Grau Soldado AKA DM's page

As Brianna's mother is able to enter the room Grau smiles to the rest of the group with joy.
"Thank you all for your help. Please, stay for lunch. My sister-in-law cooks a great meal." and though Tayce Soldado appears surprised him to say something os nice about the cooking she just goes with it and she works hard on setting up a meal for the entire group and family. The entire family consisting of Tayce, her three children and her brother-in-law Grau.

As the group walks on he points out the home is a small community northeast of Korvosa disparagingly called Trail's end, a slight against the number of settled Varisians in the area. Made up Primarily of Varisians with a few Shoanti and socially disaffected Chelaxians, Trail's End is poor and reputedly dangerous.
"As I said, she got ill yesterday when she returned home. She can't keep food down, not that pig-swill the herbalist serves. Damn crack pot just wasting they're money and time." he appears annoyed at this herbalist he had mentioned. "She was in North Point buying things, but I don't know where she got the money to buy as much as she did. She even bought a dress that cold her 2 gold coins, a wage she could never get unless she stole it or got the money by some other means. She's my brother's kid and she has always been so full of life. I hate seeing her like this."

As you leave the city and enter this area you notice how run-down it is with thugs hiding in the alley ways either doing deals or avoiding the party as you all pose far too big a threat for them to attempt to mug you being as well armed and armoured as you are.

Only a crooked block away from the Jeggare sure, the Soldado home is a squat, two-story wooden building in desperate need of repair and gardening. As you enter the building it feels like the home of a family too busy living to bother with tedious chores due to the many parts of the house needing repair. The living room you enter is filled with well-used furnature and decorated with the crafts and scribblings of children.

Two boys are playing quietly in the living room and get up, happy to see Grau and run towards him.
"Hi Uncle!" he smiles and ruffles the hair of one of the boys
"Hey Carlo and Rello. Where's you're mother?" he asks and before they tell her a ragged coughing fills the house from above. In the kitchen is a man who appears to be using a pedastal and mortor making herbs and brewing some strange concoction that smells of cinnamon and anise. Grau appears displeased and leaves the group and heading upstairs, running into a woman and having a conversation with her.

"There you are!" he calls out running over to the group breathlessly. You all notice he has cleaned and has shaved himself giving him a much better look than the drunken sop he was. “My niece is sick. I don’t know what she has and neither does anyone in Trail’s End. She’s broken out all over in red pocks and can barely keep down food, or even the swill that goodfor-nothing herbalist gave her. Her mother’s talking about going to the Bank of Abadar, but her family can’t afford to pay the prices their clerics would demand. Then I remembered how you and your friends handled yourselves during the riots, and how you helped me out, and I figured you all could help. A bunch of resourceful folk like you, I’d bet if you don’t already have a way to fix this you must know who can. Surely you can’t just sit by while a child suffers, can you?” he seems very desperate and you get the sense that he doesn't have the money to pay the bank of Abadar for any curative magic which could remove the affliction.

You left in the morning so I am going to suggest that it's still morning. Not as early, but it's not dark or anything

Grau nods his head to Tapestry as she says this "I will not speak ill of the dead, but the king was no saint or goodly person. he pauses for a moment then shakes his head."It seems ironic she would be the new queen, but I also pity her for being on the Crimson Throne." he looks at you all for a moment wondering if any of you know what he's talking about "Anyway I must be going. The streets need patrolling. he leaves making his way to the door not wanting to hold you up.

Due to the High levle of the character it would be a load of xp for him, however since he didn't actually have that many high level spells and he didn't use them then I'm going to cut his CR down. meaning you get 200 xp each for Mr. Pestico, the 3 normal dolls 265 xp, Tapestry and Aventi Doll 265 xp, Mrs. Pestico 135 xp by my counting thats 865 xp all together each. I think this is a lesson that I'll stick to the book and NEVER make another half-baked encounter in a AP.

"Very well, we will see to it that Mr. Pestico is well looked after, you have my word." as the men leave, Grau stays behind for a moment and turns to the group, looking at Tapestry. "Despite how I feel, it's best not speak against the queen at this time. The city needs to pull together and that's more important." he looks to Tapestry as he says this, but also the rest of you. He isn't giving you a telling of, but simply warning you as you would warn a friend.

You may all want to see this.... he says to the other group members after Grau leaves with Pestico in tow. To any of the others that come around to behind the counter, I am not sure what you want to do with all of this... he points towards a veritible mountain of gold, silver, and platinum within the chest, Jerin just kind of stands there in awe of that amount of gold. Open up the spoiler with my name on it...

