Xaaon's Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master Xaaon of Xen'Drik

Sgt Drakus strides forward and lashes forward with the butt of his trident.

Nonlethal trident attack: 1d20+7-4
Critical threat, confirm for double damage: 1d20+7-4
Nonlethal trident damage if hit: 1d8+3

Nicely done.

Sgt. Drakus steps up and jabs the guardsman with the trident butt square in the forehead

Panish guards Sgt. Drakus flank, attacking his assailants (non-lethally).

Longsword attack (non-lethal) 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 6 - 4 = 7

The round after that, Sgt. Drakus will do the same thing; to the same guy if he's still up, to the other one if he's down.

Nonlethal trident attack: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 4 = 4
Critical Fumble threat: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 4 = 11

Nonlethal trident damage if hit: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Panish, seeing Sgt. Drakus falter in his attack, steps in - trying to distract the guards from Drakus' blunder. Panish advances a bit in an attempt to hide Sgt. Drakus behind him and attacks the nearest available guard.

Nonlethal longsword attack: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 4 = 9

Two things:
1. Roll higher you cursed RNG
2. Doesn't it feel like a certain type of action movie or anime where characters shout out their attacks? "Dragonhouse school non-lethal longsword atttaaaaack!"

Panish: have we lost Aliandara? There's a spoiler for her on the last page.

Curse of the Crimson Throne Z?

@DM: Nah, she's still with us, but was distracted with some thesis work. I'll forcefeed her into a post :)

Aliandara responds by saying:

"We’ve heard talk by your people and we have come here to see what is behind this talk. Some of the talk is that they have been busy with work they wish to hide from you and leave your service as soon as they have finished this. I do not know what loyalty you have to these people, but are you going to just turn a blind eye to their activities?"

Vancaskern: "What do you mean? These were guardsmen like myself; while there was corruption in the guard, these men...What was that noise?" he says surprised, and then throws open the door out of this room

Meanwhile back on the street.

The guardsman and Marra square off again, not evaluating each other as they circle about.

Marra lets the guard take his attack, ducking and sliding her own blade low across the guards legs.

Mechanics
1d20 ⇒ 9+4=13

1d20 ⇒ 15+6=21 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Assuming its our turn again?

Panish strikes the nearest foe, making sure to avoid major arteries:

Non-lethal longsword attack 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 4 = 15
If it hits: damage 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Yes, you're correct it is the start of a new round Panish

Drakus will do the same thing; to the same guy if he's still up, to the other one if he's down.

Nonlethal trident attack: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 4 = 22
Nonlethal trident damage if hit: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Sollus realizes that the others seem to be holding back, but still believes that these men are up to heinous things. He dithers, but finally chooses to fire his crossbow at the nearest man still standing.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 -4 if he can't find a target not already in melee
1d6 ⇒ 4 (my bad, does 1d8)
1d8 ⇒ 7

Finally! I can't believe the RNG hated us so much for 2 rounds - this is much better.

"As this sword cuts, so does Iomedae's ire - and as these hands heal, so does Iomedae's blessing. You have made your choice and will now have to abide by it!"

Sgt. Drakus spares a glance at Sollus.
"Sollus! Take 'em alive! We have questions..."

The guard crumples under Drakus' attack. While Marra smashes the pommel into the face of her assailant. Sollus' attack flies to the side of his target, as he compensates for Drakus' presence.

"NO! You won't take me alive!!!" Shouts the final guard as he shoves the length of blade up into his heart. Abject terror and insanity flash across his face and then he seems peaceful.

(AKA this is a pretty minor encounter, you guys already have the info you need, let's move on. I don't want this game to falter any more. PbPs need a shove occasionally)

You hear footsteps from above as Vancaskern is coming down the stairs.

Aliandara runs after Vancaskerkin as he leaves the room, seeing now for herself what the situation is downstairs

Should I have initiative too?
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"Oh by Iomedae's beard."

In case the guard's action had some religious significance that I didn't catch Knowledge [Religion] 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Panish rushes towards the suicidal guard and attempts a heal check to see if he can still be saved (taking 10 for a heal check of 15 if possible, otherwise for Heal 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7). If Panish finds that the life hasn't ebbed out of the guard yet, he'll attempt to stabilize him (again taking 10 for Heal 15, or Heal Stabilize 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7).

What is the dice roller doing? o.o ...let's hope I can take 10 :P

Whether the man needs stabilization or not, Sollus will make a gesture, as if wiping away paint, while calling upon Abadar's grace.

casting Stabilize, which will fail if the dude is already dead

He moves forward, peering around for signs of the 'meat' that is being prepared by these men.

