WotW: A Knot of Thorns The Second Parchment

Game Master Xzaral

Way of the Wicked by Fire Mountain Games

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Female Half-elf Bard 1/Unchained Rogue 3 HP: 20/20 AC 14/10/14: F+2, R +9, W+6 (+2 vs. Enchantments), Per:+18, Init: +10

Gwyn easily catches the pendant. Her smile gone replaced with a grimace.

"Here's hopin' that these guys are just as bad as the one's a Banderscar."

Her free hand subconsciously reaches up to the point on her chest where the guard's sward had bit deep. The memory of the pain and the feeling of her lifeblood gushing out causes her to pale and swallow hard.


HP 21 | AC/T/FF 14/12/12 | CMD 17 | F+3 / R+3 / W+8 | Init +6; PER +10 | Image

The Inquisitor nods, "I have no objections to improving my skills. As for the broken-minded Timeon..." She looks to her comrades for agreement, "I don't think we need him back. We thought you might be able to find a use for him. It seems his faith in Iomedae has wavered."


Male Human
Gwyndolin Maulsen wrote:

Gwyn easily catches the pendant. Her smile gone replaced with a grimace.

"Here's hopin' that these guys are just as bad as the one's a Banderscar."

Her free hand subconsciously reaches up to the point on her chest where the guard's sward had bit deep. The memory of the pain and the feeling of her lifeblood gushing out causes her to pale and swallow hard.

"They are not. They possess much greater skill, with a commander that takes his duty very seriously. A well organized force with few weakpoints and over 100 soldiers. The wall has not been breached for over 80 years. This will not be a simple operation to sneak in and elminate the forces present. Cunning, guile, and planning will all be required. This is why I send you. I believe that your group shall be able to accomplish this task. As we near the mission date, I will provide you with what information I am able."


HP 27/35, Temp HP 0, 3 str damage, AC: 11, Fort +02/ Ref +2 / Will +6, Perception:+5 Channel 8/8, Bolster 8/8, Infernal Healing 50/50, Command Undead 50/50. Active Effects: Fox's Cunning

"This wall is much newer than the one that borders my lands, and likely benefits from more advanced architectural techniques, but the overall design is quite similar to the one the so-called Victor's great-great-grandfather built to hold back my retaliation for his invasion. I have developed many plans for breaching such defenses over the years." Xanos says looking at the map. "Acomplishing the task with a group of our numbers and strength is quite possible."


Cain smirks, "Yah, just hit it with a big enough stick, right?" Despite the smirk and the flippant tone, his eyes remain locked on the map. He studies it for a few seconds, "Bugbears, huh? Never had much to do with bugbears. Big hairy brutes who stink."


"So other than his commitment to keeping a wall standing, what else do we know about this commander?"


Outsider (AC: 22|12|20- For:+5| Rex:+6| Wil:+7- Per:+2Init:+3)
Thorn said wrote:
He will be returned to you after our meeting
Price said wrote:
I don't think we need him back. We thought you might be able to find a use for him. It seems his faith in Iomedae has wavered."

Indeed, it seems it has. However, I agree with Price, he would contribute little to us. I trust you can find a use for him, if not, I am sure you have ways to dispose of him. Maybe his body could be found in a useful place. Oh, and could we have this mounted. We will have to take turns on who gets it, but I sure we can do so without squabbling Teon remove something from his hand, and throws it across the table.


M Head Head 2 neck 2

The head tumbles wildly,


Male Human
Xanos wrote:
"This wall is much newer than the one that borders my lands, and likely benefits from more advanced architectural techniques, but the overall design is quite similar to the one the so-called Victor's great-great-grandfather built to hold back my retaliation for his invasion. I have developed many plans for breaching such defenses over the years." Xanos says looking at the map. "Acomplishing the task with a group of our numbers and strength is quite possible."

Thorn smiles at Xanos, "Which is why I have selected this group to perform this task. For most, it would quite indeed be impossible, but I have faith in your abilities to handle this."


Male Human
Cain... wrote:
"So other than his commitment to keeping a wall standing, what else do we know about this commander?"

Thorn ponders for a moment, standing and moving to the map. He alters the image and it shows a knight in shining armor. "How best to answer that question. Lord Thomas Haverlyn, Knight of the Alerion, Protector of Aldencross, Commander of Balentyne. He is a skilled warrior, serving Iomedae with a zeal matched by few. He is a dangerous opponent, and not just for these reasons."

