Sunlord Thalachos

the Shining Host's page

1,257 posts. Alias of Dennis Harry.


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Shadow's Status

the HORN

The Knot steps out into the fresh air, as you exit the caverns a human male joins you from a side cave, he nods to Jack and falls in to the side of Lord Havelyn. The man is dressed in simple brown robes stands about 5'7" with chestnut brown hair. A wooden holy symbol of Asmodeus hangs about his neck.

As you all exit the cavern, Aurex included he turns to face you all. "Welcome back Grumblejack and welcome to the rest of you.

I have been awaiting your arrival with baited breath. I believe the new leader of the tribe is firmly under my grasp and guidance but with such creatures, it is only so long that a handful of us can keep them in line without an objective to point them in the direction of.

Is there news of the outside world? I trust that the war still rages and this venture isn't for naught?"


Shadow's Status

the HORN

The fall of Watch Fortress Ballentyne was a hot topic both on the road here as well as within town the last few days. If this is Lord Commander Thomas Havelyn, then either the Kingdom at large does not does not know that he is a traitor or the news .is being actively suppressed. The public story is that he died defending the Fortress...

---

Havelyn shrugs, "I've roughed it before Grumble, I was not always, the Lord Commander of a Fortress". He approaches and shakes Malleck's hand in a firm grip, "I don;t see myself as leaving the light Malleck, only allowing the full spectrum of color to shine through what was once a blinding, myopic, line of vision.

Let's get a breath of fresh air shall we?" He turns to the Boggard and speaks in his language indicating that he and the rest of you, will be stepping outside.

I'll give a pause in case anyone wishes to speak before you step outside of the caverns once more.


Shadow's Status

Draconic - Meph:
Aurex responds, "No perimeter to speak of other than what I observe as I hunt.

I believe I have seen something in the distance, whenever I catch sight it dives into the trees and evades my attempts to track it down, whatever it is".

The Red chuckles at the flattery, "I am indeed unique Tiefling, though I do not wish to relive my recent past. It is enough to say that I was bonded to a Dragon Rider who is no longer among the living.

Rather than return to my clutch and await centuries to grow in power, I have decided to ally myself with the Cardinal and his God".

The Dragon goes silent as Jack leads the way into the caverns beneath the Horn.


Shadow's Status

the HORN

Jack heads away from the stairs and around instead to a broad open cave around the west side of the Horn. Two Boggard sentries stiffen as the group approaches, if they don't recognize Jack, they certainly recognize Aurex and lower their heads in deference.

The many stalactites, stalagmites, and columns of wet living stone resemble nothing so much as fangs contained inside a large loathsome grin. The cave is covered by countless pools of standing fetid water and
ubiquitous slicks of mud that make the entire surface of the maw count as difficult terrain from the entrance to the dotted-line more than forty feet in. C1

Jack continues in heading to the right, and passing yet another sentry, this part of the cave narrows in a bit tight and the opens once more after about 20' to yet another stalagmite filled cave with plenty of shadowy corners, a natural ambush site. In the middle of the cave is an area that is comparatively dry and soft. C4

Jack heads north from there c8 and cuts quickly to the left and entering an even larger cave C9 that is full of crude mud and thatch huts. A proper Boggard village!

There is some stirring as the Ninth enters the caverns and rather quickly an armored figure emerges from the largest hut accompanied by the most fearsome Boggard you have laid eyes on to date down here. The armored figure stands approximately 6'2", he is a human male, on the older side of middle aged but still a forceful presence. His armor still shows the holy symbol of Mitra but his aura is much darker than that.

He nods to Jack, "The Ninth Knot reformed I presume?"

I'll get a map up of the cavern by the end of this weekend.


Shadow's Status

the HORN

The Dragon chuckles at Elliaria's comment, he replies to Jack's question, "The Natives are getting restless. They wish to explore the Horn further but Havelyn and I have forbade it.

We instead created a trial for the Boggard's to elect a new Chief. We lost a few but one has shone through as a promising new clear leader.

The Shaman seems as mad if not madder than he was before, babbling about blue slime".

The Dragon nods in response to Mal's statement, but does not inquire further.


Shadow's Status

GM, your picture link is set to Request Access. Is that deliberate?

No, forgot to open access, fixed it and granted access to those who requested.


Shadow's Status

the HORN

The Dragon throws his wings out wide to slow his descent as he gets closer, "Greetings Ninth Knot, we have been awaiting your arrival!"

