The king is dead! In the Varisian port city of Korvosa, the death of a monarch leads to chaos, and only a small group of heroes can hope to save the city from its own darkest tendencies.
Houserules:
Houserules:
Casting: When casting a spell defensivly if you fail you do not automaticly lose the spell, rather you provoke an attack as you normally would for not casting defensive. If you are hit you must make a concentration check dc 10+damage taken if you fail this check you lose the spell.
Rolls:
Many rolls will be handled by the GM in secret.(don't worry, I don't fudge.)
Any result that can influence the character behavior will not be rolled open.
Rolls that will be handled by the GM:
Perception
Sense Motive.
if you make the check I will send you a pm or make a post and put it in a spoiler depending on the situation.
Sometimes I will roll Initiative others I will ask you to roll depending on the situation. In some situation (rarely) I will bypass init entirely and have you all go first and enemies second or have enemies go first and you all go after.
Combat rules:
I'm a fair GM, I dont roll combat in secret, I don't change results, I don't ignore bad calls from the characters.
Sometimes, character dies, but I'm not a player killer, if I think that an encounter will be easy handled, when it should be more challenging, I will make it a more challenging, if the party it's not prepared to face something, I will drop hints, if they insist... well killing one or two players never made me lack sleep...
Actions:
I'm a GM that do not punish the character for trying something new or cool, or even strange. Visual appealing actions are encouraged, the dc will of course depend on what are you trying, but you can try! If what you want to do is wicked cool, I can even bend the game mechanics to allow it! The most importat part is: You are villains. Villains are smart, resourceful and have style! Have you ever seen a memorable villain that could just swing his sword and do nothing more?
Posting Rate
If it could be done, I expect 1/day posting, if you can post more, it will really good.
During weekend, this rule does not apply. If you are able to post, great! But dont stress over this, everyone need some time to rest (In my case, I need time to play and DM :D on my tabletop games).
Level up
Aside from character creation, when you level up, if you want something not from core rulebook, you'll need to search it inside the game. basicly what you need to do is just show in game your character is searching for that knowledge. This rule is not meant to prohibit anything, I just don't like something like this: "Character always as a full caster, never picked up a sword in his entire life, and then he gain a new level and says: Master, I'll level up as a fighter now..."
Codename: "Falcon" Male 'Human' Divine Marksman Urban Ranger 5/Bard 2 (AC: 19 [T: 13 /FF: 16] -1 if using Buckler hand; CMD 20; HP: 58/58; F+5, R+10, W+4 [+1 vs. Mind-affecting]; Init: +4 (+6 in Kintargo); Perc: +14 (+16 in Kintargo) [Low-light vision])
Gregor just nods to the three men, as if the 'grey maiden' said all that he needed. Following her intentions, he leads Pai towards the door to the doctor's office, before knocking. Barging in could cause unnecessary suspicion.
Blood, bile, and other humors bubble away within oddly formed beakers and twisted tubes in this sizable laboratory. Any wall space left unobscured by cabinets or over-laden bookshelves is covered by worn parchments depicting magnified aspects of human anatomy in grisly detail—many pierced with pins and flags like the war maps of a veteran campaigner. In the corner, a desk of elegantly carved white ash bears the image of a herd of antelope, but the stains of dark chemicals and gore disfigures the once-beautiful piece.
HP:74/74, Init:+2, AC:21:14:18, CMD:22Saves:6:11:5 +2EnchantSkills:Acro: +15, Bluff: +16 +2 vs Male Dip: +19 +2vs Male, Per +17, Sense +15, Stealth, +15
Mai copying a grey maiden's voice as best she can
"I'm Escorting a supervisor, from The Pallid Princess's higher ranks.
They wanted to one of their own to personally check in on the progress made here and that nothing is causing problems."
"I'm also acting as his voice, since he can not talk at all."
Bluff:1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 2 = 25
Mai also thinks
He looks a little cute, but man, he is in some disgusting hobbies.
