thereal thom's (Inactive)

Game Master therealthom

"Thank you" Heather turns and walks away from the Office..heart like a lump of lead in her chest...she makes her way back to her apartment and settles herself into meditation upon the flows of Magic...finding that new pathways have opened up to her, she grasps at the strings of power.

She turns back to Croft and lays the badge on the table..."I resign Ma'am...with immediate effect"

Croft's head droops. "I understand," she replies softly. A wistful half-smile plays along her cheek and her jaw trembles just perceptibly. "I understand completely."

The last few months have been tumultuous in Korvosa. Five days before Saint Alika's birthday at the end of an unusually hot, dry Arodus (August) King Eodred the Second died after a long sickness. Despite the illness, the king's death surprised the city, which had expected him to recover. As the king had no children, the likeliest heirs were his half-wit brother and his very unpopular Cheliaxian born wife, Ileosa.

While the nubile Ileosa had charmed the elderly king, she had not wasted any of her charms on his subjects. In fact she had made it plain that she considered the city a provincial backwater. And the expense to the city coffers as Eodred lavished gowns, jewelry, delicacies, and parties upon his new consort troubled everyone whose taxes were increased to pat for them.

Wild rumors, protests, riots and looting immediately followed the king's death, a grass-roots reaction to the imminent possibility of Ileosa's rule. The Queen moved quickly to suppress the populace. She mobilized the Korvosan Guard, the Sable Company, and called in a company of Hellknights from Citadel Vraid. The riots were temporarily quelled, but the Hellknights were too heavy-handed and were banned from the city.

The Ironworkers Guild took advantage of the disruption and the perceived weakness of the Queen's position to initiate a strike for the legalization of unions and better wages for their members. The dock-workers soon began a supporting strike. The Queen responded by beginning a blockade of Old Korvosa where the Guild was based. Checkpoints were established at all the bridges to limit communication between the two unions and prevent food from reaching the Ironworkers. Unfortunately innocent families who lived on Endrin Island also suffered. The blockade continued despite pleas against it from many citizens, especially Glorio Arkona, lord of House Arkona, the last noble family living on Endrin Island. Beyond just talking, Arkona funded and supplied soup kitchens for the poor during the food shortage.

During the strike the Queen announced the formation of a new all female military unit, the Grey Maidens, which would be commanded by her personal bodyguard, Sabina Merrin. She called for volunteers and conscripted female members of the Korvosan Guard and Sable Company.

The dock-workers strike led to food shortages throughout the city. Small-scale food riots were breaking out in isolated incidents.

The strikes were resolved in a compromise. The unions were not recognised, but a large contract was awarded to the Iron-works to fashion armour for the Grey Maidens and the iron-workers were put back to work with higher wages. Without the Iron-worker's support the dock-worker's strike dissolved.

Just a few days ago, riots once again threatened the city when the Castle announced that portrait artist Trinia Sabor and a late accomplice in the Korvosan Guard had poisoned the king. A party of adventurers working with the Korvosan Guard apprehended Sabor. Her impending trial should settle forever the rumors surrounding foul play in Eodred's death.

One interesting tidbit. Neolandus Kalepopolis, the Seneschal of Castle Korvosa, has not been seen since the night of the king's death.

Now, two months after the king's death, QUeen Ileosa's control of the city seems secure, making her Queen in actuality, even if all of the technicalities of coronation have not been fulfilled. The Grey Maidens patrol the streets in numbers equal to the Guard. Order has been restored and life is returning to normal.

In her Northgate Avenue apartment suite Heather sits with Zellara's harrow deck in front off her..

Two days have passed since the events in Marshal Croft's office..two days of worry and despair..she stares at the deck as if just looking at it could solve her problems..she dares not read the cards because self reading is never accurate nor soothing...

Her mind flies back to her dream..the dream in nwhich the cards came to life around her..something portends..something black and evil she knows it...she wishes Istas would come as she promised she would..she needs to speak to someone and the prophetic Shoanti Priestess is the only one she knows who might listen to her objectivly but obviously her temple duties and,perhaps,her own divinations are occupying her time.

