The Hex of The Chair

Game Master Jovich

Callie nods at Garran.

Alika also nods in assent.

When the group returns to the room with Laori in it, she has placed a second painting on the easel and is comparing them.

"So, have you seen common sense?"

Alistair nods his agreement....
...mark my words this is a bad idea...

"Common sense? I don't think I've seen that anywhere," Garran replies. "Laori, we have decided that we can work with you to find Mr. Scream, provided you aren't looking to harm him in any way. Also, while you are free to follow whatever religious persuasion you like, we would feel more comfortable if you refrained from torturing anyone while we work together. Is that agreeable?"

"Torture? I do not torture anyone, and though I might inflict pain on some, I have never done so outside of combat against someone who hasn't asked me first.." she said while winking at Garran.

"As for Salvador, I don't plan on hurting him at all. He has some information I need, and I don't foresee him not being willing to share."

Laori thinks for a moment then says "Now that we're friends, perhaps we should know a bit more about each other? As you have guessed, I am a servant of the god of pain. I can cast spells of the 7th circle and less, and I am fairly skilled with my chain. How about the rest of you?"

"That sounds fair to me." Callie says. "I'm an ex-ex noble, ex-cutpurse, current storyteller-mercenary good with a sword and the bardic arts with enough arcane skill to cast a basic dispel. Like most bards, good at a little bit of everything. Some might say master of nothing as well, but we can see about that." She grins cheekily.

She pauses. "Is 'Common Sense' a work Scream created by any chance? Not that I've seen it, but I'm curious."

"I don't know his art that well, to be honest. I was talking about the fact that it's common sense for heroes to work together to accomplish a common goal."

Laori shrugged and said "As I said, he has some...information that I need, which I have to get from him. Why are you looking for him?"

”I am Garran Fain, sometime caravan guard and mercenary. I’m quite skilled with my hand a half sword, as well as a few other tricks I’ve picked up. As for Salvador, we are looking for him because he might know where someone we need to talk to is.”

Alistair....I drink and have a talent for sword fighting.

"I'm just a chirurgeon," says Alika, though her holy symbol obviously shows a bit more than that. "Helped with the plague, most recently."

"No wizard? I've been told that's dangerous in your line of work; but I digress." Laori shrugs and says "I think I know where he is, but I'm not sure. There are tracks outside that look like he was drug away by a group of people, and there's only one organization that has groups of people roaming about the town. I haven't had the chance to talk to them though, because they either threaten me or run away; lately it's been all the second group. I did find an odd symbol on them, though."

Laori reaches into her pack and produces one of the tabards Emperor of Old Korvosa's bullyboys wear.

"Ah, Pilt's men. We were able to negotiate passage with him so we could move about unmolested while we searched for the person we need to talk to, but now we need someone he might be keeping prisoner. Still, we should see if we can follow those tracks, just in case there is another group at work here."

Callie rolls her eyes as she takes in the tabard Laori produces. "While I agree with Garran about seeing where the tracks in particular lead, I am starting to get the feeling Pilt sent us on a wild goose chase." She frowns. "He's a playhouse runner. I what if the whole conversation we had with him and his 'subjects' was a grand performance to keep us from sniffing around his own 'palace'?" She spreads her hands. "I don't know about the rest of you, but if we weren't already trying to find missing persons, taking him and his would-be rapist bullies down would be my main priority in this ward. And I don't doubt he knows that either."

"He sounds like a nice guy. Should we go talk to him?"

"First, let's take another look at those tracks in case he wasn't taken back to the 'palace'." Callie looks toward Garran.

Heading back outside, the group takes a moment to reexamine the tracks, but no new insights reveal themselves.

"Well, shall we go and speak to this Emperor?"

Going to take you back to the Emperor's tomorrow unless you decide to head somewhere else.

Where do the tracks lead?

Fair question! They lead back onto the streets, which you can follow for a little while before you hit some actual streets and not just mud roads. They were headed in the general direction of Pilt's however.

