alsoBoris' Curse of the Crimson Throne - Pathfinder (Inactive)

Game Master Quill the Owl

"Lamm is the Gods problem now. Velius told the boy. "You are free of him forever."

"So...the king is dead...and now we have a young queen on the throne that everyone thinks married for money." Velius said with a sigh as he settled into the church. "I don't envy her position. Using the Hellknights as a club for her first act in power doesn't seem to be working out."

"He has gone on to the next world. He will trouble you no further and you have now been liberated from his clutches. Now please come with us and we will escort you to the safe place we told you about." Katrina said softly to the child leading them towards the exit becoming aware of the growing chaos outside a look of shock taking over her features at the news of the king's death.

The passage was uneventful as they walked along but Katrina could not help but ponder what this could mean for the city itself and let her mind slowly drift back to the 'fortune teller' and her warning remaining silent even as her companions were shown to rooms within the temple.

An overwhelming sense of guilt wells up inside of Alessio as he thinks that he might possibly have aided Lamm's older minions in the past.

He hands back the coin purse to the priestess of the temple, unable to look her in the eye and says "Please use it for this children instead."

The night passes, fearfully. From your location in the temple the occasional moans and shouts from the street can be heard. The smell of burning occasionally wafts through the temple. When morning breaks the city is still in absolute chaos, but with the light you all can now see things coming. The sisters mention that they will need the beds for wounded that are coming in from clashes with the mobs and Hellknights.

Where to next? You all can go back to Zellara's home, a merchant to try and sell the goods that you found in Lamm's room, or somewhere else in the city.

"I don't know how much we'll find back at Zellara's, but we might be able to get some answers." Velius suggested. "Given the looting that's been going on, I'd feel slightly paranoid going about to sell goods lest they call the Hellknights on us, and the kind of sort that might not..." He let the sentence trail off.

"I want to go back to Zellara's place as well. Just what the hell's going on there, anyway?" Cassiel gathers his gear together after a difficult night's sleep and starts heading out. He keeps one hand on the hilt of his scimitar.

"Yes, there is good reason to return to the fortune-teller's home. Perhaps there will be some answers there."

Moving through city is an intense experience. Upon leaving the temple, it is clear that a huge bonfire is raging just up the street, burning what looked at one point to be an effigy of someone, but now all that remains is the frame, which is on its way to burning as well. It looks as if some of the city guards are attempting to break up the crowd around it, but are met with some resistance.

As you make your way to the West Dock district, in the skies above the city another clash is going on. Two sets of winged beast clash, tearing at their wings and attempting to throw the other group from the sky. King Eodred's death has caused the tense relationships of the cities pseudodragons and the Acadamae's imps to break out in all out war.

Stranger still, on the street some intersections have large holes, leading straight to the sewer. A few bodies lay scattered around the holes, many showing signs of being stuck by cobblestone and bricks as whatever was hidden in the sewers burst out.

It takes some time, but you all finally make it to the street 'Zellara's' house is on. Passing in front of a well known tavern, The Bailer's Retreat (which is right next to the house), Katrina is nearly knocked over as someone is thrown out of the tavern and onto the street. The man slowly picks himself up and looks at you all bleakly. Blinking slowly, a look of confusion crosses his face, until he sees Cassiel.

"NEFFI! The man shouts excitedly, throwing his arm around the brunette, giving the paladin a side hug. "What'er you doing here away from Sandpoint? Ah, it don't matter, lemme buy ya a drink." The man slurs drunkly, as he attempts to navigate the paladin right back into the bar he was just thrown from. "Sorry ya came here in the middle of this chaos. It's been a hell of a night. With the riots and the otyughs gettin' out. I s'pose this'll be the end of Korvosa." The man moans, as he drunkenly sways on his feet.