"Right, lets tie these ones up for transport. And check out that meat too." Sgt. Drakus kneels while tying the prisoners; then looks closer at the two guards. "Does anyone know what Vancaskerkin looks like? I don't think any of these are him."

As Drakus hands out assignments, Marra drags the unconscious guardsman into the shop, consequently getting mud all over the tiled floors. Vancaskern pales as he comes down the stairs. He stops on the 4th step up, seeing his "men" so swiftly dealt with, 4 to his front, 1 to his rear, he puts his back to the wall his shield raised to Aliandara and his sword held defensively. "Who sent you?"

Panish you look over the guard, his blade went in under his ribcage, and by the amount of blood, he probably cut his heart in two.

Sollus you attempt to work your magic on the fellow, but his strike was true, he's already deceased.

You figure if it was a religion related suicide, he would have invoked the name of his deity, this seems like he didn't want to deal with interrogation or torture.

Sgt. Drakus eyes the man on the stairs.
"Verik Vancaskerkin? Field Marshal Cressida Croft's compliments, but she'd like a word with you. And your men."

Verik Vancaskern:

"What are the ill dealings she talked about that these fellows did? What proof have you but heresay?"

Sgt. Drakus screws his face up in an effort to think.

"Um, Desertion, Absent without Leave... uh, I don't know what else, i'm no kind of Barrister. As for heresay, the word of a Field Marhsall is good enough for me.
"C'mon you can ask her yourself.
"And you can tell her why you deserted in the first place. I don't know why, but she asked that in particular."

Aliandara takes a step back and holds her hands in a non-threatening manner:

" Verik, it is true, my friends and I were sent here by Cressida to investigate your desertion. As we planned a way to get to talk to you about this we've overheard your men speak of keeping secrets from you. I thought it would be important to let you know of this as they seem to have intention to abandon you. As we just came here we can't have any proof of this as we have not had time to look through the place. But it is true; our real motive here is to ask you why you left the city guard. "

Aiding Panish's Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

"To Be blunt Vancaskern, it appears not all the livestock you were giving away was...livestock." Marra says matter of fact to Vancaskern. "Toss me some rope so I can tie this one up." Marra says to the others.

Panish rises, grief-stricken from the corpse. His voice somber.

"Oh, foolish man! Don't be rash - it is enough that the gods commit their justice upon us; do not add your judgment to theirs. I commend your soul towards the council and judgment of Iomedae - may she find the mercy that you lacked for yourself."

Turning to Vancaskern:

"I am sorry for the loss of your companion. His self-justice brings no good, neither towards himself nor to Korvosa. Please, Verik, see reason - we've been sent by Commander Cressida to bring you and your men back into the fold of the guard; so that you may serve this city again.

We do not judge or condone your actions in this butchery, we are merely tasked with having your voice heard. This is no mere abstinence of duty - I truly believe that your actions after leaving the guard speak for the loyalty you feel to Korvosa. Otherwise you would not have gone to such lengths to still help the poor in these troubled times. If you are to come with us, I can assure you that your reasons won't fall to a deaf judge."

Diplomacy (with aid) 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 2 = 21

Verrik:

"Very well." Verik states as his shoulders slump, his blade lowers , he then sheathes the blade, and removes the scabbard from his belt and hands it to Panish.

"People will be at the doors soon, it's nearly sun-up and there are people starving out there. Will you help me hand out the food before we go?"

Sollus peers around for anything that might serve as a rope, and settles on the belt of the man who took his own life, stripping it expressionlessly off of the fallen man and handing it to Marra, to use as a binding.

He continues to look around for any sign to confirm (or refute) his grim suspicions of earlier regarding the source of the 'meat,' and is doing so in a somewhat frantic manner, beginning to think that he has made a fool of himself with these outrageous and sensationalistic assumptions...

Panish stays Verrik's hand: "No, we don't need your sword. You are a free man who seeks to aid Korvosa. I would not have your longsword - it is granted to you by Iomedae, may it serve you well, and you her."

"Are there more of your men in the butchery? If so, it would be good if you could calm their nerves. I'll help with the poor; though I suspect Sollus will want to investigate the premises. Perhaps, with your leave, he and Sgt. Drakus can make a thorough search of the grounds - we won't need their hands for the hand-out. This will also help ease the worry in Sollus' heart."

how long? and where do you want to search?

Marra will assist. Who's watching the prisoners?

Having heard the sound of chopping from outside, Sollus assumes that the 'meat' has to be somewhere in one of these rooms, so he continues to look around.

I don't have a clear idea what this building looks like, but he'll stay on the ground floor, assuming that nobody wants to haul animal (or other) carcasses up to the second floor to do any butchering, both because it's unecessary work, and because the blood would seep through the floor anyway.

