Curse of the Crimson Throne: Seven Days to the Grave [IC]

[lostsole31]

Master Shyamal adds, "First order ... stop the manufacture, distribution, and support of blood veil. Second ... rescue anyone on site needing rescue, but stopping the contagion is greater as it affects vastly more people. Third ... if after the carnage you can procure any proof, be sure to bring it."

[LazarX]

"So then" says Telgarana. "We should review our roles, make preparations and spend the day obtaining what we might need and engage them on the morrow? My talents will probably serve us mostly as offensive front line although I would prepare a dispel as one counter to his magic, if I had learned the spell, although perhaps the more effective one is at my side."

She concludes her hand touching the hilt of her sword.

[meemaas]

"I specialize in throwing fire at things. But I am trying to branch out much further. My single-minded devotion to fire is part of my failures. I am also pretty good at making magic items, a talent that I've painfully neglected." He stops to think for a moment, before speaking up again. "Also, one last thing. I think Rolth may raise my fallen comrades as some kind of undead. I believe he may be some kind of Necromancer, so I'd like to let you know a bit about them in case. Kaul was a strong warrior who carried a big weapon and hit hard. He was really smart and able to deflect attacks with his weapon like it was a shield. Beta preferred to fight without weapons, and used Psionic abilities to generate claws that he'd use for a flurry of strikes. I hope I'm wrong..."

Spoiler

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In terms of daily preparations for the next day, Allen would actually like to make a Power Stone of Dispel Psionics, and will spend some of his money to get supplies.

[Moriar]

"Allen, try not to focus on that past if possible. But I know from first hand experience how difficult that climb out of the survivor's guilt hole can be. Use it to fuel your rage and devastate your enemies."

Vivino then turns to look at the rest of the gathering. "As for my role in this endeavor? I have learned to properly employ infiltration mixed with evisceration of the enemy. Over the years my studies have shown me where to properly utilize these...." At that his fingers elongate in claws and as the canines begin to extend outwards they are just as quickly disappear.

"My preparations...I do not have many to take. My habits are ready..." He absentmindedly fondles a bottle that has a mysterious liquid contained within. "Though I am ashamed to admit it, I could use help seeing in the dark if the situation calls for it."

"As you are all preparing I can roam the city and check on the current status of our targets and other happenings for the most up to date information."

Spoiler: Vivino - Roaming OOC

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If we do take the rest of the day to prepare, Vivino would like to use his skills (lore, guile and perhaps sensory) to listen for the most recent status of the city and seek information about our targets

[lostsole31]

One thing of particular to note with Vivino. He didn't just "Wolverine casual" show you his claws. He gritted his teeth, veins were bulging at his forehead, and ALL of his fingers on both hands birthed forth claws, even as his jaw distended, grew, thickened, and his teeth lengthened and seemingly came to points at the four canines. In fact, it almost seemed that Vivino was bulkier than before, and that is when you notice his clothing and breastplate are worn such to allow for this, as it must be a common thing he does.

He only did this for a few seconds, and it was more "relaxing himself" than anything when his body returned to normal. Even though only a few seconds passed, he seemed demonstrably fatigued after doing so.

[H8teradio]

"We are with you Allen, you must be strong and together we will avenge your comrades."

Adelaide gestures to her bow, "I specialize in infiltration and ranged combat. My arrows fly from the shadows to strike unsuspecting foes."

"I must prepare for the upcoming conflict, I'll return as soon as I am needed"

Spoiler: OOC Prep & Shopping

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Spell prep
Level 0 - Swap Spark for Disrupt Undead
Level 1 - Same
Level 2 - Remove Bull's Strength, Add 2nd prep of Invisibility
Level 3 - Swap Fireball for Daylight (prepared using 1 Arcane pool point with Knowledge Pool(Su))

Adelaide wants to get a bottle of Oldlaw Whiskey to fill her flask and store any extra in the bag of holding.

[Rithryn]

Lucius speaks slowly and softly as he looks around at his new companions

"I am a skilled swordsmen and my friends in the cloister have taught me divine magic, I can't bring someone back from the dead but I can heal most injuries. As well recently I have been attempting to cure as many people as possible of this disease."

Lucius speaks the last part with sadness in his voice.

