Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master EltonJ

Lem stands up, though with his height it would be easy to think he's still on his knees. He gives Aldaris a confused look. "What? I came here to ask him to help a buddy of mine. Well, convince him to help, I guess." The halfling shrugs, gesturing with shield and mace, and looks at the others. "But if you all are here to kill him, that works for me too."

Bridgette looks to the elf that looks like a dressed up mummy-man due to the bandages covering large portions of their face.

The 6'7" half-elf smiles a wicked smile with a soft voilet glow from her eyes as she answers the question

"Actors, Oh I'm more then an actor, I'm the F*cking debt collector for his sorry A$$,
Though it is nice to know I'm not the only one who's gonna collect on his IOU to the universe."

Holding out her Machete,
"And boy am I gonna be collecting on his IOU tonight."

Giving the look in the eyes, that smile, those words and the fact she's this big and that pissed off,
one has to ask, WTF did he do to piss her off this much.

Sorry, the mention of bandages that cover his mouth made me think of Zolf from Slayers.

Azig stares at the newcomers and nods. "Yep. Kill Lamm. Rescue any kids that he has here. Kill any of his goons that won't surrender. Take any of the loot that he's stolen."

Karinna gives a half-ironic salute with her rapier and bows slightly. "Perhaps I should not be surprised to find others here with an ax to grind against our mutual acquaintance. Lamm seems to make friends wherever he goes. I am Karinna, ensign of the Korvosan Guard. But don't worry, I'm off-duty. I've received reports of abducted and abused children here, and I'd like to ask their caretaker some very pointed questions about them." She smiles grimly.

Looking after the thugs that are making their way away from battle, the dwarf grips his axe and his gloves creak under his grip. Seeing that the group begins talking he lets out a sigh; “We will need to be on guard now. Lamm will eventually find out that we are here and how many of us there are.” Turning to the new arrivals; “Thoric Stiffbeard, just like the rest of you, I want to see Lamm receive what he deserves.” He places his axe on the ground using the haft as a staff to lean against.

The lanky elf rises and places a hand over his chest. "Daranil Aldaris, humble performer and servant of the Great Patrons" He taps the holy symbol of Calistria hanging from his belt. Then he pauses to consider, tucks the symbol into his backpack, and replaces it with a holy symbol of Urgathoa.

"I presume more of Lamm's extras will pester us. We must set the stage, as it is. And on this stage, Lamm stands alone."

Sorry, the mention of bandages that cover his mouth made me think of Zolf from Slayers.

You know, I was going for something a little different but that works too.

"He kidnaps kids?" Lem shakes his head, a ferocious frown on his wide face. "Yeah, this guy's got to go. I just need to go through his stuff and get some evidence to show the judge my friend is innocent but this Lamm guy needs to die."

"My name's Lem, by the way. Not to be confused with Lamm." He gestures at the door. "We should get moving then, right? Want me to go first? I'm pretty good at, um, scouting."

Are we in A4? Lem can scout.

You know, I was going for something a little different but that works too.

Heh, interesting character inspo. Hopefully your guy commits fewer war crimes.

Bridgette hearing their some introductions introduces herself
"Bridgette Olivia Noya Yakov, the only child of Timofey Yakov owner and head of the Yakov merchant company before it fell apart. After the A$$ wrecked my life in so many ways."

she the faces Lem adding
"Oh kidnapping kids is just one of many evils of Lamm. Children that fall into Lamm's hands don't have it good. If there is profit in selling them, he will, otherwise he'll put them to work. And once your use expires or you make him made, he'll either feed you to his pet, or set you up to take a fall for his entertainment and other reasons."

"And that is not even covering for the fact he murders, pays for murder, along with also framing others and bribing guards and certain officials."

"He'd likely sell his own grandmother, it lead to profit."

Some knowledge for characters who are over 20 years old or would have some connections to merchants would likely know about the The Yakov merchant company, as it was well known.

The Yakov merchant company, was well known for it's trust and good business practices and dealings, along with good trade routes and connections.
Though it's founder died about 16 years ago, after which a shady merchant company bought it shortly after his death, but the Yakov merchant company's true worth disappeared within a month of the take over before the shady merchant could use it.

"True. And don't discount the poison that he gets kids addicted to. He's just bad news."

"I was scouting, but I don't think there's any problem with more then one. I wouldn't be surprised to see him risking the kids lives with traps."

Checking the door to move ahead? Perception for traps?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"True. And don't discount the poison that he gets kids addicted to. He's just bad news."

