GM Ukyo's Rise of a Hero campaign arc

Game Master Ukyo

A closed campaign featuring the life and deeds of Titus Casseus Von Andronicus.


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You walk through the narrow crowded streets dodging a fire-eater and a costumed dancer entertaining the crowd. The second day of the Sun Festival and you haven’t had a moment’s break to enjoy it. Even now you’re on your way to the truthseeker for your second interview. Everything seemed to be fine on that front until yesterday when your sister Xiona decided to tell the truthseeker that your only adopting Tessa and Essen because you were barren. A rotten thing to say certainly, though your mother’s reaction was almost worse. Closest she’s ever come to hitting any of her children, if your father hadn’t been there you’re not sure Xiona would’ve survived the beating. Plato looked lost for the first time since you met him a month ago…
Lost in thought, you almost miss returning the salute from two privates as you pass them, the new Sergeant’s knot on your shoulder still doesn’t seem natural… course you haven’t exactly had any Sergeant’s experience in the last three weeks, your only soldier is Tertius and you only see him for ten minutes or so when you switch off with him on your training.
As you arrive at the Commons Community Temple of Xenon the doors are thrown open wide, a three story building, it’s the largest in the quarter, with wide large windows with stained glass images of suns and firebursts, you step inside and squint. It’s brighter inside the church than it is outside. They prepared for the festival by spreading mirrors everywhere to enhance the sun’s natural light. Junior Priests move throughout the crowd as people offer gifts to the Fire God or seek his blessing during his holy days. A Priest will approach you and smile widely, “Walk in the light Sergeant, how may I assist you?” You’ll inform him of your appointment with the Truthseeker and he’ll nod, “I’ll show you to him, if you’ll follow me in the light.” And he turns, leading you towards the back and down a hall, “Your name that I may tell the truthseeker who is arriving?”


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

"Sergeant Titus Andronicus, sir", he says warmly. Taking in the sights of the temple during the festival, he thinks to himeself This never gets old..


The Priest will stop in front of a simple door, there is a gold sunburst painted on it and below that the inscription reads "Truthseeker Pulous Vertis Caratos" He knocks on the door and cracks it, "Sergeant Titus Andronicus to see you, your grace."

A deep baritone voice from inside the room says, "Ah yes, he is early, send him in."

As you enter everything about the room says spartan, the desk is basic elm, steady and durable with straight edges lacking any adornments, the chair is high backed and also elm. The only other pieces of furniture are the two similar chairs in front of the desk, unpadded, and a weapons rack in the corner, on which sits a very nice studded mace.

The Truthseeker, a large muscled man in his late 30's with a scar on his left cheek, says in the same baritone voice, "Come in Sergeant, have a seat." and gestures towards the chair.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

"Thank you, your Grace" he says as he takes the indicated seat.


"Do you know why I called you back in here Civilian Andronicus?" his baritone voice taking on the tone of a military officer, "Because I've heard some disturbing things regarding our previous discussion..." and he reaches into a desk and pulls out a yellow stone, setting it down on the table, "And I felt the need to varify things... tell me again why YOU, a human, want to adopt to Tskra children.."


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

His eyes narrow at the question, then he says "Because Essen and Tessa deserve a chance at a good life, your Grace. Karatos promises a better life for everyone's children, even for Tskra." He pauses for a moment, then confesses "...it's also because I love them, sir, as if they were my own. Oh, I will marry and have children of my own some day, sir, and they will be no less loved. I seriously hope my sister's foolishness isn't the cause of this inquiry, sir. To my knowledge, there is no reason I will not be able to have children."
He is clearly offended that his honor in this matter has been called into question, but it's currently only showing in his eyes. He's hoping he's being asked this because the truthseeker has to.


The golden colored stone glows slightly as you speak..

The Truthseeker nods though he doesn't seem entirely convinced, a very different approach from your previous meeting with him. Then he was quite friendly, referring to the meeting as "A mere formality in this case." His eyes seem guarded, as if he's not getting to the real point, "Your saying then that there is nothing wrong with you, in a physical sense? Confirm this for me a second time." and before you can reply, "And you have no... historical obligations... you feel a need to recruit for?"


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

He looks clearly puzzled at that last question. "I...umm. Sir? If you are asking me if I'm aiding enemies of the empire..." He has gone from offended to angry, as he scoots forward to the edge of his seat, as if ready to draw a weapon. "Would you please clarify the question, sir?"


