GM Phntm888's Way of the Wicked Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Phntm888

Lutor listens intently, poring over every word of Thorn's.

Then he replies.

"As I suspected, Your Eminence. But you can not blame me for asking. I would now know what exactly would be entailed in the contract, and what it would mean for one such as myself, who up until now had at most mused on the possibility of serving Asmodeus."

At Tiadora's contemptuous snark, Hel's laughter cuts off as if cut with an axe, and her expression practically flattens; she shares a glance with Willow, but despite the halfling's wan smile, her gaze shifts back to the other female even as she rises, examining her with precise consideration -- the sort of examination one performs upon an individual one considers to be an enemy, just not right at this second. Hel is pretty damn certain she'd be meat for the grinder if it came to an issue, which is why she doesn't make one ... but the insult is not forgotten.

Nor does she ignore the missing three, but at least at the moment she can do nothing about it, so she turns to follow Tiadora, 'leading' by simple dint of being on that end of the hallway. As she goes, she listens to the continued conversation behind her; the elven House Shadirdal she does indeed recognize from her reading, and ponders the peculiar confluence of nobility three of the six here represent.

Entering the 'office' and giving the room a fast look, Hel's instinctive judgement is 'not enough books', but she responds absently to the hearty congratulations from the man in the chair with an absent, "To get started yes, but certainly not to finish the job so thoroughly." She will sit if there are seats available and offered, but otherwise she will make way for the other five to enter and spread out, standing pretty much where-ever she ends up.

With that, however, she places her hands in a proper attitude for listening, and attentively does so; the charismatic thunder and challenge does not stir her blood in quite the same way as it might another, but the core logic of his stirring speech does appeal to her in more than one way.

... that had clearly bloomed within Cardinal Adrastus Thorn. Despite his passion and visionary mien, Hel realized that it had not kept the man from creating a plan -- one which he needed people to execute, desperate people, people who have nothing to lose, much to gain, and a score to settle. People, she thinks to herself, like those sent to Branderscar Prison. Give them a bit of aid, assist in their escape, and they will be willing to do wonders for you.

Finally she could see the concept behind the plan behind the escape; that she was caught in it made no difference to her admiration of the intellect that made it possible, that created the veil Tiadora had given to Rigel, anticipated as many possible alternates as it could ... it lights a much quieter fire in her eyes as she twitches her eyebrows upwards. "Well planned, Your Excellency," she says quietly. "I trust that your future projects are equally well-designed."

She listens to Lutor's questions, and rakes him with a withering glance as he suggests that Thorn 'cannot blame him for asking'; of course he could, what a stupid statement. "I will sign -- after reading, of course. I expect each of us to have our own copy of the contract you intend for us, as ... reassurance." And to make sure that no funny business might happen. While the one Cardinal Thorn held might be the only 'true' contract, mystically empowered, those held by the rest of them would ... should help keep both him and themselves honest. "What has happened to Rigel, Demlin, and Amalrus?" she quietly inquires.

Wesh considers the Cardinal. The man certainly seems enthusiastic. What more could Wesh ask for after getting his freedom? He now has the opportunity to sign what appears to be an actual Asmodean contract and to actually bring Talingarde to its knees. How could he ask for me?

And yet, many good things in life are too good to be true. Wesh has to be certain. He has to know this man is who he says he is. Then Wesh will readily sign the contract - in blood, if he's asked to.

"It's an honor to meet you Cardinal Thorn. I had thought I would never meet a true priest of Asmodeus, yet it seems I stand before one now. Besides your brand, what can you do to assure us you are who you say you are? Furthermore, why do we need to swear fealty to you? Wouldn't fealty to Asmodeus more than suffice?"

Wesh also intends to read the full contract before signing it.

It was very tempting. It offered almost all he had wanted. Gallen suddenly looked tired as the mask slipped... far more tired than he had awaiting execution, that would have been an end.

"I should properly introduce myself though it will lead to many questions... it is pertinent. I am not Gallen Baran of the Heartland, I am Gallen of House Darius, true heir and rightful ruler of Talingarde by the line of Hallen- the Mad, via one of his secondary wives." He added the last part a little grudgingly given the company.

"I am always pleased to meet others who oppose the Mithrans and their corruption. I however am not burdened with my ancestor's delusions, if your scheme works I do not expect you to perch me a top a pedestal. However at if handle well it could only add legitimacy and a sense of continuity to things once all is revealed. But even if I sat as King in name given so much upheaval the actual power and authority of that position may well change... if your scheme works."

The Cardinal smiles at all of you. "I suspected you would see reason. I will of course allow you to look over the contract - I would not ask you to sign without allowing you to do so. And yes, I will give you a copy of the contract for your own assurances." The Cardinal produces two pieces of reddish-brown parchment, a quill, and a silver dagger. "When you are ready to sign, it is traditional to sign in one's own blood."

Hel's Question

"Amalrus, Demlin, and Rigel have already signed their own copy of the Pact of Thorns - they are currently preparing for their own tasks which will be separate from yours. Perhaps you shall have the chance to work with them in the future."

Wesh's Questions

"You have not been educated in all the ways of Asmodeus, so you are not aware. Any who claimed the title High Priest of Asmodeus without either the blessing of Asmodeus, one of the archdevils, or a pit fiend working on Asmodeus's behalf has done two things - first, they have given full claim of their soul to the Prince of Nessus for all eternity. Second, they have committed a blasphemy against Him, and he will send his devils collect that which now belongs to him. Should you require further proof..." The Cardinal pauses, then lifts the Asmodean holy symbol about his neck up to his face and says, "Dessiter, there are questions." There is a puff of smoke and, standing next to the desk, there is a muscular devil with rust-red skin and a jutting crown of ridge-like horns. He is dressed in an immaculate suit and appears to be draped in contracts. He bows to Cardinal Thorn and says, "As I am summoned, so do I arrive, High Priest. You say the new recruits have questions about the contract?" Turning to you, the devil says, "Most humble greetings, acolytes. My name is Dessiter. I have some experience with contracts, and would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have." Cardinal Thorn turns to you and says, "Does that suffice for further proof? As to why I ask you to swear fealty to me and not just directly to Asmodeus, it is because you are not yet worthy to do so. Hell has a strict hierarchy - so too should it be in this world. You will swear to me through Asmodeus, and I shall direct you to carry His will."

Gallen's Question

The Cardinal shrugs. "Who can say what shall the outcome be? The future has always been difficult to predict, moreso in this Age than others. Perhaps you shall sit on the throne - perhaps another shall. I will say that I myself will not be sitting on the throne - I have no desire to do so."

I've posted a picture of the Pact of Thorns, if you're interested.

Lutor pores over the contract, committing every word to memory.

It is tight, but perhaps there are loopholes - for and against us.

And then Dessiter appears.

He can summon a devil at will. And this one appears not to be a lower-ranked one. Careful.

Addressing Thorn:

"Your Eminence, your status and place in the infernal hierarchy is clear, and I have no doubt that the contract is a genuine one."

Knowledge Planes for more information on what Dessiter is: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Knowledge Religion for any more information on this type of contract - and potential loopholes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Turning to Dessiter, Lutor speaks again.

"I would however know more details, to put my mind at ease. What form of address would be most suitable for your rank and position, Dessiter? What occurs in the event of a breach, minor or otherwise, of the contract? And can His Eminence order us into suicidal action even if it is unclear that our continued lives will serve to benefit Asmodeus?"

Dessiter smiles. "Well, most august personage, my full title is Dessiter of the Phistophilus, but you may refer to me as Dessiter. In the event of a breach of the contract, His Eminence has the authority to exact a punishment as he sees fit. The more severe the breach, the more likely the punishment is your death. Of course, breaking any Infernal contract can have rather...unfortunate...consequences for your soul in the afterlife. There are worse things than death, after all. As for ordering you to take a suicidal action, while it is technically allowed, I imagine His Eminence would only do so in the event you have proven yourselves either useless or as punishment for a grievous failure."

The Cardinal adds, "I assure you, had I wanted your deaths, I would have left you in Branderscar. That I have gone through the trouble of freeing you shows I value you more than just as fodder."

Cole does not hesitate in taking up the blade. A small cut and dip of the quill gives him enough blood to sign.

"It is done. I am in service to you and our Dark Prince. I look forward to your teachings as I grow in power and help in understanding our masters will."

He pauses and looks on as he answers the other a bit put off at their lack of trust.

It makes sense of those that don't yet know the truth of the Dark Prince.

As the devil is summoned.

A contract devil? Though this one may be more.

Cole bows

"Well met Dessiter, I am Cole and I serve the Dark Prince as well though I am a fledgling in power. I am not worthy of your instruction, but one day would hope to be so that I may learn of contracts that I may better serve our Dark Prince, Lord of Contracts."

He keeps his head lowered as he speaks not wishing to meet the devils gaze or show any disrespect.

Lutor nods, absorbing every word spoken.

Profession (Barrister): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Profession (Scribe): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Negotiating from a position of relative weakness is never optimal. But I will make this situation work to my benefit.

