Your Benevolent Dictator |
You wake up in Brandescar Prison - a place supposedly escape-proof. Aside from your prison rags, you have nothing. In addition, your left arm has been branded with a runic 'F'. It means you've been Forsaken. Your ties with the world have been cut, and after you die, all traces of your existence will be erased.
All of you are chained hand and foot to the wall with strong iron manacles. Shinoko is the only exception - instead of manacles, she has metal cages that completely cover her hands (like what prisoner Elsa has in Frozen). These are attached to a wall, but her feet are left free so she can walk around a little.
You share your cell with four other people. Tolus, of course, is one of them. There’s also a wiry, agile-looking man. There’s a demonic-looking specimen who’s chained as far from the cell door as possible. Lastly, there’s a pink-haired girl who looks to be around nine years old.
You share your cell with four other people. There’s a muscular, cruel-looking man with a fanatical light in his eyes. There’s a wiry, agile-looking man. There’s another fanatical-looking man who – like you – seems slightly off-putting. Lastly, there’s a pink-haired girl who looks to be around nine years old.
You share your cell with four other people – all adults. There’s a muscular, cruel-looking man with a fanatical light in his eyes. There’s a wiry, agile-looking man. There’s another fanatical-looking man whose appearance is slightly off-putting – like he’s not quite human. Lastly, there’s a demonic-looking specimen who’s chained as far from the cell door as possible.
You share your cell with four other people. There’s a muscular, cruel-looking man with a fanatical light in his eyes. There’s another fanatical-looking man whose appearance is slightly off-putting – like he’s not quite human. There’s a demonic-looking specimen who’s chained as far from the cell door as possible. Lastly, there’s a pink-haired girl who looks to be around nine years old.
You share your cell with four other people. Ekkehardt, of course, is one of them. There’s also a wiry, agile-looking man. There’s a demonic-looking specimen who’s chained as far from the cell door as possible. Lastly, there’s a pink-haired girl who looks to be around nine years old.
Shinoko |
Shinoko angrily shook her shackles, mumbling something but only frustration coming out of it, a weird glow flare and dim on her forehead. Finally, she takes a breath. "What's going on! Please! Let me out! Why am I here? These people are scary! Please! Please help!!" She begins to sob.
Ekkehardt |
Ekkehardt studies each of the other cell mates with intensity, measuring their potential prowess and worth.
Each receives his unblinking gaze for several long moments, until his gaze falls on Tolus.
Well, my old friend, our fates have taken an unexpected turn. We must have been betrayed from within our own house. That you are here, this means it was not you. I am grateful for your loyalty and devotion to our cause. Thank you.
Turning visage to the others.
How is it that a child has been placed with us? Hmmm, little one? You are not one of us, yet you have been branded as we are.
That is surely a monster. Have you speech creature, or are you a beast in mind as well as body?
An what of you, sir? What have become to be placed with us wicked souls?
Ekkehardt smiles and chuckles, like he is at gathering of friends at a sunny picnic. His tone is light, calm, cheerful and open.
Ekkehardt |
Shinoko angrily shook her shackles, mumbling something but only frustration coming out of it, a weird glow flare and dim on her forehead. Finally, she takes a breath. "What's going on! Please! Let me out! Why am I here? These people are scary! Please! Please help!!" She begins to sob.
At the child's cries
Be calm little one. Yes, I am frightening, yes, you are scared. But be calm, I am not here to hurt you, child. My name is Ekkehardt, what is yours?Tolus Soulrender |
Tolus groans and rolls his neck. A night of rough treatment has led to a dull soreness in his muscles. A different pain radiates from his left arm.
Ahh, Forsworn. Could be worse. I almost failed.
He focuses on Ekkehardt and lays the foundations for a link. Psionic energy seeps from his mind and easily crosses the distance to his lord. The link snaps into place without hindrance. Fools. Only basic precautions. And this place is said to be inescapable!
