Rannik's Carrion Crown

Game Master Patrick Levasseur

"Dear Tolvan, I would love to accompany you to visit those we have helped in the past, especially the zombie monk. When last we departed I have mentioned that if he would become "crazed" then I would put him down....for the greater good."

Your company will be most welcome Danica. The man had 6 doses of his alchemical so I trust he is still sentient, unless someone has robbed him of that which he requires. And before we left for the Schloss I had tried to make arrangements for him to acquire more of the elixir.

GM - We tried to put the Zombie monk in charge of the alchemical works with the beast men. If they could hire an alchemist of even modest skills they should be abel to work and live considerably better than Vorkstag and Grine and have some say so in their future. I suspect this out if the scope of the module, but seemed desirable to me. Tolvan would take it upon himself to make the necromantic alchemical elixir himself if he was not on this quest to track the Whispering Way. Perhaps Caromarc might agree to keep the man supplied if no other can be found. I think the zombie monk had 6 weeks of the elixir remaining him, but that is from memory.

Kimberly was sitting quietly playing with her stuffed bear. but she still was attentive to the discussion.

At the mention of the hunting lodge, I am sure I can pass myself off as, say, a gnome. that way there will not be any difficulty with my presence.

then coming to the matters of loose ends. Kimberly gets a little excited when there is mention of the Crooked Kin. I think that would be great to see them, I miss them a little and I want to tell them all about the neat things we've seen since we last met.

Anna stifles a giggle at Kimberly's idea. A gnome? You don't have the bone structure. Or the insanity. No, better to not try too hatd.. Pretend to be a servant with Greta and Elsa and you'll have the run of the place.

"I may be able to pass as a hunter myself. I am considered a hunter of sorts....hunter of monsters. One thing though, my garb may give me away. I do not dress like the typical adventurer."

Oh, I do not know. Adventurers are a mixed lot and taken with eccentric dress routinely I find. If you wish you can change your garb slightly to fit in better, but I do not consider it a serious issue.

It is hard to disguise full plate armor in the forest, but will do my best.

Anna chews her lip while thinking about where they're heading. She eyes everyone in the room, appraising.

Not necessarily. If this place caters to the rich folks who like to hunt, there's a good chance they're used to idiotic nobles with no clue how to actually hunt. So bringing along a clanking guy in heavy armor might not be that unusual.

Word might have gone on ahead about our role in the Beast's trial, but without Andjela stomping around, we might be able to pull this off. Someone just needs to take the role of the clueless noble... she says, looking around.

Kimberly raises her hand, I can play clueless

You looking at me Anna? I might be able to pull off being a rural noble, but this is the largest town I have ever been in growing up on the frontier. Although I always have had a knack for making friends easily enough:)

Anna raises an eyebrow and puts on a wicked grin. Yeah, but can you lie to someone's face?

Anna is that at Kimberly or Oathar?

The art of diplomacy is knowing what to say when. One could say, for instance that you are more practiced at the art of deception and misdirection. Oathar simply smiles, not wanting to bite on Anna's verbal thrust.

Our posts crossed Kimberly, but I am guessing that was meant for Oathar knowing that Paladins don't lie.

I seems we are in agreeance - take tomorrow and the day after to equip yourselves and make ready. Here are 200 coins appeice - apportion them how you will. If you have things to sell I know the wealthier people in town, I can arrange a buyer. If you have specifics to purchase, send word tomorrow and I'll arrange to have it made available to sale as best I can...

Total 10k GP for you inc. Oathar or 2k each

She departs leaving you to eat and talk...

In leaving she beckons to Tolvan.

And engages him briefly at the door in hushed tones.

When this is all settled come and see me and we will discuss your induction to the Order

Tolvan nods his understanding while wondering if all this will ever be settled.

Oathar ponders the bag of coins. If it is meant for expenses, he understands. But if it is meant for his pay he thinks this would go long way to building a school, an orphanage or a hospital in this poor country.