The Truthseeker appears completely unflappable, his eyebrows narrowed and his tone hard, he repeats himself, "I believe I asked you first, for you to confirm again that you are capable of having children... Then I asked if you are recruiting these children. It is not unknown to me that there is a rebellion in the north and that you were recently assigned there."


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

His eyes widen, and he leans back, looking somewhat taken aback.
He meets the Truthseeker's gaze, and says evenly "To my knowledge, I am fully capable of having children." He pauses.
"I love my Tskra children, Essen and Tessa, and would defend them with my life." Again he pauses.
"I love Caratos, and will defend her with my life. These things I swear all, under the righteous light of Xenon."


He leans back in his chair and studies you for a moment as the golden stone glows brightly, his tone lightens as he responds, "I believe you..." and he sighs, "I am sorry that I had to put you through that. There has been rumors lately of some recruitment for a rebellion, I needed to know that you were not part of that." and you notice that the stone has gone dull...

He stands, extending his hand towards you, "Well then Sergeant Andronicus, it is clear that your intentions here are honest. I will forward my recommendation that you be allowed to adopt to the district councilor first day after the moon festival."


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

He looks a little relieved, but not forgiving. He does however, take his hand and shake it. "You have a job to do, Seeker, just as I do. Thank you for the recommendation, sir." He will then take his leave.


You'll notice a small glow from the golden stone on the table as you speak... he'll nod and as you make your way out the revelry and worship intermingling in the main room harmoniously is relaxing. The streets are still crowded as you make your way home.

Placing your cloak on the hook on your way up the stairs, your mother's voice calls, "Wipe your feet!" nothing new really, you'd already done it anyway out of habit...

She's in the kitchen getting dinner ready with your sister Xendia and your daughter Tessa helping. In the living room you'll see Plato, still in his magistrate's fine bronze and leather armor, waiting anxiously.

"He's been here for an hour, waiting for you dear." your mother says... Tessa looks at you but holds back, waiting to see if you go straight into the living room.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

Makes a mental note about the stone not glowing...was he dishonest?
He ponders this on the way home...and when he gets home he greets his daughter and sister warmly, and nods at the mention of Plato, then embraces his mother. "I will see him now...I think I know why he's here." He goes into the living room, and extends his hand "Hello, Plato."


Plato rises and shakes your hand, "Titus I'm sorry..."

He shakes his head, "I knew she was jealous of you and I did nothing, I am wrong for that and I must make up for it." He sighs, "I can't control her, I've tried talking sense to her, I've tried threatening her... I could beat her... but if I do then I'll break her and lose what I love about her..." he sighs again... oddly finding his apology in a plea for help...


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

"Plato, I love my sister. I'm not too happy with her choice to bring some serious accusations to the truthseeker out of spite, but it is what it is. I'd think...unfavorably...of you if you chose to beat her." He chuckles. "More importantly, though, than being my sister, she is your wife. I won't pretend to understand what that means, as I am not married and I don't understand how that changes things. I think you can handle her, Plato. Being a man and a husband should not mean having to beat her. Try being calm, and quiet. Do not let her get a rise out of you. When she says something crazy, respond with possible, real outcomes. She is a very 'in the moment' woman, always has been. Make her think before she can act. This is the only kind of advice I can give on the matter. I hope it will prove helpful."


Plato sighs, "Ok then, thank you." and he turns the subject towards a case he's working on, trying to catch a illegal slave trader...

Dinner that night is not at all effected by Xiona acting like a petulant child. Essen tells you about his day in the shop... you can tell he's getting stronger after three weeks working with your father. Your mother spent the day teaching Tessa and Xendia women's duties around the house and painting. Remius will ask again to join the militia and Da'Mainosa's baby will kick causing everyone to crowd around her... it's another normal family night.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

He'll spend time with his kids and family till late evening, then head back to the barracks/his quarters.


The next two days will be largely uneventful
-------

You've just finished your daily training and Tertius is there as well when the Holy Father gestures you back into your seat. His kindly voice showing signs of exhaustion as you successfully held off his mental assaults for the full four hours, "Titus please remain, there will be no more training today. Tertius if you would tell my secretary to send the paladins in please?"

