It has been weeks since Eodred II's death and thing s are finally starting to get back to normal in Korvosa. Yet still the streets thrum with unrest and wild rumors. Crime seems to be on the rise, with pickpocketings, robberies and assaults skyrocketing. Some still hiss "usurper" and "murdering harlot" at the mere utterance of Ileosa's name and, more shockingly, rumors that the king's death was not of natural causes are on the rise.

On the way back the group overhears snippets of conversation being spoken outside every tavern and nearly every market stall. Some say it was demons or dragons. Some say it was invisible assassins but most seem to speculate that the king was poisoned. A few suspects are floated up but mostly the rumors are centered around the Queen being responsible.

The group reports their findings to the Field Marshall who flashes a rare smile and there is a sense of relief in her voice.

"Praise the gods. I'll send this up to the politicians but this should be enough to convince the diplomat that he should speak favorably or at least fairly of Korvosa in the future. I don't know if I mentioned this before but I was a little apprehensive to have the queen thrust adventurers upon the guard but with your group bringing me success after success I feel the Queen's judgement was more than sound.

Watchmen Figus and Kyra, your services alongside these mercenaries are quite admirable so for the forseeable future I will leave you assigned to the group. You both seem to be flourishing with a more lax hierarchy and I cannot argue the results you've shown me in this past week.

For now I think you have all earned a well deserved respite. There will always be more work for you, and yes more gold, but for now I think a week of recreation is warranted. Consider this part of your reward for dealing with the diplomatic crisis without any bloodshed and I expect you back at the start of the next week rested and ready to help Korvosa once more. Dismissed."

OOC: This will be a period of "down time" and we can use the downtime rules if you so desire. So for now if you would like to craft or hunt for magical items or get some custom masterwork weaponry purchased now is the time. In addition if you want to start investing in teams and buildings refer to the downtime rules either in Ultimate Kingdom or online on the PF SRD.

Please PM me how you want to spend your time as that might spawn little side adventures handled informally via PM akin to a "choose your own adventure" rather then using rules and crunch.

Four Days Later

While a rest from dealing with criminals and traitorous guardsmen was welcomed it was not one to last. Two days into their vacation the group started overhearing a new round of rumors. It seemed that the king had been poisoned and the guards had caught the poisoner responsible. Throughout the following day the rumor mills were spinning overtime. Some say that it was someone close to the king but not the queen. Others say that a guard failed to report a suspicious character lurking around and threw himself to his death when he realized his mistake.

Finally a name starts getting whispered around: Triana Sabor. She was a young artist who had painted a portrait of Eodred not six months before the king's death. The story goes that the now dead guard saw her slip something into the king's tea the day her portrait was completed and shortly afterward the king fell terribly ill.

The citizens latch upon the rumor and soon anger is threatening to boil over again. The name Triana is spat out like a curse word and the commoners start quickly placing all the their troubles upon her. She was the reason the king died. She was the reason a foreign born Queen now sat upon the throne. She was the reason why the city had rioted and the Hellknights had been brought in. She was the reason stores were looted and burned, why muggings and murders were on the rise, why people stubbed their toes and milk soured.

By the fourth day people were angrily shouting for her death and were getting into arguments about what method was the best punishment for regicide. Most favored hanging but a vocal minority suggested beheading or for her to be drawn and quartered.

By mid-day on the fourth day breathless Korvosan guards had run around wrangling the adventurers to report once again to Field Marshall Cressida.

This time Field Marshall Cressida had come out of the watch HQ and travelled to visit the adventurers personally. They meet at a local tavern and she slips a gold piece across the bar and leads the group to a private back room. Once safely away from prying ears she turned her somber face to the adventurers and spoke.

"You've doubtless heard the stories that the king's killer has been named. Yet there's something more going on here, I'm afraid. Queen Ileosa could have quietly had this Trinia Sabor arrested at any time yet she has instead let the news leak and letting the mobs get enraged. It seems to me like she wants the riots to come back. Certainly with the mob and the Hellknights out on the street hte girl doesn't stand a chance at a trial. They'll lynch her the moment they find her. And even if she did kill the king, mob justice isn't the way. Worse, if she's innocent then the real killer can use this distraction to throw us off the trail forever.

Before Trinia is murdered we need to be absolutely sure she did this thing. That means we need to catch her . before the mob. We know where she lives, a flat at Midland and 42 Moon Street, but it's only a matter of time before hte mob finds her. The Hellknights don't seem to care about containing the mob, something about the "order of law" makes it a greater priority for them to antagonize the mob instead of defusing the situation and its only making things worse. The mob's covering most of Midland now and Trinia's flat is near the middle of the mess. I've got every available guardsmen trying to keep things contained and under control but if I were to send a squad right into the heart of the mob it would trigger a riot.

I'm sure you can see where this is going. I need you to get into Midlan, find Trinia, and bring her back to me so we can deliver her, safe and sound, to somewhere where she can be interrogated, preferably with magic so we can be absolutely sure of her role in Eodred's death. Get in there, catch her, and get out without letting the mob get its hands on her. I'll have agents and officers nearby. If you can get her to one of the checkpoints we'll be in the clear. Any questions?"

Downtime: Nothing specific. Ayeesha has more money now than she's ever seen in her life. She's going to go shopping (sent in PM) and then spend the rest of the week in the pleasures of wine, women, song, men, more wine and more women. Let me know if I need to remove any $$$ from her character sheet!!!

Back at the Citadel:

Ayeesha swore at the notion that things might get unstable again. "They were just settling down! I liked them settling down! "

Her eyes took on a dreamy, far away quality for a second. "Doubt the queen's involved in it though. She seems to really care about this city."

She stood up and turned to leave.

"Right then, we need to go get this monster who killed the king. Alive, of course." she looked very disappointed in that last part.

Figus spends his downtime looking for a couple custom weapons and playing around with a pet bird.

"One thing I know is that the mob is always wrong."

Kraw spends the downtime training with the fencing master and learning how to use his speed to inflict pain as opposed to Strength. He also picks up a pair of Masterwork Daggers, a bandolier, and a few potions and oils.

Kraw shakes his feathered head. "I for one will not assume her guilt. It sounds like mob mentality,  not facts. Still she is safer within the palace than out among the mob. Let's find her quickly."

