Hello all, this is a game being run for the online PbP convention Outpost IV, #5-03; The Hellknight's Feast.
It is recruited via spreadsheet, so head over here FIRST, sign up on the line for this game (it was line 35 as of the time of this post) and then come on back to dot into gameplay.
One further note, the earliest you can sign up is January 26th if you are GM'ing something for the convention or January 29th if you are a general player.
That aside, once you are officially signed up through the appropriate channels, go ahead and dot in here. Then head over to the discussion thread and introduce yourself.
___________________________________________________________________________ ___
|
Hamish arrives at the Hellknight's Feast in a good mood. Looking around he wonders why everyone is staring at him. I mean, he's a decent looking half-elf, but not THAT good looking. Feeling a bit of a breeze he looks down. OH NO HE FORGOT TO WEAR CLOTHES!!!
Quickly covering himself up he bolts out the door in shame.
And then wakes up, drenched in sweat. Breathing hard he tries to get the emotions under control, "It was just a damn dream. Calm your ass down already."
He glances around the room. Another inn, another sleepless night before a mission briefing. Maybe someday it won't be as stressful, but so far...
The racial bastard takes his time this morning, having a warm bath drawn up and carefully shaving the overnight stubble off. Finally finished, he dresses and clips his armor on, slinging his shield and pack over his shoulder. A final check of his room, he collects the rest of his gear and heads downstairs to turn in the key and find some breakfast.
|
Vrothum can be seen sitting in the mess hall, he’s sitting alone at a table with a full plate of food. A thick cut of roast, hearty potatoes, chopped carrots and onions sit untouched on his plate. A goblet of red wine sits also untouched on the table. Vrothum is a purple skinned tiefling with thick black scales and horns. When the light hits his scales right you can see a brown metallic sheen. The tips of his horns appear dipped in bronze, that match the color of his breastplate. His ruck sack sits next to him, packed tight with a bow rolled in it, and a war hammer resting on the front. Vrothum sits absentmindedly twirling his fork, and staring off in space. One day Kit, I’ll have enough to take us wherever we want to go. We can leave this all behind us...one day...
|
|
Sitting at a desk and working away in a ledger with a quill-pen sits a tall and regal young man. The pen scratches as he works on a contract. In walks a messenger wearing the tabard of the Pathfinder Society. With a look of vague annoyance the young man puts down his quill and takes the proffered envelope.
No doubt some fool errand.
Slipping a dagger into the folds and slicing the envelope open he peruses the letter inside. A small smile comes to his face. Under his breath he says A Hellknight Feast. Finally something worthy of my time
He picks up the book which lays beside his ledger. Its covers are dull grey and there is a five pointed star embossed onto the cover. Taking his book he leaves the room with a small spring in his step.
|
|
A tall female half orc walks in to the room. Her muscles bulge in her armor, but she remains calm as she walks towards the others. On her shoulders flitters a small bird... but it doesn't seem like a normal bird. Bedisa turns to it and seems to speak a few words to the bird as it nods its head. Both her and her companion have piercing white eyes, almost ghostly.
"Hello, do you mind if I sit here? I'm famished." She doesn't wait for an answer as she sits down and eats. She doesn't eat rapidly, instead barely touches her meal. Staring off into space, she idly fidgets with one of her many rings.
|
Of all the missions Trajan expected to receive as a newly initiated Hellknight, attending a feast was not on the list. Why was a warrior being sent to a diplomatic event? Sure he is easy-going (by Hellknight standards) and gets along well with others but he is a warrior first and foremost. Still an order is an order and he would abide by them.
A tall human in mithral chain shirt enters and speaks to the group:
"Greetings all! I am Decimus Gallonica Trajan, Paladin of Iomedae and a Hellknight of the Order of the Godclaw. Even though this is a social event, be on guard; the treachery and evil of the demonic filth of the Worldwound can strike anywhere at anytime."
Inside the meeting room at the Pathfinder Society headquarters Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin stands at the end of a long table. To either side of him stand Lady Gloriana Morilla and Major Colson Maldris.“Thank you for coming, Pathfinders,” Valsin says, gesturing for everyone to sit, though he remains standing. “As you may have heard, we recently discovered the location of a lost dwarven Sky Citadel. I won’t demean your intelligence by stating the significance of this discovery, but suffice it to say the potential rewards for exploring the site are staggering.”
