Vampirism? A reasonable choice, I am personally more aiming for the half fiend package. Since I am a quarter fiend genetically speaking, there should be some way for me to not jump through all the hoops.
He pauses
My night vision is pretty decent, but some of the other issues with being Vampiric will be a pain in the arse.
In a conspirational tone he whipser to Stanislav.
One thing to keep in mind is that like, 3 different demon lords claim dominionship over Vampires, Kabriri, Orcus and Zurah, when interfacing with their followers, they will assume that you worship them, which may be something you can use to your advantadge.
It was not my choice exactly but I have learned to appreciate aspects of this curse. Stanislav explains. I understand that there are spells and even items that protect from the sun but I have not had the opportunity to search for such a boon. Perhaps if we are successful in this next phase of Thorn's plan then I might request such an item as a reward. After all such an item would make me all the more useful to the master.
Possible worth of note on the other side of the Castle from were you are there is a village with roughly 1000 inhabitants.
"The empty hand are a group of orcs that want to establish...peaceful relations (he says these words with disgust) with Last wall. They have started trading with them and even letting humans and dwarves travel freely into their lands. They even have a small village were orcs and non-orcs live in peace. No they will not join us, but others will join us once they see us winning againts the defender of Last Wall and looting their towns. The better we do the more orcs will join us. This is why the Balentyne must fall. This is what thorn promised me. He said that you would weaken the fortress so that when we attack it would fall effortlessly and be a great victory for the orcs...My troops are still gathering and once they are gathering they will want to attack quickly. You get 3 weeks, during that time you must somehow weaken the fortress so that my forces can take it."
"Nothing like the pressure of working by a sundial," Ci Ci says with a casual shrug of her shoulders. "I suppose the pleasantries are over for the moment. Let's get the ball rolling. Things to do, forts to take, men to murder..."
Casta smiles immediately manic and wide, “Oh excellent, I had assumed that the fall of Ballentyne would only involve me partially. Well..” he looks between the forming group the manic smile fading back to small grin that is off putting.
“As the Half-Elf woman said let us be off. We have a need to gather information and prepare. There is a town nearby the fort that we can set up first at. They may know something while we prepare and compare the information you have on the castle with what we have gleamed. Maybe even purchase any items you may or may not want for this undertaking. I could make some more items as well… I’ll need more bleak berry extract I’m running low.” The last part he mutters absentmindedly half to himself and half for the group.
Murder, how rude, arent we just expediting their date with Pharasma?
In terms of rough priorities, Communications, supplies, armaments, key officers?
Touching his circlet, Alexandr changes into an even burlier half Orc.
I am Grog Stronjaw! Pathfinder-Orc of good cunning!
We do need to be careful of the image we present to those in the town on the other side of the castle. Vinnick's companions, no matter how useful, cannot accompany us into the town proper, so we will need a secure base near by. I am not totally sure how R'yzzntyg will be seen there. Perhaps she can look like a human child? Starting there makes sense to me. It would allow us to gather more information from the locals and perhaps take a patrol from the keep once we are close to action there. Too much exposure too early could be costly for us.
"Can you describe the other members of the Pathfinder Group that conveniently went missing? If we are going to impersonate them, we should make an effort to get it right, I suppose," Cori asks.
Hearing Coriandrinne excitement to kill, she slams her fists together, Another village to destroy! Her teeth showing clearly as she grins with delight thoughts of people burning.
Hearing the suggestion of human child, she gags before speaking, Eeuw! Human child. Human child! What with my brethren think of me. I will be the disgrace of all kobolds.
Pausing briefly, You do have a point. Kobold or lizardfolk, probably stick out. Then what reason would a child be with the Pathfinders... Travelling merchants I can see, and we got stuff that needs to be sold.
Tapping her chin, We will need to see what the terrain here look like before be can find a suitable secluded wilderness.
"Grog Strongjaw", Half Orcish, I guess part Ogre, Barbarian.
2 normal sized Females, half Elfen Druid female by the name of Keyleth blond, , relatively timid personality, Half Elfen Ranger by the name of Vexalia, pretty reasonable fit for you Coriandrinne personality wise, black hairs, black eyes.
2 Gnomes, one agnsty female Cleric and a well, Bardic male Bard. The Cleric is probably a better fit for the "not yet dragon lady".
2 normal sized males, one percy-something who was fighting with some type of Numerian firearm and seemed to have some dhampiric traits, one half elfen Vax, brother of the aforementioned Vex, but more a rouge then a frontal warrior.
Alexandr takes out quill and paints pretty reasonable pictures of the Vox Machina cast.
Casta thinks aloud tapping his thumb along his fingers as he does.
