Way of the Wicked - the Fall of Andoran (Inactive)

Game Master increddibelly

Aerent advances and stabs at the spider again!

Attack, trident, power attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 1 = 17
Damage, trident, power attack: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11

Fort: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

"Woo... that was a big one, right?"

I'm gonna be gone the next three or so days... here's a bunch attacks. Any needed skills are in profile.

Seeing Talon move his (remaining, ghe ghe) limbs to cast a spell, the spider opens her jaws to attack - but then her survival instinct takes over, and she reconsiders, as the flash of light .

or, in other words, I grind my teeth because I took a 5ft step away, with a creature that has no reach - so, no attack of opportunity.

Her confusion proves fatal though, as Aerent stabs her again, and from the opposite side, Arryn thrusts her rapier through a soft spot in the spider's carapace.
The 300 pound spider collapses in a jumple of feet, webbing, and green sludge.

woot, over 500 posts :) We shall celebrate with honeyed spider-onna-stick, roasted over a campfire.

As the adrenaline of battle dissipates, Arryn feels the effects of the poison in full effect: poison: 1d3 ⇒ 2 CON damage => Arryn falls unconscious!

technically, the poison is a round late, but it's tough enough as it is.

From the back of the forest, the raspy voice calls out:"Caww...Out? Out?...Caw!!...she hurt!!...!"

After making sure Arryn is lying on a safe spot, Aerent moves to the bird. "Ho there, thank you for the warning. How is it that you are able to speak the tongue of men, bird? I may free you, but I must be sure you mean us no harm once released."

"Pah..Caww!"
The raven looks at you with more facial expression than you ever thought possible from a bird. It is almost as if it's thinking:
"I speak many tongues, you halfwit. How is it that you are able to speak at all?"

It is not aggressive though, just quite intelligent and extremely rude.

How far up from the ground is the bird anyway? And since Arryn is off for a few days, leave her unconscious until she gets back?

Sindran, having done nothing at all during the whole battle and remaining relatively clean, avoids the messy corpse of the spider and looks at Arryn contemplatively. He presses both hands on the large wound she received and concentrates, chanting something guttural. Smoke starts to rise from the the wound as heat cauterizes it. "Heilan."

Cast: Cure Light Wounds (5/6 1st spells)
1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Leaving her alone for now, he checks the condition of the rest of the group. He sees Talon in bad shape and notes the raven.

"Let's take a while to rest," he says before approaches Talon to heal him also.

Cast: Cure Light Wounds (4/6 1st spells)
1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Finished with his work, he wipes his hands on some nearby grass before approaching the bird. The expression on the raven's face seems to spark some amusement in Sindran and he turns to Aerent. "Just release him."

So hey, maybe those herbs I picked up were medicinal? Maybe I can try to treat the poison? Heck if I know, but here's a roll!
Craft (medicine) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

I'd like to point out that Arryn is in very serious trouble. The posion will continue to deal CON damage for 5 more rounds, unless she makes her save. But with her decreasing constitution, the high Fort DC will very soon be impossible for her.

I have a soft spot for rouges, though; so if you make a DC10 heal check, you may suck some of the poison out of her injury, and attempt the Fort save in her place. She needs 2 saves and then the poison is gone. Arryn's constitution is now at 7, with 1d3 going off every round.

Maybe I can try to treat the poison?

Oooh, that's cool! Nice roll too. Let's say the herbs give her 1 succesful Fort save. Now she only needs one to be cured.

leave her unconscious until she gets back?

that makes sense.

6 rounds of 1d3 Con? Ouch. Sorry Aerent can't do more, but he just isn't able to help at this level. Even his skills would be a hindrance.

Aerent regards the bird for a moment before drawing his longsword and leveling it at the creature, pressing the tip against the bird. He sighs dramatically before speaking, "And I was trying to be polite... But since you insist, we'll do it this way. Let's start with answering my first question, how are you able to speak? And before you decide to answer, understand that now I actually want to kill you. Consider that before you forget your manners again."

Glancing back at the others, Aerent says, "I'll not free it until I'm sure it won't just fly off and reveal our location. I'm not taking a risk of having Andoran forces discovering our trail so soon after escaping Brandescar."