He lands in a small clearing and folds his wings walking towards Sir Jack whom he greets with an ever so quick bow, quickly returning to his full height he gazes at each of you in turn but speaks no further.


Shadow's Status

IN Caer Bryr to the HORN

Whatever it is, Meph can't catch a glimpse of it. Meph has no cluse what the hell an Aurex is...

It makes no further sound and does not return.

The group finishes their meal and push on through until they arrive at their destination in the middle of the night. Perhaps a half mile before you reach the caves you find the site where you had that pitched battle with the Treants Jack. Instead of rotting trees, you find that they have been removed!

A bit mystified, you press forward and through the last of the foliage you spot the Horn of Abaddon. The Horn is a great stone spire, one of many in the area which makes it difficult to find as there is nothing about it that makes it stand out, per se.

A set of stairs leads up, debris that appears to have once blocked those stairs has bene cleared away. The spire is quite high. As you look up you notice a figure circling the spire, it's a Red Dragon! He begins to race towards you all, diving at phenomenal speed!

The Horn of Abaddon


Shadow's Status

From Farholde - Into the Caer Bryr

Sir Jack leads the Ninth Knot away from the city and into the environs of the Horn. The northern Caer Bryr is a temperate rainforest richly blessed with rain fall and broadleaf trees. The trees here are tall and broad. The thick-trunked baobab tree, unusual in such a wet clime, is common here and grows to enormous size. It is not uncommon to see trees hundreds of feet tall with trunks twenty feet across. To walk into the deep Briar is to enter the domain of giants.

Every flat surface is covered with brilliant green moss and lichens in every hue. Mushrooms of a million sorts proliferate and crowd every fallen log. Small animal life is dense -- squirrels, voles, mice and white-faced ghost monkeys. Birds dwell here in endless variety and dazzling panoramas of plumage are everywhere on display. It is a bountiful place rich and thriving with nature’s splendor.

The pace is brisk through the forest, the man is like an arrow shot from a bow as he relentlessly pushes forward towards the Horn. At the halfway point, early evening Sir Jack calls for a short rest to eat and drink. It seems that be the early ight you shall already have arrived there! You all surmise that the problem was finding it in the first place and now that it's found, once you know the way the trip is quick.

As the group stops, Elliaria spots something high up in the trees... exactly what it is, she could not quite tell, but whatever it is. It's not far away from your current position.

DM ONLY:
Stealth 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Clyde 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Elliaria 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 +15 vs. Humans.
Malleck 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Mephistopheles 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Tih 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Sir Balin/Grumble 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1


Shadow's Status
Elliaria wrote:

It looks like my +8 may be the best survival in the group. She will do her best to avoid hazards, keep the group on course, and find good campsites.

She does have the advantage of not sleeping, so she will take all watches. Are we doubling up or just letting her take care of it?

Not to worry, this trek is quite short as the opposition to your journey was already defeated. The trip will essentially be a handwave, I just need to get free time to move the group forward now that I believe all RP in the current scene is completed. I'll probably update tomorrow morning.


Shadow's Status

OK! Post up to get us going once more, about to head to the Horn and fully to get into the adventure after the brief prologue.


Shadow's Status

Farholde - Dark Avengers Assemble

The New Ninth gets their affairs in order and meet at noon in an empty farmhouse in Westell 13 on the map that Baron Vandermir has supplied to get you all assembled and out with no prying eyes from Farholde watching.

Soren but not Morana is there to see you all off. Soren looks to Sir Jack, "Tell my Beloved that I look forward to reuniting with him once the Horn is fully under our control.

Between you and I Sir Jack, I suspect that the Seventh Knot is no friend of ours. They have shared no information with me and if my few little spies are to be believed, their leader meets with the Baron. As they too have signed a pact with the Cardinal, I don't believe they would betray our good work but I do fear that they may well be jealous of our abilities to wrangle the Horn and thus see us as a threat to their prominence in the Cardinal's eyes".

As you will be raveling overland, does anyone wish to cast any long term spells? Note that whatever is on your character sheets is all you will have access to for the moment so make sure your inventory is up to date! Has there been a decision to keep or sell off the "extra" goods that Sir Jack kept from the prior Party?


Shadow's Status
Mephistopheles. wrote:

Spells copied

1st level
- Endure Elements
- Protection from Good
- Shield
- Grease
- Burning Hands
- Shocking grasp
- Enlarge Person
- Color Spray

2nd level
- Scorching Ray
- Protection from Good, Communal
- Spider Climb
- Acid Arrow

3rd level
- Lightning bolt.

