The last few weeks has been the most eventful of your life. So far. You were captured and branded. Imprisoned in chains. Freed by a mystery woman. Burnt down a prison in your wake. Now hiding in exile. Cardinal Thorn has been the benefactor of your escape, giving you the tools necessary to succeed. Now he has offered you the choice (fool if you believe it) to join him and get revenge on the lands of Talinguarde. Luckily for you this is exactly what you wish and have promptly agreed and signed the Pact of Thorns.
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 have brought you here for a reason. As you know I am 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 that does not bow to their insipid sun god. For their blasphemy, I will see the same people who imprisoned and condemned you suffer. I understand what you went through for I have faced it myself.” With that, he pulls down the sleeve of his robe and reveals his own runic ‘F’ brand. “I am going to burn 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. I believe I have 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?”
His smile grew long and wicked as you each signed in your own blood. A binding contract, almost impossible to break without suffering great punishment. He lets you keep one copy of the contract. The other, he takes. “Well done. Now, we shall continue your training. It is not yet time to act against Talinguarde.”
For the next three months Cardinal Thorn and Tiadora train you, turning you into perfect weapons and forcing you to better work together as a team. Tiadora is revealed again and again as cruel sadist who revels in your failure and suffering, eager to punish and slow to reward. The slaves are present, soothing your wounds, taking care of menial tasks.
Cardinal Thorn may be a paranoid monster obsessed with revenge but he is also a genius and a teacher par excellence. His lessons are focused and never wasteful. He drills you not only individually but also as a team, forging you into a knot.
Asmodeus with you: Adrastus Thorn indoctrinates you into the deeper mysteries of worshipping the Prince of Hell.
Benefit: Whenever you channel energy, you gain a +1 trait bonus to the save DC of your channeled energy.
Master Deception: Adrastus Thorn teaches you the subtle arts of deception and how to sense when they are being used against you.
Benefit: You gain a +1 trait bonus to Bluff and Sense Motive.
Discover Illusion: Adrastus has taught you to see through deceptions and to never lie to yourself.
Benefit: You gain a +2 trait bonus on saving throws against illusions.
Fear only our lord: Adrastus Thorn has shown you fear and taught you to master it within yourself.
Benefit: You gain a +2 trait bonus on saving throws against fear effects.
Focus your will: Adrastus Thorn drills you on ways to avoid magic that seek to take control of your mind and divert you from your mission.
Benefit: You gain a +2 trait bonus on saving throws against charm and compulsion effects.
Perfect spell: Adrastus Thorn drills you again and again in the use of one particular spell.
Benefit: Pick one spell. This spell’s effects manifest at +1 caster level.
Quiet as death: The Cardinal trained in the arts of being silent and stealthy.
Benefit: You gain a +2 trait bonus to Stealth checks.
Strike first: Cardinal Thorn has taught you never to shirk or hesitate in a combat.
Benefit: You gain a +2 trait bonus on Initiative checks.
Second skin: You have drilled extensively in wearing armor in combat.
Benefit: When you wear armor of any sort, reduce that suit’s armor check penalty by 1 to a minimum check penalty of 0.
Angel slayer: Adrastus thorn spends exhausting amounts of time teaching you about good celestials, their strengths and weaknesses.
Benefit: You gain a +2 trait bonus on Knowledge (planes) checks about good-aligned celestials and receive a +1 trait bonus to any damage roll you make against them.
Thorn is not always with you and it soon becomes apparent that you are not the only ones being trained. The former “White Ravens” under Elise Zadaria are also receiving the Cardinal’s attentions.
Teaching the Sunsuckers the folly of their monotheist and exlusionist ways has indeed been a long held ambition of mine Ardran speaks in a sonorous tone.
Theatrics are fun He thinks
Their wile and hypocrite ways of sacrificing to their insipid idol the worshippers of effectively anyone else indeed demand of a severe chastisement, and I am happy and honored to offer my humble contribution to this effort. He continues in a dramatic fashion
If I wasnt reasonable at acting I would be rolling my eyes
Ardran looks into the Cardinals eyes, sensing a good bit of wry amusement.
Obviously sees right through me but likes the style, good.
His eyes then meet with Thiadora's icy green orbs, as he was about to expand his dramatic tirade further. Yet under her gaze
May the sunsuckers pay with blood for blood, and with death for death. And we will collect with interest.
he suddenly decides that brevity is a virtue as he ceremoniously uses his right claw to cut part of his hard skin open, and signs, using his claw as a pen, in both Common and Abyssal.
It was like the Cardinal knew which buttons to press. Revenge, to her, was all-consuming at this point. Calistria had fueled the fire within her to seek revenge for the plight of so many lives lost in the wars, which led Mitran fanatics to rise up and cause trouble, which then led her to descecrate their temple, and thus led to here. As she recounts her choices, going further in would not only please her goddess, but would be a balm to the priestess.
"There was never forgiveness to put aside..." she simply responds as she seeks to sign first. After finding it must be done with her own blood, she cuts into the surface of her tattoo, marking her as a prisoner.
Training was something she and Aenil were used to. As the Cardinal began to work with them, she would slowly shift from the beaten prisoner back to the priestess. Cast off were the old rags and replaced with yellow and black silks. Instead of ruined hair, ripped out from her torture, a new growth, beautiful and flowing shows.
Tiadora would find Opal nearly enjoys her failure as much as her success, turning punishment into reward at times, but never does she lose sight of her goal. It was during this time that she charmed Tiadora once. Thorn stopped her, but saw in her something else he could train. This led him to practice enchantment spells upon her, which she fought off well, but from time to time, she would succumb to fear-effects. It was particularly by removing that hesitation that spells could grip onto, that the cleric of Asmodeus was able to strengthen his servant's willpower.
Isabella did not need to ponder long. Alone, she would likely die at Mitran hands. Working with this group would give her time to grow her power while weakening her enemies. Obviously Thorn and Asmodeus will use her as a tool for their own ends. But they would also devote resources to ensure that we could fulfil those ends. So long as we succeeded.
She signed quickly.
