"One more misbegotten beast to be rid of." Ezekiel calmly nocks an arrow, aiming the bow at the frog creature.
As the creature gets closer, Lyrysa hopes the others are in place. Retrieving a firefly from the pouch, she suddenly turns and makes a sphere of light appear on the tip of her bow for her allies. "I pray they are ready."
As soon as there is light, Devon will attack the beast.
When the hungry frog approaches, Dantes steps up to it with a roar, striking with his longsword. He hopes to keep its attention on him so it may not notice his stealthy allies, or bypass him and go after the others.
To hit
Damage
Dantes has darkvision, so he doesn't need to wait for the light to go up.
Edit: Possible crit.
To hit
Damage
Slevin reaches out to the night, communing with the dark lady, a sliver of shadow seeming to detach and draw up his arm, flowing into the dagger held in his hand.
He lunges forward, a swift stalthy movement to bring the blade plunging into the frog's back.
Following Dantes' roaring charge, Devon slips inside and attacks the frog.
acrobatics to avoid AoO
attack vs frog(fight defensively)
damage
AC 23
hp 5/13
Marius strikes like a shadow from the frog's other flank.
At the same time Ezekiel's nocked arrow lets fly.
Under the rain of blows and projectiles, the frog lets out an ugly burp and slides into oblivion without a fight.
Marius frowns softly at the frog. "Well shucks... That were'nt even a fight!"
"In the condition we are in currently, I'm glad it wasn't much of a fight." Devon says while examining the frog's trail. "Hmm... looks like we could track this easily to see if we can improve our lot."
Survival
I'm not so sure the tracks would be easy to follow in these conditions, but we can give it a try if you want.
Slevin looks back along the frogs' path.
[b]"Tracking at night is oneof my specialties, and I can tell you exactly where this thing has been."[b] he says walking back along trail of the massive amphibian.
Survival
"Lead on then. If this friend you've made doesn't pan out for whatever reason, this lair may prove useful if we need to make our escape."
Dantes is quiet, glad that the dim light is making his the flush of his face harder to see. Embarrassed? Angry at himself? Yes to both.
Stumbling slightly, still a little woozy from blood loss, Marius frowns softly to himself. "What I wouldnt do for an ale, some meat and a wench..."
After a half hour of tracing the backtrail, our villains find a sizable cave with several bones adorning it. It seems this is the area the toad used to eat it's victims. Among the bones are several trade goods and weapons, as well as coins and ruined chunks of armor. This would be a good place to stay the night if you were so inclined.
40 feet of hemp rope
A case of rotgut whiskey (6 bottles)
Scimitar
Heavy Mace
Battleaxe
A Masterwork Lute
A large Sapphire ring
A letter in a sealed envelope
A Finely made pipe
1 lb of high-quality Tobacco
A silver holy symbol of Mitra
A holy book of Mitra
A bottle of extremely fine whiskey
100 Platinum pieces
180 gold pieces
190 silver pieces
10 copper pieces
(Total Gold Value:1200 gp)
"Excellent work. It would seem you have found us a small treasure trove to fund whatever it is we all do. Does anyone see any items they may be able to put to use, in case we are found again? I may see about examining this letter here."
Lyrysa examines the sealed letter before opening it. Does it bear any markings, a name, or anything else of note?
Dantes stands watch while the others sift through the cave. He'll ask
Do you all need to rest here, or shall we push on? I'm inclined to keep going, knowing that after the mess we left at the prison they are likely to try to and find us, swamp or not.
"A bed would be preferable, if they would be so inclined to provide one."
Slevin looks around at the cave.
"With the fire, by the time they even notice'we're gone they'll expect us to be miles away. Waiting here for the night might actually be in our favor."
He looks at the others, taking in their condition.
"Besides, a night to recover would make us more formidable tomorrow, as much as I prefer to travel at night."
Rubbing his hands together excitedly, Marius sorts through the treasure, pulling out the scimitar and laying it aside. He leans up, pipe and tobacco in hand. "Anyone have any objections?"
Dantes nods slowly in agreement with Slevin's remarks.
We stay the night then. I'll take first watch. Then Devon, then Marius? The last sentence is questioning, confirming they'll take the subsequent watches. Once that is settled, Dantes takes position in the cave entrance, standing to help stay alert, and stoically keeps guard while the others settle in.