"This man could have many different posts in the kingdom if he were to choose. But the Watch Wall is what he selected, in defense of the kingdom. It's one of the most dangerous positions a man can be assigned. Years ago his wife, a woman named Bronwyn, died bearing his child, one Sir Richard of Haverlyn. This loss devestated him. His son grown into a skilled holy knight of his own, he now defends the Watch Wall."

Thorn turns back to you. "This man will defend the Watch Wall with his life. He isn't suicidal, but if he can, he will take as many of you down with him, risking it all if necessary. Make no mistake, out of any opponent in Balentyne, do not underestimate him. When you deal with him, do it swiftly and with the utmost care."

Thorn returns the image to the map once again and retakes his seat.


Male Human
Sir Eldon's Head wrote:
The head tumbles wildly,

Thorn looks as the head rolls across the desk, the look of one who is annoyed at a mess. "Tiadora will tend to the squire. And your trophy."


sneak in to dot

Very nice characters, btw.


Cain listens to the information about Haverlyn intently, sharing a look with Price when the Cardinal talks about the man's son. When he winds down, Cain scratches the scruff on his chin, "There anythin' we should know about these bugbears before we start plannin? Specifically about the leader?"


Male Human

"My negotiations with them are still in progress. I will let you know more as the time nears."


"And you woulnd't happen to have access to construction schematics from when the wall was built, would you?" He resists letting his yellow eyes drift to Xanos, "Those could be useful."

After this, I can't think of much else to ask the Card. Anyone else?


Male Human

"I will see what can be accomplished on that end, but I wouldn't hope for them. The fortress itself was old before the Victor established the Watch Wall itself."


HP 27/35, Temp HP 0, 3 str damage, AC: 11, Fort +02/ Ref +2 / Will +6, Perception:+5 Channel 8/8, Bolster 8/8, Infernal Healing 50/50, Command Undead 50/50. Active Effects: Fox's Cunning

"I am afraid they did not allow me to bring the documents when they brought me to Branderscar."


Cain lapses into silence, apparently exhausted of questions. His expression slips into the disinterested detachment he adopts often.


Outsider (AC: 22|12|20- For:+5| Rex:+6| Wil:+7- Per:+2Init:+3)

While I have no desire to bring crass lucre to the forefront, we are going to need a certain amount of supplies and gear in this undertaking. And with half a dozen of us vs. a century of troops, what ever method we may decide upon to deal with them, it will take some time.


HP 27/35, Temp HP 0, 3 str damage, AC: 11, Fort +02/ Ref +2 / Will +6, Perception:+5 Channel 8/8, Bolster 8/8, Infernal Healing 50/50, Command Undead 50/50. Active Effects: Fox's Cunning

"Shulme, I have need of your assistance. At your leisure, please come to my quarters."

Without another word to anyone, Xanos turns and leaves, followed by the corpse Slave.

Spells ain't gonna research themselves...


Male Human

"I will provide you with funds and materials as necessary to complete this task. But remember to be resourceful as well. Consider it a gift, a payment, or what have you, I care not. My concern is the success of this endeavor. Go now, tomorrow, training begins."


Percep +4. Init +8 -- Hp 50/50. AC 18, t12, ff16. Fort+4, Ref+4, Will+6

Shulme watches Timeon as the squire is dragged away.

"I will have words with him when we are done here," he responds to Price, "and find out whether he is worth what little effort has been spent on him."

Xanos wrote:

"Shulme, I have need of your assistance. At your leisure, please come to my quarters."

Without another word to anyone, Xanos turns and leaves, followed by the corpse Slave.

Spells ain't gonna research themselves...

A short while after the meeting, the tall sorcerer enters Xanos's rooms without a knock. Thorn's circlet is in his hands and a frown on his face.


Percep +4. Init +8 -- Hp 50/50. AC 18, t12, ff16. Fort+4, Ref+4, Will+6

At a different time, Shulme sits by Timeon as the squire comes to. The sorcerer practically broods in the darkness of the unlit room.

"Tell me the tales the Iomedaeans tell of Balentyne."


