GM Phntm888's Way of the Wicked Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Phntm888

Hmmm. I'll just not select that Feat then, I may at a later level when I can take one from first, second, etc. but for now I think Toughness and Combat Casting would be more useful.

I have an alias for him already. I'll fix the typos in the Background and reorganize the crunch, including deleting the spellbook, by the deadline.

It is hard to say if it were a ruse from the beginning, or if her contract, such as it was, ended up being bought out, but ultimately Octavia found herself in the care of one Leandra Aurus, the proprietor of an upper class brothel that catered to the wealthier travellers arriving at the nation's busiest trade port, as well as those nobles that only paid lip service to the Mitran faith while longing for the opulence of Barcan court.

Unlike most prospective employees from similar backgrounds, Octavia took to extensive training like fish to water, utterly falling in love with the newfound luxury and, later on, the feeling of power she gained through her work - for it turned out that the establishment also dealt in information and otherwise involved itself in trade and court intrigues. Truly, making someone influential enough to damn a small township with a casual word dance to her tune instead was almost as intoxicating as the intimacy itself.

With these feelings came an astonishing discovery of mystical powers, budding, but no less fascinating, and dreams that whispered promises of more. Prudently, Octavia kept the news to herself, but even so she was shortly brought before Mistress Leandra, who shared a direly kept secret with her: the brothel was also a covert place of devil worship - of Asmodeus, but even more so, appropriately enough, Ardad Lili. With this came an offer she could not refuse - so, naturally, she didn't, becoming an acolyte under the elder priestess.

Unfortunately, she barely had time to start her training when a catastrophe happened - one of the clients got indiscreet, drawing attention to his connections in turn, and the establishment was raided by the witch hunters. Mistress Leandra died fighting as she tried to flee, while Octavia's attempts to disguise herself as a mere victim of her circumstances got hampered by the status of the Mistress' new favourite she enjoyed before. Although she seemed to have managed to conceal her true role, she was judged to be complicit in devil worship nonetheless and sent off to Brandenscar.

RACIAL TRAITS
Slow and Steady: Duergar have a base speed of 20 feet, but their speed is never modified by armor or encumbrance.
Superior Darkvision: Duergar can see in the dark up to 120 feet.
Magic Resistant: Some of the older dwarven clans are particularly resistant to magic. Dwarves with this racial trait gain spell resistance equal to 5 + their character level. This resistance can be lowered for 1 round as a standard action. Dwarves with this racial trait take a –2 penalty on all concentration checks made in relation to arcane spells. This racial trait replaces hardy.
Relentless: Dwarves are skilled at pushing their way through a battlefield, tossing aside lesser foes with ease. Dwarves with this racial trait receive a +2 bonus on combat maneuver checks made to bull rush or overrun an opponent. This bonus only applies while both the dwarf and his opponent are standing on the ground. This racial trait replaces Duergar Immunities.
Spell-Like Abilities: A duergar can use enlarge person and invisibility once each per day, using its character level as its caster level and affecting itself only.
Light Sensitivity: Duergar are dazzled in areas of bright light.

BACKGROUND TRAITS
Slave-Taking: You receive a +1 trait bonus to both Disarm and Grapple attempts.
Fiendish Confidence (Asmodeus) - +1 bonus on Intimidate, and Intimidate becomes a class skill.
Tunnel Fighter (Dwarf): While underground, you receive a +2 trait bonus on initiative checks and a +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls for critical hits (this damage is multiplied on a critical hit).

FEATS
Monk bonus feat: Improved Grapple
Level 1 feat: Deft Maneuvers
Monk Improved Unarmed Strike

SKILLS
Acrobatics (Dex) (1) 5
Climb (Str) (1) 7
Intimidate (Cha) (1) 4
Perception (Wis) (1) 7
Stealth (Dex) (1) 5
Swim (Str) (1) 7
*Knowledge (history) (Int) (1) 4
*Linguistics (Int) (1) 7

MONK ABILITIES
flurry of blows (bonus attack)
stunning fist

Exiled as a traitor by his people, Muirnur found his way to Talingarde. Hiding in the shadows on account of his race and his nature, he turned to the only trade he knew and loved: taking slaves. Muirnur knew a sure success, which was unfortunately short-lived. Given his crimes and his appearance, the powers that be were quick to condemn him, and his sentence will assuredly be death.

Muirnur is a grim and bitter dwarf who prides himself on being cruel and unforgiving. With tattoos on his arms and face, which identify him as a traitor to the Duergar, the bald, ashen-skinned warrior is an imposing sight.

When he needs guidance from the Gods, he calls upon Asmodeus.

Matharyn is a very poor choice for a city with a brothel in it. It is the heart of Mitran Orthodoxy, and the High Cardinal holds enough influence that it would be very uncomfortable for a brothel to operate there.

I would recommend relocating the brothel to Ghastenhall. The Cardinal there doesn't like that there are brothels, but the Duke doesn't really bother to deal with them despite his insistence. Most outland ships also bypass Matharyn to land there, as off-ship entertainment is a bit more fun and easier to locate.

"...and how is that relevant?"

The ancient house of Stoker, opulent and imperial, long concealed a line of diabolists who worshipped both Asmodeus and their patron devil: Alichino, Hell's Jester. But generations ago, a faction of young Stokers rebelled against their family's tradition, renounced hell, exposed their elders' secrets and aided in their arrests. For years, these reformed Stokers and their descendants strove to atone for their ancestors' crimes, becoming devout Mithrans and citizens beyond reproach.

