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Shardix
Sep 14, 2011

The end! No moral.

Nikita and Lt. Freda - The Wilds

He had no chance to best Isiah in a proper duel, even were he inclined to do so. His call to slaughter everyone definitely implied he was not. All Nikita could do was get inside his reach and pummel him into submission.

"drat you, Isiah! Soldiers, guard yourselves!" With a roar, Nikita crouched low and charged headlong towards Isiah, doing his best to evade that wicked sword and seize the man around the waist. A fist hauled back to slam into a vulnerable spot - anything to throw the warrior off his balance and grant himself the upper hand.

As he charged, he muttered a low words of the old tongue, urging the nearby plants and roots to grow with magically supported fecundity. His bare feet would find better purchase on uneven and tangled ground than Isiah's armored boots.

Indomitable +2 to overpower Isiah, with Witch +2 to urge the plant-life to grow and create difficult terrain Nikita can take advantage of.

Shardix fucked around with this message at 02:44 on Aug 30, 2017

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I am Communist
Apr 19, 2002

I can show you what endless looks like
I can show you a single infinite thing
I can let you taste the sweet and sour of forever
Unending. Eternal. Inevitable
Taste my darkness
Climb into my abyss
Fall into me. Into my eyes
Look at them. Depths unfathomable
Pain immeasurable
A cruel promise fulfilled
Nikita and Isiah - challenge!
The wager is the control of the legion here and now.
The trial is combat to the pain.
Mortal qualities.


The fight was fast and furious. Nikita's toughness and brute strength as he threw hexes and tried to trip Isiah up with magic as the battle born lord used his experience and training with all the martial means he could muster. Blows were exchanged fast and furious. Isiah's stance and form at odd vs Nikita's magic and physical gifts. A hammer blow by Nikita knocked the shield from Isiah's grip, he kicked out and caught a glancing blow to Nikita's shin that could have broken a lesser man's bones.

The blade shrieked as it bolstered Isiah's forces elsewhere, unable to be used as more than a blade against Nikita. Several times Nikita was cut and luckily, the necromantic power was used elsewhere to reraise the fallen dead and those newly dead.

Blood trickled from dozens of wounds and Nikita began to tire. Suddenly a root took hold! Isiah's boot caught and Nikita punched the werewolf right in the has with a blow that could pulverized stone. Isiah rocked with it, tasting blood in his mouth. The sergeant was a very good opponent. Different. But good.

Isiah knew if he didn't end this quickly, it would be he that lost. With a roar, Isiah severed the vines and tackled Nikita to the ground.

Nikita fell stunned for a moment. The blood loss and grapple making him lose track of what had happened. His vision cleared, but too late. Isiah's fist and sword gilt hammered savagely into Nikita's head. Again. Again. And again. Struggle as he might, Nikita's resistance got weaker and sensing that he could kill the leader of the berserkers Isiah stopped.

A woman's cry brought Isiah's attention back to the battlefield. He was breathing heavy. But he won.

The sword surged with pride and....something else.




Nikita [+4] Vs Isiah [+6]
[U]Totals/u]
Nikita: 3+4 [+4]= 11
Isiah: 2+4 [+6]= 12
Winner: Isiah
Deaths: None



Berserkers & Freemen vs loyalists & dead legion
Winner: Loyalists & Dead Legion
Deaths: All but 3 berserkers and the Lt.


Berserkers fell and all of the mutineers were either cut down or killed by the tireless dead working in conjunction with the well drilled loyalists. Three hulking brutes were captured and the Lt. dropped her sword when Nikita fell unconscious before Isiah. "Wait!" She cried to Isiah. "We surender! Don't kill Nikita, please I beg you! We'll leave and won't cross you again Captain. It was a mistake!" The zombies closed in, in case it was a trick. One of the loyalist officers turned to Isiah and saluted.
"The day is won! Orders captain?"

The living men cheered.

The dead groaned.




Silth - Host/Blaylock - The Vault Interior

The men followed obidently.
An unseen observer on high scratched notes watching the people coming and going, unnoticed by Silth and his minders.


After returning to his offices, Silth/Blaylock went solo to track down the source of the enchantment. He soon found himself in a business district. The pink bear and a few other taverns nearby...he couldn't exactly pinpoint where it was coming from. But he was close. Several businesses were around and closed. One...seemed to be shut down by the authorities. Hmm...

Close!.

Valhawk
Dec 15, 2007

EXCEED CHARGE

Hakon and Daor - Hakon's Manor
FP: 8

Hakon had Daor bail out the chaos-orc on the condition that the orc come to the manor once he was released. That only left the matter of his body servants. It was fairly simple to have a servant from the manor arrange the purchase. A half-dozen slaves were soon delivered to the manor. A mixture of dwarves and orcs, the only uniting feature between them was their developed musculature and generally rugged appearances. Once they were in the manor, they were restrained and searched at the half-ogre's direction. Then, once his guard had given the all clear, Hakon had entered, the Eye in hand. This was the first time he had attempted this procedure on multiple subjects at once, but it would be a useful test.

Once the slaves were properly prepared, Hakon set to work. It was a variation on the guard's indoctrination. He wove an absolute and fanatical love and devotion into every fiber of the slaves' being just as he had with Daor. Then he layered on the security focus, though he was less focused on the combat aspect than he had been with the guard. Instead, he made sure that the slaves would be ideal for their new purpose in life. That nothing would make them happier than serving him well. He worked on them until they met the half-ogre's standards, and until their very being thrummed with the all consuming desire to serve and please him. If Hakon had done this correctly, they would be the perfect bodyservants, tending to his every whim, with their entire beings devoted to ensuring he was always properly attended to.

Hakon's gonna have Daor bail out the Chaos-Orc on the condition that he comes to the manor. Before that happens though, he's gonna brainwash his new array of orc and dwarf bodyservants. Using the Eye of Davos[+2] to give them the Daor training with enough security focus to meet the half-ogre's standards, but also a focus on making sure they are awesome and hugely focused on at attending to Hakon.

Rhjamiz
Oct 28, 2007


Silth - Host/Blaylock - The Business District

Host/Blaylock stalked the streets like a hound on the scent, though Silth suspected this was not an unusual look for an Inquisitor. Host/Blaylock eventually came to the Business District, and stared skyward for a moment before casting his gaze around to the cluster of buildings. One of these? Was the caster skulking in darkness, or had they instead opted to blend into a crowd? Mm, well. Easier first to check the shadows before he began interviewing taverngoers and passersby.

Investigating the authority-shuttered shop first.

Rhjamiz fucked around with this message at 04:16 on Aug 30, 2017

The Unlife Aquatic
Jun 17, 2009

Here in my car
I feel safest of all
I can lock all my doors
It's the only way to live
In cars

Ksenija Ceranic - On The Trail of Stillia -> NOPE - 5 FP

Ksenija's Implant posted:

kcor s'tel!

Ksenija's implant sends to her as she sneaks away from the disaster she just caused. She slinks back into town, finds Amy, a large bottle of "cap whiskey" (whatever the gently caress that means) and spends the rest of their time in this town trying to forget what she just saw.

Ksenija will pretend nothing happened and hope they move the gently caress on before that thing gets there.

