Thron's Altered Kingmaker (Now Litejedi's)

Game Master Litejedi

Senna seems unbothered by the potential undercurrents to the conversation. She says cheerily, "I like to put the 'tact' in tactics. Besides, I'm a guest at this shindig. It would be rude to assert the host's privilege."

"The meaning of any of those words escape me, Milady." She answers, trying not to let her temper get over her duty. "But aside from authority, there are also lines that should not be crossed, unless utterly impossible to avoid."

"The death of the other heralds already pushed us to the brink of crossing that line and while I do respect your authority, Milady, my oath stands to Kelinahat and Lady Sophiel. Gliocas has already been framed for murderers and I'll not see it to become true."

Naomi's wide eyes are a mask of innocence as she looks up at Chrysa. "And betray the trust so fulsomely and readily bestowed upon me by Her Excellency? Nay, nay, how could I show my face, how could I speak my name aloud were I to repay her warmth and solicitude so incompletely? A warning brought nearly too late? Aid in disarming a trap set for my own person? Until I have performed deeds that Her Excellency will hold in her thoughts and heart eternal, how should I flee? Even with such a gallant guard at my side it is not to be countenanced."

The herald had quite fallen out of her thoughts, but Mila's fierce insistence draws forth a small smile and Naomi's attention. "Let her serve as our own herald with her very survival as our proclamation. Strip her of the arms that she bore against us and used to draw our lifesblood by means of subterfuge, but yes, let her retain her life. How not?"

I don't think I agree that he'd be struggling not to attack everyone else btw. He's a mercenary whose been granted quarter after a job went wrong by a trusted friend who had been on the other side. For a mercenary that's not even an outcome that requires magic to be plausible, we just happen not to have been friends before the battle began.

"The meaning of any of those words escape me, Milady." She answers, trying not to let her temper get over her duty. "But aside from authority, there are also lines that should not be crossed, unless utterly impossible to avoid."

"The death of the other heralds already pushed us to the brink of crossing that line and while I do respect your authority, Milady, my oath stands to Kelinahat and Lady Sophiel. Gliocas has already been framed for murderers and I'll not see it to become true."

"I must interject on the same count. I've no desire to descend to the kind of brutality that has marked this region for far too long."

Almost in amusement, Chrysa points out "Most of the people in this room are dead by the very hands that seek to show mercy now so they will declare murder no matter the truth of the matter. Especially since you plan on releasing 'witnesses'." the woman shakes her head with a smile "If my tone before was unclear, I care not what is done with them, since I was not the one to capture them. The hearts of such of these are already won by lie or coin, no matter."

In her mind she finds a memory, of her and Soph bitterly arguing whether to hang or release bandits so long ago. Which might be the true source of the smile.

Senna weaves a spell (Mending) and focuses on knitting Chrysa’s rent clothing back together. It’s a useful way to hide her reactions to the… arguments she is hearing. She reaches one conclusion from the exchange. The next time, she’d kill first and ask for forgiveness rather than seeking permission.

With the repairs to Chrysa’s armor made, she wipes her hands on her trousers. ”So, what’s our next move? Investigate this strange area? Plan the Ambassador’s nuptials to her erstaz swain?”

Naomi arches an eyebrow drily at Senna's wit. "Well, since we're now talking about ancient curses, rather than Pitaxian weapons, there are a few events that could have produced such a thing.

"However, there was also a beautiful water spirit named Evindra who dwelt in a subterranean pool somewhere below the abbey, and it was through her grace and advice that the priests were able to brew such potent alcohol. Perhaps years of abandonment have turned her grace to grotesquerie? This is all rumor of course, but from such seeds the truth often sprouts."

"Thank you" Chrysa tells the sorcerous as her armor is repaired, rents and dents are not very baroness-y. At Naomi's rumors, she smiles but then let's her mind wander to what she knows about similar bizarre situations. "I find that dangerous aberrations such as these tend to be the cause of the fae, more than it isn't." her dislike of them are well known.

knowledge planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
knowledge nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
knowledge arcane: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
knowledge dungeoneering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
knowledge local: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
knowledge religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"If the mercenary is to be released, how about we do that first and discuss our plan later?"

"Mmm?" Naomi lazily responds. "I believe Gaetane planned to help us investigate this mysterious curse. Thence on to Daggermark or Gliocas or wherever we determine is most suitable, isn't that right dear?"