"None from me, Marius. And a fine idea on the watches Dantes. The accomdations here are still preferable than our previous." Lyrysa looks over at the 'test subject' they had 'acquired' from Branderscar. "We should make sure his hands are bound and his mouth gagged. It wouldn't do us well if a passing patrol heard his screams."
"Not a problem, lady."
Ezekiel bends to the task of binding their hostage with glee. Wrapping the man up in rope, he makes sure that the bindings are uncomfortable to say the least. Stepping back to admire his work, Ezekiel smiles.
"I'd say this is just about right. Now, little worm, squirm too much, and I'll have to beat you. Just saying. Now, where did I put that Belladonna?"
After several hours, Dantes will wake Devon for his watch. He'll watch for a few minutes to make sure he's taking the task seriously before letting himself fall asleep, wearing his armor and sword at his side. In the morning, he rises quietly and tries to pack up as much of the valuables as he can reasonably carry, minus what others claim.
0th - Detect Magic, Light, Daze, Prestidigitation, Read Magic
1st - Charm Person, Sleep, Magic Missle, Feather Fall, Shield
The watches pass easily and without event, and in the late afternoon the next day you emerge to find your benefactor. It is shortly after dusk when you reach the village and you soon find the house with one lantern in the high windows. After escaping the prison, surviving the monstrous toad and crossing the moors with guard patrols tracking you, finding the house on the Old Moor Road pales beside your other accomplishments. As promised, a lonely lantern burns in the upper story. The place otherwise shows little sign of habitation. Old but well-appointed, the house is large, imposing and alone on its hill. Painted a dark green and surrounded by barbed wrought iron fencing, nothing about this place seems inviting or a sanctuary. Still, it is your destination. Where will you go if not here? You have an appointment to keep. Best not to keep your nameless benefactor waiting.
Ezekiel calmly watches the morning come, taking the chance to get a single moment of peace before their flight resumes.
Damn glad to be out of chains. I really like having all my limbs attached.
Checking his gun over for the tenth time since he found it, he sighs yet again. "This is going to take some serious work to get running properly again. I can barely believe that it's working at all." He test sights it, before spitting in distaste.
Well, who wants to knock? He glances meaningfully at Slevin, who so far has had the closest contact with their benefactor. Who ever leads the way, Dantes will walk alongside them, bodyguard style, eyes sharp for any threat from the manor.
Marius stretches lazily and pulls the scimitar from the sheath at his waist, before nodding to Slevin and slipping in to the darkness, just in cast things go sour at the door.
Slevin smiles as Marius vanishes from sight, pleasantly surprised at enjoying somone having his back.
Nodding to the others he makes his approach walking right up to the front gate.
Lyrysa stays towards the back of the group with Grumblejack, confident she could convince the ogre to defend her if needed.
The gate drifts open without a sound as you approach. The short path leads up to the door, which opens similarly to show Tiadora standing beyond. "Ah. It's nice to see you. I admit I didn't expect you so early." Her white hair sparkles in the candlelight and she laughs as you walk forward. "And you brought so many friends," She gives a predatory smile, "The master will want to see you all, though not like this. You'll have to be made presentable first. Slaves!" She says loudly, clapping her hands, and a dozen young, attractive men and women appear wearing traditional slave garb. "These people are our guests. See them to their rooms. I want them cleaned, dressed appropriately and refreshed however they ask. Quickly now!" She snaps, and the slaves leap into motion.
Each of you is led to a separate, lavishly appointed room. There is a hot bath awaiting in a copper tub, and a fresh plate of hot food and glass of fresh, clear water. As you enter the slaves work efficiently and silently to straighten the room and then place a small set of clothes upon the bed. Upon testing, each of you find that the clothes are exquisitely tailored to you and feel like wearing a light silk cloud. Each one is embroidered with a small sigil of Asmodeus upon the breast, as if marking the wearer.
Sense motive
Although the logic of such an act would make no sense Slevin takes no chances, whispering a swift prayer to Shar he scans the food and drink, his unusual eyes now blessed with the ability to see poison.
He enjoys the bath, taking pleasure in the hot wate4r and anopportunity to wash away the filth of the prison. As he walks over to the bed he looks at the Asmodean symbol and the amazing texture of the clothes, whispering another phrase, this time blessing his sigh with the gift of discerning any enchantments that may exist in the garb.
