In the kingdom of Talingarde, many crimes may send you to Branderscar Prison, but the sentence has but one meaning. You are wicked and irredeemable. Each of you received the same greeting when you arrived. You were held down by rough hands and branded upon the arm with a runic F given to you by a sadistic Watch Sergeant named Tomas Blackerly. The mark signifies ‘forsaken’ and the painful scar is indelible proof that each of you has betrayed the great and eternal love of Mitra and his chosen mortal vassals.
Condemned, you face at best a life of shackles and servitude in the nearby salt mines. Others might await the “gentle” ministrations of the inquisitors so that co-conspirators may be revealed and confessions extracted. Perhaps, some of you will be spared this ordeal. Perhaps instead you have come to Branderscar to face the final judgement. In three days, the executioner arrives and the axe falls or the pyre will be lit. Through fire or steel, your crimes will be answered.All of you bear the marks of beatings and torture from previous visits by inquisitors.
You have all been chained together in the same communal cell dressed in nothing but filthy, tattered rags that do not cover all of your parts. Manhandled and mistreated, any finery you once possessed is either ruined or long lost. No special treatment has been given any prisoner – male or female, commoner or noble – all of the forsaken are bound and imprisoned together. Your feet are secured by iron cuffs tethered by one long chain. Your arms are secured to the wall above by manacles. A guard is posted right outside the cell day and night. Little thought is given to long term accommodations. At Branderscar, justice comes swift and sure.
Escape seems hopeless. You have all been well searched and every attempt to conceal anything on your person has failed. And if you could somehow slip your bonds and fly out of this prison, where would you go? Who from your former life would want anything to do with the forsaken? Despised, alone and shackled – all that you can do now is await your doom.
There are eight of you chained in the cell. For each of you, your old life is over. For each of you, hope is a fading memory. For each of you, justice will be fairly meted. And who can blame fair Talingarde after what each of you has done?
Talia spends most of her time meditating on her betrayal and her plan to kill everybody at her execution. In her mind she goes over her plan.
I begin by reinforcing my body with force to deal any archers. Grasp the burning pole with my knees so I can lift the shackles above my head. Strike the fetters at my feet and I am free. Strike down the priest first, from there the executioner and guards. I continue until all have died or I am slain. Hail Asmodeus, my lord and master.
Looking besheveled and more than a little beaten the thing that hurt worse than his head was his pride. That bastard thought it was real funny to beat him while he was chained. He swore he'd give it right back if he ever got loose.
He pondered the idea of vengeance before a terrible feeling overcame him.
ARGH! No! No no no! Why! NO! The man starts to thrash against his chains trying to reach his hands with his face giving the impression of a wolf trying to gnaw his leg off.
There a still hint of the pale elven beauty underneath the bruises, grime and dirt that cover Kendrella's slender frame. She is sad, angry, frustrated and confused all at once. She just wanted to learn more, to gain more power. She did not deserve this fate. “This is so unfair. I just wanted to learn more. It wasn’t like they were even using the items, they couldn’t even use them! There is nothing bad about using magic either, no matter where it’s from. Why can’t they see that?” She complains to the air in a mixture of anger and sadness. The young elf collects herself a bit and continues her monologue. “I just started to learn to use it as well... Such a shame to not get to continue that. Maybe if I had started to learn sooner... Been more powerful… I would have been able to defeat them or escape.”
a guard come up and slams a club on the bars
"" he walks away
As the guard walks away, Talia smiles at his annoyance. Even in her rags, she maintains self control. She does not hang from her chains, but holds herself in a stable, relaxed position. Her features are not unpleasant, but there's an ineffable feeling that she is a predator in her gaze. Lesser folk probably find it unnerving.
When he is completely gone, she softly says, "Oh, I hope that one is at my execution. He'll be surprised at his death."
"You don't!" The man makes a face. "Understand! Can't" He continues to struggle. "Scratch my nose!"
Kendrella jerks back at the shouting. She doesn't like getting shouted at, even if she should have gotten used to it over the past few days of torment. She is quite surprised when she hears what Talia is saying and turns wide-eyed towards the tiefling. She manages to keep her voice down as she says in a surprised tone. "You think you can fight your way free at the execution? What powers do you posses to allow you to do that?" Her surprise is quickly replaced by her curiosity and some of her negative emotions seems reduced. She gives the woman room to answer before following with more questions. "How did they manage to capture you then? It sounds like quite the feat. Could you tell me more of what you can do?"
The man at the far end of the line was tall, with dark skin and a hairless, muscular body. In spite of his dark complexion he had icy, pale eyes. He was clearly foreign, but it was impossible to tell where he hailed from.
