It's a Long Way to the Top - Hell's Vengeance (Inactive)

Game Master Leedwashere

Amanda arrives with the group dressed in her courtier outfit, a beautiful red dress properly cleaned and prepared although probably disguised with some highlights to pass itself off as noble wear. She gives a proper curtsy and reverence to the Baron but lets Nikolai take the lead as he is the most well versed in courtly intrigue and innuendo and would be a better choice for the point man.

Ah yes forgot some rolls.

Disguise Check to fit in with nobility: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Bluff Check to emulate Noble Gestures: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"As a loyal citizen, how could I but acquiesce to a request made by the rightful representative of Her Infernal Majestrix?"

Fex gives a small half-smile at the outpouring of support, and allows himself a small chuckle at Muziel's comment towards Razelago.

"I'm all too aware of Fordaneil Cembers's inappropriate feelings toward me," says Fex, looking at Nikolai, small smile receding into more of a smirk. "It would be amusing if she wasn't so doggedly persistent." He sighs. "In any case, I prefer not to directly patronize any of the businesses in town. There are many more important pursuits to concern myself with here, especially in recent days. I'm much less concerned with the actual patriotism or morale of the individuals under my leadership than I am with the Glorious Reclamation as a whole, at least for the moment. In fact, those that dissent are of great value to me at this moment, for by driving them into the arms of the enemy they will undoubtedly and unwittingly lead me," he pauses, holding up a finger, "lead us to their local stronghold. Then we can crush the traitors all at once, and the others will fall in line regardless of their irrelevant personal feelings.

"But those are longer term goals. As Muziel mentioned, I would indeed have you brought into my service directly. I offer you a each a salary of fifteen platinum a week, plus all the legal exemptions that come from being my direct agents. Those sashes I provided will serve as your badges of office quite well, and there is one other matter to attend to." He takes a few steps to the right side of the room and pulls back the thick curtain of one of the alcoves revealing a golden stand that grips a chunk of black crystal that smolders like an ember, suddenly filling to room with a glow the color of blood. "Queen Abrogail has decreed that, in this time or national crisis, all agents of the crown must reaffirm their loyalty to their lord, House Thrune, and Cheliax by swearing the Hellfire Compact. If you're to serve in the Queen's name, I must insist. This stone is an ember from the forges in Phlegathon. To swear the compact, you must touch it while reciting the following vow. 'I, your full legal name, swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail the Second of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax.'"

Kolaiah steps forward and states, "I will gladly lead the way in this." He places his hand on the stone, and bows his head before intoning "I, Kolaiah of House Drellen, swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail the Second of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax."

I interpret you as stating this is "unholy damage" and not "negative energy" which would be humorous for at least two of us, since the one would cure the other.

Kolaiah steps back and watches the others expectantly.

You are correct that it's not negative energy, though that would be an amusing interaction. Do note that the fire damage happens either way, unless you have a resistance or immunity to that separately, while just having an evil alignment is enough to stop the unholy part.

Penelope will go next, worry about being bound overshadowed by 15pp a week. Pain flashes brightening her eyes and curving her lips I, Penelope Dorn, daughter of a whore and some unknown dead thing, swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail the Second of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax.

"Figures that the pale ones would go first," notes Muziel, as Koliah and Penelope swear their oaths. Muziel gazes carefully for a while at the stone, marveling at the eerie glow. Seeing the others return unharmed, he decides he'll go. Good money, and more importantly, good connections. He reaches up with his hand. "I, Muziel Moreau, swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail the Second of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax."

As he finishes his oath, Muziel winces in pain, and lifts his palm to see the emblem of Cheliax seared onto his hand. "Ouch, I hope this is not permanent. It's a little hard to be sneaky if you've got this mark on your palm."

"Well I can certainly appreciate your position Lord Fex, I had no idea she was so infatuated. Hopefully once word of my symphonies reach your ears you will be curious enough to chance a small visit, but I shall not harp on it any longer. " Nikolai responds with a little bit of regret, but understanding.

