us at the Citadel awaiting our arrival."

Ashe leaves the sewers bearing the load of the loot, "...But I'd like to dispose of this loot first before we report... though I'm sure the Citadel's Quartermaster... either Caleb Fredlich or "Fred" his half-orc assistant - I'm sure will give us fair market value."

"I also have... many, many supplemental tasks important to me personally that I can now attend to... it will be long before I find my bed this evening."

Una sighs. "I only hope that Majenko will remember where the doctor went. He's a bit flighty sometimes. Easily distracted, which is somewhat normal for a small creature. Very well, back to the Marshall then."

Varrel hopefully asks, Might we pick up the Pterosaur on the way? The marshall said she would reimburse any recipients we have for needed purchase for our missions. I hope a 'trained ariel scout' would come under that. I am reaching of course but Chatterbeak was very useful in our previous endeavors for the city.

When you emerge into the fresh air at long last, it's full dark. Shopping will likely have to wait for the morning... many establishments will be closed.

Oh, and the looks of the few passers-by suggest that a bath may be in order!

So many peoples, so concerned with things that don't matter. {sigh}

Let us clean up prior to seeing Lady Marshall.

"That, Gronk, is a rather obvious course of events." Una says, heading towards the nearest somewhat reputable inn.

There is one a block down the road called the Broad Face. Locals know it's popular with the entertainment community, especially actors and playwrights.

She makes her way to the inn, and pushes her way forward to the innkeep's bar. "A room, a bath, and a bottle of your finest wine." She throws two gold coins on the bar, glaring menacingly at anyone who threatens to comment or even look at her funny.

The innkeep - a 'generously proportioned' gentleman - doesn't bat an eyelid.

"Of course, my dear," he says. "Upstairs, first on the right. My wife will be up directly with hot water for you, and some wine..."

A few of the less-well-behaved patrons hold their noses, but quail under your glare.

The room is nicely-appointed with curtains, a bed and a chest. There's a mirror on top of the chest - one glance shows that freshening up would be a good idea.

A few minutes later there's a rap on the door. A stout lady enters with a bottle of wine and a glass, which she sets on the chest. She's followed by two younger girls, one with a hip bath and the other with a large steaming pail of hot water. The one with the hip bath also has a large fluffy towel and a bar of soap.

To the innkeep, Self and rest need room and several baths also.

He carefully places 2 more coins on the bar.

Ashe saddles up to Varrel's side and whispers, "...It would take an inordinate amount of time for me to unarmor, bathe and re-don my armor, and you wish to go to the Academae... for your new familiar. I also have purchases I would like to have done quickly at the Academae. We both know.. the Academae is Never closed for business. We can accomplish the same task of cleanliness with the simple application of a prestidigitation spell-casting.. and save time in the process. What say we deal with your needs and get cleaned with magic then meet everyone at the Citadel?"

Varrel welcomed the break.
He needed to rest and study to refresh his spells anyway.
Though he was hungry. And company would be nice. Though considering his evening he was not sure....

He ordered some elven wine and camenbert cheese and water crackers but decided the roof of this establishment did not offer sufficient views...

He had hoped to broach Miss Una for dinner among the roofs. Her talent for running the shingles spoke that perhaps she liked it up there and he had decided a night viewing of the lights of Korvosa would be something she would like. But not tonight....

Not sure if you answered Ashe with a yes or no Varrel.. but no matter..

As the Mercenaries file into the Inn for some quick cleaning and refreshment, Ashe turns aside from whispering to Varrel, and addresses Icabhod.

"Master Icabhod may I take possession of those frozen additional documents we took from the Direption in your possession? I'm going to go have them... restored to us so we may peruse them. I have a set of recovered frozen documents as well.. but I think they are more navigation charts than anything... your documents may actually be shipping manifests and crew rosters. I would like to know just how deep this conspiracy to murder the citizens of Korvosa goes... where it started and who has helped!"

