Let me be blunt, the Forsaken would likely seek to gain us, meaning the Kellids of wintersun, as recruits. This is what I think they want. They will offer a mixture of implied and actual threats, as well as various concessions, in return. You are definitly different from the Crusaders I expected, but I would likely get a better deal from the Forsaken then from you crusders. I am not going to rage and hit you in the back, but I wont be fighting them. The old man pauses
If I was you, I would bargain. They do benefit from you. Golarions reconquest of Drezen was undoubtedly very amusing from the Forsaken perspective, as it weakens Deskari and Baphomet and thus strengthens their position. They are Nocticulans, so they will seek to make use of you, not kill you if they can avoid it. They have a degree of access to Alyushinyrras slave markets, and there are plenty of crusaders to be bought off these. They will probably offer an exchange, as in you give us Kellids to them, they will bring back crusaders abducted to the Abyss.
Depening on how well you play your hand, they may add some secrets of Baphomet and/or Deskari on top of it.
He continues, thinking hard
When bargaining, do not show fear, but be otherwise polite.
Ragnar Skuggason supposedly hates hypocrites, and "holier then thous", which I believe.
The black feather is rumored to hate torture and torturers, but I find that hard to believe of a demoness, especially in one that specializes in compelling surrenders and thus benefits from such rumors.
If they are waiting in ambush, they likely have Sevanna, Marevoks former concubine, with them. She is capable, doesnt like Marevok anymore then I do, is a potent spell warrior, and probably the reason our tribe survived as long as it did. She will sacrifice her soul for her community, and I wouldnt be surprised if she did just that already. He offers advice
You, the wingless angel, the shadow whom I cant quite see and your gunslinger have something special about them. TRagnar Skuggason, the Black feather and the Galtese captain also have this, Sevanna our Spell warrior does not. He finishes
He is honest
Such a deal may be better for the forsaken then Askold understands.
One aspect which unifies resistance against the Demons is that surrendering to them is simply a really bad idea. Thus, many encircled crusaders would fight to the death, and captives are typically only taken in case of mind control, or if the crusader was knocked unconcious and then taken.
If demonic captivity was known as survivable, or, due to the influence of the black feather perhaps even pleseant, crusaders may surrender in larger numbers. There is also the risk of demons infecting people they ransom as asymptomatic carriers for diseases, which is a known Deskarite ploy, or have them as unknowing sleeper agents, or convert crusaders to cultists before releasing them.
On the other hand, there is a clear imperative to free crusaders from the Abyss.
What, according to this this Cydric inflicted physical harm on a Demonlord and took a salvo of his attacks? And nearly massacred a Vavakia? Albeit with the aid of this unknown entity? And after consuming "Paladin Juice Greater"? Is this accurate?
The queen says with visible alarm as she peruses a report, apparently send to her from Taldor.
The dangerous thing about Nocticula is that she can command the services of competent professionals, often freely and willingly. She says
Meanwhile, your expert knowledge of the actual worldwound lets you see where the map lies. All maps lie, some more then others, and the map used by the crusaders has several flaws, which you point out. The surprisingly logistically inclined Cleric instantly understands the significance.
Can we have you review our other map at some point? The cleric asks.
We need to set reinforcements in motion, they will not arrive in time, but the Forsaken dont know that. Lady Nona, do you consent to my archmage greater teleporting you towards our expedition? Unfortunately, even with enlarge person and ant haul, he cannot transport many people with him, only your 2 closest companions most likely. Let me write and seal you a letter or recommendation and identifictation The queen speaks
Regarding the report, Nona asks if she can see it just to determine if it is the one she wrote or a summary of that report. "The aid of the unknown entity was me and my mercenaries. We finished what Cydric and his agents started and did kill the vavakia. I think Nocticula facilitated that and she may have provided Cydric with the potion. The container had words to that effect in Abyssal written on it. I thought for a moment he was a demon spy, but he said he had looted it from a demon corpse. It seemed to allow him some paladin abilities despite his evil alignment. When we have more time, I should tell you more about that as it involved an attempt by the demons to open another rift like the Worldwound."
She agrees to peruse the maps when there is time, but warns that the geography tends to shift over time, so what she remembers may not be as it was anymore.
Ellena nods at the man’s advice, but doesn’t seriously consider surrendering to demons. She takes the lead and moves towards the seemingly safer canyons. ”Follow me and let’s see what happens,” she calls out, holding Radiance at the ready.
Ellena nods at the man’s advice, but doesn’t seriously consider surrendering to demons. She takes the lead and moves towards the seemingly safer canyons. ”Follow me and let’s see what happens,” she calls out, holding Radiance at the ready.
As Ellena leads, the telltale flash of a teleportation heralds the arrival of 4 new figures, a large old men with a wrinkled face wearing mage robes, panting a fair bit, an elderly yet spry woman wearing a breastplate and a snow leopard cloak, as well as 2 other characters.
Greetings heroes of Kenabres, I am archmage Octavius, send by our queen to instantly deliver these 3 heroes to aid you further, and to inform you that the effing forsaken have my most loyal animal companion, and are also arrayed in fortified positions further down the canyon. The buggers are too rich for their own good, using "feather token tree"s to have almost instant ready made palisades? He pauses
Lady Rastaban can introduce herself of course, but Queen Galfrey has asked me to deliver her here, while her troops make the trip from Nerosyan to Drezen.
He continues, evidently being rather fond of hearing himself talk
I alas must depart back to Nerosyan! If you can, it would be most appreciated if you could free my raven familiar Percival from the clutches of the Black feather! He sweats and turns slightly red.
That is indeed the archmage Sir Octavius, close advisor to queen Galfrey. He has taken his position 8 years ago, and oversaw a sizeable increase in the kingdoms magic item production, more of a crafter, conjuration and divination specialist then a combatant.
