The Dying City: DM Norv's "Curse of the Crimson Throne"

Game Master The Norv

Sounds like you guys are planning to a little recon and scouting around before you head into the lions' den. Maybe everybody let me know what you'd like to do tomorrow (i.e. sounds like Korriban might use the wand of invisibility to try to sneak up to the Arkonas), and I'll move us forward to the activities of the next day? Unless, of course, you'd all like to go together and it seems more appropriate to play things out in slower time.

Matoska would like to check out any other gatehouses and run the length of the wall, but would prefer to keep his shapeshifting to himself for now. Once that's accomplished he's more than willing to assist with whatever the others might need.

"And how did you sneak to the fort? No offense, but you don't look like the sneaky type."

Shrugging casually, "I'd prefer to keep my methods to myself, but I will say that it is often an advantage to be perceived as a 'sneaky type'."

"I wanted for little when I was young, and got a good education. I'm grateful for that, even if, no, I can't say I was actually happy. I'm grateful, in a way, for all the experiences I've had, even the bad ones. Especially the bad ones. It's gotten me where I am, and I am glad to be among you, fighting this darkness trying to swallow our city."

She straightens and looks at Matoska. "As it is--if you're going to work with us, now's not the time to play coy. If you have abilities or skills that can help us scout and get to Orsini then we need to know that. We need to be able to trust one another if we're going to work as a team and overcome the odds we are facing."

She pauses and frowns. She takes the deck of cards in her hands and spreads them across her place in front of her on the table. With practiced flair, she flips her wrist and waves, turning all the face down cards to face up. "In fact, indeed--this is no time for secrets. I didn't tell you all everything. I was afraid if you knew the information could be misused somehow, but I don't think it matters. Ten years ago, my father arranged a marriage between me and Kezrin Arkona-Czorin, a third cousin or so to the current leaders of the Arkonas--but it's always cousins that inherit, so being distantly related doesn't mean much for what power they might. He told me a week before the wedding and threatened to lock me away and put me in manacles if I didn't go along with the wedding willingly. I don't know if he meant it, but I knew I had different plans for my future, and that's why I ran off. I don't know if Kezrin's at the palace or even if he would recognize me--I only met him once, and I was sixteen. But this could be a strength or a liability--or be utterly meaningless."

She slides the cards back into a deck and looks back at Matoska. "Okay---out with it. What are you so unwilling to share with us? Or since you conveniently suddenly have information on the palace that would have been hard to get--are you a spy for the Arkonas, trying to keep us from getting to Orsini?" She points to the doorway. "If you're not willing to be a team player, then you know the way out."

I am hoping to have some fruitful roleplay here, not be an obstructive jerk. I'm not sure WHY Matoska feels the need to keep the secret (and there may be good reason), but I struggle to faithfully roleplay Callie and just have her roll along with this total stranger who's told them almost nothing about himself and who was basically pushed on them by the guard, and now who's just wandering off by himself while the group is trying to come up with a plan. If the group prefers, I can abandon the roleplay and just go along with ye old "you look like a trusty adventurer" but I won't be playing my character. That is an acceptable alternative if you prefer it.

As for additional scouting, I'm happy to do that as soon as we have a plan. She has the vanish spell to make herself invisible as needed.

Lantressa considered Korriban's response to her mention of the zealots and then said, "The problem is I can't say they are entirely wrong. One of the insidious things about living there was that you never could know who the demon cults had managed to corrupt and it did force them to operate in greater secrecy. It was also supposed to discourage others from doing things that were 'morally wrong' and and opening themselves to corruption. The burnings only started recently but the inquisition has been around as long as I can remember which is longer than I think any of you have been alive and maybe longer than Lialda has been either." She saddened at the memories, "Unfortunately the inquisition had gained in power when they started burning people at the stake en' mass and rarely succeeded in targeting the guilty. A lot of innocent people were dying when I was forced to flee Mendev as a consequence."

Matoska is just generally cautious, but from his perspective being mistaken for a werewolf is potentially fatal, and Korvosa has a long history of generally being awful to Shoanti so he doesn't have great expectations for his treatment there either. Still, the group includes a tiefling and a stinky apocalypse priest so he'll take the chance that y'all are less bigoted than average.

