Dungeon Master S's "War for the Crown" AP

Game Master Chris Marsh

Xavien smiles and bows. "A hard bargainer, I see. We are glad to make an exchange."

"By the by, you have not been visited by a half-orc woman of late? Dressed in Numerian garb?"

Updated the Campaign Tracker to distribute the proceeds. Each person gains 1020 GP.

"Can't say that I have...." He seems very much not interested in conversing.

"Very well!" Xavien dumps the goods, collects the coin, and makes like a tree.

"On to the Enumerator I think, no?"

The party heads to Yanmass’s temple of Abadarto follow up with the Mercantile Council member who serves as the temple’s high priest, Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor.

Although located in the low valley between Yanmass’s two hills, the soaring roofs of the city’s temple of Abadar tower over all others in the city. Designed by a renowned Taldan architect in an airy, elegant style, the temple took nearly a generation to build and almost emptied an entire quarry in the Fog Peaks of its rare, gold-hued stone. Acolytes ring the key-shaped chimes in the temple’s tallest towers to signify holy celebrations, and the temple’s canny high priest, Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor, is a popular figure and member of the city’s influential Mercantile Council.

You arrive just as he is dismissing the trio of acolytes. He brings you into the main room. "Tell me outsiders. What do you think of Yanmass thus far? And be honest, we are in Abadar's house."

"My assessment of Yanmass, so far, is incomplete. But so far my feelings are... complicated," Aurelia says, unable to not at least a little diplomatic. She doesn't elaborate. "But I believe that you prefer direct, succinct conversation. You had hoped to meet with us?"

"But so far my feelings are... complicated," Aurelia says.

"Mine are less so," Xavien interjects with a grim smile. "Yanmass is busy squabbling while dire threats mount against it. The city must unite or it will perish." He nods to Aurelia to continue.

"But unite behind whom sir?"

"Each other," Xavien replies simply.

"You dodge my question, so I'll speak plainly. Who should rule Taldor?"

Corran doesn't give the others time to hem and haw. But he does consider who he is talking to.

"We stand behind the lawful Grand Princess Eutropia. The law passed as did The Grand Prince. Grand Princess Eutropia is the rightful and just monarch of Taldor. Anyone who says differently is a traitor, and accounts will be settled."

Oh, I SEE you, b***h.

While the face folks talk, Kenton tries to keep a trained eye on what can be seen around the temple's sizeable main room.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Before your very eyes a pair of assassins in black leather armor shift into view, their invisibility collapsing under their attack.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 2 = 20 CLANG! The enumerator has plate under his robes!
Rapier: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 2 = 24 for DMG: 1d6 + 3 + 4d6 ⇒ (5) + 3 + (1, 4, 5, 4) = 22

"ASSASSINS!" he shouts through a clenched jaw.

ROUND 1:
Kenton (42/54): Go
Xavien (69/69): Go
Ianthe (37/37): Go
Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor (48/70): TBD
Corran (29/36): TBD
Aurelia (32/32): TBD
Assassins: TBD

-----------------------------
TACTICAL MAP
Location: Temple of Abadar

DM’s Tracker
Party Conditions:
Terrain Conditions: bright light
Enemy Conditions:

"Stay behind me!" Xavien shouts, rushing the assassin on the left to pin him down and make him pay for any flanking attempt on the Enumerator. With Koriana's Blade pointed at the assassin's chest, his voice booms through the transept.

"TALDANS! To arms! Of apathy beware,
And let your Country be your dearest care.
Protect your Altars! Guard your right Queen's throne,
The cause of Eutropia is your own!
What! Shall that Taldor want her Sons' support,
Whose Heroes fought at Vauntil---Gallowspire?"

Status: AC 17, HP 69/69.

Abrun hears the music, but doesn't let it inside him. It's not his style.

Kenton reacts quickly, though not so quickly as to foil the attack before it is launched. With an internal curse, Kenton five-foot steps up to Red and heeds Xavien's raging song. Accepting song and using Raging Abandon.

+1 rapier: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 2 = 21
slashing plus precision: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 9

+1 rapier: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11
slashing plus precision: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Behind me, Chief Enumerator! Lest these assassins find their quarry an easy mark!

Ianthe performs a quick series of hand gestures. She points at the assassin engaged with Xavien and fires a series of magic missiles at him.

Magic Missile: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3, 2) + 3 = 12

Xavien starts a song to make everyone see red while Kenton channels it into a solid strike. Ianthe launches a trio of missiles at the other assassin.

The Chief Enumerator offers up a Prayer to Abadar. It's not a plead, but an invocation of divine power! each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a -1 penalty on such rolls.

