Pia Verlaine's page

"This is one other option." Pia says with a small grin. "And no one is in danger at all."

"We haunt them." Pia looks to the Cleric of Pharasma. ""Well, of a fashion."

"Not a true ghost, but the residual city spirits. I can ask 1-2 to help. One can open and close random doors. Another can collect any unattended object, especially anything that could potentially be a weapon, and gather them in a second location or just move them around."

"After an hour or 2 of that, I'm sure they would be very welcoming of a Cleric of Pharasma."

"I'm not versed in deceit, but if they are giving away meat to the poor, I more closely look the part." Pia will mention while gesturing to her attire. "Most of the older guards know how Jonathan's death effected me. And I am used to communicating with shop owners as little as possible, no need to lie if I don't really speak."

Pia will look off to the side for a moment. "And... I can probably convince a city spirit to assist in an emergency notification."

Unseen servant shenanigans.

Pia just stares at Aglumd when he's done talking. Her brain still processing that very long plan.

I don't thing he stopped to take a breath during all that...

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History: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
"Jonathan spoke of Field Marshal croft a few times. She's a good sort." Pia will say after they have left.

"Deserting the guard isn't the best way to help the city. There are many who dislike or distrust the Queen, just as there are many who do. But the Watch is supposed to protect the citizens. He would have better served them staying onthe job." Pia says during the journey to Northgate.

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All, I am sorry for my disappearance without notice. Life sometimes just sucks. Last few weeks have been chained events of stress and heartache. After the death of a close family friend, car accident and ER trip for my future roommates, trying to clean/pack and sell my house to move in with said future roommates, and health problems of my own, any remote freetime I have had is spent trying to make it to work so I can pay for all of the above.

The next two days I have people over helping me clean/pack and do a few repairs, if you can excuse me a few more days, I hope to be able to post again by end of the week.

Know Local: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

"I'm not sure staying out here would be much safer or less filthy." Pia comments after Rebecca, finally seemingly coming out of her own mind.

"Stay close to the doorway, at least it provides a quick egress if needed." She mentions to Corwin.

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Local: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 17

The amount of voices, images, and other sounds screaming in her head makes it hard for Pia to think once the enter Old Docks area.

Try as she might, she cannot hear the sounds Rebecca hears in the alley, but trusts the ex-guardswoman when she says she does.

Pia does her best to stand by and wait, while trying to quiet her brain.

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Sorry absense, was dealing with our only warehouse worker getting fired at work (he deserved it) then got the news of the death of a close family friend. I should hopefully catch up tonight.

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Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 Bonus use of Guiding Spirit

Pia having talked (for her) alot this morning has been quiet as the group traveled about the city doing errands.

When they came across the current disturbance, Pia was more than happy to let the more diplomatic companions try to resolve things. Throughout the womans tirade about Chelaxians, Pia remained calm. Despite a good portion of this city descending from them, they always wanted to distance themselves.

But when the woman started talking about the poor guardsman they harassed, Pia's head suddenly snapped up. Is he still alive or is he too laying in a ditch in a back alley, a wife or mother at home worried about him not knowing if he will ever return?

Pia barely registers Rebecca's lunge at the woman or Algund's interception. She takes purposeful steps toward the woman until she is right beside her. Pia's voice but a barely contained rasp of anger.
"Tell me true woman, for if you lie, the spirits of this city will surely let me know, then your voice will join their ghostly echos, your soul never resting, as you walk these streets forever. Where did you leave him and was he still alive when you done so?"

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Sorry short post, spending day in hospital w/friend in car accident

Pia blinks at Corwin, "This was down there on purpose?" She shudders a bit in revulsion.

"Yes, we should get it off the street." Pia will walk over to the whole, peering in to see if any more are lurking.

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Pia drops her crossbow and runs up to the woman on the ground, drawing her dagger as she approaches to fend off any limbs the creature might toss her way.

She drags the woman behind her, shielding her with her own body, as she tries to get them both farther out of danger.

Pia will convert standard to another move to pull/push the woman backwards, I didn't move them further on the map yet, as wasn't sure what move speed or if any AoO was coming.

Pia cuts her eyes to the left seeing Gadren move up. As the woman's body falls out of the creatures mouth Pia is both relieved and horrified as the body makes a sickening splat to the stone road.