Still this was not enough for Micah and Jonah Stoker, Geborah's adoptive parents. Haunted by terrible dreams, Micah believed the taint of his family's evil was wrought in his very bones. Instead of finding a surrogate to bear the next generation of Stokers, he and his husband decided to adopt children who could redeem the Stoker name without the stain of Stoker blood. They took in many children, among them an angelic baby girl whose only flaw was her heterochromatic eyes.

Micah and Jonah let her keep the name in the note pinned to the basket she was abandoned in: Geborah. It would be the girl's one inheritance from her wayward mother, they decided.

They were wrong. Geborah inherited many gifts from her mother, which she instinctively concealed: Mismatched eyes that could pierce the blackest midnight. Nails that could scratch furrows in iron. A whispering tongue that could wish ill on others...and have it happen. Ears that could hear a voice, a loving voice from the coals of dying fires, offering her courtesy and compliments and wicked encouragement.

This voice guided young Geborah to a secret stair under the hearth, unused for generations. She descended to the lightless depths of catacombs laid by the first Stokers, where from rune-covered altars she learned the rites of appeasement and abasement that would gain her the favor of hell's dark masters. With blood and oaths she sealed a compact: Her fealty for their tutelage.

What she learned of power, of commands and flame, delighted her. Hellfire bent easily to her will. This, she was told, was another gift from her mother, a powerful hag who expected her to claw her own way to dominance. She also learned that she had been adopted into a family of traitors, weaklings who had abandoned the battlefield to the light and broken every law and promise that bound them.

Disgusted by the Stokers' oathbreaking, and eager to prove her own worth, Geborah put a simple but murderous plan into action. One night at dinner, she barred her adoptive parents and siblings and old family servants into the dining hall, then lit Stoker House afire as she called accusations to them through the oaken doors. Only she survived the conflagration, found coughing and laughing among the collapsing timbers by the townsfolk throwing vain buckets of water on the blazing building. Her levity was taken as an admission of guilt, and she was soon arrested.

Geborah's court-appointed advocate mounted a marvellous defense that claimed the young girl had been frightened of horrors haunting the blood-soaked stones of the ancient Stoker house, and set the fire to rid the world of them. While she didn't openly deny this, Geborah would not testify in her own defense, instead subjecting the court to a series of mocking and contemptuous speeches. When she giggled during a description of the inferno, the prosecutor dubbed her "the Laughing Pyre," a nickname that spread everywhere eager tongues shared the scandalous story of her trial. Though the court could not prove murder, her complete lack of remorse and general aura of wickedness led them to sentence her to death by burning, the maximum penalty for arson, despite her young age.

"Do you feel remorse at all, Miss Stoker?"

"Why, of course! I could do so much more if you'd let me!"

Geborah doesn't think of herself as an innocent corrupted by Asmodeus, Alichino, her mother, or the stones of Stoker House. None of this is any of her fault, either--if people would simply obey all the laws of hell all the time, she'd have no reason to punish them, so really this is all their own doing.

Neither can she sympathize with all the mourning and wailing. People should realize that it's all just a grand farce, a nasty joke played by the gods, and you're either in on the punchline or you're a victim of the prank. Though she pays her devotions to her god Asmodeus, her sympathies lie closer to her patron Alichino, whose doctrines teach that law is every bit as arbitrary and capricious as chaos, and that our need for order is the true madness, and that madness is greatness, and isn't that all just too wonderfully funny? Until someone gets hurt. Then it's hilarious.

Geborah doesn't believe she's fallen--she believes she's flying. Not until the flames of her stake caress her will she believe that Branderscar is the end of her legend...and perhaps not even then.

AL: LE
Initiative: +2
Size: Medium
Speed: 30'
HP: 10
Languages: Common, Infernal

Defenses:
AC: 12, Touch: 12, Flat-footed: 10
CMD: 12
Fort: +3, Ref: +2, Will: +6

Attacks:
Claws: +0/+0 1d4/1d4

Feats:
Spell Focus (Evocation): +1 to the save DC of evocation spells she casts.

Traits:
Crime of Arson: Whenever you score a critical hit with a fire attack, you receive a +2 fire damage bonus to your damage roll. This bonus is a trait bonus.
Magical Lineage: When you apply metamagic feats to the Fireball spell, that add at least 1 level to the spell, treat its actual level as 1 lower for determining the spell’s final adjusted level.
Beacon of Faith: Once per day as a free action, you may treat your caster level as if it were 2 levels higher when using one of the granted powers of your domain or when casting one of your domain spells.

Racial Abilities:
Claws: Two claw attacks (1d4 points of damage each)
Darkvision: 60’ range
Hag Magic: Can use Ill Omen 1/day (caster level 1)
Pyrophile (Ash Hag): +1 racial bonus on damage rolls when using spells with the fire descriptor.

Class Features
Channel Negative Energy: Standard action to do 1d6 damage (or healing to undead) to living creatures in a 30’ radius, 5 times a day. DC 14 will save for half.
Focused Domain (Fire): Only one Domain. Domain powers operate at +2 cleric levels. Can prepare domain spells in regular spell slots.
Fire Bolt (Sp): Standard action to target any single foe within 30 feet with a ranged touch attack fire bolt that deals 1d6+2 points of fire damage. Usable 7 times a day.
Trickery Patron (Witch VMC): Expands spell list starting at level 2.

