Way of the Wicked (Inactive)

Game Master Whack-a-Rogue

The Mitran sailors look horrified at Marvin's sudden transformation but are quick to recover. They charge forward, attempting to skewer the fierce dragon on their spearpoints - but are unsuccessful (in part due to Zyxtyvia's unexpected outburst of eerie cackling). On the deck of the Mitran vessel, archers begin to fire at Marvin, but their initial cautious volley is ineffective as only a single arrow finds its mark.

Marvin takes 2pts damage
@Erick: your opponent is still grappled

Your Turns
Blue border: Evil Eye (attacks) 7rds remaining

Erick pushes against one of the crates as he attempts to choke the Captain out.

Grapple to Pin.: 1d20 + 11 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 5 = 27
Strangle: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6

I think Marvin wanted us to bot him until the 23rd, by the way. o wo/

Celestine considered for a moment, then hurled a bolt through the air-

Destructive Blast, Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

-but it shot to the side. "He's half the size of a house! How did I miss!?" she said indignantly. Both sentences were true, of course - just not necessarily in the way they'd be heard. She had, in fact, been aiming for one of the archers... but hey. Might as well salvage what she could when her aim was bad.

Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Marvin is an engine of pure destruction as he effortlessly eliminates 3/4 of the boarding party in mere seconds. The terrified Mitrans are entirely focused on him - giving Celestine and Zyxtyvia almost total freedom of action. One downside: he's a very big target.

Marvin takes 20 more damage. He's currently at 8/30 HP
@Erick: your opponent is now pinned

Your turns

Erick stares into the terrified Captain's eyes as he gurgles. "You see I need you to speak on my behalf so the others will see me more than just some sort of meat shield." He says as he lays his elbow into the man's windpipe.

Martial Flexibility for Power Attack

Maintain Pin; Power attack: 1d20 + 11 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 5 - 1 = 26
Unarmed Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9
Strangle: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9

Zyxtyvia touches Marvin to cast infernal healing upon him...hopefully doing so without drawing attention to herself...

Celestine looked at what Marvin had done, then shrugged slightly. There were enemies on the other boat, and Marvin would probably be able to take care of the remaining foe here without too much trouble. Instead, she simply hurled a bolt into the air and aimed it to narrowly miss Marvin, continuing the facade that she was trying to attack him but he was just moving around too much to be easily hit.

With a roar, Marvin unleashes a torrent of fire. The sailor on deck is immolated, and two of the Mitran archers are lightly kissed by the flames. Most of them instantly begin working to put out burning rigging, but a few individuals elect to continue firing at the dragon - who's retreated out of sight from their deck. One lucky shot does manage to connect, though.

Belowdecks, the Mitran captain gasps out a confused reply as he struggles free. "What in the Nine Hells are you talking about?!?"

Marvin is currently at 5/30 HP. He'll recover 1pt/rd for the next 9rds.
@Erick: Your opponent is quite injured but has managed to break free.

With the Captain wiggling Erick pounces back into him to secure his hold again.

Sighing deeply. "Haven't you been listening to me? I mean we have been talking for a few minutes now....."

He is just ignoring me like the others.

Grapple: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Erick can't seem to get ahold of the Captain as he is perturbed by the Captain not listening to him.

Well, Marvin seemed to be doing well enough for now, but just in case... Celestine readied a Barrier to interrupt the next salvo of arrows from the enemy. The draconic fellow was looking rather injured, after all, and holding the arrows back would probably help him more than anything else.

@Zyxtyvia: taking any actions at this time?

After healing Marvin, Zyxtyvia stays out of the way and goes full defense in case someone comes close to her. .

@Zyx: there are no enemies on board your vessel. There are, however, eight archers on the Mitran ship.

Marvin continues to slowly heal as the archers fire blindly at your vessel. Belowdecks, the Mitran captain attempts a wild swing at Erick in hopes of creating some distance so he can flee - and is promptly grabbed in another chokehold.

Marvin: 6/30 HP; breath weapon recharges next round

Your turns

Maintain Grapple: 1d6d20 + 11 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 5 - 1 = 21

Erick tries to maintain his hold as he slams the Captain against a crate.

Grapple damage: 1d3 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7
Strangle: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7

Satisfied for the moment, Celestine readied another Barrier she could use to intercept the archers' attacks. Judging from the thumping down below, Erick was having all kinds of fun, and she hoped he was enjoying himself. It would probably make the rest of the trip more tolerable if he got some urges out of his system...

With a mighty roar, Marvin unleashes another blast of fire at the Mitran vessel. Although not sufficient to ignite the ship, it scorches the sailors and makes them easy targets for Celestine and Zyxtyvia to mop up. Shortly thereafter, Erick rejoins you.

Erick killed the captain this round, so I'll handwave the rest of the fight so we don't sit here for another week waiting for Marvin to burn up the archers. What are you going to do with their vessel?

Mitran Captain
MW longsword
Dagger
Breastplate
Heavy Steel Shield
22gp

Plunder and sink it? Our long-term plans don't include the smuggler Captain, and since I don't think we'll need or want the ship, there's no reason to keep it afloat.

Yup, search the ship for valuables and any important looking documents. Might find useful information about our enemies. Also, sitting in an airport, hooray!

Erick gathers all of the Captain's gear into his pack as he kicks open the door.

Captain wasn't happy bout our goods..... He said next time we could just explain ourselves and we would be good. Erick shrugs as he climbs over to the other vessel to help look and find a way to sink it.

Smiling he looks over. The Captain said you guys were a bit violent with his men. Erick says as he nudges one of the burnt corpses with his foot. The ash quickly falls and breaks apart.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"Just a bit." Celestine answered blandly. "You didn't make too much of a mess down there, did you?"

She'll Take 20 on searching the other ship, since I'm pretty sure we have lots of time. XD Might as well do a thorough job of it. And she doesn't trust the sailors to not palm off anything interesting.

After a thorough search of the Mitran vessel, you uncover nothing of any real value. The Blade of St. Marius was apparently just on a routine patrol and happened to spot you. Its captain (Edward Sambryl) wasn't anyone particularly noteworthy. The real question is: what to do with their vessel?

Stuff
Spear x12
Shortsword x12
Shortbow x12
Arrows x200
Dagger x12
Leather Armor x12
Gold Mitran Holy Symbol (sells for 50gp)
84gp
Plus rations, rope, water, and all the other stuff you'd expect to find on a boat

After his minions collected the equipment and resupplied their ship, Marvin set fire to the Mitran vessel, deck by deck, before setting the sails aflame and watched the ship sink before signaling the captain to continue on.

