Glad to have the prison walls behind her, Bea casts her eyes around warily lest they have to return.
- perception
Perception:
Morthos looks to the gnome with a blank stare as he speaks. "Very well, lead us to this visitor of yours. Maybe we can get a explanation of what is to come."
You make your way across the Old Moors. The sun has dropped much lower in the sky as you make your progress, leaving Branderscar behind. The swampy land provides you with much cover to make your escape, but you find it allows other creatures cover as well.
LT S
Beatrix
Morthos
Haruk
Alazandaru
Bostarg
Grumblejack
Lashtongue
Alazandaru seemed miserable. Truthfully, the explanation matters little to me. I owe this woman a debt now. No matter how far I will continue to fall from grace, I will still pay my debts.
Morthos nods. "Agreed. I do not like to be indebted to another, but she has earned such. It will be interesting, no doubt."
Morthos then turns around in an effort to locate what it was he heard. "Be wary... something big is headed our way. And it is headed our way in a hurry." Morthos then draws his sword.
Bursting out from the swamp is the largest Toad many of you have seen, easily standing 4' tall, this giant toad looks upon your group as easy prey.
Alazandaru delayed, waiting for one of the others to attack the animal.
Grumblejack the ogre comes towards the toad, the battleaxe in hand and brings it down towards the creature. "Frog taste good, Grumblejack think big frog taste big good." The toad dodges the ogres attack, but not before Alazandaru is able to move forward and sink a dagger deep into the toad, causing it to croak in pain.
Beatrix comes in with her greatsword, not accounting for the creatures leaping ability.
The toad's dodge from Beatrix brings it coming towards Alazandaru, where it attempts to engulf him in a massive bite. His bite strikes true, bringing the rogue into it's mouth, a sickly sound as it slurps him up.
GvLT
BvLT
LTvA
LTvA D
LTvA G
After striking a powerful blow and wounding the animal, Alazandaru crumpled into unconsciousness in the toad's mouth, huge teeth having ravaged his body.
Stabilisation fail on Alazandaru's initiative.
Fail, -3
Fail, -4
Fail, -5
Stabilises at -6 if not stabilised before then.
Seeing the large toad swallow Alazandaru, Morthos charges the beast.
Edit:
Morthos charges the giant toad, barely missing as the creature leaps once again away from his attack.
"A giant toad? Really?" Haruk seems very unimpressed. However, seeing it take a massive bite out of his companion, he pauses a moment to gird himself in mystical armor
Seeing her companion nearly swallowed whole by the beast, Beatrix steels her nerve and takes another swing, but her footing is uneven in the swamp and it goes wide once more.
The giant Toad avoids Beatrix swing, eyeing Bostarg as a possible desert when Grumblejack connects with the creature, dealing a great blow to the toad, felling the creature. With his weapon in it's back, the toad drops to the ground, Alazandaru's unconscious form falling out of it's mouth.
GvLT
GvLT D
Morthos sheathes his sword and moves to inspect Alazandaru. "Do we happen to possess any more of what was used to bring me around during the earlier battle? Find it, if so. Alazandaru is going to need it. I will attempt to stabilize him and then look upon his person to see if he possesses any."
Unsuccessful in his attempt, he scrounges through Alazandaru's pack to see if he can locate any possibility of potions, or whatever else that looks like may help, within.
Whatever the contents of the vial, they seem to have a good reaction on Alazandaru. The man's wounds from the giant toad stitch themselves up, leaving only a few brusies remaining.
"Shall we move on?" Haruk asks once Alazandaru is back on his feet.
Alazandaru groaned as he came to.
I can scarcely believe I slew several guards with nary a scratch, yet a single giant animal nearly did me in.
Survival
I may not be this creature's first victim, judging by its bravado. We could take a little detour to relieve any other unfortunates of what they had on them- I can follow these tracks. Doubt it lairs far from here.