The manacles that chained his wrists above his head were different than the ones that bond the others. His were silver and covered in arcane runes and symbols of Mitran holy binding. They ran from his wrists nearly to his elbows, like bracers. They were seamless, as though they had been welded closed around his arms. Dried blood ran out from beneath them and down his arms.
His head was masked by a sanitarium face cage clearly designed to prevent him from speaking. Due to that, he had not said a word since they had all arrived.
He also hadn't hardly moved. He did not fidget, adjust his body, itch, stretch or attempt to alleviate discomfort. His breathing was shallow and slow, only noticeable if you paid attention closely. He barely even blinked. It would be easy to think he was catatonic or even dead if not for the intelligent, focused eyes that glanced around, paying careful attention to anyone who entered the cell area.
Since they had all arrived, the muzzled man had all but ignored the rest of the people he was chained along side. That didn't change now.
She keeps her voice quiet, "I and my brethren were betrayed. I was pinned when they bashed the doors in or I would have died fighting them. As for my plan, I have been given many gifts. They will find I do not burn easily. Fire is the Devil's only friend, after all. When the time comes, I will have a blade and armor."
Deep at the back on a wall where no other is chained, there in shadow two sparks of light glint for a moment as the Guards touch pass the doors opening.
Then out of the gloom and deep inhuman female voice, its words come with a whispering of echoing voices, as if others unseen say the words a moment later.
"Аррр, что прекрасно это клетка имеет такие прекрасные души, все витой и темно, как очень добрый из тюрьмы."
"Arrr, What a fine view this cell has, such souls, all twisted and dark, how very kind of the warden."
Then silence once more, if you look hard you may see a large thing shape, horns, tail, hooves and a skin that looks like gray steel.
The ones who can turn their head and get a goo look at the other three, they see one young girl could not be more than 10 burned as the rest. She sits silently her lips moving but no words can he heard. The other as a...well one hopes is a man as the swelling in his face makes the sex all but unrecognizable. The third one... is he a live you think to your self as he has not moved since getting locked in this horrible place with you
Talia replies, "Мы должны дать лидеру подарок для своей доброты. Я точно знаю, что подарить ему."[b]
After she sees the glory of Rosa's form, she adds, [b]"Вы Роза Цербер? Я Талия Последний осквернения клетки. Я к вашим услугам, госпожа."
Everyone in the cell hears the footsteps of one of the guards approaching the cell and in a few seconds a guard does appear armed with a polished and stout club in his hands in addition to the longsword hanging from his belt. He wears chainmail under his tunic. He takes the club and raps the cell bars.
He then turns around and moves back to his post near the jail door.
The itching down to a dull throb. "Oi Speak common if you're going to threaten me at least."
"Gods stuck me in here with a pit of demons. Like no one's ever killed a man for money before."
Kendrella whispers since she doesn't want the jailer to come beat them up. "Argh, I don't understand you. I wish I could learn your language. Little chance I'll have time for that now though. Being able to conjure up your own armor and weapons sounds useful. Is it some sort of magic? Anyway, it seems like we'll be stuck in here together for a bit. We should get to know each other better. I'm Kendrella. What are you called?" She looks from person to person, hoping that they give up their names, in common...
he comes into the cell lifts that well polished club bringing it down hard on your nose
And he walks out the cell laughing
Once the guard is gone, she will go back to whispering, "Such is the behavior of 'honorable servants of Mitra' when it is behind stone walls. I am Talia Fireskin."
The man spits blood as it starts running into his mouth. "Big man when your beating someone in chains."
The guard stops and comes back tward the cell
As he moves to open the cell again, the door at the end of the cell block opens. "Shanks, get yer ass in here," another guard says, stepping into the hall. "You've got no cause to be out there. Blackerly - Sergeant Blackerly - told us to stay in here. Now come on before you get us all in trouble."
Shanks glares at him and then turns to sneer at you.
It has been hours since you were chained up in the cell, with nothing but the presence of your fellow condemned to keep you company. The searing pain on your forearm where you were branded is a constant reminder of the crimes you have committed, whether repentant or not. The grinning face of Sergeant Tomas Blackerly as he pressed the hot iron into your flesh is just as indelibly seared into your memory, as the scar is to the flesh. It comes as a bit of a surprise to you when you hear voices coming from the hallway outside your cell. You hear a key scrape into the lock, and the groan as the door is opened, and in comes the much hated Tomas Blackerly himself. This is the man that branded you and enjoyed it. And here he is, although not grinning like he usually does when you see him
He has none of that cheer now, though. Instead, he has a relatively calm, slightly dazed demeanor.
The group walks towards your cell.
