Mauvais - Crimson Throne DM's page

What are the results of my last post? Anything specific or am I just free to ad-lib?

You can go ahead and ad-lib.

Everyone, I made a couple of updates to the campaign information in my alias: Added some description for Zellara under 'NPCs' and updated the Korvosa map with the location of the Old Fishery.

The business with Zellara concluded for now, the party sets off into the darkened streets of Korvosa, making way to the address the fortune-teller provided: Westpier 17. For those familiar with the city, it's not too difficult to find.

The mood of the city is hushed, guarded even. There are few people out and about on the streets, and those who can be seen are little more than guarded shadows, flitting from one darkened alleyway to another. It seems as though Korvosa is waiting...holding her breath...

Within a short time, the group has arrived down at the docks near the Jeggare River, and stands across the narrow street from the fishery at Westpier 17. The reek of brine and the stink of week-dead fish hang thickly in the air here. The old double doors in the side of the weathered building across the way are tightly closed, with a drooping signpost hanging above. The sign it once displayed is long gone, leaving behind only a single short length of rusted chain, clinking softly in the night breeze. On the north side of the building appears to be some kind of wide loading dock, while a wooden boardwalk runs around the south side of the fishery out of view. All seems quiet within...for now.

Here is a map of the fishery (at least as much of it as has been seen so far).

LINK: Fishery Map

And, here is the new map of Korvosa, showing the old fishery as location #2.

LINK: Updated Korvosa Map

I wanted to get this up yesterday, but the combination of frustrating unreliability from the boards, and a yucky stomach virus leaving me wiped out prevented it from happening.

To Zellara, I take it you won’t be coming with us? We supposed to meet you here later on or is this the extent of your involvement?

"Yes, it would be well to return here after the business with Lamm is done. You may well find that you have additional questions for me at that time." There is a sense of melancholy about the woman as she says this, but she shakes it off quickly.

As the others speak, Zellara nods emphatically. "A sound plan, I agree. Best not to wait long, else Lamm may pull up his tent stakes and disappear once again. Now, I have little in the way of material aid to offer...but I do have my Harrow deck. Before you depart, I would perform a Harrowing for you. Who knows what mysteries may be revealed in the telling?"

Assumng at least some of the PCs stick around for the card reading...

Zellara skillfully shuffles her deck, and then lays out a grid of nine cards, face down in a 3x3 square. The atmosphere in the room becomes even more surreal, the cloying scent of the incense suffusing the senses, as the Varisian woman flips over the top left card and speaks in a sonorous tone.

"We begin with the past."

"The Hidden Truth. It represents seeing past the obvious. Do not be afraid to accept that there may be a greater reason for your assembly here tonight than simply your shared grieveance with Lamm."

Zellara flips over the next card below.

"The Queen Mother. Knowledge through fealty. But fealty to whom? King Eodred, or someone else?"

The last card in the first column reveals...

"The Trumpet. Usually a card which speaks of the declaration of power...but here, it is misaligned. Power simply for power's sake. I fear that bold machinations may be in play somewhere in Korvosa."

"Now for the present."

Zellara flips over the top card in the center column.

"The Empty Throne. Loss brings good fortune. Do not give up faith, even when all seems lost."

Flipping the next card, Zellara reveals, "The Cricket, representing speed and quick passage. May you find this in your efforts to bring Lamm to justice, and in what may follow after..."

"And finally, The Marriage. A union of persons or ideas. But in this position, a union which will prove to be disastrous."

"Finally, the future."

Zellara turns over the first card in the last column."The Avalanche. Here, misaligned, meaning that disaster may be averted. This is welcome news indeed."

"Next, The Bear. Here we see that brute force reigns." The fortune teller's eyes raise to gaze upon Shakhan for a moment. "Hmmm...of course."

Flipping over the ninth and final card, Zellara reveals "The Cyclone. This card speaks of tumultuous, evil plots. Are they merely the plans of Gaedren Lamm, or does something even more dire wait in the winds?"

With these words, the haze in the room seems to lift a bit. "The Harrowing has ended. The time has now come for you to move against Lamm. Go with Desna's blessing."