Galfrey has 2 mages in her employ who would be more capable combatants. Octavius has been chosen because he does what he is told, is very predictable, quite useful in terms of crafting and has a very cooperative temper and mindset. The other issue is that intense antipathy between 2 the 2 other mages, Trazyn the red and Cereis the white, means that they would never work beneath the other, but are both willing to work under Octavius.
Octavius is known to be highly attached to his raven familiar called Sir Percival. The Raven actually has been knighted by Galfrey for cleverly causing the death of a high ranking priest of Baphomet in some undisclosed way.
Percival dont fall for it! The cake is most likely poisoned! and what is this heresy about massaging feathers? you can hear the mage muttering under his breath
You do know that powerful mages can have quite the bond with their familiars, and receive a degree of teleempathic feedback from them. Which a Succubus would also know, and probably uses to prank him.
Nona, as she prefers to be called, appears to be about 70, short, wearing a deerskin dress and snow leopard cloak that disguise the fact that her body is as sound as any young adult. Her hair is white, drawn back into a pony tail. Although old, her face remains quite beautiful, enhanced by laugh lines and few wrinkles. A similarly aged looking coyote trots at her side, with long white hair on his face that look like bushy eyebrows and a beard.
Her image looks innocuous, but something about her inspires cautious attention, giving off an aura of great wisdom and intelligence, while at the same time one who could be very dangerous. Something in her eyes hints at beauty and threat, like a rising thundercloud seen at a distance.
She looks at the four she was told were in charge and then at the others in tow, glances at the approaching storm, and wastes no time with small talk. "I am Nona and with me are Luanna and Emil. Someone give me the one minute essentials. We can walk and talk. It may matter that I believe I have encountered the leader of this group before."
Luanna is a tan-skinned elf, wearing lamellar armor, with a wooden shield, a few weapons, wearing animal skin clothing similar to Nona, with feather decorations in her hair. She nods at everyone but doesn't say anything. Emil is a good-sized human male, middle-aged but hale and healthy, wearing breatplate, a light metal shield, and sturdy traveling clothes. For weapons he has a blacksmith's hammer and a farmer's scythe, along with a composite longbow. His hair is greying, with a short beard and the kind of tan skin that comes from working in the sun all day. He too nods but says little, knowing the situation requires action. At his side is a larger than normal lynx.
”You know, it’s the WorldWound special. Demons abound, a tribe called The Forsaken is probably setting a trap for us, and I think we need to head down into the canyons where the trap probably is to get out of this storm. You know, the usual. I’m Ellena,” she smiles at the newcomers.
Nona nods at Ellena's summary. "Ellena, thanks."
She looks at Anarya, "You must be Anarya. Queen Galfrey told me about you and your role in liberating Drezen. Once this is over, we have to talk. I have much to ask you."
"New friends?" the sentient sword asks from under the flap of Aelith's pack. The half-elf reluctantly pulls the flap away, revealing the hilt over their shoulder once more. "Greetings new faces! My name is Folwin-"
"My name is Aelith," The half-elf interrupts before Poppa embarrasses them further, "That's Poppa in the sword, and Momma, Malnolu, is in my shadow." The umbra lets out an ominous whisper, flashing red eyes for a moment, "She doesn't talk much."
Askold, 2 new crusaders? And 4 more that teleporte? Since when can they do this? Dyre asks his senior
Pretty sure the guys can hear you. The older Kellid speaks
Look, they had a stealth specialist, in case you wondered why they managed to sneak up on Marevok without being detected, like, not just idiocy on his part, competence on theirs. And that we have no idea who or what that is kind of reinforces that the Crusaders got a major upgrade. The old Kellid finishes.
"Aetlith ... and family? Pleased to meet you. I've heard a little about you from my briefing and I definitely want to hear more about your story." Nona says in reply. Emil and Luanna exchange questioning glances, suggesting they were not at the same briefing.
The strange muscial sound from the center of the approaching maelstrom goes stronger as the vortex gains on your caravan.
Encumbered by your prisoners as well as Kellid noncombatants, it seems it will overtake you, only for it to momentarily veer off
You can all hear the singing from the storms center, luring you towards it.
Singing
The song is written in a way to lure a soul from the body, you recall that a Banshees death scream terrifies a soul out of the body
Some fiendish banshee? One that can both lure and terrify souls out of their bodies? There was a demonlord called Luralune who had a thing like that.
Luralune was killed by Nocticula, specifically shattered by Nocticulas mastery of killing with words. The midnight isle that she was turned into is quite habitable, and is one of the few places in the Abyss that is well suited to mortal habitation. Fragments of her last screams haunt war torn lands as giant abyssal storms, which may be what you are dealing with here.
The singing in your mind intensifies, you can easily shake off the compulsions, until it suddenly turns into shrieking, akin to a predator that suddenly meets its arch nemesis, before becoming singing again.
It could be that it focuses on you because you have received a sending, and it may be projecting its music in a sending like way.
It could also be that it seeks to defeat you first, given that your ability to resist compulsions is greatest.
You think you heard fear in the screech, fear that fuels fiendish anger.
It is not afraid of you, but of something else.
The storm suddenly recoils, stopping for valuable seconds, which allows your caravan to reach the opening into the canyon.
You hear the song of the storm, and can almost see faces in it, faces that at first sight seem beautifull, but at second sight are already dead.
You catch your breath, with the storm lurking at the canyons outside, the only way is forward...
Or is it?
SHAMAN! A feminine voice, shrill and grating, speaks in your mind
KILL THE BLACK FEATHER! TEAR HER WINGS! SUNDER HER FLESH! BURN HER CORRUPTION! THE SPIRITS DEMAND IT! I DEMAND IT! DO THIS AND I WILL NOT KILL YOU The voice shrieks, it clearly seems to be coming from the storm, and it is not bothering to try to compell you, going straight into intimidation.
