Eryan then heals himself with the wand. 3 minutes later everyone is fully healed again.
Kharn will follow Vlad to the 3rd floor to see if there are any soldiers up there. If there are no soldiers Kharn will try to help Vlad turn the siege engines around so that they can fire upon the castle. He will also make sure someone fires off the signal arrow.
Our immediate plan involves taking up the roof of the gatehouse so they cannot lock it with the giant rocks. Then as Kharn mentions we will shot the signal, and grab some bows to kill the unlucky ones at the first floor rooms of the gatehouse (20 and 21).
We are going to take whichever arrows they have so we have some power to shoot the men in the walls from our darkest position on the roof, but that only after blocking the door with the stones from the stone droppers.
Then we shoot arrows at the soldiers on the walls, killing many, and depending on the circumstances I'll use (try) the Fireball wand to scare them out. Then we wait for the reinforcements.
Agreed.. Fire off the signal.. Turn the artillery back on the tower if possible, heal up and wait on the calvery.. When they arrive, open the gates for them to storm the place..
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The villains move up, Argan releasing fireballs into the crowd whenever possible. Kharn and Vlad bar the doors and trapdoors with anything and everything they can find.
Then Eryan finds a window, letting the signal flare burst out of the window in a glorious symbol that must be visible for miles as the fireworks explode out violently.
The doors smash open as soldiers swarm through them, eating more and more of Argan's fireballs as Vlad and Kharn try to hold the frontline and Eryan makes the soldiers turn on each other. While the blood runs hot and fast, quickly soaking the entire floor in the dark red warmness, the soldiers just keep streaming in. Step by step the party is forced back until Kharn threateningly cleaves a great arc in front of him and gives the villains a breath to retreat with.
Powerful the ninth knot may be, but numbers can even drag down legends given time. Argan finds that Tacitus must be trigger happy with his wand, quickly running out of fireballs and no longer being able to thin the ranks. The lantern archon returns in full force, hovering over the roof and firing ray after ray of magical energy down into the quickly weakening party. Then on the ground Eryan spies Captain Samual Barhold who has the most determined, grimmest set to his jaw that a man ever has seen. Old Iron Sam knows they're done, but wants to see the ninth bleed for what they've done.
Vladimir is single-handedly holding off four soldiers in a violent series of blows when the lantern archon strikes him with it's magic rays, swooping down to pick up the anti-paladin in a whirlwind which would be deadly to be dropped off of at this height. But Kharn steps back, grabbing Argan by the collar and flinging him to hold the front lines with Vlad for a moment. Then as the lantern archon comes down Kharn jumps up to meet it, grabbing the creature and taking it for a ride high into the sky.
In seconds the barbarian completely loses control, ripping and shredding the celestial being apart with his bare hands. The creature responds in kind, blasting him with light and sound and magic. It seems like his flesh, his very being is being torn apart by the creature, but he will not be denied. Pieces of angel matter fall over the remaining soldiers causing groans of despair. Kharn howls his victory at an ear piercing volume...then the lantern archon loses the last of it's power and falls apart, dropping the mad dog with it.
Eryan quickly sprints over to the side of the building, but realizes he has spent all of his magic trying to tear the soldiers apart. He turns to see Vlad and Argan completely occupied with holding the doors, then with a grim gritting of his teeth reaches out...and catches Kharn's arm as he falls past. The pain is mind-bending as Eryan's arm is ripped out of the socket as the physically weak caster tries to hold up Kharn's weight, but he gave the barbarian just enough time to grab the lip of the building and pull himself up, panting and lying on the roof, alive but barely. His wounds look like sandpaper have been run over 75% of his body for hours, laying the sensitive parts of his flesh open to the world and they have him bleeding from nearly every orifice.
As a fresh wave of soldiers begin moving towards the door, Vlad and Argan wearily raise their weapons in preparation for another several-minute long skirmish. All healing has been long since spent and wounds go unattended save for some torn up cloths wrappings around various limbs. Eryan rubs at his sore shoulder that has been recently relocated while Argan paces, currently in the best condition but restless. He raises his nicked and beaten blades as the soldiers move forward...but then there is a war-horn heard off in the distance. Soldiers and villains alike turn beyond the walls and see...
The bugbears have arrived. In the thousands they stream over the landscape. They are not completely without siege equipment. Groups of shaggy murderers wield great tree trunks to force down any doors or gates that may yet stand between them and much sought slaughter. The final battle for Balentyne is underway.
A few groups of soldiers remain behind to keep the villains in place, but the majority of the survivors move to the front gate. Iron Sam gives one last look up at the roof, then marches to help with the siege.