Tertius nods respectfully and steps out, a moment later he returns with two others behind him. The first is an elderly man clearly near retirement, he wears the vestments of a Bishop of Xenon. His bony and stooped appearance though doesn't seem to slow him down at all as he walks into the room without the aid of a cane. The second couldn't be a greater contrast a Sun Elf in the prime of his youth. Standing well over six feet in height and with muscles that have muscles, long blonde locks that fall to his waist and a Dark Purple and Black vest and trousers that are clearly cut to resemble armor, he looks every inch the Knight of Zak'Ryn'Del. The light seems to avoid him as he enters the room, turns towards the Holy Father and bows respectfully, his voice booms, "Your Grace!"

The Holy Father turns an amused smirk and nods, "Sir Knight, Bishop, please have a seat." There being only two chairs in the room not behind the desk, Tertius stands and so do you, but the Knight waves you back down, his voice booming some more, "I'll go grab a couple more!" and he disappears back into the secretary's office and returns with two chairs from the waiting area, handing one to the Bishop, who thanks him courteously, they take seats.

"Now that that is settled, introductions are in order I do believe..." the Holy father continues, "Walking in the light is Bishop Hector Von Drabek, Paladin of Xenon." and he gestures towards the elderly man, "And moving by the light of the moon is Sir Zues Pulo Xersis, Knight of Zak'Ryn'Del." and he gestures towards the large Sun Elf.

"And our two from the militia, Corporal Tertius Tactus and Sergeant Titus Andronicus," and he gestures to each of you in turn. "The four of you will be leaving for Esa tonight at midnight, I felt it was time you met."


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

He rises and bows to each of them respectfully, not showing any preference. "It is an honor to meet you both." He waits to sit down until they've sat.


The bishop bows from his seat, but the Knight of Zak'Ryn'Del scoffs, "Enough of that nonsense, I'll not travel with one stuck on formality, I'm Zues and I'll answer to no other name!"

The bishop glances at him and snorts, his response is sharp, "Call him whatever you like boys, can't be worse than what his wife says!"

Zues shakes his fist at the bishop, who ignores it, focusing instead on you and Tertius, "So tell me boys, how'd you two get mixed up in all this?"

Tertius looks bewildered and defers to you.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

Raises an eyebrow at the odd response from the KoZRD...then clears his throat and gets a 'Ok here we go' look
"My first assignment was in Esa under the command of...[SNIP]
...so, with refugees in tow, we arrived in Esa to find it had changed. All of the soldiers were withdrawn and slovenly, showing no discipline, the commander having been replaced with a "Count Von Drabek". After seeing what had happened there, the dwarven commander and I decided to get the refugees out of there lest they be corrupted, and report the situation to command in Caratos City."

It's been a while, and although I only remember the important bits, my character remembers everything, and I think there were a couple ret cons along the way too. He tells them everything and leaves nothing out, starting with the old man reporting the incident with the village up north and the 'bandits' who plagued them. He doesn't mention tertius' past and refers to him as if he had always been under his command. He is not being dishonest, he just doesn't see the point.


/ooc The XO's name is Lord's Captain Dardanos Zues Blasius, his body is being controlled by Count Varenius Bergess Von Drabek, an ancient necromancer. Oh and the city is Isa.

Both paladins listen without interrupting, the Bishop calmly sits and takes it all in, the Knight's expressions mirroring his feelings openly, excitement as you mention battles and sadness or anger as you mention the people you saved.

Finally as you finish, the bishop nods, "well it sounds like your the right men for the job then, how's your training coming?"

Zues scoffs, "We wouldn't be here if they weren't ready old man! Lets go and get some lunch and you can chat it up all you want, I'm hungry!"

The bishop moves quick, especially for his age, and thwacks the Knight in the back of his head, but does in fact get up, he sighs, "I suppose he's right, we should get some food, I'll imagine you'll want to spend time with your families before we go."


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

Right...but we never saw him...when we asked to report to the commander the guard at the door told us count von drabek, and we never saw to see it was the same guy just possessed, iirc.

"You imagine right, Sir. See you both early in the morning." He nod bows to them, and as he watches them leave, gives Tertius a friendly slap on the back as he turns to go, then after they've all left asks the Holy father for a moment of his time.


The Holy Father will nod towards the chair and wait for you to speak.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

"Just, hopefully, a quick question, Father: the stones the truthseekers use, do they always shine when the truth is spoken?"


