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Whichever is fine by me. Not much for climbing after fighting fer our lives and being beaten and starved to death for least few days.
Erick sighs. So many plans..... Maybe they caught Hal while he was in the middle of planning instead of running?
Erick hangs his head low as a prisoner. A look of utter defeat as a wide smile is hidden by his long shaggy hear dropped low over his face.
"Celestine. Call me 'love' again and I'll blast you right into the water." Celestine said. She had... opinions... about how others were allowed to interact with her. She didn't mind giving her name, but affectionate nicknames were a bit much, mostly because the sort of people who used them tended to have too little ambition for her tastes.
"OK fine. we quickly overpower the guards at the gate if there are any, and then move on. Use the ruse of either guards if you are dressed as such or prison workers and get close to them to dispatch them before they alert others. Silver-tongues up front to do the initial lie, toughs behind to close the gap when the time comes. Everyone else support or stay out of the way...any questions my lovelies...?" Zyxtyvia says quickly as the guard house is nearing...
Linus sighed as he looks at Zyctyvia. "You dont have any healing magic on you, do you?" Guessing the answer to be no, she makes her way to the back of the line, ready to fight if she has to.
"I only had one healing spell prepared and did not cast it on you earier"
As soon as the guards take notice of the fleeing group Zyxtyvia will hex the closest one while the more martial characters engage with them on a more personal level..
Did the guards notice us and/or did they first one fail his hex save?
There are two guards in the gate house, and they're quick to notice your approach. Grumblejack isn't particularly good at sneaking, after all. "You there, guards. What are you doing? Prisoners aren't allowed out of they're cells - much less outside the walls. What in Mitra's name were you thinking?!?"
Zyxtyvia yells back "The ogre is supposed to carry heavy supplies back to the prison. Blackerlys orders. Watch him good will you."
Celestine nodded slightly, mostly trying to stay out of sight but posturing and moving in a way to support Zyx's words. Hey, the whole scene was a bluff, so she might as well do her part.
Marvin looked up at the hulking ogre with feigned unease. "Man's a damn fool for letting this one out of his cage, even if he is as dumb as he is strong. I think he ordered this expedition to win a bet. It's likely to get him sacked soon if you ask me."
One guard chuckles and nods, clearly sharing your opinion of Blackerly. The closer sentry, however, frowns suspiciously and moves closer, hand on his sword. "Hold on, there. I don't recognize any of you. What's the password?"
Celestine continued to not respond... she did, however, prepare to protect the group if trouble came their way. It was the most help she could be at the moment.
Zyx casts Charm Person on the second guard if she can...
Sholao spread his hands as he continued to move forward, a falsely concerned expression masking his very real worry.
"Wouldn't you know it? First real assignment, and Blackerly didn't bother giving us the newest pass. I'll bet he didn't want his fool bet on the records. Think you can just let us through, this once?" He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "He might be a jackass, but he's still the boss, you know?"
The already-suspicious guard shakes his head emphatically. "Blackerly may be a drunken oaf, but he NEVER messes with password protocols. Authorization papers. Now."
Sigh. Yup, he was a minion, all right. And not even the good kind. Celestine held off on casting her barrier, preferring instead to seem like as unimportant a target as possible.
Sholano suppressed the urge to put his face in his hands as Erick fully blew their cover.
All we needed were a few more seconds...ah, well.
A blade slipped surreptitiously into his hand and his face took on a panicked cast. "God above! They're breaking free!" he yelled, trying to salvage whatever confusion and surprise he could out of the moment and fading to Erick's right, attempting to slip in past the guard's defenses before they knew what was happening.
Linus sighs and pulls out his sword. "Cant we just talk like civilized folks? Oh well." He slashes at the guard not entangled in Ericks grip.
Both guards are brought low in less than a minute. From the prison behind you, you hear alarm bells ringing. Best not to linger.
Once they reached the far side of the gate, the escaped convicts looked around, arguing about where to go. After a short dispute, Marvin reminded them the guards would be after them soon and took the lead. Drawing on the little experience he had in the wilderness, Marvin led them away from the prison, into some nearby dense foliage. When the opportunity presented, he led the party up a stream, hoping to hide their scent from any potential pursuers.
Despite his lack of practical training, he managed to put some distance between the group and the prison, before finding himself a little turned around.
"Does anyone know what we should expect at this safehouse?"
Once past the gatehouse, Sholano offered up the directions he was given to their supposed refuge. "Cross the moors on the outskirts of town. On the old Moor Road, you'll see a manor house with a single lantern burning in the second story. There, our mutual friend waits."