Matoska listens impassively to Callie's speech, though his mouth quirks in a repressed smile at the end there. "Do I strike you as a spy for the Arkonas? I was unaware of the very name until earlier this afternoon. But," he looks at everyone's expressions, trying to gauge to room's mood. if it will help put your mind at ease I will match your revelation with one of my own. Are you a dog person, Callie?"

The shift is smooth, like a ripple across water and suddenly a grey-brown timber wolf with black paws is curled in the chair where a Shoanti hunter had been a moment before. A heartbeat later, another ripple, and Matoska the man is back.

"It is not a common gift, but many in the Shundar-Quah are wolfkin. I have met others who can take the forms of bears, or boars, or even eagles, but amongst my tribe wolves are the most common." He shrugs, holding his hands out palm-up. "That's how I got to Fort Korvosa so quickly, without being noticed. It's also how I was able to overhear the imps, though I wouldn't want to push my luck there. Shifters can often spot another shifter."

"By the Shriveled Scrote of Groetus! So THAT's why he smells like that ..."

"You don't want to start in about smells, priest!"

"I wanted for little when I was young, and got a good education. I'm grateful for that, even if, no, I can't say I was actually happy. I'm grateful, in a way, for all the experiences I've had, even the bad ones. Especially the bad ones. It's gotten me where I am, and I am glad to be among you, fighting this darkness trying to swallow our city."

Korriban smiles. "Thanks, Blue. It's good to be working with you guys as well. Good to have friends around you when you're facing again a psychotic tyrant queen."

She straightens and looks at Matoska. "As it is--if you're going to work with us, now's not the time to play coy. If you have abilities or skills that can help us scout and get to Orsini then we need to know that. We need to be able to trust one another if we're going to work as a team and overcome the odds we are facing."

Korriban nods. "Agreed. We need to be open and honest."

She pauses and frowns. She takes the deck of cards in her hands and spreads them across her place in front of her on the table. With practiced flair, she flips her wrist and waves, turning all the face down cards to face up. "In fact, indeed--this is no time for secrets. I didn't tell you all everything. I was afraid if you knew the information could be misused somehow, but I don't think it matters. Ten years ago, my father arranged a marriage between me and Kezrin Arkona-Czorin, a third cousin or so to the current leaders of the Arkonas--but it's always cousins that inherit, so being distantly related doesn't mean much for what power they might. He told me a week before the wedding and threatened to lock me away and put me in manacles if I didn't go along with the wedding willingly. I don't know if he meant it, but I knew I had different plans for my future, and that's why I ran off. I don't know if Kezrin's at the palace or even if he would recognize me--I only met him once, and I was sixteen. But this could be a strength or a liability--or be utterly meaningless."

Korriban frowns. "Jeez... Your dad was was threatening you into marrying that guy? That's awful. You deserve the freedom to make your own choices. Everyone does. Especially in things like love and marriage." Korriban scratches his chin before saying, "I'm going to bring this up since we're being honest. Sorry if I start going into rambling territory. I never knew my parents. I was found on the steps of an orphanage around my birth. I lived there until it burned down when I was 3. I lived on the streets until Gaedren Lamm took me in when I was 5. He wanted me to be one of his "Lambs", a pickpocket. Now, I wasn't was dexterous back than as I am now. So, needless to say, I was often at the receiving of his rage at me. When I was 9, he had enough of me and put a knife to my back. Beat me up and let his gator use my leg as its own plaything. He then threw me in the trash heap. Would have died if I didn't crawl out and made it far enough for someone to find me." He gives a sad smile. "Months ago, I asked Zellara for a reading about my folks. She gave me a possibility, that my parents were possibly connected to some political business that led to their disappearance about 20 years ago and that there was someone connected to them around during my birth. I took this to a guy named Pash who's a detective that Kroft recommended. After a couple of months, his working theory is that my parents were either the palace staff or even advisors to Queen Domina at the time of her death." He sheepishly grins. "Again, sorry for rambling."

She slides the cards back into a deck and looks back at Matoska. "Okay---out with it. What are you so unwilling to share with us? Or since you conveniently suddenly have information on the palace that would have been hard to get--are you a spy for the Arkonas, trying to keep us from getting to Orsini?" She points to the doorway. "If you're not willing to be a team player, then you know the way out."

Korriban silently looks at Matoska, waiting for his answer.

