DM Fang Dragon's: War for the Crown

Game Master FangDragon

Drammatis Personnae | Maps | Map of the Palace of Birdsong


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Palace of Birdsong| Shards of Oberon map | War for the crown maps

Julia did her fencing tutor proud in that moment, her poise was near perfect, her foot work precise and controlled. She moved towards into a lunge, moving from her hips rather than relying on upper body strength, just like she'd been taught. The point of her rapier moved too fast to be countered and it went through the man's chest and out the other side. There was a horrible sucking sound when she pulled it out and the man made a sort of wet strangled noise as he tottered back several steps!

Looks like I need to bot Cyrene, come on folks we're almost done with all this combat for now.

Spotting a target just about to go down, Cyrene skirted the eastern wall as she plunged through the smoke arriving behind the cultist Julia had just run through it time to reach in and slit his throat! The man's fingers weakly fluttered towards the spurting hole before he fell to the floor.

Dagger, IC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 19Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 2d4 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (2, 2) = 8 <--- HIT

The last remaining cult minion moved back to back with his leader, determined to fight to the last. His blade flicked out towards Lope but the magus parried this with ease.
Green: Vs Lope with bane: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 3 - 1 = 14Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 <--- MISS

STATUS: Round 5 wrote:

Environment: Clouds of smoke

Buffs and Debuffs:
---- Round 5 ----
Lope Shield (AC 23) (1 round), Inspire Courage
Valeria Inspire Courage
Cult leader Image
Triphylla Anti-toxin, Mutagen, Inspire Courage
Julia Inspire Courage
Cyrene Inspire Courage
Cultists Bane
---- Round 6 ----
Lope Inspire Courage
Valeria Inspire Courage
Cult leader Image
Triphylla Anti-toxin, Mutagen, Inspire Courage
Julia Inspire Courage
Cyrene Inspire Courage
Cultists Bane
Damage Log:
Round: -1
Lope was hit by Previous fight for 8 (total damage taken 8)
Triphylla was hit by Previous fight for 3 (total damage taken 3)
Cyrene was hit by Previous fight for 11 (total damage taken 11)
Valeria was hit by Previous fight for 5 (total damage taken 5)
Julia was hit by Previous fight for 10 (total damage taken 10)

Round: 1
Lope was hit by Spiritual weapon for 6 (total damage taken 14)
Blue was hit by Cyrene for 8 (total damage taken 8)
Cult Leader was hit by Valeria for 5 (total damage taken 5)
Cult Leader was hit by Triphylla for 5 (total damage taken 10)

Round: 2
Cult Leader was hit by Lope for 7 (total damage taken 17)
Cult Leader was healed by Cult Leader for 4 (total damage taken 13)
Cult Leader was hit by Triphylla for 24 (total damage taken 37)
Blue was hit by Julia for 12 (total damage taken 20)
Orange was hit by Cyrene for 13 (total damage taken 13)

Round: 3
Cult Leader was healed by Cult Leader for 12 (total damage taken 25)
Orange was hit by Cyrene for 11 (total damage taken 24)
Julia was hit by Red for 5 (total damage taken 15)

Round: 4
Cult Leader was hit by Lope for 9 (total damage taken 34)
Valeria was hit by Lope for 6 (total damage taken 11)
Cult Leader was healed by Cult Leader for 8 (total damage taken 26)
Red was hit by Julia for 12 (total damage taken 12)
Red was hit by Cyrene for 8 (total damage taken 20)

Totals:
Lope: 14 damage
Triphylla: 3 damage
Cyrene: 11 damage
Valeria: 11 damage
Julia: 15 damage
Blue: 20 damage
Cult Leader: 26 damage
Orange: 24 damage
Red: 20 damage


COMBAT ORDER:
Lope <----- WE ARE HERE
Valeria
Cult leader
Triphylla Incapacitated
Julia
Cyrene
Cultists

Lope and Valeria are up.


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

Lope raises his dueling sword to block the cultist attack just in time "You liked the Sirian parry? Oh, this is the perfect start position for the Garcia push forward maneuver. Sure you know how to block that one eh?" suddenly captured by the fencing of this unexpected duel within the battle, Lope focuses on this new attacker, who presses him too much to help further Martella.
Arcane pooled aldori dueling sword+IC-Risky Strike: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 16
Magical/Slashing damage+IC+Risky Strike: 1d8 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 16

Included the inspire courage as per Discussion, but remove the +1 if no longer up.

HP 13/27 AC 23 TAC 18
inspire courage
arcane pooled (blade)
shield 1 min


Resources NG Halfling Alchemist 4 (Vivisectionist) / Barbarian 1 (Elemental Kin / Urban Barbarian) | HP 36/36 AC17 T15 FF14 | CMB 6 CMD 17 | F9 R9 W3 +2 vs Poison | Init +3 | Rage: 4 rds/day | Dex Mutagen+Power Attack+Str Rage: Attack +7, Damage +7, AC +4
Skills:
Acro 3/8, Appraise 6, Bluff 10, Cr Alchemy 12, Diplomacy 10, DD 9/11, KArcana 6, KEng 3, KHistory 4, KLocal 7, KNature 6, KNobility 5, Perc 6, Perf Oratory 10, SM 8, SoH 7/9, Spellcraft 6, Stealth 8/10, Survival 4, UMD 7

Triphylla, gifted by divine intervention, attempts to break free from the hold person spell.

Will Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 womp womp


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Palace of Birdsong| Shards of Oberon map | War for the crown maps

The cult leader merely grunted and batted Lope's fancy manoeuvre aside with her dagger.

Valeria however was ready waiting, and when she had a shot she took it. Unfortunately the cult leader moved suddenly and the bolt merely grazed her.
Crossbow into melee: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 4 = 20Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 <--- HIT

The cult leader immediately heals this before striking at Lope, but her thrust is blocked by his shield in a shower of sparks. Suddenly the magus's shield shatters. We're on round 5 now and it's been a while since the spell was cast, it's come to an end.
LoH: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8
mwk dagger: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 <--- MISS

Her spiritual flail attacks once more, inaccurately before it too winks out.
Spiritual weapon vs Lope: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3<--- MISS

Sense Motive DC 18:
The woman shifts nervously kicking her lips. You think she's running out of tricks and hope.

STATUS: Round 5 wrote:

Environment: Clouds of smoke

Buffs and Debuffs:
---- Round 5 ----
Lope Shield (AC 23) (1 round), Inspire Courage
Valeria Inspire Courage
Cult leader Image
Triphylla Anti-toxin, Mutagen, Inspire Courage
Julia Inspire Courage
Cyrene Inspire Courage
Cultists Bane
---- Round 6 ----
Lope Inspire Courage
Valeria Inspire Courage
Cult leader Image
Triphylla Anti-toxin, Mutagen, Inspire Courage
Julia Inspire Courage
Cyrene Inspire Courage
Cultists Bane
Damage Log:
Round: -1
Lope was hit by Previous fight for 8 (total damage taken 8)
Triphylla was hit by Previous fight for 3 (total damage taken 3)
Cyrene was hit by Previous fight for 11 (total damage taken 11)
Valeria was hit by Previous fight for 5 (total damage taken 5)
Julia was hit by Previous fight for 10 (total damage taken 10)

