Johan woke with a splitting headache, multi-coloured dots dancing before his eyes.
Agrippa awaits his Master's call, and the chance to summon Hellfire to devastate the Mitran.
Father Sidious begins to gather his flock.
Tiadora contacted you when you broke the clay seal. She has been commanded by her master to escort our band of villains to their next mission. She leads you to a ramshackle river barge “Halstyn’s Folly” tied to Lake Tarik’s bank. The captain and three man crew of this shallow-bottomed barge are all thoroughly under Tiadora’s control. They are certainly no threat. Tiadora will tolerate no delay. “The master commands you board. You will learn more later.”
Accommodations are crude. There is only one cabin and Tiadora has already evicted the so-called captain and made that her own personal domain. The she is not particularly adept at sharing. That means that the rest of you must sleep with the crew on the deck of the barge. There is a roof but no walls and at night on the lake and rivers, it can be bitterly cold.
“The Folly” in a journey through the great scar that almost cuts the isle of Talingarde in twain. The barge is sluggish making less than twenty four miles a day.
Tiadora herself is not idle. Though “The Folly” is adequately provisioned and never docks, every night the barge anchors within sight of a village or keep.
During the night, fire, screams fills the air.
Every morning, at the barge resumes its journey, Tiadora watches from afar as another settlement wails and mourns.
Agrippa is sullen and quiet after the failure of his ritual to summon a devil with which he could study.
The heretical cleric communes with Hell's servants! Why not I? Did I not cause the town to fall? Did I not serve the interests of Hell faithfully? Perhaps Hell has no use for me...well I am Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim and I will not be denied! If subtlety and servitude will not provoke aid, perhaps brute strength is required. And if not that, there are other Planes with which to commune.
After the first day on the boat Sidous offers an Endure Elements to any who wish it. I wonder if the crew would put up with me casting a Web Shelter? he asks the group.
Johan turns down the endure elements. He was used to hard living. hardship scours the soul he says to Sideous. Thou he couldn't remember if that was an Asmodean or Mitran saying, it seemed appropriate, and lent meaning to his growing collection of scars.
This same routine continues for eleven days.
Agrippa has no plans other than to sulk, and perhaps copy a couple spell scrolls into his spellbook.
After you enter the barge, someone you already know comes to greet you.
”You un’ are alive after all.” says the ogre with a ugly grin ”Grumblejack did not believed when… hum… Mistress…” he says, with a helpless look in Tiadora direction ”…said you were alive! But where is the Fat un’? And the Ugly un’? Grumblejack does not know those others un’s.” he says pointing to Sidious and Agrippa.
Johan smiles inwardly at the sight of Grumblejack, the unusual ogre he and Eldred had liberated from Brandersacr prison what seemed a lifetime ago. His mood darkens when Grumblejack asks about Damien and Malgrim. Dead or departed, he responds flatly. The witch did not keep faith with the knot, and paid the price for his betrayal. Johan flicks the pelt of Damien's familiar, Ace, which adorned his belt. As for Malgrim the hobgoblin, he left for the northlands. We have not felt the knot break as we did with Damien's faithlessness, so I can only assume he did so on the Cardinal's order.
As for these others... This is Heinrich Cornelious Agrippa, a wizard of some skill. He is the Cardinal's man. This other is Father Sidious. He speaks with the voice of the Dark Prince. We rescued him from the tin cans and he has been an asset to our cause ever since. We are taking him to meet the Cardinal I think.
And you ogre? how have you fared as a guest of the Cardinal this past month? Not eaten all the servants I hope? Oh, I almost forgot... Johan rummages through their gear and unwraps an oilskin bundle. A souvenir for you - a new can opener. Johan hand's Captain Kargeld's greataxe to Grumblejack
Grumblejack takes the axe, it looks like a small toy in his hand.
"Grumblejack will carry it for you!" he jokes. At his back, a large greatsword.
"Ah, the magik un' had what he deserved! Grumblejack never trusted the ugly one too!" then he walks over the sulking Agrippa and sniffs the air "This one has a smell that Grumblejack recognizes, but can't place."
Now that the ogre walked closer, in his towering height, his loud fullplate, you see he has two small horns in his head.
They remember you very much like tiefiling horns, and they are no doubt demonic in nature.