He replies to Cardinal Thorn first, as the clear superior to both him and Dessiter.

"Your Eminence, I am satisfied. I thank you for your patience and understanding. I will sign."

Turning to Dessiter:

"Dessiter, your role and assistance is appreciated and noted."

Hearing Gallen's comments, and reading between those lines, he takes one more look at the contract.

Perception, Detect Magic, to seek hidden sections: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Assuming there are no nasty surprises...

Lutor rolls up his arm, showing once again the rough F brand.

He nicks the middle of it to open a vein and dips the quill in, then signing the Pact with a fine signature.

"I thus bind myself to and in the hierarchy of Asmodeus. May it be witnessed by all present."

Gallen reads the contract carefully and checks for small print or indentation on the page where cunningly artifice has placed extra stipulation that Cardinal Thorn could argue it was not his fault they didn't check for.

"Lutor can you detect magical auras?"

The contract seemed potential fair, of a sort, if handled in good faith but there was arguments to be made... they wouldn't do well in a court like setting against but when you've already executed the deed and the other person is dead you can far more easily win the argument and stay within the contract.

Dessiter says to Cole, "Oh, I'm sure you'll learn a thing or two on your own. No, no, don't divert your eyes - I assure you, there is no offense in your looking at me."

The minor cut still stinging ever so slightly, Lutor feels oddly content.

The die is cast. I must now use the contract even as I am used through it.

He stands and awaits the final responses of the others who have not yet signed.

Cole lifts his head at the devils words. He can't help but to smile a bit.

"You honor me. I thank you both for the opportunity to serve our lord."

With that he stands waiting for the others to sign.

Willow half-listened to the conversation while she browsed the contract. She had no doubts on signing it, but she knew only a fool signed a contract without reading it first...and her Aunty always said, Asmodeus had no need for fools in His service. When Cardinal Thorn conjured an actual Devil to answer questions, she was simply awestruck... Her Aunty's coven summoned a fiendish animal now and then, and even an imp or two -- with one to serve as her Aunt's familiar -- but never anything so grand or powerful.

Between Gallen's amazing revelation and Dessiter's arrival, all while standing before a true High Priest of Asmodeus, Willow almost felt like she was in some sort of diabolist fairy tale. With no hesitation, she picked up the silver dagger and made a small slit on her left palm (it was closer to the heart, Aunty always said), and set her name to the page;

Willow Burkle

She took a step back out of the way, with a look to the Cardinal, then Dessiter, and then the others. "I won't let you down, any of you." She assured.

Should anyone be looking, the elven wizard has signed his name on the contract as "Lutor Messa".

Wesh is quite impressed when the Cardinal has the devil appear at his side. The man is clearly powerful. How one of his ability managed to avoid the Mitran purges and still operates is a question Wesh will be curious to hear the answer to. Another time, though. Now, the contract is what matters.

Having heard the devil's words, Wesh is quite convinced the man is who he says he is. Thorn's reasoning for them needing to swear fealty to him as well is also sound from what Wesh knows of Asmodeus's teachings.

Wesh draws his greatsword, preparing to slice his palm to sign the contract in his own blood. He's actually quite pleased that the Cardinal wants them to sign it in blood. There's been plenty of blood spilt already and there will undoubtedly be far more before everything is said and done, so sealing the deal with their own blood seems poetic.

Still, Wesh waits a moment. He notes that at least a couple of his companions have yet to sign the contract and decides it's prudent to read the contract word-for-word, so he takes a few minutes to do so.

Sir Gallen signs in blood as Sir Gallen of House Darius. No matter how confident this Cardinal Thorn is their fellowship would not remain intact by journeys end but the current hypocrisy in the capital might just be at an end.

Nodding courteously to Thorn's answer about the missing three, Hel watches the rest of her fellow escapees -- on the road or from the prison, it matters not, they've all avoided nasty fates indeed -- with quiet, reticent intensity as they ask their questions, and get their answers. She pays particular attention to Lutor Messa and Cole Hale, though as each speaks, her gaze shifts to focus upon them.

Sir Gallen's revelation makes her blink slightly; he'd said he was in prison for treason, but she hadn't suspected he was related to the Princess, however peculiar the relationship was. Still, his proposal was interesting, something to put in the back of her mind for future consideration -- presuming, of course, he learned to actually listen to her. Well, an ongoing project, no doubt. That Thorn does not wish to be on the throne is certainly revealing; she wouldn't take the crown if it was handed to her with all of Talingarde begging for her to be Queen. Fellow masterminds were she and Thorn, no doubt, preferring to be the power behind the throne than the one on it. If Gallen wants the throne, more power to him.

The answers to Wesh's questions (well, excepting the one about proof of position, as it were) are obvious, at least to her; it should be clear to him (as it is to her) that a peasant does not swear fealty directly to the king, but to the knight or baron whose field they till -- and through the nobleman's fealty, acquire devotion to the throne. Even such noblemen rarely swear directly, but instead owe fealty to a higher nobleman, until the confluence of oaths reach the king. It is entirely proper, and she nods slightly in recognition of the pattern.

Willow's obvious intensity is somewhat surprising, but Hel doesn't see anything untowards in it; stripped of any need to conceal herself, Hel accepts her friend's openly fierce willingness as a perfectly legitimate desire for payback, even if destroying the entire Talingarde government was a bit of overkill. But then, when Willow gave herself to a cause and a purpose, she didn't hold back ...

Watching Cole, the first and most eager to step forward and sign his soul to the contract, Hel quite readily catches his expression; her own tightens as she notices his dislike for the others' unwillingness to leap before they examine not only the terrain, but the assistance offered on the other side of the chasm. While she herself sees little other choice in the matter, she notes to herself that Cole's attitude, anchored as it seems to be in fanaticism and arrogance, was going to have to be ... tuned. At least in regards to the rest of the group, loyalty to which (she was quietly pleased to see) was ensconced in the Pact, even above loyalty to oneself. Yes, a bit of reeducation was going to be required. The self-effacing of the devil Dessiter of the Phistophilus was ... interesting information as well; a flatterer, to be carefully watched, for such most often would plant a dagger in your spine.

The greatest unknown, the elf Lutor Messa, she watches nearly as closely as Cole -- and understands, she thinks, somewhat better. Arrogance, yes, and undoubtedly a fine intellect; House Shadirdal was known for its mages, and so actively promoted the intelligent above all others. But intellect without wisdom in its application can be very accident-prone; sometimes the best thing to do is pause and reflect, and an intellect in search of appropriate action sometimes ... misses that. Not to mention he seemed almost as socially inept as her ... well, that's why they had Willow and Sir Gallen, the first for charm, the second for visibility.

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

Hel waits very deliberately until each and every one of her compatriots have signed (yes, even Wesh); once they do, she steps forward and reads through the Pact. "Intentions, not specifics," she muses, glancing at the Cardinal. "How very elegant. A more open-ended yet essentially binding contract I may never see." She traces down to the bottom, and murmurs, "Fealty with fealty, protection with protection, justice with justice, and oathbreaking with vengeance."

Last to sign, Hel takes up the silver dagger, turns it to her left hand, then uses it to open up the thin skin at the back of her thumb's nail. The quill must return frequently to that source, slight accidental probes by the tip causing more blood to flow, but for all of that she looks just like a woman signing to a contract for grain, or the goods to run a sizeable household.

Artemis Acavna Cybele, Baroness Janleyn, called Hel Blackfist

Having read the contract and seen most of his companions sign it, Wesh smiles at the Cardinal and says, "I suppose it's time I actually sign it, huh? This is honestly the kind of thing I used to dream of doing. Now that I finally get the chance, I'm hardly going to pass it up."

Wesh slices his palm with his greatsword, then thoroughly coats the quill in his own blood. He has to pause for a moment before signing the contract as he's shaking too much in ecstasy.

Finally, with careful strokes and ever so slowly, Wesh signs the Pact. He makes the process last as long as he can. He wants to remember these moments. He relishes every stroke and goes back to dip the quill in blood a couple more times before he finishes signing.

He signs it simply: Wesh Meloi. Reluctantly, Wesh withdraws the quill from the parchment a few moments after finishing signing the 'i' in his name.

After passing the quill to whoever has yet to sign it, Wesh says to the Cardinal, "It is an honor to be in your service, Master. I look forward to serving you and Asmodeus through you. As long as I still draw breath, I will help you bring Talingarde to its knees. Then we will see it reborn in the way Asmodeus sees fit."

Lutor gazes over the contract, his name amidst the names of his

New companions., he muses, Including an actual prince. This should prove interesting.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

What would Lutor likely know of Hel's name and title, or Sir Gallen?

It’s up to Hel if you would know hers. As for Gallen...I’ll post what you know about Markadian III tomorrow.

1d6 ⇒ 3

The Cardinal rolls up one of the copies and puts it in a scroll case, then hands it to Hel. ”Well chosen, all of you. Your first command: prepare yourself. Rest within the manor. You are still hunted by the Talirean soldiery. We shall begin your training in three days.”

