GM_DBH's Curse Of The Crimson Throne

Game Master DBH

Vencarlo then asks you to be seated, but remains standing as he speaks.

“You were all at the queen’s debacle, so I don’t doubt you recognize this charming young woman. I had only just reached my home the night of Her Majesty’s morbid gala when that troublemaker Blackjack and this startled woman arrived at my doorstep. The so-called “people’s hero” and I have had some dealings in the past, but it’s been some years since I’ve seen the scoundrel. He was quick with his words and soon swooped off, doubtlessly to right some other festering wrong, but not before entrusting Miss Sabor to my protection and care.

"Although I don’t know Blackjack’s motives or politics, I trust his judgment and have seen much right done by his blade. He says Miss Sabor is innocent of the crime she’s been accused of, and I’m more disposed to trust a hero of the city than the tantrums of some bloody-minded child playing at queen."

“The matter is simple: Korvosa is no longer safe for Miss Sabor. I’ve arranged for friends in Harse—a couple of well respected ranchers—to take in our beautiful renegade until this whole ‘assassination’ foolishness blows over. It’s the first leg of the journey where we find our problem, though. Ever since the queen’s put a price on her head, mercenaries, soldiers, and the queen’s new Gray Maidens have been
searching for the young lady tirelessly."

"They’ve stopped by here three times so far, and each time I’ve only just barely been able to turn them away without inviting a search. My most reliable contacts have gone to ground in light of the recent uprisings, and Her Highness’s bounty for Trinia’s capture makes the use of new agents inadvisable. Thus, after some time to let her trail cool, I turned to you resourceful lot."

"Care to escort a lady home?”

What is your response?

Vedika glances at her colleagues and says, "I think every woman in this room has had to do a walk home through an unsafe neighborhood. We may be vagabonds, scoundrels, and seditionists, but we're not monsters."

"That's a yes." Brig says simply, her arms in her normal crossed pose. The way this man has to say five things to say one bugs her, or it might be that what Kayleigh said early has just soured her toward him. Either way that is with him, not this Trinia.

"Absolutely. Vedika put it quite well. We all definitely know what it is to be looking over our shoulders, desperately trying to avoid the lurking dangers around us." Ariadne replies with a nod. "We're proud to be the ones that keep the monsters at bay."

Kayleigh remains silent, suddenly realizing for the first time the depth and breadth of what she'd gotten herself embroiled in the day she helped her new friends deal with the unspeakable evils going on inside All the World's Meat.

A voice deep inside corrects her: that wasn't when Kayleigh took her first steps down this path. No--it was the day she'd discovered the lost holy symbol of Milani wedged between some cobblestones in her last days as one of Lamm's Lambs. Milani was not the goddess of community social workers--she was (among other things) the goddess of uprisings. Kayleigh fears she's about to get abruptly yanked out of the quiet comfort zone she'd grown accustomed to....

Vencarlo plans on funding the escape: supplying Trinia with a horse and supplies for her travels, along with any reasonable mundane supplies you need to smuggle her out of the city.

He asserts that a simple, subtle egress would work best and draw the least attention. With the recent events near North Bridge, he suggests a slow walk through the city down to High Bridge and then up to Dwarfwalk Road, mingling with the afternoon’s merchants leaving the city.

He opposes more dramatic attempts to leave town, knowing the city is certainly on alert for such theatrics as flying people or other shows of magical power.

You don’t have to escort Trinia all the way to Harse (which is over 60 miles northeast of Korvosa). You need only to escort her to a wayside inn along the road north called Trots, where they’re to hand Trinia over to a man named Jasan Adriel, a friend of Vencarlo who owns a horse ranch in Harse.

It’s a 12-mile trip to Trots, and Vencarlo hands you a pouch of 20gp to cover a night at the inn if they don’t want to make the journey back to Korvosa immediately.

Any other supplies or question you want to ask before you set off?

He does give you both a description of Jasan Adriel, and a question to ask him if you are suspicious. You should ask Jasan what he learned at Three trees? The answer should be something about not turning your back on a surly pig.

"So, mundane disguise?" says Vedika.

"We must, of course, be prepared for the possibility of someone hunting with magical scrying, if we don't have a nondetection spell."

knowledge local: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28 is that the best route?

Brig considers the route the swordsman is suggesting. "Maybe the sewers?" she always thought they would be a good way of getting around town without being scene.

Kayleigh's face looks dejected as she shakes her head at Vedika's mention of the nondetection spell. It brightens considerably, however, when she recalls something else. "I still have lots of stuff in that disguise kit I bought for...." Trinia's public execution! Gaa--I can't say that! Kayleigh coughs before stammering, "...for, um, that masquerade party we, err, all got invited to that time." Her slightly panicked eyes bounce between her friends, awkwardly avoiding looking at Vencarlo or (especially) Trinia.