Caufman
May 7, 2007

Riley - Mindy's Nightmare

Couple of days? Riley lost track of how much time she spent dreaming. That's wasn't unusual for her, though.

"I'm safe enough. Warm enough, too. Please don't be sorry. You're the nicest person I've met here. Do you like the snow? I brought it from home."

Riley stayed with Mindy until it was time for the Granby child to wake up. Riley spent the time together making the two of them laugh and forget about their worries for a while. But when Mindy woke up, Riley put her ice-cold expression back on and walked to the edge between her dreamscape and the darkness.

"Who are you?" she asked the void. "I'm not here to make enemies. Do you want something from me or Mindy? She's just a normal kid; so what do you want from me?"

JamezBfod
Jun 13, 2003

there may be people who
find a blender sexy - I
would do well with a more
humanoid model, myself
Patak - Between Sump and ???, The Wilds| FP 5

Patak helped to clean up the mess and paid generously for the "damage" he had caused. He also bought fresh provisions for the road. The Warrior then escorted the Mother and children back to their home in the next settlement over. Patak spoke once the torchlights disappeared behind them.

"If you like, I could claim them. Their blood father may never. I would move on shortly but having a name might help. I would check in if I passed by this way again, and if I am still in this realm I should not be hard to find by the time they reach adulthood." He gave a half-smile in the flickering light of his torch. "I would think the purple would stand out well enough as proof."

Taking Marie home, restocking my supplies. Making an offer that is more ceremonial for now.

Shardix
Sep 14, 2011

The end! No moral.

Nikita and Lt. Freda - The Wilds

Nikita turned and coughed up blood. It had been a while since he'd been hurt like this. And back then, he had had furious anger keeping him going. He pulled himself into an upright position but didn't even attempt to stand. He was fairly sure he would simply fall right back over again. Looking around with bleary eyes, he saw mostly corpses and they were predominantly those from his side. An utter waste of lives, over something so incredibly pointless.

He dimly saw Freda nearby, alive. A small miracle but he'd take it. He also saw Isiah and he swallowed his anger as best he could.

"You got what you wanted. Go, before I get up and force you to kill me."

After he's caught his breath, Nikita will head back to his tent and tend to his wounds and those of the survivors with Witch +2. After that, he is open to suggestions. With no real forces remaining, his mission is a bust and Gaol will probably have him hung. He'll offer the three berserkers and Freda equal shares of the money in return for directions to any city that isn't where he came from.

Ronwayne
Nov 20, 2007

That warm and fuzzy feeling.

Amerigo Hieronymus Location: The Beer Garden Inn, Grenmalk-City
1 FP, +1 upshift banked.

Hmm, well that was interesting. How to employ that was another question. He could do this next tour with the caravan as proof of experience and then try to work for the locals potentate to build up some sort of rep, or leave and head north, or possibly in that order...but for the meantime, there left the question of who the hell was poking around in the Tactica earlier. Amerigo flips around the pages, carefully. The thing was self-editing nowadays and that alone was cause for concern, maybe it had some sort of register of those who requested entries...?

Looking to see if the [Tactica Transoceania] has any sort of access logs in it, and if so, who the hell accessed it earlier that wasn't me?

I am Communist
Apr 19, 2002

I can show you what endless looks like
I can show you a single infinite thing
I can let you taste the sweet and sour of forever
Unending. Eternal. Inevitable
Taste my darkness
Climb into my abyss
Fall into me. Into my eyes
Look at them. Depths unfathomable
Pain immeasurable
A cruel promise fulfilled

Hakon and Daor - Hakon's Manor
FP: 8

The mixture of dwarves and orcs went from despondent slaves to happy body-servants. Hakon's head of security grunted. They would do. Hakon relaxed until the Chaos Orc showed up on his doorstep. He was shown into a waiting room where Hakon could watch him through a spy hole. "Nice place." The red skinned orc said to a servant as he waited.


Servants thralled. Secure. The red orc has arrived.




Silth - Host/Blaylock - The Business District

Host/Blaylock entered the home quietly. There were signs someone was living here. Food. Clothing for a smaller frame. As Silth entered the bedroom, a familiar memory of the sleeping Riley hit his mind. The guard memory of Riley. From the prison. She slept before Silth. But soon began to Stir.

Silth finds Riley. He knows her.




Riley - Mindy's Nightmare

Whispers echoed in the beyond. Was that laughter? Riley didn't have long to ponder this. A sense of impending potential danger hit her.

<"WAKE UP RILEY">

Riley's eyes came open. Before her was an Inquisitor from the Church of darkness. Mindy had mentioned them once. He was inside her room! Not good.




Ksenija Ceranic - On The Trail of Stillia -> NOPE - 5 FP


Ksenija awakes with a hangover. Amy rushes into the room. Everything was too bright. Too loud. "Wake up! Quick!" Amy said excitedly but not in a happy way. "Stilla's gone missing, the captain and lieutenant are asking for volunteers to find them. They're gathering everyone up. The caravan master is going to hire a mage to locate his missing driver and Stilla! What are we going to do? If they pay enough they can find out what we did!"
<"Oh great."> said Percy mournfully. <"They're going to melt us all down for scrap. We're doomed!">


Murphy's law.



Patak - Between Sump and ???, The Wilds| FP 5

"Thank you sir, but no. I'm just glad to have them back." She said after she was returtned home. Patak tipped his cowboy hat and rode off on his new horse. The provisions kept in his saddlebags. He had learned something here about life and strange love. The badlands could be like that. As he road out of the torchlight and the glow faded behind him. A lone howl filled the shadows. The sound of adventure.

Patak has gained mortal quality Wildlands [+2] his tracking and experiences for the strange gave him a newfound knowledge and how to deal with things beyond the city lights.


Nikita and Lt. Freda - The Wilds

Wounds healed, Freda turned to Nikita. Freda stood tall abd addressed him. "We may only have a fraction of our men, but they are the toughest because they survived. We need to complete the mission and show up that puffed up prince of necromancy." She said hotly. She was a berserker too. She put a hand on Nikita's chest. "Don't you feel it in your warrior's heart? In your blood?"

Nikita did hear a roar in his ears. Would he listen to it or ignore it?

If you continue on the quest gain Mortal quality Berserker [+2/-2]. If you don't then we'll see.




Amerigo Hieronymus Location: The Beer Garden Inn, Grenmalk-City
1 FP, +1 upshift banked.

The Tactica opened to a page with info on it.
No one. You were reading a magically trapped page from an external source fed with a another being's consciousness. I display what you want to read. I contain the written knowledge if it exists. That is the limitation. I will not answer a direct question ever again. Stop listening to other PCs, Ronwayne. This artifact is as meta as it can be 4thwall 4thwall 4thwall.

The book closes huffily.

Nobody accessed it earlier that wasn't you. That would be silly. Or that file does not exist. :mystery:

I am Communist fucked around with this message at 01:55 on Sep 1, 2017

Rhjamiz
Oct 28, 2007


Silth - Host/Blaylock - Riley's Hideout

Inquisitor Host/Blaylock stared down at the stirring child, his face impassive. Silth recognized her. The Prison. Her race alone undoubtedly marking her as Outsider, even without the echos of certainty. She had cast the Winter Magic; there could be no doubt of this.