He turns to face a map of the Inner Sea on the wall and pokes a location with a loud thump. “Unfortunately, the Sky Citadel is located within what was once Sarkoris—the demon-infested region now known as the Worldwound. After a long debate and careful planning, we began to recruit military aid to push into the demon-haunted land so we could reach the site; however, before we could make any significant gains, Mendev’s wardstones—a collection of minor artifacts designed to keep the demons from pouring out of the Worldwound—began to inexplicably fail. In short, there’s a hole in the dam and demons are trickling into Mendev in greater numbers. With Mendev under this new assault, we realize that in order to reach the Sky Citadel, we must aid the Fifth Crusade and help turn back the demons"
“Since the nations of the Inner Sea are not reacting expediently to the danger presented by the newly invigorated Worldwound, a small cadre of concerned Pathfinders—including Trade Prince Aakir al’Hakam, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen, the Sapphire Sage Amenopheus, Lady Gloriana Morilla, and Major Colson Maldris—have united to leverage their influence. With my support, they plan to petition the Grand Council of Absalom and persuade them to issue an executive order to send soldiers to Mendev immediately."
“To increase our chances for success, we called in a favor from the Blakros family, who remain grateful to the Society for recently saving the marriage of Michellia Blakros and the Hellknight Damien Kastner. The newlyweds have organized a dinner party with an impressive guest list to be held at Fiddlemourn Manor. Lady Morilla and Major Maldris will attend, and they plan to use the feast as an opportunity to convince some of Absalom’s elite to support the upcoming motion. We need you to mingle with several important guests and befriend them so that they are more disposed to throw their support behind the Fifth Crusade. These special guests include Senator Augustyn Naran of Andoran, Lady Vaelia Wintermark of Taldor, Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar, Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq, Lord Rothos of House Vastille, Lady Darchana of House Madinani, and Dremdhet Salhar, the Grand Ambassador of Osirion."
“The feast is tomorrow evening. Though the Blakroses are handling security, we want you to attend in your full adventuring regalia to help solidify your role as representatives of the Pathfinder Society and lend credibility to any claims you make regarding your knowledge of the Worldwound and the worldwide threat it signifies. We also expect you to provide additional security if it’s needed.”
Valsin levels his solemn gaze on everyone at the table. “Remember, this is a social gathering. It’s crucial that we make a good impression on the guests, win their support, and improve the Society’s standing with them. Without their support, our motion to the Grand Council is doomed to failure."
|
|
Bedisa remembers the wedding where she saved Michellia from her sister/twin. "Ah, yes. The Blakroses. It'll be lovely to see them again. I was at their wedding, you know?" "I hope they remember me".
Bedisa turns to Valsin and asks, "Who are these special guests, exactly? I will make sure to put the Pathfinder Society in the best light."
Her familiar, a grey-ish thrush, flitters on to her shoulder. "Ah, yes. Are we expected to go into the Worldwound as well?"
|
|
The half-elf strokes his chin, "Blakros wedding, what a mess that was! If this party is half as messed up as that one, I expect we will need our full set of adventuring supplies and gear before the end of the night. There is always intrigue and more going on with that family."
He thinks for a moment, "That is an impressive list of nobles though, are there any known enemy groups that might have plans to 'crash' a party like this? People we should look out for while there?"
|
|
I’d like to make an Arcan Check for the Sky Citadel or the Artifacts if applicable.
Is there any information you can give about the personal interests of our guests? It may be helpful to give us something to leverage with. I’ve dealt with the world wound on several occasions and the severity of this issue should not be taken lightly. I know they may look like me be we couldn’t be any more different and I will personally see the end to them any means necessary.
Raising a hand Major Colson growls. "I'll take this one."
"These are numerous nobles from throughout the realm. They have the means and influence to make of break us in regards to the Society's interests here."
"In regards to the Worldwound? It's quite a ways off from where you are having your chance to shine. While no one an say what the future holds, we chose you for your skills in dealing with dignitaries."