Agrippa studies the brute but he fails to put things together
Sidious is clueless about the horns but greets the large creature with the respect his size and strength is due. [b]Well met warrior. I am Father Sidious, spiritual advisor to these men. I hope we can become good friends. [/b[ He offers to shank hands with the ogre and hopes the strength of his impresses the creature.
Sidious is clueless about the horns but greets the large creature with the respect his size and strength is due. Well met warrior. I am Father Sidious, spiritual advisor to these men. I hope we can become good friends. He offers to shank hands with the ogre and hopes the strength of his impresses the creature.
Agrippa has one of the minions purchase him the requisite inks and reagents to copy/create scrolls.
Day 1
Agrippa attempts to copy Haste into his spellbook "The Glory of Hell" cost is 90GP
Agrippa creates a scroll of Haste cost is 188GP
Agrippa creates 3 scrolls of Fly cost is 563GP.
Agrippa creates 3 scrolls of Invisibility cost is 225GP
Day 2
Agrippa begins independent research into a new spell, he is enticed by the summoning of a swarm of tiny devils who torture and distract his enemies.
Since we are sleeping with the crew on the deck of the barge Sidous will not try to do anything that requires too much concentration. He will maintain an Endure Elements spell on himself and will offer to create Web Shelters Every night to have a place to get out of the elements. He can do two back to back to have a shelter 12 hours a day.
He will also create fresh water to fill the ships basins every day, relieving the crew of that menial task and will generally be helpful to all the crew trying to win friends there. braxus will maintain his raven form and attempt to entertain and amuse there crew. He can cast Enhance Water, to create weak wind, and will do so only with the permission of the captain. And he will act as healer and surgeon to the crew as well, using Cure Light Wounds as needed and his heal skill of +7 liberally. He will even be willing to cast Remove disease on any who are moving toward conversion.
He will set about building an altar to Asmodeus and begin to convert the crew during the sailing trip. With his new charisma item he is now quite convincing (Chr. 17) and with Enhanced Diplomacy he is +9. If his deity is not immediately acceptable he will refer to him as "He who is worthy" and sign people up as he can.
He will memorize Air Bubble and Water Breathing every day in case they are needed.
On the twelfth night, Cardinal Adrastus Thorn finally shows himself. He teleports just some steps out of Tiadora’s cabin the spell don't even finished and he is already walking inside. He spends a few moments getting a complete report from Tiadora and then sends her to summon his ninth knot.
“The master is here and commands you attend him,” Tiadora says grimly. “He’s in the cabin.”
Days 2-11
Agrippa spends his time alternating between studying the spellbook of the slain mage Tacitus and reading whatever books his minions can bring him regarding successful conjuring of Outsiders. He doesn't approve of Tactitus' peasant view of magic as a purely destructive force. Agrippa feels that arcane magic is a power that should be reserved for only those of the stature and breeding to hold such power. Magic is order, Magic is creation and subjugation of the lesser.
for research, if the minions bring me captured books from the towns they pillage.
Sidious reports with the knot, but hangs back knowing that he is not officially part of this group.
@Sidious
You spend the day talking with the crew and hopping to convince them to join Asmodeus cause, in those circumstances, Tiadora is always nearby looking amused at your attempts.
It does not take much until you figure out what is happening. The crew had their mind and free will stolen by someone else, and this someone else you reckon, with a high chance of being right, was Tiadora. You are not sure what or who she is, but she broken them, and they are her slaves and puppets.
Eldred, needs exercise to maintain his pysique and does a stint at oars and as a crewman but spends the rest of his time asking Tiadora on the matters of poisoning, and methods of killing as well as asking her about devils and angels alike, but particularily the arts of killing goodly aligned outsiders.
On the twelfth night, Cardinal Adrastus Thorn finally shows himself. He teleports just some steps out of Tiadora’s cabin the spell don't even finished and he is already walking inside. He spends a few moments getting a complete report from Tiadora and then sends her to summon his ninth knot.
“The master is here and commands you attend him,” Tiadora says grimly. “He’s in the cabin.”
Master, Eldred says, giving the Cardinal a nod of respect.
We hope that we have not displeased you.
