WotW Solo game - Systole (IC)

[Maugan Ra]

Act One - Prison Break

Traitor, they called you. Oath breaker, assassin, murderer and madman - so many names, from so many different mouths. As though they had the slightest idea of what those words truly meant. As though they had the right to judge you so.

Still, at this point, whether they had any right to condemn you is something of an academic discussion at best. Once a man enters Branderscar, once the runic brand of the Forsaken is burned into their flesh, all such concerns become meaningless. No one has ever escaped from the foreboding island prison, and unless something drastic occurs it seems unlikely that you will be the first. All that awaits you now is three days of mindless imprisonment, a quick recitation of your crimes before a magistrate, and then a slow and torturous death.

You've been thrown into a cell alone, though it is really more of an alcove, separated from the main corridor by sturdy iron bars sunk deep into the rock. Your hands are secured to the wall by iron manacles, and the only real illumination comes from a small window high above your head. Noise is punished by a sound beating with wooden truncheons, and save for a quick patrol every half an hour, the guards seem content to ignore your very existence.

There is, as far as you can tell, only one other prisoner in this section of the complex, held in the cell across from your own. He's an ogre - a great muscle bound hulk with a mane of stringy black hair and glittering dark eyes - and from what you've overheard the guards saying it seems he was some kind of bandit before his capture and imprisonment here. Apparently, it cost the lives of two guards to get him in that cell, and it takes a regular dose of carefully administered drugs to keep him quiescent. The last dose appears to be wearing off now, as the ogre is starting to stir from his slumber.

A monstrous highwayman is unlikely to be much of a conversationalist, but really, there's not a great deal else to do here save count the days until your execution. Might as well try.

[Systole]

Taevos shifts in his manacles and grits his teeth to stifle a groan. Ugly black and yellow bruises have blossomed across his torso -- the price of hurling insults at the guards. The revolutionary has learned to be silent, but he did not learn quickly or easily, and some of the bruises are fresher than others. He coughs and spits a stream of sour bile and old blood onto the floor of the cell.

Taevos looks up at the ogre in the opposite cell and laughs weakly. "So, brute, you are to be the only comfort and companion in these my final hours? I, who would have shaped a nation, languish here in chains, branded like a pickpocket, and jailed beside a common ruffian? The philosophers were right: the gods have a dark sense of humor." He chuckles again. "Actually, you killed two guards, didn't you? Perhaps that makes you an uncommon ruffian. Well done, brute. I approve."

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Unarmed (+5,1d3+6 NL, 20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The ogre looks up at you and grins, exposing yellowing teeth each the size of your hand. "The name is Grumblejack, little one. Not 'brute'." he says in a low, rumbling voice. And I killed three of the guards, though one was on the way here, so maybe they aren't counting that one. And maybe I'll kill more, when they drag me from this cell to have me killed in a show trial."

He snorts a laugh, though he keeps it quiet for fear of drawing the guards. "Are all you little ones so fond of fancy words for everything? I get that they want us both dead, but why does it matter exactly how?"

[Systole]

"And my name is Taevos Varnassian, not 'little one.' And under other circumstances, you would address me as 'my lord.'" He chuckles again leading to a brief but painful coughing fit. "As it stands, I suppose 'Taevos' will do.

"As for how they kill us..." Taevos shrugs with a soft clink of chains. "Some crimes are greater than others. Some crimes are more offensive to the soft, weak, bloated filth that run this country," he snarls, unable to keep the seething hatred out of his voice. He stares down the hallway, towards the nearest guardpost, as if he could kill his jailors with a fiery glare. "I would look forward to your next performance, Grumblejack, but I suspect I won't be around to see it. So I shall give you my best wishes now. I hope you kill three more. I hope you kill three dozen more. I hope you kill them all."

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Unarmed (+5,1d3+6 NL, 20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

As though summoned by the force of Taevos' hateful glare, the door to the guard post at the end of the cell block opens, and a small party of guards enters, quickly striding along towards your cell.

You recognise the man in the lead instantly - Sergeant Thomas Blackerly, a greasy haired and surprisingly portly soldier with a sadistic streak a mile wide. He was the one who branded you on the arm, and it was at his order that most of your beatings have been carried out. He seemed to enjoy every minute of it.

"Well, well, Varnassian. It seems you've got yourself a visitor." the sergeant says with a sneer in his voice as he unlocks the door to your cell. The other three guards watch you cautiously as Blackerly removes your manacles in turn, hands resting on the hilts of their cudgels until the sergeant steps back once more. "What you did to catch the eye of such a beautiful woman, I'll never know, but she's waiting in the interview room just over there. So let's not keep her waiting."

Odd. You certainly weren't expecting anyone - your family seemed perfectly content to just pretend you never existed.

[Systole]

Taevos draws himself up slowly. For a moment he seems to consider launching himself at Blackerly, but the three guards with cudgels convince him to maintain his composure. "When the time comes..." he says to no one in particular but pitching his voice loud enough so the ogre can hear. "When the time comes, this one first."

Taevos allows himself to be escorted out of the cell. The idea that a beautiful woman has come to call on him is unusual at first blush, but on second thought it is perhaps not that surprising. He is, after all, a hero and soon to be a martyr. Perhaps what is surprising is that more admirers have not come to pay their respects.

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Unarmed (+5,1d3+6 NL, 20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The guards escort you along the corridor and into a small room at the far end - though it's really more of a repurposed cell, with the manacles stripped out and a simple wooden desk and two chairs thrown in instead. Still, there is at least a solid metal door and thick stone walls to guarantee privacy.

Waiting within the room is a hauntingly beautiful human woman dressed in a somber black dress and silken veil. Her hair is platinum blond to such a degree that it's almost white, and her eyes are the most vibrant green colour. She looks like she's going to a funeral, and from her expression has evidently been crying.

You have never seen her before in your life.

"Oh, dearest, I'm so glad you're still alive." she proclaims, before shooting a look towards Blackerly. "Could we have a moment, sir, for pity's sake?"

Sergeant Blackerly nods mechanically, and you cannot help but notice that he almost appears to be staring at something in the distance. "Of course, my lady. For you, 'tis no problem." he says, before stepping out of the room and closing the door behind him, leaving the two of you alone.

"My, my, but you are a mess." the unknown woman says, dropping the pretense of grief with a smirk. "Still, I can see there's fire in your eyes even now. Good to know this might not be a wasted trip."

[Systole]

Taevos pauses, aware that something is amiss, but rather at a loss as to what that something might be. The conversation would be somewhat different if she was an admirer, wouldn’t it? Likely it would not be greatly different, but it would be different in small, significant ways. So perhaps she is an agent of one of the surviving members of the Brotherhood? Yes, that seems most likely.

He checks the door to make sure that the sergeant has indeed left. “I would ask who you are, but perhaps I should first ask..." He trails off. He'd intended to give her one of the Brotherhood's code questions to confirm her identity, but at the last moment, he realized that the betrayer almost certainly gave away all of the Brotherhood's secrets. The woman could very well be a spy. Damn the betrayer! Damn him to the foulest pits of Hell! Everything is compromised!

“Perhaps I should first introduce myself," Taevos corrects himself smoothly. "Taevos Varnassian, at your service, my lady. And you are?”

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Unarmed (+5,1d3+6 NL, 20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

"Call me Tiadora." she says, still smirking. "And I know who you are, Mister Varnassian. Your trial was quite a spectacle, after all, and you were most impressive in your defense. My employer believes that you and he might very well have common interests, and he wants to meet you."

She looks around the barren stone room you stand in, and her nose wrinkles in distaste. "Unfortunately, he is unwilling to visit you in these rather shabby environs, so it seems you must escape. After all, just because no one has ever managed it in the past doesn't mean that it's impossible."

"If you manage it, try to find your way to the old Moor Road, and look for a house with a single lantern burning in the upper window. That's where he'll be waiting, to see if you are really as good as we think you are."

Tiadora reaches up and removes her silken veil, pressing it into your hand. Looking at it, you can see it has a kind of pattern to it, a series of little shapes... a rope, a small knife, even a key. "A little something to remember me by, hmm?"

[Systole]

A shadow passes over Taevos' face at Tiadora's use of 'Mister' rather than 'Lord,' but he barely has time to recover before her next few sentences floor him.

"Escape? From Branderscar?" He looks down at the veil in complete confusion. "It's never been done. It's imposs..." he trails off. He raises his eyes to hers as a multitude of thoughts suddenly crystallize in his mind. "I see. It's never been managed in the past, has it?"

He looks past Tiadora and glares at the closed door. Imagining the guards on the other side, his fists clench. "If it were managed, there would be a few ... needful casualties, of course." He glances back at Tiadora to see if the thought of blood will make the woman squeamish.

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Unarmed (+5,1d3+6 NL, 20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Tiadora merely shrugs languidly. "Whatever you feel is necessary." she says, seemingly entirely unbothered by the concept. "Now then, I think that's our time up."

She knocks on the door, and after a moment or two it's pulled open by Blackerly. Tiadora is once again the woman in mourning as she nods sadly to the sergeant. "Thank you for allowing me to see my beloved... one last time, Sergeant. There won't be any need to search him."

"Of course, ma'am." Blackerly says in that same robotic fashion, and begins leading the woman out of the prison complex. Just before she vanishes from sight, Tiadora glances back at you with a faint smirk, and you hear her voice echoing inside your skull.

Three days, beloved. Don't disappoint us now.

With curt words and readied clubs, the trio of guards escort you back to your cell and re-lock the manacles. True to Tiadora's words, though, none of them notice the silken veil clutched in your hands.

"Sleep tight." One of the guards says with a sneer, and then they depart, returning to their rounds and leaving you alone once more, save for Grumblejack the Ogre.

[Systole]

Taevos barely waits until the guards are out of sight before looking at the veil. Obviously it has some use, or else she wouldn't have given it to him. So it's a tool of some sort.

His eyes stray to the ogre across the hall. There are those tools we are given, and there are those tools we shape for ourselves.

"Friend Grumblejack, what would do if the door to your cell suddenly opened?"

Diplomacy: [roll0]

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Unarmed (+5,1d3+6 NL, 20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

With time to examine the veil properly, you can get a good look at the different shapes on it. As your fingers brush against them, there is a faint sort of prickling sensation, and you somehow know that tugging on any of the shapes will manifest what they represent.

Items on the veil:
- 2 daggers
- A bullseye lantern
- 50ft of rope
- A set of warm civilian clothing
- A healing potion
- A window, of all things...
- A small purse full of money
- And finally, what seems to be a skeleton key.

Grumblejack frowns. "You making an offer... Taevos?" he says curiously. "Well, if you can get me out of here, then I'd help us both get off this bastard rock. Best way I know would be to get to the bridge to the mainland, then jump into the sea. Tides aren't so bad there, and you don't leave an immediate trail for them to follow. After that... well, who knows?"

[Systole]

Taevos squints at the veil. A box full of tools. I must think carefully on this.

He looks with a scholarly curiosity at the ogre in the cage. And a cage containing a very large, very deadly tool. I must choose my words carefully, however; this brute is better spoken than most of the senile idiots in the council of Lords. Still, he is an amateur, or he wouldn't have given away information that would have been better used as a bargaining chip.

"I'm offering the chance for freedom and the chance to kill some guards. Or rather, I'm offering the chance to kill some guards up front. The chance for freedom comes later, if you kill enough guards. After that, well ... who knows? Follow me and maybe I'll make you a Senator one day."

ActionsTaking the key out and trying it on the manacles. If that works, trying it on the door. Rolling DD in case it's necessary.

Disable Device:1d20+1

EDIT: GRAAAAH! GITP roller ticks me off! Do you have any issue with Invisible Castle?

I assume the guards change every 8 or 12 hours. So the first patrol after we get new guards will probably be ambush time.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Unarmed (+5,1d3+6 NL, 20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

"If I wanted to go into politics, I'd have gone into politics. Didn't pick up an honest labouring job for pretty much the same reason." Grumblejack mutters, as he watches you work on the locks. "But since right now my choices are work for you and maybe live, or turn you down and definitely die, I chose to follow. So get me out of this damn cage."

[Maugan Ra]

With soft clicks, the manacles and the cage door both open in turn.

I'm not too familiar with Invisible Castle, I must say. If you prefer using it, then I have no problems.

[Systole]

"Then here's to a mutually beneficial arrangement. We'll wait until the guards change tonight, then take them as they pass our cells." He pauses. "You can wait a few more hours, can you not? If I free you now, you won't be overeager?"

OOC/ActionsInvisible Castle is a website that rolls random numbers and saves the history in a log. Links to the rolls can be posted to a website. The downside to using it is that it involves logging into another site and copy-pasting some links. The upside is that (a) I can write my post with at least a guess as to whether a skill/attack/save was successful and (b) the stupid website doesn't get all finicky if I want to edit a post with a roll in it, nor does it erase my rolls if I click "Preview Post."

Taevos' plan is to leave the cell doors and the manacles unlocked but closed, so it looks like he's still chained, and attack the guards just as they pass the doors on patrol. He will pull a dagger for himself from the veil. Are there chains or benches that Grumblejack could use as improvised weapons?

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Dagger (+5, 1d4+6, 19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Grumblejack tilts his massive head to one side. "Why? Why attack the guards? Listen..."

He seems to consider how best to put things for a few moments. "You're a noble, aren't you? Or you were, since they probably stripped you of your title when you got thrown in here. Anyway, point is, you still think like one. Only now, you're a prisoner and soon to be an escaped outlaw, if this works. So listen to the bandit here, right?"

"Never fight when you don't have to. We just want out of this prison. Killing the guards will feel good, but it means taking on a bunch of guys who have chain mail and swords with nothing more than our bare hands. Why risk that, 'specially if you've got gear there already?"

[Systole]

Taevos' eyes narrow as Grumblejack speaks. "Yes, I was a noble," he snarls, "and I still am a noble, and I will forever remain a noble no matter what the courts of the land may say. I will not be judged by maggots. They have neither the will or the authority to strip me of my gods-given birthright."

He composes himself. "But you are right that I am thinking like a noble, friend. And you are thinking like a bandit, hardly ten minutes ahead. We agree that unnecessary battles should not be fought, but the difference between a noble and a bandit is that a noble sees further. He knows that sometimes smaller battles save the trouble of larger ones, that sometimes one or two crucified peasants nip an entire rebellion in the bud.

"If we run without killing the guards on duty, we have at most a half hour before they find we're gone, at which point they will raise the alarm and send the entire garrison after us. If we do kill these men, then with a bit of luck, we might have as many as seven or eight. Gods willing, we might be leagues away by dawn with no one the wiser, except the dead."

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Dagger (+5, 1d4+6, 19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The ogre shrugs. "Can't say I see it working out like that, but all right. You've got the keys, so we play it your way. "

Several hours later

The creak of the opening door at the far end of the corridor jolts you into paying full attention, and glancing across at Grumblejack, you can see the Ogre is evidently aware of it as well. The sound of booted feet on the stone floor echoes loudly as the two guards walk down the line of cages towards yours.

"That Blackerly is a damned thief... I swear that last game was rigged."

"If you think he's cheating you, why'd you keep going back?"

"The ale's decent."

A laugh. "Drinking on duty? Mitra, but this place has really gone to the dogs lately."

They're drawing level with you now, and a quick glance confirms that neither soldier has their weapons drawn.

[Systole]

As the guards pass, Taevos attempts to slip up to the door, open it, and put a dagger into the nearest of his antagonists.

ActionsAaaaand Invisible Castle seems to be broken right now, so it's going to be the GitP roller for just a bit longer.

Best guess is that there's Stealth -> Initiative -> Attack, so rolling those. Adding Lost Nobility trait into attack/damage.

Stealth: [roll0]
Intiiative: [roll1]
Attack: [roll2] for [roll3] damage

You know, Grumblejack might be right, but I see Taevos' foible-Wisdom to mean that he doesn't necessary listen to reason when his mind is made up.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Dagger (+5, 1d4+6, 19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Systole]

Motherf----


Stealth: [roll0]
Intiative: [roll1]
Attack: [roll2] for [roll3] damage

[Maugan Ra]

"Yeah, in the last couple of... gack!"

Your dagger sinks straight into the unsuspecting guard, who collapses in a shocked heap as you withdraw the bloodstained metal from his guts. His friend curses in surprise and starts to draw the sword belted at his waist, only to be rudely interrupted as a pair of enormous hands clamp around his upper arms with relentless strength.

Grumblejack grins horribly at his captive, then looks up at you with a raised eyebrow. "You wanting words, or should I just..."

So, not only do you win initiative there, you put down the first guard easily (ten hit points...) and then Grumblejack grapples the other easily. So... good start to this one, I think...

[Systole]

Taevos is impressed in spite of himself. Exceptional initiative for a brute. I might have to make him a Senator over his objections. He bends down and quickly begins stripping the dead guard.

"Very good, friend Grumblejack. Words, if you please." To the guard he continues, "First, you will tell us how many others are on duty in the jail itself. Second, you will tell us about keys, passwords, and the like. Third, you will tell us about any interesting caches or shortcuts ... scuttlebutt, I think the word would be. Oh, and fourth, you will give us a rough layout of the prison. You will do this, or else I will instruct Grumblejack to kill you horribly."

ActionsTake 10 on Intimidate for 19. I'm hoping that there's an Aid Another or circumstance bonus that puts that over the top.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Dagger (+5, 1d4+6, 19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

"Mitra protect me..." The guard attempts to struggle for a moment, before realizing that it's fairly futile. "Uh, there's... Fourteen of us around at the moment, best I know. Plus four dogs, and of course there's the Warden in his tower, he's a wizard."

The guard is plainly terrified as he continues babbling out anything he reckons might help. "Ah... the password for tonight is 'Hesterfield', it's the sergeant's hometown. Downstairs is the armoury and the barracks, but they shouldn't be full since folks are on-duty, oh and the kitchens. Then you've got the main courtyard, surrounded by the wall with the towers - the one at the rear is the warden's tower - and the gatehouse. Past that you've just got the bridge to the mainland, with a checkpoint at the far end."

Edit: The dead guard has the following:
- One uniform, now slightly bloodstained
- A chain mail shirt
- A Longsword and club
- 8gp in assorted change.
- A steel shield, light.

[Systole]

Taevos begins dressing himself in the dead guard's gear, pausing only to daub at one of the larger puddles of blood. "Where are those fourteen? I want to know how many at the guardposts, how many at each of the watchtowers. And where are the dogs?"

ActionsThat gear is looking pretty good for a mostly naked convict. He'll take all of it.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (15 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword (+5, 1d8+6, 19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

"Two patrolling the wall, two in each of the towers of the gatehouse... though they might all be in one, you know, talking... Two at the checkpoint at the far end of the bridge, before you get to the mainland. Then there should be three in the barracks, no idea where the Sergeant would be..." he looks down at his dying comrade on the floor and swallows. "That's all of us, except uh, me and him..."

"Two dogs in the courtyard, and two at the checkpoint at the end of the bridge. Oh, Mitra protect..."

[Systole]

"Excellent. And as I am a man of my word: Grumblejack, do not kill him horribly." He pauses briefly to make sure he's understood. "Kill him quickly. And try not to get blood on that uniform."

Taevos straps on the longsword and winces as his bruised ribs complain. Using the guard's blood, he begins sketching a map of the prison on the rags he'd been wearing: a large circle representing the wall, with two smaller circles intersecting the larger one, top and bottom, and finally a square in the middle, for the prison/armoury/barracks. "According to what he said, this is the wall. The warden's tower, the inner gatehouse, the prison. There are three guards downstairs. The courtyard has a pair of dogs, and there is a patrol on the wall and more at the gatehouse.

"So from now on, we are bandits: We go downstairs, as stealthily as possible. If there's a fight, it is imperative that it be done quickly and that we prevent anyone from raising an alarm. The next step is the courtyard, where we avoid or kill the dogs. Then we watch the wall patrol briefly and learn their timing so we can also avoid them if possible. Next, we go on to the wall and move around to the gatehouse. I have a stash of rope, so from there we go over the wall near the gatehouse, preferably out of sight of the guardsmen, and onto the bridge. Finally, we swim.

"If we can get out without further bloodshed now, it may well be hours before they realize we're gone. If not ..." He shrugs. "If not, then we will do what we can. And if everything goes to hell, then the wall is the best place for two to fight against twelve.

"Does your bandit thinking approve of that plan?"

ActionsIf Grumblejack can kill the second guard without dirtying the uniform, Taevos would prefer the clean one.

Take 10 on Disguise for a 15 to make himself look like a generic guard. Hopefully in the dark from a distance and with a uniform on, that'll be enough.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (15 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword (+5, 1d8+6, 19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

"What! No, you can't..." Is as far as the Guard gets before Grumblejack grabs his skull in one meaty fist and, with a sharp crack, breaks his neck.

"Seems good." Grumblejack squints at the nearest window, and nods in satisfaction. "Fairly cloudy night. Should help us avoid notice, since I'm twice the height of any of the actual guards."

As he talks, the Ogre tears off a strip of his own dirty prison rags, and using it ties the looted cudgel onto the hilt of the Longsword in an improvised grip extension. He gives the crude weapon a few experimental swings, and nods to himself. "This'll do. Right, lead the way."

(Assuming you use your proposed plan...)

The stairs down lead to a corridor on the ground floor, which runs the length of the building before opening up onto the courtyard. There are two doors on the left, marked as Sergeant's Office and Armoury, and a single one on the right marked Barracks. You can hear the low voice of conversation inside, but no one comes out as you and your large companion carefully make your way out to the courtyard.

The sky overhead is indeed overcast, rendering the encircling wall into little more than an indistinct shape. Still, you can make out the nearest set of stairs up to the wall easily enough, and each of the patrolling guards seems to be carrying a lantern, marking their positions out quite clearly. There are, however, no signs of the dogs that should apparently be around here.

[Systole]

Taevos frowns briefly. "No dogs ... ? Best not to look a gift horse in the mouth, I suppose. To the wall, quickly." He makes for the stairs up the wall.

OOCAre the wall guards patrolling as a pair or individually? If they're individual, are they both circling in the same direction? Taevos would like to get behind one or both of the guards, and move in the same direction, about 90 degrees behind them.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (15 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword (+5, 1d8+6, 19-20x2), Light steel shield
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
The guards are patrolling individually, and in the same direction.

Moving swiftly, the two of you hurry across the courtyard, timing your movements to minimize the chances of detection. Fortunately, it appears you managed to do so correctly, as neither you nor Grumblejack are spotted as you reach the stairs and move onto the top of the wall.

Peering over the far side, you can immediately see the need for extreme caution here, as there is only a narrow strip of rock around the outside of the wall for you to clamber down onto. Should you miss that, then there's a long fall into the surging ocean below.

The bridge is a sturdy, dwarf-built affair, stretching out from the small island that Branderscar is located on all the way to the mainland, some two hundred feet in length. The entire length of it is exposed and vulnerable to any sort of arrow-fire from the guardhouse... but fortunately for you, it doesn't appear that any of the guards are actually keeping a close watch. Perhaps they're all off gambling...

