The Pathadi Uprising

Game Master Browman

Hold on dara please, there are somethings that needs to be resolved first before we leave. i am trying to proceed with order but it appears it wont be so.

you still haven't answer any of the questions issac? what do the town do with those who are sentenced buy your people's jury? The spells you are referring too is probably Zone of truth? how do you propose to have a member of the clergy roam the villages under turanian occupation? after don't you remember that the turanian is slowly but surely trying to impose it's god upon the pathandi people? so how eventually will you get enough cleric that are not of turanian faith to serve as judge?

ha Joroth, so glad of you to speak up. So we all know your big plan. you have someone to sign a Hell Wrought contract. That is good and all. but do you have any ideas how to find that special someone? Any plans on how to force him to sign, besides saying that he will need your families connections? After all, your noble family like any Noble family in Pathad had bent the knee to Turandia hasn't it in order to survive. And last night you tried but failed to impose a contract on a simple priest, stopped by these very people present here.

and you Elrith? or you Himonim ?

Yes, because men of faith bend to the laws of men. These are the first kind of people driven underground and I'm guessing that the resistance ranks are full of them.

Isaac frowns Zone of truth? That's what you call it here, such an over-simplification for a complex bending of magic and will.

If death is a sentence for a crime that has been committed then I permit that. It's is revenge, slaughter, and rage that I am against. We must be fair and it must be our last resort. There are other means that we are afforded, such as curses, bindings, and more gruesome but less lethal punishments.

While we are at this it would be interesting to hear what your plans are "beast", besides simply murdering anyone who stands in your way. I don't think your in a position to question our methods

Allow me to explain something, we aren't House Korthin yet but we will be for we have an asset that can bring Turandy to its knees. We can without fear of being killed bargain with the nine hells, think what can army do against a creature that is immune to mortal steel? For that is just one quality that defines Devils, Steel falls off their skin like water upon rock, fire does nothing, acid and cold barely have any effect. With an army of those creatures Turandy would be slaughtered, the blood would flow so thick that the ground itself would be stained blood red. All of that would be the blood of Turandy not a single Pathadi would have to die. And don't worry about martying them, for the rulers of Turdany will recognize that against an army of Devils they cannot hope to prevail. Without such a horde of Devils the rebellion would be bloody and Pathad weakened greatly, and a nation such as Turgan would attack us realizing our state of vulerability.

As for my methods remember this phrase that the paladin king of old, the progentitor of the heir's bloodline said as he enslaved my family. "The end justify's the means".

Issac, what i am trying to accomplish with you is rather simple. you have a noble goal: trying to end the occupation with as little bloodshed as possible. your idea of achieving it is rather useless. You see it is Authority that allows a society to function and it is defined by The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience, the right to act in a specified way, delegated from one person or organization to another.

I will illustrate my point: Elrith i hereby nominated you wandering court judge for the the day. I plead guilty to the crime of premeditated murder on two counts. My only defense is thus following: We are at war with Turanian occupying forces. And therefore these murders were committed on military personnel. How will you judge and what is the sentence. Also Mr Judge i would like you to examine acts of bodily harm with the intent to kill done by Isaac here on a wandering Civilian turanian Priest.

My plans and i do have one at the moment are being evaluated because you are all here. my big personal question is should i include you and evaluate or should i stay close to my original plan who has already deviated because i did not intent to travel with the lot of you.

Joroth, that is indeed an interesting bargaining chip, having a devil powered army, and i can recognize the military value of it. I assume that you have means of contacting an Arch-Devil then to make that deal. But the question remains how are you going to find the Heir you are looking for if you don't have any information that can lead you to identify him. Obviously for the moment he wish to remain in hiding as no one has seen or heard of him. The rebellion doesn't know his name or what he looks like, nor the agents of the turandi for that matter. So are you going to ask every citizen is they are him?

oh and isaac, i don't really care about you method personally. I am just trying to make a point with you that is all. And my current goal for the right here right now is as i have said. Will i include you in my plan or not that is all.

Authority is an illusion, it is power that people give away freely and can take back just as easily. The point is not to insert our own figurehead to run a similar campaign of terror but to empower people and take away roadblocks for them to rise up. We let the people know they have power and they will rise. Our enemy is already overstretched and having to deal with the possibility of war from yet another side, they cannot be everywhere at once.

Murders are a petty matter for now. The kind of people I am talking about are the leadership that orders such things. The provisional governship that sucks the wealth from people and leaves them less empowered.

