Malder nods. "Glad you unnerstand, sir. No skin off our backs if you go see Verik. He's through there, up the stairs." He points at the door behind the counter. "We'll just wait outside then if you don't have any beef with us. Rather be outta the way if the bossman gets angry."
Both guards go to stand in the street outside the shop.
Opening the door behind the counter reveals a hallway. A staircase leads up. A single door leads to the east, and a set of double doors opens to the south.
Ty will enter as the 2 guards come out, nodding to them as he passes.
Once inside he will shrug off the blanket. He'll have a tanglefoot bag in his right hand and a wand of command in his left.
"After you Bosch, I gotcher back." with a mischievous grin he makes Bosch sound like boss.
Bosch scowls at Typhon, "Just keep those out of sight. Roscoe!" The dog came to heel at the mention of his name, carrying his new bone gleefully. After giving the others a second or two, Bosch led the way up the staircase.
"Mr. Vancaskerkin! My name is Bosch Glasthane, I'd like to talk to you," Bosch called ahead as he climbed the stairs.
Chelaxian Male Professor of Thassilonian History 2 || hp 13/13 || AC 11(15), touch 11(15), flatfooted 10(14) || Perception +3, Sense Motive +3 || Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +7 || CMB +0, CMD 11 || Init +1 || Harrow 4
Corwin stands outside in the street, quietly watching the proceedings.
"Do you think that they are doing ok in there? I don't hear any sounds of conflict...so that is a good sign..." Corwin says, eyeing the guards.
As the guards come back out, Corwin follows Typhon inside the shop.
The door at the top of the stairs opens. "What do you want?" a paranoid voice asks.
A single large desk stands in the eastern part of this large office, transformed into a makeshift bed by a bedroll and several blankets and pillows. A table and three chairs sit to the west; several papers lie strewn over the table’s surface and a chamberpot sits under it.
Vancaskerkin stands next to the desk, a longbow clutched tensely at his side. He is a handsome man who still wears his Korvosan Guard livery and armor, even though he abandoned it by organizing his gang.
Whoops, there was a small room at the top of the stairs before you get to Verik's room but it's not important. But that's why there are two rooms on the upper floor on the map.
"I want you to return to your post. If you're willing to cooperate, I'll do my damnedest to get you and your men full pardons. Will you let me make my case?" Bosch said, holding his hands in what he hoped was a nonthreatening way.
"Well Mr. Vancaskerkin, I would guess the real question is what do YOU want?" Ty will ask as he walks up the stairs behind Bosch, using his body to conceal the wand and tanglefoot bag.
sleight of hand to keep hands hidden behind Bosch:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Vancaskerkin picks up his bow and knocks an arrow. "No! I am doing the right thing by taking care of the people who cannot take care of themselves. You will only undo all the good I've done for Korvosa."
To keep things more organized, please post what round you are acting in. That way, even if people act out of order, it is clear who has gone in each round.
"Think of how many Korvosan lives have been saved with my free food! Just how many lives has the Guard destroyed in the riots?"! Verik backs up against the desk, ensuring he is in the corner of the room. He looses an arrow at Bosch.
Tessa is the only one who goes before Verik. If for some reason the sorcerer steps into melee, Verik will drop his longbow and attack with his longsword instead.
arcane spell failure, roll over 25%:1d100 ⇒ 48 Verik reflex save DC 15:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 burning hands damage, CL 4:4d4 + 8 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 4) + 8 = 18
Tessa cannot stand idly by while Verik attacks an empty-handed Bosch. He stuck his neck out for me back there on the streets, I owe him one!
She speaks a sharp command word and thrusts both hands at Verik, washing him and the wall behind him with intense flames. She tries to scream at Verik to surrender, but instead of her normal, chirpy gnome voice, Tessa roars out words in the crackling tongue of fire and flame:
Tessa is wearing a breastplate, with a 25% arcane failure chance. I was clarifying that 1-25 was a failure, and 25-100 success. Also, lets wait for DM to post in case he surrenders, so we don't kill him outright.