He'll cock his head to the side inquisitively, "If you mean these stones," and he'll pull an identical stone from a drawer in his desk, "yes they do." and it'll glow in response to his affirmation, "Did the Truthseeker's stone fail to glow for you? That could be a result of your training here" and he'll frown at that, "Though I couldn't imagine why you'd be implementing that sort of discipline with a Truthseeker..."


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

"I was asked to come in and was questionsed by a truthseeker, who asked me about being sterile and trying to recruit for a rebellion, and he specificly mentioned Zak'Ryn'del. The stone glowed when I spoke, but oddly enough, did not when he did. Normally, I would not question such things, but having witnessed the corruption of Isa, I will not risk my inaction leading to similar to occur here. So, I bring it to you."


He nods, looking grave, "We have the Truthseekers, followers of Zak'Ryn'Del have deceivers, it's the balance of things. We generally use the stone as a means of overcoming their natural ability to deceive. It's also why I enlisted the aid of Zues, to assist you in getting closer to this necromancer." He picks up a pen and starts writing on it while he continues, "The Truthseeker you spoke with was the one overseeing your adoption case am I right? I will see that the matter is looked into and if there's any cause for concern I will be sure to handle it." You'll notice that the stone continues glowing the entire time both of you have spoken.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

"It was Truthseeker Pulous Vertis Caratos, Father. When he said he would pass on a recommendation approving the adoption, the stone failed to glow."


The Holy Father looks up at you, the first time you've seen him truly surprised since you met him, "I will speak with him personally! You'll have your adoption or I'll know the truth as to why not!" and with that he stands to his feet, all signs of his exhaustion gone as he pulls open the door, "Truthseeker Pulous Vertis Caratos will be in my office by the end of the day."

You hear a startled, "Yes your grace." from the other room as the Holy Father turns back to you, "Titus I'm sorry I don't know what's going on but I will straighten it out I assure you." Again you'll notice the stone's glow never waivers.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

"I appreciate it, Father, thank you." He bows, and turns to leave, then stops. He turns back to the Father. "The man I spoke to looked to be in his 30's and had a scar on his face. I do not wish to implicate a man simply on his name...does that describe Pulous Caratos?"


The Holy Father breaks into a smile, "Good thinking, I'll take that into account. No I've never met the man but I will have by the end of the day."


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

"Thank you, again, Father." he says as he leaves.
He will head outside, not sure where to go first...
He'll go home and spend the evening with his family, inviting Tertius along if he has none (I can't remember) then going bac kto the barracks at 10. He'll pack up and be ready to go at the appropriate time.


[/ooc] This is a mission from which you may not return... Worse than that, you may lose your mind and become one of the enemy. What's the first thing your character would want to make sure he has done before he leaves for a mission like that?


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

To him every mission may be one he doesn't come back from. While he's at his folks, he'll chat with his father and mother about securing Essen and Tessa's places there, and make arrangements for them should he not come back...


Keeping things brief to keep them moving...

That'll have to be later in the evening when your father returns from the shop. But as far as your parents are concerned they've already made it clear that Tessa and Essen are family regardless of anything else.

The kids will be upset that your leaving and not taking them with you. Essen especially won't understand. Tessa will though, she's always been better at reading people and she can sense the concern in you.

Remius will want to go with you, and will beg and plead.

While your packing a private will show up at your quarters, "Sergeant Andronicus Sir? Senior Sergeant Xius orders you to report to his office immediately." And he'll salute and leave. Senior Sergeant Xius is the dfacto in charge of the soldiers living in the barracks.

He'll inform you that you failed to report to the quartermaster on the first day of the sun festival to receive your pay (news to you, as a code four you never had to do this before) and that if it happens again you'll forfeit one quarter of your monthly income. He then hands you a purse with four silver marks and 32 copper bits, your new monthly income as a Sergeant.

You'll meet Tertius and the two Paladins at the militia logistics office at the Tram station at midnight.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

He'd have someone run half of it to his parent's house, with a note explaining that it's for wahtever tessa and Essen need.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

Actually, he'd probably request that his father be able to claim his pay while he's in the field. If that's possible.

Regardless, he will meet up with everyone at the tram at midnight.


I actually overpaid you a bit, you should've gotten an even 4 silver marks... I gave you time in rank bonus but you just got your rank.