Skills:
[2 (Cleric) + 1 (intelligence) + 2 (background) + 2 (campaign bonus)] x 1 (lvl) = 7
Diplomacy +6 [1 rank +3 class + 2 charisma]
Knowledge: Nobility +5 [1 rank + 3 class + 1 intelligence] (background skill)
Knowledge: Planes +5 [1 rank + 3 class + 1 intelligence]
Knowledge: Religion +5 [1 rank + 3 class + 1 intelligence]
Perception +5 [1 rank + 4 wisdom]
Perform (Comedy) +3 [1 rank + 2 charisma] (background skill)
Sense Motive +8 [1 rank + 3 class + 4 wisdom]

Combat Gear:

Other Gear:

Spell Slots: Orisons: 4; 1st: 2 (plus 1 that must be Burning Hands)
Spell DC: 14 + spell level; 15 + spell level for evocations

Spells Prepared:
Orisons:
Create Water
Guidance
Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Burning Hands
Forbid Action
Liberating Command

Combat Block
[ooc]Round 1[/ooc]
[ooc]HP: 10/10 --Status: None [/ooc]
[ooc]AC 15 (touch 10 flat-footed 15)[/ooc]

9th-level is going to be the cap for Effective Vancian Level, since there are regular casters applying as well (and, indeed, at least one will most likely get in).

Perfectly fine with that.

For Dual Channeler, I would like you to choose "Positive" or "Negative" as your primary. Since Versatile Channeler allows the channeling of both, but the other type as if you were 2 levels lower, I'd like to do the same for this ability. You'll start with both, but the Secondary doesn't advance in damage type until 5th level, then advances as normal.

Ok, I'd pick Negative as primary, that will make me less of a healer but it makes sense.

Blights can be cured with Remove Disease, right? Also, all of the later level effects are based on Close range, correct?

Yes, remove disease and similar effects, or the Heal skill, and Close range enforced. A target has to know they are infected, though.

I'm going to allow you to submit Margerice, pending sufficient answers to the questions. Make sure to post the details of the Casting Tradition you created - I may or may not approve or modify it.

Excellent! I'll write her background in a day or two. About the Casting Tradition, I changed my mind and went with the sorcerer's package of Somatic+Verbal casting, so that it will be one less thing to keep track of.

Adventuring Skills: 2+1+1
Bluff, Diplomacy 8=1+4+3, Intimidate 8=1+4+3, Knowledge Religion, Perception 8=1+0+3+1+3, Sense Motive, Spellcraft, Stealth 5=1+1+3
Background Skills: 2
Craft, Disguise, Handle Animal, Knowledge: Nobility 8=1+1+3+2 Profession, Lore Conspiracy Theories 5=1+1+3

Traits: High Treason (Campaign), Seeker (Social)
Alternate Racials: Focused Study*
Feats: Noble Scion (Scion of War), Skill Focus* (Perception)
Free Feats: Combat Expertise, Power Attack, Deadly Aim,
Villain Points: 1/1
Class Features: Tyrants Code, Aura of Evil, Detect Good, Smite Good 1/Day

“You tried to kill the young Princess and-” before the man could continue Gallen let out a snort through his lungs cried out in pain, if not for the darkness there surely his new cell mate would have seen him wince. Gallen licked his lips in a vain attempt to moisten their cracked surface “I didn’t try to kill anyone, not yet anyway. I wouldn’t kill her anyway, that would be wrong.” He wagged a filth covered finger for emphasis.” The man peered across the dim, small space between them, waiting a moment before speaking “But the guards they said you were going to try and kill young Princess.”

Gallen held up a hand “I think you’ve been quite misinformed about me, my good- apologies I neglected to ask your name, what is it?” The newcomer hesitated, his mother always told him names had power and mages could twist them to their advantage but seeing as where they both were it would make little difference for much longer. “I’m called Gregor.”

Gallen ran a grimy hand through his hair “Well Gregor, I’m just trying to write a great wrong. I’d rather not bring the boy into it but I needed the edge to perform my duty. My associates weren’t going to harm the boy, I just required a lock of his hair. A small thing indeed but I had hoped in the coming years to put it to good use, leverage to gather more- useful objects. It’s a long term plan, I admit it would have taken a few decades, I might have had to pass it down to my own children… if I had a bit more time to have a few that is. They call it a conspiracy, they claim I set up a cult to incite treason. It’s all lies, of course, they won’t listen to me long enough to realise that, they either just hit me or call me mad and stop listening.”

Gregor inched a little further away, no small task in the enclosed space. “Nothing to be afraid of Gregor, if I didn’t have you I’d have no company. No I am an uncomfortable reminder of truths they wish buried with me. Firstly I didn’t set up the cults, I just looked for them and tried to give them some hope, some direction. Now the one I had the most influence over had my departed associates in it, Mephistopheles and his followers are a lot more cunning and discrete than our countrymen give them credit for. I wasn’t trying to start any treasonous activity, but in fact trying to put an end to treasonous activities. I can see by your confused look my good man I’ve lost you. Time for a little history lesson.”

“As you know doubt know House Barca once ruled, but they became decadent and corrupt. You know this I know, I’ll get to the point. The Victor arose and he did some much needed cleaning house, they had become weak and the new order was better for a time. Then came the Learned of course, the Eldest but had no true interest and was derelict in his duties. No denying it we must see these things warts and all. But the next parts going to contain a few truths for you, Gregor so listen well, Hallen, the Mad-” Gallen lets out a whistle and a laugh “who was succeeded by Marcus the Zealous, son of the Learned. Stop and think about that for a second. Marcus did not succeed his father, who as the stories claim was killed by Hallen. This sounds very odd. No five months after the King dies his son claims the throne after his uncle has an accident. Doesn’t it strike you as odd that the line of succession has become so messy here and that there’s been a lot of accidents in the family? One mad son, these things happen. But righteous Paladins sworn to uphold the law help him on his way and find a speedy end to his reign… there’s something missing. I’m going to tell you one of the biggest secrets of the state.”