While her channeling of energy was not gifted by Asmodeus, infernal training did allow her more power. A good trade-off.
If I may pose a question, Lord Cardinal Ardran speaks after signing.
I have been made aware that something called "Hellknight" exists, to my understanding, these compose number of orders, and the main criterion for gaining entry is to best a Devil of appropriate strength in single combat.
I do not currently aim to join such an order, but I believe that, partly on account of my unusual nature, such a proof of strength could enchance our respective prestige. Mine in terms of proving my capabilities, yours in terms of warding off any questions about the quarters you are recruiting from, on account of their proven efficiency.
He proposes.
You all realize that the little Halfling with demonic and angelic blood - contradictory to her roots - is deeply loyal to Asmodeus and Dispater and is clearly ecstatic about serving Thorn.
She walks with slow steps and is not the most agile woman although Vezura is clearly beautiful. Her fair features and her silver hair show her Aasimar heritage but the blood red eyes reflect her Succubus ancestry.
Vezura is really physically weak and her burnt and blackened hands are shriveled as if they were plunged into hot coal! She thus mostly wears gloves on top of her mithral chain shirt.
“I am almost touched by this opportunity!! This signature is one of the most important events in my life! I am devoted to hell, and I will prove it to you, master Thorn!“
After the group joined Thorn and training started, you never saw her without the two amulets showing the holy symbols of Asmodeus and Dispater around her neck.
Vezura is always accompanied by her large cat that has a strange good aura around him.
This powerful feline predator moves with a deadly grace, its white-silvery fur is slashed with black stripes.
“Grooooaaarrrrr!!!“ roars the Tiger and is clearly always trying to protect Vezura.
Seeing Vezura
Huh, another half Demon? This one owing fealty to Dispater? Perhaps the rumors of Malacoda, Malebranche of Bastards heritage arent unfounded. In an Ironic turn of events, everyone knows Malacodas father is Dispater, but the identity of his mother is unknown, Lady Nocticula being probably the spiciest candidate. He pauses, lost in thought.
Perhaps Mrs. Vezura, we can discuss our respective ancestries? It is unlikely for us to be related of course. He offers politely.
Aenil is a rather tall, lithe young lady with an obvious dancer's body. She moves with the grace of a ballerina, and the poise of a noble. Her long bright curly red hair is in stark contrast to her pale skin that almost glows in the right light. Her piercing, cold blue eyes take in even the most minute of details, as she habitually scans the room for threats.
She's clothed in a loose fitting dark purple tunic, and black, sensible breeches. Soft, supple leather boots adorn her shapely legs. Her only accessories are a single belt pouch, and a silver necklace with the holy symbol of Asmodeus dangling from it.
Her entire outfit does not seem to speak of her being a deadly assassin, but rather gives off the impression of perhaps a wealthy merchant or minor noble's daughter.
Yet during the three months of training, she proves she is far more capable than the 'simple' appearance she has obviously worked hard to cultivate.
While you learn that she is, in fact, a minor noble, you also learn she is quite skilled at infiltration, stealth, lying, stealing, and can be surprisingly intimidating.
As for what she's able to bring to a fight, she has some minor teleportation, can create darkness, and can be hard to hit. However, it is readily apparent that her true strength lies in making people bleed. Not only people, but pretty much anything ends up bleeding around her, even things that normally can't. In fact, both Tiadora and the Cardinal learn that it's a bad idea to bleed around Aenil.
What's worse(well, for the faint at heart, and her enemies) is that she seems to delight in making herself bleed as well. There's times when she would be appear to be defeated, without a weapon, or means to defend herself, when suddenly, she would make herself bleed, and would form a weapon from her own blood!
Truly, she has earned the epithet 'Blood Angel'.
When she signs the contract, all she says is "The heavens will run red with blood, but in the end, the Crimson Countess will stand triumphant!"
At the signing, Opal would observe the halfing with a great intensity and interest. The look on her face speaking to her lustful desires, but this is not spared from any of the party, truthfully, including their teachers.
During the coming training, the group will intently notice that Aenil and Opal are close. It is unclear at times whether they are in a relationship or just flirty. What is clear, is that both have had similar training in some ways. They work well together. Despite Opal's appearance as a human, when darkness spreads due to Aenil's magic, Opal then joins her sister in blood and they go in for the kill as though both can see. Both are skilled at deception, misdirection, infiltration, and a myriad of stealth-like methods of bringing down a target. Despite this, each of them is so individual and unique in their skills that it is hard to see how they came to be close.
Opal is of the type that when approached by her new compatriots, she would not hesitate to be open, cordial, and inviting--in more ways than one , with the intent purpose to form a new unit to better please Asmodeus. However, she also has an intent to appease lustful inspiration in others that her goddess Calistria seeks to see happen. Any who would partake of her services of worship would need to pay a minor fee, be it information, money, or valuable objects. Yet even during the day, be it training or whenever, approaching within close eyesight of Opals features (20ft) inspires lust (be it for conquest, honor, friendship, knowledge, power, sex, etc). So distracting can it be that it can cause the weaker of the mind to stand in a haze or to even lose focus .
The others will notice that Opal also will read and learn deeper the ways and rituals of Asmodeus, including the obedience demanded by him for those of higher status in his order. She considers performing this ritual, utilizing a ruby knife.
The group may also notice that at times, when seen alone, there are times when she holds up her arm and is looking at the runic brand upon her--as it is on all of them. Such a violation of her perfect flesh fuels her with more rage than she has ever felt before. So intense is her hatred in those moments that her hands turn white and she is unapproachable.
Seeing Vezura
Huh, another half Demon? This one owing fealty to Dispater? Perhaps the rumors of Malacoda, Malebranche of Bastards heritage arent unfounded. In an Ironic turn of events, everyone knows Malacodas father is Dispater, but the identity of his mother is unknown, Lady Nocticula being probably the spiciest candidate. He pauses, lost in thought.
Perhaps Mrs. Vezura, we can discuss our respective ancestries? It is unlikely for us to be related of course. He offers politely.
Verzura is careful.
