"Why are you asking permission, witch?" Grumblejack rumbled, his mouth full of what was once Sir Balin.
Running quickly to Morana's side Lothyrin asks"Would it be ok if I attempted to heal your wounds, that cut looks deep and without aid it may take a turn for the worse.
Glaring at Grumble, I have manners that is why. Then turning to Lothryin with a pained smile and the glare gone, Thank you that would be wonderful.
"What's manners?" the Ogre asked while he used one of the long, skinny fingers of his vestigial wings to scrape the marrow out of a cracked arm bone.
Bringing his magic to bare, Lothtrin unleashes a torrent of healing energy in an attempt to patch up Morana's wounds.
Thoirn smiles at Morana, "As Tiadora said, to the victor the spoils, the spider is yours". That said he steps through the back door in the room leaving you all alone in his study...
"Are you sure you couldn't simply open a window? I detest being a two-leg."
Tiadora's eyes narrow at your request, "As do I. I can turn you into a form with multiple legs if you prefer, a cockroach perhaps little Wyrmling?"
"I was chosen long before we were brought together, but our arrival at Branderscar was not a coincidence." Soren straightens her back, before watching Lothyrin heal Morana's wound. She clasps the other woman on the shoulder, her impressive height leaving her to speak downwards to the other woman. "You are one of us now, bound to our compact before Asmodeus. That woman, Shalewigg, once swore fealty to me in this mission. She betrayed me, and you have seen the result," Soren says, casting her eyes to the bloodstain on the floor. "Do not disappoint me, as she has, and you will bring glory to the God-Fiend beside us."
Smiling as she feels her wounds heal, Thank you. Soren can feel her jolt and go ridged at the unexpected contact. Glancing up at the taller woman Morana offers a quick reply, I have given my oath and I do not break my word.
Turning to look down at the blood mumbling, I want my peace and I will not get it until they are all gone.
Putting her smile back on and looking back up at Soren, Thank you for the help as well. I truly appreciate it.
Crouching down to scoop up the spider then standing back up. Pulling out at roughly stitched up doll and shoving the spider inside of it.
The Cardinal has trained your group as well as the group you have seen flitting about the house which has absorbed both Damien and Xoruk. A week before your training is complete the Cardinal holds a dinner in their honor, a dinner none of you are invited to attend.
In the last week the house is much more quiet without that group present, well except for the cursing of Aurex who has been trapped in two legged form for months.
The Cardinal pulls Aurex aside,
After the training is finished, the Cardinal pronounces you ready and holds a great banquet in your honor. Meals from across Golarion and Talingarde are served. During the dinner he summons forth a barbed devil and offers to it one of his slaves. The devil gleeful rips the slave apart and feasts on the blood. He then draws forth some of the devil’s blood with a silver athame. Finally he traces the unholy symbol of Asmodeus on the forehead of each of you in the mingled blood of devil and sacrifice. "Behold, the Nessian Knot is forged!"
He stands as the dinner nears its end, "Remember well the nine lessons you have been taught.
Deception is a tool. Self-deception is death. Deceive always thy enemy but never thyself.
Following the herd is for fools. Fear not their icy derision. Instead, fear only thy Infernal Lord.
Know your enemy. Shatter all that blinds you and then burn thy adversary to ashes.
Cruelty is a tool not a pastime. Be ruthless to thy enemy but reward those who serve thee well.
The chosen are revealed by their might. The weak deserve no sympathy.
Suffer not the fool. Stupidity is our faith’s cardinal sin.
Secrecy is our greatest ally. Exposure brings death.
Beware the fallen for they may rise once more to threaten you.
Serve thy master well and be rewarded".
He gestures out the window as darkness falls.
He turns back to you, "My children, he says in a deep resonant voice that has an almost inhuman quality to it. "Training is at an end. You have proven yourself worthy. Now, it is time for you to use that training and take on your first mission".
Your mission is war, my children. You will bring war to Talingarde.
You have two objectives. First, you will see a shipment of munitions delivered to a bugbear chieftain named Sakkarot Fire-Axe. He makes his camp on the northern coast of Lake Tarik beyond the Watch Wall. With this shipment, the Fire-Axe will have resources enough to unite the barbarous humanoid tribes of the north and light the fire of war.
Sitting on the dock as we speak is the longship Frosthamar captained by Kargeld Odenkirk. Tonight when the ship is resupplied it will be your transport. The captain is a ruthless mercenary and not to be trusted. He knows nothing of the specifics of our mission and you should keep it that way. He knows he is smuggling cargo to the north beyond the Watch Wall. That is all he need know.
