Wocket hears nothing alarming, and is excited to have a warm bath and attendants.
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Heverly scowls slightly at Tiadora's treatment of Grumblejack, but says nothing. He's been useful so far and may still be useful yet. There is no reason to treat him so poorly. However as the slaves begin to take them to their rooms Heverly visibly relaxes and seems to forget about Grumblejack.
She enters her room and her face just beams. She looks down at her current state and a loud laugh comes fountains out of her. Quite the contrast there. Despite her delight at the strange contrast, she is quick to strip out of the common clothing and to begin washing herself off. She turns to the slave in her room, "Fetch me some food. I have not eaten all day." She continues washing but turns back before the slave leaves, and adds, "and some wine as well. A nice vintage if you please."
Heverly takes her time to make sure that all signs of her recent ordeal are taken care of, even taking a moment to cast a last spell, despite the fact that it is likely not necessary.
Once clean Heverly takes time to dress, luxuriating in the feel of nice, fresh clothing. Though she wonders a little at the fit, How could they have such a perfect fit?
Waving her worries from her mind, Heverly sets herself on the bed and lay down as she waits for the slave to return with food.
The servant nods to Heverly and leaves, returning quickly with a tray of hot food and a decanter of velvety red wine. She sets it on a nearby table then goes to stand again by the door.
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Well, that was... something. Talia thanks their benefactor, but is too late in doing so, and the words just fall off her back. She kicks herself for not speaking up on Grumblejack's behalf earlier. She'd bristled at the insults directed at him - who had helped as much as anyone in the past few hours - but had said nothing to the person she viewed as most directly responsible for their escape.
As the servants come out and begin performing their duties, Talia can't help but feel slightly concerned with the power dynamics being hinted at here - "Slaves"? "Master"? - mainly because she isn't sure where that places her and the rest of them. She allows herself to be led to her room, and bathes quickly. She finds the hot water refreshing, and the new clothes luxurious, and despite herself devours the food with ravenous abandon - all of which leaves her even more on guard than before.
I do wonder how the others are getting on, she thinks.
Once they're inside, and Wocket has some privacy, she begins to make increasingly oppressive demands from her bathtub. At a certain point, it transitions from fulfilling desires to testing limits. It's clear this is the first time she's been in any position of power, and rather than being appalled, as some of the others seem to be, she luxuriates in what she sees as her position being restored in the natural order. She's not bothered by Tiadora's attitude because she'd do the same given the chance.
If her requests aren't reigned in by a higher authority, she'll have one of the slaves carry her to their next destination, flushed and chipper.
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As they approach on the door, Silarsha tries to take in the sheer size of the building. This is someone's home? It's huge. You can probably fit two or three whole families in there.
At first sight of Tiadora, Silarsha blinks. Wow. She's stunning and smiles shyly when Tiadora turns the grin upon her.
However, during the interaction between Tiadora and Grumblejack, she reasses her first impression. Confident. No, more than confident. Certain. I can likely take the ogre in a fight, but it will be a fight. She knows she can beat him. No fear or hesitation. No question in her mind.
As the group is led inside by the slaves, she follows along to her room. Looking around the well appointed room, she dips her hand into the hit wash water and sighs contentedly.
Turning to the slave, "Might it be possible to have some food brought up? Nothing big, but I've not eaten a good meal in a few days."
As the slave runs off, she strips off her armor and the soiled clothing. Grabbing soap, and a wash rag, she steps into the bath and begins scrubbing off weeks of dirt and worse.
Later, when the slave returns with a small plate of cold meat and bread; Silarsha stands up in the now filthy bathwater and rinses off her body with a pitcher of clean water. Drying off and wrapped up with a large cloth, she walks to the slave, takes the plate and sits down on the bed with the plate.
Taking a bite of meat, she turns to the waiting slave, and says "Would you mind helping me brush out and re-braid my hair? It's a tangled mess.
As the slave brushes and combs out the tangles in her hair, occasionally causing sharp intakes of breath as a stubborn knot is removed, Silarsha nibbles happily on the best food she's eaten in weeks.
Once her plate is empty, her hair is detangled, and has been pulled into a neat single braid, she gets up and dresses in the clothing provided to her. Finishing the outfit, is Blackerly's Chainmail and his fine sword at her belt. Smoothing her new long skirt, and stamping her feet into the new boots, she turns back to the ever attendant slave.
