Balin > Goodie > Eryan > Kharn > Argan > Vladamir
Sir Balin: AC 22 T 11 Fl 21 CMD 20/19; Cleave AC 20 T 9 Fl 19 CMD 18
Squire Timeon: AC 15 T 11 Fl 14 CMD 12
Balin seeing that the swords being drawn, "Boy you fool, they are not our allied but our enemies they used your naivety against you! Quick get way boy!" Taking his chance since given it to him, he charged The man nearest the boy to intercept. He stepped to the side to cut off Vlad searching the wall as well.
The valiant Sir Balin charges into the group trying to give Timeon a chance to escape the reach of his supposed allies. He cleaved into Argan's shoulder and then proceeded to arch over his shoulder to slice down onto Vladamir.
While this was happening Timeon runs quickly to the corner of the room.
Balin > Goodie > Eryan > Kharn > Argan > Vladamir
Sir Balin: AC 22 T 11 Fl 21 CMD 20; Cleave AC 20 T 9 Fl 19 CMD 18
Squire Timeon: AC 15 T 11 Fl 14 CMD 12
Argan: 13
Vladamir: 13
Balin: 8
Party: Bless 20 Rounds
Vladamir: Shield of Faith 10 Rounds
Goodie chants a few words in the back of the group, releasing a surge of energy throughout the party. At the same time Eryan focused his mind upon the sword being held by Sir Balin.
Sir Balin winced under the pain of the burning within his hand, yet his faith held true and the smell of burning flesh grew throughout the room. "You shall be purged" Was the only thing that came out of the knights mouth.
Vlad hisses ad shows his fangs as the man hacks into him.. He mutters a dark phrase activating his smite evil ability on Balin.. He also moves his shield into position for extra armor.. He then attacks..
Argan is seriously hurt. Now he hates Pathfinder more than ever, since we was ready for his enemy but for some stupid logic he could not dodge his blow. Instead of fleeing he goes for a full attack at the enemy, hoping to take him out before he has a chance to attack again.
!
!
Balin > Goodie > Eryan > Kharn > Argan > Vladamir
Sir Balin: AC 22 T 11 Fl 21 CMD 20; Cleave AC 20 T 9 Fl 19 CMD 18
Squire Timeon: AC 15 T 11 Fl 14 CMD 12
Argan: 13
Vladamir: 13
Balin: 35
Party: Bless 20 Rounds
Vladamir: Shield of Faith 10 Rounds; +3 Deflection vs Balin
!
Kharn sighs as Argan starts a fight.
That's supposed to be my job.
Kharn rushes forward and swings his greatsword at Sir Balin.
"Don't you remember me Sir Balin? Don't you recognise my voice? Perhaps it is the disguise I am wearing that is addling your brain. Why it is I, the Drow, Eryan. I have escaped and come for my revenge. Where is my father? Is he dead too like my mother, or was he sentenced to a life or hard labour like a slave in the mines? As you die, know that I will find every one of your family and they will die painfully."
This he speaks during the fight, trying to get answers or just merely distract the man.
Balin > Goodie > Eryan > Kharn > Argan > Vladamir
Sir Balin: AC 22 T 11 Fl 21 CMD 20; Cleave AC 20 T 9 Fl 19 CMD 18
Squire Timeon: AC 15 T 11 Fl 14 CMD 12
Argan: 13
Vladamir: 13
Balin: Unconscious
Party: Bless 19 Rounds
Vladamir: Shield of Faith 9 Rounds
The eyes of Balin glossed over as Vladamir cut him down in a swift slice across his gut. The last phrase from Eryan causing him to come to the final realization of who his assailants were. His last words squeezed themselves from his lungs as his fell unconscious. "Run boy!"
Timeon gasped as Sir Balin fell to the ground. He yelled and charged forward with tears flowing down his face, "I will smite you in the name of Mitra!"
