The guard is most definitely dead now. All that's left to do is get off the bridge and out of here. You could jump off the bridge, or try to find the mechanisms in the gatehouse to lower the portcullis. Or you could see if the man in the guardhouse could do it for you.
Rose pats Grumblejack's arm. "Hang in there, big guy. We're almost out."
Sholano, noticeably surprised and pleased that the plan seems to have worked out, goes to check the gatehouse mechanisms, hoping to finish up a quick exit.
Travis is right behind Sho, ready to defend him if necessary while he checks out the gate mechanism, but trying to stay in the shadows, since he's not wearing a guard uniform like Sho.
The original guard in the guardhouse is looking confused. "You need anything? Do you want to leave or something?" The mechanisms to lower the gate seem to be right here, but this guy is just staring, confused.
He doesn't seem to have been alerted to the fight, though, oddly enough.
Sholano gives the gate mechanisms a look of concentration, as if they're puzzling him. "Just getting to know the place, is all. Still a bit new here, wanted to make sure I can work these things right. Any chance you can show me which is which again?"
Definitely not my most subtle work, but it ought to get him to turn his back...
The man smiles at Sholano and comes over to help. "Ah, it's just this thing here, you've got to lever it up." He points to a quite large lever with a crusty blue handle, and pulls it up, lowering the portcullis into the floor, making it so that the top, which is flat and designed to be walked across covers the opening, and then he pulls it back down again. It seems that there's some sort of effort in pulling the device up and down, but the man's able to handle it. "See? Nothing to it." He tries to smile slightly at Sholano. "So, when were you hired?"
"Just last week," Sholano continues amiably, gesturing the others forward with his left hand, just out of the man's field of vision. He wanders over to a spot near the blue lever, putting the guard between himself and Travis. "So there's the portcullis...ugh, what the hell is that?" he gasps, drawing his dagger and pointing at a spot behind the lever.
Let's make this quick and quiet, folks...
Travis, while the guard is distracted with Sho's little bluff, sneaks up on the fellow and tries to cold cock him.
The guard looks at the spot. "What's t-"he starts, but is interrupted by Travis's attack. He turns around, but then he starts to put the pieces together. Realizing what's going on, he whips out his blade. "You- don't you dare try to escape Branderscar! You won't leave here alive!"
Rose
Sholano
Travis
Guards
Group A:
Sholano
Guards
Group B:
Travis
Rose
Maneuvering deftly behind the still-suprised guard, Sholano lashes out, hoping to put an end to this idiocy.
The guard laughs at Sholano's attack. "You think that would wound me?" He attempts to slash Sholano with the blade, hoping to be luckier than him.
He doesn't hit, though.
Travis tries to take a step if necessary, so that Sholano and he both have flank, and delivers a flurry of blows on the guard.
Rose had been content to let the boys handle this one, figuring a serving girl would be out of place in the gatehouse. When the noise of the battle started she stuck her head in and waited. The room was cramped enough.
Ducking the guard's clumsy swing, Sholano exhales a little 'chuff' of breath as he attempts to riposte.
"Uhnf."
The guardsman collapses over, leaving the way out of this prison's gates clear.
Past the gate is the road to town, and the moors. You will have to traverse this foul, wasted landscape, not knowing where the particular way to the house. It's on the Old Moor Road, at least, but how exactly to get there is unknown. Hopefully the group will manage to traverse this inhospitable land and find it, before the guards manage to find them instead...
Whoever has Survival or Knowledge (Geography), roll it. You can do it untrained, at the risk of it taking a good long while to find the house.
Sholano stares out at the road ahead of them, a somewhat blank look on his face. "Well, this should be interesting."
"I'm hoping we can just follow the road to avoid the worst of it."
After some time, through Travis's intuition, the group is able to find the road, and travel down it until they at last find a house in the distance. The trip is not pleasant- the desolate landscape and constant idea that there may now be patrols out looking for you contribute greatly to the unpleasantness. But it could have taken much longer, and it could have been worse.
The house is surrounded by a large barbed iron fence, but the gate easily opens to allow vistors through. The house itself is dark green and imposing. While it's clearly the house Tiadora mentioned, as it's the only one on this road and it has the lantern in the upper window, it hardly looks like a sanctuary at all. But it's where you've been asked to go. It's probably best to not keep Tiadora waiting.
Sholano can't help but breathe a sigh of relief at the sight of their destination. He'd begun to worry that they might miss Tiadora's cryptic three-day deadline; not to mention the constant niggling fear that out there somewhere there were patrols searching for them, eager to throw them back into some danker hole than the one they escaped from.