"It is a bit strange that this incident happened six months ago, yet only now it is brought up. You'd think that king's guards would be a bit more diligent when it comes to a possible regicide attempt."

Can't really afford any new gear yet, so I'll just buy an Antitoxin to replace the one I used, DM can take the cost of my total (50 gp). As for downtime, I'd like to get started on creating a personal library of a sort, to boost my Knowledge skills. I'm looking into rules to see what is needed.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:02, Wed 11 Sept 2019.

Kraw found his voice and his convictions. He goes to the Field Marshall and says "I know I have no right to ask this. But my people have long been scorned because people assume that birdmen are scavengers. I see this woman's situation as being similar. Perhaps she has been brandex a criminal because people need someone to blame. I cannot in good conscience participate in this unless you can promise me that she will not be tortured. And that I might be present when she is interrogated so i can see for myself. I'm sorry, but I feel strongly about this. If you cannot give me that assurance, I fear I must decline this mission."

Figus steps up and puts a hand gently on Kraw "Our job is to save her from injustice. If we do it right, she will not face that. If we fail ... We got a better chance with you. She has a better chance with you on this mission.

Kyra waits to hear how the Marshall will respond. She is more than a little concerned about this possibility herself, though she acknowledges that Figus has a point as well.

Ayeesha shrugged her shoulders and waited, confused.

"They're going to kill her, we're all clear on that yeah? When we bring her in. She's not a criminal, she's a rutting king slayer!!! I mean she's been accused of killing the king for Gorum's sake, but ain't like there's a lot of difference. The Queen says she did it, she's gonna hang. Ain't going to be no slap on the wrist. Might be a show trial or somethin, but kingslayers don't just walk free."

Cressida gave a nod to Kraw.

"My mission here is to see that justice, proper justice, is carried out. I have never seen the need for torture nor would I ever issue such an order. Frankly I do not think she is guilty so it would be doubly unconscionable for me to allow that to take place."

Her features darken and she gives out a sigh.

"However it is also my duty to carry out any lawful order issued to me by the crown in pursuit of protecting the city. If such an order came down I would fight tooth and nail against it however I would not be able to stop the Queen or one of her lackies from seizing the prisoner and doing with her what they will."

She gets a pleading look in her eyes as she looks to Kraw and the others.

"Please help me on this. Her best chance at survival would be for us to take her into protective custody quietly such that nobody else knows she has been secured. Then we can conduct a proper investigation for ourselves and have the answers we need to defend her if she turns out to be innocent. And if she turns out to be guilty we can ensure that her stay is humane and her sentence swift. Otherwise what else is there to be done? If I knew her innocence for sure we could get her out of the city but she could be guilty. It doesn't seem likely but it is possible. Otherwise without the aid of the guard what chance does she stand? Trial by mob? The mercies of the Hellknights? Or the Queen's own agents where I can no longer use my position to protect her."

She leans back and gestures for Kraw to speak.

"But please, if you have a better idea I would love to hear it."

Kyra speaks out, though she is clearly uncomfortable doing so.

"I agree that us getting to her before she is torn apart by the crowd or intimately introduced to Hellknight's methods of policing would be her best bet at this point. But, even if we manage to do this quietly, how likely is the fact that we have her to remain a secret? Guardsmen are people after all, and people talk, especially when tempted with large amount of gold. If the queen finds out we have her, she might demand to turn her over, innocent or not. Couldn't we stash her somewhere more... discreet instead? A safe house or a cell somewhere in the city. At least until we look into this mess and decide what to do with her? And you could then truthfully say that she is not in your prison if asked."

Kraw also looks uncomfortable, but eventually nods. "Better she is held while making an investigation rather than suffer either the Hellknights or the mob. And we are likely the best agents available for the job. Perhaps someday someone can explain to me how the Hellknights came to represent a policing force in Korvosa....but I will help take her in."

"You had me at please," she smiled at the Field Marshall, ready to do what was asked. She just needed to convince her group.

She shook her head at Kyra's suggestion. "I like my neck exactly as long as it is right now. Not planning on getting it stretched out in a hangman's noose for harboring and aiding the rutting king slayer. No, the safest place for this woman is with the Field Marshall. I trust her. She's going to do what she can to get to the bottom of this all."

"Besides, you sure we can find any place discreet enough that the Hell Knights, the guard the Sable company, hell even the Cerulean Society all of them won't be able to find it? Willing to bet your life on that?"

She shook her head again.

"No, I'm in with the original plan, find this woman and deliver her to the guard, it's the only way. Sounds like you're with me too Kraw. Hope you can help us Kyra."

"I am certainly still with you on this. I was not proposing that we hide the suspect from the Marshal, merely that she is held somewhere less obvious, to give us more time to figure out what to do with her. But if the Marshal believes her stay here can remain a secret, that is good enough to me."

She did ask us to do this quietly, so I guess she must have some confidence in keeping a prisoner a secret.

Entering the Midland ends up being relatively easy as long as pains are taken to avoid the main streets. Several times, the party is detoured due to large angry mobs, patrols of the Order of the Mob, and, in at least one occasion, an actual clash between the two.

By taking alleys and side streets, and in the case of the small riot an entire detour, the group is able to make its way to the directions given by the Field Marshall.

When they arrive at the tenement in which Trinia is said to live, they find the place in a densely built section of the city, a place where, at ground level, direct sunlight is a rarity. Above, jury-rigged catwalks, overhanging roofs, lines of laundry, and homemade bridges of rope and boards create a cluttered tangle, a multi-level mess of gutters, upper floors, and rooftops.

This is the slum above, a place known as the Shingles. In many ways, the Shingles is like its own sub-ward of the city of Korvosa. Here, in shanties built atop roofs, on the upper floors of otherwise abandoned tenements, and amid jungles of chimneys, peaked roofs, and eroding gargoyles, are vagabonds, thieves, monsters, and perils to match those found in the most dangerous slums. Stirges haunt gutters here, as do nests of imps. Pseudodragons lair here too, although in their frenzy to keep the imp population under control, the little dragons often cause nearly as many problems as do the tiny outsiders. Criminals use the Shingles as a highway to move about unseen by the guard. Worst of all are the chokers, hideous aberrations with long boneless arms who have taken to the Shingles with a tenacious fecundity that has resisted all attempts to date at eradication. Stories of chokers wending arms down through chimneys or upper windows are common, and serve as the primary reason most citizens avoid climbing above the second floor in regions the Shingles overshadow. This is where Trinia lives, and this is why the mob hasn’t found her yet.

