(Pathfinder) The Curse of the Crimson Throne IC

[DaedalusMkV]

Dastan is somewhat shocked by the 'battle' taking place in Lamm's old warehouse, and even more so by Rennard's swift attack against the men, considering that they're already clearly on the run from the place. "Rennard, wait! ... Blast, too late." He draws his sword, pointing it at the two men. "Leave now, scoundrels, and do not return!" His voice booms and his burnished eyes and copper hair flash brilliantly in the sun, leaving him looking more like a haloed angel than a human being, at least for the moment.

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Making an Intimidate check as a standard action and drawing my sword with my Move. I have no intention of beating up a pair of strangers without knowing a bit more about the situation.

Intimidate: (1d20+3)[13]

[Blisstake]

Aldrin feels a bit bothered inside the mansion. Two years ago he was so used to this luxury, and this abrupt return made him feel uncomfortable ironically enough. When Amin Jalento seems to recognize him, Aldrin bites his lip, and responds, "That seems unlikely sir. My name is Aldras Onteford, and I moved here quite recently all the way from Cheliax."

That seemed reasonable enough, Aldrin reasoned. He had the black hair of most Cheliax natives, as well as red eyes that suggested devil involvement; something quite common in that region.

"We just wanted to make sure you got back all right, sir."

[Leviathan]

Rennard and Dastan

The two men go wide-eyed as they see Rennard and Dastan, obviously well-armed, approaching. Then Rennard charges in, lashing one of the men with the flat of his rapier. His foe grunts in pain, the blow sending him staggering backwards. A churning sea of orphans charges after him. Both men quickly run off, terrified, though whether it is Dastan's booming voice or the oncoming tide of filthy children cannot be determined. The orphans break out into cheering. Finally, they notice you. "It's them!"

The orphans surge forwards, surrounding Dastan and Rennard. "Did cha see them fights?" "Blimey that's a big sword!" "Can I haff it, Mister?" "I dun care; I gots a knoife 'ere!" They are babbling away, evidently distractible and pleased with their victory.

Aldrin, Atavian, Kalinda

Amin shrugs blithely at Aldrin's dismissal. "Ah, well, one does make mistakes, doesn't one?"

He nods. "I do appreciate your very timely aid, and I intend to reward you for your efforts. I've had my manservant come up with something appropriate, to which I've added a trinket of my own." He waves his hand and a liveried servant enters with a lidded platter. He lifts the lid, revealing six immaculate purses. "Fifteen platinum each, and this..." Jalento pulls off the wall a circular shield bearing on its face a dove. "It is a fine shield, believe me. Such a pity shields are so terribly out of style for duels these days," he laments.

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150 gp each, and a +1 light wood shield.

Jensi

Zellara gives you a very quizzical look. Then she bursts into raucous laughter. "Oho, I get it! Zellara wasn't born yesterday! Or the day before, for that matter! You're trying to confuse me into thinking you haven't told me about rotting old Gaedren, but you have!"

[RocketMan]

Jensi

"Oh!" Jensi says, eyes wide with surprise. "I forgot that you already knew! I wasn't trying to trick you, honestly!" He puts his hand over his heart to emphasize his point. "Is there anything else we can do for you," he says, sounding a little concerned.

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I actually totally forgot that Zellara already knew Gaedren was dead, but I guess Jensi is the type who might forget that too.

Anyways, unless Zellara has another quest for us, Jensi's all finished up and ready to head back to the Citadel. If, however, everyone else still wants to explore some more I'll figure something else out for him to do.

[Drothmal]

Rennard sheathes his sword when he sees the older men run away.

Are any of you hurt? the duelist asks the orphans in a pragmatic tone, his neutral voice contrasting with the rashness of his actions in protecting the little ones

If none of them are hurt, the fencer will remain quiet and allow Dastan to speak with the children, having seen first hand the ability of the paladin with words last night when he calmed the mob.

[Blisstake]

"Thank you, sir." Aldrin replies, taking the gift, "Hopefully we'll be able to end these riots before anyone else can come to harm."

It's never a bad idea to be polite to someone giving you a small fortune.

[DaedalusMkV]

Dastan sheathes his sword and approaches the children after Rennard, stepping out of the convenient patch of sunlight. "Indeed. I can heal any injuries that you may have suffered, if you wish."