HP 27/35, Temp HP 0, 3 str damage, AC: 11, Fort +02/ Ref +2 / Will +6, Perception:+5 Channel 8/8, Bolster 8/8, Infernal Healing 50/50, Command Undead 50/50. Active Effects: Fox's Cunning

I'll wait for you to finish with Timeon before derailing things with my own tangent


HP 27/35, Temp HP 0, 3 str damage, AC: 11, Fort +02/ Ref +2 / Will +6, Perception:+5 Channel 8/8, Bolster 8/8, Infernal Healing 50/50, Command Undead 50/50. Active Effects: Fox's Cunning

When Gwyn makes it back to her quarters, she discovers a not waiting for her.

Quote:


Miss Maulsen,

As the person of our company least likely to be recognized, you are the logical choice to make necessary acquisitions. Included is a list of supplies I need. On your desk you will find a pouch with the coin the cardinal has allotted to me. Keep whatever you do not use.

X

The list is extensive and detailed, ranging from basic tools, strange exotic spices and cooking oils, medical equipment, taxidermy supplies and flawed gems of various kinds.


As the meeting seems to finish up, the rigors of the underground tests seem to hit home. Giving his teammates a nod, he picks up his bow and leaves. As he heads back towards his cot, he can't help but think on their upcoming job.

Cain has always known that intelligence wasn't one of his strengths, but -- slow-witted as he could be -- he always hated to be unprepared. So his mind -- like a stalking wolf -- began seeking angles to approach the job ahead of them. It's nearly enough of a distraction to take his mind off of the skin turned so raw from that damned mist stuff.

Sleeping off some con damage, unless someone has something pressing for him. :)


Male Human Squire
Shulme-Silule wrote:

At a different time, Shulme sits by Timeon as the squire comes to. The sorcerer practically broods in the darkness of the unlit room.

"Tell me the tales the Iomedaeans tell of Balentyne."

"Balentyne? Yes, I know Balentyne, I served there for a while. Before going with Sir Eldon I did that is. I am a son of House Balentyne, in fact. What does Sir Eldon need of me?"


HP 21 | AC/T/FF 14/12/12 | CMD 17 | F+3 / R+3 / W+8 | Init +6; PER +10 | Image

Price, as well, retires to her room. She takes all the clothing and fabrics she has acquired on this escapade. When she isn't sleeping or considering the mission ahead, she can be found sewing new outfits while happily humming a little tune - the blood-encrusted Laughing Demon mace, leaning against her chair.


Female Half-elf Bard 1/Unchained Rogue 3 HP: 20/20 AC 14/10/14: F+2, R +9, W+6 (+2 vs. Enchantments), Per:+18, Init: +10

Gwyn looks over the lists and wonders if she can get everything in town. She goes to find Tiadora and ask her if she could point her to an armorer that could make lightweight chain that was easy to move around in before disguising herself as a young noble that was part of the army, specifically a ranger (borrowing Price's bow to help sell it).

Gwyn gets everything on Xanos's list and commissions a mithral chainshirt for herself, if she can.
Xanos, can you tell me how much is left after buying everything?


Percep +4. Init +8 -- Hp 50/50. AC 18, t12, ff16. Fort+4, Ref+4, Will+6
Timeon wrote:
"Balentyne? Yes, I know Balentyne, I served there for a while."

"So you said when we first met." Shulme nods. "It is for that reason that I asked."

Quote:
"Before going with Sir Eldon I did that is. I am a son of House Balentyne, in fact. What does Sir Eldon need of me?"

"Let us start with the simple things. A map of the fortress would be of use, if you can make one from memory."

Light blossoms as Shulme sets flame to a small candle. Parchment and pen are at the ready.

"Then, tell me of those you served with there. The names of the commanders, and the customs of the garrison. And last, are there any secrets of Balentyne known only to its guardians?"

Assuming the servants can provide minor things like parchment.


Male Human Squire

"A map? I can kind of make a map, yes." Timeon starts to draw a crude map of what appears to be a fortress. "Yes, it has two levels. And a tower. The Commander sleeps there. And a rookery, very very important. Lots of birds to send messages and requests."

As Timeon draws, his eyes kind of glaze over. "The Commander is a cold man, very cold. Always looks for bad people, sees it in their hearts. Timeon shouldn't tell this, the Commander will see."