Davaulus frowns and examines you both for a moment. Seeming upset he says "I was told I would have full authority over this operation. What's the meaning of this inspection?"
HP:74/74, Init:+2, AC:21:14:18, CMD:22Saves:6:11:5 +2EnchantSkills:Acro: +15, Bluff: +16 +2 vs Male Dip: +19 +2vs Male, Per +17, Sense +15, Stealth, +15
"He's here to do a review of your work, Dr. Davaulus."
"He says, he's heard of a group discovering one plague entry point two weeks ago, and this raise a flag with the upper ranks of the The Pallid Princess.
Furthermore he just recently found out via Scrying, they took out an operation in a noble's manor and questioned the operative, she was loose lipped, though thankfully she died before they could take her to be questioned anymore.
The upper ranks are not happy, that the same group taking out two entry points of our plague and getting evidence of our actions. This could lead them into finding the operation and who is running it.
The upper ranks of the The Pallid Princess wanted to do a check up on the operation make sure there are no more lose ends that could or will lead to discovering the operation.
He is assuming you dealt with the silver coin ledger, and that a certain elf's remains can't be spoken with, as we were lucky they did not have a wizard or priest who could question her corpse.
If the remains have not been dealt with he recommends breaking and or removing the jaw to place possible spotlight on those that Whisper, and be a false lead to who is doing the operation."
"He also wants to go over the other plague entry points to ensure that no tracks have been left for anyone to find.
And furthermore he wants a review of the other operational sites and their progress on the operation.
If things appear in order with no further possible leads to the operation being findable, He says he'll consider it just a string of bad luck or maybe a test from the Pallid Princess to you.
He'll give his report to the higher ranks, stating just that."
"You must be referring to that special task force working for the field marshal. I am aware of them yes. Arkminos captured one of them when they attacked the manor and captured Rolf's plaything. She is of no concern Rolf assures me she knows nothing of relevance. As for the plague is has spread enough that we no longer do anything to spread it ourselves. We need simply let nature run it's course at this point. Even if they discover it is being spread by cursed silver coins taking them out of circulation will be nearly impossible. As for the field marshal I have arrange for one of my red manthis agents to pay her a visit soon. Once she is removed from the picture we can replace her with a puppet and her special taskforce will be under our control."
HP:74/74, Init:+2, AC:21:14:18, CMD:22Saves:6:11:5 +2EnchantSkills:Acro: +15, Bluff: +16 +2 vs Male Dip: +19 +2vs Male, Per +17, Sense +15, Stealth, +15
"He's pleased to hear of your progress and your awareness of the problem along with taking steps to fix it."
"Though he still considers the dead elf a risk, as we don't know how loose lipped Rolf was when he was playing with the elf, even though he says it should not be a problem."
"In his younger days during an operation, he and those in an operation were almost caught because of a subordinate being loose lipped with his plaything, even with her dead. The subordinate told him it was not a problem, but it was a problem. As the investigating group had a diviner, who found the subordinate, and gathered info scrying on him.
And Rolf's plaything gave them his name, If they had a diviner, they could of started trying to scry on him and find out more about the operation, and the corpse might offer up other useful information, if asked the right questions."
"Cleaning up that subordinates mess in his younger days was a pain, as he personally had to clean up it up.
He poisoned the investigating wizard with a concoction similar to those that seek lichdom, and planted evidence of him wanting lichdom and doing the operation with his group.
The Wizard's Barbarian body guard was given strong stimulants, to do terrible things.
For the rest of the Wizard's group he'll let your imagination guess what he did to wreck their reputation.
The good thing that came of his subordinate's mess was
The group being half dead, with their reputation being wrecked beyond repair and the local folk and it's surrounding area with then being blamed for the operation.
No one trusted the info the wizard gave about us doing the operation.
Since then any operation he runs he puts in the rule of no playthings until the operation is done. To ensure that there are no loose lips through a plaything, and punishes subordinates that break that rule during an operation"
"He says he'd hate to see a promising man in the organisation, undone due to a subordinate's lack of control and lying about it."
