The Raven Calls for the Carrion

Game Master wanderer82

Grey Karlov
Male Human Alchemist (Gloom Chymist)

Few Inner Sea nations host embassies to Nidal or Nidalese ambassadors, but in Caliphas, capital of Ustalav, romance between one such Nidalese ambassador and a scion of the noble Karlov family of the County of Caliphas blossomed, leading to romance. From their union was born a boy, Grey Karlov.

It is from his mother that Grey first learned the principle that power comes at a price. She explained to him that long ago, Nidal was in grave danger. Though many would tell Grey he was a dark god, evil, even, alone amongst the gods did Zon-Kuthon extend to the Nidalese a chance to survive. He could keep them safe, if they swore their loyalty to him, and so their exchanged their freedom for safety.

Unfortunately, childbirth took a considerable toll on the Nidalese ambassador, leaving her with a frail constitution – though she lived long enough to see her son through many of his formative years, long enough for him to mourn and grieve when eventually she passed.

Having always felt that he did not quite fit in with his Ustalavic peers, he had few bright spots remaining to him following his mother's passing. One was Euphemia, a daughter to his father's sister and a ward of his father. They were close as siblings, perhaps even as close as childhood sweethearts – in their innocence, the line between the two was blurry.

Another was his father's twin brother, an Ustalavic Pathfinder of some repute, the young Grey eagerly exchanging letters with his wandering uncle and listening, wide-eyed at the tales that were woven whenever he visited.

Despite this, however, when Grey's mother's successor to the station of Nidalese ambassador arrived in Caliphas, he was quickly taken under the ambassador's wing, and, discovering his knack for alchemy, he quickly learned everything he could of Nidalese alchemy and glooms, magical fields of darkness from the Shadow Plane that could be momentarily animated with the use of strange compounds. It was under the guidance of this alchemist that Grey even began to experiment on himself, successfully altering his own physiology to see, even in complete darkness.

Grey, however, remained unaware of the growing rivalry harbored by the Nidalese ambassador for an up-and-coming advisor to the Prince, who skillfully stymied the ambassador's influence.

An ill wind was blowing the day the Prince's advisor and Euphemia's engagement was announced. Though at first he tried to bottle up his feelings for his cousin, eventually his mentor was able to coax the truth from him, discovering his pupil would make the perfect pawn.

Though when his mentor first broached the topic of love potions, Grey dismissed the suggestion out of hand, as the wedding grew nearer, Grey became more and more distraught as it became increasingly apparent that the marriage would, in fact, go forward without falling through.

It wasn't, however, until the eve of the wedding that, in a fit of desperation and passion, he gave in to the insidious whispers of his mentor and his own worst impulses.

It was at the last moment, at the very brink of consummating a repugnant act which would have tainted him forever, that he came to his senses, repulsed at the man he was becoming and what he now knew himself to be capable of. Though it broke his heart, he fled into the black night, vowing never to return, and to never again abuse his alchemy to such ends.

It was on the road he discovered Professor Petros Lorrimor, robbed by bandits and beaten half to death. Turning his alchemy to nobler pursuits, Grey stabilized the professor and, bringing him to the nearest inn, nursed the man back to health. For a time thereafter, they traveled together, and even when they parted ways, they continued their correspondence as colleagues.

Upon hearing of the passing of one of his few friends in the world, Grey did not hesitate to begin the trek to Ravengro.

