| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Welcome to the rest of your life:
The waiting has been much easier this time, with Floare and her immortal strength to distract (and dare one say comfort?) but Sariana still feels a thrill run through her as she slides the coffin lid away to reveal her Sweetling, awake once more. And what a transformation!
Vampirism doesn't make its recipients more beautiful but it imparts confidence and that makes most vampires more alluring than they ever were as mortals. Just the flutter of Tandri's eyelids, the soft curve of her lips show that she hasn't suddenly emerged from her chrysalis as a butterfly, her Sweetling is still shy but oh yes...
Sariana's eyes darken as her lips curve into a proud, possessive smile.
"Good morning Sweetling!" She murmurs, before pulling Tandri upright and devouring her lips. "You are perfect my Sweet One." She says, having tasted the tiefling thoroughly. "Just perfect." She turns Tandri's head towards Floare and then grasps her blonde haired Little One, bringing them together in an embrace which hardly needs her coaxing.
"Stop now." She commands a few minutes later as Tandri discovers the joys of not needing to breathe and its effects on kissing. "You need to feed Sweetling. Once that's done you'll want to rest, then feed again and once that's done." She pauses for a moment, just to savor it. "Then Floare is going to show you just what your body can do now. There's so much more you can do now, so much more I can do to you."
Her voice is low and so lust filled that Tandri feels pleasant shivers running down her spine. It appears that Lady Nightsong has plans for her girls. Oh yes...
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
The Death of a Salesdwarf:
That night, as Tandri finishes up her work she gets a knock at the door and finds her Mistress there, nicely dressed up and with a maid hovering in the background.
"Reinette is going to help you get ready." Sariana says simply. "Floare will meet us for dinner, but tonight is for you and I Sweetling." She ushers the maid in and closes the door. "You have ten minutes, then I'm taking you to dinner naked if you aren't dressed."
Dinner proves to be 'out' at a new location near the town hall - its a rather fancier establishment than has previously existed in Stag's End and the three ladies have the place to themselves, cleared for the Lady's visit. Sariana actually eats and is careful to compliment the cooking often, although Floare doesn't consume much - her vampire metabolism is still having trouble with her new diet. So Tandri gets the lion's share of the food, although Sariana does insist that she remove any alcohol effects regularly - apparently she isn't allowed to forget her last night among the living.
Afterwards Floare disappears with a smile and kisses for them both and Sariana takes Tandri down a few streets and into a raucous, hot and crowded dancehall. Both women are overdressed but no-one seems to care overmuch as they bump and grind with the rest of the group. Sariana dances possessively and her ferocious eyes drive away anything more than covetous glances when Tandri's delightful scent wends its way across the dancefloor.
As they leave Sariana sweeps Tandri off her feet and leaps easily onto the rooftops, running back towards her manor with light steps and great leaps that leave the wind rushing past the tiefling's skin.
"We'll run together soon Sweetling." Sari promises before, with one final leap, she soars through a large window that was clearly left open for that purpose and deposits Tandri on their wide bed. "Now I want you. Your scent has been making me crazy all night!"
She pounces like a starving animal and doesn't relent until Tandri collapses into unconsciousness - her body worn out with pleasure and delicious pain. Then the Lady of Nightsong drinks deeply and watches silently until her Sweetling's chest rises and falls for the last time.
"Goodnight Sweetling." She murmurs, sweeping the body up into her arms and striding for the basement and the hand-carved coffin that awaits Tandri and her new unlife. "I'll see you soon."
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Tandri:
"Then it is yours." Sariana says simply. "I finished your coffin a few days ago too. Now, do you want to do it soon, or wait so that you can set things in order? I'll wait as long as you need Sweetling, but not too long."
There is a tone of darkness in her voice that makes Tandri shiver pleasurably. A promise of things to come.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Tandri:
"All you have to do is ask Sweetling." Sariana says, letting the light play over her and fill her with unnatural warmth so she can hold the tiefling closer. "It is my gift to you and I will never force it on you, but if you want it... then all you have to do is ask."
