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Only problem with that is that it keeps it live for everyone else, it would go inactive in another 2 months if nobody had posted.
If people want to remove this from their Campaign tab, go to the main Messageboard at the top of the page, select the Focus option, to the top right. Then find this, or any, campaign, and click on the "∅" on the far right to hide it. The result will be that it will be hidden from your main campaigns, and from your message boards.
To reactivate the campaign, should you want to, do the same in reverse - click the "Show ∅" and then un-hide the campaign. You can also just click on the "Show ∅" in the Messageboard list to see all hidden campaigns, should you want to.
As some of you sign the contract with your own blood Cardinal thorn takes note of Yzera's issue. "A small alteration. Yes I think that will be acceptable. The terms of the contract are no less severe." He alters the contract and hands it back to her to sign it.
Once he has received the contracts from those that would sign he looks at the few left. "We thank you for what you have done Cardinal but we do not wish to be bound and wish to go our separate ways."
The cardinal smiles and nods. "I am afraid you are no longer welcome here." He looks to Tiadora. "Please sees these people out my dear."
Tiadora smiles wickedly and turns towards those that didn't sign. She starts casting a spell with singing and they stand transfixed facing here. "I must transport you one at a time. Wait for my return." Dark tentacles appear to come from her sides and abdomen encircling and pulling one of her targets intimately close. Though they notice the tentacles they don't seem too bothered by the strange embrace. As she wraps her arms around them and closes here eyes the two wink out of existence.
The others stand there still stupefied. Seconds later Tiadora returns on her own. The colour of blood staining parts of her dress and hands. She repeats the process, each time coming back, a little more blood on her. Finally she reappears after the final time. "Go get cleaned up dear." The cardinal says to her. She nods and leaves the room.
He turns back to you that remain. "Well done. Your first command: prepare yourselves. Stay within the manor. You are still hunted by the Talirean soldiery. In three days we begin your training.”
The next three days pass uneventfully, Tiadora tends to any purchasing requests as she is the only other one that can leave and return safely. On the third day she also hands you an extra gift, "From the master." It is a magical Iron Circlet that function exactly like a hat of disguise. You also receive a medalion holy symbol of Asmodeus.
You are free to explore other parts of the manor but are not permitted outside. Going beyond your wing you find there is another group of individuals besides grumblejack(who was not included in the same contract at thetime you were).
Elise Zadaria
– As beautiful as she is deadly, Elise is nominally the leader of a group of adventurers from the mainland who were recruited to help with the destruction of Talingarde. Calling themselves “The White Ravens” (named after Zadaria’s familiar – a rare albino raven), they hail from the land of the north men. They were recruited by Thorn after successfully raiding a paladin’s tomb. Zadaria is not a worshipper of Asmodeus instead serving a mysterious entity she calls “The Endless Winter”. She is only too pleased to do her part in bringing down the followers of the sun god.
Dostan Alfson
– Fanatically dedicated to Elise for reasons he will not talk about, this brooding hulk is rarely far from his great sword. Dostan rarely has much to say and prefers to let others do the talking. However, if you can get him drinking (and he does love his mead), he is likely to open up at last. Either that or start an epic bar brawl.
Tallus “Trak” Rackburn
– Trak is the slightly older (by a minute) and taller of the two identical twins who serve in “The White Ravens”. His favorite prey is humans and he is a hunter of men both by profession and inclination. He served as a bounty hunter for a while before falling into the service of Zadaria. Enthralled by Elise, there is no doubt that his interest in her is far from professional. Only his loyalty to his brother, Trik, rivals his dedication to the witch.
Titus “Trik” Rackburn
– Trik is the younger twin and so friendly and approachable that he seems completely out of place in this wicked band. This is a false front. Titus is a psychopath, murder and cultist of Asmodeus to the core. Before joining the Ravens, he was a serial killer in a major city in the north. He would lure victims to his home, poison their wine and then sacrifice them to Asmodeus on his hidden altar. His only regret about joining “The White Ravens” is that he hasn’t gotten to perform a human sacrifice in some time. Trak knows about Trik’s “little problem” and quietly condones it while urging caution.
They are here for almost the exact same reason – to be recruited into the Knot of Thorns. They have all accepted Thorn’s offer and signed their own version of the Pact of Thorns. They have not escaped from prison and are unbranded. Instead they were smuggled into Talingarde via a merchant vessel that arrived in Varyston just a few days ago.“The White Ravens” have also received holy symbols and iron circlets.
Carnadine wears a predatory smile at Tiadora's generous transportation.