“In case your father, or mother was a Succubus, I believe that it is unlikely! And to be honest, I don’t like to talk about my ancestry! What counts is that we all owe our allegiance to Hell! An infernal force that gives us the might to protect us, and the power to bring down those weak sun-worshippers!!“ she says with a stern look on her face.
Oh my a fanatic Ardran chuckles
I do not know my fathers identity, there are some candidates certainly, alas my tribes, the "Midnight Lions" unusual forms of courtship frequently serve to obscure our tribemembers patrilineal descent.
He pauses
I am not actually a half Balor, to the best of my knowledge, a member of my tribe called "Walks in Shadows" courted the Balor Angothane, formerly a runelord of wrath, Vasall of Lady Nocticula, and ruler of the midnight Isle of Tharvool. She returned to the Caer Bryr, pregnant, generations ago. The seed of the powerful demon becoming part of our tribal genetic legacy so to speak. He pauses, telekinetically moving a wineglass to his mouth and taking a deep sip.
It is not just his seed of course, said tribe member being a potent demoness on her own right, as is evidenced by her still ruling our tribe from the shadows and not having aged a day since then.
Occassionally, Lord Angothanes influence manifests strongly, particularly if an individual commits deeds which are within his areas of concern, resulting in physical changes, such as those you see in me.
I have a degree of infernal ancestry as well, during a period of cooperation with the tribal totem of the "Steel Wolves", pledged to Lords Dispater, Moloch and Belial, as well as Lady Eiseth. There was an exchange of bloodlines so to speak.
He pauses, adding:
The positive thing about the more distant relationship with the source of my Abyssal power is that well, attempts to utilize my blood in an attempt to summon Lord Angothane are doomed to fail, on account of me not being his direct issue. As such, creative plots like, summon Lord Angothane in central Matharyn by sacrificing me, run away, and watch the fireworks from resulting from an angry-Balor-that-used-to-be-runelord-of-wrath in a city full of obnoxious sunsuckers, are not going to work.
You are almost certain he is saying this addressed primarily to someone else he presumes to be listening into the conversation, not to you.
"You are very open with your history. Well, I am not! So no idea if we are cousins, father and daughter or siblings ... and I do not care!!" she says with a stern look.
"What I care about is your commitment Ardran! Based on what I saw you have a lot of power ... you are strong!! I like you being a force that can move us forward!!" she says with a smile.
Interesting Ardran thinks
Her mannerisms are utterly at odds with those of a Steel Wolf, I met some, dueled some, fought together with some others, with them its trying to figure out if we are related, because both kinslaying and kinf&&@ing is frowned upon, then trying to figure out who has more victories, or more high quality victories. Interspersed with intense trashtalking of either the Sunsuckers or the f~*&ing Brutish-Bullshits, as the Goatface Dogtitson worshipping Brazen Beasts are known to everyone but themselfs.
Weird little girl. Did I hear Thiadora chuckle when I thought "Goatface Dogtitson", which is Baphomets actual name to our Ladies in Shadows propaganda? Wait
Maybe I can use this to guess the distance from which Thiadora can read my mind
He hears Thiadora's chuckle, from apparently 2 different distances, at the same time.
Eh, f~%~ me, thats not going to work.
Did I just think *f$$$ me* while being aware of her reading my mind? Ugh.
Isabella doesn't join in to the discussion of ancestry. While Vezura might be a cousin on the halfling side, mundane family is not a priority for either of them. Given that Isabella has abandoned her flesh, there is no blood left in common.
However the two both trained with Cardinal Thorn about how to throw more power into their channeling. Isabella would be fascinated with Vezura's life link ability, and would compare it to her own ability to psychically transfer healing.
------
Overall, Isabella is odd. When she is dealing with magic or training, she can apply an inhumanly intense focus. But at other times, she reverts back to being a child, such as when she's playing with her reanimated cat Whiskers.
Ok, two small sized cat Ladies, with differentially sized Cats. Apparently both of them can heal, so we are set on that front.
Having redundant healing is great.
He thinks as he regards Isabella and Vezura with curiousity.
What is that Lust Aura, and why does it dare to affect one associated with Nocticula? I lived and fought side by side with an Alu, and she wasnt as intense, need to be careful around that one.
He thinks as he looks at Opal.
Possibly seeing Aenil deliver a cut to Thiadora, he seeks to be away from her, to not get caught in the blowback.
I wonder if anyone else here has artistic inclinations
After the three months, Cardinal Thorn announces that you are finally ready. You are summoned to a banquet in your honour. There is the finest food and drink, nothing is spared. Also attending the banquet are the other group lead by Elise Zadaria a human and her White Ravens Dostan Alfson half-elf, Tallus “Trak” Rackburn and Titus “Trik” Rackburn humans. The slaves serve, constantly refilling cups and bring out more and more food.
"Soon old Talinguarde will fall and a new one will rise. You all have shown you are worthy. You will all hold positions of great power under the new order. Tomorrow my seventh knot," he looks to Elise Zadaria, "And my ninth knot," he looks to you, "Will set forth to begin the breaking of Talinguarde. Though your missions and purposes different, you all work towards the same end goal. Remember this, remember the contract you all signed. To revenge. To Asmodeus!" He toasts.
Their appearances are certainly less obviously weird then ours. It is likely that they shall be given infiltratory missions, while ours may may be more violent and hands-on. He regards the other knot as he offers silent toast, not interrupting the Cardinal.
To vengeance and victory He speaks, rising, answering the toast.
Alfson? Literally Son of an Elf? Ardrans eyes perk up, hearing Dosans full name. He has only introuced himself as Ardran, as "Ardran Skuggason", literally "Ardran son of Shadow" would give away his tribal affiliation to one of a related culture.
Vezura beams and is so proud to be here.
“You honor us with your knowledge and experience your grace!! I am so eager to crush these enemies of Hell!!“ she says like a fanatic would.
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"It has been a pleasure...if you can call it that, suffering in training with you both these few months. I can easily say I'm not the same woman who entered the prison. I am not the same woman who exited. I am not the same who started training under you. You have helped my fighting skills rise immensely, have given me insight into the unknown, and given me hope (if you will) for the future and my own vengeance. Many thanks. And to Asmodeus as well for allowing this to all transpire."