She nuzzles into Tandri's hair, drawing in the calming, delicious scent that is so uniquely her. "Eternity is a very long time Sweetling and I want you for all of it. As long as you want to be there."
Tandri knows her mistress well and its clear that this is one thing, perhaps the only one, which Sari won't push any further. This choice has to be hers, not a command, no matter how pleasant it may be to just obey. For this, she has to be strong.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Floare:
"Your assistant wants you to take her." Sariana says idly as she strokes her fingers through Floare's golden hair. She puts a finger over her Little One's lips as the instinctive denial rises and shushes her.
"I'm not angry Little One. She is weak and you are strong, it is the right of the strong to have the weak. The khal has many wives, his bloodriders have the best horses and the tribes too weak to defend their women and their horses lose both. If she throws herself at you and you want her, then have her."
Silence falls once more as the pair of vampires watch Tandri sleeping from across the courtyard. The tiefling tosses and turns, clearly not experiencing the sweetest of dreams.
"You were afraid. For her." Sariana says slowly, her hand still stroking rhythmically. "Why?"
Floare is silent for a moment, contemplating her answer.
"I am fond of her. But not in the way that she desires. And I would rather not see harm come to her simply for the sake of her mistaken belief that she could mean something more to me than she does. She has made no secret of her desire for me to take her as a lover as well as to transform her into ... into one of us."
The young witch shifts to get closer and more comfortable in her Queen's arms.
"But I have no wish to lead her on and doing one would imply that I would follow with the other. She is too innocent and needs to learn more of the world before she makes that final decision."
Changing the subject, Floare nods her head towards their sleeping companion.
"Is there a reason that you haven't brought Tandri into the fold? I know that she would like to join us."
"Do you?" Sariana replies, "Or do you think you do? My blood is not a gift I will squander. Nine thousand years Little One. I have lived nine thousand years and I will live that long again and more with you by my side. You asked me for that gift and I gave it, because I love you and desire you and I know that you truly wanted it. I love Tandri too, but until she tells me that she wants my blood, wants to be with me as you are... then it would be rape. I have never done that and I'm not going to start now. I suggest you do the same."
She pauses and lets the silence of the night engulf them both a while longer. "Making another vampire is... intimate Little One. You possess a piece of my power now. That's why you can walk in the sun so soon after your rebirth, because you have my blood. Those vampires who sire spawn after spawn weaken themselves and their progeny. You are the first to receive my blood, Tandri will be the second and there will be no more. It is a gift I saved for the truly exceptional." She favors her lover with a rare, genuine smile and a long lingering kiss.
"Turn your girl if you wish." She adds, turning her attention back to Tandri. "It is your choice and I won't make it for you, but you are mine Little One and that will never change." A royal command.
Tandri:
Dawn's rays creep through a gap in the curtains and bathe the wide bed in the pale golden light of dawn. Its creeping fingers tease Tandri's eyelids and she rolls over into a cool, hard figure behind her.
"You aren't sleeping Sweetling." Sariana's voice is oddly gentle as she gathers the tiefling in her arms. "You haven't been for weeks. Tell me what's wrong."
For most people, from most people, that would be a question, an invitation but from Sariana to her Sweetling it's a command, reinforced by steel strong sinews holding her in a cool embrace. "No-one hurts my girls." A fact amply demonstrated by the trial three days before of two woodcutters from Danteville. They confessed to attempting to murder Floare at the behest of a foreigner and Sariana's punishment, delivered by her own hands had been... creative and utterly brutal. Neither died, as citizens they could not be killed under the law, but Lady Nightsong had demonstrated to truly spectacular effect that she didn't need to kill someone to make their life unbearable.
"Tandri." Using her name, a measure of how seriously Sariana was taking the conversation. "Tell me what's wrong."
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Civic Inn in Bloomford, DC15:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24Yes. Embassy in Stag's End, DC24:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35Crit. Town Hall in Danteville, DC16:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34Crit Herbalist in Tatzlford, DC15:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34Crit Jail in Greengripe, DC16:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Infamy Reroll:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18Success.