Trinia’s home is in an old tenement, three floors high and containing dozens of other flats. Children play on the street as the mob and violence haven't reached her yet while concerned parents keep a close eye on them, ready to scoop them up at the first sign of trouble. The directions given to the party puts Trinia's flat on the third floor, southwest corner. A central staircase rises up in the middle of the tenement allowing access to the upper floors but given the verticality of the Shingles there are numerous other ways up as well.

Kraw looks up with his low-light vision, trying to ascertain any dangers to an outside-climbing approach. "If Trinia lives here, 5 gold says she has a few possible escape routes planned out. Best bet is to try an approach that she won't see coming....like up the side of the building."

23:51, Today: Kraw rolled 14 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 4.  Perception .
This message was last edited by the player at 06:52, Thu 03 Oct 2019.

Kyra picks up a small piece of a crumbling brick from a wall, closes her eyes and concentrates. For several moments she is silent as she seems to be listening to something nobody else can hear.

"Lovely place," she muttered, looking up into the shingles.

"I agree. I'm not much of a sneak though. She might have friends watching the streets as well, or be watching herself," she continued.

"We shouldn't stand around long. She might already know we're coming."

Figus looks at the tenements and considers his options.

"If we knew where she is, I would be able to take to the roof and cut off her retreat."

OOC: Take 10 on Perception for total of 19

"Well, unless someone told her we're coming, we know she's in that tenement building, third floor southwest. If you can get on the roof without anyone seeing you, it's probably not a bad thing to block off that exit."

Figus smiles "That can be arranged. Give me a few minutes and I will be in position. Having ones parent a drow does have certain advantages."

Figus heads to the southwest of the building. Once there he concentrates a bit and begins to float up, guiding his ascent with his hands.

OOC: Levitating and trying to be stealthy (take 10 for an 18)

Kraw sneaks along, following Figus. As he ascends, Kraw keeps a pair of daggers in hand to 'cover' his movement. Kraw is prepared to intercept any attempting to ambush Figus with a pair of quick-thrown daggers.


01:09, Today: Kraw rolled 28 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 16.  Stealth .

Figus and Kraw climb (or float) up to the rooftop without seemingly drawing any undo suspicion.

Meanwhile the other two members of the party hear the mob coming closer and closer. The parents start hurrying their children inside and doors and windows start shutting tight left and right as the sound of anger and violence start to approach.

Figus hunkers down, gets out a Tanglefoot Bag and waits for Ayeesha and Kyra to flush their target.

Kraw waits in the shadows, his twin saps in his hands.


20:46, Yesterday: Kraw rolled 19 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 7.  Stealth .
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Wed 09 Oct 2019.

"We better get up ourselves, staying down here could get very unhealthy very fast." Kyra says while listening to the sounds of the approaching mob. She then flicks her scarf over her shoulder and sprints up the central stairway to Trinia's floor.

It's mid-morning so would be bright but the mess of the Shingles makes a lot of shadows and obstructions of the sky like an artificial forest canopy.

OOC: If you're making a stealth or disguise check please roll, including your bonuses if any

Figus attempts to stay out of sight.

14:38, Today: Figus Dva rolled 24 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 14.  Stealth.

Ayeesha moved with Kyra, not taking any pains to hide herself. They were the hounds, hopefully they'd drive their prey into the hands of the lurking hunters.

Kyra is in too much of a hurry for stealth on her way up. But once up there she can try to find a shadow to lurk in.

07:08, Today: Kyra rolled 30 using 1d20+15 with rolls of 15.  Stealth.

When Ayeesha approaches the building people scatter. It's not a question on anyone's minds that she is there on business of a violent nature and with the mob approaching everyone hustles double time.

Ayeesha makes it up to Trinia's door and is about to knock when Kraw realizes someone is sneaking around the side of the roof below them. Looking down he sees a woman matching the description the field marshall had given them inching around the ledge to the opposite side of the building as where Ayeesha would be approaching from. It looks like Trinia snuck out of a side window and had stayed out of sight by pure luck and happenstance until now.

OOC: Initiative time!

To set the stag, Kyra and Ayeesha are inside the door to Trinia's apartment (which is closed and presumably locked). Figus and Kraw are on the roof and Trinia is on the ledge on story below them.

Kraw motions to Figus to join him at the edge of the roof and points downwards. With a quick motion Kraw flips himself down to the ledge that Trinia is edging along.

01:16, Today: Kraw rolled 10 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 6.  Initiative .

01:16, Today: Kraw rolled 27 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 17.  Acrobatics .

Not knowing what is going on outside Kyra just waits for Ayeesha to knock on the doors. Or knock the doors down, whatever gets it open. That mob is getting closer.

Don't know if I should roll initiative since my character is on the sidelines here, but...
15:21, Today: Kyra rolled 23 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 17.  Initiative.

Figus gets ready to use the Tanglefoot Bag as he intended

11:10, Today: Figus Dva rolled 16 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 12.  Initiative.

Inside, Ayeesha knew nothing about Trinia fleeing. She stuck with the plan, battered on the door with her fist and shouted, "Trinia! Let us in we're with the guard!"

She would give about ten second to hear a sound of someone coming to the door, then opened it (if it was unlocked) and if not, tried to bash it down.

OOC: Not sure if I need a roll...

Trinia realizes she has been spotted as she spies Figus peaking over the side. With a sudden push she leaps off of the ledge and across the narrow alley to the roof on the other side. Her leap obviously enhanced by magical means she takes off at a sprint, ducking under clotheslines and expertly jumping from chimney to chimney.

Her progress is blocked as the roof climbs steeply in front of her while the rooftops on either side are jammed full of clutter.