Grey
Male human alchemist (gloom chymist) 1
TN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +5; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +3
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex)
hp 10 (1d8+2)
Fort +3, Ref +5, Will -1
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +1 (1d4+1/19-20)
Melee morningstar +1 (1d8+1)
Ranged gloom +4 (1d6+4 cold)
Special Attacks gloom 5/day (1d6+4 cold, DC 14)
Alchemist Extracts Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +5)
1st – adhesive spittle (DC 15), reduce person (DC 15)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 12, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 8, Cha 10
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 14
Feats Brew Potion, Point-Blank Shot, Throw Anything + 1 more
Traits Accelerated Drinker, Chance Savior
Skills Craft (alchemy) +8 (+9 to create alchemical items), Disable Device +6, Heal +3, Knowledge (arcana, nature) +8, Knowledge (nobility) +5, Perception +3, Spellcraft +8, Survival +3, Use Magic Device +3; Armor Check Penalty -1; Racial modifiers +2 Intimidate, Perception, and Stealth whenever benefiting from concealment of full concealment
Languages Common, Shadowtongue, Skald, Varisian + 1 more
SQ alchemy (alchemy crafting +1, identify potions), dimdweller, mutagen (+4/-2, +2 natural armor, 10 minutes)
Gear alchemist's kit, bandoliers (2), daggers (2), formula book (contains all prepared extracts plus crafter's fortune, cure light wounds, polypurpose panacea, and shield), healer's kit, morningstar, studded leather armor, thieves' tools, 22 gp

Accepted Characters
Nasrin Raissi Human Magus (Bladebound Kensai)
Ishara Of Yled Human Witch (Gravewalker)
- 2 -

Martial Applications
Kip84 - Dragomir Novikov - Human Ranger (Divine Tracker)
NotEspi - Sini Kela - Halfling Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade)
Nathan Hartshorn - Barek Noson - Human Fighter (Lore Warden)
JMG021283 - Noom, The Lost - Duergar Brawler
Xunal - Urtnechech - Half-Orc Bloodrager (Aberrant)
Nikolaus de'Shade - Sariana Nightsong - Dhampir Brawler (Wild Child)
- 6 -

Skilled Applications
Rungok - Professor Morian Coil - Elf Investigator (Lamplighter)
Yolollama - Priscilla De LaCrimosa - Skinwalker Investigator (Empiricist)
Chess - Arthorius Ravenholdt - Dhampir Alchemist (Beastmorph, Crypt Breaker)
Bimpnottin Daergal - Vaak - Sylph Alchemist (Chirurgeon)
Belltrap - Grey Karlov - Human Alchemist (Gloom Chymist)
Stalwart - Alana Brienne DeVere - Human Bard (Archaeologist)
- 6 -

Arcane Applications
Whiskey and a Bonesaw - Volos Popescu - Human Spirit Summoner (Life) - NEEDS BACKSTORY
Storyteller Shadow - Genevieve Ree - Human Psion (kineticist)
Profession Smith 6 Ranks - Raggy Mandy - Changeling Witch (Tatterdemalion)
- 3 -

Divine Applications
Madcaster - Marijan Ervin, Human Inquisitor of Groetus
Zolexa13 - Daviana Soldavaso - Dhampir Hunter (Courtly)
- 2 -

Concept Applications
MattZ - Paladin (undead slaying??)
Ashe - Cleric
Rostam - Cleric
Simeon - Investigator
Rudolf Johannson - Human Sorcerer or Oracle
MahorFeus - Mystic Theurge or Evangelist
- 6 -

Dots/Stats
Robert Henry
Dwilhelmi
The Doomkitten
Michael_Hopkins
Xumal
The Pale King
AGamer70
ParanoidOldMan
Solian Rook
KalDragon
PDXCook
LetcherMan69
- 12 -