[Tippnick]

Iluvar dressed in blue and white clothing and slippers of a brilliant purple. He has a look of half-elf with his human heritage clearly Vudrani. His eyes are red tinted. His hair is dark and shaved at the sides. He stands just below 6 feet."I fight with my body and have some divine capabilites granted by Pharasma. I have training to fight against undead. I find myself as sort of a troubleshooter in a fight. I fight best with a team. I like to move around and pick out where I can put my abilities to best use." He bows and then does a back flip.

Spoiler: Acrobatics roll

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(1d20+15)[32]

[LazarX]

"I specialize in throwing fire at things. But I am trying to branch out much further. My single-minded devotion to fire is part of my failures. I am also pretty good at making magic items, a talent that I've painfully neglected."

Telgarana takes in Allen's words and draws in a breath before she replies.

I knew a Fire Mage in Absalom. Many criticized her on her focus in fire. She always told them, "Everything burns, if you make the fire hot enough." Perhaps you need to delve deeper and find your inner fire. Recraft your grief into dedication and rage."

Spoiler

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Spell prep changes 0, Remove Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, add Grasp and Detect Fiendish Presence. 1 Remove Mount, add second casting of Intensified Shocking Grap 3rd Remove Lighting Bolt, Add Haste changes already reflected in sheet.

[H8teradio]

Lucius speaks slowly and softly as he looks around at his new companions

"I am a skilled swordsmen and my friends in the cloister have taught me divine magic, I can't bring someone back from the dead but I can heal most injuries. As well recently I have been attempting to cure as many people as possible of this disease."

Lucius speaks the last part with sadness in his voice.

Adelaide hesitates at the door on her way out. She looks towards Lucius while he says that last line as if she's about to say something. She lingers for a moment and not being sure what to say, turns to leave.

[meemaas]

"It's not that I want to give up Fire altogether. I could have dispelled his defenses, but I forgot I could do that, and by the time I remembered, I couldn't draw any more power. That is why I want to better myself. My power is good for much, and I've been too focused on throwing fire to use it to its full extent." After he finishes his sentence, he vanishes, appearing on the other side of the room from the others, just to make a demonstration of his abilities. "For example, I can do this, but I've never tried hard enough to use it well. I bet with enough practice, I can do this as easily as I move."

Spoiler

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Use Nomad's Step to teleport.

For the next day, Alpha will shape Five River's Amulet to his Neck in place of Coward's Boots and Banelight Vortices in place of Stone Giant's Girdle to his hands, binding it.

Also, the next day, when they set out, he will manifest Inertial Armor for 5PP, gaining a +6 armor bonus.

[lostsole31]

People already talk about leaving, but there is still one member (two, technically) that have not said anything for or against joining this ...

A crow-headed man and his corvid pet.

Spoiler: ALCON (Which means "All Concerned" (i.e., everyone) ...

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Please no more posts until Branwen/Askamot posts.

[Askamot]

Branwyn stumbles forward, obviously mildly intoxicated, "apologies for my tardiness... I was held up because I'm... late. I guess you're all going on about specialties and how well you can all do things. Allow me to introduce myself," as he bows deeply, dropping buttons and trinkets out of his open pockets, "my name is Branwyn, and this is my faithful friend and companion and friend..." gesturing towards a raven sitting on the windowsill, "Lurk."

"We are specialists in information gathering and we are really really good at... gathering information. We are here to help."

Branwyn sits down immediately, obviously pleased with his performance.

[lostsole31]

The next day, the party severally arrives at the intended insertion point ... the Hospice of the Blessed Maiden.

Renamed the Hospice of the Blessed Maiden and opened to the public as the Queen’s Physicians became established in Korvosa, the former Arkona warehouse now serves multiple purposes. On the outside, the hospice presents itself as a place of hope and respite for those in advanced stages of suffering from the disease, where sick folk from any walk of Korvosan life might come to find salvation under the care of the Queen’s Physicians. In truth, though, the place is a sanctum of Urgathoan research and corruption. The ibis-masked Queen’s Physicians, worshipers of Urgathoa in disguise, watch their plague take effect firsthand, endeavor to root out its weaknesses, and create ever more deadly strains in the secret depths below.

Okay, before going into the Hospice of the Blessed Maiden, does anyone do anything, put anything in hand, or the like?

[meemaas]

Allen takes a deep breath, looking at this place with almost practiced disdain as he readies himself to enter.