Gallen leans forward conspiratorially “Marcus the Zealous was not the son of the Learned. I mean if he had been he would have succeeded his father, according to the history books a mad man with a flaming sword killed his brother and they chose him to be the King over the man’s son and heir? Hallen claimed Mithra guided him, a man everyone admits was somewhat imbalanced. Then his successor who was previously overlooked comes forward becomes known as the Zealous, bans worship of Asmodeus and exalts Mithra. The Church of Asmodeus was the cause of Hallen’s poor mental health. The Church of Asmodeus who at that time was not particularly populous or powerful? Or did this young man who claimed to be the son of Martius need a scapegoat that was at the time neither powerful or populous enough to be a big problem.” Gallen drew closer to Gregor who had nowhere to hide from him and his uncomfortable truths now “Or did a powerful group throw their lot behind a man they believed they could manipulate and control, a man who needed help not meddling and when they found him growing more unstable they either created an heir from scratch in a son who was previously overlooked for succession or if there was a child in the first place they used their influence to push a mentally infirm man into a position that made his condition worse? What’s the common thread, Mithra and his paladins, the power behind the throne. A good purge can root out anyone who raises an objection, you just need an excuse like a small church possessing your King with a demon, something I am sure over the course of five months one of the Paladins of Mithra who so valiantly guarded him to his doom would have noticed.”

“My father told me of those times, he was young but he remembered quite a bit, painful memories but he was sure to instill the essence of the emotion into me before he died. How his father a kind but troubled man was pushed beyond reason by them. His mother barely got him out of the capital after Halen met with an accident. Now you’re doubting me, I wasn’t there but he told me the tales and my grandmother, old as she was backed him up and filled in the details to me he was too young to remember. She wasn’t too close to the ruling side of things but King Hallen took her to bed and married her, he performed the ceremony himself. Sadly there is no paperwork and granny did admit she was not the only wife Halen took in secret in this fashion but none of the others got out of the capital before the purge. I could have just put the tales down to the ramblings of those who had seen too much in their time but even the facts made public make no sense. It is my duty to remove the insidious treasonous cancer that festers in the throneroom of this country. I have no crown, or scepter, no treasury or armies to back my claim but I have the truth and unlike those who stand and claim to be my betters I can go to my grave knowing even if I have not succeeded I gave it my all. I am not Gallen Baran of the Heartland, I am Gallen of House Darius, true heir and rightful ruler of Talingarde.” Seeing the fear in Gregor’s eyes Gallen made a placating gesture.

“Apologies, my nerves are frayed and I am weary. I have watched men and women die I called friend, I would not lie and call them good but they had conviction, surely that counts for something. I will not be shackled by the illusions of the followers of Mithra that have clouded the minds of my ancestors, I have clarity, even if you put no stock in my heritage and we did just meet in unfortunate circumstance so I will forgive you for that, consider the history you have been indoctrinated in, see the lies Gregor, question the inconsistencies and ask yourself, what if I am right?”

Lesser Crimes than Treason.
Gallen has previousy worked with a variety of infernal cults. As a Diabolist he can find common ground with them. He helped a group of Knights sword to Furcas the Infernal Duke. They had recently been bested by some Knights of an order sworn to Mithra. Gallen who was not involved in any previous altercations agreed to find out when the Knights would leave next. The Knights of Furcas set up an ambush. A year later when the the Furcas followers were captured Gallen’s involvement was revealed and his first footnote in history was established.

Gallen helped a secret church of Asmodeus disgrace Thomas Lagrenne, an Inquisitor of Mithra, who was getting too close to uncovering them. Gallen was performing some minor tasks, the most significant of these was assisting in planting evidence in the Inquisitor’s lodgings. However when Gallen was to be paid the Dolorus the Cleric leading the cult tried to double cross him. In this case things went badly and Gallen killed Dolorus and had to flee town to avoid the wrath of the other members of the cult.

During Gallen’s attempt to steal some of the Princess’ hair he was involved in various crimes both directly. They murdered some watch who came across them at an inopportune time. Extorted a servant of the royal court after having an agent steal some licentious letters that had been exchanged by him and a noblewoman.

When their plot was uncovered Gallen found their base of operations, the hidden church of Mephistopheles in the basement of a library Gallen alongside the cult members present were unable to escape. The lightning raid of soldiers almost immediately overwhelmed them but before being subdued Gallen killed a Knight helping lead them. [I am thinking that this knight could be a relative or protege or mentor of an NPC further down the line, a good flexible plot hook to link in.] The Knight’s Squire, who was due to be knighted any day now, testified against Gallen.

A Case of Heroism.
There was one testimony that led to some murmurs during Gallen’s trial. Two years back while journeying along the east coast he was passing by a small fishing village that was under attack by a group of sea raiders. Gallen helped Sir Chelstov, a Paladin of Erastil, repel them. Gallen took the reward money as was his due from the village elder but without both of them the village would have fallen. There was a kind of camaraderie between the Ulfen Paladin and Gallen but Gallen’s aura had been noted, Chelstov warned him that is he did not choose a different path when next they met they might well be fighting against each other.

Alichino does not have the Fire domain, though, so maybe not. We'll see.

Oracle of Flame might suit Geborah as well, if you wanted to go that route.

Backstory is pretty good, although the Asmodean purges were semi-recent. Check out the Talingarde Primer linked at the top of the page for more information.

