"I never considered that option," the cardinal replies to Lyrysa's question gazing coldly back at her.
"Merely an passing curiosity." Lyrysa takes the pen and signs her own name to the contract.
The cardinal takes both contracts after you have signed them. Without much ceremony he cuts himself and in his blood affixes his name to the contracts. The wound stops bleeding and closes itself as he hands you one and keeps the other contract. "Well done. Your first command: prepare yourselves. Stay in the manor. You are still hunted by Talirean soldiery. In three days we begin your training."
And with those words the audience is clearly over. Cardinal Thorn clears away the remedies and returns to his desk. Tiadora leads you out of the office. Once the doors has closed behind you, she turns to you with a smile, "a most joyful decision you made," she says and continues: "As the cardinal said you have three days, make the most of this rare respite." She walks with you to the main hall, where the slaves are waiting. With a gesture towards them she says: "Enjoy yourselves.
Lady Adriana looks around at her new new companions. "Well, if we are going to work together we should get to know each other better. My own capabilities lie more in the realm of courtly manners and politics, how lie the rest?
Lady Adriana, I'm sure your talents extend further than that. He says with a wink and a smile. The name given to me by the priest of Asmodeous is Drogan for this life. I am the vessel of our father. Asmodeous incarnate. My powers are growing as my service stays true. I am happy to have another so loyal to the father below. I possess his unholy power both in strength of arms and prayer. I look forward to watching you and young Erodin to see what your ambition's and actions do to strengthen his hold on these lands.
Drogan approaches taking up Adrana's hand giving it a gentle kiss.
"My own skills vary. By trade, I specialize in the buying and selling of labor, as well as the training of such. To that end I've learned several techniques useful beyond my profession. Poison-making, spellcraft, mental coercion, specialized training, appraisal, and positive and negative reinforcement techniques."
Lady Adriana looks around at her new new companions. "Well, if we are going to work together we should get to know each other better. My own capabilities lie more in the realm of courtly manners and politics, how lie the rest?
"Like you, I am noble born, though I have no doubt you are better versed in courtly arts. I found them far less exciting than the hunt. I am skilled in arms, preferring the use of the shield and sword but again, it is the hunt I love. Indeed, it was a that zest for the hunt that lead to the accusations against me, though I still fail to see how teaching grasping weakling peasants a lesson about paying their due is a crime. Something I will rectify when we make progress in the cardinal's plans."
While you talk with each other the slaves begin carrying out their orders. More precisely the girl Erodin first indicated rushes off as commanded while red head steps forward. Her eyes are first kept to the floor, as she answers: "Anything you require my lord." Her tone of voice has just a hint of playfulness.
"A varied and interesting group, it will be a pleasure to work with you all. As for actions and ambitions... well I only have one ambition. Destroy the house of the Victor and bring controlled orderly rule back to this land. I do hope that meets with your approval." The last bit is said with a look in Drogan's direction and a air of playful flippancy. With that, her ladyship will start a slow walk over to a chair a seat herself in a practiced fashion.
A grand ambition my dear. One I hope you see. Tiadora, what can you tell us of our Cardinal?
Are there any checks related to find out anything here.
I would like to better know the man I call master. I could also use some better gear and to be done with this tainted stuff that my captors wore. Chain Mail would be nine. A long spear. I like this mace, I think I will keep it. It reminds me of the guard skulls it crushed. The slaves are nice and all, but what does one have to do to gain time with you or are you reserved only for the Cardinal?
Drogan sits forward anxious for a response to his flirt.
Tiadora smiles at the questions. "That is for our master to say," she waves of the first question and continues: "Fear not Sir, you will be provided for." After a pause she playfully adds: "Martially that is" and laughs lightly. Turning her attention to all of you she says: "I would suggest that you are well rested and fed before the training begins, perhaps a little sparring would do you good."