Celestine smiled as she saw the flames. It wasn't as good as the fires of Hell, but... hey, she'd take what she good. And given that it was fire... "May this offering please you, Lord Moloch, as this Kingdom's power is consumed in your flames." she didn't actually worship Moloch (Asmodeus was her only true Master), but it never hurt to try and be on good terms with Hell's other powers. After all... they, too, served her lord.

After several more days at sea (and a nighttime ambush by tritons and summoned water elementals), you're approached by Captain Odenkirk. "We are a little light on fresh water, I think. We are passing Seal Isle, and there is a stream that feeds into the bay there. We'll take on water there. I'll send a party to the shore. Of course, that means we'll spend a day in some of the richest fur seal hunting grounds all along this coast. I'm thinking of organizing a hunting expedition. Interested?"

Kn. Geography: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Sense Motive?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

"We've got cargo to deliver that can't wait and more than enough water for the journey. We've already had to deal with one patrol, and I'd rather not dawdle where another patrol might come looking for the last. We should finish what we set out to do, and then perhaps we can see about other lucrative opportunities," Marvin calmly explained. While I don't doubt that seal fur could fetch a hefty price, a hunting trip on a remote island would be an all too convenient opportunity to "lose" a few unwanted passengers. Can't really fault him for trying though, I suppose.

Kargeld scowls at you. "I'm the captain of this vessel, dammit! I say we need water, so we get it!"

Well, I don't have those skills, so... XD

"And Marvin can turn into a dragon that sets vessels on fire." Celestine said innocently. Of course, the Captain was the Captain... but a certain amount of pragmatism was rather useful in life. It helped you avoid an early demise.

Zyx believes the vessel captain since she has none of the appropriate skills to catch his deception until one of her companions points out the fact there is no urgent need to stop.

"I am sure you can explain to our benefactor and yours why you had us make an unscheduled stop. I am sure the Cardinal will understand."

May want to give me some dice rolls, as he seems rather stubbornly insistent.

Erick moves around and places a hand on the Captain's shoulder. "Maybe we can talk about this like adults down in the hold?" he asks with a questioning look on his face.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
To go with her earlier words. XD

Zyx has no worthwhile social skills right now... just witty comments

@Celestine: um, I'm pretty sure indirect threats fall under Intimidate. Unless you honestly believe that talking about a fire-breathing dragon will make the captain LIKE you. XD

Completely ignoring Erick, the captain glowers at Celestine. "You don't honestly think I'll fall for THAT, do ya? Unless you've got some way to magic yourselves and my cargo all the way to that bugbear?" His eyes betray a hint of fear, though. He's seen the four of you in action, and it's been rather impressive. Although he and his nine crewmen would likely put up quite the fight, if this situation does turn violent.

"Do you really want to find out? I think it's best for everyone if we just quickly complete our work, then go our separate ways, don't you?" Marvin replied calmly. While he thought he had a basic understanding of how to sail the ship by now, Marvin did not relish the thought of having to actually do the work and he wasn't confident in his navigation skills on the open water. It would be best to keep the captain and his crew around until they were no longer useful.

More like... persuade him to agree with her, and acknowledge that fire-breathing lizards are dangerous to boats. She's not being as obvious about the threat as she could be. XD Either way works, though. It was a good roll, and even without training, she has good Charisma...

For a moment, Celestine considered opening up her magical storage space - but no, it would be better to keep that hidden in case they wanted to smuggle something without the captain knowing. After all, he couldn't ask to look there if he didn't know it existed. More to the point, as much as she would have enjoyed driving in his fear, that would have been stupid - he was still the Captain of the ship, and for now, he still had his uses. Best to avoid provoking him into doing something... unfortunate. He wasn't going to be alive much longer anyway.

"Marvin is correct - and we did pay you quite well." she told the Captain. "It'd be best to avoid any delays - and once we're off the boat, you'll have more room to store pelts and such anyway."

@Celestine: If you can find a way to fit several tons of cargo into your extradimensional storage, I'll be very impressed. XD

The captain grumbled for a while but finally seems to acquiesce. Fine.... But you owe me some pelts later."

She certainly couldn't fit THAT much inside it... XD But he doesn't know that.

Celestine didn't bother to respond to that - and his lack of further commentary on water said a lot about what his real objectives were. Not that she disliked the greedy, per se - Hell was amused by such people - but you had to keep it under control lest something unfortunate happen to you. Too much vice had been the undoing of many a man. Instead, she simply nodded politely and headed back to her normal part of the ship. It was time to get moving again.

"I'll keep that in mind." Marvin replied, as he turned back to look out at the sea.

As you proceed along the coastline, boats are sighted heading your way. When they get closer, you realize it's a group of Yutak - primitive hunting tribes native to the northlands ](RL equivalent: Eskimos). Their leader hails your vessel in broken Common. "Want make trade?"

"Do we wish to barter with them? Does anyone have any haggling skills? What do you have to offer?" Zyx calls down to the Yatuk.

"I would suggest a little trading and moving on." Celestine observed, careful to ensure the Yutak couldn't hear her. "Eliminating them would be amusing... but we're not here to sink every boat we come across, and when they don't return, their people might start searching, or even divining for answers, and that could turn... inconvenient. It's not worth the trouble. Let the Captain make a little profit here, since we didn't go hunting, and then be on our way."

Erick is curious of the Yutak and what they could possibly have to sell. "Is it blocks of ice? I bet it's blocks of ice." He rushes to the side of the boat to get a better look at them.

The Yutak chieftan lifts a sealskin cover to display his wares. "Have walrus tusks and THIS." He indicates the long horn of a narwhal. Aside from their obvious value, "sea unicorn" horns are used by artificers to simplify the crafting process.
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There are 12 walrus tusks, and they sell for 120gp apiece.

The narwhal horn sells for 2000gp. If enchanted as a magical rod, staff, or wand, this value is subtracted from the item's creation cost. Additionally, crafting this item can be done 50% faster (requires one day per 1500gp of the base price).
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Yutak have no interest in gold, but they covet metal arms and armor. If traded here, weapons and shields are worth twice their normal value. Also, if you have the mithril with you, they'll trade the narwhal tusk for it.

I think we do still have that big hunk of mithril - which could also be used for crafting some nice things in its own right, I might add. I'm willing to go with the party's preference on this.

The horn sounds super cool, but neither one is particularly useful to Marvin, so I don't care what we do with it.