Beyond that, however, he allowed his companions to lead the way through the treacherous terrain, making little effort to hide his own lack of woodcraft. As it became clearer that they may not be up to the task, he did his best to raise spirits while they floundered, knowing full well that this crew could turn on itself far too easily.
He replied to Marvin cheerfully. "An interesting question, that. Offers like this," he waved the magical silk veil, "Don't come around every day. I suspect someone may have a proposition we won't be able to turn down."
If we can ever find our way there, anyway. Who goes to all this trouble and doesn't bother with a bloody map?
There's a tense moment where you have to dive into a bog to avoid being spotted by a search party, but Marvin's direction sense is good, and he's able to lead you to the manor house in about three hours. As described, a single lantern is burning in an upper window. As you approach the door, you're met by Tiadora. Instead of looking like she's heading to a funeral, she wears a diaphanous white gown that makes her look almost angelic - at least until she opens her mouth.
"Dearest, you took long enough," she said pitilessly. "We were beginning to wonder if you'd ever make it. Oh, and you brought a pet. How delightful. I'm sure we'll be able to find a cage large enough for it, though." There's an angry growl from your companion. Tiadora chuckles. "A monster? Hah! Get in my way, little ogre, and I'll show you what a real monster looks like. Now, the master commands all of you to appear before him, but before that, you must be made presentable. Slaves!" She claps her hands. A dozen young attractive men and women wearing very traditional servant's livery quickly appear, their heads bowed. "These people are our guests," she commands imperiously, "see them to their rooms. I want them cleaned, dressed, and refreshed. Quickly." There is something in that last word that sounds like a threat. Certainly, the slaves take it that way, hustling to perform their duties.
You're led up to your rooms. The accommodations are comfortable, and the slaves are silent and efficient. There are fresh clothes perfectly sized for you, a hot bath, and a platter full of hot, delicious food and fresh water. There's also a decanter full of velvety red wine mixed with healing herbs
"You've done a fine job being a monster Grumblejack. I'm sure if you stay with us, we can find you some delicious meat, and perhaps later some more misguided fools to tear apart. It would be such a shame to let your incredible strength go unused." Marvin said, pointing to one of the slaves and suggesting he find Grumblejack a comfortable place in the stables.
Marvin eyed his hostess warily as he followed the other slaves upstairs. Dangerous that one. I'll have to be mindful to keep my eyes open and my mind closed around her. Still, can't be any worse than prison.
Once upstairs, Marvin wasted no time taking advantage of the hospitality offered, and was especially pleased to change out of the stained clothing he had pilfered earlier in favor of a black suit, more appropriate to his station.
As he enjoyed his meal and sipped his wine, his wounds closed and his mind finally began to settle. Feeling revived, Marvin strode out of the room to rejoin his fellow escapees to meet their mysterious benefactor.
"Take advantage of your well deserved rest Grumblejack." Zyxtyvia says and enters the estate.
She takes advantage of the comforts and takes a hot bath, some good food and a decent pair of clothes- black tunic and cloak.
Celestine was more than willing to get clean and put on some better clothes - after all, what was the point of comforts in life if not to be enjoyed? Besides, she did need to be presentable in order to accomplish her goals, and it was only after she was satisfied that she finally went back out to join the others.
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"Cant we just talk like civilized folks? Oh well."
Erick sighs as he stands. And what papers were we planning on showing them? They knew. It was just a matter of time....
Arriving at the manor Erick smiles as he begins to loudly hoot and holler. He grabs Hal by the shoulders and spins him around. By the Gods you did it!
Damn I though we were all dead there..... He enters the house, awaiting further instructions as he drinks many glasses of wine.[/b]
Linus asks to bathe privately when shown to her quarters and after a nice steaming bath asks for a glass of wine and some chicken to eat.
"I admit we took a bit of a leisurely stroll on the way, dearest," Sholano replied to Tiadora, not even the slightest trace of sarcasm in his voice.
The servants certainly snap to around here. Loyalty or fear, I wonder?
Thoughtful, he followed the slaves upstairs. He grinned widely at the accommodations, throwing himself into the creature comforts with a will. Bathed and freshly clothed (a bit pedestrian for his usual style, but decently fitted, at least), he eyed the wine suspiciously for just a moment before shrugging and tossing it back.
The bruises he'd accumulated through the day faded away suddenly, and he marveled. Who in the Hells was their mysterious patron, that he could afford to throw away such magic on a handful of people - caught and convicted prisoners, yet - that they had never met?