Also, I did no harm, my spells do not cause damage but rather incapacitate. If I had pushed harder he would have fallen unconscious and woken up with a bad headache and nothing more. No more force then was necessary.

Don't mistake my feelings as sympathy for the enemy. I fear for what we will become if we keep going down this path. I have seen what happens when men with no conscious are backed into a corner. Justify it all you like but every time you decide to kill a man for convenience you will loose another part of yourself, and eventually you will look in the mirror and hate what you see. There is no going back, there is no wiping the blood off your hands. You will have to live with what you become and the ugliness of your soul.

Isaac's faced turned profoundly sad, and he turned away to feed his cat, who was currently rubbing against his leg, kneading his ankles so hard it was bleeding. Isaac didn't seem to notice or care.

Who honestly cares how many Turandies die? And I suspect that the Heir must be lurking in the mountains, for the mountains once properly fortified are exceptionally easy to defend. They are the perfect place to gather an army, especially if the heir has managed to cleanout one of the dwarven strongholds infested by orcs. If the heir has done that then the heir's position is almost unassailable.

that is if he has chosen to reveal himself and to gather men to lead in the rebellion. I assure you joroth he has not chosen to do so for i am sure that lots of people would have heard by now.

No I do not mean train an entire army, I mean train the elite core that will serve as it's focus point. For all armies must have reliable elite core to rally behind, if they don't when things get bad they fall with ease. And recruiting an elite core, think knights etc requires that one goes after talent not sheer numbers. That in turn nessicitates observation and then selection, open recruitment won't start until the army's elite core is complete and ready.

Joroth i think you are missing the point i was trying to make. you won't find him, because for the moment I don't want to be found. And I won't sign your contract either as a matter of fact. I have plans to do without your Devil powered armies anyway. An even worse you don't have the power to yourself enforce anything on me either.

Internet not working. Up now

I had been listening and contemplating on the dialogue between the group, carefully noting each argument.

"My views of the current struggle with the temporary rulers of this land? I've seen a few kingdoms in this area and they have fallen due to violence and civil unrest. It is my estimation it will require both to remove the Turandians from their power base, and even then, there will likely be pockets of resistance like us. It is a never ending cycle, one that can be broken only by truly understanding and accepting others natures. Live peacefully, understand why they believe as they do, and co-exist. There will always be disagreements, but bloodshed is not necessary in most cases."

"The value of any additional army is great, but one contorted to the will of devils I wouldn't trust. We elves have a long view of life, but devils are immortal, and their machinations can take centuries to come to fruition; no one would notice until it was too late. I don't that influence would be positive for this plane. If they freely chose to aid us I would agree to that."

"The heir needs to be treated like anyone else, do not let him believe himself to be too great or important as hubris will occur. If he is a true leader he will lead from the front showing the people a good example. If he hides in the rear and gives commands that is telling of a dictator or one who will not risk himself, but will risk his people."

Elven

Your forgetting something elf Devils are not demons, while they are evil Devils are also bound by law. These laws that govern the way Devilkind must fulfill oaths and obligations were put into effect when the hells were first created as a prison and Asmodeus was installed as their overseer. These rules were created by the gods and when Asmodeus became Warden of the Hells before he rebelled he accepted the contract that ultimatedly governs the nine. These rules not even Asmodeus can throw aside, he can work within their confines but be can never cast them down and be done with them. Devils can be bargained with and controlled as a result, if one knows how to do it and as far I know only House Korthin has the power and expertise to do that in Pathad.

And if you are the heir half elf remember something, House Korthin is made up of thirty individuals at this time. All of them are either sorcerers or as I am oracles. We have the power to determine the fate of Pathad and if you are unwilling to accept a contract then House Korthin must assume you as an enemy. And considering what your bloodline has done to mine we won't have any qualms about killing you and all your followers...slowly in hellfire. And besides even if you win against Turandy the causalities will be staggering, what will you do when the Turgan horde decides to invade Pathad and kill you it's ruler?

Elrith listens to the banter in the wagon intently. What a mixed group of people i we have here...Did Tailesin say I?...is he the heir?"you asked why I am here. My parents died in a senseless war that no one remembers. Coming home to see yer parents, and everyone you've known dead, is an experience that no one should have to go through. I heard of rebellion here, I knew bloodshed would begin. I hope really to use Canda blessings to save as many lives as I can here. I happened upon you folks, and decided to see where you lead me."

"Might I suggest we really get moving. We can continue this on the road, in the wagon." Dara said impatiently.