She stares at the deck again...speaking softly to empty air.."The Queen..it all revolves around the Queen...someone or something is taking advantage of the chaos her succession has engendered..the question is who..or maybe what...is behind this.."

She shakes her head and smiles ruefully..

"This is ridiculous I've been sitting here way too long...time for a drink.... in company"

She scoops the deck into a pouch and tucks it inside her dress before slipping on a cloak and issuing forth..the streets are quiet..the Grey Maidens see to that..though she has heard disturbing rumours of their being somewhat..overzealous in their duties.

She turns right onto Sunrise Boulevard and makes her way to the Three Rings Tavern a home from home for her in her time as a student and now a refuge from the worst of the thoughts filling her mind.

Bidding a cheerful greeting to the somewhat matronly tavernkeeper Theandra Darklight she settles herself in a corner with a glass of wine and a small plate of richly filled cream pastries a recipe imported from far away Geb.

'Time for some comfort food' she thinks to her self as she bites into the crumbly sweet treat, closing her eyes as she savours the taste

A quiet figure also drinks in the Three Rings, a man for once not drawing attention to himself looks up from his secluded corner where he has been seated with his own thoughts as Heather enters, and looks on with sudden interest. She is here ... and he was just debating where else he might find her.

Sliding his chair out quietly, he takes his wine-glass and walks over to the Heather, still not making much noise but not exactly sneaking either.

"A penny for your thoughts, my lady Whiteraven," he greets her with a cocky grin. "For you, I'd go as far as half a sovereign. You seem a little down in the mouth," he continues, pulling up a chair uninvited, "but perhaps I can place a smile upon your sweet lips that will allow you once more to light up this humble tavern with the glory scarce short of the gods," he flatters outrageously, but then continues in a lower tone, "or mayhap we can discuss other matters dear to us both, yet of a less ... frivolous nature."

The look he directs is serious, although he still smiles - but only with his mouth; his eyes hold both sympathy and resolve.

Heather raises an eyebrow as she is joined at the table.she carefully cleans her lips with a napkin and lays it aside with a neat precision before deigning to answer.

"Emerion..what brings you here..have you no maidens to seduce,no Master Criminals to pursue"

Her eyes twinkle as she teases her childhood friend..they had both in many ways been outcasts in the society they lived in she for her half Varisian blood,he for his families humble beginnings. They had been close once..close enough that she had hoped his intentions were serious.

She had in the end offered him a gift of the most precious thing a girl could offer ..and he had refused it.Since then they had met only infrequently their paths leading them in different directions.

"What is on your mind..and how can I help"

Emerion chuckles and raises his glass to her, regarding her fondly.

"Now that is a more pleasant sight. I fear I have met few maidens of late not in grey armour, and a dour lot they are," he grimaces. "As for master criminals, I do have a matter on my mind though - one Philly* mentioned that you may be able to assist me with," he leans forward over the table: "Gaedren Lamm. He had a man murdered, and placed my brother Eugeni's stolen sword by the corpse. I found the man who placed it there, and he gave me Lamm's name and sufficient testimony to clear my dear elder brother from the gallows, but I have it in mind to have a pointed discussion with mister Lamm concerning the ethics of placing honest men of good standing in the noose for crimes they had not committed." Emerion's face is very serious as he leans back again.

"Sadly, he can't be found anywhere. No-one has seen him since the night our dear monarch departed this world, but rumour I heard said that you and a few acquaintances had also been seeking him out. If you could tell me anything, I'd be forever in your debt, Heather."

* Philly Vander, a young woman of both our acquaintance who Emerion sometimes teaches fencing at an Academy.

"You know Philly? Then I trust the sword is the only weapon you are teaching her the use off...but we are not here to dicuss your ..roving eye...are we?"

She pauses for a moment...as if marshalling her thoughts then fixes him with a look of serious honesty.

"Lamm..is dead...he fell at our hands..mine and those of some others he had crossed.I can assure you that his demise was most certain,his corpse was being chewed on by an alligator the last I saw of it"

"I took no pleasure in his death..I thought I would but in the end..it was just like putting down a diseased rat"

"Hah!" Istas crows, thrusting with her spear even as she deflects a hammer blow from Kaddok's weapon with her shield.

