At the sight of the red lantern in the window, relief washes over Lucetta, the Red Feather gang had inconceivably escaped the headsman's axe with a chance at revenge. One thing was for sure, Talingarde would pay.
Iacobus is right, the ogre has served us well and should be tended to.
With that, she simply shifts in to neutral, her expression carefully guarded as she let's herself process the fact of the group's escape.
Following the slave to her room, she pays no heed to the vacant expression or vapid composure, whoever the gang's benefactors were, how they chose to control their servants was their business. She ignored the offer of anything else and dismissed the slave to stand outside her room until needed, reveling in the chance to actually be alone for the first time in a very long while.
Kicking off the tired guard boots, she tries massaging away the rough miles of moor that seemed ingrained in them, before eying the hot tub appreciatively. After bathing, detangling her hair and dressing in the fresh clothes, she opens the door and orders the servant to bring her tea, as well as notify the lady of the house that Lucetta is ready to meet with her at her leisure.
Arthur leads out a huff as he finally sets the improvised sled down, carrying the ogre has drained what ever reserve he had left and he needs a few seconds to regain full control over his legs as the perfect lady speaks. Her words puzzle him as he had expected otherwise from her appearance. His eyes linger and single her out among the rest, like a light in the dark. Finally he focuses on the servant before him leading him, while he drags his tired feet behind. Once in the room the sudden luxury takes him by surprise. He goes to first to the water feeling the warmth, without thinking he begins to strip, stopping half way through when spoken to. "Some food would be nice, meat if you have it?" he replies before continuing with his action. The almost to warm water greets him, it is has been a long time since his last hot bath.
The slaves cater to your requests and for the first time in a long time, you find yourselves shaved, washed and able to relax, if only just barely. Before you have a chance to enjoy yourselves too much. Tiadora comes to collect you to meet her, and possibly soon to be your, Master.
Following the platinum haired beauty downward to the first floor you are lead into a classically elegant office. Everything is just so, from the large hard wood desk that was placed before a large window that overlooked the trackless moors to the high backed leather chair that stood before a fireplace, now lit and casting shadows into the room. Seated in the chair was a devilishly handsome man who smiles as you enter into the office. In his hand he holds a curved wooden pipe that he puffs on and the smoke curls around his head, as if wreathing him in vapour and ash. Eyes’ catching the fire, his face is regal and aquiline. Putting down the pipe, the man smiles at you and his ivory teeth glint. They look like the teeth of a predator.
"I believe you to be the first to ever escape from Branderscar Prison. Well done! Of course, you had help from the outside, and still managed to make a bit of a dog's breakfast of it." He states with a wicked smile. Folding his hands in front of him, he entwines them together and brings his index fingers to a point. "But enough with pleasantries, you all must be curious why I’ve helped you." Chucking softly to himself, the man gives another small smile. "Rest assured this was 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?”
Rising from the chair, his eyes flash with hellfire and divine purpose. "They would have put you death, by noose or fire or sword. They would have done this and felt righteous in their actions, for in their eyes you are monsters. I say that they are the true monsters. They are narrow minded and quick to viciously put down any who think other then they do. They must be stopped."
Reaching out his hand to each of you, he gestured to the inverted pentragram that rests on the mantle of the fireplace. "Join me! Serve me well in this holy endeavour 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?"
As Tiadora leads her to the presence of the man who orchestrated all this, Lucetta feels refreshed and at peace. Fate turns, fortunes shift, if there was one thing she'd learnt in her life thus far it was to seize advantages as they presented themselves, no-one was going to give you anything for free.
She raised her eyebrows at the well appointed room, and her eyes roamed appreciatively across the man in front of her, in addition to his physical bearing he had quite the presence in the room.
He's used to this, to commanding people, bending the rules to suit himself, getting what he wants. Here is someone with power that knows how to use it.
She listens intently to his speech, listening for what went unsaid as well as that he wished to share. As he finished with a flourish she was impressed, he appeared to have intelligence, charm and focus. Definitely a dangerous combination that she found appealed to her on several levels.
My dear Cardinal, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. You will have to forgive the lack of decorum with which we made our exit from the prison facility, I'm sure you'll understand that even though it may not have been the most eloquent and finessed of escapes, it was at the very least of great celerity, and more importantly it was successful.