OOC:

Row E obstacles:

Very Steep Roof: Climb DC 10
Cluttered Rooftop: Acrobatics DC 10


So to provide an example, next turn Trinia can either

1) Move one square automatically
2) Move 2 squares and pass either the Climb or the Acrobatics check
3) Move 3 squares and pass both the Climb and Acrobatics checks

Looking at the gap it would be quite the leap for Figus or Kraw to make the same jump as Trinia or a smaller hop to reach halfway.

OOC: The obstacle for Row B are:
Narrow Roof Leap: Acrobatics (Jump) vs. DC 15
Wide Roof Leap: Acrobatics (Jump) vs. DC 25


Meanwhile inside Ayeesha and Kyra might be able to find a shortcut to cut through the buildings on their level instead of leaping from roof to roof.

OOC: The obstacles for Row A are:
Hidden Shortcut: Perception DC 15
Very Steep Roof: Climb DC 10

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:42, Thu 24 Oct 2019.

Kraw moves to the edge of the building and tries to cross to Trinia's side of the alleyway.

15:03, Today: Kraw rolled 15 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 11.  Initiative .

15:03, Today: Kraw rolled 11 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 1.  Acrobatics . Does running a double move add +4 to Jump?

15:02, Today: Kraw rolled 24 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 18.  Climb.

Take your time. Cautious. When the fire wasn't in her blood, Ayeesha could pick her way carefully. Not too carefully, but she didn't really extend herself. She took the obvious path, climbed the steep roof and moved closer to her quarry.

---

Just going to go easy to start, move 2 squares, not push it for 3

22:08, Today: Ayeesha rolled 7 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 5.  initiative.
22:09, Today: Ayeesha rolled 16 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 12.  climb.

On hearing the commotion outside Kyra realizes that their quarry may be getting away. She quickly looks around for some way to try to catch up with her.

11:32, Today: Kyra rolled 26 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 17.  Perception.

Round 1
Kraw runs to make the jump but doesn't quite make it. He nearly falls off the roof but catches himself, scrabbling back up but still quite a ways behind Trinia.

OOC: So what happens is you tried for a double move and chose the Acrobatics vs. DC 15 option. You made your roll and failed by 4 so this degree of failure means you only get to move one square forward.


At this point Kraw identifies a way forward either running along a clotheline strung up between houses or possibly some kind of shortcut that could be found between the tall chimneys and windows of the roof he is on.

Row C:
Tightrope Shortcut: Acrobatics(Balance) vs DC 20
Hidden Shortcut: Perception vs. DC 15

So next round you can move 1 square, 2 squares (if you make one of the above checks) or 3 squares (if you make both of them)


Kyra, Ayeesha, and Figus all end up in the same spot facing the same obstacles as Kraw but overall fairly close to the fleeing Trinia.

---

Round 2
Ayeesha finds herself with considerable momentum and finds that she might be able to get in front of Trinia with some considerable luck.

It looks like Trinia is going to only move one square forward but is pulling a wand out of her belt, most likely planning on moving forward and then zapping the nearest person with her wand.

Initiative
Ayeesha - 20
Trinia - 19
Kraw - 15
Kyra - 14
Figus - 6
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:27, Sun 03 Nov 2019.

Kraw finds his balance as he runs along a clothesline to narrow the distance.

01:43, Today: Kraw rolled 23 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 13.  Acrobatics/Balance.

01:42, Today: Kraw rolled 13 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 3.  Perception .

don't have time for a full post, rolled perception failed by 5

Kyra looks around for a safer way forward than what a tightrope can provide.

Not sure if I should be posting yet or not. Failed the roll anyway.
14:16, Today: Kyra rolled 11 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 2.  Perception.

I do have two spells at my disposal that could be used to disable or at least slow her down, but they are not exactly an ideal pick for this situation.

Figus tries to get as close as possible and throws the tanglefoot bag.


14:56, Today: Figus Dva rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Throw tanglefoot bag.
14:55, Today: Figus Dva rolled 19 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 8.  Perception.
14:55, Today: Figus Dva rolled 9 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 6.  Acrobatics.
14:55, Today: Figus Dva rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1.  Climb.
14:54, Today: Figus Dva rolled 4 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 1.  Acrobatics.
14:54, Today: Figus Dva rolled 20 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 13.  Climb.

Kyra hunts for a shortcut but cannot find one swiftly. She makes little progress on her way forward.
OOC: Because you attempted 2 squares but failed by < 5 you move forward only one square

Trinia makes another leap landing on an inlet isolated from the rest of the roofs. She turns and fires off her wand at Kyra.
OOC: Kyra make a DC 13 Will save or be Dazed

Figus makes his toss with the tanglefoot bag but Trinia steps to the side and it smacks a wall instead. While he is able to find a shortcut a swift breeze comes by causing him to have to slow down his crossing of the narrow walkway.
OOC: Because you failed a check by more than 5 you stay put

Ayeesha finds a shortcut but not as quick as she would like to and only maintains pace with Trinia.

Kraw suddenly remembers his blessing from the his Harrowing and not only makes the tightrope walk but also spies a shortcut that brings him right next to the fleeing painter.



OOC:

• Row D obstacles: Narrow Walkway: Acrobatics (Balance) vs. DC 15 or Gap in Wall Escape Artist vs. DC 15
• Row E obstacles: Very Steep Roof: Climb DC 10 or Cluttered Rooftop: Acrobatics DC 10
• Row F obstacles: Narrow Hole in Wall: Escape Artist DC 25 or Wide Rooftop Leap: Jump DC 25

Kyra stumbles for a moment, trying to shake off the spell clouding her mind.

Dazed.
07:37, Today: Kyra rolled 10 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 7.  Will save (DC 13).

OOC: Oof... Ground here I come!

Ayeesha pushed herself to try to catch up, but stumbled. Badly.

---

23:05, Today: Ayeesha rolled 5 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 1.  acrobatics.

23:04, Today: Ayeesha rolled 13 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 9.

Kraw spots a narrow hole to dive through in his pursuit. Spotting a wooden board protruding out (an out-of-place shingle), he springboards across a wide alley gap to cut off the fleeing servant. "Trinia, stop. We want to get you away from the mob hunting you." he says.

17:43, Today: Kraw rolled 30 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 20.  Acrobatics DC 25. Critical success, Natural 20.

17:42, Today: Kraw rolled 26 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 18.  Escape Artist DC 25.