In either case with or without the block of documents in Icabhod's possession - Ashe heads off on his own in the deepening evening.

Ashe heads for "Hedge Wizardry" of Master Phaeton Skoda to retrieve 'Redhoof'. Ashe will profusely apologize for disturbing the wizard alchemist's evening with the lateness of his intrusion but as master Skoda is aware...'evil does not sleep either'.

While there Ashe will make an order -
[50gp] Artisan's Tools {Alchemical} - Masterwork {to add to his Alchemist's lab}

Accepting that business hours are over he will arrange for them to be delivered tomorrow at Master Skoda's convenience to his house servant Marcum. Ashe will leave 60gp for Master Skoda's inconvenience at the lateness of his call but will press for a receipt, again apologizing for doing so; taking his leave as quickly as possible.

Now astride 'Redhoof' Ashe will make better time to the Academae as many of its...students and teacher for their own dark reason prefer all hours getting entry should be little trouble. Ashe is direct and brief in his purchases...

Ioun Stones -
[500gp] 'Cracked' Dusty Rose - Prism
[400gp] 'Cracked' Dark Blue - Rhomboid
[25gp] Dull Grey - Cube

And...
Spellcasting Services -
[10gp] Cantrip [Pestidigitation: Clean 'Self & Horse']
[10gp] Cantrip [Pestidigitation: Thaw & Dry 'Papers and charts from Direption sealing in ice blocks']
[10gp] Cantrip [Mending: 'Papers and charts from Direption sealing in ice blocks' It will not recover any lost printing but will make the papers legible if they are damaged]
[10gp] Cantrip [Mending: Bent copper trumpet bearing a pennant with the city's coat of arms 'Repair trumpet and pennant']

Also Ashe will ask to have the Physician's Mask... thoroughly Identified for its magical abilities. Ashe will stress completeness.. and confidentiality! He understand such a magical analysis cannot be done quickly and will leave the mask with the meisters of the Academae and arrange for a time the next day to receive their full analysis report on the item.
[100gp] Identify - Physician's Mask

Ashe will also get a receipt for these services...
Total purchaces - Academae & Hedge Wizardry: 1,125gp

Completed with his tasks Ashe will collect his goods and make haste to Citadel Volshynek riding 'Redhoof'.

Icabhod nods. No problems, help yourself. Handing over the iced papers. He then gets his own bath and bed.

OK. So Una, Gronk and Icabhod want baths at the Broad Face, yes? They are all directed to rooms upstairs and provided with hip baths, hot water, soap and large fluffy bath towels. Anyone else joining them? (Probably Shakhan, typical arena fighter luxuriating in a hot bath after combat!)

Varrel, you have asked for food and drink, are you bathing as well? Or will you prestidigitate yourself into a state that's fit to associate with other people instead?

At Hedge Wizardry, the shop is closed for the night but there are lights on upstairs - fortunately Skoda lives over the store and eventually responds to your knocking (with a chicken leg in one hand). Redhoof is brought forth, and gives you quite a dirty look when he catches scent of you.

So, off to the Acadamae. A very fat mage called Calatin is the 'duty wizard' tonight, and is summoned by the gatekeeper. He's happy to cast prestidigitation on the spot, he won't charge for that as he's not prepared to talk with you until you smell a bit better! Once you are sweet-smelling again, however, he invites you in and attends to your other requests. You soon have your paperwork and trumpet in pristine condition as well as your new ioun stones, and Calatin says he will examine the physician's mask and will be able to tell you more by tea-time tomorrow. At this point a large white owl swoops down, munching on a mouse. Calatin welcomes it fondly, apparently this is his familiar.

About three-quarters of an hour later - pushing midnight - you reach the Citadel.

Varrel sits in his room at the inn. Smelling clean once more thanks to his cantrip. His mind was awhirl with annoyance at his cowardice to finally approach Una.
The timing is wrong.