He stood there passively a moment, waiting until her eyes had opened, until he knew she had seen him. His right hand then moved casually, but deliberately, to grip the sword sheath on his right hip, angling the hilt slightly downward, toward her, as his hand rested there. A silent message, both threat and warning; 'no sudden moves'. Of course, Silth had no intention of using the sword if the girl tried anything. An unknown threat like hers would be answered with lightning, if it came to it. Better safe than sorry.

At last, Inquisitor Host/Blaylock spoke. "Riley," he said. A statement, not a question.

A dialogue maybe.

Rhjamiz fucked around with this message at 03:21 on Sep 1, 2017

LLSix
Jan 20, 2010

The real power behind countless overlords


Isiah Incipio - challenge!

Shardix posted:


Nikita and Lt. Freda - The Wilds
"You got what you wanted. Go, before I get up and force you to kill me."
Captain Isiah Incipio laughed grimly over the beaten body of his one time friend. He stopped only when the blood from his own injuries pooled in his mouth, and he had to pause to cough it out. "That was the plan all along. I didn't want this. These deaths are on your head. If you'd controlled your traitors better they'd still be alive today." Battered but victorious he turned his back on all the traitors, Nikita, Lt. Freda, and the bare handful of surviving berserkers alike.

I am Communist posted:

One of the loyalist officers turned to Isiah and saluted.
"The day is won! Orders captain?"

The living men cheered.

The dead groaned.
Isiah returned the salute.
"Well done, son.
Strip the dead.
Finish loading the wagons.
Find who killed the most of the enemy and have them report to me for their reward.
Continue the mission until death or victory. Death is no longer cause for us to falter, so victory is guaranteed."

Turning to the dead he ordered. "Watch Nikita's followers. If they try to move before the last wagon is out of sight, kill them."

Isiah grabbed the officer's arm. "Wait. I have another reward for your loyalty." The battle with Nikita had been won, but it had also demonstrated that he would not always be available to give orders to the dead who had failed him. This was a dangerous vulnerability. How much quicker might the battle have been won if his officers had been able to order the dead as he could? The Lich's Bane whispered a solution into Isiah's ear.

The burly captain of the Black Legion and the dead picked through the unrisen dead. Perhaps it would be best to use the bodies of those who had been loyal to him for this, but he could not bring himself to desecrate their corpses. Instead, he struck deep into one of the fallen corpses with the bone blade, carving out the vertebra that joined the skull to the neck. Shaped by the necromantic powers of the remnant of the dead archlich in his sword, these would hopefully allow his officers to control the dead just as the dead's heads had controlled them in life.


making rings of undead control and handing them to my officers as the first step of creating living middle management for my undead legions
Necromancy +2

I am Communist
Apr 19, 2002

I can show you what endless looks like
I can show you a single infinite thing
I can let you taste the sweet and sour of forever
Unending. Eternal. Inevitable
Taste my darkness
Climb into my abyss
Fall into me. Into my eyes
Look at them. Depths unfathomable
Pain immeasurable
A cruel promise fulfilled

Isiah Incipio - challenge!

"What dead sir? They're all risen." The loyalist looked at Captain Isiah confused. The man saw about breaking camp. The ones with the highest deathcount looked morose. Since they had killed their friends and comrades of many campaigns.

The dead followed their orders. There were so many now.

When the officer returned he took Isiah's command rings with the others gingerly but professionally. As hard as that would be.

:siren: sorry the following can't happen as what I've already written has taken place. All dead are already risen. All fallen undead were re-raised during the battle as well. Otherwise your forces would have lost.
The burly captain of the Black Legion and the dead picked through the unrisen dead. Perhaps it would be best to use the bodies of those who had been loyal to him for this, but he could not bring himself to desecrate their corpses. Instead, he struck deep into one of the fallen corpses with the bone blade, carving out the vertebra that joined the skull to the neck. Shaped by the necromantic powers of the remnant of the dead archlich in his sword, these would hopefully allow his officers to control the dead just as the dead's heads had controlled them in life.


You can have the rings. But during your battle and your use of the blade to bolster your forces with divine power, as already written: Every soldier and dead person rose and undead were re-raised during the battle.

I am Communist posted:

Nikita and Isiah - challenge!
.....the necromantic power was used elsewhere to reraise the fallen dead and those newly dead....

I am Communist fucked around with this message at 03:50 on Sep 1, 2017

JamezBfod
Jun 13, 2003

there may be people who
find a blender sexy - I
would do well with a more
humanoid model, myself
Patak - The Wilds | FP 5| 2 upshifts Banked

He didn’t know why Maria insisted on him getting the hat. Without sun it just seemed silly. If it had not fit perfectly he would have done without, but such a fit for a man of his size was such a rare thing. Patak pondered a while longer until the howl spooked Horse.

“There, there, girl.” He patted her head. “If it dares come close enough to show its eyes the creature will swear fealty or die by my hand.”

The horse seemed unconvinced.

“Oh really? I suppose you don’t know who I am. I am Patak! Warlord, Freer of the slaves of Bamas, Kursed-slayer, Mogh’s Bane!” He leaned in close and whispered into the horse’s ear. “If there is a creature in these wastes that I cannot best then this whole world would tremble before it. I shall be King of these Wilds. What of you? You are my steed.”

He gave Horse a light kick. “Now act like it. Hya!”

Venturing forth on the trail of the Dracolich. Going by more established paths on account of Horse. Don’t want the poor thing dropping off a ledge or something. Using Wildlands +2 to help navigate. Warlord +6 To make good on my promise to Horse if anything threatening does get close.

Caufman
May 7, 2007

Riley - Riley's Hideout

Riley did not get up. She looked at the stranger's clothes. Authority figure. Clergy. Not fond of the snow?

"Yes," she answered truthfully. "Something I can do for you?"

Valhawk
Dec 15, 2007

EXCEED CHARGE

Hakon and Thralls - Hakon's Manor
FP: 8 + 3

Hakon relaxed as he was attended to by his new thralls, the psychic bond meant the mere act of wanting something was enough to send them springing into action. This truly was the way to live.

When the chaos-orc arrived, Hakon examined him from his hidden position. It would seem it was time to induct another thrall into his service, and he would be a very special thrall indeed. Arranging things was child's-play. He merely needed to enter the room and the Eye took care of the rest, sending the chaos-orc into a deep trance where he could be properly restrained and the equipment set up for the true enthrallment process, just as it was set up for Daor's rebirth. The first part of the programming had become standard by this point. The Chaos-Orc was indoctrinated to feel a deep, fanatical, obsessive love and devotion for Hakon. As with Daor and the other true-thralls, his mind was remade to see Hakon as the very image of perfection, to make him addicted to every aspect of his master. Once that was complete, Hakon continued farther. This orc had a particular set of skills which would be very useful to him. So, Hakon spent a good deal of time programming him, causing him to believe with all his being that free will was a curse, a horrific disease, disgusting and hateful. Replacement of one's own inferior diseased will with Hakon's prefect will was the greatest gift, the greatest blessing it was possible to receive. To the orc, enthrallment was a holy sacrament, beautiful beyond words. There was nothing more appealing to him than causing a person to be made Hakon's thrall, other than serving his master, of course. The Eye burned bright, as Hakon indoctrinated him, attempting to not merely make him a true-thrall, but to through the Eye's power reshape him to make his skills even more effective. The orc specialized in kidnapping and torture, Hakon would make him into an evangelist of his Master's will. Not merely a torturer, those skills would be refined and improved to make him an indoctrinator. His holy purpose to prepare the minds of those Hakon chose for the sacrament of enthrallment.