She smiles
As to your purpose for bringing us here, I for one can attest that your motivations ring true in my soul. For too long have the intolerant Mitrans dominated the land with their fundamentalist mentality, unwilling to accept the presence and strength of other powers. I have in my mind a desire for revenge, for the deaths of the rest of our gang, for the unjust treatment of our group, for their whole intolerant belief structure!
she grows heated and passionate, gesticulating with strength and purpose.
But for your fortuitous intervention we would be dead by blade, rope or flame, yet I can say with no shadow of debt hanging over me that were you to have made your intentions clear before we'd even seen the inside of Branderscar, then you would have found a devout supporter in me for the works you wish to be seen done across this land.
She kneels and stares directly at him
I swear my life to the destruction of Talingarde, and swear my blood and tears to bring it to its knees. I promise no mercy or forgiveness for the sins they have wrought against me and mine. I am now and ever a harbinger of destruction in the war to come.
she pauses momentarily, then continues
I look forward to ruling the land in the name of Asmodeus, my Cardinal you have chosen well in saving me
she turns her gaze to her companions, awaiting their responses.
Pleasantly interrupted by Tiadora Arthur finishes quickly with the slice of meat before him. Still somewhat captured by this fallen angel he barely notices the room and the cardinal before he stands in the middle.
Listening to the words he finds himself nodding. He to had suffered under the self-righteous leaders of Mitra. Seeing Lucetta kneel he follows keeping his head respectfully bend. I to pledge my strength to the cause, no the holy war."
The cardinal smiles a toothy smile, "I care not for why you server, as long as you do so. And what about you my silent friend? Will you server, or will you go your own way?"
Iacobus slowly follows the 'woman' with the rest of his group, though at a distance, as she still unnerves him. Arriving at the office, Iacobus glances around before moving back towards the wall and hopefully a shadow. He listens to the Cardinal's speech in silence, deep in thought, and only responds when prompted.
"While we, personally and as a people, certainly have suffered under the Mitran's rule; while the over-turning of this whole hypocritically 'pristine' governmental system appeals, and while the idea of an opposing god would be an answer to a prayer, this almost seems to good to be true. Although, you would not have risked implicating yourself in a prison break just to wish us harm..."
Iacobus pauses for a moment, before continuing,
"I am going to assume that any details will come only if we swear loyalty and only then as needed, so there is no way to see how effective any plans you have will be. But, if you plan things with the skill and finesse of Tiadora's visit then I needn't worry. I will also asuume that walking away from this opportunity will not be taken lightly..."
With this his voice trails off, and Iacobus glances at the door and Tiadora before giving the cardinal a final, calculating stare. He takes a deep breath and lets it go before moving from his spot to the center of the room with the rest of his comrades.
"As of this time yesterday, I had not future. As of yesterday, I had no hope. As of yesterday, I had no goals. You have changed all of this, and, in this, paid more than enough to earn my devotion and loyalty. In this, and future matters, you may consider me your subject."
With this he joins Arthur in kneeling, head down.
Tiadora gives a great exaggerated sigh, "Oh poo! I'm feeling peckish and they all look so delectable.'
"Now, now my dear. We've already had this discussion. We don't eat the help."
Tiadora lets out a chuckle that makes your skin crawl.
The Cardinal motions for you to rise. "On your feet now. Pretty words all around, but as they say 'words are wind'. When you make a deal with the devil, things need to be a bit more formal. There will be a contract. It will lay out my expectations. It will bind us together in this holy endeavour. And then you will train. Myself and my associates will work with each of you to perfect your skills. You will learn the ways of the Dark Prince. I will see you formed into a knot. As tightly bound to each other and to my lord. And then I plan to unleash you. Even as we speak, others who serve me work in the shadows of our kingdom. But I plan for you to strike the first blow. Be assured, the tasks that I assign you will be for you to complete as you see fit. But I do expect results. Failures would prove costly to our endeavour. But first, the paperwork."
Standing up, the Cardinal made his way to the massive table and picked up a matching set of documents that had been scribed on some sort of leather.
The Cardinal hands them around and then patiently waits as you read it.
A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT FOR THE BINDING OF LOYALTIES
Behold on this, the 25 Calistril, 2413 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.
I. 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.
II. The Second Loyalty is to their Master: the High Priest of Asmodeus in Talingarde, he who is called the Cardinal Adrastus Thorn. They shall do the Master no harm, and shall obey his every commandment as long as those commandments do not clash with their First Loyalty.