After cleaning the prison from his body, he explores the manor. At times when the former prisoners are gathered, Carnadine casually offers to exercise with Rosemary and thank her for carrying his greatsword.
He demonstrates his affable nature circulating and chatting among his fellow escapees as well as with the other group.
Carnadine makes sure to avoid the appearance of attraction with Elise: real or imaginary. No sense getting into the hearts of the White Ravens. On the second night, Carnadine drinks with them. He uses the mead to get to know the big northman Dostan, as well as the twins. The next day, Carnadine spars with Dostan matching greatswords.
After the cleaning of ranks, Rosemary stood from the couch and curtsied to the cardinal.
Taking up Carnadine's offer to exercise she spars with him in a lovely courtyard. She fights with a longsword and a strength her compact frame would belie. Matching the Dhampir's greatsword blows with strong strikes of her own.
With a smirk and knowing look, Carnadine seductively implies to Rosemary that sparring wasn't the only exercise that would be enjoyable.
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On the first night after arriving at the manor, Yzera is returning to her room from dinner with her companions, when she is stopped by a servant with a note. Reading the note, she sees that it is from Tiadora, and requests that Yzera immediately come to Tiadora's chambers for some special instruction. Unsure what to expect, but knowing what appeared to have happened to her former companions who decided to not agree with the Cardinal's plan of action, Yzera proceeded to the strange woman?s rooms.
When she knocks, the door is opened by a terrified looking servant, terrified even though a deep enchantment of some sort is apparent in his eyes. The servant leads Yzera into a room empty except for a single chair, which Yzera was instructed to sit in. The servant then left and Yzera waited . . . and waited . . . and waited for what seemed an eternity. Finally, becoming more and more worried, she somehow nodded off and fell asleep.
When she awoke, the first thing that she felt was pain. Immense pain, as though a part of her soul had been physically ripped from her body. When her voice became hoarse from the screaming, the single door opened and Tiadora walked in.
Good morning my dear. I see that you survived. Many don't. I am glad you did because the Cardinal would have most displeased if you had not survived.
Still reeling from the pain, Yzera's mind began to analyze the situation wondering what Tiadora was speaking about.
Survived? What happened? What did you do? This last statement said more as an accusation than a question.
Tiadora, still smiling, then laughed. A frightening laugh which would cause fear in even the most hardened of veterans.
What did I do? Why, I freed you. You no longer must follow the tenants of that foolish Mantis God you seemed so devoted to. I gave you the ability to follow the First.
Yzera, now almost in a panic, tried to reach out to Achaekek, but could not sense him at all. She could not sense any of the divine link which had given her comfort and guided her ways for so long.
Glaring at Tiadora, Yzera screamed:
You b###h. You can't . . . why . . . how am I to survive in Talingarde with no powers? What am I to do? The Contract requires service. With no powers, how am I to fulfill the Contract?
Tiadora once more laughed for a moment, a cold heartless laugh.
You have new powers.
With that, Tiadora walked over and handed Yzera a thick leather bound book.
Take care of that and learn fast, I do plan on replacing it, and if you are not prepared, you will find the training quite . . . deadly.
Tiadora then turned around and walked, flowed would be a better term, to the door before turning around again.
Be a good girl and leave my chambers now.
With that, Tiadora snapped her fingers and Yzera suddenly found herself seated, with no chair, in the hall outside of Tiadora's rooms. After an unladylike fall to the ground, due to the lack of a chair, Yzera made to rise. In doing so, she found that she was much weaker than before. Where before her form was as well muscled as most men, now, she was thinner and more agile. Where before her face was hardened, it was now cleaner and one might say almost attractive. However, it was an attractive that was clearly designed by Tiadora, for it was to attractive of a cold hardened woman. One who men were attracted to, but who would toss the men aside without a care.
Carrying her new book and wearing her now ill-fitting garments, Yzera made her way unsteadily back to her room where she stood in front of a mirror and looked with horror at the changes that had been wrought by Tiadora. She knew that her companions would see the difference, but also knew that if she were not ready for the training, she would not have many more days. Thus, she sat down on her bed and opened the book.
The book was clearly magical. Yzera could not understand why she had been given the book, but then recalled a spell granted by the Mantis God which allowed her to read magic. Despite no longer feeling the connection with her God, Yzera attempted the spell. While the source of the magic felt quite different, as though being drawn from her, rather than a divine source, the spell worked, and she was able to read the text.
For the past two days, Yzera has avoided all contact with her companions and with others in the house. Instead, she has concentrated on the book. Learning how to read, and even memorize some of the spells contained therein.
Now, it is the morning of the third day. What lies ahead she does not know. Thus, she carefully dons her armor and sheathes her sawtooth saber, before heading out to see if her companions are ready for the test.
