Johan is irked that Vandemir seems to be handling this family reunion so well. When the baron asks about their progress he his quick to jump in before someone else accidently reveals more than he wants to share.
Yes, it is our doing. Everything progresses according to plan.
Agrippa decides to check the library for any info on Tiadora, or a Devil like her.
”What’s happening out there? Everyone saw the pillar of light. I reckon it’s your doing?”
In the interests of our Alliance my Lord, yes it is our doing but it posses no threat to your holdings but may work to your benefit - I expect a number of 'Adventuring parties' to make their way through town enroute to visit us at the Spire. You could arrange to have them waylaid or even quietly arrested, and disposed of. You could in turn claim their items and wealth yourself.
”It is too much obvious to do that.” the man says ”But I appreciate the suggestion.”
@Agrippa
With little to no time at all, you can’t really glean any useful information. However there are few ‘female’ devils, that assuming Tiadora is a devil.
“Known as handmaiden devils, Mothers of Pain, and Maids of Miscarriage, as greater devils, gylous can command many lesser devils, yet harbor an exclusive favoritism for erinyes”
This excerpt caught your attention by mentioning one of the Devil Tiadora seems to command, the Erinye. Is she one of the Gylous? You can’t tell.
@Return trip;
The trip back to the horns passes uneventful. No wild animal stands in your way and after a day’s worth of ride, you arrive at the horn once more.
By Grumble report, nothing happened in the days you were outside.
Well then. Perhaps the Azata and her Moon Dogs were the best that could be summoned to attack us? We should continue the ritual...
After being caught up on things on the way back.
"Ah, so a ritual to summon a great plague demon. The Cardinal wants to strike with a plague while the savage army invades from the north. A sound plan. His contempt for these people is great indead. My body has been strengthened by Asmodeus. I shall help carry this plague. What do you need now my brothers. I will have Ulf patrol the forest. He will report back if he sees any armed men approaching. Please don't hesitate to ask if there is something I can do."
Don't be too eager to patrol the forest - the trees have been known to walk and fling stones at interlopers. Who is Ulf at any way? - your man at arms? We normally get warning sent to us by the Knot within town and from that we form our tactics - last time we did a great wilderness ambush and even managed a captive. A tender piece of Mitran ass - I should introduce you but I like the thought of keeping her exclusive. I'm breaking her day by day - soon she will be so broken that I could sleep next to her in a room full of knives and an open door and still be sure that she would be curled at my feet in the morning... but I digress. The point is we have resources to spot incoming trouble and resources within to slow them down before they get to us.
No please, venture into the forest. It would be most appreciated. I'm sure you would do us great service there. Agrippa says slyly.
A buffoon...and a fool.
Johan frowns at Eldred's comments Don't grow too attached to the priestess, Eldred. She has a purpose.
Agreed Johan but you'll not begrudge me some fun in the interim will you?
"Ulf is my fiendish Gorilla. He is much more at home out there and shouldn't attract too much attention. I will have him check in none the less. My lord has promissed me the service of a devil if I continue to serve him well, but Ulf is loyal. I have no interest in your pet Eldred. I'm sure she is to serve the ritual as I understand it so have your fun now. I support the breaking of any priestess of that cursed sun god. Lord Agrippa what could I do to serve in the forest. I am not a scout. I have no training for it. If there is no need for me now. I am weary from the journey here. I will rest and gather my strength for that which is to come."
The noble looks at me with contempt. It is fortunate I am in a contract with him or he may do me harm. I should watch him just incase. Johan and Eldred seem accepting enough. Sebastian is a quiet man, I don't have a read on him yet.
After leaving the Baron Sebastian excuses himself to meet his contact and rejoins the others at the outskirts of town.
He will join us in a few days at this Horn. With suitable equipment to examine this golem you have found.
During the journey he listens intently to Johan's summary, asking a few short but pointed questions as to the ritual and the status of the Horn's defenses. He seems to leave much in the way of conclusions until he's had the chance to view things for himself but does venture three comments.
