DM Salsa Presents: The Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master AdamWarnock

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Male Human Cleric (Sarenrae) 2 HP: 17/17 AC 17/10/17: F+5, R+1, W+8, Per:+5, Init: +2 Channels Remaining: 5/8 Loot Sheet

Once out of the command tent and in the custody of Caulder's page, Paulus speaks, "It seems our Hellknight friends have taken liberties with their assistance." Although ill at ease in the Order of the Nail's encampment, he manages to give the young man guiding them a smile if the lad should look his way.

Once inside the prison tent, the priest looks at the posts with dismay, another example of the Order's ill repute on display. He glances around at the prisoners, trying to get a gauge on what type of guard is in this place. Clean-shaven, slovenly? Cruel-looking? Lazy? Paulus isn't sure what he is looking for, but he would certainly like to validate Caulder's reasoning for apprehending these people.

He hesitates to actually engage one of the men or women, though, perhaps wanting to remain ignorant about these folks' true nature for a few more moments. Cal being the smooth-talker of the group, Paulus falls in beside him to help ask questions, and more importantly, listen to answers.


Female Human Paladin (Oath of Venegeance) 2 | HP 31/31 | AC 22/14/18 | F+10, R+7, W+9 | Perc +5, Init +3

Milling about the at the prisoners, Elise glances over at Paulus responds in a serious tone "I suspect the Hellknights have no intention of leaving Paulus," pausing a moment, she speaks more quietly so as not to draw attention "this is how power is consolidated, by removing the competition." With a sigh, Elise adds sadly "Added to the confusion of the death of a monarch, we now have competing interests for policing jurisdiction... and by the looks of it, the Order of Nail has a leg up at the moment."

Moving towards some of the prisoners, Elise attempts to gauge whether in fact these men and women are indeed "rabble" as had been suggested.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Glancing over her shoulder at Calcedon, Elise appears somewhat pensive "Cal, weren't we suppose to be negotiating the release of the Guard? Is there any chance of that you think? You know the Commander better than any of us... though I sense he is a hardened man, if not an affable one."


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The guards in place and making the rounds in the makeshift prison are all neat, professional, alert, and mean-looking.

It's easy enough to discern the guardsmen being held from the others. They've been stripped of their armor, but the seal of the Korvosan Guard on their tunics and the fact that they are all dressed identical to one another is enough to identify them as such.

All of the other prisoners look like common everyday folk. Most of them are of Varisian blood, and have the look of merchant caravaners. The others look like cooks, guards, drivers, husbands, wives, and adopted children.

What is apparent for all of them, Korvosan Guard or not, is the fear in their eyes, the dirt on their clothing, and the bruises on their skin.

Scarab Sages

Intit +2 AC 14, T 10, FF 14 HP 9/9 Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +3 CMD 13 Perception +5

Rhasuel starts tapping the butt of his spear on the ground in annoyance. Hellknights. Bah! So blind to everything they do not want to see! He'd go up an box the Lictor's ears right now if it wouldn't get him killed...


M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

"The hellknights are more interested in establishing their own rules, but when pressed, we might be able to get them to follow the clear rule of law here." At least I hope we can. He thought to himself that it could lead to much more ugliness if the city doesn't want the hellknights to keep order here. Hopefully the queen would send them away once the riots were over.

Cal noted the pensive paladin as she looked over he shoulder at him. Was she flirting? was the first question that sprang to mind. He did his best to put it out of his head and focus on the subject at hand. "I'm pretty sure I can arrange for the release of some of the guard, but the best thing to do is get a bit of information about the details of the incident or incidents. Unfortunately, we need to start thinking like barristers in order to negotiate here."


Male Human Cleric (Sarenrae) 2 HP: 17/17 AC 17/10/17: F+5, R+1, W+8, Per:+5, Init: +2 Channels Remaining: 5/8 Loot Sheet

The priest nods at Elise's comments. "Unfortunately, the Korvosan guard is too busy trying to fight the fires running rampant in this city, both real and social. If Croft sent a large force to keep an eye on these Hellknights, she'd be spread too thin. Quite the conundrum." He smiles absently at the paladin, lost in thought.