Shaking his head at those who had escaped and refused to sign the contract, Kelvar felt no pity for them as they were taken away by Tiadora to meet a blood-soaked fate. They were fools who had not understood the true power of Asmodeus.
Leaving the gathering that night, Kelvar made a list of equipment he would need and handed it to Tiadora the next day. He then, cautiously, got to know these others whom the Cardinal had recruited. While they had all signed the contract, Kelvar knew that, even in the ordered ranks of the Nine Hells, those who were supposedly allies plotted against each other, and he had no intention of failing to serve Asmodeus a second time due to the actions of others.
After three days, Kelvar donned his new breastplate, took up his axe and shield, and, wearing the Iron Circlet and the holy symbol prominently displayed, and headed to meet the Cardinal for training.
"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."
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." Cardinal Thorn takes a seat at his desk.
Tiadora arrives right on cue. "This way," is all she says. She leads you to a set of stairs. "Below you will find the Nine Lessons." She leaves without any further explanation. Attempts to question either the Cardinal or Tiadora any further are met with frowns.
Offering a short bow to the Cardinal, Kelvar descends the stairs behind Carnadine. As they approach the first chamber he looks about, attempting to locate whatever threats lie within.
Carnadine looks around the room and says, "dezvălui" while waving his hand in front of his face which causes his eyes glow blue. When he confirms it's relatively safe, he saunters into the room and draws his greatsword.
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Yzera stares at Tiadora's back as she departs, clear hatred showing in the sawtooth saber wielding woman's eyes.
Someday my blades shall drink her blood.
She then turns to her companions, who do not appear to have noticed the changes that the Cardinal's ice queen wrought.
So, nine tests. Each harder than the previous.
With that, she steps to the bottom of the stairs and carefully surveys the room. If she notices nothing, she will carefully proceed into the room, and move around to the north, checking the floor and walls for anything that might be concealed.
Perception:
After an enjoyable night with Carnadine, Rose joins the others in meeting the Cardinal. Now adorned in proper gear, she chuckles at at Yzera's comment. "Perhaps one day we'll share that drink."
Carnadine's spell finds only the magical items that he and his companions are wearing, nothing else in the room is detected as magical.
Yzera and Kelvar don't find anything yet in their search of the room, however Carnadine notices slight change in colour in the middle of the south wall near him.
"Anyone else see that slight change in colour in the middle of the south wall here?" Carnadine points out studying it more closely.
"I had not. Your eyes may be sharper than mine, Carnadine."
Kelvar continues to examine the rest of the room, in case there were other hidden surprises waiting.
Yzera and Carnadine inspect the discolouration in the wall. Together they find what looks to be a hidden door handle.
Kelvar continues around the room and luckily notices a tiny gap between certain sections of the floor in front of the door. He taps on one with the hilt of his axe and steps back. A 10 ft. section of the floor crumbles away, falling into a spike filled pit.
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Yzera looks over her shoulder as the pit collapses in.
Well, that is easier than remembering that it is there I suppose. I think this door would be of more interest though.
She points at the lines indicating what appears to be a portal.
When the others are ready, she will open it and carefully more forward to see what else the test holds.
Examining the pit, Kelvar says, "This training area will likel contain as many pitfalls and secrets as the Nine Hells themselves. We cannot allow complacency, else we shall fail in our endeavors."
Bracing himself, Kelvar waits for Yzera to open the door and prepares to face the challenges of the next room.
Carnadine smiles at his success and waits for Yzera to continue.
When you open the door you see ahead of you a hallway. Roughly 20ft. long and ending with a pair of closed doors. Above the door another message is inscribed.
Following the herd is for fools. Fear not their icy derision. Instead, fear only thy Infernal Lord.
The second lesson. Upon opening the door you find another room similarly shaped to the last, except this one is lit by a single frost covered oil lamp that is not shining as bright as it could be. Indeed the room is unnaturally chilly and your breath is visible.
The dirty and dusty ground reveals at least a dozen sets of footprints that lead to the southern and eastern door.
The western door is covered in a strange mold.
This mold feeds on warmth and is the source of the strange temperature drop. If any living creature moves within five feet of the western door it takes 3d6 nonlethal cold damage. Fire brought within 5 feet of the mold causes it to instantly double in size, growing out into the room, expanding its zone of effect. Cold damage of any sort will destroy it.
Carnadine has no idea what is going on in this room, so he calls out to see if any rats are nearby. He whistles and chirps attempting to summon some aid.
