Kingmaker: Blood for Blood!

Game Master BloodWolven

"That....doesn't describe this group...in the least." Ulricha mutters wryly.

Auto pass that sense motive.

"Adrenaline junkies? From what i've heard, they crave something more than that.", Alice says with a teasing grin.

"And from your words, i take it you've had a transformation prior?"

Succubi get a major Adrenaline surge when they drain someone. Supposedly its the one time they feel "complete". I didnt exactly talk with a scientifically significant sample size though. The large man seems almost introspective.

Eh, I was part of the ORChestra mercenary company, we seriously pissed of demon lord Koschtschie while working for Irrisen, partly because we curbstomped a bunch of Frost Giants who thought that all non giants are their slaves and size is all that matters, and party because we succesfully pulled of bluffing that our battering ram had quote "Koschtchies long lost dick" as its main ingredient. The very angry ex-human frost giant murder-demonlord-hobo let it known that any nation employing us would be one he considered his personal foe, which seriously reduces employment prospects. He pauses

So our august leadership opted to turn this reknown into a totally not-two-sided asset and signed up with Nocticula, who is probably Koschtschies main adversary in the Abyss, albeit Lamashtua may disagree. The Lady in Shadows is certainly more likely to hire mercenaries and perhaps not screw them over, the mother of monsters prefers to make her own armies herself by contrast. Another pause

Being there... Well, my mind got a bit fractured, which is when I first got a degree of albeit very minor telepathy. Its more useful defensively, affecting me with anything mind controlling is far harder then it normally would, like, I can use my second mind as a layer of defense and like... punt it at an incoming domination attempt. If you ever worked in the midnight isles thats absolutely a major concern. Even for someone who is quote "Just a grunt and part time hot dog salesperson"
He grins

Hmm, saying that was easier the expected.

I have apparently attained some limited telepathic abilities, funnily enough I had these prior to my recent transformation. I can setup a message link, but it has 2 sizeable issues. First, it only lasts for 10 minutes, second, its range is limited 110 feet of me, and susepctible to disruption from various enviromental features.

”One hundred and ten feet you say? That is an oddly specific number. Why is that you think?”

"Stealth will be needed on entry. Which I hope that invisibility will cover a multitude of stealth sins. But once in the city it might be that we need to find a place to lay low go out in small teams get a feel for the city. That is not as much stealth as it is not drawing a crowd. We will need to get all kinds of average looking."

”Yes, milord, I see the difference, however I suspect Roci is also not that average looking and would draw a crowd.”

”One hundred and ten feet you say? That is an oddly specific number. Why is that you think?”

Erik af Gundrun, the actually smart guy in my squad tested it. I used the message thing on him, and we tried to figure out what the maximum range is, and what enviromental stuff blocks it, and how long it lasts. Its blocked by 1 feet of stone, 1 inch of metal or 3 feet of wood or dirt. The message does however "travel around obstacles" as long as that travel doesnt take too long. Areas of magical silence stop it pretty cold, the spell doesnt like, try to avoid them and gets lost.

According to him, if my mind was more fractured it would have a longer range and duration, as both of these aspects likely scale with the telepathic potency, but there was no remotely sane way of testing that.
Markus shrugs

"Stealth will be needed on entry. Which I hope that invisibility will cover a multitude of stealth sins. But once in the city it might be that we need to find a place to lay low go out in small teams get a feel for the city. That is not as much stealth as it is not drawing a crowd. We will need to get all kinds of average looking."

Jorrast looks around at the group. "Guess I should be glad I didn't wish to be Fey. Only a few of us have any chance to look normal in a city!"

"Yeah", Xandarian speaks in agreement with Jorrast, shaking his cerulean hair with his hand. "Cayden didn't put me on Golarion to fit in, even before the wings, but at least I can retract those."

Vandomir Jarvis wrote:

”One hundred and ten feet you say? That is an oddly specific number. Why is that you think?”