Timeon shakes his head a minute as his eyes start to refocus, but quickly loses sight of whatever he was seeing. "The Commander has four captains, yes. Most senior is Captain Barhold. He's nice to me, Iron Sam is, treats all soldiers nice.

"Next Captain Mott. He gruff and rough and kinda mean. But Captain Mott's wife very pretty, very pretty, but she is bad person. She is committing great crime against Mott." Timeon scans the room, shushing you before continuing. "It's secret most not know. Timeon learned by accident, no one but Sir Eldon knows. Kaitlyn is cheating with Captain Eddarly." A mortified look comes over Timeon's face. "But don't tell Captain Mott! Captain Mott very jealous, do not nice things if find out!"

"Captain Eddarly pretty too, but pretty like man. Why Kaitlyn like him. Spend too much time making armor pretty. Good archer, very good. Long pretty hair make look like elf from old book I read."

"Last Captain Varning. He likes horses, makes many trips north of wall. Knows land very well, take Timeon once. Have nice campfire."

"Timeon not know much more."


Percep +4. Init +8 -- Hp 50/50. AC 18, t12, ff16. Fort+4, Ref+4, Will+6

Shulme takes a moment to mull over Timeon's words.

"Good." he pronounces after a time. The sorcerer spends a further moment considering whether the squire needs to be rewarded to secure any further information. After a time he simply calls for a servant and orders food to be brought for him, then turns back to Timeon.

"Think on Balentyne for a time. You will be questioned on this again."

With that the sorcerer gathers up the map and exits, making his way to Xanos's rooms.

Moving this along as the thread seems to be waiting on it. If further Timeon-interrogating is warranted it can happen after Xanos and montage.


Female Half-elf Bard 1/Unchained Rogue 3 HP: 20/20 AC 14/10/14: F+2, R +9, W+6 (+2 vs. Enchantments), Per:+18, Init: +10

Some time after Xanos and Shulme meet.

Gwyn and a couple of slaves bring in the assorted gear and reagents. A board grin shows off her white teeth and she is porting a well made chain shirt that moves like cloth. Two very nice long knives hang at her hips and look to be made of different materials.

"Hello Xanos! Do you have a preference for where you want your new toys?"

After the slaves put the gear where directed and leave, Gwyn shuts the door and turns to Xanos, a pleading look in her eyes.

"Please don't tell anyone I did this."

She wraps in a hug about his middle.

"EEeeeeeeee! Thankyou!Thankyou!Thankyou! I was able to get a couple of new knives thanks to you! Do you want to see them?"

Out of all the evil characters I have come up with (Including ones outside of RPG's) Gwyn is my favorite. :D


HP 27/35, Temp HP 0, 3 str damage, AC: 11, Fort +02/ Ref +2 / Will +6, Perception:+5 Channel 8/8, Bolster 8/8, Infernal Healing 50/50, Command Undead 50/50. Active Effects: Fox's Cunning

Gwyn would probably notice during said hug that there is a bloody bandaged stump where Xanos' left hand used to be. We can get to her reaction in a bit...

Cutting into Xanos/Shulme

Xanos doesn't turn around as Shulme enters. He simply finishes his writing while he speaks.

"These bracers were Fabricated around my wrists. My analysis of them leads me to believe that they were originally Mithril, but whoever built them hardened them during the creation process by adding diamond. It was magically ground, mixed into the invisible spaces in the metal, and re-fused. I have discovered no tools capable of harming it. There is a metal called Adamantine which may work, but it is exceedingly rare and I cannot afford to wait and see."

"They were designed with Scorcerers in mind. Somehow, these runes created something of a Curse effect which blocks me from any internal magical font. There is only a faint magical aura now, which concerns me in it's implications, but the risk must be taken regardless."

Finally finishing his writing, he deposited his quill and turned to look at the man who had once been a trusted acolyte. "Once again I need you to act as my own hands."

Pulling the cover back on a work bench a set of surgical tools was laid out.

Laying his left wrist across the table, Shulme could see that a tourniquet had been applied to the wrist just in front of the bracer.

"My own seems to be getting in my way."


Percep +4. Init +8 -- Hp 50/50. AC 18, t12, ff16. Fort+4, Ref+4, Will+6

Shulme looks around, taking in the gleaming surgical implements. With anyone else, he might have been surprised.