Lady Gloriana turns to Hamish and smiles. “While we don’t expect any major problems, the Blakros family has made many enemies over the centuries. We suspect the Onyx Alliance might still pose a threat, since its attack on the Grand Convocation was only 2 years ago. Though the Worldwound is far away, if word of the feast and the Pathfinder Society’s plans has reached the creatures that control that blighted land, we might have to deal with their minions. The Blakroses assure us that they have security under control, though, and that the Pathfinder Society attendees probably won’t be required to engage in any combat.”
"That said...those that have had dealings with that family...well you know how things tend to go with them."
The sky citadels are massive fortress-cities the dwarves built millennia ago. Each one is heavily fortified and can weather the mightiest assaults. The most prevalent language in a sky citadel is likely Dwarven, so an explorer would do well to have at least some means of translating text if they ventured within one.
A wardstone is a minor artifact in the form of a menhir inscribed with runes, and is designed to ward out demons of the Worldwound.
Between the material its composed of and the runes, it somehow helps to combat the demonic taint.
|
|
"I have been on a Wardstone Patrol and can tell the guests of the horrors that need to be confronted. I was recognized as both a Hero of the Inheritor and a Medal of Commendation for my deeds. Trust me when I tell you nowhere is safe from the evil filth of the Worldwound. They constantly scheme and plot and, unfortunately, their influence reaches beyond the Abyss-blasted area. When it comes to deceit and treachery you will find no greater threat and you can be sure they will know of this gathering. Perhaps some or our more learned associates can share with the rest of us the basics of fighting demons. I can tell you from my experience what worked against those fiends."
Trajan turns to Major Colson, "I understand your reluctance to negatively influence our attitudes towards any of the guests but for those of us who focus more on fighting evil than the political currents of the realm, can you give us any basic knowledge as to which nations or factions would have the least interest in helping? At such an event our time will be limited and we must be able to focus our efforts where they can best make a difference."
Trajan tells the other Pathfinders that cold iron, good-aligned weapons, and spells such as Bless Weapon have proven effective tools in fighting demons. He will also pass on what he learned of the Wardstones from his time in Mendev.
"I really don't expect the Onyx Alliance to get involved today and we don't truly know much about them. What I do know is they seem to be an alliance of shadow creatures that desire wealth and slaves from the material plane. We don't currently know why." replies Lady Golariana.
The major thinks long and hard on the question. Ultimately he shakes his head. "I really couldn't tell you. It's highly recommended you try and get as many on our side as possible. However...I feel Andoran's may prove...more difficult to persuade, if at all."
With a broad smile, Valsine nods to Yaiho. "Right. Very good. Be on best behavior and try to show the rich people they should help you."
"If there's nothing else, you have a short time to grab anything else you feel necessary and meet us back here in one hour. We plan to arrive an hour before the other guests so you may get a lay of the land."
|
|
"You said tomorrow night. Is there anything we need to be doing in the meantime? Digging up intel or something else?"
______________
If nothing else, he just spends his time practicing his introduction, trying to work, "Priest of Pharasma" in. He also does his usual spellcasting, activating a life bolstering one on himself.
|
|
"Yes, I agree Trajan. How much information should we reveal to these guests?" Bedisa questions. "We may need to skirt around the issue of why we're there. There could be potential infiltrators to the wedding - don't look at me funny, it is a possibility!" Bedisa shakes her head. Shapeshifters, people in disguise, double agents, who knows!
"Don't want to let the Onyx Alliance know about the Sky Citadel. And who knows, there could be demon informants there too. We should be careful."
"If you feel it'll help, you may share the information about the Citadel. However, if it's not required, it would be preferred to not share too much. At least not yet."
You all arrive on time. You exemplify the timeliness of the Society! Before you stand the three captains and the hosts of the evening. Major Colson bows to the landowners and turns to you.
"Some may already be acquainted, but for those that aren't, allow me to introduce Mr Damen and Michellia Blakros."
The one identified as Damien Blakros, nods. "Ah, yes. The pathfinders you selected." Looking each of you over, he shrugs and snaps his fingers. Immediately numerous guards appear, seemingly from nowhere. Guesturing towards a burly gnome, he advises "This is Tespren, captain of my guard. As you can see, we should have things well enough in hand. However...if the need arises, I am always pleased to have the aid of the society."