Pia gasps to Gadren "Do you think she's still alive?", while loading another bolt.

In all the years since Jonathan taught me to shoot, I never needed it, now twice in 2 days... Pia fires at the creature, trying to aim at the same spot she hit once already.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

@Rebecca, i think you forgot the +1 to hit from bless?

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Pia loads her crossbow with shaking hands, the woman's scream still echoing in her mind.

Aiming for the largest part of the creature, trying to avoid the woman's body or Algund, Pia takes breath and feels a comforting arm raise the bow a little higher.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Attack (Guiding Spirit): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Nat 20, Can reuse ability again today
Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Meh
Dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Pia stumbles forward to get the creature within close crossbow range, motioning the closest townsfolk down the alley nearby. "Go! Run!"

Before taking the time to load a bolt, she will call on the City for protection.

Pia contemplates Algund's questions. "In the beginning, I didn't even notice. Voices, real or imaginary, don't have any meaning when you are already dead." Pia cannot stop tears from forming in her eyes. "Jonathan.... was my life. His death..." Pia takes a deep breath before moving on.

"The voices are what eventually got me moving again. Out of the house, back to work. Even if I wasn't...still... am not whole. Maybe never will be. I truly believe I also died that day, maybe not physically, but in every other way. A gift, a curse, a mix of both, I don't know."

"But one thing I do know, last night, my first moment of real peace in 5 years. Not just my own. Many others had suffered because of that man. So if it is a curse of still being alive when I should be dead, a gift from one of the gods I am still on speaking terms with," Pia avoids eye contact with Gadren at that statement. "Or something else entirely, it doesn't matter. It's part of me. Even those who are dead deserve to still be heard by someone, deserve help. Not just those powerful like Zellara. I seem to have been chosen for some of that." Pia shrugs at the end of her statement. "I had alot of time to think last night when making my way home."

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"The Acadamae's locked down tight" Pia gives a bit of a nod to Corwin. "No plans to open doors until order reestablished." She shakes her head, trying to quiet some of the louder voices to their natual murmer.

"Mostly chatter about the King, as expected." Pia gets a puzzled look, "Did you all know no monarch of Korvosa has 'ever' died of old age or produced an heir after crowning? Being called a curse: Curse of the Crimson Throne."

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"Other than ones needing to be returned to family, i have no problems with them staying here as long as they want." Pia pulls out some paper to make a list of needed supplies. "As stated, it's a mess on the streets right now. And most have been taking care of themselves for years. Staying alone here shouldnt be a problem, once we gather some extra supplies for them. Probably best if we stay together."

Pia recalls the state of some of the districts last night when passing thru to checking in on Kamilla and Rebecca's families, "Most of those organizations will be busy trying to get some resemblance of order back in place. It will be hard to get audiences for several days. And I don't mind them here."

"I can try asking the City, would be easier than walking around, but sometimes it is hard to quiet enough of the other voices to hear the ones I need." Pia takes a few even breaths before closing her eyes.

Using Ears of the City. I get 2 rounds, diplomacy or perception check for each round equal to 1d4 hours of talking to locals each.
Rnd1 Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21Rnd1 Hours: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Rnd2 Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12Rnd2 Hours: 1d4 ⇒ 4

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He takes off his helmet as soon as he comes inside, and looks for a place to put his glaive. Mind if I just drop my pack and things in the corner, or is there a closet or something?

A momentary smile passes over Pia, "My Jonathan used to dump his gear by the door the time." She chuckles briefly, "There is a weapon rack behind the door."

Unlike the rest of the small, but tidy, house the weapon rack has a noticable film of dust from obvious disuse, except for a recently placed crossbow.

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Pia returns greeting to the new comers, and gives a small almost knowing smile to Cataria.

”If possible, it will be good to give the children a choice in their fates. It’s a simple something that they have not been given much. I’m sure a few may be interested in the guard or clergy, some maybe able to find apprenticeships.” She says towards both Thorfinn and Gadren.

”Merrik? That might be the boy helping the young Ms Preet in the kitchen. The description fits.”

”Zellara is correct. The city is in need. It’s been restless lately and after last night…” Pia takes a moment to close her eyes and breath deeply before saying barely audible , ”So many new voices…” Opening her eyes, it's easy to see a haunted look in them that has nothing to do with her lack of sleep.