If none of the children need healing, he'll continue, ignoring their rapid-fire comments. "I had hoped that you had reconsidered the offer we made yesterday. This incident simply reinforces the fact that you are not safe here; men will come, and they will not always be so easily deterred as these were. Rennard and I can offer you all a safe place, an opportunity to learn a trade and perhaps a little bit of coin as well. Will you at least agree to come with us and give our proposal a chance?

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Might as well make a diplomacy check.
(1d20+10)[24]

[SanguinePenguin]

Atavian bows to the noble and politely says, "you are very kind to reward us so richly. I cannot imagine where those peasants got their foolish notions about you. You are clearly a person of fine character."

[Leviathan]

Atavian, Aldrin, Kalinda

Amin nods at Aldrin. "Yes, simply barbarous, all this massacring. We aren't Shoanti here, thank goodness, but some of the peasants are apparently bloody close!"

Then he sniffs. "Your graciousness hints at good breeding, Mr. Goodbarrel. I, however, maintain no illusions about why the rabble did not think much of my character. 'Tis, sad truth be told, rather the same barbarism to which I've alluded previously." He shakes his head sadly. What ever is the world coming to?

Rennard and Dastan

None of the children are hurt, though many boast in chattering voices about scars, or teeth they've knocked out (their own or someone else's), and such.

The orphans fall silent, though, when Dastan speaks. As one, they throw you a long, deeply suspicious look, then turn inwards, huddling together in a chorus of loud whispering, which quickly rises into their normal high-pitched talk as they forget the secret nature of their council. Finally, they turn back to you.

A soot-faced, snub-nosed boy steps forwards to act as spokesman. His hair is black and grimy, and most of his clothes look slightly too small for his wire-thin frame. "We'll do it, but one 'int of anyfing loik wot Gaedren wos up ta and we's goin' right back 'ere. After we finds you 'nd makes you pay, that is!" He makes a fist and then pounds it against the palm of his other hand to emphasis his point, however absurd.

Jensi

Zellara's ghost sighs theatrically. "You need to work on that memory," she says sternly, pointing a bony finger squarely at Jensi's chest. "I mean, I'm dead, and I can manage better! But can you do anything for me? Oh, not that I can think of. I'd ask you to put some water in the kettle for tea, but ghosts don't drink! Ha! Now, I'd better give you some cryptic advice before I go, just to keep things proper! Well, what I'll tell you is that destiny is an awful lot like you, lad: it has a darned time remembering things, and it doesn't ever knock. When it summons up a certain ghost, for example. It could give her some warning, but noooo... Destiny, of course. But it's similar to you, like I've said. She breaks into laughter, at one point guffawing at the notion of "Jenstiny."

[RocketMan]

Jensi

Jensi looks absolutely baffled by Zellara, but nonetheless bids her a cheery farewell before carefully stowing the cards on his belt. The youth then begins his walk to the Citadel, where he talks idly to off-duty guards until the rest of his friends arrive.

[DaedalusMkV]

Dastan smiles at the orphans. "Thank you. I can assure you, you have nothing to fear from us. Rennard, will you lead the way again?"

[Drothmal]

Rennard nods at Dastan, glad that he chose to leave the diplomacy to the paladin

Follow me. the duelist says as he turns around and starts marching through the streets towards the center of Old Korvosa

Beneath his serious face, the fencer is actually experiencing a rush of joy, not only would their actions set these orphans in a better path, but Rennard would get to see the Maestro and tell him of the success in retrieving Reve.

Pride is an invisible feint that an enemy can wield against you the magus tells himself, using his mentor's words to prevent last night's victory to get to his head

The Academy is not far from here. he announces to Dastan and the Orphans once they get close to the place that has been Rennard's home for almost a decade

[King Tius]

Kalinda Merryr
When the gunslinger timidly takes her small purse and opens it, her eyes go wide in surprise. She pulls out a coin and holds it up to the light, turning it slowly to get a good look at the metal. A light, girlish giggle escapes her before she remembers where she is and blushes. With a slight bow towards Amin she returns the coin to her purse and carefully puts it in her duster.

"Begging your pardon, Sir. I've never seen platinum before, nevermind having some of my own! Sorry about your horse, too. Those crazy people didn't need to hurt him, no matter who was riding it..."

Realizing she may have just insulted the nobleman, she quickly averts her eyes and feigns interest in the new shield.