Event? DC11:1d20 ⇒ 18Yes. What?:1d100 ⇒ 61Nature's Blessing - Harrim, rolling Arts... Arts, DC26:1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8 Infamy Reroll:1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 2 = 17Failed. Best result we could get really.
------------------------------------------------------------
Lamashan is opened by Sariana's birthday and over the past few years it has grown into quite a celebration. As usual the day itself is decreed a holiday and the population takes time off from its labours with great delight. The day itself is quite spectacular - Nightsong's growing reputation as a kingdom is beginning to attract both 'diplomatic gifts' and tribute from its various fealty tribes. These gifts, both clandestine and not, flood into the kingdom for the ruler's pleasure - prompting a vast boom in construction and expansion over the rest of the month.
In Stag's End a fine new embassy takes shape, a place for the diplomats to come and talk, as well as something of an office (and throne room) for Nightsong's grand diplomat. Danteville completes a town hall as the new center of civic pride and Oleg is overwhelmingly voted in as mayor. He immediately refuses the position and (to her surprise but no-one elses) Savannah is voted in with even more votes than Oleg - since he votes for her and lifts her arm so that she votes for herself too!
The flood of resources extends to every settlement in the kingdom, for a kingdom it is truly becoming. Greengripe constructs a 'secure facility to hold captured monsters' or a jail if anyone who isn't a goblin asks. Tatzlford gets a new herbalist and an inn springs up in Blomford. Combined with the new farms that Tandri supervises in the heartlands and an experiment in mining the mountains Nightsong expends a truly vast amount of resources and does so with remarkable success. Sariana has good reason to congratulate herself and her citizens as she officially opens the embassy - there are few lands who can match them now.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Nightsong has levelled up to 8.
- Skill Training: Agriculture (since we suck at it and desperately need to make more farms!)
- Feat: Free and Fair (bonus to decs of fealty and a free reroll on them)
- Ruin resistance (Strife)
- Invested Leaders (Kingdom leaders now get +2 on all rolls that match their stat) Will have to check which rolls those apply to later!
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Civic Walls in Tatzlford:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24Yes. Walls in Bloomford:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10No but can try again for free next turn.
Event? DC16:1d20 ⇒ 13No.
------------------------------------------------------------
With the western frontiers largely sorted Nightsong claims a huge swathe of land on its eastern borders and does so completely unchallenged. Efforts to capitalise on this new land are largely ineffective but at least the land is claimed and can be held in the future.
The only downside, as reported by Tandri, is that continued expansion is beginning to strain Nightsong's food supplies and the kingdom will be running a deficit for some time to come unless more farmlands can be established. That is not, however, the kingdom's forte...
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Event? DC8:1d20 ⇒ 19Yes. What event?:1d100 ⇒ 1Archaeological Find
Event, for DEREGAR:
You hear that a well-preserved ruin in a remote reach of your kingdom may contain historical artifacts connected to people who lived in your land long ago. You can send a team of archaeologists to investigate.
Kingdom skill Exploration; Leader Viceroy
Critical Success The site proves to be an ancient Kellid settlement that greatly predates the Taldan expansion into the region. Your people are delighted by the discovery. Reduce Unrest by 1d4, and until the end of your next Kingdom turn, all Culture- and Economy-based skill checks gain a +2 circumstance bonus. If any of your settlements has a Museum, you put archaeological findings from this hex on display to
the further delight of your citizens. Reduce Unrest by an additional 1.
Success The site proves to be remains of an old Taldan camp from the Second Army of Exploration. The discovery is interesting but not particularly surprising. Reduce Unrest by 2.
Failure The site proves to be the remains of a relatively recent village abandoned during a previous attempt to settle the Stolen Lands. Nothing particularly interesting is discovered.
Critical Failure You never hear from your archaeologists again. Increase Unrest by 1d4 and Decay by 1. You can try to investigate this site again as a Region activity during the Activity phase of any Kingdom turn by attempting another Exploration check, but as the investigation has proven dangerous, the DC increases by 2.