Grumblejack grits his teeth as he looks at the climb down, and then glances back at the approaching guard. "Best move quickly. Tie off the rope up here, if you can... they'll know we've gone, but we don't have time for anything fancier."

[Systole]

Taevos ties the rope off around one of the battlements. Making sure it's solid, he motions to Grumblejack to climb down first. "Quickly. And if I slip, I would appreciate a helping hand."

OOCHow tough a climb is the wall itself, without rope? In short, if Taevos waited for Grumblejack to get down, then cut the rope, would he have a chance in hell of free-climbing down? Would Grumblejack have a chance in hell of catching him if he slipped? Taevos has currently got a +6 Climb, including ACP.

[Maugan Ra]

With the rope, the climb down is DC 5. Without a rope, it's DC 20. So Taevos could make it down without a rope being there, but it would be quite difficult.

The Ogre nods and, gingerly, clambers over the side of the wall and down the rope. He slips once, but fortunately manages to catch himself before hitting the ground, and eventually makes it to the ground, waving up at you to signal his success.

Unfortunately, in the time that took, the nearest patrolling guard has gotten rather closer. A quick glance tells you he'll almost certainly reach you before you can get down without the rope... but if you use the rope, odds are the guard will spot it and sound the alarm. You need to make a choice, and rather quickly.

[Systole]

I suppose I need to buy slightly more time. Taevos hails the guard, attempting to get close to him while keeping his face shadowed. "Hey, friend, the sergeant sent me to find you. He wants something."

Stepping close, Taevos attempts to send the guard over the wall, quickly, before the man can react.

OOCAssuming the Disguise check will let me get close enough for a surprise attack.

Bull Rush:[roll0]
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (15 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:Light steel shield
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

"Blackerly? The hell does he.... argh!"

Taevos easily shoves the unsuspecting guard sideways and over the edge of the wall, where he plunges into the sea and sharp rocks far below. Fortunately, there are no sounds of immediate alarm, but it won't be too long before one of your victims is missed somehow.

A quick slash of your purloined sword helps to disconnect the rope, and then with extreme care, you begin to clamber down the outside of the wall. It isn't remotely easy, being straight down for close to thirty feet of weather-blasted stone, but you manage it eventually and join Grumblejack at the bottom.

Assuming you're taking 20 on the test there, which lets you get down without any real trouble in about three minutes or so.

Grumblejack nods silently to you, and together the two of you move out onto the bridge, until you're away from the sharp rocks and over the relatively calm-looking ocean below.

"Well. No time to waste. See you on the shore." Grumblejack mutters, bracing himself. Then, with a low growl, he leaps from the bridge and plunges like a stone into the sea below.

You'll need to make me a Swim check if/when you jump. Mostly to see how quickly you can get away.

[Systole]

Not that I mind the freebie, but you're only supposed to be able to Take 20 when nothing bad happens if you roll a 1. I don't know if you want to retcon that. If you're happy as-is, I'll move to the Swim check.

If the wall itself was only 25' tall or so, Taevos' plan was to tie one end of the rope to himself, loop it around a battlement, and throw the other end down to Grumblejack, so that Grumblejack could prevent him from falling and the rope wouldn't get left behind.

Taevos was also planning on removing the chain shirt and tying it to his waist to avoid the ACP on both Climb and Swim.

[Maugan Ra]

I'm mostly erring on the side of decisions being in your favour, since this is a solo game and you're low-level. That said, decision with the rope noted, and you can make that swim check when you like.

[Systole]

Taevos turns briefly to the prison and touches the brand on his arm. He grimaces slightly, but the grimace quickly becomes a feral smile. "I will hunt you someday, Sergeant Blackerly. And when I do, I will not be nearly as kind to you as you were to me. "

Without further ado, he plunges into the surf.

Swim:[roll0]

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The swim is difficult and unpleasant, your fitness somewhat hampered by the thorough beatings and days of barely-adequate nutrition, and the pounding surf adds more than one new bruise to your already battered frame. Still, driven by a furious determination, you eventually reach the shore and all but collapse onto the beach.

The air here is fetid and rank, a legacy of the rolling marshlands that make up most of the nearby countryside, but even so you are quite sure nothing has ever tasted quite so sweet. You have done what none others have ever managed, escaping from Branderscar prison, and freedom is yours once again.

Grumblejack is waiting, slumped on the ground like a sea-weathered boulder, and as you approach he grins weakly. "Ha. We actually did it. What are the odds?"

With a groan, he pushes himself to his feet once more. "Still, we need to get moving. Do you have a particular destination in mind? I used to raid these marshlands, so I reckon I can get us around, but we need to go before the search begins."

[Systole]

Taevos groans and clambers to his feet, smiling a smile that has a faint hint of madness to it. "Old Moor Road. That's where we go. I have friends there." And it seems unlikely that my friends helped me break out of prison simply to betray me. Still, it never hurts to be cautious.

Taevos checks to see if his looted gear survived the swim. Salvaging what he can, he follows Grumblejack across the moors.

OOCAny mechanical effects to shanking the Swim check? Damage? Nonlethal damage? Loss of goodies?

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
You've lost your sword in the confusion, and taken seven points of non-lethal damage. However, for escaping Branderscar, you hereby are increased to Level 2.
(There were considerably more encounters available inside, but those are mostly there for parties who decide to go dungeon-crawling instead of sensibly escaping)
Also, because this is a Solo game, you are automatically assumed to roll the maximum for your Hit Point increases each level.

Following Grumblejack, you make your way across the marshlands, trying not to think about the rank stench of the area or the way your ribs moan in protest with every step. The air is full of the sound of the local wildlife, amphibians and a wide variety of insects for the most part, and both of you are bitten more than once as you go.

Eventually, however, the Ogre leads you to the Old Moor Road, and as promised you swiftly locate the house in question. It's a surprisingly high quality location for the surroundings, perhaps the summer home of some local noble located far enough away from the swamps to not be bothered by the animals. A single lamp burns in the upper window, and as you approach, the front door opens and Tiadora emerges to meet you.

"Dearest, there you are. We were beginning to suspect you might not make it." she says, but despite her words there's no hint of legitimate concern in her voice. She looks you over, taking in the bruises and the waterlogged clothing. "The master is eager to see you, but attending a meeting like that simply will not do. Slaves!"

At her command, a full dozen human servants emerge from the house, each dressed in smart servant's livery and with their heads bowed low. Tiadora does not so much as look at them. "Lord Varnassian is our honoured guest. He is to be bathed, fed and dressed in a fashion more according to his station. Quickly."

That last word almost sounded like a threat, and the servants evidently take it as such, hurrying to attend to their duties.

So yeah, here you go. Taevos is presently being waited on hand and foot by his own retinue of servants, and pretty much everything he demands is provided (within the limits of practicality). Feel free to describe how he chooses to dress and compose himself in preparation for an impending meeting with what appears to be a potentially wealthy patron.

Grumblejack is also taken care of, but he isn't invited to a meeting.

[Systole]

Taevos pulls himself upright as he approaches the manor, ignoring the various scrapes, bites, and bruises he's acquired, and it is with nothing less than a regal bearing that the walks toward the front door. "Tiadora, dearest," he says with exactly the same amount of sincerity and concern as the woman has thus far displayed. "How is my future queen this evening? You left your veil at the prison." He holds the damp cloth up to show her, then pushes it at one of the slaves. "I thought I should return it to you, although I confess I let it get wet on the way here. My apologies."

He indicates the ogre. "This gentleman is Grumblejack. As he is to be a future senator of the realm, I'd appreciate it if you'd treat him well. I'm sure he'd like a roasted sheep or three. As for myself, I am happy to hear there is a bath in my immediate future, and I would be positively overjoyed to hear that there is a large snifter of brandy there as well."

Later, in his chambers, he examines the selection of outfits that the servants have laid out. "No. No. What is this? Fuchsia? Not even a colorblind loon like Lord Forgal would wear this! Take it away before I flog you myself!Black! Where is something black? Yes, this." He dresses himself in an impeccably tailored, severely dark suit with little ostentation, and a few simple silver rings.

A brooch with the Varnassian crest on it has also been placed thoughtfully on the bureau. Taevos picks it up and begins to put it on as a matter of routine, but hesitates. After a moment, he smiles viciously and finishes putting it on. "If I am the only true son of House Varnassian, so be it. I will see this master of yours now."

OOCWant me to level now or following the conversation with the master?
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
Feel free to level yourself up now if you're intending to take another level of fighter. If you want to switch to Anti-Paladin, it would probably make sense to wait for now.

The servants obey your every command without the slightest hint of disobedience, and once you've decided that you're ready, one of them departs and fetches Tiadora. The woman, now dressed in a lovely white silk dress that makes her look almost angelic, looks you over and finally nods approvingly. "Better. Follow me please."

She leads you through the townhouse and into what appears to be a well-appointed study. Shelves of high-quality books line the shelves, and a merrily burning fireplace fills the room with warmth and light. There is a mahogany desk across the room from the entrance, and seated behind it in a leather-backed chair is a devilishly handsome man dressed in high quality robes of black and red. He is bald with a neatly trimmed beard, and looks up as Tiadora opens the door and waves you inside.

"Ah, Lord Varnassian, good of you to join us. I believe some congratulations are in order - you are now the first man in recorded history to escape from Branderscar prison. Quite an accomplishment, even if you did have help." he says warmly, and gestures to another chair across from him. "Please, sit. I expect you have questions."

[Systole]

Taevos settles into the offered chair. The game of politics. Well then, let it begin. "A few. I suspect you can guess what the most important ones are. Generally, however, if one man stages a heretofore unthinkable prison break to arrange a meeting with another man, it does suggest that the first man has a good reason for doing so. And that that reason would answer many of the other questions that the second man may have.

"And as for the help ... I would say that I had tools. Some I was given. Some I took by force. And the biggest one I made myself."

OOCMy thinking was Fighter 2 or 3 -> Antipaladin. Whenever Taevos is convinced that Asmodeus is the way to go. (Although the powergamer in me is absolutely salivating at +5 to saves from Antipaladin 2 and wants that ASAP.)

The thing is, I'm hesitant to level him right at this moment because it seems awkward to do it him before he's even got a chance to recover from the prison break, especially when I'd like to put a few points into various Knowledge skills.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
That's perfectly acceptable. There's a sort of training-montage coming up, and a period of downtime before that, which would make a good place to level.

"Indeed. Well, you are of course correct - this was no mere act of generous altruism. I want something - a great many things, actually - and I arranged for your presence here tonight because I believe your goals and mine coincide to a most useful degree."

He sits back and steeples his fingers. "Firstly, an introduction. My name is Adrastus Thorn, and I am the last high priest of Asmodeus left in Talingarde. Once, the Prince of Nessus was revered by all who lived on this isle, and the country prospered and grew strong under his guiding hand. Now, however, the followers of Mitra rule here absolutely, and persecute any who will not conform to their insipid form of sun-worship. And under their 'enlightened' rule, Talingarde has grown indolent and weak, content to wallow in it's own decadent corruption while the rest of the world passes us by. I aim to change that."

He gives you a moment to absorb that before continuing. "I am, in short, a patriot, Lord Varnassian, and from what I've seen I suspect you are as well. You said that you had tools with which you escaped. Well, I have my own, and with them I intend to undo eighty years of utter failure on the part of our nation, and restore it to where it should always have been. I brought you here to ask for your help in this, to have you join my organisation and assist me in destroying the fools who have so very nearly ruined our great country."

[Systole]

"Another Brotherhood?" Taevos frowns. "I wish we'd found each other sooner. I would have had a dozen eager blades with me. And it would have saved me a trip to Branderscar."

He stands and paces. "I have never thought of Talingarde's history that way. The revolution ... the rise of the House of Darius ... the worship of Mitra. It makes sense. Mitra has made us weak?"

OOCOkay, sounds good. I'll do another level of Fighter when we get to the downtime.

Ooh, Adrastus is good! Taevos might possibly have had some questions here, but playing the patriotism card early means he would never think twice. Also, although he's got a classical education, Taevos' understanding of history is somewhat shallow. Specifically, he likes the history that supports his ideals and tends to ignore the other parts. This Asmodeus/Mitra fits very easily into his personal understanding of Where Talingarde Went Wrong.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
Oh yes, he's very good at tailoring his pitch to match what his audience wants to hear. Especially as he hasn't yet told a single outright lie...

"I certainly believe so, though it might perhaps be more accurate to say that Mitra has made us dependent, or possibly complacent." Thorn says, nodding. "It is only when faced with adversity that men discover what they are truly made of, only when they are challenged can they truly grow. The Church of Mitra coddles the people of Talingarde as though they were infants, and so as infants they remain. And, of course, when people are raised to trust in the charity and rule of a higher power over their own merits, well... Is it any wonder that the House of Darius has ruled unchallenged for so long?"

"This is a holy endeavour, a chance to set right what once went wrong and return Talingarde to the glories it once possessed. It will not be easy, of course, nor will it be bloodless, but I believe the price will be worth it. And the rewards will not be insignificant either - money, power, a place of honour in the new world to come."

He looks up at you, his every word burning with sincerity and passionate commitment. "Will you join me, Lord Taevos Varnassian? Will you help me to elevate our country to greatness, and to destroy the corrupt folks who stand in our way?"

[Systole]

A wild fire burns in Taevos' eyes as he answers. "You had my reply before you even asked, Lord Thorn. Yes. A thousand times yes. Together we shall burn away Talingarde's sickness."

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Cardinal Thorn smiles. "Excellent. I am sure that we will do great things together, you and I. All that remains is to make this official - a gentlemen's agreement may suffice for some, but my Lord is the Master of Contracts, and such a thing as this must be done properly."

He opens the draw of the desk, and from within removes a piece of parchment, on which is written a carefully worded contract in some unusual red ink. Next to it, the Cardinal places a small silver knife and a quill. "Signing in blood is traditional."



Behold on this day in the eighth age of the world, a perpetual compact is forged between Cardinal Adrastus Thorn (hereafter called 'The Master') and those who would be his acolytes (hereafter referred to as the 'Bound'). Both the Master and the Bound shall hold true to this compact through all trial and tribulation, and swear that it shall never be undone.

The Bound shall know and understand the Four Loyalties.

The First Loyalty is to their god and patron, Mighty Asmodeus, First amongst the Nine, our Father Below. They shall do all that can be done to further his worship and 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, so 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. They shall deal with each other fairly and honorably as long as doing so does not clash with their First or Second Loyalties. All treasure, influence and other rewards shall be shared equally amongst all the Bound who aided in it's 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 so long as it does not clash with their First, Second or Third loyalties. By their weakness shall ye know the Unworthy.

The Bound swear by blood and soul that they will cleave to the Four Loyalties in the face of Death and Damnation.

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

Thus it is written, thus shall it be.

We, being of sound mind and body, do swear this compact in it's entirety, and let any who break it know all the wrath of Hell Unending.

________

[Systole]

Taevos picks up the knife and makes a small cut across his inner forearm. "A tradition from the time that Talingarde was strong. A tradition whose time will come again, when Talingarde is strong once more." Without hesitation, he signs his name on the document.


Taevos Varnassian

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Thorn takes the contract, and tucks it away into a pocket of his robes. "Indeed. Now, you have had a harrowing ordeal, and beyond that of course the military will be looking for you. I have some preparations to make, which I estimate will take three days. This manor house, and the servants within it, are at your disposal while you recuperate and prepare for the trials to come. After that, your training will begin."

"Tiadora will remain here to answer any questions you may have and make sure you are comfortable. Tomorrow, another group of recruits will arrive - you are of course welcome to speak to them as well."

As Thorn said, you now have three days of rest and recuperation. There's a fully stocked library here, so this makes a decent time to level up, or interact with Tiadora or possibly the other members of Thorn's organisation when they arrive.

In addition, Thorn is assigning you a budget of 200gp worth of gear to equip yourself with, which you can select at your discretion.

[Systole]

Taevos bows. "At your service, Lord Thorn." Leaving Thorn's study, he makes it to his bedchamber before he collapses from exhaustion. The sun is near zenith before he awakes, still in the clothes from the night before, the Varnassian brooch digging painfully into his shoulder.

After breaking his fast, Taevos avails himself of the library, persuing tomes on history and religion. Finding a few in Infernal, he sets about attempting to decipher them. Intrigued, he seeks out Thorn's assistant.

"Tiadora, this language ... what is it? It seems similar to Celestial, but I don't believe I've seen it before. And tell me more of Asmodeus. I dislike finding out how many gaps there are in the education of a Talingarde noble, and how these omissions always seem to center around the times when Talingarde was the greatest of nations,' he says, sensing all sorts of conspiracies in his schooling.

OOCOkay, leveling up. Does Taevos still have the chain shirt from the escape? Is it in usable condition?
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Tiadora takes the book and glances at the writing for a brief moment. "It is Infernal, the language of Hell. There was a time when it was adopted as the language of all formal documentation in Talingarde... the practice has evidently fallen out of favour."

She places the book down on a nearby desk and looks at you once more. "As for the Lord of the Nine Hells... I could speak of him for a year and not fully encapsulate what he truly is. Perhaps you should ask a more precise question."

[Systole]

"Yes, evidently ..." he says, picking up and re-opening the book, engrossed by this language he can almost read. "Would you tutor me in this language, Lady Tiadora? Then perhaps I'll have better questions to ask you."

He looks up. "Lord Thorn mentioned the arrival of others. I would be most interested to meet them."

OOCAssuming that learning Infernal should go fairly easily given that Celestial and Infernal share an alphabet. For now, he'll study and I'll spent the Linguistics skill point next level to give it to him.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 10 (10 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 12/12
CMB: +5 CMD: 15
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +3
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

"I may as well provide tutoring. If nothing else, it would be shameful for a follower of our Lord not to speak the tongue." Tiadora replies after a moment's consideration. "The others are the Seventh Knot, while you will be the Ninth. Come, I will introduce you."

She leads you to the far wing of the manor house, to an old fashioned sitting room, and calmly walks in without so much as a knock. There are four individuals inside, all of whom look up at her entrance and then immediately focus their attention on you.

Two of them are a pair of identical twins, human males with shoulder-length black hair and green eyes. The only difference you can see between them is that one's expression is set and serious, while the second has a rakish grin and lounges back in his armchair, totally relaxed. The third is a heavily scarred half-elf who is in the process of carefully polishing a massive greatsword with meticulous care - he barely gives you more than a brief once over before returning to his work.

The fourth is a young human woman with hair as white as newly fallen snow, who appeared to be in the middle of feeding small chunks of meat to an albino raven perched on her shoulder. After a moment's stand-off, she is the one who speaks. "This must be the other recruit Lord Thorn spoke of. A pleasure to make your acquaintance - I am Elise Zandaria, leader of the Seventh Knot."

You note that despite the civilized surroundings, all four of them are wearing traveller's gear visibly suited to the far northern reaches.

[Systole]

Taevos bows. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Zandaria. I am Taevos Varnassian, also known as Fra Niccolo, formerly of Matharyn, but most recently of Branderscar Prison. It is good to be in the company of so many who seek to restore Talingarde's glory."

OOCSheet updated. If the chain shirt from the prison break is salvageable, he'll pick up a masterwork set of thief tools. If not, he'll pick up a chain shirt. Is there a hint of what kind of gear he'll need? Traveling supplies or no? And what's availability of things like sunrods and alchemist's fire?
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Elise smirks. "Frankly, my dear lordling, I couldn't care less for Talingarde's glory. I'm here for my own reasons, and they don't much change if Talingarde lives or dies."

The more laid-back of the twins coughs and interjects. "Not that we're all like that, of course. I myself happen to believe in what the Cardinal is trying to accomplish here." he grins at you. "Titus Rakburn, loyal devotee of Asmodeus. This is my brother Tallus..." he gestures to his twin, who nods fractionally, "And my supremely eloquent friend Dorstan."

The half-elf just grunts in response, not even raising his gaze. "You'll have to forgive them - we're foreigners, by and large, so our motives here are somewhat less noble than your own."

OoC:
The chain shirt is salvageable, yes. By and large, standard adventuring and traveling supplies would be a good call, since you'll be moved around as necessary for the different assignments Thorn has for you. Just about everything can be acquired, though, since Tiadora has certain... abilities that make gathering otherwise rare supplies reasonably easy.

[Systole]

The smile freezes on Taevos' face, but he gives an acknowledging nod to Titus. "Then on behalf of Talingarde, let me thank you for your devotion to the Prince of Nessus." With cold eyes, he turns to Elise, "And for those of a more mercenary nature ... Well, I suppose I can thank you for your service, such as it is. After all, the revolution needs its ditch-diggers, too."

OOCOkay, let me play around with supplies a bit then.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand:None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Elise lowers her hand from feeding the raven, and her voice drops to the positively arctic. "What...did you just call me?"

Behind you all, Tiadora coughs slightly. "Play nice, children. Or I'll have to intervene." she says in a mild tone.

[Systole]

"My sincerest apologies if I was mistaken in my assumptions, my lady," Taevos replies with complete insincerity. "Praytell, what services do you offer?"

[Maugan Ra]

Elise rises to her feet, a furious snarl on her features. The temperature in the room drops sharply, and you can see small splinters of ice begin to form around her hand. "Perhaps I'll show you, you jumped up little..."

Behind you, Tiadora sighs. "I warned you."

There is a faint tearing sound, and all around the room, the shadows come to life. From under chairs and between books, long tendrils of unlight coalesce and lash out, rapidly snaring everyone present in dozens of grasping tentacles. In the blink of an eye, everyone is held immobile, and Tiadora paces around to be easily visible to all involved.

"Now, let me make one thing clear. You are, all of you, under contract. That means you are supposed to act like professionals, and not squabbling children." she says coldly. "I will not tolerate such juvenile behavior from those committed to such great work. Now..."

She approaches Taevos, the black tentacles shifting aside to allow her passage, and seizes him with a grip like iron. With a display of surprising strength for such a slender woman, she virtually carries him out of the room in a one-handed grip, the door slamming shut in her wake.

"I suggest you avoid this wing of the manor for the next few days." Tiadora says as she releases you, and there is nothing in her voice that sounds remotely like a request.

[Systole]

Taevos collapses in a clumsy heap as Tiadora lets him go, but he pulls himself up off the floor coughing and, strangely, smirking. "As my dearest wishes. Besides, I am fairly certain that neither Elise or myself left anything important unsaid to one another." And now I have some measure of their power .. and yours, Lady Tiadora. Information that I will keep to myself for a little while.

He pokes his side tenderly and laughs, wincing. "Gracious! Quite the grip you have, my lady. Still, what's one more cracked rib when you have three or four already?"

Later, Taevos avails himself of the library. A winter witch and ... a weaver of shadow magics? Let us see how we might educate ourselves, Lord Varnassian. After all, one can never be too sure of one's allies. His face darkens, remembering his betrayal and capture. Yes. We have learned that lesson very well.

OOCK:Planes, K:Religion, and Spellcraft are all +6 at the moment. Taevos would like to do a like research. Should I roll anything in particular?