"Let's get inside, people. I grant you, it's not the most hospitable looking of hiding places, but better there than out here in the open."
Travis breathes a sigh of relief, twin to Sholano's, when they approach the house, and nods in agreement. "Aye, inside sounds safer than in the open." He approaches the house and opens the door without knocking since they were bidden to come here. Once inside, he looks around for some sign of life, cautious of an ambush by guards.
Rose moved into the house like she owned the place.
"Tia, are you here?" she called out as she came in.
Travis waits for Sholano to enter too before he closes the door on the darkness outside. He looks around the room, waiting to see if there is an answer to Rose's call. "Are you sure she's here? Is she the one who was to meet us?"
If there's no immediate answer, he starts looking about the house for any signs of life, ready for a surprise if there's an ambush...
There are most definitely people in this house, and an addle-eyed young man shrieks as he sees the group enter. And then Tiadora appears, as if she's always been there, perhaps around a corner or the like. "I am here, dearest. Though I was wondering if you'd make it, honestly. It seems three of you survived...." She is dressed in a white dress now, one that makes her seem quite angelic. "Well, the master may be disappointed, but we've found another to fill the place of your missing comrades. You'll be seeing him soon, after you freshen up and are made... presentable." Rose of course knows that "The Master" refers to her father, the Cardinal, the only person Tiadora would refer to as such. Even Asmodeus is "the Infernal Father." As Tiadora speaks to the guests, more servants have begun to assemble. She claps her hands once, and they line up behind her, bowing their heads to Tiadora. [b]"Slaves! These people are our guests. See them to their rooms, I want them cleaned, dressed, and refreshed. Quickly." There's something in that last word that makes it sound like a threat. The slaves rush off to fulfill their tasks, some offering to help the group with taking their things upstairs, others rushing to get food or water, whether it be for drinking or for the baths.
It was quite refreshing to be out outside, the old moor that was avoided felt familiar, the scents and wind washed over him like an old friend.
Once the alarm started in the prison he found it much easier to escape a surge of fury, the snap of chains and the crunching of a guard's neck soon saw him up and over the wall and into the night. The words that came from the pale woman directed him to the building in the wastes and he kept walking until he found it and thumped on the door.
Tiadora greeted him and directed him to a room to clean himself so he would be presentable to his new patron and soon after he found himself sitting in an overly posh room awaiting the rest of the group, silently gazing into the fireplace.
Rose gave Tiadora a slightly overzealous hug, seeming very much like a young giggling girl for a moment.
"It worked! All of it! I can't wait to tell Daddy!" then she seemed to remember her company. Composing herself, she still couldn't help but smile. "Thank you. The veil was very useful."
With a quick kiss on Tia's cheek, Rose skipped off for a much needed bath and a proper change of clothes.
Travis accepts the offer of a bath in silence and shrugs off the need of any assistance. When done, he returns back downstairs, taking the offered food and drink, even if the drink is only water. When he's finished, he awaits whatever comes next.
This Tiadora woman had offered us a chance to release ourselves from the prison and it had worked. I wonder what she wants from us now... Nothing comes without a price, and that is as it should be.
Sholano immediately and lavishly accepts the help the servants offer, falling easily into the role of indulgent lord. He send the servants scurrying all over the manse, to store his equipment and fetch him any little thing that occurs to him.
Enjoy it while you can, my lad...I rather doubt this is going to be a terribly enjoyable party.
Tiadora smiles slightly at Rose. "Yes, your father will be very... interested to see you. I'm glad that you survived, unlike some of the others, dearest."
Upstairs, there's a room for everyone, with a bed, chest, desk with writing supplies, empty armor wrack, and a small closet. There are also small tubs in rooms attached to the main rooms, which the servants filled with warm water. The servants also bring bread, meat, cheese and grapes for the guests to snack on, and velvety wine if needed.
In the rooms are clothes that seem to be the exact size of the occupant, also the exact style that the guest prefers. For Rose, these are actually her own clothes, which explains a bit, though there is a new thing or two.
Hound wears a simple tunic, pants and sturdy boots. Made to be warm with the current weather.
He does seem to have a preferance to shaving his head bald. Every day he runs a razor over his head and right now is as bald as an egg.
Sholano raises an eyebrow at the sight of the clothes provided, pondering as he puts them on.
Again with knowing more about me than I thought anyone could. I'm going to have to step up my game around these people.