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Ignoring most of the room, Yzera squints at the mold on the door. Uncertain at first, she takes a few steps toward the door until she begins to feel the cold, actually the heat being sucked from her body, before she moves back.
Careful all. That is strange stuff. The fact that it feels cold is a trick. It feeds on heat and makes you think that fire will hurt it, while fire actually makes it much larger and stronger. If someone has the ability to create cold, it should be easy to destroy.
Examining the ice and snow on the ground before them, Kelvar says, "There are many footprints that appear to have walked this room. All have gone to either the southern or eastern doors."
Looking at the others, he said, "Perhaps this is the heard that we were warned of?"
Carnadine receives no answers to his calls.
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Not having anyone offer any other way to create cold, Yzera growl and sits down on the far side of the room. She then pulls out a large tome and begins to read a certain page over and over, mumbling to herself as she does.
Use 1 Arcane Resevoir point to use Quick Study to swap Ray of Frost for Acid Splash.
After several minutes (technically it is only a FRA to use Quick Study), she closes her book, slips it back into her pack, and then steps to the middle of the room where she hesitantly speaks arcane words. A moment later, a blue ray of freezing cold shoots forth and strikes the mold. Assuming this has the effect she expects, she will continue to do this until the mold is gone.
The instant Yzera's ray hits the mold it quivers for a few moments before disintegrating into a grey dust. The warmth of the room slowly returns having been released from the mold.
It is now safe to move towards the door. The mold turned dust is easily brushed away to reveal the door. It is unlocked and reveals another hallway leading towards the south. It goes in a U shape before ending in yet another set of wooden double doors.
Know your enemy. Shatter all that blinds you and then burn thy adversary to ashes
Another lesson.
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Yzera looks at the lesson, and repeats it to herself.
Know your enemy? Shatter all that blinds you? Then burn thy adversary to ashes?
Seems there are three separate parts of this test. I think I can burn someone, no thanks to that b!tch Tiadora. So I can probably help with the third part. Know your enemy? While I am no expert, between us, we can probably figure out how to defeat what is placed against us. The third part I am unsure of, Shatter all that blinds you? Anyone have an idea before we charge in blindly. Yzera smirks, if briefly. No pun intended.
Carnadine dragged his greatsword along the wall looking for any less than stone walls. "The stone and doors blind us. Maybe we need to shatter them? Do you think the lesson is in this U shaped corridor or beyond"
"Well get ready with the burning Yzera." Rose states. She then walked up to the door and booted it as hard as she could.
"Perhaps 'shatter all the blinds you' refers to an illusion," Kelvar says. Before Rosemary kicks the door open, he casts detect magic, then scans the room for any magical effects.
Carnadine finds only stone and nothing hidden here.
As the door is slammed opened shadows seem to creep out. Indeed the room is pitch black and nothing can be seen by the humans, though Kelvar senses an aura roughly 20 ft. away. It slowly resolves into an evocation aura though he is unable to know for sure what spell creates it. Any torches you might have do not seem to be able to illuminate the room.
Rosemary and Carnadine can see into the room with their racial darkvision. They notice a small stand in the middle of the room, upon which sits a small egg shaped piece of obsidian. Also the floor is spotted with inch wide holes as if the room is a drain.
"I see a magical aura of Evocation magic, although with this darkness I cannot see the source or identify the spell."
"There's a small stand in the middle of the room, upon which sits a small egg shaped piece of obsidian. Also the floor is spotted with inch wide holes as if the room is a drain." Carnadine explains to the blind.
"The obvious thing would be to shatter the small egg shaped piece of obsidian. Can anyone do that from the doorway? Those drain holes look suspicious. However, considering the lesson of know thy enemy, the egg may not be the source of the blindness."
While everyone is discussing, Carnadine stares at the room ceiling and floor attempting to decipher the purpose of the drain holes.
"I would guess that the egg is the source of the darkness, which blinds me. But, if we shatter it, something will emerge from the drain holes that we must burn, though I do not know what. Does this sound a reasonable conclusion?"
Carnadine doesn't discern anything new from where he stands.
Yzera knows that the aura is produced by the darkness spell infused into the egg which is actually a magical item and it radiates darkness 20ft.
"I would destroy the egg if I could see it, but as it is, I am as likely to step in one of the holes in the ground and trip as I am to actually find it. Can one of you who can see maybe shoot it off the stand or enter the room to break it?"
Rosemary steps forward. "I can see the egg and am not afraid of the dark, nor holes in the ground, just heal me if the holes turn out to be some kind of spike trap" he jokes in a half serious and nervous manner.
She walked into the room intent on smashing the egg and hopefully lifting the darkness that blinded her group.