"I was scouting, but I don't think there's any problem with more then one. I wouldn't be surprised to see him risking the kids lives with traps."

Checking the door to move ahead? [dice=Perception for traps?]1d20+7

You do notice a trap. It happens to be a simple trap that when you open the door, down drops a breakable container containing a tanglefoot solution.

Karinna politely acknowledges everyone, and quirks an eyebrow of slight concern when she thinks she recognizes the death’s-head fly symbol of Urgathoa on Daranil’s belt. She shrugs, as if to say A question for another time. ”Oh, well-spotted!” she murmurs, and listens carefully to the distance as the ratfolk rogue disarms the trap.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Disable Trap?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 [ooc]If we can recover the tanglefoot bag?[/dice]

"That's why I say more than one is fine. I can't say that I'll always find them...."

You got the tanglefoot bag, and yes, it's heavy.

Azig takes down the tanglefoot bag and looks around. ”Anybody want this? It’s heavy and I’m little.”

If not he sets it down figuring on retrieving it later, and moves ahead to open the door, then gets out of the way of the fighting types.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 (+2 in Dim or Dark lighting)
Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 (+2 in Dim or Dark lighting)

The new halfling fades into the shadows, virtually disappearing as he follows along behind Azig.

“I can carry it if need be. It could be useful.” Thoric will take the tanglefoot bag if no one else does.

As Azig opens the door, Thoric places his shield in front of him and walks through.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

“I can carry it if need be. It could be useful.” Thoric will take the tanglefoot bag if no one else does.

As Azig opens the door, Thoric places his shield in front of him and walks through.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

You enter a room with three beds. It smells bad in here and there are bed bugs.

The smell and seeing some of the bug with her sharp eyes that can see in the darkness, makes her wince recalling some bad memories from here.

With a disgusted grunt Thoric looks under the beds without getting too close; “He keeps kids in these chambers? A short drop and sudden stop would be too good for him.” If there is nothing else in this chamber he turns to Azig; “How are those other doors?”

Azig moves around the room searching for traps in the room and on the doors. At the doors he also checks to see what is locked.

Perception for traps: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

A door is locked. Azig managed to open the lock. As for other traps, there are none.

After unlocking the door Azig gets out of the way.

Lem looks at Azig. "Aren't you gonna..." Seeing that the ratfolk doesn't intend to go through, Lem opens the door and silently slips through.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 +2 in dim light or darkness

What room is this on the map?

Lem looks at Azig. "Aren't you gonna..." Seeing that the ratfolk doesn't intend to go through, Lem opens the door and silently slips through.

[dice=Stealth]1d20+12 +2 in dim light or darkness

What room is this on the map?

A7.

Karinna follows Lem cautiously, her rapier in hand.

With a disgusted grunt Thoric looks under the beds without getting too close; “He keeps kids in these chambers? A short drop and sudden stop would be too good for him.”

Daranil lets out a chuckle. "Ahh, that Lamm. You wouldn't believe the things he'd say to those kids. I'm almost getting nostalgic."

The arcanist muses. "Such things as 'do as you're told' and 'don't talk back to me' and 'I don't like that ugly little smile of yours, don't make me wipe it off your face.' It makes one want to..." He massages his bandage-covered chin. It makes an uncomfortable popping sound."...return the favor."

Daranil follows behind his allies, bow drawn.

Bridgette has a wicked smile as she speaks "Oh I certainly agree Daranil, I certainly agree. A short drop is not enough to cover the evil he's done. He owes a lot of debts, and Merchants, Loansharks, and even the universe will always collect owed to them."

she follows behind the Lem, but before Daranil.
Don't want the bowman to get sniped easily.

You see someone enter the room. He is dressed in Aristocratic clothes, clean shaven, sports white short hair, has green eyes, and pulls a wand from his belt.

"I knew you would be here," he says. "My crystal ball is not wrong."

He waves his wand, and a bucket of water levitates and floats above Daranil's head. "Nice to see you again, Daranil."

With another wave of his wand, the bucket upturns and splashes water all on Daranil. From head to toe.

For the briefest of moments, a murderous anger flashes in Daranil's eyes. His hand twitches, but then he wills it to be still. His words find him, coming in a casual but restrained tone.