Then Ekkehardt speaks to him. He rolls his jaw to make sure it still works before answering, I remain as I shall always be, my lord.
Next on the list was his crystal. It was not here. Oh well. It would regenerate and seek him out over the course of the day. That is, if then child's mewling didn't keep it at bay. Ekkehardt was best to deal with that.
Tolus let's Ekkehardt do the talking for now. Even here they slip into their usual roles. He marks another mistake of their captors: they put them all here together.
Sense Motive on everything: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Or take 10 for 19
Shinoko |
Shinoko sniffs, calming herself as best she can. "I'm Shinoko... I don't understand why I'm here... I want my papa!" Her cries ring out again, tears streaming down her face.
Talenvere Steelguard |
"Ah hells, let her cry it out."
He growled his voice clearly used to loud yelling from the stiff set of his shoulders and the way he stood rigidly sevice of sorts was probably the cause.
"tough luck to be put down here little one with us degenerates."
He said eyeing the others carefully, He was pretty sure these others were from that cult he had overheard the guardsmen talking about, and he thought he had it bad. He carefully test the manacles attached to the wall pulling on each to test its steadiness. He didnt have much hope to get to that man now... but at least that cheating tart was dealt with.
Shinoko |
Tears continue to run down Shinoko's cheeks. "Why are you all chained up differently from me?" She banged the two shackles together and pulled on them until she fell, then promptly began crying again.
Tolus Soulrender |
This little one is of high interest to Tolus. Either she was acting very well indeed, or she was not. Either way, she bore watching closely. They didn't brand anyone for no reason. The demon spawn was impressive. Tolus almost expected him here. The other? Who knew. Neither were as interesting as a crying child.
Your Benevolent Dictator |
After some time, your cell door bursts open. Six heavily-armed guards enter led by a fat well-dressed officer. All of you recognize him: Sergeant Tomas Blackerly. This is the man who branded you and laughed as your skin burned. He points at Talenvere. "You there! That's the scum! Get 'em unshackled. If any of you makes trouble, they'll earn a thrashing! Today's your lucky day, scum. You've got a visitor. How you ever warranted such a fine lady is beyond me. Seems she wants to say good-bye. Now step lively. We wouldn't want to keep her waiting."
Shinoko |
Shinoko's eyes lit up. "Please! Let me out!! Please don't kill me! I'm only nine! I haven't done anything wrong! PLEASE!" She begins to sob louder, her sentence cracked with her cries.
Tolus Soulrender |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Tolus sneers at the plump Sergeant, but says nothing.
The cries he elicits only confirm that this girl was obviously suffering from memory problems. She was obviously guilty of something, even if that something was being born, like their fiendish companion.
Talenvere Steelguard |
He scowled at the fat sergeant, as they began to unshackle him.
How could they make trouble shackled up as they are? Incompetant as well as corpulent are we?
He began rather snarkily. In truth he was confused, unsure who would be visiting him at all. The only lady he could think of... his eyes widened when the words registered. He had murdered his wife in a fit of rage... they must have... have. His eyes narrowed.
sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Your Benevolent Dictator |
A few of the guards look apologeticly at Shinoko as Talenvere is unshackled. Blackerly just laughs. The guards leave with Talenvere, and the door is slammed shut and locked.
"Oh, dearest," I'm so relieved you're alive!" She quickly turns to Blackerly. "Could we please have a moment alone, good sir? For pity's sake?" Blackerly goes blank for a bit and then quickly agrees. "Of course, my lady. For you, 'tis no problem." He and the guards exit, leaving you alone with the unfamiliar woman. (Let me know if you want to do/say anything during your transit)
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
This woman clearly has some kind of power over Blackerly.
Talenvere Steelguard |
hehe naw for the moment i will leave the whole stoic evil bad person aura going on.
Who are you?" I half expected to see my cheating lying wife here to taunt me with her family's power.
He growled out slightly, a little confused. When he was confused he got cranky. Not that there was exactly a whole lot to be excited about... what with a death sentence on ones head.