Lantressa considered Korriban's response to her mention of the zealots and then said, "The problem is I can't say they are entirely wrong. One of the insidious things about living there was that you never could know who the demon cults had managed to corrupt and it did force them to operate in greater secrecy. It was also supposed to discourage others from doing things that were 'morally wrong' and and opening themselves to corruption. The burnings only started recently but the inquisition has been around as long as I can remember which is longer than I think any of you have been alive and maybe longer than Lialda has been either." She saddened at the memories, "Unfortunately the inquisition had gained in power when they started burning people at the stake en' mass and rarely succeeded in targeting the guilty. A lot of innocent people were dying when I was forced to flee Mendev as a consequence."

Korriban frowns. "Well, they are trying to help. But, still, it's such b******t that they're just randomly gathering people and burning them without solid proof." If Lantressa is okay with it, he places his hand on hers in comfort. "Maybe someone up there will get enough common sense to stop that. Or maybe one of us will do that. I don't know. But, it's good to have hope. Gives you something to fight for." He gives her a small smile. "We got to try and change things. Here and out there."

Matoska listens impassively to Callie's speech, though his mouth quirks in a repressed smile at the end there. "Do I strike you as a spy for the Arkonas? I was unaware of the very name until earlier this afternoon. But," he looks at everyone's expressions, trying to gauge to room's mood. if it will help put your mind at ease I will match your revelation with one of my own. Are you a dog person, Callie?"

Korriban blinks. "Well, what does being a dog person have to do wi-"

The shift is smooth, like a ripple across water and suddenly a grey-brown timber wolf with black paws is curled in the chair where a Shoanti hunter had been a moment before. A heartbeat later, another ripple, and Matoska the man is back.

"It is not a common gift, but many in the Shundar-Quah are wolfkin. I have met others who can take the forms of bears, or boars, or even eagles, but amongst my tribe wolves are the most common." He shrugs, holding his hands out palm-up. "That's how I got to Fort Korvosa so quickly, without being noticed. It's also how I was able to overhear the imps, though I wouldn't want to push my luck there. Shifters can often spot another shifter."

Korriban blinks in shock, jaw dropping. He doesn't pay much mind to Teodor and Matoska's banter. After several moments, he finds his voice. "That.... is..." An excited grin forms. "SO COOL!!" He then turns to Matoska and begins to chatting. "You can turn into a wolf?! That is amazing! How do you do that?! Can anyone learn how to do it or just you?! Can I learn how to do it!? I want to be a wolf! No, wait, a cat! Some form of cat! With big claws and being extra sneaky! No, wait! Even better! I want to be an eagle! I want to fly!"

Callie nods sympathetically at Lantressa. "Let's pray Korvosa doesn't become another Mendev."

As Matoska does his trick, and Korriban reacts--she is wide-eyed, then amused. "Breathe, Korriban."

She turns to Matoska. "So, kind of like how druids transform, but just one shape, hm? Neat. Thank you. Apologies for laying it on, but I'm kind of paranoid with all that's going on right now. Knowing this is helpful, and we need to know all the options we have."

She frowns. "Now what was this about imps you saw?"

"You can turn into a wolf?! That is amazing! How do you do that?! Can anyone learn how to do it or just you?! Can I learn how to do it!? I want to be a wolf! No, wait, a cat! Some form of cat! With big claws and being extra sneaky! No, wait! Even better! I want to be an eagle! I want to fly!"

"I believe it can be learned, certainly druids can do it, though that takes years. For certain Shoanti bloodlines, though it's simply something innate. I was simply born knowing how to do this. Our legend-speakers tell of the original tribes intermingling with powerful nature spirits. I don't know if that's true or not, but we're not werebeasts--we remain in control at all times and the moon doesn't have any particular affect on us."

"Now what was this about imps you saw?"

"There were three, grouped together and talking. One of them was a familiar whose master had recently died, and their gestures towards the Queen's palace and comments of stern masters were curious but not enormously informative. Could it be that the young Queen has followed Cheliax's example into diabolism?"

Teodor starts to look for a ball or stick to throw but immediately feels racist as hell so he stops. "Thank you all for your honesty. I suppose some quid pro quo is in order. When the Tall Knife took the Emperor's head, I was seconds from declaring myself emperor. I ...hate the monarchies and controllers of men, the rich and the powerful and yet I almost succumbed... resisting temptation hasn't ever been my strong suit. I feel a filthy hypocrit!"

