Cardinal Lucius d'Borja's page

The confrontation with Mengkare was extremely troubling for Cardinal Borgia. The idea that even a gold dragon, one of the most powerful champions of Goodness, could consider a mass sacrifice of innocents - even for such a laudable goal as the destruction of Dahak was a situation the cleric had never considered possible. Accordingly Lucius decided that taking a more active role in maintaining the balance of power was the only responsible path for him to take.

Basing himself in Kintargo, for he had become fond of the city (and a certain teacher to be found there), Lucius set about enlisting the church of Abadar and other diplomatic forces to ensure peace and the reasonable settlement of conflicts. Welcomed by the Silver City as a bulwark against the depredations of Cheliax and Nidal the Court of Arbitrament became a notable organisation across Avistan, adding greatly to the prestige of both Ravounel and the Church of Abadar.

Lucius meanwhile, often cast his gaze westward across the sea. Hermea lay just beyond the horizon and he would never again make the mistake of assuming Mengkare's motives...

"I have spoken with the Lord Mayor before." Lucius says, "Hopefully she will consent to see us again, even with such news as this..."

Let's go see my character!

Ref: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23

Lucius takes the full blast of the cone and channels a pulse of warmth to counter-act the effects.

Channel: 5d10 ⇒ (9, 5, 10, 8, 6) = 38

"Why do villains always lack creativity?" The Cardinal laments as he blasts the vestilac with Abadar's holy fire. "It forces the heroes to be just as dull!"

SL: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27 Damage: 5d6 + 5d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 2, 3, 4) + (3, 6, 1, 5, 5) = 37

"Hold a moment!" The Cardinal says, stepping over to Pril and doing a quick bit of medical work.

Medicine, DC30: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 40 Healing: 4d8 + 20 ⇒ (5, 6, 5, 7) + 20 = 43

Then he does the same for Illy.

Medicine, DC30: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26 Healing: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 7) + 10 = 23

"I'm sorry." He says when his ministrations have little effect. "It will take more time than we have at the moment for me to deal with those. I will keep a close eye on you."

Lucius meanwhile applies what is rapidly becoming his favorite spell.

Heightened SL: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33 Damage: 7d6 + 7d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 5, 1, 4, 2, 1) + (5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 2, 3) = 47

Lucius, seeing that the combat is well in hand, turns to the corridor, reloading his crossbow as he does so.

"I'm afraid there is nothing I can do for your sandals." The cardinal says in a grave tone, although a smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.

Heal: 5d10 + 40 ⇒ (2, 2, 1, 7, 7) + 40 = 59

Lucius fires a crossbow bolt at the creature, and follows up with a lance of divine light.

Xbow: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 9
Divine Lance: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31 Damage: 5d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 3, 3) + 4 = 14

Lucius summons Abadar's healing to close Pril's wounds.

Heal: 5d10 + 40 ⇒ (5, 9, 5, 6, 9) + 40 = 74

Lucius, always one to listen to good advice, casts Sound Burst on the golems.

Sonic Damage: 2d10 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 Basic Fort save.

"If you will hold still for a moment then." The Cardinal replies, extracting a small jar of salve and some bandages from the medicine bag he has learned to keep with him and well stocked.

Medicine, DC20: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28 Healing: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 1) + 10 = 13
Medicine, Self, DC20: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31 Healing: 4d8 + 10 ⇒ (7, 3, 6, 4) + 10 = 30

"That is all I can do for now," He says apologetically. "I must conserve my divine gifts where I possible. I am sure you understand."

"Lady Docur," The Cardinal says politely, "I saw you take a blow or two, do you need any medical attention, magical or otherwise?"

Lucius closes in behind Pril and performs a little mundane magic to close her wounds.

Medicine, DC20: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32 Healing: 4d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 4, 1, 6) + 10 = 26

Lucius hammers the slavers with divine fire, they've forfeited the protection of the law.

Flamestrike: 10d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 5, 1, 5, 3, 6, 6, 2, 4) = 37

"I concur Lady Docur," Lucius says. "We are low on resources Pril and we don't want another Cypress Point. But for the grace of Abadar we would have died there so let us not rush in where we don't have to. Even with Lady Docur's skills I suspect it will still be a formidable fight."

He returns Nketiah's bow. "It has been a pleasure to journey with you Nketiah. May your songs always be sung and your return to your people be a triumphant one."

Lucius bids the others farewell for the moment and goes to seek an audience with the Lord Mayor to explain what has been going on in her city.

"The third option would be the most useful in the grand scheme of their operations, although we have reason to suspect that they are holed up in Tanessen Tower." Lucius agrees. "I must object strongly to your first option Lady Docur, these men must be tried before the appropriate civil authorities and punished according to the law. That is the only way that civilisation stands. If you wish to dispose of them I urge you to turn them over to the city authorities."

