"Yes, our lives are quite important. Now all that is left is to dicker over the prices."
"I'm afraid we all owe them our lives seeing how because of them we escaped the headsmans axe so to speak. It's almost worrying, we could have gone any which way after leaving the prison and been free, though I think that also may have ended in capture rather soon. We really have no choice but to do what they want."
Argan takes a look around to guarantee no one else is close aside from the group. "Choice? Don't overreact Eryan, and if you really think like that, it would be better to let me do the talking. We're business man, and we have a debt to pay, but let's no be stupid here.
He sits down on the table, waiting for the meeting to start. "You seem to be very old Goodie. If you are the same as we, they will probably ask a favor to be done as a gang. Can you keep up with us?"
Not even a querulous snort brings a pause to the looping of yarn. "An honest question deserves an honest answer. Old is not precisely the same as feeble. You lads are more spry than I, but my tottering won't slow you down."
Triadora comes into the room and gives a wry smile when he sees the band cleaned and presentable.
Triadora 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?”
Vlad stands as he speaks.. "If you can promise me my father's head on a platter and the return of what's rightfully mine I'll swear to you and your cause.. Oh and I'd like to have a wench to feed on while im here as well.." He shows his fangs at the last statement, so there's no wondering what he's talking about..
He looks to Triadora.. "You can join me for that part if wish.. I promise not to bite you.. To hard anyways.."
Hahaha. I told them we would be given little choice. And an offer to good to refuse it is.
"Many, many thanks to you for the help escaping the prison. I rather enjoy my head where it is. I would join you and help change the world for the same. You must have thought long and hard about how to acomplish this for it is no small task."
Eryan is not sure if the Cardinal caught the subtle condition of his agreeing to help. He had no intention of losing his head to anyone, but bringing down the kingdom did sit well with him.
Eryan pulled back his sleeve to show his own 'F'. "Instead of Forsaken, I will be the First's instrument of vengeance."
Cardinal Thorn smiles. “Excellent. Let us make it official. Signing in blood is traditional.”
Behold on this day in the eighth age of this world a perpetual Compact is made between Cardinal Adrastus Thorn (hereafter the Master) and those who would be bound to him as his acolytes (hereafter the Bound). Both the Master and the Bound shall hold fast and true to this Compact through all trial and tribulation. By blood and soul the Bound commit to the Compact and swear that it shall never be undone.
The Bound shall know and understand the Four Loyalties.
The First Loyalty is to their patron and god – mighty Asmodeus, first among the fallen, prince of the nine hells, our father below. They shall do all that can be done to further his worship and his glory.
The Second Loyalty is to their master – He who is called the Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, High Priest of Asmodeus in Talingarde. They shall do the Master no harm and obey his every commandment as long as those commandments do not clash with their First Loyalty.
The Third Loyalty is to their companions – the other Bound who serve alongside them. The Bound shall deal with each other fairly and honorably as long as doing so does not clash with their first or second loyalties. All treasure, wealth and reward garnered in their exploits will be equally shared with all of the Bound who aided in its acquisition.
The Fourth Loyalty is to themselves – for Asmodeus is the Lord of Ambition and all who serve him should strive to become great and powerful in his service as long as doing so does not clash with their first, second or third loyalties. By their weakness, ye shall know the unworthy.
The Bound swear that they cleave to and uphold the Four Loyalties even in the face of death and damnation.
The Master swears that as long as the Four Loyalties are upheld, he shall reward the Bound as they deserve for their deeds.
Thus it is written, and thus it shall be.
We being of sound mind and free will do so swear and let they who violates this Compact know all the wrath of Hell unending.
Signed, [Spot Left Blank for the signers name and mark]
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 . He lets the you all keep one copy of the contract. The other, he takes.
“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.”
Vlad takes the knife and opens his palm, sealing the deal.. "To Asmodeus.. And to the burning of this land.. May Mitra rot in hell.." He takes his copy of the contract and stores it away..
Goodie will pull a pair of old spectacles out of her knitting basket and peer suspiciously at the contract as if it were a Mitran elder knocking on her door just as she was sitting down for tea.
"Lawks! Isn't this just fancy? And with big words too! I am no barrister, but don't contracts create all sorts of expectations? I would be so much more comfortable if these expectations and how they are known were much more clear in this contract. This piece of paper has a great deal to say about what is expected from us, but is much murkier on the subject of what we can expect from you. If our penalty is death and damnation, what is yours, sir? If you are in breach, to whom do we appeal? How do we know if our duties are fulfilled, or how they should be rewarded by contract? The gods know I care little for the Mitran church one way or another, though there is no denying they have made a dog's breakfast of things. I care a great deal about my family and their renewed vitality, as well you know. The Mitrans can burn. This island can burn. But before these poor lads sign anything, we should all know whether you are willing to serve our interest even as we serve yours?"