Your forgetting something elf Devils are not demons, while they are evil Devils are also bound by law. These laws that govern the way Devilkind must fulfill oaths and obligations were put into effect when the hells were first created as a prison and Asmodeus was installed as their overseer. These rules were created by the gods and when Asmodeus became Warden of the Hells before he rebelled he accepted the contract that ultimatedly governs the nine. These rules not even Asmodeus can throw aside, he can work within their confines but be can never cast them down and be done with them. Devils can be bargained with and controlled as a result, if one knows how to do it and as far I know only House Korthin has the power and expertise to do that in Pathad.

And if you are the heir half elf remember something, House Korthin is made up of thirty individuals at this time. All of them are either sorcerers or as I am oracles. We have the power to determine the fate of Pathad and if you are unwilling to accept a contract then House Korthin must assume you as an enemy. And considering what your bloodline has done to mine we won't have any qualms about killing you and all your followers...slowly in hellfire. And besides even if you win against Turandy the causalities will be staggering, what will you do when the Turgan horde decides to invade Pathad and kill you it's ruler?

"The unholy will of such creatures would be useful in battle, but I don't see them as a deterrent of war or a perveryor of peace. As short term assistance they would be invaluable, but the long term effects of them here I don't see as beneficial."

"While I agree with the rule of Law, these hellwrought contracts would limit ones free will, prevent them from acting in a certain way even if it was demanded by some circumstance thus depriving them of life or liberty. While it seems a simple thing, the effects are great. Also, I don't agree with willfully damning ones soul, it seems a terribly price to pay for, again, a short term goal."

"Might I suggest we really get moving. We can continue this on the road, in the wagon." Dara said impatiently.

"I would agree dwarf, we have much to do, and can discuss our thoughts along the way. Give us distance between the so-called priest and ourselves."

Elrith listens to the banter in the wagon intently. What a mixed group of people i we have here...Did Tailesin say I?...is he the heir?"you asked why I am here. My parents died in a senseless war that no one remembers. Coming home to see yer parents, and everyone you've known dead, is an experience that no one should have to go through. I heard of rebellion here, I knew bloodshed would begin. I hope really to use Canda blessings to save as many lives as I can here. I happened upon you folks, and decided to see where you lead me."

Elven

To a devil their rules are like gravity, constantly effecting them but circumvented by the clever. Some are incredibly smart, far more so then I. It would be foolish to make bargains and deals with them, it would be like a dog trying to bargain with you.

I agree with moving. We all have our differences, but we do share a similar goal. Get to the resistance. What we do from there is none of each other concerns, none of us have ill intent for the heir...well...

Isaac looked over Joroth with a questioning eye.

So we might as well stick together as we go along. In truth it will be the best way to prove my point and you all as well can try to prove yours. This is not a war of armies but one of ideas and conviction.

To Isaac:
"Authority is based upon respect of ones ability to perform a task. If credibility is breached the next in line is given authority. Credibility is the simplest thing to break, whether done by illicit or legal means. We dedicate ourselves to honoring tradition and experience, and it is quite rare to question the teachings of our elders."

"A peaceful transfer of authority from Turandy to Pathad is most unlikely. Only a major civil uprising could hope to accomplish that over several years. While it is the least bloody course, there will always be bloodshed. The only other option for no bloodshed would be the contracts Joroth speaks of, thus depriving them of free will and they will act in accordance with what was agreed."

To Talisen:
"Does that answer your question clear enough? I seek only equal rights for my people and offer our guidance in the long-term actions of the kingdom."

"Please can we not get along. There will be plenty opportunities for violence as the rebellion grows."

To Tailesin "People are killed in war, all of the time. I know this, but it does not sadden me any less knowing someones father may never see their kids again. "

Looking at Joroth, "Your hatred is consuming you, You should listen to the wise words of Hinomin. The Devils are more than willing to impart power to those who they think will eventually further their goals, none of which are good or to be trusted. While I am sure you and you clan do have the power to kill, probably all of us, I really don't think that servers any useful purpose. While their aid could certain turn the tide of a battle, beware their pacts, they always benefit themselves in some way. I have heard many stories of wizards, who missed the fine print. Tho I do have a question, If your clan has the power to change the fate Pathad, Why has it not done so, since until now, there was no hint of an heir?"