III. 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.
IV. The Fourth Loyalty is to themselves: for Asmodeus is the Lord of Ambition. 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. Let they who violate this Compact know all the wrath of Hell unending.
Signed,
______________________________
Gesturing to the contract, the Cardinal smiles. "As you can see. As long as you uphold the four loyalties that I have lay out, I will see you rewarded as you deserve for your deeds. All it asks is that you bind yourself to Asmodeus in this endeavour. You pledge to serve me. You swear to remain loyal to the other members of the group and you place your own ambition above the petty needs and desires of lesser people."
Reaching over, he picks up a dagger and quill, "These things are usually signed in blood. Tradition, you know."
Shuddering over Tiadora's comments, Iacobus pays only marginal attention to the Cardinal's speech.
"A contract? Those are... useful." Iacobus states as he starts to read the contract. after a moment or two he continues, "While I am perfectly fine with most of the contract, the first 'loyalty' is... disconcerting. Although, I guess if he is your liege-lord and, more importantly, is opposed to Mitra and her sickly-sweet philosophy, he can't be the worst god to follow... I'll sign."
With this Iacobus takes the dagger and quill, grimaces for a moment before slicing the the meat of his palm and dripping the resultant blood into a small bowl. He dips the quill into the 'ink' with a flourish signs his name. The actual signature is significantly less impressive than the movements suggested.
Lucetta arches her eyebrows at Tiadore's comment, before scrutinizing the proffered contract carefully.
She glances over at Arthur, and offers him advice
It's a loyalty guarantee Arthur, if we all sign it then it means we all work together, with the Cardinal as our master, and we acknowledge Asmodeus as our chosen deity.
she glances down at the parchment and around the room
it is also likely to be magically binding. You are safe to sign it if you do not intend to go against what it says. Do you want to stay with us Arthur and serve this man? We will be rewarded if we succeed.
She offers him what she hopes is a reassuring smile.
Arthur's little infatuation with Tiadora vanes quite as the gravity of the remark sinks in. Having quickly glanced at the contract he understood the words but not their entire meaning. He smiles tiredly at Lucetta, please with her knowledge of him and her willingness to help. "It would properly be the best, I think I lost my family the day I left for service, but this is perhaps the only way to see them again." Resolutely he takes the dagger, makes a small incision in his left hand and signs with his right in blood.
Nodding at Arthur and smiling, reassured that he understood, Lucetta takes her knife and slices the side of her little finger, squeezing to get a large enough drop of blood to wet the quill. She signs her full name with a flourish and blows on it to dry it quickly.
I haven't signed my name in a long time she muses
So, what's next Cardinal?
Seeing they all have signed Arthur can't help to smile a tired smile, releasing some of the stress he felt. It quickly vanishes as Tiadora's words creep back into his consciousness.
Iacobus also takes a final look at the contract and scowls a little. Even Arthur's signature looked more respectable. Shaking his head, he glances at his compatriots, before rolling the the now dried contract and handing it to the Cardinal. His eyes reflecting Lucetta's question.
"My First command is thus. Stay within the manor. Your escape was hardly clean and I am sure has already been noticed. You will be hunted by the Talirean soldiery with great enthusiasm, I think. The walls of this manor have been lined with lead and your presence here will be undetected. In three days we will begin your training, but for now, return to you rooms and sleep. You have all had a long day. In the morning Tiadora will come for you and show you about the manor. I'm sure that your incarceration has been wearying on you so take the chance to rest and recoup before the trials ahead."
When you awake to the bright light of morning, it is already late in the day. Perhaps because of the long trek or the ordeals that each of you have gone through over the long months before your escape, simply laying in a feather bed rather than a stone lined cell was for lack of a better word, luxurious. As you push your way out of bed you see that a table has been laid out carefully near the centre of the room. Fool lays piled high atop it and a slave stands at attention ready to provide another bath... or anything else that the dammed required.
Enjoying the first moments of freedom, you are dressed, fed and bathed before Tiadora comes for you. Gathering the whole into a group, she says, "The Cardinal, had ordered me to show you the manor. As a reminder you are not to leave until his unholyness has granted you permission. We would hate for your escape to be undone by something as simple as a magical spell. Now then, the first place I will take you to is our Mr. Pilkington, our actuary. He will oversee any funds issued to you on your behalf. I would warn you that while his job is not particularly glamorous, it is highly useful. And as they say, the devil is in the details."