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
I went ahead and rolled those for you IRL, to save time. In future, if you'd like to test a knowledge related skill that you think might help, just roll it in your post and I'll let you know if it gets you anything worthwhile.

The books in Cardinal Thorn's library are quite extensive and rare, with many tomes of arcane and otherworldly lore freely available. Using them, you manage to pin down a few useful facts.

Firstly, it seems likely that Elise is indeed a Witch, one who made a pact with some presumably elemental source for arcane power. Amusingly, one of the most useful tomes you uncover on the topic appears to have been written by a Mitran Inquisitor, and it notes that when facing a Witch, targeting their familiar is a viable strategy. A lost familiar can be replaced, but only with time and significant difficulty, and until it is a Witch's Spellcasting ability will be sharply reduced.

You also identify the spell that Tiadora made use of as Black Tentacles, a conjuration effect of moderate power. Given her excessive physical beauty and the seemingly instinctive ease with which she employed the magic, your first instinct would be to peg her as a sorcerer... but that does not explain her unusual physical strength. An interesting conundrum.

[Systole]

Taevos snaps the tome on witchcraft shut with a satisfied smile. Yes, I can play nice ... now. Nothing need be done at the moment of course, but if the time comes that Lord Thorn finds you no longer useful, then I will play very nicely indeed, ditch-digger.

He frowns as he pores over the other books. My dearest is certainly a deeper mystery. Interesting, but I fear she will have to wait.

He goes to the manor's gymnasium next, where he wraps his bruised ribs before practicing with with his newly acquired gear. He winces as he unwraps the bandages, exhaling through gritted teeth. In the full-length mirror, he examines his bruises, pleased to see they've faded since yesterday. He catches his own gaze in the mirror, and is surprised at the difference since the last time he'd seen his reflection -- what, a two months ago? There's a hard, dangerous look in his eye that wasn't there before. I suppose a death sentence and a few weeks of beatings will do that to a man.

OOCDamn it, I wrote the equipment list on Mythweavers but closed the window before I saved it. I'll get that back up shortly.

It's a little strange playing a character with decent intelligence but low wisdom.

Ready to move to the next section if you are.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: None
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

As promised, three days later Thorn returns to the manor house, and a servant is dispatched to bring you to him. Unexpectedly, the Cardinal awaits you in the basement of the manor house, a mostly featureless stone room that has evidently been stripped of anything previously stored there. Thorn is conversing quietly with Tiadora when you arrive, but he turns to regard you with a smile.

"Lord Varnassian, good. I see that you've received the equipment you requested... and that you appear in much better health than before. Just as well, on both counts, since it is time for your training to begin. And since I must have a good idea of your present capabilities before we begin, I have arranged something of a trial for you."

The bald man indicates the far end of the basement, where you can see a plain wooden door. Grumblejack stands besides it, looking much better for his own recuperation, and now carrying an oversized axe in his meaty fists. "Through that door are a series of nine rooms, each of which contains a test. Some will test your sword-arm, others your mind. Altogether, they will allow me to have a decent idea of your overall capabilities. Of course, since your ability to command is equally vital, you may also take the ogre... Grumblejack, wasn't it?"

"Somewhere within those rooms, you will find a medallion of silver and sapphire. The trial will be concluded when you bring it to me, or once twenty-four hours have elapsed, whichever comes first."

"Any questions?"

[Systole]

Taevos raises an eyebrow at Tiadora but addresses Thorn. "Oh, I have several questions, but only a few that are pertinent to the matter at hand."

He looks at the door. "So, twenty-four hours is it? Interesting. I'm free to come and go through both the manor and the rooms for the duration, then? And this medallion, could you describe it further?"

Waiting for Thorn's answer, takes a few experimental thrusts with his polearm, pleased that there's hardly a twinge in his ribs any more. Ah, I do hope this is a challenge. Three days of nothing but the gymnasium and the library has bored me to tears. He smiles at the thought. Even so, a nothing but a gymnasium and a library is a vast improvement over nothing but iron manacles and a cold cell.

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
Well, first thing's first - Grumblejack the Ogre is now under your control for combat purposes, reverting to my control outside combat. You may use the default Ogre profile (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre) to represent him, with the following corrections:
1) Grumblejack is Neutral Evil, rather than chaotic.
2) He's honestly quite intelligent and likeable for an Ogre, having Intelligence and Charisma scores of 10. Hence 'self-interested bandit' more than 'insane monster rapist cannibal'.
3) He wears a chain-mail vest rather than hide armour, and carries a masterwork Great-Axe.

"You are indeed free to come and go until the task is concluded, yes - for example, should you suffer injury in the trial, I will have a servant wait out here with some healing potions. Of course, efficiency is to be lauded more than sloth." Thorn says, nodding. "As to the amulet, it is a silver starburst set with a single large gem. Quite unmistakeable."

[Systole]

"Then I shall deliver your prize to you shortly, Lord Thorn." He turns to Grumblejack. "Well, Senator, I'm admit I'm eager to get going. So if you're ready for a little excitement, follow me." He opens the door and heads into the test chamber.

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

"You keep insisting on that 'Senator' thing. It's getting annoying." The ogre grumbles, even as he follows you through the door and along the narrow corridor beyond. Then, as the entrance closes behind you, he adds. "Got to say though, that Thorn guy... he doesn't smell right."

The corridor opens up into another square room of bare stone. Written on the wall in the common tongue just before you enter is a precise inscription:

Deception is a tool. Self-deception is death. Deceive always thy enemies, and never thyself.

There is a plain wooden door on the far wall, and nothing else immediately visible within the chamber.

[Systole]

Testing the new statblock. Hang on.

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Statblock looks good. Hmm... do you think we need an OoC thread? Chances are there won't be a great amount to put in it for a while... not until you start picking up more cohorts, anyway.

Also, for reference, do you have any sort of preference on what character class Grumblejack should train in later in the game? He'll lag behind Taevos somewhat, but he'll need some form of class to avoid falling into the point of utter irrelevance.

[Systole]

"I apologize, friend Grumblejack. And speaking of things not smelling right, stay still, would you please? An inscription like that in a room like this rather suggests a trap of some sort, doesn't it? Perhaps more than one." Interesting. Where has Lord Thorn been these past three days that he doesn't smell right, I wonder?

He uses his polearm to tap the nearby floor, walls, and ceiling cautiously, not stepping forward until he's satisfied that any particular section of room is not going to fall out from under him, drop down on top of him, or throw blades or poisoned darts at him. While he works, he speaks to the ogre.

"I mean no disrespect when I refer to you as 'Senator'. I say that with total sincerely. I want to build a new Talingarde, where the intelligent and the ambitious rise to positions of power and responsibility, rather than being held down by simpering, decadent morons. And you, friend Grumblejack, are ruthless, cunning, fierce, and rather quite astute ... and yet you are not mindlessly savage, not cowardly, not stupid. In fact, you're at least the equal of most men I know, and in fact far more than the equal of any member of the Council of Lords that I've ever met. In the new Talingarde, these qualities will mean that you would make an excellent senator, and when the time comes I will certainly extend you the offer. You have my word on that. But even if you choose to decline," he continues, checking a particularly suspicious bit of flooring twice, "I plan on having each and every one of the current council members thrown off the roof of the Tower of Lords, and if you'd like to be the one to do the throwing, you're welcome to that position as well."

OOCAt the moment, I don't think we need an OOC thread. If it starts getting bad, we can change.

I would say the best class for Grumblejack would be ranger. Skirmisher archetype maybe.

Rolls for Disable Device[roll0] and Perception[roll1].(Would rather Take 20 on Perception if possible, though.)

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Grumblejack, standing patiently back near the entrance, folds his arms and chuckles. "Heh. Maybe. Of course, you need to make it to king first. Might take a while."

With some careful searching, Taevos does eventually uncover a trap - the section of floor immediately in front of the door is actually a near-seamless illusion stretched over a pit, and the door itself (opened cautiously with the aid of the pole arm from a distance) simply reveals solid stone on the far side.

Further searching uncovers a further pair of illusions - one is in the north wall, and it hides a small pedestal in an alcove. On the pedestal is a simple chunk of what appears to be unmelting ice, and on the back wall of the alcove is inscribed another passage:
You have seen through deception to uncover a useful tool.

Receive one dose of Alchemist's Ice.

The illusion on the south wall conceals a passageway.

The Second Room

A stone archway opens up into another square stone room, and inscribed by the entrance is the following passage:

Following the herd is for fools. Fear not their icy derision. Instead, fear only thy Infernal Lord.

The air in this room is exceptionally cold, and there is a solid coating of frost on the floor. There are three doors here, one each in the east, west and southern walls. All are identical, save for the fact that the western door and the surrounding wall appear to be covered in some unusual purple moss-like growth.

[Systole]

"So if following the herd is for fools, then one must first wonder where the herd went, so as not to go in that direction. Would a herd go toward the moss for forage? That leaves two possibilities where the herd didn't go, which seems unlikely. And I don't like the look of that moss. Well, friend Grumblejack, I think it best to adjourn for a half hour or so, unless you happen to know what the moss is. I'd like to visit the library."

OOCTaevos doesn't have K:Nature, but is it possible to do some research to figure out what it is? Intelligence check maybe? [roll0]
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Fortunately, the time you spent in the library over the past three days has left you reasonably familiar with the organisation system it uses. Within half an hour, you believe you've identified the lifeform that covers the door as an unusual form of vampiric plant life, commonly found in the Asgerian mountains in central Talingarde.

The moss feeds on heat, especially the body heat of living creatures, which is why the chamber is so cold. Getting too close would likely prove quite lethal. Fortunately, exposure to sharp cold is known to be fatal to the plant.

[Systole]

Taevos closes the book with a triumphant snort. He collects his ogre companion and heads back down to the second room. "Fear not their icy derision, indeed," he explains to Grumblejack, tossing the bottle of alchemist's ice up and down in his hand. "I believe I've found my door. And I think I'm beginning to see how this test is organized."

He lobs the flask at the purple fungus.

OOCHeading into that door if it looks safe after bombing it.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The alchemist's ice shatters on contact with the moss, which immediately solidifies and begins crumbling away from its position on the wall. The room immediately feels somewhat warmer, and as a particularly large section falls away, you can see another phrase hidden underneath.

You have forged your own path.

The Third Room

From the entrance, this room seems completely pitch black, an unnatural veil of shadow cloaking it entirely in stygian darkness. Inscribed on the wall is the following phrase.

Accept no limitations - shatter that which blinds you and pursue your goals without relent.

Behind you, Grumblejack narrows his eyes, his monstrous nature giving him much keener vision in the presumably-magical darkness. "Hmm. There's a small platform in the middle of the room, with a black orb sitting on it... I can see the door on the far side, but it's barred shut. Shouldn't be that hard to open, though."

He pauses, and scratches his head for a moment in confusion. "There's all these holes in the floor, though - little ones, maybe enough to let a mouse through. No idea what's going on there."

[Systole]

"Hmm. I would say it's suspicious, but there's nothing we've seen so far that hasn't been suspicious, and I'd rather not keep repeating myself. How far away is the orb from us, by the way? I'd like to see it for myself, but I have a feeling this isn't going to work." He removes a sunrod from his belt, strikes it, and tosses it into the room.

OOCBy the way, should I be planning to take Leadership at level 7? I'm not sure how cohorts are working mechanically.

EDIT: Do Talingarde ogres have darkvision? Statblock you gave me says low light and this is a darkness spell, correct?
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The sunrod clatters onto the floor within the room, burning brightly, and you can see the pedastal and orb that Grumblejack mentioned, approximately 20ft away.

You also see a distinct patch of darkness momentarily linger within the light, before recoiling and flowing down through several of the small holes like water.

[Systole]

Taevos shoots Grumblejack an inquiring look. "You did just see that, didn't you? Whatever it was, it seems not to like the light, but I think I'm going to take the inscription literally, just to be sure."

He draws a chakram and tosses it at the black orb.

OOCFrom doorway, Taevos will throw chakrams at the orb to see if he can break it. If it breaks, he'll examine the pieces before heading toward the other door.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The orb shatters into pieces, and in an eye-blink the magical darkness it produced vanishes. Cautiously, the two of you make your way across to the far door and unbar it. Whatever the living darkness was, it seems unwilling to emerge into the light to attack you... though you do hear strange sounds that are almost words from underneath the floor.

The Fourth Room

This room is quite evidently a torture chamber, filled with intimating tools of pain and suffering. An inscription by the door reads:

Cruelty is a tool, not a pastime. Be ruthless to thy enemy but reward those who serve you well.

There is no one visible in the room, but you think you can hear faint breathing from a cupboard to one side.

[Systole]

Taevos collects the chakram before heading to the next room. He glances at the sunrod but thinks better of it. "Better to leave the sunrod lie, I think. Whatever that thing might be, I think I prefer it as bright as possible in here."

He laughs at the inscription near the door. "No need to tell me this, Lord Thorn! I had already planned on rewarding the faithful ... and punishing the deserving." The breathing quickly gets his attention, however. With a nod for the ogre to take a postion near him, Taevos flings the cabinet open.

OOCReadying an attack in case something nasty comes out of the cabinet, but somehow I don't think that's the theme of this room.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The cabinet door swings open, revealing its single occupant - a young man, barely more than a boy, dressed in the formal uniform of a Squire of the Realm. His eyes are wide and terrified, and he presses himself back against the interior of the cabinet as though he might be able to sink through it and get away.

You notice two other things straight off - one, the uniform he's wearing is distinctive to those who serve the Knights of the Alerion, an order of Talingarde's most famous devil-hunters and Mitran fanatics. Second, he's wounded, something like looks like a glancing sword wound across his side.

[Systole]

Taevos lowers his polearm and instructs Grumblejack to lower his axe. He sighs and backs away. "Come on out, boy. We're going to talk, and you're going to make the most important decision of your life. Do you need some food? Some water?"

He takes out his waterskin and a package of trail rations. He takes a swig of the water and a bite of the rations to show they're not drugged or poisoned, then sets them down on a table. "Truly, I do not wish to harm you. If you're hungry and thirsty, then eat and drink. The only thing I ask is that you tell me why you're here. And I would not recommend running. I do not think you would get very far."

OOCIf the boy runs, grapple and pin. Otherwise, Diplomacy to improve attitude. [roll0]

Just noticed my sheet doesn't have a waterskin, but it was on the version which got trashed. Hope you don't mind me retconning it in.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The boy slowly comes out of the cupboard, and tentatively takes a sip of water.

"Thank you, sir. I... my name is Timeon. I was traveling with my lord, Sir Balin of Karfeld, when we were attacked by monsters and brought here."

Now that gets Taevos' attention. Mostly because there was a Balin in the Brotherhood, from Karfeld. He wasn't a knight, though. The squire continues talking.

"I was woken up by a man named Thorn... he was going to kill me, but I managed to get away and hid. I've heard him searching for me, talking with a woman..."

[Systole]

When Timeon mentions Balin, Taevos takes a deep breath so as not to startle the boy. In a calm voice, he continues, "This ... Sir Balin was it? I think I met a man named Balin once, but I'm sure he wasn't in a Knighthood. Did he join recently? No, it's probably a different Balin. Your Sir Balin doesn't have a scar on the back of his left hand, does he?" Of course he does. Is my betrayer to be your gift to me, Lord Thorn?

Taevos shares a knowing look with Grumblejack when the boy describes his escape. "Clearly, your superior skills at stealth must have carried the day, Timeon. Of course, it probably helped that the woman is addle-brained and Thorn is hard of hearing, which is why he was no doubt speaking in a strong, clear voice. Praytell, what were they talking about?"

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

"Ah, fairly recently, yes. He was awarded his knighthood by the king for his help in rooting out an evil cult. He's a very brave man... but I don't know about any scar."

The squire seems to take your words at face value. "It was mostly about areas they'd already looked. There's... a room with metal snakes, and another with undead. I think there was a plant that alerts the undead somehow... but there was a way past it, something about a portrait?"

He shivers. Truly, Mitra has forsaken this place..."

[Systole]

"A room of metal snakes, a room of undead, a plant that alerts the undead, and a portrait that bypasses the plant? I see."

Taevos stands up an paces a bit. "Boy ... there are things I must tell you. Your Sir Balin did not help to root out an evil cult. What he did was to betray some of the most dedicated patriots that Talingarde has ever known. Timeon, I tell you this much is true: Years before you or I was ever born, Talingarde was the greatest of nations. Then came the rise of House Darius, who banished the god Asmodeus to favor the god Mitra. And since then Talingarde has fallen into decadence and sloth, and Mitra has watched it happen. Has encouraged it. Has made us weak. Sir Balin was part of that.

"Look at your own situation, squire. Where is your god? You are captured, thrown into a dungeon of torments. Your life is all but forfeit. But what will your death gain? Anything? No. And does Mitra help you? Favor you? No. Mitra asks you to die for him. To die for his glory. To die for the continued weakness of Talingarde. To die, and to accomplish less than nothing.

"But there is an alternative, and do not turn away when I say his name: Asmodeus. He who rewards ambition, drive, dedication, and ruthlessness. Asmodeus asks of you not your death, but your life. Not your weakness, but your strength. Your service.

Taevos lays a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I told you that you will soon make the most important decision of your life. But I think that moment is not yet now. Walk with us a while, won't you? Watch, and choose."

OOCTaevos will indicate to Grumblejack to grab the boy if he runs anywhere, but would prefer to have Timeon accompany us as a rear echelon, out of any potential combat.

Taevos also believes everything he's saying.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

"You're a devil-worshipper?" Timeon says, but there is less instant revulsion and fear there than there might have been. Evidently some of your words had an impact. He looks nervous and reluctant, especially when Grumblejack smiles at him, but even so he accompanies you obediently.

The Fifth Room

The chosen are revealed by their might. The weak deserve no sympathy.

There is little doubt as to what lesson this chamber is designed to teach. From the door, you can clearly see the route forwards, a barred door on the far side. Sitting between you and it are a pair of cobras, seemingly wrought out of gleaming mithril. Their eyes burn with a blue flame as they rear up and hiss menacingly at you.

(Combat. The cobras don't yet regard you as a target, so you have the initiative)

[Systole]

"I am a patriot, Timeon. And I have seen that Mitra made us weak, and that Asmodeus will make us strong. Ask yourself: Everything you know of Asmodeus, who told it to you? Which god did they follow? While you think on that, I shall show you what strength is."

He turns to Grumblejack. "You charge the left one, and I'll charge the right one so as not to trip over ourselves. After that, we'll focus our attacks on the more injured of the two. Ready? Let us go, then."

OOCCouple of initiatives and a couple of attacks then? Both will be at +2attack/-2 AC due to charging.

Taevos: Init ([roll0]), Attack([roll1] for [roll2])
Grumblejack: Init ([roll3]), Attack([roll4] for [roll5])
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 24/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF, Charge

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF, Charge

[Maugan Ra]

The cobras are lightning fast, darting back out of the way of your strikes. Then, with angry hisses, they lunge in to bite at any exposed flesh they can get their teeth into. Grumblejack takes four damage, while Taevos takes two points.

Both must also make fortitude saves at DC 11 or suffer a point of dexterity damage. Your turn again.

[Systole]

"Flank, damn your eyes!" Taevos shouts, maneuvering into a better position.

OOCI'm assuming Taevos has enough room to do the 5ft step dance and that given Grumblejack's reach that it's not too tough to set up a flank. Since Grumblejack is going second, I'm rolling the flank for him. Subtract 2 from that roll if it's not the case. Taevos will shift to the cestus if he can't 5 foot step for some reason.

Taevos: Fort save ([roll0]), Attack([roll1] for [roll2])
Grumblejack: Fort save ([roll3]), Attack([roll4] for [roll5])
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 22/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF, Charge

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF, Charge

[Maugan Ra]

Between you and Grumblejack, one of the metallic serpents is cornered and hacked brutally apart. The survivor uses the momentary distraction to deal Taevos a serious leg wound, inflicting five points of damage and requiring another fortitude save, this time to avoid two points of dexterity damage.

[Systole]

"Better," Taevos hisses, trying to stanch the wound on his leg.

OOCAssuming no flank this time but Taevos will shift around to set it up for next time if possible.

Taevos: Fort save ([roll0]), Attack([roll1] for [roll2])
Grumblejack: Attack([roll3] for [roll4])
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 17/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Acting with what you're beginning to realise is his customary brutality, Grumblejack steps on the second Cobra, pinning it in place long enough to smash it apart with his axe.

Timeon, who had stayed lurking at the entrance to the chamber, moves in on instinct to tend to your wounds. He staunches the bleeding easily enough, and then ties makeshift bandages around your thigh to allow you to walk easier.

"A doctrine of strength and ambition, you said? I... have never given it much thought. My family have always been servants..." he says quietly.

[Systole]

"And thus the chosen are revealed by their might," Taevos says with an appreciative nod to Grumblejack. "And thank you, Timeon." He bends to examine the constructs to see if there is anything useful hidden in the remains.

"So you've always been servants? Well then, tell me truly: these lords you've served, have they always been worthy of serving? Or have they been demanding, and ignorant, and tedious? Do you think you might do better if you were in their place instead?"

OOCSearching the snakes, then moving on to the next room. Is that a Heal check from Timeon and if so, any HP recovered?
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 17/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
You recover 20lbs of mithril from the two cobras - worth approximately 2000gp. You also regain 4HP.

In regard to an earlier question, leadership is a valuable feat to work towards, and it works somewhat differently in this campaign path. Basically, it provides you with an organization of minions that can accomplish all sorts of things while saving me from having to track hundreds of individual dudes.

That said, you can recruit cohort-like supporting characters all over the place in this adventure path, even without the feat - Grumblejack is a fine example.

"[color="blue"]I... well, maybe sometimes..." Timeon falls silent, but you can tell he is honestly considering this new concept.

The Sixth Chamber

The hallway leads to a rectangular room, the only visible exit from which is a long flight of stairs to the east, which head back up into the manor. As before, there is an inscription:

Suffer not the fool. Stupidity is our faith's cardinal sin.

On a small table in the centre of the room rests an ornate amulet - a silver starburst set with a large sapphire.

[Systole]

"Friend Grumblejack, how many rooms have you counted? I count six ... except I seem to remember hearing something about nine rooms. You don't suppose there's another trap here, do you? Hmm, would it be the stairs or the amulet? I think the amulet."

Using his polearm, he probes the floor and ceiling on his way toward the table, then examines the table for signs of a trap. He takes care not to interrupt Timeon's train of thought; rather, he seeks to direct it. "In a new Talingarde, we would have need of a new class of rulers. Ones who see things as they are, who can make changes for the better, rather than simply rest on their generous backsides and do nothing."

OOCTake 20 on trap searching near the table, if possible. If the table is safe, examining the amulet. Also double checking for spells. If the amulet is safe, he will closes his eyes, pray to not get exploded, and take the amulet.

Perception (table): [roll0]
Perception (amulet): [roll1]
Spellcraft (amulet): [roll2]
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 17/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The amulet, as far as you can tell, is entirely non-trapped. Nor is the table. However, something just seems... off.

