Way of the Wicked - the Fall of Andoran (Inactive)

Game Master increddibelly

Spellcraft 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Talon tenses Oh hell he quickly finds the rest of the party and grabs them to leave, getting out of the mans range

The inn's common room is full of people drinking, laughing and gossiping.
Many of them look awkwardly at you, as you hustle between the chairs and tables.
Lord Havelyn stands right outside, some 50ft from the front door of the inn. In case you're wondering, the nearest exit is the back door, that leads to the inn's backyard and outhouses. Or, you could go upstairs.

Meanwhile, the dozen or so soldiers outside are running west with torches.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 Ooh, just made it.

Sindran, observing the commotion from a window of the inn, tenses when Lord Havelyn stops moving and simply looks around with a concentrating look on his face.

Recognizing the motion, Sindran glances towards the others and sees Talon has been similarly alerted as well. He warns the others with a subtle jerk of the head as he stands up, his book in hand, trying to move away from the door as he heads upstairs, feigning tiredness with a large yawn.

To every party member he finds and smiles, giving a "Oh hey you!" or similar greeting, then whispering "Havelyn can detect us, keep at least 60 feet from him" before laughing and clapping them on the shoulder, as if he told a joke

60ft...yeah, except there's no measuring tape available. You'll have to guess, or choose to play it safe and aim for 90ft

I want a restraining order. 61 feet.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Is the alchemist the same one Aerent spoke with about the poison?

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Clapping "Talon" on the back, Thorne nods but continues drinking and eating.

Thorne/Aerent is not going to leave the tavern, or move from his location. After hearing Talon's warning, Aerent believes Lord Havelyn is using detect evil even though he did not make the Spellcraft roll. Believing that, Thorne/Aerent remains in his seat until his dinner is finished. Bluff check included in case its needed to appear unconcerned about the Lord's behavior.

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

The dice are strong with this one today ^. Well Talon has detect magic which is the same range, so he might be somewhat familiar with that specific distance

Before heading back to town, Caladwhen will make sure to hide her Draugr far from the scene of the crime. I don't want nosy townsfolk finding them whilst picking over the crime scene!

Arriving to town a fair bit later, Lisandra observes the crowd gathering around Havelyn. Listening a fair way back from the crowd, Caladwhen ponders the situation.

Well that didn't take long. No matter.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Immediately aware of Havelyn's ability to root out evil, Caladwhen keeps a healthy distance between herself and the crowd. So as not to appear suspicious, Lisandra innocently asks a nearby townsmen "What is all the commotion about? Knowing full well the answer, Caladwhen nods sadly as though hearing it for the first time "I hope they find them, that would be a great tragedy."

Casually keeping on eye on Havelyn, Caladwhen watches him frown at the Inn. Using her empathic link with T'larryo, Caladwhen sends the following message to her familiar.

Fly by the inn, land at the window but briefly. Let our allies know I have returned safely with a simple nod once you've established eye contact, and then leave.

Trying not to draw further attention to the group, Caladwhen opts not to head to the Inn until after Havelyn has departed. Nearing a park bench, Lisandra pulls out a prayer bead and pretends to pray for the souls of the poor departed Captains.

I wish detect thoughts had a longer range... I'd love to know what Havelyn is thinking without getting Cala identified as the evil witch she is! I might try in a few hours when his spell is no longer active if I can get near enough to him.

why not follow him around Cala? That sounds like a fun idea. Also -

pray for the souls of the poor departed Captains

Ehm, how the hell would Lisandra know they have departed this world? ;)

Havelyn calls out to one of his men.
"Footman Stinders!"
The soldier comes running - and the two of them stand talking quietly for a minute.

I wonder if while maybe we don't register with detect evil if my sword does lol

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

I'll post later this evening... just gotta put the little one to bed.

Keeping sure to not be overwhelmed by Havelyn's ancient pain, Caladwhen continues to probe the good Lord of Aldencross' mind as he heads towards the keep. Though still disguised as Lisandra, she characteristically raises an eyebrow to her newly discovered information.

Fascinating. Such dark secrets for such a pious man.

IB, is Caladwhen able to get a visual on Bronwyn from his memories? I can't think of a better way to f#&k with Lord Havelyn than posing as his long dead wife and coming to him as though a dream... you can see where I'm going with this :)

Now that the commotion outside has diminished somewhat, most of the townsfolk go to the inn to share their opinions about what just happened, and what may have happened to the captains and their lover.

Tilting his head curiously, Talon looks at the person who just walked in and puts a hand on the hilt of his sword

The second you touch the sword, you hear a whisper.
"...eats; that one must pay. That one cheats, that one must pay. That one.." each word perfectly in time with the footsteps of the man.

Talon pales as he hears the voice What the hell...