Your going to be in the field we can hold your pay or make an allotment to give to a debtor or family member, usually your spouse. So you don't have to give all your money to your father if you don't want to, but you can also.

--------

The Tram is mostly empty at this time of night. A few drunks are being shoo'd away by a couple city guards and two Militia privates stand guard at the entrance to the logistical station, a single Tram employee sits behind a desk reading what looks like the local gossip news clippings. Tertius will meet you on the station docks, he looks as stalwart and relaxed as ever. He's fully geared up and ready to go in copper studded leather armor with a round steel shield slung over his shoulder and a Gladius on his hip.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

Titus will arrive in his same old suit of armor and his trusty 2 hander, and a gladius on his hip as well. It looks like his armor didn't quite survive it's last encounter with the swamps entirely unscathed, but otherwise it's spit polished clean.
He nods to Tertius upon arrival. "Hail, Tertius. Any word on our travel mates?"


"Well met, no I haven't..." his voice is steady and smooth, not at all what you'd expect from a man going on the most dangerous assignment of his life... It's clear he's earned the awards in his file.

"Perhaps they are in the office," and he nods towards the logistical office doors, but as he does, you'll see the old bishop walking up the steps with the speed and grace of a man half his age. At the top of the steps he'll stop and stare at the city watch hastling the drunks, he'll snort and make his way over to them, grab one by the ear and pull him out, silencing the guards with a glance, he'll growl at the man, "Knock it off Zues, this is no time for playing around lets go!"

As the two of them walk over to you, the scruffy hunched drunk will suddenly stand straight, run his hands through his hair and it will become longer and blonde, and his chest will broaden... By the time they get to you there is no signs of a drunk at all, but instead the towering Paladin.

"Alright kids, lets get moving, Tram's leaving soon!" The Bishop will say as a way of greetings.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

Nods to them, then grabs his gear and gets ready to board


The shortest Tram you've ever seen, it's a single car with thick drapes and the command car attached. You step on and inside the car is opulent with a thick rug that covers the entire floor and a dozen large chairs with thick padding. A large bar with several bottles of fine wine and hard liqueurs, Meat rolls and every kind of fruit you can imagine covers half the length of one wall and a large weapons cabinet covers another side. The Bishop goes through the curtain on the opposite end and shortly thereafter you feel the Tram car lift an inch off the rails and begin to slowly move forward...

Zues immediately goes to the bar and pours himself a drink. Tertius on the other hand glances around, snorts, puts his weapons in the cabinet and takes a seat.


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

"Looks like they knew you were coming, Zues" Titus says as he stows his gear and sits by Tertius.


Zues grins, "I make a great Dwarven facesmasher you gents want one?" as he glances through the wine bottles with an expert eye and pours a deep red wine into a tall glass, and he calls out "Hektor You want the Bremer 214 right?"

You'll hear the bishop from the command room call back, "Yes, thank you."

Tertius shakes his head, "Ale for me, thanks."


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

Titus chuckles. "No thanks, I'll stick to water."


The Tram clears the station and picks up speed as it enters the tunnel quickly surpassing the usual Trap speed you'd guess it's going to take about half the normal time to arrive at the Isa junction. The bishop returns from the command room and gets his glass. As everyone sits he says, "You boys have the stones the Holy Father gave you right? Keep them against your skin at all times, word is the Count's influence has spread to the Isa junction so we can't afford any risks."


Male Caratosian, Human 6 Fighter/6Sorcereor

Nods, and tucks the stone under his curaiss. "So what's the plan?"


The bishop sips his wine while he explains, "My job is to strengthen the effects of the stones, and to ferret out any deceptions, Zues here will help us blend in so we can hopefully get close to the Count without anyone realizing. Then we have to figure out how to get him alone enough that he can't just jump to a new body, and kill him." He says it with the same tone you'd tell someone to slice a loaf of bread...

Tertius frowns, "he can body jump? So do we know for sure he's still in the same body?"

The bishop shakes his head, "No, but it's fairly likely, he craves power and the Blasius was known to be a mage of considerable skill. It's unlikely there's anyone else there that would offer him better. Just in case though, we'll have to check."

"What about the people effected? What happens to them when we kill the Count?"

"Well I don't know for certain. A hundred and fifty years ago everyone associated with the Count was executed." You'll notice the bishop is looking at you instead of Tertius when he says that... but then he looks back to Tertius.

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