If this priestess is to be used for the ritual then it is best her faith remains strong, yes? I think it best that I take over responsibility for this task (the rituals) .. unless there are any objections.
Your Father Sidious...such an odd name, there was a powerful sorcerer once... and I will need to come to an accord. But I am confident that one can be reached.
And
While I can see the reasons for allying with this wraith, the lack of control over it seems a possible matter of concern. What do you know of its motivations?
If this priestess is to be used for the ritual then it is best her faith remains strong, yes?
[b]I have said as much. If Eldred destroys her faith in Mitra, then Eldred can find us a new sacrifice.
While I can see the reasons for allying with this wraith, the lack of control over it seems a possible matter of concern. What do you know of its motivations?
Its motivations? Power? Hate? None of us trust it, and we all agreed to not feed it anymore victims to keep its influence from growing any more. I think as long as we continue working towards the resurrection of its master, Vetra-Kali, it has no reason to betray us.[/b]
Its motivations? Power? Hate? None of us trust it, and we all agreed to not feed it anymore victims to keep its influence from growing any more. I think as long as we continue working towards the resurrection of its master, Vetra-Kali, it has no reason to betray us.
Errrr... on that note I sort of did throw one of the lazy workers to it - you know to keep it invested in our deal. I'll put a stop that particular measure of motivation.
I mean to provide good counsel rather than to criticize or second-guess your decisions. It is clear that you have been incredibly successful with limited resources.
That said the undead are a particular area of study of mine and we are warned in the teachings of my Master to always take care of those who are unbound to our will. We must have order and control.
A betrayal seems inevitable, at the latest when the daemon is called to our plane.
He looks to Johan.
I would speak with the thing myself if you have no objections?
Upon returning to the horn and giving a tour to the new guys, the party notices a cluster of brilliant vermillion blossoms adorns the entrance to the Maw (C1). The boggards, jaded to the brilliant flora of the Caer Bryr ignore them but to anyone else they seem obviously eldritch. Even more mysteriously, these delicate flowers seem to flourish despite the deepening darkness of the skies as the ritual progresses.
Master Crofter, see there. Those Red blossoms...they could be used to our advantage if properly nurtured. They are man eating plants, immature yes, but if fed enough blood they will become fairly good guardians of the cavern entrance.
Using nature to secure the horn... Hmmmm. I like this idea a lot more than walking trees. How do we 'feed' them? Just throw some meat there or do they need live food?
They are predators....do you think a lion would favor a hunk of rotting meat, or would it rather the fresh blood of its victim coursing into its gullet? Agrippa says, his tone suggesting the question and conversation bored him.
They will need to be restrained assuming they are capable of movement in their adult forms. Do we have anything suitable?
A lazy worker - always some of those about but while it may be good for efficiency its bad for morale
Hmmph, we could have Elise send her messengers to the cave entrance again, Johan says in the closest attempt at a joke most of them have ever heard him make. I guess we will have to relocate the chupacabra. I expect if we keep them well fed, they won't have any reason to move elsewhere.
Regarding the wraith, Johan scratches his chin and responds to Sebastian. No objections. Anything you can do to keep the creature pliant until we are ready to betray it is welcome. I will come with you though - for your own safety of course. The thing seems to respect only strength. Facing it alone, even for parley, would be unwise.
We can have the toads fetch us live animals in the meantime to feed it.
The flowers are at least at this point, small enough and harmless enough that they can be transported to other areas, if so desired.
Taming them poses another great challenge, it takes time and there’s no word around about others that had done it before, easier to just bind it to a place. There are metal chain locks up in the horn that could be used if nothing else if found.
==//==
After deciding what do to with the flowers, Johan and Sebastian moves to meet with the wraith. They head to the first floor, where Johan instructs the newcomer how to use the teleporters. It leads you to a room with no furnishings. The walls and floor of this chamber are covered in abyssal script. The phrase “Receive the wisdom of Abaddon” is written prominently on the curved northern wall. There is a circle of such script in the center of the floor that is the nonsense word “nen” repeated over and over again.
