Doug M's Way of the Wicked (Inactive)

Game Master Douglas Muir 406

"Now, as to you..." Tiadora bends close to Bref, examining him. There is something horribly clinical about her gaze, as if she is looking at an interesting specimen. "You seized Zarko by the beard, insulted and threatened him. The fact that this was in response to his insult does not signify. You are not a minion. At your level, servants of the Dark Lord are expected to be able to control themselves."

"Have you anything to say in defense or mitigation?"

being the smartest goblin in the world has it's benefits. Bref wisely shuts up.

Goblin sorry...make mistake. No happen again.

Tiadora smiles. It's a singularly unpleasant smile somehow. "The Dark Lord cares nothing for apologies. A willingness to correct behavior is worth something... when it is sincere."

"Since it is a first offence, a lower level of punishment is appropriate. To encourage self-correction, I will give you something to remember. I sentence you to a Level Zero Correction, with marking." Tiadora raises one hand. You notice that her nails, though not overly long, are lacquered red and very sharp.

She plunges a single nail into the side of Bref's face and very slowly begins ripping a deep gouge into the flesh.

Bref, the agony is overwhelming. Somehow it's much worse than the simple physical damage. It feels like she has stuck her finger right into your brain. You need to make a Fortitude save to avoid passing out from utter mind-blasting pain.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

what this do? Bref screams as he passes out as he clutches his poison

When she is done, Tiadora has torn a wound all down the side of Bref's face.

Bref is at exactly 0 hit points. Clearly she has done this before. He has also taken 4 points of Cha damage, reducing his Cha to an astonishing 1.

Tiadora turns to the rest of the group. "You will not use any form of magical healing on him. If he is truly worthy to serve our Master, the pain will be a lesson."

Tiadora then bends down close to Bref. She does not actually whisper in his ear, but he hears her speak clearly.

Already the wound is beginning to swell, as if poisoned or infected.

Bref, the hp and the Cha damage will heal in the normal manner over the next week or so. However, you will have a permanent scar down the side of your face. It won't affect your Cha or anything else, but it will be noticeable.

The next half hour passes quickly. Zarko takes measurements of each of you, as if measuring you for clothes. He looks in your mouths and eyes, thumps your chests, examines your teeth and nails, and takes blood, saliva and hair samples, which he mixes on the spot with various reagents. He taps and pokes you with various wand-like devices.

Throughout most of this process, Zarko is in a state of such profound, utter, pants-wetting fear that you almost, almost feel sorry for him. He keeps glancing over at Tiadora and then whimpering. There are only two moments at which he briefly forgets to be terrified...

Comments by Zarko:

Sir Edmin: Human male, standard, standard, standard. Nothing of interest.

Jax: Para-human male, second phase demonic influence, probable Type G, less likely Type D. Seems to lack the Type D specialized endocrine system. Could confirm with dissection, not possible at this time. Nonstandard, nonstandard, standard.

Bref: Goblin male, standard, standard. Deformed caput and exaggerated dentition but within two standard deviations of goblin racial mean. Little of interest.

Dren: Human male, standard, standard, standard. Nothing of interest.

Zimu: Human... For the first time, Zargo forgets to be terrified. He stares openly at Zimu's chest, breathing heavily, for several seconds. human... female. Second phase celestial influence, complicated by, unknown. Type, uh, A. Likely Type A. Zargo is still breathing heavily and staring. precise nature of complication cannot be determined without closer...

"Zargo." Tiadora does not raise her voice, but Zargo cringes so hard he almost slams his chin on the ground. "human female celestial phasetwo standard nonstandard standard yes moving right along mistress yes yes"

Grumblejack: Para-ogre male, third phase demonic or daemonic influence. Type unclear, possibly E, G or H. Reaction times well above reported ogre racial mean. Non-rugose subdermal plates. No sign of neurological consequence.