Sparring with her longtime Shoanti friend brings a glow to the priestess she hasn't felt in quite sometime. But even as the point of her spear comes close to piercing Kaddok's defenses, the former-barbarian slips inside her attack and wrestles her to the ground falling in a heap on the sparring room floor together. Stunned by the outcome, they both stare at one another and then share a laugh.

"Hah, indeed," Kaddok grins. "Looks like I have the upper hand." And Istas can't help but acknowledge her friend's training in Korvosa's fighting schools has certainly paid off for him.

"I could still bewitch you with a simple prayer for Pharasma's aid," Istas seductively warns.

"Oh...you've already done that," he replies more seriously, "Without your goddess' assistance."

Indeed, their relationship had grown further than Istas ever planned in the last couple of days. Her dalliance with Kaddok offered a chance to ease her mind...to withdraw from the stressful happenings of Korvosa's troubles and leave behind her prophetic dreams. She enjoyed also spending time with someone connected to her people's past, even if he too left the Shoanti tribes to make his home in the city. They share a kindred spirit in many ways. And she hopes nothing bad happens to him.

Sensing her thoughts moving elsewhere, Kaddok rolls away so they can both look at the ceiling and put aside her weapon training for the moment. "You're still troubled?" he asks.

Istas nods. "Always," she acknowledges, "Even my waking hours seem filled with worry for the future. It is both a blessing and a curse from the Lady of Graves."

"You know I'm here for you?"

Istas takes a deep breath and reaches out to clasp his hand.

"I know."

"Lamm..is dead...he fell at our hands..mine and those of some others he had crossed.I can assure you that his demise was most certain,his corpse was being chewed on by an alligator the last I saw of it"

"I took no pleasure in his death..I thought I would but in the end..it was just like putting down a diseased rat"

Emerion reaches out and squeezes her hand gently. If only ...

"If you did, you would not be the strong, noble woman I am honoured to call my friend," he tells her seriously. "Still, one less rat is a no bad thing. Thank you, Heather - I owe you and your friends a great debt of honour, and I am one who pays my debts," he looks at her meaningfully.

"Now tell me, please, what truly weighs on your mind. Earnst* told me that you had resigned the guard - well, you know how he hates to see a good person go," Emerion rolls his eyes, "but he seemed genuinely worried about your reasons, though I don't think either of you have been acquainted that well."

* Captain Earnst Gustavson, an Ulfen man you know more by reputation from Emerion and have seldom if ever actually met.

Heather strokes her thumb over the back off his hand tracing the slight scars there, the sign of a professional swordsman..

"Captain Gustavson..I barely know the man..though I know the Field Marshal trusts him...I wouldn't have thought my resigning what was, after all, just an auxilary post would concern him that much"

She takes a sip..a long sip at her glass considering him over the rim wondering just how much she dare tell him...then seems to take a decision.

"It was Trinia..I didnt believe in her guilt from the start..I talked her into surrendering to us..and then...then I let her down"

She flushes momentarily with supressed anger.
"You should have seen it Emerion..the way my dear sister.." she almost spits those words "treated her..like some..already condemned traitor..and that was when I realised that I had delivered an innocent to certain death. I couldn't serve anymore after that...the Field Marshal understands.."

She takes another long sip

"And it's not even as if I really blame the Queen..she has to offer the mob something..someway to sate its hunger something to divert their attention from her.I only wish it hadn't been my duty to give her that something"

"Your half-sister seems to leave a trail of destruction wherever she goes," Emerion reflects quietly. "Poor master Orsini has never been the same. It seems her primary concern is what she wants, and let others deal with the consequences. Sadly, she seems to have chosen a mistress of a like mind; after all, how can you blame the queen? Any other option for showing the city she can rule justly and well would involve the expenditure of her budget set aside for the latest fashions from Chelax and Taldor on feeding the poor, recognizing the guilds and setting up a Privy Counsel, and you cannot ask her to make such sacrifices." Emerion's tone is mockingly sympathetic, it's clear he has no high opinion of the Queen for taking such action.