Blackerly scans around the room and points to the silent one with the metal gag “You there!" Blackerly says, pointing at Xanos. "That’s the one! Get it unshackled. If any of you makes trouble, they’ll earn a thrashing! Today’s your lucky day, scum. You’ve got a visitor. How you ever warranted such a fine lady is beyond me. Seems she wants to say good-bye. Now step lively. We wouldn’t want to keep her waiting.”
The guards warily move into the cell, brandishing their swords as they move to release Xanos. the locking straps removed from his arms and legs, is forcibly lifted to his feet and led out of the cell. Shanks closes and locks the cell door behind them.
he is roughly escorted from the cell and down the hall and through the door.
“Oh, dearest,” proclaims the unfamiliar woman. “I’m so relieved you’re alive!” She quickly turns to Blackerly. “Could we please have a moment alone, good sir? For pity’s sake?”
Tomas goes blank for a bit and then quickly agrees. “Of course, my lady. For you,’ tis no problem." You can see clearly that this woman has some sort of control over this guard.
As soon as the guards leave, the woman's demeanor immediately changes. She drops all pretense of grief or concern. She is immediately all business.
“Have you forgotten me, dearest?” the unexpected visitor says with a smirk, dropping her pretense of grief. “Call me Tiadora. We possess a mutual friend who would like to meet you and your fellow cell-mates. Unfortunately, our friend is unwilling to visit you in your present rather shabby accommodations so it seems you must escape." She smiles. "Don’t be so dour. Just because it’s never been done before is no reason you can’t be the first."
“If you manage that, cross the moors on the outskirts of town. On the old Moor Road you’ll see a manor house with a single lantern burning in the second story. There our mutual friend waits. That is all I know. He did want me to give you this.” She takes off her silken veil and wipes away a few fake tears with it. “Something to remember me by, dearest oh i know you cannot answer with words but a simple nod will do. Accomplish this and maybe we could removed this.” she taps the "bracers" on your arms.
Her message delivered, she is visibly impatient to be on her way.
edit
"Я рад видеть, имел силы пережить продувки огня кожу, его шоу у вас есть, что он принимает, не бойся для нашего Господа и Учителя не оставит нас, во всех моих лет службы я знаю это. Он сделал нам не выбросить хорошие инструменты. Из других здесь у них есть использование и что один, один на стене, как меня в покое, о он цену, он был говорили в залах плотины
"I am pleased to see had the strength to survive the purge Fire skin, its shows you have will and talent. Fear not for our lord and master will not forsake us, in all my years of service to him I know this. He do's not throw away good tools. Of the others here they have a use and that one"
She nods her head to the still form off to one side,
[b]"O, he is a price, He has been talked about in the halls of the dammed. He hates the goddess even more than us. It seems they find his views offensive"
She chuckles and evil Chuckle then go's silent as others comes.
to the group the small girl is still murmuring can see there is old dried blood on her fingers.
the man next to her remains motionless.
the other speaks "soon soon ill kill at lest one more, just one more"
Looks as the woman go's, then for the 1st time speaks common.
"Most interesting"
GM I want to try and mind link to Talia Fireskin from the last time I played this I know there are wards, but you can get past them, would this be a roll of just try until you say It works?
"Вы видите огонь кожа, возможность приходит наш путь."
"You see fire skin, opportunity comes our way."
Xanos was expressionless while the woman spoke. When she handed him the kerchief he took it and looked it over before tucking it into one of his silvered manacles until it wasn't visible.
When his mask unlocked he opened his jaw once to loosen it and test the pressure.
"You have my attention. I will meet this friend of yours."
Closes her eyes and concentrates on gaining her focus, then projects her mind at fire skin.
Kendrella is first afraid that they've come to hurt them, but when she sees the look on their tormentor's face, she relaxes a bit. Once they are gone, she whispers. "I wonder what that was about."
She starts a bit, then relaxes when she identifies the mental voice. Then she smiles. ::Я наслаждаюсь возможностью, чтобы убить врагов.::
::"Good then hear my words, many of hell can talk mind to mind, a gift from our master. You I feel have powers as well, we shall use such gifts, we shall be as sisters in our enemy's doom. How hear me sister, that one over there had a visit, he is know to the ranks of hell. If he has a way out and I feel such a one will have then then he will need help, alone none of us can get away from here. We will offer it if asked, also the others to, whatever use they may me, we need them. Even if to just die in our Enemys swords. Look close to the child, she could be a good distraction, and the on that talks of killing one more, we should set him on the guards if we get chance. given time I can brake my bonds but the sound would bring trouble. We need a Quit way, have you craft to do such?"
as the strange one is getting lead away a small black pearl rolls into the room everyone in the cell can hear the conversation taking place..
Her message delivered, she rises and the guards return. Immediately, her demeanor once more changes and she is again a perfect picture of grief. “No, I can’t bear to leave you!” she cries, embracing you and giving you a soft kiss on the cheek. The kiss is ice-cold and feels somehow alien and inhuman.