"Tespen will show you around. Michellia and I have matters to attend to before the gala begins."
Without another word, the master of the house retreats into the expansive dwelling. Michellia offers each of you a polite curtsy in turn before vanishing as well.
The gnome steps forward and motions for you to follow him inside. "I don't mind showing you around, but there is a party this evening. Please stay with me and don't dillydally. I'm responsible for the safety of everyone here this evening...including you." the last bit he pointed states to Shadow Dragon.
|
|
Hamish gives a disarming smile at the sight of the guards and the confidence of their host, "Ma'am, we are mainly dressed for show. Brave heroes and all that. The pleasure is all ours, just to be invited. Thank you."
Hamish follows along, enjoying the tour and trying to commit the layout to memory. He keeps an eye out for any chance notices of secret passages. There are always some and if there were major trouble other than a drunken cousin, the passages would likely be involved.
|
|
"How many staff are working the party? Are they all the usual house staff or are their extra workers hired? Is there a list of them? And a list of the guests? Where are the main access points to the house and the rooms where the party will be held? Have there been any unusual occurrences leading up to the party and I don't mean the shrimp not being fresh enough."
|
|
Bedisa nods at Michellia. 'I wonder if she remembers me. I did save her after all.'. "Lovely to see you, Michellia. Looking radiant as always.". And she disappears before Bedisa gets a chance to talk with her more.
Then Bedisa gives Tespen a handshake. "Lovely to meet you. When do the guests arrive? Are there any places off limits? Can we help in anyway?" Bedisa has so many questions in her head, but wants to narrow it down to just a few of the important ones.
|
|
Vrothum maintains eye contact with whoever is talking and never interrupts, giving a polite nod as the Mr and Ames depart. Vrothum keeps an eye on their walk noting his surroundings in case they need to make an escape or assist in anyway. Vrothum turns to address the Captain.You guys seem very well trained and organized but we are here to lend a hand if needed so don’t be afraid to ask for help if it’s needed. These guests arriving are rather important in their own right, have you interacted with any of them at any other occasions or will this be your first interactions with them? I assume they may have their own personal guards as well, or are you the only security for all that attend? Vrothum will find time to slip his questions and statements in so not to overwhelm him with too much at once.
"I've served the family for a couple decades now. These parties tend to be a lot of setup and then smooth sailing, but we must always be prepared."
"The guests are welcome to bring their own security, but their personal guard details remain outside. You will be the only additional security within the manor proper."
"The event will primarily take place in the Great Hall and the Dining Hall" he advises. "However, the whole of the main level is accessible during the evening."
"The master's trophy room is upstairs, as is the drawing room and library. However, none of the guests should go into the private quarters or the servant's quarters without an escort."
"Likewise, there's few reasons the guests would need to venture into the cellar. The servants can retrieve any wine or supplies the guest may need. Personally, I'd prefer we corralled the guests more, but the Master feels they should be allowed to roam." growls the gnome with a sigh.
"Most of the staff has been with the family for some time. I vetted each of the guards on staff and the servants. The only addition is Domeros Prinitar, the chef. He was brought in special for the gathering."
"Primary access is through the front doors here. The only other access to the manor is through the grounds. There is a gate in the back wall and entry to the grounds through the stables."
"I've not had any personal dealings with any of the guests we are expecting this evening and nothing unusual has been noted as of late."
Finishing up the tour, no one notices anything unusual and no secret passageways pop out. "Well, if there's nothing else, I must attend to my actual duties. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Good luck and enjoy the festivities."
1. Stable: The stable currently houses the mounts belonging to the Blakroses. Seven stable hands (Human) remain here, caring for the animals.
2. Kennel: The kennel is a roofed, open-walled structure surrounded by a 5-foot-high wooden fence. It is home to five wolf hounds owned by Oved Blakros. The hounds are well-trained show dogs, and though they look menacing, they are quite friendly.
3. Great Hall: This massive entry hall is well lit and sparsely furnished. The fireplace on the east wall is large enough for an adult human to stand inside. Mounted on the wall above the fireplace is the stuffed head of a large- sized draconic creature with shiny blue-green scales (a sea drake per your guide). Four house guards are posted here.
