If only those guards fell so easy...Good point Wade this is a swamp there could be many hazzards. Stay close.
Cole continues to hack and make way through the swamp.
With the sun coming up you trudge through the swamp. Avyanna heavily wounded and the rest not faring so well either. Not being able to sleep makes the journey that much harder but you know there is not much further to go. The black pools hide no further creatures to challenge you. Just the endless plants and insects. Stopping to rest is unwise as the insects start to swarm around you, risking bites and potential diseases or infection.
At last as the sun sets on the horizon you can see a light in the distance. By the time you make it to the house it is dark again and you head towards the lantern which burns in an upper story of the manor. The place otherwise shows little sign of habitation. Old but well-appointed, the house is large, imposing and alone on its hill. Painted a dark green and surrounded by barbed wrought iron fencing, nothing about this place seems inviting . Stilor a sanctuaryl, it is your destination. Where will you go if not here? You have an appointment to keep. Best not to keep your nameless benefactor waiting…
At the door of the manor house you are met by Tiadora still in the guise of the green-eyed woman. The only difference is her dress. She no longer looks like she is destined for a funeral. Instead she wears a diaphanous white gown that makes her look almost angelic. When she speaks, any illusions about her angelic character are quickly dispelled. “Dearest, you took long enough,” she says pitilessly. “We were beginning to wonder if you’d ever make it. Oh, and you brought friends. The master commands all of you to appear before him but before that, you must be made presentable. Slaves!” She claps her hands. A dozen young attractive men and women all wearing very traditional servant’s livery appear quickly, their heads bowed. “These people are our guests,” she commands imperiously. “See them to their rooms. I want them cleaned, dressed and refreshed. Quickly.” There is something in that
last word that sounds like a threat. Certainly the slaves take it that way, hustling to perform their duties.
These unfortunates have been enthralled and charmed so many times by Tiadora that they are now more or less permanently under her sway.
I do hope we are not to be enchanted under your control the way these people are...I will accept your hospitality and meet your master. You must be a gifted enchantress a great asset to have at ones side. I am called Cole. You are called Tiadora correct? Thank you for your aid. I owe you and your master at least my attention for I assume a proposal.
Cole bows before going off with the slaves unless Tiadora has more words for him.
Fletch reaches for his bow only to stop at the sight of Coles vicious overhand chop.
***
Fletch catches up to the group in time to catch the last of the green - eyed women's words.
Hey guys, these bugs actually taste ok. I don't think they are poison-
Fletch allows himself to be led indoors by the beautiful slavewomen. He refuses to let go of his crossbow however.
Kana looks at the slaves and Tiadora, very interested and a bit jealous.
The mention of fresh clothes and a bath relaxes her visibly.
Well, it took some time to find this place, but we are here after all. Those wards really didn´t want to let us go. They couldn´t hold us though. I´m very curious to meet your master, he must be very powerful to command someone as you? Anyway, your offer is very welcome!
She goes off with the slaves to enjoy herself.
Tiadora smiles graciously at Cole when questioned, "What happens to you here is your own choice. Please. Enter."
Grumblejack is led off to another part of the manor to you while two servants each show you your rooms and help you get cleaned up and dressed if you let them, they seem eager to obey Tiadora to the best of their abilities.
All of your rooms are in the same hallway, each one prepared especially for you as if they know some personal details about you. There is even fresh sets of clothes in your exact size waiting for you once you are cleaned up. A platter of hot delicious food is also brought to each of you to sate your appetites accompanied with a glass of wine and jug of water for your thirst.
Cole takes his time to bath and soak. He then dresses and enjoys the food provided. He keeps to himself not speaking to the slaves until after he eats.
Slave I grow tired of being in this room. Give me a tour show me around the place as I wait on your master to call for me.
The week's impact finally taking it's toll on the normally paranoid firebug, Fletch allows the slaves to bathe, dress, and feed him.
Refreshed, he lets his unnatural good cheer show by pinching the slave girls bottoms and showering them with cheeky adorations of their physical attributes. After all what's life without a little fun now and then?
Wish we had kept the old man and his daughter. Then we could have full time slaves.
Slave, where have you set my alchemist lab? It was being carried by our friend the ogre. I would hate to mar such a pleasant face but if even one of my beakers is cracked... I may be speaking pleasantly but my eyes say the threat is real.
The slave responds to Cole with a little fear in her eyes. Clearly she wishes to obey but it seems that her orders must conflict with yours. "There will be plenty of time later to look around and I will gladly show you then. But first I must make sure you are ready to meet the master."
Fletch finds the slaves do not resist his attentions, clearly their commands to serve and obey are strong. Of course they do not smile or seem to show any appreciation of your adorations. One of them points him towards a door on one side of his room where he finds the lab in one piece. The room would make for a perfect retreat to get lost in his alchemical experiments and studies.