As I said in many posts, I messed up with this, the wizard was overpowered and that wealth should equal the total of a character of that level, including the items. His Jaw will hit the floor again when he sees the xp...

Grau looks over to the group curiously.
"If you go not feel fit for aquiring his money, you could hand it over to the guards. We can hire more people to help patrol the streets and get this city back under control." he suggests meekly, not seeming greedy, but just pointing out it would help the city overall.

Tapestry words cause Aventi´s tic to twitch and moving quickly next to her as same time touching her shoulder Tapestry dear, I understand your concern and I think the same way. However, if Mr. Pestico is going to serve law and thus, joining to "our" side and they are going to charge him with less possible amount or just having him to help to keep streets much better place, then that is good trying to smile and calm down her

I know it sounds also bad and its rude, but as I said, I don´t really need anything and I am good with little I have and I have always been. However, if he himself, let´s say, borrow the equipment to us, that is better. sighing little bit and thinking for a while but dear Tapestry... the karma and the universe always goes around. Of course the doll killed a man and as its creator, he has some responsibility of its doings. It is same as with father and son, parents are always responsible of their kids doing until they are full-age and these dolls are not yet or at least I would not think them as adults. Aventi explains and try to think what to say. Tapestry... was young and she had her own way of seeing things for sure. Huoh, not all is fair or right, but we all try to make things go that way. Hopefully this is not causing any trouble to her

It is... one way and as older person than any of us, he also know this. Justice is ... fickle and it can be interpreted many ways. I am supporting the poor people and doing my best. I believe that Mr. Pestico is not bad person and he will help us. I will try to see that he will be served correctly. Is that possible for you to promise, Grau, that you will do your best for him?

Diplomacy 1d20+2 +2 from if friends or working with HK´s

"As I have said, I promis I will do everything in my power to see that he is treated properly, but I do have other work to do like trying to catch 'Black Jack'. he smiles to the others But that's a minor concern. To be honest he has been helping us by catching criminals and helping brince the peace as everyone respects him.

Quote:

"We have our own manicles. Mr. Pestico has shown that he's willing to co-operate so you can remove yours and keep them for...personal use and we can use our own."

'Well, I guess if Master Pestico wants to be arrested...' Tapestry shrugs, removing her manacles from the old doll-maker, then turns back to Grau and adds, 'Just promise me you'll personally make sure he's treated well, Grau. Also...' she glances at her doll replica, and frowns a little, '... I'm not comfortable with "a piece of my soul" being in the hands of Academy wizards... I think Aventi and I should keep hold of the dolls animated with our souls, don't you?'

Anyone else starting to think we're batting for the wrong team here?

He nods to Tapestry lightly.

Listening speaking, but distracted and not reallz focusing on it, Aventi is still looking at his doll and thinking a flow of nature and karma.

His left eye squints, when he pick up the words of serving for the guard. Paying more attention what is going on and seeing how Tapestry is manipu... talking with Grau, Aventi grins. Seems like our girl has her hands in right place... ehehe

jada jada jada... and idea of keeping their dolls in their possession. Curiously looking at others, Aventi asks Mr. Pestico So, its like as I understood these dolls are servants? Once given order or given someone else, they have to obey the new one? It seems to me... little bit cruel, since they are already partly living creatures. as he give a look from conrer of his eyes to his doll.

Streching his arm little bit forward and feeling his ribs and back little bit sore, a good night of sleeping would surely do good for him. Seems like that he had taken some damage, but nothing seriously, yet. Ah, something about stuff? and looks at others. Tapestry, Curnach and Krenn had armors, but surely as a casters they would need better one, expect Krenn. That one looked to be though. Jerin seems to not have anything, but then, he had his own magic to help. Thinking how to solve this Hm... Isn´t it better for some of our caster to get these... Armor bracers? Would do good to have them better secured at least. The amulet armor... uff, surely it seemed like he need alot of armor stuff. I just need to get better at using my head and body during fights and I guess these armors just will slow me down

This all is completely PC knowledge :) I don´t see Aventi knowing so much about these things, although he got higher than normal standard int. Monks and at least beginning from 1st level have the knowledge, if not at least hearing but our Aventi was raised by outsider (Tian) and surely not everything was told

Grau looks back to the wizard in the robe in their group and then looks back to Aventi

Aventi D´Gaudon wrote:

Streching his arm little bit forward and feeling his ribs and back little bit sore, a good night of sleeping would surely do good for him. Seems like that he had taken some damage, but nothing seriously, yet. Ah, something about stuff? and looks at others. Tapestry, Curnach and Krenn had armors, but surely as a casters they would need better one, expect Krenn. That one looked to be though. Jerin seems to not have anything, but then, he had his own magic to help. Thinking how to solve this Hm... Isn´t it better for some of our caster to get these... Armor bracers? Would do good to have them better secured at least. The amulet armor... uff, surely it seemed like he need alot of armor stuff. I just need to get better at using my head and body during fights and I guess these armors just will slow me down

This all is completely PC knowledge :) I don´t see Aventi knowing so much about these things, although he got higher than normal standard int. Monks and at least beginning from 1st level have the knowledge, if not at least hearing but our Aventi was raised by outsider (Tian) and surely not everything was told

Jerin looks at Aventi curiously, The bracers will certainly not slow you down Aventi, their magic has no weight. he starts a dissertation about the power of protective magics and how if used in conjunction with each other could wield Aventi almost impervious to being damaged. As he looses the party, early on and mostly from lack of interest, he suddenly realizes and stops talking....Maybe you should take the bracers they will help you. My spells protect me well enough and this will give you almost the same level of proctection as my spells could. Not sure you would really need the scrolls after you put that thing on. Since we can't use the wand we might want to think about selling it. I believe it is worth a goodly sum and then Tapestry and Krenn could use the funds to procure some protective magics of their own?

With no one replying to him regarding his earlier question, he walks over to behind the counter and opens up the chest. Seeing the prize of the shop, a spellbook from a higher level wizard, he grasps it while trying to keep his hands steady.

I believe you're meant to use a spellcraft check to read a book? Just for later reference.

Quote:

... Since we can't use the wand we might want to think about selling it...

Why can't Jerin use the wand? Lightning Bolt is on the Wizard spell list, and wands are spell-trigger items - you don't need to actually know the spell, be a high enough level to cast it, have Ability Score minimums, or even make a roll to use the thing, you just need to be of a class which has access to the spell... which Jerin is...

Obviously more than a little disturbed by people scrabbling for Master Pestico's possessions as if he were a dead relative, Tapestry's frown deepens,

'Is this justice then? A lonely old man is accused of a crime (which looks to hardly be his fault at all) and not only is he hauled away without evidence, trial or debate, but all his possessions are up for grabs to any sticky-fingered little wizards who happen along?' Folding her arms across her chest, Tapestry scowls, 'If I'd wanted to be a common footpad, I could have easily stayed in the gutter. If this truly is the Queen's justice (and not just the rank-and-file taking advantage by tossing an elderly craftsman's rights out the window and stealing all his stuff) then mayhap those who oppose her have the right idea!'

Some of the guards gasp at what you just said about the queen whilst others seem to give a coy smile.

"I would rarther see these possessions in your hands than left here for looters. The last thing I want is for the looters to have magical equipment to make them even harder to deal with." Grau explains in the hope of reaching a understanding.

Curnach feels the need to placate and reason with his fellow Lamm-Victim at this point. He even goes as far as to put a sympathetic arm around Tapestry as he speaks, although the gesture is clearly difficult and alien to him.

We're not the justice system in this city Tapestry- and the judgement has been made by Mr. Grau. As for the old man's crimes- soul-stealing? The death of an innocent? Willing to use powerful magic against us before we even drew blades?

I am sure his personal regrets and demeanour will be taken into account at his trial- but his crimes are clear. If you wish to speak at his trial in his defence Tapestry, I am sure that can be arranged. Grau already mentioned the courts, so Pestico wll surely have a trial.

As for taking his possessions... You heard the guard captain. We can at least ensure that these powerful magics serve the city of Korvosa, not work against it. I am certain Zellara would agree.

"Well spoken. The last thing I want is for a group of my men coming across a band of looters only to be blown away by a magical bolt of lightning. We're spread pretty thin as it is."

Quote:

Choice items from a wizards workshop. We will have to have a good look around and see what we can find! Mr. Pestico can you please let us know what items of magic you have on your person and within your house?

Those paying attention see a sudden scowl on Tapestry's face at Jerin's renewing of his heartless mercenary status (in her mind at least), as she, almost literally, bites her lip to refrain from starting in on the wizard again. Instead she takes a deep breath, prays for divine Guidance(casts Guidance), and turns to Grau,

'Grau, honey,' she says in her sweetest terms, 'what's going to happen to dear Master Pestico here? While I don't doubt what you say about one of his dolls killing, it seems like they are independent creatures once created - is he to be condemned for their crimes? You say you're short-handed, and that our Master doll-maker here is a powerful magic-user... wouldn't it be better for all if this old man, whose only crime seems to be loneliness, be allowed to work with us against the real threats to the city?'