Although she has already identified several weaknesses in the contract signed, she still feels she owes some debt to this man toasting before her. She casually sits with her legs crossed, almost lounging in the large chair she is accustomed to now as "hers" at the table. The massive spread of food fills her plate, but she mostly samples from each delicacy. By the amount of food before her, she could easily have her fill just by picking what she wishes to eat. These are mostly sweet things such as fruits and delectables. The others at the table, however, may find their lusts eating all the more consuming . Fortunately, there is food enough for all.
"I see the 7th knot and 9th, but where is the 8th? What is their purpose?"
If she already knows who the 8th is, she wouldn't ask.
During training:
I must say the the infernal troop command manuals are interesting my Lord Cardinal, in some cases they are close enough to our own doctrine of "Nachtkrieg", or "Night-war" in common, in others they could come from another world.
Ardran says, as he was summoned into the Cardinals study
I have collected some information about your tribes fighting methods, Ardran, it has struck me as... curiously well organized for a tribe of Demon worshippers? Your tribe regularly wipes out Mithran punishment responses for raids conducted by your tribe with almost clinical precision. the Cardinal offers a compliment
We believe that information is the first principle of warfare. If we can obtain or foes secrets, intentions and capabilities while he remains ignorant of ours, we can choose when and where to attack him. Lady Thiadoras relentless training of our group in terms of stealth informs me that you share this assessment. Ardran answers, choosing his words carefully.
The question of course, is how do you share such information? And how do you communicate in battle in general. Various mithran sources opine that your people disguise orders by mimicking various birds specific to the Caer Bryr? The Cardinal prods, giving a benign smile.
We are actually encouraged to make not entirely random bird noises when attacking, not entirely random to make the Mithrans think there is a rhyme or reason to them. There isnt. Ardran smiles.
We follow our claw-commanders, a claw being composed of 6 talons, and a talon is 5 fighters + a talon leader, talon leader having been my position prior to captivity. Most of our claw-commanders, and some talon leaders, are beneficaries of a profane gift, and the Succubus who gave the gift acts as a telpathic relay for instant communication. While also providing vision from above by flying over the battlefield, typically invisibly. He continues, quite freely yielding information, not stating the obvious, he does not have a profane gift, and the cardinal likely verified that this as the case indeed.
I would not recommend adopting this practice. It works because the daughters of midnight are essentially in charge of our tribe, and it is thus in their direct self interest to pursue victory. Having them as auxillaries would invite betrayal. Ardran continues, his intonation not too subtly implying his displeasure at "them being in charge".
Perhaps, at some point, some more equitable arrangements can be found, concerning your peoples tribal leadership? The cardinal offers with a quite benign smile
I do not believe that including me in such arrangements is currently prudent, Lord Cardinal. Ardran pauses
The fair Lady Thiadora can clearly read my mind, and I only detect such intrusions sometimes. The "Ladies" running my tribe are potent telepaths, If I was in direct contact with them, they would pretty quickly pick up on any plots against them, provided I have knowledge of such plots. As such, I shall assume that you Lord Cardinal plan nothing at all against them, clearly viewing joint action against the Sunsuckers as highly mertious on its own and also as a possible prelude to joint actions against the Goat-groomers. Ardran matches the most benign smile of the Cardinal, being rewarded by a probably genuine chuckle from the Cardinal.
I am weaker then you, Lady Thiadora, or Walks-in-Shadow, but I am not an idiot Ardran thinks
With Opal during training:
Opal would notice Ardran repeatingly stepping into her lustfull aura, and then out of it, as to to ascertain its range, and to slowly immunize himself to it.
During dinner,
"The fanatic seems worrisome. I hope her zeal does not become a distraction or worse, especially in the midst of battle."
Opal receives the message and the most subtle of smirks crawls upon the corner of her mouth before she severs the edge of a strawberry and half sucks on the opened flesh as it lingers in her mouth. Although she is not attempting to be alluring, it may be construed as such. After a few moments, she finishes eating it. As she conversates with the others in general table conversation, she also attempts to speak back to Aenil with concealed gestures over a long period of time. One may mistake them for her reaching for pieces of her food, or just speaking in with flourishes of her hands. All too easy to miss.
Every morning you will find yourself absolutely alone. Isabella will give you fair warning, and eventually your mind will overcome the echo of the past. The strong-willed will overcome it in seconds, but even Grumblejack will get over it within a couple minutes. Until then, you cannot perceive any allies, no communication, no interaction. It's as if they weren't there.
Once you have recovered, you are protected from this for the rest of the day. You'll sense the haunt, but it won't override your senses. But the next morning it will happen again. "An inoculation so that I can use this against our enemies."
For those who choose to explore the experience, you find that it's not just that you are alone. It's that you have just watched everybody important to you being murdered by Mitran crusaders. You can hear the glee that they took in shattering your world. They revel in slaughter approved by the Godhead while you hide in grief and shock and fear.
If you choose to go deeper, there is a determination under the pain. A core that will seek out any dark power in order to make them pay for their crimes. Mitra and it's church will suffer this loss again and again for eternity.
-----
When not using the iron circlet to change herself, Isabella is a pretty doll modelled after a young halfling. Her wooden body is usually hidden under fancy clothes, with only her porcelain face visible. When she holds still, you'd never know she was animated.
But she will often explore different identities. She has played children of every class. Halflings and gnomes, even goblins on occasion. When she changes, she flips her sleeves to let her clothes magically change to something appropriate. Always with gloves and a little padding to make her wooden body less obvious to those touching her.
When you are nearby, she will bring you into a psychic bond with a range a little more than forty yards. This lets everybody use mindspeech to conspire in front of the enemy. This bond also allows her redirect healing among everybody.
When the group splits up, she will press a small iridescent green beetle into you. With this she can sense your wounds and find you. It can also be used to track enemies. She practices bumping into people in a way that covers up the feeling of the beetle going under the skin.
-----
Ardran will find that she is a skilled soprano. She's more than willing to work on duets with him.