"Ahh, I see we have a comedic caesura from the tale of tragic irony." The artist makes an expressive flourish with his casting of prestidigitation, casting the water away as though it were an unwanted cloak. "We've hardly had a chance to indulge in bloody engagements, so it feels a little premature. Tell me... are you here to point us in the right direction..." a sinister tone creeps into his voice as it becomes a projected whisper. "...or to volunteer?"

In a flash, Thoric flips his axe from a leaning staff to the weapon that it is designed to be as this man enters the room. As soon as Daranil begins to entertain the games he loosens up. But just only a bit. It seems this could still turn sour.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 (Thoric attempting to get a read on the relationship between these two, if this newcomer seems more friend or foe.)

Azig peeks through the door. Who is Daranil talking too?

BONY takes a good look at the man to figure out who they could be
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
and if they are friend, foe, or a neutral party.
sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

BONY takes a good look at the man to figure out who they could be

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
and if they are friend, foe, or a neutral party.
sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

You figure out that he's a foe.

For the briefest of moments, a murderous anger flashes in Daranil's eyes. His hand twitches, but then he wills it to be still. His words find him, coming in a casual but restrained tone.

"Ahh, I see we have a comedic caesura from the tale of tragic irony." The artist makes an expressive flourish with his casting of prestidigitation, casting the water away as though it were an unwanted cloak. "We've hardly had a chance to indulge in bloody engagements, so it feels a little premature. Tell me... are you here to point us in the right direction..." a sinister tone creeps into his voice as it becomes a projected whisper. "...or to volunteer?"

"Not would I expect from one of my students," he says. "Even before you ran away, you were my greatest student. And you had to go and betray me like that."

Lem, thinking himself unseen since the aristocrat ignored him, ducks behind a crate to see how things shake out.

Just fluffing out the Stealth roll up above.

"Not would I expect from one of my students," he says. "Even before you ran away, you were my greatest student. And you had to go and betray me like that."

"A betrayal? No, no, it was a calling." Daranil raises his hands, bringing the tips of his thumbs to the hips of his index fingers to 'frame' his instructor in a portrait. "You see magic as a simple tool. A series of calculations. Perhaps, even, an expression of will. But after hearing the hymns of the divine, after having my shattered eye peeled open and forced to gaze upon the cruel truths of the world... I can see the essence of magic."

He spreads his arms wide, inclining his head. "Each chant, a note in my song. Each somatic gesture, a step in my dance." The arcanist chuckles. "You have taught me well. And for that, you have earned your moment in this performance. Places, everyone! Places! My former master is to be given a glorious conclusion befitting a man of his talent."

"How theatrical of you."

Azig stays out of the room, a couple of steps back and behind.... something. Things sound, explosive.

Azig stays out of the room, a couple of steps back and behind.... something. Things sound, explosive.

"Maybe you missed your calling, Daranil," said the wizard. "Maybe you should have become an actor, still you are my best student. And you betrayed me like that."

If anyone would like to make an intelligence check to remember this one's name, It's DC 13.

int: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Being the daughter of a great merchant who interacted and connected with many names, Bridgette knows that name from somewhere...

[dice=int]1d20+2

Being the daughter of a great merchant who interacted and connected with many names, Bridgette knows that name from somewhere...

Bridgette says quietly "Yargin Balko."

Anything more?

INT check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Same?

Karinna reads the mannerisms of the rest of the party and stays on her guard against the hostile newcomer. She holds her rapier at the ready and takes an aggressive stance near the arcanist, almost daring Balko to make the first move.

INT check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Same?

Intelligence check, I wonder what Daranil knows...: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

"How theatrical of you."

"That is the point, my dear Balko. I am but a player on the stage, forever performing for my Great Patrons. It is they who eagerly observe my every action, my every expression, my every moment of pain and joy."

The elf sighs. "You've always lacked vision, you know that? It's part of why I left. I can spend a decade in any academy on Golarion to learn the rest of what you have to teach. But my lesson to you, by necessity, would come at the cost of your life."

"Speaking of," the elf says musically, "my friends, feel free to march on this short-sighted spellslinger at your leisure."

Int: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Lem remains hidden, or at least thinks so, waiting for someone larger to start any sort of fight.

Balko gets out another wand. "I'll put your comrades into the drink, Daranil!" he exclaims.

Azig glances around what he had been hiding behind. The discussion was over.... "Kill him Thoric!"

Bridgette hearing the threat to her life, jumps into attack quickly the id10t with her blade.

