Welcome to the second OOC Thread! It's a really impressive feat in PbP to get to this stage, and I'm really impressed and honoured that we have. But the story isn't done yet; hold on to your hats, people, because we've got a wild ride from here on out!
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Welcome to Korvosa
Found here is information on the city of Korvosa and its people. Peruse this at your leisure; the purpose is not to make you read it all now, but rather to avoid lengthy explanations IC, and to convey to you things that your characters would know as residents of the city.
There is a map of the city on page 1 of the Crimson Throne Player’s Guide, but I’ve put one outlining the major areas of the city under the Districts of Korvosa section. You’re welcome to ask if you have any questions.
One of the six adventurers assembled by Zellara, Kalinda worked to kill Gaedren Lamm and avenge her father. With the crime lord dead, however, and the city secured from the immediate threat of anarchy, she has taken the opportunity to put her life back together. Doubtlessly, though, this will involve her talents with a brace of pistols as much as anything else.
Cressida Kroft
Spoiler
The leader of the Korvosan Guard has always been known as the Field Marshal, a tradition dating back to Korvosa's bloody founding amidst war with the native Shoanti peoples. Kroft takes that tradition to heart, bearing herself with poise, and acting and speaking with military precision. She has loyally served the city and its King for seven years in her capacity as Field Marshal; with his death, she keeps her personal opinions to herself.
Zellara
Spoiler
This mysterious fortune-teller revealed herself to you all, precipitating your gathering and the defeat of Gaedren Lamm. She is a ghost, who seems helpful, in her own particular way, bound to her Harrow deck.
King Eodred Arabasti II:
Spoiler
Born Arkapallus Arabasti, King Eodred II adopted the name of Korvosa’s first king when he took the throne, in the hope of achieving the same level of popularity and success as his adopted namesake. Eodred loves the soft touch of females, regardless of race, ethnicity, or (rumors suggest) age. He also enjoys lavishly spending the city’s gold, spoiling himself and his harem with the finest foods and clothes from across the world. To maintain this lifestyle, Eodred has had to find considerable coin. Most recently, he has ordered the Temple of the Many shuttered, claiming the costs of upkeep for himself. On occasion, however, the King even spends gold on the city, and under his watch Korvosa has built four orphanages and numerous public works.
Despite the foul rumors surrounding him, King Eodred II retains a modicum of love from his
people thanks to his projects in the city. The majority of his subjects consider him a benign and mostly harmless monarch, though some resent him for wallowing in his own opulence rather than affecting the city in any meaningful way.
Queen Ileosa:
Spoiler
The Queen of Korvosa is a very private woman, a trait which has earned her the suspicion and outright contempt of most of Korvosa. Many years her husband’s junior, Queen Ileosa arrived from Cheliax and, after a shockingly brief courtship, married the King. Dark rumours circulate amongst the common folk that Ileosa only came to Korvosa to seduce Eodred. There may be some truth to these claims: Ileosa has referred to the city as a “backwater colonial village.”
The queen has made no friends among the nobles and elites of Korvosa, and, much to her impotent fury and chagrin, some of the city’s most respected institutions (such as Sable Company and the Academae) pay her only minimal respect or otherwise ignore her. While many of the noble houses continue to publicly support her - at the present time, having no heirs, Ileosa would inherit the throne should Eodred die - the queen knows that none of them truly want her in power.
Unless she can find some way to endear herself to the unruly city, Ileosa can expect to receive no lasting memorials.
Seneschal Neolandus Kalepopolis:
Spoiler
People in Korvosa consider the castle’s seneschal as the second most powerful individual in the city, behind only the monarch. He can make the city’s leader a prisoner within the castle by sealing it and calling for Sable Company marines to man and guard it. To date, no seneschal has had any reason to use such draconian measures, but he retains the power nonetheless.
When a seneschal dies or retires, the field marshal of the Korvosan Guard chooses his replacement from among the leadership of the Sable Company. Typically, the company’s commandant becomes the new seneschal, although a promising junior officer occasionally leapfrogs into the limited but powerful position.
Those close to him expect the current seneschal, Neolandus Kalepopolis, to step down in 3 years, on the 50th anniversary of his appointment to the post. Many see his very close and mentor-like relationship with Commandant Marcus Thalassinus Endrin as the most obvious sign of this.
Gaedren Lamm
Spoiler
Lamm is a petty crimelord who has escaped justice for far too long. He is an unsophisticated man, but has been more successful than many in his line of work, managing to evade both the Korvosan Guard’s attempts to catch him, and the Cerulean Society’s hatred of “freelancers.” Though far from a big fish, Gaedren has his fingers in many ventures, ranging from child pickpockets (known as Lamm’s Lambs), to extortion, to smuggling and drug-running.