An oath? Well I guess our positions are important after all, and here I am thinking his was all fun and games to amuse my uncle. Nikolai thinks to himself with a bit of a smile on his face.

Without trying to appear too eager Nikolai pretends to hesitate and allow some of the others to go first, then he enthusiastically proclaims "I, Nikolai Sergeyevich Sarini, swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail the Second of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax."

As the others swear the Hellfire Compact, Ismene mentally reviews what she knows about oaths like this one. Allegiance is sworn principally to the Archbaron, followed by the Majestrix and lastly Cheliax. In the event of a conflict, we owe the Archbaron our loyalty over Cheliax itself. But it sounds as though the oath itself isn't binding, as there is no penalty mentioned. But it's official enough to make us agents of the Archbaron, sufficient to grant me Chelaxian citizenship that overrides my Isgeri citizenship. Does that mean that whichever name I swear becomes my legal name in Cheliax?

Before she can think of a way to take advantage of this opportunity, it's her turn to take the oath. Placing her hand on the crystal, she swears, "I, Ismene Agallon, swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail the Second of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax." Wincing, she pulls back her hand to inspect the brand now seared into her palm. Pretty serious for an oath with nothing behind it. I wonder if the brands are magical?

Amanda Malburne steps forward and bows to the Baron and then continues to speak "Great Darellus Fex, Archbaron of Longacre. I understand the need to swear an oath to Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail the Second of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune and to this important cause of opposing those who would oppose the proper order of this land. However due to other sworn obligations I cannot do so in the presence of those with me. I am willing to swear an oath to Phlegathon to you alone. I will be willing to explain my reasons only to your ears Archbaron if you wish further clarification."

While Amanda makes her request to the Archbaron, Cimri takes the opportunity to go through with the vow herself. "I, Cimri Staelish, swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail the Second of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax." She, like everyone else before her, winces at the burning. "I'm glad I used my left hand," she mutters to herself.

The Archbaron, meanwhile, runs a pair of fingers down the length of his mustache. "I can work with that," he agrees. "As long as you do it before you leave here today, I shall consider it," he pauses, searching for the word before finding the one to his liking, "pending, for the time being. I expect you will not allow this need for discretion to interfere with your duties and ability to work with your associates going forward, however."

"I don't expect a problem," comes Razelago's familiar voice from behind one of the other curtains on the opposite side of the room from the Phlegathon stone. "They've proven quite a capable team already, and I told you they'd be up to the vow, too, which is good considering what I've uncovered this morning."

Fex smiles broadly, interrupting. "Come now, Razelago. We can talk openly, without need of your dramatics any longer." The Archbaron steps over to the curtain currently obscuring the source of the voice and throws it back.

Inside the alcove stands a small stool in front of a mahogany writing desk. Clinging to the desk, almost overbalancing it, is a bloated fly's abdomen of monstrous proportions from which sprouts the chubby upper body of a human infant. A neck hidden by fatty folds swivels and a pair of black, compound eyes squints against the sudden increase in light. Insectile mouthparts flex enthusiastically between pudgy lips as Razelago's voice issues forth from the creature, roughly the size of Muziel. "As you say, my lord." (Razelago Reprise)

She gives a respectful nod to the Archbaron, "It shall not interfere with my duties or ability to serve the cause Archbaron. I thank you for your indulgence of my request."

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"How interesting," Kolaiah muses to himself.

At the sight of the hybrid insect/fly, Muziel lets out an audible gasp. "Razelago! What? You made it after all! What are you?" Did you try to improve yourself by adding insect parts?" Muziel considers the thought. "You know, that's not a bad idea. I mean, I'd really like to fly too! Maybe you can tell me how you did it?" Muziel speaks with genuine curiosity. "I've been working in improving creatures you know. Halflings, really, to make them better servants, but the principle applies to anyone. I bet I have a lot to learn from you!"

