Saulric and Nidjena find the comforts of the manor a blessing after the confines of the cells at the prison. Poor Cedric never made it out of the swamplands. Zachris declined employment and fled during the night while Carol seemed traumatized by the events and became catatonic.
Saulric and Nidjena notice other branded people enjoying the comforts of the estate and not treated like the lowly servants. They all share the same wing at the estate that has a common room adjoining each private bedroom. Each of your personal servants inform you that you are to meet the Lord of the estate in precisely 2 hours time... and to not be late...
Of average height at 5'10", Alaric is lean and not as heavily muscled as someone of his strength might normally appear to be. His sun-browned skin has a slight golden hue to it, giving him a slightly alien look. A pair of small horns grace his head, just above his hairline and lie low against his head. His hair, long and black, is pulled back and tied near the nape of his neck, keeping it out of his way, though his bangs are long and hang down in his eyes. Despite his unusual coloring and the unnatural horns on his head, his face is quite normal, almost attractive, with even features and dark almost-black eyes that only flash red when he's angry or the light catches them wrong. He, like the rest of the recent escapees, bears a brand on his arm, though his is partially defaced by a crude X-shaped fresh wound made over it.
Now clean of bog water and scum, and the blood and dirt of beatings and travel, he wears a loose fitting kimono-like shirt and loose-fitting trousers. His feet are bare. Generally unconcerned with how he looks, he wouldn't care about color or appearance, merely efficiency.
When meeting the others, he merely introduces himself as "Alaric", not giving any last name, since his family didn't want him anyway, why affiliate himself with them. They were an archaic recollection of a past he wanted nothing to do with. He flashes a mere half-smile at the introduction of others... not out of any disdain or dislike, merely as if that's the most he ever offers.
A knock on your door comes lightly at first but then with more force as the servant is trying desperately to get your attention while still being polite. As you open the door the servant motions you towards the end of the hallway. Standing there is a cowed humanoid figure about 5' It is hard to determine the race of this person let alone if it is male or female. It wears black robes trimmed in a dark purple and silver. The light catches the ebony embroidered patterns of arcane designs all over the robes, these patterns seem to drink in the light and reflect it at the same time.
It is a male voice the speaks to you.
Follow me....
He stares for a few moments before turning around and walking away from you. Without looking back he says
It is time for you to see the master
Alaric shrugs and follows, a bit hesitantly at first, but then his pace picks up and he follows at whatever speed the elderly looking figure can manage.
Along the way, he asks softly. "Who is this 'Master' and what does he want of me... of us?"
Elisa Kaine is a small, attractive half-elf woman, but seems oddly quiet and indifferent to her current circumstances.
She hangs close to Alaric and lets him do the talking, spending much of her time studying the brand on her forearm with an intense stare.
If spoken to Elisa is polite and obviously intelligent, but withdraws to her own thoughts as soon as is civil.
She does study the other members of the group closely for some time, but makes no comments.
Elisa is wearing plain, practical travelling attire under a suit of studded leather, taken from a guard. She has cleaned herself and her garb throughly, and combed her hair as best she can.
She carries a light crossbow in her hands, when the hooded figure appears she looks at him, but waits for others to ask any questions.
Saulric stretches out his body, the armor having as usual restricted his movements, a normal hazard of his profession before he dresses in the provided clothes that were not unlike the ones many of the lower born wore at court. Thinking of it his mood darkened. He of course would return, but not before gaining the strength necessary to defeat the evil king and marry his fair princess.
The drow leads you to a waiting room where you wait. At last Tiadora enters and 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 some of you to be the first to ever escape from Branderscar Prison. Well done! Of course, you had help from the outside. Others of you escaped from the famed criminal hunter Marshall Teague, again not so easy a feat and I commend you as well.” 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?”
He pauses for dramatic effect to let everything sink in...
Saulric's eyes glint maliciously. I've already put them aside. These monsters have separated me from my beloved and I will cut a bloody swath through all who would keep me from her!
"I have no desire to be a prince. That life is far behind me. But I will swear allegiance to you and take my vengeance on those who set me on this course." He speaks softly but with a contained vehemence.
Elisa listens carefully, smiling slightly when vengeance is mentioned.
She accepts. That sounds most agreeable." Her eyes a little empty as she mentally goes over her list of people needing her attention.