The War of Succession was only 80 years ago, so you'll need to tweak the dates in your backstory. It also wasn't quite so "scorch the earth" as you describe - most of the fighting was in the Battle of Tamberlyn.

I'd prefer you used the newer release from Paizo that put the age and maturity of Aasimar closer to that of humans as opposed to reaching maturity so late.

Since it isn't quite clear, does Balam worship Asmodeus, or has he merely forsaken worshiping Mitra?

I'm also giving 2 bonus skill points in addition to the regular amount of class skills, so you have 2 more skill ranks to spend.

Backstory still has some points of referring to the Princess as a boy, so just some light cleanup needed there. Other than that, things look good over all.

Is Gallan devoted to any particular devil, or just Hell in general?

I'm fine with the Stokers turning their backs on Asmodeus before the reign of King Markadian IV called the Zealous, even during the reign of House Barca. Perhaps when that happened the house split into two, and the Asmodean worshipers were mostly slain during the War of Succession, with those remaining killed in the purges? That leaves the Mitran faction as the only ones.

Are there any other Stokers, since Geborah's parents are now deceased?

RACIAL TRAITS
Slow and Steady: Duergar have a base speed of 20 feet, but their speed is never modified by armor or encumbrance.
Superior Darkvision: Duergar can see in the dark up to 120 feet.
Magic Resistant: Some of the older dwarven clans are particularly resistant to magic. Dwarves with this racial trait gain spell resistance equal to 5 + their character level. This resistance can be lowered for 1 round as a standard action. Dwarves with this racial trait take a –2 penalty on all concentration checks made in relation to arcane spells. This racial trait replaces hardy.
Relentless: Dwarves are skilled at pushing their way through a battlefield, tossing aside lesser foes with ease. Dwarves with this racial trait receive a +2 bonus on combat maneuver checks made to bull rush or overrun an opponent. This bonus only applies while both the dwarf and his opponent are standing on the ground. This racial trait replaces Duergar Immunities.
Spell-Like Abilities: A duergar can use enlarge person and invisibility once each per day, using its character level as its caster level and affecting itself only.
Light Sensitivity: Duergar are dazzled in areas of bright light.

BACKGROUND TRAITS
Slave-Taking: You receive a +1 trait bonus to both Disarm and Grapple attempts.
Fiendish Confidence (Asmodeus) - +1 bonus on Intimidate, and Intimidate becomes a class skill.
Tunnel Fighter (Dwarf): While underground, you receive a +2 trait bonus on initiative checks and a +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls for critical hits (this damage is multiplied on a critical hit).

FEATS
Monk bonus feat: Improved Grapple
Level 1 feat: Deft Maneuvers
Monk Improved Unarmed Strike

SKILLS
Acrobatics (Dex) (1) 5
Climb (Str) (1) 7
Intimidate (Cha) (1) 4
Perception (Wis) (1) 7
Stealth (Dex) (1) 5
Swim (Str) (1) 7
*Knowledge (history) (Int) (1) 4
*Linguistics (Int) (1) 7

MONK ABILITIES
flurry of blows (bonus attack)
stunning fist

Exiled by his people, Muirnur was forced above ground, away from his kinsmen who were but a rumour in Talingarde. Hiding in the shadows on account of his race and his nature, he turned to the only trade he knew and loved: taking slaves. Muirnur knew a sure success, which was unfortunately short-lived. Given his crimes and his appearance, the powers that be were quick to condemn him, and his pending sentence will assuredly be death.

Muirnur is a grim and bitter dwarf who prides himself on being cruel and unforgiving. With tattoos on his arms and face, which identify him as a traitor to the Duergar, the bald, ashen-skinned warrior is an imposing sight.

When he needs guidance from the Gods, he calls upon Asmodeus.

Luckily, her parents abandoned her in a place they knew she'd never be found, which is exactly why these Asmodeans were there.

She chooses to be a monk because the fact that she was abandoned for how she looks infuriates her and so she chose an art where she could beat down those who judged her while exposing as much of how she looked as possible.

Her carers convinced her to wear clothes like long cloaks, a headband, and gloves though. To keep her, but mostly them, safe and undiscovered.

Her crime is kidnapping. She pretty much hates any child who was loved by their parents, especially daughters.

She is out to overt throw the monarchy because she blames them for her parents abandoning her for how she looks so she is kind of more into physical mutilation than killing.
She wants to make them hideous enough to abandon or at least make the public not love them.

He's Lawful Evil but not the worst of it, he is not negligent in his duties, he's more Lawful than Evil but his paranoia about the Royal Family and the Church of Mithra. Given that in this country Asmodeus and his lot aren't allowed to be worshiped their followers are natural allies.

The truth of his ancestry doesn't have to be all true or all wrong, it could be in between. Him just being descended from some bastard of the mad King could be true too with none of the marriage or romantic side.

You're got to admit the line of succession is really weird in that period, it's the entire concept of the character. Subverting the noble true king trope that shows up in fantasy like Aragorn and so many others. Just in this case the possible true King will burn have the country to 'save' it.

Did the updates, trying keep the background open like I said to make connections with opponents... we're almost certainly going to fight a few Paladins etc.