Same. Does sound super useful, though not so much for Erick

Also, are we talking Vancian Staff or Spherecasting Staff, or either? For those who aren't familiar with them, Spherecasting staves provide enhancement bonuses to caster level for one or more spheres, as well as access to talents the user doesn't know. There are some nifty things you can do with that.

"I would prefer that rare narwhal horn than some shiny metal we demolished in the dungeon. I can see uses for the horn personally but not so much the metal. I say we do the trade. Mithral is easier to acquire than the horn."

@Celestine: either kind of staff. Basically, anything that could realistically be made from a 5ft-long horn. It'll even apply if you wanted to turn it into a lance, for some reason. XD

Celestine considered for a few moments, then shrugged slightly. She could have argued it either way, but... while mithril was rare and valuable, it wasn't that rare, nor would it be impossible to come by in the future. A useful magical material, though? That could ultimately become something much better - or heck, turned back into mithril if they decided to trade it again.

"All right." she said, nodding slightly and heading over to make the trade.

One big hunk of mithril for one sea unicorn narwhal tusk. XD

Keep OOC chatter here. Otherwise the Paladins will know where you are.

There were quite a few Knights outside the building where Celestine had been preaching - heavy armor, heavy weapons, quite a few steeds... it was all very impressive. That was intentional, of course - whether you liked or despised Talingarde's rulers, you couldn't deny that they were pretty big on showing off. Mitra's influence and all that.

There was one other thing you could count on them for, though, and that was the key to her whole plan. They loved their laws. They'd come with enough soldiers to get the job done and arrest her regardless of what she tried to pull - or so they thought, at least, but even they didn't realize that her powers included teleportation. If she zig-zagged her way through the forest with randomly-interspersed warps to break the trail, she was certain she could escape them.

That wasn't the point, though. She didn't just want to rub their incompetence in the dirt, she wanted to stomp all over their pride while they were at it. Nothing would do that better than an escape from Brandescar Prison, and so she'd deliberately lured them here to arrest her for her seditious speech-giving. She'd made absolutely sure to leave plenty of evidence lying around, and she was quite sure her trial would be scrupulously fair - she was guilty as Hell, after all, and they did love their justice system.

That's right, come in and get me. And then I'll show the whole world how worthless your 'power' really is.

Sholano couldn't believe it. His plans were swiftly falling apart, no matter how which way he turned, and the son of a b~%@% was going to ruin him. A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead as he contemplated what he could do next, searching desperately for a way out. In a last minute flash of insight, he saw his route of escape and like lightning he made his move.

"It won't be that easy to catch me!" he exulted, reaching across the ornate chess set to slip a dark pawn in the way of his king. He grinned easily and crossed his arms, settling back into the high-backed plush chair. The gray-bearded man across the table frowned slightly, studying the board.

"Perhaps not," Arthur Treblefast said quietly, looking sharply up at the younger man. "But then, you have proven yourself remarkably slippery."

You have no idea, old man.

Sholano kept the casual grin on his face, gesturing towards the board. "That is why you're funding my expedition, isn't it? You've seen my references - I've found my way out of most sticky situations, and this next one won't be any different." He leaned forward slightly. "Speaking of which, we are still set to begin tomorrow, aren't we? No rush, of course, but if I could gain access to the traveling funds before tonight, I could begin my preparations."

Easy, easy...it's taken this long to get here, you can wait a little longer. Wait - what the hell was that?!

There was a faint clang of metal on metal from the hallway, and Sholano's pointed ears twitched under their wax masking. He glanced surreptitiously towards the study's double doors as Treblefast pushed back his chair.

"Oh, your journey will begin shortly, have no fear of that," Treblefast said, getting to his feet. The doors burst open, and Sholano sprang to his feet as the rich merchant continued. "But perhaps not to where you'd envisioned."

Sholano swore and dashed towards the window. It was a two story drop from this far up, but if he remembered correctly, there was an awning he could bounce off and maybe get away without some broken bones. Either way, better that than suffer Talingarde's loving Mitran justice. To his horror, though, the window slammed shut and barred seemingly of its own volition. He spun to look back and saw Treblefast standing with his hand upraised, a faint glow around his fingers.

Sholano came to a dead halt, his features going blank as several guardsmen filed into the room. "Wizard, huh?" he asked in a calm, almost conversational tone.

"I dabble." Treblefast replied in kind, the gloating arrogance in his voice matched by the smirk on his face. "A simple divination told me of your dishonesty two days ago, and then it was only the work of a quick inquiry to the Guard to figure out your intentions. You were going to take the money and disappear, yes?"

"Something like that," Sholano said, holding out his wrists for the guards to clap manacles on. "I'll have to watch closer for magic next time."

The guards began to lead him from the room, shoving him forward needlessly. As they passed Treblefast, the merchant held up a hand, halting them for just a moment. "I rather doubt there will be a next time...Master Gale."

Sholano's eyes flew open wide and his head whipped towards the wizard, his bored expression giving way to something very close to panic.

Holy hell - they know my real name?!

The old man smiled viciously at seeing the expression on Sholano's face. "Yes, that's right - you're not going to some simple little holding cell this time, my slippery little friend; not after all you've done." He reached out a hand and placed a finger on the chessboard's black king, tipping it over. Checkmate. "You'll be going to Branderscar."

The dark robed elven witch walked over to the bound and bleeding soldier she had been toying with earlier read her background in the recruitment page although there was no need to gag him as had had lost the ability to speak or cry out in pain some time ago. The witch finished preparing her circle of blood and salt centered around a nice sized fire. She began to chant in an unknown and illegal tongue as she was calling for dark spirits to her...
"...მე მოწვევა მუქი უფლებამოსილების დაეხმაროს ჩემი შურისძიების წინააღმდეგ, რომ ბევრ ჩემთვის..."

hope that works, gave her a few options n her crime- blasphemy, witchcraft, or attempted murder

"Citizens! You have all been blinded by your unquestioning faith to a god that does not truly care about you! You there, you are blind, and you there, you are crippled! Yet you pray every day! Why? The priests could heal you of these ailments if you had the money I assure you, that is their true god! Join me and truly be free of this farce!"

A city watch arrives soon to disperse the crowd and arrest Zelimir. "How dare you! I shall show you true power! I will tear out those weak spines of yours and make a bone wreath to honor Asmodeus, the true god!" Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

The city watch laugh at Zelimir which only infuriates him further and he breaks away from their hold and attempts a desperate attack on them. Unarmed attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13 The city watch retaliates with an attack of opportunity Aoo: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"You'll never take me alive!" Zelimir remembers saying just before he was knocked unconscious. He smiles to himself. Of course they would take me alive, they have some strange belief that I can be reformed. Instead I will make them regret not killing me. I will make them question that very way of thinking.

