Dark's Curse of the Crimson Throne: Team Lawn & Chaos

Game Master Darkmeer

Amin thanks you profusely and beats a hasty jog down towards South shore. The rest of the way to the ominous Temple of Asmodeus is quiet.

The large, Gothic Structure bears gargoyles across all the rainspouts, with more decorative gargoyles, with more than a few impa roosting near the imps. The grand brass and iron doors bear the scenes of a great walled city. And the grand door is barred shut.

Crowler

"Damn," Crowler said to himself. "There's nothing for it." Weighting the responsibility of his charges to the sever punishment he will deserve, the inquisitor sighed and addresses the group. "I know another way in. Once inside, do not speak unless I say so. Inside your presence is my responsibility."
Crowler leads the group to the secret entrance.

Crowler takes the group to a wall,covered in spikes, known as the wall of the lawless, where executed criminals can be hung and heads be placed on spikes for days. Most sane Korvosans avoid the area at all costs.

One of those spikes happens to trigger a secret stairwell, which clicks open. Once inside, the musky scent of incense begins filling the party's noses. They walls are built to make you feel enclosed or trapped. Crowler leads the group clearly and confidently through a short, but confusing maze, his holy symbol glowing red the entire time.

Once in, the one of the lesser priests accosts you first.

Inquisitor Crowler! I see you have been busy! You have found quite a catch of criminals! Scar Warden Lewen will be happy to help them attone for their crimes!

Reynotto opens his mouth to speak, but realizes he is far out of his confortable terrain and closes it, moving back behind Alexio And takes a swig out of his "Water" flask.

Well, here it goes.
"Negative." Inquisitor Crowler spoke with a straight back, looking down on the lesser priest. "The people you see before you have assisted me to complete a sacred mission for this temple and for Asmodeus himself. The children you see before are the acolytes I've discussed with Archbishop Reebs. I wish to discharge these children into his care as soon as possible."
"But first, what is the status of the temple? The rumors I've heard while on my way here said the hardest fighting was at our gates!"

Hearing the threat in the other man's voice, Alexio clenched his fists and took a step forward. He paused when Crowler confronted the man and waited to see how the situation went. He figured he could have the man unconscious in a second or two. The way out was just behind him so escape shouldn't be too hard. May need to head to Magnimar though. And so he waited.

The lesser Priest nods. Ahh, then you've been told correctly. Bloody streets. I am glad you haven't shirked your sacred duties, Inquisitor. I am sure, however, Reebs will want to know why you allowed them entrance through the Lawless Gate. Maybe Lewen will have some fun at your expense. he smiles a wicked smile. Reebs is in the main Rectory, assisting with the wounded, including a guest Hellknight from the Citadel. I was sent here in the event anyone came in. Color me surprised.

The priest will bend to the Inquisitor's authority (separate hierarchies, both under Reebs). You may pass, although the next check Will need a diplomacy check.

Crowler steps toward and leans down to the lesser priest, getting right in his face.
"IF it is Archbishop Reebs's command, then Lewen will have his pound of flesh", Crowler growled. "And I wouldn't let our archbishop learn that he's been talked about in such casual tone if I were you!"
In turn, the inquisitor turns his back on the lesser priest to address Crowler's assistants.
"Considering the heightened-state the temple is under, I would ask you to stay here for the moment. I thank you for your assistance in the Lamm matter. I shall return to see you all off."
Spinning back around, the inquisitor addresses the lesser priest with a snarl. "Don't just stand there! These men and women risked their lives to bring these children safely into Asmodeus's embrace. The very least this temple can offer them is something clean and cold to drink!!"
Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
"Children," Crowler's tone returns to a even-tempered tone as he addresses The Asmodeus 5, "Follow me. Single-file. No talking."

Pendleton nods at Crowler and prepares to wait, watching the priest to see his reaction.

The priest blanches at Crowler's comments. Yes, Inquisitor and he quickly obtains some slightly chilled, watered down wine used as light refreshments throughout the city.

Crowler and the Asmodeus 5 walk to the main Rectory to see several surgeries going on, with it very apparent that the church's healing abilities have been tapped. At the center of the surgery floor stands Archbishop Reebs, who beckons Crowler and his charges to come near.