Round: 1
Lope was hit by Spiritual weapon for 6 (total damage taken 14)
Blue was hit by Cyrene for 8 (total damage taken 8)
Cult Leader was hit by Valeria for 5 (total damage taken 5)
Cult Leader was hit by Triphylla for 5 (total damage taken 10)

Round: 2
Cult Leader was hit by Lope for 7 (total damage taken 17)
Cult Leader was healed by Cult Leader for 4 (total damage taken 13)
Cult Leader was hit by Triphylla for 24 (total damage taken 37)
Blue was hit by Julia for 12 (total damage taken 20)
Orange was hit by Cyrene for 13 (total damage taken 13)

Round: 3
Cult Leader was healed by Cult Leader for 12 (total damage taken 25)
Orange was hit by Cyrene for 11 (total damage taken 24)
Julia was hit by Red for 5 (total damage taken 15)

Round: 4
Cult Leader was hit by Lope for 9 (total damage taken 34)
Cult Leader was hit by Valeria for 6 (total damage taken 40)
Cult Leader was healed by Cult Leader for 8 (total damage taken 32)
Red was hit by Julia for 12 (total damage taken 12)
Red was hit by Cyrene for 8 (total damage taken 20)

Round: 5
Cult Leader was hit by Valeria for 2 (total damage taken 34)
Cult Leader was healed by Cult Leader for 8 (total damage taken 26)

Totals:
Lope: 14 damage
Triphylla: 3 damage
Cyrene: 11 damage
Valeria: 5 damage
Julia: 15 damage
Blue: 20 damage
Cult Leader: 26 damage
Orange: 24 damage
Red: 20 damage


COMBAT ORDER:
Lope
Valeria
Cult leader
Triphylla Incapacitated <----- WE ARE HERE
Julia
Cyrene
Cultists

Julia and Cyrene are up.


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Lope gets the wrong cues and finds himself cornered in the wall in a bad position "I need help here friends, this one is each second that passes more and more healed"


Palace of Birdsong| Shards of Oberon map | War for the crown maps

Crossbow Crit?: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 5 - 4 = 11Crit Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 <--- NO


Female CG Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 | HP: 17/28 | AC: 15, T: 13, FF: 12 | CMB: +6, CMD: 16 | F: +2, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7| Bardic Performance: 22/22 | Spells Per Day 1/4
Skills:
Acrobatics +12, Bluff +10, Diplomacy +10, Disguise +8, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (nobility) +10, Perception +7, Perform (act) +8, Perform (sing) +11, Sense Motive +7, Stealth +8, Use Magic Device +9

Potion of Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Before Julia tests her rapier against the head cultist she makes sure to heal herself for upcoming fight by drinking her recently obtained potion.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

After feeling the potion curative effects wash over her she notices that the cult leader is looking rather weary and drained and decides to see if she push her over further. "It's over and you know it! Most of your followers are dead and so will you if you continue this madness. Give up now, free my friends, and maybe you'll make it out of here with your life."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14


Female Tiefling Vigilante | HP: 38/38| AC: 20 | CMB: 4 CMD: 19 | F: +2, R: +8, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Ling/KnEn +4, KnNo +8, Per +11, Blf +12[16], Dip +12, Dsg +14 [34+], Sth +16, SM +12[16] |Koriana's Blade +10, d?+5+3d4/8 |Active conditions:

SM: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Cyrene doesn't believe in allowing your enemies to leave the room alive, so she punctuates Julia's diplomacy (and the cult leader's flesh) with some daggerwork of her own.

Dagger, Flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 = 221d4 + 3 + 2d4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (3, 4) = 13


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

"She is not going to hear Julia, she is another of those mad cultists that plague the country" Lope punctuates his own words by slashing towards the cult leader in time to distract it to give a flanking advantage to Cyrene.


Palace of Birdsong| Shards of Oberon map | War for the crown maps

Julia downs a potion which takes some of the pain away. She tries to talk the cult leader down but the woman stubbornly ignores her. Realising the futility of this, Cyrene attempts to seal the deal by stabbing the woman in the back! From behind the skull mask, blood pours from her mouth and nose but somehow she manages to keep standing...

The other cultist continued trying to take the fight to Lope, but even after his sorcerous shield faded Lope's guard was too strong to be bypassed.
Green: Vs Lope with bane: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 - 1 = 5Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 <--- MISS

STATUS: Round 6 wrote:

Environment: Clouds of smoke

Buffs and Debuffs:
---- Round 6 ----
Lope Inspire Courage
Valeria Inspire Courage
Cult leader Image
Triphylla Anti-toxin, Mutagen, Inspire Courage
Julia Inspire Courage
Cyrene Inspire Courage
Cultists Bane
---- Round 7 ----
Lope Inspire Courage
Valeria Inspire Courage
Cult leader Image
Triphylla Anti-toxin, Mutagen, Inspire Courage
Julia Inspire Courage
Cyrene Inspire Courage
Cultists Bane
Damage Log:
Round: -1
Lope was hit by Previous fight for 8 (total damage taken 8)
Triphylla was hit by Previous fight for 3 (total damage taken 3)
Cyrene was hit by Previous fight for 11 (total damage taken 11)
Valeria was hit by Previous fight for 5 (total damage taken 5)
Julia was hit by Previous fight for 10 (total damage taken 10)

Round: 1
Lope was hit by Spiritual weapon for 6 (total damage taken 14)
Blue was hit by Cyrene for 8 (total damage taken 8)
Cult Leader was hit by Valeria for 5 (total damage taken 5)
Cult Leader was hit by Triphylla for 5 (total damage taken 10)

Round: 2
Cult Leader was hit by Lope for 7 (total damage taken 17)
Cult Leader was healed by Cult Leader for 4 (total damage taken 13)
Cult Leader was hit by Triphylla for 24 (total damage taken 37)
Blue was hit by Julia for 12 (total damage taken 20)
Orange was hit by Cyrene for 13 (total damage taken 13)

Round: 3
Cult Leader was healed by Cult Leader for 12 (total damage taken 25)
Orange was hit by Cyrene for 11 (total damage taken 24)
Julia was hit by Red for 5 (total damage taken 15)

Round: 4
Cult Leader was hit by Lope for 9 (total damage taken 34)
Cult Leader was hit by Valeria for 6 (total damage taken 40)
Cult Leader was healed by Cult Leader for 8 (total damage taken 32)
Red was hit by Julia for 12 (total damage taken 12)
Red was hit by Cyrene for 8 (total damage taken 20)

Round: 5
Cult Leader was hit by Valeria for 2 (total damage taken 34)
Cult Leader was healed by Cult Leader for 8 (total damage taken 26)
Cult Leader was hit by Cyrene for 13 (total damage taken 39)
Julia was healed by Julia for 4 (total damage taken 11)

Totals:
Lope: 14 damage
Triphylla: 3 damage
Cyrene: 11 damage
Valeria: 5 damage
Julia: 11 damage
Blue: 20 damage
Cult Leader: 39 damage
Orange: 24 damage
Red: 20 damage


COMBAT ORDER:
Lope <----- WE ARE HERE
Valeria
Cult leader
Triphylla Incapacitated
Julia
Cyrene
Cultists

Lope and Valeria are up.

Finish them!