"Now what is the time frame for the removal of the head of the snooping group?
As he wishes to ensure the time frame is one that can not be interfered with easily."
"Enough! Tell your superiors however they are that everything is under control. The red manthis will take care of anyone who snoops around. You hired us to do this job and we will take care of it. Now leave me. I need to get back to work and figure out why Varisians are imune to the blood veil."
Codename: "Falcon" Male 'Human' Divine Marksman Urban Ranger 5/Bard 2 (AC: 19 [T: 13 /FF: 16] -1 if using Buckler hand; CMD 20; HP: 58/58; F+5, R+10, W+4 [+1 vs. Mind-affecting]; Init: +4 (+6 in Kintargo); Perc: +14 (+16 in Kintargo) [Low-light vision])
Gregor nods, and offers a polite and formal bow to the doctor, before turning and leading Pai out of the office. Unless she stops him, he makes all the way for the front door of the building. They have a lot to prepare for, and ideally get blessed off by the Field Marshal to come back and take on the place.
Codename: "Falcon" Male 'Human' Divine Marksman Urban Ranger 5/Bard 2 (AC: 19 [T: 13 /FF: 16] -1 if using Buckler hand; CMD 20; HP: 58/58; F+5, R+10, W+4 [+1 vs. Mind-affecting]; Init: +4 (+6 in Kintargo); Perc: +14 (+16 in Kintargo) [Low-light vision])
Once they are outside, Gregor feigns like he doesn't know the three others until he is a safe distance from the building. Once they have gotten out of sight, he tells the others what they learned. He tells of the plague-spreading, and the assassination plans on the Field Marshal. With this evidence, surely the Korvosan Guard can mount a seizure on the building and all the criminal activity going on within. He encourages the others to join him so they can tell Field Marshal Kroft, as soon as possible.
Half Elf (Destined Bloodline) Bloodrager 10; AC (33)24/16/23; HP 115/115 (145/145); F+15, R+10, W+9 (+2 vs. enchantments) Init +1; Percpn +18; Evasion; Lowlight Vision; Improved Uncanny Dodge; DR 2/-, Rage 25 rounds; 3 (1st), 2 (2nd), 1 (3rd)
"Should someone stay here and make sure the bad guys don't sneak out of here? If the guard comes back and there's nothing here, we'll look like idiots."
You head back to the citadel and go meet the field marshal and give her a report on the situation.
Cressida seems resigned. She seems exhausted like she hasn't sleep in days and at the same time she seems angry.
"...I see...Here are your orders...Dismantle their operation entirely. Kill or arrest everyone there as soon as possible. I'm also going to contact the sable company commander and see if he is willing to help. This Davaulus and his notes must be secured at all cost, they are our best chance at a cure for the plague...If anything happens to me bring his notes to Ishani Dhatri of the temple of Abadar he will know what to do. I will also take steps to ensure that my replacement is not a puppet but you should be prepared to become Independent of the Korvosan guard just in case."
You see what she was looking at on her desk. Casualty reports...The korvosan guard have lost nearly two hundred and fifty members this months out of their nearly seven hundred members. Civilian casualties are estimate around four thousand...in a city that used to have
18 000 people.
Half Elf (Destined Bloodline) Bloodrager 10; AC (33)24/16/23; HP 115/115 (145/145); F+15, R+10, W+9 (+2 vs. enchantments) Init +1; Percpn +18; Evasion; Lowlight Vision; Improved Uncanny Dodge; DR 2/-, Rage 25 rounds; 3 (1st), 2 (2nd), 1 (3rd)
"Now this is more along the lines of what I signed up for. Let's go take these jokers apart." Crain was the most excited he had been in days. He winks at Cressida. "You know I'll keep you safe, pretty lady," he nods.
"To be honest the queen's physicians and the grey maidens have more authority than I do I this point so any warrant I give you will be useless. I can only hope that when we expose what they are really doing there the queen will have no choice but to accept that we did the right thing. I do not know how much she knows of what is going on but in my gut I feel that she is involved somehow."