Adventuring Skills: 2+1+1(+2)
Bluff, Diplomacy 8=1+4+3, Intimidate 8=1+4+3, Knowledge Religion 5=1+1+3, Perception 8=1+0+3+1+3, Sense Motive 4=1+0+3, Spellcraft, Stealth 5=1+1+3
Background Skills: 2
Craft, Disguise, Handle Animal, Knowledge: Nobility 8=1+1+3+2 Profession, Lore Conspiracy Theories 5=1+1+3

Traits: High Treason (Campaign), Seeker (Social), Reactionary (Combat)
Alternate Racials: Focused Study*
Feats: Noble Scion (Scion of War), Skill Focus* (Perception)
Free Feats: Combat Expertise, Power Attack, Deadly Aim,
Villain Points: 1/1
Class Features: Tyrants Code, Aura of Evil, Detect Good, Smite Good 1/Day

“You tried to kill the young Princess and-” before the man could continue Gallen let out a snort through his lungs cried out in pain, if not for the darkness there surely his new cell mate would have seen him wince. Gallen licked his lips in a vain attempt to moisten their cracked surface “I didn’t try to kill anyone, not yet anyway. I wouldn’t kill her anyway, that would be wrong.” He wagged a filth covered finger for emphasis.” The man peered across the dim, small space between them, waiting a moment before speaking “But the guards they said you were going to try and kill young Princess.”

Gallen held up a hand “I think you’ve been quite misinformed about me, my good- apologies I neglected to ask your name, what is it?” The newcomer hesitated, his mother always told him names had power and mages could twist them to their advantage but seeing as where they both were it would make little difference for much longer. “I’m called Gregor.”

Gallen ran a grimy hand through his hair “Well Gregor, I’m just trying to write a great wrong. I’d rather not bring the girl into it but I needed the edge to perform my duty. My associates weren’t going to harm the girl, I just required a lock of her hair. A small thing indeed but I had hoped in the coming years to put it to good use, leverage to gather more- useful objects. It’s a long term plan, I admit it would have taken a few decades, I might have had to pass it down to my own children… if I had a bit more time to have a few that is. They call it a conspiracy, they claim I set up a cult to incite treason. It’s all lies, of course, they won’t listen to me long enough to realise that, they either just hit me or call me mad and stop listening.”

Gregor inched a little further away, no small task in the enclosed space. “Nothing to be afraid of Gregor, if I didn’t have you I’d have no company. No I am an uncomfortable reminder of truths they wish buried with me. Firstly I didn’t set up the cults, I just looked for them and tried to give them some hope, some direction. Now the one I had the most influence over had my departed associates in it, Mephistopheles and his followers are a lot more cunning and discrete than our countrymen give them credit for. I wasn’t trying to start any treasonous activity, but in fact trying to put an end to treasonous activities. I can see by your confused look my good man I’ve lost you. Time for a little history lesson.”

“As you know doubt know House Barca once ruled, but they became decadent and corrupt. You know this I know, I’ll get to the point. The Victor arose and he did some much needed cleaning house, they had become weak and the new order was better for a time. Then came the Learned of course, the Eldest but had no true interest and was derelict in his duties. No denying it we must see these things warts and all. But the next parts going to contain a few truths for you, Gregor so listen well, Hallen, the Mad-” Gallen lets out a whistle and a laugh “who was succeeded by Marcus the Zealous, son of the Learned. Stop and think about that for a second. Marcus did not succeed his father, who as the stories claim was killed by Hallen. This sounds very odd. No five months after the King dies his son claims the throne after his uncle has an accident. Doesn’t it strike you as odd that the line of succession has become so messy here and that there’s been a lot of accidents in the family? One mad son, these things happen. But righteous Paladins sworn to uphold the law help him on his way and find a speedy end to his reign… there’s something missing. I’m going to tell you one of the biggest secrets of the state.”

Gallen leans forward conspiratorially “Marcus the Zealous was not the son of the Learned. I mean if he had been he would have succeeded his father, according to the history books a mad man with a flaming sword killed his brother and they chose him to be the King over the man’s son and heir? Hallen claimed Mithra guided him, a man everyone admits was somewhat imbalanced. Then his successor who was previously overlooked comes forward becomes known as the Zealous, bans worship of Asmodeus and exalts Mithra. The Church of Asmodeus was the cause of Hallen’s poor mental health. The Church of Asmodeus who at that time was not particularly populous or powerful? Or did this young man who claimed to be the son of Martius need a scapegoat that was at the time neither powerful or populous enough to be a big problem.” Gallen drew closer to Gregor who had nowhere to hide from him and his uncomfortable truths now “Or did a powerful group throw their lot behind a man they believed they could manipulate and control, a man who needed help not meddling and when they found him growing more unstable they either created an heir from scratch in a son who was previously overlooked for succession or if there was a child in the first place they used their influence to push a mentally infirm man into a position that made his condition worse? What’s the common thread, Mithra and his paladins, the power behind the throne. A good purge can root out anyone who raises an objection, you just need an excuse like a small church possessing your King with a demon, something I am sure over the course of five months one of the Paladins of Mithra who so valiantly guarded him to his doom would have noticed.”

“My father told me of those times, he was young but he remembered quite a bit, painful memories but he was sure to instill the essence of the emotion into me before he died. How his father a kind but troubled man was pushed beyond reason by them. His mother barely got him out of the capital after Halen met with an accident. Now you’re doubting me, I wasn’t there but he told me the tales and my grandmother, old as she was backed him up and filled in the details to me he was too young to remember. She wasn’t too close to the ruling side of things but King Hallen took her to bed and married her, he performed the ceremony himself. Sadly there is no paperwork and granny did admit she was not the only wife Halen took in secret in this fashion but none of the others got out of the capital before the purge. I could have just put the tales down to the ramblings of those who had seen too much in their time but even the facts made public make no sense. It is my duty to remove the insidious treasonous cancer that festers in the throneroom of this country. I have no crown, or scepter, no treasury or armies to back my claim but I have the truth and unlike those who stand and claim to be my betters I can go to my grave knowing even if I have not succeeded I gave it my all. I am not Gallen Baran of the Heartland, I am Gallen of House Darius, true heir and rightful ruler of Talingarde.” Seeing the fear in Gregor’s eyes Gallen made a placating gesture.