For a few moments, he contemplated the remainder of the wine, wondering if he could stash away what was left in case he found himself...disagreeing with their hosts. He glanced around the room swiftly, looking for a container he could hide away on his person. He snapped his fingers and went to his pile of clothes from the prison, hunting about until he came up with the sack from the veil, removing the empty potion vial from it and swiftly filling it up. He removed the knife from his right boot and replaced it with the vial. He straightened and smiled to himself, feeling much more confident about whatever else the day might bring.
Zyxtyvia will spend some time walking around the estate to get a lay of the land in case she needs to flee another location quickly. She will not get captured again.
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The Cardinal smiles at your acceptance. "Excellent. Let us make it official. Signing in blood is traditional." He brings out a quill, a silver ritual knife, and two copies of a contract written on some unidentifiable leather and written in dark red ink.
The Contract
This one is much easier to read
Once all of you have signed both papers, he takes one and leaves the other copy for you. "Well done. Your first command: prepare yourselves. Stay within the manor. You are still hunted by the Talirean soldiery. In three days, we begin your training."
You're fed, fully rested, bathed, and clothed in garments more befitting nobility than prisoners on the lam. You're also offered a slave of your preferred gender as a 'companion.' On the second day, a slave approaches each of you and meekly inquires what equipment you require. In addition, each of you is given a silver medallion and an iron circlet .
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Erick looks over the contract briefly before signing. He pricks his finger and lets the blood drip over the contract.
Why not. It's this or death in the piss covered prison.
As the slaves arrive Erick smiles as he drags his companion to his room. As morning approaches Erick gives the list of items to the slave to go and fetch his equipment. He gets out of bed and heads down for breakfast. Unfortunately his slave companion does not as her eyes never seem to close. Large bruises are around her neck as it seems Erick strangled her to death before the sun rose.
Once you're sufficiently refreshed, Tiadora leads you to a beautifully-appointed office, richly decorated with dark wood and sumptuous brocade tapestry. Sitting in a leather high-backed chair is a devilishly-handsome fellow who smiles as you enter. "I believe you to be the first to ever escape from Brandesrscar Prison. Well done! Of course, you had help from the outside," he says with a wicked smile.
"But enough with the pleasantries. You must be curious why I've helped you. Rest assured this is no random act of altruism. I have brought you here for a reason. My name is Cardinal Adrastus Thorn. I am the last high priest of Asmodeus left on the island of Talingarde. Once the Prince of Nessus was rightly revered alongside the other great powers. Now, the king of Talingarde has become a puppet to Mitran fanatics who wish to destroy any religion that does not bow to their insipid sun god.
"For their blasphemy, I will see the same people who imprisoned and condemned you suffer. I understand what you went through, for I have faced it myself." With that, he pulls down the sleeve of his robe and reveals his own runic 'F' brand. "I am going to burn Talingarde to the ground, and from the ashes, I will build a new nation that knows its rightful master. I cannot do this alone. I seek servants worthy of our Infernal Father's majesty. Have I found them in you?"
He rises, and his eyes flash with hellfire and divine purpose. "Join me! Serve me well in this holy endeavor, and I will raise you up in the eyes of gods and men. I will make you princesses of the new Talingarde. Today, swear fealty to me and to Asmodeus. Put aside forgiveness, and I shall give you vengeance. Put aside mercy and be made powerful. Put aside peace and become my harbingers of war. What say you? Will you swear your allegiance, or will you burn with the rest of the blind fools?"
As he took in the Cardinal's sweeping ambitions, Sholano's expression slowly changed from mild surprise and doubt to something resembling awe. His eyes practically danced as the disarming smile he'd spent years perfecting gave way to an easy malicious grin more genuine than anything he'd shown their little group so far.
"Princes, you say?" This was a game on a scale larger than the half-elf had yet encountered. No mere grab for wealth or manipulating some country lord's power, here was a chance to play with the strings of a whole nation. "Well, then, Your Eminence," he continued, giving a flourishing bow, "With such an interesting prize on the table..."
Rising, he gave the Cardinal his best conspiratorial smirk, the cheerful gadabout once more. "How could I refuse?"
After, Sholano took his time reading over the contract, making sure he understood every aspect as best he could. He felt a twinge of apprehension - binding oneself by an infernal contract should not be entered into lightly, after all - but eventually nodded. His thief's heart mourned at the fair dealing mentioned in the Third Loyalty, yet he quelled the feeling; a fair share of a dragon's hoard was far better than a full take of a beggar's cup.