Argan watches the last leader of the fort march off to help, and with a sharp exhale pushes both of his blades into his sheaths. "I'll meet you at the front. Don't any of you die on me." He gives a glance to each member, then takes off on the side of the roof, jumping from windowsill to windowsill under the cover of darkness. He latches a grappling hook to the end of a rope, using it like a vine to swing over to the next tower in a brilliant display of acrobatics and strength. He lands on a pair of soldiers, cutting them down in unison and sprinting along the wall.
Below is his target: Iron Sam and his group of guards. Argan looks up for a moment to...no. He's never been one for prayer. With a throw of the rope he swings above the group of defenders, coming at them directly from out of the moon. The startled soldiers look up, and one of them screams "It's death himself!"
Well, he was almost right.
The next twenty seconds is a bloody whirlwind of steel, screams, limbs, and the scent of death. Finally the dual-wielding assassin stands alone with Iron Sam, breathing heavily and bleeding from a dozen wounds. Undeterred, the old man marches forward with a well used longsword in hand.
Valiant, noble, a great leader, but not very bright.
In another two swift cuts the last leadership figure is a bleeding corpse that Argan stands over triumphantly. He looks up at the sky, feeling a single raindrop hit him on the cheek...then his world turns black.
Up on the roof the soldiers quickly all move to the frontline in a desperate final hold. The villains finally have their rest as they lay bleeding and beaten, but not broken. The thought of Argan and his fate is at their minds, but without any healing left they don't dare move from their defensible location.
The noises of war finally end and no more bugbears are seen on the horizon. The groans and screams of dying men and creatures are left as blood and fresh rain fill their air with their scents. As Eryan moves to peek over the wall, thudding is heard at the door that the party has held for so long. Kharn has long since been unconscious and Vlad had his hip broken by a nasty mace blow, eying the door silently and clutching his blade with white knuckles. Eryan, pale faced and worn, moves to the door with dagger held high.
The door flings open and Eryan flings himself forward, screaming his fury and stabbing at the large figure behind it, dagger scraping off of armor harmlessly. After a moment a firm grip stops his blows, pushing him back and onto the wet ground. The figure grabs something off his shoulder, tossing it down for all to see. The unmoving body of Argan. He steps through, laughing...
Sakkarot Fireaxe must have a cruel sense of humor as he stands there over the beaten ninth, missing his left eye and looking around with his right. "You crazy sons of b$*++es. You actually did it. And survived to boot."
At that moment Eryan hears a voice in the back of his head...a dark, malice filled whisper. "We are not done yet. We still have much to accomplish."
Sakkarot gets the ninth the proper healing. Argan comes back to life with a cracking series of coughs. The party watches Kharn's skin knit back together. Vlad's hip is painfully set and mended. Eryan's arm is properly set and put in a sling.
Sakkarot breaks the ninth's clay seal as well as his own, both of them notifying the Cardinal of the success here.
Tiadora appears almost instantly with her oddly demonic smile. She gently beckons the ninth to follow her, leaving Sakkarot behind. She leads them to a waiting ship docked along the banks of the nearby lake. She looks at the boat for a moment, then takes out a small but heavy wooden box. "A gift. For your success here." It contains platinum ingots worth 5000 gp (10 lbs. of platinum) and with a small hand written note.
“Our lord smiles upon your success. Here is a token of my esteem. Use it to rest, recover and strengthen yourselves. Other commands will come when the Knot is needed. Your work has just begun. – A.”
From a promontory, you can see the great bugbear horde camped south of the Watch Wall. Balentyne yet burns behind you. Tiadora smirks and remarks, "I have seen no evidence of any army gathering to meet the horde. It seems Zadariahas also succeeded at her mission and has assassinated the commanders. Truly, a great achievement." Making matters worse for poor Talingarde, small bands of creatures unaligned with Sakkarot approach the breach, eager to take advantage of the chaos. How could these beasts know already about this break in the Watch Wall? Someone must have told them. Probably best to leave. This region is about to become very dangerous.
Still, this will not be enough. Balentyne may be broken but Talingarde is yet strong. Soon word will reach the south. The Heartland and the great cities of the Cambrian Bay will marshal their armies. They will meet Sakkarot on the field and it will be far too close to a fair fight. We must do something about that. Tiadora interrupts your thoughts. "Come, my lords, your ship awaits. Try not to burn this one."
Lords. She called you lords. And lords you are. Lords of death and destruction. Lords of evil. Do you remember Branderscar? Do you remember being held down and branded like animals? How far you have come and how long yet the journey before you. Tiadora is right. This is only your first steps along the way of the wicked.
Steel and blood. That's all Argan remembers of their unending night. He made a mental note to replace the now empty wand, and even lost a few seconds putting the stick back into his belt, to stir the soldiers. To draw them onto him, seeking revenge for what the powerful weapon did to their companions. To cause fear and sadness onto their hearts.