...I'm not going to insert myself aggressively into this roleplaying, which is all lovely, so just let me know when y'all are ready to move on to scouting. ;)

As Matoska does his trick, and Korriban reacts--she is wide-eyed, then amused. "Breathe, Korriban."

Korriban takes some deep breaths before saying, "I'm fine. I'm fine. It's just... man, that's so cool."

"I believe it can be learned, certainly druids can do it, though that takes years. For certain Shoanti bloodlines, though it's simply something innate. I was simply born knowing how to do this. Our legend-speakers tell of the original tribes intermingling with powerful nature spirits. I don't know if that's true or not, but we're not werebeasts--we remain in control at all times and the moon doesn't have any particular affect on us."

Korriban scratches his chin. "So, unless I become some sort of druid or have some sort of bloodline, then I can't change into an animal. Darn. There goes having more amazing powers."

"There were three, grouped together and talking. One of them was a familiar whose master had recently died, and their gestures towards the Queen's palace and comments of stern masters were curious but not enormously informative. Could it be that the young Queen has followed Cheliax's example into diabolism?"

Korriban pales at this. "If she has, then things have gone from bad to worse. I really hope that isn't the case. At this point, we can't deal with a swarm of devils coming out of Hell. I don't want Korvosa to turn into a combination of Hell with all the devils and the tyranny and the Temple of Asmodeus with its obvious evilness, weird red lighting, and giving long titles to people."

Teodor starts to look for a ball or stick to throw but immediately feels racist as hell so he stops. "Thank you all for your honesty. I suppose some quid pro quo is in order. When the Tall Knife took the Emperor's head, I was seconds from declaring myself emperor. I ...hate the monarchies and controllers of men, the rich and the powerful and yet I almost succumbed... resisting temptation hasn't ever been my strong suit. I feel a filthy hypocrit!"

Korriban turns to Teodor. "That may be so. But, the fact that you show concern about that means that you're better than the Emperor. You know when to stop. You're aware of that limit. Use that for the good of the people. Use that feeling to help bring down unworthy tyrants and those who use that position against the will of the people."

"Yes. Let's kill them all! Lord be praised!"

"If you were bad at resisting temptation, you would have declared yourself emperor. Give yourself credit where it's due, Teo," Callie observes.

"Why do you think I nominated Korriban for the council? I was all too tempted to take it on myself, but I don't think I'd be the best person to speak for the people here."

She stretches. "I feel like we've let an awkward silence pass too long. Matoska, if I was worried you were an out of control beast, the past fights we've been in have shown you are anything but. No worries about that. As for the Queen, I'd not be surprised if she turned to diabolism... but do you think the imps were working for her or someone else?"

"And we still need a plan for approaching the Arkonas. Have a chat or sneak in?"

"Yes. Let's kill them all! Lord be praised!"

Korriban chuckles uneasily. "Well, that's not what I was getting at. But, whatever makes you happy, I guess?"

"If you were bad at resisting temptation, you would have declared yourself emperor. Give yourself credit where it's due, Teo," Callie observes.

Korriban smiles and nods. "Yeah. Shows that you have quite the willpower and common sense there, Teo."

"Why do you think I nominated Korriban for the council? I was all too tempted to take it on myself, but I don't think I'd be the best person to speak for the people here."

Korriban smirks. "That's the reason? I thought it was due to my charm and good looks."

"As for the Queen, I'd not be surprised if she turned to diabolism... but do you think the imps were working for her or someone else?"

Korriban scratches his chin. "Well, when the riots were first going off, we did get attacked by some imps. So, they might be working for the Queen, some other wizards, or just working for themselves." He shrugs. "I mean it's not like we have a shortage on wild imps running around Korvosa."

"And we still need a plan for approaching the Arkonas. Have a chat or sneak in?"

Korriban scratches his chin in thought. "Hmm... That is quite the choice. I say we get recon first. Then make our decision from there."

"I'd reckon imps might always be working for themselves, even when working for someone else. We'll have to be wary though."