The Judge: Human... male... For the second time Zargo seems to forget his terror for a few moments. Multiple anomalies include dentition, dermis, digestive, likely endocrine. Test positive for negative energy but not, repeat not, standard undead. Positive for all other life tests including heartbeat and breath. Etiology unclear. Precise status unclear. Zargo stares hungrily at the Judge. "What are you? So many questions. Who were your parents? What were your parents? How old are you? What do you eat? Who do you like to have sex with? Do you like to have sex? I'd like to take a sample of your brain tissue --" Suddenly he glances over at Tiadora again and his terror returns. "clarification impossible without dissection not possible at this time standard nonstandard standard end report"

When Zarko is done, Tiadora nods at you. "Your circlets will be ready tomorrow. Until then, do not leave the manor."

"Return to your assigned quarters now. A midday meal will be served at the first bell, in about two hours." You are startled. Is it really only an hour before noon? Twelve hours ago you were locked in a cell... six hours ago you were fleeing through the mud of Toadmarsh. It's hard to believe.

Tiadora waves at you in dismissal. "If you require anything further, the servants are at your disposal. Go, now." As you begin to file out the door, she turns to Zarko. "Now, my dearest. We have so much to discuss..."

"No, Mistress, please! Mercy, Mistress! Mercy, please I AAIIEEEEEEEEEE" Zarko's first scream comes straight through the closed door as if he's standing right beside you. As you walk up the stairs, they slowly begin to fade, but you can still faintly hear him screaming all the way up on ground level.

On the way back to the rooms, Edmin drops back to walk besides the Judge.
"Do you have any idea what this Tiadora is? I would know what we are dealing with."

Before we left. Bref would very seriously and as respectfully as he can say to Zargo

What this do? He holds up the poison again.

As everyone walks back, and out of hearing.

Zargo is in such a state of profound terror that you have to piece together an answer from his mumbling and babbling. However:

Bref stops back into Pinky and parcels out 12 doses of the poison.

Sell.

When you return to your room, an attractive young servant of whatever gender you find interesting is waiting there. S/he has prepared a small snack for you, to tide you over until lunch -- a platter with bread, cheese, fruit, and a bit of meat. A bottle of white wine (non-magical, but a good recent vintage) stands ready. Although it is still raining outside, the fire in the fireplace has been built up, and the room is pleasantly warm. A single stick of incense is burning in a taper, sweetly scenting the air. On the small table by the bed is a towel and a small lamp, which is being used to heat a bowl of massage oil.

"[Master/Mistress]," says the servant, eyes downcast at the floor, "I am here to serve. Whatever you desire... I shall do my best to provide."

Exception: Bref. Not only does nobody come to take care of Bref, but the servants scuttle nervously out of his way, not wanting to get close to one who has incurred the Mistress' wrath. His room is dark and cold.

Okay, we've covered a lot of ground in the last 36 hours. I'm going to pause a bit to let everyone catch up. You can post any comments, questions, or interactions here or on the Discussion thread, but let's not move the main narrative forward until everyone has had a chance to read and digest.

Bref grabs a piece of wood from his fireplace. He then sneaks down the hall until he finds a room with a fire going.

He sneaks in and lights his wood then skulks back to his room and lights his fire. He only sneaks into a companions room, not into anyone elses. He sneaks into their room so they don't get into trouble.

Stealth 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Once he has a fire burning he piles pillows and blankets up in front of it and curls up and sleeps.

Posts passed in cyberspace there DMDM But got it. Bref will be sleeping anyhow after that debacle.

Jax remained quiet for most of the situation with Zargo. He will, however, have asked the dwarf a few questions while he was performing his examination.

You seem quite well informed of demonic influences. I would love to visit with you sometime and learn more about your experiments. While Jax is clearly interested by the lab, he is also obviously disgusted with the state of the room. Despite this disgust, he attempts to be friendly with the dwarf -> Diplomacy 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

He'll also have a question for Tiadora. What will these circlets do?

When he returns to his room, he'll pause by the door and let out a long, sad sigh, shaking his head at the woman in the room. What? Only one of you? Make sure there are two servants here tonight, and one of them better be a man. Oh, and bring this form to Pilkington.

The devilish creature hands the completed requisition form off to the servant and moves to a desk or table. When you return, you'll serve me some wine.