Ansgar (God-spear) Ercanbald Age 22 Height 5’ 5” Weight 155 lbs
Human Crusader Cleric of Ragathiel (Destruction domain (rage subdomain))
LN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +1
DEFENSE
AC , touch , flat-footed ()
hp  12 (1d8+4)
Fort +3 1/2, Ref +3 1/3, Will +4 1/2
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft. (20ft. In armor)
Melee  Bastard sword +3 (1d10+3 19-20/x2), Light Shield +3 (1d3+3 /x2), dagger +3 (1d4+3 19-20/x2)
Ranged  Sling +2 (1d4+3 /x2) 50 ft, Ammo x 10, Javelin +2 (1d6+3 /x2) 30 ft, Ammo x 5
Spells Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +2)
1st (DC 12)— Bless(CL2), True Strike
0 (DC 11)— Detect Magic, Light
Domain Destruction(Rage)
STATISTICS
Str 17, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 10
Base Atk +3/4; CMB +3; CMD 15
Feats (3) Two-weapon Fighting, Improved Shield Bash, Toughness
Traits (3,1db) Inspired by Greatness(Bless), Indomitable Faith(+1 Will Save), Deft Dodger(+1 Ref), Power Hungry(DB) (-2 Penalty vs Charm and Compulsion if offered wealth or power)
Skills(4+2BQ, ACP -2 Shield, -4 armor) K(Religion) +5, Sense Motive +5, Spellcraft +5, Knowledge(Planes)+6, Lore (Ragathiel) +5, Knowledge(History) +5
Languages(2) Common, Celestial
Gear [44 gp, 0 sp] Bastard Sword(6 lbs), Sling Bullets x 10 (5 lbs), Javelin x 5 (10 lbs), Light Steel Quickdraw Shield (7 lbs), Scale Mail (30 lbs), Dagger (1 lb), backpack(2 lbs), bedroll (5 lbs), a belt pouch(1/2 lb), candles x10, a cheap holy text(5gp 3 lbs), a flint and steel, an iron pot, a mess kit(1 lb), rope (10 lbs), soap, a spell component pouch (2 lbs), torches x 10 (10lbs), trail rations x 5 (2.5 lbs), a waterskin(4 lbs), and a silver holy symbol
Encumbrance Light < 86, Medium <173, Heavy < 260, Total Carried = 99 lbs
Favored Class Bonus(taken 1) - + 1/2 uses of 1st level domain power(destructive smite) [Dwarf Racial Favoured Class bonus]
SQ Destructive Smite

Destructive Smite (Su): You gain the destructive smite power: the supernatural ability to make a single melee attack with a morale bonus on damage rolls equal to 1/2 your cleric level (minimum 1). You must declare the destructive smite before making the attack. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.

A small town about a week from Magnimar, ten years ago

“Ansgar, your probably no better than your father” a voice shouted from behind him.
I’m almost out, I’m almost out Ansgar thought as he approached the end of the alley way, fleeing those chasing him with the intent of punishing him for his fathers crimes. It was then that he slipped and fell, hearing the rapid approach of those chasing him. Splayed out on the ground he scrambled to his feet in time to feel something, fist or piece of wood perhaps, connect with the side of his head.

Pain flashing and his mind going blank, a vision of flame with behind a sword crossed over a wing was emblazoned on his mind. Fight, Stand, Avenge something screamed as he fell into unconsciousness.

Upon awaking, Ansgar noticed he was on a bed, head bandaged, someone sitting beside him.

“Ahh, you are finally awake then good. Come eat and then we will see about getting you on your way” said the someone as they helped him to the table.

Getting up Ansgar and moving to the table, Ansgar had a few questions, “Who are you and why have you helped me, sir?”, for it was obviously a man helping him.

”I am known by most as Professor Lorrimor, and I feel that will do well enough for you as well. I am helping you because I do not believe that sons must atone for the sins of your fathers as the people beating you when I found you do.” Sighing, Lorrimor continued ”lets get you fed than and on your way home”

Beginning to eat and starting to feel better, Ansgar decides to inform Lorrimor of his familial status. ”With the death of my father, my mother has been driven out of town as well, leaving me to fend for myself, I’ve no where left to go”

”Then I shall take you to Magnimar and leave you with a the followers of Ragathiel I know there. Given your recent mutterings, he seems to have taken a hold on your conscience”

Over the next week, Ansgar travelled with Lorrimor until they reached Magnimar. Watching the man work Ansgar could not believe the dedication with which he did things, and aspired to be emulate this drive in everything he did. Upon reaching Magnimar Lorrimor and Ansgar parted ways, with no news of Lorrimor reaching Ansgar until hearing about his death.