Grumblejack nods in appreciation of Bostarg's words. "Littler 'un give Grumblejack good words. Grumlbejack thanks you, glad other little 'un not dead. Though probably taste good."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A quick detour to the toad's lair reveals the cropse of what one would suppose is a traveling merchant. Scattered across the lair, you find a variety of coins, adding up to 55gp, as well as a gold medallion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"After escaping the prison, surviving the monstrous Lashtongue and crossing the moors with guard patrols 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…"
Your group has made it's way to their destination. Knocking upon the door of the house, you are greeted by a woman, a woman Bostarg recognizes as that of Tiadora. The green eyed, silver haired beauty now wears a diaphonous gown that makes her look nearly angelic. “Dearest, you took long enough,” she says pitilessly. “We were beginning to wonder if you’d ever make it. The master commands all of you to appear before him but before that, you must be made presentable. Slaves!” She claps her hands. A dozen young 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. Quickly.” There is something in that last word that sounds like a threat. Certainly the slaves take it that way, hustling to perform their duties.
Each of you are provided the services of one of Tiadora's slaves to attend to your needs, whatever they may be. Each are led to your own room, furnished not only in grand and expensive design, but quite obviously to the tastes of Asmodeus, is hand in everything in the room. A plate of hot food and a glass of rich red wine, as well as a drawn bath, is present.
A wardrobe in each room contains new clothing, amazingly sized to fit and in the wearer's paritcular tastes. A sure sign that someone has done their research.
The wine will cure 1d8+5 Hit Points of damage. Feel free to roll it.
Grumblejack too is lead away to receive his own treatment.
Ah, as I thought. His loss, our gain I suppose. Alazandaru muttered as he gathered up the valuables before moving on.
Rest in peace, you unfortunate man.
See you all soon.
Alazandaru was too weary to ask any questions and simply allowed himself to be led away, bathed and washed. He devoured the plate of hot food eagerly and drunk the wine, as he noted with satisfaction that it healed his remaining wounds. Once oiled and groomed, Alazandaru asked one of the servants if they had a kennel or somewhere they could secure the unconscious hound he had been carrying- then dismissed the servants a little awkwardly and moved to dress himself.
He found a purple courtier's outfit, an dark blue explorer's outfit complete with gaudy hat, a hot weather outfit in the form of sleek and loose grey robes, a set of simply black tear-away clothing and finally a customised pickpocket's outfit that looked like it was tailor-made for him. The outfit was all-black, with a dark hood and an gold-dyed clasp that held the cloak and hood to the main outfit. It not only looked sleek and presentable as well as allowing easy movement, the clothing was large enough to be worn over a chain shirt and other clothing with ease. As an added bonus, it included dozens of well-concealed pockets. A bold symbol of Asmodeus was emblazoned to be hidden in times when he would need to be nondescript.
Alazandaru weighed up the various outfits and eventually wore the Asmodeus outfit. He glanced at his Forsaken brand and felt the anger and bitternes well up in him once more. He drowned his regrets and grief in anger as he envisioned his mentor, Sir Balin once again. He twisted the facts in his mind so that his betrayal of his master was overshadowed by his master's betrayal of him. He had given him over to the authorities, when he could have been redeemed. He had so much to give, so much talent, and Balin had squandered it. Now, he and so many others, would all pay the price for his mistake.
Haruk bows slightly to their hostess "We all appreciate the aid you have rendered us. Truly, you are a blessing from the King of Hell"
He graciously excepts the aid of the servants, bathing, eating and drinking. He gets dressed, putting on a fine outfit of a black shirt and pants trimmed with red, along with a fine red cloak trimmed with gold.
He wonders where his apprentices are, hoping they were able to survive. He had actually grown a bit fond of them.
Morthos watches as the slaves hop to it. Unable to tell because of his stoic visage, Morthos is nevertheless quite impressed by this woman's command. "Impressive. The efficiency of those beneath you, how they respond at a moment's notice is quite complimentary of your leadership. Well done. Now if you'll excuse me." Morthos gives a slight bow and takes his leave.
Finding the room to be fit for one such as him, This room is fit for a king. Morthos grins. As he removes his armor and his bloody clothes, he steps into the bath and takes part in the meal and fine wine, thinking of nothing other than when it shall be him ruling over all of Talingarde.
He manages one of the outfits and makes his way back to the others.
Beatrix is somewhat bewildered by all the fuss made about her, but allows the servants to tend to her and finds herself relishing the feeling of being clean for the first time in...an amazingly long time. Bathed and dressed, she emerges completely transformed, a vision of girlish beauty from one who previously barely registered as being a woman.