Resources NG Halfling Alchemist 4 (Vivisectionist) / Barbarian 1 (Elemental Kin / Urban Barbarian) | HP 36/36 AC17 T15 FF14 | CMB 6 CMD 17 | F9 R9 W3 +2 vs Poison | Init +3 | Rage: 4 rds/day | Dex Mutagen+Power Attack+Str Rage: Attack +7, Damage +7, AC +4
Skills:
Acro 3/8, Appraise 6, Bluff 10, Cr Alchemy 12, Diplomacy 10, DD 9/11, KArcana 6, KEng 3, KHistory 4, KLocal 7, KNature 6, KNobility 5, Perc 6, Perf Oratory 10, SM 8, SoH 7/9, Spellcraft 6, Stealth 8/10, Survival 4, UMD 7

Just a dumb question: do flanking and concealment rules conflict at all? What about flanking and hold person? If Cyrene moved to flank both cultists, would she benefit from flanking with Triphylla even with Triphylla paralyzed? Not that she would - just wondering.


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

Lope performs a parallel swing trying to finish the the fight already "It is time for you to ask your god for forgiveness!"
Arcane pooled aldori dueling sword+flank: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21
Magical/Slashing damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

HP 13/27 AC 19 TAC 18
arcane pooled (blade)


Palace of Birdsong| Shards of Oberon map | War for the crown maps

Lope's swing severed the stubborn woman's windpipe, she fell to her knees before collapsing in a pool of spreading blood.

The last remaining cultist stares in horror before slitting his own throat and throwing himself on top of the dead cult leader.

I think I'll call the combat here.

Cult leader loot!:
The cult leader had a very fine chain shirt although it needed a fair bit of cleaning... Spellcraft DC 16
Spoiler:
It's a +1 chain shirt.

Three daggers.

An odd piece of cloth. Spellcraft DC 18

Spoiler:
It's a concealing pocket

A disguise kit.

A glass cutter

A wrist sheath

A silver unholy symbol of Norgorber. Appraise DC 16[spoiler]It's worth 25 gp to rather unsavoury types. Also temples of Iomadae or Abadar would also pay a bounty for the same amount for it's destruction.[/ooc]

12 gp in loose coinage.[/ooc]

[spoiler=Cultists loot]Five sets of masterwork short swords. A dozen throwing knives. A dozen smoke pellets. A bunch of other junk.


Perception DC 15:
Hidden under a blanket in a corner of the room is a chest containing a large sum of gold (2000g) and Martella's things.

Badly wounded, Martella moans softly.


Female Tiefling Vigilante | HP: 38/38| AC: 20 | CMB: 4 CMD: 19 | F: +2, R: +8, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Ling/KnEn +4, KnNo +8, Per +11, Blf +12[16], Dip +12, Dsg +14 [34+], Sth +16, SM +12[16] |Koriana's Blade +10, d?+5+3d4/8 |Active conditions:

Cyrene turns to search the rest of the room, now that the threats are dealt with. Looting can come later and she's not the right person to try and help Martella.

Perc: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17


Palace of Birdsong| Shards of Oberon map | War for the crown maps

Looks like I messed up the nested spoilers :C


Resources NG Halfling Alchemist 4 (Vivisectionist) / Barbarian 1 (Elemental Kin / Urban Barbarian) | HP 36/36 AC17 T15 FF14 | CMB 6 CMD 17 | F9 R9 W3 +2 vs Poison | Init +3 | Rage: 4 rds/day | Dex Mutagen+Power Attack+Str Rage: Attack +7, Damage +7, AC +4
Skills:
Acro 3/8, Appraise 6, Bluff 10, Cr Alchemy 12, Diplomacy 10, DD 9/11, KArcana 6, KEng 3, KHistory 4, KLocal 7, KNature 6, KNobility 5, Perc 6, Perf Oratory 10, SM 8, SoH 7/9, Spellcraft 6, Stealth 8/10, Survival 4, UMD 7

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 That would have been my roll for a Will save this round. Very effective Hold Person spell!

Triphylla blinks hard and shakes her head when the cultist goes down and the spell is finally removed. She's embarrassed for her ineffectiveness, especially in front of Martella. But she's also relieved that everyone is still alive. Now to tend to Lady Lotheed.

Once she's recovered her wits, she gets her lockpicks out and works to remove the restraints holding their employer.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Then she steps back to allow the healers in the group space to tend to Martella.

She kicks around at the cultist to see if more can be made of her identity and motivations.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

She finds an Unholy symbol of Norgorber, but drops it to the ground in disgust.


Palace of Birdsong| Shards of Oberon map | War for the crown maps

Triphylla deftly extricates Martella from the restraints. She seems to be firmly unconscious which is perhaps a mercy since her body bears obvious signs of torture.


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

Lope switches quickly to the remaining cultist only to see himself suicide. He frowns and sheathes his blade "I guess there goes our chance to have an explanation on the responsibilities of this..."

While Triphylla works on the restrains, Lope carefully removes the blindfold out of Martella's eyes "Are you ok Lady Martella? I am sorry you had to go through this unpleasant situation..." the man offers her some water from his own wineskin "Would some food come handy?"

Once there is time for it, he will study the cult leader items.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
"This is a fine magical chain shirt +1, and look a concealing pocket... seems our cult leader was well prepared to act without being seen"

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15
He will also notice the large chest and will bring it out of the shadows, showing the 2000 gold coins and giving back her equipment to Martella.


Palace of Birdsong| Shards of Oberon map | War for the crown maps

Several healing potions are administered and Martella coughs and splutters her way back to consciousness, "Ugh! Oh by the Inheritor everything hurts..." Her eyes flutter open and she croaks, "Uh wow am I so glad to see you, I thought I was done for." She tottered to her feet and kicked the dead cult leader's corpse several times, hard.

Turning to you, she said, "They wanted to know how to get to Eutropia. When I wouldn't say, that one indulged herself. She was so sure I would crack in time, and the worst of it is eventually I would have, if it wasn't for you."

She was about to say more when Lady Morilla backed by a pair pf pathfinder agents entered. The trio looked like they'd been through hell. Lady Morilla breathed a sigh of relief at seeing Martella alive, "Thank the light you're ok."

A little wobbly still, Martella replied, "Maybe in a few days I'll be all right. Anyway what's going on out there?"

Lady Morilla grimaced, "It's chaos, rumours of Stavian's death has spread like wild fire, law and order are breaking down. Still a lot of Stavian's hirelings, scum like these, are slinking away into the night. As bad as all that sounds, I think this might be the calm before the storm. I and many others have been informed through channels that the High Strategos has something big planned. His entire retinue including a sizeable fraction of the army left for his estate an hour before the ceremony... Anyway my immediate concern now is prevailing on the watch to damn jobs and impose a curfew to prevent any more rioting and destruction of property."

I'm going to give you a chance to RP with the NPCs before moving us forwards. Note the AP assumes 2 days of downtime here.


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

Lope gives some room for Martella to recompose "The poor zealot did not know how determined a Lady of Taldor can be"

He gives an appraising eye at the Pathfinders, and nods with a smile at Lady Morilla when she makes it in "Sounds like hell. Do we know anything about Eutropia? Is she safe? With Stavian gone we need to strengthen her position, last thing Taldor needs is that traitorous snake of Pythareus under control"

Lope starts to walk out but grimaces in pain, looking down at his own injuries "Whatever we do next, we need to recover first though..."