------------------------------------------------------------
Nightsong continues to expand to the west as the oncoming promise of winter heralds a time of quietness. Further logging camps are established in the Greenwood, where quantity helps to offset the issues of sustainable logging which has been holding the kingdom back (pesky dryads!). Due to Danteville finally completing its walls there is less lumber expenditure for a while and the kingdoms stocks refill nicely.
The only notable event is Deregar's overseeing of an archaeological discovery in the mountains - which causes much excitement among the populace.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
------------------------------------------------------------
Peace returns to Nightsong and with it prosperity. The economy is proving extremely resilient and apart from a perennial shortage of lumber stores are nearly full. To that end Sariana commands further expansion in the Greenwood, where a new lumber operation commences, while Deregar continues to lead explorers in the mountains of the east. The ruler herself can be found in Danteville, where after nearly a year of work the town is at last completely fortified!
Floare meanwhile leads diplomatic overtures to the goblins of Greengripe and, with the help of copious bribes gifts, wins their fealty to Nightsong. Tandri, as always, is industriously working from the capital, maintaining her web of contacts and contracts, although personal matters keep intruding on the tieflings mind and leave her work less effective than usual.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana kicks the plant dust a few times for good measure and then looks over at Tandri.
"We can wait while you deal with the spirit if you want Sweetling. But then I want this place purged with fire before we go back to Stag's End."
With the threat of the cult dealt with Sariana intends to return to her ruling. Hopefully the cult represents the last threat in these lands - and if it doesn't then the new threat will meet the same result as the old. Overwhelming destruction.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
At least the stupid plant is doing what it's supposed to and focusing on her.
Plant is automatically flat footed because it hit me while I was in stance. Strikes:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 351d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 291d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 191d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 Damage:2d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 6) + 6 = 192d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 3) + 6 = 10
So Sariana grasps leaves and vines and starts wrenching the plant into a crude knot.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
With Tyr gone and Dante much too close for safety Sariana redoubles her efforts.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana continues ripping and tearing. Eldritch monstrosities, magical plants, its all the same to her!
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Fort:1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 2 = 36
Sariana has had benders with worse effects than this poison and shakes it off with ease. She keeps her shield high and uses it as a weapon, slamming faces and teeth with it and vampiric strength.
No need to feint since it gets flat-footed for hitting me while I'm in stance. Flurry:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 351d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27 Damage:2d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 5) + 6 = 122d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 5) + 6 = 18
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
With her girls bolstering her efforts Sari blurs into a whirl of motion. The chimera is not a normal opponent - as evidenced when the vampire lands another massive kick out of precisely the same blind spot, although its thick coat and impressive natural armor prevent her from landing any follow-up blows.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana shakes off the rattling effect without issue but leading the way through the wall means that she takes the full force of the poisonous blast and can't even afford to dodge. Being a vampire offers some measure of protection against such things, but not much.
Still, bolstered by her Sweetling's magics she darts forwards at the beast. Feinting to draw attention she goes for kicks, swinging upwards from beneath the three heads eyelines.
Move, Stance, Feint+flurry Feint:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 Flurry:1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 16 + 1 = 371d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 1 = 25 Damage:2d8 + 6 ⇒ (6, 5) + 6 = 172d8 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5) + 6 = 14 Fort Save DC21 or be stunned. (I suspect this is nat 1 or nothing territory...)
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana waits with her arms crossed. She doesn't like the gnome's tone, but she's sensible enough to know that this is not a fight to pick right now. So she waits, lets her Sweetling do the talking and wonders if she can get some gloves that would let her punch ghosts.
------------------------------------------
"So he had nothing helpful to add." She concludes once they've left the gnome's ghost behind. "So, if it's blocked away we open a small gap and kill it with spells. I want it dead, I don't care how."
And fair fights are for idiots who don't know better.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
"Then we take no risks." Sari decides. "We fall back and take the bodies with us. We'll return once you are both fully prepared."
She does the heavy lifting - literally, and it's an amusing sight to see the diminutive vampire carrying two corpses on each shoulder. Dead limbs drag along the ground but Sari seems undeterred and the corpses are removed from the caves and are then dismembered and buried in a deep pit which the vampire digs without comment or great effort.