She purses her lips. "Okay, so recon it is. Matoska can scout in his other form. I'm no master spy but I can be pretty quiet. Lantressa can sweet talk her way out of or into anything, and Teo's got his own tricks. Should we all go together, or should we split up? No one goes alone though... we don't have time to mount a rescue mission if something should go wrong."

Glad that I left you at a decision point! Just to reiterate from discussion, I am here; so make your plan and we’ll move forward!

Matoska nods in agreement as Callie lays out the plan. "Where would you like me to scout out? I checked the western side today, should I do the eastern side next?"

Korriban nods. "I think we should try to stick together. However, that may draw some attention. We also may need some eyes in the sky. I'll call Majenko." Korriban then sends out his thoughts. 'Majenko. If you can hear me and are able to, please come over to the Rosa where we are. We could use your assistance.'

"I can go with you, Matoska, at least. I can trail you and if something comes I can cast a spell that makes me invisible long enough to get away. Korriban can stick to the shadows too."

Korriban distantly hears a reply: Coming, coming, Korriban-friend!

Half an hour or so later, Majenko arrives. I apologize; I don't remember who has or has not met Majenko before. He is a pseudodragon that Korriban and Teodor befriended, formerly in the possession of one (now very dead) Devargo Bravasi. He proudly introduces himself as a good friend of the Heroes of Korvosa to anyone he hasn't met before.

Once he's introduced himself to anyone new to the party, Majenko curls up on the table that you're all clustered around. What can I do for you, good-friends?

Once he's introduced himself to anyone new to the party, Majenko curls up on the table that you're all clustered around. What can I do for you, good-friends?

Korriban smiles and feeds Majenko some food, rubbing his head with his finger. "I'm sorry to be calling on you so much and to have you fly all the way over here. But, we need your help. We're looking into some people and their home. We could use your keen eyes to look around the area from the air and to tell us if we're going to run into someone. One of our friends said that there are some imps around, so you'll have to be careful." He then gives a smirk. "By the way, the man that had you captured? Bavarsi? He's dead now. So he won't come after you at any point. Teodor took off his head."

Callie smiles at the pseudodragon (which I think she's met briefly before). "That's handy. a good idea. Shall we go?"

"No time like the present. Except for all the other times. If time exists."

Korriban frowns. "Well, they are trying to help. But, still, it's such b******t that they're just randomly gathering people and burning them without solid proof." If Lantressa is okay with it, he places his hand on hers in comfort. "Maybe someone up there will get enough common sense to stop that. Or maybe one of us will do that. I don't know. But, it's good to have hope. Gives you something to fight for." He gives her a small smile. "We got to try and change things. Here and out there."

Lantressa felt Korriban's hand touch her's and was quite content with letting him do so. There had been few times, even from her parents, that she got such a touch and it was actually rather pleasant. "I don't know what will break up there, the attacks are becoming bolder, the cults seem to be spreading, and it's all feeding the power of the Flaming Zealots." She sighed and slumped a little as she continued, "Truthfully I have no desire to go back there, Dad died about twenty five years ago and I highly doubt Mom still lives, I hadn't even talked to her for the better part of twenty years and hadn't checked if she still lived for nearly as long. Neither of them could have drawn me back there and no one else would either."

Callie nods sympathetically at Lantressa. "Let's pray Korvosa doesn't become another Mendev."

Lantressa nodded in Callie's direction and said, "Yes, let's all hope for that because there's nothing here that would even slow the hordes of the abyss down if they managed to push through here. The current deaths would be insignificant in comparison."

As Martoska began talking of shifting his form Lantressa gave the man a new appraising look, she hadn't realized he could do that and it was very intriguing to say the least. "You learn something new everyday it seems." When Teo made his comment she just rolled her eyes and ignored him and she cracked up at Korriban's. The young man could be very refreshing in his sometimes seeming innocence.

As the discussion turned to how they would infiltrate the Arkona's Lantressa considered what Callie said about how she could enter. It was amusing but she had to agree and said, "Do we know anything about that they like as far as entertainment? Maybe we could somehow gain entry that way, or at least some of us anyway."

Majenko's eyes widen when Korriban tells him that Devargo is dead. He is dead, Korriban-friend? That is good tidings indeed! He was a bad-bad man. Tell me where to watch, and I can watch it for you! Have no fear of imps--I can fight any imp! The little dragon bares his teeth and lashes his tail eagerly.