The thought of the bulky chaos-orc bending the minds of others into loyal and obedient shapes brought a smile to Hakon's face. This being would be instrumental in bringing him even more thralls, transforming more and more people into vessels of his will, until one day all would bow before him. The thought drove Hakon on, helped him focus on the task at hand, and caused him to work on this particular programming with extra zeal. He would wait to see what the results of his efforts would bring, carefully examining the orc to see the results of his work.

Hakon's programming the chaos-orc. Gonna make him Hakon's acquisition and indoctrination specialist, combining instilling an intense desire to replace the will of other's with Hakon's will with an attempt to use the Eye to boost his skills in that department. Eye of Davos[+2] and 3FP[+6] as this particular effort is driven by Hakon's gluttonous desire for even more thralls.

Shardix
Sep 14, 2011

The end! No moral.

Nikita and Lt. Freda - The Wilds

A warrior? Ha. Maybe in the foggy past, some shield-biting lunatic had proven just good enough to continue his line before inevitably being gutted on a forgotten battlefield. But that was a long time ago. The empire Nikita hailed from was a civilized place with no such needs. For better or worse.

Nevertheless Freda was correct. They had a job to do and vengeance to seek. He owed it to the dead, if nothing else. He gave a firm nod and hauled himself to his feet.

"Right. Grab only what you need. We travel quick and light. With any luck, Isiah's march will be through nothing but the desolation we leave in our wake." The howls of distant ancestors thundered in his head and the scent of fresh blood quickened his pace. Hi swept his few meager necessities into his pack and shouldered it. He hefted up his shield and spear and stepped out from the tent, glancing around. Isiah had left them a gift. A contingent of his undead slaves stood mindlessly watching them.

Nikita growled in disgust. He glanced back over his shoulder and nodded again. "Slaughter them, and we'll set them to burn with the shapeshifters."

Walking forward, he locked eyes on one in particular. He'd known that man in life, but nothing seemed to remain of his humanity. Hauling back, he hurled his spear directly for the zombie's head and launched into a sprint, snatching up a discarded axe and hurling himself into the melee with a mighty roar.

Indomitable +2 and Berserker +2 to crush these sad husks.

Rhjamiz
Oct 28, 2007


Silth - Host/Blaylock - Riley's Hideout

Inquisitor Host/Blaylock watched Riley, his red eyes piercing her. There was no emotion on his face.

"You changed the rain into snow," he stated. "The means by which you did this; unknown. Possibly heretical. I have questions to which you might hold answer. I offer three ways out of this," his left hand raised slowly to display three fingers.

"One," he said, holding up one finger with his left hand, "you cooperate and come willingly. I promise you a warm bed, clothing, and three hot meals a day. I interview you and you answer questions honestly. Further cooperation offers the potential of further compensation."

"Two," he said, holding up a second finger, "you resist and I take you by force. You sit in a cell with no guarantee of bed, meals, or adequate clothing. You are interrogated until you consent to answer questions to our satisfaction. After which, you will be sentenced."

"Three," he said, holding up a third finger, "you resist and escape into the city. You become a wanted criminal, accused of heresy, and I bring the full might of my resources against you. Rewards will be offered for your capture. You live the life of a hunted man."

He lowered his left hand, and hooked the thumb of it into his belt. "Think on this, and decide."

Come with me, and you'll be, in a wooorld of pure imagination~

Rhjamiz fucked around with this message at 01:18 on Sep 2, 2017

Caufman
May 7, 2007

Riley - Riley's Hideout

Riley made no sudden moves as she rose to her feet, but neither did she shrink away under the inquisitor's red-eyed glare.

"You didn't have to give me a choice, so thanks, I want to trust you," she said, which was at least half-true, rounded up. "So honesty you can have for free. Yep, the snow is mine. Do you like it? I blew it into the sky after my fairy godmother showed me how. That's not a joke; that's the truth."

Riley picked up a wheel of cheese she kept nearby as a midnight snack. She broke off a piece and offered it to the inquisitor in cheeky hospitality.

"Any more questions? I'm not great at keeping secrets. Ask my friends. But you want me to follow you? Well, okay. I suppose bad men don't sneak up on little girls to let them choose if they want to come with or not. But maybe you can help me out first, buy yourself some goodwill while you're at it. I think if you make a donation in my name to the next group of street kids we meet on the way to wherever, I'd have no reason not to trust you anymore. I think a gift of all your platinum and gold coins would cheer everyone up, please. Unless your pocket's tight, too. It's okay. We street kids understand."

Rhjamiz
Oct 28, 2007


Silth - Host/Blaylock - Riley's Hideout ---> Fortress of No Return

Inquisitor Host/Blaylock merely raised an eyebrow when fairy godmothers were mentioned, but he did not appear to think it was a joke. "I prefer rain," was his reply. He gave a small shake of his head when offered the cheese.

"I will save further questions for a later interview. We will have much to cover. And yes, I need you to follow me. Just ahead of me, where I can keep an eye. I will direct you. As to your request," he trails off, and with his left hand, reaches down to pull his coinpurse from his belt. He gives it a light shake to demonstrate that it contains coins. He does not seem to bother to count or judge the number or value. "Acceptable," he says without hesitation.

From there, Host/Blaylock directs Riley down the street, away from the Business District and back to the Fortress of No Return. Along the way, at the first opportunity that presents itself, Host/Blaylock catches the attention of a street urchin and rather unexpectedly tosses the whelp the entire bag. "Riley gives her regards," is all that he says.

Once at the Fortress of No Return, Host/Blaylock summons a guard, and gives him instructions; a room near his office is to be prepared. Something comfortable. This child accompanying him will be his 'guest', and the inflection he puts on this word makes it clear that this is merely a euphemism for 'prisoner', for an indeterminate amount of time. He will be personally conducting her interrogation. Anyone who interferes with his investigation will face dire retribution.

On his authority, the room is prepared. Host/Blaylock leads Riley to it; a somewhat sparse if comfortable guest room with bed and bookshelf and chamberpot (probably). He has a tray of food brought for her. "This is where you will be staying for the time being. If you require anything, make a request with the guard outside your door. But do not leave this room. We will discuss this further tomorrow."

With that, he leaves her to get comfortable. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day.

Leading Riley to the ominously-named Fortress of No Return. Getting her set up with a comfortable room, a warm bed, and regular meal service in addition to any other minor requests she might have (books, toys, crayons, etc). Guards are to be posted at her door for the time being; she is not allowed to leave. He will be conducting the interviews, this will be his personal project. These are Host/Blaylock's orders. He will not file a report yet, however.

Rhjamiz fucked around with this message at 06:03 on Sep 3, 2017

Caufman
May 7, 2007

Riley - Fortress of No Return

On the way to the fortress, Riley didn't stray far from the inquisitor. She stayed close to pepper him with questions.

"What's your name?"
"Where are you from?"
"Do you have any kids?"
"How old are you?"
"What games do you like to play?"
"Do you like candy?"
"How long have you been doing this job?"
"What did you dream last night?"