He walks with Cal to one of the Guard prisoners, green eyes focused on them as he waits for Cal to open with questions. He wears a small smile, determined to think the best of these folk unless their words say otherwise.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13


Female Half Orc Paladin [Redeeming Warrior of the Holy Light] of Sarenrae 2 | HP 24/24 | AC 20/12/18 | F+8, R+5, W+8 | Perc +4, Darkvision 60ft | Init +3 | Move: 20ft. Harrow Card: Demon's Lantern, Harrow Points: 1 (1 Used)

Mercy walks along with the others, clearly in her thoughts... concern playing across her normally stoic face.

The shares her mind with any and all in ear-shot:

"The fortune teller's card assigned to me was The Demon's Lantern. Zellara herself said of it: Desna forbid it ever come to this, but if you find yourself opposite of the Korvosan Guard, be swift, be sure. That is all I can tell you...."

The holy warrior struggles to make sense of those words;

"Friends... What if these hellions see a threat in the Guard that we do not? The Dawnflower's light has yet to illuminate all the shadowy corners of this path we are on, but the words of the Harrow nag at me still..."


Female Changeling Ranger 2 HP: 7/22 AC 16/13/13: F+6, R+6, W+2(+2 vs. fear); Per: +7, darkvision 60 ft.; Init: +3

Annabelle walks along with the others; trying to see if she recognized any that had notoriety for being on the take, or just plain reckless.

Turning to Calcedon, "I'm fine with deferring to you in this matter, as you know this man Caulder, and the Order. I do find it somewhat suspect -these factions competing to enforce law seem to have their own agenda."


M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

The bard takes a look at Annabelle. She was handling this pretty well. If she doesn't jump to conclusions and retains a level head, her influence with the guard could be just as useful in helping improve relations between these two peacekeeping bodies. He leans in and talks closely with her and with the others so his words won't be overheard.

"The best thing we can do is establish the truth and work our options from there. If the guard is guilty of crimes, then it makes sense for them to be in jail. But if there's no real crime, or merely a misunderstanding, we can argue for clemency. Talk to your friends in the guard and get their story. Then as others get the story from those that arrested them and get their point of view. If we can figure out which stories match up, we can discover the truth of what happened and work it from there.

The Hellknights are a stern organization, but they operate according to rules and if we can find legal recourse, we will have leverage to work peaceably with them to release the guard."


Male Human Cleric (Sarenrae) 2 HP: 17/17 AC 17/10/17: F+5, R+1, W+8, Per:+5, Init: +2 Channels Remaining: 5/8 Loot Sheet

Paulus looks at the whispered conversation between Cal & Annabelle dubiously. Dealing with agents of Hell was always tricky business at best, and working with their mortal counterparts couldn't be much more pleasant.

"Cal, perhaps you could inquire as to what exact crimes these guards committed, since you have a certain rapport with some of these...soldiers." The priest seemed to have to work hard to keep a neutral tone to his voice today. "I wouldn't mind going around with Annabelle and talking to some of the guards, in the meantime. Of course," he glances at the rest of their companions, "the more who ask, the quicker the results. Let's fan out and interrogate these guardsmen while Cal works his magic with the Order of the Nail."


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Annabelle:
None of the guards you see are known for their recklessness or lack of scruples. As a matter of fact, most of them seem to be ones known more for being tough-minded and fair. You even see a few of the men and women you trained with when you first joined. Feel free to drop some names here. I'll take care of the rest.


Female Human Paladin (Oath of Venegeance) 2 | HP 31/31 | AC 22/14/18 | F+10, R+7, W+9 | Perc +5, Init +3

Examining the prisoners with alongside Paulus, Elise did little to hide her feelings of skepticism "I'm beginning to get the feeling that the Order of Nail has little interest in rule of law for its own sake, but I can only hope Cal is right." With a labored sigh, Elise smiles weakly "Do we know any good barristers I wonder?"

Somewhat anxiously turning her attention away from the prisoners towards Cal and Annabelle, Elise earnestly interjects "Listen Cal, I can go with you when you approach the commander if you think it a good idea; I can be persuasive in a pinch."