But it was just a faint reflection of the carefully planned strategies laid on the road, that stirred darkness and evil upon the enemies, since his tired mind and body had not the energy nor the time to willfully organize his intentions. Hack. Slash. Dodge. Tumble. Slash and Hack. On and on it went, for minutes that seemed like days.
Numbly he thought about why the heck they came to the castle in the first place, and the old hag's image came into his mind immediately. What the hell happened? Did she turn on us? He never understood completely what did the old woman wanted, but it was something personal, he was sure. But then she was gone, and Argan felt his anger rising because of it. He made another mental note to search through the bodies to see if she was there, but it was highly unlikely, he knew.
But if she deserted, oh he would soooooo track her down to get his answers, and then kill her. Of course, this was not the time to be thinking about future, as their life would end tonight. Why in seven hells did we buy only ONE healing wand???? he thought to himself, and blamed Goodie once more, although she was not more responsible for it than himself.
Mistakes. In fact, he was not a god, yet, he knew it. Bloody and battered as they were, they would not turn into that so soon, but maybe they could survive and learn from their errors.
He experienced during these last days that the art of deception cannot be mastered, but only improved. Over and over. As skill in arms, or the capability to withstand punishment, or mental focus. He really should not be thinking about these things, but when the body enters an automatic mode prior to death you don't have much of an option. You do what you've trained for, hacking, and slashing. Avoiding strikes and parring blades with your own, that are now battered and nicked. Oh wait, my blades were always nicked! He lost another moment wondering if that was intentional or not, and then laughed alone in his battle trance, seeking arteries and joints, making the enemies bleed as much as he could.
The rogue was satisfied, really. Not perfectly, since he wanted to kill and rob every single soldier on the tower, but that was a mad errand, he knew. His companions made the right call, and although he would not live to see the results of it, maybe they would raise him as a vampire or lich, or whatever. So he would make their name, standing strong against a hundred and more to deserve such a reward.
But then he saw Iron Sam, the last bastion of hope against the incoming army. He could let him be, but then someone could say they did a poor job, letting a captain alive in the fort. It would be suicide to go there, so he pushed aside the though. Also, there was Zach but well, he was gallant, so whatever. Of all things that could have come into his mind at that moment, a single question did, and he would not rest until he had his answer.
"I'll meet you at the front. Don't any of you die on me." And thus he went, using only his own strength and ability to climb down the walls of the gatehouse, using the cover of darkness as he always liked. Quiet as death - he remembered.
Funny thing, the time of the day was just a strategy to him. He usually made his dark transactions at midnight, so his enemies would thing he was really superstitious, and would try to use that against him. Needless to say, they always failed for underestimating the rogue's strategy. Well, not always, but we're over Brandescar now.
That scenario changed these last few days. He was more related to darkness now, specially with his magical darkvision working on his favor. Anyway, he climbed down swiftly, and once at the perfect spot, let himself fall while drawing his sabres and thrusting them on two easy targets, raining death over them and causing desperation to settle down. Child's play, really. But in his quest for an answer he barely noticed the other soldiers coming after him. While his tired arms took the task of dealing with them, his mind only noticed Iron Sam's figure, until he was victorious over the captain's immovable body, and had a chance to look upon him closely. But the answer remained lost. Samuel also did not had what he sought, and while a drop of rain hit his cheek he released his anger through a screamed question:
Then the world turned black.
Flay it. Cut out the heart... Eryan obeyed the whispers that he had come to get used to and finally embrace. During the infiltration and siege of Balentyne it seemed the voices had been quiet. But they had merely been biding their time and with the fall of the once good town they had rejoiced. It had overwhelmed him at first, so painful, but so good. Nothing he had ever felt had been this powerful. He didn't think Thorn could match it. But the cruel spirits did not aid so easily. He had to pay in blood and life. It had started that first night he killed those poor lost souls. How many was it now, he had lost count.
The drow was straddling the legs of a body. A human body. A woman. Once the lovely Kaitlyn Mott. It had taken him some difficulty with his injury to catch her. How she had gotten outside of Balentyne during the battle he wasn't sure. He found her unconscious lying in the grass a mile out with horse tracks behind and ahead. She must have fallen off and hit her head, only waking when he approached as if knowing her end was near. Being depleted of all magical energy from the battle he was forced to chase her. With but one good arm she had almost gotten away but climbing over a rocky outcrop had her dress caught and then she was his. The look in her eyes when she remembered that she had seen him before was pure ecstasy for him. "This time you will die, no one is here to save you. Eddarly is dead. Balentyne has fallen and Talinguarde is next."
With the bloody chest cut open he held the heart in his palm and cut it in half. Dipping his fingers in the still warm blood to paint it onto his face in unholy patterns he moved without thought. It was not him working now but the possessors. He lay face down over her. Palms touching palms, feet over feet, lips on lips and he felt the warmth being absorbed into his own body from hers. A magic he would not understand for a long time, if ever. He stood up and felt renewed. Around him was the pitch black of night, not a thing could be seen. Not even his own finger held in front of his face.
