Baron Darkstrom's page

Justified asks the Baron for a last boon to help complete the quest. Baron, it might help us if you could loan us some personal item that belonged to your daughter. A hair brush. A scarf. Something that she would recognize if presented to her and also something that would work as a focus in case we need it for some divination spell. We do not know what resources we might have access to once inside the city and scrying or location magic is not outside of that possible. We should be prepared and I have always herd that a personal item helps with such magic.

The Baron has one of his servants bring you one of Anabel's hairbrushes. He then says, "If she sees you with the portrait I have provided you, she will surely know I have sent you. It is also dated, if you wish to ask her and confirm her identity. I thank that should be sufficient for any of your purposes."

Thanks, Justified. I missed those questions.

"From the reports I have received, the gates to Korvosa are closed. I assume the evil priests got in the same way you plan to: climb the obsidian ring. I can give you the names and general appearances of the 12 men I've sent before. I do not know what arcane items they carried. I did not outfit them as I am doing with you. They were mercenaries, already outfitted with their own gear. As for the mage who is accompanying you, Piers Anton, he is there to monitor your progress and report back to me. He is not your slave or errand boy. If you wish for him to cast protective magics on you, I recommend you discuss that with him. He will be waiting for you at the wagon."

The night passes divinely. The girl Justified asked is present or at least someone similar to her since it was hard to find her from his description. You eat, drink, and satisfy all of your carnal needs. In the morning, the gear you requested is brought to you, as well as 2-horse drawn wagon with food stuffs with room for five in the back.

The Baron brings forth a map of Korvosa, as well as a portrait of his daughter Anabel. "These notes on the map are old, as you may expect, of the former landmarks and businesses in Korvosa. See Map and Pic under Campaign Info tab. Any other questions before you depart?"

Will a representative of your estate be accompanying us, at least to the dark boundary? I only ask because you may want to know at the end of each day what we have found, or if we fail to return on any given day. Also, if we are able to uncover valuables in our search, it may aid our effort if someone can use it to acquire more useful gear on our behalf.

"Actually, I had not thought of it, but you make excellent points. I will send a mage. He can help identify any items you many find, as well as communicate with me through magical means. Yes, an excellent idea. And obviously, he will not be entering the city with you, as he would be useless. He will meet you tomorrow morning. Now the rest of the day, shop and enjoy yourselves. I can have company brought in from almost any race (not Oread, sorry), be it female, male, animal...as long as I do not know the details. Enjoy this night for I know not how many more await you."

"I would recommend using the environment against the undead. Many of them, shadows, wraiths, vampires fear sunlight, so try to restrict your activities to daylight, if possible. Skeletons, zombies, wights and others do not share this weakness, so be careful. Mummies are the main undead vulnerable to fire but none of the others have a resistance to it, so it is a good weapon to use, if you have it. As for travel, I would recommend an overland route, as I don't know how long you will be gone and you will be free to set up a camp from which to make your excursions into the city. My staff can provide you the necessary food stuffs."

"Quain, skeletal warriors, zombies, and wraiths are the majority of the forces in the city. However, as I have stated, they are now organized, which is unheard of for these mindless undead, which leads me to believe there must be intelligent undead also leading them: vampires (what is their blood supply?), liches (though without magic, not as deadly), mummies, etc. Most undead are vulnerable or have no resistance to fire. Try to stay away from the intelligent undead. Without more power, you would fall like leaves before a hurricane before the truly mighty undead. Also, I should mention, after the city was bound by the obsidian ring, living priests of Urgathoa flocked to the city as a sort of pilgrimage, seeing the rise of the undead as a sign from their twisted goddess, so be prepared for living enemies as well."

"I can tell your concern for my daughter's safety is genuine, Justified, and I thank you for that. Now, as to the gear, please feel free to browse through my armory or you can speak to Malcolm, my mayordomo, he will handle all of your equipment needs."

See OOC thread for gear instructions.

The Baron smiles, "Funny, Kwin, you should have been a bard. About a year now since I last saw my Anabel. I don't know how she is surviving without her magic but she is resourceful if nothing else. I know two of her band died, Alexander the human paladin and coincidentally, Puck, the halfling rogue. The fourth member, Kristoff, the priest of Iomedae, perhaps, he survived as well. I don't know."