Erik af Gundrun, the actually smart guy in my squad tested it. I used the message thing on him, and we tried to figure out what the maximum range is, and what enviromental stuff blocks it, and how long it lasts. Its blocked by 1 feet of stone, 1 inch of metal or 3 feet of wood or dirt. The message does however "travel around obstacles" as long as that travel doesnt take too long. Areas of magical silence stop it pretty cold, the spell doesnt like, try to avoid them and gets lost.

Communication can be maintained for 10 minutes, and you do need to be capable of whispering, its not full telepathy. He postulated thats its actually a form of instinctual telekinesis and/or translocation and/or amplification, not unlike sending a message through a tube? Not that I ever heard of anyone doing such strange things. He was an interesting guy. Particularly when not simultaneously bloodraging and injecting his mutagen, that turned him into a massive raging beatstick, but such are frankly in higher supply then his inquisitive non-epic-roid-rage-self
The quarter-fiend reminiscens, portraying an above average at least intelligence.

"Wow! That sounds as if your friend, Erik was it, is trying to figure out how to science your arcana!"

Yeah, he was quite a guy, quite big on experimenting.
He has "research papers such as"
The big man pauses

Variations of Succubus Soul drain speed based on consumptions of psychotropic drugs, including synergistic effects.
He states with a more exact voice

Using Abrikandidu aversion to beauty as a benchmark towards the establishment of scientifically valid and systemic standards of beauty.
He continues in the same vein

Hygenic best practises for making Schir-Schnitzels.
He finishes.

In his normal voice
He got some fame from the first paper, and a not that unsurprising number of research subject volunteers. The second paper had funny effects. Like, Abridkandidu are pretty weak rat faced wrecker demons, that are driven to destroy beautifull things. He captured some and used them to establish if like, a certain picture was more beautifull then another, by recording which picutre they wanted to destroy first. It escalated into a degree of economic disruption on the midnight isles, as the price of Abridkandidu slaves suddenly skyrocketed on account of their newfound usefullness, resulting in a surprising intensification of clashes between various crime syndicates, which our private military company was suspiciously well placed to exploit.

Markus pauses

A bit later we clashed with Baphometan raiders on the midnight isle of Colyphyr, there were many Schirs among them, but due to an Abyssal storm our forces were cut off from resupply, so like... Its not cannibalism if its another species roight? But I dont recommend eating enemies notorious for spreading Demon Pox. Thankfully I wasnt there, that campaign sucked.
He finishes in his normal voice, as if speaking about the weather.

Quote:

"Stealth will be needed on entry. Which I hope that invisibility will cover a multitude of stealth sins. But once in the city it might be that we need to find a place to lay low go out in small teams get a feel for the city. That is not as much stealth as it is not drawing a crowd. We will need to get all kinds of average looking."

Jorrast looks around at the group. "Guess I should be glad I didn't wish to be Fey. Only a few of us have any chance to look normal in a city!"

True, out of the ones who wished to become more than they started out as, she herself was still human. A giantess, a somewhat fiendish looking 1/2 orc, and a radiant half-azata would very much stand out.

"Yeah", Xandarian speaks in agreement with Jorrast, shaking his cerulean hair with his hand. "Cayden didn't put me on Golarion to fit in, even before the wings, but at least I can retract those."

Stella's chirping, it only understandable to Alice... "Evidently, because that is what your parents were for."

"Retract, hmm? They're not a kitten's claws.", she laughs cheerfully at Xandarian's claim. "I've met an alchemist who grew themselves wings, but by no means were they able to hide wings, large enough for flight."

"That does pose another matter, though, for any of our group growing wings. Clothing needs special tailoring, armor needs rework. Gods know how getting dressed and undressed is supposed to work with wings."

In response to Marku's stories on succubi, something pops to mind.
"Hmm, i read a planar studies paper once, about tactics against succubi. One mention of the -never do-, is trying to wrestle one into submission. With the whole grappling a succubus working against you then. The details of such were left open to the imagination of the reader, but i think we both can imagine why."