Ty initiative count 5, if Verik is still standing by then. " Aww man It didn't have to be this way!" UMD wand of command:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21 DROP If he fails his save he drops whatever he is holding. Will save
Verik's save, ignore if you prefer to roll it.8D.DC 11:
No problem Ty, I post the saves and AC so you can check if you hit. Speeds things up a bit if you roll yourself (and I'm less likely to miss something when I read through several posts).
A flurry of fire and arrows batter Verik, and he can't help but flinch and drop his own bow at Typhon's command.
"Stop! I surrender!" Verik throws his longsword to the ground next to his bow. "Do what you must." His hair and armor are blackened, and an arrow sticks out of his upper arm. He stands still, awaiting his fate.
Besides some conversation with Verik, is there anything else you'd like to do at All the World's Meat before heading back to Citadel Volshyenek?
"It did not have to turn out this way," Bosch said once arrows and spells ceased flying past him. He pulled out one of the sets of manacles that had been provided.
"We have two options here, you either return with us to Volshyenek as a prisoner and await you punishment for deserting the city in its time of need or return with us and request to be assigned to work with us. If you do, I will give you my word as a Knight of the Dragon that we will always work in the best interest of the people of Korvosa, putting their well-being above any orders or politician that gives them."
" I would like to know WHY you broke your vows and set out on your own deserting your comrades to do this? You could have found a way to do both without abandoning your allies."
Ty will also search around the desk for files and or papers that might explain it.
after all Cressida did say find out why. perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Chelaxian Male Professor of Thassilonian History 2 || hp 13/13 || AC 11(15), touch 11(15), flatfooted 10(14) || Perception +3, Sense Motive +3 || Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +7 || CMB +0, CMD 11 || Init +1 || Harrow 4
What happened downstairs with all the noise? Did the other guys attack?
Corwin looks out the window and notices that the two guards who had been waiting outside are gone. You did not hear them come back in, so they probably fled at the signs of combat.
With several prods from Tessa's wand, Verik is looking much better. "Thank you," he says gratefully.
Typhon finds an ornate, jeweled letter opener the desk of foreign design. As he picks it up, Verik blushes. The letter opener is worth 300g. Verik also is wearing some pretty nice gear.
"Well, that right there is the reason I started this venture, really. Or Vimanda is," Verik admits. "I've been seeing her for a few years now. This whole thing was her idea - for me to leave the guard and form a group to feed the locals after King Eodred died. And it's not a bad idea - people need to eat, after all."
He continues. "The boys and I set up a system. We get cows and pigs and whatnot in in the afternoon, prep em for eating, and then hand them out the next day. In fact, some farmers are supposed to bring in their livestock in just a few hours for tomorrow." Verik sighs. "But you are right. Every guard is needed in a time like this. I'm setting a bad example. If you'll have me, I will help see order restored to Korvosa, whether with you or with the Guard." He holds out his hand to shake Bosch's. " You are kind not to kill me on the spot. I don't deserve all this. Use the manacles if you'd like, but I won't try to escape."
Bandru gets the feeling that after being rousted in combat, put to right by Tessa's magic, and then treated kindly, Verik is being open and truthful in what he says.
Corwin's Knowledge Local:
Knowledge Local:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
The name 'Vimanda' rings a bell to Corwin. Vimanda is not a common name - in fact, it is a Vudran name. Vimanda Arkona's husband, Glorio Arkona, is the patriarch of one of Korvosa’s most powerful noble families. It is rumored Glorio has ties to most, if not all, of Korvosa’s criminal underworld.
Vudra is a nation in Golarion that is loosely modeled after India.
Wow, those dice are broken for diplomacy rolls haha
"So... If you were just doin this to feed people, what was that your thugs was sayin bout hiring out as Merc's?