Diplomacy (with Guidance): 1d20 + 7

Grau takes a deep breath thinking this over and shaking his head.

He moves over to Mr. Pestico and looks to the manicles and Tapestry, raising a eyebrow, but shrugging the thought off.
"We have our own manicles. Mr. Pestico has shown that he's willing to co-operate so you can remove yours and keep them for...personal use and we can use our own."

Ooh, its you Grau! Nice to see you... yah, not sure about all this but death by one of these dolls? That is ... well, up to crown to decide. Assisting is our job, but not going to put my ass here Aventi comments from next to dollhouse as he looks at his doll.

Damn, I guess if I could teach it couple tricks and see some fighting move... could it make some stances?

Grau looks at Aventi curiously.

"I see you beat us here heroes." Grau says putting away his sword. "One of his dolls killed a girl's father. First it destroyed all her other dolls, she got the blame for it by her father but then that night she witnessed the doll cut his throat. We're here to lock him up."

With them was a mage in a robe from the Academy. He appeared more focused on the dolls and seeing the similarity between them and certain members of the group.

As the Imps escape a few of them slowed down from being struck hard from your attacks and the Pseudodragons swoop down, taking them down and the others chasing the rest away as they feed. They don't seem to take any notice in the group apart from a curious glance as they feed on the Imps.

Assuming you all want to get a move on:

Nothing happens as you finish approching the temple and find Grau waiting there, though seeminly immpatiently. He leads the group to the castle which is the large and obvious pyramid shaped structure in the city, bigger and taller than every other building making it magnificent and overshadow the entire city. It is a stunning and magnificent achievement of architecture, the castle walls and spires rise high into the sky above. The entire structure looms even higher for it's ancient foundation-a Thassilonian ruin in the shape of an immense flat-topped pyramid. A corner of this impressive foundation has falling into ruin, but the additions built onto the sides by eager and talented Korvosan Masons have created one of the most recognizable lindmarks in all of Varisia.

As you make your way here you notice the town is a lot more calm than last night with no shoutings in the street, but you still hear whispers of the anger against the queen.

You approch the castle and guards deliberately get in your way.
"Speak your business." says one of the guards and it's this moment Grau speaks up
"You can let them past. These people can be trusted." the guards look to each other and shake their heads.
"Queens orders, we're to admit adventures, but first if they want to see the new Queen of Korvosa they must remove their weapons and leave them here. Even you don't have any authority over royalty. Why don't you go back to your bar and make out with your wife, Mead." the others laugh as they say this, but Grau remains silent.
"These new orders are strange...the King never admitted anyone without good cause."
"The queen is in charge now! New ruler, new rules. Pretty soon you might be looking for a new job." at this point Grau steps away and they turn to the group. "If you want to see the queen you must surrender your weapons here and be escorted. These are the rules or no admittence." he leers over at Grau, afraid that he might start something and looks back to the group.

Grau looks to the group and nods.
"I must get back to my duties at the city guard, but if any of you are looking for work I will have my hands full so I could use the help." the men laugh as the lead guard heckles him.
"You'll need more than help. You'll need a god-send to get this city back in order." they laugh and Grau ignores their attitude and bows to the group, leaving as this seemed to be the end of the agreement you all had with Grau.

"Well I will have to get going, but I do owe you all my life. I can join you if you wish or I'll wait here for you. This temple isn't too far from the castle." he smiles as she says this though his face is obviouslly filled with questions. Looking over Tapesty he looks to the symbol for moment "Follower of Calistria? I'm surprised you would be in this temple due to...well I'm sure you know what I mean." he caughs as he stops himself from making a ass of himself by saying anymore and shows a soft blush and averts his gaze back to Krenn.

Grau turns to the monk as he is being shouted at. He's surprised, but the talking of meeting up with the queen has him hesitant.
"Well...I can't simply bring you straight to the queen. I'm the captain of the city watch, but they will trust my word if I bring you to the guards and they can take you from there." he seems a little hesitant and will only take you to the guards and go no further with you. "I do have a city to try and get back into order. If any of you are looking for a job I could use some help getting the city back under control. There's going to be a ton of complaints and crimes stacked on my desk." he groans at the thought and seems to be still suffering under the ale from last night. He'll sit down for breakfast as he will be leading you all to the castle when you are all ready.

The night is uneventful and once you all head to bed Zellara bows, smiling and thanking you all for taking down Gaedren Lamm, but warns you all that you are all part of something much bigger and you are all tied to this city, but she is not sure in what way.

With that she dissappears again and only Curnach can speak to her if he wishes, simply by touching the Deck she speaks into his mind.