Argan's blade chopped through the soft skin of the small squire, with no effort at all. He fell to the ground to join his knight on the ground.
- Masterwork Full plate
- Heavy Steel Shield
- Longsword
- Dagger
- Cloak
- A Potion
- Silver and Sapphire Holy Symbol of Mitra
Argan totally ignores the boy, but the stupid comes for him anyway. He slices the kid to avoid getting hit again. Looking at Vlad, he mutters "Sorry Vlad..."
He sheathes his weapons, then sits down with his back to the wall. The rogue checks his bleeding shoulder, and he knows he lost too much blood today, this is not good, he knew.
"Whose leg do you need to hump to get some healing around here?"
Goodie sighs at the boy's death. "What purpose did that serve? What did we gain from his death. He was so young. He could have been taught another way." She sounds more melancholic than angry.
She will tap our two injured warriors with her healing wand. Is there any magic in the room? .
"That served nothing, but he asked for it. I was about to post that I sat down ignoring the boy when Yodler made him come at me and get killed sit down to rest for a bit, but he came after me nonetheless. Better luck next life, kid."
He waits for a bit while the wand do its magic, healing a great part of his shoulder but filling his mind with devious thoughts. "Thanks Goodie. That's enough, as I think we are done here."
Eryan goes up to the unconscious and likely dying man, props him against a wall and heals him enough to wake him, holding a dagger against his throat...
If he regains consciousness he speaks to Balin, also having dropped the disguise and appearing as his normal self now. "Is my Father dead and at peace? Or have you dogs still got him labouring?!" If Balin so much as moves anything bar his lips Eryan will strike the limb that moves with the dagger. Whether he answers or refuses to, after a little time Eryan buries the dagger in his chest and using his magic to heat the weapon like before. "I will find your family..." he whispers as the man dies
Still sit, Argan sees Eryan approaching and, realizing what he was up to, kicks away Balin's longsword. Just to make sure...
Kharn picks up the silver holy symbol.
"This is pretty I guess...."
"Your father has tasted the afterlife, just as your mother has." He said breathing hard. "Your kind will never be welcome in these land drow." Following his statement, he spits blood into Eryan's face with a broad smile. Blood staining his teeth. "You will meet the retribution of Mitra, that I am sure."
He leans over to the side and coughs up more blood.
Eryan stands up after the man is dead, his blood on his face and hands.
Hahahah yes. More blood. The more you give to me the closer we become. You will be far more powerful someday Eryan. I will unlock the powers of your people in you. You will take revenge for your family...
Eryan didn't need the spirits to tell him to take revenge. But if it wanted blood, he would give it. He needed more power. To be stronger. Taking the pendant off Balin's neck Eryan Inspects it. "We have what Thorn sent us down here for. Let's return." When everyone was out of the room he sent a spark to Balin's clothes, setting him and Timeon alight to burn with the room. "Asmodeus' flames. Fitting."
The Cloak looks to be magically enhanced to resist the elements.
The potion looks to be a potion to heal wounds.
"I will need to do more tests on this potion, but his cloak gives one minor fortune against untoward occurrences."
Vlad watches as the boy is cut down and makes an angry face.. "He was mine Argan! Dam you for taking that sweet virgin blood from me.. Gah... Never mind that looks like Balin here is wearing my armor.."
He begins stripping the man of his armor.. Afterwards he suits it up himself.. "Anyone want this Mwk Breastplate?" After he's suited up you all see him channel some sort of dark energy causing his wounds to close..
After a couple minutes the rogue gets up, wondering what is Vlad thinking about . He analyzes the items, checking who's going to keep what. "The shield, dagger and longsword are useless to us. Let's just carry them back to sell it. Just carry it back and adjust it so you can use it later Vlad, no one deserves to see you change clothes here..."
"Keep that potion until we find out what it does, Goodie. That symbol is what we were ordered to find, Kharn. Oh, and some fortune is always good, so, who wants the cloak?"