She looks towards Rebecca while shaking her head slightly, ”Your family is well. But I’m afraid Kamilla will not be rejoining us, her father was killed in the riots. That nice young guardsman, Mattuen, stayed to help escort her to the Cathedral with his body…. “ Pia sighs. ”But we can discuss all that when not standing on the stoop. Come in, you all can see to the children, perhaps seeing Wren will calm a few of the more skittish ones and we can find out their names. Confirming that Lamm’s flunkies are imprisoned and can not hurt them anymore will probably help also. Once the children are settled we can figure out what Zellara and Korvosa need us to do next.”

The dark haired woman takes a minute to stare at the group of people on her doorstep, trying to blink the exhaustion out of her eyes. Once recognition sets in on some of them, she visibly relaxes. “Rebecca, Corwin, good to see you well after last night. I see you’ve found friends.” Her voice is even more raspy and horse today than it was yesterday, a combination of sleep deprivation and smoke inhailation.

She pats the small boy on the head, ”They are friends. Get one of the taller boys to help, there is a box of clothes in the hall closet way at the top. Then you all get baths!” She calls to the retreating form.

Pia then steps outside and closes the door gently behind her. ”Sorry, I meant to meet up at Zellara’s place, but it was so late when I got home, I was exhausted. Then still needed to check them for any injuries or illness. I just woke up.” She looks back towards the door, ”And there was so many more of them than I expected. There was less when we left Lamm’s and I honestly expected many to just run. They’ve eaten almost all the food I just bought yesterday. But they needed it. It’s going to cost most of my remaining coins to get them enough for a few more days. That’s if I can even find a store open. A few I think may have homes to go back to, but most look to be long time street kids, several still refusing to speak. ”

She sadly shakes her head, ”I don’t want to turn them over to the city if I don’t have to. A few of the older ones actually expressed fear of that. And after last night, I think the homes will already be getting an influx…”

Anything else she might have said is cut off by a large yawn.

Never really played a fully offensive divine before. Even my evil drow theurge was double duty as party healer. This should be fun.

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Welcome back, Pia, glad you could make it. Is work still as crazy as before?

Yeah. Still trying to function on skeleton crew. It's a nice Catch22: Cant afford more people, don't have enough bodies to increase productivity to make more money. At least I still get a paycheck.

Hey all, happy to be back. Thanks for the acceptance.

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I'm here, just been waiting.

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Yeah, which is why Pia wants to check in on the children before going to Zellara's. See if they made it safe. We probably shouldnt split too much (all different directions) but someone should go with Kamilla so she isnt wandering the streets alone in the crazyness.

What if Pia going with Kamilla, other than Rebecca they know the city the best and should be able to avoid too much insanity. Hit Pia's house on the way to Old Korvosa.

Leaves 3+dragon escorting Wren and the prisoners towards Zellara's.

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Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
Pia, distracted by the clamoring (for once not just in her head), barely notices the poor guardsman running up.

Local: 1d20 ⇒ 9 No idea what the blue thing is!

However once her attention is drawn to the young guardsman, she quickly grabs him. Her voice suddenly more commanding than anyone in the group has heard before, but it is that of a healer not to be denied. "Hold still young man!" And attempts to staunch the flow of blood from his head.
Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
In a much softer voice, "Sorry, my kit is more for birthing than anything else, but that should stop the bleeding until you can get proper attention." Then she uses some minor magics to wet a cloth to clean the blood to ensure the flow has stopped. Create Water

Turning towards the others, "We should check on the children quickly. Zellara and anything else can wait until morning I think?"
A bit confusing is spots, but I think the dragon already dropped off the criminals? If not, then Pia add that to the to-do list after the children.

Yes following

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Local: 1d20 ⇒ 8
Pia shrugs. "Maybe a fire bug?"

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"For now, the children who need it can stay at my place, I have food and blankets. It's late, let them get good meal and good rest, we can let them help us decide their fates in the morning. I have the room to spare, it's no rush for them. The older ones can keep an eye on the younger while we take care of our errands that cannot wait."

Pia looks towards the rickety ceiling, "Have we checked every place here we can, should make sure we didn't miss anything, or anyone. I think there were a few rooms upstairs?"

Sorry Life (and my job) seem to be trying to kill me... I'll try and stay caught up better.