“Sacking the village should be low priority. Undefended and weak they stand little chance. But killing them will surely alert the garrison someone is afoot. It may allow us to kill several patrols but realizing a dangerous enemy is nearby will cause them to secure all entries and exits making any further attempts at infiltration difficult…..” Immediately switching topic he keeps talking,
”Halflings are of similair size to kobolds, as well as gnomes. Assuming a form like one of theirs would not arise interest in a group of pathfinders. Aforementioned group of pathfinders fits us neatly, the half elf Vax would seem applicable for myself.” with that he grasps the broach and appears much the same becoming a half elf with dark hair and darker longer cloak.
Let me gives a go to look like a female gnome. She pushes her hood back completely, then reaches for the amulet. Once her appearance changes, What needs fixing?
A few minutes later she manages to get the appearance correct.
What about Ajikis, as she does not have an amulet?
Heroic Heroes befriend young dragon on unusual mission? Asks "Grog" Very heroic thing to do! One time Grog tried befried rust beast, but it ate Grogs armor! So Grog ate it in return, no more friends with rustbeasts now! Dragon nu-friend strictly superior is! Does not eat armor nor s#*!s in Grogs helmet!
Just getting in character Chuckles Alexandr in his normal voice.
Yes. No sacking the town. Its only a place to pick up intel and maybe spend some coin. I would not even want to sell the gear we have there. Raises too big a flag. Now when the orc army comes they may wan to claim the town.
If we are successful then the orcs/ogres will sack the castle. In taking out the supperior opposition before they attack it would behoove us to loot what we want in advance of letting the orcs in, as after may be too late to get the spoils we desire.
In terms of selling martial gear, Sakkarot may well be interested in purchasing it at quite reasonable prices, or perhaps in exchange for orc trophy weapons to burnish our credentials.
Good Sir, I have the feeling we will get along fabulously. We may consider making a bag of holding a priority, although I can double as a fairly effective mule.
As money is talked he looks to the others and will quietly so as too not interrupt he will ask about abilities they have offering his own in return without hesitation. He doesn’t bother with names or reasons for abilities plainly ask what they can and can not do.
“I can provide a few serums that allows people to carry more weight using the roots of the Dericata flower and the ground remains of ants. I have a limited amount and it only lasts for four hours but it can help should we need to move a large amount of equipment.”
As you exit the cabin you find none other than Tiadora waiting outside.
She motions for your to follow her. Once you are away from prying eyes and ears she turns to face the group.
"So you've met with the orc chief and he's told you about the plan to take down the Balentyne. This mission is of the utmost importance. How you go about this is going to be up to you but you are to devote yourselves to this mission's success. There is an old abandoned fortress up the hill from here that you can use as a base in the meantime. I can show you the way." she says
That would be most appreciated my Lady. I trust thou have been well since we parted? Alexandr switches to his main persona and gives a quite formal bow.
Would thee by chance by privy to any further additional information we could make use off in furtherance of our common aims? In addition, would the fair castle of Balentyne have any specific persons or objects whose destruction or retrieval thou would consider to be of particular interest?
(+17 if humanoid)
"Exhausted" she says in an exasperated tone "Thorn has me running about non-stop coordinating all his pawns and recruiting new ones... she ponders your questions "Hmm well there was one lad we captured a while back. I had a lot of fun with him and before I accidently broke him he mentioned his uncle is a captain in this fort and that he has a secret lady friend in town, even more interesting was the mention of a secret passage that he used to go out to meet her. Sadly he did not know the details of were this passage is located or the identity of the woman but he did says that she is married and not to his uncle."
Bingo. Stanislav thinks as he hears the tale. we must find that tunnel. Your timing is perfect. Lead on Tiadora. The sooner we get there the sooner we can all rest.
Ah yes, the many trails and challenges of coordinating large numbers of opportunistically, at best, attached to reality, characters who all think they are the main character and the center of the universe. After my first unsuccesfull foray into being a Banidt chief I can attest that this is much harder then it sounds. Should have invested in a sentient resource management specialist and not in a spike trap in the throne room, although I doubt I could have afforded one of your calibre.
Using their lust against them? How excellent! Did he by chance yield the order of his uncle? Was it by chance one of these specifically sworn to Alexandrs face curls up like spoiled milk as if the very concept is anathema to the core of his being marital fidelity?
Marital infedility does not directly carry the death penalty in Lastwall, as far as I remember, but either manipulating the cuckholded husband into taking vengeance, or murdering the uncle and framing the cuckhold could considerably reduce enemy leadership, perhaps even by 2 or 3 if the cuckholded one and his wife are also crusader leader, without showing our hand.