GODLING! A feminine voice, shrill and grating, speaks in your mind
KILL THE BLACK FEATHER! TEAR HER WINGS! SUNDER HER FLESH! BURN HER CORRUPTION! THE SPIRITS DEMAND IT! I DEMAND IT! DO THIS AND I WILL NOT KILL YOU The voice shrieks, it clearly seems to be coming from the storm, and it is not bothering to try to compell you, going straight into intimidation.
Where are you where are you where are you where are you I can sense but I cannot see? where are you where are you WHAT ARE YOU? A feminine voice, shrill and grating, speaks in your mind apparently it has a hard time tracking you.
CHAMPION!A feminine voice, shrill and grating, speaks in your mind
KILL THE BLACK FEATHER! TEAR HER WINGS! SUNDER HER FLESH! BURN HER CORRUPTION! THE SPIRITS DEMAND IT! I DEMAND IT! DO THIS AND I WILL NOT KILL YOU The voice shrieks, it clearly seems to be coming from the storm, and it is not bothering to try to compell you, going straight into intimidation.
Need to be careful with this one! Knows no fear she does! But she hates the bat winged b%+@&es! Haha! I am a genius and will Paladins be Paladins! Hear me she cannot haha! A feminine voice, shrill and grating, speaks in your mind
In response, Nona sprinkles powdered silver in a circle around her feet and casts Magic Circle against Evil.
"That sounds like a banshee but I've never heard of a banshee speaking abyssal. They usually speak common or elven. Stay close. Let's get into that cave and face whatever this thing is driving us toward. Remember, I may be able to negotiate something before we fight."
Know. Religion
Sense motive
Ellena tried to steel her mind against the musical banshee attack. She expected to be able to resist it easier than it actually was. ”That s awful all right,” she grumbles.
Seeing the new priest began casting his magic, Ellena did as instructed. She moved to the front of the group inside the circle, leading them forward, with her gleaming shield and Radiance at the ready.
KILL THE BLACK FEATHER! KILL THE BLACK FEATHER! KILL THE BLACK The shrieking voice cuts off as a far more pleseant one takes its place
Can thee hear me? Something in this conversation if really into invoking my name in vain, I am Belana the black feather. What is your stat... Are oh the f$%+ing final scream of Luralune I hear The voice speaks
Thou have no reason to trust me, but I shall bear no grudge if thee feign acceptance to its missives, the thing is cowardly but feasts on terror, it will seek to attack the weak and non combatants. The voice continues.
Silence effects, protection from evil, circles against evil and such all help. It is more akin to an ambulatory haunt then a real creature, I hypothesize that massive positive energy would do a number on it, but I do not know if thee hath enough to do this. The voice says, formally and very politely.
you may roll a sense motive.
You do not, "Lady midnights" voice was less polite, more energetic, more seductive, and didnt thee or though you. Although both use the occassionally swear words, and in both case you strongly think that they belong to very attractive females.
The Last wail of the doomsinger? Pah!
The large and still bound Berserker Askold snarls and starts shouting, into the abyssal storm, at the top of his lungs, seeking to intimidate the Haunt.
As he rages and unleashes his tirade, only midly inconvienced by being bound, several dark tendrils float into his mouth as the storm focuses on him.
You know that Barbarians sometimes have the ability to bite, but such an attack should not be capable of damaging a haunt. Alas, the sheer level of anger, wrath and the absence of fear seems to do a number on the haunt!
Profession Soldier
”Ladies and gentlemen, we will hold the line right here. Two steps forward and take a deep breath! We will not allow this demon storm to cut through us! Forces like ours have held off these blasted demons for years and we will do the same. Same tall and hold that line,” Ellena calls out to her “troops,” which include everyone that can hear her commands.
Nona calls out, "Anarya, blast that storm with all the positive energy you can. Everyone else, know that we are on a mission from the gods with a child of Arodan. Divine favor flows through us and will aid us in defeating any threats like the morning sun destroys the darkest night! Stare into the Abyss and "
All within thirty feet feel a surge of confidence in their abilities and resolve to defend against the maelstrom.
As Nona is speaking, inwardly, she calls on her spirit guides to teach her how to defeat this threat.
The Barbarian shouts displaying a surprising degree of knowledge concerning Abyssal geography.
Perhaps in a bid to impress Ellena, perhaps understanding that the haunt uses sound as a weapon, the younger Bloodrager Dyre starts singing, you would recognice the melody as the well as a Kellid warsong, and seeks to get as many of his kind to join in as possible.
Fruset land
En köldhärjad här
Föds ot demoner ur krutrök
Rehnskiölds män
Stormar dess flank
Fruktat hans namn är i strid
En för en, flyr Deskars swin hem
Död väntar dem
Gjuter blod
Möter döden vid Ralscrad
Syndaflod
Genom fiendens led
Gjuter blod
Ingen nåd kommer givas, där
Står på led
Öga mot öga
Visar mod
Stridsformation
Domedag
Fruktar ej döden
Kelid-Kriegär till strid
Frozen ground
a frostbitten host
charges at the demons through dustclouds
Reinskölds men
smash through their flanks
feared is their name in war!
One by one, Deskaris swine run
Death awaits them!
Killing fields
Meet your death at Raliscrad
Tide of wrath
You will never survive
Killing fields
As the battle of Raliscrad
Tuuurns
Stay in ranks
Eye to Eye
Show your courage
Combat formation
Day of fate
Fear and Death
Kellid Warriors to war
He almost starts stuttering
But rallies under Nonas influence, to deliver what is likely the performance of his live.
The song references the first battle of Raliscrad, the Demons were overconfident, and sought to eraze the city, taking it by storm. It could have workd, had several different tribes not rode through extremely bad worldwound weather and charged into their rear as they attacked the city.
Rhenskiold himself was a famed warleader of the Mammoth Lords, who led the relief force (which had Mammoth Lord heavy cavalry, but was actually mostly infantry). The Mammoth Lords later abandoned the war over insults suffered during the 3rd crusade.