Tiadora smiles at the compliments given as the servants lead you away. To Morthos's, she specifically responds. "I have had much practice."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After taking the time to recover from your escape and trek, you are summoned to meet with the master of the house. Led by servants to the stairs leading to the third floor, you are greeted by Tiadora who escorts you herself, leaving the servants behind.
Tiadora 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 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 on the island of Talingarde. Once the Prince of Nessus was rightly revered alongside the other great powers. Now, the king of Talingarde has become a puppet to Iomedaen fanatics who wish to destroy any religion that does not bow to their insipid goddess.
“For their blasphemy, I will see the same people who imprisoned and condemned you suffer. I understand what you went through for I have faced it myself.” With that, he pulls down the sleeve of his robe and reveals his own runic ‘F’ brand. “I am going to burn Talingarde to the ground and from the ashes I will build a new nation that knows its rightful master. I cannot do this alone. I seek servants worthy of our Infernal Father’s majesty. Have I found them in you?”
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 Talingarde. Today, swear fealty to me and to Asmodeus.
“Put aside forgiveness and I shall give you vengeance. Put aside mercy and be made powerful. Put aside peace and become my harbingers of war. What say you? Will you swear your allegiance or will you burn with the rest of the blind fools?”
As the holy man finishes speaking, Haruk stands up straighter, as if the man's words put the iron back in his spine. "I have already sworn fealty to the King of Hell. I have brought about the fall of many, and condemned their souls to the Pit. Much was done in the name of Asmodeus by me, and yet when I was locked up for spreading the word of our Lord, I began to despair some. I wavered in my beliefs, and my convictions were shaken." The Infernalist pauses, gathering his thoughts "Now however, I see that I was wrong to have doubted my God for He has delivered me unto you. I swear, upon my life and very soul, to wreck great and terrible vengeance on the people, nobility and King of Talingarde, and I swear to you as well, my savior. Let us set ablaze this foul kingdom of righteousness in a pyre of Hellfire that it may burn away the weak so that we strong may build a new and everlasting rule of power and might."
Morthos looks at the man directly. "So you wish to burn Talingarde to the ground and remake it? You say those that imprisoned us will be made to suffer. You also promise us vengeance and power." He pauses a moment before he continues, "Now you and Haruk continue to speak of Asmodeus. Obviously I've heard of him but know little about him. But what I gather is he can grant us all of this that I've just mentioned. Am I correct?"
As the holy man finishes speaking, Haruk stands up straighter, as if the man's words put the iron back in his spine. "I have already sworn fealty to the King of Hell. I have brought about the fall of many, and condemned their souls to the Pit. Much was done in the name of Asmodeus by me, and yet when I was locked up for spreading the word of our Lord, I began to despair some. I wavered in my beliefs, and my convictions were shaken." The Infernalist pauses, gathering his thoughts "Now however, I see that I was wrong to have doubted my God for He has delivered me unto you. I swear, upon my life and very soul, to wreck great and terrible vengeance on the people, nobility and King of Talingarde, and I swear to you as well, my savior. Let us set ablaze this foul kingdom of righteousness in a pyre of Hellfire that it may burn away the weak so that we strong may build a new and everlasting rule of power and might."
"You are most eager to spread the word of our Lord. That is good. But make sure you stay true to the path, for our Lord does not take kindly to weakness. This is your second chance, a chance rarely given. I know you shall serve him well." He speaks with a fatherly kindness.
Morthos looks at the man directly. "So you wish to burn Talingarde to the ground and remake it? You say those that imprisoned us will be made to suffer. You also promise us vengeance and power." He pauses a moment before he continues, "Now you and Haruk continue to speak of Asmodeus. Obviously I've heard of him but know little about him. But what I gather is he can grant us all of this that I've just mentioned. Am I correct?"
"I would say that he is your savior from the damanation the Iomedaens would have wrought upon you. But he is far more than that. The Prince of Hell, he is the means to all that I have spoken, a means to a new life in his service, a cause to follow.
"The Iomedaens tried to wipe out his worship, here on Talingarde. But they failed, as evidenced by my own presence before you. And now I seek to bring you into the fold as well, not just for vengeance, but to make this entire land ours. Join me, learn of the Prince of Nessus, embrace his teachings, and gain a power that will make King Markadian and all of his Knights of the Allerion quake."