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

crit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 [ooc]Nope[/dice]

Here is the Discussion thread. Remember, try to weave your backstories together in some way. :)

Shouldn't be too hard for some of us: Neghed, Nicolai, Daranil, and me were all part of Lamm's Lambs, and seem to all have escaped him and gone our separate ways after a brutal beating.

I can tie myself to Pak easily enough, I think. Lara worked with the Korvosan Guard for a bit (since they're willing to work with mercenaries and adventurers), and Pak could have been one of my contacts at the Guard.

Don't have many ideas at the moment for linking up with Azig, though. But I'm sure we can figure something out when we all get here :).

Not really all that hard....

Azig rubs down his whiskers as he sees the wicked looking human woman. He'd seen her before, several times. A couple of years ago she'd been one of the kids working for Lamm's organization. Azig had been there, buying Shiver with his girl friend. Two rats on a bad path.... Later, after his girl was dead and he'd nearly died, he had fought the hardest fight of his young life, and recovered. After getting his life mostly back he went back to Lamm's people, for work. She wasn't there anymore. But working as a spotter he had noticed her, and occasionally a couple of others. Apparently the bastard either didn't know that some escaped, or he didn't care. Either way, Azig finally saw a chance. There were others that might want to pay Gaedren Lamm back for the crimes that he'd committed.

Azig decided that day to track down the Lamm's Lambs that had escaped. It would take time and he had to be careful. He couldn't risk getting caught by the criminal. He wouldn't last a minute in a fight, at least not alone.

Now just play it out to decide how I track you (and the others) down, or how you notice me and track me down.... Pak would be much harder for me to connect with.

Here's my idea to build on Azig's story.

Neghed was spending his well earned copper at the dockside tavern that his crew frequented. The place was filled with the usual river folk but Neghed soon noticed a new face. He thinks to himself, It's not unusual to see a rat at the docks, though they usually don't order a drink and chat with the staff. The crew of the Laughing Carp begin to go their separate ways for the night and an hour after they first ordered drinks Neghed found himself alone.

Neghed decided to order one last ale and call it a night himself. The server cleared his empty mug and when she passed by, Neghed noticed the rat again. The rat was watching Neghed, almost staring really. The server brought his mug back and he rose to approach the rat. With a simple gesture the rat motioned for Neghed to sit when he approached.

"I know most of da faces 'ere," Neghed begins as he sits. "Your face is new 'ere but ya look at me as though ya know me. Ya lookin' for someone or jus lookin' for trouble?"

The rat smiles and motions with his mug as though making a toast. He explains he is not looking for trouble at all and proceeds to tell his tale.

Sorry if I took some liberties here with how Azig would approach Neghed. I got inspired but tried to not give too much of a voice to Azig.

Sounds good. Azig would be tracking down any of the "Lamm's Lambs" that had escaped. If he could find you in an inn he'd be there.

"You're right, I don't come here much. I was looking for you. Could we go to a more private place to talk though? The walls here have ears...."

Once he is sure there is nobody around he starts, "Nobody notices a rat on the street, or a server in a bar. That's why Lamm's people use them...." He continues, explaining about himself and how he had noticed that some of the abused children had escaped and grown up, and maybe wanted vengeance. ??

Seems like a good setup. Hope you don't mind if I tag along for now :)

@Pak: My suggestion to you is that, having worked with Lara in the past, you try to get in touch with her to get more info on Lamm. Maybe leave a note for her with the orphanage she's been donating to, setting up a meeting? If you agree, I'll follow up on that when you post.

In preparation to follow through with her plans, Lara has been scouting out Lamm's place, taking note of who's part of his current crew, their habits and schedules. If she's going to take them all on alone, it's going to need careful planning and picking them off one by one.

As she's looking at the place, she notices the ratfolk watching her. She's not sure what his role his, but given his frequent visits to Lamm, he's probably part of the group, too. That he spotted her is not ideal, but she hasn't done anything - yet.

Well, then, Mr. Rat, let's see who hunts who.

Lara slinks back into the shadows, trying to lose him, and then tries to follow him along - see where he goes, who he talks to. She tails him to a bar at the docks, and stays outside, waiting, not wanting to make her presence known.

When she sees him come out she takes note of his partner, and her eyes widen as she recognises him.

Is that... Neghed? I thought... I thought he ended up dead, after that beating all those years ago for refusing to discipline me. Good to know he also survived that. Still, why would this rat guy seek him out? Is he... Looking for more info on me? Does he suspect anything?