"In time, my eager bee, Menas." The Baron smiles the barbarian's impatience. "First to answer Quain's question. I have not finished telling you about the undead city of Korvosa. As the undead expansion from Korvosa reached neighboring villages and settlements, there grew a significant fear that the undead army would conquer the surrounding cities of Magnimar and Kaer Maga if they decided to expand. To prevent this, at great expense, a circle of five elven magi were brought from Kyonin to deal with the threat. These elder elves knew of an ancient ritual, magic that disappeared from the world thousands of years ago, wielded by only the most powerful wizards of their time (i.e. 10th level spells), said to have been performed once by druids and elves far to the south in the jungles of the Mwangi Expanse, where it is rumored thousands of years ago a mortal tried to become an undead god. With the ritual's components intact, the elves cast their ritualistic magic and created a 40' high ring of black obsidian that encircles Korvosa to this day that prevents the entry or exit of any undead creature. Unfortunately, three of the five magi died in the casting of the spell. One of the unintentional side effects of this ring is that it altered the fabric of reality and thus, prevents the casting of arcane magic within the city and prevents magical scrying, so that is why I, with all my magical might, am powerless to personally help my daughter. It is also why no prisoners skilled in arcana were selected for the Trials. They're useless to me."

"As to what you get? It seems your freedom is not as worth to you as much as I thought. You see, that Scroll I showed the crowd in the Arena, that was for show. I hope you didn't think that was real....oh, you did? This is priceless!" The Baron laughs aloud. "That was only for the benefit of those simpletons in the crowd. I may be powerful and influential but even I can't overturn the convictions of five men clearly guilty of murder. No, I bought your "freedom" under the table with significant bribes and political favors, but the authorities would never sign any official document or leave a paper trail, especially if you flee now and resort to your murdering ways. How would they look? While you are "free" in every sense of the word, there is no official document that corroborates that fact. For now, the relevant authorities have agreed to look the other way, not send search parties to hunt you down, as long as you stay out of the criminal scene." For that last point, the Baron stares specifically at Kwin.

"Now I could threaten to have you each sent back to jail if you don't do what I say. Or I could threaten your lives to force you to obey. But in my 42 years, I have learned that you attract more bees with honey than vinegar. So I will outfit you with as much gear as I can spare and promise you a reward of 15000 gp each if you successfully bring me back my daughter. But be aware, if you try to screw me, those other methods I mentioned, will be brought on in full force to rain down upon you. What do you say?"

"Very good question, Quain. I am glad you brought it up, I was wondering how long it was going to take someone to come up with that logical query."

"What I want, which is the greatest value of all in my life after my 42 years on this Plane, is my 22-year-old daughter, Anabel Darkstrom, a mage of some renown in her own right and once proud member of Desna's Knights. It seems she took up with this do-good band of adventurers as a way of rebelling against me and my...what shall I call them?...harsh ways. She and her friends went in to fight the undead wave off a year ago, despite my objections, and has not been heard from since. But I know she is alive." He pulls out an arcane bracelet that hums with energy every 10 seconds. "She wears one just like it. I gave it to her for her 21st birthday to keep tabs on her. I have been able to discern her position is within Korvosa but nothing more exact that that."

"This mission cannot be accomplished by a war of attrition, as most soldiers and mercenaries like to proceed. The enemy outnumbers you, by a lot. If you go in charging thinking like that, you will suffer the same fate."

"Wipe out all the undead? Hah, you may have survived the Trials but your ego must be checked if you think that's my purpose." The Baron controls his laughter, as he looks at Quain after his question. "Quite shrewd you are, my friend. Yes, something of great value to me. And as to your question, my halfling assassin, you are the first...prisoners. As I stated at the beginning of the Trials, I have sent my men and then local adventurers/mercenaries but none of them have survived the ordeal. I wanted people who could think outside the box, survivors...like you all."

"You are correct, the power of the blast was unimaginable. An ancient evil inside the ziggurat was responsible for Queen Ileosa's corruption, but the band of adventurers who defeated her, Desna's Knights, were under the impression that evil had been cleansed. It appears it was only weakened and biding its time to recoup its strength."