It wasn't important if the inquisitor responded or stayed silent or told her to shut up. Short of a beating, she was going to persist.

When they arrived at the fortress, Riley frowned at the name. "Um, I think you'd get a lot more people to follow you willingly if you didn't call it that. Maybe you can call it Princess Castle or Fort Welcome. I don't think you should emphasize the no-return part."

But when she was called a 'guest', Riley wasn't offended. 'Guest' wasn't as good as plain guest, but it was significantly better than prisoner. She went willingly into her upscale jail cell, which was more comfortable than the last cell she had. Moments after the inquisitor left her, Riley went to the door with a snack from her food tray. She sat down and sounded for the guard's attention and began peppering him with questions.

"What's your name?"
"Where are you from?"
"Do you have any kids?"
"..."

That night, when it came time to sleep, Riley attempted to go back into the dreamworld in search of clues about the darkness that haunted Mindy's nightmare.

Dream Weaver [+4] to investigate who or what Riley has made an enemy of.

Caufman fucked around with this message at 09:40 on Sep 2, 2017

Theantero
Nov 6, 2011

...We danced the Mamushka while Nero fiddled, we danced the Mamushka at Waterloo. We danced the Mamushka for Jack the Ripper, and now, Fester Addams, this Mamushka is for you....

Emilio Ughi - Distant Village, Wilds, on the road
Flaw Points: 4

Well now. This was the exact thing he didn't want to happen.

Nevertheless, Emilio did not waver. Instead, he smiled, cocked his head ever so slightly to the side, and scratched his chin. The motions of a man who seemed a bit surprised, but otherwise at ease. This wouldn't be the first time his caravan had been accosted by the troops of local nobility. Or bandits.

"The Dark Cardinal you say, my good man? He was an important figure in the last city we visited, yes?" Emilio glanced at Sally for confirmation, as if he didn't know this perfectly well himself.

"Haha, well, it would be just extremely rude to keep such an important person waiting, would it not! Especially when they've went to the effort to send such a committee to intercept us. Now pray tell, my man, what does this Dark Cardinal wish to speak to us about, and do we need to go to some particular place to convey?"




Social Chameleon [+2] to try and handle the speaking bits of this interaction as smoothly as possible (read: with minimal roughhousing or manhandling of yours truly)

The Unlife Aquatic
Jun 17, 2009

Here in my car
I feel safest of all
I can lock all my doors
It's the only way to live
In cars

Ksenija Ceranic - Blacktone - 5 FP

Ksenija pulls herself up. She's hungover, her hips are killing her, and for the love of sudo would someone stop ringing that loving bell?!

"Please slow down Amy dear. My ram sticks are like halfway to fried already." She says.

Her fingers move in lazy circles across her temples.

"Coffee, and some kind of painkiller."

One pot of coffee, a kiss, some foul tasting mixture Amy said would help with the pain later and Ksenija is fighting her way back into her sneaking suit.

"I've got a plan, and you can help me."

She slips her synthhyde gloves on, slings Percy onto her back, and puts on her cloak before continuing.

"I'm a mage myself, so I can deal with the scrying spell personally. I'll explain how later."

Ksenija pushes a drip of ink-dark hair out of Amy's face and kisses her again.

"Just trust me, I can get us through this with your help."

She explains what Stillia was doing in detail - a witch corrupting their company and manipulating their commanders into stealing their pay. Ksenija shows her the sleight of hand they use. She even makes sure Amy can replicate it.

"I want you to go to every rabble-rouser in the company and show them this, tell them what I told. I want you to get them mad as hell and talking to all their friends. Get a riot going. While you do that I'm going to deal with the mage personally. After I'm done I'll appear at the meeting. If I don't show up, something went wrong."

She points out a rock outcropping not too far out of town, thankfully in the opposite direction of Stillia's ritual.

"Meet me there. I have enough money to feed us and my sword can glow in the dark if worst comes to worst."

One last kiss, a hug.

"We'll be OK no matter what. I know it." She says.

They both head out. Amy towards the company, and Ksenija towards the mage and caravan-master. She moves as fast as she can while still maintaining some sort of stealth. Her implant tingles. She writes up a new equation, hoping to build on the lessons learned from the incident with Stillia. One piece of code sticks out in her mind, there's...something. It hits her like a bullet. That piece of code has something like malice, moving between the figures. When she backs out again she can suddenly see in every line of code, like some red thread binding it all together. This isn't just chaos, it's spiteful chaos. How did she never see this before? It makes the code flow so much more easily. By the time she finds that drat mage her implant is faintly humming, almost pleased with itself.

OOC: Ksenija will dispatch Amy to raise hell in the Salamanders with her knowledge of what they've been doing while she uses her Sneaking Suit (+4) and Streetsmarts (+2) to get into position to dump Murphy's Law (+2) on the mage when he attempts to scry.

The Unlife Aquatic fucked around with this message at 19:22 on Sep 2, 2017

Ronwayne
Nov 20, 2007

That warm and fuzzy feeling.

Amerigo Hieronymus Location: The Beer Garden Inn, Grenmalk-City
1 FP, +1 upshift banked.

Welp, that happened. Amerigo decides to not push his luck further in that respect and decides to answer the notice the cheese merchant had told him about. At the very least he could hear them out, and the caravan wasn't scheduled to leave for awhile.

Following up on that plothook the guy who almost shot me gave about the head honcho hiring all sorts of "troubleshooters" for his beast and underling issues.

Rhjamiz
Oct 28, 2007


Silth - Host/Blaylock - Fortress of No Return

Inquisitor Host/Blaylock tells Riley only his name ("Inquisitor Blaylock") before leaving her to her room.

Back in his office, Host/Blaylock pours himself a drink before sitting down in the comfortable chair 'he' had first been sitting in at the beginning. Stage Two of the plan required access to his Dark gifts. It was time to try accessing them, to see if they would still work given his unusual situation.

Using The Gleaning [+2] and Dark Inquisition [+2] to begin experimenting with Inquisitor powers SAFELY (no fireballs). Firstly, turning on Truth Sense.

I am Communist
Apr 19, 2002

I can show you what endless looks like
I can show you a single infinite thing
I can let you taste the sweet and sour of forever
Unending. Eternal. Inevitable
Taste my darkness
Climb into my abyss
Fall into me. Into my eyes
Look at them. Depths unfathomable
Pain immeasurable
A cruel promise fulfilled

Isiah Incipio - Mysterious Valley, Wilds

Your forces leave, everything made quicker because the dead had nothing else to do. Leaving Nikita and his remnants behind. There were a few missing zombies, but there were more where that came from.You soon come to a valley. The darkness stretches ahead of your forces. A few scouts do not return on time. One of your lieutenants reports, " Our easterly scouts have not come back. Do we send a undead unit with commander to look for them sir?"

You begin journeying to continue your mission. Your forces are 75% dead, 25% living, 5% are officers equipped with the rings. Two scouts have not come back.




Nikita and Lt. Freda - Mysterious Hill, over looking a mysterious valley, The Wilds

"That's the spirit!" Freda grinned fiercely. You and your forces punch a hole through the undead picket line and make your way into the darkness. Hearty and tough, your small unit is able to move fast and avoid some bandit bands operating out in the darkness. Soon you find yourselves overlooking a valley. The lights of Isiah's forces can be seen at a distance. They have stopped and so have you.

