Focus-Foible Method
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Foible: Dexterity
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I am sure a creative DM can come up with such an idea. I also heard that Bestiary four had template's that might work for an infernal contact. As for my character, he is rather human and his crimes and goals are actually rather mundane from a grand evil point of view. It is my hope that if he gets selected he will be a more believable villain and at first think he is doing right... then incrementally be corrupted (or not?) by what he has to do to accomplish the party's ends.
I would like to submit an idea. Or rather two. Firstly I have Artorius Pavo, who is detailed under this alias. He has been in three different way of the wicked campaigns (two from start, one as a replacement) but none of them got past the beginning. (Farthest I got was in the Benefactors Testing grounds). As such, I may abandon the character for it seems he is cursed. I liked the idea and playing the character, but I also ready to try something different. As such, see my submission below: Fet Naiton: Race: Human Class: Alchemist Crime: Arson I am thinking potentially taking a level in rogue as well. Stats will likely be a mix between good Intelligence, Dex, and Charisma. Fet Naiton cursed his ill-luck. It had not been his intention to commit a grand crime against the crown, rather he had merely wanted to get ahead and defeat the competition he felt had an unfair advantage. Fet Naiton was born to a poor family that had for generations worked a plot of land owned first by the Scriveum noble family and after the fall of Barca (Which the Scriveum supported) by the Luccedi family. His father was a sour man, who too often spent any savings the family squirreled away on frequenting taverns and pubs in the city. Unlike most of his family Fet was gifted with a stunning intellect and an ambition that went beyond marrying the pretty girl from the next farm over. As a child Fet received more than his fair share of beatings due to his insatiable curiosity, questioning manner, and loose tongue. At twelve, Fet stole what savings his family had before his father could waste it on booze and ran away to the city of Daveryn. To his surprise he was able to quickly find both employment and boarding working as an assistant at a local distillery. He found he had a surprisingly strong grasp of the process and after he turned fifteen the owner suggested he apply for the alchemists guild. Fet did so and while he was accepted and did well, he found his lowly background held him back from gaining any important or prominant positions. With few traditional options available to him, Fet found himself working odd contacts, more than a few where he made a habit of 'not asking any questions'. Eventually he bought a run down building and converted it into a small brewery and tavern he named simly "The Reward". His business did well, but not well enough for Fet. His chief competition came in the form of heavy taxes that were levied on his brews, but not those created by the Mitra Church owned breweries and the large tavern known as the Pious Rest. Though not officially part of the Church, everyone in the city was aware that the Pious Rest was one of many drinking establishments owned either by prominant members of the Church or their noble relatives. Wishing to even the scales, Fet used his knowledge of alchemy to start a small fire in the Pious Rest. The fire did the trick of slowing down his competion for a while, but the building was soon repaired and once more it was proving a thorn in his side. He decided it was time to eliminate the problem at its source - the Church owned brewery. This is when things spiraled out of control. His fire burned too hot and spready to quickly and consumed both the Brewery and the rest of the block, causing vast damage to the Cathedral of Mitra as well. The outraged priests called upon their magic and tracked down the culprit, but not before Fet realized they were closing in on him. Taking what he could, he now seeks to go underground to plot and rebuild.
cancelled or not?
I am going to go ahead and guess that this game has come to a premature cancellation.
Artorius and his servant strode into the room as well. He uttered an incantation which caused the symbol of his unholy patrons about his neck to shed bright light like a torch and began to examine the chamber, searching for any secret passages or hidden alcoves like they had found in the earlier rooms. Occassionally he would glance back to the torture rack, musing on his thoughts.
"Ruthlessness and rewards seem to be more worthy of our attention. I agree with Kaythor, we should consider this other pathway." Artorius said, even as he winced away the flicker of a spasm in his lower back.