Xandarian wrote:

"Yeah", Xandarian speaks in agreement with Jorrast, shaking his cerulean hair with his hand. "Cayden didn't put me on Golarion to fit in, even before the wings, but at least I can retract those."

Stella's chirping, it only understandable to Alice... "Evidently, because that is what your parents were for."

"Retract, hmm? They're not a kitten's claws.", she laughs cheerfully at Xandarian's claim. "I've met an alchemist who grew themselves wings, but by no means were they able to hide wings, large enough for flight."

"That does pose another matter, though, for any of our group growing wings. Clothing needs special tailoring, armor needs rework. Gods know how getting dressed and undressed is supposed to work with wings."

"Oh! It's like this!" The rainbow wings of the caydenite paladin seem to fold themselves out of existence. "Boffy was telling me the wings are in a 'dimensional envelope'. I still feel my wings. In fact. I'm flapping them now, but because they are in the dimensional envelope, they are not 'incarnate'. I think that was the term Boffy used."

"Who knows, maybe this hiding is even temporary, and your blessing is for all to see in the long run.", she chuckles.

"At least in an area known for the presence of Tiger Lords, I might pass as just a larger than normal one of them to the average person." Ulricha comments.

I am going to go for the "my wings are a stylish cloak" thing, but I am open for suggestions!
Markus repsonds to Alice

I tried to grapple a Succubus once, as a mixed martial art instructor, she was paid to not murder me though so its doesnt quite count for bragging rights.

Agreed, those as unstealthy as me should stay hidden and act as a rapid reaction force, the question is how to organize communications so that our scouts can properly call us in, message cantrips?

As he takes a black leather coin purse out, he says with knowing, "We have extra Rings of Greenwatch." He then spreads them around the room with mage hand. He then explains, "We gives these to leaders in our fair country. They function in many ways, by the message spell, by the function of rings of communication, by ring of sustenance, and as long as you remain within our borders you will be blessed with Regeration 1 with the bane of acid."

"What manner of blood oath is required to be 'gifted' with those rings?"

Jorrast takes a ring and slips it on. "Any sort of additional oath to help this country is fine with me. That's why I came here after all!"

Markus "Hot Dog" Lyranus wrote:

Agreed, those as unstealthy as me should stay hidden and act as a rapid reaction force, the question is how to organize communications so that our scouts can properly call us in, message cantrips?

As he takes a black leather coin purse out, he says with knowing, "We have extra Rings of Greenwatch." He then spreads them around the room with mage hand. He then explains, "We gives these to leaders in our fair country. They function in many ways, by the message spell, by the function of rings of communication, by ring of sustenance, and as long as you remain within our borders you will be blessed with Regeration 1 with the bane of acid."

"What manner of blood oath is required to be 'gifted' with those rings?"

Xandarian gives the former Sable Company rider a knowing look and nod.

Ulricha slips the ring on, pleased to find that it expanded to fit her finger perfectly. She could feel the thrum of life coming from it, a regenerative energy that flows into her.

"Thank you."

Zsófia's lopsided grin intensifies. "Thank you, Lord Sulvanii. Your council's trust in my leadership abilities is gratifying." She takes the floating ring and slips it onto her finger in one deft motion.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 +2 vs Fey, +4 vs Humans

Vandomir looks back at Xandarian with a clueless look.

"What manner of blood oath is required to be 'gifted' with those rings?"

"No blood oath or even any blood is needed. This is not evil or even dark magic, the rings have been wrought for allies. Mostly those who reside within Greenwatch. We only request that you return them if you choose to walk another path." He relays with simple words.

"Also the Greenwatch rings function as a monitor speaker if any messages are sent from the throne. You won't be able to take them off yourself but with the aid of a Council Member it is easily removed. The Lord Commander, Quince, and Katrina also have status on all those within 250 feet of them using the rings as a focus. I could let your healers have the amplified rings if they request."

