Order of the Gate (Inactive)

Game Master SOLDIER-1st

Nine cards laid out in order, three by three. Tattooed hands gently trace over them, reading them in muted whispers.

"What you ask, it is unwise for any to attempt, much less us. What profit is there in bringing down those abominations on our heads?" the woman asks, the flickering candlelight making her tattoos dance in time.

"It will happen, your actions notwithstanding. It is far better to participate," the Vicarius's voice was calm and confident behind his vortex mask.

"We will consider your proposal," she finally acquiesced. The Vicarius nodded, unsurprised.

"Retrieve him soon. Time is not our ally," he stated, then left, turning sharply on his heel and walking into the night.

The woman sat for a time, staring at the cards laid out on the table. Then with well practiced movements, she grabs them up, sorting them back in to the deck, shuffling, and laying them out again.

She does this for the rest of the night.

The cards never change.

Having passed the test to join the Order of the Gate, Morvan begins each day afterwards in prayer to Asmodeus before conducting his Obedience to the Order of the Gate. He then breakfasts and spends the morning in the training yard, continuing to hone his skills. In particular, he develops techniques to become more effective when battling spell casters, for there were those who would use their powers to enslave the masses and bring chaos to the land. Such chaos could not be allowed to stand, and the Hellknights would ensure it doesn't.

He spent each afternoon furthering his studies, in particular the history and lore of the Hellknights, the various engineering techniques which could be used to build citadels, as well as the outer planes. After all, no Hellknight rose to prominence by being a blunt instrument, to be pointed at the enemy and told to go.

His evenings were tied up with worship to Asmodeus and further bonding with his fellow Hellknights. After all, discord bred dissent in the ranks. A unified, disciplined force worked well and brought victory. That was how the armies of Hell fought, and it was how the Hellknights ensured victory.

As a psychic remaining centered and calm is important so Tyblat meditates each morning and performs his obedience to the Order. Then each day Tybalt wanders his new environs he tries to assess what new resources are available to him and slips in and out of conversations with other Hellknights, trying to get the measure of his new comrades. Every day he takes time to practice his martial skills with his dagger.

Urashu starts training the next day with Paralictor Enderan, though he feels embarrassed having to take a spare pistol form the him for the training. The training deals less with shooting, but focuses on gun treatment, moving with the gun, and even moving around in armor. He's not too comfortable with that aspect, but he concedes to the Paralictor's advice and purchases some studded leather armor after the first day.

He didn't like how little money was left though. And so the next day, after light duty, and then after more training with Paralictor Enderan, Urashu set up his alchemy kit and worked on that late into the night. He continued that way for the rest of the week, and was able to sell his stock to the quarter master at the end of the week.

At the end of the week, Urashu was still worried about the state of his new, well new to him, and he made a decision. For other's it would be hard, for him it was the clear thing to do. He sold the masterwork armor that has been his journeyman gift. It wasn't much, but it was enough to get the materials needs to craft a new gun.

It was late when he finished, and he didn't manage to fire it properly that night, but this one felt much better in his hands. He rubbed the gem set into the handle; it was the same one from the fight. It wasn't a sentimental notion, but it was a reminder that even careful planning can't always overcome adversity.

Kallant enjoys the congratulations from his fellow hellknights and basks in the glow of survival and continuation on this mortal plane for awhile longer.

He stops first in the armory to remove and clean his plate armor of his own blood. While he is well-practiced at removing blood stains, the sheer volume from the gut wound takes time. Afterward, his cleans his silversheen sword, too.

In his cell, he stores his plate armor on a rack and dons his casual armor (parade pajama armor) in which he performs most tasks except patrol or guard duty, eats, sleeps and relaxes. He keeps his mithral dagger on his multi-pocketed belt as his only weapon.

For the next days, he continues his disciplined routine of running, calisthenics, greatsword kata, and equipment maintenance. For duty, he rides patrol around the immediate castle surroundings.

For the four hours of his free half duty per day, he spends time with the horses and explores the famous castle.