Leading you down to the first floor, you pass the large training room whose walls are covered with mirrors and contain padded floors. She moves past the well-appointed music room and the beyond into a large communal study with a large fireplace. The sounds of conversation can be heard in the room beyond and as you pass the door you are able to make out the figure of a austere woman with pure white hair who is gesturing to a large fur covered man. You pass another room which obviously serves as a chapel to Asmodues, in which a young woman kneels in prayer. Prodding you onward, she leads you into a room that is covered in bookshelves with a small neat desk adorned with papers and and abacus. Seated behind the desk is a thin man with a thin voice and a pencil-thin moustache. He seems fussy and wears and annoyed expression.
Klapaucious Q. Pilkington was the last child of a poor and very minor noble family who joined the royal bureaucracy at a very early age. It quickly became apparent that he was a bureaucratic prodigy: energetic, diligent, incredibly well organized; meticulous and honest, with a prodigious memory and absolutely no sense of humor. He rose rapidly through the ranks until he was First Assistant to the Royal Chancellor, with duties that included overseeing all the grain warehouses throughout the kingdom.
Then came the famine during 4708AR. The King swore that the grain stores would be opened to feed the hungry... but he neglected to put it in writing, and he didn't provide a set of proper procedures. Pilkington gave firm orders that no grain be distributed until this was resolved. The resulting delay was only a few days, but hundreds died of starvation, and dozens more in the infamous Grain Riots. The outraged King ordered Pilkington stripped of all ranks and honors and exiled. So ended the career of Talingarde's most brilliant bureaucrat... or so everyone thought.
Glancing up at Tiadora as she enters his pinched face takes on a scowl that he quickly covers. Rising, he gives a small bow to the woman. "So these are the new arrivals then?" He says with a reedy, high pitched voice. "Right, well then, let’s get started." Flipping a large carefully penned book open, he reached for a quill and eyed the assorted villains." The books, as they say are open."
_______________________
From her kneeling position, Ember saw as Tiadora took the recruits, probably to meet Mr. Pilkington.
So, those are my new apprentices eh? Time to measure them up! she thinks reciting a last prayer to the Fallen One.
Getting back on her feet, Ember made sure her clothes were as they should. Clean, richly adorned, surprisingly provoking. Her dress was made of cleverly cloth-strips, tied together. Standing and without moving, it seemed to be a normal dress, however when she moved, little of her body was left to imagination. Rings and jewels were abundant.
A few moments after Tiadora has passed, she goes after them, a smile on her face. Finally it was starting! She was not sure what her dad’s plan was, but she was sure it would be grand! Her dad was clever and powerful, and blessed directly by the Prince of Nessus to make his will pass in this wretched land.
Excited to see finally things moving, after months, if not years of hard training, she reaches Pilkington officer just as he finished saying ”… as they say are open.”
”Tia! You should have told me that they were arriving today!” says Ember, clearly faking being angry with Tiadora, as she turn to the newcomers and says ”Ember is my name. I’ll be responsible for teaching and guiding you in our dark father ways.”
Not knowing where to place Pilkington Arthur is a sceptical of the man, he reminds him of the administrator of Talingarde. His thoughts are interrupted by the new voice. The muscular man turns looking for the source. He seems not noteworthy with his average height and simple demeanour. Looking to Tiadora and back to Ember he tries to asses the dynamic between the two. Finally he asks: "What will you teach me?"
"Silly, I told you! I'll be teaching the Asmodean ways, and I'll be providing spiritual support for you." as she says it, a burst of unholy energy fill the room, healing everyone for hit points.
Lucetta nods in understanding at the cardinal's words, it made sense to lie low for a while, and to be honest she was looking forward to a little rest and recuperation alongside honing her skills to take revenge. Tiadora and the cardinal might also prove treasure troves of information to be learned from.
As she is led through the house to the accountant, she remains silent and watchful, noting the others present and wondering what parts they would each play in the plans to come. Walking in to the office she spots Mr Pilkington and immediately recognizes the gentleman.
It is a pleasure to meet you sir, your skills and knowledge were renowned and with good reason I heard. A shame about that unpleasantness, though between you and me, I believe a king that fails to understand how the wheels turn beneath him is a poor one. Still, the kingdom's loss appears to be our gain, I'm glad to know you will be working behind the scenes, I am yet further reassured of our success in these endeavors
At the mention of the books being opened she thinks for a few moments then clearly states her wishes, dictating like she has been doing it her whole life.