He will also snag the Scroll of Spiderclimb.

Note the Following Rules:

Adding Spells to a Wizard's Spellbook
Wizards can add new spells to their spellbooks through several methods. A wizard can only learn new spells that belong to the wizard spell lists.

Spells Copied from Another's Spellbook or a Scroll

A wizard can also add a spell to his book whenever he encounters one on a magic scroll or in another wizard's spellbook. No matter what the spell's source, the wizard must first decipher the magical writing (see Arcane Magical Writings).

Next, he must spend 1 hour studying the spell. At the end of the hour, he must make a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + spell's level). A wizard who has specialized in a school of spells gains a +2 bonus on the Spellcraft check if the new spell is from his specialty school. If the check succeeds, the wizard understands the spell and can copy it into his spellbook (see Writing a New Spell into a Spellbook). The process leaves a spellbook that was copied from unharmed, but a spell successfully copied from a magic scroll disappears from the parchment.

If the check fails, the wizard cannot understand or copy the spell. He cannot attempt to learn or copy that spell again until one week has passed.

Writing a New Spell into a Spellbook

Once a wizard understands a new spell, he can record it into his spellbook.

Time: The process takes 1 hour per spell level. Cantrips (0 levels spells) take 30 minutes to record.

Space in the Spellbook

A spell takes up one page of the spellbook per spell level. Even a 0-level spell (cantrip) takes one page. A spellbook has 100 pages.

Materials and Costs

The cost for writing a new spell into a spellbook depends on the level of the spell, as noted on the following table. Note that a wizard does not have to pay these costs in time or gold for spells he gains for free at each new level.
Spell Level Writing Cost
0 5 gp
1 10 gp
2 40 gp
3 90 gp

---

In the alternative, you can simply retain the spellbook as your own and ONLY learn the spells, that saves time and gold.

---

Bottom line, not all of those spells will be at your disposal the next day, you'll need to pick what spell (or maybe 2 or 3) you want the most.

There will be some down time soon enough though and I'll hand waive you learning the balance of spells.


Shadow's Status
Mephistopheles. wrote:
Mephistopheles does spend the evening copying spells....

Which spells do you want to transcribe into your spellbook this evening?


Shadow's Status
Sir Jack Balin wrote:

Spheres does Leadership a bit differently. Basically I have a cohort for when I'm in Farholde (Morana), and a different cohort when I'm at the Horn (Aurex).

I have zero minions yet. I'll need another talent for that.

Ah I see, well, I'm sure there'll be some minions along at some point!


Shadow's Status

Farholde - Vanderhall Manor

Sir Jack:
"You mean little Aurex? By yourself, I will admit the win is impressive, but he is a child in terms of Dragons my friend.

Remember that it was you who attempted to intimidate me in my own Domain. I was merely giving you the opportunity to correct your boorish behavior and you have done so. Certainly I can understand your penchant for taking that approach after all, it has worked well for you thus far.

But a man should be shown respect in his own home. There are watery graveyards off of the coast of Farholde filled with the bodies of those who failed to meet that very basic threshold in this Manse.

That point made, it is indeed a waste of time and of resources. We serve the same Master and I do not mean Cardinal Adrastus Thorn. Tonight should absolutely be defined as a misunderstanding as that's all it was.

Tell me, now that you have had your meeting, what is next?"


Shadow's Status

Farholde - Vanderhall Manor

Sir Balin:
"I asked you to deal with it because I was busy entertaining a party full of guests to run cover for you. Had I known ahead of time that a sacrifice was required, I would have arranged for it ahead of time. I have only one man that I trust with my secret affiliations and I'd rather not have him dragging young women off to disappear with him being the last one to be seen with her before she is never seen again.

I assure you that the girl Tiadora imitated is quite dead as I already accidentally murdered her myself earlier in the evening, I got carried away with my... fervor shall we say and I called Tiadora in to assist me as I knew she would be here tonight eventually anyway.

Despite your reasonable argument I feel as if I am being threatened in my own home, am I mistaken?

Quite the tactical error, if you believe that violence should be perpetrated to make your point, you should have had all of your allies present. What if I don't appreciate your subtle threat and decide to do something about it? Are you so certain that you can defeat me in combat, Grumble?"


Shadow's Status

Farholde - Vanderhall Manor

As the meeting ends, the Ninth Knot disperses until the next day leaving only Sir Jack in the meeting room.