Tiadora leads you back to your rooms, where you can finally succumb to the exhaustion of being up all night and sleep.

After several hours, you are awoken by a knock at the door. Opening it, you find yourself looking at a slightly short, rotund man with graying, thinning hair wearing an immaculate suit and a pair of pince-nez. ”Good day. My name is Jarvis Enbarran. I am Cardinal Thorn’s secretary and accountant. You have been authorized a sum of 200 gold pieces with which to purchase supplies for your upcoming trials. Please fill out the we form,” Here he hands you a scroll case, ”with your requests. If you have anything you wish to sell, there is a form for that as well. Much of your equipment from the prison is stamped with the symbol of the Talirean military, which may draw unwelcome attention upon you. Thank you for your time.” Offering a short bow, he moves on to the next room.

Lutor, Willow, this is when you’ll purchase your stuff that you got in character creation. Also, everyone is now level 2! Yay! See the Discussion thread for level up information.

Lutor returns to his room and meditates deeply. He has much fatigue and strain to dispense with. And much to ponder.

Upon meeting Thorn's man, Lutor nods.

"Good day, Mister Enbarran. I will make good use of the resources that His Eminence has allotted."

He examines the form carefully, and then proceeds to write...

Wesh will also take a copy of the contract, if possible.

Wesh is grateful for the chance to rest. Still, he has no plans to let himself grow stagnant. He'll continue to practice his sword forms till their training officially begins.

He simply nods and takes the forms when Jarvis comes by. He'll certainly be glad to be rid of the Talirean branded gear. They'll have to come up with a new symbol for the reborn Talingarde.

Wesh will sell his chainshirt (which should be worth 50 gp) and buy a set of Banded mail (which is 250 gp). He'll also give the quiver of 20 arrows back to Hel.

Gallen will invite Hel, Wesh and Cole to join him. "With the others gone I will ask only ye. Blackerly's sword is of fine make an valuable. It could be sold or kept as a trophy, I'd begrudge neither but keeping it as a trophy is with risk..."

"I am keeping the Order of the Pyre Banner, I have some ideas regarding this. We could take their sigil as our own when the time comes, a reminder to them that they had us but failed to kill us. A reminder we have done what no one else could... it's funnier if they never know about us receiving aid for sure. That people still remember this country stood far stronger before the influence of the Mithrans ran so deep. Even if we don't I'll keep it as a reminder myself, it is obscure and a curio at worst, a dusty old banner at worst."

"Keep it, I had never heard of this Blackerly. He was a nobody same as me. I'm sure he bought that weapon with stolen wages anyways. I plan on keeping this stuff. I am a soldier or was I should say. As long as we don't end up near the northern border where some may recognize me I should be fine and this will help me sneak around and infiltrate if the need arises."

With the secretary.

Cole nods. "Thank you. I will get this filled out."

With that Cole plans for what he may need.

The cardinal said training but didn't mention what kind. Guess I should try to prepare for anything.

Assuming we each have an extra 427.5 gp to use, Wesh will purchase a masterwork greatsword, a longbow, and 20 arrows (426 gp).

Hel winces -- more than a little -- as Wesh slices open the palm of his hand with the greatsword he retrieved from the prison; she watches his ecstatic, glacially slow signing with clear unrest, a little disturbed at the fanatic nature of his actions. Wonderful. Almost as fanatic as Cole Hale. Not what I was hoping for, but ... the hand dealt. I just hate having to balance against two of them. Well, at least Sir Gallen seems to be proving more on an even keel -- and Willow, gods above and below, what a gift to have her with me!!

She checks the copy, noting with slight surprise but full approval the apparently automagical imprinting of their names onto the copy as they'd signed the original. Watching the Cardinal take the second and tuck it into the case, she is pleased that she is the one he hands it to; a thin smile creases her lips, and she nods a cordial bow to him as she accepts it -- not just the copy of the Pact, but by his actions the subtle acknowledgement as to whom the director of the group is.

Returning to their rooms, she will be more than willing to allow Wesh to take the group's copy of the contract to inspect and, should he desire it, to carry going forward; the possession of the object isn't the point. Going into her own room, she will visit the garderobe and, after a few swallows of water, change into a nightgown and climb into bed for some well-deserved rest.

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

When Jarvis Enbarran comes around early in the evening, Hel is still asleep, and though his knocking rouses her, she is in a foul mood for having been awakened. "Bloody fvcking waking me up in the middle of the -- " After climbing out of the bed, she stomps (yes, stomps -- quite audibly, as if she were kicking the floor) her way to the door, tearing it open and snarling, "What?!? Do you know how much sleep I've gotten? What the infernal fvck do you want, little man?!?"

Which is somewhat ironic, considering that Hel herself stands five feet four in her bare feet, as she is now. Although she's also standing, without a single sign of embarrassment or body consciousness, in a thin, almost translucent sleep-shift that shows off the young woman's body ... rather well, really.

Listening to the accountant with one hand on the door and every sign of wanting to kick in his head instead of take the forms from him, Hel fumes silently until he's finished, at which time she snatches the scroll case from his hand and snarls, "Next time you wake me up, the house had better be on fire!!" and slams the door -- very, very loudly -- in his face.

Unfortunately, once awoken Hel has always found it difficult to return to sleep, and after twenty or thirty minutes of trying and failing to do so, she rises, changes clothing, and sits down to fill out the paperwork, making a note to ask for a well-crafted, powerful bow.

When Sir Gallen requests her presence, she finishes what she's doing, and arrives in her own good time (per se), but sits and listens to his requests. " Blackerly's sword is yours," she says, "if you wish to put it to use. If not, sell it. Keep the mark on it turned to the inside, though, unless we have a need for you to do otherwise -- and considering this endeavour of ours, I don't doubt you'll find such a prop useful."

At the raising of the question about what to do with the banner of the Hellknight Order of the Brand, she considers the banner itself for a moment before saying slowly, "I don't ... know much about the Hellknight orders, Sir Gallen, but ... might I make a suggestion? Keep the banner; become a Hellknight yourself. Then resurrect the Order of the Brand, with yourself as its first member and, obviously, leader. Should we progress to such a point as for you to be on the throne, then the membership of this Order might well prove useful -- whether to be your guard, or to replace the Knights of the Alerion, presuming they pass whatever requirements there are to become Hellknights. I expect," she adds drily, "that it's more than just paperwork, so that's something to look into.

"However, as I said back in Branderscar, if you have a goal, I'll help you plan how to achieve it. It sounds like this might be a goal for you, so -- I'm all in. Maybe the Cardinal knows how you can become a Hellknight; I'm sure Dessiter of the Phistophilus" -- she is pretty clearly saying the entirety of it to remind herself of the devil's proper address -- "would be able to inform you as to how you might become one. Or we might start hunting through what books the Cardinal has here. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd be good in a conversation with Dessiter, sycophants piss me the hell off, but ... I can at least be there to make suggestions in your ear."

Listening to Cole's decision, she chews the inside of her lower lip for a moment, then shrugs. "Could be a good decision, could be bad. Without knowing what the plan is, I can't honestly say, but anonymity ... there's something to be said for it."

After the get-together, she asks for the Pact document back from Wesh, then goes in search of Lutor Messa, knocking on his door which is, after all, next to her own. Once she finally finds him to talk to, she settles into a seat (whether he offers it or not) and states bluntly, "From what I know -- which isn't an incredible bunch, I wish Rigel were here, she knows far more than I -- it is something of a mistake for you to not at least use your real name on documents such as we've signed." She lifts the scroll case and gestures with it. "Using it would -- well, would have, I don't think we can amend it -- established your claim to the wealth your clan holds. Maybe to leadership of it. Do you want leadership of your clan, or are you washing your hands of them entirely??"

Wesh shrugs at Sir Gallen's question about Blackerly's sword. "Keep it or sell it, it's up to you. I'm fine either way."

Regarding the banner, Wesh says, "As for the banner, I think it could make a good pennant to rally around. When the time comes for a proper war, it would be good to have a symbol of our struggle."

"I'll hold onto it for the moment. I'll have to consider the idea of re establishing the extinct Hellknight Order but that is a long term consideration."

Hel's dubious expression shows her opinion about rallying around the banner of the Hellknight's Order of the Brand; she doesn't know anything about it, and would definitely want to know what the banner represented before she did; such things, she's always read, have deep significance, mystic and spiritual, and by so following them people bind themselves to its symbolism, what it stands for.

Maybe she just read different sorts of lurid tales than the Warden and guards of Branderscar.

Rubbing her face, she shakes her head -- not in disagreement, just in tiredness and general irritability -- and adds, "Reminds me, I need to talk to Lutor Messa about his signature. Wesh, are you done with our copy of the Pact, or at least can I get it for a little bit while I talk to him? And everyone, get a dose of that healing wine the servants" -- she can't seem to bring herself to call them slaves -- "were offering. You especially, Wesh; I can't believe you slit open your palm with your greatsword. Do you realize the damage you could have done to yourself? Heck, you might have lopped off half your hand if you'd slipped or misjudged its sharpness; you haven't had it that long. So ...