Freda looks to you. "Do we watch or try and get ahead of them?"

Eh, to avoid another combat amd move things along, let's say you get out and crush some zombie heads.



Patak - The Wilds | FP 5| 2 upshifts Banked

Patak and horse soon come upon a peaceful scene. 50 caravaneers sleeping peacefully. Eternally. Their clothing was different than the locals. Several large wet puddles sat in front of each cart. Like the horses had turned to water. Odd.
It was if everyone of them was snuffed where they stood or slept. No signs of life or stirring and the goods were untouched. The howl out in the darkness again. Closer this time.

There seems to be signs of something out there.




Hakon and Thralls - Hakon's Manor
FP: 8 + 3

The transformation mentally was different but very effective. Like Daor and Hakon's head of security the Indoctrinator could be heard in Hakon's head. And without the arm band, feel what he felt. No mind magic but a subtle and ever pervasive charisma would be his tools as he brought others to the new faith. Nothing supernatural that would arouse more than normal suspicion.

The Indoctrinator bowed low to Hakon. Waiting patiently for instruction.


The chaos-orc gains: Indoctrinator [+2] think charismatic cult leader. But when he gets you in, he goes to work softening his victims up making them ready for the eye. This can be physical or verbal. He can collect and have dozens ready in a few weeks.




Silth - Host/Blaylock - Riley's Hideout ---> Fortress of No Return

Preparations complete, Inquisitor Host/Blaylock turns a corner and bumps into Inquisitor Halrn. "Oh ho ho. My good man. I hear you've been to the vault and now you've made an arrest. Do tell an old friend. What have you been up to?" He says conspiratorily. Hist Blaylock remembers this man as a rival not friend. However Halrn was no fool. He may be fishing, he may not.


ninja edit; oh, missed this: experimenting with Inquisitor powers SAFELY (no fireballs). Firstly, turning on Truth Sense.
¤ At some point, When Inquisitor Host Blaylock attempts to use his Dark Gifts...nothing happens! ¤





Riley - Fortress of No Return

It wasn't often that dreamers sailed into the realm of nightmares. It bled away from her, formless and ephemeral. The more she sought out an enemy, the more she found nothing. She was about to give up when a taunting voice caught up to her. Sharks swimming an ocean of screams. Predators without number. Not even thinking about Riley it seemed...
"What are you looking for? Trouble? Because those who actively seek it always find it finds them..."


Riley made an enemy? Ok. We can find her one!.





Emilio Ughi - Distant Village, Wilds, on the road
Flaw Points: 4

Deadpan, the Knight delivered Emilio's answer. "You tore out her eyes."
"If you make me tell you what you've done.I will break a piece of you for every word Ispeak." An aura appeared around the man.

Sally hissed quietly to Emilio, her eyes seeing the magical field clearly. "Its a truth aura. He's applying it to himself so you know he believes what he says. You can try to lie to him, but I dont favor those odds."


Failure. He mad.




Ksenija Ceranic - Blacktone - 5 FP

The leaders of the salsmanders don't show up, likely busy with Amy. The caravan leader and the rest of the salamanders meet the mage. After some distant explaining, the mage nods and begins to work his magic.

Ksenija gets into position. It would be now or never. Percy sounds nervous <"Uh, are we sure we should be doing this. Especially after last time?">


)Amy dispatched. Ksenija in position.



Amerigo Hieronymus Location: Mayor's offive, Grenmalk-City
1 FP, +1 upshift banked.

Amerigo found the Mayor's house and was ushered in by a sharply dressed butler. He was made to wait. Moved to another waiting room. Then waited again and this repeated a few more times before arriving at a nicely appointed office. A large rotund man rose from behind an oak desk a pleased smile on his face. "Come in! Come in! What can we do for you? Mr....ah?" He looked at a loss.

.

The Unlife Aquatic
Jun 17, 2009

Here in my car
I feel safest of all
I can lock all my doors
It's the only way to live
In cars

Ksenija Ceranic - Blacktone - 5 FP

"Okay Percy, what's your solution?" Ksenija whispers.

The sword is silent.

"Exactly, look I don't like this either but my chaos magic is the only thing I have aga-"

No. That's wrong. That is so wrong. Ksenija fights back her impulses. There has to be another way. She's gotten out of tighter scrapes than this before she had her awful chaos powers. Ksenija pulls a coin out of her pocket and smirks, she throws at the wall opposite them as hard as she can, trying to make a racket and distract them long enough to find another solution. There had to be something, a way to drop the roof, an accident of some kind that might not be as lethal as another incident like the last one.

"Thanks Percy, I owe you one." she whispers.

OOC: Ksenija will attempt to find an alternate solution with her Jury-Rigging Genius (+4) and 1 FP(+2) by ignoring her impulse to use her divine power. If none is forthcoming she will use Murphy's Law (+2) as planned.

The Unlife Aquatic fucked around with this message at 03:34 on Sep 4, 2017

LLSix
Jan 20, 2010

The real power behind countless overlords


Isiah Incipio - Mysterious Valley, Wilds

Captain Isiah Incipio sighed in disappoint. Again the living failed him. Fell whispers in his ear urged him to slay the rest for raw materials to make better scouts but he shook off the impulse. He was not yet willing to waste loyal warriors so.

"Sending a company ahead is a good idea. Make it so. Then send a second company to follow along just close enough to keep the first in sight. We, along with the rest of the warriors will follow behind the second company. Hmm, also, set a third company to follow us, also just barely in sight. That way if the main body is ambushed our forces will be able to fall on the foe from both directions and if any of the other companies is attacked the main body will be able to fall on the ambushers from behind.

If the first company finds the missing scouts, they are to fortify the position until I arrive. I will learn who has slain them and they will learn what it means to cross the Black Legion."

Looking for the scouts, carefully and without splitting up
Warrior Prince +4
Black Legion Captain +2

LLSix fucked around with this message at 04:25 on Sep 4, 2017

Caufman
May 7, 2007

Riley - Dreaming in the Fortress of No Return

Realizing her grave mistake, Riley said nothing and backed out of the nightmare realm in guarded retreat. She fled all the way back to Overgrown Park, where it was snowing now. She ran inside the dilapidated cabin to retrieve a weathered teddy bear.

"Teddy bear, please protect me," she said in a half-whisper, half-chant as she hugged the stuffed bear tightly. "Please be my Great Winter Bear. You're beastly but you're cuddly. You're wild but you're motherly. Please guard me when I sleep."

Using my last dreaming moments to attempt to summon a dire polar bear as a dream guardian. Dream Weaver [+4] and Winter Magic[+2]

Caufman fucked around with this message at 05:43 on Sep 4, 2017

JamezBfod
Jun 13, 2003

there may be people who
find a blender sexy - I
would do well with a more
humanoid model, myself

quote:

Patak - The Wilds | FP 5| 2 upshifts Banked

Patak and horse soon come upon a peaceful scene. 50 caravaneers sleeping peacefully. Eternally. Their clothing was different than the locals. Several large wet puddles sat in front of each cart. Like the horses had turned to water. Odd.
It was if everyone of them was snuffed where they stood or slept. No signs of life or stirring and the goods were untouched. The howl out in the darkness again. Closer this time.