"Sadly, I have found that justice depends largely upon the sympathies of the judge. Unless we could find some evidence that another person was involved, or clear proof of innocence, I doubt Trinia has much chance. So, what shall we do about it?"

Istas:

Jeorik:

Heather:

Everyone: In the days following the arrest of Trinia Sabor, the names of Jeorik Vander, Heather Whiteraven, and Istas of Pharasma are much bruited about the city for their role in her capture.

The weather turns bad. Cold rain, frequent, persistent, and copious pours from the skies for days. The river rises flooding some of the low-lying camps on the far bank.

The trial of Trinia Sabor begins amid rumor and speculation. At the first session of the trial, Arbiter Zenobia Zenderholm, well known for her harsh judgements and sentences, excuses her self from the trial. She is replaced by Arbiter Fordyce. The trial is held in Castle Korvosa rather than Arbiter's Hall. The guard around the Castle is doubled during the trial.

One of the old, unused piers on Endrin Isle collapses, destroying the homes of dozens of squatters. Perhaps eight people are carried away or drowned.

A ship beating its way up the swollen Jeggare River sinks before it reaches North Bridge. Rumors abound that no crew was recovered from the river, will o wisps were in the rigging, the Grey Maidens on duty at the North Bridge Gate fired on the ship before it sank.

Istas, Jeorik, Heather:

Istas:

Heather and Emerion: just let me know when your tete a tete is done.

Jeorik:

Heather purses her lips and shakes her head.."Ileosa will judge the case herself..as is her right..the verdict is cut and dried already..but I aim to see this thing through to the end.The Law is strict in Korvosa and flows from the queen.. the gods save the Queen"

She dips into her pouch and draws a a finely made ring forth..

"Sabina gave me this..she said that Ileosa shields those who serve her..and yet..."

She looks around and then shakes her head lowering her voice to the merest whisper.."this place quiet as it is is too public...lets walk..somewhere that we might speak freely"

Heather does an analysis of the rings magic immediately Sabina leaves.. Spellcraft1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22which should be more than sufficient to ID the rings powers

For DM:

Heather does an analysis of the rings magic immediately Sabina leaves.. Spellcraft1d20+11which should be more than sufficient to ID the rings powers

The ring itself may be worth 700-900 gp. What the enchantment does to the value, hard to judge with an appraise check. (Went through appraise, spellcrafdt, identify, detect magic. I thought I remembered something about appraise helping identify magic items, but couldn't find it. Maybe it was a beta thing. Can you give me a reference if it's still around?

"Ileosa will judge the case herself..as is her right..the verdict is cut and dried already..but I aim to see this thing through to the end.The Law is strict in Korvosa and flows from the queen.. the gods save the Queen"

"So do other things, usually when she visits the guaderobe*," Emerion quips in a whisper. "But yes, it is hardly likely that she will find the accused innocent no matter what the evidence if she herself is the accuser. Unless, that is, the evidence is so overwhelming that to do so would cause an outcry from the nobility, the artisans and the commoners alike."

"Sabina gave me this..she said that Ileosa shields those who serve her ... and yet ... this place quiet as it is is too public ... lets walk ... somewhere that we might speak freely"

"Of course my dear," Emerion stands, seeing that they have both drunk their wine and Heather has finished her meal, and assists Heather, offering her his arm. "Let us take a walk."

* guarderobe - a castle toilet.

Page 106 of the main rulebook, under the Spellcraf skill, the roll to identify an item with Detect Magic is 15 + item's caster level.

We can conclude the conversation here, or at least continue with further developments. If we go on to the 'next day' assume we talked in private, if not, now is a good time to interrupt us!

Heather:

Jeorik:

Kenan:

Kenan:

If it's a Ring of protection then I should be able to ID it if it's up to a +3..otherwise anything up to caster level 7

Heather speaks freely once they are alone..her misgivings, her belief that the king may indeed not have died of natural causes..she still doesn't believe that the Queen is responsible for the King's death but feels that some shadowy and as yet unknown figure is attempting to manipulate Ileosa who as everyone knows isn't the sharpest needle in the box.