During the boat ride Johan broods - a hunter without prey. By the middle of the trip he is bored and edgy. He asks Tiadora to go ashore and join in the plunder and destruction he sees nightly. If she refuses he takes out his boredom on the crew, haranguing them for failings real and imagined
When the Cardinal arrives, Johan bows before him. Master, your will is done. Balentyne is a smoking ruin, and Lord Thomas' head adorns a spike atop its shattered walls He presents the Cardinal with the family history they took from Thomas' chambers.
As Sidious tries to enter the cabin with the knot, Tiadora steps into his path. "Are you in a hurry, dearest?" she asks, but then she drops her sarcastic manner and continues "The master did not called for you. You are not part of his Knot. After he has addressed his faithful servants, you may speak to him and pledge your cause." she don't appears to be threating you, but something in her voice makes you wary of confronting her.
The Cardinal, a devilishly handsome man clad in black and burgundy robes. He wears black gloves and openly displays his silver unholy symbol of the Lord of Hell. He sports a wicked and knowing grin.
He greets his knot and is quickly to business: “You have served me faithfully, my ninth knot, and I have rewarded you both in treasure and vengeance. Thanks to your efforts, the Fire-Axe has been unleashed. Even now he writes his name in blood across the Borderlands."
“Three battles have been fought and three victories won. The villages of Ambryl and Tarrington Fields lie sacked. The fortress of Lorringsgate is in ruins. Each of you did your part in seeing these triumphs come to fruition. Do not think I have forgotten that."
“But our work is not yet done. Talingarde has not yet acquiesced to our unholy master nor tasted the full measure of our vengeance. So I have another mission for you. Tomorrow this barge will dock in Farholde, the northernmost town in all the realm. Farholde is a backwater of no real significance. Its lord has already left the place hoping for glory in the war. But it does border the Caer Bryr, the largest unmapped forest on the entire island."
“Hidden within the Caer Bryr is the Horn of Abaddon, an ancient temple once occupied by a particularly loathsome death cult called ‘The Sons of the Pale Horseman’. Almost eighty years ago the first Darian king, Markadian I called the Victorious overthrew the Horn and destroyed the Sons. No great loss, honestly."
“But what the Victor found within the temple is why we are here. He defeated a daemon prince called Vetra-Kali Eats-the-Eyes. So terrified of this monstrosity was the king, that he had the priests of Mitra craft a great silver seal to forever forbid the daemon from returning to our plane of existence. The seal remains to this day."
“I have learned the truth about this daemon prince. I have learned what the Victor feared. Vetra-Kali is an archdeacon in service to the lord of pestilence. This immortal monster could create a plague so virulent that it will bring Talingarde to its knees."
“When the Victor attacked, the Daemon Prince was close to unleashing his masterpiece upon the world -- a pestilence known as the Tears of Achlys . I am uncertain of the specifics of this plague but if anything could terror in the heart of the Victor, then I want it. The Tears of Achlys will be our poisoned dagger into the heart of Talingarde."
“I already have agents in the great cities of this kingdom. With this pestilence, they could deliver blight and death to the very center of the realm. Caught between the twin storms of the Fire-Axe and Vetra-Kali’s gift, we shall bring ruin to Talingarde. This gift you shall bring to me."
“It will not be easy. I have already lost one band of followers on this errand. I sent the fourth knot to find the Horn of Abaddon. They succeeded at that at least – revealing to me that it was concealed within a great spire of stone less than a day’s ride from Farholde."
“But then they vanished. I have heard no more from the elven ranger Aiden Kael since. He knew the Caer Bryr well so no normal hazard would defeat him. Perhaps the Horn of Abaddon is guarded. I cannot say. But it matters not! The Tears of Achlys must be mine!"
“I am undeterred by this setback. Where one knot failed, two will succeed. I will also send my seventh knot – the Knot Hibernal led by Elise Zadaria. I task you with finding the Horn and calling forth Vetra-Kali. Elise and her knot will aid you. Elise proved herself a capable assassin in our last venture. The seventh knot will remain in Farholde and see that anyone who tries to find the Horn and interfere with your work meets an unhappy end. Thus, you will have time to do what must be done."
“There is another who may be able to aid you. Once a thriving cult of Asmodeus existed in Farholde. It was led by a half-elvish noble – the Baron Arkov Vandermir. He is treacherous and decadent, but wealthy and well-connected. Tiadora will introduce you before she departs."