Heal check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Kneeling by Arryn, Caladwhen tries her best to help Sindran with the poison. "I must admit, my knowledge of poisons is limited." Once satisfied that Arryn has stabilized for the time being, Caladwhen looks over towards the talking raven. Clearly intrigued, Caladwhen approaches the chatty bird and withdraws her dagger. "Fascinating."

Placing her hand on Aerent's shoulder, Calawhen speaks in a sweet and clam tone of voice "Easy now Aerent," pausing a moment, Caladwhen inspects the bird closely "I think this no ordinary bird. Some mundane creatures ascend to a greater state of being under certain conditions."

Turning her attention to the raven, Caladwhen continues speaking with a gentle tone "You're a most intelligent creature aren't you? Though I suppose not so intelligent as to avoid the spider's trap."Caladwhen smirks ever so slightly, teasing the avian to test whether indeed it also possesses a sense of humor.

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Caladwhen I think would see that a creature such as this is likely or had been a familiar, given its intellect

"Now then, my friend here raises a valid point. The power of speech gives you the ability to reveal our location, and we're trying hard to go undetected. How can we be assured of your loyalty, aside from the fact we saved you just now from a horrible fate?"

heal1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Realizing she is falling to the poison and he resisted it, Talon quickly leans down, putting pressure above the wound to cut off the blood flow and sucking the poison out. He continues to apply pressure so any leftover poison can't reach the rest of her body

Fort1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

...Though I suppose not so intelligent as to avoid the spider's trap...

In a second, the look on the raven's face changes from smug. to the purest definition of 'vexed'. Eventually, it shrugs its wings (how does it manage this, I wonder) and it replies: "indeed. I >caw< you an apology."

"However, once I corrected an ignorant mistake in one of the wizard's alchemical formulae, and he became quite irate. He since took an owl as a pet instead.caw...I'm sure that owl won't point out his flaws to him. Pah!"

He looks sadly at his damaged wing, saying "I shall not be flying much for quite some time. Also, you seem intelligent - I may appreciate your company", looking at Caladwhen.

Meanwhile...Talon has bravely saved Arryn's life! She'll remain unconscious for now, fortunately Grumblejack is around to carry her.

Well done. And here's where being Lawful Evil becomes really interesting. Talon, you've just gone FAR out of your way to prevent a weaker creature from succumbing to a simple wild creature. Arryn owes you a Favor.

Glancing back at Talon and Sindran, Cala merely nods approvingly. "Well done Talon, you've proven yet again your skill. It appears Arryn will live another day thanks to you."

Returning her attention to the raven, Caladwhen inspects the damage to its wing and announces to Aerent "Indeed, his wing is damaged. No chance of flying off to warn anyone of our comings and goings." Grabbing her dagger, Cala gently cuts the strands of web keeping the bird bound.

"You can accompany me, and serve me if it so please you. As it so happens, I too practice the arcane arts, though I can guarantee I'm more intelligent and talented than your previous master."

Looking over to Aerent while gently gripping the bird, she speaks in a dialect that he'll understand but the bird will not.

Aerent nods and instantly lowers his sword. He bows slightly to the raven, "No apology is necessary, but I appreciate the gesture. As Mistress Caldwhen just mentioned, we cannot be too careful. We are fleeing from unjust men who would see us shackled and hanged for 'crimes' against their regime. Your pardon if I gave offense."

Noting the dagger in her hand, Aerent steps back from the bird, "Cala, he's all yours."

smugly, the raven mutters softly:

After using two fingers to check her pulse, Talon leans over and spits out what poison he can "It would have been idiotic to let her die. The poison is hardly a problem if ingested, plus I think I'm a little more resistant to it as is" He continues kneeling, keeping pressure above the wound but making sure he doesn't cut off too much bloodflow. He looks at the raven "I feel your pain"

Aerent nods in understanding and watches the pair make their way back to the trail.

He pauses to look around the web, searching to see if any of the spider's other victims might have had anything of value.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Or Take 20, if that is an option.

After it's clear she is alive, if still unconcious, Talon picks her up and puts her in a firemans carry. Then out of nowhere he chuckles, and when he gets a few looks he says "Not sure why I was in prison, apparently I'm a pretty good guy"

Amused that the raven can speak the abyssal tongue, Cala smirks and lets out a short laugh "You've been taught the daemonic tongue have you? Hmmm, there is more to you than meets the eye." Kneeling over and extending her arm, she allows the raven to hop onto her shoulder so he can rest.