He did have a powerful curiousity whom this woman was, clearly she held some sort of sway of the fatman, be it through magic, feminine wiles, or more classic means like blackmail, still his guard was up.
Your Benevolent Dictator |
"If you manage that, 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. That is all I know. He did want me to give you this."
Tiadora takes off her silken veil and wipes away a few fake tears with it. "Something to remember me by, dearest."
(I'll give you the specifics later, but it's similar to a robe of useful items.)
Tolus Soulrender |
While they are sitting there... chained to the wall... Tolus quietly turns to Ekkhardt. Who do you think it was, my lord? Samwell had cause, being from a knighted family. Arthur seemed rather dour as of late, though that may have been due to his girl sleeping with one of his friends... His voice trails off as faces of many people now long dead flip in his mind. He tries to find the culprit, but nothing jumps out at him that he hasn't thought of at least once since the raid.
Talenvere Steelguard |
He blinked at her for a moment completely taken aback. Was she mad?
Who, yes? No....
He shook his head and took the veil confused as to its purpose.
This is to help somehow?
He asked taking great care to conceal the veil on his person.
Your Benevolent Dictator |
Blackerly shakes his head. "I'm afraid it's time, miss."
She looks deep into his eyes and says, "Thank you for letting me say good-bye. There's no need to search my dearest. You are such a good friend for letting me see my dearest one more time."
"Such a good friend," Tomas repeats almost mechanically. Then the watch sergeant seems to snap out of it and bows politely. "A pleasure, madam." Tiadora leaves unveiled. Her eyes meet yours one last time, and she briefly gives a wicked smile. "Three days... Don't disappoint me, dearest..." telepathically echoes in your mind. The visitation concluded, you're taken back to your cell by a cadre of guards and shackled once more.
The cell lights are dimmed and the door to your cell is locked once more. It sounds like two guards remain stationed outside the door.
This appears to be a fine silk veil of gossamer cloth. Only as it is held and closely inspected can you see small cloth patches of various shapes. One patch can be detached each round as a move action. Detaching a patch causes it to become an actual item. This veil contains:
Dagger x2
Bullseye Lantern (full, lit, and shuttered)
Hemp Rope (50ft)
Spell Component Pouch x1
Set of common clothes x5 (one set is child-sized)
MW Thieves Tools
Window x1 (2ft x 4ft)
Potion of CLW x1
100gp
Silver Unholy Symbol of Asmodeus x1
Talenvere Steelguard |
Well that was interesting.... lets play a fun little game shall we as we pass the time, Say... we escape what you all going to do?"
He asked loudly chuckling keeping a wary eye on the door. Nighttime would be of course the best time to escape, but he was entirely unsure of the correct time, he assumed evening perhaps, he highly doubted even with whatever magical effects that lady had that they woudl... well accept visators in the dead of night.
Tolus Soulrender |
If we were to escape, I would head to the Capitol and piss on the High Altar. Tolus says with a wink. What about you? Visit that visitor of yours?
Ekkehardt |
Ekkehardt face widens in a manic grin as he chuckles unnervingly.
I never planned on going to Hell's table alone or quietly. It appears our Lord has greater plans for us than to die here. I am happy to cut our way from this stink hole. Even if I die, I would prefer it to be on my feet sending souls to hell.
When do we begin?
Tolus Soulrender |
The sooner the better. My lord Ekkehardt and I have a mission that does not include rotting in prison.
Shinoko |
Shinoko stands again, her tears staining her face. "If you help me out, Ill help you out as well." Her voice isn't that of a nine year old anymore and she isn't crying.
Tolus Soulrender |
Ahh, there we go. Tolus thinks. Nice to meet you, little one. Finally. You show an impressive will to persist in your ruse for as long as you did.
Shinoko |
She smirks at Tolus. "Hells, I want to get out of here just as bad as the rest of you, I have my ways, you have yours."