"I'd encourage you not to set out just yet, since it's still late at night," Lialda says dryly. "But stay here at the Rosa tonight. The Arkonas will be there tomorrow morning." Assuming you all assent: She shows each of you to separate rooms--the Rosa isn't doing any serious business, in these troubled times--and you collapse, weary, into your beds.

The next day dawns hazy and cool, with mist rolling in off the Jeggare. You all rise early, eat a hasty breakfast of rolls and hard cheese provided by the Rosa, and set out to investigate the lair of the Arkonas. You make your way to the walls of their palace unmolested; it's clear that, though the residents of Garrison Hill are still struggling, the ward is safer than most in Old Korvosa right now. The Arkonas are to thank for that...allegedly.

You can get right up to the wall without any hindrance, though you imagine that there will be guards on the grounds themselves. Still, in contrast to what Matoska found last night, the gate now stands open: nothing prevents you going directly in, if you so choose.

Feel free to finalize your plans/make some previous preparations now; just wanted to set the scene and give us a nudge forward.

I figured we were going to do our recon at night, under cover of darkness. I'll go along with everyone else though. I feel like we're a bit stick, especially since we had a bit of a hiatus. Someone pick a thing to do, and Callie will follow.

Korriban smiles at Majenko and his mother. He retreats to his room for the night, sleeping soundly after the events of the last few days.

The next morning, the swordsman gets up early and helps set up breakfast for the group. He eats the rolls and cheese with vigor and heads out with the group, saying goodbye to his family as he leaves and with Majenko flying overhead. When they arrive at the wall, Korriban thinks about their options.

Hmmm... I would say that we should scout around the outside. Maybe we can try and get to a highter vantage point so we can get a lay of the area and see what the grounds and the guard patrols are like.

Sorry for dropping off for a bit there y'all. I started a new job on Monday and the commute is killing me. May also be moving soon too, we'll see.

Matoska rises early to watch the sun rise, stretching and meditating until breakfast is ready. "We should get moving soon, Callie, we have a bit of a walk ahead of us. Shall we all agree to meet back here mid-afternoon, unless something goes awry? In which case...hm, perhaps the late Emperor's abodes should be the rally point?"

TBH I don't feel that there's much more that could be discovered by a recon mission at night...unless you want to actually sneak onto the palace grounds, which would be a whole Other Thing, and you can certainly still try tonight!

And yes, I'm feeling we're a bit stuck too, so I'm trying to jump-start us. Let me know if I go too far!

It quickly becomes apparent that scouting around the palace will be tricky. There are small squads of house guards bearing the Arkonas' crest moving through the streets nearby (you remember Lialda telling you that the Arkonas had "lent" their guards to the neighborhood to replace the Korvosan Guard), but as long as you don't loiter or accost them they don't give you a second glance.

The palace itself is surrounded by a 12-foot-high spiked wall, with one gate on the southern side and a smaller postern gate on the eastern wall. These walls jut out to the edge of the cliffs that form the northern shores of Endrin Isle, which is now better known as Old Korvosa. There isn't really a higher vantage point to be had, as the palace itself sits at the highest point of the island (though of course...you have Majenko!).

The main gate, in the south, is open during the daytime; now that it's light out, you can clearly make out the palace uphill from the gate. The grounds look very well manicured, and the palace itself has been built in the Vudrani style: golden pillars, high, tapering windows, minarets, and domes. The postern gate is guarded by a pair of house guards during the day, and you suspect that there are guards inside the gatehouse of the main, open southern gate.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"Well, for a building originally used as a fort, it's obviously going to be hard to get into. Here's the main thing: we need to figure out where Vencarlo is being held. Then once we get a sense of the layout, maybe use Lantressa's ideas of entering as some form of entertainers?"

She looks around. "My guess it is probably close to the cliff-side part of the fortress, as it would be hard to escape from. Korriban, can you let us know what Majenko can see from on high?"

Meanwhile Callie is trying to be alert and stealthy.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Korriban nods and lifts his cloak to reveal Majenko clinging to his back. He thinks, ’Majenko, it’s time. Fly over the grounds and building. Let us know what the lay out is, how many guards there, and anything else you can see. And try to look into the windows carefully and let us know what’s inside. But don’t take any unnecessary risks. If looking through the windows will get you caught, then don’t even try.’