"Oh!! Um ... sh!t. I'm hungry again ... let me talk to Lutor, and then can all six of us get together for dinner? I think the Cardinal's man of business let something slip, and I'd like to discuss it with everyone."

"Yes, you can of course have it back," Wesh says as he hands the contract back to Hel.

"I'll get some more of the wine if it proves necessary. I'll probably just sleep it off, though. I assure you, I've been using a greatsword far longer than since I got one in Branderscar. There was no risk of me lopping off half my hand.

"And I'm open to eating. I wouldn't trust that you'll avoid being heard by the unwanted ears, though. I think our new master is powerful enough that he'll be able to know anything we say if he wants to."

After the get-together, she asks for the Pact document back from Wesh, then goes in search of Lutor Messa, knocking on his door which is, after all, next to her own. Once she finally finds him to talk to, she settles into a seat (whether he offers it or not) and states bluntly, "From what I know -- which isn't an incredible bunch, I wish Rigel were here, she knows far more than I -- it is something of a mistake for you to not at least use your real name on documents such as we've signed." She lifts the scroll case and gestures with it. "Using it would -- well, would have, I don't think we can amend it -- established your claim to the wealth your clan holds. Maybe to leadership of it. Do you want leadership of your clan, or are you washing your hands of them entirely??"

Lutor breaks from his meditations, in order to answer the door.

When he sees who it is, he gives a slight, knowing smile.

"Please, Hel, do come in. I take it that is the name you now prefer to go under?"

When Hel explains her reason for arriving and her logic, Lutor's expression changes. While he may possess many talents, direct deception in body language and speech appears not to be one of them.

"I imagine, as a learned scion of nobility yourself, that you know of the magical academy in Matharyn, one of the very few of any remaining prestige? Technically, "knew of", because it has recently been closed. With my actions used as the excuse by the blithering fools professing to rule this nation. The Mitran Church were never fond of the academy or wizards after all, producing 'violent madmen' or some such rot. Or the noble right to duel over insults. This is all context, by the way."

He stops speaking, pausing for a moment to allow Hel to comment if she wishes. Then he continues, real anger clearly building under the surface of his genteel mannerisms. And then he starts letting it out in his voice, all that pent-up frustration and anger.

"The Shardidals, that *ancient* and oh so *wise* line? Did they stand up for their scion, who had to duel a commoner of all people? Did they stand up for my right, their right, and the nobility's right!? NO! They threw me to the wolves, and bowed to the slightest pressure from the church to see the academy's doors barred and everyone there slandered by association!"

He calms slightly.

"I refuse to acknowledge such *cowards* as kin, not for wealth or power. And thus I publicly declared that I rejected the name of 'Tanion Shadirdal', in favour of a portmanteau of the names of two historical wizards whom I respect. And not elven to boot, to twist the knife that much further. If one would argue that I did not apply through the proper channels, I would contend that the laws of this land are illegitimate, and I would see a new order imposed on their ashes."

He pauses again, and less visibly enraged.

"My apologies for an outburst. It has been some time since I had conversation that did not involve some bloody Mitran roaring abuse at me, and your deeds prove to me that you have proper character deserving of your noble title. After all, you too let no insult remain unchallenged."

Cole nods in agreement to the others.

"A proper meal would be nice. I will retire to my room until then."

Cole heads back to rest until summoned for food or the desire of the Cardinal.

Hel eyes Wesh's hand and considers his bravado for a long dubious moment before she flatly advises, "Use the wine, if they have any left. And I didn't mean greatswords in general, I meant that one in particular." She shrugs, nods to his and Cole's agreement, and pauses as she accepts the contract to consider Wesh's concern about privacy. "I don't ... think that it matters. It might even be ... hm. Interesting. I'll discuss it more at dinner." And with that, she goes to knock on Lutor Messa's door.

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

"If we must go by some name other than our own, I might as well get used to Hel; I expect it will take a considerable amount of time for us to complete our tasks, and a slip in using our real names would no doubt be foolish. So yes, call me Hel Blackfist."

Listening to Lutor's preface, she murmurs, "Yes, I am aware of the last eighty years' distrust of mystic, as compared to divine, magics. And the forbiddance upon duels."

As he goes on, however, she settles back in her seat, crossing right leg over left, her hands remaining in her lap and cradling the scroll case containing the copy of the Pact of Thorns. Interest shows in her expression as he rages, shouts, steamrolls over thought and sense, reveals his former name, everything she long ago learned to not do. And so, at the end of it, she says mildly, "It seems to me that for all your declaration of refutation, you go through a great deal of effort to ensure that they are aware of your scorn. I think you care far more than you are willing to admit to yourself.

"And on the contrary; in front of you this very day I left an insult unchallenged. I spent seven years not challenging insults. You misread decisive and utterly conclusive action as the sort of pride that results in one being branded." She half-turns her right arm, as if to display the 'Forsaken' brand upon it, no longer inflamed, red and aching only due to the infernal-based healing she's received twice in the last day, but hidden by the sleeve of her blouse.

"To leave unchallenged is not to leave unforgotten, Lutor Messa, once Tanion Shadirdal. My mind is my primary strength: not knowledge of the mystic arts, a vast store of knowledge, the ability to read at a glance, memorize books, or any such -- though the latter pair I do wish for," she adds a little wistfully before getting back to her point. "No, I do not have those. What I have is patience, foresight, and the ability to create as efficient and thorough plan as my information allows. My first step in doing so is always to determine the probabilities of two things: one, destroying my target completely, and two, remaining in reasonable health and at my liberty. Unless those conditions are capable of being satisfied, I have -- and will continue to do so -- accept great heapings of insult, and leave them unchallenged. Until, that is, I can answer them in the fullest and most complete manner possible."

Uncrossing her legs and rising to her feet, she regards the elf for a moment or two, and with the abstracted dispassion of a butcher planning his cuts on a hog says, "I also keep faith with those to whom I am sworn. Provide me with knowledge that I might create plans better than those I might form were I lacking of it, advise me of what it is you desire that I might plot a path to its gaining, provide me with the particulars of your capabilities and their best use so that I may direct you to where you need to be to most efficiently destroy those who set themselves against us, and you will find no plotter, champion, or director more faithful to you than, perhaps, Cardinal Adrastus Thorn."

It is certainly a most baroque methodology of inspiration cum intimidation, after which she starts towards the door, pauses, and turns again. "Ah. Dinner. It being later, and I being hungry again, and the Cardinal's man of business having, I believe, to have inadvertently revealed something, I am wanting to speak to everyone at the same time -- and what better time than during a meal. Will you come?"

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

Leaving Lutor Messa's room, she steps back down the hall towards her own, pausing to rap on the door halfway between them but on the other side -- Willow's. "Willow?" she calls out, waiting a good ten or twenty seconds before knocking again if she doesn't answer. "We're going to get some dinner. Will you come with? I'd like to speak to everyone at once."

Presuming she says yes, Hel will find a servant and inform them of the need for an evening repast for just the six of them, to be served where-ever there is room, then when the servant gives an indication of how soon it will be ready, she will either return to her room (or Willow's, if Willow wants to talk) until it is, or else go about letting everyone else know that dinner is ready, and go down to it.

Listening to Hel's dissection of his speech, Lutor feels confirmed in his view of her.

"I did not say a challenge had to be resolved immediately, Hel. But your argument nontheless is solid, and I can refute none of it. Were I to throw myself against the forces of crown and church, I may slay a handful of soldiers doing their tasks while their masters burn my corpse."

His mind assimilates what she has said and comes to conclusions.

"You have given me something to consider. Two things actually. One, that my rage at injustice could lead me to make ill-advised choices, and two, that I need to focus on the greater picture. House Shardidal deserves no especial opprobrium over other lackeys of the 'rulers' of this nation."

"As for goals and desires, I would take advice from between your lines and consider them more coolly. Perhaps after your proposed meeting and during dinner.", he adds with a slight smile.

Willow stretched and yawned when she heard Hel's knock at the door. She had dozed off after filling out the requisition form Mr. Enbarran had brought. It wasn't until then that she realized just how exhausted she'd been -- even after her impromptu nap on the roadside. She padded over to the door and opened it, then looked up at Hel mid-yawn, with half-shut eyes. "Oh!" She said, perking up a little. "Yeah, I could eat." She smiled; the promise of food was a well known weakness among halflings.

Following the servant into a dining room, she examines the table for a moment to determine which side, properly, is its 'head', then somewhat primly indicates to everyone their 'proper' seat, at least for this meeting -- Sir Gallen at the head, Lutor Messa at his left, then (continuing clockwise) Wesh Gallen, Hel herself at the foot of the table, Willow Burkle, and finally Cole Hale to complete the circle. She pauses until everyone is in place, then nods slightly to herself and settles into her seat.

The meal she called for the servants to deliver was to be a simple one, which means there will likely only be a few choices; at this point in the day, there probably isn't much available, so cold-cuts or easy and quick to make dishes and simple breads are probably the options laid out for them. Once they are on the table, though, she will glance about, then suggests, "Master Hale, will you offer a prayer?"