"I agree. We should at least look into the fortune teller." Katrina had said at the paladin's suggestion setting out following the party into the streets. As they walked through the crowded streets the cleric could not hide the sorrow from her face at the scenes of violence and destruction ravaging the town and the inability of the guards to restore the streets to peace. As they walked she wondered what she could really do to help in this situation and not much came to mind. However she was snapped from her reverie as a solid force suddenly drove her from the path she was walking on nearly knocking her from her feet.

Cassiel is mostly focused on reaching Zellara's home... until Sergeant Soldado is thrown out of a nearby tavern onto Katrina.

"What the--?" He whirls, one hand on his scimitar. He stops and sighs when he sees who it is. He starts to speak, but gets cut off by the sergeant's hug and drunken rambling.

Who the hell's Neffi? Cassiel thinks as Grau rambles on. "I'm not Neffi, Sergeant." He stops in his tracks, one hand on Grau's shoulder. "And considering you were just thrown outta there on your ass, I don't think they want you back in there." He nods at the tavern the man was thrown from.

"Why are you out here getting drunk anyway? Don't you have any idea how dangerous it is out here right now?" He looks around, the scent of burning wood and... other things causing him to wrinkle his nose. "And... seriously, sir, you don't look well at all."

Alessio subtly recoils from the drunkard's presence. It would be unnoticed unless someone were observing him carefully. It is not safe for anyone to be about right now, it seems. The better we conduct our business inside, the better.

"Ahem, perhaps we should attend to our endeavor and then assist your companion, Cassiel."

The man half-heartily shrugs at Cassiel's question. "I'm fine!" Grau loudly objects to Cassiel's correct statement. "'sides, it is not any more dangerous in there, than out here." Attempting to stand by himself, the Sergeant sways on his feet before finding his balance."Well, Neffi, we'll have to make a rain check on that drink then? I'll hopefully see you around." Stumbling back into the tavern, the drunken guard disappears into the small crowd of people attempting to forget their problems.

With the disappearance of the Sergeant, the way to the fortune teller's home is clear. As you all enter, the bright home you entered yesterday is gone. The home appears to be abandoned, looking as if it had been empty for weeks. There is no sign of food, the wall hangings, the rugs, or Zellara can be found. And the furniture is in pieces scattered throughout the room.

"This is bizarre." Velius said as they arrived in the now broken down home. "What sort of magic could make us...hallucinate...so...drastically?"

Velius walks around the home keeping a sharp eye out...for anything.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

As they enter the house, Katrina looks around confused for several seconds moving to where the table where they had all eaten had stood earlier. "It would appear that someone has gone to great lengths to deceive us. Master Alessio can you see if there may be any residue of magic on this building? Something that may help to explain what we saw yesterday?"

Alessio splays his fingers and slowly circles in place, scanning the room. Detect Magic

Besides any potions that everyone is carrying, Alessio is unable to find any source of magic, arcane or otherwise. However as he finishes scanning the room, Zellara's deck suddenly comes to life. The well loved harrow cards start to spin and move about the room. Suddenly, everything is like it was yesterday. The rugs and tapestry have returned, sparkling to life, as well as the table being made whole surrounded by the six chairs from yesterday. In the center of the room, Zellara stands, smiling proudly at the four of you.

"Welcome, my friends. Congratulations on your victory against Lamm. I sense that there are many questions you have for me." For a moment, Zellara's harrow deck flits around its former master, much like a cat wanting affection, before returning to Alessio.

Zellara's appearance takes Alessio aback and for a moment he is silent. When he does speak, his voice betrays a lack of surety. His statements sound almost as if they are questions. "We found a...so then, you had already... passed on before you brought us here."

Smiling slightly at Alessio, Zellara nods. "Well, yes. I'm sorry that you had to see that, but I wasn't entirely sure that everyone here would trust a ghost." Sparing a brief glance at the worshipers of Sarenrae, Zellara straightens her outfit of non-existent wrinkles before speaking again. "My harrow deck that you possess has several important powers. First and foremost, it is what keeps me tethered to this realm, which I am most appreciative for. Secondly, it has the ability to create a major image once per day, which was how I was able to keep my secret from all of you yesterday. Finally, up to three times per day, it can help identify items, either magical or mundane."