Tolus Soulrender |
Tolus decides he's going to like this one. Very true. Very true. They wouldn't put you with the like of Lord Ekkehardt here without good reason, now would they?
Shinoko |
"I guess they wouldn't. Oh what could a little girl have done to get herself locked up here with big bad evil guys?" She giggles.
Ekkehardt |
There is no need to hide what we are from one another, little one. Some discovered their truth and calling early, they needed not waste effort finding their personal truth.
I came to my calling after a long sleep, lulled by the word and tradition to this false peace.
Once I had wakened, I was free, no longer Blinded by my ignorance.
I would be pleased to have you help us, I believe I would be pleased to have you all help us.
I would be happy to share my Vision with you as well.
The light in his eyes is nearly a visible flame, his voice is calm and powerful. Nearly soothing, like a fathers baritone voicing approval to his children.
Ekkehardt |
I do not think we rate Big Bad Evil, quite yet. Perhaps tomorrow?
@Tolus:The like, Tolus? Have your ears heard more of me than mine? Please enlighten me on what you have heard of my "like"?
His tone is light, jovial even, but nonthreatening to his oldest friend and truest ally. His devotion and conviction made him loyal to our Lord and by extension Ekkehardt. For now, and potentially, a long time.
Tolus Soulrender |
I thought you knew, my lord. The kind that isn't a mindless drone of the Idiot God that dominates this continent. Tolus says. His eyes laugh, though only the corner of his mouth turns upward.
Shinoko |
"By the way, my name is Shinoko, not 'little one'. Only a certain privileged few get away with calling me that. But beyond that, I think we will all need each others hep in this. It would be so wonderful to get these strange shackles off."
Shinoko rolls her eyes. "I try to forget about the "Idiot God". It doesn't work well, but I still try."
Tolus Soulrender |
Very well, Shinoko. You may call me Tolus as we must trust one another. Most people call me the Soulrender.
Ekkehardt |
This was known to Me. I believed you might have heard something more entertaining than the usual heretics and heathens drivel.
I believe one of the guards called us cannibals. Did you hid the recipe for ribs well? It would be a shame to lose that one.
I am sure Our Father is spreading some of the drivel about. The Fool...
Tolus Soulrender |
I did better than hide it, my lord. I memorized it. We would do well to avoid our former home. It will be watched as soon as our escape becomes known.
Shinoko |
Shinoko attempts to hide her disgust at the idea of setting fire to things. So much colateral damage, so unprofessional. Why use such a barbaric and inefficent way to kill?
She rolled her eyes again. "I sure do miss Bunny. I hope I can get him back soon. I miss my Bunny..."
She doesnt look at this Lusk character, though she didn't like the idea of canabalism, either. As far as she could remember, Asmodeus said nothing of this, though I guess in certain circumstances it could be useful... Just not for sheer thrill. Who were these people...
Talenvere Steelguard |
While they all spoke he carefully removed the theives tools, it would be a difficult thing to remove his manacles with the way his hands were, but he had been trained by some very good men in the navy. Once never knew of the sort of traps about on a pirate vessal after all, woudlnt do to have traps taking out their best. He hoped they kept talking, covering up any chance of the guards to possible hear his work.
Indeed if I were to get out of here, i would be inclined to visit that visitor of mine, perhaps bring you all along so she could meet you.
He said with a dark chuckle.
Unlike you all, Im just a simple man, whose cheating wife had powerful family.
disable device: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Shinoko |
"Oh, I didn't do anything too bad." She smirked. "But I would like to get out of here... Unfinished business, you know?" For the first time, a true tear rolled down her cheek. Only one, silent tear.
Your Benevolent Dictator |
Manacles are a DC 20 to unlock. Talenvere takes -2 if he's unlocking himself. All other locks get +2 due to their similarity. If you fail a roll, the guards hear something. To completely free yourselves, you'll need 7 successes (4 manacles + 1 foot chain + Shinoko's 2 arm cages). Keep rolling until everyone's free or you fail a check.