I like your special writing Zyxtyvia

It would not take long, Marvin knew, before he was sentenced. Brazen violence dressed in heresy all but guaranteed that justice would be swift.

Just hurry up with it. There's nothing here for me any longer. Everything I loved died long ago, with people cheering for the flames.

Marvin's head turned, straining to see the door as it opened. A portly man with a shiny head and great bushy mustache shuffled past him before sitting down and placing a stack of papers on the table between them.

Kiff. The prime example of everything wrong in Talingarde these days. Man loses three of his kids to these bastards, and he keeps on serving them. Damn fool...

The man straightened his papers and took out a pen before looking up at Marvin. Dark, tired eyes. The eyes of a man too tired and beaten down to even recognize that he has been abused. "What is your name?"

"Marvin Fenster."

"Did you attempt to kill Chief Justice Larien?" he asked, dispassionately.

"What do you think? How often do you catch people... red handed?" Marvin chuckled as his bloody, shackled hands clinked against the back of his chair.

"Damn it Marv, you know as well as I do this will be easier if you just answer the question directly. There's no way out of this for you."

The smile slid from Marvin's face. "Fine. Yes, I intended to kill him, but changed my mind instead. I hope he enjoys the scars."

"There won't be any scars, the priests already saw to Larien and have healed his wounds," Kiff replied as he scribbled down Marvin's admission.

"Not all scars are physical, my friend. The flesh may be mended, and the skin healed, but the pain and fear were real. The echo of it will linger on and bring him terror until his time comes. Not unlike the shattered remnants of our faith. Not all of us are content to be Mitran lap dogs, like you."

"Times have changed, and the price is too high. I would have expected you of all people to understand that." The fat man looked over his paperwork and sighed. "Besides, you haven't even managed your goal. I expect that the Justice will sleep just fine after your sentence is carried out. With the charges against you, you'll be in Branderscar soon enough."

I just wanted a puppy.
Why that thought from his childhood resurfaced in his mind Boreas had no idea.
Probably since I wont ever get the chance after today. Boreas thought as he reflected on his actions earlier that evening. He had found out that the man who was supposed to be his adopted father had instead killed his real dad and driven him and his mom from their home and onto the street. Mom couldnt handle the streets. Too cold, too lonely.
Again he thought back, thought back to the two men he had slain in their sleep earlier this night. He had followed them from the pub, waited for them to drop their guard and drift into sleep. Then it was an easy matter to lower the temperature, slowly stealing the very heat from their bodies until suddenly they were frozen beneath the cool, unforgiving ice.
Boreas was surprised when he felt nothing at their deaths. He had anticipated that he would feel righteous passion at the deaths of his fathers killer, that he would feel exhilarated and empowered.
I just feel cold. Damn its snowing again. Why is it always snowing?
Boreas knew why he felt nothing for the two deaths. They were not the real killers, just the lackeys of that man.
So with newfound resolve Boreas headed to the old mans mansion. It was easy enough to slip in unnoticed for as luck would have it a fog bank had rolled in and concealed Boreas.
Inside it was also easy to track that man, just follow the loud sounds of merriment, listen to the hot passion coming from that room just over there.
Pleasantly surprised Boreas realized that his heartbeat was quickening, excitement welling up within him as he anticipated his next move. The feeling became so severe that he even started salivating when he saw him with his back turned. When he could just stretch out his hand and almost strangle him...
I got you, yo...
HALT!
Guards flooded the room. In his anticipation Boreas completely abandoned caution in his single-minded pursuit of that man and now that he had been thwarted when he was sooo close and his rage began to seethe. A storm was coming...
We found 2 of your underlings dead in their beds tonight. Looks like our wariness of your safety was well founded.
The winds started to pick up, snow started to swirl around the guards as the storm Boreas had called picked up in intensity.
Magic! Hes casting a spell! Quick subdue him! The guards were in a panic, then Boreas felt a blow to the back of his temple and his concentration shattered.
As blackness overtook him he faintly heard that man ramble
The Devil! You have your evidence, see to it that this monster meets the chopping block before he can murder another innocent civilian.
The last thing he saw was his fathers killer and his mothers tormentor smirk as he turned away and icy darkness consumed Boreas.

It is late. In fact, the hour is past late and is getting towards early.

In the soft light she has conjured for that purpose, Hecate quietly closes the book she has (illicitly) obtained from the library: Serving Hunger, a dark tome with plenty to say about deathcults and theorycraft, but precious little of practical value. Still, it is an easier read than some of them have been – the last one she read gave her a very nasty flu when the pages cut her. Making some final notes, she resolves to call it a night. She will put the book back on the shelf whence it came and leave the library for her own room. She purses her lips. Maybe she'll summon Bathalazar, and let him know what she's been up to – she does like an appreciative audience…

“Reeve? That you?”

Hecate jumps, hastily putting her notes on top of the book. She'd thought the library empty at this hour. Turning, she gestures and sends one of her floating lights down the other end of the aisle to identify the speaker. Just as she thought: “Milord Dalcourt.” She stresses the honorific slightly: ever since he first caught her out on etiquette, she's been determined never to give him another opportunity.

He smiles, boyishly, and bows in acknowledgement: “No wonder I never beat you in exams – you practically live in a bookshelf! What're you reading this time?”

Hecate opts for a half-truth: “Oh, um, Professor Purjoss gave me permission to look at some of the archives that aren't generally accessible...” This is true, but the professor's signature has since been copied time and time again to grant her access to books that Standish would never approve of.

The slim half-elf noble rolls his eyes. “So I'm not just up against you, am I, but the professor too? It's a wonder I keep as close to your grades as I do. Still, at least you can be sure he only loves you for your mind...” His gaze flicks idly over Hecate's scrawny frame, covered in a loose-fitting cloak. From anyone else it would be a cruel remark, but the smile he offers her is charming and takes the sting out of his words. It's a useful trick. She'd like to learn that herself. She blushes anyway, and is immediately livid with herself for doing so. The Hon. Jellicoe Dalcourt raises an eyebrow and chuckles: “You're such an innocent, Reeve. The merest suggestion of impropriety and I could fry an egg on your brow. Anyway – what're you reading? Might as well try and keep up.” With the insouciance that only the truly entitled can have, he pushes past her and picks up her book – and her notes. She's just a fraction too slow to prevent him.