"Once again, I do so freely."

The sorcerer advances and selects a bright knife, eyeing the edge to ensure it is true. He next picks a small saw and lays it close to hand, along with ample bandages.

"Once the cut is made I can still the blood and dull the pain with spells. Until then, endure. I will be swift."


HP 27/35, Temp HP 0, 3 str damage, AC: 11, Fort +02/ Ref +2 / Will +6, Perception:+5 Channel 8/8, Bolster 8/8, Infernal Healing 50/50, Command Undead 50/50. Active Effects: Fox's Cunning

Xanos nods and waits as Shulme begins his work. Once the saw is implimented Xanos' brows raise, and he lets out a small "Hmm.", as if a bit surprised by something. Other than that, he seems to make no consession to the pain.

Once the Shulme had finished and the bleeding was controlled, Xanos held up his other hand to stop him from bandaging the wound just yet.

"Bandages may make removing the bracer difficult."

Pouring oil inside from the top near his elbow, Xanos worked the metal sleeve around and then slowly slid it off.

The skin beneath was ashen and clammy. A ridge had formed where it had rubbed at the top of his forearm. A small spike out of a hole in the back of his arm near where his wrist had been until recently.

Turning his hand over he saw the flat, wide head of a nail driven between the bones of his arm.

He sighed.

With a pair of pliers he removed the nail that had been sealed in by the bracers. The wound showed the beginnings of necrosis.

Cleaning the nail in a bowl of water, he inspected it, nodded, and handed it to Shulme.

It was covered in Iomedaen runes.

"The bracers restrained me and sealed in the nail while it drained me of my power. Rather ingenious really, and a bit flattering that they went through all this trouble just to ensure that I stayed dead when they executed me."


Percep +4. Init +8 -- Hp 50/50. AC 18, t12, ff16. Fort+4, Ref+4, Will+6

Shulme smiles wryly at that, wiping dark blood from his hands. He accepts the nail and holds it to the light to see better, gripping it carefully by the head. Perhaps it could be put to some new use...

"If there were anyone who I would have guessed had a plan to cheat Death, it would have been you. No doubt they thought the same."

A soft command in Aklo ends Xanos's bleeding from the stump of his arm.

Just for kicks and because I have Skill Focus... Knowledge Arcana on it:
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29


HP 27/35, Temp HP 0, 3 str damage, AC: 11, Fort +02/ Ref +2 / Will +6, Perception:+5 Channel 8/8, Bolster 8/8, Infernal Healing 50/50, Command Undead 50/50. Active Effects: Fox's Cunning

"They were correct in their concerns. I had a number of plans. None of them accounted for this particular permutation though. Had they managed to get me to the headsman's block, it is likely they would have succeeded."

Picking up the bracer and peering inside it, he mused.

"This outcome was not entirely unexpected. It occured to me first inside the prison. If the bracers had been responsible for my... lessening, it would have been a simple matter to enact my retribution once they had been removed."

"This way things will take quite a bit longer..."

As the bloodflow stopped and new skin healed, Xanos picked up a silver cap and clamped it down over the stump of his wrist. With a whisper the runes etched into the surface of the cap swirled for a moment and faded. A disembodied hand appeared floating in front of the stump. It's fingers flexed.

"...but are proving to be far more interesting."


HP 27/35, Temp HP 0, 3 str damage, AC: 11, Fort +02/ Ref +2 / Will +6, Perception:+5 Channel 8/8, Bolster 8/8, Infernal Healing 50/50, Command Undead 50/50. Active Effects: Fox's Cunning

Shulme, sorry if I'm cutting off anything you wanted to add. I wanted to get the scene with Gwyn out of the way before she left. You can always ask/comment on the hand scene later if you want.

Later, once Shulme had made his way back to his own quarters, Xanos found himself at the mercy of Gwyn's unexpected exuberance.

As she wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her head against the lower part of his chest, the tall necromancer's eyes went quite wide. Slowly his good hand pressed against her back as he looked down at her with amusement.

"You are quite welcome. Show me."


Female Half-elf Bard 1/Unchained Rogue 3 HP: 20/20 AC 14/10/14: F+2, R +9, W+6 (+2 vs. Enchantments), Per:+18, Init: +10

Whee, I can probably make a post or two tomorrow morning, then I'm off the grid. And did Xanos just smile?!

