Hugh has no trouble tracking this large toad back to its lair, it was large and unafraid of anything else in the moors. In about 45 minutes you track it back to a small cave accessible only through a brackish pool of water. Inside you find the bones of many animals and humans. Scattered through the cave you find A gold medallion worth 125 gp and scattered coins worth another 45 gp.
I takes just over an hour and you come within sight of the house. After escaping the prison, surviving the monstrous Lashtongue and crossing the moors with guard patrols at your heels, finding the house on the Old Moor Road pales beside your other accomplishments. As promised, a lonely lantern burns in the upper story. The place otherwise shows little sign of habitation. Old but well-appointed, the house is large, imposing and alone on its hill. Painted a dark green and surrounded by barbed wrought iron fencing, nothing about this place seems inviting or a sanctuary. Still, it is your destination. Where will you go if not here? You have an appointment to keep. Best not to keep your nameless benefactor waiting…
At the door of the manor house, you are met by Tiadora wearing a diaphanous white gown that makes her look almost angelic. When she speaks, any illusions about her angelic character are quickly dispelled.
“Dearest, you took long enough,” she says pitilessly. “We were beginning to wonder if you’d ever make it. Oh, and you brought friends. The master commands all of you to appear before him but before that, you must be made presentable. Slaves!” She claps her hands. A dozen young attractive men and women all wearing very traditional servant’s livery appear quickly, their heads bowed. “These people are our guests,” she commands imperiously. “See them to their rooms. I want them cleaned, dressed and refreshed. Quickly.” There is something in that last word that sounds like a threat. Certainly the slaves take it that way, hustling to perform their duties.
You are led up to your rooms. You each have your own room, even Grumblejack. The accommodations are comfortable and the slaves are silent and efficient. There are fresh clothes perfectly sized to each of you in your rooms and there is opportunity to wash up.
Each room also has a platter full of hot, delicious food and fresh water.
Hugh strips, washes up, and puts on the clean clothes. He glances at the food and water, his stomach growling, then shakes his head. I don't need to eat all that to be presentable, and whoever the 'master' is, best not to keep him waiting. He takes a quick drink of water and a small bit of food to ease his hunger before leaving the room.
Steinki washes up and changes into the new clothes. After detecting magic on the food, he eats a quick, but hearty snack, equivalent of a meal for others, and then leaves the room looking for Tiadora and his companions.
Sense Motive
Lueck revels in the luxuries, and takes advantage of the servants for his own pleasure. He never lets his one knife get too far from him, but other than that he relaxes and enjoys his dues.
After a short amount of time, maybe an hour, there is a knock on each of your doors (except Grumblejack) with a servant who beckons you to follow them downstairs to where Tiadora waits for you
"It is your time at last to meet the master". Tiadora leads you to a beautifully appointed office richly decorated with dark wood and sumptuous brocade tapestry. Sitting in a leather high-backed chair is a devilishly handsome fellow who smiles as you enter. “I believe you to be the first to ever escape from Branderscar Prison. Well done! Of course, you had help from the outside,” he says with a wicked smile.
“But enough with the pleasantries. You must be curious why I’ve helped you. Rest assured this is no random act of altruism. I have brought you here for a reason. My name is Cardinal Adrastus Thorn. I am the last high priest of Asmodeus left on the island of Talingarde. Once the Prince of Nessus was rightly revered alongside the other great powers. Now, the king of Talingarde has become a puppet to Mitran fanatics who wish to destroy any religion that does not bow to their insipid sun god.
“For their blasphemy, I will see the same people who imprisoned and condemned you suffer. I understand what you went through for I have faced it myself.” With that, he pulls down the sleeve of his robe and reveals his own runic ‘F’ brand. “I am going to burn Talingarde to the ground and from the ashes I will build a new nation that knows its rightful master. I cannot do this alone. I seek servants worthy of our Infernal Father’s majesty. Have I found them in you?”
He rises and his eyes flash with hellfire and divine purpose. “Join me! Serve me well in this holy endeavor and I will raise you up in the eyes of gods and men. I will make you princes of the new Talingarde. Today, swear fealty to me and to Asmodeus."
