Chapter One - Blood on the Crown

[bwatford]

NPC

Lord Cyne Monder Dwarf Crownwarden

---

Baldur finished the tale with "So, sir. Basically we are here to see if you were interested in this colorful feather, or if the whole thing was a set up from the start."

"It's a colorful story alright. Tha'ss'a fair. An' tha feather be quite.... nice. But i believe ye have been taken for a ride." Lord Monder said with a grin. "It be really nae that unusual for tha underbelly o' tha city ta prey on those with good hearts."

"We saw you at the Lucky Leap earlier, dealing with a halfling named Raffolk, but we have reason to believe it was the Golden Mask impersonating you, trying to besmirch your reputation." Ky chimed in.

"Well that be just tha thing, now me an' Ricio be friends, but i haven't been ta tha Leap in weeks. All tha preparations for tha King's Games has had all me attention. An' I dinna believe I know o' any halfling named Raffolk." he said as he put his hands up "I know your cause was a noble one, but it simply wasn't me."

"We also didn't want to get arrested breaking into some poor innocent woman's house, or worse find her dead and be blamed for it. So we came to speak to you first." Saara added.

"I understand, let tha Royal Swords an' tha Lawgivers do their job. Simply tell them aboot tha grandmother an' where they can find her. Let them ta their job. Tha'ss'a why we give them tha coin after all." he explained.

Standing back up straight from leaning against the table the Crownwarden was not without sympathy for their plight "Look, i will cut it with ye straight. Impersonating anyone be a crime, tha laws on tha books, an' this Raffolk will get what be coming ta him. We be actively looking for any members o' tha Golden Mask. They will eventually show themselves again an' when they do, we will be ready. Right now at least bask in tha glory that your lost coin got one o' their number aff tha street. An' ye got a pretty feather as a bonus prize." he said in jest with a wide grin.

"I tell ye what. I'll offer ye some real work, for some real coin. Maybe that will help ye earn your lost money back. What do ye say?" he continued.

"Interested?"

 

 

[Draidden]

Baldur Baldur Stonebow Dwarf Ranger 5 AC: 15 (chain shirt) | HP: 49/49 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15  Spell Slots: 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Spell Attack: +5 | Spell DC: 13 Spells Known1st Level Cure Wounds Entangle Hail of Thorns Speak with Animals 2nd Level Lesser Restoration Beast Sense | DM Inspiration: 1/1 I am definitely interested, but I need to hear what it is first before I say I will take the job. But knowing your reputation, I don't think it will be a problem. He turns and gazes at the rest of the group to see if they agree with him.   Mechanics Main Hand: Off Hand:  Action: Bonus Action: Move: Manipulate: Racial ability - Colossus Slayer: it target is hit by a weapon and is below maximum hit points it takes an additional 1d8 once per turn.

[saithor]

Yaldiled Gurvys Dragonborn Paladin 4/Bard 1

---

AC: 19 (Splint Mail, Shield) | HP: 38/38 | Initiative: +1 | Passive Perception: 13 | Spell Attack: +6 | Spell DC: 14 | DM Inspiration: 1/1
Cantrips; Vicous Mockery, Minor Illusion, Spare the Dying, Guidance
Memorized Spells;
Level 1 | ▣ ▣ ▣ ▢ | Ensnaring Strike, Wrathful Smite, Bless, Command, Purify Food and Drink, Dissonant Whispers, Earth Tremor, Thunderwave, Tasha's Hideous Laughter
Level 2 | ▣ ▢ |

---

Yaldiled doubted they were being burned twice. "I agree with Baldur, I'd need to hear the details first, but I have no objections to working for you Lord Monder."

 

 

Mechanics Main Hand: +1 Warhammer Off Hand: Shield Bardic Inspiration 2/3 1st level spell slots 3/4 Action: Bonus Action: Move: Chase Raffolk 30' Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.