He takes a quick look at all the walls on the room before suggesting the party to move back, taking the shortcut to avoid the big tree/fungus.
"I think it should go to one of you boys. Someone who is in more danger. Goodness knows, I plan to avoid misfortune in the first place."
"So, Kharn or Eryan, do you want it? Otherwise I'll use it."
"Well it seems we've completed the Cardinal's task.. Shall we head back?"
Eryan will take Sir Balin's cloak and wear it. It fits remarkably well on him.
Adrastus sits in his study seeming almost as he has moved not an inch from where he gave you your orders at dusk yesterday. “You’ve returned.”
The high priest holds the trinket and pauses as if in deep contemplation. He watches the holy symbol glitter in the light. “A pretty enough thing, eh?” he muses. “This is a holy symbol of Mitra in particular the sort favored by the Knights of the Alerion. Perhaps you already knew that."
“Remember this symbol. This is the mark of those who destroyed our faith and sought to banish all trace of the worship of our Father from these shores. These, my friends, are your enemies.”
He tosses the holy symbol back to Kharn.
“Keep it. It may aid you in disguising yourself.”
He smiles. “You have done well. Escaping from Branderscar, slaughtering Sir Balin … yes, you are worthy. Now, let us complete your training…”
“Asmodeus is with you.” Adrastus Thorn indoctrinates you into the deeper mysteries of worshipping the Prince of Hell. Whenever you channel energy, you gain a +1 trait bonus to the save DC of your channeled energy.
“Deception is a tool. Master it.” Adrastus Thorn teaches you the subtle arts of deception and how to sense when they are being used against you. You gain a +1 trait bonus to Bluff and Sense Motive.
“Discover what is real and what is illusion.” Adrastus has taught you to see through deceptions and to never lie to yourself. You gain a +2 trait bonus on saving throws against illusions.
“Fear nothing save our dread lord.” Adrastus Thorn has shown you fear and taught you to master it within yourself. You gain a +2 trait bonus on saving throws against fear effects.
“Focus strengthens your will.” Adrastus Thorn drills you on ways to avoid magic that seek to take control of your mind and divert you from your mission. You gain a +2 trait bonus on saving throws against charm and compulsion effects.
“Let us perfect your favorite spell” Adrastus Thorn drills you again and again in the use of one particular spell. Pick one spell. This spell’s effects manifest at +1 caster level.
“Quiet as death” The Cardinal trained in the arts of being silent and stealthy. You gain a +2 trait bonus to Stealth checks.
“Strike first, strike ruthlessly and thus be victorious” Cardinal Thorn has taught you never to shirk or hesitate in a combat. You gain a +2 trait bonus on Initiative checks.
“Wear your armor like a second skin.” You have drilled extensively in wearing armor in combat. When you wear armor of any sort, reduce that suit’s armor check penalty by 1 to a minimum check penalty of 0.
“You shall be my angel slayer.” Adrastus thorn spends exhausting amounts of time teaching you about good celestials, their strengths and weaknesses. You gain a +2 trait bonus on Knowledge (planes) checks about good-aligned celestials and receive a +1 trait bonus to any damage roll you make against them.
Eryan walked the way back to Thorn not looking back. Several times he cursed the Balin name under his breath. The man had been responsible for almost ending the Duskwalker name. He was an outcast among his own people and a wanted criminal here in Talinguarde. All he had was himself and a spirit inside his head which promised him power if he fed it. These people he worked with, they seemed like capable allies for now. Though he knew this was out of necessity and the fact that they were all in the same boat. Where could he go... dead in talinguarde, dead or worse in his home city. At least Thorn's cause would bring about a desirable end. Perhaps he would be able to rule the new Talinguarde if their plans came to fruition. He smiled at the prospect. The prophecy said he would return to his people. He hoped it was in triumph and not in chains. Not every prophecy has a desirable ending for those involved. The gods certainly had their own style of humour, he laughed at them for it. F!~* the prophecy, I'll make my own path.