"As she said," Pierre replied to Vic, "She paid bribes, asked around and consulted her Harrow deck. Aside from the last, it's pretty much how anyone gets any information in this city." Pierre studied her for a moment; his grasp of people told him that she was indeed telling the truth, but there was something else she wasn't quite telling them.

"You're holding something back," Pierre accused, "I believe you're telling us the truth about where Lamm is holed up, but there's something you aren't telling us. If we're going to head to his lair, then we need to know everything you know. After all, we can quite easily verify your information by heading out there and watching the traffic in and out of the building, and if you're wrong..." Pierre trails off, but casts a glance over his shoulder at the hulking form of Shakhan and lets the threat go unspoken.

Diplomacy 1d20+6

The enigmatic woman replies, "Indeed, you have the right of it. It is...difficult to explain. You might say that I simply listen to the music of the city, and that my Harrow cards tell me more than most. Yet, I have revealed all that I can for now. I encourage you to do this very thing...go to the fishery. See what you find there. Will Lamm be unguarded, unwary? You all know the old bastard better than that. It will certainly be dangerous. But you have capabilities of your own, this is why the cards have chosen you. Trust at least that we all want Lamm to pay for what he has done. We have this much in common. So, I entreat you for your help."

Zellara's plea seems truly sincere, maybe even a touch desperate.

"Greetings, Zellara," he says, watching her like a hawk, "I must admit that your invitation came as something of a surprise, especially as I don't think I know who you are. Tell me, why have you called us here?"

Sense Motive 1d20+7
Knowledge (local), to see if he knows the name 1d20+6

In answer to Pierre's question, Zellara speaks in a soft but clear voice. “Thank you for coming, my friends, and for putting up with my unconventional method of contacting you. I have reason to remain hidden, you see—a terrible man would see great harm done to me if he knew I was reaching out for help. This is a man you know, for he has done something terrible to each of you as well. I speak, of course, of Gaedren Lamm, a man whose cruelty and capacity to destroy the lives of those he touches are matched only by his gift for avoiding reprisal. You see, a year ago, his thieves stole this, my Harrow deck, from me. It is important to me, an heirloom passed down through a dozen generations, and also my sole means of support. When pickpockets stole it, my son, Eran, tracked them down. Eran recovered the deck, but the thieves were in the employ of Gaedren Lamm...and in reward for finding them, Gaedren murdered my son."

She continues, “I sought help from the Guard, but they turned me away. And so I asked around. I paid bribes. I consulted my Harrow deck for advice. And recently, I was rewarded—I found out where Gaedren dwells. He can be found in an old fishery north of here at Westpier 17, where he trains his abducted children to be pickpockets and counts his stolen treasures."

“And now, I need your help. I cannot hope to face this man on my own, and the Guard moves so slowly that if I were to go to them, Gaedren would certainly know of their coming well in advance. Even if they did arrest him—what guarantee would I have he would be punished? This criminal has evaded the law for decades. But you know of these frustrations as well, for word on the street has it that Gaedren has wronged each of you, too. So
there we are. It is time for him to pay.”

"Do you have a plan for revenge? The last I heard, Lamm was nigh unapproachable."

Zellara replies, "Not so much unapproachable. But not high enough a priority for the 'authorities' to undertake the effort of bringing the snake to justice. And so the plan is for you to mete out justice of your own. Someone must make Lamm answer for what he has done!"

Vic takes a peek at the street without, but doesn't see anyone or anything moving about in the dimness of the setting sun.

Conversation proceeds for a few more minutes, as the 'guests' avail themselves of the refreshments, wondering how long they will be made to wait. The bread is a bit stale, but filling, while the wine, thought not fine, tastes good enough.

The group's wait ends a few moments later, as the door opens, and an attractive, middle-aged woman with dark hair enters the house. She smiles, and says simply with a Varisian accent, "Thank you for coming to visit." She seats herself at the table, and produces a set of Harrow cards from a pocket, clearly matching those which served as 'invitations' for the newcomers. The woman deftly sweeps up the remaining cards from the tabletop, and begins to idly shuffle them. Her skill with the deck is obvious as the cards seem to dance and float over her hands and the table. With a nod of her head, she indicates that anyone still standing should sit and join her at the table. "I am Zellara. Welcome to my home."