Unlike a nixie, who Chrysa is relatively familiar with, having met a few times in Gliocas (and with one of Soph’s other friends, Melianse, being one), this sounds like a Neried. Nixies are pleasant to be around - for fey - but nereids are capricious and fickle creatures, despite their relatively solitary nature. They often find themselves attracting unwanted attention from admirers of their physical beauty, and can lash out violently to such attention. Unlike some fey, they aren’t particularly malicious, though, and have been known to help travelers who do not insult or degrade them.

Chrysa also can guess that the gardener has become something of an undead. She is reminded of the odd plant growth and the environment being much like a greenhouse once past the wall, which is an interesting connection to a dead lunatic who loved plants.

Chrysa nods "We have a neried and an undead gardener to discover. Joys from above and below it seems." she looks at the others "We'll explore, find out what we can about the oddities here. Cast whatever preparation you wish, then we'll start with this floor first." Chrysa indicates the entry way with the two doors. "To the west, then loop around." or whatever direction the left is on the map

Chrysa will spend time looking for traps at every door, unless someone is better at it, and cautiously listening for monsters.
perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (12) + 21 = 33

"Oh, does that mean there's not a ghost?" Naomi brightens. "I do so hate personally dealing with them. Normally I have to entice some likely group of heroes if I want one of them dealt with."

Embarrassed that he's once again caused Donovan to expend powerful magic on his behalf, Tikroch ops to change tactics for the remainder of this exploration at least. Let this be a lesson, don't explore in a form you aren't ready to fight in. Cramped hallways are not your friend.

He casts a few more spells, including a charm to harden Chrysa's skin to a tough bark to hopefully protect her in case the get ambushed again.

Barkskin on Chrysa, Spiderclimb on myself.

"Sounds good. Let's do that." Senna doesn't layer any more magics upon herself for the moment.

I will refresh a couple things when we hit the time limits. But as my quickest burning one lasts for 14 minutes, I think I'm OK for now.

"Could be a ghost, could be something else," muses Donovan. "Either way, might be an incorporeal foe, which is especially frustrating."

Determined to not get caught changing forms again, Tikroch opts for a large cat with spots but with bright blue eyes. He then casts one more spell before accompanying Chrisa as she scouts. Not to stay to close, but to be able to respond quickly to trouble. He does send Luca as a close bodyguard though.

Wildshape with two uses into a celestial leopard and cast Greater Magic Fang on my bite attack.

Checking out the eastern room on this level, D4

A number of hooks sit on the wall of this abandoned vestry; heaps of ancient cloth are piled on the floor below. After searching, the mounds of cloth are nothing more than rotted cloaks and old robes bearing the symbol of Cayden Cailean.

Checking the western room on this level, D5

Judging by the broken basins, this must have once been a washroom and lavatory.

When Chrysa looks at one of the basins, she doesn't see any traps, but for a moment, it seems like the basin is filled with water. Taking a second look, the water seems to disappear.

Upstairs or downstairs?

"Interesting" Chrysa says at one of the basins "Senna, can you scan them for magic?" she asks the sorcerous after explaining what she saw. "an illusion, or just a long day, neither seem concerning, but it might speak to something else."

Before they do go up or down, Mila sings a quick rhyme to boost their hopes, drawing an ornate rod while doing so.

Casting extended Good Hope on everyone. Up for 22 minutes.

Despite being stabbed and all the ghost talk, Senna is feeling remarkably positive about this sojourn. How much of that is the influence of Mila's spell is unknown. "Huh? Sure! Just takes a moment." She quickly casts a spell while wiping at her eyes. She focuses on the sink then sweeps the room with her eldritch gaze...

Cast Detect Magic
Knowledge: Arcana: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 = 30 Good Hope
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 16 + 2 = 33 Good Hope

No magic in the rooms whence the cone points towards them.

Senna hrmphs. "If there is something here, I'm not seeing it or it isn't magic."

religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Chrysa notes what she saw, but doesn't know anything else to try, and doesn't know if it is worth spending time on. "Let's explore the rest of the upstairs, in case there is a wayward scout hiding there, before becoming caged in downstairs."

Tikroch leopard pads along with the others investigating. These occult issues are beyond his knowledge. The best he can do is be prepared for when something jumps out at them. Glancing back at Luca, he motions for him to keep a sharp eye out.

Luca Perception, scent: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27 +2 vs stealth

Following his own advice, Tikroch also keeps aware of their surroundings.

Perception, scent: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28

The party creeps slowly up the stairs, watching for danger. No map update yet.

D9. Library

The second story of the small chapel appears to be an old library. Many moldering books and scrolls sit on the sagging wooden shelves that line the walls of this chamber. Another stairwell curves up to the floor above, while a wooden double-door hangs open to the south to reveal a small bedroom.

perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30

After a quick look for danger and treasure, Chrysa will go further into the chamber to investigate the bedroom.