There seems to be signs of something out there.

Patak - Strange Massacre Site, The Wilds | FP 5| 2 upshifts Banked

“Well poo poo.”

Patak was crouched down beside horse, rubbing his jaw at the strange massacre before him. Maybe the puddles were some sort of Ice Golem remnant. Killing the handler or even killing the golem would reduce such a thing to base components. Patak walked the perimeter of the scene, keeping an eye out for tracks and strange odors.

It was a fresh kill, only a few hours old. Definitely not drowning as the dead had no water in their lungs. Patak respectfully examined each body and placed a copper coin on the head of each once he had finished.

"Fare for the dead." He spoke as he performed the rite.

He looked in particular for their pose and expression upon death, and along the exposed body parts and clothes for telltale marks and wounds. Patak also checked what belongings they each had on their persons. He felt for temperature as well, in case ice magic had flash frozen them or magic lightning had burned them. Even magic tends to leave its mark.

Once the bodies were examined he looked to the carts. He checked what supplies they carried and looked extra carefully for documents or other such things that would tell him who these people were and where they were headed.

Only once Patak had all the information he could gather from the scene did he begin to form his guess. He had seen odd things down in these Wilds and was no stranger to ambushes and being ambushed and even so this was among the oddest he had ever seen. He kept an ear out for the Howler and an eye on the sky as he sat in grim thought over this quiet massacre.

He added what signs he found of something out there to his pool of facts, though he had a few creeping suspicions as to the cause of this massacre.

Well aint this a doozy. Trying to determine who these folk are and how they died. Using Wildlands +2 and my considerable experience with the killing of things as a Warlord [+6] as well as a touch of common sense to uncover and analyze the data and come up with possibilities.

Valhawk
Dec 15, 2007

EXCEED CHARGE

Hakon and Thralls - Hakon's Manor
FP: 11

Hakon looks over the prostrate Chaos-Orc. "You will go and gather the first batch of converts, prepare them for the blessing of enthrallment. Be sure you are not allow anyone you are not targeting to discover who you are or what you are doing. This will be a test of your usefulness to me, so be sure to work diligently and well." Before the chaos-orc can leave, Hakon holds up a hand and he stops. Hakon speaks up addressing all his thralls. "Know this. If you are ever captured, and your captor even suspects your true nature, you are to take your own life by any means necessary. To allow yourself to be used against me is a crime that can never be forgiven. I don't care if your shackled, bash your head into a wall, bite off your own tongue, do whatever is necessary to ensure that you cannot betray me." Hakon made sure that order would be relayed to all of his thralls. He hoped if would not be necessary, losing thralls was an annoyance, but he was better safe than sorry. Things were much easier when his enemies did not know he existed or how to prepare against him.

While the Indoctrinator was out performing his craft, Hakon had his own mission to accomplish. The recent snow storm was apparently quite unusual for his area and season. It seemed to him that there was likely one of his fellow escapees behind this, and if they were doing so they might be getting ready to make some sort of move. If that was the case, he would need to accelerate his plans. So it was that Hakon returned to the list of wealthy potential thralls he had assembled earlier. Now that the wizard-situation had been dealt with, there was no reason not to enthrall the rest of them and increase his available funds. His spy orphans gathered the information to prepare the way for him to make the approaches. Just like with the first wealthy thrall, he relied on infiltration, enthralling the target and using them to round up the staff and enthralling them. Until his Indoctrinator was ready to show the results of his efforts, Hakon would clear the rest of the list, gathering more wealthy thralls to make use of his to better his position.

Sending out the Indoctrinator to prepare the first batch of converts. In the meantime, Hakon will go around and thrall the remaining rich people from his earlier list of potential thralls. Minor Spy Ring[+2] and Former Thief[+4] to take care of the getting them into situations where Hakon can use the Eye of Davos[+2] in order to thrall them.

Shardix
Sep 14, 2011

The end! No moral.

Nikita and Lt. Freda - Mysterious Hill, over looking a mysterious valley, The Wilds
FP: 2

Nikita watched the goings on for a moment. They were to distant to really make out any details, but it seemed they were waiting on something. Scout reports perhaps.

At Freda's words, he shifted a bit. "We'll go around them. Stick to cover, stay low, and stagger out the line. Five feet between each of us. That night bird we've heard the past few evenings - I don't know it's name. But it has a distinctive call. We will use that call as our warning signal." He rubbed one of his shoulders, still sore from his fight with Isiah. "I think I can call upon the spirits to aid us in this as well. Hydrate and grab a quick bite to eat while I attempt to entreat them."

At his soldier's nods, Nikita crouched down and tried to relax. He knew the spirits existed in this land after they intervened for him during Gaol's trials. However, the stakes had also been significantly lower back then and this was not something you wanted to screw up under pressure. He began to quietly chant in the Old Tongue, calling upon wind and water to aid him.

Witch +2 to ask favor of the air and water spirits in this valley. Nikita wants them to create a thick fog, slowly over time so as not to arouse suspicion. They will use that to attempt to sneak through and bypass the column.

Theantero
Nov 6, 2011

...We danced the Mamushka while Nero fiddled, we danced the Mamushka at Waterloo. We danced the Mamushka for Jack the Ripper, and now, Fester Addams, this Mamushka is for you....

Emilio Ughi - Distant Village, Wilds, on the road
Flaw Points: 4

A 'truth' aura, was it?

Emilio clasped his hands together, his smile full of gleaming teeth unwavering. "Ah! Yes, that particular circumstance! Must have been an unintended side-effect of my spellcraft", technically true, Emilio did not intend to hurt anyone so important. Well, not hurt someone so important and get caught, to be more exact, "If the eyes of this noble lady have been rendered dysfunctional by mishap, certainly I could return it, and pay reparations to boot!"

"And by your aura of truth I swear, my magic is the real deal, in case you thought me a charlatan of empty claims, ser Knight! I can even summon a small, harmless flame if your troupe would watch such a display, as proof of integrity to my claims!"


Social Chameleon [+2] to give the airs that Emilio is being just a tad bit sleazy and trying to prove his ability as a magician, instead of being actively devious, to put the knight at ease, and more likely to indulge him.

If he does indulge me with the deal that I'll summon a flame for him and his troupe that they agree to watch, I'll roll Wishmaster [+2] and tag Greed twice for a +4. Because the inquisitorial retinue will be totally transfixed and entranced by the flame (including any assassins still in cloak, since they are part of the retinue too), and also the flame will be eternal.

Greed is being tagged since, if the plan is successful, Emilio can kill all of these people and steal their expensive stuff.

Theantero fucked around with this message at 00:11 on Sep 6, 2017

Rhjamiz
Oct 28, 2007


Silth - Host/Blaylock - Fortress of No Return

Inquisitor Host/Blaylock frowns only slightly as Halrn approaches before putting on a slight smirk.

"Come sniffing around to see if you can snatch credit out from under me, Halrn? If you think I'm about to give up my lead, you better think again. You'll find out everything when I file my report, I expect."

Using The Gleaning [+2] and Guile [+2] I guess to navigate this conversation.