ROUND 1:
Kenton (42/54):
Xavien (69/69): Skalding
Ianthe (37/37): MM
Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor (48/70): Spell
Corran (29/36): Go
Aurelia (32/32): Go
Assassins: TBD

-----------------------------
TACTICAL MAP
Location: Temple of Abadar

DM’s Tracker
Party Conditions: Prayer
Terrain Conditions: bright light
Enemy Conditions:

Aurelia speaks a series of occult words, magic flowing through her as she makes a series of quick gestures.
Use 3 Reservoir points to Cast Summon Monster III as a standard action
Summon Monster III (1d3 Wolves): 1d3 ⇒ 2

When her spell finishes, a pair of growling wolves materialize next the assassins! The magic from Xavien's bardsong washes over the wolves, who immediately attack the Chief Enumerator's assailants.

Wolf Bite (Black) vs Black: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Wolf Bite (Red) vs Red: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

"Nine Hells! Assassins!"

Aurelia piles on the numbers, looking to thwart and overwhelm the assassins. While the wolves fail to wound them, they do make it harder to get to the would-be target.

ROUND 1:
Kenton (42/54):
Xavien (69/69): Skalding
Ianthe (37/37): MM
Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor (48/70): Spell
Corran (29/36): Go
Aurelia (32/32): Duran Duran
Assassins: TBD

-----------------------------
TACTICAL MAP
Location: Temple of Abadar

DM’s Tracker
Party Conditions: Prayer
Terrain Conditions: bright light
Enemy Conditions:

Corran swings his lute forward into his grip and plays a quick riff, and intones his magic words "Evol fo eman eht ni! Pots!"

Casts, Hold Person upon the assassin framed in black. Save DC is 16

Will: 1d20 ⇒ 7 Without breaking Corran's heart.... the assassin freezes in place!

The free assassin ignores the foes around him and stabs at the Chief Enumerator:
Rapier: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 for DMG: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

The paralyzed one Will: 1d20 ⇒ 17 breaks free after losing precious seconds.

ROUND 2:
Kenton (42/54): Go
Xavien (69/69): Go
Ianthe (37/37): Go
Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor (48/70): TBD
Corran (29/36): TBD
Aurelia (32/32): TBD
Assassins: TBD

-----------------------------
TACTICAL MAP
Location: Temple of Abadar

DM’s Tracker
Party Conditions: Prayer
Terrain Conditions: bright light
Enemy Conditions:

Xavien moves to confront the more imminent threat to the Enumerator, careful to keep his arm free for any advance from t'other. Meanwhile, his voice echoes to the rafters with a quickening ballad.

"And when Great Arnisant led the Taldan van
Ashore, o'er dead men, triumphed to a man!
By Coren's great and ever honor'd name!
By Porthmos' prowess, and by Tymon's fame!
By all the gen'rous blood for Empire shed,
And by the ashes of the patriot dead!"

He angles his attack to fall between the assassin and the target, giving the Enumerator a tiny bit of cover. Defending property for +1 AC for me and the Enumerator for this round.

Koriana's Blade @ Red: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 2 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 1 - 2 + 2 - 1 = 27
Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 9 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 6 + 1 - 1 = 21

Status: AC 16, HP 69/69, Rage, Prayer, Reckless, Defending.

Xavien moves to defend his charge and delivers a telling blow in the process!

Will: 1d20 ⇒ 12 Without breaking Corran's heart.... the assassin freezes in place!

The free assassin ignores the foes around him and stabs at the Chief Enumerator:
Rapier: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24 for DMG: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

The paralyzed one Will: 1d20 ⇒ 11 breaks free after losing precious seconds.

ROUND 2:
Kenton (42/54): Go[/b]
Xavien (69/69): Hit
Ianthe (37/37): Go
Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor (48/70): TBD
Corran (29/36): TBD
Aurelia (32/32): TBD
Assassins: TBD

-----------------------------
TACTICAL MAP
Location: Temple of Abadar

DM’s Tracker
Party Conditions: Prayer
Terrain Conditions: bright light
Enemy Conditions:

Kenton continues his focus on Red, five-foot stepping up and heeding Xavien's raging song. Accepting song and using Raging Abandon, full attack action.

+1 rapier: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 2 = 33 CRIT THREAT
confirm?: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 = 17 eh, prolly not
slashing plus precision: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10
plus if crit confirms: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

+1 rapier: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26
slashing plus precision: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 = 14

You viper's brood! Kenton shouts as he thrusts with his blade. You spiritual scarecrows!

Kenton makes two quick hits, with one nearly hitting the heart. The second hit draws too much blood for the man to stay in the fight. The erstwhile assassin collapses!

ROUND 2:
Kenton (42/54): Kill
Xavien (69/69): Hit
Ianthe (37/37): Go
Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor (48/70): TBD
Corran (29/36): TBD
Aurelia (32/32): TBD
Assassins: TBD

-----------------------------
TACTICAL MAP
Location: Temple of Abadar

DM’s Tracker
Party Conditions: Prayer
Terrain Conditions: bright light
Enemy Conditions:

Ianthe sends another trio of arcane bolts at the assassassin.