Lara tries to get closer to the pair without getting noticed, hoping to find out exactly what Azig's deal is.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

@Pak: My suggestion to you is that, having worked with Lara in the past, you try to get in touch with her to get more info on Lamm. Maybe leave a note for her with the orphanage she's been donating to, setting up a meeting? If you agree, I'll follow up on that when you post.

Hello all! I very much agree with Lara's idea on this. Let's roll with it.

However, Pak is a cautious fellow by nature and would want to gather more information. Perhaps even seeking out a diviner's consultation with Nicolai?

A chance encounter outside the bank of Abadar with an elf vagabond, Daranil.

"My apologies, the church of Abadar does not give alms to the poor. However, if you wish to feel the warmth and nourishment of our great community, you may come inside and join us harmonizing our morning prayers?"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 Lucky roll!

Azig notes Lara following but doesn't give any indication until they reach the quiet spot for the conversation. Before he starts the discussion with Neghed he turns to her and motions her to approach.

"Good that you are careful. Lamm's spies are everywhere, or at least he thinks they are. I'm Azig. And I'm NOT a spy for that...." His voice ends without ending that sentence. You sense a bit of anger in the cut off. He visibly calms himself and waits for replies from both.

Nicolai sits at a table in the bar, absentmindedly shuffling a deck of cards "Harrow readings! he calls out "For the low cost of three copper pieces I'll tell you your future." Then he adds, with a conspiratorial wink "For a silver I might even tell you the truth."

Behind Nicolai, perched on his chair, sits a bird-like reptilian creature, it's sinuous tail draped over Nicolai's shoulder. Nic picks up a piece of food from his plate and tosses it up in the air. The little dinosaur reveals a row of needle sharp teeth as it grabs the morsel in midair. The creature chirps and whistles his displeasure of the "treat" as he swallows something cooked. Nicolai chuckles at his familiars protest "I know, Nipper. Next time I'll order some raw fish for you too."

Looking around the tavern for his next mark, Nicolai nearly drops his deck as he spots someone familiar, a ghost from his past come back to haunt him, talking with a ratfolk near the bar. " Neghed?, is that him? Can't be. I'm sure Lamm would've beaten him to death years ago"

Looks like I still meed more training, if this Azig can spot me this easily. Still, if he wants to give up his advantage for a chance to talk, probably best to play along.

Lara steps out of the shadows and joins the pair at Azig's gesture, touching Nedheg's arm and giving him a nod and a small smile as she casually puts herself between the half-orc and the rat man.

There'll be time to catch up later... Right now, I have to figure out exactly what this guy's deal is.

"You've got quite a good eye, Azig. As for you not being a spy for Lamm... I've been watching you too, you know. You seem to be working for him somehow, so tell us, what's this all about?" She eyes Azig cautiously, but makes no threatening gestures. "If you were trying to get to me, well, here I am. But I'd prefer you left Neghed out of this - he's suffered enough at Lamm's hands on my behalf, and I don't want to make him deal with that snake anymore."

Neghed stares awkwardly at Lara when she approaches then quickly looks at his feet. When Lara mentions that the rat is working with Lamm he stands taller and looks angrily into his eyes. "Explain this now.

I have no intention of actually being aggressive here, just looking to set some things up for the discussion.

Azig accepts Lara's words and nods. "Good. You've kept your eyes open and spotted me when I watched over the kids that Lamm uses. I watch the streets to help them, warn them of trouble. Few pay attention to a rat that isn't causing trouble." He constantly sweeps the area looking for anyone that might be interested in the three of them, especially the big half-orc. "But Lamm doesn't trust me. His men bring the kids out. I watch over them. Keep them out of trouble, which isn't easy considering what they do."

With Neghed's angry words Azig pauses. Of course! They don't know him. They wouldn't have noticed a couple of ratfolk junkies.... "I wasn't one of Lamm's abused kids like you. My girlfriend.... She had the prettiest little white stripe of fur across her face!" He pauses and closes his eyes for a second. "Sorry. We.... We got hooked on that poison that Lamm's people sell. Shiver it's called. It killed her. And my family almost threw me out when they found out that I was hooked too. It took a while to recover, and longer to regain their trust. I know little of the abuses that you two suffered. I know many of the kids he uses just disappear. I assume that you want him dead at least as much as I do. For me, it wasn't about abuse and beatings. It was the drug, the poison that he pushed on my innocent Maizie and me. As if life in the Shingles wasn't hard enough! And when I got off of it, and went back to them, trying to find the man responsible so I could kill him, or die trying...." He chokes off the last words and you can see it was hard for him to say it.