Once it has been given and people have started to fill their plates, she gets immediately to the point -- scandalous by the standards of polite society, but there you are. "I noticed," she says, "that when Thorn's man of business Enbarran spoke to us, he used a word different than what Thorn himself used. The Cardinal told us our training would begin in three days. Enbarran asked if we would wish to purchase supplies for our upcoming trials."

She pauses, half a mouthful of food resting on her fork. "Trials, not training. It occurred to me when Wesh --" and here she'll nod respectfully to the warrior -- "cautioned me against expecting privacy, that his Excellency may have meant this slip of the tongue as the very first of whatever tests he has planned for us, to see if we would notice the difference. If that suspicion is true, then we must I think proceed with particular wariness, and be alert to every nuance in what he has said -- or will say -- to us."

She'll consume the forkful of food, and say past it, "Anyone have any ideas or suggestions about what we might do, how we might prepare? I have requested a somewhat better bow than what the good guards of Branderscar saw fit to provide for me, a few odds and ends normally required for travelling, and several flasks of acid."

Lutor cannot help but approve of Hel's tactics.

She understands the proper seating order, though keeping herself at the foot of the table. And she has certainly given me a feast for consideration. She is quite the force multiplier.

When the matter of the word crops up, Lutor speaks.

"I largely concur with Hel's assessment of the matter. I believe the 'slip' was nothing of the sort, but a deliberate test."

He looks from person to person at the table as he speaks.

"It behoves us to get to know each other's tactics and thoughts, especially now that we are likely to be better equipped. His Eminence willing, I will have a proper spellbook once again. I have great flexibility in the magics I can draw upon, though of course there are limits to how much arcana of great significance I can draw upon during a day. And my learning is both broad and deep."

He takes a large draw of a water glass before continuing.

"And what of you all? I gather that all of you have joined forces at one stage or another."

"Asmodeus does not ask for such prayer. Your soul is already forfeit and his by right of worship. The Dark prince of contracts demands devotion and for one to honor ones deals. So I will simply ask that the fates be in our favor for what comes next."

He sits and listens.

"Of course it is a trial. Do not think this deal will not be earned. Each step or gain in power in the Dark Lords servitude is made on the backs of others and the deals you make with them. Just as the prison break was a test what comes next will be so as well. It would be foolish to think he would not try and kill us. I asked for gold from each of you and purchased a wand for such things. As long as I can draw breath I will honor the third loyalty."

"Good to hear," Hel says with almost no inflection, "and I am certain the wand will come in handy -- what kind of wand, again?" She gives a slight nod at the response, then takes another bite. "Anyone else? Wesh, have you any particular ideas, precautions we can take? Or you, Sir Gallen?"

"No doubt the challenges ahead will be of a variety. If Cardinal Thorn required mere brute force not all of us would be present. I advise those present to let others use their skills when more appropriate, if your skills are not of immediate relevance do not hinder the group by trying to force them into being relevant."

"That said confrontation will be inevitable, I would advise a back up weapon, if possible one made of cold iron or alchemical silver. There are a variety of creatures who have an uncanny resilience except to such weapons though it's not always easy to know the right tool for the job. Cold iron greatsword or a bone dagger either can take a life but unless you have taken specific effort to train in unarmed combat to a great degree like Hel then you will sorely miss being short a dagger if disarmed." He takes a sip of wine before adding a final point.

"Unfortunately bystanders will die at some point. Be pragmatic but even if you are a sadist don't needlessly attract attention by carelessly leaving a trail of bodies or missing persons. You might fancy yourself a master swordsman or soon to be arch wizard but an arrow unseen can easily kill you."

Wesh doesn't drink anymore wine after his brief conversation with Hel. He's sure any wounds he inflicted on himself will heal overnight.

He accompanies the others to the meal. He sits where Hel indicates, but only to avoid conflict with the others. Hel may think she's in-charge, but they're all equals as far as Wesh is concerned.

At Hel's question, Wesh says, "It'll be a wand of Cure Light Wounds. Should keep us fighting quite a bit longer. We may have lost Rigel, but we have Cole, which I'm grateful for.

"As for ideas, we'll need to demonstrate that we can work well together as a group. Branderscar was the first demonstration, this meeting - if the master is watching - is a second. We'll need to continue to show unity and cooperation for whatever tests or trials are to come.

"Based on what the master said, we'll also need to demonstrate submissiveness. Even a hint of insubordination is too much. If we want the master to assign us greater responsibilities and privileges, we'll need to show that we deserve them. We signed a contract, yes, and an important one. But we need to show that we serve Asmodeus and the master through our subsequent actions as well.

"Strictly speaking, we've only shown with our actions that we wanted to be free of Branderscar. Now we need to prove that we actually want to serve. The master is clearly a wise man, so we shouldn't try any trickery with him. If we're truly worth of being used by him and Asmodeus, our combined skill will show that to be the case."

Your meal is served by the slaves, who do so without answering questions and their eyes down. After a while, it feels kind of creepy.

I’m gonna give you guys a little more time with this bit before moving you along - another day or two.

In typical halfling fashion, Willow had dug into her food the moment her plate was in front of her. She had paused mid-chew when Hel requested a prayer, but gladly resumed when Cole said no prayer was needed. She listened to the conversation while she ate, a little perturbed by the thought that their 'trials' had already begun.

"Papa always said, you gotta be able to trust your family," she said. "I guess it makes sense if the Cardinal doesn't consider us all family just yet. But I think we need to be family, with each other. No lies, no secrets, no paranoia...and we gotta have each others' backs, no matter what." She offered a knowing nod towards Hel.

Willow paused to refill her plate, as the conversation moved on to strategies and abilities. She ho-hummed at Sir Gallen's talk of backup weapons, their material composition, and unarmed training...and knew she would need to shore up her combat skills.

Listening to Sir Gallen and Wesh give their thoughts, Hel nods as she focuses on each of them in turn. While this particular advice isn't what she was looking for, both of them are giving good general advice on how to deal with the situation they're in, how to work with Cardinal Thorn, how to simply deal with what is in front of them and keep moving forward. And though she notices Wesh's ... call it 'tolerance' ... of her direction, she suspects he retains issues with her giving it.

Putting that aside for the moment, she turns her head to Willow and asks, "What about you, Willow? Any recommendations on how to handle what we might face?" Perhaps the halfling filcher will give more practical advice on the immediate situation they look to be headed into.

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

After the conversation, but before the six seperate to get rest for the night, Hel talks about the elephant in the room -- leadership. "Wesh and Sir Gallen have heard me talk about this before," she says, "but I think it may need to be brought out into the open: our leadership. My thoughts are that we determine our end goals together; my own are extremely modest compared to those of our patron the Cardinal, though no doubt they will change. No matter your personal ambitions or what we six decide together, I am behind you fully. As I said recently to Master Messa, however, my main strength is my intellect -- in self-control, yes, but especially in devising methods to achieve those objectives. The more information I have, the more and better advice each of you give in your areas of expertise -- because as much as I'd like it, I really don't know everything -- the better and faster I can get us to our goals.

"Each of us may be a steel link; none of us is a chain unless we all work together." She gestures to Sir Gallen with a last piece of bread. "I submit that the face we most often turn to those beyond us should be Sir Gallen. In sacred things, Master Hale; with the mystic, Master Messa. You, Wesh -- honestly, I don't know where else your strengths lie save with a greatsword, but I am certain you have skills and knowledges of which we are all yet unaware, and in those things you should be giving the instructions. Willow is our best face to those who would be intimidated by Sir Gallen. And I?"

She shrugs. "I will plan -- and shoot a few arrows. Give me your best knowledge, and I will guide us to where we decide we want to go. And if," and here she gives Cole Hale a flat look, "you think the plan is wrong, if you have knowledge that would make it better -- or invalidate it and necessitate a completely new plan -- then say something. I will always ask for your thoughts, openly honor them, freely consider your revisions. My goal is to get us to our goals. I can only do that with each of you; I cannot do it in spite of you."

Finished with her food, she rises. "Do not take my direction as my wanting to play puppet-master with you; we are all tools in each others' hands, and all I want is a magnificent library. By using me to plan, you will achieve your designs more surely than otherwise. I leave it to each of you individually to decide whether or not you will put the tool I represent to its use, or to leave it on the bench." And with that and unless someone specifically stops her, she nods a courtesy, and departs for her bed.

Before anyone departs, Wesh replies to Hel by saying, "We all have different skill sets. We should certainly make use of all our areas of expertise. But when it comes to decision-making, we should provide others with what we know so we can make an informed decision, then decide as a group. Just because I or anyone else is the smartest when it comes to any given subject doesn't mean I have the right to dictate what we do. No, we decide as a group based on the information people provide.

"We can't just assume we know what others want or what is best for the group, we have to decide together. Just because I may be the most informed about greatswords doesn't mean someone else can't come up with something clever on the subject, so we can't afford to make assumptions. Assumptions cause unnecessary problems like getting people killed."