"Perhaps we get a choice now? We should check the other hallway as well and see if an inscription greets our eyes as well. It could be that there is no longer just one correct pathway, but now the test is seeing whether we can make a decision between two equally dangerous paths." Artorius said as he walked forward into the chamber and read over the inscription that lay in the hallway beyond. "Wencelas, open the other door." He instructed. Unable to defy his master, Wencelas pushed open the second door.
Good Afternoon, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still here, I have just had no time to be able to really post anything this week. I've already clocked in a full work week and it's only Wednesday. I hope to post something soon, but I don't want to promise tomorrow and then not be able to deliver.
Obediant and of a malice filled vigor, Wencelas swung his axe down at the red misty form in concert with Elara. Wencelas seemed to have no concern for his own safety or even that of his companions, moving to a flanking position and hacking away with the grim axe.
Anyone still here?
"Well El'la what are you waiting for? This is your opportunity. Burn the wretched thing out of there so we can move on. It is of no use to us and I would rather not have it following our progress." Artorius spoke after he gave Wencelas orders to remain on guard. Artorius himself had yet to even enter the room, massaging a cramp out of his right hand. With the room illuminated and the grate removed, the majority of the obstacles this chamber presented to them were depleted. Once the creature of mist was destroyed they could continue onwards and perhaps finish this test.
Artorius saw no reason to advance into the chamber and confront this creature of mist. It was clear from its earlier actions that it had no effective means of combating his servant and saw the deacon of Ruziel and Asmodeus waited. The bellow of Henar caused him to take a step backwards, lifting his hands to his ears. He wondered how the creature resisted the intensity of that scream, though perhaps it lacked the ability to hear as they do. When the scream had subsided, he uttered words of his own. "Wencelas, remove the grate." If he could he would not give it a place to hide. Satisfied, he watched as his obediant puppet moved to either pull the grate out or destroy it with its battle axe.
I've been extremely busy and haven't had any time to even read up one what's gone down. Will try to to so tonight or tomorrow morning. Apologies.
It seemed that Wencelas was a good choice and that this mist somehow preyed on assets that only the living or thinking possessed. Fortunately Wencelas was but a shell, a puppet which was worked according to the wishes of Artorius Pavo and his Infernal patrons.
Artorius himself backed up further, allowing those who were in the front more room to move about. He studied the most, wondering whether it possessed enough intelligence to be reasoned with or if it just acting on instinct to attack anything that removed its darkness. If it was a member of the undead, then it would soon submit to its new master. Thinking back to the riddle, he spoke aloud, though more to himself then to his companions. "Perhaps this is what must be burned...?"Yet he still held out hope that it was one of the undead, for indeed it could be a useful slave.
Artorius stands back, not entering into the chamber just yet. He was human and had little ability to penetrate the darkness with just his eyes. Though conjuring forth light would have been no difficulty, he did not believe that the Cardinal intended to test them in such a manner. Perhaps using magic to provide light would be the very thing that caused the burning that the inscription made reference to. "Shattering this Orb sounds like a sound plan El'la." Artorius agreed and then gestured forward with his hand. "Wencelas, do give the lady a hand and shatter the Orb." At his worded command the silent servant marched forward intent on destroying the orb. Though he looked fully human, Wencelas seemed to need no light, penetrating the darkness with ease. Wencelas marched obediantly forward and raised his battle-axe over his head. Both hands gripped the weapon as he swung it downward at the obsidian orb.
"Let us venture forward and discover what lays in wait for us this time. Clearly our benefactor has designed this elaborate test as a means of culling the weak or unworthy before allowing them to fully enter into the organization." Artorius said as he glanced over the writing. He certainly knew who his enemies were. With his Unholy symbol of Asmodeus and the Infernal Duke still shedding light, he instructed Wencelas to lead the way down the hallway. He made a thorough attempt searching for any traps. It would serve them little if Wencelas triggered a trap which ended the test prematurely.