From there, you leave and head to the door at the end of the hallway.
As ornate and baroque as the entryway hall (3-1) is it pales before this expansive and vaulted chamber. This is the Horn’s third temple --Reserved only for the High Priest and his elite retinue. Most of the Sons of the Pale Horseman never entered this temple and never experienced the strange rites conducted within. The fane is adorned with a riot of lurid color. Brilliant bas reliefs depict daemons of every sort engaged in countless acts ofwanton evil, callous destruction and inhuman savagery. Rows of pews allow a congregation of the chosen to gather. The podium is doubtless where foul sermons of Abaddon’s wisdom and bile were delivered to those gatherings. At the front of the chamber are four shrines (A-D).
A – A white shrine decorated with bas relief depictions of open pits of the dead and lepers crying in anguish.
B – A shrine of red stone decorated with cruel iron weaponry and scenes of slaughter.
C –A shrine of black stone decorated with images of mortals wasting away from hunger and starvation.
D – A shrine of pale green stone adorned with a skull with two coins over its eyes and an inscription of jagged abyssal writing which reads “Behold a pale horse. Its rider is Death and all shall follow him.”
E – A large bas-relief image of Vetra-Kali sitting cross legged holding his greatest work, his masterpiece, a vial of some sort. Below the vial is inscribed a name ‘The Tears of Achlys.’ Vetra-Kali also holds three blades and a strange jagged key with an Abyssal inscription “Hail Vetra-Kali”. The three eyed daemon prince pays homage to the four shrines, but there is no doubt that this fane is built primarily to honor him.
Anyone who approaches this image of the daemon prince without saying “Hail Vetra-Kali” is afflicted by fearful visions (as the fear spell; DC 18 Will save to resist).
On all the other walls are litanies of the deeds of this monster. It was Vetra-Kali who crossed the great void and came to the prime material plane to establish the Sons of the Pale Horseman. It was he who oversaw the construction of the Horn of Abaddon and it is because of this that the Horn superficially resembles this horror from another world.
There is a secret door hidden in the east wall. It is well concealed (DC 30 Perception check to find) but radiates a strong conjuration magic.
”Yes... yes... I can feel him returning…” an eerie voice greets you as you enter the temple, shadows begins to amass in the room as the voice continues ”We had an agreement…” the shadows, gather in a single spot, hardly displaying any recognizable shape ”…but I’m glad you at least brought me food…” it says moving towards Sebastian.
Stand down creature, this is no sacrifice, Johan says flatly to the shadows. As to our "agreement," you agreed to help us defend this place and bring back you master, yet you allow celestial beings to invade this sacred place in the dead of night? Do not talk to me of broken agreements, shade.
Johan folds his arms across his chests and waits silently.
Sebastian shows no (evident) fear before the darkness, indeed his lip curls up in disgust for what dwells forsaken in this doomed place. On entering the Horn proper the priest exchanged his Mitran holy symbol for a silver symbol of Asmodeus and the pentagram gleams brightly at his throat.
Indeed. I am no slave, dead thing.
I am Sebastian Mayer. Servant of Asmodeus, the Archfiend, the First, the Lightbringer and He who drew the Contract of Creation.
It is in His name and service I stand before you, broken creature.
This agreement shall be properly clarified. That is if you wish to see your Master return to this plane. For it is as a result of my Master's will that this ritual shall be completed, not Vetra-Kali's!
But first I would hear you speak. Of your life and death. Of what binds you here. Speak shade! So that I and my Master may judge your words!
The shade pointedly ignores Sebastian as it direct his response to Johan.
”Put a leash on your pet.” he says as the shadows begins to gather even more ”Our ‘agreement’ is that I’ll defend this floor, and not kill you while you bring back my master. The enemies you speak of, did not invaded this floor.”
"I’ve done my part, you didn’t honored yours." his voice sounds dangerous now.