We give you the the power of night over the day. Life always gives itself over to death. This is your path too Eryan. You will be our Lich...
It was done. They had won and thrown Talingarde into chaos. Lord Asmodeus was pleased with them, he knew, and deep down the rogue was wondering if they were doing the right thing. Burning Brandescar was one thing, but this had been different. It was their first real test, and they prevailed against the odds. Argan knew they still had a long way before any of them could enjoy their rewards, but for now they had only to recover from the deep wounds inflicted by the soldiers.
He organized his own stuff and practiced the use of several different weapons, specially the longbow, which he bought custom-made for him, and the Greatsword, using what he learned with Vlad and Kharn. The hunting of Varning's party also made him realize there were a lot of things he did not knew, and this guided him into a search for knowledge. He learned how to track, although "tracking" by logic was a lot easier to his behavior-oriented mind.
Argan bought a new magical belt, which enhanced his strength, making him even more fierce, although disguises were constantly being practiced along with his martial skill. He kept a military commendation medal, the dagger from the knights of the Allerion, and Donnagin's breastplate, which as a set enhanced a perfect new disguise, Lord Goliath. Donnagin's iron breastplate was too hard, unbending and heavy, which made him slower than before, but the magic protection was welcome, until he finds his own armor in the middle of this freaking enormous country. He was even thinking about buying another one (or stealing it), but right now the captain's armor was much cheaper and still efficient.
The Double Eagle he kept was meant to enhance Gambit's disguise, since the unremarkable citizen could be anything, from a spy to a baker.
He suggested the others to keep one of each too, and learn how best to use it. Informing the others there was a new loot sheet, , he mentions that he took the liberty to buy a new Wand of Infernal Healing, but he suggest they purchase more healing capability, a CMW wand or something that Vlad could also use. Each of the remaining members of the party gained a total of 10466gp after the new wand is acquired.
"I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the next challenge!"
Vlad would be adopting a new title as well.. A noble from Ghastenhall perhaps.. He would have to think on it..
Tiadora steps aside, arm extended motioning you onto the boat. The dust has not even settled on the burning Balentyne as you step onto the boat, rocking in the motion of the lake. When everyone is on, the boat begins moving down the river. Tiadora looks over the your bedraggled bodies. She smiles, and--if you had a care for your soul--you might be worried she would freeze it with her smile. I am going to my cabin. You may rest for now. We have a small journey ahead of us. For the time being, you may stay on the ships deck.
Argan waits until the woman is on her cabin to add to the others. They had spent a long time in a ship, with different sailors, "Such an honorable reward to sleep on the deck! This one is happy to be of service..." Now he really has something against the woman, as he was expecting some more rewarding after all they've been through, but it was not a problem. Tiadora would make mistakes, eventually. So he wanted to learn something from her, to make preparations in case those show up.
Vlad finds a place a sit and quietly contemplate.. Regardless of what Tiadora said he retreats to the cabin during daylight hours..
A dozen sailors move about on the ships deck, pulling on the rigging, setting the sails and whatever else is needed to keep a boat sailing. One of them looks at Argan and his mock bow, and shakes his head.
so close..
Vlad doesn't have anything much to say to common sailor rabble anyways.
Kharn will spend most of his time grooming Sir Reginold so that he might look immaculate when they arrive at their destination.
Like everyone else in the mansion... She lacks leadership skills...
Argan will not spend 12 days doing nothing. He will use his sensing skills to determine how exactly does Tiadora control her subjects, if she needs to command them or if they just do basically what she wants, having some kind of degree over their demeanor. If this last scenario proves true he will try to befriend them, speaking through Norspik, if they know it. Having some sailor skills as he has that should not be hard. All that to obtain some information about the woman.
He will pretend to be impressed by her skills, so as to draw comments on what she has done so far and what is her schedule. Argan is mostly worried about the others or himself being controlled by the woman, so he will try to acquire a certain knowledge for future use, meaning how to detect if he was ever charmed.
Last but not least, he studies Tacitus' spellbook to get a better grip on the Arcane knowledge he knows so little about, and that will certainly help with his own capabilities.
The night passes in peace. Vlad makes his way into Tiadora's cabin before first light. Tiadora's eyes burn when he begins to enter, but as she looks around, understanding dawns on her face. She smiles, and it is a deadly smile. Ah Vladamir. Do you think I have reconsidered your offers to share a bed? She shakes her head, No, of course not. It must be that terrible weakness your kind have, her smile widens. She slips past him, brushing him as she passes, Perhaps one of these days, I will make you one of my pets, but for now I will go enjoy the sunshine. She steps outside and spends the day on the deck with the others.
