Way of the Wicked: Knot of Thorns [IC]

[lostsole31]

The rumor, if it is too be believed, is that Talingarde's most notorious prison - Branderscar - has fallen into chaos. Weeks ago, a whole crop of the island nation's worst criminals were enjoying what was to be a brief stay before their individual forms of execution were to be enacted. Somehow, the few prisoners (less than a dozen) broke out of their cells, and quickly fell to killing the surprised guards. The Warden Mathias Richter was killed, most of the guards were killed, but by the end four of the prisoners died and another four managed to escape. Adding to this, corruption and scandal pointing to embezzlement came to light regarding Branderscar's second man, Sergeant Tomas Blackerly, who managed to escape himself before he could be arrested for his own betrayal of the funds entrusted him by the Warden and Talingarde.

But that chaos did not last long, as a powerful knight and his entire complement took over Branderscar. Now, too, the forging of the runic "F" (meaning "Forsaken") on the inside of the right forearm is now done by local magistrates before transfer to Branderscar. And that, my friends, is what happened to you ...

Each of you were caught having committed (and or having attempted to commit) heinous crimes ranging from dueling unto death, to desecration, to attempted murder, and in one case it was reputedly high treason. You are guilty of your crime, and were each in prison carriages being sent to the new-and-improved Branderscar, awaiting your forced removal from this accursed world.

But you never made it there. Each of you were saved by four others - two humans (man and woman); a blue-skinned, white-bearded man; and some type of giant - possibly an ogre - with small horns (Leonidas Brackenship, Kel Sal Koth, Ved Taruush, and Grumblejack, respectively). They ambushed your transport with a mix of magical and martial might (and even stranger abilities).

---

Individually, you were led to a small town (Varyston) not terribly far from Branderscar, to an old manor house with impressive grounds. At the door of the manor house, you wee met by a woman that introduces herself as Tiadora, a green-eyed woman, wearing a diaphanous white gown that makes her look almost angelic. When she speaks, any illusions about her angelic character were quickly dispelled.

“Dearest, you took long enough,” she said pitilessly. “We were beginning to wonder if you’d ever make it. The master commands you to appear before him but before that, you must be made presentable. Slaves!”

She clapped her hands. A dozen young attractive men and women all wearing very traditional servant’s livery appeared quickly, their heads bowed. “These people are our guests,” she commanded imperiously. “See them to their rooms. I want them cleaned, dressed and refreshed. Quickly.” There is something in that last word that sounded like a threat. Certainly the slaves take it that way, hustling to perform their duties.

Each of you are refreshed, cleaned, well fed and wined (or watered), and brought before your unknown patron, your rescuers having already peeled away to other duties.

At last Tiadora leads you to a beautifully appointed office richly decorated with dark wood and sumptuous brocade tapestry. Sitting in a leather high-backed chair is a devilishly handsome fellow who smiles as you enter. “You are one of the first people to ever be rescued from Branderscar by those who were the only ones known to escape from Branderscar Prison themselves. I hope they did not treat your gruffly themselves,” he says with a wicked smile. "You see, half their number died in the attempt, so you can't discount their bloodlust in killing the guards that escorted you to me."

“But enough with the pleasantries. You must be curious why I’ve helped you. Rest assured this is no random act of altruism. I have brought you here for a reason. My name is Cardinal Adrastus Thorn. I am the last high priest of Asmodeus left on the island of Talingarde. Once the Prince of Nessus was rightly revered alongside the other great powers. Now, the king of Talingarde has become a puppet to Mitran fanatics who wish to destroy any religion that does not bow to their insipid sun god.

“For their blasphemy, I will see the same people who imprisoned and condemned you suffer. I understand what you went through for I have faced it myself.” With that, he pulls down the sleeve of his robe and reveals his own runic ‘F’ brand. “I am going to burn Talingarde to the ground and from the ashes I will build a new nation that knows its rightful master. I cannot do this alone. I seek servants worthy of our Infernal Father’s majesty. Have I found them in you?”

He rises and his eyes flash with hellfire and divine purpose. “Join me! Serve me well in this holy endeavor and I will raise you up in the eyes of gods and men. I will make you princes of the new Talingarde. Today, swear fealty to me and to Asmodeus.

“Put aside forgiveness and I shall give you vengeance. Put aside mercy and be made powerful. Put aside peace and become my harbingers of war. What say you? Will you swear your allegiance or will you burn with the rest of the blind fools?”