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Districts of Korvosa
Grey
Spoiler
G1 - Great Tomb of Leadership
G2 - Grand Cathedral of Pharasma
Korvosa’s extensive graveyard, this district is divided into three grave wards: Gold, Everyman, and Potter’s, in which are buried the wealthy or prominent, the well-to-do, and the poor, respectively. In the fourth ward, Sepulcher, the cathedral of Pharasma maintains a close vigil over the graves.
East Shore
Spoiler
E1 - Theumanexus College (small wizard school)
a - Geezlebottle Hall
b - Toryr Hall
c - Verso Hall
E2 - Leftover's (inn)
E3 - Horse Shop (fairest prices in town)
E4 - Shoreline Drinkhall (tavern)
The only district beyond the channel of the Jeggare River, East Shore is home to a handful of noble houses closely tied to the city’s military, as well as the struggling Teumanexus College.
The Heights
Spoiler
H1 - Great Tower (Sable Company base)
H2 - Upslope House (bed & breakfast)
H3 - The Frisky Unicorn (bed & breakfast)
H4 - Temple of Asmodeus
H5 - Gilded Orrery (shop of magical wares and arcane books)
H6 - Jittery Quill (ale and coffee place)
H7 - Jeggare Museum
H8 - University of Korvosa
H9 - The Wise Dragon Inn
H10 - Tenna's (small bed & breakfast)
H11 - Marbledome (opera house)
H12 - Kendall Amphitheater
H13 - Crested Falcon (expensive, elite restaurant)
H14 - Temple of Sarenrae
H15 - The Overlook (tavern)
Atop Citadel Hill, the Heights district has a commanding view of the city, which residents look down on both figuratively and literally. Nearly all of Korvosa’s elite reside here, as does the premier non-magical educational institution, the University of Korvosa, and the temples of Asmodeus and Sarenrae.
Midland
Spoiler
Citadel Volshyenek (HQ of Korvosan Guard)
M1 - Bookmaker (Korvosa's largest bookstore)
M2 - Bailer's Retreat (rough tavern)
M3 - Gold Market (Korvosa's largest market, open-air)
M4 - Eodred's Walk (14 different shops)
M6 - Creaky Hammock (tavern and inn with nautical theme)
M8 - Pestico's Dolls and Figurines
The district of Midland is cosmopolitan, friendly, and a central hub for trade of all sorts. As well as hosting a multitude of shops and businesses, Midland also plays host to the headquarters of the Korvosan Guard, Citadel Volshyenek, and numerous residences for merchants and labourers alike.
North Point
Spoiler
N1 - Laughing Wave Inn
N2 - The Dock Trade
N3 - Whitecaps (inn)
N4 - Longacre Building
N5 - City Hall
N6 - Bank of Abadar
N7 - Three Rings Tavern
N8 - Sanctuary of Shelyn
N9 - Avenue of Arms
N10 - Posh and Turtle (inn)
North Point, at the northwestern tip of mainland Korvosa, was the first section of the mainland settled by the descendants of the city’s Chelish founders. The district houses many of the city’s oldest non-noble families. Korvosa’s seat of administrative government is located here, from which the Arbiters and Magistrates work, as well as the Bank of Abadar.
Old Korvosa
Spoiler
O1 - Palace Arkona
O2 - Old City Hall
O3 - Orisini Academy
O4 - Endrin Military Academy
O5 - Reefclaw Run Market
O6 - Sticky Mermaid (tavern)
O7 - Jeggare's Jug (pub)
O8 - Copper-Beater Hall
O9 - Eel's End (gambling hall, brothel, drug den, flophouse)
O10 - Exemplary Execrables (dark, twisted theater)
O11 - Temple of Aroden
O12 - The Travelling Man (tavern)
O13 - Hessim, Newby and Sage Paint Manufactory
O14 - The Ironworks
Old Korvosa is, as the name implies, old. It covers all of Endrin Isle, which rises from sea level along the southern shore (which runs parallel with the mainland) to a two-hundred foot high escarpment on the seaward north side. Old Korvosa holds many of the city’s poor, and large sections of the area are mazes of hovels, often built on top of older structures to accomodate the growing population. This has resulted in the infamous Shingles: layer upon layer of makeshift accomodations which have grown five stories high in many places. The island contains more than the poor, however: the Arkonas, undoubtedly Korvosas most eccentric noble house, have their palace here. Vencarlo Orisini also runs his famed duelling academy in Old Korvosa.