Inquisitor. What see you in the city? We saw a bloodbath here. Lost a Hellknight guest of the temple who tried defending us as well, but not before she cut down half the mob personally.. The Archbishop takes you and your charges to a stone table, usually reserved for ceremony and sacrifices, where there is a Crimson curtain, bearing the Asmodean Star, over a woman's body.

The sacrifice of Law to stop the Chaos. Missives will be sent to Citadel Vraid in the morn. And what of these children, Inquisitor? How did they arrive here?

Inquisitor. What see you in the city? We saw a bloodbath here. Lost a Hellknight guest of the temple who tried defending us as well, but not before she cut down half the mob personally..

Crowler looks down at the deceased Hellknight with deep respect. "The chaos that occurs with the changing of a regime. I came across some Groetan cultist trying to make matters worse. The children and I had to lay low in a recently vacated house for the night until circumstances was safe to attempt travel on chaos-filled streets."

"The sacrifice of Law to stop the Chaos. Missives will be sent to Citadel Vraid in the morn. And what of these children, Inquisitor? How did they arrive here?"

"Myself, the children and those who assisted me with the Lamm case, found the temple gates rightfully barred. Not wanting my charges exposed out in the open," Crowler gulped, "accessed the Lawless Gate to gain access to Asmodeus's protection. Those who assisted me in securing the children wait just inside. I, of course, take full responsibility."

Archbishop Reebs looks at Crowler sternly. And you saw fit to leave them alone with a lesser priest? I do not approve of such. Nor do I approve of bringing them in through the lawless gate. However, circumstances being what they are, and having lost Invissa here, I understand your decisions. He turns to the children.

"Asmodeus requires great discipline children. He requires we follow the order to the letter, not the spirit. The spirit of the law is where things can become twisted, where they can become chaotic. And this chaos is what you saw in the streets outside. It is what makes Vigilantism such a problem on our streets. I will have a priest take you to quarters, you will do well to meditate on this. You will be given bread and water, then a fast until the morn, to cleanse your spirits of that chaos you have seen outside. Rest fitfully children, for your training has just begun.

He calls for a lesser priest, whispers something Crowler cannot quite make out, and the priest takes the children away, towards the dormitories.

Turning back to Crowler. As to your... indiscretions. In normal circumstances, I would have you beaten within an inch of your life. I'd even do it myself. He slaps Crowler full across the face. But that, Inquisitor will have to do. With the monarchy in chaos, whomever ends up in charge will need allies, and I want them to know the Church of Asmodeus is there to be that ally. Tomorrow, come back, with or without your allies, and I will have a missive for you to take to Castle Korvosa from the Church.

((( in the Entrance )))
Eviryss and Aleziella are getting a bit uncomfortable, with the whole 'in hell's domain' and the lesser priest is glowering at you. Arms folded as if he's defending the church from interlopers.

The priest is prodding the group.

"I don't see why Crowler even needed the help. Smug bastard thinks he owns the place. Archbishop reebs'll have his head over bringing you in here. And you'll get to watch.

Reynotto is a little bit angered by this comment, not only is it an Asmodausean taking, but he's talking bad about one of his allies (disagree as they might.) He smirks and says "He needed the help because he was taking down a child enslaver, more then I reckon you've done. He also brought 5 new recruits, succeeding in his assignment. It sounds to me like he might be praised, though I'm not an expert on Asmodausean discipline."

Turning back to Crowler. As to your... indiscretions. In normal circumstances, I would have you beaten within an inch of your life. I'd even do it myself. He slaps Crowler full across the face. But that, Inquisitor will have to do. With the monarchy in chaos, whomever ends up in charge will need allies, and I want them to know the Church of Asmodeus is there to be that ally. Tomorrow, come back, with or without your allies, and I will have a missive for you to take to Castle Korvosa from the Church.

Taking the blow in obedient silence, Crowler bows respectfully before Reebs. "As you command, Archbishop. Praise to the Dark Prince!"