A month earlier, Lyrysa wouldn't have thought such luxuries as anything but commonplace. Stripping off the robe confiscated from the warden, she eats while resting in the tub. She winces as she cleans her hair. "Better than my head, but still a painful reminder." Looking around the room, she cannot help but think that she may have traded one prison for another, though with much greater comforts. "I don't trust this Tiadora, not yet. I cannot believe that she aided us just to kill us now, but I'm sure she and this master of hers have some ulterior plans."
Finishing her bath and meal, she dresses in the provided clothes. "Perfect fit. They most definitely expected all of us. I must admit to some curiousity at this point."
Completely oblivious to the nature of the slaves, Ezekiel gladly accepts a bit of pampering, eager to be rid of the stink of swamp water and the moldy rags of prison. Lounging in the bath, he contemplates where his path has brought him thus far.
"To think that only a day or two ago I was set to die. Now, it seems somebody in service to the Infernal Lord has offered me another chance. And once I get the king in my sights again..." He makes a finger gun, aiming at the wall. "Bang." Firing, he laughs heartily.
Removing himself from the bath, he swiftly dresses himself in the proffered garb. The sigil of Asmodeus seems to be done in the same style as his tattoos. They even know my preferred style. A touch disconcerting, but I can't worry about that right now. Keeping his pistol close, he tests the water and food for poisons before digging in.
Dantes takes full advantage of the servants, making himself at home and little concerned for his safety, confident he can take on whatever they throw at them.
The water and food are poison free and quite delicious. The clothes are nonmagicalg. Upon noticing injuries the slaves bring a small pitcher of wine, smelling heavily spiced, and a cup. "Drink. Heal." The deliverer says simply, and sure enough the wine causes an itching sensation followed by a closing of various wounds as though at least a week had passed. After a few minutes of bathing each of you hears a mighty splash and a loud laugh. "Grumblejack get to splash!" Echoes through the place. It seems the ogre is having his own bath.
After two hours Tiadora reappears and bids you to follow to meet the Master. Tiadora 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." The Cardinal almost spits with anger.
“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?”
His speech finished, Thorn waits for your answers.
Cardinal, you could have stopped at "burn Talingarde to the ground." I had no intention of forgiving them. I'm not an overly religious type, but it seems to me like I'm indebted to you and your god, and I don't like being in anyone's debt. And it seems like we have the same goals in mind for these self-righteous monsters. So yeah, you can count me in.
Slevin silently studies the man as he speaks.
Clearly a zealot, but not a careless one.
He thought on the matter, unable to resist a smile as he contemplated the truth that Asmodeus was but another player, albeit one with notable scope, on a board that was controlled by greater forces. Forces such as his Lady Shar. Furthering the destruction of Talingarde wouldaccomplish is goals in true Sharran fashion, operating in the background while others and their followers placed themselves in the line for retribution.
He leaned back waiting for the others to speak.
Lyrysa hears the words, eloquently spoken for sure. But it's what was spoken in between them she focused on. He wanted them to serve him. He engineered their escape. He had the power in this deal. As Lyrysa's stepfather had always told her, the greatest slave was one who didn't know they were a slave. She would not become his slave.
But it would be foolish to resist. She was certain even if she refused, the would have little choice in the matter. Even if they did outnumber him 3 to 1, counting this Tiadora, she could not yet be certain the others would follow her. In fact, Dantes had already pledged himself. No, to oppose him now would simply make things more difficult. She didn't have the resources or the strength now. With time though, she could. She felt the best way to handle this was to be direct.
"It would seem you have been a truly generous benefactor, Cardinal Thorn. My life, and the lives of the others, are in your debt. But I cannot help and feel that we may have traded one prison for another, though much more fitting for my standards. I for one will not become another of the thrall's wandering this house. But I don't believe that is why you recruited us.
"I'm certain you can hear the defiance behind my words as I speak. Why hide it, we both know it's there. In this agreement, you wield the power. And I am no fool, I'm certain you have taken precautions to ensure we agree. So I will accept your offer. To serve Lord Asmodeus, that requires little from your part, I will gladly make that vow. But to serve you, I will say it. But I will follow it as I see fit.