As night falls the boat comes to a stop near a small town. Tiadora retakes her cabin, nearly throwing the vampire out. Before too much longer, a commotion can be heard in the nearby town. It lasts throughout the night and continues as the boat begins to sail just before first light.
The pattern continues, Vlad taking the cabin and Tiadora on deck during the day. During the night a nearby town plagued with unknown troubles, Tiadora in her cabin and Vlad on deck.
Argan watches the sailor throughout this trip. He cannot see Tiadora specifically giving orders, they seem to know where they're going already, but she does speak with them occasionally. Overall, they seem to have control of themselves with a propensity to obey anything that Tiadora asks of them. Argan makes his move.
Throughout the trip, Argan jokes with the sailors and earns their trust--even helping them in their work on occasion. And before long is living like a king on deck. If Tiadora notices, she does not let on.
As you look around your surroundings change. You are no longer in the mansions entryway. Instead you are in a small room, and by the way the floor moves, it must be a room on a boat. Tiadora leaves through the only door.
Twelve days this journey continues, across Lake Tarik, then down the river. Eventually they enter another--smaller--lake and cross it's surface. The night before arriving in Farholde--for at some point Tiadora let everyone know that this was the destination--while stopped outside another town, Tiadora exits her cabin. She approaches the small group, The Master is here. He commands you attend him. She ushers them into her cabin and shuts the door behind them.
Inside the room, Cardinal Thorne stands, his handsome features stark in the lighting. Next to him is a familiar face, Grumblejack the ogre stands stooped in the cabin. On his other side are two unknown faces. One is a gaunt, pale gnome with wild black hair and slightly sharp teeth. Her lips are a very dark red and have various splits along them. She wears ragged and torn layers of clothing that are mismatched and have a faint smell of death, and on her head is an oversized lopsided top hat. The other is a short lean man with crimson skin and glowing red eyes. His soot black hair hangs to his back and is framed by long red horns.
First, Cardinal Thorne speaks up, I must say that you, my Ninth Knot, have served me faithfully. Balentyne burns and The Fireaxe wreaks havoc across the northern country. He has won three battles already. He smiles widely arms open. His demenor changes slightly as he looks around, his smile failing. I am however dissapointed that you have lost so many members. Zephys was one thing, his weakness would have brought you down. But Goodie and Eryan. He shakes his head, clicking his tongue. You must take better care. There are not many of us.
Nevertheless, I have taken it upon myself to recruit two new members for your knot. He motions to the side, Lilpinny and Seth, this is your new home. Thorne turns back to the group, They have proven themselves worthy, and I believe they will be an excellent addition to your group.
Grumblejack speaks up, Grumblejack too. He be exc--good addition.
Ah yes, an irritated look crosses the Cardinal's face. With your breakout of the ogre, he has been spending time in my mansion. Eating. A lot. I have not yet found a use for him myself. So I have decided to put the problem in your lap, since it is you who brought him to me. Dispose of him or use him as you wish. Either way, he is yours to deal with.
Thorne breathes deeply, and his expression clears. Now, down to business. Talingarde has not yet fallen to it's knees. So I have another mission for you. Tomorrow, this boat docks in Farholde, the northernmost settlement in all the realm. It has little or no significance in the country, and it's Lord has already left to find glory in the war. But, it is important to us, for it borders a large forrest called the Caer Bryr.
Hidden in the Cear Bryr is the Horn of Abaddon, an ancient temple which used to be occupied by a particularly loathsome death cult called "The Sonse of the pale Horseman." The first Durian King destoyed the cult nearly eighty years ago. Thornes lips curl in disgust, No great loss really.
But, what The Victor found within the temple is why we are here. He defeated a daemon prince called Vetra-Kali Eats-the-Eyes. He was so terrified of this monstrosity that he had the Mitran priests craft a great silver seal to forever forbid Vetra-Kali from returning to our plane of existence.
Thornes mouth curls in a triumphant smile, I have learned what the Victor wished to keep hidden, what he was so afraid of. When the Victor attacked, Vetra-Kali was close to releasing his masterpiece upon the world--a terrible pestilence called the Tears of Achlys. I do not know the specifics of this plague. But if anything could make the Victor so afraid, I want it.
He leans back, considering the possibilities, I already have agents placed throughout the great cities of this nation. If I could gain the Tears of Achlys, we could deliver it into the heart of every major city. It will be our poisoned dagger into the heart of Talingarde.
It will not be easy. I have already sent the Fourth Knot. They found it and reported it's position, a stone spire a day's ride into the Caer Bryr. But they have failed to report since. It has been too long. Thorne shakes his head, a grimace appearing.
Aiden Kael was familiar with the Caer Bryr, no normal hazard could have destroyed him. Perhaps the Horn is guarded. He waves his hand dissmissively, It matters I must have the Tears of Achlys.