"It's fake." Timeon says, indicating the amulet. "Blue glass, not sapphire. A lot of places uses things like this to discourage thieves."

[Systole]

"Excellent work, Timeon. I am beginning to see that you have rather a useful array of skills. So ... this is not the real amulet. Still, I wonder if it might be needed later?" He pockets the trinket and peers at the stairs, frowning.

"So I believe the idea here is that one takes the false amulet and then, being so excited with one's discovery, runs blindly up the stairs into a trap, or else perhaps the plants and the undead. In any event, let us see if there is another way out." Staying away from a possible pit at the base of the stairs, he begins tapping the walls, looking for a concealed exit. "Timeon, search the far wall, would you?"

OOCTake 20 to search for secret doors.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 21/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

It doesn't take long to locate another illusionary wall covering another passageway, deeper into the basement complex.

The Seventh room

The passageway towards this room is lined with a long series of portraits, depicting a long line of regal looking figures in ornate clothes. Elegant captions name them all as various members of the old Barcan royalty, and their eyes seem to follow you as you pass.

The door at the end of the corridor bears the following phrase:

Secrecy is our greatest ally. Exposure brings death.

[Systole]

"'Exposure brings death,'" Taevos reads. "In this case, I think that exposure would actually bring undeath. Whoever designed this maze does seem fond of giving clues in the form of bad puns."

He studies the portraits. "So, one of these fellows will let us bypass the plant that alerts the undead. Let us find out which."

OOCTake 20 to search for secret doors.

K:Nobility [roll0] on who the various portraits are.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 21/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

You quickly determine that one of the portraits can swing open on hinges to reveal another passageway that opens into a further room.

The eighth chamber

Beware the fallen, for they may rise again to threaten you.

Inside the room are eight crude wooden coffins, all encrusted with sea brine, barnacles and dry seaweed. A guttering oil lantern hanging from the ceiling illuminates the room, and the exit on the far side hangs open.

[Systole]

"The inscription is unusually direct, unless there's something I'm failing to see. So we have undead to take care of, but we have no divine means to do it. Therefore, our choices are to sneak past and hope for the best or attack quickly and decisively." He eyes Grumblejack's imposing bulk. "Well, lets play to our strengths, shall we?"

OOCRun in, attack the coffins before the undead can rise.

Taevos: [roll0] for [roll1]
Grumblejack: [roll2] for [roll3]
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 21/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Taevos hauls the lid off the first coffin, revealing the withered corpse of a drowned sailor inside, and Grumblejack slams his axe into the thing's chest. It moans and reaches up to claw at the ogre, but the angle isn't good and it misses.

On the far side of the room, a second coffin almost seems to explode apart as the undead inside clambers out, hefting a large and rusty axe.

[Systole]

"Focus on the injured," Taevos says, stabbing at the nearer zombie.

OOCHurt one first, moving on to the one one the other side of the room.
Taevos: [roll0] for [roll1]
Grumblejack: [roll2] for [roll3]
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 21/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Taevos neatly decapitates the first zombie, which slumps back in it's coffin and lies still, while Grumblejack crosses the room and deals a savage blow to the second. It staggers, and hacks at the ogre with an angry hiss, but is unable to inflict any damage.

Two more coffins burst open, their reanimated occupants groaning as they rise to their feet.

[Systole]

"Yes, well done! We have them!" shouts Taevos triumphantly.

OOCIf Taevos drops the first, Grumblejack will move on to the second. Otherwise, focus fire.

EDIT: Misread who was up and who wasn't. Kill the injured one, move to new zombie #1. Stay out of range of new zombie #2, so it provokes an AoO if it moves to attack.

Taevos: [roll0] for [roll1]
Grumblejack: [roll2] for [roll3]
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 21/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The zombie barely even seems to notice Taevos' strike, the nobleman's blade deflecting from it's dead flesh. Grumblejack has more luck, cutting it in half with a single mighty swing.

The remaining two lurch to the attack, swinging their brine-rusted axes in vicious swings. Taevos manages to avoid his opponent, but Grumblejack suffers eight points of damage.

both zombies trigger Attacks of Opportunity, which you may roll as part of your next post.

[Systole]

Grumblejack grunts. "These little guys kind of hurt."

"A scratch! Keep fighting!" Taevos replies.

OOCTaevos AoO: [roll0] for [roll1]
Grumblejack AoO: [roll2] for [roll3]

Taevos: [roll4] for [roll5]
Grumblejack: [roll6] for [roll7]

If a zombie is left alive, maneuvering to flank for next round. Otherwise, moving on to the other coffins ASAP.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 21/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 18/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Gumblejack hacks at the attacking zombie with all the grace of a woodsman felling a tree, and it falls at his feet. Taevos, for his part, simply removes the thing's head entirely, and the room falls silent and still once more.

The other four coffins, once inspected, turn out to have nothing in them save the drowned corpses of some unfortunate sailors, none of which appear to be reanimated. With your foes out of the way, the route to the final chamber is clear.

The Ninth Chamber

This room has no door, the passageway simply opening up into a relatively small chamber. Inscribed just by the entrance is the following phrase:

Serve your master well, and be rewarded.

There's only one thing of note in this room - a human male, his arms secured over his head by a set of thick chains dangling from the ceiling. He wears the blue-and-white uniform of the Knights of the Alerion, and were he not so bound, everything about his build indicates that he'd likely be a fearsome combatant. Less so now, however - judging by the beard developing on his chin, he's been down here for at least two days. Hanging around his neck is a silver and sapphire amulet in the shape of a blazing star.

At the sound of your approach, he looks up, and there can be no mistaking his face. This is Balin, now Sir Balin of Karfeld, and at one time a loyal member of the Brotherhood of the Cleansing Flame. His eyes narrow as he sights Taevos.

"You."

[Systole]

A grin splits Taevos' face as he enters the room, and he calls out in a gleeful voice. “Fra Janno, how nice to see you again! Actually, excuse me for using your old name. Now that the Brotherhood of the Cleansing Flame has been betrayed and cut down and scattered, I suppose we're not Fra Niccolo and Fra Janno anymore, are we? I imagine I should probably call you Balin. Or maybe Balin of Karfeld? Or do you prefer ...” The grins falls away and he hisses in the man's ear. “... Sir Balin of Karfeld.”

He steps back and looks at the manacles, the joyous tone immediately returning. “Tsk, tsk. You know, not long ago I myself was in a similar position, dangling from chains in a cold, dark cell. It was, if I may say so, a rather interesting turn of events that brought me there.” His eyes harden. “But I think you know all about that turn of events, don't you? One might even say you were intimately familiar with it.”

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 21/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 18/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Balin smiles grimly. "Yes, I'd heard they shipped you to Branderscar. I admit, I'm surprised that you managed to escape... but then, you always were a conniving little bastard. Havelyn should have just cut you down where you stood, but he was too noble. Funny how that works."

He shrugs slightly, the movement restricted by his bindings. "And now here we are."

[Systole]

"A mistake he will live to regret. And you ..." A look of sincere confusion and sadness comes into Taevos' eyes. "You betrayed the Brotherhood, Fra Janno. You betrayed Talingarde. You betrayed me. And you did all this for nothing more than a knighthood," he says, spitting the last word. He shakes his head sadly. "That, I think ... that is the unkindest cut of all."

[Maugan Ra]

"Is that what you think, Niccolo?" Balin says softly. "I am, and always have been, a patriot. I love our country with all of my heart. In that, at least, we are alike, and it was for that reason that I joined you in the first place."

Slowly, awkwardly, he stands up from his slumped position. "But I will not sacrifice the soul of this nation in pursuit of its glory. The Brotherhood might very well have been able to achieve it's goals in the end, but the methods you employed... whatever remained in the end, after all of that, it would not be Talingarde."

He looks equally sad, but still resolute. "Still. I expect you are going to kill me now, hmm? I won't beg - I have my pride, if nothing else."

[Systole]

"Ah, I see. I understand. I thought it was out of greed that you betrayed me, but I was wrong. It was out of weakness, stupidity, and shortsightedness. You are everything that keeps Talingarde feeble and powerless. More than the barons who were born to power and are simply too thick to see anything differently, you disgust me, because for a moment you were strong enough to hold the flame that would cleanse Talingarde, and you cast it away.

"But kill you?" He reaches out and plucks the amulet off Sir Balin. "Not yet. No, this is everything I wish to take away from you right now. Well ..." he pauses, and grins. "Almost everything. Timeon?"

He turns to the boy. "Timeon, not long ago I told you that you would have a choice to make, and the time has come for it. You can continue to be a servant, if you wish. A squire, for the rest of your life. Not to this man, however; his life is forfeit, but perhaps to some other man such as this: a betrayer who wallows in weakness but wraps himself in a cloak of honor. This is your first option. If you wish to return to the Knights of Alerion to polish their boots and empty their chamberpots, then you can leave this room, and neither Grumblejack nor I will lift a finger to stop you." Tiadora, on the other hand, is unlikely to be so forgiving.

"There is another alternative, Timeon. A second option. I intend to build a new Talingarde, where the smart and the strong can take the power they deserve. But I need ... associates. In particular, I have need for ... not a squire, but rather a retainer. It would be a position with potential for great future advancement. Grumblejack, hold Sir Balin still, would you?" He unbuckles the dagger from his belt and holds it out to the boy. "The only thing I ask is that you sever your relationship with any former employer. Completely.

"Servitude or power, Timeon. The choice is yours."

[Maugan Ra]

"Forcing a boy to do your dirty-work, Varnassian? You disgust me." Balin growls, his expression furious.

Timeon hesitantly reaches out to take the knife, and then looks between everyone present, visibly torn by indecision. "I... sir, I don't know... I mean, I've never..."

[Systole]

Taevos sneers at Balin. "I force nothing. I have no use for anyone who lacks willpower. If he chooses to be useless and weak, then so be it. Let us find out now. And if that is what he proves himself to be, then so far as I'm concerned, he can return to your Knights of the Alerion, where such things are tolerated and encouraged."

He turns to the squire. "But I would hope you are smarter than that, Timeon. You have a good eye for seeing artifice and sure hands for binding wounds. There is potential in you, despite what these Knights have drilled into you again and again and again. That you are nothing more than a servant, as your father was. As your children will be. But I do not think your ambition should begin and end with someone's chamberpot."

He pauses. "I admit, it's a difficult position you're in. You are suddenly being asked to trust an hour's worth of truth over a lifetime's worth of lies. But lies are all that they are. This is your opportunity to free yourself, Timeon. You will not have another chance.

"Servitude, or power. Make your choice."

[Maugan Ra]

" He's right about that much, Timeon." Balin says after a moment's pause. "He might have said he'll let you walk away, but he knows that you won't get far. There are probably others who will stop you before you even make it a mile."

He scowls up at Taevos. "As much as I hate him for this, and oppose everything he stands for, I will admit he'll keep his word. Killing me is the only way you'll make it out of here alive, and... well, I can hardly claim that betraying your comrades for advancement is despicable, now can I?" he continues, the slightest hint of a smile visible at that last part. "Do it."

Something hard enters Timeon's gaze at that last part, and he takes two steps forwards and slams the dagger home into Balin's heart with a dull crack. The knight gasps faintly, and slumps in his chains as the squire backs away once more.

"I wasn't waiting for your permission." Timeon says quietly, staring at his dying master.

[Systole]

Taevos' eyes glitter with fiendish delight. That was ever so satisfying. "Timeon, Grumblejack, I believe we are at last done here. And Timeon, after we have our wounds tended to, I think we shall have a feast and toast your decision with the finest wine I can muster on short notice. One final thing: where we are going, you will see Lord Thorn and the blonde woman again, but they hold no terrors for you now."

He leads the other two back through the dungeon toward the stairs.

OOCWithout doubt, this is the single most evil thing I have ever done in an RPG. I actually feel a little dirty, but there was no way that either Taevos or I could pass up the chance for such extra-poetic justice.

Plus, Taveos has made himself his own little Sith apprentice who might just possibly stab him in the back someday. After all, the kid learned it by watching him (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfj3dPkeaqI)! I'm looking forward to how it plays out.

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
I'll admit, Timeon the squire is written in the adventure as an entirely disposable NPC. There are a couple of notes suggesting that his present crisis of faith might make him corruptible, but that's about it. So I have no idea where this will end up either. Should definitely be fun.

Adrastus Thorn is waiting for you in his office, seated behind his desk and regarding you over steepled fingers. Tiadora is standing off to one side, her expression unreadable, and while Timeon flinches slightly at the sight of them both, he otherwise shows no other reaction.

"You've returned." Thorn says, taking the amulet and studying it as it dangles from his long fingers. "A pretty enough thing, I suppose. And a fitting capstone to your little trial. It was... interesting."

"I was particularly amused by one moment. 'Addle-brained and hard of hearing', are we?" Tiadora interjects, but fortunately she seems more amused than anything else.

"A simple jest, I'm sure. Still, you have proven yourself worthy, and ready to proceed to the rest of your training. I have a gift, made to commemorate the occasion." The Cardinal says, producing an ornate wooden case and laying it on the desk before removing the lid. Inside, resting on a soft velvet cushion, and three ornate headbands made of twisted iron, and a trio of Asmodean stars on delicate chains.

"The headbands contain magic that will allow you to disguise your appearance and easily infiltrate the ranks of our enemies, while the amulets will serve as a reminder of who you truly are underneath. Take them, and then we may begin our great work."

The Iron Circlets basically work like Hats of Disguise, which should at least allow Grumblejack to pass for a tall and bulky human. The Asmodean holy symbols have no direct mechanical effect.

Incidentally, do you have any preference as to Timeon's class? I was leaning towards Inquisitor, mostly because it works nicely as a Sith Apprentice type class for an Antipaladin, and partly because access to cure spells would be exceptionally useful in terms of keeping you alive, but I'm open to other suggestions.

[Systole]

Taevos grins at Tiadora. "Were you eavesdropping on me, dearest? I'm wounded by your mistrust."

He picks up the Asmodean star. "This, I will wear with pride." He puts the amulet on, and as his fingers brush the metal, it is almost as if he hears whispers of ... something. The circlet follows.

Taevos thinks of an image: a man he knew once, Fra Michel, now dead. His hair shimmers, turns blonde, lengthens. His nose becomes longer and aquiline. But then the image is gone and Taevos is Taevos once more. He frowns. "An interesting item, but its use will require some practice, I think."

OOCI agree that Inquisitor is probably the best fit, but wizard and one of the more combat-oriented bard archetypes were also on my list, depending on whether he was Int, Wis, or Cha. Taevos plans to let Timeon make his own decision here, largely out of curiosity.

Somewhere down the line, as Taevos goes further into the Dark Side, I was thinking of having him take Necromantic Affinity (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/necromantic-affinity) so that he could heal himself.

I (and Taevos) got the feeling that Timeon was supposed to be disposable. But a torture room? Taevos was actually a little insulted. He's got a +14 Intimidate and an ogre backing him up, so it's not like he needs an iron maiden to get information out of somebody. While most of the reason Taevos decided to turn Timeon was revenge on Balin, a significant contributing factor was to show Thorn that Taevos was better than the old coot was giving him credit for.

[Maugan Ra]

Is this what I think it is? Why, yes it is... It's a Training Montage.

Select soundtrack at your discretion...

"Then we may begin." Adrastus Thorn says with a smile.

888

The clatter of wood-on-wood fills the sparring hall as the Rakburn twins advance on you with instinctive coordination. Though the practice weapons are deliberately non-lethal, you are chastised for holding back in the slightest, and already all three of you bear numerous bruises.

"Though we are mighty, the advantage of numbers will almost always lie with our enemies." Thorn says calmly, watching the display from the sidelines. "You must learn how to cope in such a situation, and how to make the most of any momentary advantage."

With a gesture, coiling ropes leap from Thorn's hands and ensnare Tallus Rakburn. His brother turns instinctively to aid him, and in that moment is exposed...

888

Tiadora walks closer, smirking slightly. "You see, dearest? All I have to do is talk and you... you are putty in my hands..."

It is all you can do to nod mechanically, unable to tear your attention away from her. Her full lips, her unearthly green eyes, the swell of her chest under the beautiful scarlet dress she's wearing, the glinting metal of the knife in her pale hands...

"And so, unable to focus, you are absolutely, deliciously, vulnerable..."

Pain.

888

The monster is absolutely gigantic, a primordial behemoth that almost seems to blot out the sun. It's mouth is full of yellow fangs the size of long swords, and the ground shakes as it advances towards you with predatory intent.

"Sometimes, your enemy will be far above your ability to handle, your current situation entirely untenable." Thorn lectures from behind the beast. "When you find yourself in such a situation, retreat may well be for the best."

You and Timeon exchange wide-eyed glances. Then, as the Tyrannosaurus roars, you take the Cardinal's advice and flee as fast as humanly possible.


Yup, training montage. Feel free to add your own little snippets in for character development and the like. Thorn trains you and your companions for three months solid, educating you in dozens of different ways. He's a high-level Cleric, more than a little sadistic, and entirely capable of bringing you back from the very brink of death to perfect health inside of ten seconds. Your training is extensive and often quite painful.

That said, it is effective. Mechanically, this applies the following effects:
- Firstly, you rise to Level 3, and while fighter is still acceptable, this is probably the most logical place in the campaign to start taking levels in Anti-Paladin.

- Secondly, Thorn's expert tutelage means you receive an additional two skill ranks per level over your normal allowance, as he imparts a series of techniques to improve your memory and the like. This does apply retroactively.

- Thirdly, you receive the following trait:
Strike First, Strike without mercy - You receive a +2 bonus to Initiative tests, and gain a +1 bonus to attacks and damage in the first round of any combat.

[Systole]

"Green slime."

"Fire."

"Pugwampi."

"Sil-- No, cold iron."

"Fetch."

"Silver."

"No, not silver. Fire. Perhaps this will improve your memory." Searing pain.

888

The armor weighs sixty pounds, not counting the lead weights that have been welded on, or the heavy chains wrapped awkwardly around it. Taevos reaches the top of the stairs and drops to one knee, panting.

"I'm sorry, dearest. Not fast enough. Do it again."

888

Taevos appears in the doorway of Thorn's office. The bald man raises an eyebrow. "Our next session is not for another hour. You wish ... more?"

"The is something you haven't taught me."

"Oh?"

"I would learn to channel the might of Asmodeus."

Thorn smiles. "Ah," he says, rising from his chair.

OOCYup, seems like a good time for antipaladin. Updating the sheet now.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 21/24
CMB: +6 CMD: 16
Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +0

Perception: +4
Initiative: +0

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+6/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+6/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Systole]

OOCSheet's updated. Mini stats updated.

The mithril from the snakes, I noticed you put a price on that. Does that mean it's Taevos' to keep? If so, how would he go about getting that made into a nice spiked scalemail?

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 14 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
The 2,000gp worth of Mithril is indeed yours to keep. If you're willing to trade it all away, then you may replace it with a set of Mithril spiked scale-mail. Thorn takes it away and returns the armour to you a week or so later, though he doesn't explain who he got to do the forging.

Three months. For three months, you have been trained by the Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, here in this small manor-house in the wilds of Talingarde. The Cardinal has been ruthless, and almost sadistically inventive, but he has also been effective. You cannot accurately describe the changes that he has wrought in your mind and soul, save perhaps to liken it to the work of a forgemaster. He has seared the impurities of hesitation and doubt from your mind, tempered your skills with additional training, and moulded you into the perfect instrument of Talingarde's downfall.

You have not been the only recipient of his training, either. Elise Zadaria and her team have also received tutelage, and it comforts you somewhat to know that Thorn was not going any easier on them than he was on you. Beyond that, you've noticed Grumblejack is behaving rather more like a soldier nowadays, a disciplined professional rather than a thuggish highwayman, though he utterly refuses to speak on how exactly Thorn effected such a change in him. Timeon, however, has shown the largest change - he appears to have thrown himself into this opportunity with an almost manic intensity, and the confident professionalism he now almost radiates is a marked change from the sniveling prisoner you met in the basement.

Grumblejack is now Lawful Evil, and Timeon is a 1st level Inquisitor. I'll post his stats once I've finished working them out.

Finally, at last, Thorn has proclaimed you ready. The servants have prepared a great banquet in your honour, a profusion of fine foods and wine that is almost decadent in it's quality. And now, with the food consumed and the toasts finished, he moves on to the final ceremony.

A bearded devil stands besides the Cardinal now, summoned forth from the pits of hell by Thorn's infernal will, and it watches you intensely as you draw close.

"Taevos Varnassian. Kneel." Thorn proclaims in a deep, ringing voice.

[Systole]

Taevos drops to a knee and bows his head, an expression on his face that is equal parts proud, zealous, and expectant.

OOCWell, it would be a shame to make an antipaladin and not give him a proper suit of black spiky armor to march around an look intimidating in. Mechanically speaking, there are probably better uses for the mithril, but I'm going Rule of Cool here. Has to be done.

[Maugan Ra]

Thorn produces a silver-bladed knife from inside his robes and looks at the devil, which obediently holds out one muscular arm. A quick, surgical slice and a thin stream of black blood begins dripping onto the feast hall floor.

Thorn dips one finger in the blood and approaches Taevos, before carefully drawing the holy symbol of Asmodeus on the Antipaladin's brow. "Behold, the Nessian Knot is forged. Rise, Champion of Hell."

Later, in the Cardinal's office

"You have proven yourself worthy, and now your training is at an end. It is time for your first assignment, and the first step towards reforging Talingarde into the nation it was meant to be." Thorn says, seated once more behind his desk. There is a large map of the country stretched out in front of you, rendered in loving detail and inscribed with dozens of small notes and arrows.

"Your mission, my child, is war. You shall bring war to Talingarde, and with it destroy the pathetic fools who would seek to deny us our goals. More specifically, you have two objectives."

He taps a section of the map, where a small axe-like symbol has been sketched next to a large inland sea in the Northern Wastes. "Here, on the shores of Lake Tarik, the army of Sakkarot Fire-Axe is encamped. He is a bugbear warlord, and another of my agents - proof that even a species normally inclined towards rampant barbarism can understand the truths of Asmodeus. He has spent the last few years gathering together a great many of the Northern tribes into a mighty force, one that actually possesses some semblance of tactical skill and training. At last count they numbered well over a thousand strong. All they lack are the proper weapons."

With one finger, he traces a long route up Talingarde's eastern coast and down a winding river towards Lake Tarik. "You will bring him those weapons. Sitting in a nearby dock is the longship Frosthammer, commanded by Captain Odenkirk. The ship is loaded with over twenty tons of fine weapons and armour for Sakkarot's horde, which the good captain has agreed to deliver for us. I am sending you with the shipment to help ensure it gets there, as a safeguard against both Talerean coastal patrols and any thought of treachery on Odenkirk's part."

[Systole]

"An excellent plan," Taevos says, studying the route while surruptitiously memorizing the other marks on the map. Thank you for your tutelage in expanding my memory, Lord Thorn. Permit me to put it to good use, just in case.