[Rithryn]

Lucius puts a hand on Sindri (His horse) and leans on him.

"Sindri, guard this entrance and if we are not back within the day flee."

Lucius looks around and his companions to determine who would be in the most danger if we entered a fight.

[H8teradio]

Adelaide looks towards the entrance, examining the building up and down.

"So this is the place?"

She gets a sense of unease and instinctively draws her bow.

[Moriar]

Vivino sizes up the location and then cautiously moves forward.

[Tippnick]

Iluvar will bring out a wand of Hide from Undead "This wand can keep you unseen for 10 minutes from undead. Strong willed ones, it will have no effect on. Still it might provide some advantage . It's best if we take advantage of it."
He then proceeds to use the wand on himself and any willing allies.
He then casts protection from energy (fire).
"Do you want me to take the lead? I am very capable of noticing things."

[LazarX]

Okay, before going into the Hospice of the Blessed Maiden, does anyone do anything, put anything in hand, or the like?

Spoiler: Entrance Prep

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Before entering, Telgarana will activate her arcane armor training and cast Ablative Armor. While she gets no AC benefit from the spell, the first 5 points of damage she takes from any attack get converted into nonlethal damage. Each point converted is subtracted from a starting pool of 35 points.

If a light source is needed, unless provided by another source, she will also cast Light from her Wayfinder, refreshing it every 10 mins.

Both of my wands are in quick release sheathes.

The nice thing about Iajitsu is that I don't lose anything by leaving my sword sheathed and get to pull it out dramatically.

Telgarana replies "I will walk alongside you as my senses have also been trained to be alert."

[Rithryn]

Lucius places a hand on Iluvar and a warm light glows and he speaks in a quiet tone.

"Know that the Inheritor will be watching and go with her blessing."

Casting Status on Iluvar and my horse, than heroism on Iluvar. He than places a hand on the hilt of his sword and speaks.

"Requiem, today may be the first day you see battle. Though I pray that no one has to hear your song this day."

Casting bless weapon on his sword. His hand goes back to his side without drawing the sword. Lucius outlines a cross on himself using touch of glory.

[Moriar]

"Iluvar, I would not turn down any advantage against undead. Thank you"

[Askamot]

Branwyn shrugs and stands up, "Whatever. Let's go. Come on Lurk, we got stuff to do man."

[lostsole31]

The group enters the warehouse-become-hospice. The stinging scent of alcohol and medicine floods this dingy reception room, an odor typical of hospices—and morgues. Across from the entrance sits a long wooden desk, beyond which a stained leather curtain covers an archway.

Spoiler: Allen Phan

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When you came here, the curtain muffled the moans issuing from the rooms beyond, so now it is eerily silent.

The group doesn't even quite fully fit in reception, moving past the leather curtain to the vast room beyond. The warehouse’s vast interior has been converted into one gigantic convalescent ward. The stench of alcohol, sickness, and waste chokes the breath .... as does the cloying stench of death ... and tight rows of low, stained cots cram the stone-floored hall. Every bed is filled with a pitiful story—men and women of all walks lie still in various mid-to-advanced stages of blood veil. Now, it seems the blood veil has been halted, as those not killed by the blood veil stare upwards with wide eyes and wider gashes across their necks, blood long since stopped in its flow. It is eerily quiet in here, until everyone notices a single beak-headed figure with a floppy hat and a cane look up at the group and quizzically tilt his head ... the costume of one of the Queen's Physicians!

Spoiler: Allen Phan

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When you first came here, the patients were groaning and wheezing as they were consumed by the blood veil, their sufferings multiplied by the echoing chamber. Now, the silence is even more deafening as the faces of the dead stare upwards all around you.

Begin Round One ...

R1T28: He was hard to notice as he was in dim lighting, and Lucius was more focused with spellcasting as he had come in. In a smooth, resonant upper baritone muted only by the effects of the creepy plague doctor's mask, he calls out, "Stop! By order of Queen ... ummm ... by order of Queen Iloosy ... (no) ... by order of the Queen! I am a lawful Queen's Physician and ........... refer to the handbills for the legal stuff! State your business!"