After the servant leaves, Jax reclines in the chair and laughs. His laughter echo off the walls and into the corridor. He doesn't bother trying to hide his pleasure with the current situation.

Despite this disgust, he attempts to be friendly with the dwarf -> Diplomacy 1d20-1

Zargo is in such a state of extreme terror that it probably wouldn't have worked anyway.

He'll also have a question for Tiadora. What will these circlets do?

"They will enable you go to and fro in this kingdom without being recognized. Trust me, the hunt for you and your colleagues will not die down any time soon."

What? Only one of you? Make sure there are two servants here tonight, and one of them better be a man. Oh, and bring this form to Pilkington.

The devilish creature hands the completed requisition form off to the servant and moves to a desk or table. When you return, you'll serve me some wine.

"Yes, Master. It shall be done."

Jax reclines in the chair and laughs. His laughter echo off the walls and into the corridor. He doesn't bother trying to hide his pleasure with the current situation.

Good to see he's enjoying himself!

The Judge: Human... male... For the second time Zargo seems to forget his terror for a few moments. Multiple anomalies include dentition, dermis, digestive, likely endocrine. Test positive for negative energy but not, repeat not, standard undead. Positive for all other life tests including heartbeat and breath. Etiology unclear. Precise status unclear. Zargo stares hungrily at the Judge. "What are you? So many questions. Who were your parents? What were your parents? How old are you? What do you eat? Who do you like to have sex with? Do you like to have sex? I'd like to take a sample of your brain tissue --" Suddenly he glances over at Tiadora again and his terror returns. "clarification impossible without dissection not possible at this time standard nonstandard standard end report"

As the questions pour from Zargo's mouth the Judge begins to smile and then laugh, not a pretty laugh.

_________________

To Cy:
I do not know what your plans are for the wealth we have been provided, but both you and Morsum would benefit from armor. I was considering purchasing a Wand of Mage Armor to help with his armor and was hoping that you might want to go in on the purchase with me.

After a while of drinking and eating in his room, Jax goes hunting for Bref.

Toothpick! Come out come out where ever you are. I want to share some of that tar you have..

Edmin enters his room and moves to the table, pouring himself a glass of wine.

"Master,says the servant, eyes downcast at the floor, "I am here to serve. Whatever you desire... I shall do my best to provide."

The knight sneers at the woman then throws his wine glass at her.

"You can not provide me with what I desire! Get your ass out of here before I cut your fargin head off and end both our misery!"

Al'Roth moves to a chair a flops down in it, his axe in his left hand and bottle of wine in his right. The knight replays the last few days events in his head. He relives all the combat, remembering every move and swing of his weapons, the pain as the enemy strikes him, and the rush of slaying his opponent. He picks apart his actions wondering what would have happened if he had only...

Edmin shakes his head he is not sure how much time has passed. His jaw and hands hurt from clinching, and he has to help himself let go of his axe. He lays the headsman's axe across his lap and massages his hands as he looks around the room. The finery does not impress him. He has no real need for things such as this. He finally gets up and eats the food left on the table and finishes the bottle of wine.

The knight looks at the bed for a moment before moving back to the chair and dragging it in front of the fire place. He sits and places the axe across his legs and begins to think again. This time about his revenge.

Tohram returns to his room and smiles at the young lady sent to serve him.

I was very poorly treated in the prison and could use a good massage. When you are finished, please call your companion who provided me with her life blood before. I would like you and she to compete to pleasure me. The winner will be allowed to provide me with my next meal.

The Judge then lies down and slowly falls asleep resulting in Morsum suddenly losing his form and turning back into the Judges shadow.

Dren stands in the shadows of the hallway watching the others come and go.
Activated shadow Armor and Guidance.
He listens to their yelling and laughter, absorbing their human reactions. When things go quiet the voices in his head keep him company describing things he has never seen or might never see.

stealth cloak of darkness guidance 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 = 26

When Jax comes looking for Bref, he steps out of the shadows right behind him.

Hello Jax...how can I help you?
The little Goblin has collapsed after his experience with the Mistress.
Quite an interesting ability don't you think? She reminds me of a Succubus, but that wouldn't be as they have no ability to follow the rules of Hell. She is obviously more than she seems, as are the rest of us.