Turning to Callie, the young man says, ”We could try getting in as entertainers. But, we would need to come up with a believable cover story. Also, I don’t know how well Matoska can bluff his way in.”

Korriban also keeps his ears out and his movements subtle.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Lantressa considered a means for them to gain entry to the manor and listened to each person's input before she finally spoke up. "I assume they are the kind who would pay very well for a courtesan's services would they not?" She looked at each of their group in turn and continued, "I had always intended to contact them and make a standing arrangement with them as a stepping stone to the more wealthy patrons of court. I could approach them in that capacity and state that you are my guards due to teh dangers of the district lately." Tressa seemed confident in the plan she had laid out and asked, Does this plan seem workable?"

Korriban nods at Lantressa. "Sounds like a plan to me."

Majenko gives Korriban an eager nod and launches off a nearby roof, fluttering his wings to gain some height and then soaring as he gets the breeze under his wings. He disappears over the wall of the compound as the rest of you continue to scout out the outside.

Around forty-five minutes later, the pseudodragon returns. Hey friends! Happy to report all safe. Here’s how it looks: two small buildings in the grass around the big fancy building at the top of the hill. The people in metal clothes come in and out of one, and every couple of minutes five of them walk out around the grass and check for outsiders. No one came in or out of the big building while I watched, but it is faaaaancy! Lots of windows! In the back is a big glass room full of plants—not sure how they got plants to grow in human buildings. The rest all looks pretty normal: two floors and a couple towers of rooms. I saw human beds, human desks, a room with lots of books...a couple humans walking around in fancy clothes, too, but I couldn’t see anything too clearly without being obvious. Does that help?

If you want to approach under Lantressa’s ruse, make any preparations you want (Disguise checks?); if you’re ready to go in, I’m ready for a bunch of Bluff checks! ;)

"Sounds like two guard buildings and the mansion. I guess Vencarlo's in the mansion so we'll have to get in and snoop. Lantressa's plan can get us through the door, maybe distract while Korri, Matoska, and I snoop around a little. Matoska's abilities will help..."

She frowns. "I'll need to disguise myself a bit. Korriban, would your employees be willing to lend me some makeup and a wig? I'd like to not look like myself... although the likelihood of them recognizing me is small, we don't need that complicating things..."

"Can I be a prostitute too?"

Lantressa was please that her plan would actually be used and was about to say they should get ready for the ruse when Teodor asked the most unexpected thing. Tressa stopped, looked at him strangely with one thin eyebrow up in a questioning way like she was trying to decide if she really just heard that, and looked at him. After a moment she finally began to say..."Teo, I...I guess you could but I don't think anyone would believe you were one..." Tressa considered Teo again for a moment before she finally said, "I guess you could pull it off...with some effort." She looked him up and down again, "...we can try it."

Turning her gaze to Callie Tressa asked, "What about you, are you going as a prostitute too or a body guard?" She looked the other woman over thoughtfully, "I would think that you and Korriban would be guards." She glanced at Teo too and then back to Callie, "Of course I assumed Teo would be as well so what do I know?" Giving a sigh Tressa continued, "I had hoped to try and hold the Lord and Ladies attention while you three snooped around."

"Oh, I was kidding. Shiver took my sexiness years ago."

"I suppose I will be Korriban's wolfhound, which hopefully will spare me any need to try to lie." Matoska smiles ruefullly.

This should be exciting. Looks like I’m waiting for a post front Korriban, but just to provide some info, the folks at the Rosa can definitely supply you with makeup, etc.

"Teo, you are much prettier than many bawds I've met. But, sadly, if I am honest, a courtesan for the wealthy you'd be unlikely to make, save for someone with very... specific tastes."

She turns to the sorceress. "I'll be a bodyguard, Lantressa. I only know how to seduce kitchen maids, and haven't done that in over ten years."

Can I take 10 on the Disguise check? The result would be 18.

Sorry for the massive delay on my end.

Majenko gives Korriban an eager nod and launches off a nearby roof, fluttering his wings to gain some height and then soaring as he gets the breeze under his wings. He disappears over the wall of the compound as the rest of you continue to scout out the outside.