We could meet at a long table for a supper, if you want to RP

It's been a week since your induction into the Order. After the ceremonies and parades, you are left feeling somewhat confused by the extent of free time you now have. Where before every waking moment was spent drilling or studying or doing various other more mundane tasks, for the first time in over a year you have the time and capacity to do what you wish. Finally though the time comes, and you receive your first assignment. A rather unusual one at that...

The Vicarius nods as the last of you file into his office. The door shuts behind you, with no apparent driving force, and the air pressure in the room seems to rise subtly. The masked man is somehow more alien up close, the lack of any facial features giving you nothing to associate with anything human. Finally, he speaks.

"Hellknights. Your mission is a delicate one, thus the reason I am giving it to you personally. There is a group that is calling itself the 'Tower'. While they have yet to be confirmed as having done anything... unscrupulous, they are a danger simply by virtue of their frequent obfuscation as to their motives. In addition, we have recently received intelligence suggesting that they are attempting to make some sort of contract with the Strix at the Devil's Perch."

He pauses for a moment, absently twisting a ring on his finger.

"This obviously must not be allowed. Travel west towards Pezzack, but do not enter the town. A guide has been arranged for, who will meet you at the specified coordinates. From there you will travel north, into the forest. This is where the Tower is supposedly organized. They're led by a woman named Imazi. You WILL treat her with the utmost respect and caution. She is..."

He pauses again.

"She is unimaginably powerful. It is through her power alone that the Tower continues to exist, but it is also through her counsel that the more extreme members of the Tower are kept in check. She has had dealings with us in the past, and knows that she at the least an even match for any signifer we have. Which is why we are sending you. As new Hellknights, she will not know you, but will also not mistrust you as much. You can successfully send a message. Simply deliver this letter, and thank her for her continuing efforts on our behalf. That is all. You are under NO CIRCUMSTANCES to engage any member of the Tower unless first attacked. And even then engage only as necessary to withdraw. We have no desire to make these enemies."

The Vicarius turns and faces Morvan directly.

"Signifer Fellis, you are hereby promoted to acting Maralictor for the duration of this assignment. I need not explain that success on this mission will be a large step for you in achieving full Maralictor."

He hands Morvan a satchel.

"You will be given access to the level three armory. You will be expected to meet up with your guide at oh nine hundred two days from now. All necessary information is included in your briefing."

He nods to the satchel.

"Any questions?"

As Hellknights, your pay is 25gp/week + mission bonuses. Go ahead and add that to your current total. I will remind you every week, though unless you're at the Citadel or a large enough city with a bank you won't be able to access it.

Urashu carefully notes the instructions in his head as they are delivered. It seems a little odd to be taking a diplomacy mission after all of that training for fighting, but the Order does rely on prevention more than anything. He has questions, but he waits for Acting-Maralictor Fellis to respond first. Straightforward choice for the command; Level-headed, experienced, and a legacy Hell Knight.

He makes a further mental note as the Vicarius mentions the armory; I'll need to get a crossbow for use. A light one this time.

We could meet at a long table for a supper, if you want to RP

Urashu probably would be too tied up in his various projects for much during the down time week. But there's probably a chance to sort things out during the traveling

Morvan enters the Vicarius's office and salutes. He listens to the opening of the briefing, and his first thought is that they were to show this Tower the true might of the Hellknights. When he is told that this is more of a courier and diplomatic mission, he is somewhat disappointed, but if the Vicarius said this Imazi was a match for any Signifier of the Order of the Gate, he would listen and ensure he treated her with respect and caution. That the Order had dealt with her in the past meant that they would likely not be attacked on sight, so long as they held their tempers in check. They would be mistrusted, but then, Hellknights were mistrusted by many, so they could deal with that.

When the Vicarius turns and promotes him to Acting-Maralictor, Morvan feels an immense swell of pride. That he was being trusted with such responsibility so soon after completing his Trial was a most auspicious assignment, but also a test of both his leadership and, should they be attacked, his ability to adapt to changing circumstances. This mission would not be easy, not matter what it appeared to be. He only hoped that he was up the task.

Accepting the satchel, he considers it a moment, before asking, "Vicarius, is anything known of the Tower's motives? Do we know what their group hopes to achieve?"