Female CG Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 | HP: 17/28 | AC: 15, T: 13, FF: 12 | CMB: +6, CMD: 16 | F: +2, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7| Bardic Performance: 22/22 | Spells Per Day 1/4
Skills:
Acrobatics +12, Bluff +10, Diplomacy +10, Disguise +8, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (nobility) +10, Perception +7, Perform (act) +8, Perform (sing) +11, Sense Motive +7, Stealth +8, Use Magic Device +9

Julia makes a sigh of relief as the battle comes to a close and Martella reveals herself to be more or less fine given the circumstances... not that the rest of them were exactly fine themselves. "I think Lope has the right of it," she says, a sharp burst of pain from a previous wound suddenly flaring up as a reminder that she far from hundred percent.

"We should try to reach Eutropia and rally the city guard to her if we can but if we find the time to rest and restore ourselves to better fighting shape all the better."


Resources NG Halfling Alchemist 4 (Vivisectionist) / Barbarian 1 (Elemental Kin / Urban Barbarian) | HP 36/36 AC17 T15 FF14 | CMB 6 CMD 17 | F9 R9 W3 +2 vs Poison | Init +3 | Rage: 4 rds/day | Dex Mutagen+Power Attack+Str Rage: Attack +7, Damage +7, AC +4
Skills:
Acro 3/8, Appraise 6, Bluff 10, Cr Alchemy 12, Diplomacy 10, DD 9/11, KArcana 6, KEng 3, KHistory 4, KLocal 7, KNature 6, KNobility 5, Perc 6, Perf Oratory 10, SM 8, SoH 7/9, Spellcraft 6, Stealth 8/10, Survival 4, UMD 7

Triphylla listens to Lope and Julia. "I agree with both of you, but for now I need to get home and make sure my mother is alright. I'll plan to meet this group again at the appointed time and place.

"My Lady," Triphylla bows to Martella before returning to the lab. She intends to find suitable tools with which to harvest the poison sac from the fungus they killed earlier and then craft it for later use.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Assuming she finds the needed tools...

Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 And assuming that is enough...

She is as careful as her nerves allow, and her efforts produce a single poison sac.


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

"Let's bring Lady Martella to somewhere safe, then we can part ways for the night, I want to make sure my trading business is ok and my employees are safe, and you sure have other ones you care for in this hell of a city" the man looks back at Martella "Lady Martella, is there any place safe we can help you to? Any group or faction that can keep you safe at this moment of chaos?"


Female Human Oracle 5 | HP 38/38 AC 16 T 14 FF 12 | CMB +3 CMD 15 | F +4 R +7 W +5 | init +2 | Per +8; darkvision 60 | Spells 1st 8/8, 2nd 4/4 | Additional Effects:
Skills:
Acrobatics +9 Bluff +11 Diplo +13 (-4 l/g) Intimidate +6 Kn: Local +6 Kn: Planes +9 Kn: Rel +9 Perc +8 Sense motive +7; BG Kn:Nobility +9 Artistry: Charcoal Drawings +9, Perform (dance) +4

Valeria was relieved the fighting was over and that Martella was alive and, if not whole, soon would be once more. "I am glad we have you back Lady Martella. I you have sued any lasting debilitation from your injuries I may be able to help with it tomorrow."


Palace of Birdsong| Shards of Oberon map | War for the crown maps

Pleased by your performance at the gala and vastly relieved to be freed, Martella offers you the 2000gp from the chest (this was part of Stavian's payment to the cultists) in addition she put those of you who don't have somewhere else to be (Cyrene for one!) up at the Silent Horse, one of Oppara’s more lavish boutique inns where you spend several days being pampered.

Diplomacy Gather Rumours DC 15:
One courtier from Andoran told you, "Can you believe it? Grand Prince Stavian III is confirmed dead along with nearly eighty senators and over one hundred others all victims of the Exaltation Massacre! The Taldan government is in shambles although local government officials are doing what they can..."

Diplomacy Gather Rumours DC 18:
The attackers appear to have been an assortment of mercenaries and killers from Andoran, Cheliax, and Galt—though arguments rage over who brought these assassins into the heart of Taldor’s government. While the Lion Blades believe Stavian himself hired these agents, much of the Taldan citizenry is less convinced, given the emperor’s own death in the violence. Many suspect Princess Eutropia or High Strategos Pythareus...

Diplomacy Gather Rumours DC 15:
Eleven major claims have been made for the throne by various nobles claiming relations to the Stavian line. Two candidates in particular—Princess Eutropia and High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus—stand above the rest, and various nobles and polities have already begun arguing that their chosen scion is the true inheritor of the Primogen Crown.

Cyrene:
What do you and Malphene get up to? She's been fretting while you were away...


Several days later a much happier looking freshly coiffured Martella, arrives in a carriage to meet you.

Beaming she says, "I have something for each of you." She hands each of you a heavy purse (containing 500gp each) saying, "For exemplary service. Whether you know it or not, your actions in the senate have undoubtedly had a major influence on the future of Taldor. Its just too bad that future is now in jeopardy thanks to the rash actions of Grand Prince Stavian, may the gods have mercy on his deluded soul."

Once the money has handed out, payment for your services she gives each of you an appraising look before grinning, "Now then, I guess you're wondering what happens next? I know I am! I want find out what will become of our beloved nation! Well as it happens, a good friend of mine has some ideas about that. Thing is she needs some help, there's so much to do... I think you can guess who I'm talking about, she's keen to meet you in private. Assuming you're interested of course..."


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

On the following days, Lope orders his uncle's caravan business to buy as much grain and firewood as available because he previews instability will soon raise prices, and controlling part of the market can exert influence and built up the business at a later time.

The Aldori also requests information about Maxillar Pythareus. His parents' disgrace was all on his fault and he is convinced the man is an evil hand under part if not all of the tragic recent events.

Other than that, he retreats every evening to the Silent Horse, where he is more than happy to exchange rumors and entertain attendants and colleagues with ingenious poetry about the epics of the Senate battle and catchy displays of arcane illusionism.

---

Gather information: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17
Gather information: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17
Gather information: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17 how perfect :D

"Would you believe there are 11 different claims to the throne? If we go like this we will end seeing Arthur the butcher claiming his rights to the Imperial Throne..." the man comments to his new found friends "To be honest, the only claim it worries me as an alternative to Princess Eutropia is High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus. Maybe it would be a good idea to rally the support of the other claimers to her side."

---

"You are mysterious as much as you are crafty Lady Martella... who are you thinking in?" the Aldori will certainly show interest into what Martella has to propose.

"Maybe you know more about this Lady Martella, is there going to be some royal funeral for Grand Prince Stavian III?" Lope asks at the first opportunity, following the rumors he has heard about the death at the Senate.


Resources NG Halfling Alchemist 4 (Vivisectionist) / Barbarian 1 (Elemental Kin / Urban Barbarian) | HP 36/36 AC17 T15 FF14 | CMB 6 CMD 17 | F9 R9 W3 +2 vs Poison | Init +3 | Rage: 4 rds/day | Dex Mutagen+Power Attack+Str Rage: Attack +7, Damage +7, AC +4
Skills:
Acro 3/8, Appraise 6, Bluff 10, Cr Alchemy 12, Diplomacy 10, DD 9/11, KArcana 6, KEng 3, KHistory 4, KLocal 7, KNature 6, KNobility 5, Perc 6, Perf Oratory 10, SM 8, SoH 7/9, Spellcraft 6, Stealth 8/10, Survival 4, UMD 7

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

DM Fang Dragon:
Although Triphylla has heard nothing at all, which is not unlikely, I guessed at the spoilers and took a peek. She witnessed Stavian's death first hand, and takes credit for it! And if memory serves we had a clue about the hired killers when it was happening. And of course it would stand to reason that Eutropia and Maxillar are the front-runners for the throne, so I'm going to carry on as if Triphylla is in the know for all three despite dicebot's enduring scowl.