She speaks of Sabina...and though her words are bitter there is an underlying current of worry for her sister...Heather fears that Sabina has let her passion for Ileosa blind her to any possibilities outside those that the Queen suggests are correct.

Bidding her old friend a fond farewell she returns to her apartment glad to have at least been able to expound her concerns to someone else.

Emerion returns to his family's home in Cliffside to let them know that there is no need to press the matter of his brother's accusation and acquittal any further. He then takes himself to his father's library and studies several books on the government and law of Korvosa to refresh his memory on certain points.

Very soon he sees that while the law may flow from the queen, the arbiters act as the floodgates. The balance of power in the city is fine and Grey Maidens are clearly an attempt to swing the balance in the Queen's favour - neither the Field Marshal of the Korvosa Guard nor the Commandant of the Sable Company are entirely under her control or even subject to her sole appointment, and the Hellknights cost money. Yet with her Grey Maidens and the Hellknights (if she paid them) she could in theory counter both of the other forces or crush one of them, making it harder for them to defy her.

It would certainly seem that she is trying to circumvent the natural barriers to tyrannical rule in the city - meaning that tyrannical rule could be exactly what she had in mind.

Was Heather right? Was some other power pulling the strings of the Queen, or was she just a spoiled child demanding more toys? Certainly she was making both some astute moves and some foolish ones. Emerion decides to take his own findings to Heather as soon as may be ...

DM

Kenan:

Heather and Emerion:

Wellard:

Seeing the men closing in on Heather, Emerion turns and trails them stealthily, pulling his cravat up to cover his face like a scarf and loosening his sword in it's sheath. Before they can close the trap on Heather (get within fifteen to twenty feet) he announces their presence, speaking with a pronounced lisp to conceal his voice.

"You there!" he calls out indignantly, drawing his blade but not - quite - threatening with it, instead holding it like a poseur, "Yeth you, the big thmelly one with a nothe like a hippopotamuth! Wath your mother an ogre or were you jutht born without mannerth? You thould watch your thtep, or thomeone might give you a leththon in good manerth!"

Emerion closes the distance with them and maintains it at around ten feet - close enough to spring to Heather's aid, far enough back to make them come to him. Should they attack he will assume a defensive stance (Going fully defensive and using Combat Expertise to take a -5 to hit but gaining a +3 AC bonus to AC22 and allowing his Deadly Defence to operate).

Looking at the post, I assumed that all four swordsmen/ruffians were closing in on Heather (two in front of her, the two that brushed by Emerion closing from behind her). If this is not the case, Emerion will ignore the ones that have tried to start a fight with him and go to Heather, to either deal with those assailants or place ourselves back to back so that we cannot be flanked, if the two that have tried to start fight persist, then I'll deal with them as mentioned above.

You've got it right. Those guys bumped you because they were in a hurry to get to Heather and didn't care who was in their way.

The big swordsman twists to look at Emerion. He smiles revealing a mouthful of pointed teeth capped by some oversized canines. He growls, "No time for you, pansy. Go home like a good boy." He watches for a second to make sure you go home.

Istas:

Kenan:

Erastil has spoken to Jeorik. There is work that needs done and something evil that needs fought. In Korvosa. The dreams are vague but Jeorik, though he longs for home, is filled with the sense that he needs to stay in the city for a while longer, fighting in the name of Erastil against the darkness that threatens all of Varisia if it is not checked. Jeorik acquires a level of the Paladin Class and finds himself better able to relate to people along with a deeper understanding of those religious matters he has studied all his life.

Jeorik, troubled by both the news of the trial, the lack of a summons to testify and an inordinate amount of gold in his bedroom, agrees to accompany his uncle to see the ship. He will also make plans to send a hundred gold pieces to the temple of Erastil in Ilsurian in the name of his family.

I fear that Heather is about to undergo a most insalubrious adbuction attempt, and I shall have to forego the usual social niceties involved with gentlemanly conflict of arms ... Emerion's thoughts race. His instructors had been gentlemen of refinement and culture. They had also been realists. When confronted with superior numbers, or people who think the rules are for fools, do not hesitate to strike first and preferably before they know you are going to strike at all.