Ty will say as he spins the letter opener round his fingers til it disappears.
sleight of hand:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Chelaxian Male Professor of Thassilonian History 2 || hp 13/13 || AC 11(15), touch 11(15), flatfooted 10(14) || Perception +3, Sense Motive +3 || Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +7 || CMB +0, CMD 11 || Init +1 || Harrow 4
"Wait a moment lad. Who did you say suggested this? Vimanda?" Corwin says, stepping forward and placing his staff across the prisoner's path. "Vimanda Arkona? Dark skin, long raven black hair, loves to wear bracelets and little bells?" he says, interrogating Verik.
"Mercs? We don't do any work for pay..." Verik trails off, looking genuinely puzzled. Typhon successfully hides the letter opener without Verik noticing.
Turning to Corwin, Verik says "Yep, that's Vimanda. Have you met her? Dunno what she wants to do with somebody like me, but I think that's what keeps her interested. I'm not stuffy, wealthy royalty. I think she wanted to do some good for the people of Korvosa."
Chelaxian Male Professor of Thassilonian History 2 || hp 13/13 || AC 11(15), touch 11(15), flatfooted 10(14) || Perception +3, Sense Motive +3 || Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +7 || CMB +0, CMD 11 || Init +1 || Harrow 4
"I have met her, and her husband... And so you know, the rumors say they are both in bed with the criminal underworld, not just one another. Which makes me wonder, why she manipulated you into leaving the guard? Did they want to weaken the guard further?"
"As long as you get the meat legally, I see no problem with continuing this operation. Your men talked about being dissatisfied as riot-breakers and could certainly do with gainful employment. It would also be useful to have some ears to the ground out here. Was Vimanda the one providing you with the meat?" Bosch said, the cogs turning in his mind.
Hmmph. He has no idea what his men are up to. He just hides here all day long. They said protecting people and such, but from who. More likely its extortion. They got all excited about this Vimanda, but I've never heard of her. The Arkona name sounds familiar tho.
Ty will glance around at the others and then casually stroll back downstairs.
Over his shoulder as he goes.."Don't really know whatcher all goin on about, but you seem ta have it well in hand. Ima go catch a glimpse of the street n see what's going on" Somethin' else was going on here, right under the man's nose. think I'll check it out. stealth:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
half way down the stairs Ty will begin to ghost along, carefully opening doors and exploring the place.
Skills Acrobatics +12, Climb +5, Escape Artist +7, Know(religion)+4, Know Hist3 Perception+13,Sense Motive+8,Stealth+12, Swim +5 Survival +5 Craft Bows +6, Ride 7Languages Common Tien Draconic Celestial
Human
BowStats:
MW Comp LB(Str +1)+10(1d8+3/x3) SB +4(1d6/x3) Flurry(2Atk), Defl Arr, Perf Strike(2d20)(2/day), Point Blank Shot+1+ 1 30ft, Precise Shot, Point Blank Master No AoO, Deadly Aim -1 +2 Many shot 2 arrows at once
Monk (Zen Archer) 32Arr 40Blnt 50Slvr
Vitals:
Init +9; Senses Perception +13 AC 19, touch 19, flat-footed 15 (+3 Dex, +1 dodge +5Monk) hp 35/41 Fort +5, Ref +8, Will +8
This all seems grande but if I am to understand it you gave the meat away but as my friend here asked who supplied it and in what condition did it come to you? I have a gut feeling something else was at play here.
Bandru continues to watch for motives behind what the man says
"Oh no, farmers bring in the pigs and cows and chickens, we butcher them here. But Vimanda gave me the money for it, no way I could afford them all myself." Verik says. He notices Typhon leaving the room, but doesn't comment. "The boys were in the guard too - I'm their sergeant. Dunno if they want to go back or not."
Bandru gets the impression that Verik does not think too hard about other people's motives or always think things through.
Verik's perception check:
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Must beat Typhon's 21 to notice him
Typhon - Exploring All the World's Meat:
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.
perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Typhon does not find anything of note in this room.