Cressida rises to leave. "I have much to do. I will be careful and I will trust that you will do you part." She leaves her office leaving you to plan your next move.
Codename: "Falcon" Male 'Human' Divine Marksman Urban Ranger 5/Bard 2 (AC: 19 [T: 13 /FF: 16] -1 if using Buckler hand; CMD 20; HP: 58/58; F+5, R+10, W+4 [+1 vs. Mind-affecting]; Init: +4 (+6 in Kintargo); Perc: +14 (+16 in Kintargo) [Low-light vision])
Sorry, I bit off a little more than I can chew this semester, and I've been swamped.
Gregor shakes his head at Pai mention of an ambush for the assassins, and adds to it a dirty look, later, when she mentions a riot. "It is the job of the Korvosan Guard to keep this great city operating as it should in accordance with the laws. Willingly operating under the intent to allow a riot of the people solve a pox that must be rooted out, is simply unacceptable."
He snaps a sharp salute to the Field Marshal alongside Sgt. Drakus. "Yes, Ma'am! I will ensure that we carry out your orders to the best of our ability."
As the conversation returns to the members, he once again shakes his head at some of the suggestions. "We cannot allow them any time to balk or plan. If we let them know that we are aware of the threat their operation entails, they have time to eradicate evidence that could be damning for them. You did not hear what the Doctor told us. They are outright working against the citizens, and for increasing the threat of the plague. They must be stopped. It is my duty to the people, to prevent any more of them from dying to the best of my ability. We were told to strike the 'hospice' hard and fast. I intend for us to do exactly that. If no one requires any preparations, I am prepared to go at this very moment."
Male Human Fighter (Phalanx Soldier) L1 | AC22(T12FF20) CMD16 | hp 16/16 | Saves: F4R1W-1 | Percep -1 | Init: +1 | Status: OK
Drakus nodded.
"Yeah, I'm ready right now.
"The only question is whether we go straight for this Davaulus and his notes, probably letting others escape;
"OR, just kick in the door and start arresting everyone, but maybe letting Davaulus have a chance to escape or destroy his notes.
"OR, should we split up, and let our sneakier folk grab the Doctor and his notes while we serve as a distraction?
"What do you all think?"
Codename: "Falcon" Male 'Human' Divine Marksman Urban Ranger 5/Bard 2 (AC: 19 [T: 13 /FF: 16] -1 if using Buckler hand; CMD 20; HP: 58/58; F+5, R+10, W+4 [+1 vs. Mind-affecting]; Init: +4 (+6 in Kintargo); Perc: +14 (+16 in Kintargo) [Low-light vision])
Gregor furrows his brow, "Good questions each. Sadly, as the Field Marshal said, we don't have rank or authority to arrest any Grey Maidens we encounter, and had even been ordered to do as told by the doctors. Our number one priority is securing the evidence. It may be the best option as well. His office was at a dead end, with a single door. We could use it to make a stand while we maintained our target." He informs, as he crudely scribbles out a rough map of what they saw inside.
"We may be able to get a jump by entering as Pai and I did earlier, just with the three of you in tow. That should at least get us as far as the stairs before anyone questions it. Once there we have but a few physicians, and the doctor himself."
Half Elf (Destined Bloodline) Bloodrager 10; AC (33)24/16/23; HP 115/115 (145/145); F+15, R+10, W+9 (+2 vs. enchantments) Init +1; Percpn +18; Evasion; Lowlight Vision; Improved Uncanny Dodge; DR 2/-, Rage 25 rounds; 3 (1st), 2 (2nd), 1 (3rd)
"Now I'm all for crashing in the door and burning the place to the ground, but what if there's a back door, and he sneaks out while we are whipping his underlings? We need to check for a hidden exit, then we can strike!"
Male Human Fighter (Phalanx Soldier) L1 | AC22(T12FF20) CMD16 | hp 16/16 | Saves: F4R1W-1 | Percep -1 | Init: +1 | Status: OK
Drakus thought carefully.