"Well nice to meet the real you Razelago, but I for one do not mind the dramatics." Nikolai says trying to hide his revulsion.

Razelago chuckles. "Alas, Muziel, I cannot help you with that," he says, amiably. "This is what I am naturally, a Zebub. Known better, perhaps, to the uninformed or fearful as a so-called 'Accuser Devil.' In a town such as this, with such a strong presence of Iomedaeans, I'm sure you can understand why I would choose to keep my true nature hidden. I urge you all to reject such prejudice and superstition as theirs, and instead form your own opinions based on our interaction so far, and going forward." That statement hangs in the air for a moment before Razelago continues.

"As I had started to say, This Angel Knight doesn't appear to be some fiction concocted by an overzealous priestess. A talentless local minstrel named Riley Kels claims to have met her, and he's even composed a series of ballads in her honor. While the amateur's singing is crime enough, he performed these songs at the Last Stand Tavern last night... which incidentally broke the new curfew and sanctions against gathering." Razelago's gaze shifts from the group to the Archbaron, who has by now returned to the chair behind his magnificent desk.

"If it pleases Your Lordship, our friends here should arrest the tavern's owner, Bolgart Caggan, for defying the new law. I suggest pillorying him in front of the jail as an example to others. And, while there, see what they can find out about the Angel Knight from Kels."

Kolaiah smiles, "The pillory you say? Oh yes, I could not agree more!"

Forgive my memory, but is there a pillory there already?

There are two, in fact, just outside the main building.

"There are two pillories, shall we also pillory the no-talent minstrel." Kolaiah glanced at Nikolai before proceeding, "there are those that could do with a bit of a reminder that there is only room for so many bad performers in this town."

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Ismene is taken by surprise by Razelago. The perverted cherub is clearly a creature of the Nine Hells, but even after introducing himself as a zebub, Ismene can't recall having read about anything like him before. Ismene never particularly cared for learning about all the myriad species of devils and their masters. There would be plenty of time for that after being reincarnated as an erinyes.

At the suggestion of the punishment, Ismene smiles, enjoying the image of Bolgart in the pillory. It would serve him right for barring us! However, something about Razelago's accusations make her bristle. Bowing respectfully, she voices her concerns. "My lord, I think the pillory for both the tavern owner and the minstrel are fitting and just, but I would caution against the charges. Sponsoring sedition should be ample reason to prosecute the offenders. Trumping up the charges is unnecessary, and only risks confusing the people of Longacre at this time."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Penelope doesn't mind the devil one bit, feeling akin to the creature for some reason. Freaks in the world of the normals as it was, she guesses. That old bastard that tried to dowse her with boiling chili isn't going to make it out of this without a few broken fingers, or a crushed groin. The pretty thoughts make her smile.
The people don't care the right and wrong of it, they just need to be put in their place, by knowing what'll happen if they get out of line.

Nikolai's ears perk up when Kolaiah mentions putting his competition to the pillory. "Yes, I could not agree more my pale friend. As to trumping up the charges...well, sometimes the right words can go a long way."

"Hey, do we get to seize the profits of the tavern as well, for earning ill-gotten gains from seditious performances?" Muziel didn't mind the thought of lining his pockets with more wealth. "Also, does Cimri get to be sheriff?"

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Amanda gives an eye to the Accuser Devil, knowing exactly what this creature is. It likely has spied on the party and shared its visions with its master. She makes a mental note of this but does not reveal what she knows to the party at this time.

As for the plan Amanda says, "If he's already guilty of something there is little need to invent new charges isn't there? Let us just make the capture under the aforementioned charges legally as a means of taking him away with the minimum amount of fuss. Once he's in the hands of the proper authorities we have every right to torture him until he gives up what he knows."

"I'm not sure what trumped-up charges you're all referring to," says Fex, tenting his fingers, "unless you were under the impression that Razelago meant that Kels' singing was literally a crime. I'm quite certain that was sarcastic opinion, myself." Razelago nods his agreement, fatty folds jiggling around where a neck should be.