“Apologies, my nerves are frayed and I am weary. I have watched men and women die I called friend, I would not lie and call them good but they had conviction, surely that counts for something. I will not be shackled by the illusions of the followers of Mithra that have clouded the minds of my ancestors, I have clarity, even if you put no stock in my heritage and we did just meet in unfortunate circumstance so I will forgive you for that, consider the history you have been indoctrinated in, see the lies Gregor, question the inconsistencies and ask yourself, what if I am right?”

Lesser Crimes than Treason.
Gallen has previousy worked with a variety of infernal cults. As a Diabolist he can find common ground with them. He helped a group of Knights sword to Furcas the Infernal Duke. They had recently been bested by some Knights of an order sworn to Mithra. Gallen who was not involved in any previous altercations agreed to find out when the Knights would leave next. The Knights of Furcas set up an ambush. A year later when the the Furcas followers were captured Gallen’s involvement was revealed and his first footnote in history was established.

Gallen helped a secret church of Asmodeus disgrace Thomas Lagrenne, an Inquisitor of Mithra, who was getting too close to uncovering them. Gallen was performing some minor tasks, the most significant of these was assisting in planting evidence in the Inquisitor’s lodgings. However when Gallen was to be paid the Dolorus the Cleric leading the cult tried to double cross him. In this case things went badly and Gallen killed Dolorus and had to flee town to avoid the wrath of the other members of the cult.

During Gallen’s attempt to steal some of the Princess’ hair he was involved in various crimes both directly. They murdered some watch who came across them at an inopportune time. Extorted a servant of the royal court after having an agent steal some licentious letters that had been exchanged by him and a noblewoman.

When their plot was uncovered Gallen found their base of operations, the hidden church of Mephistopheles in the basement of a library Gallen alongside the cult members present were unable to escape. The lightning raid of soldiers almost immediately overwhelmed them but before being subdued Gallen killed a Knight helping lead them. [I am thinking that this knight could be a relative or protege or mentor of an NPC further down the line, a good flexible plot hook to link in.] The Knight’s Squire, who was due to be knighted any day now, testified against Gallen.

A Case of Heroism.
There was one testimony that led to some murmurs during Gallen’s trial. Two years back while journeying along the east coast he was passing by a small fishing village that was under attack by a group of sea raiders. Gallen helped Sir Chelstov, a Paladin of Erastil, repel them. Gallen took the reward money as was his due from the village elder but without both of them the village would have fallen. There was a kind of camaraderie between the Ulfen Paladin and Gallen but Gallen’s aura had been noted, Chelstov warned him that is he did not choose a different path when next they met they might well be fighting against each other.

I wasn't suggesting Gallen follow any specific deity, just curious.

Are there any other Stokers, since Geborah's parents are now deceased?

Not by that name, but let's say there are some cousins out there descended from Stokers who married into other affluent families. Geborah wouldn't know for sure, but could predict that after some legal wrangling between the cousins, the Stoker estate would pass to whoever made the best claim. Of course, from Geborah's point of view, she's the rightful heir. She'll want to make whoever claims her inheritance regret it.

Geborah would be interested in tracking down rumors of surviving scions of the defeated Asmodean branch of the Stoker family--the descendants of detached cousins, black sheep, lost bastards and the like. Perhaps one of the other PCs would find it fun to be revealed as one such. She would likewise be eager to meet her hag mother, and in discovering her biological family tree, which I envision being a crazy mess of hags consorting with all kinds of monsters. If it fits within the narrative of the game, Geborah might take a path towards becoming a hag herself, or at least assembling a coven. She's relatively uninterested in her human father's identity, but that would be a fun thread you could pull in any number of directions.

DEFENSE
AC 14; Touch 14; Flat-Footed 10
HP 9;
Fort +0 ; Ref +6 ; Will +2

OFFENSE
Speed 30ft;
Melee +4

STATISTICS
Str 10, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 16

Base Atk +0; CMB +4

Feats
Frightening Ambush, Catch Off-Guard

Skills
Acrobatics +8, Bluff +9, Climb +4, Diplomacy +7, Disable Device +8, Intimidate +7, Knowledge Local +6, Perception +4, *Profession: Transporter +4, *Sleight Of Hand +9, Stealth +9, Survival +4

Languages
Common

SQ
Dual Identity, Seamless Guise, Obscurity (ST), Hidden Strike 1d,

Alternate Racial Trait
Dimdweller

Traits
Child of the Moon, Hidden Hand, Crime : Murder

The local officials began taking action however, and staged an enticing fake mark for the culprits of these crimes. The lieutenant was inside organizing this sting when her own back-up weapon cut her throat. The killer, wide-eyed and now covered in blood, let out a maniacal giddy laughter as he attack the nearest two guards who were understandably surprised. After this initial shock the guards organized and incapacitated the assailant. Drenched in blood the killer was carried back to the local justice and within minutes, albeit most of the minutes were taken by general horror, was sentenced as a murderer and sent to Brandscar prison.

That should be everything then. Of course, now you get the hard part of waiting.

Ah yes, the waiting is the hardest part. Thank you for your consideration, and I appreciate the time you're taking to give everyone feedback and answer questions. You have a lot of great submissions to choose from.