Also, I plan on doing a longer downtime post, but I'm on the road for work this week and I'm exhausted. I'll complete advancement tonight and post to discussion. Cheers.


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Female CG Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 | HP: 17/28 | AC: 15, T: 13, FF: 12 | CMB: +6, CMD: 16 | F: +2, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7| Bardic Performance: 22/22 | Spells Per Day 1/4
Skills:
Acrobatics +12, Bluff +10, Diplomacy +10, Disguise +8, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (nobility) +10, Perception +7, Perform (act) +8, Perform (sing) +11, Sense Motive +7, Stealth +8, Use Magic Device +9

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Taking a long undue break from an seemingly unending evening of violence and mystery, Julia would spend most of her days frequenting her friends and associates at the troupe and organizing her increasingly complex affairs. She would of course also slip into the Silent House now and again to visit to enjoy its creature comforts and juicy gossip.

Indeed, the bard would slip some of this gossip to her more adventuresome friends and Martella once they were all together again. "Well after that first splendid night of bloody Senate hall drama, underground hijinks, and cultist entanglements how could not be interested for more... especially when thate fate of Taldor is involved," she declares in a voice that is somehow both sardonic and earnest.

"Speaking of our great nation, the rumor mill has it the attackers at the Senate were foreign mercenaries from Andoran, Cheliax, and Galt. The Lion Blades seem to realize that the Grand Prince was involved but the citizenry is mixed. Some think it was Pythareus... others the Princess unfortunately."


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

"Agents coming from other countries?" Lope frowns at the prospects "Well, although I hope other countries are not involved, I am not surprised they are more than willing to make a non direct investment into causing turmoil in Taldor"

"What happened with the Grand Prince though... it has no sense at all... his own position as a ruler was not in question at all. Why to cause all this harm to the Royal and Senate institutions? Despite Grand Prince Stavian's sometimes capricious nature I doubt he would cause such a distress in his country" Lope catches on the last words said by Julia "It is clear to me this is Pythareus work, he is the only one who has anything to win out of this turmoil, I cannot think how anyone would think on the Princess who just won her position as heir in the Senate in full respect to the Empire laws. It is just out of any logic."

He keeps his tone up, just to reinforce the convictions of anyone at the Silent Horse, and give the arguments to spread the word throughout the city.
Performance (oratory): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23


Female Human Oracle 5 | HP 38/38 AC 16 T 14 FF 12 | CMB +3 CMD 15 | F +4 R +7 W +5 | init +2 | Per +8; darkvision 60 | Spells 1st 8/8, 2nd 4/4 | Additional Effects:
Skills:
Acrobatics +9 Bluff +11 Diplo +13 (-4 l/g) Intimidate +6 Kn: Local +6 Kn: Planes +9 Kn: Rel +9 Perc +8 Sense motive +7; BG Kn:Nobility +9 Artistry: Charcoal Drawings +9, Perform (dance) +4

Valeria was rather glad to receive the money Lady Lotheed gave them. It was a much needed relief to her finances and brought her some security in the difficulties to come. She listened intently to what everyone had to say about the various rumors and what they would be doing next in their service to Martella and Eutropia. When asked if they were still interested in helping, and hearing the chorus of agreements, Valeria bowed her head slightly and said, "I am, of course, interested as well."


Resources NG Halfling Alchemist 4 (Vivisectionist) / Barbarian 1 (Elemental Kin / Urban Barbarian) | HP 36/36 AC17 T15 FF14 | CMB 6 CMD 17 | F9 R9 W3 +2 vs Poison | Init +3 | Rage: 4 rds/day | Dex Mutagen+Power Attack+Str Rage: Attack +7, Damage +7, AC +4
Skills:
Acro 3/8, Appraise 6, Bluff 10, Cr Alchemy 12, Diplomacy 10, DD 9/11, KArcana 6, KEng 3, KHistory 4, KLocal 7, KNature 6, KNobility 5, Perc 6, Perf Oratory 10, SM 8, SoH 7/9, Spellcraft 6, Stealth 8/10, Survival 4, UMD 7

Of course her mother had been worried sick. Triphylla hadn't expected to get caught up in one of the most catastrophic events in the history of Taldor, so she neglected to tell her mother about Lady Lotheed's offer. It was only supposed to be one evening of intrigue...

'The Brotherhood is saying Stavian is dead and the Throne is empty," said Maella once she had thoroughly scrubbed her daughter from head to toes - twice. Thiphylla couldn't say she was there, and that she was likely the cause for Stavian's final act of insane self-destruction.

She said little the rest of that evening and the next day, feigning ignorance when pressed. She was becoming a good liar, for what that was worth.

With the chaos in the city seeping into even the fringe neighborhoods, Maella and Triphylla spent two days securing alchemical ingredients so the elder Achlys could keep her arrangement with the Brotherhood of Silence. The guild of thieves and assassins would likely be stockpiling their tools of the trade, which meant good business for the experienced alchemist, her mother explained. Triphylla used her cut of the recent haul of loot to improve her own stores, should ingredients become scarce due to interruptions of shipping routes for political reasons.

At last she received the summons from Martella and it was time to leave her mother once again. This time she offered a proper goodbye hug, not forever, just for now.

Will be doing some shopping...


Resources NG Halfling Alchemist 4 (Vivisectionist) / Barbarian 1 (Elemental Kin / Urban Barbarian) | HP 36/36 AC17 T15 FF14 | CMB 6 CMD 17 | F9 R9 W3 +2 vs Poison | Init +3 | Rage: 4 rds/day | Dex Mutagen+Power Attack+Str Rage: Attack +7, Damage +7, AC +4
Skills:
Acro 3/8, Appraise 6, Bluff 10, Cr Alchemy 12, Diplomacy 10, DD 9/11, KArcana 6, KEng 3, KHistory 4, KLocal 7, KNature 6, KNobility 5, Perc 6, Perf Oratory 10, SM 8, SoH 7/9, Spellcraft 6, Stealth 8/10, Survival 4, UMD 7

Triphylla listens carefully to her companions words. For a moment she allowed herself to question whether it mattered to her, and to the underclasses more broadly if Maxillar or Eutropia took the throne. Regardless, each would be beholden to their noble supporters, all human. True, Maxillar was more likely to bring war to Taldor, but war was generally good for Triphylla's kind of business. Eutropia would have to back the old general down, or more likely, have him executed, otherwise civil war would rage indefinitely. Also good for business. She could easily imagine the Brotherhood profiting from both sides.

Triphylla's goal had been to disrupt - to be a wooden shoe tossed into the gears of the machinery. She would not have dared expect this outcome.

At least for now she was happy to continue supporting the Empress. And anyway, she despised Maxillar. Perhaps she would be tasked to slit his throat. Hmmm...


Martella smiles enigmatically to lope when he asks who she had in mind. Her smile dropped when Julia spoke of the many wild rumours.

Lope wrote:
"What happened with the Grand Prince though... it has no sense at all."