"Well, then what I am about to tell you won't affect you emotionally. I was worried you might have family there. It was once a grand city of some 18,000 souls. Once ruled by King Eodred Arabasti II, until his death at the hands of his wife Queen Ileosa in 4708 AR, about 5 years ago, about the same time you were starting to serve your incarcerations. A band of adventurers put an end to her rule a year later. And all was well..till about a year ago, when an evil started brooding under Castle Korvosa from the huge ziggurat upon which the castle rested. According to eyewitness reports from the survivors, a blast of negative energy originated there in a one-mile radius from the ziggurat. That blast of energy turned every soul it touched within its radius into the undead, some zombies, some skeletons, and some wraiths. The latter was the main problem for the city. If you are not familiar with wraiths, they kill you by sucking your life energy and when you die, you rise as a wraith. In a week's time, the city's defenders were overwhelmed and the people still alive fled the city in droves (about 5000), while the undead, organized and efficient, formed an army that continued to grow exponentially, as each downed enemy soon rose to join their ranks. The city was abandoned to the undead after a month."

"All interesting suggestions, I will keep them in mind, though if you are successful, we won't need any more trials. Haterivet, please, it's rude to stare at someone." The Baron shoots a glare at the monk that shakes him a little in its seriousness.

The Baron suddenly smiles, "Now the reason you are here. What do you know of Korvosa, once known as the Jewel of Varisia? Any of you ever been there?"

You breathe the fresh air of freedom, something you have not felt in over 5 years. As you exit, the crowds also exit the Arena and head off to the rest of their day, after witnessing some bloody sport for breakfast. The carriages take you to a wealthy manor on the outskirts of town, about a 45 minute ride. There servants greet you and direct you to the steam baths, removing and eventually burning your clothes. They tell you they are under orders to remove your blood soaked weapons, especially from Kwin, who has a reputation for hiding daggers. They promise to return them upon your departure from the manor. New clothes are brought for you (i.e. you may pick a free outfit) after your baths.

Then you are led to a grand hall where a brunch is being held and you can stuff yourselves with fine fruits and delicacies. The Baron greets you, as you come in and welcomes you to sit down, as plates of food are brought before you. "So what did you all think of my little exercise? From what I hear, I recouped most of my investment in the losing wagers."

Baron Darkstrom stands and the revelers ease back to their seats, some snickering, as Gaza's corpse still hangs suspended in mid-air, till it comes crashing down to the ground, provoking some laughter from the crowd. The Baron unrolls a scroll and begins to read, "This 5th day of Pharast, let it be stated that the life sentences of the following prisoners:
Haterivet, convicted of the murder of a Zon-Kuthon priest; and
Justified, convicted of the murder of Theopolis' mentor; and
Kwin Avassar, convicted of the murder of a fellow thief; and
Menas Kriger, convicted of the murder of a Taldan noble; and
Quain, convicted of the muder of a slaver;
are hereby overturned effective immediately by Order of the Baron Caridan Darkstrom!" The Baron shows the party and the crowd the Scroll and continues, "All the judges of the respective jurisdictions have signed this Order so there is no doubt as to its legitimacy!" More cheers from the crowd. The Baron looks at the party, "Now that I have kept my word, I hope you will join me at my estate for a celebration and to discuss the reason for this "spectacle." My people will show you the way." He turns and departs, waving to the crowd. Attendants come and throw down rope ladders for the party to climb out of the Arena. If you are willing to go to the estate, they guide you to carriages waiting for you outside.

By the way, you hear a *ding*! Welcome to 2nd level!

The prisoners take their positions on the Arena floor, per their assignments, going into a defensive stance. Baron Darkstrom speaks, "Let the slaughter begin!" The crowd gathered around the Arena starts making noise, as the gatherers root on their bets, screaming, "We want blood!"

Arena map

Quain is up first! Don't forget square coordinates in your posts if you move, same rule as before applies. Also, everyone is flatfooted until they act, so no dex bonus to AC.

Okay, since the 2 issues that needed to be resolved have been taken care of, we can now go out of Round time. Kwin has the sling and Haterivet took Justified's glaive.

The platform reaches the Arena floor, with the sun shining down on all of you. Attendants come, behead Emilian, and drag his body off the grounds, leaving a trail of blood behind, with the crowd cheering that another murderer has met his maker.

The Baron from his position in the grandstands speaks, "Nine of the eighteen have survived, some in better shape than others. You will all now enter the Arena and not leave until five of you remain. You will each draw lots to determine your starting position on the Arena. You may have made it through to this point with alliances, but on the Arena grounds, it's every man and woman for himself. You can no longer hide behind your protectors, as you each will be alone to fend for yourself, unless you elect to run across and join up with your "allies", but that is up to each of you. Do not forget you are all murderers and should not put your life blindly in the hands of another. Give us a good show!"