“Put aside forgiveness and I shall give you vengeance. Put aside mercy and be made powerful. Put aside peace and become my harbingers of war. What say you? Will you swear your allegiance or will you burn with the rest of the blind fools?”
If he has that much time, Hugh will eat.
The handsome Talingarder does not hesitate. "No forgiveness. No mercy. No peace. I will take your oath--to you and to Asmodeus."
With a wicked smile, Lueck says "I have long since been pledged to Asmodeus; his blessings course through me like my own blood. But I am honored to renew that pledge."
Then he adds "I have no doubt that you are who you say you are; the engineering of our escape and the bloodshed that resulted make that clear. You will be pleased to know that of all of the souls that saw sunset at the prison, the only ones that remain breathing are now guests in your home." He gives a short bow of pride in that fact before he continues.
Finally he says "I hereby renew my pledge to the cause of Asmodeus. I pledge my loyalty to you, Cardinal Thorn, for as long as you continue to advance the aims and glory of our lord, Asmodeus." After the pledge is complete, Lueck adds "It is indeed an honor to meet someone so immersed in his blessing. An honor indeed!"
Steinki listens to Cardinal Thorn's speech through the ear trumpet and then continues holding it while listening to Hugh and Lueck before passing it over to the Cardinal. "I would see the Mitrans burn as well. While I am still not sure what to make of you surface dwellers, I am willing to ally with those who serve our Dark Lord. I would continue what I set out to do. You have my pledge Cardinal."
When the three of you agree, Tiadora returns with an unkept gaunt man, his hair sticking up in every direction.
Cardinal Thorne addresses the viallains, "Ash has business elsewhere so he will not be joining you. Instead, Durova Sanguisuge here will be joining you. You will find his skill set should match close enough with Ash's. Now to make this all official, the signing of the contract in blood."
He brings out a quill, a silver ritual knife and two copies of a contract written on some unidentifiable leather and written in dark red ink – the Pact of Thorns. After cutting his hand he dips the quill into his wound then he signs both contracts and hands over the quill and contracts for you to read and sign.
Signed,
The tall, sickly looking and gaunt Durova bows before the gathered group with a flourish. "Asmodeous's blessings to you all.". He turns to Thorn and takes the offered silver knife. "Thank you Mster Thorn," he nods, as he cuts the palm of his left hand. The blood seems to take longer than normal to pool enou gh for him to scribble his name on the proffered document.
Hugh looks a bit askance at the newcomer, but does likewise, signing his name with a flourish and making it clear enough to be embarrassing to his cousin if the document is discovered.
As Lueck reads, he is already drawing his dagger when he finishes the First Loyalty paragraph. When he finishes reading the document, he uses the dagger that he carried through the entire prison break to to open a thin cut. He then uses the bloodied tip of the knife to sign his contract, which is surprisingly legible; clearly, he has used this technique or something similar before...
"Welcome, Durova. I look forward to advancing ours lord's agenda with you."
Steinki is last to the contract. After having it interpreted for him by Cardinal Thorn and verified by Hugh and Lueck, he greets Durova, cuts his hand and signs the contract.
Handing over your copy he states, “Well done. Your first command: prepare yourselves. Stay within the manor. You are still hunted by the Talirean soldiery. In three days we begin your training. Until then, Tiadora can take care of anything you need.”
With that Tiadora comes into the room and says, "Follow me, we have some business to take care of."
First she takes you into a room filled with various slaves. All manor a looks and body types for both sexes are present. She gestures towards them and says, "You may each have your pick of your own personal slave who will be your 'companion' from here on out. They will do whatever you wish them to do. Also, make a list of equipment you need and anything you need sold and we'll get it done for you."
After each of you chooses, she then moves on to a large dining room area where four others are presently sitting. Tiadora gestures you to sit, "Welcome to the manor house. Over the three days you will be able to rest, recuperate, and enjoy yourselves. After that your training begins in earnest. But first introductions."
She introduces you each by name to the other group, "The White Ravens".
A pale human woman with long white hair called Elise Zadaria, an albino raven perched on her shoulder. She is beautiful, but with cold, calculating eyes.