Once the cargo is safely delivered, he will take you just south across the lake under cover of darkness and land you near the town of Aldencross. There our contract with Captain Odenkirk will be concluded.
It is shame how greedy he has proven. I had hoped to let the captain serve me again but it seems he is too much of a liability. Kill him. Kill his crew".
He pauses, "Well all but one. Some time ago I placed an agent on his ship that he now believes is a trusted advisor, she is a Wizard and will aid you in slaying him once you deliver unto her the message Asmodeus Sees You. The memory of her true mission will then return to her. Burn his ship and leave no survivors. It is crucial that no one suspects our involvement and that loose ends are taken care of. Be sure to reclaim the coin I gave him. Best not to be wasteful.
That done, you will begin your second task. We will do more still to aid our ally the Fire-axe. The bugbears are mighty warriors but poor siege engineers. You will infiltrate the tower Balentyne, keystone of the Watch Wall, kill its commander and open the gate for Sakkarot’s horde.
Once the shaggy monstrosities pierce the Watch Wall, the bugbears will pillage and lay waste to the townships of the north and the local garrisons will have no choice but to meet the Fire-Axe in the open field. Sakkarot is the most brilliant, gifted and murderous bugbear of his generation. I expect these battles will go poorly for the knights and yeoman of fair Talingarde.
Do all of this and then when your task is done, break this clay seal". He places a delicately carved clay seal adorned with a tangled knot of thorns surrounding the holy symbol of Asmodeus on the table. "I will have more instructions then. Succeed and I will see you rewarded handsomely. Fail or betray me and you will pray for the comfort of Hell before I am done with you.
The mission you start upon this night is a holy mission. The people of Talingarde think they have seen the last of the mighty Asmodeus. Soon enough we will remind them that there is no escaping the grasp of Hell. Let us toast our success"
He pours one glass of deep red wine for each of you and then finally pours one for himself. He raises the glass and offers a toast.
"To war".
Aurex has been increasingly grumpy over the weeks, but has started to accumulate to his two-legged self well enough that he's not tripping over his own feet. "Using savages to fight and die for you. Smart." He nods approvingly as he grins about imaging the poor townspeople when they see a man morph into a dragon.
Grumble grinned through the entire meal. For him, the formation of the Nessian Knot was the culmination of a dream. He had finally earned his place among Asmodeus' chosen, and his new allies had proven themselves in His eyes. He was accepted in a way he had never been before.
The demon put a particularly large smile on his face, as did the food, which he ate gluttonously. He had surprisingly adept table manners, but it was a bit awkward, like he was practicing behaving like a civilized person and hadn't quite gotten the hang of it yet.
"Gonna need disguises when we get to Balentyne." he pointed to Aurex. "Like that."
The time has brought a fullness back to Morana's form which she shows off in a form fitting red dress with a deep plunge in the bosom area. Her hair is still wrapped up in a dark cloth.
Sitting quietly as the Cardinal explains their mission. Vedran's soothing voice filler her thought again, You are not a fighter.Trying to keep her features neutral as she mentally hisses,I am getting better I will have you know. Always quick to reply and try to placate, I know. I know. I have been here the whole time. Just be careful. Using the chance to not be rude and look out the window but not seeing anything but her grief, If I am not I will join the two of you though. Yelling now and sounding so angryMorana no. Your death will not make anything better.
Not feeling up to continuing this conversation now Morana lifts her glass, To war. To their deaths.
Soren sits quietly at the table, not dressed in her armor but instead in a sensible black tunic and leggings, although she does wear her new pistol at her hip in place of her old musket. She lets a small grin slip onto her face as she watches Grumble attempt to dine in a civilized fashion, before listening intently to the Cardinal's plan. "Such a gamble... I did not expect us to make such a bold move so soon, Cardinal; I can only imagine what further plans lie ahead." She lifts her glass delicately, holding the stem of it in her slender fingers. "The God-Fiend's will shall be done, and the people of Talingarde will face punishment for their transgressions against him; to war, indeed." She takes a long sip from the glass of wine, licking the stain from her lips as she places the now empty glass on the table. She watches as the boat glides into the harbor under the cover of dusk, but doesn't mention it to the others.
"As for disguises, my own magic may aid in that. It is not a true transformation, but the illusions will fool those who are weak of will, much like the Mitran servants."