Later that night, when she and Floare are the only ones awake, Sari pulls her Little One into her embrace. "No risks." She says, gently trailing a finger down Floare's flawless cheeks. "There was no need to test yourself here and I don't want to risk my Sweetling, or Deregar. You are just as capable as ever Little One, but months are not long enough. Not yet." A single finger turns to longer caresses - while vampires do not feed on each other, there are other hungers, ones which they can satisfy.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Thanks to her Sweetling, Sariana ends the battle just as healthy as when she began it and she uses that energy to mutilate the half-orc so thoroughly that even Lamashtu herself would have trouble resurrecting him in one piece. She also keeps Floare away from both Tyr and Deregar - better not to test her still-tenuous control with a friends sanguine essence.
Once the findings in the yurt are explained to her Sari frowns.
"The chimera must die. That is clear, but you are in no state to fight again my friend. Either we lure it somewhere too small for it to fight or we return another day. Perhaps Amiri would enjoy the fight with a monster like that. I'd prefer not to wait so long though."
Considerately for her she doesn't order Deregar straight back into battle but looks to both him and Sweetling to establish how healthy he is (or isn't).
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
With Tandri keeping her wounds closed Sariana pushes on once more. The stupid half-orc has to die soon!
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana knows what her role is and leaps back into the fray, slamming her shield into the half-orc to draw his attention.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana at least can learn from experience and manages to catch the sorceror's elbow long enough to bend it in a direction that nature never intended. Then she leaps backwards before raising her shield again - ensuring that if he keeps casting his weapon spell she at least will be out of reach.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Ref:1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 14 + 1 = 23
Sariana braves the storm of blades in order to land more hits of her own. Sadly the risky strategy doesn't pay off. Her vampiric healing mitigates much of the damage though.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Reflex:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Sariana is much faster than her protegee and avoids much of the blast. As Floare's magic infuses her the vampire leaps forward, eschewing words for an angry growl!
She lands a double combination in the half-orc's chest and then as he hunches over, slams her knee into his face in a brutal blow that sends blood spurting across the room.
"I'll feed your corpse to the plants before I burn them!" She declares, blood-splattered and crimson eyed, the very picture of the monster that he proclaims to admire so much.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana, who rather considerately bludgeoned her foe catatonic rather than straight into death, watches her protegee closely as she feeds. Thankfully Floare is still new to her hunger and sates her hunger gluttonously before she can consume an entire adult male. So as her Little One recovers Sari drops the man's body and crushes his throat with a simple stomp before nodding her agreement to both her councillors.
"We burn this place down and every one of them with it." She agrees. "Their poison ends here and now." With that she leads the way onwards.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana laughs derisively and sets to work. She strikes at the cultists jaw, intent on hitting it so hard that he can no longer pray. Her Little One will need a snack, so there's no harm if he starts bleeding early.
Feint:1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 14 + 2 = 30Target is flat-footed to both flurry attacks if this works. Flurry:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 321d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28 Damage:2d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 3) + 6 = 102d8 + 6 ⇒ (6, 7) + 6 = 19DC21 fort or be stunned.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana waits just long enough to make sure Floare isn't giving into her instincts before leaping forward at her enemies. They have threatened her kingdom. The punishment is death and there will be no appeal.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
One unexpected side effect of Floare's transformation is that Tandri gets more of Sariana's time. Without having two people to split her daytime between the tiefling finds her Lady around quite a bit more. This has... detrimental effects on her productivity, but does make it quite clear that Sariana is doting on her somewhat.
-----------------------------
"For some reason a lot of cults and other evil people feel an inexplicable need to shout their evil from the rooftops, or build grandiose monuments which proclaim their nefarious deeds loud and clear." Sariana says, her tone dripping with acid. "It's as though they want to be beaten up by self-appointed 'heroes'. Most 'evil wizards' just need a good spanking."