Close to her a brute of a man name Dofstan Alfson. He isn't quite human and appears to have some elf blood in him. He does nothing more than nod when introduced.
Sitting together nearby are a pair of identical twins called Tallus and Titus Rackburn (called Trak and Trik). Trak looks like a man who has lived in the outdoors most of his life while Trik smiles when introduced and sincerely says , "Great to meet you, I cannot wait to work with all of you." He wears a holy symbol to Asmodeus prominently despite the warm appearance.
After introductions she sets a bag down on the table. She pulls out 4 holy symbols, each dedicated to Asmodeus but each personalized for each of you.
Then from out of the bag she pulls out 8 circlets of wrought iron. She give each person in the room a circlet. "These circlets when worn allow you to alter your appearance and hide your allegiance to Asmodeus. There is a time for open confrontation and a time for guile. Until you are allowed to leave, work on mastering the use of these for when you do need them."
Aura faint illusion; CL 1st
Slot head; Price 1,800 gp; Weight –
DESCRIPTION
This circlet of wrought iron alters itself to comfortably fit any wearer. It allows the wearer to alter their appearance as with a disguise self spell. As part of the disguise, the circlet can be changed to appear as any sort of hat, headgear, or hairstyle the wearer desires.
CONSTRUCTION
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, disguise self; Cost 900 gp
She closes up the bag and then says, "Unless there are questions, I will let you enjoy yourselves for the next couple days."
Lueck takes the holy symbol with appropriate reverence. Looking at it closely, Lueck wonders Are the points of the stars made like little dagger blades? That's amazing!
"While I have no problem working alone, it is heartening to be with so many who see the wisdom of our lord. I look forward to accomplishing great things with all of you!"
Edit:
Hugh will choose whichever of the slaves looks the most like his cousin.
The handsome Talingarder is second to accept the symbol, observing as he does so the fine texturing in the legs of the star, suggesting feathered wings. He nods in greeting and matches Trik's smile in warmth. "I'm pleased to meet all of you. I'll echo what Lueck said--I feel great things lie ahead for all of us.
"If you don't mind a few questions, I'm guessing that you four have worked together before? What sorts of things have you done? I haven't heard of you, but given how our kind have had to slink in the shadows that's not surprising; I doubt you'll have heard of any of us before."
Durova takes a long time selecting his particular servant. He first moves the three largest available into a single grouping. He then goes through an uncomfortable selection process, involving pinching all of their skin to check the elasticity. He pushes one large male away, leaving two. Durova then moves in close to both of the remaining two, and takes a good long sniff of their necks. He focuses in on a robust female with fiery red hair. "Youare nice and plump, aren't you? Healthy. I think we will get along nicely," he grins in his creepiest smile.
Upon meeting the other group, Durova repeats his deep bow from earlier. "Please to make your acquaintance, my dear. Elise is such a lovely name," he notes, focusing on the beautiful cold female.
He takes the iron circlet and doffs it. Testing it out, he transforms into a duplicate of Elise. "How lovely. This could come in very handy," he says as he cracks that uncomfortable smile yet again.
He also takes the particular holy symbol that stands out to him. I like the fanged points on the edge. Looks like they belong to a Vampire! Asmodeus is magnificent...
Steinki slowly walks down the line of slaves, glaring at each in order, then going back and speaking in dwarven with each. He has one interest. If he is going to spend time serving Asmodeus in the lands of man, he regretfully will need to learn their savage tongue. He seeks until he finds a slave he can command to teach him.
When introduced to the White Ravens, Steinki quietly assesses each member, studying them to ascertain their commitment to the cause. Even were they a rock, his gaze might break them in twain.
Turning from the Raven, Steinki smiles slowly when he sees the silver and iron-chased black stone symbol spill from the bag. He bends and wraps thick fingers around it before setting it around his neck with a low laugh before accepting the iron circlet from Tiadora.
"While I have no problem working alone, it is heartening to be with so many who see the wisdom of our lord. I look forward to accomplishing great things with all of you!"
When you say "Wisdom of our lord" Elisa snorts a bit and gives Lueck an even colder look, "While 'The Endless Winter' and Asmodeus currently share a common goal, I'm no devil loving cultist!"