“I know not what aid the Baron can provide, but his family is old and long has dwelt in Farholde. Never trust him but know this – he’s afraid of me and with good reason. If he does try anything remind him that you are in Farholde on my behalf. That should keep him in line."
“Find the Horn. Find the seal and shatter it. Call Vetra-Kali back to our world. Bind him to your will and force service from the monster. And then bring his gift to me. Can you do this, my knot? Have I found servants with might and will enough to see this task done?”
Summoning and binding a daemon, intriguing....
Agrippa thinks on the name Vetra-Kali Eats-The-Eyes. perhaps he knows something of the daemon.
Master. I have a request. Would you bestow a boon upon your most humble servant? Agrippa says, trying his best to sound servile.
"Tell me, my servant, what is it that you seek?" the cardinal asks.
I require a scroll of summoning. My wish is to call a Zebub to help us in our task of binding Vetra-Kali and acquiring the Tears.
Already hanging back, when confronted by Tiadora Sidious shrugs. I would think a cleric of our lord would get a better welcome. You already prevent me from bringing the lord converts from this ship. And now you relish in putting me in my place. I had hoped to call you ally but I see you only want to control. He scowls and goes back to the area that contains his shrine.
"I'm sure by now, means to buy it, although you don't have how to buy it. Convey your request to Tiadora, provide her and she'll buy it for you." he says.
"Now, my servants" he says looking to Eldred and Johan "I'm already aware of Damien's betrayal, and you dealt with him as it should be, brief as his punishment was, I'm sure the Prince of Nessus will have a better welcoming for contract breakers such as him." then he continues "However, where is Malgrim? Where is Fet? And what about the one outside? Is he a tool or an ally?"
And what about the outside? Is he a tool or an ally?"
Is there a difference? Agrippa thinks to himself
He bows low as he has seen many do before Thank you Master. I will do as you instruct. Have you any advice for a lowly worm such as myself when dealing with the denizens of Hell? Agrippa says, debasing himself further.
@Sidious
"The Dark prince is known for being calculating, cold and patient. Are you sure you are his follower? What are you expecting here? To be praised? Should the master, ignore his faithful an successful followers to honor you first?" she didn't moved from where she is a dreadful feeling gripped you "Are you, dearest, by any means, saying your will and whims are better than the Asmodeus Last High Priest in this dammed isle?" she demands. You know not what you did, but clearly you stepped in some toes.
Abraxas is not saying anything, but whatever is happening, he is terrified of Tiadora.
I have asked for no honor and even placed myself in the back. When the cardinal is ready to see me I will come. he says continuing on his way.
Johan answered the cardinal, head still bowed. Malgrim left us shortly after we arrived in Aldencross; we assumed on orders from you, my lord. As to Fet, Our plan to take down Balentyne required Fet to infiltrate the fortress on his own in advance of our attack. He did not meet us at the agreed upon rendezvous. We assume he was lost during the fighting.
The man we brought with us calls himself Sidious. He is a true priest of our unholy master. We rescued him from the soldiers of Balentyne. He swore fealty to our cause then and there, and fought with us side by side to ensure its fall. Tool or ally? Johan shrugged. He fights well and enjoys the Dark Prince's favour. I suspect he would be eager to bend the knee to Asmodeus' true high priest in Talingarde.
"I see." says the cardinal simply.
To Agrippa question he says.
"Just take great care in what you say and what deal you make. Don't try to fool the a stronger demon, and force a service out of one at your own peril."
After some time, you see the others leaving the cabin.
Tiadora then approaches you and says. "The master will see you now, dearest."
The Cardinal, a devilishly handsome man clad in black and burgundy robes. He wears black gloves and openly displays his silver unholy symbol of the Lord of Hell.
He looks at you as you enter and greet you as a superior member of your order would greet someone beneath him.
"Welcome Sidious. It's a rather good surprise, to see another follower of our Dark Father. My Knot told how they saved you and in return you helped them into accomplishing their objectives." he nods in your direction "What do you seek now?"
I am glad for your approval and your praise Lord... Have we time for additional research and preparation?
There is purchases to made, training with toxins, treatises on the slaying of angel-kin to be read... One of my purchases is very challenging... Armour of mithril
Agrippa nods at the Cardinals advice My thanks Master for your words.