OOC: FINALLY got caught up! I totally missed buying stuff in the market, so I'll just say Kalinda bought a healing potion without trying to haggle for it.

[Leviathan]

Rennard and Dastan escort the unruly pack of orphans to the Academy. They look rather out of place amongst the wealthy merchants and well-to-do folk of Korvosa's better districts, and when you arrive, the senior student who greets you at the door is surprised. He informs you - upon hearing your story- that Master Vencarlo is not presently at the Academy, but that he will find accommodations for the orphans until Vencarlo returns.

-----------------------

You all return to the Citadel late in the day, and, recognized now by the guards staffing the venerable fortress, you are taken promptly to Kroft's office. The door is opened for you; inside, the Field Marshal sits bent over her desk, which is covered in papers. In her hand, she holds a fancy letter, which she folds and places on the desk as you approach.

"I have just been informed by one of my contacts that a new difficulty has presented itself. This is a matter requiring the utmost discretion. Can I count on you?"

[Blisstake]

When Aldrin returns to his newest companions, he hands Jensi, Rennard, and Dastan each one of the pouches of platinum. "We come bearing gifts," he says with a smile as he hands them out. "Amin was most considerate for our timely intervention. We also received an enchanted shield, should anyone want that."

As they return to Kroft's chambers, he listens to her request, and then responds quickly with, "Of course we'd be willing to help, Field Marshall. Happy to assist you, and by extention, the city."

[Drothmal]

While in the academy, Rennard leaves a note for Master Vencarlo explaining the orphan's situation in detail and signing "Rennard Balmont" with pride at the end of the communication

-----

Upon receiving the money from Aldrin, the fencer nods respectfully at the sorcerer

I have no use for shields. They interfere both with my spells and my swordsmanship. But maybe our young oracle could use the extra protection. talking directy to Jensi, the duelist adds Your abilities have been most helpful in our battles. If an enemy that has seen us in combat before were to attack us, you would probably be the first target. You need to be able to defend yourself if the need arises

-----

Judging Aldrin's response to be most adequate for the situation, the magus will just stand in Kroft's office in a formal stance: arms crossed behind his straightened back and eyes looking up front

[SanguinePenguin]

"Discretion?" the halfling replies curiously. "If you mean in the sense that no one should know what we are doing and who we are working for, that is easy. If you mean no one should see us, that is another matter entirely. I think I might the stealthiest among us and I'm about as graceful as a three-legged ox. Still, I am happy to hear what the city needs and try to assist to the best of my abilities."

[Leviathan]

Kroft nods. "Very well. The situation is this: A man named Darvayne Amprel is plotting something. A close contact of mine has recently suggested that his intent is to undermine Korvosa's economy to the point where he can use his wealth to establish himself as a power here."

She sighs, frowning. "Unfortunately, it isn't as simple as it seems. Amprel is the Chelish Ambassador, and so removing him from his office will provoke a diplomatic incident. Ultimately, we believe the ambassador's plan is to have sanctions and embargoes placed on the city, so doing so would have much the same effect in the end."

"The solution is somewhat... unseemly. Darvayne has his foibles: my contact has learned that he makes regular visits to Eel's End, a den of vice and vileness. It's run by a man named Devargo Barvasi." She pauses, then adds grimly. "He's also called the King of Spiders. I need you to go to Eel's End, secure a meeting with Barvasi, and find out what he knows about Amprel."

[Blisstake]

"The Eel's End? Ah... not the nicest place in Korvosa. This shouldn't be too difficult, as long as we can be somewhat subtle." Aldrin gives a quick glance toward Dastan and Rennard, and then continues, "If it's possible, could you give us a description of this Amprel? He may be going by a pseudonym when he's out in public."

[SanguinePenguin]

"What sort of man is this 'King of Spiders'? The information would help us if we want to earn some measure of his trust." Atavian asks the field marshal, even though his focus is split. He will need to think of a way to keep Dastan from ruining any ploy they try.

[King Tius]

Kalinda shudders at the mention of spiders but holds her tongue. Subtlety wasn't exactly her forte either, what with all the gunpowder.