Tybalt enters the office and salutes the Vicarius. He listens to the briefing standing still with his hands clasped behind his back, leaning forward slightly at the mention of the Tower.

Unknown intentions... bother me.

As the Vicarius concludes he waits for Moravin to receive his answer before asking his own question. "Vicarius, it seems possible that we may encounter strix in the area. Is there any intelligence regarding their movements in the vicinity of the Tower? Would the rules of engagement be different should we encounter any strix who may be potentially friendly to the tower?"

"Vicarius, is anything known of the Tower's motives? Do we know what their group hopes to achieve?"

"Not really. Aside from our own agreements with them we know very little. Pertinent information should be in your briefing."

"Vicarius, it seems possible that we may encounter strix in the area. Is there any intelligence regarding their movements in the vicinity of the Tower? Would the rules of engagement be different should we encounter any strix who may be potentially friendly to the tower?"

"We've seen only a single strix in the region since we started monitoring. I do not expect you to meet any, but if you should, then do as you see fit. I do not care one way or another, so long as you accomplish your mission."

"Is this a sealed letter, sir, or are we to know it's contents"

"Is this a sealed letter, sir, or are we to know it's contents"

"Sealed. Though I admit I would be impressed if you could read it anyway," though you cannot see his face, the arrogant smirk is clear.

"Regardless though, do not tamper with it. Imazi will be able to tell."

"Understood, sir. "

Morvan nods at the Vicarius's answer. "And our guide? Are they trustworthy, or should we keep a careful eye on them?"

"And our guide? Are they trustworthy, or should we keep a careful eye on them?"

"He is trustworthy enough. We have worked with him before. As I said, all pertinent information has been provided."

At an appropriate time in the conversation, Kallant ask, "Who should we seek any clarification of the information provided, if we have any questions?"

The briefing seemed odd to him. Although he had the mission, the satchel of necessary information was unknown. He was used to full disclosure and then asking clarifying questions.

I guess that's how hellknights do it. He concludes to himself.

"Who should we seek any clarification of the information provided, if we have any questions?"

"If I'm not otherwise occupied you may ask me. But I would hope you wouldn't need much additional instruction."

"Very good then. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Gate."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 To determine does the Vicarius seem entire truthful about the purpose of the mission.

He turns and nods to Morvan "Acting-Maralictor, I am prepared to inspect our briefing at your convenience."

"Thank you sir for the mission and your support." Kallant waits to be dismissed.

Morvan offers a bow to the Vicarius, then says, "By your leave, we shall prepare for our mission."

Once they are dismissed, Morvan will lead the others to a conference room (I'm assuming the Hellknights have something like that), where he will open the satchel to look through the contents, reading the briefing material. Once he has read it, he will share with the others.

"Dismissed" the Vicarius waves you out of his office, the door silently closing behind you.

After a bit of searching, you find your way back down to the briefing rooms, each of which contains a large magical map and a long table with chairs.

When they find the room, Kallant lets Morvan dig into the satchel and offers his hand in greeting to the others, "Hellknight Kallant."

Kallant appears as a veteran human crusader in his late twenties. His blonde hair is trimmed soldier short. Beneath a dark crimson cloak, he wears full plate armor and at his waist a multi-pocketed leather belt with a sheathed dagger. Past the cloak, he sports two greatswords.

Urashu meets Hell Knight Kallant's hand with a measured shake. He nods at the introduction. "Well met, Hell Knight Kallant, it will be a pleasure working together. You were decisive and commanding in your fight, it seemed like that wasn't the first time you fought an outsider?"

Urashu frowns. "Oh, right, and I am Signifier Trasalor, though in informal occasions Urashu will suffice. " He grins sheepishly, hoping Acting-Maralictor Thrall didn't notice the lapse.

Morvan looked up from the materials as he read through them. "It is best of we know each other's names now. Continue introductions, please."

He will then read the dossier on Dusk.

Tybalt is a somewhat slightly built man with mop of black hair showing a few streaks of premature gray. He's wearing a fine and well maintained red and black studded leather.

"Of course! I am Hellknight Tybalt Volocritus. Please address me in whatever fashion you are comfortable with."