The monks managed to keep back any more rioters peacefully only using force when it was nessissary and even then most ran away. The morning there is still a uproar in the city. The death of a King would not go down overnight afterall, however it is not as terrible as it was yesterday.

You all notice in the morning that some of the kids are settling in, doing the work and they all appeared to have been cleaned up after having a nice bath. Some of the kids however, certain kids cause some trouble, mostly those who perfered Tapestry's actions have caused trouble, wanting to have fun and break stuff just for the hell of it. The scarred boy was in charge of a group who smashed a urn with the ashes of one of the founding members of this temple. They've been forced to pick up all the peices so that someone can repair it and collect the ashes so that they're returned to their sacred position.

Through the night Tapestry you notice you're advencements go nowhere as the men here all believe in mind over body and try to focus on keeping themselves strong and well trained. You're approches seem alien to you and you get the sense they havn't so much as held hands with a woman in years let alone done anything else.

As you all have breakfast, provided by the monks of course, Grau wakes with a obvious headache as he walks downstairs and greets you all. He seems to be cleaned up after last night. He smiled sheepishly to you all.

"I apologise for my behaviour last night. I was getting drunk and then all this chaos started up. If there is anything I could do to help you just ask, but I have to head to my post. The guard need their captain afterall." he turns to leave in the same shabby uniform as last night, only you get the sense the monks did try to clean it up a bit so he isn't as bad as he was when you first met him.

Grau appears to sober up a bit with Avanti's bullying and hungs his head low, acting like a child that has just being scowled.
"S-sorry sir...I...the drink take's away bad thoughts, you know?" he seemed still off his feet, but he seems a honorable person. Leaving him out like this in a city filled with Chaos he would most likely end up dead and pennyless.

As you make you're way through the city the Chaos seems to worsen. Luckily, you have managed to go through a few streets, avoiding most of the trouble, however a ragged, nasty looking old man looks to the group and points a crooked finger towards Althon.
"YOU! I saw you, in the dreams gifted to me by the gods I saw you. A great disease will sweep in and kill you my boy, please, run away from this place, I need your help." he makes his way towards you and it's more obvious that his skin is darkened from dirt, long yellow nails and horribly rotten skin and smells quite foul too. His eyes appear to be moving strangly and he is clearly mad.

Casting a quick guidance and taking the royal brooch to hold up as 'proof'...

'Good man,' says Tapestry to the guard, 'we're covert agents of the Crown. Our business is none of your concern, but we require you to report on what is going on in the city.'

Bluff 1d20 + 8

As the man looks at you he just stares off into your face, clearly not listening to a single word you're saying.

Not sure if you missed the DC 18 local knowledge unless you don't have it and a sense motive check to understand him a bit more too and see if you can understand where his pain might be coming from. Another Locan check to find out who this 'Sabina' is.

I am no expert on wood structures, but a lot of that wood looks rotted, which would be like tinder for fire. This place could still burn down to the waterline.

Krenn will check the street around. Is there a wagon they could commandeer? We have a battle harded horse we could attach to it. Also, is there a sewer grate around? The riots most likely don't extend down there, and we'd be safe from fire.

Perception 1d20+4

You notice that the worst of it appears to be closest to the Castle, but from what you can tell there's no damage done to the building. There are fires in various places all over the city and shouts from all different directions, but it would be hard to navigate with so much shouting and screaming about.

You also notice that there is a grate you could possibly remove to go marching through the sewers. Being a large city you can assume the sewers will be about as large as the streets.

Knowledge Local check to know about some stuff in the sewers.

You also notice a man emerging from the street with scabbard and a unshaven look. For a moment he just stairs towards you as you were checking the sewers.
"Wh-What are you doing?" you notice now that as he moves he slants to the side and appears drunk and clearly so drunk that he couldn't possibly be a threat. He wears the uniform of the Korvosian guards though as he get's closer you can smell the strong odre of Ale and sweat coming from his uniform which appears filthy. "Are ye a Rioter?" he pulls his sword out but stumbles as he does to and when pointing the blade at you it appears to be pointing more to the side and away from you then actually at you. His eyes widen and he laughs as he looks at Krenn.
"Neffi! Me old mate! Come on, let's get a few bottle of fine ale back at the Closet like good old times!" he puts away his sword and laughs as he slams Krenn on the back with the palm of his hand in a affectionate mannor. He seems to reguard you as a friend now.

The avatar is exactly how he's meant to look. Unshaven and a rarther sorry look on his face. If interesting you could try a sense motive check on his expression. Also DC 18 Local Knowledge check if you know anything about this particular guard.