Where one knot has failed, two will succeed. I am sending the Seventh Knot as well. You will find the Horn of Abaddon. Elise and her knot will assist you from Farholde. They will see to it that none interrupt your work.
There is another who might be able to aid you. A half-elf baron, named Arkov Vandermir. He is treacherous and decadant, but wealthy and well connected. I will have Tiadora introduce you before she departs.
I do not know how the Baron can assist you, but he's afraid of me--and with good reason. If he starts to get out of line, remind him that you are in Farholde on my behalf.
A feverish light enters the Cardinal's eyes, Find the Horn, shatter the seal and bring the Tears of Achlys to me. One knot has already failed. I will not see another fail. Can you do this my knot? Have I found servants with might and will enought to see this task done?
Lilpinny takes a little bound forward when introduced. "Call me Lil, 'cause I'm little!" She giggles, the sweet sound of an innocent child. One can only imagine the impact of hearing that laugh in a dark room and seeing what monstrosity it came from afterwards. Lil looks at each member, but her eyes keep sticking onto Vlad. "You're...kinda like me, aren't you?" Her attention switches to Thorne as he details out the mission.
As he goes into the details of the extraplanar traits of the mission, Lil tries to recall anything from her books that might be of use.
Since she's a new addition she keeps quiet for the moment.
Vlad smiles at Lil in return, showing a bit of fang. "So it seems we do little miss.. You may call me Vlad for short since we're all to become great friends. And this is Snagger my Imp minion, Snagger! Show yourself." You all here some wimpering/4 letter words and the a little imp becomes visible, flying beside Vlad. It speaks in Infernal. "A pleasure to meet thy masters friends" It takes a hard look a Tiadora before going back invisible.
Vlad turns to Grumblejack. "Ah, Good to see you again Grumblejack! I see you survived the poison.. Have you managed to find yourself a proper sized weapon yet?"
Finally he turns to Thorn. "We shall do as you say. Finding and taking this Horn will be done. The Tears of Achlys sheall be yours.."
Argan listens ever watchfully, and eyes the familiar Ogre and the new additions just as fast as he made calculations on what was in the city. He now hated Thorn a little more than a couple seconds ago, as the presence of Grumblejack spoiled their stealthy initiative. "So, if the city's commander had left to go to war, what remains of strong forces inside the city that we would need another knot to deal with it? There should be no one strong enough to stop us, even if we get found."
"And how was the knot of Kael composed, Thorn? What were their abilities? It would be great to know what they lacked."
When he met with Thorne and Lil in the majestic entry hall of Thorne's Manse, he was surprised to see a beautiful woman and a brutish specimen of Ogre standing beside him. The pair were not very inconspicuous but they certainly made an impression. It wasn't until he heard the beginning of Lil's sentance that he realized what was happening though.
And by then, they were on the boat. While the woman went to fetch the others, Seth studied Lil and the ogre for a few moments, out of the corner of his eye. Then he says softly, "It is good to see you again, miss. I am glad we will have one of such skill along for the ride." Though most couldn't see it, he gave a pleasant enough smile beneath the shadows of his hood. Seth felt it still made all the difference when dealing with people.
Seth eyes all of the others curiously from beneath his hood. He'd have to get a new cloak soon, since the current one he was wearing was already slightly propped by the horns on his head, which seemed to be growing, but for the moment they served their purpose to hide his face in shadow when he needed too. For now, he felt the urge to pull it down, lest the others think he had something to hide. Perhaps logically they'd know they all had something up their sleeve, but subtle things like that made all the difference.
His smoldering red eyes, seeming to actually burn rather then be filled with anger thanks to the glow they had, shifted from one to another openly now. He wore a polite smile and, beneath his black cloak, he had a breastplate and a set of simple red robes. On his head, wrapped beneath his horns, was a familiar Iron Circlet and an unfamiliar headband. To those with particularly perceptive sight, there was something a little off about the wrinkles of his cloak on his left shoulder.
Thorne spoke a great deal. How curious that a man of such position had so much to say. A great deal of it was useful information, but some of what he said was... indulgent, pretty. Seth smiled on until Thorne finished, then turned to watch the others he was too be working with and listening to their questions. Almost immediately, one revealed himself to have a quick mind, but also a lot of confidence. Was it over confidence? Perhaps but then again perhaps not. The other who spoke, Vlad, revealed a card by asking his imp to introduce himself. Atral stiffened in surprise at this, and hissed silently into Seth's ear when he saw how the imp acted.
Though he had some thoughts, he decided to wait until Thorne had spoken first, to see if the man had more himself to reveal.
Grumblejack smiles widely at Vlad, Grumblejack strong. Lil 'uns poison weak. As far as a weapon, he only lifts his new greatsword in response.