Ground Rules (violation = death):
1. You all will roll a d20 to determine your starting position (no 2 people can start in the same position even if you roll the same number; second person rolls again).
2. Maximum height for levitate is 40' off the ground.
3. Going into the crowd is prohibited (they are 20' above Arena floor).
4. I will roll initiative for the group and for the first Round, advise you each as your turn comes up, to avoid metagaming and attacking someone who is last on the initiative round.
5. Four players have to be dead (neg con score, not dying) in order for the all-out battle to stop.
6. You can kill whomever you want, so don't think the cleric is off limits because DM needs a cleric in the game. No, no one is off limits. If the cleric dies, the game will still work.
7. Any questions, let me know.
8. I will provide a map after each prisoner's position has been determined.

"Well, if no one has any questions, good luck all. We'll be watching." Darkstrom casts more magic, ripping a tear in the dimension again and before stepping through, yells, "Release the killers!" Then he is gone...Poof, just like that! Seconds pass, then you hear the click, and your cell doors open!

If anyone wants to initiate combat now, you have to let me know, so I can prepare a map and roll your initiative scores.

"The entrance to the Tournament Grounds is about 100' away."

Baron Darkstrom lifts his arms and says, "It is time." He pulls from his pocket a mirror that magically grows to 10' in height. He admires himself for a second in the mirror before invoking some arcane magic and now reflected in it is a scene of a crowd of about 1000 people gathered at an Arena, chanting, "We want blood, we want blood!" The Baron spins the mirror so you call can see it and you see among the crowd, the wardens who have tormented you for the past five years.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you shall have your blood...in due time! Now, let me introduce you to the men and women who be spilling said blood for you:" As he does the introductions, he walks by each of your cells, the mirror following him, so the crowd gets a good look at you.
"Salu Minghi, charming warrior and killer"
"Menas Kriger, human berserker"
"Emilian, blood gladiator"
"Othrik, half-orc wild warrior and consumer of the dead"
"Kwin, halfling knife wielding assassin"
"Bug, goblin archer and shadowmaster"
"Kazmuk, dwarven stormlord"
"Morgthar the Ravenous, half-elven assassin and spirit drinker"
"Varos, human priest of the Chain Lord"
"Kor Tiger-Spirit, half-Orc bone-crushing monk of Four Winds"
"Catelyn, tiefling assassin"
"Filsgerit, dwarven berserker"
"Justified, human warrior and master of the glaive"
"Cirnos Duval, unholy human tyrant and the embodiment of evil"
"Gaza, tiefling priestess of knowledge and magic"
"Quain, Oread ranger, messenger of death"
"Hollander, Cannibalistic human forest dweller"

The crowd cheers at the roll call, immediately shouting out names for their wagers.

The Baron continues: "What is clear to all is that whatever these men and women are, they are killers, plain and simple. Now, usually society condemns them to death or banishment from society in our prisons, but these are desperate times that require desperate measures. Five of these prisoners will survive the trials that await them to embark on a mission many have attempted and none have succeeded. Let us wish them luck!" More crowd cheers as the mirror goes blank.

"Now to the rules. As stated before, once your cells open, this territory is fair ground for all the battle and blood-letting you desire. To the west, where the dirt floor becomes stone tiles, are the Tournament grounds and fighting is prohibited. Any violation will result in your immediate death. There are five trials, the last being physical combat with a single opponent, who will be chosen in reference to the number of prisoners still alive at that time. The other four trials will test your various skill sets. You can work together or you can work alone. As I stated before, you are all killers, so be careful in whom you put your trust. The fourth trial you must solve alone. Know this about the trials and this is very important. Each one has been created specifically to have two possible solutions, perhaps more, depending on your creativity. Remember this as you grapple with your decision how to tackle each problem, as your life literally depends on it. Patience may be a virtue in these trials but know also, that the first who completes each trial will receive a reward, be it a better weapon, healing, etc., that may better prepare you for future trials or the Arena. So high risk, high reward! Your choice to risk it or not. Once the fifth trial is completed, there shall be no combat between prisoners until you are brought up to the crowd to fight in the Arena, where you will fight until there are 5 survivors. As a wizard of considerable power, I will have arcane eyes monitoring your progress, in case you decide to violate any rules. Ah, last thing. Once you step on tournament grounds, you will have 15 minutes to complete the trials. Should be plenty of time. Know that if you dawdle and fail to complete the trials within the time allotted you will also die. Any questions before I leave?"

There may be 2 late entries who PMed asking me for a little more time.