-----
Her attacks are far from the most deadly, but she has a number of ways to hinder opponents. With some of her powers she can mark the targets and raise them as undead when they fall. Not only eliminating a target, but creating a temporary ally. She doesn't make long-term undead yet, but should be able to soon.
Izabella notes that Ardran, surprising for someone his size, sounds akin to an operatic Bariton.
While the songs he uses in battle all have a strong martial theme, according to him his weapon song simply requires this,
he can sing competently in Common, Iraen, Abyssal, Sylvan and even Celestial, but expresses frustration at singing in infernal, which highly regimented nature makes apparently makes it hard for him to put any emotion into it.
He does note that his tribe has a policy of foot soldiers singing along with a skald, to make it less obvious who the skald is, but that this is probably less useful in the context of this group.
Isabella knows a wider variety of songs. Mostly common and halfing, but some catchy gnomish songs that tend to be earworms.
She'll join in on your martial music, but only if you learn a few songs that aren't about killing things. "This will let us pass as travelling entertainers if we need to. People tell bards all the gossip. When they aren't singing the praises of decapitation, at least."
I think I can manage, give me a moment, we Iraen are a fairly violent culture but...
He pauses, grinning
We are using this to train vocal relaxation
Absolutely no murdering done in this one, its fairly harmless, although there is a fair bit of innuende.
::Using Russian for Iraen::
Korobeiniki
Ой полна полна кoробушка
[Oh my box is heavy, heavy]
Есть и ситцы, и парча.
[I've got calico and brocade]
Пожалей, моя зазнобушка,
[Take pity, my sweety]
Молодецкого плеча.
[On this young guy's shoulders]
Выйди, выйди в рожь высокую,
[Go out, go out into the tall rye]
Там до ночки погожу,
[I'll wait there until nightfall]
Как завижу черноокую,
[As soon as I see the black-eyed girl]
Все товары разложу.
[I'll lay out all the goods]
Цены сам платил немалые,
[He paid quite the price himself]
Не торгуйся, не скупись,
[Don't haggle, don't be cheap]
Подставляй-ка губки алые,
[C'mon and lay on your scarlet lips]
Ближе к молодцу садись.
[Sit closer to this young guy]
Вот уж пала ночь туманная,
[And the foggy night fell]
Ждёт удалый молодец...
[the daring lad is waitnig]
Чу, идёт! – пришла желанная,
[And there -- she comes! The desired girl has arrived]
Продаёт товар купец.
[The merchant is selling his goods]
Катя бережно торгуется,
[Katya is haggling carefully]
Всё боится передать,
[She's afraid of overpaying]
Парень с де́вицей целуется,
[The guy kisses his gal]
Просит цены набавлять.
[And asks to raise the price]
Знает только ночь глубокая,
[Only the deep night knows]
Как поладили они.
[What they finally settled on]
Распрямись ты, рожь высокая,
[Straighten out, tall rye]
Тайну свято сохрани!
[And keep their secret faithfully]
TLDR: Tl;dr - song is about a merchant with blue balls [полна, полна коробушка == my box is heavy, heavy], convinces a village girl Katya to meet him at night in the rye fields [в рожь высокую//там до ночки погожу == in the tall rye, i'll wait until night], he whips out his junk [все товары разложу == i'll lay out all the goods], she's impressed [все боится передать == she's afraid of overpaying], they bang [как поладили они == how they settled], it's good.
Vezura is quite astounded when the dreams violently make her aware of the infinite possibilities to defeat or be defeated… and she is not really enjoying the experience!
But she tolerates the doll creature as she is clearly powerful!!
One final infernal ritual remains. During the feast, Cardinal Thorn summons forth a barbed devil and asks you to pick a slave to offer to it. The devil gleeful rips the slave apart and feasts on the blood. Adrastus then draws forth some of the devil’s blood with a silver athame and bids you each draw near 1 at a time. Adrastus traces the unholy symbol of Asmodeus on the forehead of each of you in the mingled blood of devil and sacrifice. "Behold," he proclaims, “The Nessian Knot is forged.”
Soon after he retires from the feast, as does Tiadora, leaving the slaves to serve you for as long as you stay. Since tomorrow you start on your first real mission, it would serve you well to not feast too long.
A wide grin is visible on Vezura’s face when the devil slaughters the weak slaves.
”The strong have the privilege to rule!! The power to control those weak straws of Society!!“ she praises.
If Ardran identifies the devil as a Barbazu bearded devil:
If not he stays mum.
And here I thought operation hell knight test is a go
Ardran states as the devil engages in some bodypainting
You are bold to suggest as such, neophyte mortal The devil smirks
It would alas be rude to challenge you as the Lord Cardinal summoned thee for another purpose, and far be it from me to break his assets. It is further my understanding that more cost effective ways of procuring assets such as you for purposes such as hell knight tests exist. Ardran states flatly as he doubles in size and his claws crackle with eldritch energy
Opal will select the ugliest slave possible. It would not necessarily "appease" Calistria, but those who don't inspire lust definitely don't gather the goddess's attention. If there is one there that is more favorable for sacrifice, it is this one she chooses. At the same time, for the most alluring slave who is perishing, she will feel a twinge of pain at the loss. In the end, the deed is done. Opal watches with a twinge of minor disgust as the creature eats her slave. The room fills with the familiar scents of iron, but added with the aroma of fecal matter and other odd smells as the devil tears further into flesh and bone. She slips further from being in the mood to eat despite not being a stranger to death or torture.
"I would ask for some additional blood from this devil," she asks of the Cardinal as he is drawing blood from the outsider. "It is a handy component for spells such as infernal healing." If permitted, she will offer some vials pulled from a bag at her hip. Her look at the Cardinal is both alluring and tempting so that hopefully he would not refuse her any request.
She is eventually marked by Adrastus and she nods to the words of Vezura. She adds:
"And to the overthrow and deaths of these fools in current leadership..."
When the ritual is over, she will approach Aenil as she watches Ardran challenge and swell up.