"When I went back to them they thought I wanted to buy more Shiver. I had to think quick and offer to watch over the kids they were using, keep them safe from the watch. They laughed, but then accepted. I'm trying to get their trust so I can find Lamm's latest hiding place. But I realized that I can't get to him alone. I'm not strong enough. I need allies. That's why I reached out to you" He motions to Neghed. "when I found you." He glances to Lara, "You were a lucky find. I'd like to find a few more. But we also need to find Lamm's hidey-hole. And we need a plan. If you will accept me? I haven't been able to follow them back to Lamm's lair. But maybe if there were more of us, we might find him."

Pak approaches the rather seedy looking establishment in front of him.

Why in the hells would Lara want to meet here of all places? Well. She's not led me astray in the past and I've no reason to believe she will now. There's nothing for it then. In I go.

He enters the building and looks around for his contact. After collecting a fair quantity of suspicious stares from various patrons, he spots her at the bar conversing with some unsavory looking characters.

Hmm. She looks busy. I'd best not interrupt and wait until she sees me...

His stomach grumbles from a long day on patrol as he hears the fortune teller's call for customers.

AHA! He seems friendly enough. Perhaps fortune smiles on me tonight after all.

Pak confidently strides toward the distracted Varisian man's table and takes a seat. He slides over a single coin.

"I'll take the TRUTH for a silver shield if you please, kind sir."

As Azig explains his situation, Neghed expression softens a little and then shifts to concern. He looks over to Lara hoping she has a sense of what is happening. "Do we take his word? I'm nev'r been good wit lies." Neghed keeps a eye on the rat, but avoids making eye contact with Lara.

Azig shrugs with Neghed's question. "I don't know what else I could say to convince you. I've given my name so if you were spies for Lamm then I'm as good as dead. I don't have your names, so if you don't accept me, just walk away."

He does watch, mainly Lara though, for either to draw a weapon to attack. Maybe he could run.... but probably not as fast as the big one!

Lara keeps her gaze on Azig as he talks, trying to betray nothing of what she's feeling as she looks for any signs of deception. At Nedheg's question, she lets out a sigh and her expression softens.

"I... I don't think he's lying, for what it's worth. And he did see me keeping an eye on Lamm's guys earlier today - could have easily ratted me out to him then, instead of coming here to talk. I think we can trust him on this."

Yet another who's life got ruined by Lamm. I do think he's got the right idea, though. Probably could use his help.

She gives Azig another long, appraising look, before nodding. "Lara. And I'm in. 'Bout time that bastard got what he deserved, before he wrecks anyone else's lives. Don't know who else we can turn to, though, but that's something we can worry about after we know more. Keep trying to gain their trust, and I'll be close by, watching them and looking for weak links."

She then turns to Nedheg, her expression serious and worried. "Don't feel like you need to get involved in this, though, Nedheg. I'll get him for both of us if you'd rather stay away. It's the least I could do to repay you for looking out for us other kids back then."

Looks like you have prevented PVP. Bravo.

"Lara. Thank you. But I don't want to wait for them to trust me. I don't want to wait and I'm not sure it would work. They could invite me somewhere and just kill me. Lamm's reputation is not to trust."

"When they take the kids back they watch for stragglers, and for followers. But I know which direction they go, and where they turn. If you hid there, you could watch down that road and see the next turn. The next day, move to that turn and hide again. There are only so many routes anyone can take to one place. Eventually we'd know where Lamm's hideout is. Then, if we can find a few more to fight with us.... ??" He looks almost ready to jump up and down with excitement. Realizing this he works to calm himself, then tugs on his left whiskers, "I'm sorry. I just really hate...."

Glancing back and forth at the two he adds, "Best to leave the big weapons at home though. Little knives are ignored on the streets. And when nothing makes you look as dangerous as you are, they ignore you. Your weapons.... They'll remember you. And trying to not be seen or remembered, with those?"

Just glanced at both of your character sheets for whatever would be obvious. Great Axe and Gandasa? Sorry.

After a few moments of silence while Neghed considers the situation, he relaxes more and his voice takes a less aggressive tone. ”Pard’n my tone. Lamm left me wit a habit of see’in lies when da truth is given. If wat you say is true, then ya have much reason to hate that rat… umm, yeh sorry, that monster Lamm.” Neghed smirks awkwardly hoping he has not insulted Azig too much.