He stands and asks, "If there is nothing else, I would like to get back to my duties as they have doubled if not tripled. I will have my Wraiths in Fort Delrev enjoy some time in the Velvet Corner and wait for your arrival. They are all moon elves and have tattoos of Greenwatch on their backs which will reveal under the glow of the moon."

He stands as well listening to Stalker as he walks behind the Lord Commander, to come face to face with Jorne. "Good luck protecting him, I know he is a handful. Hopefully I will see you sooner than later." If the Council is adjourned he is ready to leave as well.

"Also the Greenwatch rings function as a monitor speaker if any messages are sent from the throne. You won't be able to take them off yourself but with the aid of a Council Member it is easily removed. The Lord Commander, Quince, and Katrina also have status on all those within 250 feet of them using the rings as a focus. I could let your healers have the amplified rings if they request."

Vandomir nods at the response, clicks his tongue a couple times and responds, "ahhh, so they are not removable, and they are trackable by the council. A very efficient setup to aid in the establishment of a police state. I appreciate your honesty in these matters. I'll pass. I am still excited to be a part of this operation, however."

Heal to cause Vasolidation?: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
Would this suffice, knowing many ways to cause it?

"Those rings, are they a one size fits all, adjusting to the finger?
Or are they crafted per person's measurements? I mean, would a ring for her shrink to match her leg?", as she points at the songbird on her shoulder.

It starts protesting, chirping frantically at her.
"Girl, i am not voluntarily shackled. Goddess preserve."

Having some concerns about not removable. Markus perks up

Any tracing devices can be hijacked by an interested third party. If our opponents are on the level of some of my previous employers, there could be one or more telepathic taps emplaced close to the terminal node of these rings. Telepathic Taps are a thing, although to the best of my knowledge it requires a specialist to do this. The 2 entities I know who can act in such a fashion are... He pauses

Unlikely to be employed by Armag, unless he has a specifically Nurgalite or Nocticulan background, which I have not heard anything off. And they are very expensive, for the same price he could hire a fist of Babaus and start hit-and-teleport-stabbing civilian officials in our rear. He grins

According to rumors, this Armag is a) Old and b) a Barbarian, old Barbarians get old by having their foes assuming they are dumb raging brutes, when they are clever and skilled, if perhaps overaggressive, tacticians. Old Barbarians are dangerous, and may have accumulaed a surprising amount of favors with various entities they can call in.

He does nod to Vandomirs concerns

Vandomir nods to himself, and eats the note.

Vandomir nods at the response, clicks his tongue a couple times and responds, "ahhh, so they are not removable, and they are trackable by the council. A very efficient setup to aid in the establishment of a police state. I appreciate your honesty in these matters. I'll pass. I am still excited to be a part of this operation, however."

With his arms crossed, Xandarian holds up his hand, as if denying another helping of lamb. "Thank you, but no thank you."

Vandomir nods at the response, clicks his tongue a couple times and responds, "ahhh, so they are not removable, and they are trackable by the council. A very efficient setup to aid in the establishment of a police state. I appreciate your honesty in these matters. I'll pass. I am still excited to be a part of this operation, however."

"The 'status' he is speaking was for me, a healer and Katrina also a healer. If this were a police state the offer to include other healers going on the mission would not have been made. Some of the guards in this very palace were once bandits that we were sent to stop. They had been forced into a life and when an opportunity to turn things around and do right they took it. They sever now faithfully. We have made worked with fey to treat our shared lands with respect. The Nomen Centaur accept some of the council as members of the tribe. We are failing miserably at being a police state." He shakes his had letting the frustration pass, he looks to the ranger and asks gently, "Take a walk in the city, speak to its people, go to our learning institutions, ask its students and teachers what they are permitted to pursue. This is not a place of oppression. Our cities prosper, our people flourish, our young are educated. The closest 'police state' is the one we are going to face. Whatever baggage you bring from elsewhere or animus you have for Sulvanii's kind is blinding you to the truth. If you think we are unjust as a police state would be. You would be right to resist us not help us."