Dren sleeps as little as humanly possible without affecting his abilities. He will actually prefer to sleep during the day and be active at night...

DM

He turns to Zimu. "As to you, my dear witch... the sororicidal tendencies of Baba Yaga's brood are well known. You are not the first to raise this concern. Let me tell you this: Baba Yaga will not directly attack one who is under the protection of the Lord of Hell. While you serve me, you will be safe -- at least from that." He raises a finger. "Understand, I cannot guarantee your complete safety against your sisters. For some of them are reckless, and others are mad. But if one comes against you while you are in my service, I promise you, she will suffer the consequences."

--

In the barren unforgiving wastes of the cold bleak mountains of no less than eight worlds across the planes, the cold gusting winds cease their howls. All is still. All is quiet.

But the temperature on each world has just dropped a degree colder. Forevermore.

-

Those looking at Cуровую when the Cardinal mentions a name they may well have never heard of see something astonishing. The pale witch, who even in the midsts of combat, torment and pain has never shown any true emotion ... grows visibly and almost impossibly paler.

Those who would look on will see abject fear, desperation and loss of will, Cуровую actually seems to age in front of all and it seems that the ice witch may very well dissolve to mist.

-

Yet after what seems like brief eternity Cуровую summons her composure, ice again fills her cold mind, steels her heart and chills her soul.

And in all the days since creation, none would have thought of the day when the Prince of Perdition would offer the most unattainable of gifts: hope.

At this point everyone has signed except Zimu. Zimu, let us know what you want to do -- sign, refuse, negotiate, attack the Cardinal, or whatever.

If the DM will indulge me I would like to role play the meeting with the Cardinal a little more, before the act of signing, I promise to catch up to the others soon.

If this is too much of a burden or the other players object to holding up this part of the game then I won't do it.

To the Cardinal

'What was the first sin my lord Cardinal?'

Cуровую has played this game before.

'It is said to be Pride is it not? That dark prince was the first to fall because of pride.'

'There are even some poets who would claim that the dark prince's dark throne is made by with the one thing in all creation that will never break, that will never bend, that will never yield - Asmodeus sits on a throne of his own making, fashioned and created with the embodiment of his own pride.'

Jax jumps a bit when Dren comes out of the shadows. Sneaky fellow..And that's too bad, I was thinking of trying some of that drug we found..perhaps the gods will answer, heh. Well..I'll return to the wine and luxury, I will see you at lunch, Dren.

Jax jumps a bit when Dren comes out of the shadows. Sneaky fellow..And that's too bad, I was thinking of trying some of that drug we found..perhaps the gods will answer, heh. Well..I'll return to the wine and luxury, I will see you at lunch, Dren.

As you say Jax...at lunch... and he quietly shuffles back into the shadows where he come from.

GM Doug, is the lab area where we just went off limits to us? I think Dren would be interested in looking at it closer.

The Cardinal arches an eyebrow. "This notion of 'sin'... my dear, you will learn not to think in these terms. "Sin" is a lie sold by the forces of weakness. In truth, Pride is the First Strength, the master virtue which holds all the others in check." He leans forward, dark eyes intense. "All the virtues have their place. Wrath, lust, envy... each is a spur that can drive towards greatness. But it is Pride, great Pride, that dominates and controls all the others, compelling the aspirant ever onward to mastery."

The Cardinal leans back, smiling benevolently. "It is always a pleasure to see young people taking an interest in theology. If should wish to shift your focus from arcane studies to the mysteries of the divine, my dear, don't hesitate to let me know. Asmodeus can always use a keen-witted servant."

GM Doug, is the lab area where we just went off limits to us? I think Dren would be interested in looking at it closer.

Tiadora said "everything below ground level".

Mind, the door going downstairs is open. You don't see anything that would stop you.

Doug M.

Eventually Bref awakens. First he goes searching for food. He is starving. Possibly dying because he is so hungry. He seeks out the first servant he can find.

You! Take Goblin to food!

DM can we role play the meeting with the Cardinal further or is that too far back?