"Ath you will, thir," Emerion takes a small step back and half turns, moving as if to sheath his sword - then spins and darts forwards as swiftly as he can in a lightening fast flèche:

Bluff him I am backing down, then Charge attack, with Combat Expertise to take -1 to hit for +1 AC, giving me an effective AC of 18 until the start of my next action. Hopefully this will count as a surprise action.

Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Sneak Attack (if applicable): 1d6 ⇒ 2

<Bangs head on desk>

For DM:

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Heather spots the men almost before they begin to act. She instinctivly forms the words of power in her mind..as the man grabs for her hand she steps away..or at least tries to..speaking the activation phrase she throws up a hand fingers splayed towards the two men in front of her.As she does she hears Emorions voice challenge from behind her

Cast Web defensively
spellcraft 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Eeep! forgot my initiative!

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Kenan puts his kit down next to the little girl.

"Now what do we have here then?" he asks softly. "Donitello, you never told me she is as pretty as a picture." he smiles at the girl waiting briefly to see if she responds.

"So tell me everyone what is wrong with .... my I don't even know your name, me darlin', what be dat?" Kenan looks around for answers.

While the problem is outlined, Kenan takes a moment to look over her face and hands gently, just to see if there are any more clues.

I didn't spoiler this because it isn't sneaky beaky stuff.

Emerion and Heather:

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 151d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 101d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Surprise Round:
The "ogre" is completely taken in by Emerion. He looks back toward Heather and Emerion makes his move. The Varisian's blade runs through the ogre's cloak and comes out tipped with blood. The ogre stiffens and spins around to face Emerion again. This time his cloak flies open as he raises a large morningstar over his head. Under the cloak he's wearing studded leather painted over a wealth of muscles.

The men assailing Heather weren't expecting resistance. As she begins casting one of them hurriedly reaches for her hands, but misses. The spell goes off; webs fill the space between a wall and a hitching post, wrapping around the men.

Round 1 Initiatives:
Emerion 17
Thugs 10
Heather 6

Jeorik:

Istas:

Kenan: you're up first tomorrow morning I promise. I need some sleep now.

"You assault my lady, you assault me my friend!"

Emerion shifts his stance to the defensive (lose combat expertise, going full defensive, taking -4 to hit and +2 to AC to give me AC21), sidesteps (five foot step around the 'ogre' so that the other attacker has to come further to get me, hopefully invoking an attack of opportunity as he does so), feigns a slash at the half-orc's face before darting the blade in low, knowing he has to finish this fast before the other ruffian flanks him.

Improved Feint (Bluff vs {10+BAB} or {10+Sense Motive}, whichever is higher): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 Success and he loses his Dex bonus to AC vs my next attack (making him vulnerable to another Sneak Attack).

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Damage: Rapier 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 + Deadly Defence 1d6 ⇒ 4 + Sneak Attack 1d6 ⇒ 2

For DM:

Jeorik listens respectfully to his uncle as they walk. As they watch the salvage attempts, he agrees that, yes, the river does look unsettled and restless.

"How much do you suppose a temple in the heart of the city would cost?" he asks, conversationally, "I would think that it would be quite an undertaking."

Then after a while he asks the question that is foremost in his mind, "Have you heard any news of the trial recently. I fear for that poor girl. I assured her that her innocence would be all the defense she needs but it took us so little time to discover her innocence and it seems to be taking the court much longer."

"Brienna, her name is Brienna, " her mother answers.

Brienna is a young girl with auburn hair. She lies in one of two beds, her slight frame dwarfed by the pile of pillows, afghans, and quilts surrounding her. Splotches of an angry red rash cover her face and arms,
appearing in irregular shapes and sizes. Suddenly, her restlessness is interrupted by a violent fit of hacking coughs that jerk her entire frame, lifting her well off her pillows. The spasm passes after a moment, dropping her back to the bed, but seemingly having done little to ease her breathing. She wipes her mouth with the back of her right hand. It comes away streaked with blood.