Ellena expertly rallies the troops, strategically placing her Paladins in ways that create a network of auruas of courage, under Nonas command Anarya channels her force into the haunt, the haunt being somewhat off balance by the taunting and singing of the Kellids. For a moment, you feel a degree of unity. The Haunt struggles, and lashes out at outlying troopers, but it yields to your might and seemingly retreats to the canyons entrance.
The storm clears, and a rare beam of sunlight is seen.
Illuminating a sizeable force.
Up the Canyon ahead is an emplacement of spiked logs, pits and Bardiches, manned by men and women in fairly uniform black armor, displaying purple stripes, perhaps as rank markers? These are almost certainly the Forsaken.
In the second ranks are lighter troops, in a blue-black color scheme, having an armament of rapiers and... long sticks?
These are Musketeers, you remember their rough capabilities
They cannot have been here for long, yet they quickly entrenched a position, these are disciplined troops, not cultist rabble. The fortifcations consists of a Moat, emplacements, and something gelaning in the sun in a zig-zag pattern. Defenses either exist to defend something, or to kill enemies at favorable exchange rates. This defense is the latter, and you would be completely unsurprised to find additional layers of defenses behind those you can currently see, or hidden vantadge points to provide for enfilading fire.
Equally interesing is what is in front of the force.
A massive man stands there, holding a banner, depicting a Golden Spiral on white rotating clockwise from its centre, with 3 circles balanced on it.
From the wand of silent image earlier, this is Ragnar Skuggason, the leader of the Forsaken.
To his left is a well dressed pair, the male is relatively small, wears an eyepatch as well as an elaborate hat, he is armed in a manner similar to Guilaume, but wields a rapier and a gun rather then 2 guns. He radiates charsima, and moves gracefully.
THis is Cydric de Bergerac. Minus 1 eye. He looks fairly smug.
The female of the is standing next to him. You have seen Succubi before yet this one...
A silky waterfall of black hair descends down to her waist, her proportions being almost ideal, her horns are elborately accessoirized with gold and gems. She has a curious decorations of black feathers on her shoulderpad, and wears a surprisingly conservative, especially for a Succubus, dress of golden and black silk. She would not look out of place in a noble ballroom.
She stands next to the small male.
This is Belana the black feather.
Behind the massive man is a human Kellid woman, while attractive, she is utterly overshadowed by the Succubus.
THis is likely Sevanna, Spell warrior of Mahrevocks tribe
This is the holy symbol of Korada, Empyreal Lord of Peace, Forgiveness and reconcilliation. It is recogniced as a fairly universal banner of truce.
One of your Paladins looks at the Succubus and, 10 seconds later, drops his weapon, momentarily stunned.
You know that this happens when a relative rookie Paladin detects evil at an overwhelming Evil Aura, which a normal Succubus would not have.
I am Ragnar Skuggason, War leader of the Forsaken. Invoking the name and attention of the open hand, I pledge to respect, and within reason protect, the lives, free will, freedoms and posessions of those who parley with me, for the duration of the parley and a decent intervall thereafter. I give the open hand the right to smite me should I willingly violate this pledge.
The large mans voice carries far, and is easily understandable, even 100+ feet away. As the banner of truce shins and creates a sheen of light around him.
This is a serious pledge. It is not uncommon to invoke ideologically opposed parties, end endow them with the right to smite upon unfaithfullness.
The small man has the Abyssal rune for "Vavakia", in a circle of red, inscribed on his right sleeve.
The large man has the Abyssal rune for "Gallu", in a circle of red, inscribed on his right sleeve, and the rune for "Glabrezu", in a circle of black, inscribed on his left sleeve. Neither the Succubus nor the other women have such things.
-------------------------------------------------
Quick map for orientation and theatre of the mind:
You are in a Canyon, with steep slopes on either side
In front of you, roughly 200 feet away, is a fortified position manned by Forsaken with polearms and Musketeers.
50 feet close to you, so 150 feet away are for of their officers, including their leader. Their leader is holding a banner that is definitly not Abyssal, magical, and has just proposed a Parley.
Know. Religion
Sense Motive
”Nona, that banner is commonly flown during parley. I suspect that means they are serious about speaking with us. What is your feeling about this,” the Paladin whispers to the powerful shaman. ”And for the record that succubus is tremendously evil. She’s strong enough to stun my regular paladins. That is insanely strong…”
While waiting for a response, she whispers to Dyre. ”That was beautiful, Drye. I’m proud of you,” she smiled.
She can stun them because they looked at her? Dyre remarks
Makes me feel less bad about not having had any chance at all the one time she captured me. He continues
You are fairly young, and probably to weak to be of particular interest to her. Treating Captives politely is part of her thing, she really hates that devil queen of torture and in part seeks to one-up her, in part to refute her. The black feather is simultaneously one of the nicest, weirdest and most dangerous demons of the worldwound. The older bloodrager says
The Forsakens banner is a black predatorial cat, pouncing, before a white moon on a field of dark purple. Thats not their banner
Askold is using a spell like ability, detect good specifically
His eyes turn angry red for a moment, as he looks at the banner, at Ellena, and at the banner again and then again at Ellena.
That specific banner is about as good as you are Paladin, and far more good then your Underlings are. Would stun the average tribal warrior if they could detect alignments as you and I can. He shrugs
No f!$~ing idea how the forsaken got their hands on that.
Ellena’s nostrils flared with anger as she was told about the good banner. ”Thanks, Askold. I’m going to ask them about that banner. Nona, what do you think? Do we try to converse with these evil Forsaken leaders? I don’t know if I can stomach that, to be hornets!”
Do you detect evil on them yourself if yes
The man has an evil aura of moderate strength.
You think he is using detect good on you at the same time as you are when suddenly...
You have a vision of being in a command tent, clearly Kellid.