Ahhh - the trials of Paladinhood. Probably meant as expenses. You've no idea on how long this will take or how intense the chase will be. you could Tithe 10% to be on the safe side and arrange a letter of credit at a bank of Abadar - in effect transferring 200gp (minus a 2% or 2gp) to your superiors or family back home. Takes a few months. Express transfer of funds would cost a lot more

He will defer to Tolvar as to how the money is divided or whether it is used as a group expense. If he is given coin he would prefer to tithe locally if that is possible. If not, he will arrange the letter of credit to the order.

The next day, early, a short bookish man arrives at the inn to help you with your sales, saying he is armed with the knowledge of various collectors who would accept a call from you as well as a ledger of where he may find some items you may be interested in...

I'm James... call me Jim - I'll be helping you both buy and sell today. James Boyar - auctions and sales to the wealthy and powerful, and today, his eyes glitter with joy, today, its all open to you! I don't know what strings you pulled but damn me if it isn't exciting to be part of this unique opportunity.

No need to haggle things out - its just local colour and fluff

The art of diplomacy is knowing what to say when. One could say, for instance that you are more practiced at the art of deception and misdirection. Oathar simply smiles, not wanting to bite on Anna's verbal thrust.

Anna puts on a show of looking aghast, putting her hand upon her chest and looking around. Then she straightens, and brushes at the folds of her dress. I most certainly do not know what you are talking about, she sniffs in a play at being a proper lady.

That dissolves quickly when Daramid produces the coin, and she lets out a small squeal of delight as she weighs it in her hands. I could really get used to having all this coin. Maybe I should be the lady at the hunting lodge? She smiles at both Tolvan and Oathar. You could be my big, strong hunters as I go on holiday to the rugged woods?

Kimberly seems happy that everyone is finding their role to play. then suddenly realizes, she doesn't know what she is going to do.

she takes her share of coin and she is even more at a loss. she wasn't back with Kendra. she was not to familiar with this buying and selling business.

she decides to simply shadow Anna, watch what she does to learn all about this merchant business.

Oathar bows to Anna rather over exaggerated, I am here to serve m'lady!

The first evening Tolvan begins to further enchant his +1 cloak of resistance, to increase it to +2. He figures it should take three evening's work to complete the effort. Tolvan works with "Jim" to sell the items the group wishes to rid themselves of and inquiries about a Headband of Vast Intelligence (+2)

Ret-conning this last post to account for dropping the Craft Wondrous feat. Instead Tolvan will scribe a scroll of Fly.

Also Jim, before we head out into the wilds I would like to see if I could trade out this cloak of resistance for a slightly more powerful one. I would pay for any costs of course. And I'd like to see if you can find me a pair of Eyes of the Eagle to sharpen my perception. After that I'd like to take what few coin I have remaining to purchase a few lower power spells that I, well, would rather not leave home without.

If he can "upgrade the cloak it will cost 3000 gold to go from +1 to +2. Otherwise he will sell the +1 and purchase a +2 for a net cost of 3500 gold. If he is selling it, perhaps someone in the party will buy it, so I need your call on that. And depending on this decision Tolvan will have either 1389 or 876 gold to purchase and scribe some scrolls into his book. At that point he will be done shopping.

Anna comes down from her room during the late morning, as is her usual custom. The others have already worked with Jim about procuring various items so she plops down in a chair and starts going over his ledgers. She shakes her head as she pours over the various lots, feeling pretty satisfied with her gear. Then she reaches one entry that catches her interest. Hang on. Boots of Quick Reaction? This gives me more speed at the start of a fight?

She mulls that over. Well within her price range, and something that she preferred to do. Most fights were won or lost in the first second or two, and anything that could give her an advantage -- either to get away or put the threat out of her misery before it could react -- was welcome.