---

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Name [Player]	Speech Color	AL	Gender ID	Race [Ethnicity]	Side #1	Side #2	Crime
Kel Sal Koth [NPC]	Golden Rod	LE	Female	Human (???)	Guru 1 (Sin-Eater)/ Investigator 1 [Toxin Codexer]/ LA 1	Monk 3 [Black Asp]	Murder
Leonidas Brackenship [Blackhawk101]	Dark Orange	LE	Male	Human	Sorcerer 3 (Elemental Water) [Tattooed Sorcerer]	Swashbuckler 3 [Rondelero Swashbuckler]	Piracy
Saiden Raidec ("Baroness") [BananaPhone]	Purple	LE	Female	Aasimar [Angel-blooded]	Oracle (Battle) 3	Warlord 3 [Bushi]	Dueling Unto Death
Scathaniel Sacrelos ("Scathe") [Tooterfishpopkin]	Indigo	LE	Male	Human	Antipaladin 3 [Dread Vanguard; Seal-Breaker]	Rogue 3 [Dark Lurker]	Desecration
Ved Taruush [NPC]	Blue	LE	Male	Samsaran	Arcanist 3	Inquisitor 3	Heresy
Kyr, Imogen's Raven	FireBrick Red	LE	Male	Raven	Corvid 3	Good Birdy 3	Existing

[Endrak]

Spoiler: Imogen >>> Cardinal Thorn

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As Cardinal Thorn speaks, Imogen rubs her wrists where the manacles chafed against them and wiggles her stiff fingers. She only half pays attention to the man, lost in her own thoughts and fantasies of what this opportunity represents. She tries to imagine what she could do to those arrogant, light-blessed fools with actual power behind her hand. No more blagging merchants or burglarizing shrines. No more waylaying marketgoers in back alleys. Even if she dies tomorrow, it will be a far sight better than dying after twenty years in a salt mine for almost killing a priest.

Maybe she'd even get to go back home and finish the job. That would be nice.

"Cardinal, you had me convinced at 'burn Talingarde'," says Imogen. "But by all means, continue. I'd like to hear more of the horrible things you'll be asking me to do."

[lostsole31]

Spoiler: Cardinal Thorn >>> Imogen

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When Imogen accepts, Cardinal Thorn smiles. “Excellent. Let us make it official. Signing in blood is traditional.”

He brings out a quill, a silver ritual knife and two copies of a contract written on some unidentifiable leather and written in dark red ink – the Pact of Thorns.

Does Imogen Wynne sign the following by cutting herself with a ritual knife enough times to mark her name clearly and legibly?

[Endrak]

Spoiler: Imogen >>> Cardinal Thorn

Show

The free spirit of her Elven ancestors is usually something Imogen brings up as an excuse to get out of doing something boring, but this time she can almost feel it rebelling at the sight of the infernal contract. She speed-reads the document in a few seconds, managing to contain a sigh of relief at the sight of at least three loopholes she can exploit if need be. Eager as she is to stab someone in Asmodeus' name, she isn't about to get piked by fine print.

With a flourish, she opens the tip of her finger with the knife and signs her name at the bottom.

"Shall I date it, too, since I'm already bleeding?"

[lostsole31]

Spoiler: Cardinal Thorn >>> Imogen

Show

The date fills in automatically, and seems to mystically draw more blood out of Imogen. It is a slight pull, but not too much to notice all things being equal.

There are two copies, of course, that have to be signed (the assumption is you sign both) .... one for the Cardinal and one for yourself.

The Cardinal smiles to Imogen. "Perhaps you need a seat. You're about to feel ... a little strange."

Imogen, what do you do?

[Endrak]

Spoiler: Imogen >>> Cardinal Thorn

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Imogen looks around the room, spotting a second chair by the door. She strides over to it and plants herself firmly with her hands in her lap.

[BananaPhone]

Spoiler: The Baroness >>> Cardinal Thorn

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The Baroness

Saiden was not used to counting on the generosity of strangers. Nor was she tempered with the regularity of being 'rescued' by others, even if their relief had simply delivered her into a different prison altogether.

Towering above the others, Saiden's trim, fighting-fit figure was hugged by the comfortable cloves the slaves had laid out for her. A Knight by instinct, she had eschewed the presented feminine gown and opted instead for the boots, leggings and shirt of a fighting man outside of his armour. But even so, without a sword by her side, the Baroness still felt naked.

When presented with the seated figure of Cardinal Thorn, Saiden stood herself before him as if she were his equal. Out of practiced etiquette she produced a polite bow, but beyond this gesture of civilised society she did not bow or scrape. Secular by nature and not particularly interested in the babbling dominions of priests and holy men, particularly underground ones, the Baroness had to resist the urge to simply thank him for his rescue and take her leave. But something told her that doing so would be...unwise. Perhaps she could tolerate the boring pontifications of this man of the cloth until she could rid herself of him.