Around forty-five minutes later, the pseudodragon returns. Hey friends! Happy to report all safe. Here’s how it looks: two small buildings in the grass around the big fancy building at the top of the hill. The people in metal clothes come in and out of one, and every couple of minutes five of them walk out around the grass and check for outsiders. No one came in or out of the big building while I watched, but it is faaaaancy! Lots of windows! In the back is a big glass room full of plants—not sure how they got plants to grow in human buildings. The rest all looks pretty normal: two floors and a couple towers of rooms. I saw human beds, human desks, a room with lots of books...a couple humans walking around in fancy clothes, too, but I couldn’t see anything too clearly without being obvious. Does that help?

Korriban smiles and nods, holding out a bit of meat. "It helps a lot. Thank you, Majenko! Can you stick around a bit? We may still need you."

"Sounds like two guard buildings and the mansion. I guess Vencarlo's in the mansion so we'll have to get in and snoop. Lantressa's plan can get us through the door, maybe distract while Korri, Matoska, and I snoop around a little. Matoska's abilities will help..."

Korriban scratches his chin. "That's a start. But we may need to come up with some plans in case something happens. Like it all goes t**s up or we need more distractions."

She frowns. "I'll need to disguise myself a bit. Korriban, would your employees be willing to lend me some makeup and a wig? I'd like to not look like myself... although the likelihood of them recognizing me is small, we don't need that complicating things..."

Korriban nods. "We have plenty of things that can help cover you up. The question I have is should I disguise myself? I have met Glorio before and I think he may recognize me. I don't know if I should disguise myself or use that interaction to our advantage."

"Can I be a prostitute too?"

Korriban blinks at this question. While he's seen this before, the fact that Teodor suggested it throws him off a bit.

Lantressa was please that her plan would actually be used and was about to say they should get ready for the ruse when Teodor asked the most unexpected thing. Tressa stopped, looked at him strangely with one thin eyebrow up in a questioning way like she was trying to decide if she really just heard that, and looked at him. After a moment she finally began to say..."Teo, I...I guess you could but I don't think anyone would believe you were one..." Tressa considered Teo again for a moment before she finally said, "I guess you could pull it off...with some effort." She looked him up and down again, "...we can try it."

Korriban shrugs. "It's worth a shot. I think that we have some things at the Rosa to help out with that."

"Oh, I was kidding. Shiver took my sexiness years ago."

Korriban rolls his eyes and smirks. "Should have known."

"I suppose I will be Korriban's wolfhound, which hopefully will spare me any need to try to lie." Matoska smiles ruefully.

Korriban turns to Matoska. "You know you don't have to disguise yourself as a dog, right? I can try and help you out with the lying."

"Teo, you are much prettier than many bawds I've met. But, sadly, if I am honest, a courtesan for the wealthy you'd be unlikely to make, save for someone with very... specific tastes."

Korriban shrugs at this. "Yeah. It's a shame."

She turns to the sorceress. "I'll be a bodyguard, Lantressa. I only know how to seduce kitchen maids, and haven't done that in over ten years."

Korriban nods at this. "Then it looks like we have a roles. Just need to work out a few things in the plans and we'll be good to back to the Rosa and get into character."

"By sexiness I mean my penis. Totally used to have a complete one! I remember!"

Taking 10 on the Disguise check is fine. Let me know if there are any other preparations you want to make; otherwise, I'll assume we're ready to move forward the next time I post (hopefully tomorrow)!

"By sexiness I mean my penis. Totally used to have a complete one! I remember!"

Korriban blinks a couple of times. "Aaaand we are done with this conversation. I did not need to know that."

"Don't do Shivver! You might lose your dingle dangle!"

"It's no trouble, Korriban, I'm content to be considered a dumb beast by any guards we come across, it let's me keep tabs on everything more easily."

Lantressa smiled, pleased at their acceptance, and said, "Good. it seems like we have a plan," she looked to Matoska, "and I'm sorry, I didn't mean to leave you out as a guard." She was thoughtful as she continued, "Though posing as a 'simple animal' could leave someone with a nasty surprise if they don't realize otherwise so I like the idea."

Tressa was about to say more when Teo made his last few statements and just stared at him a moment in shock. A shudder went through her body then as she thought about that, one that did enticing things to her body as things jiggled, and then said, "I think I need someone to remove the last minute of my memory now...forever."

As tressa looked to teh others she decided to do her best to forget what Teo just said and asked, "Back to the Rosa then?"