Given that Lady Nightsong is a kuthonite, her idea of a 'good spanking' is rather more extreme than most peoples... as both Tandri and Floare know.
Once Tandri's investigations are done Sariana glances up into the golden-pink sunset with a practised eye.
"The sun will be fully down in less than an hour. Then Floare will have a much easier time moving." Her Little One is currently shrouded in a truly voluminous robe and hood, and yet still moves at half her accustomed pace. "We take cover and observe until then."
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
A Whole New World:
"She'll live and he won't." Sariana replies, landing besides Floare without a sound. "You nearly took too much. Listen to her heart beat, it's still slow. She was smaller - less blood to take but that will heal. One drop of your blood can help, its a stimulant for the quick."
As the alley disappears behind them Sari drops the teaching tone and wraps one arm around Floare's narrow waist. "You did well Little One. For a first hunt, very well. You need to eat a lot for a week or so, then it will be easier."
A subtle pressure is enough sign for Floare and she dips her head to meet Sari's lips. As they kiss Floare's fangs, still new and unexpected, catch Sari's for a moment, making the older vampire smirk. "Is my Little One getting feisty?" She asks in a playful tone. "Do I need to remind you who is in charge here?"
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Beauty... and the Beast:
"Trust your instincts." Sariana says softly, her voice just carrying to Floare's newly sharpened hearing. "I've marked your target, you won't miss him. You can feed on others if you want but you will not kill them. He is the only one I permit that for."
She pulls her protegee into her arms for a moment. "This is difficult for you." She says simply. "But it is necessary. Do your best, focus on your target and I'll help you if you need it. He's a thug and he'll fight. Then he'll run. You can beat him. You will catch him but you don't have to be cruel, not if you don't want to be. We all feed differently. Go on Little One, I'll be with you."
With those final words Sariana fades into the darkness with such practised skill that even Floare can't track her, but the sweet scent of Tandri draws her down one of the alleys among the ramshackle housing on the edge of Stag's End. Their lover isn't here she knows, Sari would never allow it, but a single drop of her blood is the perfect marker...
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
With Tandri:
"I smell you." Sariana says simply. "I know what you mean, but I smell you. There are scents I recognise, some that I don't but they are all you. Your scent tells me how you feel. I can smell your fear, your frustration, your arousal. All of them change your scent but you always smell of you - and I wouldn't change that for a chance to double my kingdom." From the way the vampire has fixed her gaze on Tandri it's clear that she knows why Tandri asked.
"I smell you Tandri."What I desire most is you."Always."
Sleeping Beauty Wakes:
The moment Sariana catches Floare's scent in the hall she curses Linzi viciously (and unfairly). Her court, such as it is, is set up to involve her relatively little but her citizens do petition her specifically and Linzi wouldn't let her put them off any longer. It should have been fine, Floare wasn't likely to wake for another few days... but not likely isn't the same as 'won't' So the moment she catches the scent she follows it at a blur.
She sees Floare hovering in the bedroom and forces herself to a stop a few feet away. If Floare strikes she can be there in less than a second, but she trusts (or maybe hopes) that her Little One will be strong enough to not.
It is a long, long few moments, but then Floare slips onto the bed and curls up behind Tandri, just like she always does and Sariana lets out an unnecessarily held breath. Then she slinks silently into the corner where an ornately carved chair sits and settles in, reaching out to scratch Dante behind the ears as they sit together, watching and guarding.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
A few days later:
"It's going well." Sariana said simply as Tandri approached, the tiefling short enough that the tunnel constructed to Sariana's own petite size proves no obstacle. "I can leave now. For a little while at least. I know there's work to be done. Linzi is quite insistent about that."
She pauses as Tandri examines Floare's unmoving corpse, and then nods to the other coffin in the tiny room. The only one without an occupant at the moment.
"That one is yours." She says simply. "If you want it one day. I had them made together. I... didn't want to choose. Don't want to choose, but I'm not like them. Loyalty is given, not taken, so the choice is yours. Always." Another long pause. "But I decided to tell you. Because I don't want you thinking that I chose her over you Sweetling. I will never do that."