 

 

 

[TheRaconteur]

PC

Saara Renalish Yuan-Ti Paladin 4/Warlock 1

---

AC: 19 (splint mail and shield) | HP: 43/43 | Initiative: +0 | Passive Perception: 10
Spell Slots: 1st 3/3, Pact 1/1 | Spell Attack: +7 (rod of the pact) | Spell DC: 15 (rod of the pact)
Lay on Hands: 20/20 | Divine Sense: 5/5 | Form of Dread: 3/3 | DM Inspiration: 1/1

---

It had been a brief hunt, but not lacking in excitement. The discovery of a secret guild of Doppelgangers was certainly an interesting one. Beyond notifying the Watch that the old grandmother might be dead, she didn't see what else there was for them to do. She didn't think it was fifty full gold coins worth of excitement, but it had been something. Recouping losses seemed a good way to end a mixed bag. 

"You've got my attention, Lord Monder."

Beyond notifying the Watch that the old grandmother might be dead, she didn't see what else there was for them to do. 
 

Mechanics Main Hand: Empty Off Hand: Shield Action: Bonus Action: Move: Manipulate:

 

[BobtheWizard]

 

PC

Kythera Syras "Ky" Human Cleric 1 / Wizard 4 Application

---

AC: 16 (chain shirt and shield) | HP: 29 /29 | Initiative: +1 | Passive Perception: 14 | FeaturesDarkvision, magical 180'
Spell Slots, 1st: 3 /4 LR
2nd: 3 /3 LR
3rd: 2 /2 LR
Diss. Whisper 1 /1 LR
Misty Step 0 /1 LR
Shadow Shield 1 /1 SR (Rx)
Cloak of Darkness 1 /1 SR (BA)
Arcane Recovery 1 /1 LR
DM Inspiration: 1
Hit Dice: 3/5 LR
Death Saves: 0 S / 0 F
Conditions:

---

Ky realizes that the lost money may have just been a deposit on gaining a benefactor. Lord Monder has a decent reputation so hopefully this isn't anything shady, or at least not too shady. She wants run over and hug him and tell him that she hopes this is the start of a beautiful professional relationship, but instead she just affirms the others' questions, holding back her excitement.

"A chance to earn back our money with honest work sounds very appealing. What do you need done?"

Mechanics Main Hand: none Off Hand: Shield Move: none Action: none Bonus Action: none Reactions: use shield if it would block a hit, maybe use shadow shield Manipulate: none Concentration: none Notes   Byra, halfling daughter of Taem and Gyo Willow Creek, built right into the side of a large hill it was, they were immediately accosted by a hoarde of beggars as they made their way into the village. They found the village to have no walls and no real militia that they could see. Prominent buildings were: the Crossed Guard (blacksmith), the Wise Owl (tavern): Lewis Pickerton (proprietor), Eldeth (dwarf on Inspiration Dust) Roots and Hourglass (alchemist), the Bearded Cabinet (general store), the Temple of the Eternal Mother (church). Flask and Rat, inn run by a dwarf Sheriff Kendall Kharis, dwarf necromancer that plays Battlechess Crownwarden Lord Cyne Monder, a recognizable and much-respected member of the Royal Court and Lord Protector of the Crown Raffolk, halfling who owes Gruff 200gp and lost Lord Monder's couatl feather Gruffa, bugbear owner of Triple Nine Golden Mask, doppelgänger crime syndicate

 

 

[bwatford]

NPC

Lord Cyne Monder Dwarf Crownwarden

---

"Let's slow down here for a minute." Lord Monder said as he continued "It's nothing so grand, lets do something simple, get ta know each other a bit. See where it goes." he explained.

"Tha'ss'a how relationships get built. One that make it tha long haul anyway."

"Tha King's Games be aboot four days away, an' I wou' like ta ride me beloved horse Miss Ivory in tha ceremonial procession. She be a purebred Andalusian known for her grace an' strength. Her coat gleams like polished silver." he continued as he tried to describe her as best that he could.

"Well, tha only problem be I kinna break away ta go get her. Ye see me good friend Lord Rumlyn, keeps her for me down south near tha Royal Stud Farm. That be a day's travel there an' a day's travel back. I just dinna have tha time."

"An' I be sure tha good baron will put ye up for tha night. Just tell Lord Rumlyn I sent ye ta fetch her directly an' I need her with tha gold an' crimson saddle. Shou' be a simple enough task. Give Miss Ivory a right well escort safely back her ta me. There be nothing between here an' there but tha old run-down windmills, just follow tha road south that used ta go out ta tha old summer palace, an' it shou' take ye right ta him. Biggest estate for miles around except for tha stud farm itself." he said as he then made his offer "Do that for me an' I'll put fifty gold o' tha one hundred an' fifty ye lost back in your pocket. 'en if all goes well, we can see what else we have for ye." he finished with a smile as he waited to hear if they would accept.