"Sure! This on- *???* What happened to your hand?"

Gwyn's grin fades as she spots the silver cap where Xanos' hand was. She listens to as much as Xanos tells before continuing on, albeit at a much less "perky" level of glee.

"This one's Carnwennan. I don't know a lot about magic I'm afraid, but do you think it'd be possible to make it so it can shroud me in shadow one day?" She holds up a long curving knife of Cold Iron. The grip is made to be comfortably held with the blade curving towards the forearm or in a more traditional style. The hilt and the blade are dark as night with silver accents.

"And this one's Artgetlam's Claw." This knife is almost identical to the Carnwennan. The difference is it's blade is silver and the hilt is white. The accents are as dark as the blade's twin. "I think that I maybe should have gotten this one made as steel. Silver doesn't hold as good an edge, but there are creatures that are vulnerable to it, right?" She looks up at the tall wizard, almost like a child look up at a parent to get confirmation that their beliefs were true.

And on a side note, I'm thinking of dipping into bard for a couple of levels. Inspire is nice, but I was thinking that Fascinate would be a wonderful fit for Gwyn, and then there's the spells, illusions and the like.


HP 27/35, Temp HP 0, 3 str damage, AC: 11, Fort +02/ Ref +2 / Will +6, Perception:+5 Channel 8/8, Bolster 8/8, Infernal Healing 50/50, Command Undead 50/50. Active Effects: Fox's Cunning

At Gwyn's question about his hand, Xanos simply says "It is right there." and pointed to where the severed hand hung, suspended over a reservoir, slowly draining blood. "I had Shulme remove it."

The tall wizard was impassive as she drew forth the weapons but he did take them as she introduced them and inspected them carefully.

"Indeed, there are creatures which will not enjoy the touch of this blade. Cain may be able to tell you more. The symbology of the blades is fitting with your nature. Common steel simply would not do."

Looking over the blades he nods to himself.

"They will take enchantment. Weapons require different and more costly resources which I do not currently possess, though I am certain we will acquire them soon enough."


Female Half-elf Bard 1/Unchained Rogue 3 HP: 20/20 AC 14/10/14: F+2, R +9, W+6 (+2 vs. Enchantments), Per:+18, Init: +10

"Did I ever tell you how creepy things get around you? I guess I know what's with chopping off the hands now."

She looks away from the hand and shows off her shiny new toys, courtesy of Xanos. She blushes a little when he mentions how fitting the blades were.

"That's what I thought. If making magic weapons was easy or cheap, everyone would have one. Thank you again, I think these will work out much better."

And with that she waves good bye and walks off to get a good night's sleep.


Percep +4. Init +8 -- Hp 50/50. AC 18, t12, ff16. Fort+4, Ref+4, Will+6

Shulme smiles.

"Plans... it seems that within the circles of the world, even the best of them are forever ruled by chance or circumstance."

He glances appraisingly at Xanos's magical hand, and a few more words of less consequence pass before Shulme takes his leave.


Male Human

And thus for the next three months, training commences with our villains under the tutelage of Cardinal Thorn. As the time passes, several events occur.

Firstly, Kalina Jakes rejoins you all, having been debriefed by Thorn over Talirean military practices. She too joins you in the three months training and receiving her own Iron Circlet Just to note, Gwyn should have one too if not already done so, and in fact everyone should except Grumblejack.

Secondly, it becomes obvious that Thorn is not always in the mansion, though he is rarely seen to be leaving. During these times, you are sometimes left in the care of Tiadora, though just as often left to your own devices aside from the training regimen left to you all.

Thirdly, your training is not alone. You spend much time training with the White Ravens, the other group currently staying at the mansion. (I'm assuming you are going to attempt to learn what you can about them). During the training, several things can be learned of them. They are led by the witch Elise Zadaria, who does not venerate Asmodeus, but rather some otherworldy entity called The Endless Winter. Next is the half-elf barbarian Dostan Alfson, a quiet brute loyal to Elise. Third and fourth are the twins Trik and Trak Rackburn. Trak is a ranger devoted to Elise by feelings beyond mere allegiance, and Trik is a true Asmodean cleric. They have their own mission, one they keep to themselves.