[dice=Heal to cause Vasolidation?]1d20+16

Would this suffice, knowing many ways to cause it?

"Those rings, are they a one size fits all, adjusting to the finger?
Or are they crafted per person's measurements? I mean, would a ring for her shrink to match her leg?", as she points at the songbird on her shoulder.

It starts protesting, chirping frantically at her.
"Girl, i am not voluntarily shackled. Goddess preserve."

Vasolidation... what is that?

Sulvanii brings the ring closer to the bird as he says, "Yes it will shrink or grow as needed as most magical items do so."

He asks as he plays with a flame that appears in his hand, "Shall we conclude the meeting then unless there are some other agenda items? As this was a strategic planning meeting and not our general council meetings, which could take several hours."

In reference to Quince's statements he offers, "I could have come to you in an angelic appearance adding to the deception but I don't get to flaunt very often. Also I don't for just anyone."

Vasolidation... what is that?

Ah, i hadn't linked it? It was widening of blood vessels, making tissue wider than normal under certain circumstances or having consumed alcohol or other specific nutrients. But with the ring adjusting to fit, her plan is a bust.

Alice hearing she couldn't trick the ring, and having always enjoyed the freedom of being her own woman, decides to hold off on wearing one right away.

"Milord Quince, I do not question your own motives, nor that of your council. I simply point out that the trappings of the wish-oaths, the irremovable tracking rings, and I know not what else, when employed by a benevolent ruler can no doubt greatly increase the prosperity and security of the people. However, those same devices, if turned to do evil, and in the hands of ones less scrupulous than yourselves, could bend other good thinking people to their will by the oath, or track down those who would refuse to submit. It isn't the intent of your gifts that concerns me, it is the way in which they could be employed by future generations."

I have seen situations in which means for great good were used for great evil, and I have seen, I mean, not seen but have been a kilometer and an hour away from, very evil things doing great good. Markus nods along with Vandomir, displaying an almost philosophic streak.

"Yes swords can be turned on us as well.' He shrugs though his face shows he is considering the weigh of what is being said, "Being able to send word to allies and get to them in peril seemed a wise choice as one sending them into that peril. Though I hear your point, perhaps something to look into when security is secured."

He thinks a moment, "Though I don't see the connection with the wishes. Sulvanii is able to grant wishes. Such magic no matter who casts it has ties to capricious arcane forces. Such spells should be handled well and asking too much sometimes carries problematic issues, even curses. There are many stories that highlight this." He waves his hand indicating a point on his right, "That is the wish." He similarly waves to the left, "Sulvani is a faithful councilor. He does not use his magic for those who have not of their own will given an oath to Greenwatch. Such an oath or the legal contract he offered might open doors to military commissions if you are so inclined and other rewards of duty. Perhaps to future looking for this meeting."

He thinks a moment, "At the Sable company was there not a training regime, capped with a graduation, with an oath or with an obligation to duty. If you need more time to get to know us. I understand. But there is no magical shenaniganry on our part to magically compel service." He restates, "If you are willing to serve say so. There are benefits. If you wish to serve along side us until you know us better. So be it. Your efforts will be rewarded and you will be treated as an ally so long as you are one."

He nods to Markus, "We wax philosophic, that's peace's pass-time. Let us be about getting ready for our mission." He motions to one of the attendance, "Philbert here can help you get you into some rugged clothing, sturdy for travel and fight but not to attention grabbing. Yasmine here," he motions to a woman near by, "She can see you to some folk who can dye hair and such. If your look is normally too striking. I was thinking of going ginger myself." He looks to Sulvanii, "Is there anything we can do to alter some of the more standoutish folk or make them seem less standoutish."

Yes that was a blatant request for Altering or Seeming magic. Whose tracking wishes. Those might be a good one.