Worldview

While the week spent with Lorrimor on the journey to Magnimar was inspiring, the life before and after was not. Ansgar spent two years with the Cult of Ragathiel in Magnimar, learning what he could of Ragathiel’s tenets, history, and the planes upon which he fought, trying to better understand the being he sought to worship. Over this period he began to train in arms and armor as well, eventually learning to fight well enough to hold his own as well as be able to cast minor magics.

Upon leaving Magnimar, Ansgar set out to good in the world, but found that in combat his anger rose and concentrated into a point, unable to let him concentrate on other things. He began to pray when he found himself in fights, speaking to himself in celestial as a calming mechanism, and hoping Ragathiel would hear and answer him. These prayers may have brought him victory, but they did nothing to stem the bloodlust that led him to fight far more brutally than needed to win.

Between the teachings of the Cult of Ragathiel and his experiences afterwards, Ansgar created for himself a code to follow, for though he tried to do good, his drive to prove himself as an equal to others tainted it in many ways. Ansgar’s code is as follows,

1. A life for a life. One death does not justify a hundred acts of Vengeance. The path of the sword is one of balance, and every act of Vengeance may beget another. In service to Ragathiel I seek to balance the scales, not fill them to overflowing.

2. Torture is not Vengeance. There is more than enough suffering in the world. I shall not add to it in Ragathiel’s name. A clean death can be an act of just Vengeance, but a torturous one is almost always an act of evil.

3. No Vengeance for myself. I may never entreat myself for Vengeance. I take Vengeance for others, at their request, and only if they are worthy and willing to follow the rules set out for them.

Rule of Vengeance 1 - No Vengeance but Ragathiel's. Once I, in the name of Ragathiel, have agreed to take vengeance for someone, the matter is finished. The wronged party must move on with their life as soon as I agree to enact the Vengeance. They are not to witness the deed itself. They are not to seek further Vengeance against the friends or family of the target. To do so is to cause Ragathiel’s Vengeance to be enacted upon themselves so as to balance the scales.

Rule of Vengeance 2 - The Silence of the Grave. The matter is never to be spoken of again. You are never to speak of the Vengeance you request with anyone. Ever. You may only make a silent sacrifice to Ragathiel one a year in remembrance. Otherwise you are to act as if your loved one died a natural death. Mourn them, but do so with no anger.

4. I shall not suffer a Fiends to Live. Fiends, of all types, are Anathema. All fiends are assumed to be worthy of Vengeance. I am called to destroy fiend-kind wherever I find them, or spend my life attempting to do as much damage as possible. This is not a requirement that I throw my life away. It will likely be that a I may do the most damage by raising an army, or training to become powerful enough to slay the beast.

5. It is my duty, as an honorable and chivalrous follower of Ragathiel, to protect those close to me as if they were my kin. My allies depend on me a I shall not falter in their times of need.

Because of his code, Ansgar lives a less pragmatic life than his instinctual desires would lead him to. However, following the path of Ragathiel gives him free reign to grow more powerful to the point that others will have to accept him for who he is, and not for the crimes of his father.

Grey Karlov
Male Human Alchemist (Gloom Chymist)

Few Inner Sea nations host embassies to Nidal or Nidalese ambassadors, but in Caliphas, capital of Ustalav, romance between one such Nidalese ambassador and a scion of the noble Karlov family of the County of Caliphas blossomed, leading to romance. From their union was born a boy, Grey Karlov.

It is from his mother that Grey first learned the principle that power comes at a price. She explained to him that long ago, Nidal was in grave danger. Though many would tell Grey he was a dark god, evil, even, alone amongst the gods did Zon-Kuthon extend to the Nidalese a chance to survive. He could keep them safe, if they swore their loyalty to him, and so their exchanged their freedom for safety.

Unfortunately, childbirth took a considerable toll on the Nidalese ambassador, leaving her with a frail constitution – though she lived long enough to see her son through many of his formative years, long enough for him to mourn and grieve when eventually she passed.