He retrieved his spellbook and wrote. Finally he had calculated his errors regarding his latest spells. They would work he knew. It wasn't often he worked out magic formulai on his own. COPYING another spell from a scroll or book was relatively easy but actually learning one or two himself was alot harder and ultimately more rewarding. He might have reason to try them tomorrow. ..

Ashe rides into Citadel Volshynek, on 'Redhoof'... briefly saluting the guards on night duty as he enters but not tarrying to speak.

He asks to speak to 'Lieutenant' Erin Greenleaf, the Field Marshal's male half-elven Adjutant, to find out if the Marshal is still awake and able to receive a report on new shocking findings of the Mercenaries about the 'Blood Veil' plot.

He also looks around and asks if Majenko, his companion house-drake, has arrived.

So are we all at the citadel or did Ashe go to report on his own?

Zzzz....Beef stew.

We all went. Ashe just likes to pretend he's on his lonesome and be all Paladin-y.

So who is at the Citadel and who is still bathing/eating/sleeping?

I'm going to the Citadel after I clean up.

Citidel. Don't split the party.

Citadel

After we bathed and rested, Citadel.

OK, now clean and refreshed, the entire party assembles at the Citadel. The midnight bells have just been rung, and a solitary lantern hangs over the gatehouse, illuminating a sole Guard who looks bored and half-asleep.

As you all walk or ride up, there's a sudden flapping of wings and Majenko arrives. The Guard drops his spear in shock and scrabbles to pick it up.

"W...who goes there?" he squeaks, voice breaking. In the light you can see he's a young recruit.

Varrel was leading using his low light vision to pierce the gloom of the allyways they passed that the night lanterns did not illuminate.

The mercenary band in the employ of Marshall Kroft, and your Grey Knight 'Sir' Whiteplume. I know the hour is late but we have just completed the Marshall's business and need to deliver our report. Either to her personally or the duty officer if the Marshall cannot be disturbed.

"I... I think the Field Marshall is still awake, Sir," squeaks the youth. He opens the gate and peers in. "Yes, her office light is still lit. She said that were you to come you may go straight in to her."

He holds the gate wide, struggling to attention... and drops his spear again in a clatter on the cobbles.

Ashe smiles at the youth and picks up his spear to hand it back to him, "Be at ease Guardsman. There are others working tirelessly for the same goal as thee. You are not alone! Stand tall and proud of your guardianship... your brother and sister guardsman have your shield, flank and back!"

Gently resting a hand upon his shoulder for encouragement Ashe leave 'Redhoof' reins with him.

Diplomacy: {Inspire Courage?} 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Ashe heads for the Field Marshal's Office, knocking firmly before entering.

Una also makes for the Field Marshal's Office, nodding to let him know the rest are gathered behind him.

"I assume you have the documents we managed to save, Ashe. The wizards were able to repair them?"

Ashe nods, "Aye I did indeed get them thawed out with as much preservation to their content as possible~"

Ashe is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Majenko, { "Ashe and adventurers... I find you!!! Come, the Kroft waiting... wanting to know what new adventures you have had~...?!?!?!" }

The little dragon lands with a flurry of thrashing wings tail and scaly neck his telepathic transmission loud with excitement only ...to be cut short in his surprize to see oddly shaped stones orbiting Ashe's body his attention immediately seized by the intrusion of the flying objects in the airspace around Ashe that was usually his alone. His head following the circular pattern of the orbiting Ioun stones like a cat watching a moving dancing light. He totally is fascinated by the display of curious magic.

Ashe scratches Majenko between the wings to his pleased trilling chips and snatches the grey cube from the air and puts it in orbit around Majenko, "This one is yours my friend..."

Majenko trills with joy and immediately takes flight trying with a dazzling display of aerial prowess to outrun the orbiting ioun stone playfully... all to no avail.

The youthful Guardsman straightens up, swelling with pride at Ashe's word.

You make your way across the courtyard to Kroft's office. The door stands ajar and the Field Marshall appears to have dozed off on her desk.

