Mauvais - Crimson Throne DM's page

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

I'll use this alias to DM the game.

Hail and well met!

Let the call go forth for 4-5 fledgling heroes who will bravely defend the city of Korvosa from all threats within and without! I am a longtime RPG gamer (player and DM), but new to the Pathfinder rules. I love what I've seen so far, and I'm eager to explore further by taking a shot at running a pbp on these boards.

I will be able to post at least once a day (usually in the evenings after work), so it would be best if players could do the same. I am looking for strong characterization, and active players who will share the responsibility of keeping the game moving forward. PCs will start at first level, using a 20 point stat buy. No evil alignments, please. The CotCT player's guide is an important resource to use in developing characters...it's available on this site as a free download.

If interested, please reply with a character concept, indicating the race and class you'd like to play, as well as a brief (paragraph or so in length) description of the character's appearance, personality, and motivation for hating Gaedren Lamm. I will reply on a first come, first served basis with an indicator of acceptance, rejection, or more info required to make a decision. First four (maybe five) characters to pass muster make it in. I will also consider party balance, so keep an eye on what other people are submitting too. Some material from the Advanced Players Guide should be okay, if you have it, but I'd like to stick mostly to core rules, since this is my first go round. Full character sheets are not needed yet, but if you want to make an alias and choose an avatar for your PC, that could be helpful.

If you have questions, please ask away! I hope to hear from some of the great players out there. Thanks!