I am telling you Galfrey, we need to abort the relief operation, my network relays that the demons have assembled a sizeable force to cut off our advance. You hear the voice of the Forsaken commander speak from your own mouh
And what network would this be? Do you have demons talking to you? Raliscrad will surrender if we turn back. A somewhat younger Galfrey answers, in a fairly condescending manner. Although you also note that he adressed her just as Galfrey, not as Queen Galfrey, or as Lady Galfrey.
They will not, the figured a a way to solve their supply problems with a teleportation circle or 5, and they are trading at a rate of 1:15 due to their excellent defensive position.
the arguing goes back and forth.
From your own military knowledge you do know that continuing the advance led to a massive disaster. You did not know that Ragnar delivered such warnings, but that he was sentenced to death for consorting with demons and treachery after the disaster.
The large man looks confused for a second then looks up at the banner he is holding with a mildly bemused expression.
An interesting way to foster empathy Korada. He says neutrally
The man does not have an evil aura, and is not currently using and spell like
abilities or magic to detect alignments himself
The woman does not have an evil aura, and is not currently using and spell like
abilities or magic to detect alignments herself
She radiates an overwhelming aura of evil, as she initially looks at the Paladin who got stunned by her aura, with an almost apologetic expression, her aura recedes into no aura whatsorever. Her head turns to you Ellena, as 2 inquisitive and almost friendly eyes look at you. Once more a short vision happens
You see a beautifull yet absolutely cruel Erinye, radiating immense power.
You are chained, in pain, and shackled to what seems to be a wall of ice.
There are tubes leading into you and out of you.
Begin the transfusion The Erinye says
Yesss Queen Doloras Voices answer
Subjects, 1 long resisting Succubus a blade of midnight, long known for annoying the might of hell. 1 long resisting Angel, colonel in Ragathiels host, long known for annoying the might of hell. Hypothesis, tranfusing Demonic material into the angel at the same time as transfusing Angelic matter into the Demon will not just be exceedingly painfull for both, but even create a feedbackloop that will crush them even harder by highjacking of their respective telepathic abilities. The Erinye speaks in a cold an utterly dipassionate way.
Suddenly you grin. Angel You hear yourself telepathically speak through massive pain
The b@%%@ f~&*ed up You suddenly have a plan, part of Doloras defenses againt prison breaks is based on using the specific natures of outsiders against them, and she just arrogantly handed you a way around that.
I agree with your sentiment The female voice of the angel grunts back, at least in as much pain as you are.
Your vision blacks out.
Are you sure thats a good idea open hand? The Succubus adresses the banner as if it was a person.
While waiting for the counsel of the newcomer, Ellena did call upon her Inheritor granted power to determine how evil her many opponents seemed to be. After doing so, she began to update the others.
”That one, Ragnar, he is definitely evil. He used to be one of us, though. I saw a vision that he gave Lady Galfrey (before she became the Queen) that their course of action was doomed to fail. He was sentenced to death for consorting with demons thereafter.”
”The next one, the gunslinger, isn’t evil. We might be able to parley with him. Sevanna, the spell warrior also doesn’t have an evil taint about her.”
”Now the succubus, Belana, is dripping with an evil aura. It seems as though she might be a combination of demon and angel, a horrid experiment by someone named Queen Dolores. Th r might be some good in her, but if so, it is buried way deep down in her.”
The gunslinger turns to the Succubus, there seems to be some communication between them.
The Succubus eyes darken she clearly dislikes what she heard.
Alright comrades The gunslinger speaks with a surprisingly mirthfull voice.
I am Cydric de Bergerac, probably the second or third sabre of Galt, capitan of the black daggers, and all around bonhomme who shot f@~#ing Socothbenoth in his Nahyndrian crystal-balls, unfortunately I got captured thereafter. That fair Lady next to me he points at the Succubus.
single handedly infiltrated the hardest to reach dungeons under his cathedral thelemnic, murdered a bunch of demons that were torturing me and exfiltrated me out of there. Not only do I owe her my life, we are each others most favored consorts. You fight her, you fight me. As Mrs. Rastaban over there can probably verify, I am pretty drat f&#*ing good at fighting, and she was present when I shot the s~@!ty sin in his most precious.
He moves in front of the Succubus, but does not draw his weapons.
Lets give that Parley thing a try though.
He invokes
I am Cydric de Bergerac, sabre of Galt and Capitan of the black Daggers. Invoking the name and attention of the open hand, I pledge to respect, and within reason protect, the lives, free will, freedoms and posessions of those who parley with me and pledge the same pledge, for the duration of the parley and a decent intervall thereafter. I give the open hand the right to smite me should I willingly violate this pledge.
A sheet of light surrounds him for a moment.
Galt has a lively dueling tradition, with the top duelists being ranked. There is a lot of turnover, partly on account of the grey gardners seeing famous duelist with military positions as a threat to their own power, and frequently show trialing such people. He absolutely has the movement patterns and the swagger as the perhaps best fighter of an entire country.
The first sabre of Galt is, by Galtese tradition, the people of Galt themselves, as such second sabre would be the most skilled duellist.
He is truthfull, but his pledge is different from Ragnars
Now that you think of it, the crystal you destroyed together with Cydric looked a bit like a phallic symbol with some attached balls.
Cydric also seems... happier then when you last met him.
This is the holy symbol of Korada, Empyreal Lord of Peace, Forgiveness and reconcilliation. It is recogniced as a fairly universal banner of truce.
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Askold is using a spell like ability, detect good specifically
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Nona absorbs what she can about the assorted humans and demons they are facing.
She makes eye contact with Anarya and Ellena, tipping her head toward Cydric the other two. Together hey advance to within 30 feet. Anarya's armor gleams golden in the sun. Ellena's sword likewise glows golden light similar to that which dances around Anarya's head. Nona feels drab beside them.