Ashe walks in... pausing briefly to take in the scene removing his helm to carry it under his arm. He smiles.. affectionately and sadly at the Field Marshal. Approaching he gently lays a hand upon her shoulder whispering a short invocation to his goddess and a golden glow suffuses his hand briefly as the Mercy of Iomedae settles upon Marshal Kroft dispelling her fatigue.

Use - Lay On Hands, Mercy {Remove Fatigue}

Gently he stirs her, "Honored Field Marshal, we have arrived..."

He smiles for her and steps respectfully back.

Una leans against the wall, leaning her crossbow beside her.

"Yep, and have we got a lot to tell you."

Varrel enters behind,

Ashe would give a good recount of the events (his young friend had a gift for speaking), Una would certainly inject her trademark cynicism and rightly so. She was the most to-the-point member of their band and kept things grounded among Ashes pretty words.
As always he would refrain from speech unless there was a point his less cerebral allies failed to mention, although mostly he found himself being the merchant. He sincerely hoped he was not a greedy person, but the nature of these tasks the Marshall kept finding continued to tax the groups resources. His own casting would only go so far and the scrolls needed to complete these missions were not cheap. Perhaps he would enquire about the Spider King.

Kroft sat up, blinking, and pushed her hair back behind her ears.

"Ah... you're here. I must have nodded off... happens far too often these days. Yet I feel surprisingly refreshed... um. Never mind me, what have you discovered?"

Hmmm... If I was trying to run a conspiracy, this would be a delightful place to find out what the competition was up to.

Gronk looks around carefully so see evidence of a magical sensor or maybe spy hole in the Marshal's office.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 , and he manages to locate the walls.

Ashe speaks, "Evening, Field Marshal Kroft, we do indeed have a report to make..."

"There is not much really to tell honestly... the typical rabble and disturbances of the city in fear..."

Ashe continues to speak... sometimes haltingly as if distracted reporting only the most mundane of things and speaking nothing of the true day's events... but across the mental telepathic speak of Majenko he makes manifest the truth to the Field Marshal's mind and the minds of his companions as Mejenko repeats and serves as the center of the communication the truth not spoken were ANY unwanted ear could hear.

{"Forgive the unorthodox method of my reporting Field Marshal... but the news we have to report is DIRE and GRAVE INDEED! And we are likely being watched - scryied upon by powerful forces with far-reaching magics at their disposal!"}

{"We did indeed go to Bank Temple of Abadar, and learned that Reiner Davaulus is none other than the Chief Physician in the Queen's employ undoubtedly the same man who is secretly the Field Director of a Cell of Red Mantis Assassins!"}

{"We went to Castle Korvosa and actually met the man personally - along with his cadre of masked physicians. He does not radiate evil... but Varrel could confirm that there was definite magic upon the man it could mean anything but there are many ways to hide one's nature from detection abilities. What was most telling was when I engaged him in conversation... I baited him with telling him about the information gained from the corpse of Rois Vindmel and his direct superior being 'Lady' Andasian of the church of Urgathoa. The reaction of his Physicians and his slip of tongue referring to 'our' goddess Urgathoa... spoke volumes to me. He is involved all the way! I played it off as if I had not noticed... but I'm certain he is a villain! Here are the documents we recovered from the wreck of the Direption its cargo invoices and navigation charts that can tell us where the ship hailed from and this Duvalus - it all here!"}

Vocally as part of his mundane tirade, "These charts show exactly where the wreak of the Direption is sunk in the bay... it should not be a navigational hazard I think it is very deep. Oh... er and here are the receipts for the working costs of our... er expenses for the sake of the crown of course..."

Ashe actually does set down all his recipts as part of the act but included are the Papers from the black metal sealed box and the recovered and thawed papers and charts from the Direption.