Moving alongside Talon, Cala checks Arryn vitals as the dark warrior carries her. Satisfied at her condition, she laughs a bit sardonically and gently teases "Oh come now my dear Talon, don't be getting all altruistic on us now. You know the the girl is useful to us, so you did the logical thing. Nice guy. Hah."

Looking back at Grumblejack, Cala nods in the Ogre's direction while speaking to Talon in the Auran tongue

"Caw?!"
Clearly impressed by Caladwhen's ability with the wind-words, the sour raven shuffles its feathers and actually appears content.

Just behind the spot where the spider was hiding, you notice a thicker strand of web. Nearby you see a pile of bones in an odd sort of leathery bag, and some tattered clothing.

There's an obvious medallion (worth 125 gp) in one of the shirt's pockets. Between the web and the trees you find the unfortunate traveller's bag, containing scattered coinage worth another 45gp.

Now that you know what to look for, you see several strategically placed webs between trees over the path and just beside it. It takes a couple of chops from Aerent or Talon to tear each web apart, but soon enough you can continue on your way.

After escaping the prison, surviving the monstrous spider and crossing the forest with guard patrols undoubtedly at your heels, finding the house on the Old Moor Road pales beside your other accomplishments.

As promised, a lonely lantern burns in the upper story. The place otherwise shows little sign of habitation. Old but well-appointed, the house is large, imposing and alone on its hill. Painted a dark green and surrounded by barbed wrought iron fencing, nothing about this place seems inviting or a sanctuary.

Still, it is your destination. Where will you go if not here? You have an appointment to keep. Best not to keep your nameless benefactor waiting...

and this is what the manor looks like.

assuming you don't linger at the edge of the forest,

At the door of the manor house, you are met by Tiadora. The only difference is her dress. She no longer looks like she is destined for a funeral. Instead she wears a diaphanous white gown that makes her look almost angelic.
When she speaks to Sindran, however, any illusions about her angelic character are quickly dispelled.

"Dearest. Took you long enough." she scowls pitilessly. "We were beginning to wonder if you’d even make it. Oh, and you brought your friends. The master commands all of you to appear before him but before that, you must be made presentable."

She claps her hands and yells sharply. "Slaves!" A dozen young, fit and attractive men and women all wearing very traditional servant’s livery appear quickly, their heads bowed.

"These people are our guests," she commands imperiously. "See them to their rooms. I want them cleaned, dressed and refreshed. Quick..ly."

There is something in that last word that sounds like a threat. Certainly, the slaves take it that way, hustling to perform their duties.

"You, and you!" she calls out, pointing at two slaves, "You will clean up the girl, and see to her injuries. And you shall bring the Ogre to the nest.". She smiles at Grumblejack:"Jack, this humong has food and mud for you."

Grumblejack's face lights up at the prospect of a mud bath with fresh kill.

You are free! Safe! You have an hour or two to have yourself made presentable and get comfortable. What would you like to do to get comfortable? Do you have any questions for Tiadora, or anyone else?

Heal 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
Sorry, Sindran seems to be having difficult recognizing certain body parts are not actually useful devices to tote around.

"I'm sorry," Sindran looks wounded at Tiadora's words, but it's apparent that he's faking it and doesn't sound much sorry at all. "I just wanted to make sure my earlier hosts knew of my . . . appreciation."

He nods to Tiadora. "You look as lovely as ever. I'll see you when I'm more fit to be seen."

He lets Grumblejack be taken away without a fuss, handing his basket and brand to a nearby slave and waving for them to get a move on.

Sindran intends to put his things in his room, get out of his no-doubt rank clothes and have a nice hot bath. He also expects some better clothes waiting for him when he's finished.

Aerent curiously asks, "Is it presumptuous to ask the name of the Master? If so, I will save my curiosity for later."

Regardless of the answer, Aerent goes with the slaves to clean up and get dressed appropriately as befitting his station. I assume he is offered a bath, shave, and nice clothing?