The servants obey any orders you give them except to move beyond this wing. You are refreshed, dressed nicely and clean once again. Finally Tiadora shows up again and beckons you to follow her. She takes you through the manor to one of the furthest wings, down corridors filled with ornate furniture and past countless unmarked doors.
At last Tiadora leads you to a beautifully appointed office richly decorated with dark wood and sumptuous brocade tapestry. Sitting in a leather high-backed chair is a devilishly handsome fellow who smiles as you enter. "I believe you to be the first to ever escape from Branderscar Prison. Well done! Of course, you had help from the outside," he says with a wicked smile. "But enough with the pleasantries. You must be curious why I’ve helped you. Rest assured this is no random act of altruism. I have brought you here for a reason. My name is Cardinal Adrastus Thorn. I am the last high priest
of Asmodeus left on the island of Talingarde. Once the Prince of Nessus was rightly revered alongside the other great powers. Now, the king of Talingarde has become a puppet to Mitran fanatics who wish to destroy any religion that does not bow to their insipid sun god. For their blasphemy, I will see the same people who imprisoned and condemned you suffer. I understand what you went through for I have faced it myself." With that, he pulls down the sleeve of his robe and reveals his own runic ‘F’ brand. "I am going to burn Talingarde to the ground and from the ashes I will build a new nation that knows
its rightful master. I cannot do this alone. I seek servants worthy of our Infernal Father’s majesty. Have I found them in you?"
He rises and his eyes flash with hellfire and divine purpose. "Join me! Serve me well in this holy endeavor and I will raise you up in the eyes of gods and men. I will make you princes of the new Talingarde. Today, swear fealty to me and to Asmodeus! Put aside forgiveness and I shall give you vengeance. Put aside mercy and be made powerful. Put aside peace and become my harbingers of war. What say you? Will you swear your allegiance or will you burn with the rest of the blind fools?"
It seems the fates have brought me here then Cardinal. I am Cole War Priest of Asmodeus. The Dark Prince came to me in visions. He showed me my path, and those that worship Mitra falling around me. My great grandfather too was High Priest of Asmodeus killed off in the cleansing of the land. I trust you have a contract then? This speaks to the vision given to me and I would gladly enter such a deal. Let it be said though that I follow his will and not the ambitions of you or any man. So be sure your path is pure and what Asmodeus wants of you and us.
Cole offers a bow, but maintains eye contact as he lowers his head. He tries to make it known he respects the Cardinals position, but hold himself an equal.
Fletch, leaning casually against the wall, nods recognition at the "F" brand.
I am no man of faith, Cardinal, but our goals lie along similar paths. If signing a piece of paper gets me in, so be it. Just don't expect me to believe in some mysterious force that binds the universe together. Everything can be explained scientifically.
I will personally see to it that they burn for their misdeeds against us.
Kana falls on one knee.
I swear fealty to you and Asmodeus in this quest. It is right to put down those fanatics and free the land of them. Still, i want to remain a princess and not become a prince if you allow. I am your very worthy servant.
Cardinal Thorn smiles as each of you pledge to join his cause. "Excellent. Let us make it official. Signing in blood is traditional." He brings out a quill, a silver ritual knife and two copies of a contract written on some unidentifiable leather and written in dark red ink.
Behold on this day 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, ____________________________
Avyanna is the first to move forward to sigh. She cuts her left hand with the silver knife and taking the quill in her right hand dips it in her blood. She scrawls her name in blood twice. Cardinal Thorn collects one of the copies and gives the other one to her to keep.
A well writen contract Cardinal. I will serve your ambition for as long as Asmodeus deems it so...
Cole takes the knife and cuts into his left hand as well. He then dips and signs in his blood.
So master... I'm sure you have a task for us. What would you have us do first?
Kana reads the contract and hesitates a moment.
I know not of this Asmodeus. The contract seems reasonable to me though, some points more than others.
She takes the knife, cleans it on the robe of someone next to her and then pierces a finger of her left hand, signing the contract with her blood like the others did.
|
Wade carefully looks over the paper when it comes to him, casting detect magic to determine if there were any illusions and to see if the contract itself was magical "rather flowery vocabulary, so the punishment clause is eternal damnation, yes? I note there is no escape clause" he says, trying to get the most out of the agreement, but having mostly already decided
Wade's spell does not detect anything.
"These contracts are signed in blood in the name of Asmodeus. He takes such things very seriously. The attention of the contract devils is something even I would not want to bring upon myself."
So I am to sign my "soul" over to this Asmodeus character? Very well. I have no need of one to complete my task of revenge. Just a few common household chemicals and enough kindling. If some otherworldy creature wants to claim they have my "soul" far be it from me to dissuade them.