Lothyrin sits at the table remaining slightly aloof as he listens to the cardinals plan. Forgoing his chain shirt he is adorned in a shimmering red cloak that gleams and wavers like fire light. At the mention of burning the ship flames flicker and twirl around his blackened hands. Reigning in his excitement he remains his previous cool air. Grabbing his glass from the table he quickly drains it and toasts. To War.
The Cardinal smiles, "The Circlet's I gave you shall aid in hiding your true appearances. Its magic is more powerful than a simple hat, it will allow you to change your size and your race, or at least appear to do so.
Once you break the clay seal Vaundour, I shall have further instructions.
I see your ship has arrived. It is time to gather your belongings soon the Captain's emissary, your new companion will arrive to bring you to the ship".
Captain Kargeld Odenkirk disembarks with you. "Woman, tell the Cardinal we have arrived, I expect his guards to get aboard before the sun can even think about touching the waters near this dock!"
She convinced you that the rewards in such an endeavor would be greater than any you could receive in an Empire where the Church of Asmodeus was already so entrenched. Seeing the logic in the statement you agreed to undertake the journey. Unlike other agents of this Cardinal Thorn, you have worked alone, well not entirely you have been the overseer of the stupid and cruel mercenary smuggler Odenkirk. You were given assurances by the Cardinal that the Captain's fate would be grim and that you would have a hand in it. It is that promise that has stayed your hand from slaying the obnoxious pirate thus far.
Perhaps now is the time? This is after all the first face to face meeting you will have ever had with the Cardinal...
Smiling at the Cardinal, That will be very helpful. Thank you. If not needed for anything else she would head back up to her room to gather her things.
"Of course sir. I'll inform them of your arrival."
Alice rolls her eyes once her back is turned. She will be happy to see the last of Odenkirk. But a little more patience yet....
Approaching the manor, she feels rather out of place in her peasants garb.
Luckily the mansion is fully staffed and she doesnt have to go looking for someone.
Having found another servant, Alice announces that captain Odenkirk has arrived.
Nate gives a pleasant smile to the captain, but it falters a bit when he barks at one of his crew members. So harsh. "Captain Odenkirk, it's a pleasure to be sailing with you on such a finely kept vessel."
The dragon in human form strides up to the boat, finally looking comfortable (if unhappy) in this form. He glances around and then he takes in the smell of the new people and snorts. Such a finely flammable vessel is more like it. Smart boy, getting on the captain's good side.
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With the polite dismissal from the cardinal, Vaundour quickly gathered his things, including a few surprises that would be a lovely parting gift for the good captain, and headed down to the door, where he met a lovely yoind woman sending a slave for them. "Hello, my dear, Vaundour Gathlain, at your service. I take it that you are here to gather the 'guards' for your captain's ship?" he asked with a smile.
Grumblejack didn't have much in the way of belongings. He''d claimed Sir Balin's sword and armor. Not all the pieces fit well, but ogre's were surprisingly adept at altering weapons and armor. It came from simply being able to bend steel plates by hand. It looked like he'd taken the largest plates and deformed them so that they fit over the top of his existing armor, and then lashed it all in place with ropes and chains. He looked like a Mitran knight that had been deformed by some terrible spell, severely overgrown, with a lashing tail and deformed wings that looked like giant, gnarled hands with overly long fingers.
His massive hammer bore the bladed pentacle of Asmodeus on the face, and he'd struck the inside of his new breastplate with it hard enough that the stamp of Asmodeus' sigil was raised like embossing on the front of the armor. The Mitran heraldry was recognizable still, but badly scuffed and scratched.
He looked half-interested at the woman from Odenkirk's ship, eyeing her with a combination of passive objectification, and like someone eyeing a menu at an Inn when they weren't particularly hungry.
Taking her time and making sure she has not forgotten anything then taking a moment to fiddle with the fabric around her arms while she decides what to wear. It needs to allow for movement and not be heavy in the water.
Slowly and with clear reluctance Morana follows the others towards the ship. Clothing changed from formal wear to a loose red blouse with a black vest and and black pants. Her hair is still covered by a black cloth with her circlet hidden under the fabric. A nearly overstuffed backpack hangs on her shoulders.
Chewing on the scar on her lip then quickly stopping when Vaundour introduce himself seeing an opportunity to postpone boarding the ship, if only for a moment. With a weak smile, I am Morana Sota and you are?
With the polite dismissal from the cardinal, Vaundour quickly gathered his things, including a few surprises that would be a lovely parting gift for the good captain, and headed down to the door, where he met a lovely yoind woman sending a slave for them. "Hello, my dear, Vaundour Gathlain, at your service. I take it that you are here to gather the 'guards' for your captain's ship?" he asked with a smile.