"The uncle's name is Zack Eddarly I believe, perhaps you can inquire about him in the town of Aldercross."
While you talk she leads you up a winding path away from the docks and the cabins up the a ruined keep. "I present to you keep Shadowfell. It's seen better days but I'm sure it will suit your needs. You may even find some useful things inside. It's got quite the history. It should be safe but I haven't checked it so you better make a sweep of the place before you go napping. Thorn wants to have words with you as well but he is currently occupied. He will come visit you here in a few days. In the meantime you are free to do as you will. Oh and one more thing before I go look over yonder." She points to the south. About a hundred miles away you can see the form of a castle. "There it is the castle Balentyne. One of only two fortressed standing between us and Vigil from here. Once they become aware they are under attack expect reinforcements to come quickly so plan your moves carefully."
We best move quickly then mylady, as the travel itenerary could plausibly cut down our time allotted to sabotage, although Sakkarots army, which is assembling in the environs will probably move a bit slower then a small group will.
Nevertheless, an opportunity to use Lust against a foe while operating from a castle called Shadowfell? Most auspicious Omens for one such as me, my thanks Lady Thiadora He gives a practiced courtiers bow to her.
A pity that thy most gentle and heartwarming ministrations left said boy, perhaps literally, heartbroken. I shall strive to procure for thee a suitable replacement. Does thou have preferences in the manner? My guess is highborn and strongly good aligned? I am uncertain if thy kind values virginity as much as my previous employers with broadly comparable tastes in such affairs.
Casta follows occasionally studying Theodora and her mannerisms, but remains quiet. At the mention of the Keep and it’s history he can’t help but try to recall some of the knowledge he’s learned over the years about the fort and it’s history.
As he does his face twitches and he looks at Theodora;
He said he was the nephew of a captain by chance did he mention the man’s name? It could prove useful in manipulating the captain if we can impersonate or simply sow fear through this captain” heaths way he asks the question, it seems like he’s looking for a specific name but waits for her answer, just hanging on it.
Casta looks to the others as they stand before the abandoned fortress. “I once heard a story about a cult of vampires who once occupied this fort and summoned dark clouds that would block out the sun for miles around this place keeping it in eternal night. The vampire were eventually slain in a raid by the knights of Ozem. I wonder if we can find any potential lingering allies or tools here. Should we go and delve within now or focus on our task and make our way toward the town?” he looks to Staislav as he mentions the vampires and allies/tools, before surveying the fortress again.
"I would not be surprised if we had to do a bit of house-cleaning before we can properly move-in," Cori replies. "Master Thorn likes to keep his weapons honed, and danger makes a good whetstone. Shall we go take a look?"
Agreed. Shall we? Stanislav nods to Cori and then offers his arm to escort her in. His glaive is held in his other hand and he looks about for threat.
The doors to the keep stand are broken and you make your way inside. Before you is a long hallway with murder holes on each side. You see sign of battle in this location, sword slashes and scorch marks along the walls and floors.
At the end of the this hallway there is a half-wall were guards likely took cover to shoot down the corridor. Beyond that the corridor turns to the right were there is an intersection. At the Intersection the path goes to the left or straight ahead to a closed door.
See roll20 for map.
Lets show our might comrades Smirks Alexandr as he moves with surprising stealth, seeking to listen to sounds behind the door.
but is rather distracted by either Cori or Thiadoras fine physical shapes.
He takes position in front of the door, ready to open it.
Stanislav, his pole arm ready, watches down the passage to the left while Alex checks the door. Ready here. he breaths.
You check the first door on the right and find and empty armory. A door inside leads to the room on the other side of the murder holes in the entrance hallway. Finding nothing of use here you move on to the next door. Inside this door you find a large alchemical lab. A large stone slab here hold the remains of a broken construct. A glass case on it's head is broken open and various tubes and glass containers look like they should be filed with some kind of liquid.
A nearby desk hold schematics indicating that this is the alchemical golem Artephius.
As they move Casta pulls from a small pouch and begins to drop small congealed droplets into a vial of different liquids. “I need a moment, some preparations must be made.” He will make several extracts and prepare them for use.
As he finishes his droplets he corks all but one, looking around as he can now see in the dark. He sees the golem and lab and surveys it to see it’s stocks and tools. Looking over the golem he holds the papers, “Ah Artephius, it seems you have seen better days. But I think you can yet live.” He takes the papers and folds them up sliding them into a bag under the cloak he wears.
[b] “I wonder what else is here, abandoned but waiting for us.”
He will lead on, looking for traps from the shadows.