Walking past Tiadora without a word of introduction or greeting, Caladwhen raises an eyebrow while giving her just the briefest of passing glances. With her back turned to their host, Caladwhen speaks with just a hint of contempt "You know, if it wasn't for the fact we had never met before Tia, I'd say you were imitating my fashion sense." Not awaiting a response, Caladwhen causally saunters into the manor and surveys the hall, clearly unimpressed. "This will suffice."

Heading towards the slaves, she picks one of the girls at random and drops her at her feet. "Take these, and lead the way to my room. I'll require a hot bath, and the best cosmetics and toiletries you have available." As the slave leads the way, Caladwhen calls back "Tell our gracious host that I'll be down in a few hours. Do have someone send up some wine, cheese and fruits."

Don't trust these people... plus Tia is decked out in Cala's favoured apparel, so naturally b*tchiness must ensue. Cala will want something similar to what Tiadora is wearing, and some silver and sapphires for adornment if possible.

Talon has a wary eye as he looks around the manor, but decides he does owe her a bit so he plays along. He asks a slave to just show him around a bit and bring some food later, but doesn't let any stick around with him

"Is it presumptuous to ask the name of the Master?"

You earn an absolutely heartwarming, lovely smile from Tiadora. She speaks, in fluent infernal: "The contrary, master Sephim, it is only prudent and wise to ask." She nods at Sindran's rather obvious flirt, "those words on the other hand, I find quite the opposite."

---

"This will suffice."

Tiadora does not seem to notice, or care about your opinion. She does, however, smile innocently, adding "let's hope you will as well, dearest, hmmm?"

---

Talon, remember that you are fatigued from the survival trip through the woodland, and will remain so until you have rested for 8 hours

As Sindran and Cala are guided to superbly comfortable rooms on the second floor, Talon's slave shows him around the different areas of the 2nd floor, which is free to guests. You come upon a corner of the floor, where in a tower a small but stylish sitting room with a small library is installed, the windows overlooking the nearby forest.

The bookshelves contain some light reading such as "Dis revisited", "Dealing with devilish details", but also the uncensored version of "Evoking" as in, some powerful evocation spells most of humanity would rather not know about.
As you pass through the library, you find two humans discussing the pro's and cons of stealth versus direct assault.
During all of this, you are at all times accompanied by your personal assistant.

Sindran intends to put his things in his room, get out of his no-doubt rank clothes and have a nice hot bath. He also expects some better clothes waiting for him when he's finished.

I'll require a hot bath, and the best cosmetics and toiletries you have available.

Your rooms are beautifully decorated, with soft carpets and soft beds. to one side is a desk to allow for reflection or studying, to the other is a small sitting area, where you can overlook the forest from the comfortable chairs, or comfortably entertain a guest or colleague to discuss matters at hand.

The bathroom contains superbly scented supplies and a bath, and a slave stands ready to dispose of your filthy clothes, feed you grapes and other fresh fruit, and provide whatever manicure, massage or other ...personal needs you may have.

When you eventually leave the bath, you are toweled and shown to the wardrobe, where you can take your pick from several exquisite outfits.

After Tiadora responds to Aerent's question, he grins and laughs, "Fair enough."

-----

Aerent goes with the slaves, gets cleaned up, has a meal, and gets ready in short order. He chooses a black ensemble with polished boots.

Assuming his armor and weapons would be taken from him should he attempt to wear them, he leaves them in his room with strict instructions to the servants to not touch them without his permission.

Not sure if he is supposed to wait for a summons, or if he is expected to show up somewhere. Nothing else he wants to do before meeting the Master, so Aerent is ready to proceed.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Arriving in her room, Calawhen investigates her surroundings before deciding it safe to relax. Falling into the seat at the desk, she takes a deep breath and sighs. It has been a most trying week. Taking her boots off, she massages her foot a moment before addressing the slave. "Run a hot bath, I intend to be in there for awhile."

Taking full advantage of the luxuries provided, Caladwhen treats herself to a pedicure, manicure and massage all while sampling the various cheeses, fruits and wines. After having the slave girl help her with her hair, and applying the various fragrances and makeup, Caladwhen heads for the wardrobe and tries on a number of dresses before opting for a light sleeveless silk dress of pure white that highlights her slender frame. Finally, she adorns herself with silver and sapphires.