Unless any of you wish to do anything this evening, I will assume everyone heads to bed. Once this final scene of the night is complete, we will move to the next day as per my OOC post.

Sir Jack Balin:
The Baron enters and shuts the door behind him, "I trust your meeting was fruitful?"


Shadow's Status

Instead of selling that stuff you can also keep it for Minions, you have Leadership correct?

Selling it you get 1/2 of its value, probably a better value to keep it and outfit those minions!

I'll give Players a few more days to shop or if they want to RP in town they can do that too.


Shadow's Status

Ah yes the Circlets!

Let's RetCon that Tia left 2, that's 5, one for each of you!

So much going on RL life these days I overlooked that.


Shadow's Status
Tih wrote:
Tih would like to buy the following: backpack, antiplague (2), bedroll, canteen, flint and steel, hooded lantern, oil (4), mess kit, soap, chalk, canvas (2 sq. yds), crossbow bolts (10), and 50 ft of string. It should add up to 115 gp, 5 sp, and 3 cp.

That is all available here, no problem add it to your inventory and mark off the coin.


Shadow's Status

Farholde - Vanderhall Manor

The Ladies nod in response to Sir Balin's sentiments.

Tiadora smiles, "I shall bring the contract to the Cardinal for his signature for it to be binding upon you all.

I leave you with a message from Cardinal Thorn as it is he that you serve as the mouthpiece of Asmodeus in this realm".

Tiadora casts a spell and a figure wearing a black robe with a platinum holy symbol of Asmodeus around his neck comes into focus. He removes his hood and appears to be a Human male in his late 30's or early 40's, handsome but starting to show his age. He sits behind the desk in a high leather backed chair smiling at you.

"My name is Cardinal Adrastus Thorn. I am the last high priest of Asmodeus left on the island of Talingarde.

I have assembled you all together to join in what remains of the Ninth Knot, now that you have executed the contract, you are hearing my voice and seeing my face for the first time. The Blessings of Asmodeus upon you. We all share a common goal, to burn Talingarde to the ground and from the ashes and build a new nation that knows its rightful master. To throw off the yoke of Mitran fanatics who wish to destroy any religion that does not bow to their insipid sun god as well as any thoughts that do not conform to their own beliefs.

I have sent you far away, to a place so far the description is in its name. Farholde is a backwater of no real significance. Its Lord has already left the place hoping for glory in the war. But it does border the Caer Bryr, the largest unmapped forest on the entire island.

Hidden within the Caer Bryr is the Horn of Abaddon, an ancient temple once occupied by a particularly loathesome death cult called ‘The Sons of the Pale Horseman’. Almost eighty years ago the first Darian king, Markadian I called the Victorious overthrew the Horn and destroyed the Sons. No great loss, honestly.

But what the Victor found within the temple is why we are here. He defeated a daemon prince called Vetra-Kali Eats-the-Eyes. So terrified of this monstrosity was the king, that he had the priests of Mitra craft a great silver seal to forever forbid the daemon from returning to our plane of existence. The seal remains to this day.

I have learned the truth about this daemon prince. I have learned what the Victor feared. Vetra-Kali is an archdeacon in service to the lord of pestilence. This immortal monster could create a plague so virulent that it will bring Talingarde to its knees.

When the Victor attacked, the Daemon Prince was close to unleashing his masterpiece upon the world -- a pestilence known as the Tears of Achlys. I am uncertain of the specifics of this plague but if anything could terror in the heart of the Victor, then I want it. The Tears of Achlys will be our poisoned dagger into the heart of Talingarde.

The Horn was located first by the Fourth Knot and then further explored by the Ninth Knot who even now have a toehold on the place. The Fourth Knot vanished and the Ninth's numbers were depleted by the dangers lurking within

I am undeterred by these setbacks. Thus, your recruitment.

Your task is to Find the seal and shatter it. Call Vetra-Kali back to our world. Bind him to your will and force service from the monster. And then bring his gift, the Tears of Achlys to me.

Also located in Farholde is the Seventh knot – the Knot Hibernal led by Elise Zadaria. The Seventh knot will remain in Farholde and see that anyone who tries to find the Horn and interfere with your work meets an unhappy end. Thus, you will have time to do what must be done.

Note that the half-elvish noble – the Baron Arkov Vandermir - is an ally but he is not a member of any Knot. Be careful what you divulge to him, despite his assistance and his devotion to Asmodeus, his schemes and interests are his own".

The image fades.