Having said what he feels is necessary, Wesh will also depart for the night once the conversation has ended.

Hel simply looks disgusted at Wesh's words. "Isn't that what I just said? Together we establish goals. Each of us provides the knowledge we know, and are encouraged to come up with suggestions -- 'out of the mouths of babes', and whatnot, exactly as I've encouraged with every plan I've made so far."

She pauses, then crosses her arms. "I get the sense that either you don't want to take any direction, or you don't want to take my direction. If you disagree with any scheme I make, sing out. If you disagree that I should be the one plotting our successes, then I am more than willing to allow you -- or anyone else -- to do the planning. Or maybe you just don't want any plans to be made, in which case you'd best go back to your room and fall on your sword, making sure someone comes along to finish the job. So what the fvck is your real issue?"

Cole yawns as the others begin talking and seemingly bickering. He nods along in agreement.

"I will be turning in. My path is no longer my own but the one Asmodeus puts before me. My goal is simply to reestablish his rule over the land. However any of us benefit along the way is icing on the cake. Your planning and attention to detail is appreciated, faith alone will not accomplish these goals. Thank you Baroness. Goodnight all."

Cole stands and excuses himself heading off to bed.

Before Cole departs, Lutor speaks up, to the table at large.

"Revealing not even a hint of personal ambition might well be taken as a warning sign in itself. We *all* have desires of our own. His Eminence is no fool, and may believe we plot against him if he cannot determine our intended direction. So careful adherence to *all* four loyalties I think is a wiser course."

He sips more wine. Only a little, to wet his throat.

"Advice on keeping cold iron and silver to hand is well taken, Sir Gallen. And I see little reason to doubt Hel's assessment of the group. I have given my strengths in broad outline, though I could add that I can be a ferocious debater when the need arises, wielding logical argument to crack the resolve of opponents."

He takes another tiny sip.

"As for my goals, I wish to carve out a new house. One free of the weakness and cowardice of the current crop of ineffectual sycophants that infest this nation's ruling classes. I seek no throne, but an arcane academy would be a good start.", he finishes with a grin.

Sense Motive on Hel's statement on her ambitions: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Thanks GM, yes, those two are correct. as for Bandit : stealth and Deep Cover its disguise

Using Herolab so calculations should be okay

Updated Background

Life is not easy for a tiefling. Especially one who looks like Inarus. His body is covered in hard black spikes. They jut from his body, leaving him looking like he is wearing a patchwork suit of armor. That, and of course, his tail, is a sure fire give away of his tainted heritage.

Born in a small village on the north-eastern coast, it was built far from any land trade routes and without much arable land. Without any good way to make an honest living, the locals instead became wreckers. Luring ships at night towards the rocky coast, watching as they floundered, and then looting the wreckage, that was their trade. This practice began during the Asmodeab purges under The Victor. Fleeing cultists came to the secluded village, and before long had converted the populace.

Inarus never knew his mother. He was told that she died in childbirth. Where she came from, he did not know, but he had his suspicions. When he was born, his deformities were readily apparent. In most places, a child such as him would have been put to death. To his fortune, however, among the wreckers was a priestess of Asmodeus. She was the midwife who delivered him, and she claimed him for her own. Raised by the woman, he was groomed not to take her role, but instead to be a defender of her temple. Raised to be a monk, he was trained to use his 'divine gifts' to the fullest of his ability. She declared, with false prophecy, that he was destined 'to wander the world, spreading the gifts of Asmodeus!' What she really meant was that she would do so, and would use the child as protection and proof of her favor.

Raised exclusively by the priestess, Inarus had a very skewed outlook on life. He learned to lie at an early age, for falsehoods were the currency of Asmodeus. He learned how to intimidate, using his fearsome appearance to his fullest advantage. But he never learned how to trust others, or how to make a real connection. His mistress (for she was not his mother and never claimed to be), never even pretended to love him. Rather, she taught him the hard truth. That he was born to serve, and that those who served would be rewarded and those that rebelled would be destroyed.

Upon reaching adulthood, the village of wreckers found their fortunes turning for the worst. Ships were beginning to avoid their stretch of land. They turned to the priestess of Asmodeus, demanding that she do something about this. They had tithed her and her church in return for prosperity. So...fearing a lynch mob, she declared that it was the will of Asmodeus that they turn to piracy. This was not true, of course, but it kept her head firmly on her shoulders. Using the many wrecks, they fixed and built their own ship, and took to the seas. They thought that they were divinely favored, and would succeed where others had failed.

It would of course, come as little surprise, that the Navy had other ideas. After a few good raids, their ship was found, pursued, and boarded. Most died in the boarding action, with a few taken prisoner to be made an example of.

After burning their village (the location of which the captured pirates unwisely bargained away), the last few were taken to Branderscar prison. The most infamous prison of Talinguarde. Since being interred into the grim prison, he has not seen any of his fellow villagers, and can only guess at their fate. Chained to the wall, the tiefling can see well enough in the dark, but he sees little chance for breaking free. All he can do now is pray to Asmodeus to save his servant from this certain fate.

I’ve never played in a way of the wicked game, but I really like the idea and would love the a change to play something other than a hero.

I have a character built on this alias, backsorry and such is 90% done and i’ll add that tomorrow, I’ve taken the murder trait and the bitten feat. I’m very happy with what I have so far hope you’ll enjoy it too.

I look forward to your primer. It should help a lot adding in more detail where my crime would happen and such.

@ GM Phntm888
Haha. No, she's not a typical witch. Not a typical character at all, I imagine. But if you can't play a psychotic cannibal who hears voices from Hell during this campaign, when can you?

I’ve never played in a way of the wicked game, but I really like the idea and would love the a change to play something other than a hero.

I have a character built on this alias, backsorry and such is 90% done and i’ll add that tomorrow, I’ve taken the murder trait and the bitten feat. I’m very happy with what I have so far hope you’ll enjoy it too.

I look forward to your primer. It should help a lot adding in more detail where my crime would happen and such.

Note that it's linked at the top of the page in case you missed it :-)

Aeron Carden wrote:

I’ve never played in a way of the wicked game, but I really like the idea and would love the a change to play something other than a hero.

I have a character built on this alias, backsorry and such is 90% done and i’ll add that tomorrow, I’ve taken the murder trait and the bitten feat. I’m very happy with what I have so far hope you’ll enjoy it too.

I look forward to your primer. It should help a lot adding in more detail where my crime would happen and such.

Note that it's linked at the top of the page in case you missed it :-)

I did miss that! Thanks for pointing it out I appreciate it.

I'd be interested in this.

I do have a question though: In the same vein as the turning into a vampire, would you be ok with a Changeling that eventually goes for the Hag transformation?

Alrighty, so, here's my begging for 3PP:

Should Spheres of Power be allowed for her, I'd submit Margarice, a Dual Channeler Soul Weaver, a necromaster that can also act like a healer and pretend she's a Mithra follower; I have a few ideas to weave this into her background, and she could be interested in lichdom. VMC would be Oracle.

On the Spheres of Might's side, I present Rakheet: here he's built for a Strange Aeons campaign using the playtest rules, but I'd re-spec in a flash. As any rogue, he'd be stealthy, sneaky and skillful, but with an added focus on steal maneuvers, dirty tricks and the like, as well as a pinch of alchemy. VMC would likely be Alchemist or Magus.

And of course, I can change any aspect that shouldn't fly.

I have a quick question about Villain Points. Do feats and such that deal with Hero Points confer the same bonuses to Villain Points? Example: would the feat Blood of Heroes become Blood of Villains? Example 2: Would Human alt racial trait Heroic, become Villainous?

Realized I missed some questions from earlier. Let's get at them.

@William Nightmoon: Yes, you have until 11:59 PM EST on Oct 31 to finish your submission (I found Halloween to be a very appropriate end date).

@Bastian Kray: leinathan is correct, the VMC Sorcerer does not get the bloodline arcana. You only get the abilities listed at each level.

Since Half-Fiend is a CR+3 template versus Vampire, Lich, and Graveknight, I'd probably make the feat chain a little longer than 5 feats. It's a good starting point, though, if anyone decides they're interested in going that route.

I will answer more updates and review more submissions later.

Since Half-Fiend is a CR+3 template versus Vampire, Lich, and Graveknight, I'd probably make the feat chain a little longer than 5 feats. It's a good starting point, though, if anyone decides they're interested in going that route.

My idea is not a feat chain but a very long process, that may take a few in game years

I'm working on the backstory now. When done I'll post crunch and backstory in same post.

Hey GM Phntm888,

I'm interested in VMC'ing into slayer, so I wanted to see what abilities you would have me get from that. I would be interested in getting studied target, sneak attack, maybe a regular or advanced slayer talent, slayer's advance, and perhaps quarry/improved quarry. Thank you in advance for your thoughts on the matter!

Hey GM Phntm888,

I'm interested in VMC'ing into slayer, so I wanted to see what abilities you would have me get from that. I would be interested in getting studied target, sneak attack, maybe a regular or advanced slayer talent, slayer's advance, and perhaps quarry/improved quarry. Thank you in advance for your thoughts on the matter!