At present I would simply like to request a high-quality dress of recent fashion, replete with the usual jewellery and accessories , a dark cloak with a fur-lined hood, a silver dagger in a belt sheath and lastly, a vial of acid.
Noticing that Ember entered the room as she was speaking to Pilkington, Lucetta turns to meet the newcomer.
Ember can see a half-elven woman standing composed and confident, despite her unfamiliarity with her surroundings. Shadows play across her eyes. She is wearing a simple floor-length black dress whose sleeves cover her hands. Her manner seems genuinely warm and friendly.
A pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Ember
she curtsies gracefully.
As Arthur talks to Ember and she releases her burst of energy, Lucetta quips
My that was certainly stimulating! I look forward to spending some time and seeing more of what this is all about
Iacobus gives a bow before leaving the Cardinal's presence. He could do well to learn from this man.
Iacobus is completely enamored with the feather bed. He had heard such luxuries existed but never been privileged to sleep in one, it almost was worth signing his freedom away, for now. The Cardinal wouldn't live forever... Before falling heading to the oh, so tempting bed, Iacobus requests a pen and paper and starts furiously writing things down. After an hour or so, he folds up the papers and crawls into the feather bed...
Surprised he slept in so late, Iacobus spends some time just laying in bed reflecting over how much his life has changed in the last day... before getting up and having a filling breakfast. He joins the rest in following Tiadora and tries to carefully memorizes the layout of the manor. Lead into the book-lined room he... ... immediately recognizes Pilkington. Just another example of how Mitra's followers punish unnecessarily and too harshly. After Pilkington's invitation Iacobus pulls out last nights papers and, shuffling through them, pulls out one.
"I thought we might be able to secure some items and made up a list just in case, but some of these might be too expensive..." Iacobus states as he starts crossing items off his list. A moment later he hands it over to Pilkington.
Written on the list, in a nearly illegible scratching is:
Formula book: 15
Alchemist’s lab: 75
Investigator’s Kit: 40
Sickle: 6
Back-up Sickle: 6
Sickle made of Cold Iron: 12
Light Crossbow: 30
20 Bolts: 2
Having seemed to ignore her up to this point, the brown-haired man turns to Ember and gives her an appraising glance. He is dressed in an unassuming peseants outfit left over from the prison, and seems quite comfortable in the outfit. He seems rather tall at first glance but on comparison with Arthur he really is only middling height, the illusion being a combination of his near rail-thin build and his somewhat-aggressive, almost cocky, bearing. A moment or two latter he responds to the lady. "Miss Ember, was it? It's nice to meet you... Were you worshiping in the chapel earlier? You'll being in charge of teaching us about our new master? Good, I have been wondering all sorts of things about him, or is it her?"
He starts to pull out another piece of paper, when Ember's wave of unholy energy washes over the room. When it reaches Iacobus, it seems to eddy and flow around Iacobus.
"What was stimulating?" He says in response to Lucetta's exclamation, nearly unaware of the energy.
Surprised and perhaps a little scared by the sudden display of power Arthur takes a small step back, his pupils dilates. "You are powerful," he remarks while thinking: What is this? Magic? I should be careful around her. He gratefully allows the others to capture Ember's attention as they speak.
Realising when his fellow members of the Red Feather Gang gives their orders that "Open books" meant you could ask for supplies he turns to the little man before him and asks: "Perhaps you could help me with a lighter shield... and some good boots to, I think we'll do a lot of walking."
Longsword
Heavy Steel Shield
Chainshirt
Longbow
Arrows 19
"Miss Ember, was it? It's nice to meet you... Were you worshiping in the chapel earlier? You'll being in charge of teaching us about our new master? Good, I have been wondering all sorts of things about him, or is it her?"
”Your new master is the Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, high priest of Asmodeus in this land.” she is sure to remember him ”I’ll be teaching you about our patron and god – mighty Asmodeus, First among the Fallen, Prince of the nine hells, our Father below.” and after that, she is sure to add ”Our Father.”
With Ember's outburst, Iacobus completely forgets his lost of questions about this Asmodeus and rejoins, "Oh, Patron. I have little religious experience and still need to learn the vocabulary... But do show us what we need to know. I have heard so little about... him. And anything you could impart about our master as well would be appreciated.