He stops. Freezes. “Reeve – what – what is this?!” Dalcourt ignores the book entirely: he's spotted something altogether more sinister. Hecate has become fluent in a number of languages and, like many scholars, uses a sort of shorthand to make notes as she studies. She has beautiful handwriting; the only problem is… “Good god. This language – it's – it's... Reeve, what have you been doing?!”

“It's – I was just – I was learning things – just curious...” Hecate stammers.

Furiously, he waves her to silence. “One of my uncles was involved in – in this sort of thing. I remember when they painted over his study after they'd burned him. The words he'd written on the walls: they looked like this. I know exactly what language this is. It's forbidden - FORBIDDEN, do you understand that?!”

His anger kindles Hecate's own: “You stupid blithering idiot! What use is knowledge, but to be known? You can't just shove it down a hole and tell everyone it's forbidden! Is this the Academy or not?!” Words come tumbling out of her, words that she has suppressed for so long now, words better kept to herself… “So I learned Infernal. Yes, that's what it's called. Big deal! I named it! That's what you're supposed to do, name things and categorise them and understand them! And I taught myself, you understand? And Necril, too. I learned lots of things, things you're too stupid and scared to think of even trying. I've learned death curses, and raising corpses, and summoning and I learned them myself! Nobody taught me any of it.” Her words spill and finally stop, as she stands red-faced, chest rising and falling as she breathes rapidly. “Not that… not that I'd use them… I was just curious...”

Dalcourt breathes too, a long sigh. “I have to report this. I don't have a choice, do you see? This is a matter for the Church.” He pauses, head cocked to one side, looking at her with a certain detached curiosity. “Unless you're going to kill me with one of those curses you're so proud of, to keep me quiet?”

Dumbstruck, Hecate shakes her head; and appals herself by bursting into tears.

I find myself to be a rather good people person. I don't really know why that is though. Is it my god looks that my mother graced me with, my terrific personality? I throw a mean party, maybe that's it, or maybe my analytical discussions I have every once in awhile? As I look at the pathetic waste of skin in front of me I still can't figure out why.

He is sort of pathetic looking, all tied up, desperately struggling to get free to no avail. Making my way over to him, he seems to panic even more so, "Poor Eric, why did you try to leave me?" I say to him all sultry like. Maybe he could answer me?

"Eric, who the Hell is Eric, I'm Lars?!" he responds still desperately trying to escape.

I laugh a little. Eric was that nice guy, good screw, not all that there. He was outside guarding the mine entrance, "You didn't answer my question. Why did you run away?"

"You're nuts! he responds, "A demon of Asmodeus,you trick everyone into doing your disgusting work!"

"O' Lars why do you say such hurtful things? I only want a nice happy life," I say to him. Getting close to him I touch his chin, caressing his check with my other hand, "I'm a very forgiving person, but there need to be made an example. Can't have everyone running off from me now."

With that I crouch down from him, chanting a spell. From my hand a small flame of fire erupts, latching itself onto the small oil soaked pyre under him. He begins to scream as the fire starts to latch on to him and all I could do was laugh, laugh at his pathetic attempts to free himself as the fire slowly consumed him. That's why I'm a people person, I get things done, that's got to be why. But as I watch poor Lars burn, my eyes widen at the site beyond him, metal clad figures busting through the door. In that moment my heart jumped as I quickly started taking steps back. I yelled to my followers to attack, attack, attack! I guess I was too much a people person.

I should flee. Not stay here.
Robin only saw the flames consuming the mansion. She was incapable of hearing the screams that slowly grew less numerous, then silent. But she was captivated by the fire consuming the building.
Why am I still here...is it because it all ends here? What does it matter...where would I go anyway?
In some places, the flames seemed to weaken, for lack of oxygen - a gigantic column of smoke rose into the night air. Robin promptly focused on these small fires, calling out to them, strengthening them until a gust of wind would fan them on and renew their destructive power.
The fire spread fast, but soon, someone will arrive...they can't not see THAT. Good thing that bastard loved his privacy and didn't build closer to the city. It may be too late to flee, but he can't survive that.

Some man clad in armor, guards on duty who had rushed to the outlying noble's home, approached Robin from behind, called out to her:"Girl, are you alright? Did you escape from the fire?"
Robin could not hear them, took no notice of them, and one of them approached her, touched her shoulder. It was his final mistake.
Focused on the inferno in front of her, Robin was surprised at the sudden touch, shied away, grabbing the hand, pushing thoughts into his mind: You will not take me. Anger, Fear and Surprise all combined, and her reaction was to call out to the flames once again, and the man was set ablaze in an instant. The others with him were caught by surprise, but rushed towards them, hoping to help their comrade:"What did you do! Surrender!"
Knowing they would arrest her, Robin attempted to resist and invoked a ball of flame that engulfed all of them and set another man on fire. The two burning guards fell prone, one completely still and smoldering, the other one rolling on the floor, hoping to extinguish the flames, but Robin did not see if he succeeded, as the two remaining guards rushed her and knocked her out cold.

When she came to, her mind was hazy again and she was set in chains.
The drug...they mean to restrain me. I will not give them the satisfaction.
With that, she set what little fire she had left to work, inside her, burning away the agents that held her powers in check.

Erick was always a mild young man who lived with his parents and younger brother on the outskirts of town. His brother was constantly being picked on by a group of older boys, as Erick always found out about as his brother would return home scuffed up and dirty.

One day while coming back from picking up a new set of horseshoes from the blacksmith Erick saw a small group circling something. Not thinking much of it he continued to walk, that is until he hears his younger brother calling for help. Violently he shoves his way through the small crowd to find three boys beating on him. Without a second thought Erick grabs one of the boys and slams him to the ground by the color of his shirt. Twisting his hands he begins to choke the boy with one hand as he pins him to the ground. Out of the corner of his eyes he sees the crowd quickly begin to disperse. Coming to his senses Erick looks down to see the boy unconscious and nearly dead. His hands begin to shake as he quickly stands and grabs his brother and runs home.

Getting home he explains to his father what happened, who quickly becomes angered as he always had in the past. Erick's father balls up a fist and begins to beat Erick over and over again, causing him to fall to the ground, breaking one of the chairs.

Finally having enough Erick grabs the chair leg and swings it around, catching his mother in the head, as she was trying to pull his father off of him and calm him down. Laying on the floor was his mother, bleeding and bruised as she gasped for breath. Flying into a fit of rage Erick leaps at his father and quickly pins the large man to the ground. Using the chair leg Erick pushes it against his throat as his father silently begins to beg for his life. Erick does not relent, even as his brother tries to pull him off. Erick swats his brother away as he stands from his fallen father, once again his hands shake. Tears flow freely from his eyes down his cheeks as he begins to laugh. These were not tears of mourn or sorrow but rather tears of relief and happiness. Things suddenly became quite clear to Erick as he stared at his hands. He actually enjoyed this. Taking a persons life and feeling it slip away with his own hands.