"If anyone wishes for a night of enjoyment instead of watching this, you are welcome to occupy my bed. You must pay with something for my kindness. A token, money, information, or any little thing will do, but I will ensure your potentially last remaining evening in this life is far more interesting than battles of might..." she beckons to Ardran, almost as if to tempt him from his current path, but it is clear she definitely is including Aenil in the offer, as well as any others.
No doubt, her lustful aura could be fueling Ardran to wish to fight, but she now hopes it inspires him to follow her.
Isabella bows to the devil and to Cardinal Thorn. She has made her choice and accepts her role in the organization.
During the feast, she will practice pretending to eat, putting away the amount you'd expect of a growing halfling.
With the slaves, she looks to a couple clinging to each other, obviously mother and son. "Mitran crusaders killed my father in front of me. They gave me no choice. I feel his loss everyday. I will give you choices. The first choices is for both of you to willingly swear your souls to Asmodeus. You will both live, but spend your afterlives in hell. Should you not wish this, then you will need to decide which of you will die and which of you will live with the memory of the other's death."
After the great feast and a peaceful(?) night, you meet the Cardinal at a small river dock not far from the manor.
“Just in time,” Cardinal Thorn remarks. “My ship has arrived.” On the river dock behind the manor, a square-sailed longship sails into the slip. It sits heavily in the water, laden with a substantial cargo.
You notice the 7th Knot is not here and neither is Tiadora.
“Welcome, my children,” he says in a deep resonant voice that has an almost inhuman quality to it. “Training is at an end. You have proven yourself worthy. Now, it is time for you to use that training and take on your first mission."
"Your mission is war, my children. You will bring war to Talingarde. You have two objectives. First, you will see a shipment of munitions delivered to a bugbear chieftain named Sakkarot Fire-Axe. He makes his camp on the northern coast of Lake Tarik beyond the Watch Wall. With this shipment, the Fire-Axe will have resources enough to unite the barbarous humanoid tribes of the north and light the fire of war."
“Sitting on the dock as we speak is the longship Frosthamar captained by Kargeld Odenkirk. When the ship is resupplied it will be your transport. The captain is a ruthless mercenary and not to be trusted. He knows nothing of the specifics of our mission and you should keep it that way. He knows he is smuggling cargo to the north beyond the Watch Wall. That is all he need know."
“Once the cargo is safely delivered, he will take you just south across the lake under cover of darkness and land you near the town of Aldencross. There our contract with Captain Odenkirk will be concluded."
“It is shame how greedy he has proven. I had hoped to let the captain serve me again but it seems he is too much of a liability. Kill him. Kill his crew. Burn his ship and leave no survivors. It is crucial that no one suspects our involvement and that loose ends are taken care of. Be sure to reclaim the coin I gave him. Best not to be wasteful."
“That done, you will begin your second task. We will do more still to aid our ally the Fire-axe. The bugbears are mighty warriors but poor siege engineers. You will infiltrate the tower Balentyne, keystone of the Watch Wall, kill its commander and open the gate for Sakkarot’s horde."
“Once the shaggy monstrosities pierce the Watch Wall, the bugbears will pillage and lay waste to the townships of the north and the local garrisons will have no choice but to meet the Fire-Axe in the open field. Sakkarot is the most brilliant, gifted and murderous bugbear of his generation. I expect these battles will go poorly for the knights and yeoman of fair Talingarde."
“Do all of this and then when your task is done, break this clay seal.” He hands you a delicately carved clay seal adorned with a tangled knot of thorns surrounding the holy symbol of Asmodeus. “I will have more instructions then. Succeed and I will see you rewarded handsomely. Fail or betray me and you will pray for the comfort of Hell before I am done with you." He warns.
“The mission you start upon today is a holy mission. The people of Talingarde think they have seen the last of the mighty Asmodeus. Soon enough we will remind them that there is no escaping the grasp of Hell. Let us toast our success.”
He pours one glass of deep red wine for each of you and then finally pours one for himself. He raises the glass and offers a toast.
“To war.”
"May it be quick and decisive." she echoes back.
My Lord Cardinal, may I ask some questions of tactical nature?
First, do you wish for any Amosdean involvement in the affair to be known, or shall hells involvement be kept hidden from sight? Due to a degree of similarity of symbology, owing to a lack of creativity, between a certain demon-turd of real estate fraud and the Emperor of Hell eternal, we could leave hints of that entities involvement, directing possible countermeasures by the inquisition into a direction of futility and wasted resoruces. Ardran proposes
Second, we will be moving on a non-Tallin ship, through waters controlled by the Sun-Sucker Navy. I have some skills in linguistics appropriate to forgery, but I do not actually know how writen sun-sucker inquisitorial orders look like. If I had something to base a forgery off, and if we can come up with a legend, we could like be able to bypass Sun-Sucker naval patrols. He asks a second question
Third, is there any pre arranged contact procedure with Sakarots forces? and a third one, he then sips from his telekinetically raised wine glass, showing that he is done asking.
Clearly referring to the Demon Lord Baphomet. The Iraen are quite familar with Demons, and have some rather spicy names for the ones they dislike.
You are reasonably certain that Baphomets full mocking name amongst Iraen is "Baffled-Määäähhhhd, Demon Turd of Real Estate Fraud, motherf!~~ing and intellectual property theft." It is surprisingly accurate.
You believe that Nocticula and Baphomet are currently in a state of relatively open war. Baphomet is probably the demon lord hated most by hell, and Ardran clearly wishes to emphasize common enemies other then Mithra, in an attempt to improve his position and standing.
Vezura nods at the Cardinal.
"Anything else we need to know about the contract you have with Kargeld Odenkirk? And what about the bugbear Sakkarot, who you seem to trust although that seems quite strange to be honest?! And do you have any idea who might be our opponent when we infiltrate the tower Balentyne? I mean Balentyne is the keystone of the Watch Wall after all?!" she asks curiously.
Opal bows her head to the Cardinal in respect of his wishes. Already her mind formulates how to construct the death of the crew and Captain. When Ardran inquires of the Cardinal about leaving signs of who might have done this, she winces. Generally, she leaves them guessing, but in this instance, the ship will likely be at the bottom of the river after it burns down, so it matters not to her.