When Lara tries to give him a way out of Azig’s plan, his smirk turns into a more serious look. ”You have nothin to repay Lara. Beatin kids who were small’r b’cus they didn’t do Lamm’s want was wrong. B’fore ya came I had done as Lamm ask’d one or two times, maybe a few more. Somethin always told me it was wrong.”

”If ya two are up for tak’n on Lamm, ya can count me in. I felt hidin from him was the option best tak’n to stay alive. Nev’r considered revenge b’cause I was alone. A group though may be up f’r it. If we can stop at my place to drop off gear, I will join ya on the hunt.” Neghed motions to Azig as he continues. ”Ya may need ta walk me through ya plan again. Hidin and watchin ain’t my best talents. Ya right ‘bout the weap’ns Azig. I can bring da splitta when we find ‘em.”

Azig reaches way up to pat Neghed on the back. "Thank you. And no problem with calling Lamm that. There's rats and then there are Rats! With all of his abuses, Lamm is a monster! And it'll be good to have you there, with that.... splitta, when we find him! It will be needed to cut our way through his men, and to finish him once and for all."

He pauses to think, then continues. "Do either of you know of others that escaped him? I think we can find him. But I don't think we can afford potions, and regardless how good we are there will be wounds taken in battle. And a mage could be useful to cloud the minds of our enemies. A blade slips into the body of an enemy that isn't expecting it.... much easier!" He draws his rapier, which looks almost like a kids toy to both. "And my blade will be more of a distraction than anything compared to yours."

Neghed listens intently to Azig and motions with his head as he responds. "Ya, I know one and where ta find 'em." He looks across the bar at a Varisian man offering readings to the patrons. "Nic-somethin, I believe his name is. I've noticed 'em for a time now, 'is eyes are da same. I think he hasn't noticed me."

"But let's keep an eye, and an ear for now. He's got trouble maybe. The Guard 'as noticed. The gnome over dat way." Neghed nods towards the middle of room at the gnome Korvosan Guard who is approaching the young Varisian.

Azig considers things and agrees with Neghed. "OK. You see if you can find Nic. Lara and I can go figure out a good spot for her to hide and watch tomorrow afternoon when Lamm's kids get taken away.

He glances to where Neghed indicates. "We can meet here again tomorrow. Let us all know about anybody you find and what abilities they bring to the game. Don't bring any new people though. The guard will get suspicious of a large gathering. And I wouldn't be surprised to find that Lamm had a man in the guard...."

"Hmmm, yeah, he does seem familiar. 'Course, does get hard to tell, we haven't seen each other in quite a while. I think Lamm got mad at him once, too - about something he'd stolen and kept hidden instead of giving it to him. Nic... Hmm..." Lara ponders for a bit. "Nicolai. Yeah, that seems right."

"As for the 'gnomish' guard" Lara gives a small chuckle "I believe he's here for me, actually. Nothing to worry about, though. I know the guy - halfling named Miniweathers."

"Got me some paid jobs for the guard in the past. Contacted me recently and I set up a meeting here. But I'll probably have to turn him down this time - I figure this whole thing with Lamm's gonna keep me pretty busy. Might as well see what he wanted and let him know. And I'll tell Nicolai to come over and have a talk with you while I'm at it."

She then nods to Azig "As soon as I'm done with Miniweathers, I'm good to go look for a decent place to hide tomorrow."

She then heads over to the table and waves at Nicolai. "Nicolai, right? It's been a while, I didn't recognise you until Nedheg pointed you out. You should go say hi to him, too. We were just talking about catching up and stuff, but I actually have some things I need to talk with this fine officer here first." Lara's tone is casual enough, but as she looks Nicolai in the eye, he can tell that something more serious going on.

She then turns to Pak and nods. "Officer Miniweathers, sorry about the wait. We can talk now, if you want." She then spots the silver coin on the table. "Or after you get your reading, I guess. I'm a bit surprised, I didn't think you cared for this stuff at all."

Azig watches as Lara walks over to the person she had mentioned.... Nicolai? OK, take a little drink while waiting.... He didn't remember this one. Or did he? How many years had it been?

Can we get Pak, Nicolai and Daranil to join us?

Can we get Pak, Nicolai and Daranil to join us?

I was trying to engage with Daranil & Nicolai and give them a chance to respond before posting again. If not, I'll continue the conversation with Lara later today.

Pak smiles at Lara when she arrives at the table.