Tiadora eventually comes to collect everyone, once everyone has had a chance to eat and drink their fill, as well as be cleaned and dressed. She doesn't seem to be rushing the guests, but there is an urgency in her manner. It's clear that she wants to bring them to the master as soon as possible.
When everyone's ready and assembled, she shows them through the manor, ending up at a door. Knocking on it once, a voice comes from inside the room. Rose can recognize it as being Cardinal Thorn's. "Tiadora, have you brought them?"
"Yes."
"Excellent, bring them in."
Tiadora opens the door to a beautiful study, done in dark, rich woods with tapestries on the walls. There is one large desk that Cardinal Thorn sits at. He is a devilishly handsome bald man, dressed in elaborate robes. On the desk are two scrolls in scrollcases, a knife, and a quill. He smiles as the four enter the room.
"Ah, welcome. Rose, Sholano, Travis, I must congratulate you three on being the first people to escape from Branderscar prison. Well done, although you did have help from the outside. A pity what happened to the others, but it's true that only the strong survive." He looks at Rose. "Well, I always knew that you would make it out."
He looks at the others and explains. "Let me introduce myself. I am Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, the last high priest of Asmodeus on the isle of Talingarde. I am also Rose's father. I have not aided you out of mere altruism or paternal responsibility, however. I have done it because I am... interested in you. You three-" (pointing to Rose, Sholano and Travis)- "Managed to escape from Branderscar, and you, ah, Hound, managed to escape to get here as well, alone, and in conditions that were harsh as well. Such talent should not be unnoticed. And so, I may have a place for you, if you are interested."
"As you may know, long ago the people of this land worshiped all the high gods and great powers, giving each the respect they deserved. And high among the gods was the Dark Prince, Asmodeus. But when the current batch of nobles swarmed in they disregarded the previous order, elevating Mithra to undeserved heights, ignoring the other gods that made Talingarde a great nation. And so now they sit and prey to their insipid sun god, burning and torturing anyone who dares to worship another."
"For this blasphemy, we shall make them pay. I shall see that those who have imprisoned or condemned you shall suffer. I know what you have suffered, for I have suffered it myself." He pulls down his sleeve to reveal a runic F brand, the same that those who have escaped from Branderscar now bear. "I know your pain, and I will help you destroy it. Your enemies, those that you hate, will be crushed." He turns to Rose now. "Tell them, Rose! Tell them how I crushed your foes before, and how I can do the same thing to theirs."
Thorn
The other group has suggested this as a more appropriate face-claim.
Travis nods as the cardinal speaks, in agreement with what he has said for the most part. I wonder how the Hand might work into this, or if Thorn even knows of the Hand. Perhaps not, they are a very small group. Would they take me back, if I chose to return to them? I wonder... but this opportunity we are being given here might well transcend what the Hand is doing. I need to hear more, I think.
He looks to the others to try to gauge their reactions, via body language if nothing else... . He pays special attention to Hound, since he is new to the group, and an unknown quantity. Finally, he gives Hound a nod of greeting.
Finally he turns his attention back to Cardinal Thorn with a smile that borders on a grimace. He keeps his mouth shut for the time being, since there seems to be little to say until the Cardinal has finished his own monologue.
Hound listens intently as Thorn speaks. That look in his eyes, like the look in the eyes of the shaman's. Fire..belief. the talk of putting axe and hammer to the Mitrians has appeal, but he has to hear more. Best to hear his plan, the rabid wolf that charges in is soon cut down.
Hound's eye catches the look of the man who is now studying him, his nose smells the odd scent surrounding him and he gives a short nod in return.
Rose smiles. "Which time, Daddy? There were so many."
"It isn't always easy to be a girl. Growing up is hard sometimes. Mother wanted me to have a lady's upbringing and put me through a number of preparatory academies. My parentage is somewhat more than human, which made me a target for some of the more elitist students. When daddy found out the things they had been putting me through, well, they didn't happen any more. Most of the girls were expelled for unmentionable things. Two actually died. A fire, if I remember. I thought Asmodeus was just answering my prayers. I didn't find out for years that it was daddy. I suppose, in a way, that was how my prayers were being answered."
"If I hadn't been so foolish, I might have learned something from him instead of assuming I'd always be protected. That's how I ended up in Branderscar. I needed to be taught a lesson."
She rubbed her arm where the brand of execution lay beneath her exquisite dress.
"Some lessons require firm teaching methods." she said with a smile at her father.