"There is time to gather supplies before we sail, I take it? And Odenkirk, is your suspicion of him a general one, or has the good captain done something specific and unseemly? You know that I do not ... appreciate betrayers. Or mercenaries," he adds, obviously referring to Elise. He looks at the route again. "If we are concerned about patrols, perhaps a diversion of some sort might be arranged?"

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The arrows and other marks appear to be projected deployment routes for Talingarde's armies and militia forces in the event of an invasion, each appended with a small list of expected numbers and force compositions. If they're accurate, then Thorn has startlingly thorough intelligence on the nation's defenses.

Actually, Taevos is reasonably sure the only way he could have something this detailed would be if he has an agent in the highest ranks of the military...

"Odenkirk is both a mercenary and a fool." Thorn says bluntly. "In our last meeting, he extorted additional payment from me for this job, wagering on the fact that I could not easily find another ship and captain willing to take the assignment on such short notice. In that, he was regrettably correct, and so I paid him the extra as agreed."

Thorn looks rather annoyed by the matter. "As his reward, once his part in this plan is concluded, you are to kill him and his crew, and burn his ship to ashes. He should have the excess payment aboard still, so make sure you recover it as well - it can serve as your operating budget." Standing back at the edges of the room, Grumblejack smiles and Timeon nods gravely.

"In any case, diversions and the like are being arranged, so you need not concern yourself too much with them. Instead, focus your thoughts on the second part of your mission." Thorn continues, indicating a small marker on the shores of the Lake south of the Fire-Axe's camp. "The Watch Fortress Balentyne, part of the 'wall' that defends Talingarde from northern incursions exactly like the one we are planning. It guards an old Dwarven bridge, perhaps the only safe crossing point for miles in either direction, and is the designated point where Sakkarot will attempt to begin his invasion."

At this, Timeon steps forwards, looking at the map with a thoughtful expression. "I know Balentyne - I spent a few years working there as one of the servants before being assigned as a squire. The place was going to be renovated just after I left, so the layout might have changed a bit - not to mention the change of garrison troops - but if I have a day or two to check such things once we're there I expect I can provide us some proper maps and the like."

Thorn nods. "Indeed. That would be quite useful. As you might have guessed, even with modern weapons, Sakkarot's army is almost certainly not going to be able to easily break through the fortifications. That is the second part of your mission - after the weapons are delivered, Odenkirk's last task will be to drop you by the town of Aldencross, just beyond the watch fort. From there, you will use your skills and your circlets to infiltrate the place and conduct an extended sabotage mission."

"Slay the individual captains, sabotage the war machines, throw open the gates at the worst possible moment... I leave the exact methods to your discretion. Zadaria and her team are being tasked as assassins, eliminating key personnel in the nearby forces and garrisons to ensure any response force is slow and uncoordinated. If you succeed, the Talirean military will need to fight a war against the most well trained and equipped bugbear horde in generations, without the benefit of their defensive fortifications. I expect it will go quite poorly for them."

He pauses, and looks up at you. "One last thing. The commander of Balentyne absolutely must die if this attack is to have a good chance of succeeding. His name is Sir Thomas Haverlyn, paladin of Mitra. I believe you are... acquainted with his son."

[Systole]

After a full season of the hellish training that high priest put them through, Taevos cannot help but be slightly amused by Thorn's grudging admission that someone got the better of him. Not for long, however. And when then time comes, perhaps I ought send Timeon to see to the captain with a sharp blade in the night. I would be interested to see how he performs. Yes, quite.

Taevos smiles as Thorn discusses the second part of the plan. "And when Havelyn the Elder is murdered most foully, you are supposing that it might get the attention of Havelyn the Younger? Yesssss, that would be interesting. But to sabotage a heavily fortified castle so that an army of brutes can go inside it? Well, that's nothing but a prison break, except on a grander scale, and in reverse." He grins at Grumblejack. "So I suppose it is a lucky break that you have two of the world's foremost authorities on prison breaking at your disposal. And a lucky break for us that Timeon knows his way around the keep. I think this may go badly for the keep's defenders."

He turns to Timeon and Grumblejack. "If you've no questions for Lord Thorn, let us leave to discuss supplies. If we're going to be traveling oversea, I think we would be well served with a supply of nets and harpoons. As well as bows and boarding axes."

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
Thorn's quite willing to cover the cost of minor items like axes and nets, so if you post a quick list of what it is you're after, I'll probably approve most of it. That said, Odenkirk's crew will have their own supplies, and odds are you can grab some of the spares as necessary.

"Do all of this and, once your task is concluded, break this seal." The Cardinal says, passing you a simple piece of clay stamped with an ornate magical rune. "I will have more orders for you then, so that we might begin the next stage of the plan."

"This is a Holy Mission we are embarking on. The people of Talingarde believe they have seen the last of Asmodeus, but we are going to teach them just how wrong they are. Succeed, and you will be richly rewarded. Fail... well, you're an intelligent man. I'm sure you can work it out." he says with a smile, before rising and producing a number of elegant silver goblets filled with dark red wine. "Now, let us toast your success."

"To war."

[Systole]

Taevos grins. "To war."

OOCHalf a dozen nets, half a dozen harpoons with rope. Bow of some sort (preferably comp long). A case of cheap rotgut to incapacitate the sailors and a dozen flasks of oil to help burn the ship.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

No more than half an hour later, Tiadora leads you out of the house and down a narrow path to the nearby docks. Grumblejack and Timeon follow a few paces behind, the ogre carrying a wooden case full of your requested supplies easily on his shoulder.

"It's been a pleasure, dearest. Do try not to die up north - it would be a terrible waste of the time we invested." Tiadora says as the docks come into sight - perhaps the closest she's come to saying something genuinely positive towards you in three months. Then she turns and walks away without another word.

The Frosthammer is a long-hulled, single-sailed ship of relatively sleek design, quite obviously not built in Talingarde. It sits low in the water as the half-dozen men that make up it's crew hurry about preparing it for sail. The captain, Kargeld Odenkirk, is waiting for you by the boarding ramp. He's a tall, well built man with pale blond hair and a multitude of scars, and his voice bears a strong foreign accent that makes it sound almost incomprehensibly rough.

"You are to guard my ship all the way north, yes?"

[Systole]

Taevos sneers at Odenkirk as if to say Who else would we be? If left unchallenged, he walks straight up the gangplank without breaking stride.

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

Kargeld doesn't seem to take this amiss, and simply nods to the rest of the crew as they prepare to cast off.

The journey down the Varyn river takes half a day before the Frosthammer reaches the open ocean and begins heading north along the coast. It's a fine ship, you can tell that much - the hull is well cared for, the rigging properly maintained so that it cuts through the water with an easy grace - but the journey is far from civilized. There is only one actual cabin, which evidently belongs to Odenkirk, with everyone else forced to sleep on the deck under the stars. Nor are there proper lavatory facilities, leaving crew and passengers little option but to hang themselves precariously over the sides and hope for calm weather. Still, compared to Branderscar and the privations of your training, the discomfort is easily bearable.

It takes a full week to sale up the northern coast and past the line of forts that form the Watch Wall, and for most of that time all you can see on the land is an endless array of rolling fields and small farming hamlets. The locals often wave at the passing ship, and Odenkirk makes a point of returning their greetings.

"Wouldn't want them to get suspicious, would we?"

Still, the journey is generally uneventful, until one day approximately two thirds of the way to your destination. Timeon is standing watch - in name at least, though he spends a lot of the time just staring at his passing homeland with a blank expression on his face - and he abruptly straightens and calls out to the rest of the crew.

"We're being followed!"

Odenkirk curses foully in some unknown foreign tongue as he stomps his way over to the railing, squinting back the way the ex-squire was pointing. You can make out the relatively squat, powerful form of a Talerean patrol boat rapidly gaining on you, it's large sail emblazoned with the Sigil of the House of Darius.

"Damnation. There's no way we'll outrun her, loaded down like this." Odenkirk growls, casting a look at the numerous crates of weapons filling most of the deck. "And they only have to get one good look at our cargo to work out that we're smuggling weapons."

[Systole]

"Why, Captain Odenkirk, why would anyone interfere with the good works of the Knights of Alerion as they deliver supplies to our northern outposts?" As he speaks, his clothes and scalemail flow into a set of light leather armor and a familar tabard. As an afterthought, his features because more fine-boned and his hair turns blonde. No sense in taking a chance that someone might recognize Fra Niccolo.

To the sailors and the captain he says, "Keep your weapons near but not in hand. If they signal for us to heave-to, you heave-to. And if one of you blows our cover, I swear that I will gut you and throw you over the side if it's the last thing I do."

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The pursuing ship draws closer, and you can hear the sailors on board shouting at the Frosthammer.

"Heave to in the name of the king!"

Odenkirk glances at you, and then nods to his crew, who begin slowing the ship as commanded so the patrol boat can come alongside. Timeon moves to stand next to you, his own circlet disguising him as the squire he once was, while Grumblejack joins the crew and does his best to just look like a very tall human.

As the patrol boat pulls alongside, you can see it's name inscribed on the hull - The Blade of Saint Martius. A boarding plank drops down to bridge the gap between the two vessels, and the Talerean captain boards with a small guard of four sailors. You can see eight more remaining on their ship.

"Who is in charge here?" The captain demands, casting a critical eye over the gathered crew and the large numbers of cargo crates all over the deck.

[Systole]

"That would be me, captain," Taveos says, letting the irritation come through in his tone. Choosing a noble house of moderate prestige, he continues, "Gottrick Favar, knight of the realm, at your service. And while I certainly support a well-maintained navy, is there some particular reason you've stopped us? Our order's northern outposts have been repeatedly attacked by bands of bugbears and are in desperate need of supplies. Every hour could mean additional casualties. Or worse." He glares at the captain, hands twitching. "If you feel the need to search, I must acquiesce as is my duty under the vows of Alerion. But by the golden light of Mitra, I will make sure you are not only relieved of command but drummed out of the service if our garrison falls because you saw fit to delay us."

OOCBluff: [roll0]
Intimidate: [roll1]
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

The Captain takes half a step back in surprise. "Oh... my apologies, sir. But this is a foreign ship, heading north, and I... that is to say I had no idea it might be on official business."

[Systole]

"We chose this ship because it was fastest and least expensive of those available. Our order does not throw away money on amenities when it could be better spent saving lives," Taevos barks, indicating the Frosthammer's bare deck and its single cabin. He takes a breath, seeming to collect himself. When he speaks again, his voice is calm and even. "Captain, I apologize. That was unseemly of me. I am simply concerned for the well-being of my fellow knights and the settlers under their protection, and I allowed my worries to get the better of me. If you must search us, then I beg you to have done with it quickly. Our mission is sacred and time is of the essence."

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Systole]

By the way, I'm kind of colorblind, and I can barely see the captain's dialogue color. I have to highlight it so I can read it. Can I put in a request to keep colors on the darker side? I promise not to complain if you end up repeating them.

[Maugan Ra]

"Ah... very sorry sir. Won't take a moment, then you may be on your way." The captain says, waving his men forwards.

Timeon steps over to the nearest crate and removes the lid, displaying the Roy upon row of sharp-edged swords stored within. "All of the other crates contain similar supplies, sir." he tells the captain deferentially, the very picture of a helpful underling. "Will you need to see all of them? It may take some time."

The Talerean captain shoots a look at Taevos before replying. "Ah, no, that won't be necessary. My apologies once more for the interruption, sir Favar. We won't delay you any longer."

With that, the inspector and his crew return to their ship and separate from yours, peeling away to return to their patrol route. Amusingly, they all salute you as they go.

[Systole]

Sir Favar returns the men's salutes, and it is only after their sails are a pinpoint on the horizon that Taevos drops the disguise and allows himself a brief but heartfelt laugh. "Thank you, Timeon. That was masterful."

He glares at the sailors ominously. "As for the rest of you, I do not wish to deal with any more patrols. If you cannot get this ship moving faster, then I shall find some way to lighten the load."

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Maugan Ra]

"Figured I'd show him one that wasn't marked with Bugbear emblems first." Timeon says with a faint smile as he watches the ship sail away.

OoC:
Here's Timeon's sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403). It's not complete yet - still need to pick out feats and note down abilities, but by and large it's all there. He has two feats to select if you have any suggestions.

And yes, he's LN, not LE. So far, anyway.

Later that night

The Frosthammer has stopped for the night, unwilling to follow a course so close to the rocky shore without adequate visibility, and the crew are generally seated around in small groups conversing in low voices or gambling with crude dice whittled out of driftwood. The sky is clear and the night still, and as a result the sudden braying of crude horns alerts everyone on the deck to the incoming attack.

From the ship's starboard side, roughly sixty feet out and closing rapidly, a small band of five Tritons power through the gentle waves towards the longship. They carry crossbows in their hands, and yell war cries in acquan as they charge.

Yup. You're under attack by merfolk. The North can be an unusual and dangerous place. Initiatives:
Taevos: [roll0]
Grumblejack: [roll1]
Timeon: [roll2]
Tritons: [roll3]
Odenkirk and crew: [roll4]

[Maugan Ra]

Conveniently, that works out as your characters, then the enemies under my control. Attack at will.

[Systole]

Taevos laughs. "Indeed. Sir Favar might have been at a loss to explain the rest."

88888888

"Arms! To arms!" Timeon yells as the tritons' cries break the stillness. He draws his crossbow and lets a bolt fly into the night.

Grumblejack grabs a net, fumbling with the unfamiliar weapon. He waits for the creatures to draw closer before throwing.

Taevos is the last to react, having been laying in a hammock and reading idly. "Damn these northern beasts!" he snarls. Running toward the harpoons and nets, he throws a chakram.

OOCAssuming Timeon would have a light crossbow? I'm not sure what Grumblejack has for ranged weapons, so having him grab a net. Waiting until they're within 20', but it's going to be ugly without a nat 20 or close to. On the other hand, we have almost certainly have a captive if he does.

Timeon: [roll0] for [roll1]
Grumblejack: Ranged touch with net - [roll2] +3 BAB -1 size -1 dex -4 nonproficiency, -2 range Net rules are here (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/weapons/weapon-descriptions/net).
Taevos: [roll3] for [roll4]

Possible Timeon pic for MW is here (http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_mw_zpsa22e28de.jpg), assuming you approve.

Can either you or I make a Grumblejack sheet? I don't mind using the ogre stats for reference, but it would be helpful to know his weapon loadout.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 26/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. MWK Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

[Systole]

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

One of the Tritons shrieks in pain as Timeon and Taevos both manage to strike it with their arrows. One of the nearby crewmen also scores a solid hit, and the merman turns and flees at full speed.

The other attacking creatures, however, move up until they are roughly 30ft from the Frosthammer. Then they stop, and cry out in their alien tongue, primitive magics stirring the water all around them and forcing it into the forms of small humanoid figures.

In a great, arcing bound the four small water Elementals board the Frosthammer, soaking you with the spray of sea-water. The door to the cabin slams open and Odenkirk emerges, looking furious. He spots the attackers immediately and snarls to himself in his native tongue, before hefting a heavy axe and advancing on his foes.

Your turn once more.

[Systole]

Timeon drops his weapon and advances toward one of the elementals. Dropping the net that he never got a chance to throw, Grumblejack draws his axe and attacks with a grin, the melee being more to his liking. Taevos glares at the tritons, but draws his bardiche and attacks the more immediate threat. "We'll deal with them soon enough," he growls.

OOC Hoping for a flank from Grumblejack and/or Taevos. +2 if that's the case. Given that the sailors are going to get killed later anyway, any elemental that's threatening a sailor will be left until last.

Timeon: [roll0] for [roll1]
Grumblejack: [roll2] for [roll3]
Taevos: [roll4] for [roll5]

EDIT: Holy crap, is it just me or have the dice started to hate me?
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

Assuming that you and Timeon are attacking one elemental, and Grumblejack is going for another. And yes, my word, but your rolling seems to be suffering somewhat lately...

You strike at the Elementals, but their liquid forms just seem to flow around your blades without harm. Nearby, two of the crew find slightly better luck, surrounding one of the Elementals and striking it hard enough to disrupt the energies holding it together, while just beyond them another sailor is sent falling over the side of the ship by an energetic shove from the magical creation. Odenkirk charges the thing responsible, and hacks it apart with a sweeping blow.

Meanwhile, Timeon finds himself being shoved forcefully back towards the edge of the ship...

It's a Bull Rush from the elemental. Taevos and Timeon both get to make attacks of opportunity here, and if they slay it, your follower gets to stay on the ship. If not, he gets shoved into the water. Since your own actions will likely be at least partially determined by whether it works, the elemental has an AC of 17 and 13 hit points.

Meanwhile, in the water, three of the Tritons pelt the defenders with crossbow bolts, sending one sailor spinning off his feet in a welter of blood, but the fourth appears to be a spellcaster of some kind. It waves one webbed hand, and a pair of dolphins spring into existence and begin surging through the water towards the overboard crewman.

Your turn.

[Systole]

"Taevos!" Timeon calls out, swinging his weapon at the elemental.

OOCResolving the bull rush/AoO stuff first.

Timeon: [roll0] for [roll1]
Taevos: [roll2] for [roll3]
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Systole]

The former squire hits the water with a splash. He drops his shield and begins treading icy water. Grumblejack moves to pick him out of the water with his long, ogre arms. "I got you, kid."

Taevos' eyes narrow and he swings again at the elemental. "That was uncalled for, creature!"

OOCTimeon: Swim check - +1 -2 ACP [roll0]
Grumblejack: Strength check to haul Timeon back up (?). [roll1] Might draw an AoO himself, here.
Taevos: [roll2] for [roll3]
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

Grumblejack takes 3 points of damage as the elemental he was fighting uses his distraction to land a solid hit, but manages to drag Timeon back up onto the ship in the meantime. Taevos' opponent evades his swings, not reacting to the accusation in the slightest, and looks as though it's about to return to the offensive when Kargeld steps up behind it and destroys it with a strike from his great axe.

"What's the matter, southerner? Too weak to even kill a sea sprite?" he growls at Taevos, as behind him you see the surviving crewmen mob the creature attacking Grumblejack and slash it apart.

The sailor in the water is not so fortunate, as the pair of summoned dolphins surge through the water towards him and begin slamming into his exposed gut at considerable speed. The Tritons begin to focus their fire, and one crossbow bolt deflects from Taevos' chest-armour with a dull clang.

[Systole]

"Kill the others. The priest is mine."

OOCTimeon: Move to crossbow, pick up crossbow (dropped during weapon switch to longsword, which I think I forgot to explicitly state)
Grumblejack: Pick up axe (probably dropped during Str check, move to support Taevos.
Taevos: Move to net, drop bardiche, pick up net.

Question on smite good: By the book, smite good only works on good clerics and paladins. What about good oracles? Good inquisitors? Good druids? Would Taevos know the difference? I ask because a well-placed Smite Good next round might be very helpful.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

Smite Good works on anything that has a 'good' in it's alignment. It just does double damage against things like paladins and clerics. It'd be a bit limited otherwise...

The remaining sailors are likewise grabbing their ranged weapons once more, save for Captain Odenkirk, who paces back and forth on the deck as though daring their attackers to summon more creatures for him to destroy. In the water, the sailor who was pushed overboard is once more mobbed by the dolphins and vanishes beneath the surface of the waves.

Taevos takes Seven points of damage as a lucky crossbow bolt catches him on the side of the face, tearing a ragged wound across his cheek.

[Systole]

Timeon and Grumblejack begin targeting the tritons while Taevos points at the caster with a wicked smile. He lets fly with the net.

OOCTimeon: Load crossbow, fire [roll0] for [roll1]
Grumblejack: Hold axe in offhand, pick up harpoon, throw harpoon. [roll2] for [roll3]
Taevos: Smite good on caster. Assuming good (+3 BAB -4 nonproficient -4 range 30' + 5 CHA) [roll4] ranged touch on the caster, brace for the STR check

Question on smite good: By the book, smite good only works on good clerics and paladins. What about good oracles? Good inquisitors? Good druids? Would Taevos know the difference? I ask because a well-placed Smite Good next round might be very helpful.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

Timeon's shot strikes true, and together with the remaining four sailors, one of the Triton attackers is pin cushioned and slain by a hail of projectiles. More impressively, Taevos manages to drop his net neatly over the torso of the spellcaster, who writhes and struggles desperately in an attempt to get free.

The other pair of surviving Tritons attempt to aid their leader, and as such are too busy to fire on the Frosthammer.

That said, he rolled a 1 for his strength check and has no modifier, so even with assistance bonuses he's not getting away quite so easily.

[Systole]

"Timeon, keep firing at the others. Grumblejack, help me land this fish."

OOCTimeon: Load crossbow, fire [roll0] for [roll1]
Grumblejack: Drop axe, grab rope, haul on rope. Roll includes aid another from Taveos [roll2]
Taevos: Assist Grumblejack.

EDIT: Pounding head on desk.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

With the desperation of the trapped animal, the ensnared Triton manages to force it's way out of the net wrapped around it's torso. And as the shots continue to splash down around them from the furious sailors of the Frosthammer, they dive under the water and begin to retreat at speed.

[Systole]

"NO!" Taevos shouts, furious at seeing the caster escape. He pounds the rail of the ship with his fists, his spiked gauntlets leaving deep gouges in the wood.

"At least you'll always have the story of the one that got away," Timeon says with a wry smile.

Taevos wheels at the young man in rage, but stops. After a moment, the anger ebbs away and he chuckles ruefully. "True enough, Timeon." He gives the sea a dark look. "But when all is said and done, and Talingarde is as it should be, I think I will return to this place to do some fishing."

OOCA fitting end to one of the most painful combat performances I've ever had. God that sucked. I rolled double digits on a d20 maybe once during that fight? Ugh. Ugh ugh ugh.

EDIT: I suppose it wasn't that bad. I just never seemed to get the rolls when it counted.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 29/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 0/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 27/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

OoC:
Yeah, that happens sometimes. Sucks, but there you go. Anyway, there are meant to be a couple of more encounters on the journey, but we've established this well enough I think. So, onwards...

The sailors of the Frosthammer, despite their two lost companions from the skirmish with the Tritons and their summoned beasts, still prove more than able to keep the ship moving north at speed. Fortunately, there are no more unwelcome encounters with the local wildlife, and soon enough the rolling greenery of the coast gives way to an ice-encrusted wilderness as the voyage passes the last vestiges of true civilisation.

The Talereans call this the 'Savage North', and it isn't hard to see why. The great forests that you pass are almost primeval in their sprawling glory, endless swathes of woodland that have clearly never known the touch of axe or saw. Wild animals skulk between their roots, or across the rolling plains, and more than once you could swear that they are watching you with malicious intent.

Captain Odenkirk, for all that he is a headstrong fool and an utter barbarian, still proves supremely capable at his craft. Under his barked directions, the Frosthammer wends it's way between drifting chunks of solid ice and around uncertain water currents, turning away from the open sea to sail down a great river towards your destination. A day or so later, and you arrive.

You hear the camp several minutes before you see it, the chill air echoing with scores of bestial roars and a constant low drumming noise that sets the leaves in the trees quivering. The sailors look distinctly uncertain, but Odenkirk snarls at them and they stay on course, rounding a low bend in the river and bringing the encampment into sight at last.