"And yes we probaly should be moving along..." to Dara

Elrith my family can change the fate of Pathad, however just because we can change it does not mean we will be rewarded for our efforts. And the Korthin family could never earn the common Pathadi's trust, as such we must work in concert with another party to achieve our aims. But make no mistake the Korthin family will never be enslaved again. We will achieve victory and we will also ensure by the power of Infernal Oaths that none threaten us. The wise ruler will also recognize that with our ability to use the system of Infernal Oaths that governs the nine we can ensure the obediance of his nobles. Think no traitors from your own ranks, unless those traitors wanted to meet damnation head first.

Joroth, you have never seen my character without his mask. so you can not say what race he is or what he looks like.

Well Joroth you will fail in your quest, for i will not sign a contracted dictated on your terms. But if you want to draft one on my terms... Your house would serve and obey the Crown for all intended purposes and it would get in return only the benefit that the Crown would bestow upon it for as long as the Crown does not relieve you of service. And if you want to assume me as an enemy then please do try your hellfire, i know who you are and you don't. But know this either you serve the Crown as it see fit when it will be restored or The Crown will choose what to do with you. And with a kingdom of Pathadi resorted i doubt even a bunch of arcane caster and oracle of mixed power level can stand to the might of a full Kingdom, its armies, its economy, it secret service, its own spellcasters etc..if it tried to go against it. Your diviners don't appear to be that powerful if they couldn't find me before and you their envoy didn't even knew who I was. Even archmage can exhaust their magical spells and need to sleep. And i sure doubt your house can all upon an Arch-Duke and its armies. For if it could it would have already done so and carved its own territory to rule without fear of retribution.

As for myself, I will be going in that direction he points West with his spear I will follow my path

Oh and i most certainly agree with you archer. We must kick out turanian military, secure our borders and then work on restoring our country with peace for all who will choose to live by its rules.

"What a coincidence, that's the direction of the place I know." Dara remarked at the direction Taliesin pointed.

"Where is this place you know of dwarf?"

"You'll see when we get there, Bowstring. Suffice to say at the moment, it's west." was her response.

"How glib. What about you big man, can you tell us where we're headed? Would you be so kind as to offer a proper name?"

I do not know why or what dara is headed for in the West nor do i know if it is the same path i am going either.

Elven

"Onward into the unknown."

Isaac followed Dara, his cat followed Taliesin.

We should also all be aware that the resistance might not be everything we have all thought it up to be. The old Pathad royalty wasn’t a great group to begin with. Many of them had just as much blood on their hands as the Turandians.

Isaac crawled back into the wagon and began writing his letters, carefully sealing them and sorting them into his satchel. He made a quick muffled prayer and then opened up a small book and began reading, marking some note into the columns as he read.

You forget something Heir, the Korthin family never pledged itself to the nine entirely. We never gave up our souls to certain damnation, the majority of my family does not want to end up in the nine. However if we must do that, if we must condemn ourselves to the nine in order to achieve power we will. For my family would much prefer the chains of the nine to the chains of the paladin king's bloodline. Furthermore the contract is dictated in the following manner. And understand this Heir House Korthin is the one who creates the contract not you, we will never bow to you or your cursed ancestors bloodline.

First House Korthin is made nobility with the all the rights and privelages that accompany the title, second House Korthin will have it's pick of land of upwards to a hundred miles in any area of Pathad it wants, excepting the royal Pathad palace and it's fifty miles environs. Third House Korthin cannot have any taxes imposed upon it unless they are imposed upon the rest of the nobility as well. Forth House Korthin cannot be ordered to summon and bargain with planar being unless it is provided with the requisite materials and bribes needed to both summon and control the planar being in question, also House Korthin must have at least six months warning before a mass summoning of planar beings. Fifth House Korthin in dealing with Law in it's own territory can make use of it's own laws so long as those laws in question deal exclusively with the territory, environs, buildings, citizens, magic, religion and wealth of House Korthin. Sixth House Korthin can choose to ignore without repercussion from the Throne, nobility, priesthood etc Royal edicts which concern religion and magic, it cannot choose to ignore tax edicts unless those tax edicts are applied exclusively to House Korthin as was stated previously. Seventh House Korthin may use it's own courts and laws when dealing with outsiders, who are defined as anyone who does not possess citzenship in the territory of House Korthin if said outsiders have commited a major breaking of the law against House Korthin. Major crimes include murder, grand theft of over a thousand gold coins or more, the disruption of a summoning circle, the spread of a religion that House Korthin has deemed illegial in it's territory, the spread of information by any method or means that defames House Korthin, arson and disruption of House Korthin's tax agents, guardsmen, mages, summoners, oracles, sorcerers, wizards etc. For House Korthin to prosecute said offender the crime must have occured in the territory of House Korthin or against a person of House Korthin. If the offender has fled to another province it is the duty of said province to capture the offender and bring the offender to House Korthin for judgement.