Female Human (Chelaxian) Legendary Swashbuckler 2 | AC 17, T 14, FF 13 | hp 21/21 | F +1, R +7, W +0 | CMD 16 | Init +4 | Perception +5 | Panache 3/3

"Let's get out of here as soon as possible," Nic mutters, looking visibly uncomfortable in the Hellknight encampment. "Hellknights aren't good for anything except an application of law that's as hard as their armour. Sounds to me like the Queen's trying to get rid of the old Guard and replace it with these bastards." Even for someone so fiery, she feels unusually hostile as she looks around at the imprisoned.

Eventually she sighs, seeing people beginning to pair off, and approaches Rhasuel. "You don't want to be here any more than I do, do you?" she mutters to the old man. "Come on, let's pick someone and get started."


Male Half-orc Alc 1/Bbn 1 HP: 25/25 (dead at -15) AC: 17/11/16, F +7 (+2 vs poison/drugs, +4 vs Alcohol), R +3, W +0, Per: +5 (darkvision 60'), Init: +1

Zev sighs, heavily. The others discussing implications, what may lead to this, and how they can arrange to free these men. All he can think about, is the audacity of the Hellknights to think they can just start adding their own laws.

"Do we really need a barrister? I sounds simple to me. There is no curfew, no law establishing a curfew. That means, these guys couldn't have broken a law that don't exist. Just cause some big butt in the seat of Hellknight power thinks there should be one, don't mean there is one. According to the laws of the city, as upheld by the Korvosan Guard themselves, there's no reason for these guard or even these others to be held. The Hellknights can help enforce laws all they want, even be all rigid, but there ain't no curfew, no law broke, no lawfully held prisoners."

With that, he turns to face one of the guardsmen, "You! What's your name, and your side of the story? We ain't got time for dressing it up with trying to talk your way out of anything you did wrong. Just tell it straight, so we can get to figuring out how we're gonna get these Hellknights to let you go."

Dark Archive

As she walks down the prisoners, trying to keep her face neutral as she does so*. Seeing a few familiar faces - Jisselle, Anders, and Evans among them - made her doubts run deeper. Upon hearing Nicoletta have her say, she gave a nod. "It does seem to look that way." She murmured softly.

Bluff* 1d20 ⇒ 12


M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

Sighing, Cal nodded assent to Paulus. Walking in the opposite direction of Zev who seems to be interested in making enemies, he starts asking soldiers if anyone was present when the guard arrest took place. Am I making this more complicated than it is? he wondered to himself. Zev did have a point. No one knew about the curfew.

Scarab Sages

Intit +2 AC 14, T 10, FF 14 HP 9/9 Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +3 CMD 13 Perception +5

Rhasuel sets off with Nic. The longer he stayed the more he itched to be out. He's really hoping Cal can get them out of this predicament with haste.


Male Human Cleric (Sarenrae) 2 HP: 17/17 AC 17/10/17: F+5, R+1, W+8, Per:+5, Init: +2 Channels Remaining: 5/8 Loot Sheet

Paulus approaches a guardsman, a kind smile on his face. "Sir, can you tell me the particulars of how you ended up here? I know you must harbor some resentment toward your captors, but please try to keep your answer as free of bias as you can. I am looking for the actual details, so we can get this straightened out." His holy symbol of Sarenrae prominently displayed on his person, the priest calmly waits for a reply, his manner neither judging, nor condescending.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15


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Post coming tonight. Not enough time to write it at the moment.


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Okay, this is who I've got teamed up.
--
Cal and Elise: Heading to talk things over with the other Hellkinghts.
Zev, Annabelle, Paulus, and Mercy: Talking to the guards.
Nic and Rhasuel: talking to the Guards too.
--
If that's wrong, let me know where you actually are.

Cal and Elise:
Talking to the Hellknights, you learn that the Hellknights were told to arrest a group of criminals breaking curfew. When the guard interfered, they arrested the guard as well. Only two dozen were arrested in that incident. The other dozen comes from the patrols that interfered when the Hellknight patrols were about to dispense justice to lawless brigands.