"I like Gregor's plan. It's simple, straightforward, and keeps our combat power together. If we split up, we could get beaten separately."
Male Human Fighter (Phalanx Soldier) L1 | AC22(T12FF20) CMD16 | hp 16/16 | Saves: F4R1W-1 | Percep -1 | Init: +1 | Status: OK
Donagar wrote:
"Alright! Here we go....did she say burn the place down afterwards?"
"Maybe later." Grunted Drakus.
"Remember, stick to the plan. Head to the stairs and the docs, look like you belong. Don't worry about starting the fight, It will come. Just finish it when it does."
Drakus lunged to open the door before Donagar kicked it in. Unless it was locked; then he'll aid another.
Alright so you enter the building from the front and quickly pass into the next room and head straight towards the stairs all together with Mai and Gregor leading the way in disguise. This time you obviously draw more attention than before. Everyone is watching as you move. You approach the stairs and you find two grey maidens coming down the stairs drawing weapons and another two coming up behind you.
Addressing Mai one of the grey maiden speaks
"Identify yourself and explain their presence here" she says.
Codename: "Falcon" Male 'Human' Divine Marksman Urban Ranger 5/Bard 2 (AC: 19 [T: 13 /FF: 16] -1 if using Buckler hand; CMD 20; HP: 58/58; F+5, R+10, W+4 [+1 vs. Mind-affecting]; Init: +4 (+6 in Kintargo); Perc: +14 (+16 in Kintargo) [Low-light vision])
As the whole instance erupts into chaos, Gregor can't help but clench his fists in anger, "Dammit Donager, could you not have just let Pai answer, and avoid going straight to bloodshed." It doesn't matter, what's done is done, and now he needs to be ready to fight their way to the doctor. He calls out to his team, "Alright, we've got this. We are skilled and more than ready, let's stay focused on our mission."
Standard, Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage +2 atk/dmg and saves against charm and fear
Lasts for rounds 1-3
Move, draw sword
I'm glade to cross swords with all of you, I haven't played pbp in a while, I'll be active for as much as I can, on Tuesday and Thursdays I'll only be able to post either before 6 am or after 10 pm due to work and karate, other then that I should be a regular poster
A cleric might have been a good choice, however with the melee power we have we should be able to plow trough most things at the lower lvs or at lease until we have a want of clw or potions
At low level you should be able to plow trough using brute strength and a paladin, a druid and a ranger should be enough healing especially when you get some wands.
'Mr. Pink'|LoH: 2/5|Male Human (Chelaxian) Paladin of Iomedae 4|HP: 35/35|AC: 17/10/17|Saves: +8 Fort, +3 Ref, +5 Will|Init: +2|Perc: +6
Right now, I'm wondering if it'd be a good time to see how our characters know each other.
If any of the PCs have had dealings with the Korvosan Guard, Cassiel may recognize them, and he could perhaps be acquainted with Cedric because of his sewer maintenance work; Cassiel could have helped him wrangle a particularly uncooperative otyugh in the past.
Sorry for the slightly late arrival. Greetings everyone and thank you for the invite! Looking forward to getting this underway as I've really been wanting to try out an Urban Druid for some time and this AP is completely new to me.
A little about myself IRL - I work in IT, I have a wife and child, with another baby on the way (so there may be some slowed posting from me around the end of July) Otherwise, I usually post at a minimum every weekday around 8-9 AM central and noon to 1 pm central. A lot of times I can post much more often during the week between 8am-3pm. Weekends are hit and miss but I try and post on the weekends at least once a day.
I also GM a number of PbP games here. Currently 3 RotRL and 2 Shattered Star games plus 1 Thornkeep. So I am pretty active on the boards.
As for my character and knowing the others she is a merchant though pretty new to the profession sincer her father was murdered. The family business is around trade of various cloth, leathers, and the like. As such if you have had any mercantile business we could have meet. Additionally, Kira is always out and about exploring the city, she has done this since she was very young. If you have been in the city for some time it is likely we would have crossed paths at some point for any tie ins that way.