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

He looks harder at the man, then realizes it's Stinders. He looks down at the sword once more, then glances around to see if anybodies watching and finds each member of the party, whispering to them "That's Stinders, we might have a chance to plant some false rumors here"

Perception (@DC 25): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Perception (@DC 20): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Thorne continues enjoying his dinner and mug of ale, but doesn't respond to Talon's suggestion of planting rumors.

Not sure if we should do that now or not. Thinking the people in Ballantyne are going to be nervous until the captains are found. Fine either way, just a comment.

being lawful evil IMHO is all about being ambitious, and taking every opportunity to prove your superiority by making use of those beneath you. Go ahead, Talon, well spotted. What sort of rumour do you want to start?

Int Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Now that is an Intelligence check if I ever saw one!

Bronwyn... how fortuitous. This play will be a nightmare for Havelyn!

Stopping dead in her tracks, Lisandra beams briefly as another scheme begins to materialize in her head. Trying not to look overly conspicuous, Lisandra doubles back towards the Inn.

Entering the Inn, Lisandra surveys the room to see if it's safe to meet with her allies. When an opportune moment presents itself, Lisandra makes her way over to where her allies are sharing an ale.

In a normal speaking tone, Lisandra addresses the table "Good day brothers, may Saranae bless you on this most unfortunate day." Leaning in with her right arm propping her up, Lisandra whispers "Unfortunate for who, is another matter entirely. I have excellent news; I've just discovered some extremely useful information."

Pausing, Lisandra pulls aside a barmaid and sweetly asks with a friendly smile "Would you be a sweetheart and get me a glass of white wine?" Once the barmaid departs, Lisandra leans back in and smiles devilishly"So, do you gentlemen wish to take in a play? I think this one is going to be... a wonderful tradgedy."

New plan... here is the broad strokes, but feel free to make suggestions. Caladwhen knows what Bronwyn looks like. My thought is this; take Bronwyn's form, replace the actress (and by replace, I mean dispose of). Havelyn will see the ghost from his past, and he'll have to have her, follow, etc... Cala the actress (who looks just like Bronwyn) will of course play hard to get... "Yes of course Lord Havelyn, meet me alone, at this time and place" and of course, what is waiting for him? An evil greeting party ;)

Lawful Evil for me is just Evil with a code. Whether civil (like overthrowing the government for our own law), religious (devoted Asmodeus people!), personal (Sindran!), or whatever. That said, being ambitious is always fun--especially since we're already being ambitious in planning to overthrow the government, bringing down the wall with a small group, and already having escaped from a supposedly inescapable prison.

Intelligence: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Do I get that +10 from reading the play? Not that it matters. Wooh, roll!
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Timaeus is at the table, having been called from upstairs by Talon earlier. "Spread some notorious rumors about me, if you please," he says, keeping his voice low. "Better give them someone to focus on and I could use the attention."

He looks up from his book when Lisandra arrives, listening to her. "Greetings, sister. If you're talking about the play I think you mean, then that was already my intention, but I'm yet unsure of which part I should, ah, take. Would you happen to have a suggestion?"

Neat idea, Cala. Sindran would do better as an actor, I think. It's right along his plan to take a role in the play anyway. Also it's hilarious and Sindran doesn't have much else to do and your efforts in trying to learn to play the part would be better off directed in some of our other tasks, such as what is that wizard doing in that tower over there?

I'll let you consider your options - the actors aren't due in town for a week yet anyway. Am going to assume Talon makes up some vicious secret about Timaeous, and he's asking a barmaid why Timaeous is allowed here after what he did - just as Stinders is 'casually walking by'. About an hour later, Stinders leaves to report his findings.

The next morning, a the divine light of Sarenrae's sun shines on Aldencross, as the church bells ring. Not that you needed the wake up call or anything, because the dwarfs have been quaffing loudly ever since their breakfast.

Outside, many citizens are up and about, on their way to various temples, but most are trudging up the hill towards the church in Balentyne Keep.

The situation: AFAIK, Timaeus and Lisandra are attending mass; Aerent and Oret are going to pretend they are, and then slip off into the keep at first opportunity.

As the pious flock passes the keep's northern gate, and spreads over the castle grounds and garden, the citizens stand chatting in small groups. Their subject is clear - neither the captains, nor Kaitlynn has been found, yet. Foul play is suspected.

Sindran and Caladwhen, are in disguise and mingled in the flock. As the church bells' ringing comes to a climax, suddenly the double doors to (26) open, and Father Donnagin stands there smiling, arms wide, as he welcomes his flock in:
"Sarenrae's light shine on you all, children. How heart-wearming to see so many sharing in celebration of the warm light."
Citizens enter the church one by one, and when Sindran is near the head of the queue, father Donnagin steps to him and says : "A word, son? I understand you wanted to see me earlier, but alas, the military does not report to me half they should. How can I help you?"