Alice is a young woman, you would guess to be in her early 20s. Its hard to say for certain. Her face is gaunt and her skin pale. Its cleare she has suffered hardships in her life.
Her black hair is tied back in a simple bun, and her clothes are plain and simple."Pleasure to meet you sir. My name is Alice Duvotour and I am the assistant to captain Odenkirk. Your swiftness will please the captain, as he is eager to set sail again."
Alice gives a nod to Morana. "Pleasure to meet you too my lady. I am Alice Duvotour. Welcome aboard."
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"It is an absolute pleasure to meet you, my dear Alice," Vaundour said, lifting the woman's hand up to brush his lips against. "Tell me, have you been with the captain long? I'd just love to hear all about how you joined up with this ship," he started questioning as they made their way onto the ship proper.
Alice does her best to remain neutral. There is a lot riding on this for her, and its clear these people are dangerous. Of course, the captain is too, but he was easily placated with empty praise and groveling.
"The pleasure is entirely mine sir Gathlain. Its good to finally have a well-spoken individual aboard again. I am afraid I wont have a tale of daring-do of how I joined the captain. Paperwork is more my thing."
Grumblejack didn't introduce himself at first, but he looked like he was paying attention. That was something of an improvement.
He watched the talking like an anthropologist trying to figure out the social practices of a culture he'd only just discovered. He looked over Vandour's actions, and finally stomped over to Alice.
He took her hand without giving her much choice in the matter and brought it to his wide maw. He could have bit her whole hand clean off like an appetizer. Instead, he brushed his lips to her knuckles with surprising gentleness.
"Jack. Grumble Jack."
"Oh my, good sir, you are ah, big."
After straightening her clothes for a moment to settle herself Alice gives Jack a big smile.
"So sorry, where are my maners. Alice Duvotour, at your service."
"It is an absolute pleasure to meet you, my dear Alice," Grumblejack parroted Vaudour. His words did not seem to flow off the tongue like they did with the charismatic half-elf. Rather, Jack seemed more like he was doing an impression of someone who was speaking a language he didn't really understand. The impression was surprisingly good, but the connection with the words was completely absent.
He smiled charmingly. It wasn't charming.
As Alice arrives to retrieve the rest of you, she is pulled aside by Cardinal Thorn.
The Cardinal opens the desk drawer removing a quill, a silver ritual knife and a contract written on some unidentified leather the words in a dark red ink.
"We have worked together for some time my dear without formalizing our arrangement. You must sign if you wish to remain under my protection. Do you wish to read the agreement first?"
Captain Odenkirk waves dismissively at Nate's comment, "Right. You will guard our boat all the way north, yes? This time the Cardinal asks much out of me, this is dangerous run past heart of the Naval might of Talingarde”.
Watching Grumble Jack's odd parody with a small grin. Not sure I could have kept a straight face if that was directed at me.
Dragging her feet to the boat and lingering on the dock. Fidgeting with her things to lengthen the time before getting on the boat. Stop being a child and get on the damn boat Morana. Frowning and staring at the water Death has loosened your tongue. Boat! Slipping her hand into a pouch at her waist and keeping it there while walking on to the boat. Anyone around her can hear her mumbling, Fine, fine. I am getting on the damn boat. If I die do I get to haunt you? A small smile graces her lips when she hears him chuckle in her thoughts. That smile vanishes when she realizes she on the boat.
The ground is rocking ever so slightly. One misstep and she could plummet into the water. Her whole body visibly tensing as she calls out, Captain where are our quarters?
The Cardinal places the contract on the table and spins it so you can read it. "By all means he states..."
Behold on this day the 10th of Desnus 4710 in the eighth age of this world a perpetual Compact is made between Cardinal Adrastus Thorn (hereafter the Master) and those who would be bound to him as his acolytes (hereafter the Bound). Both the Master and the Bound shall hold fast and true to this Compact through all trial and tribulation. By blood and soul the Bound commit to the Compact and swear that it shall never be undone.
The Bound shall know and understand the Four Loyalties.
The First Loyalty is to their patron and god – mighty Asmodeus, first among the fallen, prince of the nine hells, our father below. They shall do all that can be done to further his worship and his glory.
The Second Loyalty is to their master – He who is called the Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, High Priest of Asmodeus in Talingarde. They shall do the Master no harm and obey his every commandment as long as those commandments do not clash with their First Loyalty.