After letting Anarya declare in her own way that the group would likewise observe the same pledge, Nona speaks to Cydric. "So, Cyrdic, you've been to the Abyss and back. I've had my own harrowing brushes with the power of the Abyss. I am wiser and more powerful than when we last met. My companions now are also more capable than those who supported us in the fight with Socothbenoth, may dretches feast on his remains forever. We are escorting members of my people to safety. Why do you interrupt us?"
Unfortunately the s%%&ty sin is alive and well... I am not capable of killing a demonlord in his own realm... The gunslingers remaining eye darkens
I am learning from the best at this though. She is... not as I had expected her to be. He continues wistfully
For a moment, the Succubus seems envious, but it is a very quick moment. That it dissipates indicaes that perhaps that "She" is someone a powerful Succubus like Belana is not allowed to be envious of.
The large man interjects
If you escort them to safety, then why are they bound? Although I notice they arent bound that tightly, Chieftain Mahrevok expected.
I offer a trade, crusaders in our custody, for Kellids in yours.
Ragnar pauses
The servants of bug and goat have claimed that their mighty conquests of Vilareths Ford, Kenabres, and soon Nerosyan itself would drive down the price of a Paladin on the slave markets to less then a gold coin, and sold captured crusaders for such little amounts, to prove their might and to wet the appetite of the Abyss. The large man continues in a commanding and well used voice.
It would appear their proclamations were premature, and it further appears that their erranous business decisions, coupled with the unexpected sucesses of the crusades, served to enrich Alyushinyrra, a most interesting precedent.
I myself realized some financial gains by betting on Drezens fall.
He grins ferally, as in acknowledgement
Mahrevok the chieftain of the wintersun clan interjects
I have dueled a Glabrezu to death before the large man touches a black circled insignia reading "Glabrezu" in Abyssal, I can do so again if neccessary. Shut up captive, while victors are talking.
The chief speaks to Mahrevok levely, matter of factly, but perhaps with a tinge of explaining simple math to an idiot. He then focuses back on the party.
Would you not agree that the likes of Sir Ciar Cobelen are better off serving in the crusade, rather then in our captivity, and that the likes of Askold "Wraithslayer" Magnusson are more suited to our service? If you make the same pledge to Korada's banner, we can teleport Ciar Cobelen here, and you can verify the truth of our claims yourself. Let us negotiate, so that both sides leave strenghtened.
He makes his pitch, skillfully.
Been a while since anyone named me wraithslayer. Figures that the Nocticulans would know though. Askold remarks.
Ciar Cobelen is the commander of the sunburst sword, a respected Paladin who went missing during the attack on Kenabres.
There are often issues with wraiths in the worldwound.
THere are rumors of a single Barbarian, wearing a mask and calling himself wraithslayer, who travels and... slays wraiths.
It is known that the wraithslayer has sun based abilities, but angrily rebuffs an notion of being associated with Iomedae.
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"I know little about the events at Wintersun Hall that led to this caravan, so I will let others speak as to the desires of the prisoners and the pledges made by Anarya and the others."
Nona looks to the others to address the proffer of a prisoner swap. She is skeptical of whether the Hallet natives will be better off under crusader auspices or this unholy alliance. She never tried to learn how to read people's motives. She has most of her life assumed people may not be telling the truth and tries not to assume truth or fiction when dealing with strangers. Instead, she looks to the actions as indications of true motives.
You know the Forsaken are mostly mortal, with very few demons in them.
The leader Ragnar is a vasall to the Lady in Shadows herself.
You also know that they advertize themselfs as an all volunteer unit, and have a reputation of being highly pragmatic, competent, reliable and disciplined, especially for an outfit lead by a Demon worshipper.
The have a base on the midnight isle of Luralune, parts of which their leaer Ragnar holds as a fief granted by Nocticula. They also have holdings on Golarion, although it is not known where exactly.
They allow the worship of deities other then Nocticula, as long as that deity is not at war with Nocticula, or is highly hostile to Forsaken leadership members. The list of proscribed deities is currently Socothbenoth, Kabriri, Koschtschie, Appolyon and Doloras.
Gorrum and Callistria both have temples in the Forsaken base.
They have been hired by Pharasman authorities for operations against Abbadon and against demon lord Kabriri.
The understanding is that can be hired by people who do not worship the Lady in Shadow, but would never accept missions contrary to her interests.
They rarely leave their dead behind on a battlefield, and never their wounded if they have any way to avoid this.
In Alyushinyrra, they wear insignia using the name of a demon type, like for example Vrock, and then circle it in red or in black. It symbolizes the power of the forsaken in question.
It actually states what the most powerful demon the forsaken in question has killed, with another forsaken as witness, is. Red means killed together with others, black means killed alone, for example in a duel. The Vavakia on Cydrics sleeve is a kill you participated in, you may ask for such an insignia as by their own laws you would be entitled to it.
Ragnar was a known and capable warleader.
It is not known what his oath to Nocticula entained.
You dimly remember that the Forsaken claim that Ragnar swore to Nocticula the same oath a tribe would vow to a large tribe in terms of becoming tributaries. The oath would be
I pledge to bravely and valiantly defend thy interests and holdings, thy foes are my foes, and they shall now the weight of my arms and armsmen. You do not and cannot know what if anything Nocticula vowed back.
You begin to understand what this is. A way to make willing service to a Demonlord acceptable to free willed and competent mortals. In party by treating such mortals as equals to demons, based in part on their merit as warriors and killers. Which is a far more attractive proposition then what either Deskari or Baphomet would offer.
”Im not in favor of trading away our new found ‘guests.’ I think some of them are quite redeemable. There has to be some other arrangements that can be made here. Not that I’m sure the demons would keep their word about a trade, even if we did.”
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A mirthful, friendly and very relaxed voice is heard, speaking from the banner.