"A varied and interesting group, it will be a pleasure to work with you all. As for actions and ambitions... well I only have one ambition. Destroy the house of the Victor and bring controlled orderly rule back to this land. I do hope that meets with your approval." The last bit is said with a look in Drogan's direction and a air of playful flippancy. With that, her ladyship will start a slow walk over to a chair a seat herself in a practiced fashion.
Randu chuckles, "I like her style," He admits to Drogan.
He motions for Loreena to bring him another drink and nods to Tiadora, "Yes, as much as I will welcome the rest, training together will be necessary, particularly since Erodin and Adrianna do not know our measure yet, nor we theirs. Still, I wonder if there will be time to go on a hunt? My skills are ...rustier than I remember."
"If a hunt would please the gentlemen than by all means, hunt to your heart's content. M'lady Lyrysa, would you mind ever so much if we two stay behind? A more genteel setting is preferable to a hike out in the forest, and it would be ever so dull without company that is not programmed to service my every need." The good lady flashes Lyrysa a mischievous smile.
"Alas my lords, soldiers are hunting these lands for you and the cardinal has asked for you to stay within the manor," she explains and suggests: "Perhaps the sparring room could serve as an alternative?"
"Ah, not the same, but it will have to do I suppose,"The ranger nods
Summerising that the conversation might be heading towards its end tiadora says: "I'll take my leave, the servants should be able to assist you."
You and.....You come with me. I wish to see more of this place.
Drogan selects two slave girls. Asking them to give him a tour of the place.
So why does the Cardinal have so many of you slaves. Is it just for Tiadora's amusment? Are there others here that you cater to as well? If so I would like to meet these other people.
"You and I may share comon interests, Erodin, something I did not expect," Randu confesses with a smile, "But it appear for now our first orders are to stay in the keep and thus we cannot enact your most excellent plan of showing those seeking us what true predators are like."
He turns to Lyrysa and Lady Adriana Barad as well, "You two ladies seem well versed in arcane matters, and I suspect you, Lyrysa in particular, might have heard of this: Do either of you know some magic that do not merely charm while the spell lasts, but instead actually cause a person to completely shed their weakling morality and embrace the virtues of strength, ambition, and so forth?"
Lyrysa thinks on Randu's question. "While magic is indeed a potent tool, it doesn't change a person's nature in and of itself. Something my own...instructor was well versed in trying. But magic is only one tool to be used. If you wish to truly break a person's nature involves much more than just magic. You have to destroy them mentally and build them up into something else. Similar to how soldiers train their muscles for wielding a sword, the same is done to the mind. It simply needs an instructor. Magic, poisons, words, rewards, punishment, all are of use. The regimen must be set not only to the individual, but to the desired goal. Turning a person into one of these..." Lyrya nods towards a nearby slave, "...can be done without magic and on a more permanent basis by changing nature.
"But from the nature of your question you are looking towards something a little different. Perhaps you could elaborate on your goal?"
"Sadly I have yet to come a crossed such magic in my studies. Not that it would be impossible, just that I have not yet come a crossed such things. Would be interesting to research such a thing."
Randu listens to Lyrysa and Adriana's answers and frowns ever so slightly. It is clear he was hoping there was a simple means of magic not so different from stories of wizards instantly turning folk into frogs.
"But from the nature of your question you are looking towards something a little different. Perhaps you could elaborate on your goal?"
Randu nods, "I suppose I should. Our fates could not be more intertwined, now that we have all signed the contract especially. Ladies, my father is Lord Randol Bathroy. He betrayed me, his son, and tried to strip my name from me. He's going to die for that, that and his weakness. I may even slay a few rivals among the male members of the blood, BUT... slaying my entire family is a waste. Not all were eager to see me punished, and, at while you make think it a character flaw, I do not like killing women. Partially this is because of upbringing, I suppose, some tattered remnant of chivalry I cannot completely disregard, but also it is practical. If you see a stag and want sport? Slay him. There will be another in time. But if you see a Doe? You kill her and you can kill a part of the future for only the female has the power of life. I don't to wipe all my line out, but too many of the women in my family are far too soft hearted. I was hoping for an alternative to slaying them but rather bringing them around to my way of thinking. I want the blood line to continue with the family name or no, and if it is just me alive, well, that does reduce the odds. I hope this does not offend you ladies. They are already slaves as far as I see it. I do not seek to chain them so much as to open their eyes."