Bostarg enters into Thorn's presence showing respect through bows and courteous greetings. He listens to the proposal through pursed lips as his mind works. Connecting mental dots he ventures "Cardinal, though I am sure you know - given that you seemingly went to great pains to release us from Branderscar - my divine fealty is laid at the feet of the Merchant of Souls. As the Crimson Son is servant to Asmodeus I trust this will not be an impediment to the arrangement?"
"It will not be. To serve the servant is to serve the master. Just as you shall serve me, you shall serve Asmodeus. In like your service to Mephistophles shall too serve him."
Bea looks at the proceedings with interest and slight amusement. Do these fools really believe this dribble? Well, religious fanatics or not, they were helpful in getting me freed and certainly look like they'll be...useful. I suppose I'll play along...
Bowing deeply before the Cardinal, she begins, "I hereby give my sword and my abilities to you and Asmodeus, that the Iomedaens may fall for our glorious rise."
"I would say that he is your savior from the damanation the Iomedaens would have wrought upon you. But he is far more than that. The Prince of Hell, he is the means to all that I have spoken, a means to a new life in his service, a cause to follow."The Iomedaens tried to wipe out his worship, here on Talingarde. But they failed, as evidenced by my own presence before you. And now I seek to bring you into the fold as well, not just for vengeance, but to make this entire land ours. Join me, learn of the Prince of Nessus, embrace his teachings, and gain a power that will make King Markadian and all of his Knights of the Allerion quake."
Morthos grins wickedly, "Then consider me allied." He nods in acceptance.
Cardinal Adrastus Thorn smiles. “Excellent. Let us make it official. Signing in blood is traditional.” He reaches into a desk drawer and pulls out two sheets of leathered paper, whatever creature they were made from, you doubt it was an animal. In addition he pulls out a set of quills, designed to allow the user to prick their fingers and a groove for the blood.
Behold on this day __________ in the eighth age of this world a perpetual Compact is made between Cardinal Adrastus Thorn (hereafter the Master) and those who would be bound to him as his acolytes (hereafter the Bound). Both the Master and the Bound shall hold fast and true to this Compact through all trial and tribulation. By blood and soul the Bound commit to the Compact and swear that it shall never be undone.The Bound shall know and understand the Four Loyalties.
The First Loyalty is to their patron and god – mighty Asmodeus, first among the fallen, prince of the nine hells, our father below. They shall do all that can be done to further his worship and his glory.
The Second Loyalty is to their master – He who is called the Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, High Priest of Asmodeus in Talingarde. They shall do the Master no harm and obey his every commandment as long as those commandments do not clash with their First Loyalty.
The Third Loyalty is to their companions – the other Bound who serve alongside them. The Bound shall deal with each other fairly and honorably as long as doing so does not clash with their first or second loyalties. All treasure, wealth and reward garnered in their exploits will be equally shared with all of the Bound who aided in its acquisition.
The Fourth Loyalty is to themselves – for Asmodeus is the Lord of Ambition and all who serve him should strive to become great and powerful in his service as long as doing so does not clash with their first, second or third loyalties. By their weakness, ye shall know the unworthy.
The Bound swear that they cleave to and uphold the Four Loyalties even in the face of death and damnation. The Master swears that as long as the Four Loyalties are upheld, he shall reward the Bound as they deserve for their deeds.
Thus it is written, and thus it shall be.
We being of sound mind and free will do so swear and let they who violates this Compact know all the wrath of Hell unending.
Signed,
______________________
Bea looks over the contract briefly, shrugs, and takes the quill. Pricking her finger and drawing a drop of blood, she adds the date and her name, Beatrix, in a flowing crimson script.
Alazandaru had been silent for some time. When he finally spoke, it was in a resigned tone.
I would pledge myself to Moloch, in much the same manner as Bostarg is pledged to Mephistopheles. If there is no objection to this, I will serve and sign this agreement. I... have nowhere else to turn. And I sent more souls to the bone-yard in our escape than any other. My sins would send me to hell were I to perish as soon as signing this parchment would consign my soul there. If I am to be damned, I would prosper in it at least; and have my revenge.
Alazandaru signed.
Without some kind of lobotomy, i'd find that a hard task to match Alazandaru muttered to Bostarg as he cut his palm with a dagger to sign with, ignoring the pointy end of the quill he had been offered. This was not a pain he wanted to shy away from.