A crossbow is in his hand and trained on Adelaide. His actions were smooth, crisp, and efficient. His heavy crossbow is loaded and appears to be made of exceptional make, and his shoulders easily are broader than anyone else in the party. He also stands at an impressive 6-1/2 feet, and a fine battle axe that is notched and worn hangs from his side. But, most importantly, the Queen's Physician's crossbow appears "readied" to puncture Adelaide's lung, his grip with his ridiculous ham hocks for hands uncannily steady.

R1T27: Branwyn, what do you do?

[Askamot]

Arrows through the heart tend to make Branwyn nervous. And dead.
Branwyn starts looking at escape routes, and quietly slips back behind the wall that is beside him, blocking the view of the crazy person.

Spoiler: rolls

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Perception check to spot any ledges up above that would make adequate perches - (1d20+5)[8] and stealth to slip back unnoticed (1d20+16)[29] just 5 feet around the corner

[lostsole31]

R1T27: Arrows through the heart tend to make Branwyn nervous. And dead. Branwyn starts looking at escape routes, and quietly slips back behind the wall that is beside him, blocking the view of the crazy person. Branwyn's nervousness keeps him from noticing anything useful as far as perches ... hyperfocused as he is on the high-powered slugthrower in the Queen's Physican's hands.

As far as hiding, the Queen's Physician notices the subtle movement Branwyn attempted to hide behind the corner. The Queen's Physician jerks his head to the stimulus, but in doing so there is a ker-thwack sound. There is a streak of light from the crossbow that scores past Adelaide's upper left arm (the jerking of the head threw the shooter's aim off), but Adelaide still takes 8 + 4 fire. And to prove how steely-eyed this remorseless killer is, immediately following his shot comes the guttural cursing of a harsh language!

R1T26: Telgarana, Adelaide just got grazed by a heavy crossbow bolt, part of which flashed to fire on impact (actually, it made a lovely "tracer" effect from the time it was shot) from the Queen's Physician. What do you do?

[LazarX]

R1T26: Telgarana, Adelaide just got grazed by a heavy crossbow bolt, part of which flashed to fire on impact (actually, it made a lovely "tracer" effect from the time it was shot) from the Queen's Physician. What do you do?

Almost faster than anyone can see, Telgarana whips out her katana, revealing her blade in it's curbed ebon glory with it's glowing red characters on the blade. Just as suddenly, the blade elongates and lashes like a whip striking at the crossbow wielder. After the attack she closes.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Free Action Telgarana whips her Black Blade from it's sheath (Iaijutsu) Swift Action, she invokes her Arcane Armor Training; Standard Action, she casts Blade Lash Trip Attack CMB roll with the spell's additional +10 bonus Move action, she closes to the assailant and speaks as below if the attack succeeds.

Blade Lash CMB ​[roll]1d20+19[/roll] If the trip succeeds she will say. "Stay down and surrender if you wish to continue your existence beyond this moment."

[lostsole31]

R1T26: Telgarana brushes past Adelaide and around to the northern main corridor, closing on the Queen's Physician. Almost faster than anyone can see, Telgarana whips out her katana, revealing her blade in it's curbed ebon glory with it's glowing red characters on the blade. Just as suddenly, the blade elongates and lashes like a whip striking at the crossbow wielder. She thought at first maybe she got his legs, but what she really got was something the Queen's Physician longcoat covered ... a stool the man was standing on. No matter leg or stool, the lash pulls the stool out from under him and he goes down with a thud! "Oooh! my spleen!"

"Stay down and surrender if you wish to continue your existence beyond this moment," she calls to the half-tall, full-size-width, "man."

R1T22: Adelaide, you have bow in hand. What do you do?

[H8teradio]

Adelaide winces as the bolt sears her arm.

"Arggggghh, bastard!"


Adelaide will move to stand behind Telgarana and train her bow on the Queen's Physician.

Spoiler: Actions

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MA: Adelaide moves north 3 squares to stand by the door
Standard: Adelaide will ready an attack and will shoot at the Physician if they stand up.
To hit: (1d20+14)[26]
Damage: (1d8+5)[12]

[lostsole31]

R1T22: Adelaide winces as the bolt sears her arm. "Arggggghh, bastard!" She moves to stand behind Telgarana and trains her bow on the Queen's Physician.

Offhandedly, the Queen's Physician mutters, "Wow, nice recovery."

R1T21: Iluvar, you don't see the Queen's Physican very well anymore after he went prone (cots are in the way). What do you do?