It's not exactly a declaration of love but Sariana has only ever used the L word once, and she has never to Tandri's knowledge broken a promise.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Fluff:
"Forever." Sariana replies simply and then Floare feels a familiar sting at her neck. The pain is momentary and fades swiftly, along with everything else...
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Fluff:
"As it should be." Sariana replied, one cold hand closing Floare's around the flowers so that they don't fall. "Beauty without for beauty within. I had them made... I was... hoping. That they'd be needed one day." There's a trace of vulnerability in the vampire's voice and, as Floare turns around to kiss her, she gets a gentle, almost tender embrace - quite unlike the fiery kisses her Queen normally gives her.
"I realised something earlier." Sariana says, her lips quirking into a small grin. "While I was making the preparations. I've never done this before. I'm almost a virgin." The idea makes them both smile. "Nine thousand years and you'll be my first. I'm very glad about that."
She eases Floare down, into her coffin, which is well upholstered and bizarrely comfortable. "You are going to die." The vampire says simply, her dark eyes fixed on Floare's. "You will die and it will be as easy and peaceful as I can make it. But then you will come back and that will hurt Little One. More than anything you have ever felt before. You must be strong. Embrace the pain and make it your own. Tandri will be on the other side. I will be on the other side, waiting for you."
Sariana's gaze weighs on Floare in the silence and the witch realises that the vampire is giving her a final choice. A last chance to back out and change her mind.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Civic Danteville Walls, DC15:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13Fail but resources are not lost. Can try again next turn for free.
Event DC16:1d20 ⇒ 4No.
-----------------------------------------------
With Floare's 'transformation' leaving the Grand Diplomat 'indisposed' for the month Nightsong finds itself functioning at something less than its best. Deregar oversees the usual reconnaissance missions but the scouts prove rather lackadaisical and it isn't until the Viceroy sets out to the east himself that he receives something like a real effort. When the reports finally come in it is clear that almost everything east of the mountains has been explored, at least partially. Jubilost is delighted and immediately petitions for permission to journey east to Varnhold.
Tandri concerns herself with Nightsong's continuing expansion and in particular, the issues this is causing to food production. She spends considerable time bartering with numerous different merchants, exchanging gold ore for foodstuffs to rebuild the kingdom's reserves after a public distribution of grain. A large selection of farm tools are also purchased and make the difference as the plains to the east of Danteville begin to sprout golden wheat fields. This task is barely within the competence of Nightsong's citizens however and Tandri resolves to discuss this with her Queen as soon as possible.
Said Queen spends a lot of time sequestered with Floare but, when she does reappear, busies herself with quelling the goblin tribe newly discovered on Nightsong's borders. Progress is slow but Sariana's loyalists within the kingdom do a good job of papering over the cracks that emerge with their leader unavailable for so long.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Levelling Up:
"You won't be like me." Sariana warns softly, trailing oddly warm fingers down the delicate veins in her Little One's neck. "I am old and my blood is strong but it will be some time before you gain its full power. You will, in time. You will be strong, beautiful, perfect in immortality but it will take time and it will hurt."
For all her many faults Sariana has never lied to her Pets - never shied away from expressing the risks and the consequences of their actions. The offer she made had been a spur of the moment one - compelled by feelings she barely understood but now, to hear Floare accept her offer, to scent that unique, intoxicating blend of fear, arousal and desire that was so uniquely Floare... that was a pleasure beyond almost any other.
For a fraction of a second Sariana's rational mind weighs up the risks and then, finding them more than worth it, she slams her lips into Floare's own, nipping at the plump bottom lip and drawing a short, sharp draught of delightful blood.
"You will be mine. Always." She whispers into her Little One's mouth, the words a threat, a promise or a warning. The breathy gasp she receives in response is acceptance enough and Sariana tears the shawl from Floare's skin, leaving her bare for all of Nightsong to see if only they could in the slowly-fading darkness and drops gracefully to the roof, tugging her Little One into her lap and turning them both towards the east.
"If this is going to be your last sunrise Little One," She murmurs, face buried in the crook of Floare's neck. "Then it's going to be the best one you ever have."