"Indeed," Fex continues, "the crimes in question are breaking curfew and hosting a gathering larger than was specified in the new edicts. I'm content to apply both of them to Caggan alone, as an example, but it's fine by me if you think extending the same treatment to Kels will help you get whatever information he has on the Angel Knight. If he wants to cut a deal to avoid the stockade, I'd say that's good enough." He looks to Muziel, then to Cimri, before continuing.

"Personally, I don't care how you approach this job, so long as it gets done satisfactorily. If you seizing the man's profits a good idea, then seize away." He clears his throat. "As for sheriff, I don't really think there's any particular need to appoint a new one, for much the same reason as I never appointed a new mayor once Wottimir disappeared. I don't want to have a separate authority people feel they can turn to in order to circumvent me. My own guards can handle the basics of security, but feel free to use the jail as a base of operations if you like. It's certainly more official-looking than the office Razelago keeps at the old Moragatalli Manor."

Ismene blushes, embarrassed. "I just meant..." She wants to defend her point, but it's too early to risk losing Fex's approval, so she drops it. From the sounds of it, the Sinister Seven would be responsible for keeping the law. It wouldn't be difficult to simply overlook certain technicalities as long as the Archbaron wasn't going to loom over them himself. Razelago must be providing him with intelligence. I wonder if he can turn invisible?

For clarity's sake, Ismene was worried about the accusation about congregating. The edict states that the the rule about congregating can be exempted for individuals undertaking the natural course of their business. If Bolgart is punished for breaking that law, then taverns - and by extension, any business - is limited to twelve persons, including proprietor and staff, and the aforementioned provision is null and meaningless. It should also mean that every person at the tavern should be punished, but it looks like we're only going to selectively enforce the edict.

Fex raises an eyebrow at Ismene. "Please. Continue that thought," he says to her, spinning his outstretched hand in a vertical 'go on' gesture. "If I had wanted dogs, slaves, or automatons for this job I could surely have acquired them. It would help me to have confidence relying on your judgement in the field to know that we are on the same page ahead of time."

I understand what you're getting at, and it's certainly worth discussing. Perhaps, in so doing, a greater understanding or change of plans can be affected. Fex may be your patron, but he's still human. :D

Uncertain of how to proceed, Ismene decides the best course might just be to speak her mind while she has the floor. "With all due respect, my lord, the edict may have been hastily written. For example, the law against gathering includes an exception for those going about their natural course of business. A tavern owner hosting guests is a perfect example of someone to whom that exception might apply, as are the rest of the guests. We have Bolgart Caggan and Riley Kels on outright sedition, but if we charge them with unlawful assembly then we ought to punish the rest of the tavern-goers as well, to say nothing of the curfew. While such measures would ensure the citizens' obedience, using discretion would earn their loyalty. Iron fists, velvet gloves, you know the saying."

Having said her piece, she begins to feel the weight of the eyes on her. Somehow it was less nerve-racking talking down that mob! Holding her breath, she can only hope that Fortune decides to favor the bold.

"Well-reasoned," says Fex, nodding once. "It is, however, founded on a fundamental misunderstanding of the intent of these new laws. If the purpose was to enact sensible legislation that was easy to understand and to follow, then you'd be absolutely correct. These edicts, however, were specifically constructed to be maddeningly vague and arbitrarily enforceable. Allow me to explain in greater detail." He stands up from his desk, saunters to one of the windows overlooking the grounds and points outside.