Emerging several hours later from her room, the tall and graceful elf appears a world apart from the exhausted woman who had arrived only hours earlier. If not for the branded 'F' still visible on her right arm, she would be a measure of perfection and beauty.

"Take me to see my companions, wherever they might be at this time."

I'm going to assume Cala will be probably the last person to leave her room.

Talon goes around his room, examining it while gnawing on an apple. He makes his way to the washroom and examines himself in the mirror, twisting to look at what remains of his wings. He stares at them for a moment, then quickly cleans up. He asks a slave if he can lead him to a spot he can get on the roof, then to come get him when the others are ready.

Up on the roof, Talon sits barechested while looking out, not really watching for anything but just reflecting. He closes his eyes and feels the wind brush accros his back, then when the slave comes to get him he goes back inside.

Entering the room, Talon is wearing a dark leather outfit with a few tassles and a sleeveless shirt. He walks in and sits down, nibbling on a small bundle of grapes in his hand while looking around the room

---{ Act II - into the knot }---

Arryn recovers after receiving care from a skilled medic. She rests for a while and enjoys the comforts of her room but soon she's eager to see how you are doing. (Sindran, Arryn, feel free to fill in any specific wishes and actions later, we'll work them in.)

As you assemble in the hall of the mansion, time passes. But at last Tiadora appears, wearing yet another dress; this one is a slight green, a perfect match to her eyes, and even more revealing than those before;certainly revealing more than Caladwhen ever could even if she tried.

She presents one of her chillingly beautiful smiles, and pleasantly tells you to "come, my dears, follow me."

She leads you to a beautifully appointed office richly decorated with dark wood and sumptuous brocade tapestry. Sitting in a leather high-backed chair is a devilishly handsome fellow who smiles as you enter.

"I believe you to be the first to ever escape from Branderscar Prison. Well done! Of course, you had some help from the outside," he says with a wicked smile.

"But enough with the pleasantries. You must be curious why I’ve helped you. Rest assured, this is no random act of altruism. I have brought you here for a reason. My name is Cardinal Adrastus Thorn. I am the last high priest of Asmodeus left in the land of Andoran. Once the Prince of Nessus was rightly revered alongside the other great powers."

"Now, the Supreme Elect of Andoran has become a puppet to Sarenraean 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 Andoran, to. the. ground...! And from the ashes I will build a new nation that knows its rightful master. Yet even I cannot do this alone. I seek servants worthy of our Infernal Father’s majesty. Have I found them in you?"

He rises and his eyes flash with hellfire and divine purpose. "Join me! Serve me well in this holy endeavor and I will raise you up in the eyes of gods and men. I will make you princes of the new Andoran. 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?"

Aerent narrows his eyes at the man before him. Speaking in clear tones, but devoid of the emotion shown by the Cardinal, he responds, "I will serve you, and aid in your schemes to destroy Andoran and the peasants who claim rulership of these lands."

"But Asmodeus turned my family aside as my sires fled from the Sun Whore's inquisitors. He deemed them unworthy to remain in his favor, and they were forced to accept that judgement. Therefore, as one of that lineage, I cannot swear myself to the Lord of Darkness. Furcas, Knight of Laurels and Lord of Forked Pyre, has accepted me into his fold, and it is to Him I owe my allegiance and soul. He has guided my steps to this place, though fire and torture, and even aiding our escape from Brandescar Prison. But just as Furcas has sworn to serve The First in Hell, so I shall swear to serve you, Cardinal Thorn."

Aerent takes a step forward and kneels, looking up into the Cardinal's face. "If that is enough, then I am your man, if my life or death may aid the destruction of Andoran, so you shall have it."

Rolling for anything I might know about Cardinal Adrastus Thorn. Not sure what to roll, but my Kn (religion) and (royalty) ranks are the same.

