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I don't know what Pushing Assault does, but this looks like a splendid idea. A variation on the whip armed bard with the ability to do damage. Can still cast spells because the two handed weapon can be held with only one hand. You know, I think I might take 'martial weapon proficiency, ranseur' to complement my combat expertise/improved disarm bard.
Pretending to be talking animatedly to 'his' father including a certain amount of pointing Cassia draws on her knowledge and imagination. "Thus did the hounds of Wee Jas welcome her home," she quotes. An eerie baying begins, growing in the air by Placidius' door, at first low and sounding as if it were buried in the earth but growing and strengthening as if a pack of otherworldly hounds were approaching, their mournful howling hanging in the air till it suddenly ends as if cut off by a closing door. As the sound of the dogs grows, Cassia plays with a strip of fleece and looks past Lucius Gallus at the street directly before the door. "So we two sat there, exchanging regrets, I with my sword held out across the blood-pool, and the wraith of my follower beyond it, telling his tale." In the street, four paces from Placidius' door, a black something begins to rise from the ground. At first, it is unclear what it is, but as it emerges it can be seen to be the form of a huge warrior, as black as night, cloaked in shadow, pulling itself free of the earth as a man might from a clinging swamp. There are no details, no eyes or features, no gleaming armour, just a black shape, like a shadow given substance, the shadow of a great man, nigh eight feet tall, a great man armed with a scythe. It stands there, ‘staring’ at the door for long seconds, then it steps forwards, reaching out with its hand to touch the print left by Cassia in her own blood (or the place where it was if it has been cleaned since she was last here). It stands still again letting the world turn around it, its cloak seeming to flap in a breeze no one can feel then it steps forwards but instead of colliding with the door and wall of Placidius’ home it seems to pass into the plaster, wood and stone leaving no trace that it was ever on the street out side, save for the sense that death has entered the home of the Cypriani. "Much as I'd like to stick around to see what happens, I think it's time to run away in fear from the curse that has befallen the unfortunate Cypriani."
Combat Expertise in 3.5 was an uber-feat and it's probably a good thing that it's been nerfed for Pathfinder. Now it's kind of handy and becomes handier at higher levels. It's also the gateway to a bunch of other stuff, which have mostly all also been nerfed. The 'improved X' feats presumably require the pre-requisite because they're perceived as 'good' (in the same way that augment summoning requires spell focus conjuration - it's not really that it necessarily follows, it's just that AS is so good that you have to weaken it somehow and they've chosen to do it by meaning you have to 'waste' a feat). 13 Int required? I agree with Howie, if you don't like it, house rule it away (I'd NEVER allow the change to defensive fighting suggested by JrK, but I'll fight to the death to allow it in his/her own campaign), or maybe there should be a feat which allows you to treat your intelligence as 13 for the purposes of feat pre-requisites... Now if only there were important combat feats that required a minimum of 13 Charisma...
Cassia watches with interest and realises that with such a non-descript look it's not possible to 'look like' a member of the same family. She settles for 'the same colour hair' when she creates her glamour and goes for the skinny twelve year old so that the two may be mistaken for father and son, giving Lucius Gallus an excuse to act protectively. Thus disguised, Gaius Clodius and his son Marcus return to the street in front of Placidius' domus.
When the time comes to emerge from hiding to complete our 'curse' on Placidius, while still in a place out of immediate sight, Cassia asks Gallus to bring out the dwarf's 'mask' and looks at it, her brow furrowed. "I wish I knew how this worked. I'm not sure if the dwarf has prepared a face for you to wear, or if it will respond in some way to your desires." She indicates that Gallus should 'wear' it. "If the former, well and good. In case of the latter, close your eyes, think of yourself as young, think of the people who were in your life just before you came of age, think of the connections between you and them and the way that they saw you. As two young brothers, we should attract little attention even if we're running."
"Now Gaius Clodius, try and look a bit cross at the way our mother has left you baby sitting your younger brother Marcus who you were supposed to get back home before dark. Race you back to the Laxium."
Cassia feels the tense, nervous energy of imminent danger and shrugs slightly. She didn’t come here to slink away. Her back straightens and as she approaches the door to the Cypriani domus she unfastens the headscarf so that her hair is free. “Secundus Cyprianus Placidius,” she calls out in a clear voice. “you have transgressed and you are called to account. I, Cassia Nigra Alecto of the Vulpus Nigrus, call upon the gods to cut the thread of your life.” With a wickedly sharp bone dagger she slices two scarlet lines across her right palm and clenches her fist, raising it in defiance at the door. “May the Furies hound you, may the servants of Nerull haunt you, may Nemesis punish you for your hubris.” She slaps her palm against the door leaving a bloody hand print. “With my blood I mark you for death, Secundus Cyprianus Placidius, you shall not live out the week.” She stands there for a few seconds, the wrath of the gods personified, and then, almost in answer to her vitriolic curse there is a peal of thunder from the still air, rising in volume then dying away. ”Right, lets get out of here, QUICKLY.”
Before leaving, Cassia back-combs her hair (which is very bad for it) so it forms a dark halo around her face, wiping off the make up and replacing it with an almost-white foundation (incidentally much more typical of the patrician woman about town). The head scarf goes back on to cover up. If possible, identifying a way of communicating with Agneta from inside the Vulpes would be good. Leaving Laurentinus' house (is Agneta 'Laurentia Agneta'?) she leads Lucius Gallus back through the streets to Placidius' domus. She makes no further attempt to peddle wares, trying to appear more a country hick in the big city while moving as quickly through the crowds as she can without drawing attention. Outside Placidius' she will wait for a point where there are no squads of guards nearby and check that there isn't a gang of hired thugs keeping an eye on the place. "Keep anyone from interrupting me," she says to Lucius Gallus. Seeing the look on his face she pauses. "Including you. Trust me. I will break no oath I have made."
Cassia gives Agneta's suggestion more serious consideration than she might have expected. "I have not had much luck with husbands. Or perhaps, husbands have had very poor luck with me." A pause, old pain crosses her face, then a savage look, then calm again. "Maybe. I need a place." Cassia looks away so that Agneta can't see her lips move. "I like her," she whispers to Gallus. "She's clever and sees further than most. You could do far worse."
Cassia glances between Lucius Gallus and Agneta, speechless, clearly irritated at being upstaged and at the way that control of the conversation has slipped away from her.
"My friend is gifted, and I trust his insight. But the clever woman also counts her money. You would know better than I what being second in the Vulpus Nigrus would bring you. I am certain you would be more successful in the role than that unlamented sow Hilaria Antia. As Placidius' position weakens there will be many who will see that the wind is behind Moretius Paesentius and reconsider their station. He will owe the greater debt to those who lead the way." Looking around, is it possible that Agneta's brother has been unable or unwilling to provide her with a dowry? "From myself, I am not above the patrician's traditional method of encouraging others." Cassia's tone conveys a level of good humoured disdain for the patrician way of doing business, and an awareness of the irony of that position.
Cassia is gobsmacked, and unable to contain her surprise (leaping to her feet if she was sitting), although she does manage to avoid making the sign against the evil eye. She stares at Lucius Gallus and eventually recovers her poise. "I am delighted that my friend's skill is helpful to your family."
"If that is so, where are your husband and children? And why would Paesentius have identified you above all others as the person to seek to tilt the balance? You may have a place in mind, but I would suggest that 'close right hand' is nearer the mark. When Paesentius wins, he'll need someone as his second, and who better than you?"
I will introduce Lucius Gallus in whatever the correct manner would be, leaving our relationship ambiguous. “Things change. Allies can always be won back with good fortune and good sense. Viusenius lost both of those when he chose not to deal honestly with me, and those with poor fortune and poor sense tend to do badly. Paesentius has a great respect for your good sense and believes that good fortune awaits you if you choose to step out of the shadows.”
I’m not certain how well Agneta knew Cassia, I don’t know if she came out after the fight at the Vulpes, if she didn’t it’s been about a month since we were face to face however I’m expecting she’ll recognise me more or less immediately so won’t attempt to maintain the charade. “Hello again Agneta.” Calm, respectful, but leaving a huge amount unsaid. Assuming Agneta doesn’t immediately respond with some form of overreaction. “I apologise for the charade, but last time I walked the streets of the Laxium in my own clothes, it didn’t turn out very well.” Cassia bows/curtseys formally to Matidia. “I’m truly sorry to enter your home by stealth. I would hope that we can in truth provide you with some benefit. I travel with a priest of Kord I have seen work miracles, and a dwarven salve who can bring life to the dying, but today I wish to talk with Agneta the Vulpa for whom I bring greetings from Moretius Paesentius.”
Cassia gave her name as Clea and Gallus' name as Mordo. (Aiming to sound foriegn but forgettable).
Cassia won't promise the earth and everything in it to Matidia, but will sound hopeful that something could be done to assist matters, and will ask about what has been attempted making concerned noises and acknowledging that such a problem is very difficult. The goal is to get Agneta here (or possibly go to Agneta, but that's a very poor second choice) so talking payment for possible cure but pointing out that with that many tax collectors about maybe coin is a poor sort of payment right now and maybe non-material payment in the form of favours and connections would be better. If Matidia is over-suspicious (or dense and doesn't get the point) then I'll be a bit more obvious saying I had heard that there was trouble on the street but that Agneta was likely to still be standing when the dust settled.
Did we manage to sell anything? Knew I should have got some clothes pegs.
The heroic two set off disguised as gypsies/street peddlars with sweet smelling oils, guaranteed to relieve muscle pain, cure warts, attract the opposite sex... If it's realistic to go to Matidia's by a route that takes us past Placidius' so I get a quick view of the lie of the land then that's good. When we get to Matidia's area I will try to interest a couple random passers by (well, not entirely random, in that they must not, under any circumstances, be associates of the Vulpus) in our fake unguents (basically, olive oil with something pleasantly scented - so entirely harmless). Maybe knock on an empty looking Domus' door before knocking on Matidia's residence and talking our way inside quickly. If Agneta herself is not present I will tell Matidia that I had heard that Agneta was seeking remedies for her and ask her to send someone for her daughter (to negotiate a price).
"Press on before he sees us," whispers Cassia, and plans to climb up the next ladder.
I think if it's very busy out there, climbing out is probably ill advised. Someone is bound to ask questions. If there's no strong chance of getting actually lost, I'd say we should press on. (That includes getting lost in the river port district, I'm assuming wherever we come up we can find a main throughfare and recover our bearings). If Gallus did end up accidentally wading through the sewage we'd need to pause to clean him up a bit before we emerge. In the event when we emerge someone does challenge us/ask us what we were doing down there in the first place, we will explain that you never know what things will be found that someone has thrown or lost down a drain - which should fit in with prejudices against pikeys.
When it comes to crossing the narrow ledge, Cassia wrinkles her nose. Obviously one bit of joining the criminal underworld she hadn't banked on...
Cassia will use mundane methods to disguise her identity in the first instance. (Posture, make-up to darken her skin to a tanned/weather beaten shade, clothes from the girls' rooms to mimic the colourful garb of a gypsy, headscarf to hide her hair). Similarly, will do what I can with what is available so that Lucius Gallus looks the part. We'll need a carrying basket with some innocuous poultices/compresses if we're going to pretend to be wonder workers (looks at Gravus - although I imagine the kitchen still has some herbs/flour/water). (Also, this kind of thing would be useful props if I wish to 'curse' Placidius). Reluctantly, armour will be left behind, as will sword. If my whip can be coiled up to go in my belt pouch, that's where it will be. If it can't, it goes in the basket with the poultices. (Perhaps Paesentius could lay hands on saps for everyone since if it does come to a big fight, we're not really wanting to slaughter the opposition). Once out of the sewers, Matidia is first call with a view to finding Agneta there. If she's not, if Matidia has slave/servant/friend I'd try to send them to fetch Agneta. Where after that depends on how things go. I'll need Placidius' full name for any curse. Does traversing the sewers involve getting covered in sewage, or are there walkways/ledges to prevent this? Are the sewers windy catacombs, or just a straightforward gridwork of pipes (i.e. can we get lost?)? In as far as is possible, I am trying to stay aware at any time of the direct route back to the Vulpus Nigra (with a sense of how long it will take running flat out), and the fastest route back to our entry back into the sewers. (Pausing at junctions to clarify where I am and remember landmarks so that I don't get lost if I have to run for it).
"I have no intention of waiting until Korius to resolve this matter. How would Placidius react do you think if I were to lay a death curse upon him and servants of Nerull were seen circling his house? Perhaps more usefully, how do you think those who might stand with him would react?" "To approach Agneta it might be better if Lucius Gallus were to accompany me. He is unlikely to be recognised even without disguise. Placidius' will undoubtedly be watching the Vulpes Nigra, how possible would it be for him to be watching the sewer entrances? Is there a way we can come and go and be sure that we are unseen?" "It seems that separating Placidius from possible support is our goal. Would simple bribery suffice? Or the payment of what I believe the Coruskians call a weregild for those who Valka Spartaca slew?"
"Agneta is one of the Vulpes you didn't kill last time you were here." Cassia turns to Paesentius. "If Placidius comes intending to make a fight of it, who is he likely to have with him? How many?" After that she goes quiet and still.
I haven't read all the way through the whole thread (sorry, we sorcerers are lazy and just want to get on with blowing things up), but I would ask, what feats has the 19th level sorcerer taken? Used all her feats on extra spell knowledge (easily get +2 spells known of every level up to 8th). Maybe she's spent a fortune on magic items for all the spells she needs but doesn't have innately available. Maybe she's taken a bunch of combat feats and is planning to whip you with a two handed sword of doom. Used her superior charisma to sign a pact with an arch-devil. Who knows? Characters that high level are absurdly powerful and any given build will have massive advantages over some other 19th level builds while they'll have massive disadvantages against others. (This is one of the reasons I hate new characters joining games at levels above about fifth - they don't have to go through the early levels where their chosen feats are sucky before they get to the point where they click). I think sorcerers are a bit underpowered, but they're so much FUN!
Thoughts like that should be still born. Now let me tell you about my seventeenth level paladin and how he smote Asmodeus...
In any single GM's campaign, theirs is the One True Way. I'd hope that most of us would adapt to suit players, but given how much work GMing is you're entitled to GM in the style which you like. If you end up with no players, well, you might have to come to the conclusion that yours is the One True Way in the way that Xtianity was the One True Way in early Imperial Rome. Players who have never read the rules and rely on others to tell them what their character can do irritate me, as do players who try to help crunch-light players optimise themselves, as do players who can't tell you what their character does in his spare time and just don't get that they might want to spend some of their recently acquired loot on going shopping for clothes instead of p@mping their magic sword. Actually, a lot of different sorts of players irritate me. It's a wonder anyone ever lets me sit behind the screen. Fluff, definitely. Although that doesn't stop me planning my feat and spell acquisitions six levels in advance.
I would say that the simplest way of conceptualising it is on the 3d6 bell curve with the proviso that we're in a fantasy world where people can step off the bell curve in a big way. So, for Int, if you have an intelligence of 18 you're in approximately the top 0.5% of the population for humans (however you choose to measure intelligence - ye olde intelligence quotient test). (Languages is a poor measure of intelligence - go to the Netherlands, everyone speaks about four languages perfectly, go to the UK, you'll be lucky to find anyone who speaks two (actually, you might be lucky to find someone who speaks one fluently) - it's just a useful game mechanic). Stat arrays for npcs seem to be intended to ensure npcs are fairly non-descript and have the 'right' stats for their role. If your gm is creating the village idiot or the Magister of the University of Petra s/he probably shouldn't use a stat array. There are people out there with stats below seven, it's just that using point-buy a pc isn't allowed to do so because otherwise a mini-maxer just would to the irritation of the non-mini-maxers. I would say that a seven stat is 'low but functional'. I can't do the maths in my head, but I think you're probably talking about 15% of the 3d6 bell curve at 7 or below.
Sorry to be a crashing bore, but taking the piss out of Asperger is not ok.
"Indeed, I would choose to avoid stabbing anyone who might soon be a friend of mine." At the mention of Agneta, Cassia catches Valka's eye. "Magaera?" she suggests, playfully. "How long before Placidius comes to us do you think? The use of my talents is draining, but I could seek out Agneta unseen, or at least unrecognised, if that is the best use of them this day."
A friend in a 3.5 campaign has this as his main 'trick' and is very effective against high ac high hp enemies (dragons). He had an item of TS 3/day made (nb - I keep meaning to start a thread on 'game breaking magic items' because there are a couple 1st level spells which can be made into permanent items for next to no cost which totally cock play balance - TS isn't one of them I don't think, though our GM might beg to differ) and in a fight with a big bad it's much more effective to guarantee a hit with maximum power attack every other round, than do six full attacks and maybe hit three times. With Pathfinder's nerfed power attack, the cost/benefit is greatly reduced, but if the target's AC is such that you won't hit at least 50% of the time, you are at least breaking even. For your character, take sorcerer as your spell using class and have expeditious retreat as your other spell...which has the added bonus of meaning you don't dump charisma!
No problem that I can see. You sacrifice attack bonus which is more than made up for by the True Strike, and should you get an AoO chance it's heavily penalised because the True Strike won't apply. Probably one of the reasons they nerfed Combat Expertise and Power Attack in Pathfinder (imagine a 5th level fighter/1st level sorcerer with PA and CE by 3.5). In your example, in round 2 you might also want to move away from combat while still having the bonus for fighting defensively so you can more easily repeat the effect. Given armour penalties on spell casting, you might want to take sorcerer instead of wizard though since there are limited spells unaffected by armour so you may find you only ever cast True Strike anyway.
Who are you calling a fifth wheel??? That's fighting talk where I come from. I remember a college game at our games society. Rob McWilliam and his Unfeasably Large Playing Group. (Name changed to protect the guilty). There were anywhere from 8 to 13 players around his table. I have no idea how he managed to even remotely run it. I haven't run with more than six since I was a teenager, I think I did play Champions Superheroes with 8 once as a seventeen year old. Or maybe that was just six, with two characters each... Ah, the enthusiasm of youth. Six is fine if you know the players well, I don't really think four is enough, it's too easy to just fall into class-defined roles.
"I cannot send a curse which will kill him in his sleep, if that is what you mean. The threads which tie us to our bodies are too strong to simply unbind them." Cassia half smiles. "I might eventually send him mad with sounds and seemings, but such a project would take days at least. Depending on how strong willed he is I might entrance him for a time, and if I could see them I could certainly cast his men into a dark slumber full of nightmares." She gestures with her hand and a bone dagger appears in it. "Failing all that, I could just stab him."
Cassia also drinks. "And his partners, Cassia Nigra Alecto and Valka Spartaca Tisiphone, the black vixens." She pours a libation where Titus fell. "Thank you, Titus Albanus," she says, quietly.
Cassia nods in agreement. "My father used to say the gods favour those who show faith, give sacrifice and take proper precautions." Cassia herself will wear her mail, spatha, pugio and whip. Buckler slung. Cash in backpack. No lyre or other extraneous objects except a cloak over the top. Before we leave Turia's Hearth (out of sight of other patrons or staff) her appearance will change so that she looks unladen, hair perfectly done, perhaps a little bit taller and a little bit fiercer, wearing a white stola (like the ones that Britannia is usually depicted in) (still with a cloak over the top, but perhaps a nicer one).
Is leading a mule through the streets fairly normal? We'll need to put a sheet or canvas over the equipment either way.
"Maybe the example of Korud will encourage the Vulpus Nigrus to behave in a manner more in line with his tenets." Cassia tries to pronounce the god's name as the Coruskians do, though she probably doesn't get the rolling R quite right. "Travelling through the streets fully armed might lead to us never reaching the Vulpes Nigra. Can our arms be bundled together and disguised as an innocuous burden for the slave? I can cast a veil over my own weapons and protection but I fear that there is no way of concealing your heavier armour, let alone your shields."
"Suffice it to say that the Vulpus Nigrus came uninvited into my life, and brought all of this down on their own heads." Cassia goes silent, absent almost, for a few seconds, her eyes unfocussed then shakes her head slightly and returns to the present. "I do not think we should try to play both ends against the middle. We lack the knowledge to do more than walk aimlessly around the Laxium asking if anyone knows anything about Paesentius. I would rather he think we trust him, and the longer we delay our decision the more time Placidius has to gather his strength and the more time Paesentius has to reconsider siding with us. Has your spy here at Turia's Hearth noticed any interest in our return?"
Thank you David. I'll try that. Wonder what you're supposed to do if you live in Northern Ireland.
Cassia looks at Gallus for a few moments. "I haven't decided what to do after I win. Leading the Vulpus Nigrus has its attractions, true. But it might prove to be more of a burden than anything else. When the dice have fallen, then I'll see what kind of throw I've made." She turns to Valka. "Erythnul is not notorious for her gratitude. I doubt that her priesthood will care to assist us; they will undoubtedly consider us already well paid for the return of their orb. Maybe the favour of a god closer to home will serve. What do you think, Chosen of Kord?" She looks across at the silent Bjarturius Rasmus.
Hi there I was seeking to order something from the website, but when entering credit card details, United Kingdom was not one of the address options available. I know we British are a has-been empire, but you've still got the French listed... Any ideas? C
"I think we must go as ourselves, otherwise we suggest we fear Placidius, and that gives him the advantage. If we could disguise armour and weapons, that might give us a massive advantage should it actually come to violence, I can do this for myself though not for others. I don't trust Paesentius, but I do not think he plans a betrayal at this point. Had he done so he would have been far more forthcoming and tried harder to set my mind at ease."
Cassia frowns, perhaps irritated. "Possible. But since he has seen how we handled the Vulpus when relatively unprepared, if he wished to ambush us I think he would have suggested something other than 'come ready for a fight'. More likely he would have encouraged me to 'come alone or the deal is off'."
"It's the same thing." Cassia acknowledges Valka's concern for Valeda. "I do not expect or intend that Placidius will survive the discussions. My hope is that a demonstration of strength will be sufficient that the Vulpus turn on him without it being necessary to actually apply that strength." Her forehead creases in a slight frown. "Even were he inclined, Placidius would not seek to abduct Valeda from inside a reputable inn in the middle of the day. And the reprimand you issued to the Vulpus Nigrus last time they abducted one of your friends will mean they will not do so again until your head is decorating something other than your neck. I think the girl is safe for now." Her mind darting away from the subject at hand, Cassia looks quizzically at Valeda (assuming she is present). "The child. Can you teach him his own language and history? I can, if you would have me do so."
"I was with them, against my will, and not for long enough to understand all that I saw. Viusenius was undisputed leader and he is dead. Imagine him as an emperor of a foreign empire," Cassia glances around, discussing the death of the emperor even in hypothetical terms could be seen as treason, "who has been killed without a clear heir. Paesentius was there, and failed to prevent it. Placidius was not there, and thinks, despite the pile of corpses he returned to, that it should have been prevented." Cassia moves objects around on the table in front of her to illustrate, knocking over a salt cellar for the 'fallen king'. "Paesentius is pushed aside despite having been in control of the ground when we left, and the remaining members of the gang stand with Placidius. However, to cement his control Placidius has to show that he is the stronger and the clearest way to do that is with our heads Tisiphone, yours and mine." She reaches out and with a gentle fingernail draws a line across Valka Spartaca's throat. "Paesentius can either accept the new order, or fight for his own position. If he fights and loses he dies and without strength in the form of gold and steel, he loses. I've offered him strength, ours. When he wins, he is beholden to me. After that...," Cassia shrugs. "Let the dice fly high."
Plus, Disarm has panache. When you have panache, you don't need anything else. Although I suppose you probably dumped Charisma, so no panache. Stick to trip.
Cassia will reunite with Lucius Gallus who has hopefully been keeping an eye out and fill him in on the conversation, giving him enough information of past events so that he can make sense of it. (Well, at least as much sense as Cassia can make of it, anyway). Keeping a wary eye out she'd then seek to buy a spatha on the way back to Turia's Hearth so that if we get jumped on the way back Lucius Gallus will have something to fight with. Hopefully, Valka hasn't gone anywhere this morning (she will have known about the intent to meet with Paesentius and an intended 'back before lunch'). Cassia will bring her and Bjarturius up to speed on Paesentius' information and suggest a late lunch at the Vulpes Nigra. Although, I'm not sure how fit Bjarturius is at the moment. "Who would have anticipated, Bjarturius Rasmus, that you would so quickly have an opportunity to settle your debt to me?"
Cassia studies Paesentius intensely. "Blindfolds and dark alleys, Paesentius? Would you like me to tie my hands behind my back as well?" She smiles slightly. "Do you have an hour in mind for this confrontation? And can you be sure the watch will not intervene?"
"Some hundreds of denarii at short notice. Though you probably know that already. Maybe more given some time and the right contacts."
I've recently been playing a dwarven transmuter with a bit of necromancy in a group alongside a paladin-ish character. (One of the Knights of Solamnia in Krynn). My character actually got on pretty well with the Lawful Good knight because I clearly had a screw loose and the knight saw that there was a chance of redemption for me. Yes, I occasionally raised monsters as undead (most recently, a huge blue dragon), but I honestly thought that they had spirits and was distraught when my 'friends' were killed. The knight tried to explain to me why animating dead bodies was wrong, but really his argument came down to 'it just is' so he couldn't convince me. I saw it as 'mending' the dead thing, and I was quite confused when my offer to mend him so he could fulfil his oath to return the dragon orb to Solamnia should he be broken was rejected. The Knight's compassion for me, (and recognition that despite being an evil necromancer I was siding with the forces of good), meant that he didn't push too hard and because he treated me with respect I generally refrained from casting animate dead because 'Theo wouldn't like it'. This paid off for Sir Theo because last time we were hit with an unholy blight, I took damage. :-( Having said that, an out and out paladin would probably have to kill the undead dragon travelling with him even if he was still hoping to redeem the necromancer who created it.
"My side of the deal would be to use my power, my money and my Tisiphone to restore your reputation and ensure your control of the Vulpus Nigrus. Yours would be to act on my behalf and ensure I learn what I need to so that I come to know the streets, and they come to know me." That last could be interpreted as a threat to any who think that it would be an easy matter for the streets to kill her.
Cassia recoils slightly, confused at the sudden change in attitude of Paesentius. "Then speak plainly. I could unleash Tisiphone again, but I would wish there to be something left to win. I do not expect Placidius to take the honourable course and fall upon his sword, not unless he is pushed. I have sought you out because you know how these problems are settled in Loutharnium, so yes, I will help you, but I will not walk blindfold down a dark alley. The why is obvious, but the when, where and how, not so."
Cassia nods. "That is one of Tisiphone's favourite sayings. Let us proceed then on the basis that I need your experience, and that your interests may be well served by our partnership. Tell me what has happened in the Vulpus since I terminated my relationship with Hilaria Antia."
"Don't use that name, it's cursed. For now, I am Cassia Nigra." Cassia drops her 'playful' approach, she's deadly serious about that. "I would avoid another bath of blood, though as you will remember this is not because I am squeamish. Could the watch be persuaded that Placidius is a bad influence on the citizens of Loutharnium? Or could the Vulpus be persuaded that to favour Placidius over us would be unprofitable, to say nothing of potentially fatal?" Cassia waits to see what he thinks of that, (including discussion of details), then "Will it be necessary to kill Placidius, and if so, do you have the will to do so? I do not imagine you gained your position through being soft hearted but you have been his partner for far longer than mine." |