That's...alot. It's pretty much all of the class features of a slayer. Given that a slayer is a ranger/rogue hybrid, the best that I could see for it would be something like this...

Lvl 3: Track (Ranger gets this, so does slayer. Happens at same level)

Lvl 7: Sneak Attack: gains the sneak attack class feature. Can deal 1d6 points of extra damage. This extra damage increases by 1d6 for every 4 levels beyond 7th, to a maximum of 4d6 at 19th level. (Rogue gets this, so does slayer)

Lvl 11: Swift Tracker

Lvl 15: Quarry (as per what you asked for)

Lvl 19: Improved Quarry (as per what you asked for)

----

None of the VMCs give feats (which are what slayer talents are, for the most part). And none of the VMCs give something like studied target (which is similar to weapon training).

But with the above, you get 4 great tracking bonuses, which seemed to be what you were going for. So by lvl19, you'd get +9 survival when following tracks, take no penalty for moving at normal speed, can take 20 when following tracks...and as a free action you can track an enemy, giving you +4 insight bonus to hit. It'd also give you +4d6 sneak attack damage.

Not bad for a VMC, and pretty much in line with a ranger/rogue hybrid VMC. Plus, with all of that tracking bonuses, it'd help you theme a character. Would make for a badass bounty hunter.

Then again, I'm not the GM. Just spitballing some thoughts on the matter.

i wanna do something interesting, like creating a Living Grimoire of Hastur, the king in yellow. A man dressed in yellow, who beats people to death with The King in Yellow, all the while shouting the word of his god demanding others join hum in faith.

i wanna do something interesting, like creating a Living Grimoire of Hastur, the king in yellow. A man dressed in yellow, who beats people to death with The King in Yellow, all the while shouting the word of his god demanding others join hum in faith.

I got you.

Class: Inquisitor
Archetype: Living Grimoire
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/inquisitor/archetypes/inquisit or-archetypes-paizo/living-grimoire-inquisitor-archetype/

Holy Book (Su)

At 1st (level, a living grimoire forms a supernatural bond with a large ironbound tome containing the holy text of his deity and learns to use it as a weapon.

When wielding the holy book as a weapon, he deals base damage as if it were a cold iron light mace (but see Sacred Word below), is considered proficient with the book, takes no improvised weapon penalty, and gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls with the book. The tome serves as his holy symbol and divine focus, and can be enchanted as a magic weapon.

He can replace his bonded tome with another book at any time, though he must perform a 24-hour binding ritual to attune himself to the new book.

This ability replaces monster lore.

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You also get warpriest sacred weapon damage progression, but only with your holy book. So as you go up in level, your book does more damage.

As for demanding that others join his holy battle songs...take the Conversion Inquisition. This gives you Cha to Diplomacy, Intimidate and Bluff.

This lets you have a low Cha, while still having high face skills. In practice, this means...

Handle Animal: Horrible (animals won't trust you)
Disguise: Horrible (you wear all yellow!)
Face Skills: Great (you're a divinely inspired rabble rouser with a blood-stained holy book)

I've decided to go for a cleric, Hidden priest. it fits better with the cult part of Hastur as well as it makes hiding a bit better, and also what better way to advocate your god than be the divine hand?

Also, he's a half-drow, but has pale skin, making him appear like an albino drow :P

I’m on my phone, so further character reviews will have to wait till tomorrow. I’ll try to answer people’s questions now, though.

@Seth86: Thank you for clarifying. Please make sure to note that in the final stat block.

@DarknessRising: It’s a different twist, but interesting. Stick with it as is.

@Cuan: Yes, but I’d have to figure how to do it.

@Sapiens: I will review and decide tomorrow.

@SkaTalon: Yes and yes.

@Seth86: I’d have to figure things out and see what I can come up with. It definitely won’t be available from Level 1.

@Saashaa: That makes more sense, thank you.

@Zektolna/Inarus: Ranger VMC gives the First Favored Enemy, and Fighter VMC gives Weapon Training 1 and 2. I’ve actually done some thought for a Slayer VMC, and you can see below for it.

@William Nightmoon: please see alignment rules in the first post. Also, a deity with origins in the Cthulhu mythos is really doesn’t fit the theme of the campaign.

That’s all for now. I’ll review characters and answer more questions tomorrow.

@Zektolna/Inarus: Ranger VMC gives the First Favored Enemy, and Fighter VMC gives Weapon Training 1 and 2. I’ve actually done some thought for a Slayer VMC, and you can see below for it.

** spoiler omitted **

Thank you for the reply! So would studied target go up to a swift action and/or +2 or +3 eventually or just stay +1 and a move action?

ok so i have done a remake of the character and have worked on getting the flesh worked correctly with the story line presented, made adjustments to the previous background instead of a complete remake. Hopefully these stats are properly placed now, i think the system got them correct this time....

Name: Noir Sanguina
Level one Cutthroat (slayer)
Description: a willowy thin woman with mousy brown hair and amber eyes with flecks of gold in them typically seen wearing a thin leather jerkin when working. Real name unknown; currently incarcerated in the Branderscar Prison and looking at execution.
• Type: Dhampirs are humanoids with the Dhampir subtype. (Vetala-Born (Ajibachana))
• Size: Dhampirs are Medium creatures and thus have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
• Base Speed: Dhampirs have a base speed of 30 feet.
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Deity: Asmodeus

Heh, 16 DM updates and I'm burnt out. I'll get that up tomorrow GM, don't want to go beyond that as I start getting bust for the next two weeks or so right up to your dreadline!

I have committed to a Human (Exploiter) Wizard - VMC Sorcerer Rakshasa Bloodline, with the Desecration Crime. Crunch is 95% done and Background is about 25% done.

After viewing all of the submissions, I'd like to, if possible submit another option due to the large number of "murder" traits chosen as well as the other slayers and/or vigilantes.

All good GM. No worries. Not that I'd expected to be done at that time.

Was wondering if the first part could have been done though? The one where your alignment has changed to that of the patron?

Well, here is the crunch of my submission with a few fluffy bits to explain certain choices of mine, sans the Crime trait (still deciding on that one).

As for a bit more detail:

I went with the monk VMC mechanically, but refluffing it as not actual training but basically growing vampiric strength (Unarmed Strike), resilience and agility (Evasion and Improved Evasion, Ki Pool uses, AC Bonus).

Survivor is this trait. Not exactly squalor (Raven hails from an elven noble House) and more cautious than ardently distrustful, I am thinking the trait stems from his having to survive as basically a somewhat sickly pre-vampire after being shunned by his family and other elves when they discover his... condition.

Fey Thoughts (it replaces Elven Weapon Familiarity) skills are Acrobatics and Stealth. Just a wee bit of fey ancestry, enough to grant a bit of added agility and reflexes, but no actual magic. Besides, Raven has focused almost exclusively on mastery of the longsword, hardly one of the elves' most exotic weapons.

Memories Beyond Death (it replaces Elven Immunities and Elven Magic) skills are Knowledge (Local) and Knowledge (History). A weird side effect of his being bitten; it diminished his elven side, but granted him resistance to fear, as well as some insight and knowledge of past events, as the one who bit him was particularly old and had lived in a lot of places and through quite a bit of history.

Background skill points have gone to Knowledge (History) and Knowledge (Nobility). The former to reflect the bite's weird side effect, the latter because he is the scion of a noble House.

Here is the submission for Tanner Nielsen.

Tsura Vhiski
LE Human Female
Oracle (Intrigue) of Asmodeus / VMC Sorcerer (Rakshasa)
Crime: Fraud

OK, think the crunch is complete too (let me know if not).

Finally got it done this morning, now I'm going to go to bed so i can go to work in about 4 hours....

Introducing Wraith, he will eventually work his way into lich or it something better comes up then we'll see.

Those of you who have been with me in recruitment threads before would probably be waiting (or even dared to hope... :-P) for this...