Knowledge (religion or royalty): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

ermahgerd, hes so evil lol. Im gonna go ahead and assume he's human, tell me if it's otherwise

As the man speaks, Talon initially glances over and examines him then continues eating, nodding occasionally at what he says. When he finishes and after Aerent responds, he clears his throat "You are a passionate man" he gives the man a long look "I like your ideas, think it'll do me good to get a little vengeance. I'm in" as he says this he shows no indication of bowing down or swearing fealty

-Waking Up-

Arryn slowly gets up, looking around as she adjusts to her new surroundings.
"Nice place" She remarks as she toys with one of the many tapestries on the wall. She paces to the window, then feels it. She looks to where she was bitten. There now was a strange multi triangular shape where it was bitten. (cool picture for reference) She quickly covers it. Two scars in two days.... hope this isn't a trend. She thinks to herself. Well.. might as well take use of my resources.... Not used to the primping of royalty, she takes a bath, and cleans herself up the best she can.
"I want some skinny Black Leather armor. Can you do that?" She says to one of the slaves. After acquiring and equipping, she is ready, and will move to the Hall.

-Meeting the Master-

Arryn looks around unsure. She looks as Talon and Aerent accept. Then she remembers the scar. It's connected. She thinks to herself. It must be. She looks him in the eye. "I will help all I can." She says, probably being the most sincere thing she has ever said.

Ignoring Tiadora completely, Cala enters the room full of haughty elven pride, and takes a seat near the Cardinal. Crossing her legs neatly, the slender elf folds her hands on her lap and listens passively and without reaction to all that is said by Thorn and her companions.

Upon hearing Arryn's pledge of assistance, Cala's eyes trail up to Arryn and then to Aerent, finally resisting on Talon. "It would appear my colleagues like what they have heard," scanning slowly back over to the Cardinal, she raises her left eyebrow in characteristic fashion and continues "it would also seem our imperative is mutual Cardinal; I too wish to see Andoran under new... management. What is it you propose of us?"

Cardinal Thorn smiles. "Excellent! Let us make it official. Signing in blood is traditional."

He brings out a quill, a silver ritual knife and two copies of a contract written on some unidentifiable leather and written in dark red ink

"Hello again, Cardinal," speaks the devil with it's glib voice. It extends a hand and its long, curving fingers. The cardinal passes his copy of the contract to the devil, and it quickly scans the document. "Lemure hide. Hah, how quaint. ", looking at you, he says: "I trust you are the bound? Very well, we have an accord. The Law is now More. Thus It Is Written, Thus It Shall Be.". And the Phistophilus flashes off to his home plane, carrying the contract with it, for safekeeping in Hell's vaults.

it's official. You now work for the last Cardinal of Asmodeus in all of Andoran. Best of luck in your career!

"Well done. Your first command: prepare yourselves. Stay within the manor. You are hunted by the Andoran soldiery. In three days we begin your training."

You are led back to the manor hall by Tiadora, and you have three days to spend on research, personal quests, or leisure.
During this time, a slave approaches you meekly, and asks what equipment you will require. The slave informs you, that the Cardinal has kindly provided a budget of 200gp to be spent on gear appropriate to your class. Your requests are taken to Tiadora, who will arrange for them to be acquired.

Any loot that you wish to sell, or any of the gold you gathered so far, may be added to this 200gp. Remember that you are now by contract required to share your loot, so each of you is entitled to 20% of the loot. I counted 1311GP in the party wallet, and thus Sharing the gold between you would give you each 262 extra gold to spend.
Also, some items of value were taken from Branderscar; these could be given to a slave to be sold. Selling loot will increase your budget even further - Talon has the loot list, I believe. If there is any loot you do NOT want to sell, please make it known in the discussion thread. tip: use the search box to search this thread for gold or gp

During the respite, you all learn that you are not alone in the manor house. Besides the slaves and Tiadora's occasional - and oftentimes mouth-watering - appearance, there are a few other capable folks around. Your group has quarters in the east wing of the manor, but in the north wing you have sometimes seen two very similar men, a half-elf brute, and a beautiful but cold-hearted woman with stark white hair, who seems to be the leader of the bunch.

You have some time. Any questions? anything you'd like to discuss with the other group? What are the thing you miss most from your...previous life? This is a good time to show us all how your character works, or what makes 'em tick :)

Tiadora, wearing a dark red velvet robe, walks into the library, where Caladwhen is fanatically scribing scrolls.

"Cala, dear, a tip; you'll be travelling for a while for your first mission, that should leave plenty of time for scribing. You wouldn't want to overexert your pretty little head now would you? Wouldn't you rather focus on filling that rather feeble spellbook of yours, hmm?"