The group finds themselves walking once again towards Pilt's "palace", Laori humming a happy-sounding tune to herself as you walk. This time the guards do not impede them from getting to Pilt's throneroom: you see some of the guards you saw last night here, and they definitely recognize you. Laori smiles at their reactions, and several of the guards go cold at seeing her reaction and clearly recognizing her.

The upper areas are much more packed than they were last night, and you yet again see Pilt sitting on his throne. Upon seeing you, he stands and raises his hands, before speaking loud enough for all to hear:

"My friends! How goes it? I see that you still live! How can I be of further assistance to your search for Master Orsini?"

The people in the stands quiet at hearing Pilt speak, then turn to look at the group of heroes who have just arrived.

Bump

Garran replies, "Well, Your Majesty, we have a good solid lead, but unfortunately it's led us back to you. We need to speak with a gentleman by the name of Salvador Scream, who we believe happens to be a...guest...of yours. Would that be possible to arrange?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Callie's eyebrow bolts at the Emperor's comment. "And why would you be surprised we still live?" Her hand rests on her sword's hilt. "Anything you'd like to tell us, Pilt?"

Intimidate, change attitude: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

I'm sorry this may not help with the Diplomacy tack. But she isn't keen on playing nice with someone who dragged a harmless artist away from his home by brute force, let alone with the other rough way they are treating people in the area--something she would no doubt make clear during conversation on the way back to the palace. In retrospect, we may have wanted to discuss approach ahead of time, with all due respect to the GM's eagerness to press forward. I know this application of Intimidate requires a minute of interaction but I am rolling in anticipation of some back and forth and/or presumed introductory banter.

If you guys want to have that conversation, go for it. I'm willing to hold off until you have a good idea.

Alistair remains quiet as he looks around for the little gnome.
Where are you...you little s%!*

He's there by his Guillotine.

Alistair keeps his eyes on the little man.

I think it's fine to keep going

I like the approach we're taking - I'm the carrot, Callie's the stick.

Sounds good to me!

No objections. Maybe we wind up fighting this mob after all. Maybe not.

Okie dokie. Pressing on:

When Callie speaks:

"You misunderstand my dear Ms. Cobalt. I do not wish harm befall that lovely face of yours, not your companions. I was just more surprised that you would return to me, since I have given you all the information that I know regarding your search."

When Garran then adds his statement, Pilt sighs and says "Alas, I cannot. He is working on an extensive project for me, and cannot be disturbed right now. Perhaps in, say, two months?" He smiles at your group apologetically, but his body language is firm.

Pilt's face then lights up, and he says "Unless.....but no, you wouldn't deem to lower yourself to being mere entertainers."

Oh hell no!
Alistair keeps his eyes roaming the room but under his breath...
sorry not much for entertaining.

Anyone else want to weigh in?

Garran narrows his eyes. "Unless...what?" There's a slight edge to his voice as he asks for more information.

Pilt smiles at Garran's question and says "Well, it's just that my subjects here have gathered to see a game of Bloodpig, and I would like to give them a show such that they have never seen before!"

"Were you willing to accomedate me, than I would be more than happy to interrupt the artist for a while to allow you to speak with him. Pleasing my subjects is, of course, my primary concern." As he says this, there are ripples of laughter from the crowd.

"So what say you?"

Garran looks at Pilt before saying, "A moment."

Bringing the group in close, he whispers, "I don't like the idea of being used for gladiatorial entertainment, but we need Salvador. I see only two possible courses of action here. One, we give them a game of Bloodpig, which I assume means some sort of combat against either prisoners or some beast. The other is that we beat Pilt unconscious and kill his guards, then demand he take us to Salvador. Which course of action do we like better, and what would be the drawback of eliminating what is essentially the only form of government in Old Korvosa?"

Garran knew that when a criminal organization lost its leader, unless the rank and file were either sufficiently loyal or sufficiently scared of the new leader, it could break up into lots of smaller organizations that caused a lot of harm to people. He'd seen it happen before, growing up in Old Kintargo.

"I don't like just murdering people, but I also don't know how to play Bloodpig. Sorry to say I don't have a better alternative," whispers Alika with a sad, apologetic smile.