Blackerly shakes his head. “I’m afraid it’s time, miss.”
She looks deep in Blackerly's eyes and says, “Thank you for letting me say good-bye. There’s no need to search my dearest. You are such a good friend for letting me see my dearest one more time.”
“Such a good friend,” he repeats, his voice almost mechanical. Then the watch sergeant seems to snap out of it and bows politely. “A pleasure, madam,”
She leaves the room unveiled and her eyes meet your one last time and she briefly gives you a wicked smile. “Three days,” telepathically echoes in the PC’s mind. “Don’t disappoint me, dearest.”
The visitation concluded, you are taken back to your cell by a cadre of guards and shackled once more.
After only a few minutes, the door at the end of the hallway opens. You see Xanos is once again surrounded by a group of guards - absent Blackerly this time - and forcibly shoved down the hallway towards your cell. The guards once again enter warily and shackle Xanos. They leave the cell, never taking their eyes off of you. The cell door is locked once more and you are alone again.
the guards do not notice the out of place black pearl and as they turn their back it fade into black smoke...
Perception
The man looks about as all talk of death and madness raises up "Oh come on now chin up. It's not the end of the world."
The tall, dark skinned man allowed himself to be returned to the cell without resistance. Then once the guards had left again he took a breath, held it, closed his eyes and tensed his body. He did not seem to be straining against his bonds. Merely straining.
His shadow began to writhe and move of its own accord, pulling free of his body and finally few of the wall a minute later. As it struggled it solidified until it became a strange duplicate of him. It wore no face cage, but for some reason it bore whispy, intangible duplicates of the silver manicals. It's eye sockets glowed eerie blue and it's form seemed to occasionally flicker, but besides that the strange ghost was identical to the man shackled to the wall.
The strange duplicate flickered and passed through the bars leaving behind a silvery mucus that immediately began to evaporate into mist where the intangible manacles passed through the cold metal.
"I mean yeah the cell's haunted people here are either creepy or disturbed the guards are from a foreign country and really like beatings and on the morrow I'll be hanged for doing a job well done. But there is a bright side in all this."
"Indeed." the flickering duplicate of the dark skinned man said, turning to look down the line of prisoners. "We will be escaping. Now."
[spoiler=TP ro Rosa]::"I have no quiet way out of the bonds. Mental armor and a blade of infernal power are my gifts. I was waiting until only my hands were shackled, that would give the opportunity I need to kill.::"
As the spirit emerges, she bows her head to show gratitude for the opportunity. "Unchain us and we will kill our way to freedom."
Kendrella looks on in awe as Xanon materializes his spirit. A smile comes onto her disheveled face for the first time in days. "Wow, that's awesome! You can materialize a copy of yourself! Please take me with you. Even without any gear, I can still make our escape easier by making our captors fall asleep."
The door swings open so fast it startles everyone
The alarm rings out and on just a few moments 6 guards come into the jail room
Shanks speaks out
Xanos' manifested double moves through the now open door, shuts it and locks it from the other side.
edit
Inside the cell, Xanos speaks one word in an ancient, twisting tongue.
"S͙̳̫͕̠̘͒̈ͪ͡e̴͎̥̮̽ḁ̪̜̱̥̺͉̑ͭͫ̌ͣ͜l͍͎͈̃̈͠
͔̄͊̈̅"
Talia focuses, summoning a shield of force on her skin. To conceal this, she focuses on keeping the manifestation subtle.
"Indeed." the flickering duplicate of the dark skinned man said, turning to look down the line of prisoners. "We will be escaping. Now."
"How kind of you to offer, and as has been said, if you could be so kind as to unlock our chains, I would say that would be a good start"
She says from the darkness.
::"This is our chance, get ready we may have to make a dash for it once we are out the cell, keep with the group until we can get away. This shade tool was sent to aid us, its dos as directed, a plan of our masters is now underway I have no doubt, we best keep up.::
As the fool hardy shade drifts past the full compliment of gaurds, rosa is a bit taken aback by the rashness of its actions, but with little time to point out a better course of action, land her long years in the wars of hell coming to play, she reacted to the situation as it stood.
"Attack now, do not let any of them raise the alarm. You on the floor you wanted to kill one more, well now is your chance, go take a life of a guard"
::hold your chains up I will try and free your hands.::
Two of the guards move forward and take a swing at the shadow
one of the attacks lands solidly on the shadow although the blow is softened by the ectoplasm on it. The other hits only air, the rest of the guards stay back.
ninja edit
Kendrella can't do much as from her position she can't see much through the door, only if someone stays right outside.
Kendrella can't do much as from her position she can't see much through the door, only if someone stays right outside.