The Cardinal nods. "I believe you have learned your lesson, Rose. You have always been quick to learn such things. Sadly, this nation will not be as quick to learn. We shall have to burn it to the ashes and build anew for it to fully understand its failings and obey its rightful master. I cannot do this alone, of course. I seek those who are worthy of the Infernal Father's majesty!"
"If you will only join me, I will raise you up in the eyes of gods and men. I will make you princes and princesses of the new Talingarde, if you will only swear your loyalty. Put aside forgiveness, and I shall give you vengeance. Put aside mercy, and I shall give you power. Put aside peace and become harbingers of war. Will you swear your allegiance, or burn with the others?"
He seems energized, and completely honest about his intentions and what he seeks to do. Tiadora stays silent throughout the proceedings, simply standing behind the Cardinal, almost as if she's waiting for something.
Travis purses his lips silently as he considers the Cardinal's offer.
His offer is generous, and frought with both peril and rewards. If I accept, it is to the detriment of the Hand, who need me. On the other hand, they already think me dead and will have replaced me by now, I'm sure. Father JErome is dead and gone, so I have no loyalties left there, and surely he would approve of this new path, as it is what he trained me for.
After a long moment of consideration, he looks at the others gathered there, each in turn, his gaze finally settling on the Cardinal, resolve in his expression as he nods once while he speaks...
"I for one will swear my allegiance to you and your cause, Your Eminence."
No home, no kin, no clan, only foes. An offer for a new role, and a chance to strike against the Mitrians.
Hound had no real use for becoming nobility, but he was sure there would be a place for him.
I agree to pledge my allegiance as well.
As he takes in the Cardinal's sweeping ambitions, Sholano's expression slowly changes from mild surprise and doubt to something resembling awe. His eyes practically dance as the disarming smile he's spent years perfecting gives way to an easy malicious grin more genuine than anything he has shown so far.
"Princes, you say?" This is a game on a scale larger than the half-elf had yet encountered. No mere grab for wealth or manipulating some country lord's power, here is a chance to play with the strings of a whole nation. "Well, then, Your Eminence," he continues, giving a flourishing bow, "With such an interesting prize on the table..."
Rising, he give the Cardinal his best conspiratorial smirk, the cheerful gadabout once more. "How could I refuse?"
"I've been waiting for this day my whole life." Rose says with a proud smile.
The Cardinal smiles. "Good, good. I'm glad you have chosen the correct path. Now, a little matter of formalities." From the scroll cases he pulls out two contracts, made of an unknown leather and printed in a dark red ink. There are spaces at the bottom for all to sign. "Signing in blood is traditional, of course." he says, motioning to the knife and quill.
The Contracts:
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 com-mandments 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.
The contracts are completely identical in every single way.
Hounds silently looks over the writing, he suspects there is more to this but he still picks up the knife and cuts his arm, letting the blood pool before dipping the quill into it and signing his name roughly on the bottom of the contract.
Travis cleans the knife after the Hound's use of it and judiciously cuts the palm of his hand, pooling the blood in his cupped palm. He dips the quill into the pool and signs his name simply, without flourish, at the bottom of the contract. As he finishes signing, he smiles and cleans the knife again for the next user.
Rose waits her turn eagerly, cuts her palm, and signs in large sweeping script.
Sholano takes his time, reading over the contract thoroughly and making sure he understands every aspect as best he can. He feels a twinge of apprehension - binding oneself by an infernal contract should not be entered into lightly, after all - but eventually nods.
Taking up the quill, he jabs a small neat hole in the meat of his palm, letting the blood cover the nib of the quill. He signs with a folurishing script, marveling as he does so - this is the first contract he has ever signed with his own name, and also the first he ever intends to hold up his end of.
The Cardinal smiles. "Excellent, excellent. I knew you would choose the correct choice. Now, here is your first mission- prepare yourself. You have three days to rest and recuperate from your trials. And then we will see what you are made of. The house is completely open to you, except for the west wing. The slaves will make sure you are well taken care of. Please do not leave the house- the soldiers are still looking for you.
There is another group here as well. You may speak to them, or choose to keep your distance. You will know them as they do not wear the uniforms of the slaves, as are obviously not myself or Tiadora. If you have need of me in the next few days, ask Tiadora. I myself will be... elsewhere."
The cardinal carefully rolls up the signed contract once it's dry, and places it back in the scroll case. It is carefully placed on a bookshelf with other scrolls.
Hound will make sure he is rested before examining the house further, he does not approach the other group right away, waiting to see what the other members of his band think about interacting with them. He does make sure to keep his skills sharp by practicing with any weapons that are available.