Vandomir nods, "yes, as I previously stated, I have no issue with the taking of oaths to Greenwatch. I decline having those oaths magically bound by either the genie, or a faerie, sorcerer, or any other such thing."

"Right you did say that previously but then brought it up again along with not wanting to wear the ring. I thought there was still a . . . The oaths are your own. Not bound by genies, fey, or any such. Just plain old we will trust you till you prove false. Which I don't think will be a problem."

"Thanks for the consideration", Xandarian relents.

"It won't be a problem at all. My word is good."

He motions to one of the attendance, "Philbert here can help you get you into some rugged clothing, sturdy for travel and fight but not to attention grabbing. Yasmine here," he motions to a woman near by, "She can see you to some folk who can dye hair and such. If your look is normally too striking. I was thinking of going ginger myself." He looks to Sulvanii, "Is there anything we can do to alter some of the more standoutish folk or make them seem less standoutish."

He nods, "Yes of course, though no need to use a wish I have many more magical spells that could aid in this endeavor. What did you have in mind and for who?"

"Milord Quince, I do not question your own motives, nor that of your council. I simply point out that the trappings of the wish-oaths, the irremovable tracking rings, and I know not what else, when employed by a benevolent ruler can no doubt greatly increase the prosperity and security of the people. However, those same devices, if turned to do evil, and in the hands of ones less scrupulous than yourselves, could bend other good thinking people to their will by the oath, or track down those who would refuse to submit. It isn't the intent of your gifts that concerns me, it is the way in which they could be employed by future generations."

He coughs and offers, "I see what you mean though at the moment I believe there are six immortals on the council. Let alone myself. Considering the amount of power we have I don't forsee any threat of abuse of power for hundreds if not thousands of years."

---
He then leaves the room to get ready.

”No doubt Aroden was fond of his immortality at one time as well, but history has shown that immortality is more fleeting than one might expect.” He shakes his head, as if to clear the cobwebs, ”in any event, Greenwatch can count on my sword and bow, mortal though I be, and though mortal I shall remain.”

Hmmm, according to popular theories amongst my previous employers, Aroden chose to either die or disappear, having uncovered a prophecy that, in his view, must not come to pass, likely involving the black tapestry and/or the wild beast. He was perhaps hoping that this sacrifice would make prophecies fallible, and thus make the end of all things avoidable or avertable. He shrugs

I have heard similar ideas from some Desnan clergy, if 2 very different groups come to similar conclusions, there may be something to it, the point stands though, nothing is immortal.

Weird how often my chaotic demon-ass is agreeing with the Chelaxian prim and proper ranger. It may well be that I am more accepting of these gifts because I think I can weasel out if they turn on me, an he, being lawful, does not think so.

The meeting is wrapped up and it is decided to head out as soon as possible. To first meet in the courtyard to get mounts before heading out.

Once in the courtyard, Xandarian unfurls his rainbow feathered wings. The paladin scoops up Boffy in one arm. "As Ready As Cayden."

As am I Markus heads out

Now Xandarian, do you now what really worries me about the fiendish transformation? That my poison immunity may result in being incapable of enjoying alcohol. Does your god have fixes for that? I never seek to get drunk, but being tipsy and not taking yourself oh so serious is fun.

He asks the Caydenite.

The half-azata looks to his divine emissary, then back at the partial fiend. "That is a troubling conundrum. One worthy of research. Hmmm", the paladin thinks. "Well, we'll need to attempt to get you loosy goosy at our earliest convenience. Then record the reaction alcohol has with your new body. You know. Be scholarly about this."

Zsófia nods and gives a playful salute before collecting Chizzlall and Rumbles and heading off to the courtyard.

Ulricha heads back to her room, collecting her things before heading out to the courtyard to meet with the rest of her companions. "This should be interesting!"

Ulricha will have picked up 3 potions of enlarge person, and a
potion of invisibility before this