Fletch understands there are different planes of existence but thinks that it's ridiculous that ones "soul" would travel to them after death. For Fletch there is nothing after death.
he efficiently pricks his finger and signs on the dotted lines.
What escape do you seek Wade? The first loyalty is what is important here. Asmodeus will see us all rise as the Cardinal rises. He is High Priest after all. If his ambition becomes that of his own and no longer that of Asmodeus then you may be free.
Cole too looks to the Cardinal speaking these words. Looking to see if he agree's or finds them troubling.
Kana looks impatient. What are you hesitating? You were condemmed to death in Branderscar. Whatever brought you there, i bet you soul is already damned to hell anyway. Mitra won´t have mercy on you. This way at least you have some more time and can make something of yourself.
Once all of you have signed Thorn gives you one copy of the pact and keeps the other copy for himself. "Well done. Your first command is to prepare yourselves. Stay within the manor. You are still hunted by the Talirean soldiery. In three days we begin your training."
For three days they live a life of luxury and ease in the manor house. You are fed, fully rested, bathed and clothed in garments more befitting nobility than prisoners on the run.
Tiadora visits each of you on the first night to offer you a choice of a slave to take for you own as a companion/servant during your time here to command as you wish. "They will obey, I assure you."
She also gifts to you 400gp each and tells you that anything that you wish to buy she can acquire for you.
During the three days the presence of another group is revealed living in another wing.
Thank you Tiadora and thank the Master when you see him. I would like a masterwork Falcata. I would prefer the one I took from my dead father, but alas any will do. Plate Mail would be nice, but maybe I will just take a suit from the first Knight we happen to kill. It is a costly piece of armor and I don't wish to be greedy with our funds.
Cole looks to the rest of the group.
We should invest in a wand for healing. If there are no objections on this we will have Tiador procure one for us. Do we want a Cure light wounds or one of Infernal Healing? What say you?
After this Cole will spend day one in prayer thanking Asmodeus for his blessings and for leading him to the Cardinal and for the path he is on.
Day 2 Cole will spend in sin, indulging on food, whine and women. Truely Asmodeus has blessed us.
Day 3 he will go to talk and find out about this other group inviting any of our group that wishes to go.
I suppose religious zeal has it's uses. If I am to be properly geared for this plan of revenge I will need a Masterwork Light Crossbow similar to this design, I hold up my crude cobbled together crossbow from the Asylum. a bandolier for carrying potions and wands, and a specially constructed case to hold the essentials from my alchemy lab. Some dark traveling clothes would also be nice...a large-collared longcoat should do nicely.
A wand of healing would indeed be a good idea. I know only a few restoratives and would prefer it contain a direct cure instead of granting infernal regeneration.
Day 1: Fletch will spend the first day eating generous portions of the food provided and squirreling away the more preservable pieces for later out of habit.
Day 2: Fletch stays in his room most of the day attempting to test his blood to see if he is truly becoming one of the undead or something else. He concludes that he is not undead but the strange substance running through his veins now works like a disease but with beneficial side affects.
So the patient in solitary wasn't a vampire as I originally thought? Interesting. This disease actually alters one's blood enacting changes to the surrounding tissue. I have never seen anything like this before. I may not be changing into a walking corpse but I am changing into something more powerful. I wonder what the final outcome will be? Can I push my transformation all the way? Dare I do such a thing?
Day 3: Fletch spends time trying to spy on the other recruits in an attempt to assess the competition.
There is another group here? I wonder what kind of game the Cardinal is playing at? Whatever it is, forewarned is forearmed.
I learn Invisibility and pay the 40 gp to write it into my formulae book. I am unable to decipher the Bull's Strength spell in this spellbook at this time.
Kana will take the cutest slave she can find, preferably a girl, and have her bath her and get pampered for a long time. After all, she needs to get rid of the filth from that prison.
Tiadora takes your purchase requests and the gold necessary to acquire them and leaves for most of the first day. She returns the first night and has servants bring your items to you. Your days in luxury almost make you forget what it was like to be in prison going hungry and with no decent clothing. The days go by quickly enough, no soldiers come knocking to interrupt your newfound safety. It's almost as if the Talinguarde outside has ceased to exist.
In their separate investigations Cole and Fletch uncover information about the other group staying in the manor currently. There are four in the group.
Elise Zadaria is beautiful as she is deadly, Elise is nominally the leader of a group of adventurers from the mainland who were recruited to help with the destruction of Talingarde. Calling themselves “The White Ravens”, they hail from the land of the north men. They were recruited by Thorn after successfully raiding a paladin’s tomb. Zadaria is not a worshipper of Asmodeus instead serving a mysterious entity she calls “The Endless Winter”. She is only too pleased to do her part in bringing down the followers of the sun god.
Dostan Alfson is fanatically dedicated to Elise for reasons he will not talk about, this brooding hulk is rarely far from his great sword. Dostan rarely has much to say and prefers to let others do the talking.