"Of course, I'm sure that's why you've recruited me, the very nature of my defiance. To openly state my defiance now, when I have no chance of victory. It would take the same strenght of will to follow through whatever plan you have conceived.
"So I will serve you, yet with a heart of defiance. You have power over me know, and as long as you hold that card, I will be loyal. But I do follow the teachings of Asmodeus as well. If I should make a misstep, I shall pay for it. But the same goes for all followers of our Lord. Thus how would you command me, Cardinal Thorn?"
Ezekiel rolls up the sleeves of his attire, showing his tattoos. "Your lord commands my lords, so thus do I serve him. I have pledged my soul to the Seven Lead Devils, those strange and mysterious beings who pulled forth the ashes from Asmodeus' castle forge and taught my grandfather how to light it once more." Rolling his sleeves back down he says, "I will be your harbinger. The sound of gunfire will herald the return of the Fiery Lord."
Marius shrugs, tossing an apple from hand to hand, before taking a bite and leaning back easily against the wall. "Why not? Ain't got anything better to do. Fine... I'll swear to your god, little man!"
Marius grins wildly, taking another bite of apple, relishing the sweet taste of it, as much as possible, before he sells his allegiance. "Your god can have my hands, he can have my strength and my skill with a blade but if he thinks he can have my soul... That is not quite possible. The sea is in my veins, a storm rages in my heart and my sould is bound for the depths when I die and there be no man, god or demon who can stop that!"
He shrugs easily, before continuing. "But I will serve you, and him, as well as I can. I want to watch the world burn just as much as my allies do!"
Slevin listens to the responses, unsurprised albeit impressed by Lyrysa's audacity. Again he could not help but smile when considering the fact that the machinations of Asmodeus were essentially the limited scope of one whose goals and oppositions all existed within the larger framework of Shar's ultimate plan.
The total oblivion of utter darness. After the conflict and the chaos, the fury and fire, there would eventually be nothing but darkness. When the universe ended, Slevin's beloved lady would be the one to put out the lights, until then anything that would strangle the light would assist her goals, and therefore his.
"You seek to crush those who wave around the light as if it were their salvation. This pleases me. Asmodeus may have my allegiance. But I belong to Shar, heart, mind, body and soul. Let us begin this brotherhood of darkness and show this nation that their pathetic prison was simply the beginning."
Such is the fate for such weak-minded chattel. They are only fit to serve their betters. Whoever runs this place is at least aware of the proper order of things.
Later...
In response to the Cardinal's speech.
"I too have served the Lord of Nessus and I gladly pledge myself to his cause again! These fools are not fit to rule a brothel, much less this entire kingdom. We would be doing the people a favor to instill the proper order to the world once again. However, I find your claims to be somewhat.. convenient. I am familiar with the purge that happened and I do not recall any of the preists of Asmodeous escaping the wrath of the inquisition."
"Bravo! A good showing to you all!" The Cardinal stands with a pleased smile upon his face. "Goldforge, out for vengeance and hatred of the enemy. Mistress Shadowhisper, so ambitious as to depose me when she may. Asmodeus approves of your defiance, milady, and should I fail he will bless you as you throw me down and take my place. As it was and ever shall be. Ezekiel, returned scion of the deposed lord, here for vengeance at last. Marius, a man of the ocean and her calls, who would have no man tell him his life. Slevin Wraith, who would align me to the Lady of The Night as well. A shrewd negotiator you are. And Devon Gerhart, who questions me regardless of how well aligned our causes. A good group I think. Let us make this agreement official. I believe you all know that signing in blood is traditional?" Tiadora approaches, her eyes downcast in a subservient pose. She hands each of you a parchment made of a strange gray leather, which unfolds into a contract, prewritten in dark red ink.
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,
______________________________
Tiadora walks among you holding a large black quill and a small silver ritual knife. The Cardinal shows you each his copy of the contract (exactly the same in every detail) and then slices his arm (a runic F of his own can be seen on his forearm) and uses the blood to sign the date and his name. The ink flares into a brighter light for a moment before the ink and blood turn black upon the parchment.
Marius frowns over the document. "Blah blah blah... Yeah seems in order to me..." Shrugging, Marius slices a neat cut on his arm, before signing his name in the correct spot, and handing the document back.
"So what is next? And more importantly... Where can I get a stiff drink and a wench?"
Dantes grunts as he signs the document, but is otherwise quiet.