Tiadora sighs, "That is all else I have, if any of you have any questions, feel free to direct them to your fellow Knot members".

Sir Balin:
You hear Tiadora's voice in your mind, Ware you do not fail at this task else the Cardinal shall lose faith in you, Grumblejack...there are o more spare parts to replace those already lost to you. A least no others who's skills are worthy.

She vanishes with a soft POP.


Shadow's Status

Farholde - Vanderhall Manor

Soren and Morana also sign the document. Tiadora turns to Sir Balin, "It seems you shall be the last to sign... Sir Balin". She appears amused to no end to use that name.

Before Sir Balin can execute, Soren speaks, "What of Lord Havelyn?"

Tiadora shrugs, "The Cardinal is still waiting for him to prove something. Until then, he accompanies, but does not join you".

Morana then speaks, "Forgive me Mistress but one more question, but with Nate deceased, does that not mean that the contract that Aurex signed is void?"

She grins, "I shall let Sir Jack answer that questions". She then looks at Sir Balin expectantly.


Shadow's Status
Sir Jack Balin wrote:
Is this the original? Are the names of the previous members of the Knot still there?

This is a new one. Tiadora just produced the original out of nowhere.


Shadow's Status
Sir Jack Balin wrote:
Sir Balin eyed the Baron as he entered. "When this is done, you and I need to clear up a little misunderstanding," he said in an even tone after the contract had passed hands.

The Baron pauses, "Do we? Then of course come find me and we can discuss whatever is troubling you Sir Balin". He departs.


Shadow's Status
Malleck of Alerion wrote:

"I agree to all but the first one" he frowns as he finishes reading the contract

"How would I manage all this then?"

Tiadora responds, "Notice the nomenclature, you shall further the worship and glory of Asmodeus, but you need not venerate him yourself. There is room for many Gods and other figures worthy of veneration under the auspice of Asmodeus.

These terms are not negotiable. Of course, a return to your former residence is a less than ideal state, but the choice is of course, yours to make. I hear the Mitrans are fond of placing their morals above practicality. I was not aware that those who worship Urgathoa were also so inclined". She smiles sweetly and scans the room for other... comments.


Shadow's Status

Farholde - Vanderhall Manor

At the door is indeed the Baron himself, he peers past Morana to Tiadora, "My Lady, I have in my hand the document you requested".

Tiadora nods, "Excellent my Lord. You may hand it to Morana and return to the pleasantries".

He hands a bejeweled scroll case to Morana nods with a grin and heads back down to the hall to the stairs. Morana hands the case over to Tiadora.

"The Ritual performed by Sir Jack allows us to know that you are all indeed committed to the cause, if not to Asmodeus himself. However, treachery is a not uncommon foil to the plans of those that serve the darkness in whatever form or variety it manifests to each of us individually. And in most cases, treachery is the most expedient way for one to meet their goals, again, in whatever form or variety we envision.

Here, there is a greater enemy to be defeated, an enemy that is united and cohesive and thus we too must act cohesively.

Thus, the Cardinal has had each of his Knots, individual autonomous cells execute a contract, the Pact of Thorns".

Appearing in her hands out of thin air is another scroll case.

"In my hand is the prior Pact executed by the original Ninth, with a single addendum. Only three of those original members remain, all are gathered here. That contract shall be voided once the new contract is executed.

It is customary to execute that contract in blood.

I shall give you each a chance to review the contract. If you choose not to execute the contract, I shall erase your memory and return you to where I found you several weeks ago. If you choose to execute the contract, you shall be joining a collective of like minded individuals who all seek to achieve autonomy from the oppressive yoke of the hateful Mitrans.

The Cardinal, and Asmodeus himself, only wish for those who are willing to join".

The Pact of Thorns:

Behold on this day the 15th of Neth 4710 in the eighth age of this world a perpetual Compact is made between Cardinal Adrastus Thorn (hereafter the Master) and those who would be bound to him as his acolytes (hereafter the Bound). Both the Master and the Bound shall hold fast and true to this Compact through all trial and tribulation. By blood and soul the Bound commit to the Compact and swear that it shall never be undone.

The Bound shall know and understand the Four Loyalties.

The First Loyalty is to their patron and god – mighty Asmodeus, first among the fallen, prince of the nine hells, our father below. They shall do all that can be done to further his worship and his glory.

The Second Loyalty is to their master – He who is called the Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, High Priest of Asmodeus in Talingarde. They shall do the Master no harm and obey his every commandment as long as those commandments do not clash with their First Loyalty.