As the three months approach it's end, the White Ravens are sent off first, though to where is anyone's guess. A couple days pass, and you are all invited to a banquet in your honor. Food is served, a delicious meal with blood red wine. He congratulates each for what they have done and as the meal near's it's end, Thorn summons forth a creature from the Hells, a devil from the tip of its lashing tail to the serrated features of its fang-filled visage, this fiery-eyed sentinel bristles with barbs. Thorn offers you the choice of servant to be sacrificed to the creature, who is ripped apart with glee by the devil, it's blood drank before you all.

Thorn then draws forth a small amount of the devil's blood with a silver athame, tracing the symbol of Asmodeus into the foreheads of those who share his worship. With no displayed reaction he moves past Xanos, though offers to Shulme to have the mark placed upon him. The ritual complete, he proclaims. “The Nessian Knot is forged.”

“Just in time,” Cardinal Thorn remarks. “My ships have arrived.” On the river dock behind the manor under cover of darkness, two square-sailed longships sail into the slip. They sit heavily in the water, laden with a substantial cargo.


Male Human

You all are given the instructions of the next task before bed, your journey to begin on the morrow. “Welcome, my allies,” he says in a deep resonant voice that has an almost inhuman quality to it. “Training is at an end. You have proven yourself worthy. Now, it is time for you to use that training and take on your first mission.

“Your mission is war, my allies. You will bring war to Talingarde.

“You have two objectives. First, you will see a shipment of munitions delivered to a bugbear chieftain named Sakkarot Fire-Axe. He makes his camp on the northern coast of Lake Tarik beyond the Watch Wall. With this shipment, the Fire-Axe will have resources enough to unite the barbarous humanoid tribes of the north and light the fire of war.

“Sitting on the dock as we speak is the longship Frosthamar captained by Kargeld Odenkirk, as well as another vessel brought for the voyage. Tomorrow when the ships are resupplied it will be your transport. The captain is a ruthless mercenary and not to be trusted. He knows nothing of the specifics of our mission and you should keep it that way. He knows he is smuggling cargo to the north beyond the Watch Wall. That is all he need know.

“Once the cargo is safely delivered, he will take you just south across the lake under cover of darkness and land you near the town of Aldencross. There our contract with Captain Odenkirk will be concluded.

“It is shame how greedy he has proven. I had hoped to let the captain serve me again but it seems he is too much of a liability. Kill him. Kill his crew. Burn his ship and leave no survivors. It is crucial that no one suspects our involvement and that loose ends are taken care of. Be sure to reclaim the coin I gave him. Best not to be wasteful.

“That done, you will begin your second task. We will do more still to aid our ally the Fire-axe. The bugbears are mighty warriors but poor siege engineers. You will infiltrate the tower Balentyne, keystone of the Watch Wall, kill its commander and open the gate for Sakkarot’s horde.

“Once the shaggy monstrosities pierce the Watch Wall, the bugbears will pillage and lay waste to the townships of the north and the local garrisons will have no choice but to meet the Fire-Axe in the open field. Sakkarot is the most brilliant, gifted and murderous bugbear of his generation. I expect these battles will go poorly for the knights and yeoman of fair Talingarde.

“Do all of this and then when your task is done, break this clay seal.” He hands them a delicately carved clay seal adorned with a tangled knot of thorns surrounding the holy symbol of Asmodeus. “I will have more instructions then. Succeed and I will see you rewarded handsomely. Fail or betray me and you will pray for the comfort of Hell before I am done with you.

“The mission you start upon today is a holy mission. The people of Talingarde think they have seen the last of the mighty Asmodeus. Soon enough we will remind them that there is no escaping the grasp of Hell. Let us toast our success.”

He pours one glass of deep red wine for each of you and then finally pours one for himself. He raises the glass and offers a toast.

“To war.”


Female Half-elf Bard 1/Unchained Rogue 3 HP: 20/20 AC 14/10/14: F+2, R +9, W+6 (+2 vs. Enchantments), Per:+18, Init: +10

When Jakes rejoins, Gwyn greets her with enthusiasm.

"Whee! Now I have two people to help bail me out if one of my schemes goes south!"

---The Banquet--
The entire time the devil is present, Gwyn is visibly shaken, and shaking. After stoically receiving the symbol, and the devil is gone, Gwyn takes her glass and quietly adds, "And to vengence." before taking a lacy-like sip of wine.