Then she sets to work - touching all the places she knows will draw the best reactions, reducing her Little One to a moaning, pleasurable mess whose cries (both mufffled and not) sound across the growing town as the sun rises and bathes her perfect, naked skin in its warmth for the last time.
Sariana lingers, letting Floare drink in the experience for the last time and, thanks to her recent feeding and the quite literal ability to hide in Floare's shadow, emerges from the experience with nothing more than a mild case of sunburn.
"It will take some time." She says once the two of them are back inside. "Days, perhaps a week. I will make the preparations but you need to deal with your work and explain your decision to Dante and Tandri. Bring either of them to me if they have questions but this is your decision and they need to know that."
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana speaks the right language for goblins - that of ruthless domination and she quickly establishes that she is the one the goblins will be answering to. Nok Nok is nominated as the new clan chief, who will report to 'Big Boss' Sariana regularly. Otherwise he is given a free hand with how to manage 'his' new tribe. Ever since the goblin's crisis of faith in Lamashtu Sariana has introducing him to a more... structured view of the world. These goblins should be a good (and more importantly disposable) way for him to learn by doing.
"So, our best lead was either a blind or a trap..." She concludes to her companions. "This is going to take a lot more work I fear."
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Fort:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Sariana's eyes darken for a moment but she shakes off the magic soon enough to dart around the goblin and strike at his vulnerable side.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Will Fort:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Sariana brushes off the spell as little more than an annoyance and then blurs into a veritable flurry of movement.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana dances between the flytraps in the aftermath of the fire and appears before Virthad like a demon. She feints and then lashes out with a pair of quick strikes.
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
"My people are being cursed." Sariana says shortly. "A cult. We found evidence that they came from here. You prove us wrong or die. There are no other options. This plague will end."
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana nods and leads the way towards the statue, not brooking any attempt to stop her. Once there she looks it up and down and then turns away sharply to stare at the goblins instead while her girls work their magic.
"Nicely done." She comments softly to Tyr and Deregar. "Let's see how long the fear holds."
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
Sariana stands and glares, letting Floare speak for her.
Although this goes on much longer one of those goblins is going to discover exactly how well 'longshanks' can be used for jumping...
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
"That seems like a good move." Sariana agrees. "Once we find the source of this curse we'll rip it out by the root and make whoever sent it regret challenging Nightsong!"
| HP 120/120 | AC:26 | Fo:+15 Re:+15 Wi:+16+ | Ath +14, Acr +15, Dec +15, Itm +11, Med +12, Perc +14 | Fangs/Fists +17 2d8+6+d6 bleed | Ki 2/2, HeP: 3/3 | Active Conditions:
----------------------------------------------------------
When Floare returns from Brevoy she finds Nightsong in the grip of something approaching martial law. After whispers from her spies that a new cult has established itself within the kingdom Sariana sets Magister Harrim on the job and when he proves less than effective she takes over personally and conducts a thorough and brutal investigation. The cult is swiftly rooted out and crushed with alarming thoroughness. Sariana, Deregar and Tyr personally lead the assault on their new headquarters and leave little more than a smoldering ruin filled with exsanguinated corpses behind them.
Three cultists survive for trial, where they confess their crimes and are immediately executed by Lady Nightsong's own hands - the punishment for traitors who have betrayed their oaths of loyalty. Tandri meanwhile is kept busy, not only cataloging the cult's valuables (which have been reclaimed for civic use) but also in recording and analysing the information which she extracted from the cultists the night before their trials.
Sariana is away when Floare returns, leading a counter-raiding party with Amiri to dispatch a pack of wargs who have journeyed up from the south to claim Howl-of-the-Night-Wind's former lands. They return somewhat blooded but largely unscathed, bearing numerous fine pelts. Tandri is given first choice of the furs, with Floare getting the second. Tyr already has his choice of luxury goods, as is fitting for a dragon!
Spending 1 luxury on making Tyr happy and getting Sari's girls some nice fur cloaks. ;)