Argan seems distracted , probably thinking about something, and thus the others speak freely while he calculates the consequences. Well, we have the same goals, but we could achieve them ourselves, or could we not? He grants us freedom and then thinks our lives are his?
While looking at one of the contracts, Vladamir signs in one of them, and he uses the opportunity to swap the copies with the damphir and guarantee they are both the same. And again the vampire rushes ahead and do something stupid... Holy shit we will need to have a talk...
Argan waits until Vladamir puts the contract back, and addresses Adrastus before the rest of the flock follow the no returning path. His posture is confident, and it's pretty clear that he does not consider himself lower than this so called High Priest:
"Master..." He tries it, as if he was enjoying being called by that. "A powerful word. Strong. And we, on the other hand, will be the Bound... Not so strong, I figure." He pauses a moment, letting the words sink in. "Well, mister... Adrastus, I must say that this contract puts a heavier weight on us than we were expecting. Of course, we own you a debt, for having providing us with some tools. Not that we needed them, mind you, as the prison was really easy task and we would have broken the bonds if necessary." He stretches his neck tilting his head to the left, before returning to the original position.
"We were expecting to return the favor, not to be bound for life. Yes, we have the same goals, but I don't see you as my Master, if you want to know it. Let's see what we have." He looks to his companions, one at a time. "One, two, counting me we have three powerful melee combatants. Aside from the Ogre, of course. There's the drow, who is attuned with the divine, and the..." - he looks at Goodie, rotating his hand while searching for the word - "Hag?!" He raises his eyebrows and lifts his shoulders, making a friendly face for stating the obvious. "Anyway, only the four of us, starting basically unequipped, had put the whole Brandescar Prison to the sword. We are powerful. But what do we see here? As Oldie said, if there was a clearer reward we would appreciate it, but the real thing is, we don't know if this contract is good for us. It's flawed. We could be ordered to kill each other and still not violate anything in the contract, couldn't we?" He looks around, sensing if anyone had realized the clear flaw. "I believe all of us are willing to work with you, but if you want to force us to a contract, you need to do a better job, Sir." He adds a different tone to the last word, maybe being sarcastic.
"You're getting five capable people, to do whatever you want, and they will probably be risking their lives, but you will get a share of the 'findings' that is probably higher than theirs. And what do you give in return? Promises of raising us 'in the eye of the god and men'. You must agree with me that this is not good on our behalf, isn't it?
Otherwise, knees that do not bend, break. But how strong are you? Are we bending the knee to a mighty one or just a charlatan?"
Goodie frowns as the grasping young man calls her a hag. Hag!? That boy should find a civil tongue or he will be getting more than a pinched ear from me.
But after a brief moment she shakes her head and releases a snort. Could that Jessup but see you know, you old biddy, caring what some ragged ruffian thinks of your appearance. Age catches up with us all, and it has been kinder to you than it has to many others. You have your teeth, your hair, and your wits. Fie one him.
Adrastus Thorn looks over the old lady with a wry grin. "My dear, my goals are clear. To see that the current state of Talingarde be purged. I will look to use you all in my plans for the raising of the great Asmodeus to his deserved glory. Failure in this notion is not an option for me, I have too many plans in motion to have anything from success. Asmodeus looks with failure towards those of little use, I have taken my word to him."
"Your duties are fulfilled when the task that is laid out before you has been completed, no matter the way. If someone is to be killed, there is no issue on whether a village or only a single person died. I treat all my subjects fairly, you will be able to keep anything that you may find while completing your tasks, I will take no share of your plunder. With being successful in being an extension of my will you will be rewarded with privileged status. Failure is be expected as well, it will be met with consequences of course. Then again most failures do. "
"I will be primarily serving my interest, but that is not to say that I do not take lightly the interests of the ones who swear fealty. You will have time to pursue any interests that you will, and I will gladly help in any way that I can. I assure you."
"Also the title master is more of a formality, you could also see me as the strategist behind the overall encompassing army. Not on the front lines per say, but an integral part of the mechanism of war. This contract is just a medium to spell out a vow for you follow in the downfall of the current Talingarde. For my plans to mature I need to be sure of the individuals that I employ and their loyalty."
"Beautiful words indeed. But you did not quite showed us what you're capable of, so I'll guess you're the charlatan type, aren't you?"