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Once the prisoners are brought in Lucius looks sternly at them. "You have been defeated by a group of students, captured and no-one knows what has happened to you." He says sternly. "Whilst I have counciled Lady Docur to handing you over to the authorities, I know that she has advanced classes that need to be taught. Therefore I will excuse myself for a while so that she can lay out your options."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27

"I had little doubt that your pupils would prove most adept." Lucius replies with another bow. "I believe that the Triad believed you connected with the Bellflower Network, and since they are slavers they decided to make you a target. Tell me, if you would, did they attempt to make it look the work of the Nidalese by any chance? It is a rather amateur tactic, but they do seem intent upon it."

"Well I trust Lady Docur that we are not one of the troubles of which you speak." The Cardinal replies with a slight smile. "We came to warn you that a slaving group, the Scarlet Triad, have marked your school as a target. While I have no doubt you and your lovely pupils are quite capable of defending yourselves it would have most derelict of us in our duty to not inform you of the situation. I hope this will prove of use to you."

He bows, "I am afraid that was the only reason for us to visit. We will not disturb your scholarly work any longer."

"We know it was not the Nidalese." The Cardinal responds. "So they were lying. Besides, how many humans would you expect to be hiding in a Bellflower Network safe house? Halflings yes, humans, no. At worst I would have been wrong and would have scared them unnecessarily. However, I was not. Unfortunately."

"We must see to the school first." Lucius opinions, "And I think we should speak to Lord Mayor Jhaltero as well. She would not be happy to find the Tanessens conspiring with slavers."

Lucius channels the last of his healing magic to knit Pril's wounds.

Heal: 5d10 + 40 ⇒ (1, 10, 10, 9, 6) + 40 = 76
Inspire Courage.

With Illy in danger the Cardinal commands his magic to repair her wounds!

Heal: 5d10 + 40 ⇒ (10, 9, 4, 9, 1) + 40 = 73
And Inspire Courage of course!

Will: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35

Lucius treats the rakshasa's spells with the same contempt they tried to give his before pulling out his trusty crossbow.

Xbow: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32 Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 6

Will: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 361d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22

Lucius wastes no time in calling down fire from the heavens to smite the fiends! "Rakshasa! Destroy them friends!"

Flame Strike: 10d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 6, 1, 4, 3, 4, 5, 4, 4) = 42
Inspire Courage is a go!

"No you were not." The Cardinal says sternly. "Surrender now and we will turn you over to the city authorities, rather than the Nidalese!"

Intim: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32

"Well that was more excitement than I wished for." The Cardinal says drily, moving swiftly to patch Pril up a little.

Medicine, DC20: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26 Healing: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 1) + 10 = 17

Lucius backpeddles and does his best to repair some of the damage.

Medicine, DC30: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 38 Healing: 2d8 + 20 ⇒ (1, 1) + 20 = 22

Lucius is fast running out of offensive magic, but he retreats and targets 'Thrune' with his final searing light spell.

SL: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31 Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 3, 5, 6) = 26

"Begone, foul beasts!" The Cardinal declares. "Abadar has no place for you in this city!"

Fort: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
Religion: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27

Despite the ringing of the bells Lucius's voice thrums with holy power and the beasts are banished!

"Before you go, I'd like to ask for some advice," Nolly says. "The rumors of a Nidalese devil attacking folks at Kite Hill will soon spread. On one hand, that's a good thing, as stirring up public sentiment against Nidal is helpful to the Bellflower Network. But on the other hand, I worry that the attack was a trick designed to throw unearned blame on the Nidalese. I could let people know that Nidal wasn’t actually behind the attack, but if I don’t start spreading the message soon, it will be too late. What do you think I should do?"

"This was not the work of Nidal." The Cardinal says decisively. "They would have used Kytons had they wished to announce themselves and the Umbral Court is a place of subtlety. This was not them. You can start spreading rumors to that effect - focus the blame on the true culprits, the Scarlet Triad."

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"Main door." The Cardinal suggests, "We have nothing to fear and much to lose by wasting time."

Heal: 5d10 + 40 ⇒ (2, 7, 2, 3, 4) + 40 = 58

Lucius keeps Pril in the fight, inspiringly.

"She will not fall!" The Cardinal replies, calling upon Abadar's mercy to ensure this.

Heal: 5d10 + 40 ⇒ (4, 9, 7, 4, 7) + 40 = 71

His conviction is inspiring!

Inspire Courage again!

The Cardinal raises an eyebrow, this seems far too obvious to be a truly Nidalese action. Nevertheless he draws his wand and sends a beam of holy light towards the fiend.

SL: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28 Damage: 5d6 + 5d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 2, 2, 4) + (6, 4, 5, 6, 1) = 37

"To Kite Hill then!" The Cardinal decides, "We had best make haste."

He does a pretty good job for an old man, keeping up more or less as the rest hurry along. The fact that Hundy is half his size helps...

"Tell us what you told them, and quickly now!" The Cardinal says sternly. Abadar does not entirely approve of the Bellflower Network, but slavery is even more corrosive to a just society so he has some leeway on this.