"Such a mold could have interesting applications, I agree Henar, perhaps you should look into harvesting anything that remains of it for future applications..." Artorius said as he looked away from Elara and toward the Samsaran witch. The woman had paid the price for her impulsiveness and he was not going to add insult to the injury she had already received. "Wencelas, open the door." Artorius instructed his bodyguard to advance toward and open the door now cleared of the mold. It was clearly the correct path.
Henar, can we assume like Cinder's that you have provided us with the information regarding the mold's weaknesses or did Cinder's jump the gun there and accidently use information she shouldn't have?
Artorius paused at the door, unwilling to get closer to the strange mold, though his servant Wencelas ventured inside as if he did not recognize any change in the temperature of the chamber. Artorius considered instructing his guardian to retreive some of the mold for examination, but before he could open his mouth to do so, the impulsive woman Cinders focused somekind of ray against it. He waited to see the result of her attack on the mold. He knew little of molds or funguses beyond what was known by most men. He did glance at the blue skinned follower of Asmodeus with a question in his eyes. So focused on the door covered with Mold, he did not notice Elara move to the South door and open it until it was too late. "NO! Don't open the other doors you fool! It must be a trap!"
"I am fine, it is but a personal trial I must overcome." Artorius said through partially clenched feet. As if to prove the case he began walking himself once more, following behind Kaythor with the rest of the company. He brandished his holy symbol which currently shed light like a torch, letting his gaze sweep the interior lining of the doorway for any additional clues.
"The South door seems the more logical choice. Let us not continue down a path where the deceived would normally tread. Instead let us break off from the herd as the inscription suggests." With that said Artorius begins to set out after Kaythor and the other's who have begun to move down the South hallway, but a minor seizure takes hold of him halfway between the secret door and the new doorway uncovered. It racks his body, causing his back to arch grotesquely backward and one eye to blink rapidly. He slides against one wall and falls to the floor, before he manages to utter a command to his servant. "Wencelas, lift me." The words are uttered through clenched teeth, but the servant dutifully obeys, reaching out with it's shield arm to begin assisting Artorius back to his feet. The spasm passes before the mute servant can finish lifting Artorius and though it is clear that Artorius no longer needed any help, Wencelas mutely still obeys. After futily slapping Wencelas's arm away, Artorius utters the word 'cease.' With a sneer, he looks at the rest, challenging them to say something, before he continues stalking forward.
Artorius glimpsed the small jewel. It was attractive enough in appearence, but the cold glow that radiated out from it would likely mar the gem in the eyes of the woman Cinder. He got the distinct impression that she did not like the cold. "Interesting. The inscription does not mention reward, merely tool. It may seem that this gem will be necessary later. Wencelas, retrieve the jewel and bring it before me." Artorius commanded his servant, who offered no words in reply, but instead merely strode forward and plucked the jewel from its resting place.
The obediant servant held forth the jewel as it cast its eerie glow, allowing Artorius a better examination of the jewel and its properties. Weaving a spell of detect magic before his eyes.
Once this task was complete, whether successful or not, the young deacon of Asmodeus suspiciously glanced about the chamber, searching it for any other details or secret passageways that might lay within. He would let nothing escape his hawk-like gaze.
Artorius glanced between the two doors that were previously hidden. North or South. There was no clue within the writing that provided any information about which to select, but he was moved by a thought that caught his attention. Two doors, perhaps it was intended that they split up. Another test, to weed out the weak. Looking between the two doors, he muttered something under his breath and then gestured for Wencelas to walk to the Northern door and push it open. "Open the door Wencelas." He spoke as he stepped behind his companion. Then glanced over his shoulder at those who lingered within the room. "I will see what is behind this door. Those who wish may follow, those who would still explore and be plagued by doubt and indecision... feel free to remain behind."
Artorius had eased the cramp out of his right leg and soon strode into the chamber, the light from his unholy symbol shedding illumination within the darkened chamber. His servant Wencelas walked dutifully beside the deacon of Asmodeus. Looking one way and then the other, the keen eyed priest sought out any threats unseen or clues undetected. He had a sense that Kaythor was benefiting from that strange link that he had established earlier, but Artorius himself felt as of yet no benefit.