Magic Missile: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2, 4) + 3 = 11

When in doubt, go with the sure thing. Ianthe, looking a little different than normal, launches a trio of magical missiles into the remaining assassin.

the chief enumerator casts a spell that massively and literally increases Xaavien's presence in the cathedral. Righteous Might

ROUND 2:
Kenton (42/54): Kill
Xavien (69/69): Hit
Ianthe (37/37): MM
Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor (48/70): Magic
Corran (29/36): Go
Aurelia (32/32): Go
Assassins: TBD

-----------------------------
TACTICAL MAP
Location: Temple of Abadar

DM’s Tracker
Party Conditions: Prayer
Terrain Conditions: bright light
Enemy Conditions:

BOT

Corran moves to stand beside the Enumerator and begins a majestic accompaniment on his lute, adding to Xavien's thundered ballad, which has by now dropped by a full octave as the skald swells to giant size.

"By the bright Glory TALDANS lately won
On Kelish plains, beneath the burning Sun,
TALDANS, to ARMS! Defend your empire's Cause;
Fight for your Queen, your liberties, your laws!
Foes be defied, their slavish yoke abhorr'd,
And place your safety only in your Sword."

Corran adds Inspire Courage (+2 atk/dmg).

Employing pack tactics, the two wolves converge on the remaining assassin.

The northernmost wolf, taking advantage bites at the assassin!
Bite vs Black: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 27
Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

They then try to take man down to the ground!
Trip vs Black: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 21

The other wolf, caught by surprise by its mate's effective attack, tries to also bite at the assassin.
Bite vs Black: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Aurelia retrieves a wand, points it at the assassin, and speaks the command word. A ray of scorching flame bursts forth from the tip of the wand!
Scorching Ray vs Black (Touch AC): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Alas, the ray flies wide of its mark.

Aurelia's pack gets to work. In the chaos only a single bite and trip connects, but the assassin is clearly not long for this world.

Calling it, as he's about to draw WAY too many AoOs. For saving the Chief Enumerator, each of you earns 800 XP.

Without missing a single beat, the Chief Enumerator stabilizes the final assassin. "If you need to question him of course... I thank you for your aid, and I apologize for the mess in my house. Please, whatever they have is yours. Additionally, I have a personal gift fort your efforts."

He grabs a heavy crossbow off the wall. It has a heavy wooden stock decorated with ornate golden filigree. "It's known as the Scofflaw Hunter"

Corran admires and studies the weapon. If it has a name, it may have a history...

HISTORY: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 know I anything of Scofflaw Hunter?

Corran knows not the name, but he knows the artistry. There's a goldsmith who lends his hand to both arms and armor. His name is something like Oster Cullin. He's a young man of Chelish ancestry, but lives in Oppara. That likely means the weapon is untested, but undoubtedly of masterwork quality.

A gigantic Xavien bows to the Enumerator. "Your eminence is most kind. I am indeed pleased to know that you are not too grievously harmed. Should you have those wounds seen to? Yanmass can ill afford another absent seat on the Council."

He takes the Enumerator's invitation to thoroughly divest the assassins of their effects. Perception T20: 20 + 13 = 33

Before long, Xavien shrinks to normal size.

Xavien *tsks* at the lack of any instructional note, but he supposes that good assassins would destroy such evidence. He takes a moment to bind the living assassin's hands and feet to a pew, for later questioning.

"Well, Chief Enumerator," he says, rising, "you did evince a desire to speak with us, before we were so rudely interrupted. What have you to say?"

"Tell me what you know about the Cult of the Twilight Child"

A slight frown flashes across Xavien's face; the question as a response to a question somewhat irks his preference for straightforward discussion.

"Little enough. We know the Cult claims to worship a resurrected Prince Carrius, though no proof of such an event has been made public. And we know that the Cult has been gaining adherents in Yanmass. Perhaps you have more light to shed on the matter?"

"I have made my own investigations into the Cult of the Twilight Child, as I have become concerned that the cult is tarnishing my faith’s good name. I can confirm that the Cult of the Twilight Child has nothing to do with Abadar’s faith. Further, I'm now become worried that the cult’s objectives are more ominous than they appear on the surface. I have a strong feeling that these assassins are related. I don't have much now, but I can pass on any information that I have now."

He looks at the corpses, "Should we ask them?"

Xavien follows the Enumerator's gaze and smiles. "In a moment. Two other points of intelligence, if I may. Know you anything of a local by the name of Caradinna Farkin? We found her body stuffed in a chest at her home, which was occupied by her assassin. Perhaps some of her ravings came close to the truth about the Cult?"

"And second, more sinister news: we have seen evidence of div activity in the city. Heard you anything about a 'white ram with black eyes' among the cultists?"