Argan's words are clearly meant to provoke the man.
"How many more 'Bounds' do you have? What structure are you capable to provide? And what would we be in the picture here? Are we talking mainly about killing, or will we make some investigation, rumormonger or something like that?"
Eryan reads the contract closely.
"All I need to know is if you have also signed a similar contract Thorn, and I will sign. If the wrath of hell can come down upon us it can also come upon you can it not?"
Following Thorns reply Eryan takes the silver knife and completes the signing.
"We are in this together now friends." He smiles at them all.
The old granny catches the high priest's eye and returns his smile. Tapping her nose, she responds.
"I think you may have hit upon a solution to our difficulties, young master. As you say, you hope that we will be your tools for the downfall of the current order of Talingrade. You need to be sure of us. That seems a fair concern. My difficulty with your proposed contract is that it says things like eternity and other such stuff and nonsense. What does our proposed eternal servitude have to do with the fall of Talingrade? Little and less, I'd wager were I given to such foolish vices. Now you look like a sensible young man, eager for a good dicker. Just as you need to be sure of us, we need to be sure of you. Why don't we amend these contracts. You would be our general rather than our master. The duration of our hell-bound service would not exceed the fall of the Mitran order in Talingrade. As you say, your god favors the bold and ambitious. Would he not smile on a contract that allowed for the cultivation of such ambitions, rather than one that eternally quelled them? These lads look like they are fair bursting with ambitions that you could put to your use to overthrow those god-botherers. Amend these contracts to work out the unfortunate implications that Argan and I have noted, and I will happily sign my skills in your temporary service."
Kharn sits back waiting to see how this all goes down.
I may like Argan and the hag, but if they make the mistake of provoking the man who runs this place I'm not helping. If worst comes to worst I'll still have Vlad, Grumblejack, and Eryan to talk to.
Shifting in his seat uncomfortably, noticeably bothered by the situation. Adrastus gave pause to think over the proposition. "Quite right, eternity is a long time. I believe that I can amend the contract to conclude on the fall of the current ruling of Talingarde. " Smiling at the old woman. "You surprise me Goodie, I do enjoy the thoroughness as well as your meticulous nature. Would the proposed amendment to the contracts be sufficient?" He motions towards Triadora and she disappears for a moment, to return quickly with five new drafts. She walks up to Vladamir and picks up his signed contract and tears it.
Looking at Argan, "Sir, it is better not to instigate with powers which surpass your own."
Within your head you hear a females voice, the voice of Triadora. Threats towards the master will not be tolerated. Please be wary, or you may find your self biting of more than that mouth can chew.
Kharn smiles at the small victory that Goodie, and Argan won.
"Well now I think we better sign before Talingarde gets too cold."
Kharn walks over and signs the new and revised contract with blood.
Goodie gives Ardastus a kindly wink, "A woman doesn't spend thirty odd years a midwife and a mother without being thorough and meticulous. I imagine it is much the same for high priests. Your sensibility does you a great deal of credit, young man. It is wiser to have five happy helpmeets than five thralls looking for their chance to be a weasel."
She reads the second document as closely as she read the first. It would not do to argue for important concessions than blithely sign the next piece of paper they put down in front of her. Supposing that everything is in order, Goodie Thornmaple signs on the dotted line.
While Goodie is signing the contract, Argan keeps her gaze on Triadora, analyzing the woman once more. She is powerful. Could he be her pet? Is she the real boss around here, or is there more then meets the eye on the man? Goodie has agreed. Let's keep together, then. Knowing my soul won't be available for eternity is already comfortable enough.
"I was just asking for a demonstration, but let's see if you will provide that once we are working together." And now keep your mouth shut Argan...
He goes to the contract, reads it and signs, with a small drop of blood.
"Well that does it, all of us have signed. What's next?"
Vladamir looks sheepishly as he listens to his companions good suggestions.. "Dam, Next time I'll just put my foot in my mouth before looking like an ass again.." He says nothing as his current contract is torn in half.. He simply remains silent and signs the new ones as well..
Inwardly, Goodie Thormaple is quite discomfited by Argan's continued belligerence. Foolish boy, cease your posturing. We just rung concessions from a potent man in the seat of his own power. He will not be quick to forget. It is one thing to beard a bear in his own den. It is quite another to stand around laughing afterwards. Let this be as positive experience for him as it can be. Do you want to be dealt with as soon as Talingrade falls?
Outwardly, the goodwife is all smiles as if by sheer force-of-will she can improve Adrastus' mood and perceptions.