The backstory is much better and cleaner. How old is Peter currently?

It is hard to say if it were a ruse from the beginning, or if her contract, such as it was, ended up being bought out, but ultimately Octavia found herself in the care of one Leandra Aurus, the proprietor of an upper class brothel that catered to the wealthier travellers arriving at the nation's busiest trade port, as well as those nobles that only paid lip service to the Mitran faith while longing for the opulence of Barcan court.

Unlike most prospective employees from similar backgrounds, Octavia took to extensive training like fish to water, utterly falling in love with the newfound luxury and, later on, the feeling of power she gained through her work - for it turned out that the establishment also dealt in information and otherwise involved itself in trade and court intrigues. Truly, making someone influential enough to damn a small township with a casual word dance to her tune instead was almost as intoxicating as the intimacy itself.

With these feelings came an astonishing discovery of mystical powers, budding, but no less fascinating, and dreams that whispered promises of more. Prudently, Octavia kept the news to herself, but even so she was shortly brought before Mistress Leandra, who shared a direly kept secret with her: the brothel was also a covert place of devil worship - of Asmodeus, but even more so, appropriately enough, Ardad Lili. With this came an offer she could not refuse - so, naturally, she didn't, becoming an acolyte under the elder priestess.

Unfortunately, she barely had time to start her training when a catastrophe happened - one of the clients got indiscreet, drawing attention to his connections in turn, and the establishment was raided by the witch hunters. Mistress Leandra died fighting as she tried to flee, while Octavia's attempts to disguise herself as a mere victim of her circumstances got hampered by the status of the Mistress' new favourite she enjoyed before. Although she seemed to have managed to conceal her true role, she was judged to be complicit in devil worship nonetheless and sent off to Brandenscar.

I'll post the background under here as well.

Note from Brother Agrimony to the Blessed Abbot Calveric Dunstin, 10 years ago
Blessed Father,
I find myself forced to ask you again to hand young Margarice to the Knights of the Alerion for trial and imprisonment. She is young, Blessed Father, but she is twisted and corrupt. Over and over we tried to explain her of the dangers of necromancy, over and over we repeated Shining Mithra's lessons on the sanctity of corpses, but she appears to have no notion of morality or restraint. When poor old Franklin died falling by the stairs, she claimed that she could hear his voice from beyond the grave, and even worse, she somehow reanimated the corpse into a horrid undead mockery of life, presenting it as a proud accomplishment. This is sorcerous power of the worst sort, Blessed Father, even if it wasn't used in malice, it's dark corruption, consorting with dark powers, witchcraft. The Knights will know better how to deal with her.
May Mitra's light shine upon us,
Brother Agrimony

Scrap of paper in Brother Honeysuckle's hand, 10 years ago
Child,
Come to me after sunset. You must flee the abbey.

Beautiful was Margarice when she fled the abbey, disheveled long dark hair over an alabaster skin. Kind was Margarice, a good-hearted necromancer trying to relieve the pain of the departed souls who felt bound to the Material Plane, freeing them of their shackles. And pious was Margarice, believing that she was doing Mithra's sacred work by helping those in need. Over the years, she would grow more beautiful, but kindness and piety left her the same, fateful day.
It was in the Farholde outskirts, where she had lived for six years, hiding her dark powers, using her lithe fingers to work silver and gold into jewels, living the life of a normal girl and ignoring the pull of necromancy, for fear of reprisal rather than for religious matter. And it was a good life: the realm was at peace, the harvest was bountiful and she was engaged to a blacksmith's apprentice named Nathan, to be wed on her seventeenth birthday. But it was not meant to be; in a cold autumn day, Nathan had a terrible accident at the forge under Margarice's eyes, his screams piercing the night as molten metal was eating at his chest. The girl called for help, and found it within herself, as she channeled nearby spirits, souls tied to the place, pleading for assistance. Assistance she had, as her love directed the souls to Nathan, easing his pain and preventing his life from fleeing the body, but she was seen by those who had rushed to the forge, seen as she summoned ghosts to do her bidding.
Witchcraft came the accusation from each lip, as the folk turned on Margarice, beating and kicking her to unconsciousness. Without her assistance, Nathan passed away from his wounds.
Betrayed, hurt, locked and restrained, Margarice pleaded with Mitra for help for a day and a night, but no answer came from the Shining Lord. And the more she was ignored, the more she grew in wrath. She had only ever tried to help, and that was to be her reward? Her loved one killed, she herself awaiting trial for a victimless crime, the unfairness of it all grew to burning hatred and rage as she petitioned another power, the hellish strength of Asmodeus, for revenge and power. And the Prince of Darkness answered, granting her power at the low price of everlasting obedience.
The trial was held in the grand Farholde Cathedral, Margarice bruised, battered and tied as the inquisitors rambled about the sanctity of life and death, the dangers of witchcraft and the necessity of burning her at the stake. But their mistake was giving her the chance to plead to the court, as her gag was removed three words only came out of her mouth.
"Power. Glory. ASMODEUS!"
Hellfire surged around her, irremediably scorching her hands and forearms, burning through the ropes tying her, roasting alive the two guards closest to her, a deadly, blistering column of heat that coalesced into a fiery eruption. Those who tried to escape found the main doors sealed shut by white-hot heat, and those slain rose again, flaming undead attacking the few left alive. Such was the revenge of the scorned Margarice, the first time she used her gifts to attack. And too much did she use them, as she was later found unconscious by the local Knights of the Alerion. This time there was no trial, and the restraints were stronger, as she was sent to Brandescar to meet her demise.