Before Cowler return

Eviryss scratches a claw against the stony floor while Aleziella shifts her polearm around, letting it rest against the floor again with a thump. The half-elf opens her mouth to respond. "Well, it wasn't Cowler that smashed in Lamm's skull, nor did he tear out his guts with his claws. Allies are useful for accomplishing difficult tasks. It doesn't matter who your allies are, what matters is what you accomplish together. By cooperating we were able to finally dish out vegance on the man that has made my childhood and that of many others into a living hell. Prejudice narrows your options. We're the one with the results and a job well done. Would you not ally with a devout follower of Desna if it would allow you to fight against a demon threatening your church?"

Aleziella smiles when she sees Cowler return alone. That was quick, hopefully it means things went over smoothly without negative repercussions. "Good to see you back Inquisitor Cowler. I hope all went well?"

Once they are alone, she speaks to the group in hushed tones. "So what do we do next? I don't fancy wandering the streets alone. I'm not sure I can deal with a group like that mob we saw before or even worse, take on a similar sized group of the green hatter's men. I don't know about you guys, but I feel like we've been working fairly well together so far. I don't have a job or anything I have to do. I would like to continue working together. There are so many things that needs to be done. I can't do them alone. I can't rest while the remainder of Lamm's shadow still corrupt the city, like this Rolth guy for example. With the spoils we recovered from Gaedren's hideout, we should be able to get by. Are you with me?"

She looks around at the group with a mix of determination and uncertainty. Then it's the matter of what to actually do next. I should check in on my mother and tell her the news, but that's not super urgent. We found a book of some kind you mentioned the guards might be interested in, right? We could deliver that. There's also all the stuff we found. I'm not sure I could use any of it directly. If we can sell that, perhaps we could acquire some better gear. I'm also a bit uncomfortable about the orphanage. If the green hatter's men return, they might not be able to defend themselves. Then of course there's Rolth and this keyhole-guy. We could try to locate those. Of course we don't have much of a lead to go by. Asking the guards and other organizations of the law could perhaps be a place to start."

She pauses for a moment before she suddenly her eyes widen in realization. "Oh, this place is used to deal with criminals right? We could ask here. Cowler, could you do that? Figure out if they know anything? Once we've done that, we could head back to the orphanage, maybe looking for a place to trade goods on the way. Then we could head to the guards after that? "

The lesser Priest bows his head to Crowler, Yes, Inquisitor. Please let me know when you depart, so that I may return to my duties.

At that point, the priest recoils to an alcove of silence, and pulls a heavy woolen curtain for privacy. Provided you do not shout, he will not hear your plans.

As Crowler comes in Reynotto raises an eyebrow at the priest and smirks. As Aleziella lays out the plan Reynotto says "I'm with you, as long as Rolth has my brother it pains me to be idle, even if it's not directly related to Rolth. It would be quite the ordeal but if we could get the orpahs to my house or even the noble I'm not sure which is closer, the south shore or old Korvosa I'm sure they' be well protected. The guard does seem like a smart place, I'm good friends with a higher up ranking guard, Verik Vancaskerkin."

Aleziella smiles when she sees Crowler return alone. That was quick, hopefully it means things went over smoothly without negative repercussions. "Good to see you back Inquisitor Cowler. I hope all went well?"

Crowler gives a small knowing smile, and a quick nod to the half-elf.

She pauses for a moment before she suddenly her eyes widen in realization. "Oh, this place is used to deal with criminals right? We could ask here. Crowler, could you do that? Figure out if they know anything? Once we've done that, we could head back to the orphanage, maybe looking for a place to trade goods on the way. Then we could head to the guards after that?"

"You can make those inquires here tomorrow if you wish, Ms. Libuyaza." The inquisitor calmly holds up his hand to gently calm the woman down. "The temple is too preoccupied with the injured and dying at this moment."

Alexio was busy keeping himself from flattening the little cleric's nose when Crowler finally returned. Once they step out and Aleziella expressing her concerns, Alexio says, "The green hatters need a thrashing. We could move the children afterward. They are a group of bullies and the only way to handle them is to bloody them so that they don't try it again. If we just move the children they will find a new target. Best to put an end to them now. We can stay at my place. I'd be too tempted to swipe something out of Reynotto's place, that or want to smack that maid of yours."