Eryan doesn't say anything to Thorn when they return the trinket, but remembers it's meaning and importance. Likely it would aid them in the future. Eryan certainly hoped it would have connections to those who knew the late Sir Balin. It was too bad Timeon had been killed, he likely had possessed useful information. An oversight on Eryan's part due to his anger at the man. A mistake. He vowed he would not make another mistake due to his emotions again. Training. Let's see what you can teach me old man.
Over the next three months Eryan chose to focus his training in deceiving others more effectively. Thorn was considerably more skilled in this regard than him and Eryan learnt much. Honing his skills with others further, the spirit showed him how to use his power to influence others to wish to kill their allies. He tested it on his servant girl, tying her hands to a post first then laughing as she lunged at him one moment and begged forgiveness for her actions the next moment when the spell wore off. With infiltration and deception his goal and his connection with the spirit in him growing, he learnt how to appear as a spirit himself, Invisible to others. Not only this, but he also spent hours every day meditating as the spirit instructed, to unlock the noble that was inside him. It was met with success as his strength with the abilities of the drow grew. Every day he grew more sure of their success.
After their return Vladamir sets to learning how to be stealthy in heavy armor.. The Cardinal was very good at being stealthy for an old man and over the course of 3 months his training paid off as he became considerably better at moving around quiet in his new fullplate..
Argan shines with anxiety for the training:
"Can't wait for this!"
Spent the next two months learning, a bit of this and a bit of that. He got even better at using his sabre, and studied much of anatomy so he could aim at the right spot with his weapons. But it wasn't enough. He empowered his focused mind, but also learned to pay attention to details, to be quieter, smoother, faster, smarter, an overall perfectly balanced machine of death and deception.
Specially, he learned what common people spoke of, and how to impress them so much that they would trust you and spread the lies you told them. He saw the potential in that, and was eager to finish the training so he could try it out for the first time. Sir Balin would regret the day he messed up with him. His shoulder, although healed, still hurt a bit from the deep wound.
But that's not common knowledge. He hid it as best as he could from anyone aside from Kharn and Goodie. Specially the other "followers" of Adrastus, the ones they met earlier, but also the servants of the mansion.
He uses these long months to gather info about the party they met before going into the dungeon. Yes, they are on the same side, but he would want to be always a step ahead of them. He was superior, and his companions did also look capable enough, thus they would need to surpass them in experience too, while at the same time hiding their skills. So, the more he knew about their missions and skills the better.
He thanks Goodie for his new acquisition. She agreed to help him turning a dark-leather belt with a Mithral buckle into a magic one, providing him with a better balance to his big body.
Aside from that, he is using fresh clothes, and ready to move on as soon as they complete their training.
Kharn smiles as the cardinal tosses him back the amulet.
"A knight eh? Who knew I'd be promoted so young. I will do my best to uphold the respectable name of the Alerions"
Kharn takes to wearing the amulet wherever he goes for the three months. Even learning how to move quietly with it while he hides himself in shadows. He couldn't help, but chuckle at what the others were doing to train themselves. Kharn just sat back, and let his rage take over. Something that hadn't let him down so far. He'd felt himself falling even deeper into the pit of his hatred for everything, and even himself. He learned to let go of any and all inhibitions of defense. He would give it all up for the single chance to hit his opponent. He knew that the entire reason he was so angry would probably view him as disgusting as the other killers here, but that was also in the past.
He spent the next three months improving what he already knew, and some new tricks as well. He made himself find even the smallest things that were out of place. In rooms, as well as with stories. He learned when people were lying to him just so he could find another person to pay back. He also took the cardinal's lessons to heart, and spent as much time as he could in the shadows. Learning to live in the darkness as much as the light.