"Shouldn't I just pray and instead train harder? I mean we are going to bring war to Talingarde. What do I need to learn about a god?" Arthur asks, then corrects himself: "My god."
You have most of the manor house at your disposal and you enjoy the respite that it has given you. You soon find that you are not alone. Besides the seemingly omnipresent Tiadora and slaves, there are four others in the house. A pair of barbaric northerners, Elise and Dostan, and a pair of identical twin bothers, Tallus and Trik. The group goes by "The White Ravens." and seem to have fairly high opinions of themselves.
Elise appears to be in change and is arrogant and haughty to the extreme. Dostan says little and always seems to be sharpening his axe. The twins are much more approachable and Trik can be found praying at the alter of Asmodeus most evenings.
"She could easily pass for a Talingarde noble, that one," Arthur remarks harshly as he hears Elise bark at her subordinates.
"Ah, but those kinds of nobles are the easiest to manipulate and decieve, Arthur. It's the smart and cunning like Lucetta you have to watch, be grateful she's an ally." Iacobus wishpers in Arthur's ear.
Lucetta will greet all the members of the White Ravens with respect and courtesy, completely ignoring any display of aloofness from Elise. She'll gently ask if they are another team being used by the Cardinal, and how long they have been around for, whether they have any advice.
When she has a moment she can talk to the Red Feathers without being easily overheard she'll tell them about Mr Pilkington, and also advise patience whilst they are here at the manor
It seems we must be amongst these others for a time, and it would suit us well to use the time wisely in training ourselves in both skills and socially. What I mean to say is that we might be required to blend in to the Talingarde noble circles or even a high society function. There are plenty of nobles out there even more aloof than Elise of the White Ravens, use the opportunity to get used to such a person so you don't punch their lights out if someone orders you around whilst we're undercover she winks, trying to keep things lighthearted.
Is there anything any of you would like help with?
I am," Arthur replies "But mostly because she does magic. I never knew she was that cunning." He strokes his chin thinking about what Iacobus had said.
Later when Lucetta makes her offer to help Arthur looks a little surprised. "Do you really think we will have to rub shoulders with the nobles, they are bad people. I don't care much for them," he asks.
They seem… boring thinks Ember after her first contact with her new allies. She was not entirely sure of what was being expecting them, or herself for that matter, her Father thought best keep his secrets, and she knew that if he thought this was best, then this certainly was the best option. Not a spark of doubt in her mind about it. So, she went doing what she was told to do, teach about Asmodeus.
”I cannot openly tell you what to do, that is not what papa told me to do. However, I can teach you about several interesting topics. Archery, if you are interested, how to move without attracting attention to yourself, how to know if someone is lying, I can teach your about Talirean history, and last, but not less important, I can teach you about your new patron, the Mighty Asmodeus, Father bellow, Prince of Nessus.”
==/==
Ember had already seem the White Ravens in the manor, for some Reason Elise catch her eyes, but she was not sure if it was in the good way. For most of the time, pay attention to what they do, avoiding any direct contact with the Ravens.
Iacobus spends some time with each of the Ravens. With Elise he mostly just complements her and tries to find out some history of her and the Ravens.
Dostan he just observes from a distance, not entirely certain how to crack that nut...
He spends sometime with the twins, enough to learn their names, their positions, and, hopefully, a way to tell them apart.
But mostly he spends his time shadowing Ember and trying to learn more of their patron. That is when he's not tinkering with his alchemy.
Later few days, you are gathered by a terse Tiadora to begin your training. She leads you to a mirror lined room and the haughty woman gestures you inside. The mirrors have been cleverly set along the walls so that each movement can be captured and seen, there is no hiding in this room. Aside from the floor to ceiling mirrors the only ornaments of the room are a single table and a rack of wooden training weapons. Set atop of the table is large steel reinforced chest and two slave-servants stand mutely at attention next to it.
"Today, the first step of your training begins, " Tiadora states commandingly. "The Cardinal has granted you today and tomorrow to prepare for your testing, but right now is your fitting." Opening up the chest with one manicured hand, the woman reaches inside. One at a time, she pulls out tagged iron circlets. Glancing at the names one each tag, she hands one to each of you. The circlets are cunningly crafted and of exquisitely delicate and fits your head perfectly.