As an after thought, Randu adds "Besides, the look on father's face knowing I had recast the family in my image right before I gave him the final stroke would be... priceless."
The two girls Drogan indicated walks dutiful to him. The taller of the two a brunette answers in a hushed voice: "That is not for me to speculate on such matters my lord." The other woman a blond picks up where she stopped. "There are 4 other guests of the house, in the right wing. Would you like to meet them now?" she asks in the same defeated voice.
Ah, other house guest, yes I would, Maybe they have some more information on who the cardinal is.
The two women lead you in the opposite direction of the cardinal's office. As you walk down the hall dull bumps can be heard. Your guides stops outside a double door. The blond knocks and shortly after opens the door, "My lords and lady a guest to see you." she presents and steps aside. Looking into the room you see much open space and some wooden weapons along the walls. The two combatants stop sparing and looks at you. A rather large half-elf holding a great wooden sword and a slightly short human both males look back at you. "Now let him in would you," the order originates from a female voice in the left of the room. Walking inside you see a beautiful woman and a man almost identical to the human fighting sitting by a table.
Ah, more guest of the Cardinal. I am Drogan, Vessel of Asmodeous, the reborn and prophesized one. You my lady are strikinly beautiful. May I have your name?
He approaches and offers a bow to all. He then looks back to the slaves.
Girls, fetch us some wine. I would like to share a drink with new friends.
He then looks back to the lady with a smile.
Please don't stop becuase of me, Continue your training...
Looking to the two with weapons.
May I sit with you and chat?
Looking back to the woman.
The women quickly obeys your orders and disappear. The pale woman with dark hair and piercing blue eyes looks up at up, seizing you up. She gives the combatants the slightest nod and they continue, however still watchful of you. "A vessel even, how exciting Titus" she says to the man sitting by the table. She extends her hand to you. "Elise Zadaria pleased to meet you," she says, continueing: "Do take a seat."
"What is everybody's plans for the evening? I for one would not mind dinner company this evening. I am sure we could find a suitable meal in this house." Adriana seems a bit bored with the whole proceedings, the conversation having taken a turn into personal vendettas.... she was not ready to speak of her own revenge plans.
Drogan meets her gaze, never looking to acknowledge the other man sitting.
Elise, an elegant and beautiful name for a lovely woman. Thank you for the seat. So are you in service to the Cardinal? Or just friends passing through? I have signed a contract. It seems he has grand plans for these lands and is in need of loyal followers. His goals are grand but still they amuse me. He has faith in Asmodeous and calls himself a high priest yet I do not know of him. Asmodeous tells me to follow at least until the time as I take my places as High Priest and master. I hope when that day comes I have a friend as lovely as you. How long have you been here at the manor?
Drogan is trying to flatter and put at ease even to the point of seeming weak. He wants her to view him as not a threat and hopefully she will share some info.
"Agreed, Erodin, the lady seemed to be pressing for it anyway, and I fear I grew soft in that damn cell anyway," Randu seems pleased that his title is being used
A younger man steps forward, politely awaiting your finishing your conversation he says: "This way please," and lead you to the right side of the house. Once there the door is open and two men can be seen sparring. Drogan sits by a table speaking with a woman, a man sits quietly listening.
Both have been quiet allowing you to speak. It is actually just a bit to long to comfortable. Finally she speaks: "Well thank you dear." The words peak a interest from the taller of the two training. She continues unaffected: "The cardinal's goal impresses me and we have chosen to work with him towards them."
Ah, my friend come in.
Drogan looks back to Randu and Erodin.
Lady Elise, allow me to introduce to you Lord Randu Bathroy, and Lord Erodin Stark. They are allies of mine. Gentlemen please joing us, or have you came to play with the weapons?...