Artorius let his servant Wencelas lead the way for him, though he himself was also armed and ready for potential conflict. As he began down the flight of stairs, he touched the holy symbol devoted to both Asmodeus and Ruzel that hung about his neck and whispered an incantation. When he removed his fingers, the accursed symbol began to shed a cool red light, illuminating the darkness around them. He felt a spasm seized his leg and paused before the archway, placing one steadying hand on the boney shoulder of the circlet wearing Wencelas. "Deadly enough to weed out those not worthy of Asmodeus. I do not think that the Cardinal intends to test us gently. Some of you may not exit these chambers alive." Artorius said to the question. There was a bit of harshness in his answer, partly because he felt the question did not need to be spoken. Kneading the muscles of his leg with obvious frustration, he gestured for the others to examine the room beyond the archway.
Looking forward to getting this game on track and moving. :)
No flowing bow was given to the Cardinal, though Artorius bowed his head by lowering his eyes in compliance and drew the pentagram symbol of the Prince of Darkness in the air before him. This was another test. The first had been escaping potential imprisonment and this would likely test their ruthlessness and ability to function both as a team and within the parameters set by Cardinal Thorn. He would not fail. He glanced to the one called Cinders and pursed his lips in annoyance. Was she but a petty thief easily distracted by a pretty baubble? He would have to watch her and the two new-comers as well. Returning his gaze to Cardinal Thorn, he decided to test the man himself, offering forth his words not in common, but the forbidden tongue of the ghouls. It escaped his lips as low, gutteral rumblings and rattling breaths, the kind of vile sound uttered by those things that go bump in the night. His words were slow and occassionaly the silence was punctuated by living breaths of his companions. "கெட்ட வார்த்தைகள், கெட்ட திட்டங்கள். தப்பித்தல் பேச்சு." Necril:
"I will do as you ask. These tests will not stop me. We shall meet again." When he finished the words in Necril, doubt lingered in his mind. There was the distinct possibility that he would not make it out of the test alive. Yet he dashed those doubts aside and he followed his gut instinct. If he was wrong, the death awaited him. Artorious suddenly turned to his companions, placing one hand on the armored shoulder of his silent bodyguard Wencelas and offered a thin smile. "I believe we have a saphire to recover. Let us begin."
I am eager to move forward however.
I guess it depends on whether the GM wishes to have you sign the contact now or if you have both already signed a contact. I think the former would actually be better, as that would gather more trust from the rest of the party.
Artorius did not trust this new comer, not that he trusted those who had arrived previously, but at least he had seen them sign the contact in their blood and thus bind themselves to him. Was this another member of the White Ravens or was this women garbed in smoke and shadow a different servant of the Cardinal. Her words proved interesting, but he did not take solace in them and in fact he had to fight hard to keep his expression neutral. He had no intention of falling. His ambition ran contrary to an early death. He continued to rest in his chair, making no effort to rise and accord this supposedly titled lady with a greater degree of respect. He was of noble blood himself once upon a time. "I am Artorius Pavo, a Deacon in service to the Prince of Darkness and his Infernal Duke. The silent, grim faced fellow behind me is Wencelas." He gestured faintly behind him to where his minion stood with weapon and armor, masked in the illusion of a common sellsword. Though at the moment a silver unholy symbol of Asmodeus could be seen about the neck of the quiet figure named as Wencelas.
It seems a lot of people in this group are very Pro-Psionic.
What is an Aegis?
Did you consider the Hand of Tyranny monk archtype specific to Way of the Wicked?
So what classes are our two new recruits?
Abyssal, Infernal, Celestrial, Giant?, Goblin?, Draconic?
Sounds good. I am eagerly awaiting.
Yeah, I think we lost our front and second line combatants.