Kraw is able to get in front of Trinia blocking her immediate path of escape. She pauses, frantically searching around for another route but Kraw's words give her pause. She still looks like a frightened rabbit but she doesn't immediately take off giving Kraw (or someone else) the opportunity to try and win her over and convince them that they are her best chance of survival.

OOC: With this break I'll allow for a social roll. It will be a Diplomacy vs. DC 23 OR an intimidate vs. DC 13 to get her to stop running.


Meanwhile in trying to give chase Ayeesha makes a critical mistake and steps onto what looked to be a solid bridge that quickly crumbled under her feet pitching her twenty feet to the stone ground.

OOC: Ayeesha takes 4 pts of damage from the fall.

On the ground Ayeesha spies ladders and outcroppings and poles that would allow her to get back up to the roof. Otherwise to continue pursuit on foot means barging through or dodging thick crowds of people in the cramped and dense slums.

OOC: It's either a DC 15 climb check or a DC 15 Strength/Dex check to move forward 1 square. Moving forward multiple squares isn't possible while on the ground.

Kraw watches Trinia, gauging when she makes her move to rabbit. If she does, Quick Draw allows him to fill both hands with daggers as a Free Move, then peoceed to throw them.

"Trinia, I've heard what the mob is saying. I don't believe it. Let us take you to a more secure location and we can talk."

15:07, Today: Kraw rolled 14 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 6.  Sense Motive.

15:05, Today: Kraw rolled 10 using 1d20-2 with rolls of 12.  Intimidate .

Kyra recovers and glares angrily at Trinia, not happy to be a target of her spell. She is ready to return a favour if the woman tries to bolt.

Ok, our best intimidator is currently kissing the pavement and I'm not sure how to proceed here. At the moment I'm thinking to simply try to blind her when she tries to run, but I'd like to clear something up first.

Can the rest of us make intimidate attempts as well? Or can we only aid Kraw for his attempt? Unfortunately he failed by 3, can more than one of us aid him? And in any case, using intimidate takes at least a standard action, so if we try it we can't do anything else this round, right?

OOC: Everyone can aid, including Ayeesha but only Kraw can make the check as he is in front and the center of her focus.

You can also choose to blind her and hope she doesn't make the save.

You can move a single square forward automatically with no rolls as a move action and still perform your aid or spellcasting or what not.

Figus was pretty pissed that he had to climb and chase this girl just to save her life, so given a chance he attempted to aid Kraw when he tried to talk to the girl.

22:57, Today: Figus Dva rolled 14 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 8.  Intimidate aid.

"You better listen to him, or I'll show you what real magic can do." Kyra adds, still angry about that spell.

Let's go with that then. Aiding Kraw.
07:11, Today: Kyra rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20.  Aid (Intimidate).

Ayeesha hauled herself up from the ground, more angry than wounded, through sheer brute force, climbing aggressively.

When up top, she merely loomed behind Kraw, adding her intimidating presence to his argument.

---

15:31, Today: Ayeesha rolled 14 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 6.  intimidate aid.

15:31, Today: Ayeesha rolled 24 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 20.  climb.

Trinia hesitated, looking at Kraw in front of her and the others approaching her from behind and (in Ayeehsa's case) and below.

Down on the street the cries of the mob could be heard shouting for the death of the traitor and revenge for the king. Up in the skies there was a distant cry as griffon mounted knights were sweeping into the area. It seemed the city guard was being deployed and they were taking to the skies to bypass the rioting mob and marching Hellknights entirely.

Trinia realized she was trapped on all sides. When she turned back to Kraw she had tears welling in her eyes as she slowly put her wand back into its holster on her belt.

"I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING! I'M JUST AN ARTIST! I DIDN'T KILL ANYONE! YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE ME!"

She held her hands up and dropped to her knees, tears flowing freely down her cheeks.

"I didn't do anything."

Kraw lays a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I believe you. I have been charged to bring you someplace safe from the mob so we can investigate what really happened. The accomodations aren't the best, I'll admit. Can you tell me what you do know?"

Figus is starting to get nervous as the mob is getting closer.

"Kraw, we all want to know, but we really should get out of here first. If that crowd finds us, we are all toast."

Kraw nods. "Don't suppose someone can conjure an image of her running away? Lead the mob another direction?"

Shaking his head at the absurdity of it all "No, but I can cover us in darkness if need be."

Kyra joins them as well. "I'm afraid I don't anything like that either. But I did pick up something on our way here that could help." She looks around to make sure they are not being watched, then produces a potion from one of her pockets and gives it to Trinia. "A potion of magical disguise, drink it and imagine being someone else. I suggest a balding, bearded and disheveled looking man. Someone nobody on the street would give two glances to."

I'm guessing this is how a potion of disguise other would work. If we are being watched, she should drink it somewhere out of sight.

The group retreats to cover and Trinia accepts the potion becoming a perfectly plain looking guardswoman. She stands around unsure of what to do next.

Kraw leads the group to a way down, then heads the procession to Cressida's quarters.

Kyra follows after, keeping an eye out for trouble. "Let's get the hell out of here before the mob catches up with us. Or worse, hellknights."

Figus nods before pulling up his hood. His dark elf features surely make him stand out and a mob, any mob may turn on his very quickly despite the fact that he is not their original target.

Ayeesha looked at Trinia and replied with a blank, expressionless look, "We don't care," to her protestations.

"Just business."

She stays very very close to Trinia, ready to reach out and grab the 'guardswoman' as they move back to the Citadel.

The journey back to the Citadel is tense however the disguise works perfectly. The group passes by the mob and the Hellknight checkpoints without a second glance and once out of the Old Korvosa region the tension in the city drains.

Trinia continues to quietly sob, professing her innocence and confusion about being involved. She viewed the old King as one of her best clients and enjoyed working with him to create the portrait and viewed it as one of her best works to date.

---

Back at the Citadel the Field Marshall greets them with a grim look on her face. Off to her side stands Sabina, the Queen's personal guard.

Cressida looks mortified as she addresses the group and Trinia.

"By order of the Queen, the painter known as Trinia Sabor is under arrest for the assassination of good King Eodred II. She is to be given to the Queen's Royal Guard for holding until an execution date is set."