The Third Loyalty is to their companions – the other Bound who serve alongside them. The Bound shall deal with each other fairly and honorably as long as doing so does not clash with their first or second loyalties. All treasure, wealth and reward garnered in their exploits will be equally shared with all of the Bound who aided in its acquisition.

The Fourth Loyalty is to themselves – for Asmodeus is the Lord of Ambition and all who serve him should strive to become great and powerful in his service as long as doing so does not clash with their first, second or third loyalties. By their weakness, ye shall know the unworthy.

The Bound swear that they cleave to and uphold the Four Loyalties even in the face of death and damnation.

The Master swears that as long as the Four Loyalties are upheld, he shall reward the Bound as they deserve for their deeds.

Thus it is written, and thus it shall be.

We being of sound mind and free will do so swear and let they who violates this Compact know all the wrath of Hell unending.

Signed,


Shadow's Status

Farholde - Vanderhall Manor

The woman continues to giggle even as Mal approaches her with the Ruby Dagger. Once he proffers it, her giggle ceases, but instead of a look of horror coming across her face it is a look of interest...? Mal makes the first cut as Soren and Morana hold her down, she moans with pleasure and gasps as the chalice is filled with her blood. With each successive candidate that cuts, her moans become more ecstasy filled.

She smiles at Soren and Morana, "No one else wants to go?" When neither move to cut her she pouts a bit as Sir Balin draws the pentagram.

The woman transforms before your eyes as the pentagram is complete, it is Tiadora! Her wounds heal as she takes her usual shape, "Excellent. I am not entirely sure that the Cardinal could have done a better job Sir Balin.

But the Ritual is not complete, this is insufficient to ensure your loyalty to our Master, the Cardinal or to each other.

We are not Demons who's whims turn and twist with the wind. If you are to be the new Ninth, you must commit to the same legally binding terms as those of the previous Ninth".

There is a soft knock at the door.

Actions?


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Shadow's Status

If you have not, please update your bio so when you post, in your Avatar, I can see your baseline skills, makes it easier for me to conduct combat.

See Meph's line below for an example:

M Tiefling Wizard (Pact Wizard) 7 Init +8; Senses Darkvision 60', Perception +9 AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14 hp 51/51 Fort +6 Ref +7, Will +9 Conditions: Nondetection (DC 22)

Thank you!


Shadow's Status
Malleck of Alerion wrote:
Subtle.... Riiiight :P

He doesn't mean you :-)


Shadow's Status

While I have NPCs present, they are really just facilitators at this point and will stay quiet as Sir Jack takes the lead. This scene belongs to all of you!

I think the intro was helpful to allow all of you to get into character a bit :-)


Shadow's Status
Elliaria wrote:
Woo hoo! Now the fun starts.

Indeed!


Shadow's Status

Farholde - Vanderhall Manor

Eventually, you all make your way to the third floor, moving through the opulent Manor of the Baron though none of you have spotted the Baron as of yet.

The room is a bit tight but with the windows open and a cool breeze, it's not too hot.

Seated on a bed, clearly drunk, is a dark haired younger woman giggling along with the woman that Elliaria and Mephistopheles recognize as Morana.

Morana - A human female, you would say about at 5'5 with a slight frame, dark skin and chocolate eyes, dressed in brown men's trousers, a loose shirt with a dark blue vest, and a old travel stained brown cloak.

Seated next to the foot of the bed is a young man that Clyde recognizes as the one that approached him in the kitchen of Lord Drownington's Manor. His facial features quickly change as the door is closed and he becomes a she! She smiles and nods.

Soren - A Tiefling female, tall and lean with an hourglass figure. She wears her black hair long, done up in a ponytail. Her features are sharp and concise, no softness in her visage. Her eyes are large, and her olive skin sports numerous freckles. While the small horns and the pointed teeth are not currently being concealed, unlike many Tieflings, her infernal blood is not so obvious. Her tanned skin is a stark contrast to the red of most Tieflings.

Standing in the middle of the room, essentially within arms reach of each of you, is the behemoth of a Knight that introduced himself as Sir Balin...

Perception DC 20:
Hovering over Morana by the ceiling is a phantom...he simultaneously watches Morana as well as glancing up at you new arrivals.


Shadow's Status

Clyde and Tih, feel free to complete your scene as I move the main scene forward.


Shadow's Status

Farholde - Culliver Green & Vanderhall Manor

Sir Balin:
You arrive downstairs as Mal is asking to see either the Baron OR You!