Tybalt's manner is relaxed and his body language is open. He makes frequent eye contact.

Kallant grins and replies, "aye, Urashu. I grew up in the chapterhouse in Nerosyan. Our mission was to keep track of the Worldwound demons."

Kallant grins and replies, "aye, Urashu. I grew up in the chapterhouse in Nerosyan. Our mission was to keep track of the Worldwound demons."

"Nerosyan? Interesting, quite interesting. Then you'll likely have plenty of experiences with at least demons. The two are similar I believe, but not identical? Did you have to shift your training when you started with the Hell Knights, or are there enough similarities that fighting one is like the other. "

"Of course! I am Hellknight Tybalt Volocritus. Please address me in whatever fashion you are comfortable with."

Urashu shakes Hell Knight Volocritus' hand with the same measured measure form. "Well met, Hell Knight Volocritus" he says quickly, before again turning his attention back to Hell Knight Kallant. It was not a smooth break in the conversation, and his attention really never focused on Tybalt.

Urashu stands almost rigidly straight, close to an attention stance. The eye is usually drawn to his equipment rather than the elf. His studded leather armor is patterned with intricate designs, as is the cloak hanging off his pack. His belt has two guns holstered, as well as two wands, a dagger, and a metal canister that just peaks out from the cloaks cloth. He still looks young, though in elves it's harder to be certain. The elves eyes flit around quickly, move from one target to the next. They don't glaze past sights as some might, though. They align, stop, absorb, and then move directly to the next point of note, seemingly ignoring everything in between.

Kallant squints at the questions and replies flatly, "no. We trained with and went on missions with devils. I find demons to be very different. Among other things, devils are typically predictable, while demons are not."

"That is very interesting Kallant. Demons seem... fearsome." Tybalt shakes his head. "Can you tell me... on what basis to the devils of the capterhouse cooperate with you? Are they compelled, or is there some agreement?"

Kallant shrugs at Tybalt and replies, "hmm, I don't think I have enough details for you, Tybalt. I was an Armiger and obeyed orders. We fought the devils in the training yard and fought beside them in the Worldwound. The Signifiers handled the devils, but I can tell you what I observed later."

Closing the file on Dusk, Morvan returns the documents to the satchel, deciding to look at Imani's file later. He looks at the others. "We shall need to depart shortly. The guide we are to meet is named Dusk. He is a half-orc who stands over 8 feet tall, and is apparently deadly in melee combat and in darkness. He weighs well over 500 lbs, as well. He has a long-standing working relationship with the Hellknights, and may have been raised in the Underdark."

Looking at Hellknight Kallant, Morvan says, "He also has a hatred of demons and demonic cults, and will go out of his way to destroy them. Your time fighting in the Workdwound may prove useful in forging a rapport with him. Should the opportunity arise, do so. It may be quite useful to do so."

"Aye, sir." Kallant replies and then asks several questions.

"Does Dusk have a code phrase to guard against a shape-shifter? Are we taking horses? Do we have a map showing how far and which trail that we're taking? Is it clear how many days of provisions that we should pack?"

"If he has a long standing relationship with the Hellknights then hopefully we will be able to work together in harmony. However, nothing can be assumed. Perhaps we should prepare some measures to nullify darkness, in case he should come under enchantment or other means of shifting loyalties.
"

While the others were talking another man walked in. He was a slim, some might say skinny, fellow without a single hair on his head. He had thick, bushy eyebrows that were neatly combed and modelled with wax while his face looked like he hadn't shaved for a few days.

"My apologies. I am Signifer Thurio Jeggare and I am to join you as well. I got held up in the Blind Observatory. Ariotol there already gave me the basics of the mission."

"As for preparation, when do we leave? I can see what I can do to prepare for different events but that would require me to prepare new spells. Which, as most of you know, means I won't have it ready until tomorrow morning."

Well, let me ask the answers to some of those questions, Kallant. GM, would we be able to check out horses, and does the map have a general location of the camp to show approximately how long an expedition this is? Two days to outside the city, then how many to the Tower's camp and back to the Citadel?

Yes. None of the Hellknights know where the towers main camp is. Dusk knows, but he's paid well enough not to tell. You know that their base is somewhere in the forest, so that does somewhat limit how long it could take.