Trak steps in and says, "Now now Elise, I'm sure no offense was intended. Friends, if you look around her neck she has the holy symbol of 'The Endless Winter'. It is a hunk of unmelting ice. It is amazing that fire and ice can work together when the cause is right!"
"If you don't mind a few questions, I'm guessing that you four have worked together before? What sorts of things have you done? I haven't heard of you, but given how our kind have had to slink in the shadows that's not surprising; I doubt you'll have heard of any of us before."
Elise almost sneer turns to a smile when she looks at Hugh. It is nowhere near a warm heartfelt smile and seems as if she can tell what is under his clothes, "Now this is what I am talking about. Very pretty. We have three days, maybe I can answer your questions elsewhere. My room is very comfortable and conducive to...long talks."
Upon meeting the other group, Durova repeats his deep bow from earlier. "Please to make your acquaintance, my dear. Elise is such a lovely name," he notes, focusing on the beautiful cold female.He takes the iron circlet and doffs it. Testing it out, he transforms into a duplicate of Elise. "How lovely. This could come in very handy," he says as he cracks that uncomfortable smile yet again.
She turns to Durova, looking like her now and says, "If you EVER do that again, Dostan here will cut you in half!" Dostan steps up and draws an incredibly long and sharp two handed sword. At the same time Trak draws his bows ready to shoot.
Tiadora appears out of nowhere and commands everyone to calm down. Elise laughs and turns away while Dostan gives Durova a hard look before following.
While the White Ravens may not all follow Asmodeus, they seem dedicated to overthrowing Talingarde as far as you can tell.
While much of what is said is unknown unless you have the ear trumpet, you still notice much:
While your gaze may break a rock in two, you have no doubt it will not break Elise. She is the real deal and not one to trifle with.
When she flirted with Hugh, Trak was none too happy and has since given Hugh murderous gazes.
Dostan is completely loyal to Elise and would do anything for her (but not because of infatuation with her like Trak)
Trik seems really unusual for an Asmodeus priest and while his words are gentle and his manner is upbeat, there is something hard about him below the surface. And there is something else just wrong about him.
"Ease yourself, squirt. I'm just having a laugh with the pretty lady. I meant no harm," Durova apologizes as he turns back into his normal gaunt form. He then turns and listens to Tiadora intently, upon her reappearance.
"While I have no problem working alone, it is heartening to be with so many who see the wisdom of our lord. I look forward to accomplishing great things with all of you!"
When you say "Wisdom of our lord" Elisa snorts a bit and gives Lueck an even colder look, "While 'The Endless Winter' and Asmodeus currently share a common goal, I'm no devil loving cultist!"Trak steps in and says, "Now now Elise, I'm sure no offense was intended. Friends, if you look around her neck she has the holy symbol of 'The Endless Winter'. It is a hunk of unmelting ice. It is amazing that fire and ice can work together when the cause is right!"
The humor fades from Lueck's voice as he replies "Amazing, indeed. I will not forget." With that, he quietly sits to the side, the only movement he makes after that is his eyes scanning the others.
Within minutes, he seems to take on the appearance of a creepy, life-sized doll whose eyes you could swear move when you catch them out of the corner of your eye.
Steinki narrows his eyes at Elise, but the feelings he projects are cautious respect. Interesting. Perhaps she cannot be broken, but her companions can. He shifts his legs apart standing ready to hear more from Tiadora.
Hugh returns Elise's smile. "I would enjoy the chance to...discuss such matters. At length." He stays calm during the contretemps that follows, watching all of the new quartet closely.
Over the next three days you rest, relax, and gain back your strength after being incarcerated. You are allowed to do whatever you would like while staying within the manor, but are not allowed to leave. Your equipment is brought to you as well as any other clothes you desire. Grumblejack eats and drinks a fair amount of food and rests a lot and by the end of the three days is at full health and has recovered from his treatment at Branderscar.
The White Ravens is also in the house. They pretty much keep to themselves unless approached, but you can see the large half-elf, Dofstan, is always with Elise Zadaria, eyes flickering waiting for any danger to appear. . Trik is either with his brother Trak or alone reading various holy texts that Cardinal Thorne has in his library.