[DaedalusMkV]

Dastan develops a slight scowl at the mention of the Eel's End, which only deepens as the details of the mission are outlined. When Kroft is finished he says, in an appologetic tone, "I'm afraid that I must decline this mission, Lady Marshall. As much as I would like to assist you, I have taken oaths forbidding me from profiting or helping individuals such as this King of Spiders, and I suspect that if I attempt to simply force my way to him and interrogate him properly a number of people will die who do not necessarily deserve it. The others may be able to deal with this situation for you, but I can take no part."

[SanguinePenguin]

Atavian rolls his eyes, opens his mouth to interrupt, but instead sighs as Dastan speaks. Once the paladin finishes, he says, "Gods, Dastan! Have you no notion of 'the greater good'? Helping a lesser evil to thwart a greater evil is a net gain in good. If you work in absolutes you get absolutely nowhere! You can't j-" Atavian stops himself, waits a second and says, "I'm sorry. I just find it frustrating that you are claiming to be too righteous to help stop the city from economic collapse. It just seems... selfish."

[DaedalusMkV]

Dastan remains calm in the face of Atavian's outburst. "I understand, Atavian, but I cannot break my oath. Perhaps I was somewhat hasty, however. I did not mean to say that I could not assist you, only that I could not undertake the Marshall's request. I cannot treat with this Barvasi, knowing who he is and what he does. If you wish, however, I would be happy to aid your work in other ways. If nothing else I can act as a reserve in the event that hosilities do break out. I am sure you can think of some use for a champion of Iomedae in... Motivating these criminals to cooperate with you."

[Blisstake]

Aldrin is about to agree with Atavian when a thought occurs to him. Instead of jumping in, he pauses, and with a smile, addresses Atavian, "Perhaps this is for the best, my good halfling friend. You and I are of a more subtle nature, and alone, we may be able to accomplish more than with a large group in this matter. The rest can be... our muscle, as it is: Back-up in case anything goes wrong."

[Leviathan]

"I don't care what happens to Barvasi, so long as you get me that information. If you have to crush a few skulls, I assure you all of the skulls will thoroughly deserve it. Especially the King of Spiders'. You'd be doing me a favour if you did kill him, so I certainly won't stop you, if that's what your code demands. But I need what he knows."

She calls for her aide, who carries in a silk purse. "If you decide to negotiate, he might not part with his information cheaply. Five hundred gold coins should sate his greed, but I assure you that the Korvosan Guard will make good any personal expenditures you might need to make."

[Blisstake]

"Thank you, ma'am," Aldrin replies politely, "I appreciate that you trust us with such a large investment, but hopefully we shall be able to wrest this information from his mind without the need of lubricating coins, though we will consider anything a valid option to get this information to the Citadel." The sorcerer then turns to his companions and, anticipating a possible disagreement between Atavian and Dastan, he adds, "Perhaps we shall discuss our course of action outside? The good Field Marshall is likely very busy in these times, and does not need to be burdened with the exact details of our plan."

Not that our plans have worked much better for the last assignment she gave us, he thinks bitterly.

[Drothmal]

Aldrin is right, we should take our leave Rennard says, figuring out the sorcerer's intentions to avoid a public discussion,

The fencer is about to head for the door, but then realizes that he does have question for the field Marshall
Ma'am, would it be better to visit Eel's End during the daytime or the nighttime if we are to find this King of Spiders?


After having his answer, the magus will just leave the office through the door and go back to the barracks that the party held last night. Once everyone is there, the magus addresses the party

Does anyone need to make any preparations before heading back to Old Korvosa? Eel's end is on the west side of the old island, so we should be able to make it there in a short time.

Turning to the paladin, the duelist adds Dastan, would you be willing to stand by the door outside while we speak to this Barvasi character? You will not have to deal with him, but I would feel better if you were close to us in case that any... disagreements take place. We will be in the mist of his den and I would prefer us not to divide our strength

[DaedalusMkV]

Dastan follows Rennard out of the room, and replies quietly to his questions. "Of course, Rennard. However I can help without directly involving myself with the criminal himself, I would be happy to. Hopefully you will not need my assistance, but if you do I will be ready to fight. Or, perhaps more importantly, to heal any injuries you might incur."

[Blisstake]

"I should hope there are not any necesary purchases for our interregation, athough I can think of a few components that would facilitate the process. But it should become needless if the more tactful among us take the speaking role. This may be a sign of approaching insanity, but I believe we are competent enough to accomplish this task without further magical aid."