I am sorry to see you two go. I suspect the role play between everyone's characters would have been entertaining, but understand. Cosmiy - I think I am good with moving on past the other scene, but do you want to bring in one or two new replacement players? Might be a good idea to extend this phase before getting to training if that is your intention as it will give anyone new a chance to interact with those already signed to the contract.
Artorius turned his suspicious gaze to the other follower of the Prince of Darkness. He clasped his hands together and offered a respectful dip of his head to the other priest. "As you well know our faith has been in retreat for generations and it is understandable that you have had rare chance to be titled within the heirarcy. I learned the faith under instruction from Bishop Esus. My own title was bestowed only due the established ranking of my mentor." He gestured to Henar and then continued to address the White Raven priest. "Henar is correct. His excellency the Cardinal has done well to gather here many followers of the Prince of Hell, but look around you, we are all in hiding. The time will come when we can preach the faith of Asmodeus openly, but it is not yet here." Artorius felt a spasm clutch his leg and caused the muscles to convulse, but since he was sitting he largely ignored it. He studied Titus for a few seconds before speaking further. "Titus, can you tell me anything of what you have done in service to the Cardinal?"
At first Artorius ignored the conversation with the White Raven's member, or at least he appeared to do so, continuing to read the book set out in front of him, but as it continued he dropped the pretense of disinterest and set the book down after slipping a copper coin in to mark his place. He considered getting further involved in the conversation, but ultimately added only a single sentence. "I am Artorius Pavo, a Deacon in service to the Prince of Darkness and his Infernal Duke, and as such I suspect I shall serve readily as a mouth piece of the Prince of Hell to issue forth the dictates and guidence our own group requires." He offered a faint smile and glanced over to the Dhamphir, then to Katrin, the only member of the group who was not knowledgeable of the Asmodean faith. "I am ever an instrument of Asmodeus commandments." He opened the boxes and noted the ease at which some of his new group trusted. With his own incantations in the rasping, haunted, and grave touched tongue of the dead he called forth the ability to see magic as well and studied the circlet for some few minutes. Being already in possession of a symbol dedicated to both Asmodeus and the Infernal Duke he accepted additional patronage from, the self professed Deacon snapped his fingers and uttered a command in that same ghoulish tongue. Bound to Artorius, the corpse of Wencelas stepped forward and bent at the waist. Artorius pulled away the hood, revealing the cleaned and naked skull of his minion, before he placed the silver unholy symbol around the skeleton's neck and then placed the circlet on it's skull, leaving his hands upon it as he willed an illusion to cloak the corpse with the appearence it held in life. "How very useful." Artorius said with that same faint smile.
Back from Vacation / Sister's wedding. It may take a little time to get back in the swing of things, but I should be good by EoW.
Checking in from the airport. :)
Artorius was also present in the dining room though he seemed to pay little attention to the other guests or even those he was now bound to through the blood contract. His 'servant' stood behind him in fine clothing and a full concealing robe with hood, but it was clear that their was little flesh on those bones. He had taken a book detailing the history and landscape of Northern Talingarde and was combing through it even as he absently fed himself from some meat filled stew with the other. Though his mind thirsted for knowledge, he was flesh and blood, muscle and stomach and he needed sustenance.
Glancing over at the list that Katrin scrolled out, Artorius looked back at Katrin. Clearly the woman had once come from a life of excessive privledge if she so casually requested something as costly as personal full plated armor. Still if the Cardinal was willing to provide for her and Taemon'dow, Artorius saw no reason that he should not also be better outfitted. Taking a scrap of parchament and wrote a quick list which he handed off to one of the slaves. List for Artorius:
Breastplate armor Hourglass scrivener's kit Skeleton Key Spring loaded wrist sheath He realized most of his new companions had departed by now and retired to their quarters. Finding himself not very tired, he returned to his quarters and instructed the animated remains of Wencelas to follow him as a bodyguard and began to explore the manor house, looking for any rooms of interest, particularly libraries or chapels.
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