What is this......what have I done.... His eyes grow wide as his heart begins to pound. He places a hand to his chest as it feels as if his heart will burst out of his body it is pounding so hard. Looking back and forth to his mother and father Erick realizes one thing. This was all his younger brothers fault.

After several minutes go by the guards arrive and rap their guantlets on the door three times. Clang! clang! CLANG! The door's beating seems to go in sync with Erick's racing heartbeat in his ears as his little brother gives a few final twitches.

Yes... Yes. This will fix everything.

With the door going unanswered the guards bash the door down to find Erick kneeling over his brother's still body. Their mouths drop in shock and fear at the sight. They only meant to question the earlier altercation and instead walk head first into a homicide. Looking at their faces Erick begins to laugh, of all things.

HAHAHAHAHA!

Quickly reacting the guards descend on him dropping him to his knees as they bind him in thick ropes. Fear now enters his body and he begins to fight back. His fist and head swing up into one of the guard's chin, knocking him unconscious. Before he has any more time to react though more guards pour in through the door and quickly render him unconscious as they beat and kick him. That is the last he remembers as he is drug away from his home to prison. Whispers throughout town quickly spread naming him Erick the Strangler.

Cole stood over the lifeless body of his mother as the thoughts on how to cover this up came to mind. He soon finished the note as he crumpled it and clenched it in his mothers cold hand. He hoisted the body and stood watching it for a moment. He was sorry for actions his mother had taken that moved her away from the families true faith. He turned to the corpse of his father as he dipped his hand into the blood pooled on the floor. He approached the door and drew the symbol of Asmodeus. He kneels and prays offering up the sacrifices to the dark prince. When done he begins packing.

They pushed and pushed. They kept things hidden from me and got what they deserved. The fiendish blood and power runs in my veins. I will show these fools the power they banished from this land is not gone. I will see that king fall and his cities burned. The question now is the how.

He finish packing and slung the pack over his shoulder. He opened the door and squinted at the light that pored in from the sun. As his vision adjusted he was surprised to see the ten men standing in a semi circle around the front of the home. They pointed and called out. "Traitor" As they rushed forward. With their saps they beat Cole into unconsciousness.

Linus woke up the day of their capture like they always did, refreshed and in good spirits. Today was the day of their targets life, she just didnt know it yet. Of course, it was also the day of her death, which she didnt know either.

What Linus didnt know was that both of those things they assumed were dead wrong.

Linus got dressed and made their way down to the pub to meet the target. She arrived about five minutes later. Linus bought her a drink, which she drank happily. Linus smiled and made polite conversation then suggested going out to see a show.

As the night was coming to a close, Linus took the chance. "Sorry my dear, but its time for your untimely death. Someone has called a hit on you and it is my duty to carry out said order. Perhaps we will see each other in another life, for I did have a good time!" But just as he finished, a dozen paladins surrounded him.

"Oh, Linus. We knew about the plot the whole time. Now, come with us quietly or die a most painful death right here."

Flabbergasted and betrayed, Linus had no choice but to accompany the paladins to Brandescar.

Zogg was bored. He had been waiting here for his runaway for almost an hour. He hadn't moved in an hour. Toothy was waiting on the other side of the road and a little way down.

Why do longshanks take so long to walk? They should be here. He thought to himself.

Soon after his prey came into view. It was surrounded by four other longshanks. He waited, and waited. Soon they were well within the range of his bow. He let his first arrow fly. Just a second later Toothy burst from the underbrush. The fight didnt last long and was somewhat boring. The other longshanks were down before they even had their swords out. Zogg moved from his spot and advanced on his prey, that wet itself.

"You no smart longshanks." He said. "You should no have run. That got these killed. Life as slave is no so bad."

"No! I'm no slave!" The longshanks voice broke as he spoke. Then Zogg hit him in the head and it fell like a rock. Zogg allowed himself a toothy grin then and pet his dinosaur partner. He bound the longshank and was about to throw him over Toothy's back when he heard something.

He then saw them. More longshanks. Many more. Too many. They wore lots of armor and had horses. Zogg hated horses.

"Go Toothy. Hide. Follow if things go bad." It was just after this that the longshanks saw him. The charged and Toothy ran. He tried to tell them that this was a slave he was returning and the other longshanks tried to stop him. They didnt listen. Zogg dodged the first blow but they second got him in the head.

When Zogg came too his was bound in a iron carriage. He listened to the longshanks talk about where he was going. Then caught a flash of bright green in the trees and smiled.

Just as Ambriss was setting her mechanical tea-timer she was interrupted that landlord again, my god by what had become a daily routine of pounding on the door.

Cracking open the door slightly Amber repeated "I've already told you, my paren.." and with a huge shove she tumbled backwards into the hallway, propelled by the door she had been standing behind.

"See, officer, I told you that smell was coming from this apartment. The child has been cooped up in here for weeks!" crooned the landlord.

Ambriss gazed up at her landlord always so nosey and a pair of city guards pushing their way into her home. A few moments later and her parlor-turned-laboratory was suddenly playing host to two badged guards, two mutilated corpses, a nosy landlord, and a child dressed in pale white linens.

Her mind flitted around, guards? brutes? protectors. thought Ambriss as she began bawling loud, hot tears and asking for the adults here to "help there's been an accident". With her sobbing she fell into the arms of the landlord.

The 3 adults stood in shocked silence before the entire scene, unsure of where to even begin unraveling the mess before them. The first noise to interrupt the sound of sobbing was the ringing bell of an alarm set on the table. The larger of the two guards carefully walked over, quieted the alarm, removed the tea bag from the freshly steeped tea, and told his compatriot to get out the smallest pair of manacles he had on him.

Ardra tutted and cooed at the little baby in the bassinette she kept in her own bedroom. It was a beautifully rosy and plump little human thing, growing healthy and happy under her care. Along with being a renowned cook in the kingdom, the locals knew her as a skilled midwife, the only payment she required for her service was that the usually destitute and desperate mother had to endure a terrible tongue lashing for having gotten into such a terrible mess and her otherwise generally awful bedside manner.