Interesting Says Alexandr
Probably your speciality Casta? As he casts some guidance on him
.
And gives the room a good searchover, without touching much if anything.
Cori accepts the offer of Stan's arm as they walk to the entrance of the keep.
Once the group moves inside, she takes on a much more dangerous posture. She releases her hold on his arm and takes on the coiled stance of a stalking, predatory cat.
As the group moves through the building, her expression conveys a sense of disappointment when nothing appears to threaten or challenge them.
When they get to the lab, her eyes are drawn to the construct on the table. "So, it can be fixed? It might be fun to see it unleashed upon some unsuspecting fools."
Casta shrugs, “We have the body, simply adding what it needs will be the difficult part I believe but overall much easier than creating a whole new one. An assistant to manufacture items would be astounding since it seems it’s combat abilities failed it once. Oh the possibilities this could bring.”
He tries to think what this golem would need and it’s possible capabilities.
26 because of guidance, which I am going to spam relentlessly.
Golem? Alex ponders. Probably needs a power source.
Attempting to silently recruit his mental assistant (casting guidance on himself and then burst of insight)
If the residual energy of the surrounding could be turned into a partial power source, akin to photosnynthesis but based on prevalent negative energy, then this golem would require less energy while also improving our tax base, such an effort would require an application of neo-Nocticulan design principles while avoiding the Koschtschie reverse paradox and...
Aleks blurs out a stream of technobabble and then appears to be dazed for a turn.
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Examining the schematics and looking over the golem Casta makes a list of what needs to be done to repair it.
1. The Eye – Artephius even if activated would be blind. Its single glass lens has been shattered. The lens is entirely present however and so
could be repaired using the make whole spell. Failing that, a new lens matching the exacting specifications of the schematics could be bought. It would cost 500 gp.
2. The Brain – Artephius needs a new human, dwarven, elven, half-orc or half-elven brain. No other race will do – they are not the right size and
attunement. It need not be from a living person. Someone who died in the last twenty four hours from natural causes will do. Of course, murder is always an option. The difficulty is installing it. A successful Craft (Alchemy) skill check (DC 20) is required to install the brain. You get two chances to a make this roll. If both of them fail, the brain has died and a new one must be sought.
3. The Heart Cog – Artephius’ mithral heart cog is missing. Missing this critical component, Artephius will not activate. A new cog will
have to be made. Fortunately, the exact shape is described in the schematics. 500 gp worth of mithral will suffice to make the heart cog. A
smith would do the delicate work for 10% of the mithral’s value (50 gp). Regardless, a Craft (smith) skill check (DC 20) is required.
4. The Reservoir – Artephius needs a new glass reservoir where the four primal reagents can mingle and power the golem. The glass reservoir was smashed during the battle and now the pieces are missing so make whole is of no help. However, there is a spare reservoir amongst the smashed remains of the alchemist’s gear. A craft (alchemy) skill check (DC 20) will identify the reservoir for what it is. Once that is done, installation is a simple matter requiring no skill check.
5. The Reagent of Fire – Artephius needs ten doses
of alchemist’s fire.
6. The Reagent of Ice – Artephius needs ten doses
of alchemist’s ice.
7. The Reagent of Acid – Artephius needs ten doses of a potent acid.
8. The Reagent of Electricity – Artephius needs a large supply of lightning elemental blood.
Better I think to keep Artephius at home as a guard for out new keep. Can't have it walking about the countryside. Peasants will talk.
There doesn't seem to be much else you can do here for the moment. The alchemist lab itself seems to have been smashed to pieces and only a few bits and pieces can still be salvaged. Seems the paladins who raided the place decided to just smash everything and move on.
A small chamber to the east when you exit is empty except for the broken remains of a table and four chairs. You see 2 doors inside one going south and the other east.
You can also go back to the intersection and go north.
”They did a quick and sloppy job of smashing up
The place. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were a few caches and cubbies they missed,” Cori says, looking about for signs of secret doors or sliding panels.
Could be. Lets do a quick once over to assess possible threats then we can do a more thorough search and inventory. It's gonna take a lot to make this place feel like home.
You do not locate any secret passage or hidden cache here.
Good call Alexandr nods his assent to Stanislav.
I have several spells lasting for a minute, that would make me a considerably improved combatant. A minute could go quite far if we make a sweep for enemies, but if we full investigate each room after it is empty, time will fly by quickly.
Assuming the party agrees with a quick scan, Alex will use his wand menagerie to cast one each of Long Arm, Shield, and Lead blades on himself, with only the lead blades cast needing a UMD roll.
Retry its not a 1
North then east, i think there was a door there, moving my token in front of the door.
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