B4: The floor of this grim chamber is strewn with blood-stained straw, and the reek of slaughter is almost overpowering. The room itself is a killing floor. A metal track affixed to the ceiling dangles meat hooks here and there, allowing the hooks and their gory loads to be moved easily from the northwest where a large hammer sits on the floor amid a permanent bloodstain. To the south, a bloodstained grill covers a wide hole in the floor. Just north of the grill sit two large vats of water; one boiling and one cold. Two large butcher blocks stand to the east next to barrels of salt, and in the southeast corner sits a reeking vat of cast-off meat and bones.
perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Much of the room is filled with rotting meat, congealed blood, and bits of bone. Investigating the grate in the floor, Typhon can see water and bits of bones and meat. Typhon's sharp eyes reveal numerous fragmentary human remains -mostly partially destroyed heads, hands, and feet - in the cesspool.
B5:Two foul-smelling animal pens take up the majority of this room. Each pen is defined by a wooden fence set with a gate. Inside each is a long water trough and heaps of filthy hay. The floor here is hard-packed earth. Two ill-tempered pigs occupy the pens. They grunt and slobber as Typhon enters.
perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Typhon notices that one of the bricks in the floor in the corner of the room looks out of place. Lifting it up reveals a small hole. Stashed inside are of several bags, in all containing 450 gp, 740 sp, and 800 gp
worth of assorted pieces of jewelry and gemstones.
B6: This large cattle pen is open to the air, and the stink of
manure, mud, and animal is strong, despite the breeze that wafts through the stockade’s wooden fence. To the south stands a roofed shed containing a straw-filled wagon.
perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
It seems that this is just a holding pen to keep animals before they are brought inside for slaughter.
Wow. didn't expect the full narrative. Thanks!! Ty just didn't have the skill set or knowledge to hold on to the conversation upstairs.
Oh this is so gross. Never could do the farm life myself. Yuck. Stabbing 'em is one thing but butchering things is nasty.
Soo something was definitely going on here. Human parts in the waste, and these bags of loot....
After a while Ty will return to the others looking pale and sickened.
"Guys, Somethin bad was happenin' here. I found some human parts downstairs among the offal. Also found these bags of coins and jewelry. Verik may not be aware of it but his 'men' are thugs and 'sharks' of some kind."
"Roscoe! We're going hunting, boy!" The big dog had been resting in a corner but perking his ears up and stood quite promptly, moving to stand next to Bosch expectantly.
Bosch and Roscoe are going to try and track the two guards using Roscoe's scent ability (I've been hoping someone tries to run from them for this very reason). DC 10 to follow a fresh scent on any surface (other than water). DC affected by an unlisted amount by how strong the quarry’s odor is (I assume this was merely leaving room for things like Kaava Musk). For each hour that the trail is cold, the DC increases by 2.
Verik looks horrified at this development. "Human body parts?" He takes a moment to puzzle through Typhon's findings. "So you think... you think they killed people for money and then mixed the... the bodies with the meat and gave them out to people?" Verik covers his face with his hands and groans. "What have I done? I thought I was helping people, saving lives. But who knows how many they've killed?"
Bosch recalls seeing several bedrolls and backpacks in the other room on the second floor.
Bandru conducts a thorough search of the building. In the meat locker (room B3), Bandru finds a number of bones but cannot tell what sort of creatures they came from. In the butchering room (room B4), Bandru finds the bits of humans dropped into the cesspit. Bandru does not find anything else of note in the building. Do you just look into the cesspit or do you want to go in to take a closer look? It will take some work to break through the grate.
Bandru:
From the way Verik reacted, it is clear to Bandru that Verik is honestly surprised by these developments.
Typhon:
Yeah, I debated on how to handle that one. Based on how you guys handled things when you first came into the shop, there wasn't anything left to fight. So to keep things quick, I just posted it all
Bosch:
Sounds good! DC 12 for this check since you are in a pretty large city and there are a number of people around that could muddle up the scents - just like if you were trying to follow a specific set of footprints and other people have left footprints all over the place. The trail is fresh, you've probably only been talking for 5-10 minutes.