4. Salon: Several comfortable chairs and sofas sit in this well-lit room, a place for guests to relax, enjoy music, and conversation. A string quartet from the esteemed White Grotto bardic college has set up in the northwest corner.
5. Study: This room contains a large desk, three leather chairs, and cabinets containing various curios and minor art objects.
6. Dining Hall: This spacious room is heated by a large fireplace and lit by two massive crystal chandeliers. The walls are decorated with painted murals of horses galloping through vast green plains. The largest feature in the room is a huge, U-shaped oaken table.
7. Kitchen: The kitchen features two large fireplaces, a wide oaken table, and numerous wall mounted counters and cabinets. A staff of six cooks (Human Male) are constantly hounded by foul-mouthed Domeros Prinitar, a renowned master chef brought in from Oppara for the event. Prinitar scowls menacingly at you when you peak into the room.
8. Pantry: The pantry is well stocked and located adjacent to the busy kitchen.
9. Storage Closet: This room contains tools, linens, barrels of water, and other mundane items.
10. Shrine: The dusty, somewhat neglected shrine features marble statues of the gods Abadar, Calistria, Desna, and Shelyn. A small brass brazier burns fragrant incense here to help mask any smells coming from the privy (area 11).
11. Privy: This room holds a porcelain toilet, a wall-mounted wash basin filled with rose-scented water, and a rack of hand towels. A small brass oil lamp on the ceiling provides plenty of light.
12. Smoking Room: This room is used by Oved and his special guests to smoke and relax. A cabinet holds a rack of scrimshaw, clay, and ivory pipes, pouches of mundane and exotic pipeweed, and a box of expensive
cigars from Ilizmagorti.
13. Garden: A cobblestone path winds through the gardens and opens into a well-trimmed lawn bordered by shady trees to the east and west, a flowering hedge to the north, and a tall stone wall to the south. A wooden gazebo sits near the back of the open area.
14. Wine Cellar: Wooden racks line the walls and alcoves of the wine cellar holding hundreds of bottles of wine from across the Inner Sea, including several vintages worth over 100 gp a piece. A fieldstone-rimmed well stands in the western alcove. The well is covered by a heavy oaken lid and is locked. A wooden bucket attached to a 60-foot length of silk rope sits atop the well’s lid. The well shaft is 4 feet in diameter and descends 40 feet before it taps into a freshwater aquifer.
15. Trophy Hall and Gallery: This large open area has a polished hardwood floor. The walls contain the manor’s best paintings and trophy heads, including Blakros family portraits dating back centuries.
16. Drawing Room: This room contains a billiards table, a rack of pool cues, a couch, several chairs, and a fireplace. Long, white dust cloths cover all of the furniture.
17. Guest Bedroom: This room contains a fireplace, a bed, and a dresser. Long, white dust cloths cover all of the furniture.
18. Serving Maids’ Quarters: Three double-bunks occupy this room, along with six small wicker chests containing the maids’ clothing and personal effects.
19. Library: This library has comfortable chairs surrounded by shelves of books.
20. Master Bedroom: Everything in this luxuriously furnished room is covered in long white dust cloths.
21. Private Bathroom: Similar to area 11, this room also contains a vanity table and mirror and a large porcelain bathtub.
|
|
Bedisa watches Trajan obviously cast a spell over all the staff and rolls her eyes. "You know, there are ways to hide one's alignment." Then she lets out a toothy smile and elbows Trajan. "Just teasing you buddy. What did you find? Anyone evil out there?"
Bedisa follows Tespen around and mentally notes everything he says. "Yes, yes, yes. No private quarters. Corral the guests. Test the food. Enjoy ourselves," she says mainly to herself. "Who else is ready for a party?" she yells out, patiently waiting for the guests to arrive.
"Should we go inspect the rooms first, before the guests arrive? Or just mingle here and wait?"
|
|
Trajan briefly prays in front of the statue of Abadar as he is one of the five deities who compose the Godclaw.
"Vrothum, did you get permission to eat that pastry?"
"Bedisa, I think that rose-scented water is for the guests!"