I am delighted to hear you are working with the Cardinal I too have signed a contract. I can only hope we one day may get to work together. What do you know of the Cardinal, besides sharing his ambition he seems a private man.
"Alas not much I am afraid. The cardinal is as you say a very private man." she glides of on the question.
Well let us not dwell on fhe subject then. What about you my dear, I would love to hear your stroy. Care to join me for dinner tonight?
A playful glance passes in her eyes as she looks to the combatants. "I would love to," she answers. One of the two behind you clears his throat and a outcry of pain follows.
To those looking at the two fighting the larger half-elf stops at her word and clear his throat, the man ceases the opportunity and hits him heavily in the chest.
"What is everybody's plans for the evening? I for one would not mind dinner company this evening. I am sure we could find a suitable meal in this house." Adriana seems a bit bored with the whole proceedings, the conversation having taken a turn into personal vendettas.... she was not ready to speak of her own revenge plans.
"I had considered studying a tome of magical knowledge I acquired in our recent travel here, but I don't believe I will make much headway this evening. Better to prepare in the morning for that kind of thing. Of course it seems the men have attempted to abandon us to our own devices. Give me just a moment." Lyrysa turns to the nearby servant, "Girl, come. I have a request."
She waits for the serving girl to come over, "I am in need of inks and quills, the type used for inscribing magical words." Lyrysa lists off several types as she goes on, making sure she understands. "If this is something that you can acquire, do so. Otherwise let me know."
With that she turns back to Adriana. "So then, shall we see about finding that meal?"
Should practice weapons be available, Randu will grab some rather than use the ones he took from their escape. He tests the 'blade' with some quick practice moves, then nods if it should prove suitable
The man glares angrily at Erodin, he doesn't seem inclined to accept the advice offered. "Let's go Trak, you have lost your focus and I'm winning to easily" the half-elf says to Trak. The two walks away from the centre of the room and join Elise and Drogan at the table, letting Erodin take both their wooden weapons. He now stands with a greatsword and a longsword while Randu moves along the wooden weapons by the wall until he finds one he is satisfied with.
The girl step forwards and listens carefully to your words. She struggles with understanding your arcane requirements. Finally she shakes her head while saying: " I am sorry milady I don't believe we have any of those remedies."
I am not unwilling here, but my plan is to give the party equipment during these 3 days, so a little more patience. Have you given any thought to which spells you would want for your level 2 choices. In my opinion you only have read magic at the moment and what you can get from the warden's spell book. What do you think? My reasoning is that you lot your spellbook and thus have no spells except the memorised.
Drogan stands as Elise accepts.
You make me happy, a feat not many have acomplished. I will try and not let all the pleasure be mine...
He smiles and offers a bow.
Until tonight then Lady Elise.
Drogan then looks to the human that is obviously jealous and offers a wink and a smile as if saying "your move"
I should join those two. I could use a bit of a work out myself. It just seems I have all this energy that needs a release.
Drogan walks over to Erodin and Randu. He passes close wispering in each ones ear.
Look sloppy, play down your skills.
"Yes, a meal and some drink. You can tell me all about how you escaped the inescapable prison."
"Yes, Erodin, I do believe I'm ready," Randu asserts, "Let's try to work on making a future prince out of you, and a better warrior out of me." He chuckles.
"Yes, a meal and some drink. You can tell me all about how you escaped the inescapable prison."
"Not too much to tell. The warden provided us the means of escape, and we took advantage of the situation." Lyrysa relates the story of Branderscar prison over the course of dinner.
Randu and Erodin are allowed the entire floor for their exercise while the other group gather at the table watching. Drogan moves along the lines of weapon searching for a suitable one while the lord and the soldier engage.
As one of the servants lead Lyrysa to the table where Adriana waits she asks: "My mistress want to know what gifts she might buy you?"
"Fascinating tale my dear, an ogre you say, dead now, such a pity, extra companions that are not with us now, a pity that too, other such platitudes and exclamations of excitement and or interest."