I am Communist
Apr 19, 2002

I can show you what endless looks like
I can show you a single infinite thing
I can let you taste the sweet and sour of forever
Unending. Eternal. Inevitable
Taste my darkness
Climb into my abyss
Fall into me. Into my eyes
Look at them. Depths unfathomable
Pain immeasurable
A cruel promise fulfilled

Ksenija Ceranic - Blacktone - 5 FP

Ksenija spied a roof on a building next to the crowd. There were lose stones and tiles on it. However it looked pretty old and was crumbling in places. It would be a risk if she wanted to get up there and do something.



Isiah Incipio - Mysterious Valley, Wilds

The dead surrounded the living as meat shields. The going was slower but soon the scouts were found. Their bodies were twisted into agonising positions. Probably the work of shapeshifter's. The commanders called a halt and turned to Isiah for more orders.

A thick fog and mist began to shows the valley. It became harder to see.



Riley - Dreaming in the Fortress of No Return

The teddy bear's head turned 180 degrees to look at her. It's eyes deep pits of evil. "No..." the whisper said.
"Close your eyes now and be scared.
The darkness all around you
Close your eyes now and despair the dark is where I found you."
It tittered and sceeched.

Teeth bit into Riley's arm and she screamed. She awoke in her bed, the guard outside looking in.

A dream.
https://youtu.be/i-_Xx9Dn0aI



Patak - Strange Massacre Site, The Wilds | FP 5| 2 upshifts Banked

Patak was rewarded for his investigating. These were people from the northern kingdom. Some of the writings with them showed where they came from. There was a manifest of a sort, how many carts, Ice Golem's, and personnel were in this caravan. It would take alot of heat to melt them. And skill to not scortch the wagons and bodies. Odd. The dead were like someone had snuffed their lives out. There were tracks leading around the carnage. All from the same high heeled boot. Light on their feet. An elf or woman perhaps.




Hakon and Thralls - Hakon's Manor
FP: 11

It took a few days, but the nobles were easy to thrall. A party invitation and as they arrived from a carriage Hakon sent for them, they were quietly captured and thralled. They would be returned before they were missed.

A covered wagon arrived a few weeks later containing the huddling masses the Indoctrinator delivered. Mostly lay people and run away slaves. They were all gagged and bound, then placed in the center. The remote manor in which Hakon now resided was the perfect place for this.

The eye pulsed. Pleased.



Nikita and Lt. Freda - Mysterious Hill, over looking a mysterious valley, The Wilds
FP: 2

Nikita's mist soon shrouded the valley. Combined with the natural darkness he and his berserkers slipped through without incident.

Ahead of Isiah's forces, Nikita found several cages. Skeletons filled all but one. A scout lay bleeding and beaten badly, apparently left to die out here. "Water" he croaked weakly.





Emilio Ughi - Distant Village, Wilds, on the road
Flaw Points: 4

Every assassin and warrior drew steel. The knight shook. Was literally shaking with rage. "We care not how you accomplished your foul deed." He swung his greatsword in a wide arc, shattering a wagon as it was wreathed in a purple flame. "We already believe you." he said with the chill of a corpse. "Last chance. Give up. Or die."


No need to garner FP for greed. He's not taking the deal since he already believes you. He believes you to be an apostate wizard, your false miracles the whole reason they've been sent to kill you. Or capture.




Silth - Host/Blaylock - Fortress of No Return

The man frowns and attempts to get something out of you. It is a short conversation but Host Blaylock feels satisfied that Halrn won't come sniffing around again. At least where Silth could see it.

Win.

Rhjamiz
Oct 28, 2007


Silth - Host/Blaylock - Fortress of No Return

Host/Blaylock watched Halrn leave and then frowned. Someone had been watching him, it seemed. Or else the guards were mouthy. Either way, word had gotten around. Silth would need to tread carefully, no doubt.

He went across to his office, locking the door, before approaching Riley's guard. "I'm heading out; I trust you have everything well in-hand. Make sure she stays secure."

With that, Host/Blaylock stalked from the Fortress. He knew he could visit the Dark Crystal at any time. Perhaps the answer to his inability to access the Dark Gifts would be answered there.

Time to rectify my magic impotence; let's go visit the Dark Crystal

Ronwayne
Nov 20, 2007

That warm and fuzzy feeling.

Amerigo Hieronymus Location: Mayor's office, Grenmalk-City
1 FP, +1 upshift banked.

"Hieronymus, Amerigo Hieronymus. Pleased to make your acquaintance sir, I was referred to by the notice stating the mayor's office was looking for problem-solving individuals who can handle challenging issues. I was hoping to hear more about this."

Basic introductions, and trying to be very very polite and avoiding being presumptuous

Ronwayne fucked around with this message at 02:22 on Sep 6, 2017

Valhawk
Dec 15, 2007

EXCEED CHARGE

Hakon and Thralls - Hakon's Manor
FP: 11

Hakon stood in the manor's main entranceway, watching the new subjects be brought forth from the wagon. His Indoctrinator arranges them in a room for enthrallment, and then waits in the wings eager to see their wills replaced with his masters. Hakon did not disappoint, standing before the bound crowd, the Eye danging from a necklace, its glow increasing by the second, he freed them of their own wills and made them into devoted thralls, living only to serve him. He paid close attention to the enthrallment process, eager to see if the Indoctrinator's efforts in preparing them for the gift of enthrallment had any effect on the end product.

Thralling all of the subjects with the Eye of Davos[+2], giving them normal thrall programming for the moment, and paying close attention to see if the Indoctrinator's efforts alter the process or the end result of enthralling them.

I am Communist
Apr 19, 2002

I can show you what endless looks like
I can show you a single infinite thing
I can let you taste the sweet and sour of forever
Unending. Eternal. Inevitable
Taste my darkness
Climb into my abyss
Fall into me. Into my eyes
Look at them. Depths unfathomable
Pain immeasurable
A cruel promise fulfilled

Silth - Host/Blaylock - Fortress of No Return

Host/Blaylock made his way to the massive cathedral fortress that was the center of the church of darkness. Pilgrims and worshippers were detained as he rose higher and higher. His inquisitorial rank letting him through where others were stopped. Security was high but he was admitted through the final door and into the presence of the crystal itself.

It was massive. His footsteps echoed through the empty chamber. A lonely sound.





Amerigo Hieronymus Location: Mayor's office, Grenmalk-City
1 FP, +1 upshift banked.

"Good to meet you! Well you see.." the mayor explained that the Lord kept on hiring soldiers and mercenaries. Some of them criminals. As to why the mayor wanted to find out. "I have to house, pay, and feed them all. The coffers are almost empty. And dark crystal help us when that day comes. They fight each other or suspect they turn to banditry to supplement their incomes. Several farms have burned and murders committed. Also men sent to guard the Lord's castle don't come out again. Needing more soldiers and guards. As you can see...its a pickle." The harassed mayor said.

99 problems

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I am Communist
Apr 19, 2002

I can show you what endless looks like
I can show you a single infinite thing
I can let you taste the sweet and sour of forever
Unending. Eternal. Inevitable
Taste my darkness
Climb into my abyss
Fall into me. Into my eyes
Look at them. Depths unfathomable
Pain immeasurable
A cruel promise fulfilled

Hakon and Thralls - Hakon's Manor
FP: 11

The Thralls rise and now to their new master. The eye makes a curious him. Then shuts.

Eye shut. Charging. 1%

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