Zev, Annabelle, Paulus,Mercy, Rhasuel, and Nicoletta:
The guards are tightlipped at first, but a little coaxing revels that there were several incidents, not just one. The first and biggest happened when the Hellknights moved into Jeggare Circle and accused the Varisian caravan there of breaking curfew. The guards posted there to protect the merchants and their families responded with a succinct, "Piss off," and that lead to the mass arrests. Only two-thirds of the guardsmen now being held were involved in that incident. The other dozen were arrested when they tried to prevent the Hellknights from enacting 'justice' against common thieves and innocent people. The thieves were killed, the innocents, beaten, then arrested.

Anyone wanna try rolling some dice?

Scarab Sages

Intit +2 AC 14, T 10, FF 14 HP 9/9 Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +3 CMD 13 Perception +5

Rhasuel tries to bluff various guards into thinking he knows more than he does, thus tricking them into revealing more than he knows.
If possible, I'd like to take 10 for a 19. If I can't, 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12


Male Human Cleric (Sarenrae) 2 HP: 17/17 AC 17/10/17: F+5, R+1, W+8, Per:+5, Init: +2 Channels Remaining: 5/8 Loot Sheet

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Paulus' lips purse in consternation as he listens to the guards' tales. From what it sounded like, the Hellknights had enforced a law that at the time didn't exist, or executed overreaching and brutal judgment on law-breakers. Not to mention undermining the Korvosan guard themselves by taking them captive.

Paulus also asks the last guardsman/woman they interrogate, "Have you seen or heard anything of Field Marshal Croft's page? She was last known to be in this area."


Male Half-orc Alc 1/Bbn 1 HP: 25/25 (dead at -15) AC: 17/11/16, F +7 (+2 vs poison/drugs, +4 vs Alcohol), R +3, W +0, Per: +5 (darkvision 60'), Init: +1

Zev just listens to the stories, not really certain whether they are being truthful or not, just hoping that the others would have a better idea. So he just nods as they speak then shrugs and looks at the others when they've finished. Like, 'okay, we spoke to them, what now?'

Sense Motive 1d20 ⇒ 18


Female Human (Chelaxian) Legendary Swashbuckler 2 | AC 17, T 14, FF 13 | hp 21/21 | F +1, R +7, W +0 | CMD 16 | Init +4 | Perception +5 | Panache 3/3

After only a few minutes, the sound of Nic grinding her teeth becomes more and more audible. "Do me a favour, Rhas," she mutters. "Hold me back if I try to stab someone." Shaking her head, she seethes in silence for a while, trying to keep herself calm, trying to ignore the fact that this entire situation grates at her like fingernails on a slate.


Female Changeling Ranger 2 HP: 7/22 AC 16/13/13: F+6, R+6, W+2(+2 vs. fear); Per: +7, darkvision 60 ft.; Init: +3

Annabelle winces a bit at the 'piss off'. Not that it warranted their present predicament, but it was hardly the phrase she would use with hellknights lightly.

She looked a few of the guards, asking "Do you recall the hellknights in question that arrested you? Any more information about what transpired? We can try and make a case from there, perhaps." She tried to smile, feeling an utter fool trying to tiptoe around the brutal actions of their captors.

Diplomacy 1d20 ⇒ 19
General Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21


M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

After talking them up a little and doing a little name dropping and commiserating about the training process, Cal eventually gets to his particular points. "Who ordered the curfew? Also, have you seen a young girl with bluish black hair? How many of the local gangs have you destroyed?"

VP: Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Might need help on this one.


Female Human Paladin (Oath of Venegeance) 2 | HP 31/31 | AC 22/14/18 | F+10, R+7, W+9 | Perc +5, Init +3

Aid for Cal's diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Standing near behind Calcedon while he spoke with the Hellknights, Elise did little but smile, laugh and occasionally run her hand through her hair. Though loathe to engage in such frivolous behavior, Elise understood the power of having an attractive girl at your side when dealing with these types, although being an Iomedaen probably detracted somewhat from that fact.