Having always felt that he did not quite fit in with his Ustalavic peers, he had few bright spots remaining to him following his mother's passing. One was Euphemia, a daughter to his father's sister and a ward of his father. They were close as siblings, perhaps even as close as childhood sweethearts – in their innocence, the line between the two was blurry.

Another was his father's twin brother, an Ustalavic Pathfinder of some repute, the young Grey eagerly exchanging letters with his wandering uncle and listening, wide-eyed at the tales that were woven whenever he visited.

Despite this, however, when Grey's mother's successor to the station of Nidalese ambassador arrived in Caliphas, he was quickly taken under the ambassador's wing, and, discovering his knack for alchemy, he quickly learned everything he could of Nidalese alchemy and glooms, magical fields of darkness from the Shadow Plane
that could be momentarily animated with the use of strange compounds. It was under the guidance of this alchemist that Grey even began to experiment on himself, successfully altering his own physiology to see, even in complete darkness.

Grey, however, remained unaware of the growing rivalry harbored by the Nidalese ambassador for an up-and-coming advisor to the Prince, who skillfully stymied the ambassador's influence.

An ill wind was blowing the day the Prince's advisor and Euphemia's engagement was announced. Though at first he tried to bottle up his feelings for his cousin, eventually his mentor was able to coax the truth from him, discovering his pupil would make the perfect pawn.

Though when his mentor first broached the topic of love potions, Grey dismissed the suggestion out of hand, as the wedding grew nearer, Grey became more and more distraught as it became increasingly apparent that the marriage would, in fact, go forward without falling through.

It wasn't, however, until the eve of the wedding that, in a fit of desperation and passion, he gave in to the insidious whispers of his mentor and his own worst impulses.

It was at the last moment, at the very brink of consummating a repugnant act which would have tainted him forever, that he came to his senses, repulsed at the man he was becoming and what he now knew himself to be capable of. Though it broke his heart, he fled into the black night, vowing never to return, and to never again abuse his alchemy to such ends.

It was on the road he discovered Professor Petros Lorrimor, robbed by bandits and beaten half to death. Turning his alchemy to nobler pursuits, Grey stabilized the professor and, bringing him to the nearest inn, nursed the man back to health. For a time thereafter, they traveled together, and even when they parted ways, they continued their correspondence as colleagues.

Upon hearing of the passing of one of his few friends in the world, Grey did not hesitate to begin the trek to Ravengro.

Grey Karlov
Male human alchemist (gloom chymist) 1
TN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +5; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +3
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex)
hp 10 (1d8+2)
Fort +3, Ref +5, Will -1
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +1 (1d4+1/19-20)
Melee morningstar +1 (1d8+1)
Ranged gloom +5 (1d6+4 cold)
Special Attacks gloom 5/day (1d6+4 cold, DC 14)
Alchemist Extracts Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +5)
1st – adhesive spittle (DC 15), reduce person (DC 15)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 12, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 8, Cha 10
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 14
Feats Brew Potion, Point-Blank Shot, Throw Anything, Weapon Focus (gloom)
Traits Accelerated Drinker, Chance Savior
Skills Craft (alchemy) +8 (+9 to create alchemical items), Disable Device +6, Heal +3, Knowledge (arcana, nature) +8, Knowledge (nobility) +5, Perception +3, Spellcraft +8, Survival +3, Use Magic Device +3; Armor Check Penalty -1; Racial modifiers +2 Intimidate, Perception, and Stealth whenever benefiting from concealment of full concealment
Languages Common, Osiriani, Shadowtongue, Skald, Varisian
SQ alchemy (alchemy crafting +1, identify potions), dimdweller, mutagen (+4/-2, +2 natural armor, 10 minutes)
Gear alchemist's kit, bandoliers (2), daggers (2), formula book (contains all prepared extracts plus crafter's fortune, cure light wounds, polypurpose panacea, and shield), healer's kit, morningstar, studded leather armor, thieves' tools, 22 gp