He didn't spend all his time working though. He made sure to always have time for his lovely Sir Reginold, and took to cleaning the owl with his own two hands. He also started to carry the symbol of the Knights of Alerion whenever he went out. He continued to use the collar to make himself appear to be an old man with an owl, and meet the other fellows from before. Kharn liked them especially the one twin. He would kill them in an instance if they betrayed him, but he enjoyed their company while he could.
He also made sure to start make inquiries to the availability of 'merchandise' as it never hurt to have a backup plan in case this cardinal failed in his mission. He also didn't like the idea of people who were under spells of serving him. It was true what they said. The only slaves you trust are the ones you make yourself. He made sure to use the slaves provided for housework, and nothing more. It wouldn't do to reveal anything about himself to the cardinal before he was good, and ready to reveal it.
He made sure that his kit was all up to standards as he got it ready, and made the final adjustments. He thought he looked at least respectable in his nice noble clothing with a chain shirt on top of it with the amulet sparkling off his chest. The greatsword on his back was almost for show as he got ready to get his true weapon, and if he didn't look respectable at least he looked intimidating.
The Cardinal called you into the great banquet hall within the manor. He sits upon a chair at the head of the table and shares a meal with the whole party. "You have done well with everything. The trail and the training alike. You have made me proud, only one thing remains until you will be given your first true task to start the downfall of Talingarde." He looked over the party while sipping on his glass of wine.
"We shall name you in a ceremony of sorts, in times such as these. Through blood and fire seem to be the most appropriate." He nodded toward Triadora who dissapeared for a short moment and returned with one of the slaves that had seen doing general tasks around the manor thoughout the three month term of training.
The Cardinal quitely recited an incantation, he eyes lifted glowing red "Mighty Asmodeous, welcome these few into your servitude and may it be made official with a sacrifice!" His hand laid upon the ground and the floor erupted in fire.
A demon materialised out of nothing from a magical fissure running along the floor. Seeing the docile servant presented before himself, he gleefully ripped the subject apart. With a mixture of bliss and anger the demon devoured the body with blood streaming along the cobbled stone floor. The demon satisfied with the sacrifice looked over the group and with a silent nod he showed his approval of the group. Before returning to his plane of existance he looked quickly at Vladamir and smiled.
Your blood started to boil within your viens, and you hear the voice within your head. "USe your gifts, child of the night. You will need them. They are not a hinderance but a blessing"
The Cardinal, looking slightly out of breath from the summoning, took his wine glass and dipped his fingers within. Taking a finger he made a mark on each of your foreheads. "You will be known now as the Nissian Knot my children, may you shed the blood of the righteous and destroy the now standing kingdom of Talingarde."
Following the meal the Cardinal looks upon the group and says, "Meet me tonight and you shall know of your next task"
A demon serving the Lord of Hell? How very odd! What is the netherworld getting up to these days?
Goodie Thornmaple ponders this strange fiendish alliance.
Argan started the ceremony with a neutral face, enjoying Adrastus' b~~@*&~$ about making him proud and such. During his training he realized that Adrastus was much more powerful than them, and it would certainly take a long time to surpass him. When the man summoned the demon, Argan's will faltered, for barely a second, but his focused mind keep him sane and he went back to paying attention to the details of the summoning. He was not certain he could surpass the man, specially since he knew basically nothing about magic. How the f!+* did he summoned a demon in here?
He also got worried about their contract. Initially he was sure it was more like a formality. Now he was worried how deep did they get, and also if his promising your soul in the afterlife was a good deal or not. Thankfully they negotiated it properly, getting mostly free of the consequences, but do those demons know that?
And what the heck this name means? Nissian Knot? Seriously? The rogue looks to the others, not sure if they agree it sux. He is careful at eating the food, not really suspicious it would have anything, but the safe on dies of age. He eats only after Goodie does, realizing he could not depend on other people to analyze magic for him, but it was too late now. Maybe later.