"I'm told, that Farhold has a thriving black market, in a district called Drownington or something like that. I'm sure there you'll be able to find what you need." says the Cardinal, to Eldred question.
Sidious bows his head low as he enters the presence of the Cardinal and addresses the man as his superior. [b]I thank you for your audience great one. It is an honor to be in your presence. I had only heard rumor that one of your rank served the dark lord and preyed that it was true.
You have heard correctly that your knot did free me from captivity. I had been recruiting for our Father and some local zealots took offense. I was not without resources, as Abraxus here was biding his time to facilitate my escape. But it was not a sure thing that I could have gotten away without the help of your men. And when they returned my gear to me I felt it was meant that I should assist them in their quest.
As to what I seek now, I seek His will. I have communed with the Hells to try to discern our master's will for me. And the signs say that I should continue to help these men that are your ninth knot. If you agree to this I will provide spiritual guidance to them, heal their wounds, and bolster them in combat. What is your will in this matter?
”Go outside, chose one of the crew as sacrifice.” he commands.
Sidious fetches a crew member he considers a worthy sacrifice and brings the man into the cabin, leading him by the arm.
When the you return, Cardinal Thorn smiles. “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 Pact of Thorns
It reads:
Behold on this day Oathday, Calistril in the eighth age of this world a perpetual Compact is made between Cardinal Adrastus Thorn (hereafter the Master) and those who would be bound to him as his acolytes (hereafter the Bound). Both the Master and the Bound shall hold fast and true to this Compact through all trial and tribulation. By blood and soul the Bound commit to the Compact and swear that it shall never be undone. The Bound shall know and understand the Four Loyalties.
The First Loyalty is to their patron and god – mighty Asmodeus, first among the fallen, prince of the nine hells, our father below. They shall do all that can be done to further his worship and his glory.
The Second Loyalty is to their master – He who is called the Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, High Priest of Asmodeus in Talingarde. They shall do the Master no harm and obey his every commandment as long as those commandments do not clash with their First Loyalty.
The Third Loyalty is to their companions – the other Bound who serve alongside them. The Bound shall deal with each other fairly and honorably as long as doing so does not clash with their first or second loyalties. All treasure, wealth and reward garnered in their exploits will be equally shared with all of the Bound who aided in its acquisition.
The Fourth Loyalty is to themselves – for Asmodeus is the Lord of Ambition and all who serve him should strive to become great and powerful in his service as long as doing so does not clash with their first, second or third loyalties. By their weakness, ye shall know the unworthy.
The Bound swear that they cleave to and uphold the Four Loyalties even in the face of death and damnation.
The Master swears that as long as the Four Loyalties are upheld, he shall reward the Bound as they deserve for their deeds.
Thus it is written, and thus it shall be.
We being of sound mind and free will do so swear and let they who violates this Compact know all the wrath of Hell nending.
Signed,
There are some nones in it already:
Johan, Eldred, Agrippa, Fet, Malgrim and Damien.
Agrippa will approach Tiadora once the Cardinal is finished with him
The Master wills that you purchase a scroll of summoning for me. As well as a scroll of protection and a scroll to prevent dimensional travel. In this pouch are the requisite coins and assorted gemstones required to pay for the item. I trust that you can carry out this task? Agrippa hands her the 2200GP in coins and gemstones.
You walk near Tiadora, and ask ” What are you doing at night? Why are we stopping so close to the villages?”
To that, she smiles and says ” I am reminding the poor souls of Talingarde what hell is like. Do you want to accompany me?”
As she sees the look in your eyes she says ”Be warned, Dearest, If you get in my way, I’ll leave you behind.”
Since she can’t teleport alone anymore, under the guise of the night, she fly you out of the barge, into a settlement and commit unimaginable atrocities to each in turn. These atrocities she performs, she does so in the form of a Knight of the Alerion, one of Talingarde’s sacred defenders.
These are not random acts of cruelty (though Tiadora does relish them). Tiadora takes the form of a knight and for one night murders and tortures helpless, innocent villagers claiming all the while to be searching for gremlin-like followers of Asmodeus. She kills loved ones, pillars of the communities and those who are obviously incapable of being guilty.
She perpetrates these massacres and leaves lots of witnesses. Every morning, at the barge resumes its journey, Tiadora watches from afar as another settlement wails and mourns the results of her brutal visitation.