Trinia gasps and starts sobbing uncontrollably. She continues to try to profess her innocence but Sabina is unmoved, marching towards the prisoner.

Ayeesha had a hard time keeping the smile on her face at seeing Sabina again. The big bloodrager looked like she was blushing and having a hard time deciding what to do with her hands while she was talking.

Hearing the news troubled her though. She had no doubt that Trinia was in trouble, that she would probably end up executed. Civilized folk didn't seem to take regicide lightly. But shouldn't there at least have been a show trial? I mean if you want to keep the people under control, you had to show them the monster if you had any evidence at all.

Wasn't her concern though. She shrugged and was ready to leave, with a last smile in Sabina's direction.

Kyra does not know who the woman is, though she can hazard a guess at what she is. A creature of the queen. What she does know is that she does not like her words one bit. "Surely you meant to say a trial? After all, our good queen would never allow for an execution without one, right? It should not be hard to confirm her guilt... or innocence. A number of magical methods could be used to do so."

Kraw stands between Sabine and Trinia, his hands above his weapons. He asks Cressida "the words 'proper investigation' were said, but I can see those were just lies. I believe her innocence, and it you want her, you'll have to go through me. Or agree to let us investigate this and avoid condemning a possible innocent to a violent death."

Vs Sabine and Cressida

15:49, Today: Kraw rolled 28 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 20.  Sense Motive.
Natural 20!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Thu 21 Nov 2019.

Figus found himself in an uncomfortable place. Figus did not really like Trinia, but the there is no question that she was getting a raw deal, and that did not sit well with him. Kraw stepping up was not making thing easier, but ....

Figus moved up behind Kraw in a silent sign of support of his comrade.

Kraw realizes that not only does Sabina not care about whether or not Trinia is innocent but she also would have no qualms about cutting him down to fulfill her Queen's orders.

She doesn't even bother questioning or explaining herself, she just starts unsheathing her sword.

Field Marshal Kroft leaps up to intercept Sabina. She stands to keep an eye on both the guards and the Queen's bodyguard.

"No! Nobody is killing anyone today!"

She turns to get Sabina's attention.

"This is my fault, I accept full responsibility. When I sent them out to retrieve Trinia that was before you came to deliver the writ of execution."

Cressida turns to the party and she had a pleading look in her eyes and a grim expression as she spoke.

"I did what I could but the Queen, in her wisdom, has issued a writ of execution. It seems that Trinia has already been charged and sentenced this morning. Being tried when you're not present isn't something I've ever seen before but the Queen has very broad powers in this matter. There isn't anything I can do to stop and it and if you try to interfere I'll be forced to arrest you too."

Sabina continues to unsheathe her sword and scowls at the Field Marshall.

"No. They are obviously accomplishes to the king killer. They must die as well."

Cressida set her jaw and turned back to Sabina, stepping forward to crowd the knight.

"As Field Marshall to the guard I am vouching for their integrity. In case you've forgotten these are the good citizens that Queen Ileosa personally recommended for this duty. Their motives and devotion to Korvosa are above reproach. You have your prisoner and your writ only covers her. The guard will not stand by and let you murder one of our own."

Sabina scowls at the Field Marshall but finally resheathes her blade and takes her hand off the handle.

The Field Marshall turns to Kraw and motions for the prisoner to be handed over.

"We will speak of this, after our guest has departed with the prisoner."

Despite knowing that Sabine was easily capable of killing him, Kraw's hand is poised over his own blade. But the Field Marshall putting herself in harm's way ahook him somewhat....enough to realize that she was buying time for him to recover his wits. He could do nothing for Trinia if he were dead. He nods to Cressida and removes his hand from his pommel. He glances at Trinia, knowing that he would somehow rescue her if he could. Queen or no queen.

Kyra relaxes a bit now that everyone is taking their hands off their swords. It surprised her how quickly the situation escalated. Clearly the queen's agent is beyond reasoning. She considers if there is anything she could do for Trinia right now, but comes up blank. "Yes, we should speak of this later."

Ayeesha stood back during the conflict, her admiration for Sabina feuding with her loyalty for Kraw, who she had been through so much with. Fortunately it was over soon.

She held her tongue, waiting for sabina to leave with the prisoner.

Sabina scowls at bit at her prey escaping her but the expression passes quickly replaced with her blank mask of duty. She marches across the room, grabs Trinia by the shoulder and leads her out of the room. Her armored footsteps echo as they recede down the stone hall.

As soon as Sabina is out of sight the steel in Field Marshall Kroft's spine softens and her rigid posture bends as she puts her hands on the desk and hangs her head. After a few seconds she bangs a fist angrily on the desk top sending quills jumping and tipping over a pot of ink.

"I know. You can say it anyway but I already know. They got here ahead of you and I couldn't send word warning you to stay away. They didn't know where she was and I marched that poor girl right into the dragon's jaws."

She pounded the table again causing the tipped pot to splash more ink onto her desk. She straightened up and moved behind her desk to have a seat, clearing her throat as she wrestled her anger in check.

"Shortly after you left the Queen's guard came here with a writ of execution. I told her that we didn't have the prisoner yet so Sabina ordered me to dispatch the entire guard until Trinia was found. I don't know if she suspects my loyalty but she insisted on being present for every dispatch I gave. There was no chance for me to alert you and the writ is legal. I don't know what kind of political favors she pulled or who she threatened but Trinia was charged and convicted in absence.

She is to be executed in two weeks time. The Queen intends to put on a show trial for the public despite already having the execution in place. The verdict is already set, Queen Ileosa is turning this into entertainment for the masses and nobles at this point."

Even as she  speaks the words her face twists up in disgust.

"This... I don't even know how to describe what is happening. The city is rioting, the king is dead and now justice seems to be dying alongside it."

Kraw says "I know it would upset the queen, but what if, during her 'show' trial, someone came up with irrefutable proof that Trinia was innocent? What would likely happen?"

Kyra considers the situation as well, and there is doubt in her voice when she speaks. "What kind of evidence could we find that would stop this? The easiest way to prove her innocence would be by using magic, but it does not look like that is going to happen. Without that and considering how set the Queen is on this I doubt anything short of a public confession from a true murderer at this show trial would be enough. And we don't even know if there was a murder in the first place, let alone where to look for a murderer."