Thorne looks to Argan, I do not know how long it will take to break the seal, but my information tells me that when you begin, the horn will be visible to anyone for miles around. That, alongside the longstanding rumor of treasure in the Caer Bryr may lead some misguided fools to attempt an assault on the horn themselves. However, you are right, Elise's services may not be required. Would you like to wager on that? If you do not wish their help, I can send them elsewhere. Though if you lose that wager, that leaves only one knot to take the blame. His smile is cold, and he holds out his hand, waiting for a response.
As far as Kael's knot goes, Thorne shakes his head, he insisted on surrounding himself with doups. Most were barbarians from a cult omong the Ireans.
"Visible for miles... It makes sense now. We could be in a deathtrap." Argan does not mention that it would be best for the other knot to stand guard at the door to the Horn, since he didn't really liked having another knot around. "We won't fail, but having the other knot around may be useful, so let them be."
"Anything else we should know? Do you know if we will just have to kill the demon or control it to acquire the Tears?"
Lil giggles. "Kill him, you're funny. He directly serves the horseman of pestilence, I imagine he's about on a demigod level."
Argan raises an eyebrow to Lil. "Then you know a lot about him, I suppose. Good. We can plan our options later."
"Please, a demigod? I'm sure he isn't even close to that level."
Kharn seems to be slightly ignoring the cardinal after that barbarian comment.
"Oh, have you read much about the demiplanes? Or the hierarchy of the apocalypse? I was told you were an uneducated brute." She looks in curiosity at him.
"First off, if the apocalypse requires a hierarchy then they are doing something wrong. Secondly, why would I read about lesser beings such as outsiders? When they come up to me to die I will kill them just like that stupid lantern archon who thought he was soooo cool because he combined with other lantern archons. Also, I am not uneducated brute as I have specialized knowledge in fields such as nature, nobility, and engineering."
"Oh ok, that is you!" Lil smiles, nodding in understanding of the situation. "We got any other questions 'fore heading out?"
"First off, if the apocalypse requires a hierarchy then they are doing something wrong. Secondly, why would I read about lesser beings such as outsiders? When they come up to me to die I will kill them just like that stupid lantern archon who thought he was soooo cool because he combined with other lantern archons. I am not uneducated brute as I have specialized knowledge in fields such as nature, nobility, and engineering. But first, let me take a Selfie!"
Argan crosses his arms, impressed with the lecture the barbarian is giving the poor Arcanist, but he can't help but to read that comment with the voice of the chainsmoker's vocal.
"So if you were to tell us that a specific type of creature or feat of engineering was dangerous, the example you're setting now by ignoring Lil would suggest we should completely discount your expertise in favor of someone who has never done any research on either subject. Is that correct?" The man's arrogance definitely sat wrong with Seth. A man who was willfully ignorant was worse then a Barbarian, he was an idiot, and Seth would not happily work with such a fool he couldn't do away with. Perhaps by pointing out the precedence he was setting, Seth could turn him away from ignoring the voice of one with useful knowledge. Seth's voice was calm, if slightly chiding, but his eyes were hot as he spoke. They narrowed for a moment as he looked at Kharn, and then relaxed as he looked to the others of the group he would be joining.
"The Sonse of the Pale Horseman worshiped Apollyon, the Horseman of pestilence. Their ultimate goal is to bring about plagues and pestilence, to do the work of Apollyon. Any daemon from Apollyn's court would likely be dangerous for what they could spread to this world and it's inhabitants, so let us hope we will only have to deal with traps and whatever guardians the Victor of Master Thorne's story set to guard the place."
Kharn shakes his head at Seth.
"Oh please don't tell me you actually think I care about anything you have to say? You haven't even survived one mission with us and we run through spellcasters like a hot knife through butter. Survive one combat and I'll learn your name. Survive this mission and I will not only apologize to both of you, but I will listen to both of your adivce. Until then you are just wasting your breath."
Seth goes on as if he hadn't heard a word of the laughing fool, addressing the rest of the group instead. "I can deal with many form's of disease on my own, but it would limit my ability elsewhere. A few days to find some scrolls would make all the difference, though admittedly most of my funds were returned to their... 'proper' owner. It might not be a likely threat, but I prefer to be prepared."
Seth looks to Argan and Vlad, and then down to Lil. "I remember your fondness as well. If we have any extra time, perhaps I can find a scroll or two of that same spell I cast back at our old Church to aid you. Sound fair?"
Lil gets the wide-eyed full smile of a little girl who just found out it's Christmas. "Oh that would be amazing!" The little pale gnome gives Seth her strongest hug, which is about as strong as what you would expect from somebody with the body of a thin child.
Seth was rather grateful, thin and physically weak or not, that she wasn't tall enough to reach the center of his back. The experience would have been a tad bit more painful otherwise. As it was it wasn't exactly comfortable, but he made do, patting her on the head lightly once or twice. "You have a talent, and a very useful one at that. I'm more then happy to lend a hand with it."