He then interjected one more thing "I was just joking aboot telling tha baron that I sent ye. I be going ta need ta give ye some written documentation or he wou' never release her ta just someone showing up an' asking." he said as he laughed heartily. 
 

 

[Draidden]

Baldur Baldur Stonebow Dwarf Ranger 5 AC: 15 (chain shirt) | HP: 49/49 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15  Spell Slots: 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Spell Attack: +5 | Spell DC: 13 Spells Known1st Level Cure Wounds Entangle Hail of Thorns Speak with Animals 2nd Level Lesser Restoration Beast Sense | DM Inspiration: 1/1 Baldur was just about to ask for a letter when Lord Monder reveals his little jest. He just smiles and shakes his head. Well sir. I cannot speak for everyone else, but I would be ore than willing to accept your job and go get your horse for you. He then glances at the others to see if they will agree.   Mechanics Main Hand: Off Hand:  Action: Bonus Action: Move: Manipulate: Racial ability - Colossus Slayer: it target is hit by a weapon and is below maximum hit points it takes an additional 1d8 once per turn.

[BobtheWizard]

 

PC

Kythera Syras "Ky" Human Cleric 1 / Wizard 4 Application

---

AC: 16 (chain shirt and shield) | HP: 29 /29 | Initiative: +1 | Passive Perception: 14 | FeaturesDarkvision, magical 180'
Spell Slots, 1st: 3 /4 LR
2nd: 3 /3 LR
3rd: 2 /2 LR
Diss. Whisper 1 /1 LR
Misty Step 0 /1 LR
Shadow Shield 1 /1 SR (Rx)
Cloak of Darkness 1 /1 SR (BA)
Arcane Recovery 1 /1 LR
DM Inspiration: 1
Hit Dice: 3/5 LR
Death Saves: 0 S / 0 F
Conditions:

---

Ky is happy that we have a job that seems less dangerous than hunting a manticore and less risky than fighting the doppelgängers. She is also very interested in getting on Lord Monder's good side. He could be a useful benefactor, and could possibly introduce us to other nobles who need jobs done for them.

"We would be happy to retrieve your horse for you. Do you have any horses we could ride to get there so we can do this more quickly for you? We can walk if you don't."

Mechanics Main Hand: none Off Hand: Shield Move: none Action: none Bonus Action: none Reactions: use shield if it would block a hit, maybe use shadow shield Manipulate: none Concentration: none Notes   Byra, halfling daughter of Taem and Gyo Willow Creek, built right into the side of a large hill it was, they were immediately accosted by a hoarde of beggars as they made their way into the village. They found the village to have no walls and no real militia that they could see. Prominent buildings were: the Crossed Guard (blacksmith), the Wise Owl (tavern): Lewis Pickerton (proprietor), Eldeth (dwarf on Inspiration Dust) Roots and Hourglass (alchemist), the Bearded Cabinet (general store), the Temple of the Eternal Mother (church). Flask and Rat, inn run by a dwarf Sheriff Kendall Kharis, dwarf necromancer that plays Battlechess Crownwarden Lord Cyne Monder, a recognizable and much-respected member of the Royal Court and Lord Protector of the Crown Raffolk, halfling who owes Gruff 200gp and lost Lord Monder's couatl feather Gruffa, bugbear owner of Triple Nine Golden Mask, doppelgänger crime syndicate Lord Rumlyn, Royal Stud Farm, holding Miss Ivory and with a gold and crimson saddle

 

 

[TheRaconteur]

PC

Saara Renalish Yuan-Ti Paladin 4/Warlock 1

---

AC: 19 (splint mail and shield) | HP: 43/43 | Initiative: +0 | Passive Perception: 10
Spell Slots: 1st 3/3, Pact 1/1 | Spell Attack: +7 (rod of the pact) | Spell DC: 15 (rod of the pact)
Lay on Hands: 20/20 | Divine Sense: 5/5 | Form of Dread: 3/3 | DM Inspiration: 1/1

---

She'd been about to raise some small objection to the task, when the Lord clarified that he'd been jesting and fully intended to provide them with written documentation to assist them on their task. A Lord's seal, a Lord's task, and a Lord's favor. She wasn't hurting for any, but that didn't mean she minded. It was good work, and considering todays hunt had ended so abruptly she needed something new to do. 