Joroh, what does the Crown gets in return for all these advantages?

The Crown get the support of House Korthin in it's current war, and in any other war it may fight. However the oath itself must be sworn to the current leader of House Korthin, I am simply a messenger. Also consider the varietes of Devils that House Korthin can summon to your cause. Shall I give a list?

Sure you might as well, and who pays the devil's bargain?

Easy enough to pay that bargain, simply legalize the worship of an Arch-Devil and you give that Arch-Devil a massive edge over it's fellow Arch-Devils. For such an offer if it was made to the right Arch-Devil could land you an army of Devils, perhaps even a pitfiend to act as your general.

As for the varieties of Devils that House Korthin can get you these are among the mosat useful. First the Erinyes, a flying female devil that is an expert in the use of airborne archery. Next is the Barbazu or Bearded Devil, the term "shock-troop" fits the Barbazu nicely it can easilly be used to overrun most enemies. Third the Osyluth, this particular devil is normally a torturer and interrogater of the nine however it can easily be used for assassination or for sheer shock value. As the Osyluth is a carcass of bones and blood the sheer horror it's poisions are capable of inflicting will bring most men to their knees. Fourth is the Gelugon or Ice Devil, the Gelugon out of the various devils is perhaps the most devastating in an army engagement. For the Ice Devil is not only capable of teleporting at will like most devils it is also capable of summoning walls of freezing ice at will and can also conjure a massive cone of ice from it's hand, also at will. The other Devil that could be useful to your cause is the Pit Fiend but acquiring such a powerful ally is difficult, for the Pit fiend has only one superior and that is the ruling arch-devil of the Pit Fiend's layer.

Oh Joroth, what powerful allies you have to do your bidding. i see the error of my ways. None can oppose such powers and allies you have. It is true that your house is of utmost power and that none can stand to match it. I see it now. Please bargain in our favor with the Devils. How could we have lived so long without the backing of your house. With all that power you might even rule Side by side with the Crown.

Stop the sarcasm, this is a serious matter. I also must ask you something to you oh "wise and pussiant" king, take your time with this question as it will tell me whether or not you have taken the lessons of history to heart. What has been the downfall of kingdoms and empires, and I will give you a hint it is not an outside force.

Isaac's ears perked up at the question, caught off guard he let his mask slip. A laugh escaped his mouth.

It's the people you step on along the way to power, it's the wreckage you leave in your wake... it's people like I was. People who don't care that the very thing they seek will lead to their self-destruction like an ouroboros. We cause the downfall of kingdoms because you can only push people so far.

That is not quite wrong or right, it is part of the answer but it is not the answer itself.

I had been sitting and listening to the discourse to the point of lowering my bow and stroking my chin with my right hand. When there was a pause in the conversation I interjected.

To Isaac: "You're idea of what is correct obviously differs; there is no one right or wrong. It's all shades of gray and how it's perceived. Isaac I agree that mortals can be pushed to a certain point then will revolt and overthrow that which has put the yoke of servitude upon them; that is their right as free willed beings."

"Joroth, why don't you tell us what this "answer" is? Obviously we're not thinking as you are. Pertaining to the devils described they don't seem trustworthy. A force to be reckoned with and mighty, yes. In the long term one must trust allies in order to have peace or a semblance of it."

"I believe the reason kingdoms fall, in my limited centuries of existence, is in-fighting, petty disputes and attempts at power, conceit, deception, and always wanting more. The lack of empathy for others, selfishness."

The answer is simple, and since the Heir is not forthcoming with the answer I will tell it. The answer is sloth and and stupidity, many problems that arise in an empire can be quelled if they are dealt with before they become problems. The previous king of Pathad made these mistakes, first he appointed generals based on bloodlines not merit. In doing so he handed the once capable Pathad military to idiots and fools who were never sober. His second mistake is that he spent the once legendary Pathad treasury on endless parties, celebrations and tournements. His third and last mistake was believing that Turandy could be reasoned with and so your ancestor is dead Heir. The same mistakes are what will doom you in an alliance with the Hells, so long as you are wary and careful the Devils can be bound and controlled it is when you get over confident and sloppy that things go wrong.

Its of Course the Korthin clan. Oh please Master take me on as your Padawan Learner, please, please!

This ain't the discussion thread.

addressing everyone else:how about you all, if you were offered such a contract would you sign it?