South Shore
Spoiler
S1 - Orkatto's Feathers and Fur (shop of exotic pets or oddities)
S2 - Green Market (small, fully enclosed market)
S3 - Bard's End (Korvosa's largest inn)
S4 - Jade Circle (elite teahouse)
S5 - Pantheon of Many
The newest district of Korvosa, South Shore’s population consists largely of the city’s nouveau riche hoping to escape the cramped conditions elsewhere. Notable sites include the enclave of the Mierani elves, and the Pantheon of the Many.
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Organizations
Arbiters:
Spoiler
More than judges, the arbiters also have legislative oversight. Any declaration the king makes must first face review from the arbiters, who vote on its legality both in regards to the Korvosa City Charter and the latest known laws of Cheliax. By charter amendment, seven arbiters must examine a monarchial decree and five of them must accept it in order for it to become law. If the arbiters review and reject a decree, one of those who voted against it must advise the king on what he can do to make the decree more acceptable to Korvosan and Chelaxian law.
The Cerulean Society:
Spoiler
Korvosa’s only true thieves’ guild, often causes the poorer noble houses to bristle at its blatant extortion. The Cerulean Society runs a fairly typical protection racket with excruciatingly smug satisfaction, even going so far as to wear blue uniforms when they come to collect. The price a “client” pays for the Society’s “services” varies, but does not appear to depend on wealth - the wealthy House Jeggere, for example, pays a token amount, while impoverished House Peltherianon cannot hope to pay the sums demanded.
The Korvosan Guard:
Spoiler
The Korvosan Guard serves the city of Korvosa first, the city’s leader second, and the church of Abadar third. It works closely with the monarch and high priest of Abadar to maintain order in the city, acting most often as a police force, but turning into a military operation whenever the city is threatened by external forces.
Field Marshal Cressida Kroft leads the nearly 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.
Magistrates:
Spoiler
With the creation of the monarchy, the magistrates and their bureaucratic underlings struggled to justify their existences to the city’s first king, the beloved Eodred I. Fortunately for them, Eodred I believed strongly in delegating responsibilities, and during his reign the number of magistrates and their staffs ballooned. Queen Domina halved the number of magistrates, but, since her death, many of those she cut have returned. Today, city hall houses no fewer than 23 magistrates, with a combined staff of nearly a hundred. No one exactly knows what the magistrates or their staffs do, but most Korvosans suspect the entire purpose of city hall is to waste the time and money of the city’s people.
The Order of the Nail:
Spoiler
One of the original seven orders of Hellknights, the Order of the Nail is among the farthest removed from their home in Cheliax, having been coaxed to Varisia in 4682 by Korvosa’s Queen Domina. Strong martial traditions, strength, force, and intimidation are the primary virtues of the order, well represented by their distinctive horned helms and demon-maw breastplates.
The Korvosan Guard bristles at the occasional unrequested aid of the harsh-minded knights, but it begrudgingly accepts their results and acknowledges their effectiveness. The city’s government has little interaction with the Hellknights, except for requesting their aid in dealing with particularly dangerous situations.
Sable Company:
Spoiler
Commandant Marcus Thalassinus Endrin leads his hippogriff-mounted marines in defense of the skies and waters of Korvosa. The Company is one of the most respected institutions of the city, with the common people holding its members in high regard, and trusting the Commandant with the authority to, on the Seneschal’s order, oust any monarch whose rule is becoming tyrannical or otherwise destroying the city.
Religions
Spoiler
After the death of Aroden and the rise of Infernal Cheliax the leadership of Korvosa accepted the influence of that state, though the rest of the city remains wary. The church of Asmodeus remains what many consider a necessary evil, as its inclusion improves the chance of Cheliax eventually reclaiming Korvosa. Asmodeus’ faithful tend to keep to themselves, in part because of the frequent non-violent clashes with the more popular church of Abadar.
Abadar has the most numerous following in Korvosa, and his priests work closely with many organizations. In fact, the Church is practically part of the bureaucracy itself, running the mint, and working for magistrates and arbiters. Priests of Abadar even work with the Korvosan Guard on occasion.
Pharasma’s faithful patrol the Grey District, and are generously supported by the wealthiest families of Korvosa to maintain this guardianship.
Commoners love Sarenrae, for she represents the Korvosan quality of honesty, to say nothing of her role as a healer. The temple of Sarenrae doubles as a hospital and, in recent days, has begun to play host to small altars to Iomedae, Torag, Erastil, and other righteous gods, since the Temple of the Many’s closing.