The Third Loyalty is to their companions – the other Bound who serve alongside them. The Bound shall deal with each other fairly and honorably as long as doing so does not clash with their first or second loyalties. All treasure, wealth and reward garnered in their exploits will be equally shared with all of the Bound who aided in its acquisition.
The Fourth Loyalty is to themselves – for Asmodeus is the Lord of Ambition and all who serve him should strive to become great and powerful in his service as long as doing so does not clash with their first, second or third loyalties. By their weakness, ye shall know the unworthy.
The Bound swear that they cleave to and uphold the Four Loyalties even in the face of death and damnation.
The Master swears that as long as the Four Loyalties are upheld, he shall reward the Bound as they deserve for their deeds.
Thus it is written, and thus it shall be.
We being of sound mind and free will do so swear and let they who violates this Compact know all the wrath of Hell unending.
Signed,
Nathanial Torken
Soren Marsailles
Lothryin Harad
A smear of blood with no recognizable name, though the print is quite large
Vaundour Gathlain
Morana Soto
The Ship -
"Quarters?" the Captain begins to laugh louder and louder. He turns to one of the crew, "The Lady wishes her own quarters". The crew member grins at Morana showing a set of jack-o-lantern teeth.
His hand sweeps wide gesturing to the deck, "For your beauty my Lady, I shall give you first pick as to where on the deck you wish to sleep!"
In the meantime, slaves from the Cardinal's manse begin loading many crates from a small wagon onto the ship as quickly as they can.
Grumble thudded up behind Morana. "You got quarters, Kirk? Your men got quarters? Or you all sleeping on the deck too?"
The Ship -
To his credit the Captain does not bat an eye at Grumble's approach. "A true Captain sleeps with his men on deck. Only the soft and weak need be pampered! Odenkirk is not soft nor weak!" He growls.
Alice raises one eyebrow.
"This does seem to give you, Cardinal, a very large power over us. Basically it gives you free reign to command us, as long as it does not clash with Lord Asmodeus his will. The third and fourth commandement are second to this. This contract signs my loyalty to you. But what assurances do I have about your loyalty towards me?"
"By virtue of signing this contract you become my Ward. The rewards for being such are many. Come closer, take my hand and I shall show you my vision..."
Grumble shrugged. "We'll take the back end of the ship."
Grumble remembered his first voyage. Kirk had told him to sleep at the front. That's where the water moved the ship the most, and where it got wettest. He'd gotten sick. He blamed the fever for getting him captured once he got to Talengarde. That wasn't going to happen again.
Lips twisting into a deep scowl in reply to the grins of the crew. Standing silently half listening to what is going on around her while partially lost in her thoughts The nerve of that man!Breath and do not react. I hate sailors!This was what you wanted Morana Shut up! What if I roll of the deck in my sleep? Sleep next to the Orge he seems like he could halt the rolling. Giving a sharp intake of air That is not funny. A full bellied laugh invades her mind You could.. hehe, hold his tail!
Mumbling to herself, Males. S*%& I have no idea what has happened. When did Vaundour jump in? Keeping her place and ignoring the cackling in her head so she can try to figure out what is being decided between the two groups.
"By the words of this contract, you are only second to Lord Asmodeus himself. While he encourages our ambition, that is a tall claim. But so far you have not done me wrong. So I'll see your vision."
Alice takes the Cardinals hand.
While the tiefling woman does a great job of hiding it, she still seems visibly tense upon the newest woman arriving at the manse. The newcomer introduces herself as Alice, and Soren winces at the sound of the name. Her hand, still on the table, clenches into a fist as she steadies her breathing. She only half-listens as the others introduce herself to their newest comrade while she is clearly instead lost inside of her own head. She barely even notices as the woman leaves them to speak to the Cardinal, and she is the last of the group to leave for the boat.
'She is not the woman you knew; that women is gone now, whisked away from you by Mitra's flock of sheep. Do not show your weakness. You are the Hand of Asmodeus, and when you find her she will live or die by your hand.'
Finally, Soren stands and follows her companions to the boat, her hand now wrapped firmly about the handle of her pistol. She smirks at the captain's mention of a 'good captain', and finally speaks again. "Yes, a good captain would." She declines any sort of formalities or pleasantries as she introduces herself. "I am Soren Marsailles; I look forward to our business together."
'A good captain would fight and die with his men... I wonder if you will be so eager to prove yourself then?
"A claim I do not make lightly my dear. You have made a wise and profitable choice. My slaves load the boat even as we speak. Head back there now, soon it shall be time for you to be free of the good Captain".