"Thank you. I'm ready now." and waits to be taken to see her host.
The thralls here are very well trained. Even father's weren't this good. Though farmwork isn't house work.
The master? Who is above her? Charmaine stands uncertain before Tiadora, until she commands the slaves. Reflexively, the Halfling takes a step forward, but quickly corrects herself. You can take the slave out of the estate, but apparently you can't take the slave out of the halfling.
Unfortunately for Charmaine, her internal frustration becomes external frustration as Grumblejack gets berated in front of them. We wouldn't have even made it if it wasn't for him. Sure, he is an uncivilized brute, but he was crucial to our escape! While she may be uncomfortable with his eating habits and the size difference between them, such blatant disrespect to a companion clearly rubbed her the wrong way.
She pats Grumblejack's calf sympathetically. "I'm sure you will big guy, I'm sure you will." Turning to the slave that has apparently been assigned to her, she gives orders, visibly uncomfortable to being in this role. "Um... Food. Yeah, a huge lollipop, meat, cheese, and a bowl of rice for me and a lot of meat for him and the dog," she halfheartedly demands. "Oh wait! My room first. Grumblejack and his pet will accompany me."
In her room, Charmaine waits patiently for the food to arrive. Once it does, she bids the slave to leave. "You are no longer needed. Fetch us when our presence is required," she orders, clearly trying to be somebody she isn't. Now just the three of them Charmaine takes some time to clean the dog and to make Grumblejack a little more presentable. Not much I can do about the stench, but I can at least remove some of the visible offense. Once satisfied with her work, she cleans herself thoroughly.
By the time she is summoned, she wears a large red bow on her head, complete with a red dress and the lollipop clutched in her hand that makes her look more like a human child than a Halfling woman.
________
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Grumblejack smiles and helps Charmaine take care of the dog. The dog, having gone through a lot, now seems much friendlier, though also a little scared of the new surroundings. He makes it hard to bathe him, but eventually between Charmaine and Grumblejack, the job get's done. Grumblejack then helps as best he can to make himself presentable, and the effect is quite comic at times. But in the end, he stands tall, proud of his newly found state of semi-hygiene.
At last Tiadora comes to summon you. She snears at the ogre when he's brought out. "Sorry pet, they may choose to take you along when they are done here, but this meeting is only for them." Tiadora waits a moment, but finally sighs in exasperation, "The slaves will see you are taken care of while you wait." Though Grumblejack, seems sad that he will not get to come along to the meeting, he sighs in relief and backs away from Tiadora as soon as she nods for him to go. She then leads you through a maze of passages, to a beautifully appointed office, richly decorated with dark wood and sumptuous brocade tapestry.
Sitting in a leather high-backed chair is a bald, yet handsome man draped in fine robes and wearing a gold symbol of Asmodeus. He 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 still a feat nonetheless."
He waves his hands as if waving the matter away, "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." The man stands at this point and motions to himself, "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 Mitran fanatics who wish to destroy any religion or person that does not bow to their insipid sun god."
"They trample on those who are not like them, and each of you are an example of that. Whether that be for your parantage," he motions to Wocket and Talia, "your ways of life," he looks at Silarsha, "your faith," he looks to Heverly, "Or your status," he ends off looking at Charmaine. "For their blasphemy and intollerance, I would 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 up 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. Built for those of us who have been pushed to the side for too long. I cannot do this alone. I seek servants worthy of our Infernal Father’s majesty. Have I found them in you?”
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 rulers of the new Talingarde. Today, swear fealty to me and to Asmodeus. Tomorrow, those who trod on you will be burnt and those in their place will swear fealty to you."
“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?”
For the first time, you are really given the opportunity to speak for yourselves as he looks you over and awaits your answer.
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Wocket doesn't comment on the exchange with Grumblejack. She notices Charmaign hanging around him, and the fact that she managed to smuggle the giant in for a makeover, but she has no comment, derisive or otherwise, to give. She's just experienced things she'd only dreamed of after all. Although it's only been a taste, she's supremely satisfied with the direction her life is going. She tries to suppress the urge to run her fingers over her high-collared silk dress as she's lead through the halls.
When they're introduced to Cardinal Thorn, Wocket throws herself to the floor in genuine supplication. She emits a high-pitched squeal, which may have been intended as intelligible speech, but instead peters off as she literally feints in exaltation.