”Do not speak to me of pacts and obligations, pet". It says to Sebastian "I have no obligation to not kill you; it wasn’t in our ‘agreement’. If you don’t keep your end of the bargain, I’ll kill from the many that lives in the lower floors. One peer week, as we agreed.”
Sebastian appears unruffled, the priest saying nothing further he turns to Johan and nods.
Assuming the discussions are terminated he turns to the inquisitor once they have left the floor.
I would feel safer if it had of attacked, he says dryly.
Johan grinds his teeth at the wraith's response. Ezra Thrice-Damned, listen well. We struck an agreement. You vowed to not harm us. Us includes this man and the others working on the lower floors. You vowed to defend this floor. So be it. In exchange we vowed to do what you cannot - break the seal above and free your master. This we can do. We cannot continue to bring you weekly sacrifices to feed your appetite. We need the workers below, and luring victims to the Horn will bring too much attention from the inheritors of the victor. They will descend upon this place as they did before and all will be lost as it was before. And your greed will have doomed your master - as it did before.
I am sorry that we cannot honour our first agreement, but you still come out ahead. We shall break the seal. We shall summon back Vetra Kali. All we ask of you is that you do what you have been doing for all these years: Defend this place, and wait
Eldred stands still but moves his hands upwards, prepared for trouble if Ezra attacks.
I hope it remembers its already been fed - I don't think we can take this on without threat to life and sanity, he thinks.
The wraith don’t even bother answering Johan, it simply vanishes, leaving you guys alone in the temple.
With Elise’s help, in the following days from Farhold others begin to flock, the alchemist and follower of Sebastian. They set up in the first level of the horn, alongside with Eldred hiree’s and Agrippa followers.
==//==
Recap:
Ritual Begins, Halthus sacrificed
Knot slays the adventurers, captures Sister Marta
Farholde is quiet. No new adventurers arrive. A prostitute goes missing and is found some days later, dissected.
The sisters of Saint Cynthia-Celeste post a 500 gp reward for information about Sister Marta whereabouts.
A new group of adventures arrive in Farhold. The White Ravens wipe out a newly arrived adventurering group calling themselves “Brendam’s Breakers”.
Elise sends this: “New adventurers in town calling themselves ‘Brendam’s Breaker’. They have been broken. No further difficulties. -- Z”
Moondogs attack the Second floor of the horn, the knot travels to Farhold to meet Tiadora and the new members.
The Viper Vines are found in the Cave entrance. Sebastian minions arrive at the horn.
The Baron Vandermir hosts a ball to celebrate his 105th birthday. All of Farholde’s mover and shakers gather and you are invited to attend (Cedric, this is to have you meet your cohort).
A Ball, how droll. Yet, I suppose it will give me a reason to peruse the Baron's library further.
"A social gathering where we need to stay in disguise and kiss my cousins arse. Droll indeed Agrippa, but it will better our interaction with him. I would hate to not help familly. I will need a gift though. I must talk to my men."
I don't know... it sounds like it would be better than sitting in here - who knows, maybe we can gather some intelligence as to incoming adventuring groups? I wouldn't mind the trip or the activity. Don't be so dour Johan - Father Sidious can tend the ritual in our absence - good food and good wine are something I am VERY interested in.
In the following days, you receive a new message from Elise. ”The baron asked it to be delivered. -Z”
With her note, an invitation
If we are going we need to go soon - I have no formal finery to wear. When last I visited the baron for a meal I wore the clothes of a scriviner or accountant. I'll need something to wear - even with this circlet providing some illusion, it needs something underneath it that will not draw undue attention... besides I should probably spoil myself a little.
Something Military maybe? It would let me wear my mithril armour openly.
Johan considers not attending the party, but decides that the Baron may perceive his absence as some sort of weakness within the knot. He has absolutely no frame of reference with which to even consider what counts as "formal attire"
Sebastian makes his comment as the group leaves the wraith's level.
It does no fear us, despite having no obvious method of determining whether I can control undead.. yet it was clearly unwilling to attack and risk disrupting the ritual. It would be interesting to see if it carries through on its threat... I believe it is too dangerous to leave for long but I will let the matter drop for now.