Although the sanctuary of Shelyn is beautiful, her faith has little influence over Korvosa.
House Arkona
Spoiler
House Arkona is something of an enigma in Korvosa. They have an extensive property on the island of Old Korvosa, and virtually rule that area. They have successfully dealt with much of the petty crime of the area, which has given them the tacit support of the city's government, despite rumours that this success has been largely due to the family actually controlling much of that same crime, and more. The head of the House is Glorio Arkona, who is as enigmatic as his family, and rarely seen outside the grounds of his Palace.
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Agreed. You guys realize we've been at this for twelve months and two weeks now? A year and two weeks. Most IRL campaigns don't last this long, get this far or run so well. You guys are all great, and I feel priveleged to be part of this.
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Hi everyone,
First of all, I have to agree with everyone else: This is an amazing game and an amazing group to play it with. I've played D&D for 12 years now and this is the second longest campaign I've ever played, and I cannot wait to keep playing all the way through the chapters and then start a new adventure with all of you.
It really is an honor to play with great people such as yourselves.
With that said, I'm going to make a small disruption of our rather anonymous/RL disjointed game and share with you important news from my life
I'm getting married in 11 days (July 21st). I am marrying the most amazing woman I've ever met and I could not be happier.
Blisstake and Leviathan know this already (I contacted them a couple months ago with the heads up), but I'll probably be taking a month off PbP so I can concentrate on the wedding and honeymoon (don't know why, but I don't think that posting instead of being with my significant other might be the best way to start my married life ).
I'll post until Friday (at which point my family arrives from Argentina to California, including my two 80+ year old grandmothers) and then will be back on August 11th. I'll set the website not to send me updates, so probably you won't hear from me until I get back.
Anyways, I just wanted to share my happy news with all of you.
Cheers,
Hernan
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Congratulations, Drothmal!
I'll have an IC post up tomorrow night regardless, but I want to give RocketMan, and Drothmal and SanguinePenguin if they're able, a chance to get a first IC post up in the new thread.
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Wow, that's great news Drothmal. I hope you have a great honeymoon and a happy marriage! It'll be sad to see you gone for so long, but it's for a good cause.
No rush, Leviathan. I'm so busy setting up that Kingmaker game I started and promptly forgot to tell you guys about (sorry about that, BTW, I realized I should probably do that about twelve hours before submission deadline) that I'm not really feeling this game's absence too badly anyhow. Looks like it's going to be a quiet couple of weeks, though, with two players out.
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
I agree. We'll need to do something, for sure. When I heard we'd be at a party I made sure to prepare Light Lance, just in case I'd need to be ready to fight quickly, but this place is full of loyalists and terribly short on allies. We've got Kroft, Dawnflower, maybe Tuttle (but probably not; he's not a bad fellow, but he doesn't seem like the type to exert himself without a lot of convincing) against at least half a dozen Grey Maidens, the Queen's bodyguard, the Queen herself and Togomor, who has at least enough Wizard levels to cast Dimension Door and more likely enough for Teleport. The nobility aren't likely to take part in any particular way. That means that we've got the six of us, with no Tallox, plus Kroft who appears to be about the same level as we are, and a Cleric who probably didn't prep any combat spells against at least six relatively tough enemies, one probably at least equal, one almost certainly superior and one who just effortlessly murdered one of the most respected soldiers in the city with a single strike after surviving a flawless sneak attack with barely a scratch. That's not my definition of a good tactical situation.
I can throw up that Light Lance and put some pain on Togomor or the Queen, but the Grey Maidens are just Charmed dupes. Not Evil, which means that the Lance is of minimal value and Dastan would not appreciate their deaths. In short, as the module says, I'd say our best chance is to run. Alternatively, we play for the grand slam. The Queen dies, we win. Even if we die. I'm thinking we follow Kroft's lead regardless. If she was ready for this and has men in place to keep the Maidens busy, we might just have a chance. Maybe. Assuming that whatever protection the Queen has is something that Smite can bash its way through.
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
I think we're outmatched here. The arrow-killing-guy-lifting queen, her guards, her evil wizard, and probably some toadying nobles. Besides, it'd sort of defeat the whole lying low thing.
Though, it would also be really fun to have a big fight in the throneroom. Dresane supports fighting too.
Put me down as undecided, then!
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The wonderful Athena avatar is courtesy of Akrim.elf!