Heverly steps out of her room, clean and fresh, ready to go. We can finally end this mystery and find out what they have in store for us. When Tiadora sends Grumblejack away, Heverly pulls her lips into a thin line, but says nothing.
Finally following along to the office, Heverly looks around, amazed at the display. Once Cardinal Thorn begins to speak, Heverly focuses on him and listens intently. She looks down at where Wocket has thrown herself to the floor, and smiles, but Heverly continues to stand, poised as she can.
As the Cardinal continues his speech, Heverly's face grows more determined and excited. By the time he's finished, Heverly's face is glowing. She steps forward quickly, "If you will give me vengeance on those fools, then yes, I will swear myself to you and your cause for life. I will show no mercy and I will bring the fires of war to all of Talingarde."
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Silarsha sits quietly as the Cardinal speaks, listening carefully and trying to find a hint of falsehood or deception.
After hearing him out, she considers his offer.
He seems sincere. He wants to do what I can't do alone, and as l am now. With this group and his backing and planning I can do what I have vowed. Do what is needed. Justice for father. Justice for my people. And a lesson for these fools who stole their honor from them. . .
Once Heverly has sworn her allegiance to the Cardinal, Silarsha speaks up: "When I was a child, a nearby village was raided. Two ships of other Uflen from another Thane's lands came in the night. They killed, or did worse to unresisting women, children and elders, made Thralls of those too young to take, burned houses and crops. Things done only in outright war. Not in a simple raid."
"When my father learned of the raid, he sought out the crews that had done it. And when he learned who they were, he gathered many of the nearby tribes, and their warriors traveled to the raiders home.
Once there, they hunted down the crews, and their captains.
Then they went and killed the village's Thane. And in a manner to set an example for a long time to come."
As she continues, there's an angry gleam present in her eyes. Not like when her bloodrage is on her, but there nonetheless. An old, and powerful anger.
"My father said; when a man does something wrong, it's that man who is responsible. But when many men do wrong, that is the responsibility of their leaders. They guide the people. They set the example of what is right and what is acceptable. And they carry the weight of their people's actions. This King and his government of Talingarde, this church of Mitra and its followers have shown me everything I need to know about them. They are corrupt. They are morally weak. And if you and your god plan to cleanse them of that corruption; pull them down from their thrones, drag them out of their churches and into a new and better order, then I who have already sworn to make them pay for the dishonor they have done, will swear allegience to your cause, and I will bring this nation the judgement it deserves!"
Talia is unable to conceal her awe while surrounded by such unimaginable opulence. Her mouth sits slightly agape and, although she listens attentively to Cardinal Thorn, she can't help but steal glances from time to time at the various trappings of wealth arrayed about the room.
At first, she maintains a skeptic's ear. But as the Cardinal goes on, she begins to agree with some of his points. By her own experience, Talingarde did treat people unfairly - how likely it would be that they had done the same to Asmodeus' church. Mitra and her following had utterly failed Talia, answering her entreaties for righteous justice with silent ambivalence. The government and military had shown themselves to be poor judges of quality, promoting fools and dolts while ignoring quality candidates such as herself.
And now I have an offer to be a part of rebuilding this country, to deliver justice and restore a real order to things. Even if I walked out the door here and never returned, I'd never have that sort of chance again - not if things remain the same. Besides, what choice do I have? Probable death by Tiadora and Thorn's hands if I decide to leave, probable capture and death by the guard patrols if I make it out of here alive, a lifetime of scrounging for scraps as an outlaw refugee if I still manage to survive those things - or the opportunity to improve my station and my family's welfare, and to never be mistreated or overlooked.
She sets her jaw, takes a single step forward, and utters the following oath: "I swear my allegiance to you and to your cause. I accept your offer of vengeance. I will work with you to crush those who oppose us, and to restore true order to Talingarde. The disgrace of Darius, 'the Brave' - so brave he and his fellow sun worshipers won't even dare speak Asmodeus' name - must be paid for. And I, and my family, will not be ignored, nor scorned, nor taken advantage of again."
Charmaine throws Tiadora a distrustful look when she sends Grumblejack away, but comes to terms with the situation when she promises he will be cared for. At least he will have his dog to keep him company. Once this meeting is through though, I'll have to keep an eye on him. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if imperious Tiadora tries to trick him into giving her a reason to dispose of him.