Ansgar (God-spear) Ercanbald Age 22 Height 5’ 5” Weight 155 lbs
Human Crusader Cleric of Ragathiel (Destruction domain (rage subdomain))
LN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +1
DEFENSE
AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16 (+1 shield, +5 armor, +2 dex)
hp 12 (1d8+4)
Fort +3 1/2, Ref +3 1/3, Will +4 1/2
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft. (20ft. In armor)
Melee Bastard sword +3 (1d10+3 19-20/x2), Light Shield +3 (1d3+3 /x2), dagger +3 (1d4+3 19-20/x2)
Ranged Sling +2 (1d4+3 /x2) 50 ft, Ammo x 10, Javelin +2 (1d6+3 /x2) 30 ft, Ammo x 5
Spells Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +2)
1st (DC 12)— Bless(CL2), True Strike
0 (DC 11)— Detect Magic, Light
Domain Destruction(Rage)
STATISTICS
Str 17, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 10
Base Atk +3/4; CMB +3; CMD 15
Feats (3) Two-weapon Fighting, Improved Shield Bash, Toughness
Traits (3,1db) Inspired by Greatness(Bless), Indomitable Faith(+1 Will Save), Deft Dodger(+1 Ref), Power Hungry(DB) (-2 Penalty vs Charm and Compulsion if offered wealth or power)
Skills(4+2BQ, ACP -2 Shield, -4 armor) K(Religion) +5, Sense Motive +5, Spellcraft +5, Knowledge(Planes)+6, Lore (Ragathiel) +5, Knowledge(History) +5
Languages(2) Common, Celestial
Gear [44 gp, 0 sp] Bastard Sword(6 lbs), Sling Bullets x 10 (5 lbs), Javelin x 5 (10 lbs), Light Steel Quickdraw Shield (7 lbs), Scale Mail (30 lbs), Dagger (1 lb), backpack(2 lbs), bedroll (5 lbs), a belt pouch(1/2 lb), candles x10, a cheap holy text(5gp 3 lbs), a flint and steel, an iron pot, a mess kit(1 lb), rope (10 lbs), soap, a spell component pouch (2 lbs), torches x 10 (10lbs), trail rations x 5 (2.5 lbs), a waterskin(4 lbs), and a silver holy symbol
Encumbrance Light < 86, Medium <173, Heavy < 260, Total Carried = 99 lbs
Favored Class Bonus(taken 1) - + 1/2 uses of 1st level domain power(destructive smite) [Dwarf Racial Favoured Class bonus]

SQ Destructive Smite
Destructive Smite (Su): You gain the destructive smite power: the supernatural ability to make a single melee attack with a morale bonus on damage rolls equal to 1/2 your cleric level (minimum 1). You must declare the destructive smite before making the attack. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.

A small town about a week from Magnimar, ten years ago

“Ansgar, your probably no better than your father” a voice shouted from behind him.
I’m almost out, I’m almost out Ansgar thought as he approached the end of the alley way, fleeing those chasing him with the intent of punishing him for his fathers crimes. It was then that he slipped and fell, hearing the rapid approach of those chasing him. Splayed out on the ground he scrambled to his feet in time to feel something, fist or piece of wood perhaps, connect with the side of his head.

Pain flashing and his mind going blank, a vision of flame with behind a sword crossed over a wing was emblazoned on his mind. Fight, Stand, Avenge something screamed as he fell into unconsciousness.

Upon awaking, Ansgar noticed he was on a bed, head bandaged, someone sitting beside him.

“Ahh, you are finally awake then good. Come eat and then we will see about getting you on your way” said the someone as they helped him to the table.

Getting up Ansgar and moving to the table, Ansgar had a few questions, “Who are you and why have you helped me, sir?”, for it was obviously a man helping him.