Waving to the circlets that each of you now hold, Tiadora sweeps her hands out to encompass the room. "Today’s training is simple, but important. The circlets you hold in your hands have been individually tuned to each of you. In the months ahead you will be asked to walk among the piously stupid who worship their insipid sun god. For your tasks to be successful, you must be able to pass unseen." Pointing to Lucetta, Tiadora indicates the circlet that the woman holds in her hands. "Place the circlet on your brow and concentrate. In a moment your visage will change. I will warn you that unlike some spells, the image is locked in place. Effectively you will appear as a single person, however simply remove the circlet and your appearance will return its normal self. Chose your new alias carefully, your goal is to bend in. Do not, disappoint me."
A bit sceptic Arthur holds his breath and waits for one of his comrades to try first.
Lucetta thinks for but a brief moment before picking up the circlet and positioning it on her brow in what seems to be a well-practiced manner. With the barest hint of concentration, a heartbeat later she has vanished and in her place stands a maidservant. The servant is slim and short, undernourished with unremarkable features and mud brown hair tied back with a simple-looking wooden clip. Her clothes are simple, a drab dress on top of an off-white shirt, simple jacket and basic shoes. She wears a non-specific noble house's embroidery over her heart, confirming to any casual onlooker that she is a lady's maid of some house or other. The disguise would be suitable for many different occasions, the servant as at home in a noble's estate as they would be in a shop or about town, even relaxing in a town square or inn.
One of the benefits of the lower classes having so few clothes is that they wear the same thing day in and day out thinks Lucetta to herself mirthfully. In addition she would enjoy more respect from other servants, being several rungs up the servant hierarchy, making it easier to infiltrate and order them around if required.
She speaks and gone is the self-confident and assured manner of Lucetta, replaced by a young girl's deferential and quiet voice.
If'n it please milady, can I get ye anything?
she keeps her eyes to the floor and hands clasped in front of her, visibly trembling in faux-fear.
Impressed and scared with what he witnessed Arthur carefully copies Lucetta's moves. Raising the circlet to his forehead he pauses just before it touches his skin, then presses it firmly between his brows. He squishes his eyes shut and while it also only takes a moment, concentration marks his face. In his place stands a man of same height but somewhat slimmer stature, he is dressed in Talingarde livery perhaps a soldier of the watch or a common watchman. "Sorry," he says, "I am not sure, but it was the best I could come up with."
Tiadora watches you with disinterest as you work on developing your alter egos. After awhile, she seems satisfied and makes to leave, but before she does she, she leaves you with a warning. "In two days Cardinal Thorn will put you to the test. If you prove yourselves worthy, you will be trusted with greater things. To fail is to die. Make your final preparation and be ready for when you are called."
When you return to your rooms, you find a silver amulet bearing the Asmodean holy symbol. You know that if you are caught wearing this by anyone outside of the manor, you will be attack on sight. Next to the amulet is a small note that simply says. Remember the price of failure. You can't help but shudder of what torments Asmodeus would bestow on a soul that had displease him.
As promised, two days later you are summoned by the Cardinal:
“Have you enjoyed your gifts? The iron circlets allow you to move amongst your enemies as one of them. 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. You are not the first to have been so test, but perhaps you will be the last.”
He 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.”
Ember follows the party as Tiadora call them, wondering what the woman was planning.
She is delighted when they are taken to the Room of Mirror. Oh, she had fond memories of this place, and things she had done here, where you could see everything, from every angle…
She let the others go first, mostly because she was curious of what would be their reaction. The confident woman, playing the servant, the big and shy brute playing the soldier… It’s almost perfect she thinks, as she strides in the room and take a circlet, positioning on her head, changing her clothes immediately, her usual attire changing to an exquisite gossamer dress. It’s clear however, to anyone that celestial blood runs through her veins, thing that she does nothing to conceal.
”We could play the noble traveling thing, with you ...” she says pointing to Lucetta ”...playing the servant and both boys playing the guards.”
==//==
Ember stays behind the party as the cardinal address them, she already knew price of failure. Not that she had ever failed her father, but she saw countless others being taken to Tiadora Sanctum beneath the manor, and that was certainly a fate she does not wanted to herself, but she was pretty sure that her father would not bring such punishment on her, but best not let that be known to the others, after all, she did not wanted to antagonize any of them.
“It’s almost dusk. You have until dusk tomorrow to bring me my prize. Do not fail me.”