Having grown up on a lavish estate, Charmaine is no stranger to pleasantry, only to being the one walking through the halls as a full-class citizen. As Cardinal Thorn speaks, she practically clings to every word he says. Their opulence has been oppressive and their devotion to Mitra a sham! I chance for revenge against the Lord and those who would imprison me? COUNT. ME. IN. Whether or not Thorn knew it, flattery was one of the keys to her heart.
"I accept. Without reservation," she says, trying not to shake with excitement over the realm of opportunities this would surely bring. Charmaine then takes a knee. "What is thy bidding my master?"
As her comrades each make their vows, Talia feels a thrill of anticipation, as though they were standing just on the edge of a cliff, or in an open plain right before a storm rolls in. How open we all are to this offer! She marvels at how unthinkable such a thing
would have been to her scarcely a month ago.
Silently, she begins to reassess her reservations about Thorn and his organization, in the light of her allies' acceptances. They seem all on board. Yet I have bent the knee before, and it had brought me no end of trouble. ... It also brought me here, to be fair.
In the end, she does not surrender her misgivings.
"I'll take that as a, 'yes,'" Thorn says with an almost paternal smile at Wocket. He claps his hands and runs them together, “Excellent. Let us make it official. Signing in blood is traditional.” He motions and some servants come forward bearing a tray with a quill, a silver ritual knife, and two copies of a contract, written on a strange, pale leather, in red ink. "One copy is for you to keep, one for me. Feel free to read it over and if you have questions, ask them now. Our master does not suffer fools, and will not relieved you of your duties because of ignorance."
Talia, perhaps out of misplaced guilt over her misgivings, is the first to step up and read the unusual contract. She takes her time, studying its clauses carefully.
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Silarsha reads over the contract carefully, then reads it a second time.
Blah, blah blah, loyalty to the Cardinal, to the group, looks fair overall. . .
She sets the pact back down.
"The contract is acceptable, but I have one question."
She points to the First Loyalty.
"I've never been the overly pious sort, but the First Loyalty names Asmodeus as my patron, and my god. That's a fair trade to accomplish our shared goals, but will there be instruction available for someone less knowledgeable on the subject?"
She looks the Cardinal in the eyes.
"When I sign my name, I don't want to inadvertently break the contract in my ignorance of the laws of the faith."
As for the contract itself, it seems fairly straightforward.
Cardinal Thorn nods to Silarsha, "Yes, that can be provided for you, I will have a copy of the Asmodean Monograph placed in your rooms. Though, I should warn you, it is a hefty volume. Our master enjoys the small details. Until you have had some time to look it over, it should be enough for you to know he values strength, ambition and order. The strong have a right to rule the weak. Make yourself one of the strong, rise high in ranks and power. Hold to every letter and detail of the contracts that bond you, and create a higher order, making sure others hold to their bargains and deals as well. And finally, and most pertinent to us, punish without mercy those who have failed in their duties."
Charmaine takes a moment to read the contract. The level of servitude is clear here. Do I really want to just be another servant again? Yet if Tiadora is a servant to Thorn as well, she is no mere cupbearer. She seems to have autonomy in her duties, commands authority, even. This is a chance to rise above, not to keep me below.
Wordlessly, she steps forward to participate in the signing ritual. She bravely holds her arm forward, but can't help a little wince as the knife cuts into her skin. Dipping the quill into the small pool of her own blood, she signs her name in a neat but crude handwriting.
Seemingly reassured by the words of the Cardinal, Silarsha steps forward. "Then we are in agreement."
Picking up the silver knife, she slowly draws it across the skin of her arm.
As the blood wells forth; she sets down the knife, then picks up the quill. While holding her arm still, she dips the quill directly into the fresh blood.
Wiping the excess blood from the quill next to the wound, she signs both copies of the contract with two quick flourishes.
"And now the reckoning can begin."
She sets the quill back onto the tray.
"I Ære og blod."
Wocket comes to, visibly embarrassed, but able to collect her dignity off the floor. It only takes her a moment looking around to understand what's going on. She's signed something like this before. It had been in secret, in the back of a warehouse, and it wasn't on the right kind of parchment. That cleric was dead now, if that contract had ever been valid. This ceremony made that one feel like a child's game.
She approaches Cardinal Thorn, and accepts the knife and quill. She pricks herself with the point of the knife, and her blood jumps and crawls as it pools on the tip of her finger. The gnome signs her name with a shaking hand, and accepts her copy of the contract.