Ashe: Cole Hale, LE Male Human Inquisitor (Infiltrator, Sanctified Slayer) of Asmodeus 1/Ranger [High Treason]

Darkness Rising: Rigel Quicklingfay, LE Female Half-Elf Cleric (Asmodean Advocate) of Asmodeus 1/Antipaladin [Blasphemy]

Deliverance: Bastian Kray, LE Male Human Wizard (Illusion, Mage of the Veil) 1/TBD [Extortion]

derpdidruid: Aviaun Koski, NE Male Dhampir (Vetala-Born) Kineticist (Dark Elementalist) 1/Oracle [Kidnapping]

F. Castor: Raevanis Dwin'Alir, NE Male Elf Fighter (Weapon Master) 1/Monk [TBD]

Grumbaki: Inarus the Wanderer, LE Male Tiefling (Oni-Spawn) Monk (Unchained, Monk of the Mantis) 1/Oracle (Bones) [Piracy]

Ictoo: Aeron Carden, NE Male Human Alchemist (Beastmorph, Vivisectionist) 1/Ranger [Murder]

Javell DeLeon: Morthos, LE Male Human Antipaladin (Knight of the Sepulcher, Tyrant) of Asmodeus 1/TBD [High Treason]

Kayne Rhal: Wraith, LE Male Tiefling (Daemon-Spawn) Wizard (Necromancy, Undead) 1/Sorcerer [Grave Robbery]

Kevin O'Rourke 440: TBD

leinathan: Dante, LN Male Human Investigator (Psychic Detective) 1/Ranger [Heresy]

meloriel: Jezebel, NE Female Human Witch (Ley-Line Guardian) 1/Sorcerer [Murder]

Saashaa: Aleksand, NE Male Elf Psychic (Dream) 1/Sorcerer (Fey) [Sedition]

Sapiens: TBD

Seth86: Mic'Mac, NE Male Ratfolk Alchemist (Plague Bringer) 1/Witch [Consorting with the Dark Powers (Witchcraft)]

Shadowtail24: Zuriel Wordbringer, LE Male Elf Monk (Maneuver Master, Monk of the Four Winds) 1/Wizard [Forgery]

SkaTalon: Cerrin Valo/Razer, ? Male Human Vigilante (Serial Killer) 1/Cavalier (Order of Vengeance) [Attempted Murder]

Tanner Nielsen: Tsura Vhiski, LE Female Human Oracle (Intrigue) of Asmodeus 1/Sorcerer (Rakshasa) [Fraud]

Tulay Miller: Noir Sanguina, NE Female Dhampir Slayer (Cutthroat) 1/TBD [Attempted Murder]

Vanulf Wulfson: Cain Malibourne, LE Male Human Inquisitor (Sanctified Slayer) of Asmodeus 1/Sorcerer (Infernal) [Attempted Murder]

william Nightmoon: Alian Ahl Ghul, CE Male Half-Elf (Half-Drow) Cleric (Hidden Priest) of Hastur 1/TBD [TBD]

I stink at exposition.

Aviaun is a Dark elementalist void kineticist who is planing on taking some levels of Inspired blade swashbuckler. He will fulfill the switch hitter roll fairly well. He's also a half decent skill monkey.

Nope, I missed the human skill rank, thanks. Taking Silver Tongued. Desertion sounds good as well. I will make Knowledge Religion my other background skill getting prof soldier as a bonus and pick up Disguise. I brain farted on the spells, I changed it thinking I was memorizing and have CLW twice seemed the best choice. Fixed. :)

Thanks.

Just realized that I forgot about the extra skill points. Will add them but won't update my current application until crunch time. Still gonna flush out and add to background as I review and such.

I hate this stygmatism against the chaos alignments. Sure, I'm a little crazy, but not enough to murder my allies or run off on my own.

The chaos alignments are so misjudged,(as much as evil typically is)

Chaos doesn't represent pure unadulterated chaos, it represents freedom of choice and the embodiment of a free spirit!!!

Which is ironic for Hastur seeing that all his followers have seen the yellow sign one time or another- meaning they are basically all unwilling followers to the God. And under his control if you really want to get deep into it.

But honestly I'm picking Hastur more out of interest than honest devotion. I thought a crazy person dressed in yellow would. Make an interesting Character.

But if you demand I follow the rules, then I will. But I think you should give Chaos a little slack.

Otherwise if all chaotic characters where loners you wouldn't have goblins, drow, several good societies, and the silver ravens would be a lost cause (chaotic good anyone?).

Honestly Chaos doesn't make a good leader, they do however make excellent followers, or leaders of revolts.

As for the Hastur, if he isn't an option I'll change over to Lamashtu, and save my crazy Hastur worshiper for some other game.

Alright, new day, more to review.

@Zektolna: Studied Target will stay at a move action and +1, unless I decide not to do Quarry and replace it with an increase to Studied Target and the swift action ability at 19.

@Seth86: I'll see if I can get that figured out in time.

More questions to be answered/characters to be reviewed later.

@William Nightmoon: It's actually not a bias against the chaotic alignments - the Adventure Path actually recommends not allowing chaotic evil, and I'm going by their recommendation.

Asmodeus plays a VERY major role in this Adventure Path - indeed, he is one of the only two named gods in the entire AP. I strongly suggest choosing a deity who would not be offended by their worshiper taking orders from a powerful Asmodean priest. I don't think Lamashtu is necessarily a good choice in that regard, either.

Thanks for the review. Indeed Inarus was caught in the act of piracy. And I have no issue with him being the only crew member being sent to this prison, on account of him being a Tiefling.

Well, Honestly, it doesn't come down to worshpers and their petty clashes.

If I where to worship Lamashtu (this is William BTW), I would obviously have to deal with obeying an asmodian preist. However I do it in the name of the mother if monsters, and plan on killing the preist later and painting the walls of his temple with his blood and using it to Sommon some demons.

Anyways, I'm still going for a hidden preist, and probably plan on keeping her religion hidden from the others in the group, Although who she worships will eventually become obvious at later levels when she becomes a Demoniac.

When it comes to gods, I think Lamashtu tends to not care who her followers work with, as long as they sew ruin and destruction, the standard watch the world burn ideal.

It's Asmodeus that cares. :P

Racial Variant: 1d100 ⇒ 51- Speak to Birds
Same: 1d100 ⇒ 9-+2 Cha(taking this on top of my normal +2 Cha :P)

you are correct, was going off memory. I will keep K. Religion over disguise and pick up k. engineering :)

Well, Honestly, it doesn't come down to worshpers and their petty clashes.

If I where to worship Lamashtu (this is William BTW), I would obviously have to deal with obeying an asmodian preist. However I do it in the name of the mother if monsters, and plan on killing the preist later and painting the walls of his temple with his blood and using it to Sommon some demons.

Anyways, I'm still going for a hidden preist, and probably plan on keeping her religion hidden from the others in the group, Although who she worships will eventually become obvious at later levels when she becomes a Demoniac.

When it comes to gods, I think Lamashtu tends to not care who her followers work with, as long as they sew ruin and destruction, the standard watch the world burn ideal.

It's Asmodeus that cares. :P

Just remember that other PCs may be Asmodean. And if you try to kill as Asmodean for the favor of his rival...the Asmodean PCs might well off you in return.

Just remember that other PCs may be Asmodean. And if you try to kill as Asmodean for the favor of his rival...the Asmodean PCs might well off you in return.

Of course! It adds to the fun, besides its not my idea to get PvP going, I'm definitely gonna work with the party for as long as it lasts...

Also, I see we have free VMC, with this I'll probably choose either Fighter or sorcerer (Abyssal bloodline of course)

We’re on the same page then. :)

The abyssal bloodline could be quite good. Especially if you take the tiefling racial bite attack. 3 primary natural attacks are quite good for a pure caster. And given your Dex11, I don’t think armor training would help that much. But either way, they are both good options.

@William Nightmoon: That's fine, but you're going to have to sell me on the character's backstory and personality.

Don't forget that Hidden Priest still requires the divine focus for spells, even if hidden. In addition, the character still must be willing to sign an infernal contract. Their reasons can be their own, but they must sign it and be willing to abide by it.

Dotting for interest.

GM Phntm888, quick question: can we make PCs that aren't from Talingarde? If so, can we assume that Talingarde is on Golarian somewhere? I've got a submission from a previous WotW game that I'd like to tweak and submit.

She's a Chelaxian occultist archaeologist who has traveled to Talingarde under false pretenses (as a Andoran or Taldan noblewoman interested in studying Talingardian orphanages, or some such thing). Her real reason for travel is to secure an ancient and rare Asmodean manuscript lost during the Asmodean purges (The Inward Facing Journey, a somewhat heretical writing largely purged from Asmodean records, concerning itself with undeath). She's been captured shortly after arrival, even at customs perhaps, arrested for blasphemy (as she is a devout Asmodean, and the false bottom of her trunk contained her personal copy of the Asmodean Monograph, the Asmodean holy text, as well as copious notes regarding her theories of the current whereabouts of The Inward Facing Journey).

Thanks for the feedback! I will take care of it this evening.

GM, sent you a PM for your perusal :)

@Fighting Chicken: Yes and yes. I am placing Talingarde in Golarion. Looking forward to the character.

@Tsura: You have until Halloween, don't feel rushed.

@Seth86: Right back at you.

@Sapiens: I'll look over everything later this afternoon.

@Zektolna: Studied Target will stay at a move action and +1, unless I decide not to do Quarry and replace it with an increase to Studied Target and the swift action ability at 19.

Alright, then. Thank you for the clarification.

@GM Phntm888

While I caught that I was missing the bonus skills from the campaign I didn't realize we were using background skills. At this time I'm not gonna update the full sheet but I will post an updated skills list.

Now about those spells

Thanks for the review, I think I might do up a new profile for him later and start interacting the with other Inmates to see what other character traits I can draw out.

@Zektolna: No problem. Looking forward to the character.

@Kayne: No worries on the skills, I'd just like a final consolidated post by the end of recruitment.

EDIT:

@Sapiens: I need you to link me source material for the characters, not just stat blocks. If they are on d20psrd.com or their own sight, provide me a link please.