Only partially understanding what Zellara mentioned, Velius speaks up on the first thing that comes to his mind. "If you are...a ghost...shouldn't you be...moving on now that Lamm is dead? What is holding you back?"

Having been silent in shock the whole time, Cassiel finally speaks up, his face turning pale. "Er... yes. Is there something we can do to help you move on?"

Katrina stood silent as the ghost of the fortune teller appeared and began to speak to her companions. It wasn't until all of them seemed to have recovered from their states that she dared to snap out of her own reverie.
"I believe Master Velius raises a good question. If your purpose was to see Gaedren Lamm brought to justice then what is there left for you to accomplish on this plane? How may we set your spirit free to the halls of Pharasma and to your final rest?"

Gracefully sitting down on her table, Zellara listens carefully, hearing everyone's questions. Once she is sure that everyone has had a moment to speak, the fortune teller humms. "My friends, while I understand your willingness to help me move on, I simply cannot while my beloved Korvosa is in such chaos. No, I will stay in this realm, helping you when and where I can, until she is back to normal." Crossing her arms, Zellara huffs stubbornly, clearly unwilling to back down.

Cassiel listens and nods his head. "Point taken there, Ma'am--this is my city too." His hand unconsciously slips into his pocket, touching the ring inside it.

Emmah's as well...

"Anyway... would you mind helping us with Lamm's stash?" He sets his backpack next to Zellara's table, digging out several pieces of Lamm's treasure hoard. "We still haven't completely gotten it all sorted out, and there's a few pieces that appear to be magical in nature."

Touching her fingers together, Zellara smiles looking relieved. "But of course." Hovering her hands over the collected treasures, Zellara closes her eyes, concentrating.

"This cigar case, while not magical can fetch over a month's worth of pay for an average household, about 25 gold. This small crown is nearly worth a nobleman's ransom, and I doubt that most of people in Old Korvosa will see this much in a lifetime. It is worth 350 gold pieces. The kraken statuette is worth slightly less, at 200 gold sails, and the sucubbi statue is worth 450 gold, to the right merchant. As with the succubi statuette, this holy symbol of Shelyn will fetch a price of 300 gold sails."

Opening her eyes to pick up and examine the two masterwork weapons, Zellara furrows her brow. "Considering that most merchants will only pay half, this shuriken is worth 300 gold sail and 2 silver shields, but a merchant will probably trade it for 150 gold piece and 1 silver worth of goods. This arrowhead would cost 60 gold sails and 5 copper pinches, but to sell it will have to be sold for half."

Looking over the the wand and the oil Zellara is able to confirm what Alessio already knew, before stopping at the crystalline vial. "Ah, now this vial is extremly vauluable. It can be sold for 50 gold sails by itself. The alchemical agent inside is called silversheen. It can be used to coat a weapon or twenty units of ammunition for an hour to give it the properties of alchemical silver." Placing down the vial, Zellara eyes widens as she spots the broken clasp.

"My friends, do you know what this is?" Carefully picking up the brooch, Zellara gingerly handles the piece of art looking closely at it. "This brooch belongs to Queen Ileosa. She has a reward out for anyone who can return this brooch to her, for about 1,200 gold sails. What was Lamm doing with this, I wonder?"

Casseil, the ring is still considered party loot. If you would like to claim it as your share, you will have to pay the other three their share of 37.5 gp each (or 112.5 gp)

Alessio's mind reels for a moment at the computation of the loot's value. "I know of no one who would have enough gold to exchange for these goods. Do any of you?"

"The Queen's brooch" he says. "Either Lamm's reach was longer than anyone thought, or there is a thief in the castle."

"What are your suggestions to calm Korvosa? With the king just having passed away, and the queen leaning on the Hellknights to enforce order..." Velius trailed off. "It was practically civil war in the streets last night."