Szordrin pushes back his cowl...
I will be where you want me to be, my liege.
Nidjena spends almost all of the two hours she has getting ready. She finds a long red and black dress which seems to fit well enough and wears it, leaving her armour in the bedroom. After fixing her hair and making herself presentable she says a quick prayer to Asmodues and joins the others.
She briefly chats with the other assembled "guests" and seems generally interested in their stories. When they are called to the office she stands respectfully and listens. When he's finished, she rolls up the sleeve of her dress to show her F mark. She approaches the man and takes a knee.
Your reverence, I would be honoured to continue my service to the dark prince under your guidance. Let his fires light the way into a new age for all Talingarde.
She gets up and returns to stand next to the others.
“Excellent. Let us make it official. Signing in blood is traditional.”
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 - the Pact of Thorns. 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.”
Tiadora leads you back to your rooms and gives you instructions to stay within the confines of the estate. The next day each of you find Tiadora in your rooms at different times waiting for you. She gives you each a coin pouch with 200 gp inside for you to list out all the items you wish to purchase and your house servant shall see the items are procured. There is even an alchemical lab within the estate for making those items but the servant will need to purchase the materials as well.
Nidjena only skims the contract before gladly taking the knife and quill and signing her name. This all seems pretty reasonable to me, especially the bit about treasure!
After waking the following day and giving her devotions to Asmodeus, Nidjena wanders around the house looking for something to entertain herself with before her training begins.
Later in the day she returns to her room to find Tiadora. She has a long think about her plans then writes a list for her servant.
Light crossbow (35gp)
30 Crossbow bolts (3gp)
Potion of cure light wounds (50 gp)
Silver unholy symbol of Asmodeus with hidden compartment (30gp)
Backpack (common) (2gp)
Scroll box (5gp)
2 scrolls of cure light wounds (50gp)
25gp left over
Here. Go into town and see if you can get all this. Shouldn't be too difficult even for you. As for the holy symbol, you might have to be resourceful, but I'm sure you'll manage.
Elisa reads the contract carefully and signs it neatly.
If approached by any of the party she is polite and talks with them, but if not she keeps in the background.
When Tiadora comes to her room she hands her a prepared list.
Alchemists kit. (40gp)
Grooming kit. (1gp)
Small steel mirror. (10gp)
Darts (8) (4gp total)
Disguise kit. (50gp)
Thieves tools. (30gp)
Grappling bolt. (2) (2gp total)
Grappling hook. (1 gp)
Silk rope (50 feet) (10gp)
Rapier. (20gp)
168gp total, leaving 32gp.
She thanks Tiadora, If you could gather these for me I would be most grateful.
thieves tools 30 gp
50' silk rope 10 gp
belt pouch 1 gp
flint & steel 1 gp
alchemist fire x 3 60 gp
tanglefoot bag 50 gp
pack 2 gp
rations 6 days 3 gp
waterskin 1 gp
sling 0 gp
10 bullets 1 sp
10 cold iron bullets 2 sp
10 silver bullets 2 gp 1 sp
160 gp 4 sp remainder: 39 gp 6 sp
If there's no change forthcoming, he'd get one more alchemist fire, leaving 19 gp, 6 sp unspent.
"Thank you, Miss Tiadora, for your fine generosity. I will attempt to make good use of these items, so as not to disappoint you or Master Thorn."
The servants bring back the equipment you desired and in addition each of you receive a silver medallion in the shape of the Asmodeus symbol.
After the three days time, you are once again summoned by Cardinal Thorn.
“Have you enjoyed your gifts? The silver amulets will remind you of your true loyalties. And the other items – well, you need them now.
You have done well to escape from Branderscar and to accept my offer. However, you are still not ready for my service. Tiadora will lead you to the basement of this domicile. There you will find nine chambers each more dangerous than the last. Somewhere hidden within these chambers is a pendant of silver and sapphire. Recover the pendant and bring it to me. Let nothing and no one stand in your way.”
Alaric nods as he dons the silver medallion, letting it display prominently against his chest. "As you wish, Sir."
Elisa looks interested at the challenge and curtsy's obediently.
"A test of our capacity is to be expected."
She seems a little more lively with something to engage her mind.