”It will be done father.” she says bowing and accepting of her new orders.
Lead to the mirrored room, Iacobus looks around for a moment or two, this room had always been locked when he had wandered the palace before. After standing around and watching the other fellow red feather members try their circlets on Iacobus picks up his and thinks about if for a moment. He moves to put it on when Ember takes hers and sets the theme. Iacobus then thinks a second longer and puts on his circlet. He starts focusing on his hair which bleaches into a salt and pepper grey and lengthens quite a bit. His face then ages immensely, gaining decades of sun damage and scars. His clothes take on an agglomeration of both Lucetta and Arthur's outfits, keeping the same house embroidery. The figure then thickens slightly, gaining an ex-soldier's physique. The footman then ties back his hair into a queue, and gives a fairly sharp bow. "We may need to obtain a carriage, milady, but I should have it ready to leave as soon as it arrives..." After pulling off his circlet he comments, "I had been thinking of a beggars set up but this should work."
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Listening to the Cardinal's words while fingering his deeply buried amulet... He hoped the only time someone on the outside saw it, he would already be dead.
"Yes, sir." He says in response to the orders.
In Arthur's opinion Pilkington has really out done himself when the bureaucrat presents a finely crafted steel shield with spikes. Lost for words Arthur just examines the wonder. A pair of sturdy leather boots completes the happiness of the fighter. Returning to his room he is slightly less impressed with the holy symbol waiting for him. Well it is my new master, he thinks as he hangs the symbol around his neck letting it slip beneath his shirt.
Master-crafted light steel shield with spikes 169gp
Once summoned Arthur is at the same time scared by the implications and calmed, now the Cardinal and Tiadora has returned to the roles of harsh master and mistress that he always expected. "I will not fail," he states for he believes it is a fact.
Tiadora leads you to a set of stone stairs leading down through an archway and into an unfurnished chamber beyond. "Try not to make too much of a mess when you die." She chuckles, sending shivers up your spine and then leaves you to your fate.
Inscribed upon the archway in the common tongue is: “Deception is a tool. Self-deception is death. Deceive always thy enemy but never thyself.” The room beyond is lit by a small oil lantern hanging from the centre of the chamber and is empty save for the wooden door that stands opposite the entrance.
After some thought and observation of everyone else at the manor, the only thing Lucetta adds to her order with Pilkington is a light crossbow and a variety of ammunition. Whilst she's never been overly fond of using weapons she realises that she needs to be able to contribute more during a fight, and the easiest way for her to do that is with a simple ranged weapon.
Listening to their new master, Lucetta understands the gravity of the situation, and steels herself. A timeframe had been given, a mission set. They had best set to it quickly.
Following Tiadora, Lucetta reads the script on the archway with care, evidently these tests were designed to remind the Feathers of key beliefs. It would be important for them to recognise the lessons being taught in the rooms, and more than likely abide by them.
Studying the room, Lucetta extends her arms and magical senses, attempting to detect anything amiss.
Ember gives a unpluzzed look at Tiadora direction, seeing her act to instill caution into the newcomers
She is a softie she thinks as the woman leaves.
Dad always talk about this, plans inside plans inside plans. He is so amazing; I can barely follow what he is saying. But here, I’m pretty sure that believing we know what we are facing, we’ll bring doom to ourselves.
She walks inside the room, maintaining her noble disguise, but with her prepared weapons, for now, she trusts that there’ll be no enemy here. So she set into searching the place, trying to discover what this deception that the arch-way mentioned is.
Standing under the archway Arthur looks around the empty room. "Well I see nothing here that will kill us," he says but adds: "You can never be to careful," while strapping his new shield on. "Do you think the words mean anything?" he asks.
Lucetta finds no aura's but Ember's careful survey of the room finds that the stone in front of the doorway is designed to drop away and parts of the north and south walls that appear to be more than they seem.
"There's some sort of device in the door." points Ember, "And the north and south walls are more than they seem. Don't be deceived." she says.
Yes Arthur, I think we should pay attention to any inscriptions we see, they are bound to assist us in 'solving' this place.
replies Lucetta.
She nods at Ember's assessment and advice.
Let's see what's hiding here then... she suggests, moving northwards and examining the wall for hidden buttons, pull-out stones and the like.
"Solving?" Arthur wonders to himself, then focussing he walks to Lucetta at the north wall. "What is with this wall?" he asks studying the wall.