Velius looks over the value of the loot that they had acquired the day before, the value of it all far surpassing his spartan lifestyle, he shakes his head. "I wouldn't be surprised if he found a way to steal it. Though that being said, 1,200 sails is quite a fair bit if we return it to the Queen."

Katrina glanced over at each of her companions as the spirit of Zellara identified each of the items before them. "I am not certain where we could sell these items but once things calm down I am certain some in the markets would be able to pay for them. As for the brooch, I feel we should return it as soon as it is feasible to do so."

Cassiel just nods. "Yeah." He takes the ring from his pocket and sets it on the table.

He's visibly reluctant to let the ring go. "Maybe we should wait a while before we do anything with these items--I imagine no sane merchant would open his shop while the city is rioting."

"Well, except return the brooch to the Queen, of course."

Katrina watches as Cassiel places the ring on the table noting his reluctance to part with it. "Cassiel, you mentioned before we went to confront Lamm that you had grown close to a shopkeeper? If that ring belonged to her or to you, then I have no qualm with you keeping it."

Katrina will pass on her part of the 37.5 gp of the party loot owed by Cassiel taking and keeping the ring.

Zellara vanishes as quickly as she appeared, taking all of her decorations with her. Silently Cassiel repacks all of the treasures before everyone heads out of the ruined home. Once on the street, it is clear that something is happening on Harborview Boulevard. As you all approach, It is clear to see that a mob of six men wielding shovels, chair-legs and lengths of iron pipes surround a beardless young nobleman. One of the laborers, a fat bald man with greasy muttonchops framing his rotund face jeers and addresses the young man in a booming voice. "Bet'cha never worked an honest day's wage in your life, eh, Queen's Man? M'brother had his arm crushed by a barrel on the docks when he was younger than you. Never raised a mug of ale with that wrist gain. Wanna know what it feels like?" The man stats, and with each sentence smacks the iron pipe against the palm of his hand. In the center of the assembly the young nobleman shrieks in fear.

Cassiel sighs in resignation. Typical. Some people will take any excuse they can to try and get even.

The thought makes him wince. Not unlike me. Have to stop this.

He moves up to the ringleader and stops in front of him.

"Sir!" He holds his hand out. "I understand your desire to get payback, but tell me--do you really think this is a good idea? Korvosa has seen more than enough blood for one week, and I very much doubt taking out your anger on a defenseless nobleman will help anything."

"Don't you people have families to go home to? Others who are depending on you?" He lowers his arms. "They deserve your attention more than him. Please, do yourselves a favour and go home before things get worse."

"Besides, I doubt any of you want to give the Hellknights an excuse to spill more blood."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

For a moment, it looks as if the ringleader will lash out at Cassiel, before he deflates and backs away. The remaining mob members, seeing the piss and vinegar washed out of their leader disperse, most likely going home. The young nobleman stands shakily, white as a sheet but otherwise unharmed. "Ah, thank you, noble sir."

Brushing off his tunic, the man pulls out a small pouch handing it to Cassiel. "Take this as a token of my appreciation. I shall let everyone know of your bravery and gallantry during these trying times." With a wave over his shoulder, the nobleman sprints off towards his home obviously not waiting around for another group to take notice of him.

In the pouch Cassiel finds 5 platinum pieces. The pouch is also embroidered with the name Amin Jalento.

"That ended well. But doesn't say much for the state of the city if people are still up and about. Velius said, approving of Cassiel's actions. "Shall we keep moving?"

Velius is more than happy to waive his share so Cassiel can keep his ring.

Cassiel takes the pouch of coins and looks at it. "You don't need to--"

He looks up in time to see the nobleman taking off. "--thank me." He finishes, feeling slightly annoyed. He sighs and hands the pouch off to the rest of the party.

In reply to Vellius, Alessio says "Certainly. The more time we spend outside in the streets, the more likely we are to meet with another mob."