"I don't think moving the kids further during the riots is safe. Besides, it's not like it's any safer to stay at Zellara's or Reynotto's place than where they are. And more importantly, there are no one to take care of them there. The problem is that they don't have anyone guarding them.

If we pass by a shop on the way, I think it would be nice to stop to trade away the stuff we got from Lamm for something we can us."

She looks towards Cowler with a hopeful look. "Are you coming with us Inquisitor Cowler? Or are you staying here? If we end up fighting the green hatter's men we could use the help. I would appreciate it. Maybe you'll get some lawbreakers you can actually arrest this time."

"Delivering the book to the guard is of most import to me. That will start the long process of clearing my name properly. But, that will take some time and it can certainly wait until there is less unrest and the guard have more time for less urgent matters."

"Until such time, I would be glad to journey together. Myself, I find Zellara's words compelling so I would like to try and discover this darkness she fortells. The change in ruler certainly could be the catalyst, so I'll be glad to accompany Crowler to deliver the message."

"I think the children should be safer where they are than making another journey. The sisters were capable of fending off one attack. We could certainly head back to help defending them - and if the greenhats are trying to increase the rioting, stopping their work would help the city recover."

She looks towards Cowler with a hopeful look. "Are you coming with us Inquisitor Cowler? Or are you staying here? If we end up fighting the green hatter's men we could use the help. I would appreciate it. Maybe you'll get some lawbreakers you can actually arrest this time."

Crowler looks nonplussed. I don't believe it! Did they not hear me?! Grrrrr! This is what I get for be personable!!

Nope, all children are safe in the Orphanage and in the Church of Asmodeus' care. The children are safe, especially with the orphanage completely barred from entry, and the green Hatted men can be hunted if you choose.Pendleton and Arzodus both have things to do, as well as inspecting the items that Lamm stored.

Reynotto says "I would definitely be very interested in meeting the queen, even if it's at the courtesy of the temple of Asmodeus. Beating up thugs does sound enjoyable,might lead to a lead on Rolth."

Aleziella Libuyaza mentioned moving the children as a possibility. Alexio suggested taking care of the Green Hatted men before moving the children. Not that they would need to be moved if the green hats are dead.

What time of day is it?

"Inspector, I'd rather kiss a cat than meet the queen unless she's paying me or putting out. No thanks, you can be the messenger boy."

Alexio:

you have no leads on the Green-hatted men. They are simply madmen to you, albeit masked madmen. You have Pendleton's journal, which Crowler deciphered, and that can be taken to a guard post or the main guardhouse today. Tomorrow, the Church of Asmodeus has Crowler delivering a message to the queen, one of support, in theory. You also have the items from Lamm you need to look over. It is about 1 pm by the time you are ready to leave the Temple.

So, where to? Zellara's/Alexio's home? The main guardhouse station (very near), or somewhere else to take care of business?

the guard house sounds good

Alexio cocks his head and looks at Pendleton. "Say, would the guard house have wanted posters for stolen goods as well? Kind of like a bounty? If so, I think we should swing by the guard house, you guys check into dropping off your book and I'll see if any of our earlier findings may be sought after. If we pass anyone wearing a green hat, we beat the pee out of 'em. Sound good?"

"Sounds like something resembling a plan", Crowler sighs. "Please follow me". The inquisitor leads the group back out the Lawless Gate.

"Agreed, let's head to the guardhouse now."

The way to the main guardhouse is actually pretty clear. The Korvosan Guard have most rioters in check near the guardhouse, and they ask your business as you are walking up. They quickly bow to Inquisitor Crowler, as he is known to them, although they do eye Reynotto and Alexio a bit suspiciously.

Upon entering, you are brought to a clerk, who is busily trying to get guards to the right places. And he looks a bit frazzled.

"Yeah, what can I do for you?" He says gruffly.

Looking to Pendleton, Crowler gives a slight nod and steps up to the clerk.
"Inquisitor Crowler, of the Temple of Asmodeus", the Asmodean agent begins, "and we have evidence against one Gaedren Lamm, who was running a child slavery/pickpocket ring by the docks. And we would like a receipt showing it was given to you and this time."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 NICE!

earlier...
"I think it would be interesting for sure to meet Queen Ileosa, though I have no idea what we would say to her..."