"Somewhere out there lurks an arm of the so-called Glorious Reclamation. We don't know its strength, its disposition, where they make their base of operations, nor how many supporters they may already have gathered, except that they've already made overtures to our local temple of Iomedae, as you heard personally just a few days ago at Allomar's rally. What they want, right now, is time to plan, prepare and systematically win over popular support in my domain." He sneers. "I will not allow that to happen, and that's where these new edicts come in. Contradictory laws, arbitrarily enforced, and with no sheriff to provide a relief valve, are tailor-made for inciting rebellion. It's what the Glorious Reclamation obviously wants, yes? But I want it to happen before they're ready for it. Use the hope they seek to provide as a weapon against them, as those who were already easily persuadable into doing so join the cause of the enemy in sudden, unsustainable and, more importantly, traceable numbers. Then, when we know where they are, we take out both the arm of the Glorious Reclamation and the traitors that sided with them. What's left will be too cowardly or too loyal to rebel, and then we can reward them by adjusting the new laws into something more sensible like what you described."

He returns to his seat, smiling warmly. "I hope that makes these laws clearer to you. But I am impressed, you've got a good head for this stuff for peace-time."

Ismene's eyes widen in sudden shock at the revelation that the Archbaron's intended goal is actually to incite a rebellion. There's a certain genius to it, she has to admit, but... No. She's got to steel her resolve. There's no danger here. There won't be a civil war, because we'll crush them before it ever gets that far. These are peasants, not hobgoblins. Besides, maybe you'll have a shot at a decent fight for once.

Once she's gotten herself back under control, she nods, bowing again slightly. "Thank you, my lord. Now I understand. Perhaps we could outlaw mint while we're at it?"

oh this is going to be fun Penelope whispers, excitement shining her eyes. Then confused, asks aloud Why Mint?

Amanda nods in approval to the Baron and says, "A cunning plan Archbaron. I relish the chance to shead the blood of those righteous sycophants of the Glorious Rebellion and see that they are crushed underfoot. The worshipers of Iomedae are a cancer on the realm and we shall cut them from the Empire of Cheliax before they can fester."

Ismene shrugs in response to Penelope's question. "I dunno. People like mint? It's the little things that push people over the edge. Insult to injury and all that."

It's an easter egg joke. In Hell's Rebels, Paracount Barzillai Thrune outlaws mint, declaring it to be an abomination.

Or tea after dark!

"I believe that I understand your intent perfectly! And might I add, that when it come to arbitrary enforcement of your laws, done in a fashion that uses the malleable vagueness of the laws themselves, then I am very glad to have signed up. I believe I have exactly the temperament needed for this endeavor."

I caught the Hell's Rebels reference immediately, we're 5th level in that campaign right now.

Muziel likes the sound of what he's hearing. "Aha! Brilliant! That's quite the scheme you've set up, your Lordship. Guess we should get started?"

Nikolai smiles to himself, for once he is ahead of his companions. Such devices are common in court, and he feels right at home finally. "We can certainly punish these commoners for their crimes Lord Archbaron, by your leave then." Hopefully my companions are smart enough to know when they have over stayed their welcome. Nikolai thinks to himself as he turns to leave.

I also liked the Hell's Rebels reference. Be not the cretin! :P

Fex clasps his hands and rubs them together emphatically. "Excellent. Now that we're all on the same page, I look forward to hearing from Razelago about your success in these first, small steps. He'll be maintaining his office at the Ash House, and is the surest way to get hold of me at any given time."

"I'm often within shouting range as well, if it's an emergency," mentions Razelago, turning suddenly invisible. "But the only people in town that know of my existence are in this room."

"And I'd prefer to keep it that way," adds the Archbaron. "Most of you are dismissed, but we," he gestures to Amanda, "still have some business to conclude before you leave here, and I'm quite keen to hear what's for my ears only."

"Hey, one last thing. You mentioned that you never hired a new mayor after Wottimir disappeared. What happened to the mayor? I heard a rumor that Festus might've done him in." Muziel ensures that Nikolai is within earshot to hear this revelation.

"Actually, I have no idea what happened to her," says Fex, shrugging. "I hadn't heard that rumor, myself, but I suppose its possible. As far as I ever knew, she just stopped doing anything and nobody ever heard from her again. After eight years I assume she's probably dead, but it's entirely possible that she just pulled up stakes and left. I never cared enough to bother investigating. The position is largely redundant and she was an insufferable toadie."