-----------------------------------------
Sebastian's followers are a quartet, hooded and cloaked although splashes of blue robes show through.
The alchemist is another story, the man well dressed in a finely-cut coat and trousers. A further two men of rather more disreputable appearance bring in a variety of alchemical supplies. Sebastian makes brief introductions before setting the apparent Dr Shreck to work examining the golem.
A conference is held between the priests, Sidious and Sebastian with the latter apparently satisfied at the re-ordering of clerical leadership. At its conclusion two of the group of four return to Fairholde with the laborers, seemingly to continue their work there.
--------------------------------------------
When the invitation arrives he appears to hold some of the same initial reservations about leaving the Horn, but seems to come around given the potential for useful information gathering.
A new identity is in order I think. A wealthy merchant recently arrived from the eastern war zone should provide the attention I will be seeking. I have other plans for Kane.
If we can be considered to be leaving things in save hands then let us be away - much to do
Sebastian's minions may be few in number but every one has been handpicked by the priest himself for their skills and loyalty and each has sworn their oath to the First Lord on Sebastian's own power.
The two currently active in Farholde work on planting a simple seed. But it is from a seed that a mighty tree may grow.
Abel Kane, a powerful priest of the Blessed Order of St Macarius met with the Baron about the evil force threatening the city.
--------------------------------
The alchemist hummed to himself as he worked on the golem. Lifting the brain case to reach inside, he ran his finger down the internal wiring almost tenderly.
Such a present you have made me... And its not even my birthday.
Sebastian stood in the doorway, evidently in no mood for banter.
It is no present, Herr Doctor. It is your task. Your leash has been long this past two years. In truth I have indulged you. But if it is not already clear, that time has passed. Thorn is moving and at last he has brought me into play.. and I have brought you. Do you understand?
The alchemist did. His lessons had been well learned, all the more so for being so painful.
I do, Mylord.
Sebastian did not look mollified. I am no lord as you know. Save your flattery for the others, some of them may even enjoy it.
I do, Master.
Better. What is your assessment of the golem's functionality.
He bowed his head but could not help smiling, such a complex lethality the golem had, he simply could not wait to see it in motion. I believe the golem can be restored and with less work than I had initially thought. Certain parts require restoration but the overall structure remains intact. A simple spell will repair the eye. The missing elemental reagents are within my capacity to create. I will need only two things: a new heart cog .. and a brain. Please make it a handsome one.
Sebastian paused for thought. I will commission the cog when we leave for the Baron's function. The brain.. the brain I will supply.
Thank you Master!
Remember well what I have said about leashes Doctor. We do not have room for mistakes.... And Shreck.
Yes, Master?
Sebastian walked forward until he was very close.
You will ensure that the golem answers to me... We are part of the Ninth Knot now. Both of us shall respect our place and carry out our orders.. But do not forget that it is to our Lord Asmodeus that we owe our ultimate loyalty. We cannot be sure that is the same for our new companions. Not until their faith becomes tested.
The Wizard seems to worship power, that and his status. The Knight, his name. The other two, I do not yet know, they hold their passions more in check although the Archer seems prone to excess.
I hear and obey, Master.
See that you do.
Sebastian left, leaving the alchemist alone to enjoy his treasure. A few minutes more and he would start work on the alchemist's fire. Just a few minutes more.
"An invitation to a birthday party how nice. I have some business to see to for this."
A noble birthday party. I have been told of such things but never been to one. A gift is in order if I am to make an impression, but what. I can't go as myself either. Not yet anyways. Let me find my men. They seem to have joined the orginization set up by Agrippa.
Cedric heads off to round up his men now part of the Red Pentacle
"My friends. It is good you have found the place. We will be here awhile it seems. The city Farhold is ripe for the plundering and I will need income as well. My cousin the Baron is having a party and we need a gift. Go set up your operation. Fill my pockets and you will rise in power as I do. Find out what rumors you can for me. That is all now go."