For the record, Sindran, Caladwhen and Father Donnagin haven't entered the church yet; Cala is not necessarily with Sindran.

Perception (Take 10): 10 + 10 = 20

Oret pulls Aerent aside and wanders around the west side of the tower.

May be slow at posting for a while--internet connection at home went wonky again. =/

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Timaeus tilts his head respectfully to the man, only a brief flicker of his eyes assessing the man's disposition. "Thank you for remembering, father. May we speak in private? What I want to discuss is of a personal nature."

Father D looks at the congregation slowly flooding into the church, and his acolytes who guide the sheep to seats -oh I'm sorry- who seem to have everything well under control.
"But of course. We have a minute or two before the service starts; please, let's just step aside."
He motions to the southeast section of the gardens where the two of you can speak alone.

To break the ice somewhat, father Donnagin offers some soothing words :
"I've come to understand that captain Barhold holds somewhat of a grudge towards you. I must apologize on behalf of the man - he excels at his function, and this sometimes gets the better of him. I hope you can forgive him, and the two of you may share our Lady's light."

Aerent quickly follows Oret's lead, then watches for an opening...

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Talon excuses himself from the party, and promptly leaves town. After he gets some distance from the walls he draws his sword and looks at for a moment suspiciously. After a minute, he says "What are you?"

after what seems an eternity, the sword's hilt pulses slightly with light. Every pulse is accompanied by a near-silent, repetitive whisper :
"I seek the law - I am the law - I seek "

I'll do the rest in spoilers so I don't distract the party

aware of the citizens strolling some distance behind them, Aerent and Oret round the corner, and they see the patrolling guards on the wall above have just turned their backs to them, and will walk some 100 ft before they face our villains again.
what do you look like when you'll reappear around the south side of the tower? please describe your new outfits to us, and let us know where you'd like to head to first? Servants are rather invisible in the fortress

Aerent becomes an older human woman with a slight hunched back and stringy brown-gray hair. She wears a simple homespun wool dress dyed gray with a dark blue shawl around her shoulders and a hood pulled up to keep her warm. Her shoes are common and worn leather-soled slippers, and she clutches several cleaning rags in her gnarled hands. This is Maudie, a widow who lost her husband in "the war" some time back. Her son left home and the lazy bum is probably a bandit, while her daughter ran off with some man to the "big city".

Oret becomes a young female human, similarly dressed, heavy-set and unattractive, with a constant expression of utter stupidity. As an afterthought, Oret adjusts the disguise to show some scarring around her neck and alter the tongue to a mere stump. She had her tongue cut out, so even if she is noticed, she is unable to speak, and needs only show the stump to anyone expecting a response. The scarring around her neck could explain a raspy voice if she is overheard. She will follow the older woman around, attempting to force the understanding of her duties in the castle through her abnormally thick skull.

"He does," Timaeus agrees, in reference to Captain Barhold. "You need not apologize for him, father. Forgiveness should be earned, lest it lose any real meaning, but I am willing to forgive should he try to make amends." Preferably with his death.

Reassured of the privacy of the gardens, he continues. "I," Timaeus, Sindran thinks, "have been thinking of leaving town soon. Captain Barhold's actions are a major part of it, but also because there is something I must do." Namely the death of one Captain Varning.

"Before I leave, I have heard that you may be able to fashion a wand to share some of the Lady's light to help me recover on my journey, to heal wounds and give strength.

"Captain Barhold is right, at least, that I am not a good man. And I do not think myself a good man, but I know I have faith. The captain is good at his job, at least, and for that I can respect him." Grudgingly.

Timaeus sighs, appearing weary. "I have done many things—many of them vile—and I cannot help but think: Is what I am doing what the fire asks of me? I cannot be sure, but it has led me on this path and I will not stray from it. I have been without aim and now, finally, I have been given a sign. Though I know not what awaits, I trust that the mysteries shall be revealed to me. And so I ask of you this favor that I might succeed in my endeavors, for though I walk the way of the wicked, fire guides my path and lights my way so I might not stumble in darkness but instead blaze in glory."

Sindran's words skirt the border between truth and lie, giving away small faults to mask a much larger one.

Could not resist namedropping.

"your reflection on your actions is laudable, Timaeus. But spending your days alone in thought can only get you so far. Come. Join us for mass. After all - does a mirror not need the Light, to reflect anything at all?", pausing to smile in pity.
Father Donnagin continues, "After the sermon, I will give you what you asked for - however, I do ask a small compensation in return, alas the materials do not come for free. I know you can afford it, or I would not dare ask."

"Of course, father," Timaeus says, satisfied that his request will be granted.