A thought at the back of her mind surmised, darkly, that that may take longer than she hoped.

“Put aside forgiveness and I shall give you vengeance."

'Your true intent sir is that we would do your work for you...' the Baroness thought cynically to herself.

"Put aside peace and become my harbingers of war. What say you? Will you swear your allegiance or will you burn with the rest of the blind fools?”

The memory of the stinging pain from the insulting 'F' brandished into her skin still lingered in Saiden's mind. The mere thought of it made the Baroness bristle, her skin rippling with goosebumps as her wounded pride stirred deep within her soul.

"We are in agreement, Sir, that this realm requires a new, guiding hand..." the Baroness stated, taking a step forward once the elf had withdrawn.

"To make that vision a reality...I am willing to work with you."

Saiden beheld the contract and read it once, then twice. Not a speed-reader like the elf, the Baroness instead moved at her own pace and on her own time, not bringing her blood to the parchment until she had decided to do once.

Once the document was signed, the Aasimir stood aside so that the next fellow could follow.

[lostsole31]

Spoiler: Cardinal Thorn >>> Saidec

Show

He lets the Saidec keep one copy of the contract. The other, he takes.

“Well done. Your first command: prepare yourself. Stay within the manor. You are still hunted by the Talirean soldiery. In three days we begin your training.”

[FreeSol]

Spoiler: Scathe >>> Cardinal Thorn

Show

Scathe stands tall and cold, refusing to acknowledge the lingering discomforts of the manacles and the Forsaken brand.

Though practised at remaining cool of emotion and calm of face, no sooner does Scathe enter the presence of the Cardinal than his blood begins heating and rushing, a gradual blush suffusing his face. As the Cardinal speaks, a fire ignights in Scathe's eyes, and he begins trembling slightly, ecstatic to have such a marvelous beneficience come his way, not surprised (for, as a perfected man, be deserves all good things of this world), but grageful and invigorated, empassionned with the ambitious opportunity thus afforded.

He holds back while freezing his emotions, carefully rereading the contract, then speaks in soft, somewhat constrained tennor,

"O Cardinal, long have I strove to be worthy of an audience with your eminence. To hear that the Great Lord should desire such direct service from me... (he pauses to reassert control of himself, attempting as he does so to "flex" his evil aura)... is sweetest music to my ears. So use me. Let me be your foremost instrument. Let me bring trembling and fear to the lesser minds who fail to recognize the truth of the Great Lord. I will gladly sign".

Having done so I will go stand next to the wall to the Cardinal's left.

[lostsole31]

Spoiler: Cardinal Thorn >>> Scathe

Show

He lets the Scathe keep one copy of the contract. The other, he takes.

“Well done. Your first command: prepare yourself. Stay within the manor. You are still hunted by the Talirean soldiery. In three days we begin your training.”

[lostsole31]

The Respite

The escapees/ rescued have now been fed, fully rested, bathed, and clothed in garments more befitting nobility than prisoners on the lam. For several days (three, in the case of the last rescued, Scathe) they live a life of luxury and ease in the manor house. Tiadora offers them each one of the slaves as a ‘companion’. Advances towards Tiadora herself are simply met with a laugh.

There is a small laboratory here that Kel uses to restock her supply of interesting gear. During this time, the PCs all dwell on what they have dealth with of late (which levels them up into their current state). During this time, Tiadora moves quietly about the manor house observing the proceedings.

During this period of a 3-7 days, each of you then receive with some basic equipment. A slave approaches each PC and meekly asks what equpiment they require. Each slave then takes the requests to Tiadora who spends the money - a fantastic sum, actually, allotted for each PC. By the end of that period up to a week, all PCs have the gear listed on their sheet.

In addition, any other basic equipment necessary is likewise found and a spellbook and formulae book are retrieved for Ved and Kel, respectively, who spend their time furiously copying in several scrolls and the like (as found and retrieved by Tiadora). [This brings you up to your current + extra paid-for spells and extracts.]

During this time, Cardinal Thorn is nowhere to be seen.

One final object is given to each recruit ... a silver medallion and an iron circlet. The silver medallion is an unholy symbol of Asmodeus (worth 25 gp if you could find a buyer). The iron circlet is magical.

Spoiler: Iron Circlet

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Iron Circlet
Aura faint illusion; CL 1st
Slot head; Price 1,800 gp; Weight –
DESCRIPTION
This circlet of wrought iron alters itself to comfortably fit any wearer (that has a head). It allows the wearer to alter their appearance as with a disguise self spell. As part of the disguise, the circlet can be changed to appear as any sort of hat, headgear, or hairstyle the wearer desires.