"I have a notion..." replied Martella, "On the night of the Gala, I uh I expect you noticed evidence for some of Stavian's less savoury habits. Pesh, opium, mushrooms, alchemically treated coca leaf, angel dust, certain types of toad, to name but a few. He had the constitution of an Ox and had been indulging heavily for many years, but not without a price. He'd become increasingly paranoid and was convinced his daughter Eutropia was the head of some grand conspiracy to oust him. Problem is this conspiracy existed only in his head, but his response alas did not."

Lope wrote:
"It is clear to me this is Pythareus work."

Martella shook her head, "I'm not so sure about that. Pythareus is that most dangerous of things, a true believer. Except unlike a religious fanatic, his faith is in Taldor itself. To plot against Stavian would have been completely out of character. Now however Taldor is in a parlous situation, while the recently changed law makes the line of succession clear, a traditionalist like Pythareus is going to find that a bitter pill to swallow. No I fear he'll take matters into his own hands, and well among other things I expect we'll find out why revanchism is such a dirty word."

Nodding to Valaria she said brightly, "If you'd like to see a future for men that doesn't involve war and for women that doesn't being chattel, there's an appointment we should attend. Whose coming?"


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

Lope shrugs, leaning against a wall in a relaxed stance, "You know better Lady Martella, I defer to your knowledge and wisdom in Taldor matters. Still, I have my own reasons."

When she asks for adherents to her friend's visit, he is quick to smile and set his mustache in perfect presentation "Count me in"


Female Tiefling Vigilante | HP: 38/38| AC: 20 | CMB: 4 CMD: 19 | F: +2, R: +8, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Ling/KnEn +4, KnNo +8, Per +11, Blf +12[16], Dip +12, Dsg +14 [34+], Sth +16, SM +12[16] |Koriana's Blade +10, d?+5+3d4/8 |Active conditions:

Cyrene departs from the group without comment. Martella Lotheed is safe for now and the assassin has places to be and much more pleasant things to do than babysit a noble who should have known better in the first place. Besides, Nocticulia may have ascended but once a succubus, always a succubus.

Malphene:
"Calm down Pretty Girl, else you'll be too tired for everything I have planned." Cyrene doesn't bother to announce herself first, it is easy enough to see that Malphene has been pacing for some time and while her muscular legs are a pleasure to watch as they flash from beneath the loose robe that the noblewoman is wearing, she doesn't want Malphene completely exhausted.

She steps out of the shadows in her natural form and watches with delight as the anxiety and fear in Malphene's eyes is replaced almost instantly by lust and a suitable tinge of fear.

"Have you been good Pretty Girl?" She asks, stepping forward to grasp the taller woman's chin and tilt it down towards her. "Oh yes, clean, bright and..." One hand slides inside the robe to fondle the bare skin underneath. "...naked. Oh yes, you've been very good."

She presses her own body, clad in little more than strategic strands of leather, against the noblewoman and her tail loops round to insinuate itself into the apex of Malphene's thighs, drawing a shuddering gasp from the noblewoman.

"Tell me what you want Pretty Girl." She commands. "Tell your Mistress what you want. Tell me every dark desire."

---------------------------------------------
Only Martella knows that the coach she arrived in didn't have a footman riding on the back platform, but by some small act of magic it does now. A short man dressed in Lotheed livery who opens the door for Martella and murmurs. "Delighted to accompany you Mi'lady."


Female CG Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 | HP: 17/28 | AC: 15, T: 13, FF: 12 | CMB: +6, CMD: 16 | F: +2, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7| Bardic Performance: 22/22 | Spells Per Day 1/4
Skills:
Acrobatics +12, Bluff +10, Diplomacy +10, Disguise +8, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (nobility) +10, Perception +7, Perform (act) +8, Perform (sing) +11, Sense Motive +7, Stealth +8, Use Magic Device +9

After listening to Martella explain the Grand Prince's likely reasons for his actions Julia couldn't not help but shake her head in disgust. "Why is that us highborn are more often that not utterly deranged when it comes to family? Seeing your own child as a threat. It's madness. Madness and stupidity... and yet so typical."

Despondent for a moment, the bard regains some of her usual sanguinity with Martella's last few words. "Now that is certainly a beautiful future worth fighting and living for. Pythareus, or whatever other scheming fools at play here, be damned if they wish to stamp it out."


Resources NG Halfling Alchemist 4 (Vivisectionist) / Barbarian 1 (Elemental Kin / Urban Barbarian) | HP 36/36 AC17 T15 FF14 | CMB 6 CMD 17 | F9 R9 W3 +2 vs Poison | Init +3 | Rage: 4 rds/day | Dex Mutagen+Power Attack+Str Rage: Attack +7, Damage +7, AC +4
Skills:
Acro 3/8, Appraise 6, Bluff 10, Cr Alchemy 12, Diplomacy 10, DD 9/11, KArcana 6, KEng 3, KHistory 4, KLocal 7, KNature 6, KNobility 5, Perc 6, Perf Oratory 10, SM 8, SoH 7/9, Spellcraft 6, Stealth 8/10, Survival 4, UMD 7

"He'd become increasingly paranoid and was convinced his daughter Eutropia was the head of some grand conspiracy to oust him. Problem is this conspiracy existed only in his head..."

Triphylla can't help but think that if this wasn't true, it conveniently worked out that way. Not that she was complaining, but she could not completely trust any human, save for these few with whom she had fought beside.

Julia appears to answer her own question, but Triphylla adds, "Those who desire only power are unmoored from morality. As much as I have held contempt for many of Taldor's noble class, I truly believe only a few are so callous of heart as to feel threatened by their own children. Clearly, the Grand Prince was foremost among the few. Good riddance."

"Count me in as well," she replies to Martella.


Palace of Birdsong| Shards of Oberon map | War for the crown maps

Cyrene:
"Good?", Malphene asked. "Well I've been good. I waited, and I didn't try to follow." She gives you a shy smile, "I've also been bad. I bought something..." She shows you a bottle of Taldan sparkling wine, you recognise it as rather good and very expensive. "Well more than one thing." Your gaze lingers on a short riding crop. "I wonder what we could do with that?" she whispered into your ear as she offered you some fresh cherries in a bowl.

Kn: Nature DC 12 to know that cherries are not in season, at least not in Taldor.

Later she invited you to join her in a large rooftop bath, since this was the highest building in the area, it had an excellent view without much risk of being seen by the neighbours. The bath had been filled with various salts and it was heated, a little slice of heaven. Languidly Malphene asked, "What do you think will become of all this? They say it's mine, it feels strange not having father and grandfather looking over my shoulder. But what should happen if Pythareus seizes the crown? This will be taken away won't it? Guess I'd better not get too used it it..."

Martella replies, "Alright lets go." The coach rider flicks the reins and carriage starts clattering down the street. A short while later you pull into a sleepy lane in the Aroden’s View district, this area at least seems largely unaffected by the chaos. The coach pulls up at a nice but fairly nondescript townhouse.

Martella leads you towards the house and a well-dressed doorman ushers you inside. You walk through an oak panelled corridor and into a small library with a cosy fire and the heady smell of just poured tea. As you enter a friendly catch-dog trots over to investigate, wagging its tail, and returns satisfied to its owner’s side as she rises from the chair.


Oddly there doesn't seem to be a forum image for Eutropia, this one isn't quite right but it's close enough. Eutropia is perhaps a decade older and with shorter hair.