When Brigita suggests perhaps using the sewers, the cleric goes pale, remembering how she nearly got herself mired in an otyugh's messy lair the last time she ventured below the city.

Be forewarned--you don't want to put Kayleigh in a position where she has to lie smoothly--it's not her strong suit.

"Great! I can help with the disguise work."

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

"If we assume that we are gonna have some kind of encounter with pursuers... we either should pick a route that will make it easier for us to lose them, or one where we can fight on turf that is advantageous to us. Maybe one of the mazelike alleys of the slums, or perhaps going through the Low Market if we think we're gonna brawl."

"My sister should be all right on her own for a few days, I left some money at home for her, but I don't wanna be gone too long."

Since the North gate is being watched more closely at the moment going out of the city via the High bridge is the best route. As he said, joining the merchants heading home in the afternoon after selling their goods during the day gives you lots of cover. The sewers tend to have occupants. Nasty occupants in fact. A few of whom the party has already had the pleasure of meeting. :)

Yes, Korvosa does have an Otyugh problem.

"Yeah, we should definitely avoid the sewers. Aside from the otyughs, the smell will draw attention once we exit...anywhere." Ariadne says after giving it some thought. "The good thing is, with all the merchants and their guards leaving, we should blend in pretty well."

Brig didn't know anything about otyughs, but she was smart enough to notice the reactions and not push. "Okay, so some of us disguise ourselves as merchants, and others as guards." Brig raises her hand as she mentions guards. While she is a craftsman, lying is not her strong suit either.

Vedika thinks for a bit, then says, "If we do the leaving-with-the-merchants gambit, then... we need to take the identity of someone they expect to leave the city. But... misdirect their attention."

"Guards expect merchants to go in and out buying and selling wares. Of course if you have a cart with a tarp over it, they'll search it, looking for someone that you're hiding. So you hide them in plain sight—as one of the other merchants or guards—and you fill the cart with something mundane, like timber or pottery. If we can buy a cheap cart and pass ourselves off as a small group of laborers who're heading out to trade timber... no real merchant would do that, you import raw materials into the city and export finished goods, but a typical guard-sentinel might not know that. Look under the tarp, see a bunch of lumber, wave the group along."

"Hmm... good idea. I wonder which would be easier to get a hold of, timber or cheap pottery?" Ariadne replies.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

"We'd have to hide our weapons and armor in the cart if we're just laborers. " Brig might be mainly a blacksmith, working on tools and mundane items, but she knew weapons enough that their group had weapons any poor laborer would kill to have.

"The shop I work from has plenty of wood we could buy." blacksmiths need wood for their fires.

Kayleigh nods as Vedika expounds on the potential plan. "If it makes more sense for us to have dropped off a lumber shipment...what if we just throw a few small things on the cart that traders might take back to their village, like...I don't know...maybe a few boxes of chocolate candies, some vases, and maybe a sack of seeds for planting?"

"Sure," says Vedika. [b]"Luxuries from the city are always welcome abroad. Just needs to be enough to be plausible."

"Whatever it is, it shouldn't be anything too outlandish. Normal stuff that's not too valuable won't be as likely to invite a search as fancy stuff," Nethen suggests.

Just to help you plan. The merchants are heading back out with empty carts. These are the people who come into the city early in the morning with food from the nearby farms and raw materials for the craftsmen to turn into goods. Having sold everything they return to their bases outside late afternoon.

Kayleigh purchases 6 half-pound bars of chocolate in a small box (30 gp!). two sacks of flour, and two sacks of seeds to approximate what a small group of lumber or pottery traders might buy in the big city to return to their village with. She trusts Brigita and the others to find an actual cart.

Before heading out, she offers everyone the use of her disguise kit. She can't help but wonder if she'll be playing a guard or a merchant in the coming gambit.

local: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

"I know where we can get a cart." she is still unsure about the plan. Specifically about their weapons and armor, but she does know where they can get a cart.

A simple cart that a small trader would push is 15gp. The Afternoon shift on guard at the gates wouldn't have been there that morning so have no idea who came in to trade.

Those who made Knowledge Local rolls know that the late afternoon exodus of traders and casual workers leaving the city is a standard event and is not strictly monitored.

You have a cart, a few odds and ends that someone would pick up in the city. Trina has her wig on.

Are you ready to go?

sadly Brid does not have 15 gold

"All right, I'll buy the cart. The, uh, typical way to hide weapons like this is to bundle them in with some firewood wrapped in cloth. If there's a better suggestion, of course, I'm all ears."