Ardra believed in community service; she believed in strong and interdependent ties between people in order to make society work. She also believed in being owed favors, but that hardly made a difference in this case. It was a difficult birth and the poor mother, a whore who catered to the local gentry, hadn't survived despite Ardra's best efforts. Once the poor dear's remains had been sent off to the potter's field, and the situation of the child explained to the authorities, it had been born sickly and thin thanks to the poor health of the mother, she found herself burdened with the duties of nursing the poor little precious back to health, something she explained may or may not be possible, and the Mitran clergyman and the representative of the magistrate both nodded grimly and gave her sympathetic looks that said all at once, your god and country thank you for your diligent work, but better you than me.

She fed it rice paste mixed with goat's milk and honey*. She carried it, veiled and blanketed, with her when she visited her kitchens during the day and stayed up with it during the night. Her private farm she had to leave under the care of the overseer. She managed its fevers and chills by administering medicines and draughts by the drop. In no time at all, she had very healthy baby boy... and no one to care for him long term and no one expecting him to live. So she made the best decision she could.

Feeding a baby of between 15 and 20lbs enough rice wine to that it should die of alcohol poisoning slowly enough to infuse the fat and musculature with flavor but quickly enough as to not embitter the liver is delicate business, indeed, but she was nothing if not patient when it comes to the development and preparation of a new recipe. She made many calculation. As she warmed the wine, she begin to tickle the baby, to play peek-a-boo and play with his favorite toys so he'd be excited and quicken his heart rate. She was just about to start administering the wine when she heard a the crash of her front door and the panicked voice of her farm's overseer calling for her, Lady Ardra!!! the king's men, they've found us out!! I don't know how, Lady...

Annoyed and confused by this interruption, she left the baby and hurried down the stairs Robert, what on earth is this nonsense you're spouting?! She had just reached the lower landing and had taken the time to cross her arms and tap her foot in preparation for the scolding she would give him when her eyes met his; he was standing in open doorway leading out and about to explain himself again as a crossbow bolt bloomed from his throat and he fell down stone dead.

The door was soon refilled, this time by one of her restaurant's most frequent patrons, the commander of His Majesty's magisterial police. She addressed him, somewhat breathlessly, Commander Cyrus, I... didn't think to see you before supper time

The man looked a bit unsteady and positively green, as though he'd been sick repeatedly. He also looked very irate. Lady Ardra Pain du Veau, you are under arrest for treason against His Majesty, the King, and murder and for crimes against the people of Talingarde! Your home has been surrounded, your farm and everything on it has been confiscated... Furthermore, you owe me every night's sleep for the rest of my life... you... you are... the most disgusting, most vile THING I've ever seen, and you will NOT die slowly for your crimes; I promise you!

With that, Ardra, shocked, stood utterly still as her world crumbled and Commander Cyrus, tears in his eyes, unceremoniously clubbed her with his steel gauntlet before carrying her unconscious body away as the child she'd saved began wail.

Selected PCs can finish setting up their profiles at this point. If you haven't already done so, please include the following information in your profile header:

HP: X/X | AC: X; T: X; FF: X; CMD: X (any modifiers) | Fort: X; Ref: X; Will: X | Int: X (forewarned if applicable); Perc: X (any modifiers)
------------------------------
If you're a spellcaster, spherecaster, or have limited-use abilities, please also include them in a spoiler under your Vitals. For example:

Sphere Points 11/12; Martial Flexibility 3/4; feather fall 1/1; Breeze-Kissed 1/1; Diviner's Fortune 10/10; Inspiration 8/9; Surge 6/7
------------------------------
Once this is done, go ahead and dot the Gameplay thread.

Well, this should be everything in order. ^^

Blam!

I'll put up the first Gameplay post after work. In the meantime, check my profile for some useful information about my GM style.

Okay, FINALLY got them into the right spot. XD That should do it.

Hah! Whoops. I put down my Intelligence, not my Initiative. Not my smartest moment. Fixed.

fixed.

Alrighty, friends, looks like we'll be ruining some do-gooders together. What say we talk about our strengths a bit so we don't step on each other's toes?

Me, I mostly make talk good. I'm a skill monkey and a face man. I used to have a slightly higher Bluff thanks to some racial traits, but I traded them away for a slightly higher Int so I could diversify a little more as we go along (I mention it because it pains me, Bluff is my favorite thing!).

When it comes to combat, I'll mostly rely on sneak attack to get my damage in, for which Improved Feint will eventually come in handy (if anybody ever wants to pick up some of the feinting teamwork feats, I'm in!). Generally, I try to avoid combat as hard as I can most days. I'd much rather talk everybody else into attacking each other than get all violent myself.

I know at least some of you aren't familiar with Spheres of Power, so I'll briefly explain it. XD Most basic Sphere powers are all-day abilities I can use as often as need be. Furthermore, Spherecasters can use their class power pool (Sphere Points) for stronger effects. I don't know many stronger ones right now, but that'll eventually change. As an Incanter, Celestine will know more Spheres than, well, pretty much anyone else. Here's what I've got so far:

Destruction: Ranged touch attack (Close), dealing 1d6 magic bludgeoning damage per odd level. I can expend a spell point to make it 1d6 per level (minimum 2d6). That's all of her offense for now, but I may eventually pick up shapes or energy types to increase my options (the Destruction Handbook, a supplement for this Sphere, should be out soon).

Fate: Only the basic stuff for now. Hallow lets me spend a spell point and give you a +1 profane bonus to attack, AC, and Saving Throws made against Chaotic or Good creatures (this increases at Level 10 and Level 20) for one minute per caster level, while Serendipity creates a 20-foot radius aura that can give all allies within a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws. I can concentrate on it (a Standard Action) to maintain it as long as necessary, or spend a spell point to let it remain for 1 round/level without concentrating.

Protection: Deals with defensive stuff. Barrier creates a magical wall that can block some types of attacks, and any damage used to break it is subtracted from what that attack does to others. I can cast it again if it's broken, and if it's not, its HP refreshes every round I concentrate on it. Unfortunately, you can't attack out of it - but I can eventually learn to cast it at a distance, making it good for battlefield control. Deflection costs a spell point, but gives a +1 Deflection Bonus to AC for an hour per Caster Level, and the bonus goes up as levels get higher. I can also give a +3 Armor Bonus or a +1 Shield Bonus (allies vs Incorporeal foes), and as with the main Deflection, that'll go up. (And yes, I can put multiples of this power on people... XD)

Warp: The last sphere I know right now lets me Teleport myself and some stuff in Close Range, or Medium Range if I spend a Spell Point. I took a Drawback, so I can't teleport anyone else, though I may pay that off later if need be. I also took Extradimensional Storage, which is basically a growing Bag of Holding without the bag. It is your new best friend if we ever need to smuggle or securely store anything, because when it's closed, it's totally undetectable and inaccessible to anyone else - no matter how thoroughly we're searched, we can sneak stuff in.