Within eye-shot you see Mal and Elliaria as well as a man who looks like he could be the "Bishop". Several feet away and having just stepped past you, is Clyde. Next to him is a woman hovering to his right, could she be a 5th? And how the hell did she even get in if she is?


Shadow's Status

Elliaria I have not forgotten about your entourage, I just have not had the free time to get to it. Hopefully at some pint in the next few weeks.


Shadow's Status

Sir Balin:
You await the arrival of the five new Knot members in one of the rooms on the third floor.

Soren, taking a disguise as a human woman, heads out to find a suitable "volunteer" for the cause.

Morana turns to you, "I can send Soto down to see what he can see unseen. He can lead them to us in his own subtle way if you wish Grumble".

As you contemplate, Soren returns with a young woman in tow, she is dressed in a tight black little number, if memory serves, she's the favorite play thing of the Baron's, at the moment anyway.

Soren smirks, "Lessons that hit close to home hit harder". The young woman giggles, "Wow, a Knight and two sexy ladies! Usually its just me and the Baron, ah... in the middle of the party we're going to... you know?... Where is the Baron anyway, I thought he'd be here".


Shadow's Status

Farholde - Culliver Green & Vanderhall Manor - Everyone BUT Sir Balin

While Lady Elliaria and the "Bishop" visited this district the previous day, it looks quite different now!

Six Estates stand on the hill, the intended destination for the revelers is Vanderhall, Baron Arkov Vandermir’s estate, the six estates surround a large picturesque communal green and the green is set up this evening for entertaining.

The center of the green contains a great and seemingly ancient yew tree, it's knotty trunk more than a dozen feet across at its widest point. Light, some mundane torches, some actual magical light, gives the grove an aura of majesty. Reds, purples, greens, and blues light up various trees and tables.

Spellcraft DC 16:
There are a combination of dancing lights and faerie fire active in the park.

A luminaria display lights the path to Vanderhall.

There are perhaps three dozen actual guests here, some are clergy nuns and priests, some are Knight, others are merchants. None are armed.

However, the Baron's men are armed. Most appear to be young ruffians. Mal, you recognize many of the men here as older boys still living in or at least recently visited the Orphanage. Also moving through the crowd are servers, mostly young ladies but a few young men to hold the heavier trays of meats being served to the guests. In addition to meats, the appetizers are a selection of tasty little beef skewers and crunchy, spicy crayfish puffs.

The Manor house is well lit, the colors on the house match the coat of arms of the Baron, gold and black. The house is quite impressive, it stands tree stories tall built in the Romanesque style [thick walls, rounded arches, and small windows) and has a black wrought iron fence, whose gates are currently open.

Two guards, who do not look like bully boys but professionals guard the door armed with polearms, short swords in scabbards resting on their hips.

Despite the head start, perhaps due to the inclination of the "Bishop" to avoid his fellow clergy, Clyde and Tih alongside their "handler" the gate guard Kieran, arrive at the door to the Manor House at the same time as Mal, the "Bishop", and Lady Elliaria. The guardsman speaks, "Evening". and nods to the three who were delayed by him just several minutes earlier. "Mr. Clyde and Miss, you know, I didn't catch your name... follow me. I need to bring you to Headmaster Mott. He was on the ground floor the last time I saw him".

He heads into the house and peers about the crowd, he hesitates and waits for Clyde and Tih to follow hi but isn't insistent upon it, at least not yet anyway.

The crowd inside is comprised completely of merchants, most of whom do not appear to be locals as their style of dress is different. They are either from the south dressed in the latest trends or not from Talingarde at all.

Based upon the description each of you received, the Baron is a half-elf. None of you see the tell-tale semi-pointed ears of a half-elf as you scan the room.

If the five of you wish to interact, feel free. Also describe yourselves so you get a feel for what the others look like. The objective is to locate the Baron or Sir Balin, though none of you remember receiving a description of Sir Balin....


Shadow's Status

Clyde and Tih - Entrance to Culliver Green

As Clyde presents himself and his guest the two guards blanche, "Oh no, not again", one guard says to the other. They both look at a list of names on a scroll.

"He is on the list but there's no indication a guest is allowed".

The other responds, "True, but I don't want to do that again..."

The first retorts, "Kieran, you head with our guests to speak with Headmaster Mott. If he is fine, we are fine".

The Guard named Kieran turns to you Clyde, "I will have to escort you to see Headmaster Mott to approve of your guest Sir". You wonder if they would be so deferential to you if you were in your cooking gear, but you don't wonder that hard....