Eryan watches with fascination as the creature from hell emerges and kills the servant. He can sense the spirits urge for blood again but he stays seated. His thoughts turn to his servant, wondering if such a sacrifice could stand to gain anything.
He enjoys the fine food that the cardinal serves them. He did not know when the next such fine occurrence would be.
Vlad smiles at the devil as he speaks to him in his mind.. "Oh i will use the gifts, oh yes we will.." "Very impressive Cardinal, I am ready for whatever is next.." Afterwards he eats heartily and has quite a bit of wine..
Those of you thats been around him alot notice that he is quite a bit paler than he has been before..
Adrastus summons you to his study and is seated at his table.
“Welcome, my children,” he says in a deep resonant voice that has an almost inhuman quality to it. “Training is at an end. You have proven yourself worthy. Now, it is time for you to use that training and take on your first mission."
“Your mission is war, my children. You will bring war to Talingarde."
“You have two objectives. First, you will see a shipment of munitions delivered to a bugbear chieftain named Sakkarot Fire-Axe. He makes his camp on the northern coast of Lake Tarik beyond the Watch Wall. With this shipment, the Fire-Axe will have resources enough to unite the barbarous humanoid tribes of the north and light the fire of war."
“Sitting on the dock as we speak is the longship Frosthamar captained by Kargeld Odenkirk. Tomorrow when the ship is resupplied it will be your transport. The captain is a ruthless mercenary and not to be trusted. He knows nothing of the specifics of our mission and you should keep it that way. He knows he is smuggling cargo to the north beyond the Watch Wall. That is all he need know."
“Once the cargo is safely delivered, he will take you just south across the lake under cover of darkness and land you near the town of Aldencross. There our contract with Captain Odenkirk will be concluded."
“It is shame how greedy he has proven. I had hoped to let the captain serve me again but it seems he is too much of a liability. Kill him. Kill his crew. Burn his ship and leave no survivors. It is crucial that no one suspects our involvement and that loose ends are taken care of. Be sure to reclaim the coin I gave him. Best not to be wasteful."
“That done, you will begin your second task. We will do more still to aid our ally the Fire-axe. The bugbears are mighty warriors but poor siege engineers. You will infiltrate the tower Balentyne, keystone of the Watch Wall, kill its commander and open the gate for Sakkarot’s horde."
“Once the shaggy monstrosities pierce the Watch Wall, the bugbears will pillage and lay waste to the townships of the north and the local garrisons will have no choice but to meet the Fire-Axe in the open field. Sakkarot is the most brilliant, gifted and murderous bugbear of his generation. I expect these battles will go poorly for the knights and yeoman of fair Talingarde."
“Do all of this and then when your task is done, break this clay seal.” He hands them a delicately carved clay seal adorned with a tangled knot of thorns surrounding the holy symbol of Asmodeus. “I will have more instructions then. Succeed and I will see you rewarded handsomely. Fail or betray me and you will pray for the comfort of Hell before I am done with you."
“The mission you start upon today is a holy mission. The people of Talingarde think they have seen the last of the mighty Asmodeus. Soon enough we will remind them that there is no escaping the grasp of Hell. Let us toast our success.”
He pours one glass of deep red wine for each of the PCs and then finally pours one for himself. He raises the glass and offers a toast. “To war.”
Fire-Axe? Sounds like an interesting weapon. So a follower of Asmodeus leads the bugbears. I hope they don't think to rule over Talinguarde. Uncivilised monsters.
Eryan keeps his thoughts to himself. The drow warriors had a coming of age game they played. When a new warrior was ready to be initiated he must leave and bring back the head of a bugbear warrior. Others would follow secretly to ensure the deed was done correctly or bring back the warrior if he failed and was killed instead. They always killed the bugbear that survived these encounters to keep it secret. They will fear you if they realize what you are.
"Mercenaries and smugglers cannot be trusted. When their greed becomes greater than their usefulness they must be cut off. And greed without sufficient cunning and resourcefulness is a waste."