--

In general, I intend for Celestine to be a useful supporting type, with access to many Spheres and many powers so she can adjust to the situation as needed. I don't intend for her to be a primary damage dealer - instead, expect her to focus on making all of you more effective. ^^ I'm probably going to do Telekinesis next, for more ability to control the battlefield and rearrange stuff in useful ways.

My build is pretty straight forward.

Erick is set up as an unarmed combatant, specializing in grappling / pinning opponents to do his damage. Martial Flexibility will allow me to diversify myself a bit more.

Erick will not be a high damage dealer but should help with a bit of crowd control when required.

Marvin is just discovering his latent dragon bloodline, and is learning to control its inherent magical properties. Similar to Celestine, I'm using the spheres of power school, but am considered a mid-caster for all spheres but the Alteration sphere, which is full power.

Primarily, I'll be using the alteration sphere to shapeshift into varying percentages of dragonhood, and tearing stuff up in melee. Eventually, I'll grow to Large, or even Huge, and do things like fly in, bite someone and grab them, then throw them off of a cliff, or into another enemy.

As my magical abilities develop, I plan to diversify into 1 or 2 more spheres, gaining some magical utility on top of the melee abilities, but they will be secondary. I can also alter others, either adding new abilities to your base form, or completely transforming you into a new creature (a whole flight of dragons? maybe some day). Altering others requires expenditure of power points, which are limited.

Tip: If you REALLY want to make an impact, pick up Weather once you get higher in level. Then you can herald your arrival with storms and blast enemies with lightning from the sky and such. XD

That does sound pretty awesome... *jots notes*

I need to find a way to take the feat that lets you terrify people by breaking through walls...

And we've begun! Enjoy your imminent (and well-deserved) demise...

@Spherecasters: If you have the Magical Signs drawback or some other clear sign that you're casting, please put it in your header so I don't forget about it.

My build is pretty straight forward.

Erick is set up as an unarmed combatant, specializing in grappling / pinning opponents to do his damage. Martial Flexibility will allow me to diversify myself a bit more.

Erick will not be a high damage dealer but should help with a bit of crowd control when required.

Nice. You and I will work just fine, Sholano loves it when people who need murdering get held in place.

I'll have a map up shortly.

EDIT: Editable map is in my profile. WotW uses 10ft squares for some reason, but that's not relevant at the moment. ;-)

3 things:

1) I'm having trouble finding the map in your profile, YBD. Am I blind?
EDIT: Found it, top of the game page. Gotcha.

2) I'm assuming that Linus is in human form at the moment, yes?

3) I apologize in advance for Sholano's behavior towards you, ladies. It's not my fault, he's evil!

1) The map is in the campaign description at the top of the page.

3) There are many kinds of evil. XD For everyone's reference, Celestine's is broad-scope, focused evil. She won't burn down an orphanage just because it's there, or go out of her way to do evil deeds that could jeopardize the group's mission and risk exposure. In fact, in general, she won't do much petty evil at all (and looks down on those who do). She's too busy planning the downfall of a kingdom to care about kicking over the commoners. XD

Being a little more serious; Sholano is fairly similar in that regard. It would never occur to him to bother with the petty stuff - evil for evil's sake is not his deal. His kind of evil is the selfish kind. He's willing to step on whoever he has to in order to make it to his goals, but random cruelty just doesn't make sense to him; in fact, if anything, he defaults to random kindness (when it doesn't cost him anything, anyway). After all, that orphan you kicked might be useful later if you got him on your side instead. He's also got a vicious temper and a long memory for grudges, which is a really nasty combination.

On the other hand, he's also kind of a womanizer. I don't know that that's evil, exactly - but it's totally jerk behavior, and it makes me feel a little gross to type out. Thus the advance apology, 'cause it's probably gonna get a little skeezy. Nothing blatantly awful (again, he's not going to antagonize someone unduly), but probably skeezy.

Zyx wont hesitate to sacrifice you if it is in accordance with her ultimate goals of seeking revenge against the establishment. she will do what must be done to any of you or to anyone who gets in her way...now if you are still of use to her then yes she will use her heal spell on your pitiful souls...

sounds like Gale is like some 18 year old kid who fled texas cause he cant figure out what is right or wrong behavior...

Mm. Not really. He's got a pretty good grasp of what society thinks of as right and wrong, but... He's a talented jackass, is the core of it all. He's quite good at what he does (lying and persuasion), likes money and power, and doesn't really care what happens to other people along the way.

Linus is actually in furry form. I figure through the capture and all that she got jostled around so much he reverted back to her original form.

Linus is the kind of evil that takes orders well but enjoys killing way too much. He will kill whomever he deems necessary to finish his missions. He doesn't do evil for evils sake either. In fact. If you're not her target than he will be quite friendly. Think of a worshipper of Cayden Calean. Super nice and loves a good time.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Linus is actually in furry form. I figure through the capture and all that she got jostled around so much he reverted back to her original form.

Okay, cool. Good to know.

Not really sure what the DC is on this here lock. If a 15 is enough to get him out, then Sholano is just frustrated with it being that difficult. Otherwise, I'll start taking 20 if I can - if I can't, I'll just try again.

Oh, and it just occurred to me I might need to be quiet about this, too. If that's true...
Steath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Oh, for reference, YBD, now that I've started talking to folks, I'd like to call your attention to my Natural Born Liar ability from being a Charlatan. Just so you know, should people have to start making multiple Sense Motives against me (they totally will).

@GM: Can I run over, create a Ward: Barrier on myself, and use it to block the door from opening? It notes that it can stop movement, so what I want to try and do is stop the movement of the door, maybe forcing the guards to the door as an improvised weapon against its Break DC to get through.

Interesting idea. Go for it. :-)

Note: I'm not ACTUALLY planning on ditching Erick, but at the moment, Celestine views him as nothing more than a madman... and someone who might carelessly blab secrets and ruin what others are doing. Accordingly, he's not someone to be entrusted with anything of value.

Ah, the fun of roleplaying selfish characters in a cooperative game. XD

I know. Erick just gets easily excited as he is trying to feel the rush again. :)

If I had to summarize Celestine's current views, it would be this. XD

(Although less "I want to rule" and more "I want Asmodeus to rule." She doesn't really care who's in charge as long as he approves.)