The horde is, to put it bluntly, massive. You had some idea of the magnitude you were expecting, both from Thorn's briefing and the sheer quantity of weapons you were escorting, but seeing it with your own eyes is something else. Several thousand bugbear warriors have gathered in this natural clearing, hacking down the trees with crude axes and using the wood to fuel the hundreds of roaring bonfires that stud the landscape. None of the hairy beasts seem to have erected any kind of shelter, content to simply lounge around on the hard earth wherever they please. Nor are they the only creatures here - just from a brief glance, you can see scurrying goblins tending to dire wolf steeds, white-furred bears seemingly wandering around unbothered by the commotion, and what might actually be a number of giants in the very distance.

The Frosthammer moves in towards a crude wooden dock that extends out into the river, and as it does more than a few members of the horde look over and study you. They do not look friendly.

[Systole]

Taevos looks at the camp with grudging appreciation. "An impressive display from Lord Thorn and this Fireaxe beast. Let us hope they are worthy of the task Asmodeus has set for them."

He strides onto the dock with the natural arrogance of the noble-born. "Start unloading the cargo," he commands the sailors. And turning to the nearby bugbears, he says, "You! Fetch your master, Fireaxe."

OOCI'm assuming we healed up over the past few days. I really wanted that caster, though.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

The nearest bugbear snorts and steps towards you, followed closely by three of its kin. The rest of the barbarians remain where they are, but you can easily tell that all of their attention is focused on what appears to be a confrontation.

"Food don't get to give orders." The bugbear growls at you, smacking a heavy wooden club into the palm of it's hand. "Maybe you need to learn your place here."

Timeon and Grumblejack fall in on either side of Taevos, hands on the hilts of their weapons... but not drawing just yet.

[Systole]

Taevos looks at the bugbear for a moment in puzzlement, as if he can't believe what he's hearing. Narrowing his eyes, he strides forward purposefully and stops well within the ringleader's personal space. Glaring at the bugbear, he speaks with clear menace in voice. "Beast, I told you to fetch your master. I will not repeat myself again. If you are not scurrying out of my sight within the next ten heartbeats, I will cut your ears off so that you have a reminder to obey me when next I speak to you, and so that I have something soft with which to wipe myself when next I visit a chamberpot." He pauses, and then hisses through clenched teeth. "Go. Now!"

OOCTake 10 on Intimidate for 24. I just can't bring myself to roll right now.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 15 (14 flat-footed, 10 touch)
HP: 36/36
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +7 Reflex: +0 Will: +2

Perception: +5
Initiative: +2
Smite Good: 1/1

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

For an instant, Taevos can see fear in the Bugbear's eyes as it takes an instinctive step backwards. The monster regains it's nerves swiftly, but that is virtually irrelevant - everyone present saw the hesitation, smelt it's fear. With an animal snarl, the bugbear brings it's club up to strike at the nobleman...

"Hold!"

The commanding roar cuts through the air like a battle axe, and every member of the horde within earshot flinches back slightly in fear. The bugbear in front of Taevos is no exception, casting a look over it's shoulder and then slinking off to one side as it's overlord approaches.

Sakkarot Fire-Axe strides towards the pier like a general on the parade ground, ranks of savage beasts pulling aside to clear his path without needing so much as a glare to command them. The warlord is a hulking beast, black of fur and red of eye, and the cruel axe in his right hand appears constantly wreathed in hellfire. He's wearing a set of defaced plate armour, evidently torn from the body of a crusading knight, and he studies you intently as he draws to a stop.

That scarlet gaze moves from Taevos, to his retainers, to the ship docked behind him and then back to a nobleman. "Who sent you here?"

[Systole]

Taevos inclines his head slightly toward the bugbear chieftan in agreeting. This ill-mannered beast meets us with nothing more than a 'Who sent you?' Well, then, I believe it is time to teach him a lesson in basic diplomacy. "Greetings and salutations, sire. Given that firey axe you wield, I take it you are Sakkarot Fireaxe? My name is Taevos Varnassian. These are my associates Timeon and Grumblejack, and on the ship is the fine figure of Captain Odenkirk and an assortment of fine seamen..."

He continues his rambling introduction until the chieftan's temper is precariously close to snapping, at which point he finishes with, "...and we are here at the bidding of Adrastus Thorn, in the greater service of our lord Asmodeus."

[Maugan Ra]

Surprisingly, Sakkarot appears to have unusual stores of patience for a bugbear, merely watching Taevos flatly as he listens to the rambling introduction.

"Thorn, you say? Then you are welcome here." he turns to regard the rest of the horde, most of whom look on the verge of charging the Frosthammer and devouring every human present. "These are our allies, and my guests! If anyone harms them, I will personally tear you apart with my bare hands!"

The watching barbarians seem somewhat surprised and confused by this, and Sakkarot uses the momentary pause to stride over to the docked ship and tear the lid from one of the crates. He reaches inside and pulls out a gleaming Longsword, tossing it towards the bugbear who accosted Taevos on landing. "They bring us steel!"

That, the bugbears know how to react to, and they roar in bestial appreciation, raising their fists in salute to Taevos and Sakkarot. The warlord takes the opportunity to speak privately with the nobleman, the roars of the horde rendering them momentarily deaf to his words.

"When in Mathryn, young noble, do as the locals do. You need to exercise greater care in which part you are seen to play, or the horde will tear you apart, Thorn's protection or not. Now, walk with me, if you would, and we'll talk privately while my lieutenants unload the cargo."

That said, he turns and strides away deeper into the camp.

[Systole]

So he's not the beast I took him for. Well then, let us see what kind of beast he actually is. Before walking after Fire-Axe, Taevos looks around for the bugbear he previously threatened. Catching its eye, he deliberately scratches at his own ear as if he had a trifling itch. Only then does he walk in the direction that the chieftan went.

[Maugan Ra]

Sakkarot leads you through the ranks of the horde at a brisk walk, as behind you other officers begin distributing the weapons to their eager warriors. None of the troops bar your path, some practically leaping out of the way, and eventually the chieftain reaches a single large pavilion-like tent in the very centre of the camp. The entry flap is guarded by a pair of mountain trolls, their stone-grey hides and unusual discipline giving them the appearance of statues, and with a gesture the warlord indicates that Timeon and Grumblejack should remain outside with them.

The tent interior itself is unusually tidy and well organised, the contents set out with military precision and no sign of any excessive personal loot. Sakkarot returns his axe to a weapon rack just inside the entrance, the unholy flames extinguishing as the weapon leaves his hand, and then takes a seat at a rough wooden desk inside. Only then does he speak to you.

"So, you're the Ninth Knot, I take it? Lord Thorn said he was sending you with the weapon shipment. I'm the Avernian Knot, the First, and as far as the troops are concerned I'm the leader and you're some foreigner I negotiated a weapons deal with." he says at length, and his voice has lost the bestial emphasis it maintained in front of the horde. Indeed, he sounds almost civilized. "Still, it's good to see you at least grasped one of the fundamental principles of interacting with my kind - never show weakness in front of them. Until you've earned yourself a name they recognise, confidence alone will keep them from swarming you."

He scratches his furry chin for a moment in contemplation. "Speaking of which, I understand you are also the one who is going to break the Watch Wall open for me. Is that right?"

[Systole]

"I intend to break the Watch Wall, yes. And while I am not averse to playing the part of 'some foreigner you negotiated a weapons deal with,' it might have gone more smoothly had someone informed me of that nuance in advance. So if there is some nuance I should know regarding the breaking of the Watch Wall, I would appreciate knowing it now, rather than later."

Taevos' eyes narrow and he tilts his head questioningly. "But you say that one must never show weakness in front of your kind until one has earned a name they might recognize. Tell me, should this stricture apply to you as well?"

[Maugan Ra]

Sakkarot waves one hand in a dismissing gesture. "Thorn sent you here, and that is enough for me right now. That he trusts you with this assignment is proof enough of your competency - he's not known for tolerating weakness among those who serve him. Case in point, the lack of nuances in your briefing. I expect he was interested to see how you handled it."

The bugbear rises and moves over to one of the nearby chests, rooting through it as he continues talking. "As to your next mission, well, there is a time limit. Now that the weapons have arrived, I am going to remain here for another week, to allow the last few stragglers who were inbound to arrive and join up. Then it will take another week to move to the staging ground, ready for the final assault." he continues, extracting a long tube wrapped in oiled leathers from inside the chest and returning to the table. "After that, there will be a two week window, during which the assault will have to begin. If I delay much longer, squabbling and desertions will start to steadily reduce the horde's strength until it becomes too weak to do anything worthwhile. So once you believe you've done enough to break the Wall, fire this signal rocket from somewhere up high and then get out of there. You'll have maybe an hour before the attack begins."

He looks up at you curiously for a moment. "You are a traitor to your own kind, you must realise that. When Balentyne falls and my forces pour through the shattered gates, we will butcher the Talereans by the thousand. And yet... I see no regret in your eyes. How can this be?"

[Systole]

Because I envision a new Talingarde, where weakness and sloth is replaced with strength and ambition. Because those who will be lost are blind and weak or else they would have been chained beside me in Branderscar. Because the culling of a thousand or ten thousand or a million of such men is more than an acceptable loss; it is to be desired. Because your bugbears are a cauterizing flame, and because I expect there to be pain with such a procedure. Because you are a tool, Sakkarot Fire-Axe, and nothing more. "Because I am a loyal servant of Asmodeus."

[OOC]What Taevos actually says aloud is true, but he's certainly thinking the rest.

Bluff: [roll0]

[Maugan Ra]

"You are not the only one." Sakkarot says, pulling aside the chest plate on his battered armour. There, directly over his heart, is an elaborate scar pattern in the shape of the Asmodean Pentagram. "We all have our reasons, and Thorn most of all. He keeps his past a secret, for obvious reasons... but I do know that he was not always a follower of the Prince of Nessus."

The Warlord replaces the armour. "Once, he was a cardinal of the Mitran faith, before they burned him on a pyre for heresy and witchcraft. The vengeance of the scorned is a terrible thing, as I rather suspect you know."

"Still, in any case, your mission here is concluded. We have our weapons, you have the signal rocket and your time frame. When do you intend to move on? There will be a feast tonight, in honour of this shipment and our new allies, and it might be advantageous for the horde to know your face for the future operations. But then, I can also understand that you might not wish to remain here for too long."

[Systole]

Burned? I shall have to ask Grumblejack more about that smell, then. "He looks surprisingly hale for a burned man," Taevos replies. "And it has been a long journey. I believe we will stay for the feast." Your horde holds no terrors for me, Fire-Axe. And yes, perhaps it would be advantageous for these beasts to know the face of their future master.

[Maugan Ra]

"Very well. Let us honour the destruction to come."

888

The feast is a massive and savage affair, hundreds of northern monsters celebrating an impending war with all the brutality and primitive glory they are renowned for. Scores of wild pigs and other such creatures and slain and then cooked on massive open bonfires, while the members of the horde scrap with each other for the choicest cuts and down whole barrels of crude alcohol.

Taevos has been given a seat at the chieftain's table, which basically gives him some space for himself and an actual plate, rather than forcing him to use his bare hands to eat the food. Nearby, Timeon appears to be engrossed in a conversation with a polar bear, which poses questions in-between delicately slicing up sections of the meat with its long claws.

"Yeah, like I said, he doesn't smell right." Grumblejack confirms when you mention Sakkarot's story. "There's just something about him, like he isn't even really... well, alive anymore. Just old smells, nothing new, like he's been preserved or something."

[Systole]

Taevos watches the bacchanalia with a wry grin. He drinks little and eats less, not trusting the meat he is likely to find in a bugbear camp. Beasts. But for now they are useful beasts.

He ponders Grumblejack's information. So, Lord Thorn is ... undead? Then his appearance must be an illusion. A cardinal of Mitra, burned at the stake, but with either sufficient magical power or sufficient strength of will to return from death. Or perhaps he simply made a deal. That, too, might be possible, I suppose.

An idea strikes him. Or perhaps it might be all three. Yes, that seems more likely. This shall bear some investigation.

Lost in thought, he notices little of the party.

OOCK:Religion and K:History for a Mitran cardinal burned at the stake. [roll0] [roll1]

[Maugan Ra]

Quick fact notice: The Mitran church has a High Cardinal, who is basically the boss, and seven regular Cardinals who each administer districts and the like. Just so you have a grasp of what it's referring to.

Actually, there's a crapton of information on Talingarde, the Mitran church and the various major cities scattered throughout the books. I'm just not sure how to give it to you without a ridiculously oversized info dump.

Anyway, odds are good that Taevos would know this, especially with a halfway decent roll. The only Cardinal convicted of heresy in the last eighty odd years was named Samuel Havelyn.

The next morning, the Frosthammer is ready to depart for the final leg of it's commissioned journey. From the looks of the crew, most of them did not get a great deal of sleep, staying on paranoid watch against any possibility of random bugbear attack. As you and your retainers make your way back to the ship, you can see Odenkirk standing on the deck, his arms crossed and his expression pensive.

"So they call themselves the Naatunaks, and they're surprisingly intelligent, really. Some of the better craftsmen... craftsbears?... in the north. No idea what Fireaxe did to secure their allegiance, though." Timeon converses in a light-hearted fashion as you approach, casually stepping over the odd sleeping bugbear or veering around the hungover ones.

"We ready to go? I want to be far away from that monster as soon as possible." Odenkirk grumbles as you board the ship. "I could see it in his eyes, the plotting. Bugbears should not be that smart."

[Systole]

"It does invert the natural order of things, doesn't it?" Taevos agreely dryly. "Bugbears being smarter than foreigners and mercenary thugs." He expects the sarcasm is lost on Odenkirk.

So our Lord Thorn is the former Cardinal Havelyn? And he wishes revenge against his ... nephew? Great nephew? I will have to read some genealogies which the opportunity presents itself.

Once the boat is out on open waters, Taevos gives the captain further orders. "We don't want to be seen coming into the town by boat. It will raise too many questions. Find a sheltered spot a few miles west of the town. We'll disembark there." After we kill you and burn your ship to the waterline, of course.

[Maugan Ra]

Odenkirk glares at you briefly for the sarcastic remark, but evidently decides that he just wants this contract over with as swiftly as possible.

Lake Tarik, the inland sea just slightly south of the bugbear camp, is fortunately shrouded in mist as the Frosthammer makes it's crossing, cutting visibility down to a few dozen metres at absolute best. It becomes virtually impossible to tell precisely how long it takes the ship to make the crossing, but eventually it glides into a natural bay on the far side, sheltered from view by a natural copse of woods.

"We're here." Odenkirk growls, approaching your little group by the lowered gangplank. He points into the mist, where you can just about see the start of a natural trail heading off into the trees. "Aldencross is about an hour's walk that way. I've completed my end of the contract, so get off my ship."

[Systole]

Taevos looks perplexed. "In Mathryn, it is customary to drink to the completion of a deal. Especially one so beneficial to both parties." He gestures to Grumblejack, who takes the top off the crate of rotgut and tilts it so the captain and sailors can see.

[Maugan Ra]

Odenkirk does not look especially convinced, but he's also not about to turn down the offer of a drink. His four surviving sailors look reasonably enthusiastic as well, and gather around.

Remind me if you've done something to the booze or not, because I can't recall.

[Systole]

"To business," Taevos toasts. "To Asmodeus," he adds later. "And to bugbearsh!" he concludes, adding a little slur to his words.

No, just trying to get them drunk. None of the party have poison use, and it's too easy to screw that up. The party will minimize their drinking, but will keep them going for as long as possible.

Not sure how drunk we can get them, or if it works at all. Taevos has a feeling that Odenkirk can probably hold his liquor, so if we can get the sailors tipsy, the party will sign to each other, and try to pull a coordinated surprise attack on Odenkirk.

[Maugan Ra]

That works. I can't be bothered to look for precise alcohol rules, so we'll go with the sailors taking a -2 on their tests, and Odenkirk a -1. Your lot, since they were deliberately limiting themselves, take no penalty.

The sailors and their captain join in the drinking enthusiastically, cheering with each toast given without much thought to what is actually being said.

"To massive pots of money!" Odenkirk roars, holding a bottle of rotgut high and then beginning to down it. And in that brief moment of distraction, you make your move. Grumblejack, still laughing along with the toasts, casually picks up his axe and hammers it into the captain's gut, while Timeon impales him through the spine. And Taevos' Bardiche slices straight into the northerner's thick neck, spilling blood all over the deck.

"What..." Odenkirk mutters in faint surprise, before toppling over like a felled tree.

Yeah, all three of you hit Odenkirk in that surprise round - figured I'd roll the dice, save time. Grumblejack deals 16 points of damage, Timeon deals six, and then Taevos scores and confirms a critical hit for a wonderfully vicious 29 points of damage. Even with Odenkirk being as tough as anything you'll find up north, that's enough to kill him outright.

The four sailors cry out in horror, backing away desperately, but none of them are wearing their swords. It was, after all, a celebration...

[Systole]

Taevos shrugs, advancing on the sailors. "You are caught in the tide of history. If it makes your final moments easier, know that your deaths are in the service of a better Talingarde."

Taevos [roll0] for [roll1]
Grumblejack [roll2] for [roll3]
Timeon [roll4] for [roll5]

[Maugan Ra]

The slaughter is swift, brutal and entirely one-sided. Half of the sailors are cut down in the opening moments, and the others fall to their knees and beg for mercy in broken common. Grumblejack and Timeon murder them both with dispassionate precision, not even breaking stride.

Afterwards, the ogre begins spreading the oil around the ship, preparing it for the fire to come, while Timeon ducks into the small cabin and emerges a few seconds later with a compact wooden chest.

"I'm guessing this is our 'operating budget'" he says, showing you the neat stacks of coins held within.

You receive 6000 gold pieces, Odenkirk's extorted bonus from Cardinal Thorn.

"Done." Grumblejack reports, throwing the last bottle of oil over the mast. "This thing will go up like dry straw. Best if we move away a bit first."

[Systole]

"Double-check the cabin first. If Odenkirk had such large stones and poor sense that he thought he could extort Lord Thorn, it seems likely that he would have thought to extort others."

After the ship is set afire, Taevos turns down the trail. "For now, I think we should be woodcutters looking for work, yes? If we meet anyone on the road, let us inquire about any news. Timeon, you know this place. Feel free to interject."

OOCI don't mean to munchkin if you were just saying 6000g was the total contents of the cabin, let's move on. But Odenkirk seems pretty shady, like he would have a stash from the times he pulled this crap before.

Can I get an info dump on the town? Taevos doesn't have K:Local, but he does have K:Geography. [roll0]

[Maugan Ra]

Oh, he does/did have more money. However, he keeps all of that in a safe place back in his home town. The Frosthammer was how he and his crew made their living, but it wasn't what they considered home.

The raiding ship burns merrily behind you as you walk down the forest path, towards Aldrencross and Balentyne. The mist boils away in the bright sunlight as you walk, and you are soon surrounded by the charmingly rural countryside that comprises the vast majority of Talingarde. Rolling hills, small clumps of trees, and the occasional herd of livestock. Timeon briefs you on the way.

OK, Aldencross is a small, mostly human town, population 1,800. The core of it's economy is based around supplying and providing for the Watch-Fort Balentyne, from helping to provide the food, to offering comfortable lodgings (most of the officers have houses in town) and a place for the garrisoned soldiers to spend their pay. It's pretty much iconic of a small, lawful good settlement.

Base value: 1,400gp. If an item costs less than this, chances are you'll be able to find someone in Aldencross who can sell it to you. I reserve the right to remove any potential item that I think would shatter the game, but really, you're probably fine - traders come through Aldencross all the time, so it has a wide variety of gear available.

Purchase limit - 7500gp. This is the maximum amount any single shop could spend to buy an item from you. Mostly only a concern if you happen across magic items you want to sell for cash.

Spellcasting: There are a few minor hedge wizards and small-time priests in Aldencross, so you can find someone to cast a 3rd level divine or 4th level Arcane spell for you in exchange for payment - or more likely, sell you a scroll that will do the same. Remember the Use Magic Device skill.

"So yeah. All in all, a nice enough little place." Timeon says as you reach the top of the last hill and the town comes into view. It's a fairly typical example of a rural town, a sprawling collection of thatched cottages and slate-roofed buildings that almost seems to have grown organically over the past decades.

You can also, from this perspective, see the Watch Fortress of Balentyne. A large, square building made of stone, it sits at the top of a gentle rise, watching over the surrounding countryside like a silent guardian. Large flags of House Darius and the Mitran faith hang from it's sides, fluttering slightly in the gentle breeze.

"Looks mostly like I remember it. I'll have to make some enquiries, see if I can find out what's changed in the few years since I've been here." Timeon says, shielding his eyes as he studies the place. "The inn is called the Lord's Dalliance - used to be a brothel - so that would be where I recommend we set up shop at first."

You can make a diplomacy check to find out various tidbits of information, and otherwise make a vague plan. Also, having accomplished the first part of your mission, Taevos can now increase to level 4. I'll advance your cohorts shortly.

[Systole]

"The Lord's Dalliance it shall be, then. Well, our basic plan is to sabotage the war machines, kill the captains, and open the gates, at a time no less than two and no more than four weeks hence. Let us focus on the captains and war machines first, and see what we may learn."

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Maugan Ra]

You locate the Lord's Dalliance easily enough - a sturdy, red brick building near the centre of town owned and operated by one Bellam Barhold. The rates charged are reasonable - one gold piece a day buys a man a room and three square meals - and patrons and staff alike are both cheerful and welcoming. A drink or two and a few hours of talking (specifically with a small band of soldiers presently off duty) and Taevos learns the following:

Taevos initial intel
- Balentyne has a number of officers: Four captains, the commander, a priest and a wizard.

- Thomas Haverlyn, the commander, is known as a fine officer. He is, however, very dour and serious, and has been that way as long as anyone can remember. Popular theory is he's hiding some great shame or grief in his past.

- Tacitus of Morum, the wizard, is widely regarded as a shifty sort. He rarely comes down from his tower, even having his meals delivered there by the serving staff, and is generally assumed to be up to something nefarious.

- Father Donnagin, the priest of Mitra, is by contrast well loved by everyone. He tends to wander throughout the castle where his moods take him, and is always in good cheer. He's also known to remove the unfortunate after-effects of a soldier's... indiscretions, with only the barest minimum of sermonizing.

- Captain Mott is a grim faced and humourless man, respected by the troops but not especially well liked. He has a young and beautiful wife, named Kaitlyn, via an arranged marriage.

- Captain Edderly is a popular and rakish man who commands the garrison's archers. He has a reputation as a bit of a womanizer.

- Captain Barhold, the brother of the Inn's owner, is the soldier's soldier. Nicknamed 'Iron Sam', he's popular and respected by his men, and not a lot else is really known about him save his intense patriotism.

- Captain Varning commands the dozen or so rangers that are stationed at Balentyne. The watch fort guards the easiest way across the border and into Talingarde, but there are certainly other paths, and Varning's troops are the ones responsible for patrolling on horseback and checking them out on a regular basis.