That should push your roll to 21 with a +2 bonus, which hopefully is enough to avoid offending them.

Suddenly realizing that Cal had maybe come on a bit bluntly in his approach, Elise finally broke her silence. Gripping Cal by the arm and moving beside him, Elise smiled broadly and somewhat flirtatiously interjected "Dispersed, Cal meant to ask how many gangs you had dispersed. Also, I think Cal and I were wondering if the curfew had been coordinated with the guard? I think it's reasonable to assume that there may be some general confusion about jurisdiction at this time, right? Trying times often lead to these kind of quarrels between lawful authorities."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

She hated being so coy with men she had little respect for, and whose methods were beyond the pale... but she and Cal were on their turf at the moment, so it was best to hide her true feelings.


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Speaking with the Guards:
The guards appear to be telling the truth. You do hear that one or two of them noticed that some of the Hellknights seemed nervous about what they were doing. Unfortunately, all of the Hellknights had their faces covered while arresting the guard.

Mention of Melissa, by name or description, causes the Guardsmen to become very worried for the young page. Before any more questions can be answered, however, an armiger comes to escort you to Sir Caulder's tent.

Speaking with Hellknights:
Most of the Hellknights tell you what you've heard before, and none of them have seen hide nor hair of Melissa. It seems that you are running out of luck, until you corner two of them off-duty in the mess tent.

Both are a little younger than Calcedon, and knew of him while they were training, but it's Elise's help that gets them to open up.

"You didn't hear this from us, but the Lictor's twisting the Queen's request into a pretzel trying to establish Hell's True Order. Her letter requested aid in controlling the chaos, but the Lictor's using that as an excuse to initiate a brutal crackdown on all of Korvosa. I've lived here for all of my life, and there's going to be a backlash if this keeps up."

A young armiger steps into the tent, looking around until he spots both Calcedon and Elise. The other Hellknight pitches her voice low.

"The page never made it here, I promise you that. Ware your words, Calcedon, the captain may chose to make an example of you."

With that, the armiger arrives to take you to Sir Caulder's tent.

Back at Sir Caulder's tent.

The man from before is replaced by a pacing growling doppleganger muttering to himself as all of you arrive. He angrily waves you into the chairs before collecting a deep breath and turning to all of you.

"As I expected, none of us have seen Croft's lost page here at the camp. We're missing a patrol group, though, and I don't have the manpower to look for them," he says in disgust. Whether it's directed at you, Melissa, the Korvosan Guard, or himself is hard to determine.

"Lictor DeViri will have my head for this, but I don't have a choice. I'm offering all of you eight bars of gold to go find my missing patrol and bring them back by any means necessary. If someone gets in your way, kill them. If they try to resist or run, cripple them if you can. If not, well, Hell's Laws are nothing if not exacting."

Any questions?

Scarab Sages

Intit +2 AC 14, T 10, FF 14 HP 9/9 Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +3 CMD 13 Perception +5

Reginald chances speaking up.
How about yours for ours. We find the patrol, you release the detainees. It's not like they are actually valuable to the Order in any case, and the guard may actually help in restoring the city's rule of law. The others can spread the fear of your rule and thus influence their peers into towing the line.


Male Human Cleric (Sarenrae) 2 HP: 17/17 AC 17/10/17: F+5, R+1, W+8, Per:+5, Init: +2 Channels Remaining: 5/8 Loot Sheet

Paulus glances at Rhasuel, almost surprised to hear a reasonable accommodation escape the man's mouth. He finds himself nodding at the wisdom of the offer, looking back to the Hellknight captain to determine his answer.

Scarab Sages

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Intit +2 AC 14, T 10, FF 14 HP 9/9 Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +3 CMD 13 Perception +5

Rhasuel is, of course, resisting with all his will the urge to also suggest that each and every one of them crap in their armor while dying of plague.