Re Zargo, during the examination Cуровую will wink and curl her lip and 'accidentally' brush against the dwarf's beard. An ally is an ally, and the Game goes on.

Bluff 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

As she leaves the room she will cast Message and whisper the words 'courage my friend' three times as the door closes behind them.

--

We are but pawns. But even pawns may rise to become Queens.

Zargo's mouth falls open and his breathing becomes audible. He locks eyes with Zimu for a moment. You can see that beneath beard, scars and dirt he is blushing a deep red...

"Zargo." Tiadora's voice breaks the moment and Zargo goes back to cringing and whimpering in terror. He does manage to stare at your chest a couple of more times before you leave, though.

I: SIR EDMIN IS TESTED

Sir Edmin appears before the Cardinal at the appointed hour. He is fully armored and is carrying his axe.

The Cardinal nods approvingly. "Ah, you have come prepared. It is well." He rises, and takes Sir Edmin by the shoulder (his grip is surprisingly strong). Looking directly into your eyes, he says, "My son, I have seen the fire in you. The rage."

"I believe that fire can drive you to greatness. I believe you can be, not just a servant of our Dark Father... but a champion.

"Understand that this is no easy path. There will be a test. And beyond that test, many challenges. You do not have to take this road. It is your choice. But I believe that you can do this, if you so choose."

"What say you?"

The Judge enjoys the relaxations and the ministrations of the thralls.
Yes, I could learn to enjoy this life. The strong served by the weak.

When he hears the fourth bell toll, the Judge gets up and after dismissing his servants, makes his way calmly down to meet with the Cardinal.

Will be on and off today, will try to keep up with the thread.

I don't want to take away from Sir Edmin's fun so I'll wrap up

My lord Cardinal I can not give what is not mine to give, allegiance yes, but my soul was never mine. I will amend your document and give you nine years less a day, I shall serve you and your ambitions, your will and goals shall be held paramount, and all will know that to oppose you is to bring ruin and despair.

Nine years less a day, Paradise was lost in less time than that, surely one Kingdom will be made to ash in that time.

II: THE JUDGE DISCUSSES HIS FUTURE

"Ah, come in, my dear Judge." The Cardinal smiles broadly. "Please, sit. I hope you are finding your accommodations pleasant? Ah, good. Good."

"So." The Cardinal leans forward. "Let us proceed directly to the matter at hand. You are the product of a most unusual set of circumstances. You are... different; a living man, but touched with the power of undeath. And secretly, you have long wondered if you could ever go beyond being merely "touched". You have wondered if you could perhaps become one of the undead... and so at last become truly whole. Is that correct?"

And one day, when my time has come. I, and all my will, shall be hers to do so as she pleases.

The Cardinal smiles indulgently. "My dear, you will learn to have faith in the power of the Dark Lord. Serve him well, and you need fear no lesser evil."

III. ZIMU RENEWS AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE

The party files into the dining hall for lunch. This is a large room with several tables. Servants rush to and fro, carrying platters of delicious-looking food.

There are four people around one table. They turn as you come in: three men and a woman. They are all well dressed. As they turn, you can see that two of them are wearing brooches similar to yours. Identical, really... except that these say VIII.

Suddenly the woman stiffens. "You!" she snarls. She leaps to her feet, knocking her chair over backwards. Then raises her arms and begins to sweep out an arcane design in the air.

Zimu recognizes her instantly. It is her much-hated cousin and fellow descendant of Baba Yaga, the witch Elise Zadaria.

IV: BREF AND JAX GET HIGH

"Tea, the dwarf said." Jax is carrying a tray with a teapot, a flask of water, and several small containers. "There's a little rack-thing over the fireplace that can be used for heating water. He mentioned it having a strong taste, so I brought lots of sugar and three different kinds of... Gods, you look awful."

"Nnn." Half of Bref's face is grotesquely swollen and inflamed. In combination with his already large head, the effect is arresting.

"Well, maybe this will make you feel better. Doesn't look like it could make things worse." Jax picks up the teapot.