"Seems a fair offer to me."

She enjoyed walking, but she did miss riding. Faeryl Myrryn's hunts had always been a wonder and a terror to behold. She missed the feel of a steed beneath her, the rolling of muscles as its hooves ate up the ground beneath them both. In her time upon this plane of existence, she'd almost worked out the knack of Spirit Binding herself, but the complexities of it still escaped her. She wasn't close, but she was closer. The issue was that she was infinitely more interested in learning the Secret of Winnowing her Blood Seals, and knew she'd likely devote more time to that than she would learning the Seal of Binding.

Which meant that she was likely to be on foot for a considerable while, unless the Lord desired haste. 
 

 

Mechanics Main Hand: Empty Off Hand: Shield Action: Bonus Action: Move: Manipulate:

 

[saithor]

Yaldiled Gurvys Dragonborn Paladin 4/Bard 1

---

AC: 19 (Splint Mail, Shield) | HP: 38/38 | Initiative: +1 | Passive Perception: 13 | Spell Attack: +6 | Spell DC: 14 | DM Inspiration: 1/1
Cantrips; Vicous Mockery, Minor Illusion, Spare the Dying, Guidance
Memorized Spells;
Level 1 | ▣ ▣ ▣ ▢ | Ensnaring Strike, Wrathful Smite, Bless, Command, Purify Food and Drink, Dissonant Whispers, Earth Tremor, Thunderwave, Tasha's Hideous Laughter
Level 2 | ▣ ▢ |

---

Yaldiled nods "A fair offer for fair work. I see no issues with accepting it. I am fine walking, but if it possible to ride, I wouldn't say no." Honestly, it would be preferrable. Metal armor weighed quite a bit.

 

 

Mechanics Main Hand: +1 Warhammer Off Hand: Shield Bardic Inspiration 2/3 1st level spell slots 3/4 Action: Bonus Action: Move: Chase Raffolk 30' Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.

 

 

 

[bwatford]

NPC

Lord Cyne Monder Dwarf Crownwarden

---

The Crownwarden moved over to a writing desk and opened its drawer, pulling out some parchment and began to write "I be going ta give ye two writs. One for picking up Miss Ivory, tha other one a request ta Thysalonious at tha stables that he runs. Many Knights o' tha Crown have paid a high price for a foal from its breed. I be going ta request a few horses for ye on loan, as potential buyers o' course."

"You can find tha stables over in tha Coin District o' course, near tha outer wall." (location 4) he said as he finished the two writs with a wax seal and a press of his ring to give them the seal of the Crownwarden. "Once ye have returned with Miss Ivory, bring her ta tha King's Pride (location 84) where all tha crown's horses be kept. I'll have payment waiting on ye there." he said as he finished and turned to hand the papers to the group. Holding them out to Baldur.

"The King's Games be in four days, i need that horse back here in three? Understood?" once he got an agreement he added "Dismissed." a habit of dealing with his men.
 

 

[TheRaconteur]

PC

Saara Renalish Yuan-Ti Paladin 4/Warlock 1

---

AC: 19 (splint mail and shield) | HP: 43/43 | Initiative: +0 | Passive Perception: 10
Spell Slots: 1st 3/3, Pact 1/1 | Spell Attack: +7 (rod of the pact) | Spell DC: 15 (rod of the pact)
Lay on Hands: 20/20 | Divine Sense: 5/5 | Form of Dread: 3/3 | DM Inspiration: 1/1

---

When they were dismissed, Saara turned to the others. 

"Smart call, seeking him out. We've earned a bit of favor by showing restraint. I've no reason to delay, I've all the supplies I need with me.  Unless any object, I'd like to head to the Coin District and get those horses to be on the road as quickly as possible."

She'd rather finish the job early with time to spare than trust that everything would go according to plan. It usually didn't, as that day's misadventures had already proven. 
 