LINK: Picture of Zellara

"Interesting decorating theme, don't you think, he says to nobody in particular, as he makes himself comfortable".

Cast Detect Magic and scans the room

Knowledge Arcana, History, and The Planes (1d20+7=26, 1d20+7=18, 1d20+7=11)

As he studies the tapestries that adorn the walls.

Hytogg can't really attach any specific historical or arcane context to the images on the tapestries, despite being fairly knowledgable on the subject. He concludes that the designs are probably just to evoke a certain mood, in combination with the incense and other decor.

Upon casting Detect Magic, Hytogg is a bit perplexed. There is an aura in the air, something he can't quite put his finger on. It's not a traditional feel of illusory magic, but something akin to it...different, and hard to define.

Casting detect poison over the food and drink.

Pierre doesn't sense anything amiss about the bread and wine.

Somewhat after the fact, but here goes anyway...

The cozy chamber within the small home is filled with a fragrant haze of flowers and strong spice. The haze comes from several sticks of incense smouldering in wall-mounted burners that look like butterfly-winged elves. The smoke itself seems to soften edges and gives the room a dream-like feel. The walls are draped with brocaded tapestries, one showing a black-skulled beast juggling men’s hearts, another showing a pair of angels dancing atop a snow-blasted mountain. A third tapestry on the far wall depicts a tall hooded figure shrouded in mist, a flaming sword held in a skeletal hand. Several brightly-colored rugs cover the floor, but the room’s only furnishings are a wooden table covered by a bright red throwcloth and several elegant tall-backed chairs. A basket under the table contains a bottle of wine and a loaf of fresh bread. A simple, hand-written note rests atop the table, held in place by a stone paperweight.

LINK: Note on Table

I'll let you guys interact a bit more before what happens next.

We aim to please ;)

I am pleased, indeed. Good players tend to do that. :)

Vic's Stealth check is a good one...he's not going to be spotted by any average passersby. Other PCs may note him if they can roll an equally high Perception check.

On the street, Hytogg doesn't see the Harrow card passed between Pierre and Una.

As for Shakhan, he finds that the door to the small house is unlocked and opens easily enough...no need for any violence yet. The description of the interior is coming up tonight! (Darn having to work!)

You guys are all doing some great role-playing on the game thread!

Sorry I couldn't update last night, but something important and unexpected came up and killed my evening. I'll update tonight for sure.

Slow me down if I'm crashing forward too much, I assumed that there wouldn't be trouble getting into the place.

I think what you've done here is fine. No worries.

Dredging his memory to see if the address meant anything to him, he realised that this might be his best chance at clearing his sister's name. Pulling on some clothing, he set out to find out what he could about 3 Lancet Street.

Knowledge (local) 1d20+6

Pierre recalls that Lancet Street is located in a nondescript reidential area down near the riverfront, but there's nothing remarkable about the address as far as he knows.

Three nice introductory posts so far, well done.

Is Lancet Street on the Map of Korvosa in the Player's Guide? Couldn't find it.

It's not marked there. Only major thoroughfares are labeled on that map, and Lancet Street is much smaller. Here's a map with the location marked. Presumably, it will be easy enough for all the characters to ask around and get directions by sundown.

Updated Korvosa Map

And we're live!

Let's hit the ground running! Have fun...

Korvosa, the Jewel of Varisia, has long sparkled on Varisia’s southern shore. Established 300 years ago by Cheliax at the height of that empire’s expansion, the city now commands its own destiny. A line of Korvosan kings and queens emerged to rule the city, establishing an infamous seat power—the Crimson Throne. Rulers have sat upon the Crimson Throne for more than a century, and the city has flourished. Yet the monarchy always seems on the brink of disaster. The Crimson Throne is not a prize to be won—it is a curse. No monarch of Korvosa has died of old age, and none have produced an heir while ruling. Even though King Eodred II controls Korvosa more fully than any previous monarch, that control remains tenuous, and many secretly count the days until their latest king falls to what they call the Curse of the Crimson Throne.