Greetings Paladin Ellena Lovain, Godling Anaraya and Shaman Nona Rastaban, I am known as Korada, the open hand. That a mythic servant of a demon lord willingly and freely invoked my name while carrying one of my banners gives me... great leeway in terms of ignoring restrictions on divine noninterference as far as the parley and holding them accountable to any pledges they make is concerned. I cannot however aid you if you reject negotiations and opt for combat.
The banner is silent
Huh? Cydric interjects
Isnt that the voice of your strange drinking buddy Ragnar? First time I saw you lose a drinking contest. The Galtese continues
Look Cydric The large man says looking at the Gunslinger
Korada occassionally shows up in the Abyss, beats a Balor lord, Demodand warlord or vasall of a demonlord silly and pontificates about Redemption and all of that. Since I am a vasall of a demonlord, he opted to pay me a visit.
I knew who he is, so instead of fisticuffs, which I would lose pretty hard, I challenged him to a drinking contest, a game of chance and a philosophical discussion. I won one of these and got the banner in return.
The large man speaks calmly, as if explaining the weather patterns.
I do hope you informed our Lady in Shadows of proceedings? The Succubus raises an eyebrow
My name is on our Ladies wings Belana, she listened in and let both of us know that she did. The large man shrugs
Welcome to the big leagues though crusaders, I would be unsurprised if you currently have the attention of 2 entities capable of answering prayers.
He pauses, looking at Anarya
Two and a half perhaps, but back to the topic, put yourself in the position of the crusaders in our custody, how would you feel if your peers prioritized possibly redeeming some kellids over freeing you from the captivity of demon-sworn? The large man asks a well thought out question.
Hoping to buy time for Anarya to consider the options, Nona turns to the Hallit prisoners and speaks to them in their language. "Have you followed this discussion. They have crusaders as prisoners. They offer to free them in exchange for you becoming their responsibility. Would you rather continue to Drezen, if that is possible, and attempt to make a new life in Drezen or elsewhere? Or go with these renegades?"
Askold speaks up
I am literally a sentinel of Nurgal, while this group seems mercifull, I am looking at the death penalty, which probably doesnt apply to many others of my tribe though. He pauses and looks at Ragnar. Ragnar, are you still trying to get Nocticula to murder Baphomet and/or Deskari? The Barbarian addresses their leader
Trying yes. Succeeding? I have no idea whatsorever. Heck, if she would murder either, I would have scant idea if its due to my "lobbying" or not. She is probably more interesting in murdering Socothbenoth right now but what do I know. The large forsaken replies mirthfully
Hmmm. That seems... honest? Askold raises an eyebrow
I have a f+$*ing mansion in Alyushinyrra, everyone there lies all the time and is also really good at it. I stopped trying, thats playing their game. The forsaken replies
A f%!&ing mansion in Alyushinyrra? Askold asks,
That place is insanely rich, and I did figure out a way to supplement my mercenary income with trading. Ragnar smirks
You have never been a slaver Ragnar, so what is it you are trading? I dont think you would go into the soul trade either... Askold says
Join me and youll find out, it will probably make you laugh. I give you a hint, selling what I sell there would not be an evil act. The forsaken chuckles
From the chemistry between Askold and Ragnar, they know each other. Ragnar also seems to respect Askold, but not Mahrevok.
Askold turns to Nona
It is perhaps overly fair of you to give us a choice, but you may want to inspect their prisoners first, I doubt they will teleport them in before at least one of you does the same pledge they did.
Dyre, the young Bloodrager is looking at the Succubus and Sevanna, then at Elena and Anarya, then at the Succubus and Sevanna, then at Elena and Anarya again. He is alas a teenager.
The Succubus notices and chuckles a bit.
Many of the younger Kellids, especially those to young to have been in combat, seem to gravitate towards the crusaders, while warriors seem to prefer the forsaken.
Most warriors of the tribe will have killed crusaders before, and fear punishment. For the younglings, Drezen would be safer then whereever the Forsaken live.
The athmosphere of the meeting seems to be changing, Ragnar, someone with the reputation of a fierce fearless leader, a champion of a demonlord, is joking. Quite merrily even. Perhaps the influence of the banner?
Yes, its absolutely me Korada. Humor is a great way to break barriers, and establish dialouge, and thus foster reconciliation. It is good that you notice. the voice from before speaks in your head
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Sense motive
Wisdom check
Plus mythic surge
Elena thought it was strange that a group of demon leaders were making jokes with the group. Ellena wasn’t the most clever, but she was able to figure out a couple things at the scene: the warriors had killed crusaders before and would prefer the forsaken, but the youngsters would be better protected back home than to be with the demon troop. As she begins to tell that, the paladin again notices a voice in her head. It was indeed the spirit of the banner. She supposed at least one of the group needed to move forward and accept the terms of parley.
”Nona, I intend on parley. Will you join me,” she says as she steps forward.
My thanks and blessing for parleying Ellena Lovain Koradas voice speaks in your mind
Perhaps I should explain in more detail why I act as I do in this.
The voice pauses
As the Empyreal lord of reconciliation, I detest torture in particular, for it breeds more torture, either because the one tortured is broken enough to become an accomplice, or because the tortured one wishes to strike back, or worse, at those who have offended him or her such. Very very rarely, one tortured may reject the entire concept of torture in its entirety but... It is clear to you that the voice speaks of the Succubus
That a demoness of all beings would choose to reject torture as a reaction to being tortured viciously by a near-deity is unprecedented. It of course isnt exactly mercy that compells her, but rather her own pride. Another pause
Which is unusual, as the dominant sin of a Succubus would be lust not pride, yet this one is more pridefull then lusting, indicating that the Abyss may be wrong in assigning demon types, since Balors are demons of pride, not Succubi. Or perhaps, even more tantalizingly, indicating that Demons are capable of change. Yet another pause
She seeks to outdo, humble and humiliate Doloras, and aims to do so by not lying, something Devils are also famous for, but also by not using torture. She has been incredibly effective in convincing, rather then possessing, mortals into doing Nocticulas bidding. The voice pauses once more, before continuing in a more contemplative tone
Sometimes I wonder if less evil Demons would actually more dangerous, and I think in some ways they would be. But I cannot be driven by fear in this.