Organization Actions for Week 7
So 280gp If check is successful
Useing the Gold to by a Noble outfit for myself and a new one for the baron with the 100gp of jewelry to go along with it. So spending 350gp.
Eldred is eager to get underway - he seems more animated. This is something he has prepared for - a goal that now seems within his realm of experience. A party of the nobility. He ranks his skills within his mind and knows he only has a simple understanding - he'll need to act cautiously, perhaps not trying to act the part of a noble in turn but perhaps as a well to do business man. His limited knowledge of the nobility would be best extended to manners and behaviours.
Johan is more taciturn and grumpy than usual leading up to their departure for the party. He fails to see any tactical advantage in attending, and only grudgingly agrees to go in order to show a unified front to the Baron. He gives little thought to dress or cover story, planning to improvise on scene if any actually tries to talk to him, which he finds doubtful.
Giving clear instructions to their own, , the knot gather their belongings and prepare to travel to Farhold once more.
Arriving there, they move in the Inn to change and get into their noble attires, while thinking about that their introductory note should be. At the inn, they meet the Seventh once more.
Trick, Track looks exactly the same. Without their gear, it’s almost impossible to tell one from another. Dostan looks uncomfortable in his noble clothes, by the look on his face, he would rather use a Conan style loincloth.
Elise Zadaria is wearing a lovely ankle-length skirt of white silk, thickly embroidered along the hem with blue silk and white lace in patterns of ice and snow. The top is form fitting white and blue silk. There is also a long shawl made of intricate, sheer white lace intertwined with blue thread and edged with blue and white silk.
”It’s nice to see you all again.” She says with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
Once Cedric hears they will be meeting with the seventh he sends one of his men to spend his last 30gp on a fairly nice necklace. A saphire on a thin gold chain. Knowing Elise had a love of white the blue of the saphire should complement her nicely.
Upon meating the seventh:
"Lady Elise, you truely are a vision. A rivaly for the beauty of any angel with the will and calculating mind of the most cunning fiend. Please allow me to present you with this gift. It is not much as I have spent much of my money to prepare for what lies ahead of me. I would give a women of your beauty the world if I could."
He present the necklace and holds it out in front of her.
"May I?"
Hoping she will honor him by allowing him to put the necklace on her. He gently brushes her neck as he does before turning her and taking up her hand giving it a simple kiss. He then meets her gaze and smiles.
"I truely though it impossible for you to look any better but it seems each time I lay my eyes upon you I find a different feature of beauty that draws me in. Will you do me the honor and enter on my arm tonight to the party?"
Eldred feels fine indeed in his newly bought finery . He puffs out his chest and preens himself, occassionally buffing his newly cleaned finger nails on his fine vest.
Not wanting to interfere with his new ally's attempt to bed Elise he gives her a silent bow of acknowledgement before commenting. My companion speaks truly though I have not his eloquence. More beautiful than any princess. He then moves away to give Cedric room to maneuver.
Underneath a stiff doublet of dark red embossed leather, Johan wears a black silk shirt that strains to fit his large frame. His tailored trousers are tucked into the most expensive pair of boots that he has ever owned. He tugs self-consciously at his shirt collar and pulls his newly finished fur trimmed cloak ( shimmering with a moon-like sheen) closer around his shoulders.
A second pelt is bundled behind his saddle, a gift for their host. As they ride to their destination he fashions a crude Mitran starburst from a thorny bramble vine to use as a cloak-pin and adds it to the bundle, sure the double meaning will not be lost on the Baron.
In Farhold he watches with feigned apathy as Cedric greets Elise, but is secretly somewhat jealous of his smooth talking ease of speech.
He taps his foot impatiently and reviews his announcement card: "Hans Valens, Merchant and Fur Trader of Repute."
Finally he checked one more time to make sure the illusion that covered his "forsaken" brand was still intact. Satisfied, he parked himself at the bar and ordered a tankard of strong ale, while the others chatted and preened. He had faced down undead horrors, axe wielding barbarians and giant animated trees without fear, but there was no way he was facing tis party stone sober.