Tallus "Trak" Rackburn is the slightly older (by a minute) and taller of the two identical twins who serve in “The White Ravens”. His favorite prey is humans and he is a hunter of men both by profession and inclination. He served as a bounty hunter for a while before falling into the service of Zadaria.
Titus "Trik" Rackburn is the younger twin and so friendly and approachable that he seems completely out of place in this wicked band.
Cole will approach Titus after finding out the above information.
Titus is it? My name is Cole. Your group is in service to the Cardinal as well? If so how long have you been working for him?
"We just got here a week before you did. The cardinal was impressed with our little raid of an old Paladin tomb. He has a plan for us I'm sure. If it's causing trouble in Talinguarde then i'm the man." he chuckles slightly, "What did you do to receive Thorn's attention?"
That is a good question Titus. You see I found out my grandfather was a High Priest of Asmodeus. My parents of course kept this hidden from me and Talinguarde for obivious reasons. I received a vision from the Dark Prince himself. It revealed my destiny to bring this land to justice for its crimes against our temples and priest. I have military training and an unquestionable faith. I assume the Cardinal used some sort of divination magic to find us. It seems the prison was just a test He may of even had a hand in some of our captures just to test us. Some things are unclear, but his faith too is strong. I will serve him until Asmodeus deems I serve him no longer. It has been nice talking with you Titus. May Asmodeus provide stength to you.
"Destiny indeed. Asmodeus heard me when I called to him many years ago. I too serve him." He pulls from under his shirt a unholy symbol of Asmodeus hanging on a chain. "Just when I though I couldn't go on, he allowed me live. Whatever the Cardinal's plans, His orders are from Asmodeus and bringing down Talinguarde seems like alot of fun."
I will join one of the others if they wish to talk to any of the remaining members of the group. Fletch tends to keep to himself and prefers to avoid direct confrontation even if it is just conversation, but he won't pass up an opportunity to tag along and listen to what the other group members have to say. Knowledge is power after all.
Checking on how believable his statement was.
Fun indeed Titus. So what of the other three. I know the witch follows some winter spirit. Does her own ambition not interfere with tasks given. Perhaps you should be leading the group brother... But that is for your group to decide. If you need to talk, I am here. My current group is non believers as well, but they did sign regardless so that is worth something. Good day to you brother.
Titus appears to be telling things as he sees them. Cole senses no lies in his words.
"Her ambition is to hurt Talinguarde for what they have done. The Endless Winter's followers have been oppressed just as much as us, she has her reasons for what she does. But they are not so different than mine. Perhaps I could, but she is the smarter one, and I prefer not to be in charge. That's a little too much responsibility for me. Tell me what to do but don't be mad if I add a little extra on the top. I have to make my sacrifices after all.'
At the end of the third day Tiadora visits you all to summon you before the Cardinal once again. He has returned and it is time to begin your training.
The Cardinal greets you, "I have several things for you now that we are bound to each other." he nods to Tiadora who gives each of you a silver holy symbol of asmodeus, the same as Titus showed Cole, and an iron circlet.
"I hope you like your gifts. The iron circlets allow you to move amongst your enemies as one of them. The silver amulets will remind you of your true loyalties. You have done well to escape from Branderscar and to accept my offer. However, you are still not ready for my service. Tiadora will lead you to the basement of this domicile. There you will find nine chambers each more dangerous than the last. Somewhere hidden within these chambers is a pendant of silver and sapphire. Recover the pendant and bring it to me. Let nothing and no one stand in your way."
Tiadora beckons you to follow her. Eventually she comes to a set of stairs, "Below you will find the nine lessons." She leaves without any further explanation.
This circlet of wrought iron alters itself to comfortably fit any wearer. It allows the wearer to alter their appearance as with a disguise self spell. As part of the disguise, the circlet can be changed to appear as any sort of hat, headgear, or hairstyle the wearer desires.
Cole, you said you´re a priest of Asmodeus too. What are those nine lessons? I didn´t make it out of Branderscar just to die in a cellar now.
I'm finding out as you do Kana. I have no writings or teachings. I have been blessed through visions up to this point. The prison was a test as this is. We are stronger now because of it. If we stand together this will make us stronger as well.
Cole advances down the stairs.
A set of stone stairs leads down, through an archway and into an unfurnished chamber beyond. Inscribed upon the archway in the common tongue is: “Deception is a tool. Self-deception is death. Deceive always thy enemy but never thyself.” The room beyond is lit by a small oil lantern hanging from the center of the chamber. There is a doorway to the east but nothing else visible in this cold stone room.
Deception huh??? Looks like your up Fletch. I would imagine there is more to this room than the door. Either it is trapped or their is another door hidden. Let us be cautious with our efforts here and take the time to do everything right.