---

It is likely that the PCs, while enjoying the comforts of posh living, have some questions. These are the most common questions that might be asked and their answers ...

Spoiler: Welcome to Asmodeus' Faithful, Here some FAQs ...

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Question: “Can we leave?”
Answer: “The master commands you remain. There are yet patrols searching for you. Soon your training will begin.”

Question: “Are we prisoners?”
Answer: “Yes, you are prisoners of fate as are we all.”

Question: “Do you worship Asmodeus?”
Answer: “All praise and honor are due our Infernal Father.”

Question: “What are you?”
Answer: “Why, I am a devil and I’ve come to do a devil’s work.”

Question: “Who are the slaves?”
Answer: “Weak willed fools who thought themselves worthy of the master. They were wrong of course, but still they have their uses.”

Question: “Where is Cardinal Thorn?”
Answer: “In his sanctuary.”

Question: “Can I speak with him?”
Answer: “Soon enough the master will grant you audience.”

Question: “Who is Cardinal Thorn?”
Answer: “Your master and mine. Anything more is for our master to say.”

---

During your respite, the PCs will learn that they are not alone in the large manor house. Besides the slaves and Tiadora - there are a few others about. In another wing, there are four more individuals. They also possess iron circlets and holy symbols.

• Elise Zadaria (f human witch), leader of a group calling themselves "The White Ravens"
• Dostan Alfson (m half-elf barbarian)
• Tallus "Rack" Rackburn (m human ranger)
• Titus "Trik" Rackburn (m human cleric)

[Blackhawk101]

During this period Leonidas will request from a slave the materials he needs to perform the familiar bonding ceremony with his pet turtle Snappy.

[lostsole31]

After about two week's time ... with Kel and Ved having fully gotten their formulae and extract books up to date, Leonidas having gotten Snappy, and everyone having gotten their shopping list of goods, six of you are summoned, for the first time all at once, by Cardinal Thorn.

Ved Taruush ... Leonidas Brackenship .... Kel Sal Koth .... "Baroness" Saiden Radec .... Scathaniel "Scathe" Sacrelos ... and Imogen Wynne (with her conspicuously large raven).

“Have you enjoyed your gifts? The iron circlets allow you to move amongst your enemies as one of them. The silver amulets will remind you of your true loyalties. And the other items – well, you need them now.

“You have done well to escape from Branderscar and the prison transports and to accept my offer. However, you are still not ready for my service. Tiadora will lead you to the basement of this domicile. There you will find nine chambers each more dangerous than the last. Somewhere hidden within these chambers is a pendant of silver and sapphire. Recover the pendant and bring it to me. Let nothing and no one stand in your way.”

He stands up and looks out of the manor house window across the grey moor. “It’s almost dusk. You have until dusk tomorrow to bring me my prize. Do not fail me.”

Cardinal Thorn takes a seat at his desk. Tiadora arrives right on cue. “This way,” is all she says.

Will you or no, Tiadora ushers you out of his private study, but if you have any questions for her, you may ask.

I do need to know .... of what is on your character sheets ... what are you not taking with you? Obviously, you do not have any mounts. It doesn't sound like you need "camping gear," but then again, you don't know what you will need.

[Endrak]

Imogen cracks her neck and double checks her gear. Normally, she wouldn't enter into this sort of situation without casing the place first. Perhaps she'd been too caught up in acting like a rich layabout to explore, although thinking about what kinds of secrets a hidden cult of Asmodeus would keep in their mysterious estate brings to mind risks and threats she can't reliably prepare for. She decides it's too late to consider this anyway.

When entering an unknown situation, it's important to have rope. Any thief worth a pike -- both in real life and in stories -- had a rope strapped around them. In the words of a nameless mentor from her early days, you don't pikin' know what you're gonna need it for. You just always need it.

She might be able to leave the crossbow, but decides against it. She does, however, remove it from inside her backpack and secure it to the outside where it will be easier to reach. Her money stays where it is, on the unlikely but not impossible chance someone would try to steal it if she left it behind, even hidden. Her two potions likewise stay in place.

Finally, she pats herself down and nods. The daggers are still there.

"Hey Tia," Imogen pipes up. "How often do these nine-chambers-each-more-dangerous-than-the-last get used?"

[lostsole31]

"Your use of past tense might possibly be implicative of the test having been passed before," she answers Imogen. "Attempted ... maybe."