Yes the water is about 5 feet deep but is calm a dc 5 swim check is required. The water becomes shallow as you swim towards the shore if you move 15 feet towards the shore you can stand.
If you fumble.
01-19 Slip and be dazed for 1 round
20-33 Stumble and be Dazed for 1d6 rounds
34-39 Trip; Shaken for 1d6 rounds
40-44 Off Balance; Flat-footed until next round.
45-59 Lose grip on weapon; Drop held weapon.
60-61 Dumbfounded by own ineptitude. Will Save DC 20 or Slowed for 1d4 rounds.
62-63 Slip, knocked prone in current space.
64-65 Fluid gets in eyes. All opponents concealed (50% miss) and lose Dex bonus to AC for 1d6 rounds.
70-74 Weapon breaks (base chance 100%: -50% Masterwork, -100% for magical)
75-77 Hit Self; ½ damage.
78-79 Hit self; normal damage.
80 Hit self; normal damage + dazed 1d3 rounds.
81-83 Hit ally; ½ damage (if no ally in range hit self instead)
84-85 Hit ally; normal damage (if no ally in range hit self instead)
86 Hit ally; Normal damage + daze 1d3 rounds (if no ally in range hit self instead)
87-88 Critical hit self.
89-90 Critical hit ally. (if no ally in range hit self instead)
91-92 Twist ankle; Slowed for 10 rounds.
93-95 Trip and Fall; Prone, Slowed for 1d3 rounds.
96-97 Spectacular display renders you prone and Slowed for 1d6 rounds.
98 Knock yourself cold in a daring feat of incompetence. Helpless for 1d6 rounds.
99 Critical hit self, knocked unconscious 1d6 rounds.
100 Both 99 and 70-74.
Half Elf (Destined Bloodline) Bloodrager 10; AC (33)24/16/23; HP 115/115 (145/145); F+15, R+10, W+9 (+2 vs. enchantments) Init +1; Percpn +18; Evasion; Lowlight Vision; Improved Uncanny Dodge; DR 2/-, Rage 25 rounds; 3 (1st), 2 (2nd), 1 (3rd)
If I'm playing Crain too pushy, just let me know guys. I don't want to ruin everyone else's good time by having him be too involved in finding Lamm. If I'm bugging anyone, just let me know and I'll pull him back a bit.
'Mr. Pink'|LoH: 2/5|Male Human (Chelaxian) Paladin of Iomedae 4|HP: 35/35|AC: 17/10/17|Saves: +8 Fort, +3 Ref, +5 Will|Init: +2|Perc: +6
Not a problem for me yet...
In fact, that could be a way for Cassiel & Crain to know each other. Considering we both served in the Korvosan Guard, Cassiel could certainly have at least heard of him.
'Mr. Pink'|LoH: 2/5|Male Human (Chelaxian) Paladin of Iomedae 4|HP: 35/35|AC: 17/10/17|Saves: +8 Fort, +3 Ref, +5 Will|Init: +2|Perc: +6
Just out of curiosity, what's Crain's ethnicity?
This is rather important for an ex-Korvosan Guard...
Guide to Korvosa wrote:
...700 soldiers of the Korvosan Guard, almost all of whom are human of Chelaxian descent. All other civilized races have representatives in the guard, as do Shoanti and Varisians. Despite an ever increasing integration of non-Chelaxians into its ranks, the Korvosan Guard remains steadfastly tied to its Chelaxian traditions. Only full-blooded Chelaxian humans can become generals or the field marshal, while only those with at least half-Chelaxian blood (including half-elves) can achieve a rank higher than captain.
...as it can influence how high Crain advanced in the ranks before dropping out.
Sorry guys -- busy day, plus earlier today the Paizo site was dragging. (Probably because they were trying to run the PaizoCon lottery while a million people were pressing "reaload" thirty times a second to see the result of the lottery.) I'm 14 posts behind, but will catch up tonight.