"Good evening, Lara. A little wait is no trouble at all. Though I expected to meet somewhere a bit less... interesting. Are you sure you want to discuss the matter at hand here?"

My apologies, everyone.
When we started this recruitment five weeks ago I was ready to start playing. However, in the interim, my schedule has changed and I just don't have the time to devote to starting up a new campaign right now.
I hope everyone has a great time as this is one of my, if not my favorite, AP.

That was Nicolai. Recruit someone else?

That was Nicolai. Recruit someone else?

Thoric already contacted me about joining. I asked if he could join tomorrow.

Walking into this dank watering hole Thoric is glad he chose to change into his worn traveling clothing. Clergy robes and armor would have made him stick like a diamond in a hog pen.

Scanning the room for the all too familiar signs of someone hooked on shiver; if I can just find one person to get out of this den of poison it will be a good day the dwarf thinks to himself.

His eyes land on a halfling with the golden key of Abadar blazing like a torch. Moving beside the halfling, he attempts to listen in on the conversation between him, the card reader and this new woman identifying him as Officer Miniweathers.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Moving to the game thread now? Assuming we've all met and accepted each other?

Thoric. Azig was also a shiver addict but is off of it.

Moving to the game thread now? Assuming we've all met and accepted each other?

Thoric. Azig was also a shiver addict but is off of it.

Yes, the game thread is open.

Welcome Thoric.

So are we jumping into surveillance? Or do should we pick up with the introduction of Thoric and Daranil on the game thread?

Or do we want to do both, continuing here with the intro?

Edit: Looks like we move on with surveillance. OK.

I just wanted to put a prologue post on here to have a mental idea of how Thoric was tied into the group... loose string but is enough to get him onboard.

I am leaving for a conference this afternoon and will be gone through Sunday evening. I will continue to read on from my phone, but I am not taking my laptop. I'll post if I am able, but not the easiest without a real keyboard.

I am leaving for a conference this afternoon and will be gone through Sunday evening. I will continue to read on from my phone, but I am not taking my laptop. I'll post if I am able, but not the easiest without a real keyboard.

Enjoy your conference!

Well, everyone, I posted. Left a surprise for both Lara and Neghed.

Sorry folks, it's been a hectic weekend. I should have something posted tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest.

These next three days I am going on a trip with my wife and kids. It's spring break and we are going to visit family. I'll have my computer with me but might be a little spotty.

DM, if you'd like moving forward I would be okay if you rolled the groups initiative. That way we wouldn't have to wait for everyone to get on and roll. Figured I'd through that out incase everyone else felt the same.

DM, if you'd like moving forward I would be okay if you rolled the groups initiative. That way we wouldn't have to wait for everyone to get on and roll. Figured I'd through that out incase everyone else felt the same.

I'd be okay with this as well. No difference if I ask the system to roll a d20 or you ask it to do the same.

These next three days I am going on a trip with my wife and kids. It's spring break and we are going to visit family. I'll have my computer with me but might be a little spotty.

DM, if you'd like moving forward I would be okay if you rolled the groups initiative. That way we wouldn't have to wait for everyone to get on and roll. Figured I'd through that out incase everyone else felt the same.

That's what I was thinking when I rolled bloo's initiative.

DM, if you'd like moving forward I would be okay if you rolled the groups initiative. That way we wouldn't have to wait for everyone to get on and roll. Figured I'd through that out incase everyone else felt the same.

I'm fine with the GM rolling initiatives as well.

Yeah. I've seen GMs roll the PCs and NPCs initiative in batches (usually in a spoiler tag to save space) during the first post of a combat and that tends to work really well.

Oh, and Daranil has absolutely zero expertise handling animals, so if he gets himself mauled with his food stunt then it is what it is :D

Well, you didn't roll to hit with the food.... LOL!

I was hoping that the nonlethal damage would have knocked the dog unconscious but I guess it was unclear if it had worked.

If the dog was unconscious then he wouldn't have attacked the dog. So if that nonlethal attack was missed then we could retcon that and Thoric would not attack.

Neghed wrote:

I was hoping that the nonlethal damage would have knocked the dog unconscious but I guess it was unclear if it had worked.

If the dog was unconscious then he wouldn't have attacked the dog. So if that nonlethal attack was missed then we could retcon that and Thoric would not attack.

I think that can be done.

That's fine. It just wasn't clear whether the dog was knocked out.

Doesn't change Azig's action.

Is combat over or are we still in rounds?