Male Human Cleric (Sarenrae) 2 HP: 17/17 AC 17/10/17: F+5, R+1, W+8, Per:+5, Init: +2 Channels Remaining: 5/8 Loot Sheet

Is Rhasuel a prophet? :p


Female Human (Chelaxian) Legendary Swashbuckler 2 | AC 17, T 14, FF 13 | hp 21/21 | F +1, R +7, W +0 | CMD 16 | Init +4 | Perception +5 | Panache 3/3

One red eyebrow twitches slightly at Rhasuel's suggestion, and Nic fights to keep a smug, satisfied smirk from showing.


Female Half Orc Paladin [Redeeming Warrior of the Holy Light] of Sarenrae 2 | HP 24/24 | AC 20/12/18 | F+8, R+5, W+8 | Perc +4, Darkvision 60ft | Init +3 | Move: 20ft. Harrow Card: Demon's Lantern, Harrow Points: 1 (1 Used)

Mercy too confirms her faith in Rhaseul's words with a nod;

"A fair offer Ser Caulder. We offer light in these dark times, and a beacon to bring your brethren home no?"


Female Changeling Ranger 2 HP: 7/22 AC 16/13/13: F+6, R+6, W+2(+2 vs. fear); Per: +7, darkvision 60 ft.; Init: +3

Quite the windfall - a few "nervous" hellknights could merely be rookies not quite sure of themselves. She though as she headed to the Officer's Tent. Upon hearing the Ser's offer, along with Rhasuel's keen counter-offer.

"I'd second that, Mercy." Hopefully the commander would be fine for some tit-for-tat?


M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

Having prepared a proper defense, Cal had opened his mouth to speak when Rhasuel made his suggestion. For the next several moments he struggled to reconstitute his entire argument as the others stood beside the old man's request. It was futile. To show any sort of weakness in front of his old instructor was also a bad move so the Son of House Fordyce tapped into his lineage and improvised.

The situation was dire. It wasn't just because of their own physical danger of being imprisoned, which was now quite likely. No, the real threat was to the people if these two groups didn't cooperate. What would happen to the city if they had to go to war after demonstrating this lack of solidarity?

He took control of the situation by stepping forward in front of his friends. His tone was respectful and quiet as he spoke solely for his previous commander. "We're both tasked by the queen to aid in keeping order. But I'm afraid that the enforcement of this curfew is doing exactly the opposite. Neither you nor the guard have enough manpower to go it alone, and we have every intention of rescuing or avenging the lost agents of order. So let me offer you this compromise that I believe is the best, not only for all parties involved, but ultimately for the city of Korvosa and the surrounding area." By showing a slight dissonance with Rhasuel's suggestion he hoped to soften the suggestion's blow against the Sir's pride and create a connection for mutual benefit. He hoped it was enough. Now the stage might be set for his argument, so he started rolling with it, albeit with slight modification.

"Establishing a curfew was a good idea, and one that the Lictor should be commended for. The problem is that he decided to enforce it without telling the guard. This is not aiding in crushing the chaos in the city. The guards themselves were acting against what they believed was an unlawful act. They were merely misinformed, but their intentions were in defense of law. So if you, in seeking to end the riots, fires, and gangs that are looking to revel in this time of upheaval, commute their sentence to a fine equal to the reward we would receive for doing this task, plus time served and the beating they've received. Allow them to self-police a bit. The Field Marshal has a reputation for being fair minded and will likely impose sanctions on her own people for crossing other agents of law. In doing so, you'd have less prisoners to guard, they'd have more manpower to fight fires, but could also help spread the word of the curfew throughout the city so that less would be likely to break the law and then garner your time and attention that can be more effective in going after the more grievous criminals."

Switching tactics, Cal continued trying to build rapport. "You and I both know that the queen is the most favorable ruler toward the Hellknights that has been around for quite some time. She believes that the Guard has at least some use for she sent us to aid them. Let them take care of the little things and use the might of the Hellknights for the greater task to which they are well equipped. To remove the guard from their place would raise the ire of the queen and that potential ally would undoubtedly then be pressed against you, reducing the Hellknights influence in the future."

"The best route, I believe for both of us, lies in this path. If you're going to lose your head for this, make the choice that would be of the greatest aid to both Korvosa and the order to which you have pledged your life."