Lucius commands Prim's wounds to close before inspiring his allies!

Heal: 5d10 + 40 ⇒ (1, 9, 3, 7, 5) + 40 = 65

Then Inspire Courage which I keep forgetting Lucius can do now!

Lucius blasts the demon once again.

SL: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38 Damage: 5d6 + 5d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 6, 1, 3) + (2, 6, 4, 4, 3) = 35

Lucius keeps up the demon fire, aiming another bolt of light at the foul fiend!

Searing Light: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23 Damage: 5d6 + 5d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 4, 3) + (2, 4, 6, 2, 2) = 30

Lucius calls upon Abadar's divine justice and fires a beam of Searing Light at the demon!

Heightened SL: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34 Damage: 7d6 + 7d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 3, 4, 4, 5) + (6, 5, 2, 3, 2, 2, 6) = 49

"Calm down child. Now tell me everything." Lucius says gently, full confessor mode on. It was never his speciality, but he has served his time in the confessional and fully appreciates the necessity of listening.

Gradually he seeks to coax details from her, who exactly are the Triad? What are their goals? Where are these warehouses? What forces do they have? "Anything you can tell us may be of the greatest importance." He reminds her repeatedly.

"Come now." The Cardinal says jovially. "We are simply here to for pleasant chat and to return some lost property, nothing suspicious!"

Diplo: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23

"We are here on another matter." Lucius says politely. "Your brother I think... we came across some items belonging to him in Cypress Point and wanted to return it to his family. I believe that is you."

Illyiana throws her arm around Lucius's shoulder and pulls him in tight for a squeeze and says "You sure know the way to a gal's heart." she says with a chuckle before releasing him. "I like you too, Cardinal. You're an alright fellow with our best interest in mine. Thanks for always having my back and keeping me alive."

"And my thanks for the times you have returned the favor." The Cardinal replies, awkwardly returning the demi-embrace. As Illyiana releases him his hands move to smooth out his robes and straighten his sleeves, seemingly out of pure habit.

"Ah." the ranger says, nodding her head. "That would make sense. Have you a love, Cardinal?" she asks curiously.

"Not in the sense that you mean." Lucius replies. "I am deeply attached to you and Pril, and I am devoted to my work. But I do not have a romantic partner. I have... never found the time."

"Love." Lucius replies. "Nime became the Herald of Love some time ago, which is part of why so many people find her attractive. It was... an unusual conversation."

"Safe travels and just work." Lucius replies as Nime vanishes on the breeze. He continues to walk up and down the harbor for some time, pondering the undine's words deeply. His mind is somewhat perturbed by her proclamation and he loses track of time walking back and forth up and down the riverbank, losing himself in the lapping of the waves and his own thoughts.

The Cardinal inclines his head gravely in response, clearly treating Nime's words with the respect that they deserve as is appropriate for the Herald of a Goddess. The pair continue to walk at a slow pace, one figure perfectly upright, the other just as tall but a little more bent thanks to the staff.

"I thank you for your words Lady Nime." Lucius says eventually. "The hard path is often the most worthy one and when a goddess speaks it behooves mortals to heed her words. As to your advice I am not unaware of it, although age has had more effect on me than it has on you. My companions are dear to me in a way unlike any others and it is true to say that I love them both, although it is a little early to judge my relationship with Nketiah."

"As my good friend said we had not made plans beyond the Opera." The Cardinal says, picking up on the situation rather better. "I have been told by my colleagues in the Church that there are a number of superb restaurants on the waterfront. I'm sure we cannot match the splendor of the Lord Mayor's table, but we would be honored if you would accompany us to dinner."

His tone remains flawlessly polite, he isn't a Cardinal for no reason, but Illyiana at least can pick up on a slight cooling in his tone.

Assuming the singer agrees Lucius leads the way towards Kintargo's riverfront and locates a restaurant called The Golden Crow. "Apparently the owner wanted to be patriotic, but not too patriotic." He comments drily. The decor may be lacking in refinement but the food is superb and the Cardinal orders a generous number of bottles for the table before insisting that this meal is being paid for by the Church. "I still owe you both." He says to Pril and Illy, "And such a voice deserves the best meal a humble Abadarian can offer." He adds with a bow of the head to Nime.

After dinner the Cardinal invites the singer to stroll along the riverbank with him. "You recognised me earlier." He says, abandoning diplomatic politeness for the directness that he has noticed Nime favoring. "Why? It wasn't from our meeting in Oppara.

"Indeed Lady Nime." The Cardinal replies. "I had the pleasure of seeing you perform in Oppara some months ago. It was a charity performance there as well I believe? Abadar tells us that all coins must be earned but the perfection of your voice deserves all the fees tonight has made and more." He bows and kisses the singers blue hand, apparently unphased by her lack of clothing. "The Silver City is brighter for your presence in it this evening. No doubt Lord Mayor Jhaltero is delighted to have you here?"