{"But there is more... We met with Sabina Merrin and these new 'Grey Maiden' guard of the Queen... this is going to be a problem... and I'll explain why! I and Varrel went to speak directly with Queen Ileosa. I engaged her to walk with me to make my report on what I had discovered with the Mercenary Band. I'll admit, I played a dangerous game with being truthful and misleading at the same time... but omitted anything that would cast blame on Iloesa nor did I make ANY mention of the Red Mantis only referring to the Church of Urgathoa being involved with 'foreign assassin's potentially'. I did bait her with revealing Duvalus' slip of tongue in my conversation with him beforehand as my belief that her chief 'Doctor' is a worshiper of Urgathoa, whose church we know is behind this attack upon Korvosa - casting a subtle suspicion as her certainty of his loyalty... But I made no mention of his being associated with Red Mantis nor even mentioned Red Mantis at all."}

There is a pause in his telepathic speech to let his words sink in.

{"Cressida, you have been no stranger to court or the goings on in the halls of power in Korvosa. We both know how Ileosa behaves... she has a fiery temper and brooks no opposition to what see views as her royal rights as the Queen of Korvosa.. now she is the sole ruler and no one can say her nay. I reasonably expected her to be outraged at the thought of the Church of Urgathoa unprovoked attack upon HER city...
She made no such reaction, nothing, only a calm coldness. Calm is NOT something she is known for you will agree? Sabina was right next to me as I spoke privately to Ileosa and her nearby as I wanted to judge her reaction as well. Sabina made more reaction than the Queen!"}

{"The Queen, Ileosa KNOWS what's going on.. she MUST be behind it! And she is building an army of female Warriors.. her 'Grey Maidens' loyal to her to enforce her rule! Yes, this is somewhat my fault, I think 'The Grey Eagle' STUNG her pride good! What we can't understand is Why? Why destroy the city she so coveted???"}

vocally ending his mundane tirade of deeds of the day, "...and so we finished off Girigz 'Ripperclaws' and left his head mounted on a sewer wall as a warning to any other Warerats that dare threaten Korvosa!"

All in all Bluff just incase someone is actually scrying or a spy of some sort is observing the report to the field Marshal.

Bluff: {Unkilled} 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

{Poor Majenko. He's just a small creature, Ashe. For so many big words.} Una telepaths to the group.

{It's possible that the woman we know as Queen Ileosa, at least in the last encounter with her, is in fact not Queen Ileosa, but some illusion or impostor. Usually, that's what a sudden change in regent personality indicates.}

With the sharp end of a crossbow bolt, Una cleaned the dirt from under her nails. She appeared to be focusing intently on the task.

Icabhod is somewhat nervous about being in the same office as an offical person.

"Right..." says the Field Marshall, blinking rapidly as she tries to take in such an, an unusual way of delivering a report.

"I see... You have been busy, and done well. You will, of course, be reimbursed for your expenditure on the city's behalf. Um..."

{Can I talk back with this?} is relayed by Majenko. The pseudodragon is having the giggles at the tone of surprise.

{You are competent enough to need little direction, but perhaps further investigation - in the guise of 'helping' - of Duvalus's activity might be prudent. I do not think we have been penetrated here, but I am no expert in magical means of intrusion... wise to be cautious.}

Ashe nods, "Thank you, my Field Marshal it is a honor as always to serve Grand Korvosa!"

But telepathically, {"Yes, you can respond by just thinking. But 'Lady' Therlmagne does have a valid point! Varrel informed me that he detected some form of magic upon the Queen, even I 'felt' the Queen's 'aura' was slightly odd, nothing I could put my finger on, but almost as if was an overlay... And, Varrel confirmed that he could not determine the nature of the magics he detected upon the queen's person... but that it was not centered upon an item of some sort more like a spell."}

In reply to Una, {"I truly hope you may be correct Una! I want to believe in Queen Ileosa... she's an amazing... striking woman! If she is being somehow controlled or manipulated from some outside source... I will storm heaven or hell, if need be, to stop it and free her mind!!!"}

Turning his attention to Mejenko, {"My friend Majenko... did you follow Duvalus to his abode do you know where he went and can you lead us there?"}

Varrel made a mental note to find a spell allowing Majenko some respite, though he was an adept 'parrot' and seemingly enjoyed his never ending usefulness.