I just lost four paragraphs of text while I was editing oops, DM saw it which is good but other players may have miss out sorry. Award winning stuff there folks! :)

I don't want to take away from Sir Edmin's fun so I'll wrap up

My lord Cardinal I can not give what is not mine to give, allegiance yes, but my soul was never mine. I will amend your document and give you nine years less a day, I shall serve you and your ambitions, your will and goals shall be held paramount, and all will know that to oppose you is to bring ruin and despair.

Nine years less a day, Paradise was lost in less time than that, surely one Kingdom will be made to ash in that time.

Off to bed for real now. Then work. Then more work. Count me in by early am, good luck all!

No drug now! Goblin have things to do. Come back at night! Try black stuff then.

Bref scampers off eating a large hunk of meat.

He takes some time to explore the upper levels that are allowed to him. What does he find?

He then makes a point to look for Tiadora.

As I said on the discussion page, these are out of chrono order. You can do other stuff too. So we can do "Bref explores the mansion" simultaneously with "Bref and Jax get high". (Or not, if you don't want to play that way. You tell me.)

Your injury makes eating incredibly painful. So, not only is Bref in constant agony, he's hungry too.

Define "explore". Look through all open doors? Open any door that's unlocked? Pick locks?

"Understand that this is no easy path. There will be a test. And beyond that test, many challenges. You do not have to take this road. It is your choice. But I believe that you can do this, if you so choose."

"What say you?"

Edmin salutes the Cardinal by making a fist with his right hand and placing it over his heart. "I stand ready Sir. I will prove myself a champion of the Dark Father,or die in the trying."

Bref's lesson is very fresh in his mind and face. He unlocks nothing looks for now trouble whatsoever.

bref will avoid jax for a couple days. He does not want to take the drug till he feels a bit better. . He is more interested in finding Tiadora.

Jax is going to explore as well, he's specifically looking for a library. Spellcraft checks to write new spells in a spellbook take a substantial amount of time and he'd prefer to do it in a place that's full of quiet contemplation.

Bref isn't only trying to avoid Jax, the feeling is mutual. He almost wants to put Bref out of his misery, but assumes he'll get better with time.

If there are other knots/teams other than VIII in the area, Jax will also make attempts to be friendly with them.

II: THE JUDGE DISCUSSES HIS FUTURE

"Ah, come in, my dear Judge." The Cardinal smiles broadly. "Please, sit. I hope you are finding your accommodations pleasant? Ah, good. Good."

"So." The Cardinal leans forward. "Let us proceed directly to the matter at hand. You are the product of a most unusual set of circumstances. You are... different; a living man, but touched with the power of undeath. And secretly, you have long wondered if you could ever go beyond being merely "touched". You have wondered if you could perhaps become one of the undead... and so at last become truly whole. Is that correct?"

The Judge sits down across from the Cardinal.

I love the darkness, but if I could not go out in the light, how would I be able to study the beautiful people of this land and determine which one would make the next sacrifice to my needs. While my soul may be touched with the cold of the undead, I am still very human and have the normal human needs. As I am sure that you are aware, many men obtained freedom or lenient sentences under my rule because of services from their wives, daughters, lovers and siblings. When properly subjugated and subservient, women like Cy and your Tiadora can make for a very enjoyable repast.

Yes, one can always use magic to dominate another, but knowing that a woman or a man is doing something with great relish that you know they hate and will make them loath themselves for eternity. Why, that is how one gains the greatest pleasure from the conquest. Yes, charm and seduction have their place and can be most useful, but forcing another to do things that are directly contrary to their very nature, and manipulating the person so that the things are done out of a voluntary choice, why that is true power.

So, back to your question. Yes, I would be quite interested in looking into following in the footsteps of Lord Varnith whose taint I believe caused me to be as I am. But, not until I have the power to walk the streets without the fear of every paladin and priest hunting me like a rat. There is a nation I have read of far to the south in the land of Garund. It is called Nex and in that land the undead walk freely with the living. It would be an honor to fight for the Prince of Darkness to bring this same situation to Talingarde. A land where Priests of Asmodeus and the undead rule the land while those less worthy work the land, both before and after death.