Heverly hesitates for a moment. Contracts. She flexes her hands nervously, Of course. It makes sense. Oh, I was never very good at this part. Despite her nervousness, Heverly finally steps forward, and looks them over. Hell unending, Heverly shudders at the thought, but grabs the knife and signs. The blood fresh and slick on the contract.
Talia stares at the contract for a long time, before taking the knife, slicing a cut in her hand, and squeezing out a tiny pool of blood onto each copy of the parchment. She uses these pools to sign her name. Her hand, to her surprise, doesn't even tremble.
Cardinal Thorn smiles, “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.” He motions to the servants, "Tiadora and her servants will see to your well-being. I must see to some things in the mean time."
The servants come, and grab the tray, taking it away. They roll up one copy of the contract and hand it over to Heverly, where the other one goes to Cardinal Thorn. Tiadora appears, ready to lead you back to your chambers.
Heverly accepts the rolled contract, then turns, "Thank you," she pauses for a moment, then with a deep breath and a rush, "Thank you Master." She bows and walks over to Tiadora, ready to go.
Once the ceremony has come to a close, Talia is unsure what to say or do next. One thing, however, had been nagging at her, and she wasn't certain if she'd get the chance to ask later. Swallowing, she asks Thorn, "I hope you can forgive my bold curiosity. But if we were in theory the first to escape Branderscar, where did you receive your brand from?"
She slides up her sleeve to accentuate the question.
The Cardinal laughs, "Yes, I can see how . . ." He touches the spot on his arm where his mark had shown earlier, "No. Though I was burnt and marked, it was not at Branderscar. You truly were the first to escape that foul place. I am sure that was quite the ordeal, in itself." He drops the subject there. It seems he does not wish to say where he received his own marking.
She bows her head slightly and lets the question drop. "Thank you, Cardinal Thorn."
Watching the others address the Cardinal before they leave, Silarsha muses to herself;
Master. Hmm. She's right I suppose, but unless he presses us to use title, I'll stick with "Cardinal" So long as he accepts that anyway. It's not like I have a choice if he decides otherwise.
She shakes her head.
Enough of that. This is for the best. To avenge Father's murder I can accept any burden I must bear.
"Thank you Cardinal Thorn. I look forward to helping enact your plan."
With her first set of orders delivered, Charmaine simply walks out of the room and heads for own. I wonder what Grumblejack and the dog are up to... Are ogres nocturnal? I hope, not this contract and escape business has me tuckered out!
Once in her room, she changes into a fresh pair of pyjamas and cozies up into her bed. Hope it was fine I told Grumblejack what happened. Having a new master will be... interesting. This one seems to have at least a mutual goal of ours at heart. I can't imagine I'll be cleaning pots and pans or washing sheets for him. It is strange, all I wanted was freedom when I left the Lord, but I've accepted this bondage easily enough...
A few moments into her thoughts is all it takes for her to drift off to sleep after such a harrowing day.
Tiadora looks laughs as Charmaine leaves the room on her own. "Don't get lost little girl, the monster's come out at night."
Despite Tiadora's taunting, Charmaine makes her way back to the room unaided. Some small time later, as Charmaine and Grumblejack finish discussing the new arrangement, a slave enters and looks around, "I am told to tell you," she says with a quiet and tremulous voice, "that i-i-if you give a list to one of us, we will take care of buying what you need." Once it is clear the message is delivered, the slave goes to stand in the corner, seeming to almost shut off like an automaton as she waits for further orders.
Tiadora leads the group back to their rooms. As she does, she turns back almost casually, "You may leave a list of equipment with any of the slaves and we will make sure that you get whatever you need. In addition, I can help take whatever you have collected and don't need, and fence it. Though I believe some of it has marks of the Talirean military and will not fetch much of a price."
Once back to your rooms, a slave is left with each of you to take care of any needs at any time.
The next three days pass in the misery of waiting. There is somewhat to pass the time though. Though you cannot leave the manor, there is a garden at it's center, and always plenty of food, ale, wine or other luxuries. In addition, though none approach you, it seems there are four other guests. One, a beautiful woman, all dressed in white, seemingly prepared for winter, though it's not too cold now, with long black hair and an albino raven. Another, a large man, never seen without his greatsword. Finally a set of twins, wiry, yet sturdy men. Though they look the same, one is never seen without a smile, while the other is almost always dour. The four of them are often seen together, though they can be found apart as well. Finally, Tiadora can be found around, checking on things as the days go by, to make sure that there are no issues.