Argan gives a mean look to the barbarian. "Stop that, Kharn. We are working together now, so just let them be. It's good to have you, Lil and Seth. We will probably have time in the city while looking for some equipment, but we can talk about that there."
Seth gives a slight nod to Argan, his actions once again raising Seth's estimation of the man. It would not do to bicker in front of Thorne anyway. More then just being disrespectful, it was unsightly, and Seth always tried to be aware of such things. Finally his eyes track back to Thorne, "Do you know anything of the defenses or guardians this Victor and later rulers might have set in place?"
Vlad smiles at the slight arguement the new guys have created.. "Careful with Kharn there.. He gets very angry when pushed. As far as diseases go I have no fear of them, as a matter of fact I can carry and transmit them quite easily."
Seth studies the one called Vlad with a new curiosity. "Really now? Well, I can imagine the sort of danger you'd pose with an ability like that. There's still some danger to us, but as our colleague suggested, I'll avoid wasting High Priest Thorne's time with such talk. Later, perhaps?"
Thorne steps forward, a small grin on his face, Take care of the daemon how you wish--kill it, trick it or bind it--I don't care as long as I get the Tears. As for what obstacles lie in your path, I only know of the seal. What else there may be, I do not know. But I have confidence that you can overcome them. I hope that confidence is not misplaced. Now go and complete your task.
Just before you leave, Thorne stops Vlad, Kharn and Argan. He pulls out a clay seal--much like the one before--and holds it out, not particularly caring which of the three takes it. Break this when you find the tears or if you need to report something. I will send tiadora within an hour or two. Thorne then turns away, leaving all to depart. Tiadora ushers the knot out of the cabin.
The rest of the trip passes like before, with Grumblejack out on deck at night. The next evening, just before Grumblejack and Vlad would be removed from the cabin, the boat docks in Farholde. As Tiadora begins to leave, she turns to the others, I have already scheduled a meeting for you with baron vandermir. I suggest you find something . . . appropriate to wear. She looks around at each of you, For now grumblejack can stay in the cabin, until you figure out what you will do with him. This boat will remain here unmolested. She snears in the diredction of the cabin, I have no more use for it. It's yours now. She steps off the boat onto the dock and walks away.
Being the leader of the group, Argan takes the scroll and calms down the Cardinal. "Don't worry, I always have a plan."
Later on, when they have the ship to themselves, Argan immediately wants to sell it, but Grumblejack needs a place to hide while they are making their preparations, so that turns into priority.
Argan will approach both Lil and Seth to ask what are their capabilities, and, specially, if any of them can craft magical items to make them immune to disease, and if they can make the Ogre pass unnoticed, either by shrinking him or something else.
"I'm a wizard, but without the wrinkles or beard. Well, as far as my skills, I've read more books than an ancient elf [ooc](8 knowledges trained)[/ooc{, speak nineteen languages, can identify most spells, and have a great alchemy lab that I know how to use!" She pauses, looking at a passing butterfly before continuing. "I can make lots of magical items too, and I've found a way to make them cheaper. Made these items myself." She shows her cloak of resistance, handy haversack, headband of vast intelligence, and deathwatch eyes. "Immune to disease? That would very expensive..."
Then she smiles, leaning in as if telling a secret. "But what I'm best at is dead things." She takes out a fairly impressive collection of onyx gems. "I can use these and some magic to animate corpses, and I've gotten really good at it. I can control more than other people, and I can make them stronger too. A little trick I invented..." She rolls up one of her sleeves, revealing a mat of scars up and down her wrists. In there are bite marks as well, and judging from the size of them they were also self inflicted. Some are older than others and they vary in size and shape. The newer ones look neater, as if she started learning how to cut herself better. She gives Vlad a smile, and this time it lacks all of the sweetness that her face normally holds. "Our blood has been touched by powerful necromancy. If you know how you can use it to help power spells." She rolls her sleeve back down, then gives a curious look to Vladimir. "I wonder if your blood does the same thing..."
While adverse to sharing such information in usual circumstances, Seth understood the necessity here. So when Argan found Seth, who was seemingly meditating on the side of the deck at the time, he answered honestly. "I am a priest of Asmodeus, and have been for many years. But much of that time was spent posing as a priest of Mitra. I am quite good at such subterfuge, and this Iron Circlet I have been given will make it even easier. I cannot forge magical items. What items I do have were actually created for me by Lil."
He spends a moment adjusting his headband, as if it were uncomfortable. His horns hadn't even grown a quarter of an inch today, but it still felt like they were getting much longer. He supposed the pain of it was distracting him. "My skills lie heavily in spellcasting as a priest, but I am also... uniquely capable of grand feats when channeling something called Hellfire. It can heal those of a similar mindset, such as you, and those who swear to ideals opposite our own are weakened, body and soul."