"It's alright; I'll watch the prisoners." Sgt. Drakus grins his terrifying grin.
He takes out a rag and starts polishing the tines of his trident.

Map for exploration

Sorry it took forever...

I assume we are in B2? As we saw Verrik walk down the stairs?

Aliandara offers to go with Sollus as she wants to find out either what Verrik’s men were up to or proof that they had plans to leave.

Sollus will head into the first door he sees B3 , crossbow re-loaded and at the ready, looking for signs of something that justifies the over-the-top store invasion he's just helped perpetrate...

I assume we are in B2? As we saw Verrik walk down the stairs?

Aliandara offers to go with Sollus as she wants to find out either what Verrik’s men were up to or proof that they had plans to leave.

Yes, when Drakus and Panish fell through the door, and then stepped up to attack the two guards, it spilled into B2. Now that I have a Flickr set up for just my gaming stuff, it's much easier for me to upload maps, I had been using googles, and it was a pain. So I'll have maps up for all future combats.

Panish shakes his head at Aliandara and Sollus - it must be the exuberance of youth, he thinks.

Before helping Verrik with the hand-outs, Panish first carries the corpse to a suitable cold room and gives the body its final rites. Whispered prayers to commend his soul to Iomedae.

Room B3

The air in this room is stale, stinking of day-old meat and blood.
Straw litters the floor, scattered to catch what drips from the
meat hooks affixed to the walls and ceiling on metal rods. To
the north is a low blood-stained table and two barrels of salt,
while to the south, a pair of double doors stands. An iron bar
extends through a narrow hole at the top of the doors; the bar
runs along the ceiling for five feet before ending at a vertical
pole running floor to ceiling.

Go ahead and make any relevant knowledge checks you'd like to make.

Not going to spoiler this since it's a non-combat situation and I'm sure you'll relay information to each other,

Aliandara enters the room but as the smell hits her she covers her nose. She checks the barrels and find salt in them. She checks around the room for any other containers, hidden or not, and clues to our suspicions. If she doesn’t find anything of note she leaves the room hastily as the smell is too much for her delicate senses.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Sollus checks any meat on the hooks, to see if he can tell what it came from, and then sizes up the room to see if there is anything 'off' about it's dimensions, suggesting a hidden compartment.

Heal to recognize the source of any meat present 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Knowledge (architecture / engineering) to note anything hinky about the room 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Afterwards, he'll move towards the barred door and, turning towards Aliandara to see if she has any objection first, open it.

Sollus checks any meat on the hooks, to see if he can tell what it came from, and then sizes up the room to see if there is anything 'off' about it's dimensions, suggesting a hidden compartment.

Heal to recognize the source of any meat present 1d20+7
Knowledge (architecture / engineering) to note anything hinky about the room 1d20+6

Afterwards, he'll move towards the barred door and, turning towards Aliandara to see if she has any objection first, open it.

Verik: "I only see three, here, someone is missing. Parns, Parns is missing." Verik says in response to Panish's question.

B4: Read when you go there.

B5: Read when you enter

B6: Read when you enter

Marra drops into a defensive stance when Verik mentions Parns...she then kicks the door closed.
"Sollus, Aliandara, there's one still out there!" she shouts
"We need to bar this door as well."

"Don't panic the poor man. He's probably stuck hiding somewhere praying that all this will go away. Verik, can you please help us find Parns - there is no need for further violence, and your voice should help calm him."

Sollus moves into the larger room, and is drawn to the grill in the floor, peering down, if possible without touching anything, in an attempt to see if anything has been hastily thrown down there.

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Afterwards, he examines the bucket of 'parts,' Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 doing his best to suppress a bout of nausea, before moving out into the hallway, and towards the hallway again to catch his breath.

He then examines the last set of double doors on the north wall of the largest room. B5 And then into the open paddock to the west, where he flips through the straw in the wagon first, to see if anything is hidden within it, Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 and then peers into the corral to see if the piles of straw could be concealing anything. Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

He *knows* that something is missing, because these people just bought some sickly-looking animals not more than ten minutes ago, and they don't seem to be in evidence...

Hearing the call that someone remains, he calls back, "There's no one else in this building, that I can see." before turning back to the individual animal pens, to see if there is some hatch in the floor beneath the straw covering the floor in those rooms. Perception1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"Actually if what you say is true, and the Cow Hammer boys were up to no good, it would have been Parns leading them...I saw him cripple a civilian during a street squabble once. He had no remorse." Verik recounts sullenly. "The King fined him a months wages, so he had no love of or former King."

Panish looks at Verik seriously. "This might then escalate. Can you think of any allies that Parns could or would turn to in this situation - or maybe a place he considers a safe haven? If he had a scheme running, then likely more people are involved that he could call on - and Parns would want to eliminate witnesses."