Okay, those. Sounds good. She makes the arrangements and hands him half the coin. Rest on delivery. Don't worry. Me and the judge are buddies now. She grins enigmatically.
________________

Anna spends the rest of the time practicing for the role of infiltrating the hunting lodge. She was doubly pleased she had bought her coach and team of horses. Plus, the trunks of fine clothing and other luxuries she had obtained during her earlier splurge with A.A.'s money should go a long way toward selling the idea that she was a noble. She did feel it necessary to talk with Greta, Elsa, and Giovanni about what she was going to do, so there might be a few days at the lodge where she'll have to treat them like nobles treat servants. She surprised herself by being really bothered by the idea of not being willing to eat with them, or hanging out and talking about their day, their families, and long-range plans. She hugs all of them and promises that she won't let the role get into her head.

As she finishes her preparations, she realizes that keeping them at an arm's length during this escapade might be what it takes to keep them safe. A thought comes to her. She runs and finds Kimberly.

Hey, Sparkles. I was thinking about this lodge we're going. Daramid's not telling us what sort of problems they've got over there, but it makes sense that any place in Ustalav's got problems. The whole country's just, you know, she swallows what she was going to say, and just finishes with, got problems. Anyway, this hunting lodge is in a place called the Shudderwood. Who would name a place like that? Okay, whatever.

Getting back on topic, she says, Look, there's lots of ways of getting information out of people. I'm going to try to sneak it out of them, yes, but I'm going to try the direct way, more or less. There's other ways, too. Servants are often overlooked, can go just about anywhere, listen even though they look like they're not, and they talk to one another. I think I'd like it if you pretended to be a servant, like a handmaiden. For a couple of reasons, but also that I'd like you to keep an eye on Greta and Elsa. You've shown you're good in a fight. You can protect them, if it comes to that.

Kimberly simply listens to Anna, and nods her understanding. Don't worry, I can take care of them for you.

A messenger boy approaches Anna and Kimberly.

I have a letter for you if you are Kimberly Snow and... errr..., he thinks a moment, Anna Dunsany.

He holds out the letter which is in an oil cloth sealed outer wrapping.

Before Anna finishes reading the letter, she jumps to the end and sees the signature, or rather, the initial. She catches the messenger boy before he's able to leave, making sure he knows there is no jest in her voice. Who gave you this letter? Where did it come from? Talk fast.

Errr... another man passed to me. He said that a man had in turn given it to him! I don't know nuffin' lady!

"Greetings Jim. I am Danica Quinn. Would you happen to have the following items; Pearl of power, much like the one I hold in my hands now." Danica removes her current pearl to show the man.

"A belt that would reduce my load. I believe one would call it a Heavy load belt. Also, a rod to extend some simple spells."

"Would you also have scrolls... Shield of Faith & Flames of the Faithful?"

Kimberly tries to see the note as well.

Don't get mad at him, he just delivered it. she pulls out a gold coin and hands it to the messenger.

here ya go.

"Hello Jim, I am Oathar of Lastwall. If you have access to two wands, they would prove beneficial in our travels: Cure Light Wounds and Lessor Restoration."

Am curious as to what the note actually says! Not that my character is there.

With the upgrade of his cloak and the Eyes of the Eagle Tolvan only needs to pick up a small number of scrolls and lay in a supply of ink and parchment for the trip. He will also spend a little time in the library researching their destination to learn its history and to possibly prepare for any likely threats.

Buys scrolls of Comprehend Language, Grease, Infernal Healing, Obscuring Mist, and Snowball.

All that you are after is tracked down and your coin taken.

Sheet updated

Anna weighs the pros and cons of chasing messengers around Lepidstadt, then with a growl lets the lad go. She passes the note to Kimberly, then reads it over her shoulder.

So. He gave us a name, a warning, and a confession. Wow, this guy's cocky, Anna says after finishing the letter. C'mon, Kimberly. Let's go see Tolvan and Danica about this.