As 'Maudie and the Mongrel' (Aerent and Oret) pass the southeastern corner of the watchtower, the door opens. Magister Tactitus and Mad Martin step outside, chatting quietly, and join the queue of commoners making their way into church. Tauntingly, over the double doors is an inscription: "No darkness so deep that the light of a single candle cannot defeat it"...A challenge? or a pedantic platitude?

what are two fine ladies such as yourselves doing in a place like this? Okay, sorry, I just couldn't resist. But seriously - where to?

I think heading into the central keep is a good plan. If possible, I'd like to find out what's in the other rooms as we proceed up 31-34-36-39-44. Specifically trying to find the Magister's room/lab and Lord Havelyn's room.

ok Aerent, that's fine. I hope Oret does not feel ignored if I just go with this - It's just a matter of picking a direction so we can get on with the show. And you have an alternative entrance for the rooms below anyway. Oret, I feel you're way overdue some spotlight time; I've got some ideas, but if you have any wishes for character development, please PM :)

I'm fine with whatever, just noticed that we don't know much about the interior of the keep from your earlier descriptions. Figured that was as good a place as any to start looking around. :)

Two guards are stationed at the doors to the Great Hall - but they don't seem to see the servants, and Oret and Aerent make their way inside.

31. The Great Hall.
The bottom level of the keep is one great open room where the garrison may gather and be addressed by their commander or where great feasts and other functions may be held. It is quiet and largely empty with chairs and tables pushed against the walls. It also holds the Commander’s Seat where Lord Havelyn presumably conducts official audiences with important visitors. To the north and south, two stairs head up along the west side of the tower.

34. Guardroom/Hall of Honor
Two guards are stationed here (NE and SE corner of 34).
As you walk along the northern wall, then turn south, the southern guard looks at Oret and remarks "Holy mother, they just about hire anyone these days!" which, apparently, the north guard finds terribly amusing.

Carved into the west wall of this room, is the name of every soldier who has died defending the watchtower. There are over two hundred names. There is a large stone cap that can be moved in place by two strong men. This would effectively seal the keep from access below. This room is lit by four torches on sconces.

37. As Oret opens the door to 36, the stairwell, Aerent can make out a bunch of torture instruments with vast amounts of dust on them. This torture chamber has not been used in ages. There's no time to investigate further without drawing attention.

39. Upper Guardroom
Two guards are stationed here. The inscriptions on the doors indicate that this floor contains the Magister's laboratory(41) and his private chambers(41)

44. Upper Landing
markings on the ornate doors show that they allow access to the Lord's Study(46) and Guest Room(45), apparently intended to be used by official visitors.
A hatch (C) leads up to the roof, where Oret knows a siege engine is being built. This is the one with the warped wood; it should shatter after a couple uses.

Two more guards are stationed here, beside the doors leading to the Lord's Study. One of them looks at you in surprise, and in a no-nonsense tone demands "What are you doing here? The Lord's chambers are already being cleaned!ye gods, Donnagin hires just about anyone these days..."

He takes one step forward, to show he wants an answer from you.

Decked out in her full Sunday raiments, Lisandra smiles and greets the various parishioners as they attend mass. As the Magister nears, Lisandra eyes him wearily for but a moment.

We'll have to deal with that one. Sending an empathic message to her familiar, Caladwhen commands Lars, fly into the Magister's tower. He uses carrier birds, so you should go unnoticed. Find out what you can.

Above, a foul "Caw!" is heard, and a shadow sweeps over the garden.

Lars flies past the Magister's window to inspect it, and finds it a weak affair of wood and thin glass. A few firm taps from his beak would certainly dislodge it.
He flies past the laboratory to get the flying equivalent of a running start, and pushes against the window - which indeed gives way rather easily.

Lars looks around the well-furnished room, and notices a strongbox under the Magister's bed (but it's too heavy for him to open).
Looking further, he finds something shiny placed on a specially made stand. It seems the Magister thinks this is important; so Lars takes it in his beak.
There's a bookcase here, containing disappointing amounts of pulp fiction, forcing a surprised "really??" from the arrogant raven. That's clearly not the sort of literature Lars was hoping for, or -in his opinion- anything a self-respecting wizard should own in such great numbers. Pah...

He makes his way back to the window, but before he leaves, almost as an afterthought, he takes a peak into the laboratory (the door is propped open). Lars stops in his tracks, as he spots something that sincerely tickles his interest.
In the poorly lit and crowded chamber, full of tables laden with strange equipment and apparatuses, a stone slab supports a large form, seemingly made of ice - though it is not melting...!

Confident in having accomplished the task set by his mistress, he swoops back down.

As he spots Caladwhen below, he speaks with his mind's voice: "Oooh girl, have I got news for you...!"

"What are you doing here? The Lord's chambers are already being cleaned!ye gods, Donnagin hires just about anyone these days..."

How...intolerably...rude...