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
I'm not sure that lying low is an option anymore. The Queen just dissolved the organization specifically devoted to guaranteeing that the monarch can't be a horrible tyrant and openly murdered its leader after he tried to assassinate her. She then declared that she would do the same to any dissenters in the future. I'm pretty sure we count among that last group, and our area of opportunity for acting before she removes Kroft too is going to be relatively short. We either do this now, we do this soon or we flee and gather allies elsewhere, then come back to rumble when we're done. That's all there is to it.
Again, I think our best bet is to follow Kroft's lead. If she's ready to go for the coup, now's the time to do it. Otherwise, we either keep our heads down or get the hell out of here. But... Frankly, I'm not sure how much more of this Dastan can countenance before he charges in in a blaze of glory. I'm holding off posting IC, because frankly I think his first reaction would be to call up that lance of holy light and charge the murderous tyrant-in-the-making, damn the consequences. Hopefully one of the less zealous characters can talk some sense first.
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
We may be outmatched, but from a metagame perspective, I seriously doubt there will be any major ramifications for attacking her here, since that's clearly what we're being baited to do.
I don't think Aldrin can stand back any longer as it is.
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Avatar by A Rainy Knight
Spoiler
My Characters (So I don't forget them): Aldrin Cress, level 9 Human Sorcerer Tireas Slate, level 4 Tiefling Ninja
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
I... Dunno. Relying on the DM not putting us in a situation where we can get ourselves killed out of hubris is taking a big risk. Still... Geh, IC I think you're right. Unless someone really convincing intervenes, I'd say it's time for us to do something. Damn it all. The simple fact is, the Queen is clearly evil and she just murdered a man. We've got a chance of victory, I think, even if it's not a huge one. I think just standing by and doing nothing would be in violation of the Paladin Code anyways. I guess it's time to start the rumble, then?
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Jensi is all for attacking. I know that's a rarity, but the Queen has done such terrible things. Not to be prematurely pessimistic, but I feel like we should also come up with an escape plan, or at the very least be prepared to book it out of there before it's too late.
In terms of escaping, Jensi has Minor Image and Aldrin has Invisibility, both of which will be very useful, especially if we can escape from the battle.
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
All right, let's do it then. I'll post in an attack later today. Still considering exactly what spell to use, or who to target (the Queen seems like the obvious choice, but Togomor could be more problematic)
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Avatar by A Rainy Knight
Spoiler
My Characters (So I don't forget them): Aldrin Cress, level 9 Human Sorcerer Tireas Slate, level 4 Tiefling Ninja
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Already posted. I hope nobody was counting on the element of surprise, though I expect Dastan just made a great distraction.
Running is... Not Dastan's strong suit. What with all the heavy armour and complete lack of abilities that would improve his ability to flee. Still, if hit with Haste he can probably outrun most of the enemies here until it runs out, which should be enough time for the spellcasters to come up with another solution. And, if worst comes to worst, he can hold a 5 foot wide space for quite some time if he puts his mind to it, which should be enough for everyone else to get away. Heck, even worse comes to even worse he can Raise Dead one dead party member per day at no cost, assuming he survives it...
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Leviathan, Dastan's using a Reach weapon. Would he have been able to make an AOO against Zentava when she charged him?
Also, dammit. Fighting non-Evil people sucks and Dastan is pretty bad at it. As long as I don't run out of room to backstep and stab with the Light Lance, it should go okay. Also, ouch on that damage. Lay on Hands can't keep up with that! Still, take down Togomor first. He's throwing around 5th level spells like candy, and we can't afford to take many more hits like those. Dastan can tank even the kind of damage Zentava's throwing out for a few rounds, at least.
Also, Tallox should be at 1 HP and Atavian takes however much less damage. Summoner's can't willingly take damage for their Eidolons until the mid-teens except to prevent them from 'dying'. It was a mistake on SP's part when he did that earlier in the AP.
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Last edited by DaedalusMkV : 07-17-2012 at 11:35 PM.
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Blisstake: if you want to change your Hellfire to sicken chaotic creatures, that'd be fine. I hate the idea of you getting a bunch of super-suboptimal abilities just to roleplay a concept.
Re: (Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
So, again, Attack of Opportunity from Dastan's Reach weapon, yea or nay? I guess I can post IC without knowing, but it kind of makes a bit of a difference to how things proceed and it would probably be convenient just to roll up the AOO with the rest of his attacks for the round.
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(Pathfinder) Curse of the Crimson Throne OOC: Thread II
Can't wait to play in it longer!
I hope nobody was counting on the element of surprise, though I expect Dastan just made a great distraction.