25 Desnus, 4708 AR

It is the dawn of a new day in the city of Korvosa, a day which begins seemingly no different than the day before. Yet, unbeknownst to five disparate strangers with an undiscovered common bond, it is the just the beginning of something far more.

In a dank alleyway, the rogue Vic Marduk discovers a strange thing lying on top of an old pickle barrel. It is a beautifully painted fortune-telling card, with gilded edges and a message handwritten in dark ink on the back. Markswoman Una Therlmagne finds a similar card in her black leather boot as she dresses for the day, while vengeful cleric Pierre Bergadot spies one under his thin mattress as he rises from his night's sleep in a dirty flophouse. The mysterious Hytogg discovers another such card tucked between the pages of his spellbook after morning meditations. Finally, broken brawler Shakhan pulls a card from beneath his flagon as he breakfasts in a cheap tavern.

What can this mystery portend? Time alone will tell...

Vic's card: The Peacock

Una's card: The Juggler

Pierre's card: The Publican

Hytogg's card: The Wanderer

Shakhan's card: The Teamster

All players: Back of Card

Players, please give a description of your character in your introductory posts as you describe their reactions to such a strange discovery. Game on, let's make it a great one! :D

Barrdyn, I looked over Pierre, and the only issue I can see is that his CMB should be -1 and his CMD should be 11. (perhaps his -1 STR penalty was overlooked?)

Everything else about his sheet looks terrific.

Well, guys, I know there are still a couple of (very) small loose ends to wrap up, but I'm jonesin' to start. Look for the first IC post in a little while! :)

In case it was missed, Shakhan should be updated and rearing to go

Yup, got it. He looks great now!

I've moved the abilities around (well, the +2 racial bonus anyway) and given Pierre a little more constitution. Fitting, given his character, I think.

So, Pierre should be ready to rock and roll.

Awesome! I'll give Pierre the fine-toothed comb treatment this evening.

I'll fix it shortly :)

Sounds good. We're actually really close to being able to launch the IC thread. We just need to get Pierre's abilities sorted out, and a couple of other very minor tweaks as requested above.

We should be able to get the action rolling tonight or tomorrow. :D

Shakhan is ready for inspection. Sorry about the delay - the internet has been a bit flaky tonight. (I'm located in Southern Africa.)

No delay at all. In fact, I'm surprised and pleased at how quickly this has all come together.

I've looked over Shakhan, and have only one quibble. It appears that you've applied an armor penalty to his Acrobatics skill, but not to Climb or Swim. Further, the -2 penalty for his shield has not been applied at all. This may be an oversight, or it may be a deliberate choice. My preference, though, is to apply all ACP penalties to all affected skills. In play, the numbers can always be adjusted back up to reflect dropping the shield, removing armor, etc., prior to checks.

Otherwise, he looks great!

EDIT: Is it wrong that every time I type 'Shakhan' I think of Chaka Khan?

GM: Fixed I believe. Thanks for pointing out the errors, all of which were to my character's detriment. (Whose side am I on, anyways? :) ) I did have Knowledge: Local marked as trained, but forgot to add the rank mod. I think that covers it, right?

Excellent work all around. I noted one other discrepancy when I tallied the cost for Vic's equipment, and I believe he should have just a bit more cash left...something on the order of 54 gp. I could be wrong though, I looked it over hurriedly. Still, if you want to double-check, there could be a few more coins in it for you!

Other than that, Vic looks great and ready to start. :)

Mauvais - Crimson Throne DM wrote:

Okay. Does he have a familiar at this time?

sorry. Morty is now on the profile.

Excellent! My only request for Hytogg now is for a section for wealth (somewhere around 9 gp left, I think). Otherwise, he looks great, and ready to start. (Morty too!)

His +3 to hit points makes me think he has a toad familiar. :)

Yep, that would make sense! Just didn't see it listed anywhere on the sheet.