VP: Diplomacy, +4 trait bonus, once per day.: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 16 + 4 = 30


Female Human Paladin (Oath of Venegeance) 2 | HP 31/31 | AC 22/14/18 | F+10, R+7, W+9 | Perc +5, Init +3

As Rhasuel made his suggestion, Elise's eyes widened with worry and her heart skipped a beat; glancing at Cal, she realized that he had the same concerns. The Hellknights aren't interested in sharing jurisdiction, the Lictor intends to supplant the City Watch Guard. Keeping quiet this time, Elise held back and let Cal consult with his former Commander.


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Fury creases Sir Caulder's brow and looks to be on the verge of ordering your arrest and execution when Calcedon steps in.

The Hellknight calms somewhat, settling into a dangerous, icy anger.

"You always were quick with that silver tongue of yours. A pity you never seemed to be that quick when studying the sword. If that is your price, then I shall pay it, but know this Sir Fordyce, this is the last favor I will do for you. If you can find and bring the missing patrol here, then I shall remand all of the prisoners into your custody. What you do with them is your business. I suggest you be swift in your search. I am giving you until Noon tomorrow. If you have not returned by then, I shall personally come to see to it that you are punished by the full might of Hell. Is that clear, Sir Fordyce?"

Anyone dares draw his attention?


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M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

"Crystal, sir." Fear did creep into his heart at the notion of Sir Caulder coming for him. He was incredibly skilled from memory and didn't hold his rank simply because he was good at pushing paper. "I was always too soft to be a Hellknight, but you always were a damn good one." Despite the threat on his eternal soul, Calcedon took a moment to click his boots together in a sign of respect as they were taught at the Order, then turned around and marched out the door.

As they left the presence of the enraged Hellknight, he sighed and said to no one in particular. "Well, that went better than I expected."


Male Human Cleric (Sarenrae) 2 HP: 17/17 AC 17/10/17: F+5, R+1, W+8, Per:+5, Init: +2 Channels Remaining: 5/8 Loot Sheet

"It seems as though our task list keeps increasing. Let us hope the Hellknight patrol isn't being held ransom by some third party who just happens to be waiting for a group that 'knows how to get things done'." The priest chuckles, patting Cal on the shoulder. It seemed it was to be one of those days.


Female Human (Chelaxian) Legendary Swashbuckler 2 | AC 17, T 14, FF 13 | hp 21/21 | F +1, R +7, W +0 | CMD 16 | Init +4 | Perception +5 | Panache 3/3

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't run my blade through that twisted face of his," Nic mutters darkly. "And just so you know, 'he'd kill you' isn't a good enough reason. It'd be worth it to put out an eye or something. Ruthless bastards. Hang the lot of 'em, and hang the curfew! Hang the bloody queen while we're at it!" She kicks a loose stone as the group walks, with entirely more force than is necessary, anger radiating from her in almost visible waves. As it hits a nearby wall, she growls, running both hands through her hair. "Whole damn city's gonna go to hell with them in charge," she sighs.


Female Changeling Ranger 2 HP: 7/22 AC 16/13/13: F+6, R+6, W+2(+2 vs. fear); Per: +7, darkvision 60 ft.; Init: +3

Annabelle has nothing to add. Calcedon put it quite elegantly; not that the group's collective anger wasn't justified, just that poking the bear with a stick wasn't a wise move.

"Our work does seem cut out for us. Hopefully this will earn some cooperation between all of these factions. Otherwise, Nicoletta here may feel obliged to hang half of the city." Annabelle gives a wink, hoping to add some levity to the darkening mood. Even if she was harboring similar thoughts herself.


Male Half-orc Alc 1/Bbn 1 HP: 25/25 (dead at -15) AC: 17/11/16, F +7 (+2 vs poison/drugs, +4 vs Alcohol), R +3, W +0, Per: +5 (darkvision 60'), Init: +1

Zeverin has an oddly puzzled look on his face, before he realizes what's bothering him. "Y'know? I just realized what they mean by knowing how to get things done. The rest of you feel like glorified errand boys?" He looks at half the group and amends his question a little, "... or girls, women, ladies.. um, whatever? Sometimes I miss knowing my job was to break knuckles and kneecaps, plain and simple." He snorts, spits, then shrugs. "Whatever, guess this is what it means walking the straight and narrow. So, any ideas where we're supposed to up and discover a lost patrol of Hellknights?"