Kraw whispers, as if fearful of being overheard " It is said in some quarters than Sabine would do anything for the Queen....including assassination. That Sabine is so gung-ho is capturing a painter who is obviously a scapegoat, given the 'shadow' trial, is an indication supporting that theory."

"Not that I care for the woman, but rumors are, well, rumors. It could have just as easily been old age and illness that killed the king. People do die all on their own all the time. Even kings."

Kyra turns to the Marshall. "Has there been any kind of investigation into the king's death? Did the court physician at least determine the cause of death?

Ayeesha raised an eyebrow at the Marshall's words. Should she be talking like that? As a loyal agent of the crown? She shook her head. Apparently the civilized folks weren't as bound to orders and chain of command as she'd been told.

"Spectacle is a good way to calm riotous crowds. My people have been fighting in pits while people watch for ages to keep the violent urges of the Varisians and Chelaxians in check. Just the way it is, sometimes the crowd needs blood, and if you want them to stop taking it out of each other, you gotta give them something else."

She shrugged and sanguinely turned to Cressida.

"Either way, seems like our job is done. Seems like we did it well." She shrugged, not asking the next question, but hoping it was obvious.

Figus was ready to admit that things were way out of his league. He always considered that the powerful were corrupt, but to be thrust into the midst of of it made him feel dirty. Rubbing his left hand did not make it change its color however, and neither will taking a stand here and now. Speaking quietly to others

"We need to leave. We can talk about what is next ... next."

The field marshal nodded in sympathy at Kraw but couldn't offer any help.

"The investigation was conducted by the Queen's personal agents and this is their conclusion. If a murderer could be found that would change things but if the Queen sensed anyone wasn't in agreement..."

Her voice trailed off and her eyebrows moved up slightly as she worked her jaw around deep in thought. She reached out and righted the ink pot and pulled out a quill. Finding the ink pot empty she just dipped the quill into the ink spilled on her desk and began writing out a message.

"Don't do anything rash for now. I think I have an idea but I need to send a message to an ally to see if it would even be possible. For now just...head back to the barracks and get some rest. Once again you've delivered exactly as asked and once again the guard is grateful for your services. I have a feeling we'll be in need of your skill in the future so please try to stay safe."

She paused and looked Kraw dead in the eyes.

"I am not giving up on Trinia, or justice for that matter, but right now there are others who might be able to help. What we need is some time to figure out what happened to the good King."

Kraw nods. "Normally, I'd ask for a payout at this point. But it doesn't seem right , you know?"

Cressida winced at the jab but didn't respond, continuing to write out her note around the pool of ink on her desk.

"Why not?" Ayeesha asked Kraw, after hinting at as much herself.

"Because a little something for the trouble might go a long way towards getting access to our skills in the future. Especially after a mission goes and leaves a sour taste in your mouth like this one."

That last comment was directed to Cressida directly, not Kraw.

Cressida paused and lowered her quill, looking up at Ayeesha and the others.

"Fair is fair, you're right. Technically that little mission wasn't on the records so I can't officially issue payment for it however..."

She stands up and walks over to a bureau in the corner. Opening it up reveals a number of excellent looking clothes and armor in pristine condition, although none of it is regulation guard wear.

She pushes a set of leather armor aside and pulls out a backpack festooned with pouches, straps and flaps. She holds it in her hands for a few moments, touching a few buttons and buckles wistfully before tossing it over to Ayeesha.

"That came in quite handy when I was out in the field. Enchanted to stay light no matter how much you stuff into it and it senses your intentions, automatically placing whatever you are looking for within easy reach. Useful for collecting evidence and bringing keeping potions and scrolls close at hand without being a burden. Consider it a loan."

She smirks a little.

"A long-term loan."

Kyra is less then sure about there being anything they could do for Trinia, or at least anything legal, but she is willing to give it a shot. The alternative would be to try to bust her out of castle dungeons, and that sounds awfully like a suicide. She is a bit annoyed at the Marshal about this whole mess though. Even if Sabina was not waiting for them in ambush, the Marshal had to count on the Queen finding out and demanding the prisoner at some point. If she was not willing to disobey she should have told them to hide Trinia somewhere in the city instead or smuggle her out right away.

"Oh, well, too late now." She mutters to herself almost inaudibly. "It's been a long day. Let's get some rest."

This message was last edited by the player at 08:26, Fri 06 Dec 2019.

In reply to Cressida Kroft (msg # 96):

Kraw pauses before leaving. "Have you any idea how the King was killed, or where it happened? I need to verify for myself whether the queen's investigators are simply agreeing to the queen's feelings on the matter, or whether they actually made an effort to investigate."

Ayeesha took the bag, not intending to keep it. Someone surely needed a way to lighten their load more than she did.

She was ready to move on as well, but waited as Kraw asked his questions.

Cressida gives Kraw a nod on the way out.

"I'll make some inquiries. Discretely of course. I'll send someone when I find something out."

---

Over the next week leading up the trial the party attempts various methods of conducting an investigation themselves but all evidence is locked away inside the castle. Nobody can get past the front guards nor can they seem to get any appointments to justify a visit.

The Field Marshall also finds her efforts stymied as everyone around the case is either repeating the propaganda distributed by the Queen or refuses to talk to the guard of anything important.

To make matters worse over the next week shortly before the trial a Shoanti kid was killed during a minor riot that erupted. Tensions in the city start to build as the Shonati inside the city start causing trouble in protest against the act.

When the group is summoned to the Field Marshal's office they find that she isn't alone. Next to her is a tall, rail-thin Shoanti man of 60 winters.

"Guards, this is Thousand Bones, a Way-Keeper for the Skoan-Quah. He is an ambassador of sorts for the Shoanti and is looking for help from the guard."

Thousand Bones leans heavily on a walking stick, the polished femur of some giant beast crowned with a firepelt cougar’s skull. He wears a shirt decorated with countless jangling animal bones, many painstakingly scrawled with dozens of tiny symbols and glyphs. A bearskin cloak is draped about his bony shoulders, and warpaint in the shape of a skull decorates his face. The Shoanti’s eyes are milky as if he were blind, though he doesn't seem bothered by this. On his shoulder is perched a regal red-feathered razor crow that sits quietly observing everyone in the room.