Afer a polite nod, Princess Eutropia speaks, formally at first. “My name is Eutropia Stavian I, firstborn of Stavian III, and I thank you for coming. I wanted to express my gratitude in person for rescuing my old schoolmate, Martella. She is a dear friend, and I am in your debt.

“You are bold and resourceful, yet apparently relative unknowns on Taldor’s political stage. Those are all incredibly valuable assets. Now more than ever I find myself in need of talented allies. My father—Pharasma rest his soul—seems to have been convinced my efforts at social reform were the precursor to usurping his throne. Some dear friends feared he would try to kill me at the exaltation; you may have noticed the Lion Blades on the scene in response. I won't try to sugar coat it, father and I were not on the best of terms. We hadn't spoken in some years, but I didn't want to believe he could do something like that... That he had slipped so far.”

Eutropia takes a moment to compose herself, and then she continues “Apparently, in his paranoia, my father informed Maxillar Pythareus of his plan. To clear the path for him, in order that he should take up the crown. It doesn't mean anything legally, but father formally adopted Pythareus in a private ceremony. Or so Pythareus claims, and he has presented documentation to support his claim. The fact of the matter is, due to attrition he's shot up to either second or first inline depending on your point of view."

Frowning with restrained anger, she states, "There are nobles who claim the vote against primogeniture either could not possibly have taken place, or was coerced by those same elements that attacked the senate. The claim the vote is null and void, and that I am a pretender to the crown or worse. Naturally the bulk of the army is following Pythareus wherever he takes them. I've heard it said their loyalty to him is such that if he was to march on the lowest level of hell they'd follow."

Sighing with exasperation she said, “The Ulfen Guard has sealed the palace and refuses admittance to anyone until the question is resolved. Normally this kind of issue would fall to the senate, but with the senate decimated and no emperor to approve new members... this situation is entirely unprecedented. Lets cut to the chase, I didn't expect the matter of succession to come to the head for decades. I don’t know if I’m the best candidate for the throne, but I know all my heart Pythareus isn’t!"

“He’s a warmonger and a regressive traditionalist and revanchist. He preaches about waging war on the ‘upstart colonies’ and bringing them back into the empire by force. He means it, and if he has to kill a generation to his way he wouldn't think twice. I won’t let him march us back into endless war, and I need allies of uncommon skill to ensure our nation’s future. I would be honored to have such noble allies as yourselves in this War for the Crown.”

She looks to you to see how you respond.


Resources NG Halfling Alchemist 4 (Vivisectionist) / Barbarian 1 (Elemental Kin / Urban Barbarian) | HP 36/36 AC17 T15 FF14 | CMB 6 CMD 17 | F9 R9 W3 +2 vs Poison | Init +3 | Rage: 4 rds/day | Dex Mutagen+Power Attack+Str Rage: Attack +7, Damage +7, AC +4
Skills:
Acro 3/8, Appraise 6, Bluff 10, Cr Alchemy 12, Diplomacy 10, DD 9/11, KArcana 6, KEng 3, KHistory 4, KLocal 7, KNature 6, KNobility 5, Perc 6, Perf Oratory 10, SM 8, SoH 7/9, Spellcraft 6, Stealth 8/10, Survival 4, UMD 7

Having not learned her lessons in prior engagements with human nobles, Triphylla steps forward.

"Princess, I am Triphylla Achlys, daughter of Maella and Jael. We met a few nights past at the Senate, before the vote. If only we had foreknowledge that night! I pledge my service to you, but I must ask: do you want to rule? Or do you just want to prevent Pythareus from taking the throne?"

The halfling is punching above her weight, a phrase her father used often.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20


Female Tiefling Vigilante | HP: 38/38| AC: 20 | CMB: 4 CMD: 19 | F: +2, R: +8, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Ling/KnEn +4, KnNo +8, Per +11, Blf +12[16], Dip +12, Dsg +14 [34+], Sth +16, SM +12[16] |Koriana's Blade +10, d?+5+3d4/8 |Active conditions:

Malphene:
"Oh you are a good girl." Cyrene says approvingly. "Just the right amount of bad."

-------------------------
By the time they make it to the rooftop bath Cyrene's outfit has been repurposed for other purposes and mostly left tied to Malphene's bedposts so the succubus lounges without a stitch, or apparently any concern about that fact.

Malpehene's talk of politics makes her frown so she reaches out and turns the young noblewoman's face to her own.

"This is yours Pretty Girl." She says firmly. "I despise many of this countries laws but you inherit without a doubt. Now you have to be perfect, keep your council, make no obvious moves and act from the shadows. Men have no subtlety. Use that to your advantage. Move for or against who you will, but do it carefully. Then should Pythareus win you tell him what he wants to hear. Be pleasing. It is simple enough, men are simple enough."

"Now," Her voice drops to a husky growl. "I want you to show me just how pleasing you can be."

The 'footman' hovers unobtrusively by the door. 'Noble allies' clearly doesn't apply to her, and it doesn't need to. Cyrene is going to help Eutropia regardless, that is not in doubt, this is simply to see if the Princess has a clear enough idea of what she needs or whether Cyrene needs to work from the shadows.


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

Lope smiles when Martella's mystery friend results to be the Princess herself. Here, worried about the future of Taldor, and tired from days of instability, treason and conspiracy, she looks very different from the young girl he used to play with in the Palace before his family fell down into disgrace.

Yet, like in their first come back meeting in the Senate, Lope maintains his family name in secret, guessing if she ever will figure out by herself. He leans casually against one of the walls, arms crossed around his chest "I know too well what is being pressed and pursued to the edge of death by Pythareus' plots. He might seem to powerful with his soldiers and castles. But he also has made his own array of enemies through the years, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the time to bring him down."

The Aldori moves his right hand over the pommel of his blade "The Aldori, we have a saying: that it is as important to strike with strength as to know when and where to strike"

"You can count me among your allies Eutropia" Lope intently omits her title, not only because he considers her more than a mere Princess now and that title will not do justice to her position, but as a sign of familiarity "And if you need some ears to find out who else have their hopes on you... just have to say"


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Female CG Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 | HP: 17/28 | AC: 15, T: 13, FF: 12 | CMB: +6, CMD: 16 | F: +2, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7| Bardic Performance: 22/22 | Spells Per Day 1/4
Skills:
Acrobatics +12, Bluff +10, Diplomacy +10, Disguise +8, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (nobility) +10, Perception +7, Perform (act) +8, Perform (sing) +11, Sense Motive +7, Stealth +8, Use Magic Device +9

A spike of guilt goes through Julia's spine as the Crown Princess outlines the sheer scale of Pythareus's mad ambition. The possibility that she had in some way encouraged the warmonger to accept Stavian's adoption scheme weighs heavy and for a moment she does not respond Eutropia's call to arms.

She would however find her voice and resolve again when she looked past her guilt and truly envisioned the world that the dogmatic general would bring about. She then looked towards the princess, a clever and lovely women who seemed to determined to make a positive change in the world but was wise enough to know her limitations. Compared to Pythareus there really was no contest.