Taking up the quill, he jabbed a small neat hole in the meat of his palm, letting the blood cover the nib of the quill. He signed with a flourishing script, marveling as he did so - this is the first contract he had ever signed with his own name, and also the first he ever intended to hold up his end of. He tapped the parchment with the quill, looking over the rest of the assembled crew. With a smirk, he swept them all, including the Cardinal, a grand bow. "Well then. Given the third clause, it seems only appropriate that we are all properly introduced. Sholano Gale, humble weaver of words and gatherer of treasures, at your service, my friends. May our association be a long one."
Once back in his chambers, Sholano took up the offered finery as if it was his due, sending back several combinations with requests for alterations and different styles or colors. In the meantime, he became thoroughly acquainted with the companion the Baron sent up - not exactly the most challenging conquest he'd ever had, to be sure, but then, Branderscar had been enough of a challenge to sate him for a while. The buxom little thing was actually somewhat fierier than he might have expected of a slavegirl, and they spent several pleasantly exhausting hours over the next few days.
At the servant's request for their preference in equipment, Sholano raised an eyebrow excitedly and immediately sat himself down with parchment and quill, scribbling out a lengthy list over the next few minutes, annotated with priority and assuming various levels of generosity. Handing it over to the servant, who looked at him with a nervous glance down at the extravagant series of requests, he waved the meek little man away impatiently.
Marvin carefully examined the offered contract and was a bit surprised by it's simplicity. As he passed the contract to others to read, he tried to gauge what sort of man this cardinal might be. Finally, he shrugged, "I've never been much of a religious man myself, though my wife was. If I can tear down the system that executed her, in the name of her god, perhaps Asmodeus will see fit to reward both of us, in this life or beyond." Marvin carefully rolled up his sleeve so as not to ruin his new clothes, before he contorted his index finger into a wicked red claw and signed.
Afterwards, he addressed his new companions. "I am Marvin Fenster. Unlike some of you," he said, eyeing Erick, "I have managed to avoid the attention of the Mitran crusaders for quite some time. However, when they decided to burn my wife, Lara, at the stake, I resolved to seek vengeance. I thought I had achieved my goal when I mutilated the chief justice, but I see now, that I had only just begun. Let us dine on Mitra's heart, together."
Over the next couple days, Marvin spent most of his time alone. He spent quite a few hours in meditation, trying to understand the newly blossoming transformative abilities that helped him escape Branderscar. Early in the evening on the second night, a bestial roar shook the mansion and a very pale, very quiet Bradley rushed downstairs. A few minutes later, a very confident looking Marvin descended the stairs for dinner.
Zyxtyvia spends her time fashioning a better fetish for her spells using the teeth she collected and makes it into a necklace she keeps under her clothing. She has he house slave go out and acquire the items on her list for her gear and spends the rest of her time in idle activities roaming the grounds.
Unlike some of the others, Celestine didn't bother to avail herself of the... services... that some of the slaves had been conditioned to offer. This was no prudishness, though - she simply had more important things to deal with, and quite simply had no interest in indulging in vices just because she could. It was like getting wrapped up with a tree when you were busy trying to conquer the whole forest... and she inclined her head very deeply indeed when Cardinal Thorn introduced himself as a High Priest of Asmodeus. There was someone worthy of her respect.
"Asmodeus has always been my master... and you are the voice of his will. Tell me what you need, and all within my power shall be done."
After three days, you are once again summoned before Cardinal Thorne. "Have you enjoyed your gifts? The iron circlets allow you to move amongst your enemies as one of them. The silver amulets will remind you of your true loyalties. And the other items - well, you need them now.
"You have done well to escape from Branderscar and to accept my offer. However, you are still not ready for my service. Tiadora will lead you to the basement of this domicile. There you will find nine chambers, each more dangerous than the last. Somewhere hidden within these chambers is a pendant of silver and sapphire. Recover the pendant and bring it to me. Let nothing and no one stand in your way."
He stands up and looks out of the manor house window across the gray moor. "It's almost dusk. You have until dusk tomorrow to bring me my prize. Do not fail me." Tiadora arrives right on cue. "This way."
Linus reads over the contract carefully, not wanting to get screwed over too bad. Deciding, however, that this was better than instant death, she cut open her palm and took up her blood in the quill, signing his name large and extravagently.
After that, she went upstairs with a lovely slave girl to tell stories to and to have a merry time with. She was not so interested in pleasures of the flesh, so he just stayed up talking to the slave girl most of the night.