Skills Acrobatics +12, Climb +5, Escape Artist +7, Know(religion)+4, Know Hist3 Perception+13,Sense Motive+8,Stealth+12, Swim +5 Survival +5 Craft Bows +6, Ride 7Languages Common Tien Draconic Celestial
Human
BowStats:
MW Comp LB(Str +1)+10(1d8+3/x3) SB +4(1d6/x3) Flurry(2Atk), Defl Arr, Perf Strike(2d20)(2/day), Point Blank Shot+1+ 1 30ft, Precise Shot, Point Blank Master No AoO, Deadly Aim -1 +2 Many shot 2 arrows at once
Monk (Zen Archer) 32Arr 40Blnt 50Slvr
Vitals:
Init +9; Senses Perception +13 AC 19, touch 19, flat-footed 15 (+3 Dex, +1 dodge +5Monk) hp 35/41 Fort +5, Ref +8, Will +8
I believe you. you should immediately report back to your superior. We will find these evil men who have done this and bring them to justice in front if you and the city.
Bandru will accompany the party on the hunt for the other two guards and plans no mercy fir their crimes.
Bosch leads Roscoe down to the bedrolls. Pointing to one, the blacksmith says, "Scents." The big dog promptly starts sniffing around, learning the scents of the two guards before snorting and taking off out of the butcher's shop.
In preparation for hunting the guards, Ty will put away the wand and the tanglefoot bag. He will string and load the light crossbow as well.
"So should we trust Verik on his honor to return to Lady Cressida or should we have him help us track down these thugs?"
Chelaxian Male Professor of Thassilonian History 2 || hp 13/13 || AC 11(15), touch 11(15), flatfooted 10(14) || Perception +3, Sense Motive +3 || Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +7 || CMB +0, CMD 11 || Init +1 || Harrow 4
"Lest we forget our primary responsibiity was to return Verik to Cressida. I agree with Typhon. Verik can show his loyalty to the city by aiding us and expunging some of his debt for what happened here...under his nose.", Corwin says, holding Bosch back before he darts away.
Verik gathers his bow and longsword and nods at Corwin. "You're right. I'll go with you to track down my men. It's my duty - maybe I can make up for some of the problems I caused." The guardsman gets to his feet wearily to follow Roscoe on the hunt.
Roscoe picks up the scent outside the butcher shop and continues snuffling through Korvosa's streets. The dog moves slowly through the cobbled lanes but seems sure of where he is headed until he pauses and whines.
A moment later, a rumble issues from below and about twenty feet ahead of you, the city street cracks apart, long fissures running across the bricks. The road bursts upward, casting chunks of rock into the air and raining bricks on the surrounding area. The stench of sewer filth and garbage belches forth, heralding the approach of a three-legged freakish monster that is mostly mouth. Three tentacles, two tipped with barbs and one with eyes, extend from its sides.
Screaming Korvosans flee from the strange creature, but one adolescent boy isn't so lucky. Knocked flat by the rumbling, he frantically crawls backwards from the three-legged monster. The youth's shaved head, furs, and numerous tattoos indicate that he is probably not a native Korvosan. The monster takes a moment to get its bearings before advancing on the prone youth.
"ROSCOE! Heel!" Bosch ordered as he drew his sword and rushed to the youth's side. Roscoe circles in place, uncertain at first but moving with his master
"Typhon, I could use a hand! The rest of you, cover us!" Bosch calls to his allies.
Chelaxian Male Professor of Thassilonian History 2 || hp 13/13 || AC 11(15), touch 11(15), flatfooted 10(14) || Perception +3, Sense Motive +3 || Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +7 || CMB +0, CMD 11 || Init +1 || Harrow 4
He isn't going last...he is being strategic! He gets to see how everything is developing before he decides what to do.
Init. count 16
Ty moves forward and to the left for a clear shot at the large critter.
"What in the Abyss is that?!?"He yells as he fires a shot from his light crossbow.
xbow att.:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 -4 if considered in melee, wasn't sure.
After firing he drops his crossbow. free action damage:1d8 ⇒ 5 sneak attack:1d4 ⇒ 3 if still flat footed, since i go before it does. Or not. XD.