I of course understand if the edicts of the inheritor may compell you to think differently, I have no intentions of poaching. But if I may add one thing, your oath as a Paladin of the inheritor would compell thee to not surrender yourself, or anyone under your command. If you were to insist on a mutual release of prisoners, rather then an exchange of them, your oath would not be broken or tarnished, and all Kellids who prefer your side would stay with yours. The voice fades for now.
Ellena moves forward.
GM:
”Greetings to you all. I am Ellena Lovain, servant of the Inheritor and wilder of the blade Radiance. I wish to parley and discuss the future of all the prisoners, both on your side and our side…”
Nona senses the wisdom of Ellena's insight, but has trouble penetrating the subtle elements at play. She nods and joins Ellena in parley.
Ragnars chief aspiration, as far as I know Koradas voice informs you
You are Ragnar, but even larger and more powerful then he is now. Your Steel Sabatons crush bugs as you move forwards towards your prey on an Abyssal battlefield, a field you recognice as the rasping rifts, Deskaris home realm. There is a fallen woman, Kellid, but with bat wings, she looks at you in fear as you crush her skull, recognizing Arelu Vorlessh.
You behold your quarry, as you hear yourself say
Greetings Deskari, I am Ragnar Skuggason. You destroyed my homeland and killed my people. Prepare to die. You see fear in the demonlords alien eyes as you charge, you charge backed by your own demonic force, wearing the symbols of Nocticula. Who is not yet to be seen on the battlefield...
Dont you wonder where she is, Buggy Mc Bugface? You hear yourself laugh as your blade slams into his body.
This should be interesting A mirthfull male and deep voice says in your head. You have a short vision, and you are seemingly Cydric.
You are in a sphere of silky blackness. One your darkvision does not penetrate. It is not what you predicted when summoned to an audience with he Lady in Shadow herself, but you do know better then trying to predict her actions.
I can see my vasall Belana has been successfull in restoring you, blade of Galt, but, are you willing to be enchanced further?
It is strange, to experience the telepathic memories of another, but the voice you hear is the sexiest most desireable and also, active and intoxicating voice you have ever heard. It is how you think the Demonlord of Lust would sound.
Lady Midnight I presume? Cydric thinks but does not speak.
An entity that can answer prayers may be known under many names, yet some names can also refer to multiple entities capable of answering prayers. But yes, you spoke to me, as I wore that mantle.
The voice speaks in the same seducive timbre
Who else wears it then? Desna? Cydric thinks back
She and some others, correct again. She was, foresighted enough to leave quite a sizeable reservoir of her ability to alter probability. The voice continues
By my reckoning you are maintaining diplomatic relations with at least Kelinahat, Korada, Desna and Ragathiel. As well as Callistria and Gorrum, and that is just by my count Cydric continues thinking
Why would I not play to my strengths, yet, what is your answer to the offer of enchancement? the question is asked, the voice will not be misdirected
I have a suspicion, not of you, you will of course use me and there isnt really a point of fighting that, but of the high likelihood that... the one I wish to murder could hijack, or sever this enchantment you offer due to his earlier... closeness to you in some way.
Imposs The voice speaks, anger flaring for a second before
No, empty night you may be right. Is that how he killed...
The voice is introspective now, still desireable but professional you can almost sense the voice, going through millennia of experience to verify.
Cydric de Bergerac, you have given me one of the most dangerous secrets of my arch enemy. Think well about what you wish to ask as a reward. The voice is a queen, not a seductress, now.
You do not hear what Cydric asks Nocticula as the vision ends.
You hear the mirthfull male voice
I do not know what you have seen, I assume it involves Nocticula directly or I would know, I recommend keeping any knowledge gained close to your own heart. She guards her secrets aggressively.
Ellena makes the vow, similar to Ragnar as she steps forward, and the vision of Ragnar floods her mind. ”Now, how do we resolve this peacefully? I feel we might have more in common than it appears at first blush.”
The first rule of prediction is Empathy, asses your foes and plot what you would, should roles be reversed.
If you were the forsaken, you would have in Belana a specialist of controlling, grappling, binding or otherwise besting single targets. She may likely struggle to wrap up Ellena, more so if Ellena smites her, but rushing you and grappling you Nona seems to be a very obvious tactic for her. You do know how much damage Cydric can do, and how little protection armor provides against his onslaught. You also think that he is not evil enough to be smiteable, which complicates the situation further. If you were the Forsaken, you would have him riddle Ellena with holes.
Sevanna is by reputation a Skald or a Spell warrior. She is likely of sufficient power to cast haste, and to begin her performance in the same 10 seconds, and who would likely follow up by making counterspell attempts or casting additional support spells such as good hope.
Ragnar looks like a potent front line fighter, Ellena may prevail over him in a duel, as she can smite him, and well, you doubt from his conduct that he is an Antipaladin, so he cannot smite back, but will he get a duel given the other combatants on their sides? Further, few people count themselfs as Nocticula vasalls without having some tricks in them, you would certainly suspect his mind to be harder to affect then normally.
Now, if Anaraya and Guillaume were in play, Guillaume could likely inflict crushing damage on Ragnar, or anyone else, and Anaryas magic are nothing but potent in terms of keeping you alive, or in blinding some of the opposition. Ragnar does not look like someone whose reflexes are particularly good.
Nona follows Ellena's example and pledges to the terms given by Ragnar. She is silent for a dozen or so heartbeats, her eyes looking forward but not highly focused. Ellena's words focuses her attention again on the situation at hand.
"I suspect we are here to exchange more than just prisoners. I hope we can find areas of mutual goals and share ways to help each other achieve those goals. You called this parley, so speak what you want from us."