There's been no mention of horses to draw the cart, so I'm picturing a large pullcart that two people would drag along.

"Well, we don't all need to hide our weapons, right? I figured that a couple of us would pull the cart while the others acted as armed guards."

Kayleigh made use of the disguise kit and offered its use to the others. I figure Trinia, at least, should make use of it to ease slipping out of the city.

"I'm good with that." Brig says ready to put the hammer away. "It isn't a normal weapon" she answers Kayleigh, lifting her silver magical heartbreaker. The gleaming metal, and the carved runes, all help point out the problem. "Anyone with an eye for things will know it is worth far more than anything in the wagon or the wagon itself. Those without an eye will still know it is special and look a little closer at us." she shrugs a big shoulder and then admits "I think anyway. I've never done anything like this before."

Once the cart is purchased, Brig offers to pull the cart, hiding her alchemical gear and hammer in the cart. Her chain shirt is easy enough to hide under layers of cloth, a dagger in her belt, and keeps her mutagen in a pocket.

Vedika snaps her fingers and points at Kayleigh, and says, "Under normal circumstances it would be implausible for a couple merchants with an empty cart to have a full contingent of armed guards, but these aren't normal circumstances! The city's in turmoil and security is at a premium. There's our angle."

Overall, Vencarlo puts his trust in you and leaves the details of Trinia’s escape to your plans. He refuses to go with you, explaining that he’s too well known about town and that his history with the monarchy might have drawn unwanted suspicion (he’s the first to admit he might have been too outspoken in his criticism of the king and queen over the past several months).

As such, he plans to attend to some private business and disappear into the anonymity of Old Korvosa for a time.

Guiding Trinia out of the city is a relatively simple affair. With Trinia adopting the disguise of an everyday traveler, there’s very little chance of her being spotted among the city’s crowds as long as she and you keep a low profile.

Groups of guards (who now bear crimson tunics to proclaim their allegiance to the new queen), Hellknights and mercenaries, and even a Gray Maiden cast sidelong glances at the party as you travel through Korvosa, but each passes by after a nerve wracking moment.

Trina does take the chance to get to know the group as you walk. She’s particularly curious as to why you’re helping her now after you played a role in her capture, asking you questions about your past and current goals.

She’s intrigued by any tales of adventure since, as a bard, she’s always on the lookout for exciting new stories. She remains relatively humble if asked about herself.

What do you wish to discuss with Trina?

Kayleigh's face flushes a bit before she answers Trinia. "Honestly, at first I thought you were guilty since you ran from us and indirectly caused Vedika to fall while chasing you. But every interaction with you since has been pleasant and you seem to be honestly shocked that you were accused of murdering the king. Plus, in our dealing with Vencarlo, he seems kind and honest and trustworthy."

After an awkward pause, the young cleric adds, "Also, when we took you to see Field Marshal Kroft we never suspected that the Queen would learn about it and throw you in prison. Sorry about that. Maybe helping you now will balance the scales a bit...if you can forgive us."

"That works for me." responds. To aid in the ruse as a guard, she dons a long, drab heavy cloak, covering most of her armor, which is more likely to be noticed for its quality, keeping the hood up as well.

"Even feeling that you might be innocent, given the sentiment of most who know you, it seemed like a better idea for us to bring you in. rather than someone who was rabidly determined to see you pay for whatever you were accused of. There are people who take 'wanted' to mean 'dead or alive'." Ariadne adds.

"But in light of everything I have absolutely no doubt you've been framed, which usually means someone is trying to cover up their own guilt in something."

"Hey, no hard feelings. I've run from the law a few times myself."

Trina nods in agreement with Ariadne's words. Clearly aware of her chances with mob justice.

You pass through the gates and leave the city, it is almost as if a weight has been lifted from you as you see the walls recede in the background.

Trots is a 12 mile journey so it is evening as you arrive. It's a relatively unremarkable roadside inn with bland fare and mostly vermin-free accommodations.

You're met there by Jasan, a wide-grinning, barrel chested man who greets Trinia like a long-lost friend. He thanks you for escorting her, and supplies the right phrases to confirm his identity.

He is eager to be on his way back home, and to put as much distance between himself, Trina and Korvosa.

Trinia bids you farewell for now as she and Jasan ride north. You're are free to spend the night at Trots or head back to Korvosa at once.

What now?

Before Trinia leaves, Kayleigh gives her a "Sorry to Have Doubted You" gift for the road: her own chocolate bar.

Afterward, Kayleigh dithers about staying at Trots or heading back to Korvosa immediately, her inner cheapskate doing battle with her much smaller urge for comfort.