Now
"Good day. We found something you might be interested in. Evidence of underhand dealings." She smiles at the man.

The clerk looks at you, dumbfounded. "Was running? An odd turn of phrase, Inquisitor. Given these times, I wouldn't be surprised if the old badger did something and the mob got 'im. Let me look."

He looks in the journal. "This is just gibberish. It's coded. I can give you a receipt, but do you have the key to the code? It'll save us some time. And it's a bit of a reward for that, too.

Crowler did decipher the code earlier. He would need to write it down. How do you proceed?

How long would it take to write down the key? Pendleton can help if necessary. If we can also find a list of missing items to compare to the ones we have, some of us could go find that instead.

The key will take about half an hour to write out, with questions, but otherwise will be a pretty easy task. Once Crowler confirms or not, that will determine what happens here and in the evening.

Looking around, Crowler asks, "You boys have a place for me to sit down to write the cypher?"

"Ah, we also had some other items you might be interested in, right Alexio? We might as well go through them while we wait for them to finish with the books." She looks over to the brawler and reaches for her backpack to bring out her share of the spoils.

Then suddenly she turns to the clerk again with a huge smile. "Oh yeah, the reason Cowler spoke about Gaedren Lamm in past tense is because he's dead. We encountered him in the fishery right when the riots were starting. Turns out that place was even more dangerous than being out, luckily we were the ones who emerged alive from there." Everything she says is true, but it's certainly implying that it was an encounter of chance rather than pre-mediated.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

We gain a hero point from leveling up right?

correct, you gain a hero point when gaining a level.

The clerk looks a Crowler askance. " Certainly. Your company is... Interesting, Inquisitor Crowler.

He goes and gets a chair, pen & ink and parchment He also brings a couple more Korvosans guards with him.

"These Guards can show the rest of you to a safe place to sort those items you believe Lamm had stolen."

Dice rolls

Pendleton addresses the clerk. "I don't suppose you know where Sergeant Vancaskerkin is? I know the book has information regarding cases he was involved with in the past."

The clerk just glares at you. "He didn't report for duty for the past few days, sick I guess."

The other guards clear their throats, waiting for you to follow them. They seem impatient, almost nervous. Then again, they also look tired and overworked. The rioting outside has to be taking its toll on them.

"We managed to find some items and we were looking to see if there were any posted rewards. We never said Lamm had anything to do with some of these things." Alexio said.

Admist the chaos of the guard station, can Crowler write his own copy of the journal without others noticing?

Crowler would need a bluff check and a would be able to write a few key events, but the journal is about 60 pages.

Crowler:

I see, says one of the guards. I know you from a couple bar brawls. I would rather see for myself. We have a list in the other room, an' the Field Marshall is probably gonna be a bit upset if we make her wait much longer.

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Grumble

Reynotto looks concerned when they said Verik hadn't been in for a few days "Do you know where we could find Verik? As for the items would we be able to deliver them to the previous owners if available, because if they had a reward we'd like that."

"We can try to track him down ourselves. Hopefully he is safe amidst the current chaos."

Addressing the guards: "We apologise for taking up your time - I know everything must be hectic here, with the rioting, and I'm sure the new queen is settling into her role."

"I don't care how the field marshal feels you freakin' gavver. I tried to be nice but if you don't want us to try and get the stuff back to its rightful owners, I'll just go hock the stuff on the street. Now pony up, or I'm out of here." Alexio says, obviously annoyed with the guard.

Aleziella smiles disarmingly. "Relax guys. We're all on the same side here. I'm sure neither of you are looking to cheat each other. We'll get our dues Alexio." Eviryss has walked calmly up right next to the guy and choose this moment to speak up. "We didn't come here to steal stuff, but to help you mister... Guard? Please have a little faith. Speaking of help, is there any reward for dealing with Lamm for you? I'm Eviryss by the way. "

diplomacy aid Eviryss: 1d20 ⇒ 4
diplomacy Aleziella: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27