He regards the group impassively while Cressida introduces him. When the old shaman speaks with a deep voice, his words carefully chosen but delivered with a barely restrained anger.

“My people have worked hard to understand yours, yet it seems each day we see new examples of how your people work just as hard to foster old hatreds. My grandson is dead, beaten to death by cowards in your city street. I do not blame you, yet still Gaekhen is dead, and my son and his kin are not so forgiving as I. They wish to return to the Skoan-Quah in the Cinderlands, to join with the Sklar-Quah and rally to war against Korvosa. This would be disastrous, for both our peoples. Amends must be made.

Our ways are not as yours. If a body does not go whole to the fires of the gods, the smoke of a warrior’s spirit cannot rise to the Great Sky. If I could send Gaekhen’s body to the Great Sky with honor and dignity, his father and brothers would listen to me and stay their wrath—the talks of peace between my people and yours can continue. But he was not just murdered. His body was taken from the scene of his death, sold by a peddler of corpses to a necromancer named Rolth, a criminal to both our people. I have spoken with the spirits, and they have revealed to me that Gaekhen’s body has been taken to a place below your boneyard, a place the spirits call the Dead Warrens.

With this knowledge, I could surely lead a group of my finest warriors into your boneyard to retrieve Gaekhen’s body, but this would be seen as an act of aggression by your people. No, it falls to you to make amends for what has been done. You must bring me Gaekhen’s body, lest we be forced to recover him ourselves. And although it pains my heart to say it—we
will not be gentle if it comes to this.”

Without another word Thousand Bones stands and departs the room leaving an exasperated Cressida to answer any of the group's questions.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 14:20, Tue 17 Dec 2019.

Kraw says "Necromancer, great. Probably scores of undead to deal with. Any chance of some specialized gear, like holy water, mirrors, silver weapons? We probably should stock up on extra weapons, blunt ones for skeletons, edged for zombies."

"At least this is a mission we can all get behind. A clear right vs. wrong."

Figus nods to Kraw "I am all set. Holy water is not that effective and rather expensive. Not sure if we should invest in it."

Kyra is less then enthusiastic about their new task. After a frustrating week of getting nowhere with their investigation, now there's this annoyance to deal with as well. She can't help but feel that time is running out. "Might as well get a few flasks, and some other gear as well. Maybe we can pick some of that from the stores?"

I seem to remember we had credit with the guard quartermaster, is any of that left for Kyra? If not, I'll just spend cash for it, I'd like 2x holy water (50 gp), 2x holy weapon balm (60 gp), 1x soothe syrup (25 gp), 1x antiplague (50 gp) and a couple of torches (2 cp). Oh, and 1x antitoxin (50 gp), I think I've used my vial some time ago.

Cressida watches as the old shaman departs and then turns back to the group still in her office.

"Alright just to be clear your your primary objective is to retrieve the corpse of the dead Shoanti. Like Thousand Bones said it is likely that Rolth is set up under or near the Gray District.

We have the man who sold Gaekhen’s body to Rolth in custody: a simpleton named Elkaris. He
spilled everything when we told him what was going on and how much trouble he was in. In any event, Elkaris says he delivered the body via wheelbarrow to a partially collapsed mausoleum deep in Potter’s Ward, near the southern edge. A toppled and headless statue of a sword-wielding gargoyle lay in the dirt near the mausoleum’s entrance. He was told to leave the body behind the gargoyle.

Apparently underneath the Gray District there are a bunch of underground tunnels. Undead are usually found roaming inside and the priests of Pharsma make regular sweeps but they never seem to be able to keep the dead from rising. According to Thousand Bones beneath the Potter's Ward is an old Shoanti burial ground they call the Dead Warrens. This seems to align with the location Elkaris dropped the body off so that would be where I suggest to start looking.

Rolth can be considered a secondary objective. We need the body but arresting a known necromancer would be a great help as well."

---

Kyra goes to the quartermaster and through their credit acquires various mundane supplies. The party has 101gp in credit left after Kyra is done shopping.

OOC: Make sure to update your Equipment to reflect the new items. Don't want to forget it!

Kyra tries to remember if she knows anything else about the Gray District. And once she has picked up her gear from the quartermaster, she uses magic to gather what information she can on Rolth as well.

Knowledge: Local on the Grey District.
12:42, Today: Kyra rolled 23 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 12.  Knowledge: Local.
Ears of the City on anything about Rolth.
12:43, Today: Kyra rolled 14,10,27 using 1d20+9,1d20+9,1d20+9 with rolls of 5,1,18.  Perception x3.

Are we ready to move on?

Kyra is indeed familiar with the Gray District. It is Korvosa's primary graveyard as well as home to the Grand Cathedral of Pharasma.

The Gray District is completely walled off from the rest of Korvosa, partially to protect the graves from robbers but mainly to protect the rest of the city from restless undead. The interior is divided between four wards: the Gold ward for the wealthy full of elaborate tombs and mausoleums, the tiny Sepublcher ward that mainly holds the temple of Pharsma as well as a rumored catacomb for the remains of clerics and paladins and other religious laypersons, the Everyman ward for the bulk of residents and the Potter's Ward where the truly poor are buried in mass graves.

As one would expect the Potter's Ward tends to be the most restless in terms of undead outbreaks.

As for Rolth Kyra learns through whispers and fragments that he was once a student at the Academae but was expelled when he tried to build a golem out of animals he had butchered. He is known throughout the underworld as a shady operator, willing to kill for money and components he needs to further his necromancy. Many whisper about him having set up laboratories throughout the catacombs underneath the city and allying with various denizens of the dark. He has on occasion been seen in the company of small cloaked figures. Some argue it is gnomes, others say it is one of the goblin tribes from the sewers.

OOC: Sorry fell behind! I think Ayeesha is good gear-wise, so just jumping back in to follow you all down.

I also have to warn that not surprisingly  I'm going to be spotty in terms of post rates for the next couple of weeks too!

"I've got cold iron, and bludgeoning weapons. Just a silver dagger, but hopefully it'll be ok."

She followed the others to the tomb, equipped and ready to go in.