When she finds them, she hands over the letter. She can't help but glance over her shoulder and check the windows, drawing shut the curtains while they digest the letter's contents.

When they finish, she looks at them, face drawn and lips tight.

Tolvan reads the proffered letter with a concerned expression. This "A", he is an egomaniac I think. He shows us a face. But we should take care as it may not be his only face. he reads the letter again. This does not change our course. If anything it encourage me to make haste and leave sooner for the lodge than I had planned.

Why the consternation Tolvan?

Danica purchases her items. She takes the rod and scrolls and stores them into her haversack. She then takes the belt and places it around her hips. She immediately feels the effects, her items on her person start being lighter. She places the new and current pearl of power together, showing them to Tolvan. "New toys Master Tolvan"

When Tolvan finishes reading the letter Danica holds out her hand indicating that it is her turn to do the same. Her eyes start to scan the parchment. "This Auren Vrood...." Danica begins to squint. "..I don't like being spied on. And this "A" character ... well ..." the inquisitor stops her thought and turns away from her friends. She closes her eyes and beings to clench her fists.

Danica returns the paper and says "Ok my friends, let's get supplies and get ready to hit the road. Our trek will be long and treacherous."

Why the consternation Tolvan?

He probably just needs more fiber in his diet.

Anna smiles, but it quickly fades to fit the mood in the room. This A. has been watching us for some time. He left me a note with the body of the guy who set the traps back in Harrowstone. She pauses, looks straight at those with her, and shakes her head. I didn't kill him. Neither did the associates of some acquaintances of mine who found him. He was dead already. Before we got to Lepidstadt.

She crosses her arms. I don't like the idea of trying to cross their paths, but I don't really like the idea of letting them go their own way, either. But since we don't know where they are, I guess we just do our own thing, huh?

I will purchase another 10 days rations.

Sounds like this is something from before i was here?

Why the consternation Tolvan?

I am simply resigned to do the right thing here regardless of the words of "A". He hopes to scare or misdirect is with this note. I shall not succumb to either. he explains as he passes the note to Danica and retrieves his own notebook to make record some information from the note. I can be ready to depart in the morning. In the mean time I do need to call on the alchemist shop. Who was with me for that errand?

As I do not know who "A" is or what the note reads, I will be willing to accompany you if you wish.

Anna makes a face and shakes her head. Not me. She shudders when she thinks about the alchemical zombie and those mongrel men.

The judge shows up with your paperwork.

You will be 'Lady Pertrice Hauber-Blotten', fortunately such a person actually exists and is somewhat known for her particular brand of manners that should fit you Anna, reasonably well. We've asked the true Lady Pertrice to spend time on one of the Orders estates while you play with her name a bit. Please try not to damage it or her reputation

The rest of you are her retinue. For ease I've left your names as they are. Sir Oathar, you are her 'Man at Arms', Kimberly, you are her young serving maid, Tolvan, her advisor, Dancia... you provided some difficulty so we have decided on 'Childhood companion'... it can have many meanings in certain circles and should hold if you are, close but... err... discrete when around 'Lady Pertrice'.

She clears her throat and continues.

The Shudderwood has an unsavory reputation. It is rumoured to be lair of Scarnzi bandits, criminal families of the Varsians, as well as the hiding place of fell creatures. Stories of shape changers, werewolves, abound in the area, more so than other parts of Ustalav. Wild and Wicked Fae are also spoken off.

The Shudderwood lies in the province of Lozeri, like Canterwall it too has thrown off its hereditary rulers. You'll need to pass through the capital, Courtaud before pushing on to your destination. Please keep a suitably low profile.

Of course dear judge.

Did Tolvan's research tell him anything? And I am unsure about playing out the Alchemical Factory and the Crooked Kin. I am fine saying we did these things and moving on.

Yeah, just moving on... Any research you do tallies with the judges. More on Ascanor lodge later

So perhaps we should not travel by the 'lady's' coach? Do we have horses or are we using alternate transportation?