So, presumably if we decide to take enough supplies for 2 weeks, would that be enough?

Presumably

"Is our briefing concluded Acting-Maralictor? Do we have any questions of tactics to consider as group before we go? If not we should prepare for the journey."

"It is no worry, Signifier Jeggare. Please be seated."

Looking at Kallant, Morvan says, "Hellknight Kallant, we will be taking horses. We can travel faster that way, and it may be necessary to make a quick escape should this group known as the Tower prove violent. We do have a map, but it does not show the route we will take to get to the Tower, as we do not know their location. I did not notice any code to protect against shape shifters in the file about Dusk, but I will read through the materials again to determine if there is one. Regardless, it may be best to prepare some magic against the possibility of deception. After all, even if Dusk is not replaced by a shape shifter, there may be those within the Tower who wish to cause trouble between themselves and the Hellknights while placing the blame on us. I believe that two weeks worth of provisions should be sufficient as it is only two days to the rendezvous point with Dusk, and I doubt we will be more than ten days traveling to the Tower to deliver our message."

Turning to Thurio, he then says, "Signifier Jeggare, since we must meet with Dusk in two days at oh-nine-hundred hours, I feel we should leave as soon as possible. You will have time to prepare prior to our departure for the Tower from outside Pezzack. I understand this is an inconvenience to your casting, but it is the situation we are currently in."

He then faces Tybalt, and says, "Signifier Volocritus, your suggestion of having ways to negate darkness is a good one. We will see what can be provisioned from the third armory to do so. While our Order's relationship with Dusk should be sufficient to avoid hostilities, contingencies are never an inconvenience. Combat will hopefully be unnecessary, however, should it arise, Hellknight Kallant and I shall form a front-line with Signifiers Jeggare and Trasalor in support. You will assume a mid-role, focusing on assisting in hindering our targets. Should we engage in combat with the Tower, our goal will be to withdraw while avoiding killing anyone. Defending ourselves is permitted, however, we should do so with an eye towards retreat. If this Imani is as powerful as the Vicarius says, we would do well to avoid causing a rift between her and the Order. Outside of the Tower, lawbreakers can be dispatched with extreme prejudice. Should they be taken alive, they will be forced to stand trial for the chaos they have wrought in breaking the law. Outside of combat, I believe it would be best if you acted as the face of our patrol. While I am skilled at keeping criminals in line through threat of force, a more nuanced tongue may be needed in this instance, and I do not believe any others in our group possess the required skill to do so."

Looking about the room, Morvan says, "If there are no further questions, you are dismissed. Gather your belongings and what equipment you need from the third armory, requisition a mount, and meet at the gates of the Citadel in one hour."

Morvan will suit action to words and see about requisitioning what is needed.

GM, what sort of equipment is available from the third armory?

Pretty much any mundane gear you could want, in addition to basic alchemical supplies and weapons. Nothing excessively expensive, but you know that you can requisition up to 100gp worth of supplies per person before having to fill out a permit.

Do horses count under that limit?

No, those are requisitioned separately, from the stables.

Urashu nods. "Understood sir. If I might suggest an option," he hesitates. "I've been working with the Armigers down at the stable, and while I was there I noticed that you'll need the mission approval document to request a horse." He pauses again. "I have been working on my mounted shooting skills; though I wouldn't count on them in a fight. Anyway, sir, if you want, we can split up and I can take the form and check out the horses for everyone. I would just need someone to check out my rations, two sun rods, a light crossbow, and twenty bolts from the armory for me?"

"May I examine the map, sir?" Kallant asks.

Kallant salutes at being dismissed and heads to the third armory. He requisitions:
- (20 gp) military saddle
- (2 gp) bit & bridle
- (20 gp) leather horse barding
- (4 gp) saddlebags
- (7 gp) trail rations (14 days)
- (20 gp) swarmsuit
- (20 gp) acid (2)
- (1 gp) grappling hook
- (0.25 gp) horse feed (5 days)

Then, he heads to the stables and attempts to pick out the best horse available.
Handle Animal or take 10 or 20 if allowed: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13