During that time, Tiadora is seen around and makes sure the peace is kept, but Cardinal Thorne is away.
After three days you four are summoned down to speak with Cradinal Thorne, “Have you enjoyed your gifts? The iron circlets allow you to move amongst your enemies as one of them. The silver amulets will remind you of your true loyalties. And the other items – well, you will need them now.
“You have done well to escape from Branderscar and to accept my offer. However, you are still not ready for my service. Tiadora will lead you to the basement of this domicile. There you will find nine chambers each more dangerous than the last. Somewhere hidden within these chambers is a pendant of silver and sapphire. Recover the pendant and bring it to me. Let nothing and no one stand in your way.”
He stands up and looks out of the manor house window across the grey moor. “It’s almost dusk. You have until dusk tomorrow to bring me my prize. Use whatever resources you have available. Do not fail me.” Cardinal Thorn takes a seat at his desk.
Tiadora arrives right on cue. “This way” is all she says. She leads you to a set of stairs. “Below you will find the Nine Lessons.”
Your time spent with Elise, while enjoyable, yields no useful information. Most of the talking involved both of you to try and pry some useful knowledge out of each other while guarding what you say.
Lueck assumes the test starts the moment the stairs come into sight.
With a wink to Tiadora, Lueck starts toward the steps, confidently assuming the lead.
Given that no there is no apparent incentive to move quickly, he'll take 20 checking for traps and secret doors as he starts down the stairs. Once he's down a couple of steps in this methodical manner, he'll tell the others "Let me know if you sense anything questionable and I'll take a closer look."
Durova follows behind the halfling toward the 'test.' He reminds the little fellow to be on his guard, pointing out anything looking out of the ordinary.
Aid another Perception
Steinki listens to Lueck through the ear trumpet, then nods and thrusts it into his Beltane arms himself with his battleaxe. He scans the way ahead, wary of traps and listening for sounds that might clue him in to what they must face.
Hugh casts mage armor on himself, then looks over at Durova. "Want a shielding spell?"
"If you've got one to spare, it'd be much appreciated. I'm not good with real armor," Durova admits.
Hugh invokes a mystical power that makes Durova feel faintly uneasy, but a comforting mantle of force settles over the incipient vampire.
"Thank you,,brother. I'll do my best to keep any...problems we encounter off of you."
When you are ready you head down the stairs.
“Deception is a tool. Self-deception is death. Deceive always thy enemy but never thyself.”
Deception, eh? My life's blood!
Lueck continues to lead down, continuing his careful search for traps and secret panels.
Glancing up at the lantern, Lueck comments "Do we want our own light source, in case that lantern decides to wink out?"
"Deception is a tool? Sounds like to me we are being told to not head for the obvious door. Maybe something more out of the way."
"Unless it is a double deception, and the message is intended to make us stray into danger!" Lueck grins at the monk to show he was just kidding. Maybe.
Lueck is now at the bottom of the stairs and no traps found.
Lueck is now at the bottom of the stairs and no traps found.
Steinki passes the trumpet over to Lueck, "Looks like you've got this in hand, but I can help check the walls if you'd like."
Lueck nods in agreement with Steinki. He starts to move toward the lamp, since it seems the most prominent feature in the room.
Steinki begins to search going clockwise from the stairs
After checking out the lamp, Lueck will take a casual walk around the room, his expert eye scanning for signs of traps.
Perception Lueck
Steinki begins his searching the walls while Lueck studies the lamp for a minute before doing a casual scan for any obvious traps. Steinki gets to the middle of the north wall and discovers a hidden panel in the wall and exclaims something in dwarven distracting Lueck for a split second. As Lueck steps in front of the door, the floor gives way exposing a pit below
Reflex Save!
Reflex save
Lueck quickly recovers rolling to his side just before falling in. As he peers into the hole, he sees a number of nasty looking spikes at the bottom.
Steinki spins at the sound, managing a grab for Lueck's arm just as he rolls away from the pit. The dwarf gestures to the hidden panel and picks the trumpet up from where it has fallen on the floor. "I think I found our deceptive path."