"Hamish, I don't think a cigar is part of our compensation."
"Yaiho, get out of that bathtub!"
"Mathos, are those books in the library as good as your Tome?"
|
|
Bedisa watches Trajan obviously cast a spell over all the staff and rolls her eyes. "You know, there are ways to hide one's alignment." Then she lets out a toothy smile and elbows Trajan. "Just teasing you buddy. What did you find? Anyone evil out there?"
Bedisa follows Tespen around and mentally notes everything he says. "Yes, yes, yes. No private quarters. Corral the guests. Test the food. Enjoy ourselves," she says mainly to herself. "Who else is ready for a party?" she yells out, patiently waiting for the guests to arrive.
"Should we go inspect the rooms first, before the guests arrive? Or just mingle here and wait?"
"If we have time to inspect the rooms we should do so. While I'm sure Tespen excels at his job, I'd feel better if we examine the property. Especially the points of entry to the compound and house Tespen noted."
|
|
Vrothum looks up at Trajan as he smears blueberry filling from his chin with his arm.Erhm, I was just ensuring the staff was doing their job appropriately and I can say they are doing an excellent job. He smirks an eyes the rest of the group. Well, do you think there is anything we can do to prepare? I’m not the best at these kind of gatherings. You mind teaching me some etiquette? My last one I was at I learned about there being different spoons and forks and how to hold them.
Pulling a crinkled piece of parchment from his pack, Tespen hands it over to Trajan. "Here's the expected guests. Each is allowed to bring a companion or friend. I've added the names of the ones I am aware of. As for the servants, I don't have that list on me, but wait a moment and I'll retrieve it."
Senator Augustyn Naran of Andoran and wife (Dalessa Naran)
Lady Vaelia of House Wintermark
Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar and male companion (Faelyn)
Lord Rothos of House Vastille
Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq
Lady Darchana of House Madinani
Grand Ambassador Dremdhet Salhar
Genedair of Iomedae (Guest Speaker)
White Grotto Orchestra
Zyesha (Serving Maid)
Orelle (Serving Maid)
Domeros Prinitar (Chef)
Numerous John and Jane Commoner (Servants)
While each of you garner strange looks from the servants as you test the available options prior to the part, Major Colson joins Hamish for a smoke.
"Well, you ready for this affair? Remember, our goal is to get enough votes to support our cause. You are welcome...and expected to partake if the evenings entertainment. Just don't overdue it and keep your mission in mind."
"Guest should be arriving shortly. We'd better make our way to the Great Hall. They'll announce each as they arrive." Shorting his cigar, he sighs. Taking a moment to ensure his clothes are in order, he leaves the smoking room.
|
|
Vrothum looks up at Trajan as he smears blueberry filling from his chin with his arm.Erhm, I was just ensuring the staff was doing their job appropriately and I can say they are doing an excellent job. He smirks an eyes the rest of the group. Well, do you think there is anything we can do to prepare? I’m not the best at these kind of gatherings. You mind teaching me some etiquette? My last one I was at I learned about there being different spoons and forks and how to hold them.
"There are different spoons and forks???"
|
|
Trajan will arrange his equipment, making sure his bandolier is loaded with scrolls, holy weapon balm, alchemist's fire, acid flask, and holy water. He'll check that his wrist-sheath has his cold iron dagger loaded and his nodachi within quick reach.
"I'm ready for combat. Ready for this affair? Probably not but I'll do my best to represent the Society and gain the critically needed aid for the war against the Worldwound. Hopefully my standing as a Hellknight will help us sway some opinions in our favor. As for partaking in the festivities we must strive to keep our minds clear and our bodies pure."
|
|
"Remember Trajan, everyone who is evil may not be evil. We have no quarrel with a Cheliaxian... well hope we don't at least." Bedisa talks with Trajan. "But let us know if you do detect any evil."
Bedisa walks over to the Grand Hall and patiently waits for the guests to arrive.
Trajan chuckles, "As a Cheliaxian I should take exception to that comment. But I understand what you mean. Asmodeus has no desire to see the Worldwound expand either. Of course I'll let you all know if I sense any of our guests or staff are evil. I heard some comments about that chef..."