Later that night she pulls the others aside and quickly sketches out an idea before going to bed.

"If we have to steal from the captain and kill him, and make the whole thing look like an accident, I say we do it about an hour before we make landfall. Steal the money, and then start a fire in the cabin. Slit the throats of the watchmen and get a boat to shore and walk the rest of the way in."

She shrugs and adds, "It's just an idea. We might come up with a better one when the time comes. One that isn't being thought up by wine addled minds."


HP 27/35, Temp HP 0, 3 str damage, AC: 11, Fort +02/ Ref +2 / Will +6, Perception:+5 Channel 8/8, Bolster 8/8, Infernal Healing 50/50, Command Undead 50/50. Active Effects: Fox's Cunning

Xanos is present for the ridiculous spectacle, but he could hardly be said to have been a participant. He does not eat. He drinks only water. He is often so still that it is hard to tell he is awake or even alive. He responds to direct questions with the shortest answers possible. He ignores the summoned demon and does not respond to Thorn's melodramatic monologue. As soon as the toast is completed and the servants begin clearing the dishes, he stands and politely excuses himself.


Male Half Elf (AC: 15|11|14 - For:+4 | Rex:+3| Wil:+5- Per:+2Init:+3)

Fargo is Fargo at the feast. He is far quieter and more tenitive than when he is Teon. He participates in the rights, seeming happy to be part of something. Xanos, did you get my cloak made?


Upon Kalina's reintroduction, Cain gives the bladeswoman a half-grin. "Couldn't stay away, huh?" He casually kicks out a chair for her, "Don't guess a guy can blame ya… Xanos is one impressive specimen of manhood… all tall and dark and charming… too emotional for my tastes, though."

Gwyn wrote:
"Whee! Now I have two people to help bail me out if one of my schemes goes south!"

"Who's the first?" he says, winking over his glass at the small thief, "I been tryin' to get rid of ya since the chains came off… worse than a damn rash."

Fargo wrote:
Fargo is Fargo at the feast.

And Cain is Cain. Combining his usual taciturn quietness with bursts of inappropriate humor… even taking the opportunity -- during Thorn's ceremony no less -- to not so quietly refer to the demon as 'Thorn's horny friend'.

To his credit, his demeanor does shift as the Cardinal discusses their missions. His yellow eyes remain locked on Thorn throughout the briefing with an intense focus. As the man winds down his long list of goals and requirements, Cain sits back, voice thick with sarcasm. "Oh, is that it? And here I thought it might be overly complicated or difficult…"

Despite his sarcasm, he doesn't seem daunted by the task. When Thorn raises his glass, and the toast of 'To war' is given, Cain grunts, takes a gulp, and growls, "To the hunt."


HP: 38/38 AC 22/14/18: F+6, R +4, W+1*, Per:0, Init: +11
Cain... wrote:
Upon Kalina's reintroduction, Cain gives the bladeswoman a half-grin. "Couldn't stay away, huh?" He casually kicks out a chair for her, "Don't guess a guy can blame ya… Xanos is one impressive specimen of manhood… all tall and dark and charming… too emotional for my tastes, though."

Kalina snorts. "My lovers require two hands..." For a moment her eyes size up Cain quite openly, before collapsing into the proffered chair.

Cain... wrote:

When Jakes rejoins, Gwyn greets her with enthusiasm.

"Whee! Now I have two people to help bail me out if one of my schemes goes south!"

"Hey girlie. New knives?" Kalina rubs at her eyes as if just waking up. "Fun three months, huh? His Holiness had me in for a bunch of...chats. I think I enjoyed my trial more. She frowns for a moment. "Don't really remember much of it...mostly wanted to know about the Talingarde military."

Cain... wrote:

"Who's the first?" he says, winking over his glass at the small thief, "I been tryin' to get rid of ya since the chains came off… worse than a damn rash."

"As if you want to drive off the one normal person in our band of freaks. I still don't know what Shulme's story is, and Xanos.....is Xanos."

--------

Banquet
After getting steadily more drunk by the minute during Thorn's display, she downs her wine glass in a single slug after his toast, slamming it down. "'Bout time. Let's bloody get on with it, then!"

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