Over the next couple of days, the items you wanted sold are taken away by slaves and converted into cash. Also, your requested items are delivered to your room, in excellent shape considering the short notice of your orders.

On top of your personal requests, each of you receives a silver medallion and an iron circlet. The silver medallion is a holy symbol of Asmodeus; the iron circlet is obviously a minor magic item.

Sitting at a window desk, her right leg crossed over her left, Cala is indeed working at creating scrolls. Without looking up from her work, Calawhen sets her quill down and brushes a strand of hair from her eyes.

"Well, it's not like I'm frittering away my time changing into all manners of skimpy outfits to titillate human masters." Picking up the parchment, Cala blows gently on the wet ink to dry it. "Though I suppose if my youth was fading as quickly as a humans, I'd be tempted to enjoy such vanities whilst they lasted."

Standing up, Cala cooly meets Tiadora's gaze "In any event, the scrolls can wait if our journey is to be a long one. For that much Tia, diol llie."

Without awaiting a response, Cala heads to the spell book repository, and continues her work there. Calling over her slave girl, Cala quickly instructs her "Tell my companions where I am should they need me."

Spellcraft DC 17 on Iron Circlet: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Diol llie, elven for thank you. I suspect that Talon might be in the Library with Cala at this point? I'm going to post Cala's R&R post-library actions later this evening.

Talon alternates his time between being outside, in his room, or in the library. When he's in the library he has debates of magic with Caladwhen, enjoying having somebody he can share his research with

"it's not like I'm frittering away my time changing into all manners of skimpy outfits to titillate human masters. Though I suppose if my youth was fading as quickly as a humans, I'd be tempted to enjoy such vanities whilst they lasted."

Tiadora puts her hand over her mouth, almost hiding a contemptuous smile,

The latter being a compliment to your intellect, no matter how Tiadora made it sound, since this is evidence that none of the other residents of the manor pose an intellecutal challange to the beautiful creature.

*) a little side note about the infernal language may be required here.
Much of the language depends of the interpretation of relative status; i.e. there is no such word as 'she' in infernal, but at least 6 variations of both 'lesser female' and 'superior female' are known. Much of the time spent learning the Infernal language goes into understanding the grammatical tenses related to status.
The word Tiadora uses here would roughly translate as 'a) a concept proudly hatched by inferior intellect but of insignificant value to the current contractual negotiations or b) a factually incorrect statement only insignificant minds would sincerely utter.'

Aerent tries to find out everything he can about Cardinal Thorn and Tiadora. Who they were before, how many people work for them, how have they stayed out of Andoran prisons, etc. Basically, what's their story?

A casual conversation between Aerent and Tiadora has taught Aerent the following:

A: "Ohhh, so we're prisoners again, then?"
T: "You are prisoners of fate, as are we all."

A: "Do you worship Asmodeus?"
T: "All praise and honor are due our Infernal Father."

A: "What are you?"
T: "Why, dearie, I'm a devil, I'm here to do the devil's business. But you may keep your money..."

A: "Who are the slaves?"
T: "Weak willed fools who thought themselves worthy of the master. They were wrong of course, but still they have their uses."

A: "Where is Cardinal Thorn?"
T: "In his sanctuary."

A: "Can I speak with him?"
T: "Soon enough the master will grant you audience."

A: "Who is Cardinal Thorn?"
T: "Your master and mine. Anything more is for our master to say."

Cardinal Thorn is indeed nowhere to be seen.

In the afternoon of the second day, Talon is looking out from his rooftop hideout, and he notices two riders approach from the direction of Veryston (the nearest town). They wear formal military uniforms similar to those worn by aspiring inquisitors.

The riders dismount at the gate of the mansion and they ring a small bell near the gate. Instantly, the entire mansion reverberates with a strong 'ungngngngnghh' coming from of the large gong suspended in the central stairwell. You assumed it was a decorative piece, but the gong must be magically connected to the bell at the gate.

If the riders were hoping to attract the proprietor, they have lured Tiadora. Talon only know it's here and not one of the slaves, because he spots her teleporting from a nearby balcony to the mansion's back door in an instant, and then he watches her transform into an old crone of a housekeeper the next.

Talon ducks behind a chimney and peeks down, trying his hardest to eavesdrop.