”I am known by most as Professor Lorrimor, and I feel that will do well enough for you as well. I am helping you because I do not believe that sons must atone for the sins of your fathers as the people beating you when I found you do.” Sighing, Lorrimor continued ”lets get you fed than and on your way home”

Beginning to eat and starting to feel better, Ansgar decides to inform Lorrimor of his familial status. ”With the death of my father, my mother has been driven out of town as well, leaving me to fend for myself, I’ve no where left to go”

”Then I shall take you to Magnimar and leave you with a the followers of Ragathiel I know there. Given your recent mutterings, he seems to have taken a hold on your conscience”

Over the next week, Ansgar travelled with Lorrimor until they reached Magnimar. Watching the man work Ansgar could not believe the dedication with which he did things, and aspired to be emulate this drive in everything he did. Upon reaching Magnimar Lorrimor and Ansgar parted ways, with no news of Lorrimor reaching Ansgar until hearing about his death.

Worldview

While the week spent with Lorrimor on the journey to Magnimar was inspiring, the life before and after was not. Ansgar spent two years with the Cult of Ragathiel in Magnimar, learning what he could of Ragathiel’s tenets, history, and the planes upon which he fought, trying to better understand the being he sought to worship. Over this period he began to train in arms and armor as well, eventually learning to fight well enough to hold his own as well as be able to cast minor magics.

Upon leaving Magnimar, Ansgar set out to good in the world, but found that in combat his anger rose and concentrated into a point, unable to let him concentrate on other things. He began to pray when he found himself in fights, speaking to himself in celestial as a calming mechanism, and hoping Ragathiel would hear and answer him. These prayers may have brought him victory, but they did nothing to stem the bloodlust that led him to fight far more brutally than needed to win.

Between the teachings of the Cult of Ragathiel and his experiences afterwards, Ansgar created for himself a code to follow, for though he tried to do good, his drive to prove himself as an equal to others tainted it in many ways. Ansgar’s code is as follows,

1. A life for a life. One death does not justify a hundred acts of Vengeance. The path of the sword is one of balance, and every act of Vengeance may beget another. In service to Ragathiel I seek to balance the scales, not fill them to overflowing.

2. Torture is not Vengeance. There is more than enough suffering in the world. I shall not add to it in Ragathiel’s name. A clean death can be an act of just Vengeance, but a torturous one is almost always an act of evil.

3. No Vengeance for myself. I may never entreat myself for Vengeance. I take Vengeance for others, at their request, and only if they are worthy and willing to follow the rules set out for them.

Rule of Vengeance 1 - No Vengeance but Ragathiel's. Once I, in the name of Ragathiel, have agreed to take vengeance for someone, the matter is finished. The wronged party must move on with their life as soon as I agree to enact the Vengeance. They are not to witness the deed itself. They are not to seek further Vengeance against the friends or family of the target. To do so is to cause Ragathiel’s Vengeance to be enacted upon themselves so as to balance the scales.

Rule of Vengeance 2 - The Silence of the Grave. The matter is never to be spoken of again. You are never to speak of the Vengeance you request with anyone. Ever. You may only make a silent sacrifice to Ragathiel one a year in remembrance. Otherwise you are to act as if your loved one died a natural death. Mourn them, but do so with no anger.

4. I shall not suffer a Fiends to Live. Fiends, of all types, are Anathema. All fiends are assumed to be worthy of Vengeance. I am called to destroy fiend-kind wherever I find them, or spend my life attempting to do as much damage as possible. This is not a requirement that I throw my life away. It will likely be that a I may do the most damage by raising an army, or training to become powerful enough to slay the beast.

5. It is my duty, as an honorable and chivalrous follower of Ragathiel, to protect those close to me as if they were my kin. My allies depend on me a I shall not falter in their times of need.

Because of his code, Ansgar lives a less pragmatic life than his instinctual desires would lead him to. However, following the path of Ragathiel gives him free reign to grow more powerful to the point that others will have to accept him for who he is, and not for the crimes of his father.