As the day starts drawing to a close, Timeon returns from his work around town, and makes a quick nodding motion up the stairs - evidently whatever he's found out isn't something to be discussed in the common room.

Once the three of you have reconvened upstairs, he takes a seat and lays out what he knows. "Yeah, it's pretty much as I thought. The place hasn't changed a great deal. I talked to a couple of my old friends in town, ones who were very pleased to see me again and more than happy to fill me in on the latest gossip 'before my duties call me away again in a few days'." he says with a grin. "Firstly, no one is sure, but it seems the gallant Zack Edderly might be having an affair with the lovely Kaitlyn Mott. General belief is that if Captain Mott ever finds out, he'll do his damnedest to kill Zack in a duel. And since dueling to the death is a crime punishable by life imprisonment..."

"We'd need proof, though." Grumblejack points out. "Best way to get it would be getting into their quarters in the castle. Which needs a map. I did find out something good about that though... turns out there's a party of dwarves in town, commissioned to overhaul the fort's defenses. They'll have very good maps... and they're staying in this inn."

Timeon nods. "Yeah, I heard about that. I also double checked, and found that old Mama Guiseppe still delivers her meat stew to the castle every Thursday. She got into the habit when her sons were stationed here, and apparently never grew out of it. The meal is very popular."

Yeah, you got a lot of information there. Since the Diplomacy DC was only 10 (5 if you spend a gold piece or so buying drinks for people), that check result nets you very detailed information.

[Systole]

"So let us first look to the lowest-hanging fruit. The dwarves are staying in this inn and will have detailed maps. The fort's defenses would likely include their war machines, so one of our first orders of business should be to have a look around the dwarves' rooms. Grumblejack, if you would take some ale with the dwarves, Timeon and I can probably check their quarters.

"Next, we need to deal with the leaders of the fort. We should start with Mott and Edderly, as it would look like no fault of outside agents if they were to dispose of each other. Timeon, you'll follow Edderly for now.

"After that, we'll need to lure Varning out and have him disappear. With all the bugbears about, surely the fort's patrols might be dangerous, so it would not look too amiss if he simply failed to return one day. Grumblejack, you shall watch the patrols. Find out if Varning ever goes out. If not, we'll need to thin the ranks a bit to lure him away. If you can catch one of the rangers alone, kill him.

"Last, the wizard dabbles in the arcane. Perhaps there is a way for him to have a magical accident, or else to have a very messy death that just so happens to look like a magical accident. I will look to the alchemists and arcane vendors in town, so see if he orders things that might be ... altered."

OOCFirst order of business is the dwarves. If Grumblejack can keep them drinking, Taevos can hopefully pick the lock and Timeon and him can have a look around. Taevos' Disable Device should be at +4 including the MWK theives' tools after level-up. Would prefer to take 20 if possible.Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 16 (15 flat-footed, 11 touch)
HP: 48/48
CMB: +8 CMD: 19
Fort: +13 Reflex: +6 Will: +8

Perception: +6
Initiative: +3
Smite Good: 1/1
[Touch of Corruption[/b]: 6/6

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

And so, an hour or so later, Grumblejack is down in the common room, while Taevos and Timeon linger in the upper hallway. Timeon is standing casually by the stairwell, keeping watch, and after a moment he nods in confirmation to his lord.

The dwarves keep good locks on their door, which slows the process down somewhat, but after two minutes of very careful lockpicking - every nerve you have quivering in anticipation of getting caught - you manage to spring it open and enter the room the dwarves are using.

The area inside is virtually spartan, almost entirely bereft of any creature comforts or luxuries. As a result, it is ridiculously easy to locate the bundles of architechtural maps and construction plans, and the work of a minute or so more to pick out one that gives you a good overview of the entire castle. With it in hand, you retreat back out in the corridor, locking the door behind you.

Timeon joins you in the room a few minutes later, chuckling. "It seems our friendly bandit has convinced them he's a half-giant, and they've immediately decided to prove dwarven superiority in a drinking contest. He... might be a while. So, let's see what we've got..."

And... here's your map. (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AjoARjOK8Gp3dC0yZ0g5cGJlNEd0M09EZHUtXzlta UE)

Every cell in the spreadsheet there represents a 10' by 10' square. It's annoyingly hard to show where doors are on that, though, or merge together things to show non-rectangular rooms... but by and large, it's accurate.

One note I couldn't show on the map is that there is a secondary room marked under the Armoury. And appended to that room is the symbol for a concealed passageway, labelled "Lord's Dalliance".

[Systole]

Taevos snorts at the secret passage. "So there is truth in advertising, I suppose. One of the former commanders must have wanted to stay out of the rain when visiting his mistress. I imagine this must come out into either the basement or the pantry and kitchens. Let's search the basement first."

OOCTimeon and Taevos will have a look around the inn.

Okay, the way I read the map is that there's a canyon/deep river that the bridge is over, and there's a gatehouse on the far side and a bridge over it. And there's a second, narrow bridge so soldiers can man the gatehouse. The gate and drawbridge mechanisms are in the 2nd floor, I imagine.

Is the Pontine gate anything that needs sabotaging?

What is the rookery?Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 16 (15 flat-footed, 11 touch)
HP: 48/48
CMB: +8 CMD: 19
Fort: +13 Reflex: +6 Will: +8

Perception: +6
Initiative: +3
Smite Good: 1/1
[Touch of Corruption[/b]: 6/6

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

Indeed, the bridge stretches over the River Tyburn, which has carved itself out a narrow gorge running from Lake Tarik all the way out to the coastal sea. This bridge is the only viable crossing for a decently sized group for miles.

Otherwise, you're reading the map correctly, yes. The 'Bridge of Death' is not just used for getting troops to and from the gatehouse, it also has the advantage of offering a perfect firing arc over the entire length of the 100ft long main bridge. If the gatehouse is breached, troops armed with longbows will line the bridge and make full use of their elevated position to rain down fire on the attackers.

The Pontine gate is secured by a heavy portcullis, which is used to trap attackers on the bridge as mentioned above. The gatehouse doors are not quite so heavily reinforced, though one can dump scalding hot sand on attackers from above.

The rookery is where the castle's supply of trained messenger ravens are kept. Without them, communication is restricted to men on horseback.

A quick look around the inn during business hours produces nothing of any real note. If you were going to search the basement, you'd likely have to wait until the proprietor was fast asleep.

You'll likely have to do it without Grumblejack, though, given the way you can see the ogre (presently disguised as an exceptionally large and beefy human) throwing down tankards of ale in fierce competition with a snow-bearded dwarf on the other side of his table. The dwarf's companions are watching with evident interest.

[Systole]

Taevos frowns at Grumblejack. "He's going to be quite useless tomorrow, I suspect." He sighs. "Well, I suppose everyone needs a hobby. Timeon, is there an alchemist in town? We may be in need of rat poison for the rookery."

He strikes up a conversation with the dwarves. If they're the siege engineers, perhaps they'll have useful information about the trebuchet and the ballistae. if not, I can at least find out what their favorite drink is, so it will be easier to poison them later on.

OOCDiplomacy: [roll0] K:Engr." [roll1]
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 16 (15 flat-footed, 11 touch)
HP: 48/48
CMB: +8 CMD: 19
Fort: +13 Reflex: +6 Will: +8

Perception: +6
Initiative: +3
Smite Good: 1/1
[Touch of Corruption[/b]: 6/6

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

A bit of sociable drinking, and the dwarves happily accept you into their little group, especially when Taevos proves himself knowledgeable at architecture and engineering. There are ten of them in total, led by the white-haired foreman, one Barnabus Eisenbauch. Several drinks into the little gathering, said foreman decides to broach a new topic alongside the latest keg.

"You wouldn't happen to be looking for a job, would you lad? You and the big one seem like strong sorts, and it's always good to work alongside someone who appreciates the true nature of our work." Barnabus says, squinting up at you. "Plus, I won't lie, it'd be useful to have another human around to help represent us with the local garrison. They're not bad folks, but you can't help but feel they're... well, like they don't always think of us as full people, you know?"

The benefits of a good diplomacy check and valid skills. And I'd rather not transcribe a thick accent onto the Dwarven speech, so just read it in your best northern accent.

[Systole]

"Certainly we'd be looking for work, sir," Taevos says. "I think Big Jake here might be worse for wear tomorrow, but I'd be more than happy to start as soon as possible." Well, that was fortuitous. It is well that these half-men are so gullible. "Would you happen to know if there are other positions open in the castle? My other companion, Tarren ... he isn't an engineer, but he's got a good head on his shoulders. If there were office work, I'm sure he'd do well."

OOCWell, it looks like we're going to need some Allnight or a ring of Sustenance if we'll be working full-time and sabotaging the castle.
Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 16 (15 flat-footed, 11 touch)
HP: 48/48
CMB: +8 CMD: 19
Fort: +13 Reflex: +6 Will: +8

Perception: +6
Initiative: +3
Smite Good: 1/1
[Touch of Corruption[/b]: 6/6

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Systole]

A discussion of plans"I see many ways to disrupt the fort. Doubtless we shall find many more if we listen well.

"History teaches us that communication is a commander's greatest strength, and the fog of war is his greatest enemy. We must use this to our advantage. If we remove a captain, all our work is for naught if a replacement captain appears within the week. Our first target must be the rookery, and we must endeavour not to arouse suspicion. Timeon, if you are taken in as a page, find some way to deliver rat poison in place of bird feed.

"Next we should do as much damage as possible without arousing suspicion, or at least keeping it to minimal suspicion. Varnhold should disappear. Edderley and Mott should kill each other over their shared tramp. Whatever wizardry Tacitus is performing should explode in his face. And if that wizardry should relieve us of more than just the wizard himself, so much the better. That shall be Stage One.

"After that, there will be at least a hint of proper sabotage to everything we do. Those things which arouse minimal suspicion shall be Stage Two.

"We should remain in shadows as long as possible, but there is no doubt that four dead captains, a dead wizard, and a dead shill of the god Mitra will arouse some suspicion. When our actions must be overt, this will be Stage Three. However, Havelyn, the Pontine gate, and the drawbridge must take priority. If we have the opportunity to eliminate these things, do so, even at cost of advancing immediately to Stage Three."To-Do List

People
1. Mott – duel Edderley
2. Edderley – duel Mott
3. Barhold - ???
4. Varning – disappear on patrol
5. Father Donnagin - ???
6. Tacitus – death by nefarious wizardry
7. Cmdr. Havelyn - ???
8. Barnabus - ???
9. Soldiers – poisoned stew

Rooms
1. Rookery – rat poison
2. Arrow storage – fire
3. Armoury – fire?
4. Stables – even more fire???

Things
1. Death Bridge – collapse?
2. Pontine gate – high priority
3. drawbridge – high priority
4. Gatehouse gate – lower priority
5. Trebuchet
6. Ballistae
7. Hot sand


Plausible Deniability
P1, P2, P4, P6, R1

Low heat
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6

Medium heat
P3, P5, P8

High heat
P9, R2, R3, R4, T1

Last minute
P7, T7

[Maugan Ra]

OK, this is assuming you spend a day infiltrating the fort as workers and such in order to get a good idea of the place. Also, my apologies, I misread my own damn map... the pontine gate does not have a portcullis, the Gatehouse does.

And so, the next day, your infiltration begins. Barnabus and his dwarves awake at an ungodly early hour and head up into the castle, with Taevos tagging along in their wake. A few of the guards on duty give you some odd looks, but the foreman makes sure to give you a letter of recommendation should you be separated, and they generally accept his word for it.

From the few hours you spend there, it is immediately apparent that Balentyne is a well run fortress. A careful estimate puts the number of guards as somewhere in the region of a full hundred men, and they are exceptionally competent and motivated. Regular patrols walk the castle halls, and there is always a full detachment standing guard on the battlements. The Fire-Axe's horde outnumbers the defenders by well over ten to one, but even an inexpert eye can see that unless something is done to weaken Balentyne, that will not be nearly enough.

The dwarves, as it turns out, are primarily working on the gatehouse, shoring up the outer walls and reinforcing the defenses there. The work is deeply uncomfortable, since the scorching hot sand used as a defensive measure means the rooms are constantly heated, and the narrow confines just magnify the echoing sounds of workman's tools. The pair of guards that are permenently stationed here seem to agree, and the door to the bridge is always left open to encourage some faint imitation of a cooling breeze.

Still, it does allow you to take a good look at the defenses while you're here. There are a pair of stout winches in the gatehouse that would evidently be used for controlling the drawbridge and the portcullis, and the cauldrons with the hot sand could fairly easily have their deployment hinges sabotaged. About halfway through your shift you are transferred up to the top level of the gatehouse, and thus manage to take a good look at the pair of ballistas overlooking the approaches... and the pair of rock-droppers, which didn't appear on the maps.

Fortunately, all look as though they could be sabotaged reasonably easily for a considerable period of time, if you could just get a few minutes alone with them to work. That task is made somewhat difficult, however, by the fact that there is always a guard captain on duty here, along with four of his soldiers. When you work, it's Captain Barhold, and he is practically a stone statue in temperament and build.

Later that night, your fellow conspirators fill you in on what they learned.

"There's an alchemist here, like you thought. I went in to get a hangover cure and got talking." Grumblejack informs you. "Plenty of interesting things on his shelves, a lot of which would be quite handy. Poisons for all sorts of things, and a few more that would probably make poisons if mixed together. Problem is getting enough of them without being obvious we're up to trouble."

Timeon nods. "If you can get me some of it, I can make sure it finds it's way into the right places. I managed to land myself a job as a servant in the keep, and that let's me move around fairly easily. The rookery is going to be a problem, though - the birds have a caretaker, name of 'Mad' Martyn, and he prepares all their food personally before feeding them by hand. Getting poison past him won't be easy. Of course, I figure I can arrange for him to suffer an unfortunate fall, but that might raise suspicions."

He rubs his forehead in mild exasperation. "That said, the Wizard should be easy, if we can get the drop on him. Never really comes out of his tower, and anyone stationed nearby is used to hearing odd noises coming from his workshop. So, boss, if you can get away from working for... maybe half an hour, tops, we can deal with him and set something up to cover the evidence."

[Systole]

Taevos grins. "You each bring me problems. It would be suspicious were the ravenskeeper to fall from the tower. It would be suspicious if we were to buy sacks and sacks of poison from the alchemist. But..." He pauses for effect. "But it would not be suspicious if these two problems solved each other."

He takes a scrap of paper and begins writing while he speaks. "This Mad Martyn, I assume his moniker is not undeserved? Perhaps he cares too much for his birds. And perhaps he's an old man, and each winter is getting colder, and his joints are getting stiffer..." He holds up what he's written, a note done in a crabbed, arthritic hand which reads: I can feel my death approaching, and I can't bear to be separated from my loving pets, and I know they can't bear to be separated from me. I'm sorry, but I know this is for the best.

He smirks. "I'll need a sample of his writing to make the note convincing. And then, the day after tomorrow, Timeon, you will take as much as you need from the operating fund. You will go to the alchemist's and buy as much poison as you can carry. This will be a request of Mad Martyn, of course. Express your confusion to the alchemist: You haven't seen any rats in the rookery, and it seems a strange request to you, and yes, the man was acting oddly, but it is Mad Martyn after all. You're simply following orders.

"And that evening, our unfortunate Martyn will poison his birds and leap to his death ... or perhaps it will be the other way around. They shall discover a suicide note written in his own hand, which they shall readily believe. After all, it came from a man they themselves call Mad. And they shall discover quite a lot of poison." He smiles again. "But not, I think, all of it."

He leans back in his chair. "Tomorrow, Grumblejack and I will request some time to visit the chapel, good Mitrans that we are. If the dwarves grant it, we'll meet at the wizard's door at the eleventh bell. If we're delayed, don't loiter and arouse suspicion. We can postpone a few days."

[Maugan Ra]

*cheerfully adds 'murdering the mentally disabled and framing it as suicide' to the list of Taevos' crimes*

Heh. This is rather fun, though, and I must say Taevos is an interesting character...

Day Two

Barnabus seems mildly puzzled by your request, but grants it after a moment's pause - "Ain't for the likes of me to deny a man his faith. Though I don't get what you find so positive about that great burning ball... ah, go on then."

The timing is excellent, and the distant bells marking the hour are just beginning to ring through the corridors when you and Grumblejack rendezvous outside the door to the Wizard's chambers. They are, fortunately, unlocked, and you head inside swiftly.

The interior of the chamber is poorly lit and absolutely packed with all manner of esoteric and outright incomprehensible equipment. Long wooden benches fill the space, covered in glinting rows of ornate glassware and randomly distributed tomes, while off to one side a large stone slab serves as a resting place for what appears to be some form of golem. The thing is a good eight foot tall and seemingly carved from unmelting ice, the delicate surface of its form carved into the shape of a savage barbarian warlord.

As you enter, a door on the far side of the room opens and a red headed man in long black robes strides out, muttering to himself. He stops short at the sight of you, blinking green eyes behind a set of gold-rimmed spectacles.

"Who are you? It can't be meal time already, surely..."

[Systole]

Taevos jerks a thumb toward the golem. "Me and Big Jake came about the orders to move this thing. Are there any talismans or things we should know about before we start?" He attempts to lure the wizard closer and then lunge and tackle the man. Grumblejack hangs a step back, ready to grab the man in case Taevos fails, or to strike the wizard if he starts to speak.

OOCI am assuming we don't have weapons besides Taevos' cestus, but I don't think we need them. Although it would be nice if Grumblejack had brass knuckles for this. So first of all, Take 10 on a Bluff for 20.

After that, the plan is for Taevos to wait until Tacitus is 10-15 feet away and then charge and grapple. Including the charge and the strike first trait, that should be at +11 against hopefully a flatfooted wizard. If Taevos misses, Grumblejack will attempt a grapple at +9. If Taevos grapples successfully, Grumblejack will ready an unarmed strike at +7 for when the wizard speaks to activate the golem or cast a spell. I'll roll it a the melee attack at +7 for now.

EDIT: If there are AoOs, feel free to roll for me.

Assuming everything works, next round will be a pin. And then Grumblejack will coup de grace him. The golem is large size, correct?

Taevos grapple: [roll0]
Grumblejack attack: [roll1] for [roll2]Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 16 (15 flat-footed, 11 touch)
HP: 48/48
CMB: +8 CMD: 19
Fort: +13 Reflex: +6 Will: +8

Perception: +6
Initiative: +3
Smite Good: 1/1
[Touch of Corruption[/b]: 6/6

Current Weapon in Hand: Bardiche (+7/1d10+9/19-20x2, reach) & Cestus (+7/1d4+6/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Systole]

Uh ... whoops.

Taevos grapple: [roll0]

[Maugan Ra]

You'll need to make a new post for that attack roll. Also, I'm going to rule that you cannot take 10 here, since you don't have a rogue talent or anything and there are most definitely consequences to not fooling the wizard.

On which note, Tacitus' sense motive (with a modifier for an unlikely lie, since he knows he didn't send for anything to be moved): [roll0]

[Systole]

Bluff: [roll0]

[Maugan Ra]

"Oh, I don't think so. What are you, a thief? " Tacitus demands in a hard voice, hand already starting to glitter with arcane energies. "Actually, I don't much care. Golem, crush the intruders!"

And... initiative, Wizard is 25ft away.
Taevos: [roll0]
Grumblejack: [roll1]
Magister Tacitus: [roll2]
Golem: [roll3]

[Systole]

"It would have been easier for you if you'd gone quietly." He charges the wizard.

OOCTaevos grapple with charge: [roll0]
AoO with cestus if applicable: [roll1] for [roll2]

Forgot to update weapons on the sheet. Power Attack just went up.Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 16 (15 flat-footed, 11 touch)
HP: 48/48
CMB: +8 CMD: 19
Fort: +13 Reflex: +6 Will: +8

Perception: +6
Initiative: +3
Smite Good: 1/1
[Touch of Corruption[/b]: 6/6

Current Weapon in Hand:Cestus (+8/1d4+8/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF, Charge

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

I commend you on your intelligent tactics, sir. Tacitus is an Evocation specialist, and he has a whole range of nasty spells at his disposal. Except, well, when you're grappled, you can only cast spells if they don't have any somatic components. Guess how many evocation spells can be cast without making the appropriate hand movements?

"Guards! Intruder!" Tacitus roars, his hands rising as he attempts to cast a spell in his defense. Taevos crosses the intervening ground with surprising speed, however, and seizes the wizard in an iron grip before he can complete the incantation.

"Help!"

Struggle as he might, though, the bookish and relatively frail man cannot break free.

Your turn (well, Grumblejack)

[Systole]

Grumblejack glances at the captive wizard but decides the golem is the bigger threat at the moment. He pulls a nearby bookshelf over on the construct, hoping to slow it down.

Yep, grappling is a terrible thing to do to a wizard, no matter what level. Although I was worried he might have Still Spell metamagic or Power Word something-or-other memorized.

Is there a Spellcraft or K:Arcana check that Taevos can make regarding the golem? That is going to suck to fight. Grumblejack is playing for time, so that Taevos can intimidate Tacitus into shutting it down next turn. I have no idea what roll Grumblejack should make. Strength check?

Grumblejack strength check: [roll0]

[Maugan Ra]

The golem creaks slightly as the bookshelf crashes down on top of it. A moment's effort, and the heavy wood is thrust aside, the frozen automaton rising to it's feet with ponderous movements.

Taevos' turn.

[Systole]

"Tell it to stand down or I'll snap your neck!" Taevos growls in the wizard's ear.

Intimidate: [roll0]

EDIT: Excuse me for a moment while I go outside and pound my head on the sidewalk.

[Maugan Ra]

"Rot in hell, you stupid bastard. You think you can just stroll on into a Wizard's workshop like you own the place and not face consequences?" Tacitus hisses back at you, still struggling in vain to escape from his captor's iron grip.

Not at all, my good man. Take all the time you need :smalltongue:

[Systole]

"Very well. If you change your mind, speak up."

Automatic grapple damage: [roll0]

[Maugan Ra]

The Wizard grunts in pain, but continues to remain defiant. However, he cannot yet escape the grapple.

Mostly because his CMB sucks arse. Anyway, Grumblejack's turn, before that golem gets involved...

[Systole]

"Wizard first!" Taevos yells. With an eye on the golem, Grumblejack moves to attack the wizard.

OOCGrumblejack will fight defensively, +2 AC for a -4 attack. [roll0] for [roll1]Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 16 (15 flat-footed, 11 touch)
HP: 48/48
CMB: +8 CMD: 19
Fort: +13 Reflex: +6 Will: +8

Perception: +6
Initiative: +3
Smite Good: 1/1
Touch of Corruption: 6/6

Current Weapon in Hand:Cestus (+8/1d4+8/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

"Argh! Help, somebody help in here!" Tacitus roars as the ogre pummels him, and with a sinking feeling you can hear the sounds of rapidly approaching feet from just outside.

The golem lumbers over to the ongoing brawl, pushing a small table aside as it goes, and slams a fist into Taevos' side with crushing force, inflicting 13 points of damage.