“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.”
Training huh? Now I'm curious...
The escapees are fed, fully rested, bathed and clothed in garments more befitting nobility than prisoners on the lam. For three days they live a life of luxury and ease in the manor house. Tiadora offers them each one of the slaves as a ‘companion’. A slave approaches each of you and meekly asks what equipment you would require. Triadora also comes to each of you and gives you a token of the new found alliance, a locket with the symbol of Asmodeus on it as well as a circlet. "This will allow you to divert piercing eyes. Use it to help in your endeavors. With blessings from the master. Please keep it with all of you as a token."
Iron Circlet
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.
During your time in the manor as well you learn that you are not alone. Aside from the slaves and Triadora. A group of four other adventurers seemed to have been recruited into the fold as well.
The blood you and those with you have fed me at the prison cause me to grow stronger. One day you will be more powerful than you ever dreamed Eryan.
Feeling the extra power coming from the spirit Eryan plays a few games with the poor servant given him. Projecting his voice and scaring her. He found he could ignite flammable materials also and an image of the inferno of branderscar popped into his mind. A couple days in luxury saw him fully healthy once more, and eager to complete this 'training' spoken of.
He exchanges the new locket with the one from the silk patch and marvels at the circlets power. Many thoughts ran through his mind. "There is one more thing I need," he says to Triadora, "It is a difficult metal to procure but our master is a man who can get what he likes it seems. Is it possible to acquire a mithral chain shirt? I have the gold but not the knowledge where I would purchase one such." He is rather pleased with the improved armour. So much lighter and no longer hampers his movement in any way. He was satisfied, and with no longer any gold to spend he spent the rest of the time enjoying the luxury he had never experienced. The servant was passably pretty, in that ugly human way...
Argan speaks to Triadora when receiving the circlet:
"Thanks. How long does this work each day?"
He has organized the finances of the group and ordered two new blades with part of his money. Since the accommodations are big enough, he spent his full time practicing with the serrated blades on wooden pillars. They are very difficult to master, mainly when using two of those, since one saw tends to clash with the other, in a way other blades do not. The result is pretty good in the end, making him pretty powerful.
When he's not practicing with the swords, he is at the mirror, mastering the use of the circlet and putting in practice his old disguise skills. In the time left, he's using his beautiful 'gift', a red-haired slave Triadora has offered.
Kharn looks at the circlet that he receives and tries it on changing his form a couple of times before getting his gear all ready, and packed up. He walks around trying to find this other group of 'adventurers' who have joined up. Before he leaves his room he does change his look to one of an old man wearing long robes, and wearing glasses. He picks Sir Reginold, and walks out ready to meet these new people.
Triadora looks at Argan with a nod for the request. "As many times as you would like, the master would not have it any other way. We need to keep us away from peering eyes."
Vladamir accepts the Circlet.. "Thank you my dear.. Should help me hide these fangs.." He spends most of the 3 days training and sexing up the slave.. He would also have fed on her multiple times over the course of that 3 days..
Goodie enjoys relaxing. She continues her knitting. It appears that she is making sock-caps. The only time she seems angry is when a servant has sent to her quarters. "I am a married woman!"
Afterwards she will approach Triadora. The world is a hard, cold place; I cannot bleed for all the lost lambs, but I would prefer to not have it thrust in my face either. I hope those boys aren't hurting those girls, but I have no desire for such vices."
The witch is wearing her iron circlet as a hair pin.
Triadora solemnly nods for the request of Goodie "Not all the vices are met through the flesh. Worry not I will send the slave away from your room. Call if you need anything else."
Kharn goes down to meet the other occupants of the manor. He sees before him a slender beautiful woman with white hair, a large half-elf man with a large sword slung across his back, and a pair of what must be a pair of twins. They greet him with nothing more than nod when he initially comes into the room. One of the twins greets Kharn with a friendly greeting "Looks like we have another that are here to join the Cardinal's cause! You can call me Trik, the one over there that looks like me is Trak. Elise and Dostan are the others. What a curious pet you have!" He peers at the owl perched on his shoulder.
The half-elf shifts in his seat upon the unwarranted introduction, while the others are indifferent to it.
One of this days Argan speaks to Kharn inside the mansion.
"Hey Kharn, why don't you use the Circlet to appear as the warden? Then the owl might like you." The rogue smiles, clearly amused by the idea.
not sure if the group wants to rp with the other group or go straight to the "training" Let me know and I can get the story pushed forward. Seems as though a few of you are getting ansy ;) *nudges Argan*