He should be done under the profile except for a bit of mundane equipment, which he will probably buy as the game starts.

Okay. Does he have a familiar at this time?

Barrdyn, thanks for explaining, I see what's happening. By doing things your way, you did indeed spend 20 points, but not as efficiently as you might have.

I automatically assumed that you had put Pierre's racial bonus into Wisdom (most people use the bonus to bump up the highest stat). Had you done so, this would now be an 18 point buy, not 20. So if you'd like to rework the numbers (and I recommend you do, why leave free ability points on the table after all?) just let me know.

It's a potion of guidance, that I like to call an oil. :P

As for Una's lack of melee skills. With Rapid Reload and the 5-foot movement during combat actions, move back one space, reload, shoot will be a common tactic in "melee".

Oh, ok, thought there might be something more to it. Looks like Una's ready to roll then. :)

Barrdyn, I started to review Pierre, but I think we need to address his ability scores before proceeding further. I was able to recreate his present array with only an 18 point buy (assuming you put the +2 bonus for being human in WIS). Can you take another look please?

stardust, I looked over Una, didn't really see any problems. One question though, what's the source for Oil of Guidance?

scranford, can you let me know when Hytogg is complete and ready for review?

LoreKeeper, I really like your writeup for Shakhan. Based on that, I'd say, yeah, go ahead and make the switch. Very nice.

Strangefate, I looked over Vic, and it looks like there are a few issues to review.

1. He should have 9 hit points (maybe 10, see below)

2. He has at least one more skill point to spend (maybe two, see below)

3. Is his favored class rogue? If so, he can take a bonus skill point or hit point for that.

4. His REF save should be +6

5. CMD should be 16

6. Perform and Knowledge: Local skills can't be used untrained

Please have another look over the numbers and see if you agree/disagree with my assessments. Thanks!

You know, with all the party balance considerations - I think we've now ended up without a tank/front-line fighter. Two casters and three ranged fighters.

Are we okay with that? Or should I rebuild into a melee character? I would be fine with that.

Indeed, you're right. I guess I didn't realize that stardust's fighter was intended as a ranged combatant.

I'll leave it up to you as to whether you want to recast yourself as a front-line melee-type. It probably would be a wise choice in terms of party balance. But, having said that, I rather like Yasumi.

What say the other players?

As for Hero Points, I'm not familiar with them, how do they work exactly? (I don't have the APG).

LoreKeeper's summary on hero points is right on the money, so I'll let that speak for itself.

On another note, picking up a PDF of the APG for $9.99 is an absolute bargain. Highly recommend.

Oh, and its UNA not Uma, Not trying to make it Uma Thurman. :P

Una, gotcha. Funnily enough, her avatar resembles Uma Thurman just a bit, at least to my eyes. :D

The favored class bonus is from the APG. Have a look on page 23, favored class options for humans. Humans are pretty cool in that they get a favored class option for every class.

Ah, neat, I hadn't seen that yet. Okay, sounds good to me.

Cool, only stardust has yet to check in.

I'll look over the sheets for Pierre and Hytogg later tonight or tomorrow.

All, I've uploaded an unkeyed image of the city of Korvosa under my alias. I'll update it throughout the campaign with locations the party visits.

Just popping in to say I'm present and working on my char sheet. Should have it finished later tonight. (And I'll have an alias up for Vic by that time as well.)

Awesome, Strangefate!

LoreKeeper,

It looks like Yasumi's REF save should be +5, due to the trait bonus.

Also, could you add alignment and wealth? (A whole 3-ish gp's if I'm not mistaken)!

Finally, can you give me a reference point for using her favored class to receive bonus ki? I haven't seen that before.

Okay, let's try Hero Points then. Everybody starts with one.

LoreKeeper, I'll give Yasumi a look-over, and let you know if I have any questions or comments.

Dot

How do we add HP when leveling up? Are we using Hero Points?

For future level ups, I think I'll have you guys roll, but the minimum will be half a hit die. So if you roll badly, you'll still get at least half.

I hadn't really thought about Hero Points. Do you (all of you, not just scranford) want to use them?

I'll use this alias to DM the game.