I will include you both in the larger update I plan on doing later tonight.


Shadow's Status

Clyde and Tih

An invitation for Clyde and some fancy clothing arrive for him at Lord Drownington's Manor. He is clearly set to go, indeed the invitation makes no mention of any guest

Tih is easily able to obtain the clothing she is seeking, Mark off 1 GP while she won;t be the best dressed there, if she retains the current appearance that she wears she will certainly turn heads!

---

You are now Both on the Same Night as the Rest of the Party

Perhaps five minutes after the Bishop, the Lady and the Knight enter Culliver Green. Clyde and Tih approach. You see two guards manning the entrance way to this district. The sound of laughter begins to spill out from within.

Do you use your invitation Clyde and try to Bluff Tih in with you or do you both seek an alternative way in?


Shadow's Status

I'll need more time than I have to get the 3 Party members to the Baron's Manse, want to make sure I describe it correctly. I'll get to that one tomorrow night.


Shadow's Status

Malleck, Bishop Reginald Dublin of Matharyn, & Lady Elliaria

The Guardsman smiles, "That is a beautiful language, what was it?"

A few people approach and are rebuffed by the guard, despite their 'passcards' as they are not invited to the Baron's Party, they cannot enter the Green. The protest that they are there to visit friends of other Nobility living in the Green but are still rebuffed.

As Mal is about to separate from the Bishop and the Lady, you all see the Guardsman Kieran rush back to the post, he's a bit out of breath. "Apologies Bishop, your name not being included was an oversight, enter and enjoy the Party".

The three of you are able to enter the District.

Do you want to walk the 'neighborhood or head right to the Baron's Manse?


Shadow's Status

Clyde:
The contact stated that you would have a specific guest invite so its not clear whether you could bring her in as a guest. Sneaking in is another matter entirely...


Shadow's Status

Sir Balin:
The Wizard nods, "I shall instruct the Guardsman to let the 'Bishop' in". He departs the room.

Raaven pauses to contact the Baron and responds, [i]"The Baron has stated that he shall leave that test to you. He is happy to assist with Ninth but he is not a member of nor a servant to the Ninth".


Shadow's Status

Long day just couldn't get to this, will post up tomorrow morning.


Shadow's Status

Running Table Top Werewolf tonight, if I cannot get to this thread to push us forward today, I'll get to it tomorrow at some point.

Still waiting for Tih to check in to complete the scene with Clyde the prior evening.


Shadow's Status

Clyde & Tih - Still on the Previous Night

Once Tih is satisfied that the shapeshifter has exited the Tavern, she heads to the back where Clyde is still cooking. Despite this very long shift on his feet he seems tireless.

Clyde, as you turn around to prepare a bowl, you see the young woman you encountered earlier this evening standing in the kitchen, she appears as if she was about to address you when you turned around.

No one else is present, at least not at the moment though servers do come and go, the later it gets, the less food is being ordered.


Shadow's Status

Malleck, Bishop Reginald Dublin of Matharyn, & Lady Elliaria

After several minutes, Kieren has yet to return.

The guard checking passes runs out of people to check in as the line has thinned out, he calls over to where the three of you stand, "If there was an oversight Bishop, I am sorry, but I was told to very strictly enforce this rule of allowing only those on the list in tonight. What with what's been going on in the Realm lately I am surprised there's not a huge force persent here in Farholde from the south".


Shadow's Status

Sir Balin:
Raaven responds, "Tih is a damned Kitsune, who knows what the hell she will appear as. Elaria matches the description of the Lady in the Yellow dress. Malleck is likely yon Knight with that party of three. Mephistopheles no, not that Mephistopheles, is a Tiefling Illusionist, so that could well be him too. The last, Clyde, is a big son of a b+%+~, tall and thick, bordering on portly. But, he's a Vigilante so that could be him disguised as the Bishop too!"

The Wizard frowns, "I have a scroll that I can use to see through illusions. Do you wish me to take a look Sir Balin? As far as magical security goes...." he trails off as if you are preaching to the choir the look on his face one of total agreement with your assessment.

Morana chimes in, "Invites were given to everyone save one who we have yet to locate. Perhaps this one just has a flair for the dramatic".


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Shadow's Status
Mephistopheles. wrote:
Oops! My bad ...

I'd be disappointed if a dude named Mephistopheles followed instructions so it's fine by me :-)

Makes roleplaying more interesting I say!

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