Majenko can inform everyone that Davaulus has based himself & his team in a converted warehouse on the West Dock, which they have renamed as the Hospice of the Blessed Maiden. Ostensibly they are running a treatment centre there.

Ashe furrows his brow and telepathically, {"...Blessed Maiden is it? That's sick humor... Urgathoa is NO Maiden!"}

Ashe speaks, "Well it is late... and I for one have stil many minor concerns to see to ere I find my night's rest. What say we convene for the evening and meet again in the morning light to determine our next steps in fighting this plague?"

Across telepathy he addresses Una and Varrel, {"It is Very late indeed... perhaps late enough that a clandestine scouting mission would be in order of the 'Blessed Maiden'. You, Una and Varrel have the gift of stealth... perhaps this would be an acceptable mission for you two? Just a scouting mission for intel on the nature and number of guards, their positions and entrances to the converted warehouse - for latter use when we are ready to search 'in force' into the goings on there more thoroughly when we have more to go on?"}

Turning to the Field Marshal Ashe asks, "Field Marshal Kroft, I have been occupied of late by the concerns of Korvosa but if I recall correctly - Devargo Bravasi had his day in court yesterday and Verik Vancaskerkin today. I was not free to look in on those proceedings how did they fair?"

... You will, of course, be reimbursed for your expenditure on the city's behalf. ...

Gronk will take that opening to turn over the receipts for the 2 scrolls of water breathing (375 gps each). The other gear is incidental in nature.

The Field Marshal nods absently, distracted by Gronk's paperwork. Suddenly she grins broadly, pulls open a desk drawer and takes out a large dark red leather pouch.

"I'm no accountant. Here... take this. Come back when you've spent it all; there's a thousand gold pieces here."

She turns back to Ashe.

"Ah yes, the trials. Devargo, once the evidence was laid before the court, changed his stance and entered a guilty plea. He has an appointment with the headsman in a day or two... time intended for him to make his peace with whatever god he venerates. So far he has refused to see any religious advisors. Vancaskerkin also entered a plea of guilty even before charges were laid. He is dismissed the Guard and will be banished from Korvosa for life, once this crisis is past and free travel is safe."

Ashe accepts the verdicts with some satisfaction, "Good riddance to bad rubbish... in Devargo's case... but its somewhat a shame in Verik's case... I think he might still be a good man... just mislead by his heart! I'll visit him and suggest he consider joining the Pathfinders or seek entry into the Order of Iomedae as a church solider... perhaps our drill sergeants can distill some goodness from him... or his wild heart can find contentment as a Pathfinder following his own code."

Ashe sighs.

"The evening is late... I think we should ALL get some rest to face the trails of tomorrow fully recovered. I have some other tasks for this evening I must see to ere I rest but I'll bid you all good night unless there is more you would like to discuss?"

Turning back to the Marshal as he prepares to leave, "...and Marshal Kroft... if any of your Officers or you yourself show symptoms of 'Blood Veil' please do not hesitate to inform me. I am now blessed with my goddess' grace to lay her mercy upon those I touch to remove any disease. I cannot do it many times a day... but the "Guard" must be well cared for to maintain order in the city!"

Ashe delays before leaving waiting for any final words from Una or the others. Majenko - who has still been tying to outrun the orbiting magical Ioun Stone circling him as he flutters joyfully about the office... 'finally' settles to a gentle perch upon Ashe's armored shoulder nuzzling his cheek affectionately.

A somber smile slowly forms on Ashe's tired expression... but his thoughts turn back to a pair of striking green eyes framed by a lovely face and short lockes of soft blond hair.

{Trinia... at least she's safe...}

... a lonely night awaits him.