A drawer in a narrow desk against the west wall contains the librarian’s personal journal, a small
leather affair with elaborate knotted designs, as well as a thick tome with soggy leather covers. The journal indicates that the librarian had a growing worry about the gardener’s interest in unnatural topics, including a book the librarian obtained for the gardener but did not give him (lying that the bookseller had cheated him). This referenced book appears to be the book with sodden covers. It has no title and is written in Aklo. It is difficult to read, but if consulted for 10 minutes, it grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Knowledge (dungeoneering) checks and on Knowledge (arcana) or (nature) checks dealing with astrology, astronomy, or the stars. The book is worth 100 gp.

Once she's told what the book contains (since Senna doesn't speak Aklo)...

Senna glances at the librarian's journal and the strangely damp tome. "So, our gardener was interested in dark literature... dark enough that the librarian was concerned. Doesn't sound like this tale will have a happy ending."

Just to be cautious, Senna checks the room with eldritch senses.

Detect Magic

"This is what comes of reading books. Trying to lock away all the secrets and knowledge of the world in there as though it's any safer or more secure than your purse."

Chrysa gave a quick summary of the book, not spending time to read it through (she does speak Alko). It did have a rather horrific introduction, a result in run on sentences, inventive grammar, and pompous pontifications. "All security is an illusion, whether it is purses, minds, or books. All that is needed is enough persistence and sooner or later all is spilled out." the baroness gives out a small smile, as if remembering a particular vivid spilling, then she slips slips both books in her pack, and then gestures to the wooden doors. "Let's clear the rest of the floor before continuing up."

perception for traps and dangers: 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 21 + 2 = 26 been forgetting good hope :)

Chrysa sees no traps or dangers.

The party, led by Chrysa, heads up the narrow staircase to the top floor of the chapel. This room holds a desk engraved with the icon of a wine cup, perhaps indicating the study of a leader of the order. A large and quite old bloodstain mars the floor to the south.

1d20 ⇒ 2

[spoiler=Chrysa]
When Chrysa steps onto the floor of the upper room, she gets the sensation that an incredibly sharp blade has cut through her throat, feeling immense, momentary pain, and she stands there, clutching at her neck. She’s stunned for a round but there are no other negative effects.

When Chrysa reaches the top floor, she seems to stop, and clutches at her neck, as if trying to stop something from cutting her throat.

religion to identify: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 = 19
perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28

Chrysa's dark eyes look for the threat, while her mind tries to figure out what is happening.

Oops, sorry, that's what I get from posting at the Museum of Modern Art.

The moment passes and there is no threat.

A great place to post from :)

"I felt the pain of being stabbed." Chrysa explains. "A feeling I am familiar with rather recently." she nods to the blood stain on the floor.

"Part of our gardener story, do you think?"

Naomi sighs before donning a mask of sorrow. "Such spectral activities often portend ghosts and other specters. It is truly sad that he experienced sufficient anguish to be so bound."

"Perhaps he was remorseful about it..."

"Or maybe you are feeling what happened to the librarian... once the gardener's dark interests went too far."

Chrysa nods at the suggestions. "Do any of you had dealings with spirits before?" she asks, her own memories shifting to a piano player not so long ago, as she searches the room.

perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22 and finds Nothing!

Remembering their last ghostly interaction, Tikroch's fur stands on end before he can control the reaction. Nodding to Luca, they both sniff around the room for anything of interest.

Perception, Scent: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24

Luca Perception, Scent: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26 +2 vs stealth

1d20 ⇒ 15

The party, when stepping up the stairs towards Chrysa, notices she has a jagged white scar on her neck where there was none before, as if some vicious wound had healed.

Tikroch can feel the same effect as in Chrysa’s spoiler when he goes up to the roof, but he ‘fights it off’ and it doesn’t leave a scar.

After a brief look around, there is nothing of interest in any of the rooms on this floor.

"Mm. Lady Shadowfall? Did you happen to have a cosmetic enchantment to cover a scar on your neck? If so, you might wish to reapply it, and if not... I do detest ghosts so."

Chrysa reaches up and runs her finger along the new scar "No." is all she says with a deep hate in her voice normally reserved for the Fae. "If we didn't wish for answers, burning the place down without setting another step further would be preferable."

Tikroch went to the roof already?

"Hrm. Hauntings."

I believe that undead are covered under Knowledge: Religion.

Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

"We need to find the central lingering point, the anchor, the place where the ghost is drawn and where it can't leave because it feels like it has unfinished business here in the material world."