We go with the pummel part...I am not up for a game to entertain others in this manner. As for government...This is no government. These people need help and he has taken this time to play King for a day at their expense. We are here right now...we take over and get these people working in the right direction. Might even be able to find a way back to the other side and remove that...woman...from the throne. We need to help these people...they are all party of this city and should not be tossed to the wind because some crazy woman also would like to play Queen for a day...These people deserve freedom.
Alistair is in control but the anger is not held back at all. It is known that he does not like when people bully the weak.

Callie has message going since the morning BTW. Mind, this is not perfect proof from being overheard, but it can help.

"I agree with Alistair except for his insult to women everywhere. As to the game, I expect it involves a blood and pigs of one stripe or another, and is probably rigged and an attempt to kill us in broad daylight. At the same time, I doubt Pilt came to power without talented muscle at his disposal. If I approve of the beating and killing plan, it's only because a, I think it's going to be inevitable, and b, I don't like the way his 'tax collectors' are treating the people, and the longer we delay the inevitable, the more people get robbed and raped."

"Agreed. I don't mind putting on a show, but I'm not much one for playing....whatever this game is." whispers Laori when the group is brought together by Garran.

If fighting is your plan, I need someone to do something to kick things off.

I say we get in close enough to take him down quick like. Be careful of short and bubbly over there...he has a hard on for Garran. We may want to tip that tall knife thing over...would not want to be caught in that if the blade slips.

Poke. I need someone to actually start the fight from your side. Or not.

"Right. Let me regale them with a similar tale I told at the tavern the other night, and when you see an opening, go."

Callie offers a broad grin. As she begins to speak, she moves over to face the emperor directly. "Ah, if it's entertainment you want, your Majesty, then you know full well I can deliver. How about this? Shall I remind you of the tale of Dodging Arthur, the cutpurse who called himself king of the slums? And how, when he pushed just that little bit too far, he was drawn, quartered, and chopped into bits by his own 'subjects'? He had begun a lowly con artist who had stolen a certain bauble..."

Callie launches into her tale, initiating a Dirge of Doom.

All subjects within 30 feet become shaken. No save, but if it is relevant it is a mind-affecting fear effect, and it relies on audible and visual components.

No roll is necessary, but let's see how good her story is-Perform Oratory: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

I'll give anyone else a chance to post that wants to and will update tonight regardless.

"Remember, we need Pilt alive to find Scream. Kill however many of his bully boys you like."

Once Callie begins her tale, Garran pulls his sword from its scabbard and begins moving towards Pilt.

I still say we take pilt down first but...alright
As the other two move towards Pilt and Callie's dirge is heard, Alistair steps forward. His weapons come to his hands in a blink of an eye as he strikes out at the bully boy.
My understanding is that you get only a standard action in a surprise round...so five foot step and a single attack. Attacking the northern thug dude.
Attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27
Damage: 1d6 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20

I posted this in the discussion thread, but the open spaces on the map (with the exception of the 3 to the right of Pilt) are filled with people. That will change once combat goes on, but for now, no 5' stepping.

Alika: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Alistair: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Callie: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Garran: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Thugs: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Pilt: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Gnome: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Initiative Order:
Alistair
Pilt
Alika
Garran
Callie
Gnome
Thugs

Callie starts the ambush by scaring the entire crowd with her story, many of whom start screaming and trying to flee. Given that there's a single narrow bridge or down into the field for their options to escape, most people choose the field. Assume it's difficult terrain for now, because people will get out of your way (if only cause it makes getting out that much easier.

Garran and Alistair both draw weapons, and Alika prefers to hold off on acting.

I'm assuming that none of you are going to cut down the crowd that will try to get past you, but let me know if that changes.

Fight!

Technically, the dirge of doom only targets "foes," and "shaken" does not force targets to flee (frightened and panicked do) but if you want to creatively interpret that, that's fine. Does this mean Callie didn't step in front of the emperor? I thought those spaces were open.

Would it be too much to ask to move the maps to Google Draw or similar, where we could add and move tokens? one very crowded example (a barroom brawl)

I will post my move after Pilt takes his action