Katrina nods in approval of Cassiel's actions to quiet the mob and in keeping the peace. "Yes, but I believe we may have other opportunities to assist with the situation in the city much like here."

"I sure hope so." Cassiel starts walking toward Castle Korvosa. "Let's go."

As you move towards the castle, it is noticeably calmer than it was last night. Long before you reach the Heights, the Castle Korvosa's long shadow looms over the city. A magnificent achievement of architecture, the castle walls and spires rise high into the sky above. The entire structure looms even higher for its ancient foundation, an ancient ruin in the shape of an immense flat-topped pyramid. Although one corner of this impressive foundation has fallen into ruin, the additions built onto the sides by eager and talented Korvosan masons have created one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Varisia.

As you approach from the Great Ramp, it is obvious that the Castle is locked tight to protect itself. On the ramparts, a female guard calls out for you all to halt. "In the name of the Korvosan Guard, state your business!" She calls out, as other guards bristle with crossbows and those outside the castle lower their pikes, prepared for an attack.

Image of castle Korvosa

Cassiel stops before the Great Ramp. "Relax--sheesh, is this the way you treat all delivery guys? We're here to return Queen Ileosa's brooch to her--we found it in some criminal's den."

The fact that he refused to refer to Gaedren Lamm by name is not lost on him.

He has no more role in my life. Just another criminal who by all rights should have faced the noose.

Velius nodded trying to make it painfully obvious he is unarmed. "Indeed. We noted the warrant out for it, and would like to return it.

Katrina comes to a stop next to Cassiel and Velius keeping both of her hands in plain view and well enough away from the hilt of the scimitar at her waist. "As my companions have said, we are here simply to return an item we found to its legitimate owner. My name is Katrina Tyir, I am a cleric of the Dawnflower and I offer you my solemn that what we say is true." She offered trying to not give the archers a reason to loose their crossbow bolts.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Cassiel fishes the brooch out of his backpack and holds it up. "See? Now, would you kindly let us through, please?"

The guard, who at first looked annoyed, frowns heavily at Cassiel's insubordination. Opening her mouth to respond, she is interrupted by someone unseen. Holding her hand up, The guard disappears for a few minutes, with a speckling of faint murmurs that can be picked up, but nothing understood. When the guard reappears she indicates that you all can head up the stairs into the courtyard. However, before you proceed, you are all stopped by a Sable Company Marine.

"In light of the recent events, we request that all visitors leave any weaponry here at the base of the stairs. Once your business is done, you can pick up your weaponry on the way out." The marine also waves over a group of nervous looking guards armed with heavy crossbows and swords, who all wait patiently for the group to decide what to do.

Cassiel disarms himself. "Here ya go--and thank you kindly for letting us conduct our business here." His tone this time is surprisingly sincere.

Velius pauses to show that he is completely unarmed. "Have nothing on me."

At their demand Katrina unties the scimitar's sheath from her waist and passes the sword to the guards before doing the same with her shield in case they considered it a weapon. "Thank you for letting us pass. She said holding her hands apart displaying that she was now disarmed as well.

Nodding and accepting your weapons, the guards place them safely in the weapon rack before allowing you all forward. You are all escorted into the courtyard by a nervous group of guards all armed with heavy crossbows and swords. As you reach the top of the pyramid where the wide stairs curl up to the castle's third floor, you are all greeted by a beautiful woman dressed in magnificent full plate armor.

As she descends the stairs she nods curtly to all of you. "Greetings. They tell me you've something that belongs to the queen. Is this correct?"

"Greetings." Velius said graciously. "Yes, we've found a brooch that matches the description of the one posted as missing by the queen. We wish to return it."

Velius is happy to show the brooch to prove it is the one that was posted.

Cassiel nods and holds the brooch up. "Right here, ma'am."

He's being considerably more courteous to the armour-clad lady than the guards at the gate...