Scarab Sages

Intit +2 AC 14, T 10, FF 14 HP 9/9 Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +3 CMD 13 Perception +5

In this city? No idea. This Extend boy Rhasuel spits in disdain needs to get this over with though. None of me likes associating with those b*****.


M Human Bard 6 (Chelish Diva) HP: 46/46, AC 23/11/22, F+4 R+6 W+5, Per +5, Init +1

Calcedon gives a tired smile to Paulus for his encouragement. He gave a laden sigh before addressing the the angry parts of the group. "In a word, Nic: Timing. If everyone does what they want when they want, what do we have? Anarchy. This is the most pressing matter. And while we grumble about it, the city continues to burn. There are gangs out there killing innocents, and you want to get yourself killed over bruises? I'm not saying it isn't a problem. I'm just saying it's not the most pressing one."

"We all waited until the best time to take care of Lamm, we can all wait until the best time to deal with the Hellknights. And they're not all bad, just severe. It may not seem like it to you, but that man just stuck out his neck for us, and if we don't succeed, and quite possibly if we do, he's going to take a good amount of heat for it. So let's focus our anger on whatever is kidnapping both patrols of Hellknights and young pages for the time being, okay?"

The first thing we need is information. If we spread out and start asking, I'm sure we can find out where this patrol was supposed to be, and then go there and ask more people if they saw anything. Meet in the southwest corner of Jeggare Circle in a few minutes, I'm going to ask the people you don't want to associate with so we can get our job done."

The silver-tongued bard went back toward the encampment of hellknights, looking for some mid-level authority figure to get the information from. "Sir Caulder has tasked us with the job of finding the missing patrol. Can you tell me their route and the time they were supposed to report in so we can track them down as soon as possible? If not, can you point me in the right direction to discover the information?"

VP- Diplomacy: Reasonable Request: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24

Scarab Sages

Intit +2 AC 14, T 10, FF 14 HP 9/9 Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +3 CMD 13 Perception +5

Rhasuel nods. You're not wrong, lad. Still...


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Male Human Cleric (Sarenrae) 2 HP: 17/17 AC 17/10/17: F+5, R+1, W+8, Per:+5, Init: +2 Channels Remaining: 5/8 Loot Sheet

The priest nods at Cal, preparing to depart for Jeggare Circle to allow the bard privacy to conduct whatever business he needed to get some information. Otherwise, they would be blindly scampering about.

As the group walks toward their destination he muses, "With all these separate groups vying for power, this city will know no rest. It is in their best interest to work together, not fight one another. But such is the way of agents of Hell. Domination or nothing. It might have some decent fellows, but that organization is surely evil."

Scarab Sages

Intit +2 AC 14, T 10, FF 14 HP 9/9 Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +3 CMD 13 Perception +5

I could say the same thing for politicians. I'd bet my best quill that there are scores of petty nobles squabbling in the palace right now over nothing of consequence.


Female Human Paladin (Oath of Venegeance) 2 | HP 31/31 | AC 22/14/18 | F+10, R+7, W+9 | Perc +5, Init +3

Nodding sadly, Elise couldn't help but agree with Rhasuel and Paulus "The Queen opened up a can of worms when she invited the Order of the Nail into the city; having two legal authorities with different philosophies and crossing jurisdiction was a recipe for disaster."

Looking back sourly at the Hellknight camp, Elise shook her head adding "Peace through tyranny; that is the objective of those men... heaven help this city."


Female Changeling Ranger 2 HP: 7/22 AC 16/13/13: F+6, R+6, W+2(+2 vs. fear); Per: +7, darkvision 60 ft.; Init: +3

"I don't understand why the Queen would just throw the Hellknights in the mix like that - and without establishing concise operating procedures. Surely she's knows their reputation?"

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