"Well I doubt good Festus was involved..." Nikolai begins to second guess his choice of valet, but dismisses it as he thinks on it. Even if Festus wanted to kill me, I would take a competent murderer over an incompetent commoner void of any taste. Festus as being a saving grace of this despicable town.

Penelope will curtsey her best, probably looking like a gift wrapped soldier, nice gift wrapping at least. Then will take her leave as Nikolai suggests.

Muziel shrugs, a bit disappointed that the archbaron didn't confirm the rumor he'd heard. As he heads out of the room, Muziel tries to take a peek behind any other alcoves that might have a curtain over it.

Leaving along with the others, Ismene casts a furtive glance over her shoulder at Darla. Once they're out of earshot of the office, she poses the obvious question. "What's she got to hide?"

Muziel K. Geography: 1d20 ⇒ 3

As Muziel peeks behind another curtain he sees a map of a forested region with several pins in it. He's not sure at first glance where it might be a map of, and, before he has a chance to look closer, Archbaron Fex loudly and pointedly clears his throat at him, stern face showing no hint of amusement.

"Dunno," says Cimri to Ismene, shrugging. "Maybe she's got a really embarrassing middle name. Or maybe she's secretly a guy." She chuckles a little as she puts her boots back on by the front door.

That would be funny! Either way, doesn't build a lot of trust between us now does it? Penelope adds in her head, that we're a bunch of hired thugs so trust isn't expected.

Muziel quickly scurries away from the curtain, deciding he had pushed his luck far enough.

Outside, he joins in the gossip about Amanda's actions. "Maybe she wants to become our boss? She is Pride after all."

Well if our nicknames are what's important, I am being a little lax aren't I? she looks at Muzuiel playfully.

But then adds more seriously Not a bad idea to have a leader. Besides this bit of annoyance, she seems a likely candidate.

"Its political maneuvering plan and simple. She wants a private audience to negotiate a better deal. I did not think he would go for it or I would have done the same. Pity...his presence at the arch and lark would have really improved turnout. " Nikolai says dismissively

"Now let's all take our leave before Muziel sets the place ablaze with curiosity." Nikolai goes outside and waits for his carriage.

Amanda says to the others before they leave, "I will contact the rest of you shortly. But first I must fulfill my obligations to the Archbaron. Whatever the case, I will be a part of the oath and will do all that I can to help with the success of the group."

When given permission to retire to a private location with the Archbaron, Amanda will go with the Baron while the others speak and gather outside. She does take a chance to listen and look about before divulging any information though.

Perception to hear eavesdroppers: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

If she senses no one listening in, she will say to the Archbaron, "Forgive my apparent impertinence earlier Archbaron Darellus Fex but I could not swear an oath under my true name without giving up my cover identity as a farce. Currently in this identity I use Darla Felhand, a common rogue and mercenary as my cover. This is not my true affiliation however for I serve a much higher power. If I were to give the oath under my false name, I am sure the stone of Phlegathon would have detected it and likely reveal my lie to all those present."

After giving a chance to let her words sink in, she continues, "Allow me to explain Archbaron. When these individuals attracted the interest of the Church of Asmodeus, it was decided by the powers that be to gauge the usefulness of this group to the cause of the Lord of Darkness. Preferring a subtle hand rather than an obvious member of the clergy the High Priest of Longacre assigned me to ingratiate myself into the ranks of this group to gauge their loyalty as well as aid them in their endeavors. I serve the cause of the church better with the minimum number of people knowing my true affiliation for this allows me to better utilize my skills of misdirection. As for who I am, my real identity is Amanda Malburne, Inquisitor of Asmodeus. I have been given powers from the Lord of Darkness to disguise my affiliations and alignment thus allowing me to subtly work against the cause of righteousness that our Lord Asmodeus so adamantly despises. Hence why this false persona is an important deception to maintain as you might understand."