"I'd hate to waste party funds...but sleeping on a real bed instead of on Zellara's floor for one night sounds wonderful!"

Brid breathes in deep "Whatever stew is in the kitchen is enticing as well."

Remember Vencarlo gave the party 20gp to cover staying the night. More than enough for a room with beds, a meal, even a drink or two. :)

"Are you suuure you want to eat the stew from a place called 'the Trots'?"

"We have the funds for it, we might as well enjoy a night away from the chaos of the city while we can." Ariadne says with a shrug.

Vedika explains, "Er, 'the Trots' is a nickname for the runs. The uncontrollable poops. The explosion after you eat something that you shouldn't have."

"Also when a horse walks quickly." Brig suggests as she moves to find a table. "There are so many nicknames associated with excrement, if a person avoids them all, they will go hungry."

She grew up as an orphan, whose next meal was whatever the maton of the house spent the very least on if she bothered to buy anything at all. While her life was very different now, she had very low standards when it came to food.

"Ahhhh I'm just tryin' to be a goofball!" says Vedika as her joke falls flat.

"Let's get some sleep in actual beds in a place that isn't going to erupt into a riot at a moment's notice."

Kayleigh tries to contain her excitement and general relief that the group will be staying overnight. Once the others start to enter the building, the healer falls in line near Vedika.

"I got that joke," she whispers with the hint of a smile.

"Thanks Kayleigh," whispers Vedika. "You're a sweetie."

Brig's mouth tightens and she looks away, which is her way of showing embarrassment. "Sorry." she mumbles as she sits.

Brig is a stick in the mud! Apparently :)

"It's fine." Ariadne says quietly, resting a hand on Brig's shoulder and squeezing for a brief moment.

It is a quiet, peaceful night. The food is average, but the beds are clean.

You head back to Korvosa and arrive to find the city buzzing with rumors and gossip of an exciting even that happened the night you were away!

A ship sailed into harbor at midnight, hung with a lanterns shedding yellow light from the figurehead. Before the ship made it to the docks, though, the night’s peace was shattered by a wooden screech, followed
by the crash of a trebuchet being fired.

Again and again the sounds echoed from the Wall of Eodred near North Bridge, waking nearly all of North Point. Across the river in Trail’s End, citizens woke just in time to see a sleek brig swiftly sink into the wine-dark waters. The rest of the night passed in breathless anticipation of the wall-weapons’ further use, which fortuitously never came.

Next morning, gossip buzzes through the city and fanciful tales run wild. Every tavern and street corner is abuzz with rumors of pirate raiders and ghost ships. The Crimson Throne remains quiet on the matter, though, with even the loosest-tongued politicos seemingly knowing nothing of the previous night’s incident.

With so many far wilder and more interesting tales circulating, the facts of the matter quickly become lost among the frenzied gossip.

You are back in Korvosa and it seems it got exciting while you were away. Where are you going now?

After heading out at the crack of dawn to buy yesterday's vegetables, fruits, and eggs for breakfast, Kayleigh returns to Zellara's place. As she cuts away any soft spots on the fruits and veggies (and reminisces about the "good old days" when she'd memorize both mending and purify food and drink as cantrips every morning to help her care for the unfortunate poor folk of Endrin Isle), she chit-chats with whoever else amongst her new friends is an early riser while she prepares breakfast.

"Good morning!" she chirps over her shoulder as she preps the batter for some blueberry flapjacks. "Everyone I talked to on the street and in the marketplace was still talking about the ship that got sunk in the Jeggare River the other night. There are so many competing theories on the streets about the vessel...that it was foolhardy pirate raiders or even a ghost ship!" As she continues to whisk the batter, the cleric asks, "Is this something we should see Field Marshal Kroft about?"

"I also got some extra eggs if anyone wants me to scramble up those instead; I'll try not to burn them this time!"

Kayleigh's pretty decent at gathering information, so that's her Plan B if others want to explore this option.

The ship is background gossip at the moment, you have nothing demanding your attention and so can take some time to do things you want to get done. Once that is done you can head to Marshall Croft and see if she needs your help?

"Hand me those eggs," says Vedika. "Do we have milk and butter? Maybe a pinch of parsley or green onion?"

She accepts the eggs, holding multiple eggs between her fingers with no signs of fumbling them, and looks for a pan that she can use to cook them.

Profession (cook): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Vedika cracks the eggs all into a bowl and whisks them with a dash of milk and some greens. "Marshal Kroft will probably know more than the local rumormonger, so yes, let's see what she has to say when we return. Assuming the city isn't in even more turmoil than before!"