Taevos' turn

I will point out that the map does clearly show a guardroom right next to the Magister's lab.

Remember the Tyrannosaurus

[Systole]

"Damn it!" Taveos hisses. He drags the wizard into the next room. "Hold the door shut!"

Argh, really? I didn't check the map before I made the plan -- I kind of figured Timeon would have said something in his briefing.

I'm assuming this will take an AoO from the golem and that Tacitus won't get free. I do have a plan here and it does involve running eventually, but the wizard needs to die to make it happen, and we might take out some guards. After all, the first thing they're going to see now is the golem pounding on the wizard's door. I hope.

If not, then we could be looking at TPK, and I'll have no one but myself to blame.

[Maugan Ra]

Timeon (and the GM) assumed you'd looked at the map and had a plan anyway. He's got some quiet confidence in your skills...

Tacitus kicks desperately, but is unable to break free as you drag him into the adjoining room. The Golem lashes out as you go, but hampered by it's programming to avoid harming the wizard, misses you.

Grumblejack is through a moment later, slamming the door shut and throwing his considerable weight against it. "Really hope you have a plan here, boss."

In the other room, you can hear the muffled sounds of shouted queries as the guards enter.

Your turn.

[Systole]

"Keep the door closed no matter what. Lend me a hand if you can. And shout for help. Loudly!"

Damage the wizard again for [roll0].

The plan is (a) to have Grumblejack drown out the wizard's yelling, (b) to make the guards think the golem has gone berserk so they kill it for us, and (c) to shift into guard uniforms and be the heroic guardsmen defending the wizard from his own creation. After that we can hopefully get lost in the confusion. Or if the golem kills the guards, then I have no problem running like hell from the golem.

Running is good, but getting sandwiched between a bunch of guards and a wizard and golem would have been a death sentence.

[Maugan Ra]

That... would actually work. Firstly, Tacitus just ordered the golem to crush the intruders, and that means everyone but him in the room. Guards included. Whoops.
And secondly, even if Tacitus gains control of the grapple and escapes, that's his action for the round. And he has a mighty CMD of 13, so odds are the two of you would capture him again easily.

So... I'm just going to skip ahead a bit...

Grumblejack manages to lock the door, and then hurries over to you, bawling for help as loud as he can. Which, seeing as his lung capacity is close to twice that of the average human, is very loud indeed.

Tacitus Morum, Magister of Balentyne, doesn't stand a chance. The two of you beat him to death quickly and painfully, and then beat him some more, just to make absolutely certain. The golem in the other room appears to be switching between hammering on the door and turning to pursue the other guards out. A few moments after you're finally convinced that Tacitus is dead, you hear a deep and gravelly voice shout across to you from the guardroom beyond.

"Are you OK in there, soldier? This is Lord Haverlyn. What is going on here?"

[Systole]

Taevos opens the door and salutes, the very picture of a terrified guard bravely trying to do his duty. "Sir! We were passing and heard the magister shout for help, sir! We rushed in but the golem was beating him to death, sir! We managed to pull him to safety, but he's gravely injured! Sir, he needs medical attention badly! Let me fetch the healer, please, sir!"

Taevos is trying to keep the situation urgent so he and Grumblejack can disappear before anyone thinks to question them further. If there's a Bluff check to be rolled, please do it for me, because the thought of going to the dice roller right now makes me shudder.

[Maugan Ra]

Lord Haverlyn strides towards you, stepping casually over the shattered remnants of the ice golem as he advances on the other room. He was evidently on duty when the fight broke out, as he is dressed in full armour, a gleaming set of full plate that practically shines with holy might. In one hand he carries a Longsword that burns with magical energy, setting your teeth on edge, and his face is as resolute and unyielding as granite.

Fortunately, his attention is focused entirely on the battered form of the robed Magister in the room behind you. Muttering a curse, he pushes past and kneels at the wizards side, pure white light gathering around his hands as he kneels by the corpse's side. The infusion of divine energy seems to have no effect, and you can just about see the minute way in which Haverlyn's shoulders sag in defeat.

"Stand down, soldier. He's gone - the injuries were too severe." he says in a tired voice, before rising to his feet once more. Then the paladin of Mitra turns to look at you again, a proper look this time, rather than a simple glance.

"What's your name, son?"

[Systole]

Damnation! Let us hope these circlets hide the touch of Asmodeus, or I fear this little talk will go rather poorly. "Harkend, sir!" Taevos answers, picking a name he's heard around town. With any luck, there are three or four local boys by the name of Harkend on the roster, and by the time they realize the hero of the hour isn't one of them, this fortress will be in flames.

How best to end this conversation? Feign injury? Risky. I do not want those hands on me, but with any luck he wasted everything on that fool mage. Surely a light bruise might end the conversation convincingly?

OOCSpellcraft and K:Religion are both +6. If Taevos thinks Havelyn is out of juice, he'll wince regarding his bruised ribs. Which he won't have to fake, given that the golem did land a good one on him. [roll0]

[Maugan Ra]

Havelyn nods, and lays one hand on your shoulder. "You did good, Harkend." he says seriously, looking you in the eye. Is he... reassuring you?

"The fact that Tacitus didn't make it in no way diminishes your heroism in trying to save him. Now, you're relieved of duty for a bit... go pray, or have a drink to steady your nerves. I will take care of things here."

With that, he looks back at the wizard's corpse, a pensive frown on his face, and makes no move to prevent you leaving.

[Systole]

"Both, sir. I think," he says. With a shaky salute, he departs the magister's quarters.

He's several hallways away, shifting once or twice to make sure that Harkend isn't seen heading in the direction of the build site, before the laughter takes him. It's a half minute before he can compose himself, and truth be told, there is a hint of hysteria to it. So that was the mighty and perspicacious Lord Havelyn. If he was that worried about the death of his magister, let us see how he holds up as the rest of his fortress collapses around him.

Returning to the dwarves, Taevos puts on a sheepish face. "I'm sorry we're late, ser. There was a commotion in the keep and ... well ... we didn't make it to the chapel. Uh, to be honest, we lollygagged."

And now let us add insult to injury. He leans in close to the dwarves so that Barhold can't overhear him. "They said that Lord Havelyn slew Tacitus because the magister was dabbling in black magic, would you believe it? Someone said the magister summoned an ice demon, but I don't know ... aren't demons supposed to be made of ash and flame? And I heard from a guardsman who saw the body that the magister was beaten to death. With fists. So why would Lord Havelyn do something like that? If he had to slay the magister because the man was dabbling in the dark arts, why wouldn't he have just used his sword?" Perfect. And having planted that dark little seed in the fertile soils of your imagination, let us see how well it takes root, and what fruit it bears.

Mini Statblockhttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Taelos_150_zps5791be72.jpg

Taevos Varnassian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=494164)
AC: 16 (15 flat-footed, 11 touch)
HP: 48/48
CMB: +8 CMD: 19
Fort: +13 Reflex: +6 Will: +8

Perception: +6
Initiative: +3
Smite Good: 1/1
Touch of Corruption: 6/6

Current Weapon in Hand:Cestus (+8/1d4+8/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: PA/FF

Grumblejack statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/Grumblejack_150_zps3f8559da.gif

Grumblejack (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/ogre.html#_ogre)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 8 touch)
HP: 30/30
CMB: +9 CMD: 18
Fort: +6 Reflex: +0 Will: +3

Perception: +2
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Lg. Mwk. Greataxe(+8/2d8+7/20x3)
Current Conditions in Effect: NoneTimeon statshttp://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii513/pnthffr/timeon_150_zps6682f364.jpg

Timeon (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=499403)
AC: 17 (17 flat-footed, 9 touch)
HP: 10/10
CMB: +1 CMD: 10
Fort: +4 Reflex: -1 Will: +5

Perception: +3
Initiative: -1

Current Weapon in Hand: Longsword(+1/1d8+1/19-20x2)
Current Conditions in Effect: None

[Maugan Ra]

Barnabus just snorts. "Bah. If 'they', and you, know what's good for you, you won't be repeating that sort of story any time soon. Gossip-mongering is for fishwives, not working men. Now come on, or we'll fall behind schedule."

And with that, it's back to work.

Day Three

The news comes at lunch the next day, while you're all gathered in the mess hall. Long rows full of chatting soldiers and hurrying servants fall silent as one of their members throws open the doors and practically sprints inside.

"Martyn's dead! Threw himself off the tower!"

[Systole]

Taevos buries his glee. With a worried look he asks the man next to him, "Do you think it was the magister's death-curse?" He makes the holy sign of Mitra, to ward off evil spirits. Oh, excellent work, Timeon. Truly excellent work.

That evening, Timeon and Taevos go to bed early. "Friend Grumblejack, I'm afraid this next part may require stealth, and for all your other skills, I fear that this is one at which you do not excel. So rest well this evening, while Timeon and I search for the secret passage between the inn and the armoury. I suspect it will be in the cellar of the inn, or possibly the kitchen or pantry. If we find it, it should bring us out near the captains' quarters. In that case, we might well have a look and see what we might find."

To-Do List
People
1. Mott – duel Edderley
2. Edderley – duel Mott
3. Barhold - ???
4. Varning – disappear on patrol
5. Father Donnagin - ???
6. Tacitus – death by nefarious wizardry
7. Cmdr. Havelyn - ???
8. Barnabus - ???
9. Soldiers – poisoned stew
10. Mad Martyn - suicide

Rooms
1. Rookery – rat poison
2. Arrow storage – fire
3. Armoury – fire?
4. Stables – even more fire???

Things
1. Death Bridge – collapse?
2. Pontine gate – lower priority
3. drawbridge – high priority
4. Gatehouse gate – high priority
5. Trebuchet
6. Ballistae
7. Hot sand
8. rock droppers
9. Ice golem


Plausible Deniability
P1, P2, P4

Low heat
P1, P8

Medium heat
P3, P5

After Barhold/P3
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8

High heat
P9, R2, R3, R4, T1

Last minute
P7, T5?

[Maugan Ra]

Later that night, the two of you make your way down into the inn proper and begin your search with cautiously stealth. You are just about to head down the steps into the cellar when Taevos realises he can hear movement down there, and a few muttered words.

"Where is that... no respect for good... won't miss... ah, there we are."

[Systole]

Who in the seven hells is this? The innkeeper? A burglar? Another saboteur? Taevos pauses. I shall be rather cross with Lord Thorn if he sent that blasted witch and her mongrels to get underfoot. Motioning Timeon to stillness, he creeps forward to get a look at the source of the voice.

Stealth:[roll0]

[Maugan Ra]

Taevos creeps stealthily forwards until he reaches a point where he can see into the cellar, and identify the man responsible for the noise. It is the innkeeper, Belham Barhold, and he is standing before an opening in the wall that evidently leads into a long stone passageway.

With what he probably imagines is a sneaky expression, the innkeeper takes one last look around (completely missing Taevos) and then heads on into the tunnel.

[Systole]

Damn and blast! What is he doing? Stealing from the armoury would be the obvious choice. Or it could well be that he is meeting his brother for something sinister. Or perhaps he is the lovely Mrs. Mott's secret lover? Possible, I suppose, but that seems unlikely.

Hmm. Perhaps if our dear innkeeper were to find himself caught inside... I suppose that might shame his brother, but we would certainly lose us use of the passage. No, that would be far too much investment for so small and shaky a payoff.

Ah, but now I begin to see the shape of a plan. One that might net us the passage, a dupe, and possibly even Captain Barhold himself. Let us pursue it.

Motioning to Timeon to follow his lead, Taevos shifts into a guard uniform and follows the innkeeper at a fair distance. First things first, however. We must see what mischief he is up to.

[Maugan Ra]

Carefully staying far enough back to avoid notice, Taevos follows the innkeeper along the passageway. Despite being abandoned for several years, the old stone is evidently still in full repair, so looks like it will remain so for a long time to come.

Eventually, it opens out into a secondary storeroom, situated just below the castle armoury. Crates of supplies stand in neatly organised piles, and Barhold is presently rooting through them in search of something.

"Come on. That blasted teetotaler won't even notice they're gone, but I have to find them first... sheesh. Nothing is ever easy..." he mutters to himself as he works.

[Systole]

Ah, now it becomes clear. Not weapons, as I first thought, but rather food and drink. Creeping up behind the innkeeper, he lays a heavy hand on his shoulder. In a thick accent, he says, "You're nicked, me little church-mouse!"

Stealth: [roll0]

[Maugan Ra]

Barhold practically jumps out of his skin when your hand lands on his shoulder, and he stares up at you with a faintly resentful expression.

"Gods above, you nearly gave me a heart attack, soldier." he complains, and then seems to realise where exactly it is he's just been caught. "Ah... I'm not doing anything wrong, I swear..."

[Systole]

"Oy, I know you, church-mouse! You're the innskeeper -- the captain's brother -- ain't you?" Taevos smirks wickedly, like a cat who's caught himself a plaything, which is not too far from the truth. He looks at the tunnel. "And so this must be a little church-mouse's hole, so he can come in and nibble on some supplies, eh?"

Taevos pauses, as if a thought strikes him. "So, church-mouse ... do you get a good price for 'em, these supplies? Because it seems like me choices are to turn you in, or to maybe negotiate a little business. And I think the business we're going to negotiate is that you're going to give me a cut, yes I do. I think you're going to give me a nice, big, juicy cut or I'm going to have a conversation about a little church-mouse's little hole with Lord Havelyn. And I also think you're going to dish me a little dirt on your brother the captain, because I'm tired of him climbing up my arse every other day."

He gives the innkeeper's shoulder a painful squeeze before releasing it. With a grin, he adds, "Don't look so sour, church-mouse. I might be able to scare up some better things for a church-mouse to nibble on, eh? Some pricier things."

OOCTake 10 Intimidate for a 26 here. Taevos obviously could not care less about the money, but he's trying to play the part of small-time crook of a guard. What he really wants is to scare the innkeeper away from using the tunnel, to learn about the captain, and to set up the innkeeper as a dupe or a patsy later on.

[Maugan Ra]

Barhold looks suitably intimidated, but even so, manages to find some degree of personal resolve.

"Look, I'm not stealing anything. You've got nothing on me." he says, doing his best to hide the uncertainty in his tone. "Lord Haverlyn doesn't drink, so when someone gave him a case of fine elven wine, he just had it stashed away down here and forgot about it. He'll never even notice it's gone. OK, so maybe I should have just approached him to buy it instead, but there's nothing seriously criminal about this."

He barrels on, his courage apparently increasing with every word. "So you go ahead and tell him if you like, and I'll face the music, but that's all. I'm not going to steal from the castle supplies, I'm not going to end up paying you off every week, and I certainly bloody well won't rat on my brother for the sake of a... a petty crook!"

[Systole]

Blast! I overplayed my hand. Time to add the carrot to the stick.

"Oh come now, me little church-mouse. I'm not so bad as all that. Here I was thinking you were a hard case who was pilfering from the armoury, but if it's just a nip here and there, well, a man can't fault another man for wanting a drink, can he?

"And if that first man, suppose, had a cousin who was a hunter, and his cousin needed a new longbow and maybe a sheaf or two of arrows, and the castle has so many longbows and so many arrows just sitting in storage and gathering dust, well, then ... perhaps that man couldn't be faulted either, could he?

"And this way, our good Lord Havelyn needn't hear anything about anything, eh? And I respect a man who won't sell out his brother, because it suggests the kind of strength of character that wouldn't sell out an associate, either."

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Maugan Ra]

Barhold pauses for a long moment. "...maybe. I mean, they do have a lot of supplies up there."

[Systole]

Taevos nods. He picks up a couple bottles of wine and deposits them in Barhold's arms. "Well, it sounds like we have the beginnings of an understanding then, my friend. So here's a present, a little gift from your old pal Ned. And in a few days I'll send a note along and we'll have another meeting about a bit of hunting equipment and a few more bottles of wine, aye? But seeing as there's other men on the guard rotation, there'll be no more late night nibblings unless you hear from me. Agreed? Then off you go."

After seeing Barhold off, he nods at Timeon who had been lurking in the shadows. "We might do a bit of listening at doors -- and perhaps opening a few -- since we're here and since we shouldn't return to the inn until Barhold is settled. What do you know about the captains' schedules?"

[Maugan Ra]

"The three captains who stay in the castle divide their shifts equally, so there's always one assigned to the gatehouse, one resting and one otherwise wandering around the place. Right now... Mott should be on gatehouse duty, for another couple of hours. Edderly is either wandering around on duty, or in town with Mrs Mott. And Barhold... the captain, anyway... he should be asleep upstairs right now."

[Systole]

"Well, if Edderly and Mrs. Mott are indeed having a night on the town, it sounds rather like the right time to look for some incriminating evidence, don't you think?

"Hmmm .... Edderly is a known womanizer. So, while he dallies with Mrs. Mott, I would guess he is unlikely to overvalue their relationship. The young Mrs. Mott, on the other hand, is in a loveless marriage, and she is young and naive. It seems far more likely she might hold on to a keepsake of some sort. Let us start there."

"Oh, I forgot to mention something. Captain Mott's quarters in the castle are only for when the garrison is placed on high alert. He and his wife live in Aldencross," Timeon says.

Taevos shrugs. "No harm done ... this time. For now, we'll search Edderly's quarters on the chance I'm wrong. If there's time later tonight, we'll see if she's at home. Do you know whether Edderly visits her at home, or whether they meet somewhere else?"

OOCKnocking first to make sure no one's home. If no one answers, he'll pick the lock while Timeon keeps a lookout.

EDIT: Minor retcon re: Mott's living space.

[Maugan Ra]

Balls, I just realised I worded that poorly. Or rather, forgot to say that the Mott family has an actual house in Aldencross, which is where they mostly live - Captain Mott's quarters in the castle are only for him when the garrison is placed on high alert.

[Systole]

No worries. Edited/retconned my previous post a little to account for that.

[Maugan Ra]

Edderly's quarters are surprisingly luxurious for a military man. You can tell from the bare stone walls and floor that they were not designed to be so, but the four-poster bed and ornate wooden writing desk are clearly not standard issue. Nor is the wardrobe full of luxury clothing, some of it more fit for a nobleman than a guard captain.

(Assuming you make a search of the place)

After a few minutes, you locate a small box hidden in the bottom of the wardrobe, filled with a series of letters. A quick glance through them confirms what they are - namely, love letters between Zack Edderly and Kaitlyn Mott. They are far from innocent as well. Actually, several are rather... explicit.

[Systole]

Taevos suppresses a snort of laughter as he reads the letters. "Well it appears I was mistaken. Our ladies' man appears to be smitten with Miss Kaitlyn -- why else would he have saved this drivel? Hah. A bookmaker would have made a fair purse off of me had I placed a wager."

He selects three of the raciest letters. "I think we shall only need one, but best to have some insurance, I think." He replaces the box in the desk and heads back to the inn, locking the door on the way out.

Assuming there's no issue returning to the inn...

In their rooms, Taevos examines the letters, and selects the best of the lot. "You know, Timeon, this task before us is very much like making a great meal with many courses. Do you know why?

"In cooking, there is a great variety in the dishes one can make. Some, like coq au vin, involve dozens of ingredients and extensive preparations. Others, like souffles, require exquisite timing. But sometimes, nature has created for us a food which is already nearly perfect and which needs hardly more than the merest touch of a chef's knife to make it completely so. Oysters, I think, are the best example. All an oyster needs is a single drop of mignonette sauce for seasoning and a sprig of parsley as a garnish, and one has a perfect dish. An absolutely perfect dish."

He holds up the letter. "And for this grand banquet we are making ... this, I think, is our oyster. A simple dish, and yet a thoroughly perfect one. All it requires is a tiny bit of seasoning..." He crumples the letter slightly, drops it to the floor, steps on it so that there is a dusty bootprint ground into it, and puts it back on the table. "... and a garnish." Taking a quill and parchment he dashes off a quick note. To Capt. Mott. I found thys in the hall outside his quorters and I thote you shold know. i am verry sorry. -a Freind

He folds the love letter into the note and seals them into an envelope, which he addresses to Captain Mott in the same awkward hand. "Here you go, Timeon. Would you be so kind as to have this delivered to the good captain tomorrow afternoon?"

[Maugan Ra]

"You would have me play waiter, then? Very well." Timeon says with a smile. His hand flies to the hilt of his sword as the door to their room suddenly opens, but it's just Grumblejack, staggering in and stinking of alcohol.

"Gods below, but those rangers can drink." The ogre grumbles, closing the door behind him. "Still, managed to get them talking in the end. Varning and his boys always camp at this place called Freeman's Rock when they got out on patrol. The rest of the route they vary, but that one is always constant. They next go out in two days."

[Systole]

"Better a waiter than a fat goose whose large and unhealthy liver will be used to make a fine pâté. And speaking of large and unhealthy livers, how fare you this evening, Grumblejack?" Taevos asks with a grin.

He frowns in concentration as he considers the information the ogre has procured. He stands and paces as he thinks. "They camp there? How many rangers, and for how many nights? And how far away is this Freeman's Rock?

"Hmm ... it would be better to simply cut them down if we can. But if not, perhaps a bit of Mad Martyn's poison in Mama Guiseppe's beef stew might work. I would prefer to avoid that for now, if possible. If we leave behind a lovely arrangement of poisoned rangers, we'll be showing our hand."

K:Geography (or K:Local?): A place to dispose of bodies near Freeman's Rock. [roll0]

K:Nature: Local animals or plants that would constitute a legitimate wilderness threat. [roll1]

[Maugan Ra]

"It's about three days out on their patrol route, and they have horses. Of course, they don't go directly there, so it'd take us... twelve hours, maybe, to get there. There'd be... six rangers, I think, plus their Captain, and they'd only be at the Rock for a night."

Taevos can't think of any immensely obvious places to dispose of bodies around that area. He does know, however, that the northern reaches of Talingarde are occasionally populated by goblin tribes and wolf packs. It would be a bold tribe that would attack a ranger patrol, but it has been done in the past.

[Systole]

"Freeman's Rock itself, is it a simply a boulder or is it a stone spire or something else? With such a name, I would assume it is something like a rock formation, and that the rangers camp on the leeward side. If so, could something like a landslide be arranged?

"Goblins ... there are goblins in the area, but I think it would be hard to stage a convincing goblin ambush by ourselves. If we wanted to use them directly, we would have to find them and then contact them. And none of us speak goblin as far as I know ... but Timeon, you have magics in that regard, do you not?"

Taevos paces a little more. "We have much work to do in the castle. While it is important to remove this captain, the travel time makes it difficult. It would likely jeopardize our jobs, which are extremely convenient ... for the moment."

[Maugan Ra]

"I have enough magic to be able to understand the language, but not to speak it back to them." Timeon says. "Still, Varning commands the fewest soldiers - only a dozen or so at most, out of a garrison a hundred strong. If we just make sure to signal the attack while he's gone, he won't be able to do a damn thing, and the mission will be accomplished anyway."

The young Inquisitor sits back. "Still, if the plan works, then we've gotten rid of the Wizard and two of the Captains. That leaves the priest, the commander, the defenses and the men. Which one next?"