Mechanics Main Hand: Empty Off Hand: Shield Action: Bonus Action: Move: Manipulate:

[Draidden]

Baldur Baldur Stonebow Dwarf Ranger 5 AC: 15 (chain shirt) | HP: 49/49 | Initiative: +3 | Passive Perception: 15  Spell Slots: 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Spell Attack: +5 | Spell DC: 13 Spells Known1st Level Cure Wounds Entangle Hail of Thorns Speak with Animals 2nd Level Lesser Restoration Beast Sense | DM Inspiration: 1/1 Baldur accepts the two letters, making sure he keeps track of which one goes to the stables and which to the stud farm, and secures them. I agree with Saara. If any of you need to go get your stuff, you can meet us at the stables. We will get the horses saddled and ready. With luck we can get there and get back in two days with no trouble. Heheheh. Well, one can hope. He will make his way to the stables as quickly as his short legs will take him, without running.   Mechanics Main Hand: Off Hand:  Action: Bonus Action: Move: Manipulate: Racial ability - Colossus Slayer: it target is hit by a weapon and is below maximum hit points it takes an additional 1d8 once per turn.

[BobtheWizard]

 

PC

Kythera Syras "Ky" Human Cleric 1 / Wizard 4 Application

---

AC: 16 (chain shirt and shield) | HP: 29 /29 | Initiative: +1 | Passive Perception: 14 | FeaturesDarkvision, magical 180'
Spell Slots, 1st: 3 /4 LR
2nd: 3 /3 LR
3rd: 2 /2 LR
Diss. Whisper 1 /1 LR
Misty Step 0 /1 LR
Shadow Shield 1 /1 SR (Rx)
Cloak of Darkness 1 /1 SR (BA)
Arcane Recovery 1 /1 LR
DM Inspiration: 1
Hit Dice: 3/5 LR
Death Saves: 0 S / 0 F
Conditions:

---

Ky has everything she needs and is ready to go. She double checks her backpack to make sure Raffolk didn't steal her rations and then lets the others know that she would also like to leave today.

"Yes. No reason to waste time here. I'd rather get back early than cut it close."

Mechanics Main Hand: none Off Hand: Shield Move: none Action: none Bonus Action: none Reactions: use shield if it would block a hit, maybe use shadow shield Manipulate: none Concentration: none Notes   Byra, halfling daughter of Taem and Gyo Willow Creek, built right into the side of a large hill it was, they were immediately accosted by a hoarde of beggars as they made their way into the village. They found the village to have no walls and no real militia that they could see. Prominent buildings were: the Crossed Guard (blacksmith), the Wise Owl (tavern): Lewis Pickerton (proprietor), Eldeth (dwarf on Inspiration Dust) Roots and Hourglass (alchemist), the Bearded Cabinet (general store), the Temple of the Eternal Mother (church). Flask and Rat, inn run by a dwarf Sheriff Kendall Kharis, dwarf necromancer that plays Battlechess Crownwarden Lord Cyne Monder, a recognizable and much-respected member of the Royal Court and Lord Protector of the Crown Raffolk, halfling who owes Gruff 200gp and lost Lord Monder's couatl feather Gruffa, bugbear owner of Triple Nine Golden Mask, doppelgänger crime syndicate Lord Rumlyn, Royal Stud Farm, holding Miss Ivory and with a gold and crimson saddle

 

 

[saithor]

Yaldiled Gurvys Dragonborn Paladin 4/Bard 1

---

AC: 19 (Splint Mail, Shield) | HP: 38/38 | Initiative: +1 | Passive Perception: 13 | Spell Attack: +6 | Spell DC: 14 | DM Inspiration: 1/1
Cantrips; Vicous Mockery, Minor Illusion, Spare the Dying, Guidance
Memorized Spells;
Level 1 | ▣ ▣ ▣ ▢ | Ensnaring Strike, Wrathful Smite, Bless, Command, Purify Food and Drink, Dissonant Whispers, Earth Tremor, Thunderwave, Tasha's Hideous Laughter
Level 2 | ▣ ▢ |

---

Yaldiled also has no need to go and get more gear. "Let's be off then I'd say. A chance to wash the foul taste of our last endeavor out of our mouths."

 

 

Mechanics Main Hand: +1 Warhammer Off Hand: Shield Bardic Inspiration 2/3 1st level spell slots 3/4 Action: Bonus Action: Move: Chase Raffolk 30' Manipulate: Your one free object interaction goes here.