[Endrak]

Imogen cups her chin, thinking. After a moment, she taps her finger against the corner of her mouth and grins, dropping her arm back to her side.

"In that case, I'll give you two-to-one odds on our success, with a buy-in of a hundred 'n fifty gold. I know you're tempted. You don't get a blank face like that unless you're an incorrigible gambler, eh?"

[lostsole31]

Tiadora doesn't look impressed. Her less-than-impressed enough is to cause Imogen to be shaken (for 2 rounds, actually).

[Ahus]

Entering the room Ved eyes Tiadora. "As you command, Shepherd, but, a moment to prepare? " The unarmed Ved says, before turning on his heals and striding out of the room.
He returns a moment later with his bow in hand and quiver on his back.

Spoiler

Show

Ved, will not be taking his 2 dust containers, nor the wand that seems will be useless in the basement. I also note that I neglected to purchase a backpack in which to store all of the rest of my stuff, so...I've rectified that.

Reason to be sent via discord pm. (1d20+18)[28]

"Perhaps another time I'll take you up on a bet, however Ivery much prefer to gamble at cards." Ved says to Imogen, overhearing the discussion with Tiadora.

[Blackhawk101]

Leonidas will leave his haversack but move the Ioun torch to his belt pouch and bring his water skin. He dons his weapons and Snappy is now a stylized turtle tattoo on his left bicep.

[Ahus]

"Leonidas, that is new since we Branderscar. Ved says tapping his own bicep. He continues I got another as well.
Hopefully this won't be as easily taken from me as my last." Holding his left palm up revealing a tattoo the Red metallic ink of which blending with his blue skintone to form a iridescent shifting deep purple Archstar.

[Blackhawk101]

Leonidas grins. “You do you, brother!”

[lostsole31]

Kel takes a direct approach with questioning, asking Tiadora, "What is down there?"

Tiadora simply answers, "The master has already told you all you need to know."

"No, really. What's down there?"

"Monsters. Death. Worse."

[FreeSol]

Scathe's fine tenor cuts cleanly through the moment following his companions' worried remarks:

"What awaits us matters little. We were chosen, and none of us here is so meager, so small as to fail to return from a mere test - don't you think so, Duchess?"

His fine pale features stand out sharply from the black and charcoal cowl and armor which otherwise covers him completely, heels clicking smartly against the marble floor as he follow behind all.

[lostsole31]

Kel ignores the blonde uber-munch, as she thinks about what to bring. "Should we be ready for a fight?"

Tiadora answers, "You are servants of Asmodeus in Talingarde. You should always be ready for battle."

[Endrak]

Imogen seems a little off ever since Tiadora turned down her wager, but she joins the conversation anyway. "Personally," Imogen mutters, running her fingers through her hair, "I'd be more worried about acid pits, bear traps, poison darts, false walls and ceilings, and getting my soul ripped out than battle. I've thought you lot must be at least as capable as me on that front."

[lostsole31]

Imogen, making sense, makes Kel nod to her as she thinks of something else - the end goal. "So, this pendant. What does it look like?"

Tiadora gives a non-answer with "You will know it when you see it."

[Blackhawk101]

Leonidas buckles on a small shield rimmed in dull grey metal to his left forearm. Once finished he chants a arcane incantation and a blue field of translucent force surrounds his form briefly before disappearing.
“Lead the way beautiful.”
he says to Tiadora with a roguish grin.

Spoiler

Show

cast mage armor

[Ahus]

Ved, looks to Tiadora, "Yes, yes, very helpful. I suppose that is part of the test.
Ved then watches Leonidas fall in behind Tiadora and awkwardly does the same.

[BananaPhone]

The Baroness

Having said nothing so far, the Baroness was stationed in the centre of the group when they formed up in preparation of pushing into the maze. Her tall figure could easily see over the heads of her compatriots, as the statuesque Aasimar rolled her shoulders once against the straps of her backpack and withdrew the finely crafted blade that hung from her hip.

"Plans rarely survive their first encounter with an enemy," Saiden proclaimed, her eyes sweeping over the scene before them.

"In a place like that? Wit and adaptability will serve one best."


ooc:
Activating Scarlet Einhander for +2 AC. Saiden now has an AC of 19

[lostsole31]

Tiadora doesn't lead you down, she simply points the way, and with that the party heads down the set of stone stairs, through an archway and into an unfurnished chamber beyond. Inscribed upon the archway in the common tongue is:

"Deception is a tool. Self-deception is death. Deceive always thy enemy but never thyself."

The room beyond is lit by a small oil lantern hanging from the center of the chamber that is roughly 30' x 30'.

What do you do? What is the relative marching order?