Wocket first asks for Robes of Arcane Heritage, and is only mildly annoyed that the Master’s good will doesn’t extend quite that far. She requests some odds and ends, a dagger, and an armored kilt, then, after some consideration, a combat trained ram, and a portable alchemy lab.
She spends most of her time in the garden with a little target practice. When she sees them on the first day, she approaches the twins. “Hey, Sock and Buskin, either of you use a bow or crossbow? Now that I’m licensed to kill, I need a little practice aiming...”
Artisan’s Clothes (2#) 1gp
Armored Kilt (5#) 20gp
Dagger (Cold Iron, 0.5#) 4gp
Chalk (100pc) 1gp
Alchemist’s Fire (1#) 20gp
Empty bottle (1#) 2gp
Backpack (1#) 2gp
---
Ram (Combat-trained) 50gp
Portable Alchemist’s lab (20#) 75gp
The servant blanches when Wocket mentions the alchemist's lab then begins to babble, "Oh, great one! I did not know you needed a lab. Oh please do not punish, please." The groveling goes on for some time before Wocket can get what the slave is trying to say, "We can buy one for you, but if you would rather, the Master keeps one on sight which you can use." She eventually leads you to a well stocked room, set up as a complete alchemist's lab.
The twins look up, the dour one speaking up first. "I don't know who you talked to, but that's not our names."
The more friendly twin laughs, "Do not be such a spoilsport Trak. You must know she's only making a joke." He bows, "I am Trik, and this sour grape is my elder brother Trak."
"Only by a minute." Trak mutters to himself.
Trik looks Wocket over, "Trak is probably the better shot between the two of us, but he's in too poor a mood to help. I might be able to though." Trik sidles up next to Wocket and begins to show her a few tricks as they begin to work through it together.
Over the three days, Trik spends quite a bit of time with Wocket, talking and joking with her. He shares about his other friends, The White Ravens, they call themselves, recruited from the Savage North to help Thorn overthrow the Talireans. Elise, their leader, an icy woman (literally) as she controls ice magic, and Dotson, a half-elf berserker. "Only way to get him talking is with a drink. 'Course, then again, he's just as likely to start an epic bar fight as talk." Trik himself is a cleric, with his brother being a bounty hunter.
Over the course of the three days, should Wocket allow it, they might even become friends.
Trak is with his brother often over the course of the three days, but whenever Wocket shows up, he seems to disappear, making himself unavailable.
Upon being escorted back to her room, Silarsha strips off her clothes, climbs into the bed and quickly falls asleep as the constant abuse and exertion of the past days finally catches up. The night passes restlessly, as she tosses and turns in the bed.
Waking up in the morning, she sends the servant of the room to fetch her a large breakfast, which she wolfs down ravenously. Quickly dressing after eating, she grabs a last bit of toasted bread from the plate, and turning to the servant says;
"Could you guide me to Talia's room?"
Finishing the toast as they walk, when they arrive, she raps on the door.
"Talia, are you there? I need some advice."
In the morning, Charmaine wakes to a room filling with sunshine. At least all that wasn't a delirious dream! Before she gets up and going, she mulls over her shopping list. Finally, she scribes her list and gives it to the servant. "These will do."
Ready to begin her day, she takes breakfast in a public area, slowly picking through a hearty but tiny bowl of oatmeal, bananas, and walnuts. When Charmaine catches sight of the woman with the raven, she does her best to make a good impression. "I haven't seen you before, I am Charmaine," she explains, oozing as much confidence as she can muster. "You have a beautiful bird! Where did you find such a creature?"
________
Disguise Kit 50gp
Chainshirt 100gp
Shortbow 30gp
Arrows (20) 1gp
Cold Weather Outfit 8gp
Hot Weather Outfit 8gp
Traveler's Outfit 1gp
Peasant's Outfit 1sp
Pirate Clothes 1sp
Vest 3sp
Teddy Bear (1 worth 5sp, the other worth 1gp. The idea is that one looks like an urchin would own it, while the other would be for a better off child.)
Should be a total of 200gp
What clothing would I be able to take from the dresser here?