"Hello Brienna, now dat be a powerful cough you got goin' there. Shame. Let's have a word with ma Donitello, see if she can help me. Now tell me darlin' is dis cough bin happening long? And dat blood from her mouth how's about that, when did dat start?"

Then Kenan starts to test her temperature, and search around for bites or wounds or grazes where all this may have come from. He hums away to himself a little ditty several times as he works.

Has Kenan see this disease before? Heal check 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Kenan:

Istas:

...

"How much do you suppose a temple in the heart of the city would cost?" he asks, conversationally, "I would think that it would be quite an undertaking."

Dorman looks Jeorik squarely in the face. "More money than we've got. Thousands of sails (gp) just to but the property. Even when business was best I couldn't have done it. And Erastil's other faithful here are mostly tradesmen. Besides, there are always people to feed, or give a second chance to. A temple is just a building. Some things are more important."

Then after a while he asks the question that is foremost in his mind, "Have you heard any news of the trial recently. I fear for that poor girl. I assured her that her innocence would be all the defense she needs but it took us so little time to discover her innocence and it seems to be taking the court much longer."

Dorman shakes his head, " That business with Zenobia set the trial back a bit. I've heard she suddenly took ill. That's why she excused herself."

"Too bad for the girl. Most people think she has a better chance with Fordyce because he's a little soft. But I think she would have gotten a fair hearing under Zenobia. Zenobia's a terror on sentencing, and people fear her on the bench, but the law and the facts guide her like stars guide a navigator. "

"Fordyce would dearly like to see his family back in royal favor. If he can tip the trial a little one way or the other he will."

"Despite what you've told me about her innocence, I think this Sabor girl will die."

Heather and Emerion: The "ogre" swings his morning star down. It crashes through Emerion's rising parry and grazes his shoulder. (6 hp)

The other man grabs Heather from behind. His left arm wraps over her left shoulder and around under her right armpit. His right hand grasps hers. She's been grappled. Pretty darn well too.

The two men in front of Heather struggle to free themselves from the webbing.

I know Heather hasn't posted yet, but I'll do Emerion's next action for when she does.

Emerion keeps using his footwork, letting his blade speak for him. He feints again and then thrusts:

Improved Feint (Bluff, move action): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Attack (standard action): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Damage (normal puls Deadly Defence): 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 6) + 2 = 9 plus Sneak Attack 1d6 ⇒ 4 if the feint works.

Heather struggles for a moment then her left hand come up touching his arm and she lets loose with her ancestral shock bolt..

Using Bloodline shockbolt..supernatural ability therefore no concentration check for being grappled required

Ranged touch..1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Damage1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Donitello stands in the doorway behind the girl's mother, Tayce Soldado, with a possesive hand on her shoulder. Tayce says, "The coughing and fever started yesterday evening, but it wasn't this bad. I tried giving her some reefclaw broth ~common folk remedy, about as effective as chicken soup. To be fair most people in Trail's End can't afford anything better. ~ but it didn't seem to help. "

The girl is burning up, distinctly hot to the touch. Her skin is getting a dry paper-like texture that you might find on someone ten times her age. Some of the red blotches are starting to swell and whiten, like pregnant boils. You have never seen anything quite like this.

"Reefclaw broth is a good idea, maybe let dat cool a bit before ye gives it to her, an' I be hoping she will keep it down. Not seen this one before. Now how's about you give her some cold bedbaths, damp cloth and clean the sweat off her. Keep her cool and that should help some with dat fever."

"Now let's see Tayce I don't see no wound on Brienna so maybe she ate summat or drank summat queer before? Do you know what that could be? What she have yesterday? Make sure that its gone and no one else can touch it if'n you see what I be meaning."

"Now fixing her up, dees boils is no picnic in the park but don't worry too much, I'll see a few herbal friends when I goes from here and the like to get some answers. Not seen the like before but dat doan mean jack but I be thinking that she be getting lot worse first."

tt

FW: I run the spoilers to maintain some mystery to the PCs individual lives, but I'm very inconsistent. My rationales for whether I spoiler or not are pretty random and quirky. If I take the time to write PCname only: then I'm pretty serious that responses (if req'd) should be spoilered and other players should keep out.

Kenan: