Imperia Tanessen's page

Six Years Later

"One more push, my lady!" The midwife's tone was soothing and practised, the voice of a woman who has performed her role thousands of times and wasn't going to be distracted by anything, not even the vast and imposing setting of the Queen's Bedchamber.

Lying on the bed, her fine boned face clenched in agony, Imperia gritted her teeth to keep the moans at bay. "He's... trying to rip me apart!" She gasped, her hand wrapped tightly in Jordanna's calloused fist. Despite the alchemist's vastly greater strength Imperia seems to be doing her best to crush her fingers with her convulsive grip.

"I blame you for this! You're going to pay for..!" The mesmerist snarls, glaring at the pacing form of her wife. Almost everyone in the room let out an involuntary gasp as the expecting mother threatened their monarch but Queen Abrogail didn't seem at all phased by the threats, merely returning a smile to her wife - although it didn't cover up all the worry that pinched the corner of her eyes. Their child, conceived through a fiendish boon that allowed Abrogail to change her shape, was meant to be born two months hence and even the priests of Asmodeus had warned the Queen that her wife and child may not survive the birth.

"I'm going to kill yoaaarrrgggghhh!" Imperia's next threat was cut off by a scream of pain as the midwife reached in between her legs. There was a wet slithering sound and then silence, broken only by Imperia's gasping breaths until suddenly an infant's wails filled the fantastically mural-ed room.

"You have a son, Your Majesty, your grace." The midwife said, handing the screaming child to her assistant to be cleaned. Imperia, her face clearing as the immediate pain is passed, wriggled weakly up the bed, helped by Jordanna's casual strength so that the maids could move in and remove the stained sheets as the midwife handed the swaddled boy to Queen Abrogail.

"How is he?" Imperia asked tiredly, looking at her wife. "A worthy heir?"

"He is fine." Abrogail responded, moving around to sit on the bed at her wife's side. "A worthy heir indeed!" The boy chose that moment to test his lungs again, bawling until his mother reached out to take him and placed a single finger on his forehead.

"Go!" The Queen commanded, dismissing the dozen or so courtiers who had been lingering at the edges of the room. "Go and tell the court of the birth of my son, the new heir to the Empire! He needs a name." She added turning back to her wife and pressing a kiss to her forehead, despite Imperia's sweat-stained skin.

"Maximus." Imperia replies in a tired voice. "His name is Maximus, Prince of Cheliax and first born of Her Infernal Majestrix, Abrogail Thrune II."

"And the firstborn son of Ophelia Tanessen-Thrune, Queen Consort of Cheliax." Abrogail adds, kissing her wife's head once more.

"I love you too." Imperia replies with a gentle smile. "Now go, show our son to the court and receive their praise. I'll be along soon..."

"I'm entirely certain most of them think you don't even have a heart." Imperia replies, "And I'm afraid." She adds, punctuating each word with a small kiss. "I. Have. No. Intention. Of giving it back."

She smiles. "Don't misunderstand me Abrogail. I love the game, and I play to win. Besides, I can play knowing that I've already won." Her hand glides across the queens pale skin. "And that is perfect. Almost as perfect as you."

Hands wander and conversation ends for some time until finally Imperia has to rise to slip out the palace and avoid the wagging tongues of the court gossips. "One day," She says, lingering over Abrogail's lips. "One day I hope I won't have to leave. I can be Imperia Tanessen-Thrune and lie around on beds while your child grows inside me. One day."

As she leaves she can't help but smile. Never admit weakness. Her father used to tell her. Marriage is for your family, not you. Love if you must but remember always - Family First.

'Well Father... whatever would you say if you could see me now?'

"Now this is a pleasant surprise..." Imperia replies with a wide smile. The mesmerist went to bed in the middle of the day deliberately to be ready for the night she hoped would come and then spent quite a bit of time purchasing the perfect outfit for the evening.

Said outfit consists of a red dress that can only be called a dress with significant generosity. It has no back, ends dangerously high up and is only held 'closed' at the front by an elaborate pattern of black lace which just about conceals what lies behind it. She also has her hellfire halo, tiny red horns poking out of her hair and what appears to be a pair of illusionary wings, which glimmer in and out existence. Her arms are bare apart from long red ribbons in a criss-crossing pattern, while her legs feature the same ribbons, weaving down to sandals. A black scarf completes the outfit - emphasising the pale column of her neck.

"So..." She says lustfully, approaching Abrogail with a wide smile, "Mine for the taking. That sounds truly delightful!" She removes the scarf from her neck and carefully ties it over Abrogail's eyes, its too thin to block out sight completely, but in the dimly light room it does enough.

"Thank you for your trust." She whispers in the queens ear, before taking a single white arm and pressing kisses down it as she tugs the ribbon on her left arm free. Soon the arm is bound to a bed post and she works her way around until the Infernal Majestrix is spreadeagled on the sheets, each of her limbs bound with a blood red ribbon.

"You remember what I promised, Your Majesty?" Imperia asks, feasting her eyes on her captive. "I promised that you would beg for me..." Then she stops talking and sets to work, bringing all her skill and patience to bear on a single goal, teasing Abrogail and withdrawing just before the climax again and again until the queen forgets her pride and pleads for her release...

Much later, after Imperia has thoroughly taken her gift, to both her own and Abrogail's satisfaction the two women lie together in the large bed. Imperia's 'dress' disappeared at some point earlier in the evening and she is tracing circles on Abrogail's back as she ventures on what might be the most dangerous thing she's ever said.

"You made me a Paracountess as a test didn't you?" She silences any attempt at a reply with a kiss. "To see if I could scheme and play the game of politics as well as all the other Egorian nobles. Well I learned my lesson well - Lavisvia showed me just how women can rise fastest..." The word she leaves unspoken hovers between them. "But there's only one place I would want to rise to, only one person I would ever want to... and I know it's not my place." She silences the queen once more with a finger on her lips. "But here, while we are just Abrogail and Ophelia, I want you to know how I feel. You will always have my loyalty and my love. No matter what."

Imperia returns the kiss with fervor to match Abrogail's, relief, joy and sheer elation all coursing through her. Weeks of effort and scheming have come to fruition, days of massive effort and danger are over and Cheliax has won. She has won!

"You are needed your majesty." She whispers, pulling back just a fraction from Abrogail's ruby lips. "I can wait, until tonight..."

"Gather the plans." Imperia commands, dismissing the silence effect on Conna. "Then take hold of my arm, we are leaving."

With a few words from a scroll Imperia, Jordanna, Conna and the body of the former Lord Marshal vanish - leaving no sign of having ever been there.

"Take the body." Imperia commands as they reappear in the Lawgivers Rest. She takes up Heart's Edge and marches forth for the Imperial Palace. She lets nothing get in her way, using her magic liberally to gain access to the Throne Room. As the doors open before her, she unleashes her magic once more and walks towards the throne surrounded by bowing courtiers.

The only person Imperia has eyes for is Queen Abrogail, enthroned and watching the room with a cold and expressionless face. Imperia approaches the throne and kneels, offering up the sword she carries on both hands.

"Your Infernal Majesty, I bring you Heart's Edge, the Sword of the Inheritor, and the body of the traitor Alexeara Cansellarion - executed by my hand at your majesties command."

Then she waits, head bowed...

"Goodbye Alexeara." Imperia says quietly, firing a crossbow bolt into the marshal's eye from point blank range...

CDG: 2d4 + 5d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 3) + (3, 2, 4, 2, 6) + 8 = 29

Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Close with the archon and destroy it She mentally commands Conna.

"Yes, you will!" She declares to the Lord Marshal, trying with all her might to bend the paladin to her will!

OP again. Still staring at Cansellarion.
SR: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 20 = 39

"I think I'd prefer you to bow!" Imperia replies, dropping her illusion and filling the room with the sheer force of her presence!

Stare at Cansellarion, -4 on saves, attacks, SR etc.
SR: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 22

Knw Planes: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (19) + 25 = 44

"Forgive me Lord Marshal." Imperia says, aware that she's now working on limited time. "But you don't... you don't sound very confident. I mean no disrespect of course, the Inheritor speaks to you, of course you understand more than I do."

"A message from the basement Lord Marshal. Some sort of passageway has appeared into the fortress!" Imperia reports. "I was sent to request reinforcements in case this is the precursor to some sort of attack!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 43 ⇒ (2) + 43 = 45

"Let us move quickly!" Imperia says to Jordanna, "I don't want warnings getting out!"

She searches the angel briefly for anything of use but it is little more than a cursory inspection before they push on.

Xbow Smite!: 1d20 + 16 - 4 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 16 - 4 + 11 = 37 Damage: 1d4 + 5d6 + 8 + 34 ⇒ (4) + (4, 3, 6, 2, 6) + 8 + 34 = 67

Imperia draws upon the hellish power granted to her, pulls out her crossbow and takes careful aim...

"My gods!" Imperia cries leaping aside and casting silence on Conna!

Resisting the urge to deface the mural Imperia turns to Jordanna. "Invisibility. Conna and I may be able to pass unnoticed - you won't. We need to find the Lord Marshal and end this quickly."

Then she focuses on her innate magic and changes her appearance to match Ladisa once again. "Now, let's go!"

"Well fought." Imperia says. "Chorus of Guises, do you have any magic which can aid my companion here? She is badly effected and I can heal only maladies of the mind..."

Regardless of the result.
"We must press on, but I ma glad to have met you Chorus-of-Guises. I hope that we can depart as friends." Imperia offers, seeing no reason to make an enemy under the keep for no good reason.

Fort->Will: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (4) + 29 = 33

"You need a breath mint!" Imperia snarks, before oppressing the dragon with terrible grief.

Overwhelming Grief, DC29. Stare penalties.
SR: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 16 + 4 = 31

"You are very welcome." Imperia replies with a bow, "It is a pleasure to help a noble being such as yourself. Now, shall we deal with this dragon problem together?"

Heroism on Jordanna - that's it for buffs.

"I may be able to alleviate the discordance you seem to be suffering from." Imperia replies. "If I do so, will you lend us your aid in battle?"

If he says yes she'll try a Psychic Surgery to see if she can fix his problem.

"To access the castle above." Imperia replies politely. "I am very impressed by your home - it is quite magnificent."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 41 ⇒ (15) + 41 = 56

"He should have let us pass..." Imperia says calmly.

When they find this new place, surrounded by the Eye of Aroden she hmmms for a short while. "The secret door first I think." She concludes, "That is most likely to take us somewhere interesting - assuming that you find no traps Jordanna?"

"What is your unlife worth to you Riffindi Drovenge? I assume it is considerably more than ten thousand gold. I will let you keep it - let that be your compensation."

Imperia reaches out to touch Jordanna just before she says the creatures name, implanting a spell in the alchemist.

Vengeful Outrage targeting Riffindi, since I named him just after casting the spell ;)

Intimidate: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (18) + 30 = 48

"Passing through." Imperia replies. "I care not for your presence here. Stay as you please, I simply request free passage thrugh the tunnel beyond. If you do not comply I will be forced to destroy you. I think it is both of our interests to pass each other by without conflict."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 41 ⇒ (3) + 41 = 44

Having accompanied the devils to Egorian, mostly so that she complete a truly whirlwind shopping trip Imperia is delighted by the enws that Jarvaxus has for her. "That is useful news indeed. We will begin early tomorrow morning, hopefully entering the fortress before the knights are done with their devotions."

In the meantime she spends the money she has not already parted with in Egorian, does some reading, and goes to bed early - intending to rise well before the sun.

A very small part of Imperia is sorry that the angel doesn't put up more of a fight, but practicality wins out every day and with Jordanna claiming the angels mighty greatsword they move on to the Taldan ambassador!

Imperia merely gestures, the sign for Conna and Jordanna to attack. She herself throws some of her mightiest magic at the angel, attempting to end the fight as swiftly as Silver-eye.

Hold Monster, DC31. Stare and resistance bonus will cancel out on will saves. Other penalties apply.

SR: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 15 + 4 = 21

It suits Imperia's sense of humor to summon Visperthul from the depths of the Whisperwood and set him to work demoralising the Rebellion and poisoning the church of Iomedae. She also has Jordanna leave Silver-eye's armour and helm in front of her altar, as though the cleric abandoned them. She makes sure to clean up all the blood - using magic of course, just to sell the story a little more.

With that done Imperia sets out for the suggested ambush site, reviewing what she knows of planetars as she goes.

Knw PLanes: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (10) + 25 = 35

Imperia silences Conna before entering and then reaches out to paralyze the cleric, snapping her fingers as she does so to alert Jordanna!

SR: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 4 = 30
Will, DC28, -4 will, attacks etc.

"My thanks once again." Imperia says with a regal nod, before collecting her companions and heading for the Dorjanala.

Once there she simply uses the wand of Dimension Door to move herself, Conna and Jordanna inside, having had Jordanna hand out invisibility all round.

"This Dorjana is a cleric?" Imperia asks, making plans. "I also need to find the Taldan ambassador, do you know where he is located? I will strike at him last I think. Dorjana first - since her absence will be the least visible. Then the planetar, and finally the ambassador. I will have to return him to Egorian but I hope to return to you by nightfall, your Eminence."

Imperia and her minions valued colleagues make a swift get away, since remaining at the scene is unwise - but the sheer brutality of the spectacle should serve to underline quite firmly that the Glorious Reclamation is decidedly not as in control as they wise to have the populace believe.

Returning to the Temple as swiftly as possible, Imperia regroups with High Priest Jarvazus to dispatch a powerful squad of devils to hold the bridge and then to decide how to strike at the rebellion next.

Imperia withdraws her collection of wands, equipping Conna with fly, heroism and silence, and both herself and Jordanna with heroism.

"You two deal with the drakes." She commands before casting the silence spell. "I will tie the dottari up."

She waits until Jordanna and Conna are in a position to begin their attack and then renders herself invisible before afflicting the six dottari with confusion.

Imperia summons the contract again to ensure Scategi's support - the old woman is slippery and she wants a little infernal power ensuring compliance.

"Now, Lord Grulios, Imperial rule will be returning to Westcrown in the near future. I am here to ensure that the nobility is on side and ready to welcome Her Infernal Majestrix's return. Now it of no concern to me how a family manages their own affairs or their own estates - and if they choose to spend large amounts on hired labour then that is between them and their finances. What I cannot, and will not, accept is any hint of sedition or active work against Imperial rule. As the Rebellion has been in charge recently some small acts to keep your family on the right side of the immediate power might be excused, but should that continue once they have been crushed... well, then the family would wish that they had signed up to the Rebellion whole-sale. At least then their end would have been quick."

Imperia fixes Asad Grulios with a cold eye. "I trust we understand each other, my Lord?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (11) + 29 = 40

"A free hand once Westcrown returns to Imperial rule." Imperia replies, getting straight to the point. "Your loyalty to the crown must be absolute of course, but Ergorian has always been content to let Westcrown manage its own affairs and as long as Westcrown and its noble families remain loyal I see no reason why this should change."

Bluff: 1d20 + 41 ⇒ (10) + 41 = 51

It would be more accurate to say that she doesn't care if it should change, but that would be less than diplomatic.

Putting an agreement in writing is simple - Imperia summons a contract devil from the Inferno Gate to add extra gravitas to the proceedings and once the contract is signed tells the devil to remain ready, she will call upon him again no doubt.

She proceeds to the nearest house, which proves to be Dioso, intent on securing all their support as swiftly as possible. With Infernal Contracts to keep them all in line she has no worries about them reneging, but speed is still her ally - the Rebellion still has considerable forces.

"Culture and the arts are part of what makes the Empire great." Imperia replies with an easy smile. "Westcrown's cultural scene has long been a jewel of the empire, I see no reason why Her Infernal Majestrix should wish for anything but that it return to its previous heights of cultural glory."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (13) + 36 = 49

They are snake charmers words, exactly what her target wants to hear and committing to nothing - but Westcrown is a backwater now, no matter what her nobles may say. If one can survive in Ergorian then running rings around the Wiscrani is nothing.

"The changing of political winds." Imperia replies, "We can all see that the Glorious Rebellion has little time left before the Imperial forces arrive and I am here to see what... incentives the crown might offer in order to be assured of your support."

With the advice of Jarvazus, Imperia begins with House Salisfer. She has, strictly speaking, no license to make promises on the Queen's behalf but since this is for an excellent cause it seems likely that she can commit House Thrune to certain concessions, as long as they are not excessively onerous.

The thought of 'persuading' Abrogail brings a smile to Imperia's face and she announces herself at Vaeno Salisfer in a far more friendly fashion than she normally would because of it.

With the duxotor brutally slain Imperia ransacks his body and office for anything useful and then leads her companions in a swift escape. Due to the darkness and the fact that Imperia is running somewhat low on magic she leads them back to the safety of the Asmodean temple - there to rest and recover for the next day.

When said day dawns she begins with calls on the nobility, intending to move on to the bridge afterwards.

Imperia makes a split second decision and opts to paralyze the duxotar - the angel is a more unknown quantity. Conna, pre-emptively silenced of course, is given a mental nudge to shoot down the angel.

Hold Monster on Ariende. DC30, 31 if he's an Iomeadean.

"Until Her Majesties forces reclaim the city, we have a deal." Imperia agrees. "The gates will open in one hour."

"Indeed." Imperia replies cooly. "Do you have some sort of control over the... denizens, of this district? I am willing to open the gates and allow you free reign in the city. For a time. Once the Glorious Reclamation is crushed and the forces of Her Infernal Majestrix reclaim the city then our arrangement would be at an end."

She waits with a single raised eyebrow - there isn't going to be much negotiation over this.

With the gates under her control Imperia leaves Conna to guard them for the moment and goes with Jordanna into the ruins in an attempt to locate a leader amongst the monsters - one who is able to think and therefore be accounted as a person rather than an animal.

Imperia removes the feeblemind from one of the loyalist prisoners - providing both a salutatory demonstration of her powers and a subtle reminder of the rewards that loyalty can offer. Still, bigger things to be dealt with and the barbed devils serve very effectively as jailors.

----------------
Dealing with the gate promises to be straightforward. Imperia renders herself and Conna invisible, has Jordanna pick the lock on one of the doors and then casts a spell of confusion into the tower - letting the silent gunslinger and the invisible alchemist rend the distracted guards into tiny pieces.

Imperia waves languidly and cancels the silencing effect. "You are free now." She says to the cowering nobles. "Come sirs, we must get you off this barge and back to your homes. Once you have confirmed your allegiance to the Queen of course."

Logic dictates that the spirit will come for Imperia next but there is nothing else she can do other than blast the spirit before it gets a chance!

MM: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2, 4) + 3 = 12

Imperia grasps Conna's shoulder and implants a gift of will before pulling out her wand of magic missiles and mentally commanding the halfling to fire!

"Wonderful..." Imperia mutters, "Lead on Jordanna, and be wary."

She silences Conna before proceeding any further - just in case.

Imperia wraps one of the men in her own enchantment and begins the now familiar process of pitting her will against the original enchantment.

"What is happening below?" She asks, repeating the question until she gets an answer. "What creature has enchanted you?"

Cha: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Imperia applies a tap of fly to herself and Conna, and then heroism to all three of them before heading to the barge.

If they are not immediately confronted she points to the most obvious hatch and lets Jordanna lead the way!

Imperia spends some time mulling over the various ideas Jarvaxus offers. "This is my plan High Priest, tell me if you would change anything." She offers.

"We begin on the barge - hopefully rescuing a few dissident nobles won't attract much attention if we do it right. Then I porpose moving quickly on to the Obrigan Gate. An influx of monsters into the city should provide more than enough distraction. In that confusion we can take out the duxotar, and then eliminate the Reclamation forces at the Bladewing Bridge. If we can move quickly enough then the Reclamation will be left chasing their own tails. Then I can pay an evening call or two to prominent noble families and follow up in the morning. With a little luck that should shatter the Reclamation's control of Westcrown long enough for us to strike down some of the key figures while they are distracted."

"I will deal with the Ambassador last, then I can deliver him to Her Infernal Majestrix personally and report in with good news." She quirks an eyebrow at the priest. "A workable plan?"