Heverly nearly collapses in bed when she returns to her rooms. She is almost asleep before her head hits the pillow. The next morning, she sits down and spends a long time thinking over her purchases and what she needs. She quickly discards the guards shield and armor as too unwieldy, then writes her own list down, handing it to the slave without a word. She spends her day lounging in comfort, and relaxing. When she finds there are others staying with them, Heverly takes time to disguise herself before meeting them, and introduces herself to them as Genevieve. She wears the disguise whenever she is out of her rooms from then on. That night, she puts on a show for those who would watch using the performer's outfit she got.
She dances well enough, but the quarters seem cramped, and she gets more frustrated as she goes along. Despite her poor showing the first night, she spends a portion of the next two days practicing in the tight quarters, while some of it is spent shut up in her room with a book she found. The nights she spends attempting a new show. The second night is slightly better, but not much. By the time she gets to the third night though, (even if none are left to watch by then), her performance is amazing. and she moves naturally within the room. She beams at the end of it, feeling accomplished, but still inside, something nags. A fire that burns unsatisfied and waiting. For truly that is all she does for this time, is pass the time in waiting.
Shortspear (3 lbs) 1 gp
Belt Pouch (.5 lbs) 1 gp
Book of Letters (Talingarde) (3 lbs) 50 gp
Chest, Medium (50 lbs) 5 gp
Inkpen (-) 1 sp
Ink (-) 8 gp
10x Paper (-) 4 gp
5x Stationary (-) 5 gp
Entertainer's Outfit (4 lbs) 3 gp
Courtier's Outfit (6 lbs) 30 gp
Necklace (very nice) (1 lbs) 25 gp
Rings (-) 10 gp
Hair Ornamentation (.5 lbs) 15 gp
Cleric's Vestment (Mitra) (6 lbs) 5 gp
Holy Symbol of Mitra (silver) 25 gp
The raven looks up at Charmaine and squawks, "Who are you calling a creature?"
The woman smiles down at Charmaine, handing something to the raven. "Don't mind Adergwyn. He's just grumpy. Charmaine, is it? I am Elise." She looks Charmaine up and down, lips pursed. "You seem like one who is probably underestimated frequently. If I had my guess, I would say to their detriment more often than not. What is it you do for the Cardinal?"
By mid afternoon of the first day, you all find your items have been brought to you. In addition to those you've selected, there are two others for each of you as well as a note to accompany them. One is an Iron Circlet, the other is a silver unholy symbol of Asmodeus.
Here are the items we have bought for you. In addition we have provided you with a few things of our own make. One is there to remind you of the master you serve, and the compact you have made. The other to help you in your endeavors. Put it on and it will help you change your appearance so that you may hide among our enemies.
Charmaine briefly squeals with joy when the raven speaks to her. "Is that one of those wizards things? Whataretheycalled... A familiar! That's so cool!" she says, genuinely beaming. "I've never had an affinity for it, but I've always dreamed of being a wizard."
The Halfing gives a sly smile at Elise's complement. "I am, quite often," she purrs, pleased to be noticed for her potential. "Their assumptions always costs them quite a bit of gold and sometimes some bruises too!" she further explains proudly.
At the talk of the Cardinal, Charmaine pauses. I haven't done shit, really. But is it worth lying to her? As far as I understand it we are on the same side... Here it goes! "Well, the truth of it is that I've only just arrived. I've pledged myself to the cause, but I've only just escaped from Branderscar Prison with my cellmates. Hopefully, I'll get to working for him properly in the next couple of days. What do you do for him?" she asks, eager to have some of the talking done by Elise again.
________
When Charmaine gets her stash of items plus two awesome bonus items, she is estatic. "Have you guys seen this thing?!" she asks, switching between outfits and forms every couple of seconds. "This makes duping people sooooo much easier! Isn't magic great?!"
Elise nods sagely, "Yes, Adergwyn is something like that."
"I'm more than that! What are you?"
"Hush Adergwyn, leave her be for now." Elise listens carefully as Charmaine speaks, "Cellmates indeed. It seems you have had quite the adventure. I would love to hear about it sometime. Though it is quite likely you will have plenty more ahead. I am sure that whatever it is you are assigned to do it will be great." She sighs and stands straight again, "We do much for the Cardinal, we of course are charged with helping him in his cause. I am sure that at some point we will even get to work together. That could be quite interesting."