"I would think the Cardinal has hired the Captain for the purpose of Smuggling, and so he should have his affairs in order. The Cardinal isn't one to overlook such details. I imagine this captain also regularly takes on passengers, and we will be posing as such?" she asks the Cardinal.
Ardran's third question is one she definitely wishes to know the answer to.
"You will infiltrate and open the gates at the right time with Talinguarde none the wiser. They will know the power behind this at the right time. Credit will certainly not be given to one undeserving."
"That is a problem I entrust to my Knot to overcome." Sounds like he is saying, If he did everything for you why would he need you in a more polite way.
"He will be expecting you and your shipment of weapons. Show him proof of your allegiance to our Lord and you will be his guests."
"Kargeld has become too greedy. His contract is not like yours. He is a mere tool that has outlived its usefulness."
"He has proved his devotion." He says about Sakkarot.
"Your opponent is anyone who would stop you from opening the gate."
"Yes"
Opal will bow again in regal fashion and will make her way down toward the vessel awaiting them. Now that her questions have all been answered, she's eager to get the mission underway. Perhaps some time to purchase gear would have been handy, but as she thinks to what she keeps on her, it should be enough. As the ramp to the vessel rises before her, her lust aura comes intoxicatingly strong. Perhaps it is her desiring to make a good first impression, but she wants all eyes on her.
Those aboard would see a timid creature with curious eyes. Her beauty is comparable to many eye-catching young women, but for some reason, her features inspire men and women to linger. Even races that have little desire for humans may find her appealing eyes drawing. Her outfit dances in the breeze as she stands at the end of the plank on the deck awaiting her companions to rise to board, and were it not for her sultry hanging belt, one wouldn't think her incapable of anything combat-wise. Yet on that belt, there are small bags of varying size as well as some potions. It all adds to her mystery.
After the cardinal and Thiadora have left:
Does anyone have skills in forging documents? I have some skill at it, but it is likely that others amongst us have greater capabilities.
Also, what should our cover stories be, both regarding Captain Kargeld and regarding possible Mithran ships be? He poses an open question.
In a lower voice, so that the sailors nor the captain hear, she answers: "I am proficient in forging many things. If it is a legal document of this region...all the better," Opal smiles up at him and continues to speak in a low tone. She will remain in that tone until they are swarmed by sailors and/or the captain. To answer Ardran though, she states, "I am a Calistrian Priestess, heading to the next port town. Some priestesses will board boats to give pleasure to sailors along the way as they travel on their journeys. It is quite natural for me to be here. Aenil is welcome to be my understudy and bodyguard, unless she has a devious other plan as to why she is here." At that, Opal looks to Aenil and curiously raises an eyebrow. There is a fun grin on her face to see what the redhead wishes to be. This all speaks to their casual relationship in being a bit closer. The others have had an opportunity to draw close to Opal, but have not done so yet.
Vezura can also aid the forgery.
Isabella isn't skilled in forgery, so she will avoid this. "Are any of you skilled with ships? It will give us more options to deal with them as we arrive near the journey. Otherwise we'll have to attack after disembarking, which is more likely to be expected."
As for cover stories, she has some ideas, "The Captain is getting paid, so I'm sure he will accept our story. We'll need to focus on other ships and our story for Balentyne at the end of the line. For that we should use one story In case there's other traffic going to Ballentyne."
She turns to Opal, "I'd be cautious claiming any other gods in Ballentyne, and even along the way. Mitran crusaders will take interest in people who claim other gods. If we get a particularly obstreperous one, we'll have to deal with them and that could raise suspicion before we strike."
She changes to look like a human child. "I suggest that we come in as a family looking to help expand the frontier and make a new life. I doubt that they would expect their doom to come from something so wholesome." She looks at Vezure and Ardran, "You can be the parents," to Aenil, she says, "My eccentric Auntie," and finally, she turns to Opal, "And of course, my older sister. A young woman in the flush of her awakening. We'll make sure that the soldiers know that it was your scandalous behavior that caused us to move. I'm sure that men posted at the ass-end of the empire would be glad to see a pretty face and be more than happy to show you the secrets of their defenses."
I am not personally skilled with ships, I am however both capable of burning a ship, and maybe capable of flying when we get to this point of our journey. The more my soul is strenghtened by deeds, the more I can manifests my ancestors capabilities. I believe it is similar for the rest of you?
I am uncertain if the Mithrans have enough respect for the savored sting for a pilgrimage in her name to work. They are exceedingly uncouth about other religions, even though Lady Callistrias deeds and victories are many, and their so called god's are few.
A third option is that we pretend to be an inquisitorial retinue, one that may include the loyal and valiant Sir Balin the Failin. Whom I would likely impersonate. One of you is the inquisitor, perhaps you Aenil? The rest are other member of her retinue.
We have two different tasks, delivering the goods and infiltrating the castle, perhaps we should utilize 2 different cover identities? Ardran proposes
Aenil, wearing her normal outfit, looks very much the part of a merchant or young noble lady. Which she is, and she points out to the group. "You can all be my retainers, though Isabella's suggestion also has some merit. However, so does Opal's, and as a dancer myself, I believe the two of us could provide plenty of entertainment for the crew. Either way, we should probably let me do the talking."
She arches an eyebrow at Ardran "I'm unsure a crew of sailors who are involved in smuggling goods are overly devout Mitrans." She offers as the skald suggests the crew might not respect Caliistra.
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Isabella looks over at Ardran, "Don't forget that we are delivering weapons and armor to Fire-Axe. I'd prefer to let the crew do the heavy lifting."
"The crew are smugglers. They are getting paid to not question who we are. I'd rather not have any Mitran inquisitors looking to quench rumors of a Calistrian cult. It interferes with their idea that women should only be focused on babies."
She continues, "The inquisitorial route does have the advantage that it could get us into their defenses quicker. But if there's a password, or secret handshake or anything that gives us away, they see us as an armed threat. If this is at the wrong place, we have the whole garrison after us. If we're not seen as not being warriors, a small slip-up won't be met with immediate arms. My plan also includes a secret meant to slip out. If they sense deception, they'll think they know why."