The Cardinal stands up and looks out of the manor house window across the grey moor. “It’s almost dusk. You have until dusk tomorrow to bring me my prize. Do not fail me.” Cardinal Thorn takes a seat at his desk. Tiadora arrives right on cue. “This way,” is all she says.
Once you are all ready you are led to a set of stairs going down... here is where your trial begins...
Szordrin hands over a short list of items he requires.
Traveling Spell book (10gp)
Adventures Sash (20gp)
Potion Cure Light Wounds x3 (150gp)
Total: 180gp
left over 20gp
Elisa looks at the others carefully and shrugs. "I have the skills needed to find traps. I suppose I should lead."
She smiles sweetly. "Though someone of a more martial bent should be close by just in case the danger is more physical."
"I can assist you with any traps you find, though perhaps Saulric should be between us, yielding to me only if you need help."
Elisa smile happily at Alaric. Your assistance is much appreciated."
Before you set off Nidjena goes back to her room to gather her stuff and ask Asmodeus for the blessings she thinks will be of the most use in this challenge.
When she returns, she's still wearing one of the many red and black dresses she's found, but now she's got her chain shirt on over the top and a small backpack over her shoulder. Her holy symbol and crossbow hang from her belt.
If you three are taking the front then I suggest I bring up the rear, with our wizard friend in front of me. I think I can cope with anyone who tries to sneak up on us from behind.
Nidjena says that last part while absent mindedly polishing her claws, before looking up at you all with an expectant grin.
Very Well, shall we proceed
So Elisa and Alaric up front then Saulric then Szordin and lastly Nidjena?
Saulric grumbles, but takes his place. Things could be worse ultimately.
That sounds like a workable formation.
Elisa is ready to go when the others tell her.
Alaric:
Elia:
Jovich:
Nidjena:
Saulric:
The group moves into the first room and everyone points out to Saulric to watch his step as he is the only one who does not see a disturbance on the floor in front of the only visible door in the room towards the east. The others also point out to the fighter there seem to be oddities along both the southern and northern walls...
Elisa will check the northern and southern walls walls carefully before moving cautiously to investigate and disarm the disturbance before the eastern door.
She will also try and find any secret doors if possible?
Relatively square room with nothing out of the ordinary...too ordinary
Szordin will scan the room for magic.
Relatively square room with nothing out of the ordinary...too ordinary
Szordin will scan the room for magic.
While Elisa is busy studying the trapped floor Szordin begins seeing if there is any magic in the area and detects some strange aura... not exactly magical but not exactly normal either... coming from behind the northern oddity along the wall...
Elisa makes her examinations.
Walls.
Floor device.
Secret doors?
If a Disable device is required.
Alaric steps forward... "Wait, Elisa... not like that... try it this way next time.... " Rather than assist her, he sort of takes over and does it his way...
Alaric is quick to point out where Elisa made mistakes and springs the trap to reveal a 10 foot drop into spikes. After that the two jam the trap so the floor can support weight without caving in.
Elisa gives Alaric a grateful look, and tries to clear her mind and focus on the dangers they face.
"Perhaps you should look over the walls also and check for what I might have missed."
Saulric leans against a wall allowing those more perceptive to do their job as he rustles in his backpack reorganizing his new equipment.
Seems like you've got this all in hand Alaric. Just in case you need to do more of the same though, this should help.
Nidjena places her arm on Alaric's shoulder and gives him a quick smile.
On that wall behind the odd thing to the north. There is some strange aura, not exactly magical but I am sensing something strange.
Szordin concentrates on the northern wall as Alaric just saunters over and figures out where to open the hidden door. Hidden inside the north wall is a small niche. Inside that niche is a small pedestal that holds a jewel that glows with pale blue light. It is cold to the touch. There is an inscription over the niche behind the hidden door- “Thou hast seen through deception to uncover a useful tool.”
There is still the southern wall and the door to the east.
"I have figured out how to open this door safely. Whenever you're all ready."
Alaric examines the southern wall, first for traps, then for hidden things or illusions...
Saulric looks up before slinging his backpack back over his shoulders. I'm ready when you all are, but it looks like Szordin found something.
Elisa examines the gem and pedestal carefully for traps.
If safe she takes the gem and gives it to Szordin for examination. "A useful tool it says. But of what use?"
A most interesting jewel
Szordrin stares at the jewel for a few moments...