CLW to Azrael: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
"Sorry I can't do more." Pia tells the dragon before re-joining the others.

Off all the reactions to finding Zellara's head, Pia seems least phased, although curious. Upon Rebecca's question, "I don't so much talk to the dead, as they occasionally talk to me. Sometimes it's too many voices, sometimes it's one clear voice. Never had one walking and talking and offering food before."

After watching the Harrow Deck call it's missing cards back to itself, Pia continues her thought. "Very powerful spirits have been known to manifest phantasms or poltergeists, but even those are still obviously ghosts. Zellara's need of closure or her connections to fate magics must be strong indeed to do what she did."

"I wonder if her place would yield more answers or more questions." Pia states almost offhandedly and barely audibly, once her voice becomes tired from the recent burst of use.

"Anyone badly hurt? I think I have a little left in me to heal."

Who needs it most? I got 1 more CLW left!

Once the croc dies and the adrenaline starts to wear off, Pia has to sit down. Not caring she's sitting on the edge of a water pit with a dead animal that was just trying to eat her.

She briefly closes her eyes, breathing, letting the feeling of closure for Jonathan slowly infuse her.

Upon hearing Rebecca move towards the door, looking for the proof Corwin mentioned, Pia opens her eyes and gets up to follow. Perhaps she can find a reason why, the last remaining piece to the puzzle of his death.

Pia, seeing no other way, as she is blocked by either Wren and her father, or the crocodile, reloads and fires. Once more my love, if I am to rejoin you tonight, at least they will be safe.
Add't use of Guiding Spirit from nat20
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

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My sweet Jonathan, help me, at last may you be avenged. Pia whispers out as she reloads her crossbow. Aiming and firing.

Swift action Guiding Spririt

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 (+1 for Point Blank)
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Yes!
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Dmg Crit: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Pia will step to her right to have better angle at Lamm, as well as more room to maneuver away from the crocodile should it notice her.

Xbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

But trying to ensure she doesn't hit her companions, the shot missees by a longshot.

Pia fires at Lamm, wishing he was just a few feet closer.. then reloads where she stands.
Xbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 8

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Pia is the last to cautiously enter the room, careful of her footing. Having heard the old mans taunting, she expected him to be in better shape. Seeing the scraggly old man, Pia can't help but think that as dead as she felt inside, he looked even more dead outside.

In an almost whisper, "The city's dead have called for you Gaedrin, but you know that already don't you. You will not refuse them this time."

Here, sorry, 75% of my work just got layed off, I'm one of the few still there, but now trying to do the work of 4...

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Local: 1d20 ⇒ 20

"I think it swam off... Probably a Jigsaw, common around here."

Pia will eye the boat suspiciously then slowly and carefully make her way to join the others.

"I don't see anything in here, Roran any thing down there or a passage other than spiders? I think this was a trap."

Pia will head towards the pier, ready to help others get off the creaky boat.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11
Local: 1d20 ⇒ 7
"I only see one, but will take your word for it. Nasty little biggers. I don't normally have anti-venom in my kit either."

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Pia readies her crossbow as Rebecca goes to open the door.

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Pia will slowly approach the young dragon, "This might sting a bit, but should help."
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
She frowns when it barely seems to make a dent in the creatures wounds.

Pia hefts the crossbow. "Definately"

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heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Not seeing anything immediately pressing with the children, Pia will hand the Preet girl a key.

"Here is my address. Ms. Preet, here is the key. We will meet you there after dealing with Lamm. You all can take any food you like. It's small but warm and dry. Anyone with family, we can get you home, if not, you're welcome to stay as long or short as you want. No pressure. You can offer the same to any of the other kids if you see them on the way. I think there are still a few inside, if you can wait for them, see who wants to go."

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With the dog now unconcious or dead, hard to tell in these conditions, Pia will do as Rebecca asked and follow the children out. "Yell if you need me."

Looking for the one called Ms Preet, Pia will ask them again to head to her address for safety. Telling them when they are done with Lamm they will be provided shelter and food, and taken to homes if they have them. She will also inquire if any need immediate medical attention.

Figure this will take a few rounds, feel free to skip me in rotation for these actions until either I am called back inside or otherwise interrupted, or need to make a formal interraction.

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With the dog distracted, Pia reloads for another shot.
xbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
But once again the shot goes wide.

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