"However hybrid plans also work. Perhaps a family of three and two entertainers? Or you could be aspiring to become a famed warrior and feel that holding off the bugbear hordes would be better than garrisoning a city watch." She seems very open to exploring options.
Vezura nods at Isabella.
"I agree that you are making the stories quite complicated Ardran and Aenil. Let us keep it simple and just be a family and the entertainer idea is good as well. I think talking less and observing more would be a good idea and then we stay flexible if something happens." she says and looks the cardinal.
"I am ready to board the ship."
The Frosthamar is a single-masted knarr with a square sail. It is similar to a Viking longship but wider and with a deeper hull better suited to carrying cargo. And the Frosthamar is obviously loaded with cargo. Sitting heavy in the water, she holds twenty four tons of weaponry, arrows and shields emblazoned with a flaming axe. The captain is a grizzled north-man with a wiry beard, pale blonde hair and countless scars. This is Kargeld
Odenkirk and he is, as promised, a ruthless mercenary with little thought of anyone but himself. His crew consists of a half dozen grim sailors who speak little of the common Talirean tongue.
“You will guard our boat all the way north, yes?” he asks of whomever arrives at the boat first. If answered yes, then he grunts his assent. “Then I will take you to the cursed north past hope and life.” Any questions about his boat, crew or past receive a mere grunt. He is not a very talkative man and doesn't seem to care what story you give him as long as you are there to aid him in getting to his destination.
For all Kargeld’s grimness, the Frosthamar is a fine ship, seaworthy and strong hulled. Its clinker-built hull is resilient but flexible and well suited to surviving the rough icy seas of the northern ocean. It is smartly rigged and lovingly maintained. Kargeld, it seems, loves nothing save for this ship. And if you want to immediately earn Kargeld’s undying enmity all you need do is insult her even once.
The first leg of the journey is placid and peaceful. Everyone has plenty of time to gain their sealegs and get acclimated to shipboard life. The Frosthamar may be a fine ship but it is not a ship that caters to delicate sensibilities. It has no cabins and everyone must sleep under the stars with the rest of the crew. There are no garderobes or chamber pots. The crew simply relieve themselves over the railing. The rations are hardtack and small beer, though Kargeld does stop a couple of times to hunt deer along the wilder part of the coasts.
It takes half a day to sail down the Varnyn River and out into the open ocean. The Frosthamar hugs the coast and from the ship you can see countless farming communities and fishing villages go by. More than a few fishermen wave at the Frosthamar. Kargeld is always sure to wave back. “Wouldn’t want ‘em to get suspicious, eh?” he says with a glower.
The Frosthamar is not swift so heavily-laden and averages about forty eight miles a day. It takes a week for the ship to pass along the settled coast of Talingarde passing the great city of Daveryn, the largest center of civilization along the western coast. Kargeld is quick to squash any talk of stopping there. “This is no pleasure cruise. Besides, I won’t get our cargo within a mile of a Talirean harbormaster.”
Map of Talinguarde
Journey so far (10 uneventful days)
The Frosthamar
"I am well aware of the Mitran's views of other gods and mine in particular. Despite their finger wagging at me, more soldiers and sailors partake of Calistria than the Mitran temple knows. It has been my life's work to disturb their perfect little world for what they've done."
"I am skilled at whatever I put my mind to. If you wish me to pretend to be a nubile young woman accompanying her family then I shall gladly take the part."
Within a mere second and a wave of her cloak, her yellow and black Calistrian robes shift to that of a white dress and just as revealing. It is the sort of thing a young girl would wear for the purposes of travel, to look nice while doing so. With a quick change of her hair to look more youthful, Opal is ready to assume her role.
As the captain comes over, the youthful woman looks somewhat shocked she is being made to work. Looking to her 'mom' for direction and seeing it is their 'purpose' on board, she accepts her fate.
"Fine...It is a deal then." Her hand is loosely offered out to the Captain to seal the deal. "I may be young, but me and my family will do our best sir--I mean, Captain!" As she goes to slowly move forward, she will seemingly stick her shoe on the edge of a plank and is made to stumble and fall into him. The innocent girl will cling to his outfit to keep from falling. In near-horror and embarrassment, she looks up to him innocently. "I'm sorry...I'm not used to walking..." she self-depreciates as she stands tall and readjusts his clothes. "I like your ship though. It looks fast...and hardy as any ship I've seen, I'd wager. I bet it flies when not laden down so much," she states as she picks herself up from him. If he is still willing, she will finish shaking his hand.
During that time though she will keep her lust aura softly enticing people in their passions, all except her party. It would be a slow burn over the next week. Not enough to drive men mad, but certainly enough to fulfill Calistria's desires to sense the heavy lust laid on the ship. On some nights, most all were sleeping, she'd perhaps stay up with those on watch and would attempt to lure those crew members (with delay disease active of course) to have "fun" as quietly as possible without waking others and especially outside the knowledge of her "parents". As normal, she'd make each of them pay her in some form, however, on this trip, she prefers payment in information. She is an experienced lover. Making even the shortest of secret flings far more fulfilling than most.
It is her intention to be well-loved among the crew for this trip so she will take every opportunity to enjoy herself (singing shanties if they have them, drinking, encouraging the others in the party to loosen up). One would never expect that this dewy-eyed girl was going to help kill them all.
On days when the sea would be dead and flat, she would pull out her alchemist kit again and begin making a poison for ingestion. Her tubes are marked in a language most don't understand, so even those who inquire would only think she is making more Alchemist's Kindness. Perhaps the party can put the poison to use to weaken everyone when the crew finishes unloading all of the cargo (as she isn't unloading anything).
During this time, she will also try to read to others from the books she carries on her person, more for her sake than theirs. Opal will also fulfill her hedonistic urges by gambling and making money as well as she can. Simply playing the games themselves would alleviate her frustrations aboard. All in all, she does well for a "youthful Girl" aboard a ship of gruff manly men.