Standing before the princess with her cavalier hat in hand, Julia made her promise. "I already swore himself to your cause before I knew the depths of Pythareus's fool plans but now that I do I feel compelled to swear to redouble my efforts for you and Empire. And so you will have it. I, Julia Rosalie Horatio Aubigni of the House Aubigni swear my life, blade, and will to seeing Taldor saved from the likes of men like Maxillar Pythareus. For all your doubts in the days, weeks, and perhaps even days to come do not doubt my commit in that, Princess Eutropia."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30


Eutripia considers Triphlla's question before replying, "I hadn’t expected to inherit the throne for several decades or more, some of my grandparents lived well into their nineties after all. So I find myself embarrassingly unprepared. Short term, I suppose my goals are to hold a wounded nation together and begin repairing centuries of neglect. Until today my focus has been very narrow, I’ll need some time and good advice on how best to govern for the long term."

"As for Pytherus, yes he must be stopped but right now I'm in no position to take him head on. For now he’s retreated to the fortress city of Zimar, in the south, and has been refusing my requests for council. Rumors suggest he’s already begun gathering a network of supporters calling themselves the Imperialists. We'll need to gather allies and funds of our own."

She acknowledges Julia and Lope simply by saying, "Thank you. I shall not forget this."


Resources NG Halfling Alchemist 4 (Vivisectionist) / Barbarian 1 (Elemental Kin / Urban Barbarian) | HP 36/36 AC17 T15 FF14 | CMB 6 CMD 17 | F9 R9 W3 +2 vs Poison | Init +3 | Rage: 4 rds/day | Dex Mutagen+Power Attack+Str Rage: Attack +7, Damage +7, AC +4
Skills:
Acro 3/8, Appraise 6, Bluff 10, Cr Alchemy 12, Diplomacy 10, DD 9/11, KArcana 6, KEng 3, KHistory 4, KLocal 7, KNature 6, KNobility 5, Perc 6, Perf Oratory 10, SM 8, SoH 7/9, Spellcraft 6, Stealth 8/10, Survival 4, UMD 7

"A wise response," Triphylla replies. "I dare say you're not as unprepared as you allow. What of Taldor's prefectures and neighboring foreign states? Which do you see as potential allies and which as enemies?"

Having spent a good part of her youth on coastal merchant ships with her father, Triphylla is keen to learn to what extent the Princess has cultivated relationships within her empire and without. The halfling would not go so far as to suggest she is worldly, only that she has journeyed well beyond Oppara and has knowledge of neighboring ports and shipping routes.

context added to connect with Lope's concerns about trade


HP 43/43 AC 24 21 TAC 19 FF 16 13 | CMD 21 | F +5 R +5 W +4 | P 2/6 L1 3+0/4+2 L2 0/2 | Init +4 Senses +0 |
Skills:
Acrobatics+6,Bluff+8/+10,Climb+3,DisableDevice+5,Intimidate+4,K.Arcana+10,K .dungeon+8,K.planes+9,K.local/geo/history/nobility/religion+5,Linguistics+8 /+10,Perf.Oratory+12,Ride+8,Spellcraft+12,Swim+3,UMD+8
Human Magus (Kensai/Bladebound) 5 | spider climb 50 min, mage armor 45 min

"My advise is to secure the support of the Temple of Abadar. Without coin nor credit, it is difficult to lead." Lope offers as an advice, taking note of Pytherus position at Zimar "The economical policy of the Empire has been in neglect for decades. I know the high merchant classes would see with good eyes a fresh restart in our trade networks, to open the country harbors to goods from abroad"

"Would you like me to check what policies might gain some support in that regard?"


Female Human Oracle 5 | HP 38/38 AC 16 T 14 FF 12 | CMB +3 CMD 15 | F +4 R +7 W +5 | init +2 | Per +8; darkvision 60 | Spells 1st 8/8, 2nd 4/4 | Additional Effects:
Skills:
Acrobatics +9 Bluff +11 Diplo +13 (-4 l/g) Intimidate +6 Kn: Local +6 Kn: Planes +9 Kn: Rel +9 Perc +8 Sense motive +7; BG Kn:Nobility +9 Artistry: Charcoal Drawings +9, Perform (dance) +4

When they were introduced to Eutropia, Valeria curtsied gracefully and said, "It is an honor to meet you you Highness. I am Valeria of the Turanor family. I am sorry for your recent loss." She knew that it was likely the Princess would inherently distrust her until Valeria proved herself but she was used to this by now and was braced for it.

Valeria listened to what Eutropia had to say and found the woman to be well spoken and humble enough to know she might not be the best choice to rule and Valeria agreed that she was definitely better than Pytherus. She considered all that was spoken about and finally said, "I agree you do not have the strength to face Pytherus right now so building strength and support is the right move. I also think that right now he has conceded the initiative to you and I suspect that you will need every bit of it."

After a pause Valeria smiled, a bit of wickedness in her grin, as she said, "I became involved by Lady Lotheed's request but also because I was given a mission to accomplish and this seems to fall in line with accomplishing that. I know of a number of the Outcasts in the Night who may be willing to help you," her expression became a bit sad as she knew what most would say to such an offer, "if you are willing to have them."


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Female CG Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 | HP: 17/28 | AC: 15, T: 13, FF: 12 | CMB: +6, CMD: 16 | F: +2, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7| Bardic Performance: 22/22 | Spells Per Day 1/4
Skills:
Acrobatics +12, Bluff +10, Diplomacy +10, Disguise +8, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (nobility) +10, Perception +7, Perform (act) +8, Perform (sing) +11, Sense Motive +7, Stealth +8, Use Magic Device +9

"Getting the Abadarans and the merchants on our side is all well and good but we can't ignore the most critical and powerful segment of the populace," Julia begun. Her mind was going through several ideas at once while they all strategized, but one in particular held her interest. "I mentioned it earlier but the peasantry believe that either the Princess or Pythareus was behind the Grand Prince's death and the Senate massacre. We need to show them the truth. Better yet, we need to show that the Princess is worthy to rule them."

She looked towards the princess in question and gave her a piercing look as if trying to detect whether she was truly as just and forward-thinking as she seemed. "You need to win them over, Princess. By word or by deed. Pythareus only wishes to give them war but if you show them your heart through acts of charity and kindness - perhaps in concert with the Church of Shelyn - than they will disspell these mistruths from their minds and flock to your side. I know it."


Resources NG Halfling Alchemist 4 (Vivisectionist) / Barbarian 1 (Elemental Kin / Urban Barbarian) | HP 36/36 AC17 T15 FF14 | CMB 6 CMD 17 | F9 R9 W3 +2 vs Poison | Init +3 | Rage: 4 rds/day | Dex Mutagen+Power Attack+Str Rage: Attack +7, Damage +7, AC +4
Skills:
Acro 3/8, Appraise 6, Bluff 10, Cr Alchemy 12, Diplomacy 10, DD 9/11, KArcana 6, KEng 3, KHistory 4, KLocal 7, KNature 6, KNobility 5, Perc 6, Perf Oratory 10, SM 8, SoH 7/9, Spellcraft 6, Stealth 8/10, Survival 4, UMD 7

"Speaking as one of the peasant class, I can vouch for the notion that we can be won over. We are used to living and dying in Oppara and elsewhere without a moment's consideration from the human nobility. Wouldn't hurt to throw us a bone, although that may be perceived as weakness by the peerage. We're not likely to take up arms to help settle your disputes unless compelled or rewarded for doing so, and in the case of the latter the likelihood for corruption is high.

"You may want to make an overture to the Brotherhood of Silence or else they'll play both sides and feast like vultures on the dead. They can be a useful instrument if you're willing to get your hands dirty with subversive tactics, and they can be bought. I may be able to assist with a dialog."

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